HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-05 May 5, 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
May 05, 2025
7:00 PM
I. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
1. Roll Call
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 Clerk Heather K. Peacon-Corn
Present:
6 —
Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould, Councilmember Glenn Pickens,
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines, Councilmember Travis Lindley,
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson, Councilmember Rickey N.
Oglesby, Jr.
Also Present:
1 —
Scott Cochran
Absent:
2—
Mayor Derek Norton, Councilmember Charles Welch
Staff:
4—
Richard Garland, Jill Head, H. Houze, Heather Peacon-Corn
2. Call to Order
3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
A. Pastor Phil Manginelli, The Square (981 Powder Springs Street)
4. Agenda Changes
5. Mayoral Report
Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould mentioned all of the activities in Smyrna from the Jonquil Jog,
Little League Baseball playoffs, soccer tournament, flag football, Garden Tour, just to
name a few. It was a wonderful weekend of community activities.
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
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May 05, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
6. Proclamations and Presentations
A. PRC2025-018 Proclamation in Recognition of Memorial Day Poppy Distribution
Citywide
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson read and presented the following proclamation:
A PROCLAMATION
BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA
In Recognition of Memorial Day Poppy Distribution May 2025
WHEREAS: America is the land of freedom, preserved and protected willingly and
freely by citizen soldiers; and
WHEREAS: millions who have answered the call to arms have died on the field of
battle; and
WHEREAS: A nation at peace must be reminded of the price of war and the debt
owed to those who have died in war; and
WHEREAS: the red poppy has been designated as a symbol of sacrifice of lives in all
wars; and
WHEREAS: the American Legion Auxiliary has pledged to remind America annually of
this debt through the distribution of the memorial flower,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Derek Norton, Mayor of the City of Smyrna, Georgia, do
hereby proclaim during the month of May in 2025, the 10th, 17th, 23rd, and 26th as
MEMORIAL DAY POPPY DISTRIBUTION DAYS and ask that all citizens pay
tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom by
wearing the Memorial Poppy.
Lisa Oakes, June Burgess, and Judy Martin from representatives from the American
Legion Auxiliary Post 160 received the proclamation. Ms. Oakes stated that through
donations, they have been able to provide the following for the year 2024:
• Christmas lunch and gifts to veterans at the Georgia War Veterans Home in
Milledgeville
• Christmas toys for 255 children from active -duty military families
• Back -to -school supplies for Dobbins Air Force Base families
B. PRC2026-019 Proclamation in Recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month
Ward 2 Councilmember - Latonia P. Hines
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines read and presented the following background:
A PROCLAMATION
By the Mayor of the City of Smyrna
In Recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month 2025
Whereas, May was first recognized in 1949 as Mental Health Awareness Month to
educate, raise awareness, and recognize the importance of mental and behavioral
health; and
Whereas, mental and behavioral health includes our emotional, psychological, and
social well-being; it affects how we think, feel, and act; it also affects how we handle
stress, relate to others, and make choices; and
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May 05, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Whereas, according to the CDC, one in five Americans will experience a mental illness
in a given year. Millions of people will also be affected by mental illness each year,
carrying physical, social, and financial impacts; and
Whereas, every person shares the burden of mental and behavioral health problems
and has a responsibility to promote mental wellness and support prevention
efforts; and
Whereas, the need for comprehensive, coordinated mental and behavioral health
service is a critical responsibility and is fundamental to the future of our community;
and
Whereas, Congress passed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020
which established 988 as a crisis number where a person in mental health crisis can
speak -with a trained counselor for immediate assistance. In 2022, 988 became
available in Georgia; and
Whereas, every resident and community can make a difference in helping end the
silence and stigma that for too long has surrounded mental illness and discouraged
people from getting help; NOW
Therefore: I, Derek Norton, Mayor of the City of Smyrna, Georgia, do hereby proclaim
May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Smyrna. As the Mayor, I
call upon our citizens, government agencies, public and private instih1tions,
businesses, law enforcement, and schools to recommit increasing awareness and
understanding of mental and behavioral health, steps our residents can, take to
protect their mental health, foster resilience, and the need for appropriate and
accessible services for all people with mental and behavioral health conditions.
