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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-17 March 17, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes - SIGNED - LFCity Council Meeting Action Summary - Final MAYOR AND COUNCIL A. Max Bacon City Hall Councii Chambers 2800 King Street Smyrna. GA 30080 I. CEREMONIAL MATTERS 1. Roll Call Present: Absent: Also Present: Staff: 2. Call to Order 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 March 17, 2025 7:00 PM 7 — Mayor Derek Norton, Councilmember Glenn Pickens, Councilmember Latonia P. Hines, Councilmember Travis Lindley, Councilmember Charles Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould, Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. 1 —Councilmember Susan Wilkinson 1 —Jeffrey Tucker 3 —Joe Bennett, Heather Peacon-Corn, Enoch Serna Mayor Derek Norton called to order the March 17, 2025 Mayor and Council meeting held at A. Max Bacon City Hall in Council Chambers at 7:01 PM. 3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance A. Rev. Kathryn Davis, Smyrna First United Methodist Church (1315 Concord Rd) 4. Agenda Changes A. 2026-164 Add item to consent agenda for road closures from King Street / Bank Street to Powder Springs Street / King Street 5. Mayoral Report A. Recognition of Campbell High Football for Most College Signings in Cobb County (2025) Citywide Page 1 of 11 March 17, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers Mayor Norton mentioned the Smyrna little League parades this past weekend. There were 2,000 people who watched and participated. From the Market Village through the greenspace was a great celebration for St. Patrick's Day. He also announced the Jonquil Jog that will be held on May 3 which benefits Support Smyrna and the Campbell High School Education Foundation. More information to come. Mayor Derek Norton recognized Campbell High School Football for having the most players (13) among all Cobb County schools in 2025 sign and continue to play in college: • WR Jordan Bailey, Heidelberg • RB Rachid Bassinga, Hanover • DB Peyton Butler, Tennessee Tech • LB Aiden Jenkins Burns, Ohio Northern • LB Emilio Cervantes, Maryville • RB Brayden Hayden, GA Warhawks Prep • DL Dominique Lawson, Ottawa Kansas • LB Elijah Leonard, Hanover • LB Chase Pinkney, William Woods • TE Adrian Smith, Hanover • DE Kamron Neal, University of Cincinnati • OT ZaMario Woodgett, Kennesaw State University • CB Sabien Thigpen, Washburn University Coach Jeff Phillips spoke of his pride for these young men. It is an honor to matriculate through all of the Smyrna schools and attend the only high school in Smyrna and represent the area. He thanked the Mayor and Council for their support to make the school the best place in Cobb County and the state of Georgia. Their goal is to have even more college signings next year. 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 6. Proclamations and Presentations A. PRST2025-005 Smyrna Fire Department Strategic Plan Public Presentation — Fire Chief Brian Marcos Fire Chief Brian Marcos presented the Smyrna Fire Department Strategic Plan: Goals and Objectives: 2025-2030 Major Goals Armed with clear purpose, vision, values, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges, the Smyrna Fire Department has concentrated on developing realistic strategic goals and objectives. This well -thought-out plan aims to confidently guide the department into the future. Promote Firefighter Health and Wellness: Prioritizing health and wellness initiatives will enhance firefighter well-being, reducing injuries, illnesses, and stress. Page 2 of 11 March 17, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers 2. Enhance Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Efforts: Safeguarding our community by implementing comprehensive CRR programs will assist in identifying and prioritizing local risks, then investing resources to reduce risk impact on our community. 3. Prioritize Personnel Development: Seeking new opportunities to learn and grow in the hallmark of a successful organization. Professional development will help us expand skill sets and free up time, money, and manpower to reinvest into our top priorities. 4. Ensure Adequate Staffing Levels to Optimize Response Times and Service Delivery: Maintain an to workforce to meet service demands, minimize response times, and enhance the delivery of services to the community. 5. Ensure Financial Sustainability: Manage the fire department's budget effectively to ensure long-term financial stability and the ability to meet operational needs. 6. Enhance Emergency Preparedness: Develop and implement comprehensive emergency response plans to effectively respond to large-scale incidents and natural disasters. 7. Strengthen Employee Engagement and Community Parternships: Foster a positive work environment and build strong relationships with community members to improve morale, teamwork, and community support for the fire department. 8. Achieve Agency Accreditation: Obtain official recognition from a recognized accrediting body for meeting specific standards of excellence in fire department operations, administration, and safety. 9. Enhance Operations Effectiveness: Improve the efficiency and efficacy of fire department operations, including response times, incident management, and overall service delivery. 10. Maintain and Fleet of Reliable, Modern Fire Apparatus to Meet the Needs of the Community: Keep fire trucks and other equipment in optimal condition and regularly replace or upgrade them to meet the evolving needs of the community. 