May 20, 1991 Council Meeting
May 20, 1991
The regular scheduled meeting of Mayor and Council was held May 20, 1991 at
Smyrna City Hall. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 o'clock p.m. by
presiding officer Mayor A. Max Bacon. All council members were present. Also
present was City Administrator John Patterson, City Clerk Melinda Dameron,
Parks and Recreation Director Sherry Reavis, Fire Chief Larry Williams,
Public Works Director Vic Broyles, City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt, Finance
Director Emory McHugh, Library Director Laurel Best, Police Chief Stan Hook
and representatives of the press.
Invocation was given by Councilman Jim Hawkins followed by the pledge to the
flag.
Councilman John Steely read a proclamation for "Buckle Up Week" and presented
... it to Officer Mike Brown from the Police Department STEP Unit.
CITIZENS INPUT: Bill Rudolph of 3374 Landrum Drive presented pictures of the
residential construction underway on Church Road adjacent to his property.
Mr. Rudolph said the developer, Mr. Konigsmark, has violated several
provisions of the building code and also understood that he would soon be
requesting a variance to allow construction of an additional home. Mr.
Rudolph was told that our Inspectors would investigate his concerns and
contact him tomorrow.
Hector Rodriguez of Country Park Condominium Association requested that item
3(A), the variance for Plantation Pointe Shopping Center be tabled until the
homeowners can meet with Metric Property Management concerning their request
for additional signage.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
(A)
Road
Variance - additional sign at Plantation Pointe Shopping Center, Spring
John Patterson stated that Metric Property Management is requesting a
variance to erect a second sign in front of Plantation Pointe Shopping Center
on Spring at Campbell Road. If approved, the additional sign would eliminate
the use of portable signs. Bob Davis made a motion the variance be tabled to
... the next meeting. John Steely seconded the motion which carried 7-0.
(B) Business license - massage practitioner at 765 Windy Hill Road
John Patterson stated that Mary Alice Evans is requesting a license to work
as a massage therapist in Dr. Steven Sheick's Chiropractic Office at 765
Windy Hill Road. The police investigation was favorable and there was no
opposition.
Ms. Evans stated she had a degree in Psychology/Zoology from Michigan State
University and received her massage training from Sun Coast Institute (Center
for Natural Health, School of Massage Therapy) in Tampa Florida, and was also
certified through the Atlanta School of Massage. Ms. Evans said she has been
in practice since 1984 and while her practice is now part time, she hoped
that it would build to full time with Dr. Sheick.
After further discussion Kathy Jordan made a motion the license be approved.
John Steely seconded the motion which carried 6-1 with Jim Hawkins opposed.
(C) Business license - massage practitioner at 1461 Smyrna-Roswell Road
Bill Scoggins stated the applicant, Stacy Shirley, had requested the
application be withdrawn and made a motion it be removed from the agenda. Bob
Davis seconded the motion which carried 7-0.
...
FORMAL BUSINESS:
(A) Bid opening - signage for Community Center/Library
Only one bid was received for new signage which was read and recorded as
follows:
Architectural Sign Systems
$8,739
Wade Lnenicka made a motion the bid be turned over to the Parks and
Recreation and Library Committees for review with a recommendation to award
the bid if it meets specifications and if not, to rebid.
May 20, 1991 meeting - continued
Bill Scoggins seconded the motion which failed 3-4. Opposed was Bob Davis,
Jack Shinall, Kathy Jordan and John Steely. Jack Shinall then made a motion
the bids be rejected and that we re-bid for opening at the first meeting in
June. John Steely seconded the motion which carried 4-3 with Bill Scoggins,
Jim Hawkins and Wade Lnenicka opposed.
(B) Resolution authorizing participation in the Local Government Investment
Pool
John Patterson stated the Georgia Department of Administrative Services has
an investment program available to governmental entities which would allow us
to transfer funds to the LGIP so that they would be responsible for investing
them at a higher interest rate than our banks are able to provide. The pool
is sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association and represents a ...
conservative and safe method of investing funds for our city.
Jim Hawkins said this had been discussed at some length by the Finance &
Administration Committee and there was a division of opinion. Our funds
currently are being bid out to local banks every few months when they mature.
While the Department of Administrative Services has averaged a higher rate of
return on investments, Mr. Hawkins said he felt we should not take our
business out of tl local banks. It was estimated that we would we would
yield an additional $60,000 a year but Mr. Hawkins said he still had a
problem with taking the money out of our local banks.
Mayor Bacon said he also felt we
banks employ approximately 197
approximately $3.5 million and
policy.
should keep our money invested
people and have an annual
was not personally in favor of
locally.
payroll
adopting
Our
of
the
John Steely said he felt we should gain as much interest on our investments
as we can, even if it means investing with outside agencies.
