HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-21 July 21, 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
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 Mike L. Jones
Deputy City Administrator / CFO Kristin Robinson
City Clerk Heather K. Peacon-Corn
July 21, 2025 / 6:30 PM
Present: 7 — Mayor Derek Norton, Councilmember Latonia P. Hines,
Councilmember Travis Lindley, Councilmember Charles Welch,
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Tim Gould, Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Glenn Pickens
Also Present: 1 — Scott Cochran
Staff: 6 — Olivia Anderson, Jennifer Bennett, Jill Head, Russell Martin, Heather
Peacon-Corn, Kristin Robinson
2. Call to Order
Mayor Derek Norton called to order the July 21, 2025 Mayor and Council Meting held at A.
Max Bacon City Hall in Council Chambers at 6:33 PM.
3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
A. Pastor Christian Salzillo, Life Church Assembly of God (4100 King Springs Rd)
4. Agenda Changes
S. Mayoral Report
A. Introduction of Honorary "Mayor for the Day", George Mixon, upcoming 3rd grade
student at Nickajack Elementary School
Citywide
George Mixon was the winner of the "Mayor for the Day Experience" offered at
Nickajack Elementary's annual fundraising gala. George is with his parents, Matt and
Adrienne, and grandmother, Lynn. George is going into the 3rd grade at Nickajack,
Page 1 of 10
July 21, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:30 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
and in addition to participating in the city council meeting, George and his parents also
enjoyed:
• Tour of the Mayor's office & City Hall
• Lunch with the Mayor in the Smyrna Market Village
• Tours of the Smyrna Police Dept and Smyrna Fire Dept.
• George will be presented with a "Mayor for the Day' certificate to
commemorate his special day.
Mayor Norton also mentioned the MLB All -Star game festivities and what those meant
for the city. The Budweiser Clydesdale Horses event was highly successful with so
many people in attendance, and 680 The Fan had a Comhole Tournament in
downtown also.
6. Proclamations and Presentations
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
Community Development Items
A. Z25-006 Public Hearing - Zoning Request - Z25-006 - Allow rezoning from R-20 to R-8
Conditional for the development of three single family homes at a density of 4.28 units
per acre - 0.70 acres - Land Lot 664 - 2583 Davenport Street - Signature Homes of
Georgia
Ward 2 Councilmember - Latonia P. Hines
Russell Martin, Community Development Director, provided the following background:
The applicant is requesting a rezoning from R-20 to R-8- Conditional for the
development of three (3) single-family detached units at a density of 4.28 units per
acre. A land use change from High Density Residential is not required for this
rezoning.
Staff Recommendation: Approval of the rezoning from R-20 to R-8 Conditional for
(3) three new single-family detached units.
Planning Board Recommendation: Approval by a vote of 7-0 at the June 9, 2025
meeting.
Community Development has reviewed the proposed development against the zoning
standards of the recent nearby rezonings and found the proposed development to
be compatible with the surrounding area. The subdivision and construction of three
new single-family homes result in a density of 4.28 units per acre on the subject
property. The lot width and lot size are compatible with the other in -fill developments in
the surrounding area. The applicant is requesting a rezoning from R-20 to R-8-
Conditional and the proposed zoning is in compliance with the Future Land Use Plan.
Community Development considers the proposed density of 4.28 units per acre to be
below the 10 unit per acre threshold of High Density Residential land use.
Staff is supportive of the rezoning for the proposed development and the requested
variance.
Page 2 of 10
July 21, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:30 PM Mayor and Council Misting Council Chambers
Community Development recommends approval of the rezoning from R-20 to R-8-
Conditional for the development of three single-family units at a density of 4.28 units
per acre with the following conditions:
Standard Conditions
Requirements # 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 17 from Section 1201 of the Zoning
Code are not applicable. The following requirements remain applicable
1. The composition of the homes in a residential subdivision shall include a mixture of
elements including; but not limited to: brick, stone, shake, hardy plank and stucco. No
elevation shall be comprised of 100% hardy plank siding. The residences whose lots
abut external roadways shall not be permitted to utilize hardy plank for any elevation
facing these roads.
2. All utilities within the development shall be underground.
3. The developer shall be responsible for any traffic improvements (including
additional right-of-way dedications) deemed necessary by either the City or the County
during construction plan review. Sidewalks shall be provided by the developer inside
the subdivision and outside the subdivision adjacent to any public right-of-way
consistent with city's requirements for the extent of the development. A grass buffer
with a minimum width of two feet shall be provided between the back of curb and
sidewalk.