7. Community Development Items
8. Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing
9. Formal Business
A. ATH2025-075 Authorization and certification of the Estimated Rollback Rate to
establish 8.99 mills as the millage rate to be provided to the Cobb County Tax
Assessors Office and the Cobb County Tax Commissioners Office for the 2025
assessment notices.
Citywide
Richard Garland, Community Services Administrator, provided the following
background:
HB 581, also known as the "Save Our Homes Act" in Georgia, was approved and
signed into law during the 2024 Regular Session and is a bill that aimed to provide
property tax relief to homeowners by implementing a statewide homestead exemption.
The City opted out of new homestead because the City's current floating homestead
exemption was more advantageous to the taxpayer. All required hearings were held
and the opt out was filed by the deadline. A provision of this bill was that the local
governments had to provide an estimated rollback rate to the County Tax
Commissioner by March 31 to be placed on tax assessment notices. Finance and
Administration, in consultation with legal, provided the anticipated millage rate of 8.99
mills to the County to be included on assessment notices.
During the 2025 Regular Session, HB 92 made several modifications to the previously
HB 581 to clarify several key areas. One of those was to require a formal vote by the
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May 05, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
governing authority to certify the Estimated Rollback Rate for the tax assessment
notices. This item will provide the formal certification as required.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2O25-075;
seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Welch
B. ATH2O25-077 Authorization to approve change order / additional work for the Parkway
Drive box culvert replacement project to KM Davis Contacting Company, Inc. (3259
Austell Road, Marietta, GA 30008) in an amount not to exceed $111,730.00 to be paid
from the 2025 Stormwater fund and to bring the total project cost to a not to exceed
amount of $496,570.00 and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all documents.
Ward 5 Councilmember- Susan Wilkinson
Richard Garland, Community Services Administrator, provided the following
background:
This request is based off an already approved stormwater project by mayor and
council that was approved on 8.26.24. In an amount not to exceed $384,840.00.
However, due to unforeseen utility issues with Atlanta Gas Light we were required to
meet certain depth / coverage requirements by them which required the city to expand
our scope slightly to achieve those requirements. In return caused need for a change
order in an amount not to exceed $111,730.00 to be funded from 2025 stormwater.
Public Works recommends approval of a change order / additional work for the
Parkway Drive box culvert replacement project to KM Davis Contacting Company,
Inc. (3259 Austell Road, Marietta, GA 30008) in an amount not to exceed $111,730.00
to be paid from the 2025 Stormwater fund and to bring the total project cost to a not to
exceed amount of $496,570.00 and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all
documents.
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson made a motion to approve item ATH2O25-077;
seconded by Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Welch
C. ATH2O26-079 Authorization requesting a Parks and Recreation job re-classification
from part time -receptionist to part-time Social Media / Public Relations Specialist and
authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Citywide
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May 05, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Richard Garland, Community Services Administrator, provided the following
background:
The department has a need for dedicated staff to provide promotions and social
media. We have used this receptionist position for this need previously and as it is
currently open, we would like to reclassify.
Parks and Recreation and HR recommend authorization requesting a Parks and
Recreation job re-classification from part time -receptionist to part-time Social Media /
Public Relations Specialist and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related
documents.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. made a motion to approve item ATH2O25-079;
seconded by Councilmember Travis Lindley.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley. Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — None
10. Consent Agenda
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented; seconded by Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Welch
A. MIN2025-086 Approval of the April 17, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
B. MIN2025-088 Approval of the April 21, 2025 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
C. MIN2025-090 Approval of the April 21, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
D. ATH2O25-081 Authorization to approve road closure for Still Fire Brewery Powder
Springs Street at King Street for the period of 05/19/2025 to 05/23/2025 for the
installation of a new 8-inch sanitary sewer service for the brewery site.