11. Maintain and Upgrade Facilities and Equipment to Meet Current and Future Operational Needs: Ensure that fire station and other facilities are well - maintained and modernized to support current operations and accommodate future and technological advancements. Chief Marcos stated that this is a huge milestone because they are pursuing agency accreditation. With the finalization of their self -assessment, their Community Risk Assessment (CRA), and this strategic plan, they are now a candidate for agency accreditation. Only 13% of fire departments across the country reach this gold standard. If people would like to learn more about the plan, they can visit smyrnacityfire.com. 7. Community Development Items A. Z25-002 Public Hearing - Zoning Request - Z25-002 - Allow rezoning from R- 15 to MU -Conditional for use as a church, single-family home, and artist studios - 1.86 acres - Land Lot 559 - 1464 Spring Street - Robert Harrison Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley Joey Staubes, Planner II, presented the following background: Page 3 of 11 March 17, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers Proposed Use: The applicant is requesting a rezoning from R-15 to MU -Conditional. The rezoning requires a future land use change from MOOR (Moderate Density Residential) to MU (Mixed Use). Staff Recommendation: Approval of the rezoning from R-15 to MU -Conditional (Mixed Use). Planning Board Recommendation: Approve by a vote of 6- 0 at the February 10, 2025 meeting. The subject property at 1464 Spring Street is zoned R-15 and is occupied by a single- family home and church with accessory buildings. Robert Harrison is requesting a rezoning from R-15 to MU -Conditional (Mixed Use) to maintain the existing residential and church uses, and also to allow artist studios in the accessory buildings. If approved, the only permitted use of the property will be to allow a church, single-family home, and artist studios; all other permitted uses in the MU zoning district will be prohibited. Community Development has reviewed the zoning proposal from R-15 to MU - Conditional against the city's 2040 Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Plan. The zoning proposal will require modification of the Future Land Use Plan from MOOR (Moderate Density Residential) to MU (Mixed Use) to be consistent with the MU Zoning District. Community Development has reviewed the proposed rezoning against the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and believes the MU -Conditional zoning district is an appropriate zoning category consistent with adjacent properties. Community Development staff is supportive of the change in zoning from R-15 to MU -Conditional. Community Development recommends approval of the rezoning from R-15 to MU - Conditional at 1464 Spring Street with the following conditions: 1. Approval of the subject property for the MU -Conditional zoning district shall be conditioned to permit the following uses in Sec. 720.2: • Dwelling, detached, attached, multifamily, townhouse, and condominiums. • Institutional uses such as churches, synagogues, and Sunday school buildings, community recreation centers, libraries, museums, theaters, art galleries, police and fire stations, public and private elementary and high schools. • Studios for artists; designers; photographers; musicians; sculptors; gymnasts; potters; wood and leather craftsmen; glass blowers; weavers; silversmiths; and designers of ornamental and precious jewelry. Sales of items produced on the premises shall be permitted twice a year. • Colleges; universities, commercial schools; schools providing adult training in any of the arts, sciences, trade and professions; and dormitories for students or staff for hospitals shall be permitted on an intermittent basis. 2. The following uses in Sec. 720.2 shall not be permitted on the subject parcel: • Day care centers, nursing homes, rest homes and homes for the aged. • Noncommercial public recreation parks and playgrounds. • YMCA's, buildings for social fraternal, social service, union and civic organizations, and comparable organizations. • Retail sales; apparel, department, furniture stores and stores for home furnishings and office supplies; automobiles and boats if wholly within a building; garden supply stores; secondhand goods; food stores, drugstores, camera equipment, book stores, jewelry, and souvenir shops; florists, card and stationery stores. Professional business and general offices such as banks; Page 4 of 11 March 17, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers clinics; medical, dental and doctors' offices; government and public utility office buildings; post offices; opticians' offices; and similar uses. • Hotels, motels, room renting, and tourist houses. • Services such as beauty shops, barbershops, laundries and dry cleaning establishments (pick-up and drop-off only). • Coffee shops with or without drive-thrus. • Restaurants, including open-air cafes but excluding those with a drivethru. Drive-thru facilities and associated uses are prohibited. • Off-street parking as a principal use providing for public parking, private parking, or parking in conjunction with other permitted uses. • Utility and related facilities such as distribution lines; railroad rights -of -way; and telephone repeater stations. • Temporary buildings and storage of materials in conjunction with construction of a building on a lot where construction is taking place or on adjacent lots, such temporary uses to be terminated upon the completion of construction. • Outside open market on private or public property for the selling of fresh food, not to be consumed on the premises, and plants, or other goods but shall require a special temporary permit issued by the city council. • Banks and pharmacies with or without drive-thru facilities. • Fitness facilities. • Breweries, distilleries, wineries and brewpubs, including accessory tasting rooms • Private dog park. 3. The existing buildings shall be inspected by the Fire Marshal office and brought into compliance with ADA and life safety requirements. 4. The parking lot shall be restriped and brought into compliance with ADA requirements. 