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December 18, 2000 Council Meeting December 18, 2000 The regular scheduled meeting of Mayor and Council was held at Smyrna City Hall. The meeting was called to order by presiding officer Mayor A. Max Bacon at 7:30 o'clock p.m. All council members were present. Also present was City Administrator Howard Smith, Deputy City Clerk Kellie Barber, City Attorney Scott Cochran, Fire Chief Larry Williams, Finance Director Claudia Edgar, Public Works Director Scott Stokes, Police Chief Stan Hook, Library Director Michael Seigler, Parks and Recreation Director Steve Ciaccio, Keep Smyrna Beautiful Director Ann Kirk, Human Resources Director Chris Corey, City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt, Community Development Director Robin Broyles, Community Relations Director Jennifer Bennett, City Marshall Marty Peace and representatives of the press. Ms. Joiner was absent. - Invocation was given by Dr. Steven Kimmel of First Baptist Church of Smyrna, followed by the pledge to the flag. CITIZENS INPUT: Mayor Bacon introduced Ms. Ann Kirk who presented an Image Enhancement Award to Smyrna MUST Ministries representatives Susan Weeves, Bill Hamilton and Sally Franco for the improvements at their new location. Ms. Weeves thanked the City for its continued support. Mayor Bacon introduced Campbell High School Band Directors Ms. Cathy Asher and Mr. Heath Hopper who presented band calendars to Mayor Bacon and Council Members. Ms. Asher detailed the fundraising activities that the students have participated in to fund their trip to the Outback Bowl. Mayor Bacon introduced Representative Elect Ginger Collins who wished the citizens Happy Holidays and encouraged everyone to have a safe New Year. Ms. Collins invited Mayor and Council to attend her induction ceremony on January 8, 2001, at 10:00 a.m. at the State Capitol. - Mayor Bacon introduced Mr. Floyd Millis who encouraged Mayor and Council to have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa. Mayor Bacon introduced Mr. James Royal who wished the citizens a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Mr. Royal stated that he is concerned with the graffiti in Ward 5 and stated that he has researched the graffiti issue and has some suggestions. Mayor Bacon stated that the City has several programs in progress that combat graffiti, but that he is receptive to any suggestions that Mr. Royal would like to offer. Mayor Bacon suggested Mr. Royal speak with the Community Development Committee. Mr. Royal asked Mayor and Council to define the basis for determining residency of Council Members and Mr. Cochran stated that there are several factors. Mr. Royal asked the steps that Mayor and Council would take if they had reason to believe a Council Member did not reside in the city limits of Smyrna, and Councilman Hawkins stated that a citizen would need to address any allegations through a court of law. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (A) Variance Request-2750 Pasadena Blvd.-Construct an Addition onto Existing Structure. - Mr. Smith stated that the applicant is requesting this variance in order to construct an addition onto the existing building. Mayor Bacon stated that this is a public hearing and asked for public comment. Mr. Cochran administered the oath to those who would be speaking on this Issue. Councilman Scoggins introduced Mr. Andrew Washington, architect for Greater Zion Hill Church, who stated that this variance is necessary in order to expand the sanctuary of this church. Mr. Washington stated that he plans to shield the rear of the property with quick growing and sturdy hedges. Mr. Washington stated that the growth of this church has been phenomenal and unexpected. Mayor Bacon asked the current membership of this church and Deacon Dunn stated that there are 400-500 active members. Mayor Bacon asked if the current December 18, 2000 2 church will remain the same and Deacon Dunn stated that at this time the original structure will remain the same. Mayor Bacon stated that he is concerned with the parking spaces and asked what the plans are for increasing the number of parking spaces. Deacon Dunn stated that the church is planning on purchasing adjoining property and also utilizing a shuttle service for additional parking. Mr. Smith asked how many parking spaces will be necessary with the new addition, and Mr. Washington stated that