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April 20, 1998 Council Meeting April 20, 1998 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, City Clerk Melinda Dameron, City Attorney Charles E. Camp, Fire Chief Larry Williams, Finance Director Claudia Edgar, Public Works Director Scott Stokes, Lieutenant Mike Brown of the Police Department, Library Director Michael Seigler, Parks and Recreation Director Steve Ciaccio, Keep Smyrna Beautiful Coordinator Ann Kirk, Human Resources Director Mary Ann White, City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt, Community Development Director Robin Broyles, Community Relations Director Maryc1aire Andres, and representatives of the press. .. Invocation was given by Reverend Lee Delbridge, Smyrna Christian Church, followed by the pledge to the flag. CITIZENS INPUT: Mayor Bacon recognized Wendell Dean, Smyrna Cable TV, and presented him with a silver community service commemorative coin and read a letter of appreciation commending Mr. Dean for his community involvement. Mayor Bacon recognized Susan Bishop and students from Campbell Middle School. Ms. Bishop and Ms. Peeler updated the council on the Renaissance Program, which was designed to make a difference for all the students at Campbell Middle School by providing them with the message that it is OK to do good in school. Ms. Bishop introduced the students who are members of the Gold Card Level, which means they earned all "A's" and satisfactory conduct grades. Mayor Bacon recognized and congratulated the following students: Dominique Enriquez, Pharas Ghimire, Simone Stanley, Cindy Patterson, Charlotte Hager, Joy Vaughan, Samar Shah, Jeffrey White, Charlyn Magdangal, Crystal Leatherwood, Brian Long, Lisa Thomas, Mike Bennett, Rishi Delvadia, Lori Williams, Clay Knight. Councilman Newcomb commended the businesses who participated in the Renaissance Program. Mayor Bacon stated the city will provide all the Gold Card student holders a year's swimming pass at the Smyrna swimming pools. .. Mayor Bacon recognized Barry Morgan, Cobb County Solicitor. Mr. Morgan thanked the Mayor and council for the opportunity to speak. Mr. Morgan announced his office is open to the public and stressed his office wants a good working relationship with the municipalities in Cobb County. He further stated he was formerly a teacher at Wills High School in Smyrna. Mr. Morgan thanked the Mayor and Council for their revitalization efforts in the City of Smyrna. Mayor Bacon recognized State Representative Frank Bradford. Mr. Bradford announced his plans to seek re-election as the area's representative in the House of Representatives. Mayor Bacon asked Councilman Hawkins to read a proclamation in honor of "Keep Georgia Peachy Clean" week. Councilman Hawkins read the proclamation and presented it to Ann Kirk, Keep Smyrna Beautiful Coordinator. Mayor Bacon recognized Mike Chapman, resident of Dell Avenue. Mr. Chapman stressed his concerns regarding public safety employee's salaries and benefits. Mayor Bacon, Councilmen Hawkins, Wood and Newcomb assured Mr. Chapman the city is very proud of all of its employees and strive to offer the best pay and benefits possible to all the employees. Mayor Bacon stressed the fact that all the employees should receive the same benefits package. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (A) Variance Request - 3231 South Cobb Drive - Increase the Building Sign from 40 Square Feet to 60 Square Feet .. Mr. Smith stated this item was tabled from the last council meeting. Mr. Smith stated the applicant is moving from one location on South Cobb Drive to another and is requesting a larger sign for visibility than is allowed under the ordinance. Mr. Smith further stated the applicant has reviewed the Sough Cobb Drive Urban Guidelines with Community Development Director Robin Broyles. Mr. Smith stated the applicant has reduced the size of the sign requested to 60 square feet. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the granting of this variance request. There was no opposition. April 20, 1998, meeting - continued Councilman Hawkins asked the applicant to state his name and position with the company. Mr. Steve McClellan, Atlanta Regional Manager, for Renter's Choice introduced himself. Councilman Hawkins stated originally Renter's Choice had requested a 150 square foot sign and has reduced the size of the sign to 60 square feet. Councilman Hawkins stated if the subject property was in unincorporated Cobb County they would be allowed to have a sign 60 square feet in size. Mr. Hawkins made a motion to approve the variance request to increase the building sign from 40 square feet to 60 square feet. