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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-18 August 18, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes - SIGNED - LFr O SA1Y V Y 't'OUIL G CF RO`Q' A. 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 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 August 18, 2025 / 7:00 PM CEREMONIAL MATTERS 1. Roll Call Present: 7 — Mayor Derek Norton, 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 Absent: 1 —Councilmember Glenn Pickens Staff: 6 —Jill Head, Mike L. Jones, Russell Martin, Heather Peacon-Corn, Enoch Serna, Joey Staubes 2. Call to Order Mayor Derek Norton called to order the August 18, 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. Councilmember Corkey Welch 4. Agenda Changes 5. Mayoral Report A. Recognition of the "Pink Caps" Vinings Estates Dolphins Swim Team Citywide Mayor Derek Norton recognized the Pink Caps: Page 1 of 10 August 18, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers The Pink Caps are four 10-year old girls from the Vinings Estates Dolphins Swim Team: Maven Martin -Phillip, Laila Hardy, Ave Greenwood and Lauryn Woods. These exceptional young athletes went undefeated this season in both the 100-yard freestyle and 100-yard medley relays. They earned first -place finishes in both relays at the prestigious Patti Wilder County Meet and also represented Vinings Estates at the Georgia Games, where their stellar performance earned them an invitation to the 2026 State Games of America at Penn State University. Their signature bright pink swim caps have become a symbol of excellence, pride, and unity. While they swim to win, the Pink Caps also swim to inspire more young black girls to take up the sport and to prove that confidence, teamwork, and commitment can lead to greatness at any age. The Vinings Estates Dolphins is a competitive summer swim team serving families in the Smyrna area. The team promotes a culture of sportsmanship, fun, and skill development for swimmers ages 5-18. Mayor Norton stated that he and the council members just attended the Downtown Redevelopment public input session at the Community Center. Nearly 200 people were in attendance to engage with the concept designs and make comments. If you were unable to attend in person, you can see the information online and make comments there as well. He also announced that the Taste of Smyrna will be on September 6. And the Birthday Cultural and Spirit Festival will be on October 4. More information will be forthcoming. 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 7. Community Development Items A. Z25-008 Public Hearing - Zoning Request - Z25-008 - Allow a rezoning from TS to MU -Conditional for a mixed use development with 212 hotel rooms and 328 multi- family units at a density of 70 units per acre - Land Lot 847 - 4.66 acres - 2771 Cumberland Blvd - PEG Smyrna Property LLC Ward 1 Councilmember - Glenn Pickens Joey Staubes, Planner II, provided the following background: PEG Smyrna Property LLC. is requesting to rezone 4.66 acres at the eastern side of Cumberland Blvd, between Spring Road and Cobb Pkwy, from TS (Tourist Services) to MU -Conditional. Planning & Zoning Board Recommendation: Voted to approve by a vote of 5-0 at the July 14, 2025, meeting. The subject property is currently occupied with a Residence Inn, extended stay hotel with 130 rooms. The applicant proposes to demolish the existing extended stay hotel to construct a mixed -use development that includes an eight -story hotel with 212 rooms along with retail and amenities, and a twelve -story multi -family building with 328 units surrounding a structured parking deck. The proposed parking deck will accommodate 675 parking spaces for the hotel users and the multi -family tenants. Page 2 of 10 August 18, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers The hotel will include a restaurant, retail, and lobby on the first floor of the building, as well as a fitness center and pool on the eighth floor of the building. The hotel and multi -family building will be connected by a public plaza constructed with hardscape materials. The multi -family building will include a leasing office on the first floor, and an amenity courtyard and pool on the third floor. The multi -family building will include 56 studio units (17%), 110 one -bedroom units (34%), 142 two -bedroom units (43%), and 20 three -bedroom units (6%). The multi -family building elevation materials will be comprised of stucco, aluminum, and masonry materials. The proposed development will be accessed by two full -access drives on Cumberland Blvd. The existing southern entrance drive is already accessed by a deceleration lane. The proposed new northern entrance drive will provide a deceleration lane of approximately 120 feet. The proposed development will have 675 total parking spaces. 494 parking spaces as designated for the multi -family use and 149 are designated for the hotel. The parking deck will include two levels below grade and two levels wrapped within the first two levels of the multi -family building. The visible exterior of the parking deck will have a decorative exterior including a variety of stucco and masonry materials and colors. The development will be serviced with an underground stormwater detention system. The applicant is seeking the following variance from Sec. 720 of the City's Code of Ordinances: 1. Allow an increase of the maximum 20' side setback of the hotel building. (Staff Supports) 2. Allow an increase in rental units exceeding 15% of the total number of residential units. (Staff Supports) 3. Allow an increase in residential density from 25 units per acre to 70 units per acre. (Staff Supports) 4. Allow an increase in building