4. No debris may be buried on any lot or common area.
5. The developer will comply with the City's current tree ordinance. All required tree
protection measures shall be adhered to by the developer during construction.
r,., 6. All landscape plans must be prepared, stamped, and signed by a Georgia
Registered Landscape Architect for any common areas or entrances.
7. All yards and common areas are to be sodded, and landscaped. Irrigate as
appropriate.
8. All single-family and/or duplex residential lots shall provide the following at the time
of certificate of occupancy: either four 3" caliper trees or three 4" caliper trees. The
following species of trees may be used: Nuttall Oak, Swamp Chestnut Oak, Allee
Elm, and Village Green Zelkova. Other species may be used if approved by the City.
Special Conditions
9. The development shall maintain the following setbacks:
Front — 25'
Side — 5'
Rear — 25'
10. The minimum lot size shall be 9,689 sq. ft.
11. The minimum lot width shall be 50 feet.
12. Driveway — 22' minimum length from building face to back of sidewalk.
13. The developer shall install a 5 ft. sidewalk and 2 ft. grass strip at the frontage of
property along Davenport Street and Argo Drive.
14. The developer shall be responsible for any water and sanitary sewer
improvements deemed necessary by the Public Works Director during construction
plan review.
15. All structures will be built to a maximum height of 35' as measured from the
sidewalk along the front elevation.
16. Approval of the subject property for the R-8-Conditional zoning district shall be
q conditioned upon the development of the property in substantial compliance with the
¶� site plan submitted 5/3/2025 and created by North Surveying & Mapping and all
zoning stipulations above.
17. Approval of the subject property shall be conditioned upon substantial compliance
with the elevations submitted on 5/3/2025.
Page 3 of 10
July 21, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:30 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Welch asked what the width of the lot is? Mr. Martin stated it is a
minimum 50 feet.
Councilmember Hines asked if there had been any outreach to the neighbors. Mr.
Martin stated that no one came to the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and
no calls have been received.
Councilmember Wilkinson asked if the lots meet the standards for R-8 and do not
require variances. Mr. Martin stated the lots do meet the standard requirements and
no variances are required.
Greg Stringer, applicant, stated that this project is a continuance of a previous project.
This is what he calls phase 2. They will continue with the same architect, same
continuity of design. There will be a phase 3. Councilmember Hines asked if there was
a surveying of the neighborhood and if anyone had reached out to them with
concerns. Mr. Stringer said he had spoken with some neighbors, including those with
the property contiguous and north of 2571 property. He spent some time with the
members of the church across the street, and they indicated they are in favor of the
improvement that this will bring to the area. The price point will be in the upper $600K.
A public hearing was called, and no one came forward in favor of or in opposition to
this item.
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines made a motion to approve item Z25-006; seconded
by Councilmember Travis Lindley.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
B. ORD2025-007 Approval of Ordinance ORD2025-007 - Annexation request (100%
owners requesting annexation) - 1.6 Acre Tract Zoned R-20— Parcel # 17034100300 -
all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lot 341, 17th District, 2nd
Section, Cobb County, Georgia - 660 Church Rd, GA 30082, will be effective August
1, 2025 and part of Ward 5 and authorizes the Mayor to sign and execute all related
documents.
Ward 5 Councilmember - Susan Wilkinson
Kristin Robinson, Deputy City Administrator / CFO, provided the following background:
Community Development has identified that 660 Church Road is a property owned by
the City of Smyrna but is within the boundaries of Cobb County. Community
Development recommends the property be annexed into the municipal boundaries of
the City of Smyrna and retain the existing R-20 zoning category.
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson made a motion to approve item ORD2025-007;
seconded by Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.
Page 4 of 10
July 21, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:30 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
8. Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing
9. Formal Business
A. ATH2025-113 Public Hearing and Adoption of the 2025 Millage rate and authorize the
Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Citywide
Kristin Robinson, Deputy City Administrator / CFO, provided the following background:
The FY26 budget approved by council included revenue projections for property taxes
based on 8.99 mills. This is the last of three required public hearings before the formal
adoption of the 8.99 millage rate. Tax information was received from Cobb County on
June 23, 2025. Per the information provided, the City would need to roll back the
millage rate to 8.936 to not advertise a tax increase. In comparison, last year's millage
rollback was calculated at 8.244.