the new addition will require 100 additional parking spaces. Councilman Cramer asked for the proposed groundbreaking date and Mr. Washington stated that the Church plans to break ground at the end of January 2001. Mr. Smith asked how many spaces would be on the site after the addition is built and Mr. Washington stated that there would be 76 spaces. Councilman Newcomb stated that he is uncomfortable with the small number of parking spaces for this size of sanctuary and asked if the applicant would be willing to delay this request until the issue of the parking spaces is settled. Mr. Washington stated that these requests are the first step in the construction. - Mayor Bacon recognized Ms. Bernice Libsey, 1976 Turpin Road, who stated that she is concerned with the parking. Mayor Bacon recognized Ms. Lois Fields, 1920 Turpin Road, who stated that she is concerned with the parking. Mayor Bacon stated that these requests are the first step of the construction property and that the Church must meet all City requirements for parking. Councilman Scoggins made a motion to approve the variance request of 2750 Pasadena Boulevard to minimize the required land size necessary for the addition to the existing structure provided that the applicant meets all City requirements regarding parking. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 6-] with Councilman Newcomb opposed. (B) Variance Request-2750 Pasadena Blvd.-Reduce Front Yard Setback from 40 feet to 25 feet and Reduce Rear Yard Setback from 75 feet to 40 feet. Mr. Smith stated that the applicant is requesting this variance in order to enlarge their current facility and that the size of the proposed structure will encroach upon the front yard and rear yard setbacks. Mayor Bacon stated that this is a public hearing and asked for public comment. Mr. Cochran administered the oath to those wishing to speak. - Councilman Scoggins made a motion approve the variance request of 2750 Pasadena Boulevard to reduce front yard setback from 40 feet to 25 feet and reduce the rear yard setback from 75 feet to 40 feet provided that the applicant meets all City requirements regarding parking. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 6-1 with Councilman Newcomb opposed. (C) Variance Request-lOl Jeffrey Place-Reduce Front Yard Setback from 20 feet to ]5 feet. Mr. Smith stated that the applicant is requesting to reduce the front yard setback of this property in order to save trees on this lot and be creative with the type of home built on this lot. Mayor Bacon stated that this is a public hearing and asked for public comment. There was none. Mayor Bacon introduced Mr. Ed Hatcher and stated that he is very proud of this subdivision and appreciates the Mr. Hatcher's efforts on saving trees. Mayor Bacon stated that this neighborhood is very beautiful and commended Mr. Hatcher on the quality of the homes. Mr. Hatcher thanked Mayor Bacon for the kind words. Councilman Wood stated that he would also like to commend Mr. Hatcher on the excellent work and made a motion to approve the variance request of 101 Jeffrey Place to reduce the front yard setback from 20 feet to 15 feet. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. - (D) Variance Request-l03 Jeffrey Place-Reduce Front Yard Setback from 20 feet to ]5 feet. Mr. Smith stated that the applicant is requesting to reduce the front yard setback of this property in order to save trees on this lot and to be creative with the type of home built on this December 18, 2000 3 lot. Mayor Bacon stated that this is a public hearing and asked for public comment. There was none. Councilman Wood made a motion to approve the variance request of 103 Jeffrey Place to reduce the front yard setback from 20 feet to 15 feet. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (E) Rezoning Request-1.65 Acres at 2622 Argo Drive-from R-15 to R-12 Conditional. - Mr. Smith stated that the applicant is requesting this rezoning in order to develop five lots with a gross density of 3 units per acre. Mayor Bacon stated that this is a public hearing and asked for public comment. There was none. Councilman Scoggins introduced Mr. Brooks, Habitat for Humanity representative, who stated that Habitat for Humanity has built 13 completed homes, 2 homes in progress and that the rezoning request will allow for 5 additional homes. Mr. Scoggins thanked Mr. Brooks for his commitment and Mr. Brooks stated that this is a cooperative venture between Habitat for Humanity and the City of Smyrna. Mr. Brooks stated that the proposed road may go to Davenport Road and that the density of the proposed development will be 3 units per acre. Councilman Scoggins made a motion to approve the rezoning request of the 1.65 acres at 2622 Argo Drive from R-15 to R-12 Conditional. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. FORMAL BUSINESS: There was none. COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS: There was none. BID AWARDS: - (A) Bid Award-Replacement of Rescue Pumper for Engine #4. Councilman Lnenicka stated that Engine #4 is scheduled for replacement during FY2002 but that the current unit is experiencing considerable down time and is no longer dependable. Councilman Lnenicka made a motion to award the bid for the replacement of the rescue pumper for Engine #4, for a total cost of $328,764.00 to low bidder American LaFrance. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (B) Bid Award-Playground Equipment for Cobb Park. Councilman Wood stated the city must replace the existing playground equipment on the Bank Street side of Cobb Park with toddler age appropriate equipment. He stated that five bids were solicited with three companies responding and one no bid received. Councilman Scoggins made a motion to award the bid for the replacement playground equipment for the Bank Street side of Cobb Park, for a total cost of $25,501.00 to Kompan Southeast, Inc. low bidder meeting all specifications. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7- O. (C) Bid Award-Replacement Chairs for Community Center. ... Councilman Wood stated the city must replace stack chairs in the Community Center. He stated that three bids were solicited with one company responding and two no bids received. Councilman Wood made a motion to award the bid for the replacement chairs for the Community Center, for a total cost of $7,550.00 to Atlanta Office Equipment. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. CONSENT AGENDA: (A) Approval of December 4,2000 Minutes. (B) Approval to Use Council Chambers for Study Circle Process Meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2001, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. December 18,2000 (C) Approval to Use Contract Unit Pricing for Replacement of Sewer Main on Creatwood Trail Between Cimmarron Court and Mohawk Place. Approval to Use Contract Unit Pricing for Replacement of Sewer Main on Creatwood Trail between Shawnee Place and Mohawk Place. Approval to Use Contract Unit Pricing for Replacement of Sewer Main at the end of Wills Street to Collier Drive. Approval to Request Bids for Purchase of Four Harley Davidson Police Motorcycles. Approval to Request Bids for Purchase of Kustom Signals Smart Model Speed Trailer. Approval to Renew Telecommunications Management Services Agreement with Georgia Municipal Association. Approval to order six Data 911 in-car computers and related equipment for SPD. (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) *(1) Councilman Lnenicka made a motion to suspend the rules for the purpose of adding an item to the consent agenda. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. *Councilman Lnenicka made a motion to add the item 7-1 to the Consent Agenda. (I) Approval to order six Data 911 in-car computers and related equipment for the Smyrna Police Department. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. Councilman Lnenicka a motion to approve the consent agenda items A through 1 and Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilwoman Capilouto sent well wishes to Mrs. Joiner's new granddaughter, Bailee Jean Ray and wished a healthy, happy holiday season to everyone. Councilman Newcomb recognized Mr. Broyles who gave the building permit statistics for November 2000. Councilman Newcomb commended City Marshall Peace on his work in fighting graffiti. Councilman Newcomb stated that the City is considering licensing and inspecting rental homes. Councilman Hawkins stated that he supports the licensing and inspection of rental homes. Councilman Lnenicka stated that the key to alleviating graffiti is to arrest the individuals, work with other jurisdictions and to require property owners to quickly paint over the graffiti. Councilman Newcomb wished citizens a happy holiday season. Councilman Scoggins recognized Ms. Kirk who urged citizens to participate in the