Jack Shinall said
best yield, but we
this area. Some
considerably and we
survive and grow.
we do need to be prudent in investing our funds for the
also need to be prudent in bringing the economy back to
banks have had to restrict their lending policies
should keep our funds in the community to help them
.....,
Wade
from
throw
Lnenicka said council would only be authorizing city staff to seek bids
the investment pool along with the local banks and felt we should not
away the opportunity to make an additional $60,000 per year.
After further discussion, Jim Hawkins made a motion to deny approval of the
Resolution. Bill Scoggins seconded the motion which carried 5-2 with Wade
Lnenicka and John Steely opposed.
(C) Ordinance - transfer stations
John Patterson stated the transfer method of waste disposal has recently been
implemented in Cobb County, where waste is taken to these locations and then
transferred to regional landfills for disposal. The City has been working for
some time on development of an ordinance that will govern such uses.
Jack Shinall said this is a lengthy ordinance that will be on file in the
office of the City Clerk. We already have a transfer station in operation and
they are doing a good job and have no problem with the ordinance. Mr. Shinall
made a motion the ordinance be adopted as presented. Jim Hawkins seconded the
motion which carried 7-0.
(D) Approval of business license fees for transfer stations
Mr. Shinall said in conjunction with the ordinance, it provides that we are
allowed to establish a business license fee. The recommended fee is a $100
flat fee plus $.50 per ton for all garbage and trash taken to a transfer
station. The $100 fee would be paid at the first of each year with the other
business licenses and the $.50 fee would be payable within 30 days of the
close of each calendar quarter.
.....,
Mr. Shinall made a motion the business license fees be approved. Kathy Jordan
seconded the motion which carried 7-0.
May 20, 1991 meeting - continued
(E) Contract - transfer station services
Jack Shinall stated this particular contract with Southern States Landfill
allows us to dump trash and garbage at their transfer station on South Cobb
Drive at South Cobb Industrial Park. The rates from July 1, 1991 to 1994 our
tipping fees will be $25; from 1994 to 1997 they will be $27.50; from 1997 to
2001 they will be $30. For comparison, the tipping fee at Cobb County is now
$41. If we continue to dump at Cobb County it would necessitate a garbage fee
increase of $5 to $6 per month. The contract also pays to the city a host fee
in the amount of $.50 per ton for any and all waste deposited to the transfer
station from any other municipality. Also, for the time this contract is in
effect, the business license fee will be offset by the tipping fees charged.
- Wade Lnenicka asked about the expiration date of the contract. Mr. Camp said
Southern States has agreed to honor the contract for 10 years but it would
need to be ratified every 4 years since one council cannot bind another in a
contractual agreement. The contract also can be cancelled upon 14 days
written notice from the City.
Jack Shinall
file in the
carried 7-0.
made a motion the contract be approved as presented and kept on
City Clerk's office. Wade Lnenicka seconded the motion which
BID AWARDS:
(A) Piano for Community Center
Bill Scoggins made a motion the bid be awarded to Baldwin Piano and Organ for
$2,887. Jim Hawkins seconded the motion which carried 7-0.
(B) Gym equipment for Community Center
Bill Scoggins made a motion the bid be awarded to Advanced Fitness Systems
for $9,962. John Steely seconded the motion which carried 7-0.
(C) Artwork for Library/Community Center
... Wade Lnenicka made a motion the artwork bid be awarded to Winn Regency
Gallery, at $3,868.58, the low bidder meeting specifications Bill Scoggins
seconded the motion which carried 7-0.
(D) Rescue and fire fighting equipment for Station #4
Kathy Jordan stated unit prices were bid on firefighting equipment and made a
motion the low bid be awarded for each individual item specified. Bill
Scoggins seconded the motion which carried 7-0.
(E) Telephone system for fire/police precinct
Kathy Jordan Inade a motion the bid for the new telephone system be awarded to
AT&T at $5,154.18. Wade Lnenicka seconded the motion which carried 7-0.
COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS: Nothing to report.
CONSENT AGENDA:
...
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
and
(E)
and
Approval of
Approval to
Approval to
Approval
Dixie Avenue
Approval
Atlanta Road
May 6, 1991 minutes
purchase used vehicle for Police Department
request bids for intersection improvements
to request bids for traffic signalization at Windy Hill Road
to construct roadway at Hamby Street (formerly Fuller Street)
Bill Scoggins made a motion that items A, C, D and E be approved. Wade
Lnenicka seconded the motion which carried 7-0.
John Steely made a motion that item (B) be approved with the stipulation that
the Police Committee review and approve the vehicle before the purchase is
made. Jack Shinall seconded the motion which carried 7-0.
May 20, 1991 meeting - continued
SHOW CAUSE HEARINGS:
John Patterson stated that during a recent sting operation, alcohol was sold
to minors at three different locations. All criminal proceedings have taken
place and the action tonight is to consider the possible suspension or
revocation of their business license.
