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September 3, 1996 Council Meeting September 3, 1996 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 Clerk Melinda Dameron, City Attorney Charles E. Camp, Fire Chief Larry Williams, Finance Director Claudia Edgar, Assistant Public Works Director Scott Stokes, Police Chief Stan Hook, Library Director Michael Seigler, Parks and Recreation Director Steve Ciaccio, Clean and Beautiful Coordinator Ann Kirk, Personnel Director Mary Ann White, Assistant Public Works Director Scott Stokes who also represented the Community Development Department and representatives of the press. .... Invocation was given by Reverend John Hearst, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, followed by the pledge to the flag. CITIZENS INPUT: Mayor Bacon recognized Michael Coles, candidate for the 6th Congressional District. Mr. Coles thanked the Mayor and Council for allowing him to address the citizens. He encouraged everyone to vote in the November election and asked for their support. Mayor Bacon recognized Senators Thompson, Sauder and Tanksley to come forward. Senator Steve Thompson presented Michael Seigler a check in the amount of $8,244 to be used for the purchase of a library cataloguer. The money was appropriated by Governor Miller and is from the Governor's Discretionary fund. Mayor Bacon and Mr. Seigler expressed their appreciation for the funds and for the support of the Senators and their willingness to assist the City. Mayor Bacon asked that Item 4-A be moved to the first portion of the meeting. Council agreed. (see narrative below.) PUBLIC HEARINGS: (A) Variance Request - 4727 Vineyard Court - To Place a 6-Foot Fence within the Front Yard Setback ... Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present with an interest in this matter. There was no one present. Councilman Cramer stated he had spoken with the applicant, Ratan Malhotra and based on the complaints the city has received regarding this request, the city will meet with Mr. Malhotra. Mr. Cramer then made a motion this variance request be tabled until the September 16, 1996, meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilman Lnenicka. Motion to table the request was approved 7-0. (B) Alcoholic Beverage License Request - Eckerd Drug Store, 2113 South Cobb Drive - Retail Package Beer Ms. Dameron reported John Joseph Strother, III, will be the agent for this establishment and has been given a copy of the Alcoholic Beverage License Ordinance and he has reviewed it with the Business License Officer. Ms. Dameron stated Mr. Strother is a Cobb County resident and meets all the requirements. Councilman Cramer asked Mr. Strother if he understands the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance and Mr. Strother stated he did. Mr. Cramer noted for the record that the Police Department Investigation revealed nothing that would preclude the issuance of this license to Mr. Strother. Mr. Cramer further noted Mr. Strother currently holds the alcoholic beverage license for Eckerd at 3821 South Cobb Drive. Mr. Cramer cautioned Mr. Strother that the City does conduct sting operations. Councilman Cramer made a motion the alcoholic beverage license request for Eckerd Drug Store at 2113 South Cobb Drive with Mr. John Joseph Strother as the agent be approved. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. ... FORMAL BUSINESS: (A) Appointment of City Administrator Councilman Hawkins made a motion that Howard N. Smith be appointed as City Administrator for the City of Smyrna. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. Councilman Hawkins stated Mr. Smith has been a friend and co-worker of the city for many years. He stated the city is very fortunate to have someone of Mr. Smith's background and caliber to agree to work for the City. Motion was approved 7-0. Mr. Smith thanked the Mayor and Council for the opportunity to work for the City and stated he September 3. 1996 meeting - continued is looking forward to working for the City. (B) Appointment to Smyrna Hospital Authority - Ward 5 Councilman Cramer made a motion this item be tabled until the September 16, 1996, meeting. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (C) Bid Opening (#96015) - Utility Vehicle for Utility Services Department Mayor Bacon asked if there were any bids in the audience. There were none. The bids were opened and read as follows: -- Wade Ford Chuck Clancy Ford $20,267.70 $20,476.70 Council Wood made a motion the bids be turned over to the Finance and Administration Committee for their review and a recommendation to be brought back before Mayor and Council at the September 16 meeting. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS: (A) Peachtree Construction - 5080 Highlands Parkway Ms. Dameron stated Peachtree Construction Company is requesting a building permit for an office warehouse at 5080 Highlands Parkway with an estimated construction cost of $650,000. Councilman Wood stated this building will be in the Highlands Park area, is 50% leased, and moved approval of the building permit. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (B) Quik-Trip - 2180 Windy Hill Road Councilman Scoggins made a motion the building permit for Quik Trip at 2180 Windy Hill Road be -- approved subject to the rules and regulations of the Community Development Department. He stated the estimated cost of construction is $275,000. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. BID AWARDS: (A) Bid #96013 - Pick Up Trucks for Public Works and Community Development Departments Councilman Scoggins made a motion the bid be awarded for trucks for the Public Works and Community Development Department be awarded to the low bidder meeting specifications, Wade Ford, for a per truck cost of $14,870. Councilman Hawkins seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (B) Bid #96014 - 3/4 Ton Truck for Public Works Department Councilman Scoggins made a motion the bid be awarded to the low bidder meeting specifications, Wade Ford, for a total price of $19,627.30. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. CONSENT AGENDA: (A) (B) (C) Approval of August 19, 1996, Minutes Approval to Purchase Copier for Administration Department Approval to Use Council Chambers September 5, 1996, From 6 - 7 p.m. For Ward 4 Meeting Approval to Set Public Hearing Date to Discuss the Closing of Beech Valley Drive, Arden Way, Dundee Drive and Highland Drive at Spring Road Approval to Request Bids for Two Dump Trucks - Public Works Department Approval to Request Bids for Garbage Truck - Public Works Department Approval to Request Bids for 25-Yard Body for Garbage Truck - Public Works Approval to Request Bids for Hoses for Fire Department Approval to Close King Street and West Spring Street - Sunday, September 8, 1996 ..... (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) (I) September 3. 1996 meeting - continued Councilman Scoggins made a motion the consent agenda be approved. Councilman Hawkins seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. Mayor Bacon stated item 7-1 - Approval to Close King and West Spring Street on Sunday is for the grand opening ceremonies for the new municipal services building. The streets will be closed from approximately 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Mayor Bacon extended an invitation to the public to attend the ceremony. Mayor Bacon stated he was not certain if the next council meeting would be held in the new building but is hopeful it will be. - Mayor Bacon stated on September 9, at 2:00 p.m. the Senior Aquatic Center on Church Street will be dedicated. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilwoman Capilouto expressed her sympathy to the parents and friends of the four young people that were killed in a car accident on Tuesday morning. Councilwoman Capilouto asked Steve Ciaccio for a report on the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Ciaccio announced the grand opening of the aquatic center on Church Street. The ceremony will be Monday, September 9, at 2:00 p.m. Councilwoman Capilouto asked Michael Seigler for a report on the Library. Mr. Seigler thanked Senators Tanksley, Thompson and Representative Sauder for their efforts on behalf of the Smyrna Library. Mr. Seigler stated Aviva Stern has an exhibition of her ceramic pottery at the library and stated she is an inter-nationally recognized artist. He stated there were 13,223 people visiting the Library in August and 12,866 items were checked out by the citizens during this time period. Mr. Seigler also reminded everyone of the free upcoming art classes (for parents and children) September 13 and there are still tickets available for the Mystery Dinner Theater on September 13 and 14. .. Councilman Newcomb asked Mary Ann White for a report on the Human Resources Department. Ms. White stated she is very happy that the City has selected Mr. Smith as the new City Administrator and then read the current job announcements. Councilman Newcomb asked Scott Stokes for a report on the Community Development Department and the Public Works Department. Mr. Stokes reported on the August statistics for the Community Development Department. He then reported for the Public Works Department and stated the work on Mohawk creek is 90% complete and should be finished soon; Beaver Creek and Park Way Court - concrete has been poured and the landscaping is 70% complete; Rosalyn Way curb and gutter project is scheduled; next drainage project is for Strathmoor. Councilman Newcomb reported the Spring Road project is progressing and there are visible signs of the linear park taking shape. Mr. Newcomb stated there will be a public hearing on October 7 to discuss the road closings of Beech Valley, Arden Way, Dundee Drive and Highland Drive at Spring Road. ... Councilman Scoggins asked Ann Kirk for a report on Smyrna Clean and Beautiful. Ms. Kirk extended get well wishes to Marie Riley and Larry Brissey, members of the Smyrna Clean and Beautiful Commission. Ms. Kirk also expressed her condolences to June Wolf, whose father passed away last week. Ms. Kirk stated the yard waste ban is now in effect and a pick up schedule will be mailed in the next few weeks. Mr. Hawkins asked if a special type bag is required for the yard waste and Ms. Kirk responded no. She stated that the leaves can also be raked to the curbs and they will be vacuumed on a pre-determined schedule. Ms. Kirk stated the city is actually adding three different pick ups to the schedule per month per househould with no additional charge to the citizens and that will begin the first of October. Mr. Newcomb asked if there was a possibility the ban on outdoor burning would be extended. Ms. Kirk responded there was a large demand for leaves to be used by the citizens for compost/mulching purposes. Ms. Kirk displayed the Build America Beautiful informational packet. She stated they can be purchased for $20 and it is an excellent program. Ms. Kirk stated the Jonquil bulbs should be arriving October 7. Councilman Hawkins reported the Historical Review Committee has undertaken a joint project with the Clean City Commission to develop the corner lot that was previously the old music store and they are in the process of drawing up plans for that area and in about three weeks a noticeable change will be visible. September 3, 1996 meeting - continued Councilman Cramer stated Chief Williams does not have a report on the Fire Department this evening. Councilman Lnenicka expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the wreck that occurred early Sunday morning and stated it was possibly the results of drinking and driving. He also expressed his sympathies to the witnesses who were on the scene but unable to do anything to rescue the victims. Councilman Lnenicka asked Chief Hook to report on the Police Department. Chief Hook stated this accident was a very tragic situation and said there were very important lessons to be learned from it. Councilman Wood stated there is no report from the Finance Department this evening. .... Mayor Bacon again reminded everyone of the grand opening of the new municipal services building this Sunday, 09-08, at 2:00 p.m. and the Senior Citizens Aquatic Center on Monday, 09-09, at 2:00 p.m. and urged everyone attend. J( d.n i~ il;'isff'-:4~~ MELINDA DAMERON, CITY CLERK A. MAX BACON , MAYOR ch~ ~~ CHARLENE CAPILOUT , WARD 1 ~_,J ~~ RON NEWCOMB, WARD 2 -- JACK CRAMER, WARD 5 WADE S. LNENICKA, WARD 6 ~:f:P{f~D~~ ....