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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-03 March 3, 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 March 03, 2025 7:00 PM I. CEREMONIAL MATTERS Derek Norton, Mayor Tim Gould, Mayor Pro Tern (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 1. Roll Call Present: 8 — Mayor Derek Norton, Councilmember Glenn Pickens, Councilmember Latonia P. Hines, Councilmember Travis Lindley, Councilmember Charles Welch, Councilmember Susan Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould, Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. Also Present: 1 — Scott Cochran Staff: 4 —Joe Bennett, Jill Head, H. Houze, Heather Peacon-Corn 2. Call to Order Mayor Derek Norton called to order the March 3, 2025 Mayor and Council meeting held at A. Max Bacon City Hall in Council Chambers at 7:00 PM 3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance A. Dr. Jeffrey Pennington, Smyrna First Baptist Church (1275 Church Street) 4. Agenda Changes 5. Mayoral Report Mayor Derek Norton announces that construction on the new bathrooms downtown has begun, and Stillfire is moving forward. 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 9 March 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers 6. Proclamations and Presentations A. PRC2025-007 Proclamation in recognition of Women's History Month, March 2025 Ward 2 Councilmember - Latonia P. Hines Ward 5 Councilmember - Susan Wilkinson Councilmember Latonia P. Hines and Councilmember Susan Wilkinson read aloud the following proclamation: A PROCLAMATION BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA In Recognition of Women's History Month Whereas: Women's History Month recognizes that women of every race, class and ethnic background have made significant and historic contributions to the growth and strength of our Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and Whereas: Women's History Month recognizes that women have played and continue to play critical economic, cultural, and social roles in every sphere of the life of the Nation by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working inside and outside of the home and by providing the majority of the volunteer labor force; and Whereas: Women's History Month recognizes women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions in our Nation; and Whereas: Women's History Month recognizes women of every race, class, and ethnic background served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement; and Whereas: Women's History Month recognizes American women who have served our country courageously in the military; and Whereas: Women's History Month recognizes women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and other movements, especially the peace movement, which create a more fair and just society for all; and Whereas: In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women's History Week. Six years after the proclamation, Congress declared March of each year as Women's History Month; and Whereas: The national theme for Women's History Month 2025 is "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations" as announced by the National Women's History Alliance, which spearheaded the movement for March being declared National Women's History Month. Women's stories, and the larger human story, expand our understanding and strengthen our connections with each other; NOW Therefore: I, Derek Norton, Mayor of the City of Smyrna, Georgia, do hereby recognize the month of March as Women's History Month to honor women everywhere for their outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions to society. Councilmember Hines announced that there will be a Women's History Month afternoon tea at the Reed House on March 23. There will be an historical recognition of a woman who has made an impact to the City of Smyrna who has passed away, and another recognition for a woman who has impacted the City of Smyrna who is living. There are five candidates for those who have passed: Page 2 of 9 March 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers • Lily Wood — Jaycees in 1969, President of the Griffin Middle School PTA • Leila Denmark — Oldest Practicing pediatrician when she retired, one of the first women pediatricians in Atlanta • Diahn McCurdy — Started the Diahn answering service in the early 1960's • Mattie Lou Clowers — African American school teacher in Cobb County, Spelman College graduate • Louise Lindley Harper — Part of the efforts during WWII as a member of the Rosie the Riveter group B. 2026-106 Campbell High School Educational Foundation Update from Dr. Parin Chheda, Foundation President Citywide Dr. Parin Chheda Campbell High School and Educational Foundation History — The Campbell High School (CHS) Educational Foundation provides supplemental funds to invest in educational programs and ensure student academic achievements at CHS. They are committed to providing opportunities that bring the school and community together to invest in the education of the largest student body in Cobb County. Their goal is for every student to find their way forward successfully, whether that includes college or a trade. The real world is unforgiving and our students deserve to face it with the education to