height of 66 feet to 150 feet. (Staff Supports) 5. Reduction of the minimum front setback from 50 feet to 15' (Section 717.162(b)). (Staff Supports) Spring Road LCI Study The City of Smyrna completed and adopted the LCI study in Spring of 2017. The LCI study lays out the City's vision for development patterns along the Spring Road Corridor and identified four main opportunity areas along the corridor. The subject property was specifically addressed in the LCI Study and identified as the Smyrna Plaza area. The Smyrna Plaza concept proposed high density, mixed use development comprised of a mix of "stacked" big box retail, commercial, office, residential and a centralized community gathering space. The west and north sides of the Smyrna Plaza are proposed to include high density residential. Conceptual images of the Smyrna Plaza are shown below. Community Development recommends approval of the rezoning from TS to MU - Conditional on 4.66 acres for a mixed -use development with 328 mufti -family units at a density of 70 units per acre, and 212 room hotel building with amenities including those variances supported by staff as shown above, with the following conditions: Standard Conditions Requirements # 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 16 and 17 from Section 1201 of the Zoning Code are not applicable. The following requirements remain applicable. Page 3 of 10 August 18, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers 1. The composition of the mixed -use building 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 percent hardy plank siding. The residences along external roadways shall not be permitted to utilize hardy plank for any elevation facing these roads. 2. The retention pond shall be placed and screened appropriately to be unobtrusive to homes inside and outside the development. The storm water detention plan shall be designed to create at least a ten percent reduction in a 100-year storm event. The city engineer shall approve all plans. 3. All utilities within the development shall be underground. 4. 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 2' shall be provided between the back of curb and sidewalk. 5. The development of any streets (including private) shall conform to the city's standards for public rights -of -way. 6. No debris may be buried on any lot or common area. 7. The developer will install decorative streetlights within the development, subject to approval by the city engineer. Utilization of low intensity, environmental type lighting, the illumination of which shall be confined within the perimeter of the subject property through the use of 'Tull -cutoff lighting". 8. 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. 9. All landscape plans must be prepared, stamped, and signed by a Georgia Registered Landscape Architect for any common areas or entrances. 10. All yards and common areas are to be sodded, and landscaped. Irrigate as appropriate. Special Conditions 11. The hotel shall maintain the following minimum building setbacks: Front — 15' Side — 20' Rear — 0' Maximum side — 180' The multi -family building shall maintain the minimum building setbacks: Front —20' Side— 15' Rear —40' 12. The developer shall meet all fire access requirements deemed necessary by the Fire Marshal during construction plan review. 13. The developer shall be responsible for any water and sewer improvements deemed necessary by the Public Works Director during construction plan review. 14. The developer shall be responsible for any stormwater improvements deemed necessary by the City Engineer. 15. The developer shall be responsible for any traffic improvements deemed necessary by the City Engineer, including any recommendations from the traffic impact study. 16. The developer shall install a deceleration lane at the northern entrance for the development. The deceleration lane shall have a minimum length of 120 feet with a 40-foot taper. 17. The minimum floor area for attached dwelling units, condominium units and other multi -family units may not be less than an average of 900 square feet. (Section 720.9(2) of the Zoning Ordinance). 18. The maximum number of residential units shall not exceed 328 Class A amenititzed multi -family units. One hundred percent (100%) of the said units Page 4 of 10 August 18, 2025 7:00 PM City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers shall be constructed so that the units can be modified to individually owned condominium units in the event of future favorable market conditions. 19. All apartment units shall be maintained in a Class A/First Class manner. 20. The multi -family units shall include the following interior finishes: i. Minimum nine -foot (9) ceilings; ii. Forty-two inch (42") upper cabinets in the kitchen; iii. Decorative lighting fixtures shall be utilized in the in the kitchen area of the units and spot track or recessed lighting shall be used in both the kitchen and dining areas of the units; iv. Bathroom cabinets need to be of equal or similar quality as kitchen cabinets; v. Sheet vinyl flooring shall be prohibited; vi. Tile flooring shall be required in both the kitchen and bathrooms; vii. All bathrooms shall have tile tub/shower surrounds; viii. All kitchen and bathroom counter and cabinet tops shall be solid surface granite or similar material. Laminate counter tops are prohibited; ix. All kitchen counter tops shall be horizon style counter tops; and x. All kitchen sinks shall be undermounted. 21. The approximate mixture of unit types shall consist of the following: fifty-one percent (51%) studios/one-bedrooms, forty-three percent (43%) two -bedrooms, and six percent (6%) three -bedrooms. 