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (B) Variance Request - 1109 Dell Avenue - Build Roof over Existing Front Patio and Reduce Front Yard Setback from 40 Feet 6 Inches to 30 Feet 6 Inches - Mr. Smith stated the applicant, Mr. George D. Haney, Sr., is requesting the variance in order to build a roof over an existing 14' x 15' front patio and build a 10' x 18' porch with a roof over it. He further stated in the packet are notifications to the contiguous occupants of the applicants intent and they have indicated no objection to the request. Mayor Bacon asked Mr. Haney to come forward. Mayor Bacon then stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the granting of the variance request. There was no opposition. Councilman Hawkins asked Mr. Haney to explain the hardship need for the variance being requested. Mr. Haney stated he believed Mr. Hawkins was under the impression he needed to build a ramp for wheelchair accessibility but actually he can exit through the back with the wheelchair. He further stated he plans to tear down the old porch and build a roof over the front porch. He sated it will improve the appearance of the property. Mr. Hawkins noted that Mr. Haney is requesting a 30-foot setback and in the newer subdivisions this would be a huge front yard. Mr. Hawkins stated Mr. Haney has the signatures of the adjacent property owners indicating they have no objections to the variance being requested. Councilman Hawkins made a motion to approve the variance request at 1109 Dell Avenue to reduce the front yard setback from 40 feet 6 inches to 30 feet 6 inches. Councilman Scoggins seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (C) Variance Request - 911 Sharon Circle - Reduce Front Yard Setback from 43 Feet to 33 Feet Mr. Smith stated the applicant, Ms. Willie Cowan, is requesting the variance in order to add a front porch to her home. Mr. Smith stated in her letter of hardship she is retired and would like to have the porch to sit and rock and feels this addition will improve the appearance of her home. Mayor Bacon asked Ms. Cowan to come forward. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the granting of the variance request. There was no opposition. - Councilman Hawkins asked Ms. Cowan if she is planning to build a 10 foot porch with a roof over it and she responded that was correct. Ms. Cowan stated the porch will be added into the house and there will be a new roof put on the house at the same time the porch is added. Councilman Hawkins made a motion that the variance request at 911 Sharon Circle to reduce the front yard setback from 43 feet to 33 feet be approved. Councilman Scoggins seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (D) Alcoholic Beverage License Request - Whiskers Tavern - 2997 Cumberland Circle, Suite 100 - Retail Pouring of Beer, Wine and Liquor Mr. Smith stated this is a new application and Mr. Thomas W. Altamura will be the agent for the establishment. Mr. Smith stated the applicant is a resident of Smyrna and the Police Department investigation revealed nothing that would preclude the issuance of the license. Mayor Bacon stated the applicant is not present this evening and stated the application can either be rejected or tabled at the council's discretion. Councilwoman Capilouto stated she would like to table the issue until Mr. Altamura can explain his absence. Councilwoman Capilouto made a motion to table the alcoholic beverage license request at Whiskers Tavern, 2997 Cumberland Circle, Suite 100, to the May 4, 1998, council meeting. Councilman Hawkins seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. - (E) Variance Request - 2875 South Cobb Drive - Reduce Rear Yard Setback from 50 Feet to 38.4 Feet Mr. Smith stated the applicant, South Cobb Chevron, is requesting this variance to build an addition to his existing building that will encroach into the rear yard setback. Mayor Bacon asked the applicant, Mr. April 20, 1998, meeting - continued Brian Carr, architect for the project, to come forward. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the granting of this variance request. There was no opposition. Councilman Cramer asked Mr. Carr to briefly explain what they plan to do at this location. Mr. Carr stated they plan to add 725 square feet to the left side of the building and make improvements to the outside of the building and renovate the interior of the building to make it more convenient for the customers. He stated they also plan to install some bulletproof material in the interior of the building to protect the cashier. Councilman Cramer asked if this would affect the entrance off Bank Street or South Cobb Drive and Mr. Carr responded it will not. Councilman Cramer stated basically they plan to expand the business and - attract more customers. Councilman Cramer made a motion to approve the variance request at 2875 South Cobb Drive to reduce the rear yard setback from 50 feet to 38.4 feet. