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Home My WebLink About2025-02-17 February 17, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes - SIGNED - LFCity Council Meeting Minutes - Final MAYOR AND COUNCIL A. Max Bacon City Hall Council Chambers 2800 King Street Smyrna, GA 30080 February 17, 2025 7:00 PM CEREMONIAL MATTERS Roll Call Derek Norton, Mayor Tim Gould, Mayor Pro Tem (Ward 6) Glenn Pickens (Ward 1) Latonia P. Hines (Ward 2) Travis Lindley (Ward 3) Charles "Corkey" Welch (Ward 4) Susan Wilkinson (Ward 5) Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. (Ward 7) City Attorney Scott Cochran City Administrator Joseph Bennett City Clerk Heather K. Peacon-Corn Present: 7 —Mayor Derek Norton, Councilmember Glenn Pickens, Councilmember Latonia P. Hines (virtual, left meeting at 7:14 PM), Councilmember Travis Lindley, Councilmember Charles Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould, Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. Absent: 1 —Councilmember Susan Wilkinson Also Present: 1 —Scott Cochran Staff: 4—Julie Barwig, Joe Bennett, Jill Head, Enoch Serna 2. Call to Order 3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance A. Pastor Harold Thomas III, Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church (810 Church St.) 4. Agenda Changes 6. Mayoral Report Mayor Derek Norton stated that the Town Hall meeting on February 13, 2025 was well - attended both in person and online. It was an informative meeting with lots of engagement. II. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS Public comment during this portion of the Agenda must be limited to matters on the Agenda for action. If you wish to be heard, please sign up with the City Clerk, come to the podium when called by the Mayor, state your name and address for the record and make your remarks. The time allotted for each speaker is as follows: Public Hearing - Five (5) Minutes Page 1 of 6 February 17, 2026 7:00 PM City of Smyrna Mayor and Council Meeting 6. Proclamations and Presentations A. PRC2026-001 Proclamation in recognition of Georgia Arbor Day 2025 Citywide 2800 King Street SE Council Chambers Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. read and presented the following proclamation. A PROCLAMATION By the Mayor of the City of Smyrna GEORGIA ARBOR DAY Whereas: The first Arbor Day was celebrated in 1872 in Nebraska as a special day for planting trees and has grown to thousands of celebrations in communities across our nation each year; and Whereas: Community partners, families, and friends will be joined together at local Arbor Day ceremonies to recognize the benefits of trees and urban forests; and Whereas: Trees will be planted across the state creating a lasting legacy for future generations; and Whereas: Trees improve water quality and quantity, reduce the erosion of precious topsoil, increase property values and economic vitality in business areas, provide shade, cleanse the air, create habitat for wildlife, and add beauty to communities❑ and Whereas: Trees promote outdoor recreation which improves human health and well- being and reduces "Nature -Deficit Disorder" in children by encouraging more activity and connection to the natural world; and Whereas: All of Georgia benefits from forestry, which contributes billions of dollars annually to our state's economy and provides employment for more than 100,000 people; and Whereas: The City of Smyrna has been a Tree City for 22 years due to the celebration of Arbor Day; now Therefore: I, Derek Norton, Mayor of the City of Smyrna, Georgia do hereby proclaim February 21, 2025, as ARBOR DAY in Georgia and encourage our citizens to plant trees thus leaving a legacy for present and future generations. Julie Barwig, Environmental Services Director, announced that this Friday is Arbor Day. Every year Keep Smyrna Beautiful plants a tree in recognition and celebration of Arbor Day. This year they will plant a Serviceberry Tree, a native tree, at the Recycling Center next to the pollinator pocket garden. It is an excellent tree for bees, birds, and butterflies. They are also giving out tree seedlings as part of the adopt -a -tree program, especially Redbud trees. Community Development Items Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing Formal Business A. RES2025-006 PUBLIC HEARING and VOTE: Authorization of Resolution RES2025- 006 regarding the City of Smyrna's intention to opt out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption. This is Public Hearing 3 of 3. Citywide Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background: u U Page 2 of 6 February 17, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers House Bill 581 was passed by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2024 legislative session and an enabling constitutional amendment (HR 1022) was subsequently approved through a statewide ballot question during the November 2024 election. Within HB 581, O.C.G.A. § 48-5-44.2 provides for a statewide floating homestead exemption which applies to counties, consolidated governments, municipalities, and local school districts While the homestead exemption automatically applies to all local governments and school districts, these jurisdictions may stop the homestead exemption from becoming effective within their jurisdiction by following certain procedures by March 1, 2025. O.C.G.A. § 48-5-44.2(i) provides the necessary procedures for local governments to opt out of the FIB 581 homestead exemption. To opt out, the local government or school district must adopt a resolution opting out of the exemption after completing the following steps, which must be completed between January 1, 2025, and March 1, 2025: - The local government must advertise the intent to opt out and conduct at least three public hearings on the issue, with at least one of the public meetings occurring between 6:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. on a business weekday. - The local government must place an advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation serving the residents of the political subdivision and post the advertisement on its website of the local government. - The advertisement must appear at least one week prior to each hearing, be prominently displayed, be not less than 30 square inches, and not be placed in that section of the newspaper where legal notices appear. The advertisement must also be posted on the local government's website at least one week prior to each hearing. In addition to the advertisement, the local government may include in the notice reasons or explanations for its intention to opt out of the homestead exemption. Simultaneously with the notice the local government must provide a press release to the local media. The City of Smyrna has completed all requirements to opt out and this Public Hearing, Resolution and vote are the final procedures as required in O.C.G.A. § 48-5-44.2(i). Staff recommends authorization of this resolution. A public hearing was called, and no one came forward in favor of or in opposition to this item. Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item RES2025-006; seconded by Councilmember Charles Welch. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines (virtual), Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None AAbsent: 1 — Councilmember Wilkinson B. ATH2O25-033 Authorization to amend the 2022 SPLOST Fund project length budget to increase the Camp Highland Bridge project in the amount of $94,200.00 to $1,594,200.00 to meet the cost share agreement based on the Page 3 of 6 February 17, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers Intergovernmental Agreement with Cobb County approved by the City of Smyrna on June 17, 2024, adopt the amended IGA with the same and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents. Ward 7 Councilmember - Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background: Following the approval of the Intergovernmental agreement to share costs associated with the Camp Highland Bridge bank stabilization, Cobb County solicited bids to perform the work. The lowest reliable bid received exceeded the estimated construction costs, and Cobb County and the Contractor agreed on a scope reduction that resulted in a revised construction cost of $3,145,107.77. In keeping with the intent of sharing the costs for the project, the City and the County amount will be $1,572, 553.88. The Intergovernmental Agreement also stipulates that the cost for engineering and design services related to the project in the amount of $41,730.00 would be cost shared 50/50 between Cobb County and the City. To meet this, an additional $94,200.00 needs to be added to the allocation for the project in the 2022 SPLOST, for a rounded total budget of $1,594,200.00. Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. made a motion to approve item ATH2O25-033; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Tim Gould. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Absent: 2 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Wilkinson C. AGR2025-010 Authorization for the City of Smyrna to continue as a Subrecipient of the Cobb County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program PY2025, to receive the grant amount of $188,089.60 for the Public Facility Projects and Administration and Planning, authorize the Mayor to sign and execute the 2025 Subrecipient Agreement Documents. Citywide Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item AGR2025-010; seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Absent: 2 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Wilkinson Page 4 of 6 February 17, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers 10. Consent Agenda Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould made a motion to approve the Consetn Agenda as presented; seconded by Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Absent: 2 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Wilkinson A. MIN2025-027 Approval of the January 30, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. B. MIN2025-029 Approval of the February 3, 2025 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. C. MIN2025-033 Approval of the February 3, 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes This item was approved on the Consent Agenda/ D. 2025-076 Authorization to allow The Vineyard Wine Market and Smyrna Village Bourbon & Cigar Bar to operate a beer, wine, and liquor mobile bar with sales during the 2025 Annual Pride Festival by Smyrna is Fabulous on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM and authorize the vendor to seek required Special Event Permit through the Community Development office and the Alcohol Sales approval through the State of Georgia. Ward 3 Councilmember- Travis Lindley This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. E. 2025-098 Approval of the Smyrna Little League Opening Day Parade on Saturday, March 15, 2025, starting at 10:00 a.m. with rolling road closures on Atlanta Road and police presence from Campbell Middle School to Brinkley Park following the attached route map. Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. III, CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Public comment during this portion of the agenda must be limited to matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council. No subject may be acted upon by the City Council unless that subject is on the agenda and is scheduled for action. If you wish to be heard, please sign up with the City Clerk, come to the podium when called by the Mayor, state your name and address for the record and make your remarks. The time allotted for each speaker is as follows: Public Comment - Three (3) Minutes Page 5 of 6 February 17, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street BE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers 11. Public Comment 12. Ward and Staff Reports Councilmember Glenn Pickens — thanked all who attended the Town Hall Thursday night. Councilmember Travis Lindley — also thanked for those who attended the Town Hall. It was good to see community engagement as there are many exciting things happening. In the last five years, they have had around 26 successful town halls. Councilmember Charles Welch — thanked all for attending the very informative Town Hall. Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould — thanked the Smyrna Fire Department for taking care of a neighbor's home whose house was struck by lightning. THe Education Foundation discussion will be Thursday, March 6 when the Smyrna school foundations come together to discuss best practices. Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. — The Smyrna Public Art Committee requests aspiring artists to answer the RFQ to decorate 14 fire hydrants in Smyrna. As we are currently in the middle of Black History Month, he reminded all of the Black History dinner on February 28. Tickets are on sale now. 13. Adjournment Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the February 17, 2025 Mayor and Council meeting at 7:21 PM. Facilities are provided throughout City Hall for the convenience of persons with disabilities. THIS MEETING WAS PROPERLY NOTICED AND POSTED AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NOTICING STANDARDS AS OUTLINED IN O.C.G.A. 50-14-3: The City of Smyrna website — www.smymaga.gov City Hall, 2800 King Street SE, Notice Boards Page 6 of 6 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING n ki DEREK NORTON, MAYOR ja �- L LATONIA P. HINES, WARD 2 FOAM ME ww" m-lal I. �V" au TIM GOULD, WARD 6 MAYOR PRO TEM `I - &JfLLG. AD DEPUTY CITY CLERK GLENN PICKENS, I �''"_- 6� TRAVIS LINDLEY, WARD 3 ABSENT SUSAN WILKINSON, WARD 5 ?ice • � : • • CITY SEAL. I I I