HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-04 August 4, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes - SIGNED - LFA. Max Bacon City Hall
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
2800 King Street
Smyrna, Ga 30080
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
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 Mike L. Jones
Deputy City Administrator! CFO Kristin Robinson
City Clerk Heather K. Peacon-Corn
August 04, 2025 / 7:00 PM
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
Roll Call
Present: 6 — Mayor Pro Tem Tim Gould, Councilmember Glenn Pickens,
_ Councilmember Latonia P. Hines, Councilmember Travis Lindley,
Councilmember Charles Welch, Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby
Jr.
Also Present: 1 — Scott Cochran
Absent: 2 —Mayor Derek Norton, Councilmember Susan Wilkinson
Staff: 3 —Jill Head, Mike L. Jones, Heather Peacon-Corn
2. Call to Order
Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould called to order the August 4, 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. Pastor Richard Walker, Hurt Road Baptist Church (17 Hurt Rd)
4. Agenda Changes
5. Mayoral Report
A. 25-7388 Smyrna Arts Council Artist Recognition for the new exhibit in City Hall and the
Community Center
Citywide
' Pamela Milkoff, Smyrna Arts Council Board Member, spoke about the new arts exhibit
added to city hall and community center. It is called Photo Crawl of the Old Smyrna
Firehouse and features photographs of ten local artists. The photographers explored
both the interior and exterior of the historic Old Smyrna Firehouse, now a renovated
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August 04, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
venue known for its rustic charm, quirky details, and artistic character, as well as the
home to Smyrna first two firetrucks. The resulting collection captures the building's
textures, angles, and atmosphere in creative and unexpected ways. The exhibit is on
view from August 1 — November 5, 2025. The artists are:
• Theodore Brooks
• Kris Durbin
• Esha Addy
• Gregory Grossman
• Nina Lavoy
• Latoya Palmer
• Dark Rush
• Robert Harrison
Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould spoke about the great work the artists do throughout the
year. He thanked all of the artists who participated.
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
Public comment during this portion of the Agenda must be limited to matters on the Agenda for action. I1 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
7. Community Development Items
A. RES2026-014 Authorization for the approval of Resolution 2025-014 for the
continuation of a moratorium for ninety (90) consecutive days beginning on August 8,
2025 for the accepting or processing applications seeking the issuance of a sign
permit for free standing signs greater than 25 feet in height and 150 sq. ft. of sign area
and authorize the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tern to sign and execute all related documents.
Citywide
Scott Cochran City Attorney, 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, Resolution 2024-012 (adopted
November 4, 2024) extended the moratorium an additional sixty (60) days, Resolution
2025-005 (adopted January 6, 2025) extended the moratorium an additional sixty (60)
days, and Resolution 2025-007 (adopted March 3, 2025) extended the moratorium an
additional ninety (90) days, and Resolution 2025-009 (adopted June 8, 2025)
extended the moratorium an additional sixty (60) days. However, the Moratorium shall
be modified to prohibit accepting and processing applications seeking the issuance of
a sign permit for freestanding signs greater than 25 feet in height and 150 sq. ft. of
sign area. Legal review has not concluded, therefore, it is necessary to extend the
modified Moratorium an additional ninety (90) days with Resolution 2025-014 to begin
August 8, 2025.
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August 04, 2026 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 RES2025-014;
seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Susan Wilkinson
8. Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing
9. Formal Business
A. ATH2025-125 Authorization to amend the FY 2026 Adopted Budget for the Vehicle
Replacement Fund add a project titled "Community Development Vehicles" and add
(increase) the project budget in the amount of $41,000.00.
Citywide
Mike Jones, City Administrator, provided the following background:
Community Development requested an emergency replacement of vehicle #6250 —
2008 Ford Sport Trac to be replaced with a new F-150 to remain consistent with our
other City Marshal vehicles. The four city Marshals are currently sharing three
vehicles, which is creating work efficiency problems for the division due to having to
coordinate use between the Marshals. Vehicle #9159, a 2002 Ford F-150, was
scheduled to be replaced this fiscal year according to the city's vehicle replacement
schedule. While Fleet was locating the new vehicle, vehicle #6250 went down with a
wiring harness issue back in late summer. Fleet worked with Ford to repair the issue,
but it was ultimately determined the issue could not be repaired. Community
Development received the new vehicle to replace vehicle #9159 but made a request to
maintain it in operation (which was approved by Joe Bennett) until a replacement
could be made for vehicle #6250. Unfortunately, vehicle #9159 is having consistent
mechanical failures and is not reliable at this point. The unreliability of #9159 is driving
the request for an emergency replacement.
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines made a motion to approve item ATH2025-125;
seconded by Councilmember Charles Welch.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Susan Wilkinson
B. ATH2025-127 Authorization to approve the reclassification of the Meter Services
Technician position from GOVT-3 to GOVT-4.
Citywide
Mike Jones, City Administrator, provided the following background:
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August 04, 2025 City of Smyrna 2500 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
The Utility Services Meter Technician position is currently vacant. This position is
graded GOUT-3. A similar position is included in Water Distribution and is graded
GOVT-4. We want to reclass the position in Utility Services to match the position in
Water Distribution.
Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to approve item ATH2025-127;
seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Susan Wilkinson
C. ATH2025-129 Authorization to amend the 2022 SPLOST Fund project length budgets
to account for items not included in the original adopted project budgets and to
reallocate funding between projects to increase project funding for pending/ approved
contracts and reallocate excess budget available from other projects.
Citywide
Mike Jones, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The original adopted project length budgets for the 2022 SPLOST need to be
amended to account for items not included in the original adopted budgets and
funding needs to be reallocated to other project for pending/ approved contracts.
Several things have occurred that require the budget to be amended:
• The City has received additional funding from the State for resurfacing so the
revenue and expense budget need to be amended to account for the additional
funding.
• The City is getting interest revenue income from the bank and SLGs
investment accounts.
• The City agreed to allow Cobb to keep the portion of County funding related to
EW Connector improvements for a joint project.
• Account for the lease we had on the 800 MHz radios
• Reallocate parking deck funding to park land acquisition for the purchase of
the IGO property.
• Account for the sale of the Atlanta Rd property to First Baptist Church.
• Add budget for bank fees.
• Add a transfer out to the DDA for property transactions.
Several projects have been completed or have available funding that can be
reallocated, so we are recommending decreasing those project budgets.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2025-129;
seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Oglesby
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August 04, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
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 Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Susan Wilkinson
A. MIN2025-167 Approval of the July 14, 2025 Special Called Meeting of the Mayor and
Council — Millage Rate Public Hearing #1 Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
B. MIN2025-159 Approval of the July 17, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
C. MIN2025-161 Approval of the July 21, 2024 Special Called Meeting of the Mayor and
Council — Millage Rate Public Hearing #2 Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
D. MIN2026-163 Approval of the July 21, 2025 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
E. MIN2025-165 Approval of the July 21, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
F. AGR2025-040 Approve concessions agreement for the 2025 City of Smyrna Culture &
Spirit Festival / Birthday Celebration with CITY PARK Concessions, LLC (DBA
Premier Events) for food and beverage concessions management and authorize the
Mayor or Mayor Pro Tern to sign and execute all related documents.
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
G. AGR2026-042 Approval of the Intergovernmental Agreement with Cobb County Board
of Education for the use and lease of facilities located at 4885 Argo Road, Smyrna,
Ga. for public recreation purposes and authorize the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tern to sign
and execute all related documents.
Ward 7 Councilmember - Rickey Oglesby, Jr.
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August 04, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
H. AGR2025-044 Approval of the Intergovernmental Agreement with Cobb County Board
of Education for the use and lease of facilities located at 1839 Turpin Road SE,
Smyrna, Ga. (known as Rose Garden Hills School Site), for public recreation purposes
and authorize the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem to sign and execute all related documents.
Ward 2 Councilmember - Latonia P. Hines
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
ATH2O25-131 Approval for the use of Council Chambers for the Enclave at Old
Concord HOA meeting to be held on August 17, 2025, 4:00 PM — 5:00 PM
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
Dr. Michell Butler, 6125 Ogeechee Rd. asked three questions:
• What is the status of the land / park around the dock that was damaged?
• What is the process for making sure areas of the city, specifically S. Cobb Drive,
are clean and safe?
• What is the status of the Emory compound?
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. stated that the park is part of a land grant. It is in
motion, but plans got pushed back because of the flooding. The big tree is part of the
community and will be addressed. A new dock will be put in. Mike Jones, City
Administrator, also explained that there are structural engineers consulting with the city to
raise the dock to the same level as the path.
Mayor Pro Tem Tim Gould explained that Code Enforcement issues notices of violation.
Specific addresses can be addressed through Code Enforcement. They help keep areas
of the city in check, both residential and business.
Mayor Pro Tem Tim Gould also stated that there have been good conversations with folks
who may be partnering with the city for recreational use. But it is still in the early stages
with many ideas being part of the conversation.
12. Ward and Staff Reports
Councilmember Glenn Pickens — Good luck to all the students and staff who started
school.
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines —Hopes all have a happy and successful new school
year.
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August 04, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Travis Lindley — The next public engagement session for the downtown
redevelopment of the Baptist Church site is August 18, 2025 at 5:30 PM in the Smyrna
Community Center. He also recognized the Tillman Center and the mural dedication at the
corner of King and Church.
Councilmember Charles Welch — Encouraged all to attend the public engagement session
on August 18. There are three options to offer an opinion on.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. — Offered his congratulations to the new Smyrna
youth US Track and Field All -Americans. It was hosted in Savannah. There are at least ten
Smyrna youth that attained All -American status meaning they reached a minimum of
8th place among all competitors in the nation. He also mentioned that there is an RFP out
for artwork for electrical boxes throughout the city in all of the represented wards.
13. Adjournment
Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould adjourned the August 4, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting at 7:23
PM
F
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.smvrnaaa.aov I City Hall, 2800 King Street SE, Notice Boards
Page 7 of 7
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
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DEREK NORTON, MAYOR
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CHARLES A.WELCH, WARD 4
TIM GOULD, W RD 6
MAYOR PRO TEM
HEATHER K. PEACON-CORN
CITY CLERK
GLENN PICKENS, WARD
TRAVI LINDLEY, WARD 3
SUSAN WILKINSON, WARD 5
CITY SEAL
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