5. Approval of the subject property for the MU -Conditional zoning district shall be conditioned upon the development of the property in substantial compliance with the ALTA Survey prepared by McClung Surveying submitted on January 9, 2025, and all zoning stipulations above. Any new buildings, building additions, or substantial site improvements will require approval by Mayor & Council through the zoning amendment process. Councilmember Lindley asked about the deed restriction on the sanctuary building. Mr. Staubes stated that the restriction indicates the sanctuary building has to remain a sanctuary building. Mr. Jeffrey Tucker, Asst. City Attorney, further explained that it is common for deed restrictions to be written in when dealing with religious institutions so that should the property change ownership, the religious gatherings can still continue undisturbed. Robert Harrison, applicant (2889 Alexander St.), came to the podium and spoke about the artist studios and how they will be used. The middle building is currently divided into classroom spaces with eight studio spaces. Mayor Norton asked how many artist lofts will be able to use that space. The second building will be substantially renovated in the future for artist spaces at 12 ft. x 12 ft. The house on the property will also remain a residence. There will also be a neighborhood garden. Councilmember Hines thanked Mr. Harrison for what he does for the arts community. She asked if he has spoken to the neighbors. He stated that he had an informational meeting at the church a few weeks ago. And he has personally talked to the neighbors closest to the property. Page 5 of 11 March 17, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers Mayor Pro Tern Gould thanked Mr. Harrison for reaching out specifically to each council member and for what he has done for the arts community with opening up his home and hosting many events. A public hearing was called. Lem Ward, 1496 Spring St., came forward to speak in support of this project. This project stabilizes the community and keeps developers from over -developing this property. Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item Z25-002; seconded by Councilmember Charles Welch. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Absent: 1 — Councilmember Susan Wilkinson B. Z25-003 Public Hearing - Zoning Request - Z25-003 - Allow rezoning from MU to LI-Conditional - 1.21 acres - Land Lot 492 - 2201 Dixie Avenue - Gordon Brans Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley Joey Staubes, Planner II, presented the following background: Proposed Use: The applicant is requesting a rezoning from MU to LI. The rezoning does not require a future land use change from IMU (Industrial Mixed Use). Staff Recommendation: Approval of the rezoning from MU to LI-Conditional (Light Industrial). Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation: Approve by a vote of 6-0 at the February 10, 2025 meeting. The subject property at 2201 Dixie Avenue was rezoned from LI (Light Industrial) to MU (Mixed Use) in 2019 to allow Marietta Reclamation to allow residential uses on the property. The residential uses on the property have been removed and the applicant is requesting to revert back to the LI zoning district. The applicant is also proposing to construct a new storage building on the property. Community Development recommends approval of the rezoning from MU to LI- Conditional at 2201 Dixie Avenue with the following conditions: 1. A building permit will be required for the 25 x 40 storage building. 2. Right-of-way dedication of 10 feet is required along Davis Road and Dixie Avenue. 3. The structural integrity of the existing structures shall be inspected by the Fire Marshal and Building Official. Any improvements deemed necessary shall be the responsibility of the property owner. 4. Approval of the subject property for the LI-Conditional zoning district shall be conditioned upon the development of the property in substantial compliance Page 6 of 11 March 17, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers with survey prepared by Keystone Land Surveying, Inc. submitted on January 22, 2025. Gordon Brans, applicant, came forward and had no further information to add. 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 Z25-003; seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Absent: 1 — Councilmember Susan Wilkinson 8. Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing 9. Formal Business A. ATH2026-048 Authorization to amend the FY 2025 Adopted Budget to increase the Parks Programs departmental budget for Heritage Celebrations in the amount of $12, 000.00. Ward 7 Councilmember- Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. made a motion to approve item ATH2025-048; seconded by Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Absent: 1 — Councilmember Susan Wilkinson B. ATH2025-050 Authorization to approve the reclassification of the Public Safety Systems Administrator position to System Administrator and transfer the role from the Police Department to the Information Technology Department to establish a team of system administrators within IT to oversee all the City's major software systems. Citywide Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background: The Police Department's Public Safety Systems Administrator position is currently vacant due to a retirement, transferring its responsibilities to the IT Department. This reclassification request seeks to establish a team of system administrators within IT to Page 7 of 11 March 17, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers oversee all of the city's major software systems. This creates a dedicated team will enhance cross -training opportunities and provide additional support for police, fire, and citywide operations. This request will reclassify the Public Safety Systems Administrator (Non -Exempt) to a System Administrator (Exempt) while maintaining the pay grade of GOUT-12. Additionally, it will formally transfer the position from the Police Department to the IT Department. Councilmember Latonia P. Hines made a motion to approve item ATH2O25-050; seconded by Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Absent: 1 — Councilmember Susan Wilkinson C. ATH2O25-051 Authorization for approval of a Professional Engineering Services Proposal from Croy Engineering, Inc. (200 Cobb Parkway North, Building 400, Suite 413, Marietta, Ga, 30062) in the amount of $1,218,395.00 to be paid from 2022 SPLOST for the Tolleson Park Aquatics Center Development and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related items. Ward 3 Councilmember Travis Lindley Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following backgroud: Croy Engineering will provide civil engineering services for full design, construction documents, permitting, lighting, architecture and pool design; All part of the redevelopment of the Aquatics Center at Tolleson Park. Fees are broken down by services/phases including pre -design, design phase, permitting and bid phase, construction phase and sub -consultants services. Parks & Recreation and Finance recommend approval. Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2O25-051; seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Absent: 1 — Councilmember Susan Wilkinson D. ATH2O25-052 Authorization to amend the adopted ARPA project length budget for the Playgrounds: Repairs and Maintenance project to increase the budget in the amount of $7,500.00 to account for a change order to contract previously Page 8 of 11 March 17, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers awarded to Lagniappe Development Company (1190 W. Shadburn Ave Buford, GA 30518). Ward 6 Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tem Tim Gould Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background: The original contract with Lagniappe Development, for work on the budgeted project at Creatwood Park, did not include a set of trees, as they were not originally identified as being on city property. The amendment, in the amount of $7500.00, allows for these trees to be removed, as a necessary part of moving forward with the park project. Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Tim Gould made a motion to approve item ATH2O25- 052; seconded by Councilmember Travis Lindley. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Absent: 1 — Councilmember Susan Wilkinson 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: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Absent: 1 — Councilmember Susan Wilkinson A. MIN2025-046 Approval of the February 27, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. B. MIN2025-047 Approval of the March 3, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes. This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. C. ATH2025-046 Approval for Atkins Park through event coordination by Redbird Events to hold the 23rd Annual Crawfish Boil in the Market Village taking place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM (outdoor music ending at 10:00 PM), and Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (outdoor music ending at 9:00 PM) and for delivery and set up will begin on Friday, May 2, 2025, and all event/festival items will moved off of the roadway by midnight Page 9 of 11 March 17, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers on May 4, 2025, with equipment pickup on Monday, May 5, 2025 with approval to include associated street closures as noted in the attached background. Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. D. ATH2O25-044 Authorization to approve road closure at 1201 Hill Street for the period of 04/07/2025 to 04/11/2025 for the installation of a new decorative speed table. Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. E. 2025-156 Approval to seasonally close King Street between Bank Street and Powder Springs Street effective March 14, 2025 through November 2, 2025 between the hours of 3:OOPM Fridays - 6:OOPM Sundays to allow pedestrian traffic during peak hours of use at the Village Green Space. 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 11. Public Comment 12. Ward and Staff Reports Councilmember Glenn Pickens — Last week he and Councilmembers Hines and Lindley traveled to Washington DC to attend a conference and meet with Georgia elected representatives. They had good meetings discussing obtaining funding for S. Cobb Drive. Councilmember Latonia P. Hines — The National League of Cities was a great conference in Washington DC. She also stated that she is pivoting on plans for Women's History Month, but they will still honor women from the area. Councilmember Travis Lindley — It was a productive time in Washington DC to meet with federal officials. Councilmember Charles Welch — Announced on May 3, the Keep Smyrna Beautiful Garden Tour will take place. He will announce when tickets are available and how to get them. This is a great event, and he encouraged all to attend. Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould — Monday, April 21 the Campbell High School Education Foundation will host their annual golf tournament. Robert Harrison will be hosting in his home the IB art exhibition from Campbell High School that same weekend. Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. — Announced the Smyrna Public Art Committee received 35 entries for the ARTery project for the fire hydrants. They will narrow those down to 15. Page 10 of 11 March 17, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers Mayor Derek Norton — This Saturday from 1-4 at the Community Center is the Kid Market. The City has secured $26M of the approximately $30M needed for the S. Cobb Drive project. He also mentioned that people who would like a synopsis of the town hall meeting, there is a podcast that can be checked out on the city website. 13. Adjournment Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the March 17, 2025 Mayor and Council meeting at 7:46 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 11 of 11 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING ijv� 7� �7 DEREK NORTON, MAYOR I •.�]A P. CHARLES A.WELCH, WARD 4 TIM GOULD, WARD 6 MAYOR PRO TEM HEATHER K. PEACON-CORN CITY CLERK GLENN PICKENS, WARD 2?� - &p� - TRAVIS LINDLEY. WARD 3 ABSENT SUSAN WILKINSON, WARD 5 LOGLESFN- CITY SEAL