succeed, whichever path they choose. They raise funds through the Jonquil Jog and the Annual Golf Tournament. One quarter of the funds raised goes to the endowment. Dr. Chheda's personal biography — Spartan class of 2003, Valedictorian, AJC Cobb County Scholar Athlete of the Year. Earned BS in Neurobiological Sciences as well as his medical degree from University of Florida. He completed his family medicine residency at the University of California San Diego and his fellowship in palliative and hospice care at the VA in West Los Angeles. He currently works at Kennestone Hospital and teaches medical students, etc. at several local hospitals. He is married with three boys (ages 7, 4, & 2). He feels so strongly about giving back to CHS because the lessons learned 20 years ago are still used today. His Neuroscience background enables him to see things through a lens of how students learn. He wants students to learn and leave high school with all the advantages available to them. He wants students to be able to come twice a year to update the Mayor and Council. He thanked all who have participated. Alumni weekend is this October. Campbell AP Scholars Program — provides opportunity for high performing students. April 21 is the Annual Golf Tournament, and May 3 is the Jonquil Jog. 7. Community Development Items $, Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing A. LIC2026-018 Privilege License New Request — Package (Beer) — 2445 Cobb Pkwy SE, Smyrna, GA 30080 - Cousins Brothers BBQ DBA C&B BBQ with LaDawn Bernadette Moran as agent. Ward 1 Councilmember - Glenn Pickens Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background: Page 3 of 9 March 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers Application was made for privilege license — New Request for Cousins Brothers BBQ DBA C&B BBQ for the sale of beer (Package). LaDawn Bernadette Moran is the agent applicant. LaDawn Bernadette Moran will be the registered agent responsible for the sale of alcohol at 2445 Cobb Pkwy SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. The applicant has been given a copy of the Alcoholic Beverage ordinances and attended the mandatory alcohol awareness workshop. A background investigation conducted by the Smyrna Police Department failed to reveal information that would preclude issuance of this license. LaDawn Bernadette Moran has agreed to abide by the guidelines set forth by the City of Smyrna ordinance governing the sale of alcohol. LaDawn Moran — applicant, came forward and stated that she and her son are the owners of the restaurant. She stated that she has taken all of the required courses. She invited all to enjoy some barbecue soon. ; Councilmember Glenn Pickens made a motion to approve item LIC2025-018; seconded by Councilmember Latonia P. Hines. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Recuse: 0 — None 9. Formal Business A. ATH2O25-034 Authorization to amend the FY 2025 Adopted Budgets for the General Fund and the General Fund Capital Improvements Fund (CIP) to increase the adopted General Fund Budget to increase Transfers Out to CIP in the amount of $342,000.00 and to amend the General Fund CIP adopted budget to create a new project for Computer Upgrades and establish the budget for this project in the amount of $342,000.00. Citywide Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background: Windows 10 is end of life effective October 2025. The City has 83 laptops, 36 desktops, 76 PD Tough book/Rugged Laptops, 7 other specialty computers that are due for replacement due to the Windows 10 EOL that must be upgraded before the October deadline. IT requested funding for these replacements during the CIP process for the FY 2026 budget. Administration and Finance recommended committing funding from the FY 2025 budget to have adequate time to get the computers ordered and replaced ahead of the deadline. In a previous budget amendment, we amended and increased the FY 2025 revenue budget for unbudgeted HB 489 revenue that will offset this expenditure increase. Page 4 of 9 March 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2O25-034; seconded by Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Recuse: 0 — None B. POL2025-001 Approval of the Parks and Recreation Department Financial Sustainability and Cost Recovery Policy and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents. Citywide Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background: Smyrna Parks and Recreation's Cost Recovery Policy intends to create organizational resilience by way of logical, intentional, and thoughtful guidelines for investment and spending decisions. The strategy encourages tax investment and revenue generation strategies and practices that are fair, equitable, and responsible. This policy is necessary to ensure the department's financial stability in both the near and long term. Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould made a motion to approve item POL2025- 001; seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Recuse: 0 — None C. ATH2O25-035 Authorization to approve the reclassification of two positions within the Public Works Streets Division from Warehouse Attendant to Warehouse Attendant II. Citywide Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background: This request is based on the Public Works restructuring of the Warehouse Division to reclass current positions to allow for future progression as well as removing the supervisory position that was deemed unnecessary for the efficient and effective operations of the warehouse division. There will be an increase in salaries of $5,424.00 in total, however there will be no budget impact due to the removal of the supervisory position that was previously over warehouse staff. Page 5 of 9 March 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers This request is based on the recommendation of Public Works and Human Resources. Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to approve item ATH2025-035; seconded by Councilmember Travis Lindley. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Recuse: 0 — None D. RES2025-007 Authorization for the approval of Resolution 2025-007 for the continuation of a moratorium for ninety (90) consecutive days beginning on March 10, 2025 for the accepting or processing applications seeking the issuance of a sign permit for free standing signs and authorize the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tern to sign and execute all related documents. Citywide Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background: A legal challenge was made regarding the legality of certain provisions of the Sign Ordinance for the City of Smyrna, at Chapter 82 of the Smyrna Code of Ordinances; and the City Council concluded that on July 15, 2024, it was necessary and desirable to adopt a moratorium for sixty (60) days on accepting or processing applications seeking the issuance of a sign permit for free standing signs while a legal review of the Sign Ordinance is conducted, and Resolution 2024-09 was adopted by the Mayor and City Council. Additionally, Resolution 2024-011 (adopted August 26, 2024) extended the moratorium an additional sixty (60) days beginning September 12, 2024. And Resolution 2024-012 (adopted November 4, 2024) extended the moratorium an additional sixty (60) days beginning November 11, 2024. And Resolution 2025-005 (adopted January 6, 2025) extended the moratorium and additional sixty (60) days beginning January 10, 2025. Legal review has not concluded, therefore, it is necessary to extend the Moratorium an additional ninety (90) days with Resolution 2025-007 to begin March 10, 2025. Councilmember Susan Wilkinson made a motion to approve item RES2025-007; seconded by Councilmember Travis Lindley. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Recuse: 0 — None Page 6 of 9 March 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers E. AGR2025-011 Approval of the agreement with Croy Engineering (200 Cobb Parkway North, Building 400, Suite 413, Marietta, Ga 30062) for Construction Administration Assistance Services for River Line Park Splash Pad in the amount of $131,900.00 to be paid from 2022 SPLOST, authorize a budget amendment for the Splash Pad line item 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: The Parks and Recreation Department requested a proposal from Croy Engineering to provide Construction Administration services for the construction of the Splash Pad at River Line Park. That proposal for $131,900.00 has been reviewed by both the Parks and Recreation Department and City Administration. Furthermore, it is the recommendation of both to approve said proposal and authorize Mayor to sign all related documents. Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to approve item AGR2025-011; seconded by Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Recuse: 0 — None F. ATH2O25-042 Authorization for a one-year renewal of the City's Commercial Sanitation service contract with Waste Management for the period of March 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026 and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents. Citywide Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background: The City went through the RFP process in 2022 to get bids on providing Commercial Sanitation service to the City. Prior to that process, the City had partnered with Advanced Disposal (now Waste Management) beginning in March 2010. The result of the process in 2022 was that the City would continue the partnership with Waste Management under a new contract through February 28, 2025. As a part of that agreement, the partnership could be renewed with mutual consent of both parties. Staff is recommending staying with Waste Management as our provider for the period between March 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026 with plans to go through the RFP process again to ensure we are meeting the needs of the City and the needs of our commercial businesses. Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2O25-042; seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Page 7 of 9 March 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Recuse: 0 — None 10. Consent Agenda Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented; seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Recuse: 0 — None A. MIN2025-038 Approval of the February 13, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. B. MIN2025-039 Approval of the February 17, 2025 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. C. MIN2025-040 Approval of the February 17, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes This item was approved on the Consent Agenda, D. ATH2O25-040 Authorization to approve an extension of the approved road closure (January 6, 2025 Mayor and Council meeting) at 560 Powder Springs Street for the duration from January 7, 2025 — March14, 2025 due to failed storm drainpipe that needs replacement. Ward 5 Councilmember - Susan Wilkinson This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. E. 2025-122 Approval for the use of Council Chambers for the Enclave at Old Concord annual HOA meeting, Sunday, March 16, 2025, 4:00pm - 6:00pm Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. III. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Page 8 of 9 March 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers 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 11. Public Comment 12. Ward and Staff Reports Mayor Derek Norton — Congratulations were extended to the Black History Month Celebration committee. It was an excellent program with a wonderful dinner. When he drove to the dinner, the downtown greenspace was packed. He would like the Council to consider beginning on Fridays through Sunday afternoon closing the areas with bollards close to the greenspace to improve safety. Councilmember Glenn Pickens — He thanked the Black History Month committee for a great evening Friday night. It was something to be proud of. Councilmember Latonia P. Hines — Thanked committee members including Councilmember Oglesby and former Councilmember Wheaton. It was great to see people of all different backgrounds in attendance. She is thankful for the support of the Mayor and Council. She is excited for Women's History month event on May 23. She extended kudos to the Smyrna Library, Parks & Recreation, and museum — appreciates so much what they provide in the City. The intangible value to having young people attend events is invaluable. Councilmember Travis Lindley — The Black History Month celebration Friday evening was phenomenal. He expressed congratulations to Councilmember Hines and her team. There are many great events coming soon. Councilmember Susan Wilkinson — Thanked Councilmember Hines and Councilmember Oglesby for Black History Month celebration. For Women's History Month, she wanted to recognize former Councilmember Maryline Blackburn for getting the city to sponsor a Black History Month event during her time on the council. Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould — Stated what a wonderful job the committee for the Black History Month celebration. H announced a roundtable for the Smyrna Education Foundation for area schools. There is also early voting for District 2 race. Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. — He mentioned that early voting for the special election for District 4 is also going on. He announced a Save the Date for the Juneteenth Festival which will be the first annual festival during the evening hours on Juneteenth. 13. Adjournment Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the March 3, 2025 Mayor and Council meeting at 7:37 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.smyrnaga.gov City Hall, 2800 King Street SE, Notice Boards Page 9 of 9 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING G' DEREK NORTON, MAYOR LA NIA P. HINES, WARD 2 , kttj�j--� CHARLES A.WELCH, WARD 4 TIM GOULD, WARD 6 MAYOR PRO TEM 4HEAEik-K. PEACON-CORN CITY CLERK GLENN PICKENS, WARD TRAVIS 2LLEY, WARD 3 SL SAN WILKINSON, WXRD 5 jl�! 11 PC POOP CITY SEAL Resolution 2025-007 Sign Permit Moratorium Extension Mayor and Council March 3, 2025 RESOLUTION 2025-007 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA ("CITY") ADOPTING AN ADDITIONAL CONSECUTIVE MORATORIUM FOR 90 DAYS ON ACCEPTING OR PROCESSING APPLICATIONS SEEKING THE ISSUANCE OF A SIGN PERMIT FOR FREE STANDING SIGNS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, a legal challenge was made regarding the legality of certain provisions of the Sign Ordinance for the City of Smyrna, at Chapter 82 of the Smyrna Code of Ordinances; and WHEREAS, the City Council previously adopted resolutions concluding that it was necessary and desirable to adopt a moratorium on accepting or processing applications seeking the issuance of a sign permit for free standing signs while a legal review of the Sign Ordinance is conducted; and WHEREAS, the legal review remains ongoing with outside legal counsel. THEREFORE, IT IS NOW RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA, GEORGIA AS FOLLOWS: 1. An extension of the moratorium is hereby issued prohibiting the City from accepting or processing applications seeking the issuance of a sign permit for free standing signs. The moratorium will extend for an additional consecutive ninety (90) days beginning March 10, 2025, during which time the city will continue conducting the legal review of the City's Sign Ordinance. 2. This resolution imposes a temporary moratorium and not a final legislative action. Resolution 2025-007 Sign Permit Moratorium Extension Mayor and Council March 3, 2025 This Resolution was adopted by the Governing Authority of the City of Smyrna, Georgia on the 3rd day of March 2025. CITY SEAL: Derek Norton, Mayor ATTEST: 2 By: Heather K. Peacon-Corn, City Clerk App owed as to Form: Scott Cochran, City Attorney L