22. The maximum building height shall be 150 feet as measured by code. 23. All air conditioning condenser units, transformers and any other utilities shall be fully screened from view from any public right-of-way. The utility units components placed on the roof of the buildings may be screened by parapets and the utility components at ground level may be screened by landscaping. 24. Dumpsters shall be positioned so as to prevent visual intrusion from streets, connection points to community spaces and wherever possible with screening by landscaping, walls and/or vegetation. Dumpsters shall have rubber lids and bumpers to minimize noise during emptying. At grade trash compaction shall also be allowed and screened as appropriate in accordance with the City's regulations. 25. A ten -foot sidewalk, and where feasible a two -foot grass strip, shall be installed along the frontage of Cumberland Blvd. 26. Right-of-way dedication shall be provided on Cumberland Blvd as well as installation of curb, gutter, and sidewalk to meet City standards. 27. The parking deck shall provide a decorative brick exterior. 28. A minimum of 675 parking spaces shall be provided for the multi -family units. 29. 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 site plan submitted August 5, 2025, and created by Kimley-Horn and all zoning stipulations above. 30. The applicant shall be bound to the elevations submitted on June 13, 2025, Approval of any change to the elevations must be obtained from the Director of Community Development. Councilmember Susan Wilkinson asked about a condition mentioning condominiums. Mr. Staubes explained that they are required to meet condominium standards even though there are no condominiums. Councilmember Charles Welch asked about a dedicated space for trash. Mr. Staubes stated that there will be compactors that the applicant could explain. Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould asked how many parking spaces will be available. Mr. Staubes stated that it is 1.25 per unit with 494 spaces for the multi -family units and 149 for the hotel. Page 5 of 10 August 18, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers Kevin Moore, attorney for the applicant, spoke of the proximity to the Battery. There will be separate dumpster locations, one for hotel use, and one for apartment use. There are retail and restaurant opportunities located on the first floor. This is consistent with land use of the Future Comprehensive Plan. The LCI study speaks of the goal of connectivity. This project will address that to include a 10' wide sidewalk along the entire Cumberland Blvd frontage. Housing, housing types, economic development, land use, quality of life are all addressed with this project. Mr. Moore introduced Tyler Phelps, PEG Companies, Director of Development Qoined by Ken McGunter, Founder) who gave a brief presentation on the history of PEG Companies and other projects they have done. Councilmember Oglesby asked when construction would begin. Mr. Phelps stated that design and permitting can take up to 18-24 months to complete. Councilmember Hines asked about financing. Mr. Phelps stated that a large part of the equity is there already because they own the land. There are interested partners who are pursuing this with them. They also have great lending partners throughout the US as well. Councilmember Lindley asked how long the build will be. Mr. Phelps stated that it will be a staggered schedule with the hotel being built first and could take 24-30 months. They might be able to stagger the phases. The multi -family component will likely take 36 months as well. Councilmember Welch asked about the trash compactors because he is concerned they could be visible from the street. Mr. Phelps stated that they typically tuck their compactors out of sight and sometimes underneath the awnings of the buildings. Councilmember Welch asked Russell Martin, Community Development Director, if it is a requirement that those compactors be enclosed. Mr. Martin confirmed that it is a requirement. Mayor Pro Tem Gould asked if they have a committed hotel partner. Mr. Phelps stated that they are in early conversations with hotel flags, but those agreements do not happen until much later in the process. The design will be with a specific hotel flag in mind. It will also be dual branded, meaning there will be two brands within the same family of brands within the hotel. The intent is to attract both business travelers and recreation travelers. 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 item Z25-008; 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 8. Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing Page 6 of 10 August 18, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers 9. Formal Business A. ATH2025-133 Authorization to approve the purchase of two (2) Heil Dura Pack 5000, 32 Cubic Foot Yard Rear Loaders from Carolina Environmental Systems, Inc.(500 Lee Industrial Boulevard, Austell, Georgia, 30168) under Sourcewell Cooperative Heil contract #110223-THC in the amount of $625, 836.00 of which $600,000.00is using the FY26 Vehicle Replacement Fund and $25,836.00 from a budget amendment to approved separately and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents. Citywide Mike L. Jones, City Administrator, provided the following background These trucks replace two current sanitation trucks in service, and $25,836.00 of the total purchase price will be more than the Vehicle Replacement Fund approved amount of $600,000.00. A budget amendment is required to complete the purchase. Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2025-133: 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 Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens B. ATH2025-134 Authorization to amend the FY 2026 Adopted General Fund Budget to increase the Information Technology departmental budget and General Fund grant revenue in the amount of $62,685 for a grant award received after the initial budget was adopted. Authorization to increase the Parks Administration departmental budget in the amount of $140,000 for public art that was not initially included in the adopted budget. Authorization to amend the adopted project length budget in the Vehicle Replacement Fund to increase the FY26 Sanitation Vehicle project in the amount of $25,836.00 for additional costs of acquisition. Authorization to amend the Adopted 2022 SPLOST Fund project length budgets to Increase SPLOST revenue in the amount of $15,392,784.00 to include revenue not included in the initial projection and increase project length budgets for the Aquatics project in the amount of $8,925,511.00, Resurfacing project in the amount of $2,200,000.00, Cobb Pedestrian Bridge in the amount of $2,196,559.00, Facility Improvements project in the amount of $2,000,714, and the Downtown project in the amount of $70,000. Citywide Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2025-134, seconded by Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Page 7 of 10 August 18, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens C. ATH2O25-137 Authorization to award RFP 25-024 Updated City Signage to Commercial Signs (3548 Atlanta Road, Smyrna, GA 30080) for $173,961.00 to be paid from the General Fund and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents Citywide Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould made a motion to approve item ATH2O25- 137; 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 D. AGR2025-046 Approval for the renewal of the Professional Services Agreement with City of Smyrna Government Affairs Consultant, Mr. Kash Trivedi, beginning September 1, 2025 and continuing until August 31, 2026 as well as have the Mayor sign and execute all related documents. Citywide Councilmember Latonia P. Hines made a motion to approve item AGR2025-046; seconded by Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould. 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. BCA2025-014 Approval of Appointment of Ryan "Rip" Duke to the Urban Design Commission to fulfill current term through 12/31/25. Citywide Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item BCA2025-014; seconded by Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: �I Page 8 of 10 August 18, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / 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 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 Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby Nay: 0 — None Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens A. MIN2025-169 Approval of the July 31, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. B. MIN2026-171 Approval of the August 4, 2025 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. C. MIN2025-173 Approval of the August 4, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. D. CNV2025-002 Acceptance of the ROW dedication of 1,856 square feet and associated infrastructure for the Cumberland Community Church located at 3059 S Cobb Drive SE, Smyrna, GA Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. E. LIC2025-027 Authorize alcohol license options for Market Village and Pavilion Merchants and for extension of premises for the purpose of outside alcohol sales immediately in front of their respective businesses during the Saturday, October 4, 2025 City of Smyrna Culture & Spirit Festival and Birthday Celebration and authorize two additional stations (within the event space) to be an option for identified license/agreement holders for the City of Smyrna Culture & Spirit Festival and 153rd Birthday Celebration to be held from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley This item was approved on the Consent Agenda. Page 9 of 10 August 18, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE 7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers F. 2025-289 Approval for the use of Council Chambers by the Ennisbrook Homeowners Association on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at a time to be determined. 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 maybe 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 Travis Lindley: He stated there was a great showing at the public engagement session for the Downtown Redevelopment project. He also mentioned their visit with Dan Cathy in the City of Trilith. Mayor Derek Norton: He stated that if there so those who wanted to participate in the public engagement tonight but could not, it will be online. Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould: Announced the Forest Hills 5K this Saturday for Vision Rehabilitation Services, a great local non-profit. Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.: Announced the Argo Rd/Woodland Brooke Crossing project has been approved. Also, the bridge at Camp Highland Rd is stabilized. He wished the Campbell Junior Spartans football teams well. Mike L. Jones, City Administrator, wished Kirstin Robinson, Deputy City Administrator / CFO, a happy birthday. 13. Adjournment Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the August 18, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting at 7:54 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.smvmaua.cov I City Hall, 2800 King Street SE, Notice Boards Page 10 of 10 MAYOR AND COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING bw DE:-W. ►O: •► us 6�ta� a. L CHARLES A.WELCH, WARD 4 2 qq TIM GOULD, WARD 6 MAYOR PRO TEM II ATHER K. PEACON-CORN CITY CLERK A ABSENT GLENN PICKENS, WARD I TRAVIS LINDLEY, WARD 3 SUSAN WILKINSO ,' WARD 5 RIC N. OGLES , JR., WARD 7 CITY SEAL I I I