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
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May 05, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
E. ATH2O25-083 Authorization for the approval for the 2025 Smyrna Market road
closures as follows: King Street from Stephens to Bank St.; W. Spring St. from the
traffic circle to King Street; and Bank Street from King Street to Village Walk every
Sunday beginning Sunday, May 10, 2025 through Sunday October 19, 2025 for the
hours of 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
F. ATH2O25-085 Authorization to allow overnight paving construction activities for the
Windy Hill Boulevard project starting at 8:00 PM May 8, 2025, continuing each night
as weather permits for five to six days, then recommencing several weeks later for an
additional six to eight days to construct the surface asphalt course in the through and
local access lanes respectively.
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
11. Public Comment
The following individuals spoke during the Public Comments portion of the Mayor and Council
meeting:
• Latarsha Traylor -Pearson, 1001 Afton Way
• Dominick Dechristofaro, 2501 Oakbourne Lane
• Diana Blaylock, 2519 Oakborne Lane
• Jennifer Kornahrens, 5240 Afton Way
• Veda Sammy, 1002 Afton Way
• Jasmin Bush, 1015 Afton Way
• Vinay Dharavath, 2732 Bell Drive
They spoke about the recent shooting that occurred during the early morning hours on
Sunday, May 4, 2025. They expressed their fears and safety concerns. Though no one was
hurt, there were bullet holes in some houses and vehicles. Some reported that 911 was rude,
dismissive, and would abruptly end calls. Some said 911 did not answer right away. They said
they were concerned about the response time with some stating it took around 20 minutes for
any police to be on scene. One individual spoke about traffic issues and speeding through the
neighborhood noting that is another safety concern. Many asked that there be more police
presence in the area. Another stated she believed this was a targeted attack.
Lt. Hanson of the Smyrna Police Department explained that there were four individuals, three
of whom were in custody. They are still looking for the fourth shooter. He asked that residents
send anything that might help the investigators whether that be personal video footage,
property damage inventory, eye witness statements, and any other noteworthy details that
would help with the investigation. He noted that Major Defense will be the best contact for any
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May 05, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
information gathering. He told the residents that troops have been told that they are to patrol
the area much more frequently. He also explained that because this is an ongoing
investigation, not a lot can be divulged.
Several council members expressed sincere apologies to the community. They said 911,
response times, etc. will all be looked into. They each mentioned that public safety is a priority
and taken very seriously by this council and Smyrna's public safety units. Councilmember
Pickens stated that he has already spoken to Police Chief Zgonc, and they have agreed that a
town hall for those communities affected will be put together very soon.
12. Ward and Staff Reports
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby — stated he is happy no one was hurt during the shooting
in ward 1. He thanked those who came to speak for their bravery. He announced the first
Juneteenth celebration that will be held of June 19, 2025 beginning at 5:00 PM. It will be a free
event with music and entertainment. There are sponsorship opportunities, so please reach out
to Jodi Mills.
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson — Thanked those member of ward 1 for attending the
meeting to express their concerns.
Councilmember Travis Lindley — Echoed the words of his colleagues. He stated council will
work with the police department and 911 to determine what happened.
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines — Gave her email address to the ward 1 constituents should
they need assistance determining who to contact regarding the shooting in ward 1. She stated
that the Pop-up Legal Clinic this past weekend was a huge success, along with the Garden
Tour and all other activities.
Councilmember Glenn Pickens — Thanked residents impacted by the shooting here tonight. He
will work with the police department to get a town hall on the calendar as soon as possible.
Richard Garland, Community Services Administrator — Stated the Smyrna Market started this
past weekend. He encouraged all to participate on Sundays, and he commended the city on
their great programming.
Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould — Stated the number one mission is safety. They will do a deep dig
to find out what happened and address any shortcomings.
13. Adjournment
Mayor Pro Tem Tim Gould adjourned the May 5, 2025 Mayor and Council meeting at 8:05 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
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MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
Z
DEREK NORTON, MAYOR
LATOKIA P. HINES, R 2
CHARLES A.WELCH, WARD 4
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7
TIM GOULD, WARD 6
MAYOR PRO TEM
r
CITY CLERK
TRAVIS LINDLEY, WARd 3
SUSAN WILKINSON, WARD 5
CITY SEAL