The official notice, and all required information, was posted in the Marietta Daily
Journal on July 5th & 6th, 2025. It was posted on July 12th & 13th, 2025. A press
release was sent to the Marietta Daily Journal on June 24, 2025. It has also been
posted on our City website.
This is the last required public hearing. Additional hearings were held on July 14, 2025
at 8:30 am and July 21, 2025 8:30 am.
This is the formal adoption of the millage rate.
A public hearing was called, and no one came forward in favor of or in opposition to
this item. The public hearing was closed.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve ATH2025-113; seconded by
Councilmember Charles Welch.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
B. RES2025-013 Approval of RES2025-013 authorizing participation in an amicus brief in
the Chang v. City of Milton Appeal pending before the Georgia Supreme Court and
authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Page 5 of 10
July 21, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:30 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Citywide u j
Kristin Robinson, Deputy City Administrator / CFO, provided the following background:
The Chang v. Milton litigation involves a claim of liability against the City of Milton,
Georgia, for personal injuries due to a 2016 vehicle collision with a fixed obstruction (a
masonry planter) located on City -owned right of way where the obstruction was
outside the motoring lanes of travel. The City of Smyrna authorizes participation in an
amicus brief before the Georgia Supreme Court asking that the Court of Appeals
ruling be reversed and that the Supreme Court's three proffered questions be
answered in a way that is legally advantageous to Georgia's cities. An amicus brief so
tendered may include the City of Smyrna's name as a participating party.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. made a motion to approve item RES2025-013;
seconded by Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
C. 2025-261 Authorization to approve the Tolleson Park Bridge & Trail Improvement
Project (RFP 25-025) to include demolition and replacement of a concrete sidewalk
and two pedestrian bridges at a cost of $329,270.00 to be paid from the 2022
SPLOST Beautification/Trails line item awarded to S.H. Creel Contracting, LLC (756
White Blossom Ct. Powder Springs, GA 30127) and authorize the Mayor to sign and
execute all related documents.
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item 2025-261; seconded by
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
D. ATH2O25-117 Authorization to award the RFP 25-023 Cybersecurity Strategic &
Incident Response Plan to MGT Impact Solutions (1405 Oakbrook Drive, Suite 900,
Norcross, GA 30093) in the amount of $67,853.74 to be funded by the FY 2022 State
and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program with a 10% cost share by the city and
authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related items.
Citywide
Kristin Robinson, Deputy City Administrator / CFO, provided the following background:
Page 6 of 10
July 21, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:30 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
A Request for Proposals (RFP) was advertised earlier in the year in search of a
vendor to assist the city in the development of a comprehensive 5-Year Cybesecurity
Strategic and Incident Response Plan. This project will deliver a long-term
cybersecurity strategy for the City, outlining key priorities and objectives for securing
critical assets over the next five years. The project also includes the development of
an Incident Response Plan, enabling the City to effectively respond to cyber threats.
As part of the process, a cyber tabletop exercise will be conducted with relevant
stakeholders, leveraging the newly developed incident response framework.
Additionally, this effort will support informed budget planning by identifying potential
future cybersecurity investments during the assessment phase.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2025-117;
seconded by Councilmember Charles Welch.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
E. ATH2025-123 Authorization to amend the FY 2026 Adopted General Fund Budget to
increase the Parks Programs departmental budget in the amount of $28,675.00 to
provide additional funding for community events and to decrease the General
Government and Allocations departmental budget by the same amount.
Citywide
Kristin Robinson, Deputy City Administrator / CFO, provided the following background:
The FY 2026 Adopted General Fund Budget included $38,325.00 in funding for the
Black History Month event, the Juneteenth event, and the Hispanic Heritage event
($12,775.00 for each event). A request was made to increase each event budget to
$20,000 and add a Women's History event in the amount of $7,000.00. Total budget
increase of $28,675.00.
This increase in the Parks Programs budget will be balanced by a decrease to the
unallocated contingency line item in the General Government and Allocations
department budget bringing unallocated contingency down from the adopted amount
of $47,695.00 to $19,020.00.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. made a motion to approve item ATH2025-123;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye:
Nay:
Absent:
6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
0 — None
1 — Councilmember Pickens
Page 7 of 10
July 21, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:30 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
F. CON2025-008 Approve a Contract, Site Development Agreement and the Reciprocal
Easement Agreement, regarding the purchase of approximately 2.620 acres at 1101
Windy Hill Rd and authorize the mayor or mayor pro Tem to execute these and all
related documents.