Christmas tree recycling efforts. Ms. Kirk stated that the new issue of Clean Sweep is available and that jonquil bulbs are for sale. Councilman Scoggins recognized Mr. Stokes who wished citizens happy holidays. Mr. Stokes stated that the holiday sanitation schedule is in the water bills and that the leaf pick up schedule is running a little behind. Councilman Hawkins recognized Ms. Edgar who wished a happy holiday to Mayor, Council and citizens. Councilman Hawkins wished everyone happy holidays and a prosperous New Year. Councilman Cramer recognized Mr. Corey who announced the current job openings and stated that open enrollment for employee benefits will close on December 31, 2000. Mr. Corey thanked Emory Adventist Hospital for administering flu shots to City of Smyrna employees and thanked Mayor and Council for the December 26, 2000, holiday. Councilman Cramer thanked Marshall Peace for his continued efforts to halt graffiti and stated that the City of Smyrna is actively fighting graffiti. 4 - ,..., ,..., December 18, 2000 5 Councilman Cramer stated that the purchase of a Veterans Memorial Brick or Paver would be an excellent Christmas gift. Councilman Lnenicka recognized Chief Williams who wished everyone a happy and safe holiday season, provided safety tips for the holiday season, reminded everyone to check their smoke detector batteries and stated that two new warning sirens should be installed this week. - Councilman Lnenicka recognized Chief Hook who urged everyone to not drink and drive and stated that most police officers focus on drunk drivers during this time of year. Chief Hook stated that the Smyrna Police Department is adding one new motorcycle policeman as well as purchasing a computerized speed "SMART" trailer to combat speeders. Councilman Lnenicka thanked the employees of the City of Smyrna, the City Clerk, City Attorney and City Administrator for their hard work and the citizens of Smyrna for their support. Councilman Lnenicka quoted Dickens, "God bless you everyone, Merry Christmas!" Councilman Wood recognized Ms. Bennett who wished everyone a happy holiday and thanked the Welcome Center volunteers. Ms. Bennett encouraged everyone to complete the restaurant survey and to participate in the Study Circle Process. Councilman Wood recognized Mr. Seigler who stated that the City has now added the Extended Net Library Service and invited the public to attend the exhibits at the library by Mori Kemp and Judy Hawkins. Councilman Wood recognized Mr. Ciaccio who invited the citizens to visit Santa's Cottage on December 22lKl and 23rd and announced that the Community and Aquatic Centers will be closed from December 24, 2000 through January 2, 2001. Councilman Wood stated that this has been a good and challenging year and thanked the City employees for their work. Councilman Wood wished everyone a happy and safe holiday season. - Mayor Bacon thanked Emory Adventist Hospital for providing the flu shot for 40 employees as a community service and stated that Emory Adventist Hospital has always supported the City of Smyrna. Councilman Lnenicka made a motion to suspend the rules for the purpose of changing the first meeting date in January 2001 and Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. Councilman Lnenicka made a motion to change the first meeting date from Monday, January I, 2001 to Tuesday, January 2,2001. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. Mayor Bacon stated that this is the first year of this four-year term and that it was a tough year due to the number of controversial issues. Mayor Bacon stated that the decisions made were not always the most popular but that he and Council had the citizens best interest at heart. Mayor Bacon wished the citizens Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and Happy and Safe Holiday. Mr. Smith stated that the grading will continue on the Village Green, the new Publix has opened, Kroger has been remodeled and Starbucks is scheduled to open December 19, 2000. Mr. Cochran wished everyone happy holidays. - Ms. Barber wished everyone happy holidays. December 18, 2000 ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. ~~~ A.MAXBACON,MAYOR v }, I.. ,,\, 1 JL L. ,,-, (}J~J{lI\'\" l ~\J'~\.' 0 ')" Jj CHARLENE CAPILOU O,W ARD 1 ~f~~~ Qflc4;trftt~ JACK CRAMER, WARD 5 i/ i/ ~/&; CHARLES PETE WOOD, WARD 7 ------- CANDIS JOINER, CITY CLERK ~--'-\'? ~~ J~~ l/~ , RON NEWCOMB, WARD 2 6 - - -