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (F) Alcoholic Beverage License Request - Agent change - FATI, Inc., d/b/a Fina Mart - 2539 Old Concord Road - Retail Package of Beer and Wine Mr. Smith stated Ms. Mumtaz F. Pradhan has applied as the agent for this establishment and has been given a copy of the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance, which has been reviewed with her by the Business License Officer. Mr. Smith further stated Ms. Pradhan is a resident of Cobb County and the Police Department investigation revealed nothing that would preclude the issuance of this license. Mayor Bacon asked the applicant to come forward. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the granting of this license request. There was no opposition. Councilman Cramer asked Ms. Pradhan in what capacity she is an employee of the Fina Mart. Ms. Pradhan replied she will be managing the employees and will work some mornings but mostly during the evening hours. Mr. Cramer asked about the training program for employees and Ms. Pradhan responded she is conducting the training sessions and any new hires will be trained by her. Mr. Cramer stated this location has a history of violations and cautioned Mr. Pradhan that the city conducts sting operations. - Councilman Lnenicka stated the city conducted an Alcoholic Beverage Training Class on March 28 and asked why no employees of their location attended the session. Ms. Pradhan responded they did show up for the course but they were 10 minutes late and did not know the exact location of the session. She stated they went to the Police Station first and then to the Library and when they determined the location of the class it was 3:20 p.m. and they were told the afternoon class was cancelled. Mr. Lnenicka stated the afternoon class was cancelled at 3:30 p.m. He then asked if the class is offered again, would she and her employees attend. Ms. Pradhan responded they would. Councilman Scoggins stated there apparently is a typographical error on the application as it refers to Ms. Pradhan as Mr. Pradhan. Mr. Scoggins then asked Ms. Pradhan if there is a Mr. Pradhan and she responded no, she is single. Councilman Cramer stated he feels since the Police Department investigation refers to the applicant as Mr. Pradhan, he will make the approval of the license request subject to another investigation reflecting Ms. Pradhan. Councilman Cramer stated Ms. Pradhan has been given a copy of the alcoholic beverage ordinance and she indicated she has reviewed it. Councilman Cramer made a motion to approve the alcoholic beverage license request for the Fina Mart at 2539 Old Concord Road with Ms. Mumtaz Pradhan as the agent - subject to another background investigation for Ms. Mumtaz Pradhan being conducted by Captain Fred Brack. Councilman Hawkins seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. -- (G) Alcoholic Beverage License Request - Super Discount Markets, Inc., d/b/a Cub Foods #55 - 2500 South Cobb Drive Mr. Smith stated this is a new application and Mr. Preston W. Slayden has applied to be the agent. Mr. Smith further stated Mr. Slayden has been given a copy of the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance and it has been reviewed with him by the Business License Officer. Mr. Smith stated Mr. Slayden resides in Cobb County and holds five alcoholic beverage licenses (two in Marietta; two in Atlanta and one in Woodstock) and according to the Police Department investigation there have been no problems with any of those. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the granting of the license request. There was no opposition. April 20, 1998, meeting - continued Councilman Cramer welcomed Mr. Slayden and Cub Foods to Smyrna. Mr. Cramer asked Mr. Slayden when their store will open and he responded May 17, 1998 (tentatively). Mr. Cramer stated since Mr. Slayden currently holds licenses, he was aware of the penalties associated with being a license holder. Mr. Cramer asked Mr. Slayden about the training programs for Cub Foods employees. Mr. Slayden responded every employee is read the regulations and there is a form they must sign after the training process and it is kept as part of their permanent records. He further stated they deal very strenuously with any errors in judgement their employees might make. Councilman Cramer asked about the type cash registers Cub Foods uses and Mr. Slayden responded the clerk has to physically enter a birth date into the register before a sale is rung up. Councilman Cramer stated this application is for a previously licensed location and the Police Department investigation revealed nothing that would preclude the issuance of the license to Mr. Slayden. -- Councilman Cramer made a motion to approve the Alcoholic Beverage license request for Cub Foods #55 at 2500 South Cobb Drive for retail package of beer and wine with Mr. Preston W. Slayden as the agent. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (H) Business License Request - Aero Taxi - 2236 South Cobb Drive Mr. Smith stated this is a new application to operate a taxi cab company to be located at 2236 South Cobb Drive. Mr. Smith further stated this is a partnership composed of Mr. Adrian Salinas, Mr. Javier Gonzalez-Perez and Mr. John Paul Samaca as the partners. Mr. Smith stated Mr. Salinas has been given a copy of the ordinance concerning operation of taxicabs and it has been reviewed with him by the Business License Officer. Mr. Smith further stated the Police Department investigation found nothing that would preclude the issuance of the license requested and the insurance requirements have been met. Mayor Bacon asked the applicants to come forward. Mayor Bacon announced this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the granting of the business license request. There was no opposition. Councilman Lnenicka asked the applicants to identify themselves for the record. Mr. Lnenicka asked the applicants if they understood the ordinance and the license requirements and they responded they did. Mr. Lnenicka then asked if their business will be located at 2236 South Cobb Drive and if that will be their dispatch location. They responded that was correct. Mr. Lnenicka asked if they will have 24-hour dispatch and they responded that was correct. Mr. Lnenicka asked if the cars will be owned by the drivers and kept clean. The owners responded the cars are owned by the drivers and will be kept clean. Councilman Wood asked if there were any other partners in the business and they responded there were no other partners. Mr. Wood asked the owners if they have been in the taxi business before and they responded they have. Councilman Lnenicka asked the applicants to notify their insurance company of the correct street address for the City of Smyrna (2800 King Street) and not 1306 Bank Street which was the previous address of the city hall building. The applicants responded they would make that change. -- Councilman Lnenicka made a motion to approve the business license request for Aero Taxi to be located at 2236 South Cobb Drive. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (I) Variance Request - 2205 Iron Gate Drive - Reduce Rear Yard Setback from 30 Feet to 15 Feet Mr. Smith stated Richard and Gina Bridges are requesting the variance to save some large oak trees on their lot. Mayor Bacon asked Mr. Bridges to come forward. Mayor Bacon then stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the granting of the variance request. There was no opposition. Councilman Lnenicka asked Mr. Bridges to identify himself and give his current address. Mr. Bridges stated he resides at 3850 Cedar Cliff Court. Mr. Lnenicka stated this variance request is at a new lot where they plan to build a home and asked Mr. Bridges to explain his request. Mr. Bridges stated the house they plan to build will barely sit on the lot they have selected and in order to save several large oak trees, the variance is needed. He stated they need approximately 7 to 10 feet from the setback requirement which is 30 feet and they need to go between 23 and 20 feet on about five feet of the corner of the house (the northwest corner of the house). Mr. Lnenicka noted for the record that Mr. Bridges has letters from the adjoining property owners that they have no objection to the variance being requested. Councilman Lnenicka stated the application is requesting a variance in the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 15 feet, however, Mr. Bridges indicated earlier that maybe 20 to 23 feet might be sufficient. Mr. Bridges stated they actually need the setback to be varied from 30 feet to 20 feet. -- Councilman Lnenicka made a motion to approve the variance request at 2205 Iron Gate Drive to reduce the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 20 feet. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was April 20, 1998, meeting - continued approved 7-0. (J) Variance Request - Orme Campbell Middle School- 3295 Atlanta Road - Increase Sign Size from 32 Square Feet to 58.72 Square Feet Mayor Bacon stated Items 3-J and 3-K pertain to the Orme Campbell Middle School property on Atlanta Road and will be handled as separate items with two separate motions. Mr. Smith stated the sign which has already been developed for the school and is the standard sign for Cobb County Schools is larger than the city's ordinance allows and the second request pertains to the configuration of the property where the sign is to be placed. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in - opposition to either item 3-J or 3-K. There was no opposition. Councilman Lnenicka asked Mr. Larry Wall, Director of Construction for Cobb County Schools, to explain why the variance is necessary as it pertains to the size of the sign. Mr. Wall explained with the road widening along Atlanta Road the distance they have to work with the sign has been shortened. He stated instead of encroaching 3 feet from the property line, it will probably be around 12 feet from the property line after further measurements along the site. He then stated the sign will replace the old existing pole sign that is there now. He stated this will be a monument style sign in keeping with the Atlanta Road Design District requirements but it is larger than the normal size that is allowed in the district. Mr. Wall stated that unfortunately the contractor bought the standard size sign when he remodeled the building and this is the last step in finishing the project. Mr. Lnenicka stated the reason the sign is bigger than allowed is to allow a reader board on the sign. Mr. Wall stated the sign will have a reader board so the school can post messages for the parents on the sign. Mr. Lnenicka stated the sign will be on Atlanta Road tending toward the north side of the school. Mr . Wood responded that was correct and it would be approximately in front of the auditorium on the north end of the campus. Mr. Wood asked if the existing pole sign will be removed and Mr. Wall responded that is correct. Mr. Lnenicka asked Mr. Wall to describe the color and appearance of the sign. Mr. Wall stated the sign will have a brick base and two brick pilasters and the area around the sign will be landscaped. - Councilman Lnenicka asked Mr. Wall about the placement of the sign as it pertains to the right of way. Mr. Wall stated the sign will be located behind the telephone poles and approximately 3 feet from the edge of the sidewalk back from the road. Mr. Wall stated the sign will be approximately 15 feet from the roadway and setback off the curb. Councilman Lnenicka made a motion to approve the variance request at Orme Campbell Middle School to increase the sign size from 32 square feet to 59 square feet. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (K) Variance Request - Orme Campbell Middle School - 3295 Atlanta Road - Reduce Sign Setback from 15 Feet to 3 Feet Behind the Right Of Way See above narrative. Councilman Lnenicka made a motion to approve the variance request at Orme Campbell Middle School to reduce the sign setback from 15 feet to 3 feet behind the right of way. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. FORMAL BUSINESS: (A) Extension of Working Hours - King Valley Subdivision - Councilman Wood asked Mr. Griff Chalfant, Traton Corporation, to come forward. Mr. Wood stated Traton Corporation is building a very nice subdivision on King Valley Road - between Cooper Lake and Reed Road. Mr. Wood asked Mr. Chalfant to explain to the council why he is requesting the extension of working hours. Mr. Chalfant stated they would like to increase the working time from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with Daylight Savings Time being in effect. He stated 8:00 p.m. is not too late for his crews to be working and they do not make too much noise. Councilman Wood stated they are asking for the time extension during' the Daylight Savings Time period - basically until October. He further stated this will allow them to work until dark or close to dark. Mr. Wood stated this should not affect anybody since they are building the entire subdivision. Councilman Wood made a motion to approve the extension of working hours for Traton Corporation until 8:00 p.m. - Monday through Saturday for the area designated as the King Valley at Vinings Subdivision on King Valley Road. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. April 20, 1998, meeting - continued COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS: There were none. BID AWARDS: (A) Bid Award - Bid #98021 - Lockers for Tolleson Pool Councilman Scoggins stated this bid award will improve the facilities at Tolleson Pool. Councilman Scoggins made a motion to award Bid 98021 for lockers for Tolleson Pool to Tiffin Company, the low bidder meeting specifications, for a total cost of $5,512. Councilman Hawkins seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. -- (B) Bid Award - Bid #98020 - Tolleson Multi-purpose Building Councilman Scoggins stated this is one of the final items to try to get the facility upgraded. Mr. Scoggins made a motion to award Bid 98020 for the Tolleson multi-purpose building to Cook Construction, the low bidder meeting specifications, for a total cost of $206,000. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. CONSENT AGENDA: (A) Approval of April 6, 1998, Minutes (B) Approval to Use Council Chambers - Tuesday, April 28, 1998, From 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. for DDA/DDA Task Force/ViIlage Green Residents Meeting (C) Approval to Request Proposals for Master Plan for Cobb Center Parks Property (D) Approval to Authorize Mayor to Sign Contract with Atlanta Pyrotechnics for Fireworks Services (E) Approval to Authorize Emergency Management Director to Apply for a 75 % Federal Grant to Upgrade Siren Warning System Councilman Scoggins made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. -- COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mayor Bacon recognized Barry Morgan, Cobb County Solicitor, who was still in attendance at tonight's meeting. Mayor Bacon read a letter from resident, Patricia Budd, commending the Public Works Department for their prompt response to her call asking for limbs to be picked up after the April 8 storm. Mayor Bacon stated there was some discussion this evening about employees' salaries and benefits. He further stated that he wants the city to provide good wages for its employees - every employee that works for the city. He stated he is proud the city has been competitive in the market with almost all cities the size of Smyrna. Mayor Bacon stated he appreciates every employee who works for the city. Councilman Wood asked Mary Ann White for a report on the Human Resources Department. Ms. White announced there are several job openings for the city. Ms. White announced this is National Secretaries Week and the city will host a luncheon for the administrative support employees on Friday, April 24, at The Olive Garden Italian Restaurant. Councilman Wood stated he had received a letter from Harold Smith, Smyrna Optimist Club, announcing they are honoring the Smyrna Police Department on Friday, May 8, in observance of "Respect for Law Day." Mr. Wood stated all members of the police department have been invited to have breakfast with the Optimist Club at 7:00 a.m. at the Conference Center at Ridgeview Institute. He further announced the guest speaker will be Georgia Supreme Court Justice Harris Hines. -- Councilman Lnenicka stated Finance Director Claudia Edgar has no report this evening. Mr. Lnenicka stated the city is in the midst of the budget workshops in preparation of the FY99 budget. He further stated he appreciates the job the Department Heads and staff has done this year. Councilman Lnenicka stated he would like to salute American Legion Post 160 in Smyrna, Georgia. He stated as of recently they now have 1,050 members making Post 160 the largest American Legion Post in April 20, 1998, meeting - continued the State of Georgia. Councilman Cramer reminded everyone the Jonquil City Jog is this Saturday at 4:00 p.m. .. Councilman Hawkins asked Ann Kirk for a report on Keep Smyrna Beautiful. Ms. Kirk thanked the Mayor and Council for the proclamation in honor of "Let's Keep Georgia Peachy Clean Week." Ms. Kirk reported that Saturday, 86 volunteers cleaned up 20 miles; gave 160 hours of volunteer time; collected 101 bags of litter on the city's streets and highways. Ms. Kirk stated they have a large display in the atrium at the Library. Ms. Kirk read the recycling report for the month of March: 96.72 tons of material were recycled saving the city $2,888 dollars in tipping fees and have saved the city $9,910 to-date in tipping fees. Ms. Kirk stated the next major event will be "River Awareness"on May 2 at the Paces Mill site on US41. Councilman Hawkins asked Robin Broyles for a report on the Community Development Department. Mr. Broyles reported on the March statistics for his department. He stated 97 building permits have been issued with estimated