(A) China Station Restaurant, 2528 Spring Road
Lieutenant Joe Martin was sworn in with Mrs. Polly Chan, owner of China
Station
Lt. Martin said on April 5th, 1991, a 19 year old white male was sent into
China Station where he purchased beer from the waiter, Ha Quach after failing
to ask for any identification. Lt. Martin said he witnessed the sale and
later cited Ms. Quach into Municipal Court where she was fined $500. The
sting operations were conducted after receiving complaints through the Cobb
County Police Department about sales being made to minors at several
locations in the City. A total of 13 locations were checked, with sales made
at three of those.
'-'
Mrs. Chan said she was not at the restaurant when the sale was made but the
waitress has only been here for about one year and this was her first job.
Ms. Quach was still in training at the time and thought the young man was in
his late 20's. She has since been terminated. Mrs. Chan said they have posted
signs in the restaurant to remind all employees that they should request
identification and during their regular weekly meetings they are again
reminded.
After hearing all evidence, Bob Dav~s made a motion the license be suspended
for 30 days or redeemed through payment of a $1,000 reinstatement fee. Jim
Hawkins seconded the motion which carried 7-0.
(B) Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, 2540 Atlanta Road
Attorney Harold Karp and restaurant owner Jessie Onata were present. Mr. Karp
said he did not realize the applicant, Kathie Lee Evans, needed to be present
since he represented the owner and Ms. Evans was not present when the sale
was made.
--
Following discussion Jack Shinall made a motion the hearing be continued to
the first meeting in June when the licensee could be present. Bill Scoggins
seconded the motion which carried 7-0.
(C) La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, 2161 South Cobb Drive
Licensee John
stated that on
Cresencio A.
the sale and
our Municipal
Cobb County
transported
served at La
Mills was sworn in with owner Carlos Hernandez. Lt. Martin
April 5th, the same 19 year old white male purchased beer from
Salgado, an employee at La Fiesta. Lt. Martin said he observed
later issued a citation to the employee who was fined $500 in
Court. This location was also checked following a report from
that sales had been made to a minor to the extent that she was
to Smyrna Hospital and treated for alcohol poisoning after being
Fiesta.
Mr. Mills said he worked at the restaurant only a couple of nights a week
because he also worked full time for Southern Railway. He was not at the
restaurant when this incident occurred and neither he nor Mr. Hernandez were
familiar with the prior incident. The waiter who was cited into court has
worked there 3 to 4 years and he did not card the 19 year old because he
recognized him and believed that he had been carded and served on other
occasions. Mr. Mills said he had held the license for 8 years and if he
continued to do so, it would be under certain conditions, with one being that
Mr. Salgado not continue working there. Otherwise, he would surrender the
license.
--
After hearing all testimony, Kathy Jordan made a motion the license be
suspended for 30 days or redeemed through payment of a $1500 reinstatement
fee. Bill Scoggins seconded the motion which carried 7-0.
COUNCIL INPUT:
Department and
Jury.
John Steely called on Stan Hook for a report from the Police
stated we recently received an excellent report from the Grand
May 20, 1991 meeting - continued
Mr. Lnenicka said some yards in Vinings Glen were recently trenched and asked
Chief Hook to maintain as much visibility as possible. There is a $1,000 fine
for every passenger in the car for those who are caught.
Kathy Jordan called on Chief Larry Williams who gave a progress report on
construction of the new fire station.
Jack Shinall asked Vic Broyles for a report on the resurfacing projects under
the 1% local option sales tax program.
Mr. Shinall said the intersection improvements on the consent agenda tonight
were for Concord Road at South Cobb Drive; Village Parkway at Spring and an
ingress lane at Smyrna Towers on South Cobb Drive. Mr. Shinall reported that
... tipping fees have increased from $23 to $25 and will equate to a slight
increase that will probably be effective with adoption of the 1992 budget.
Also, in October the Cobb-Marietta Authority will pass on an increase in
garbage and water that they have already approved.
Jim Hawkins said he thought council should be commended on passage of the
ordinance and contract for the transfer station; this action should save the
citizens approximately $6 per month.
Sherry Reavis gave a report from the Parks Department and Laurel Best
reported from the Library.
Wade Lnenicka said the rain has continued to delay the creek improvement
projects scheduled for his ward but the repaving projects should begin within
the next few weeks. Mr. Lnenicka said he appreciated the recent donations to
the Smyrna Library from the Friends of the Library group on behalf of Paul
Buckley, a Smyrna citizen and charter member of the Friends of the Library as
well as on behalf of his brother-in-law Hank Johnston, both recently
deceased.
Bob Davis said he would have a neighborhood meeting on May 23rd to discuss
the proposed closing of Highland Drive at Spring Road.
Mayor Bacon reported that a public hearing would be held at the next meeting
... to consider approval of the reapportionment plan.
With no furthe:r.:el?~,Pess, meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
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