Ward 3 Councllmember - Travis Lindley
Kristin Robinson, Deputy City Administrator / CFO, provided the following background:
This is part of the redevelopment project of the former IGO Church site and is
designated as the Civic Parcel on the site plan for the Heights at Smyrna mixed use
development. The purchase price for the parcel is $2,423,000.00 and this value is
supported by an appraisal. There is an additional $681,472.00 to be paid related to
shared sire development costs as stipulated in the original agreement.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve CON2025-008; seconded by
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
10. Consent Agenda
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Tim Gould.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch,
Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould,
Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
A. MIN2025-141 Approval of the April 25, 2025 Mayor and Council Retreat Meeting
Minutes — Session 3 (Combined)
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
B. MIN2025-135 Approval of the June 12, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
C. MIN2025-137 Approval of the June 16, 2025 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
Page 8 of 10
July 21, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:30 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
D. MIN2025-139 Approval of the June 16, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
E. AGR2025-032 Approval of Amendment No. 5 and No. 6 to the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) PY22 Subrecipient Agreement No: CD22-C22SA-F
to extend the termination date for the agreement to September 30, 2025, and
authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
F. AGR2025-036 Approval of Amendment No.1 to the Cobb County Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Subrecipient Agreement No: CD25-C25SA-
A/CD25-C25S8-F to increase the award by $78,968.23 for a total amended PY2025
allocation of $267,057.83 and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related
documents.
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
G. ATH2O25-115 Approval for the use of Council Chambers for the Smyrna Business
Association's "Alive After Five" networking event, August 14, 2025, 5:30pm - 6:00pm
Ward 6 Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember - Tim Gould
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
H. AGR2025-034 Approve 2025 Agreement with Mitch Leff & Associates for public
relations services and for the Mayor to sign the Agreement.
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
ATH2O25-119 Authorization to approve Google Fiber Franchise Agreement between
the City of Smyrna and Google Fiber and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all
related documents.
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
ATH2O25-121 Approval for the use of Council Chambers for a Ward 3 Neighborhood
Meeting (Village Green and City Hall neighborhoods) on September 17, 2025, 6:30
pm — 7:30 pm.
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
K. AGR2025-038 Approve a Settlement and Release Agreement with Atlantic Billboards,
' LLC., resolving litigation pending in Cobb Superior Court and authorize the mayor or
mayor pro Tern to execute all related documents.
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
Page 9 of 10
July 21, 2025
6:30 PM
City of Smyrna
Mayor and Council Meeting
2800 King Street SE
Council Chambers
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 Latonia P. Hines: Thanked Mayor Mixon for presiding over the meeting.
She recognized the Rose Garden Festival which had a great turn out.
Councilmember Travis Lindley: Thanks to staff for a job well done for all the many festivals
this spring and summer.
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson: Thanked the honorary Mayor Mixon. SHE also
announced that Kroger is having a school supply drive this Saturday from 10:00-2:00. It is
with the Partners in Education (PIE Jam) where there will be music and food, and they are
collecting donations for school supplies.
Mayor Pro Tem Tim Gould: Announced that Campbell High School has a clean up day this
Saturday at 8:00 AM. Sign up at Campbell High School PTSA website.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.: Wished all the best to Smyrna Elite Track and
Field Club / Junior Spartans as they are traveling to junior national championships. He
thanked all for their patience during the stabilization of the bridge at the Silver Comet Trail.
He also thanked those who supported the inaugural Juneteenth Festival. He is looking
forward to next year.
13. Adjournment
Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the July 21, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting at 7:11 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.GA. 50-14-3:
The City of Smyrna website — www.smvmaoa.00v / City Hall, 2800 King Street SE, Notice Boards
U
Page 10 of 10
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
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DEREK NORTON, MAYOR
CHARLES A.WELCH, WARD 4
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TIM GOULD, WARD 6
MAYOR PRO TEM
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HEATHER K. PEACON-CORN
CITY CLERK
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GLENN PICKENS, WARD 1
TRAVIS LINDLEY, WAkD 3
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SUSAN WILKINSON, W7ARD awl
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