construction costs of $14,846,000. Councilman Hawkins commented on the benefits package for the employees of the city. He then stated he would like to see the retirement program improved. Councilman Scoggins asked Maryclaire Andres for a report on Community Relations. Ms. Andres announced the Newcomer's Guides and the Annual Report are now available; the Aunt Fanny's Fundraising event is scheduled for this Friday evening; the Jonquil Festival on Saturday and Sunday; the Jonquil Jog on Saturday. .... Councilman Scoggins asked Steve Ciaccio for a report on the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Ciaccio reported the Facilities Division has rebuilt a wall and done some work on the restrooms at Brinkley Park; replaced all the field lighting at Cobb Park; paved over the old parking lots at Jonquil Park and added a new parking area; at Rose Garden pulled underground power for pavilion and playground lighting; Tolleson Park - the concession and pressbox building will be rebuilt based on the bid award this evening; the basketball court at Tolleson has been replaced with a sand volleyball court and added a new playground. He stated there have been several improvements at Ward Park. Mr. Ciaccio reported there are 44 adult softball teams this year; 32 indoor and 26 outdoor volleyball teams; 40 basketball teams; 450 children are playing soccer in leagues; 400 children are playing baseball in leagues and registration will be held May 2 and May 9 for the swim team and the adult and youth tennis instruction is scheduled at Jonquil Park in the near future. Mr. Ciaccio commended Senior Park Ranger Lloyd Platt for his recent apprehension of car burglary suspects who were subsequently found to be involved in six felonies in Smyrna and 12 Cobb County felonies. Councilman Scoggins asked Michael Seigler for a report on the Library. Mr. Seigler reported circulation for the month of March was 12,903 items, which is an increase of 11.37% over March of 1997; 17,371 patrons visited the library, which represents a 5.8 % increase. He stated during the first three months of the year the Library has had 38,700 items circulate which is an average of a 7.3 % increase for the three months. Mr. Seigler reported the Friends of the Library is hosting a book sale this weekend in conjunction with the Jonquil Festival; Ms. Ann Cockerill of Austell is displaying her art in the Library. He further stated Ms. Cockerill has won awards all over the United States. Mr. Seigler reported on May 15, Sue Jackson is going to teach a family-cartooning program. Mr. Seigler thanked the Friends of the Library for their donation of $1,000 for children's books. Mr. Seigler reported the Library will begin a new program called the Mother/Daughter Book Club. Mr. Seigler reported on June 10 the Library will have a chamber music concert in the Library - the Pandean Players will be giving the free concert. Councilman Newcomb asked Chief Larry Williams for a report on the Fire Department. Chief Williams expressed his appreciation to Smyrna Cable for the severe weather system they have implemented. Chief Williams credited Jim Farley, former Emergency Management Director, with the foresight to implement .. the warning system the city uses. Chief Williams reported three Smyrna firefighters have been recognized by the Marietta VFW as outstanding public safety employees - Stephen Westbrook, Robbie Kennedy and Tom Harris. Councilman Newcomb asked Lieutenant Brown for a report on the Police Department. Lt. Brown reported that recently during a random check at Campbell High School, the seat belt usage was 93 % which is well above the national average. Lt. Brown also reported on several notable arrests that the Police Department had made recently. Councilman Newcomb commended Officers Harrell, Plumb, White and Alexander for their fundraising efforts on behalf of the Special Olympics. Councilman Hawkins commended Lt. Brown for his active participation in the education of youth in the Drug Awareness Program at Harrison April 20, 1998, meeting - continued High School. Councilman Newcomb reminded committee members of the Fire Committee meeting after tonight's council meeting in the conference room upstairs. Councilwoman Capilouto expressed her appreciation to the city for the siren warning system which alerts citizens of severe weather. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:02 p.m. A. MAX BACON, MAYOR ~~~~ :eD'\ /} I /J Ii/. ... ;1MtlVO K CRAMER, WARD 5 ~&;~ CHARLES PETE WOOD, WARD 7 .... rJttkA~ ;[) In tu= MELINDA DAMERON, CITY CLERK ~~~ J~ RON NEWCOMB, WARD 2 AMES M. HA NS, WARD 4 w~4~?- .... .....