HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-15 July 15, 2024 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
July 15, 2024
6:45 PM
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 Joseph Bennett
City Clerk Heather K. Peacon-Corn
Present:
6 —Mayor Derek Norton, Councilmember Glenn Pickens,
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines, Councilmember Travis Lindley,
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson, Councilmember Rickey N.
Oglesby Jr.
Also Present:
1 —Scott Cochran
Staff:
15 —Joe Bennett, Chuck Combs, Jeff Crowder, Theresa Galletta,
Richard Garland, Jacob Groat, Jill Head, Lewis Lay, Jodi Mills,
Jessia Myers, Heather Peacon-Corn, Ashley Putnam, Kristin
Robinson, Lee Sanders, Enoch Serna
Absent:
2 —Councilmember Charles Welch, Mayor Pro Tenn / Councilmember
Tim Gould
2. Call to Order
Mayor Derek Norton called to order the July 15, 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting held at A.
Max Bacon City Hall in Council Chambers at 6:45 PM.
3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
A. Associate Pastor, Justin Kier, Int'I Gospel Outreach Church (1101 Windy Hill Rd)
4. Agenda Changes
A. 2024-213 Motion to Move Item 13 to Agenda Changes and vote to table all items until
the August 12, 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item 2024-213; seconded by
Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
Page 1 of 9
July 15, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:45 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
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: 2 — Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould
13. Appeal Hearing - Atlantic Billboard / Webb, Klase & Lemond, LLC.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to table to the August 12, 2024 Mayor and
Council Meeting items SIGN24-70, SIGN24-71, SIGN24-74, SIGN24-75, SIGN24-76,
SIGN24-77, SIGN24-78, SIGN24-79, SIGN24-93, SIGN24-120 at the request of Atlantic
Billboard / Webb, Klase & Lemond, LLC; seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to table carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 2 — Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould
A. SIGN24-70 4480 North Cooper Lake Road — 117040400040
B. SIGN24-71 1669 Spring Road — 17063100410
C. SIGN24-74 0 Atlanta Road — 17044400280
D. SIGN24-75 2620 Cobb Parkway — 17084800050
E. SIGN24-76 2264 Atlanta Road — 17049100210
F. SIGN24-77 5240 South Cobb Drive — 17075400200
G. SIGN24-78 0 Atlanta Road — 17055900310
H. SIGN24-79 2410 South Cobb Drive — 17034600250
I. SIGN24-93 0 Highlands Parkway — 17054400070
J. SIGN24-120 0 Highlands Parkway — Right of Way — No Parcel ID
5. Mayoral Report
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
Page 2 of 9
July 15, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:45 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
A. PRC2024-022 Proclamation in recognition of National Park and Recreation Month,
July 2024
Citywide
Councilmember Glenn Pickens read aloud and presented the following proclamation:
A PROCLAMATION
By the Mayor of the City of Smyrna
In Recognition of National Park and Recreation Month — July 2024
Whereas: parks and recreation is an integral part of communities throughout this
country, including Smyrna; and
Whereas: parks and recreation promotes health and wellness, improving the physical
and mental health of people who live near parks; and
Whereas: parks and recreation promotes time spent in nature, which positively
impacts mental health by increasing cognitive performance and well-being, and
alleviating illnesses such as depression, attention deficit disorders and Alzheimer's;
and
Whereas: parks and recreation encourages physical activities by providing space for
popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools and many other activities designed to
promote active lifestyles; and
Whereas: park and recreation programming and education activities, such as out -of -
school time programming, youth sports and environmental education, are critical to
childhood development; and
Whereas: parks and recreation increases a community's economic prosperity through
increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the
attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction; and
Whereas: parks and recreation is fundamental to the environmental well-being of our
community; and
Whereas: our parks and natural recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of our
community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and
recreate outdoors; and
Whereas: the U.S. House of Representatives has designated July as Park and
Recreation Month, and the City of Smyrna recognizes the benefits derived from parks
and recreation resources; NOW
Therefore: I, Derek Norton, Mayor of the City of Smyrna, Georgia, do hereby proclaim
the month of July 2024 as Park and Recreation Month and encourage all citizens to
become familiar with the parks, trails, facilities, programs and services available to
them.
Richard Garland, Parks & Recreation Director/Interim Asst. City Administrator,
stated on behalf of the Parks & Recreation staff, he appreciates the opportunity. There
are teams of people working with camps, day camps, the pool, concerts, etc. He and
his team are blessed to be here, and Smyrna is blessed to have this team of folks. He
thanked the Mayor and Council for recognizing them.
7. Community Development Items
Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing
Formal Business
A. 2024-159 Public Hearing for the 2024 Millage Rate; there will be no vote on this item.
Page 3 of 9
July 15, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:45 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The FY25 budget approved by Council included revenue projections based on 8.99
mills. This is the second of three required public hearings before the formal adoption
of the 8.99 millage rate. Tax information was received from Cobb County on June 20,
2024. Per the information provided, the City would need to roll back the millage rate to
8.244 to not advertise a tax increase. In comparison, last year's millage rollback was
calculated at 7.829.
The official notice, and all required information, was posted in the Marietta Daily
Journal on July 07, 2024. It was posted again on July 14, 2024. A press release was
sent to the Marietta Daily Journal on July 1, 2024. It has also been posted on the City
website.
This is the second public hearing of the three required. The first public hearing was a
Special Called Mayor and Council meeting held this morning, July 15, 2024, at 8 am.
The next public hearing will be held July 22, 2024 at 6:00 pm. The adoption of the
millage rate will be an agenda item on the 6:00 pm Special Called Mayor and Council
meeting on July 22, 2024.
Mayor Derek Norton stated that this is the 17th year that the millage rate has not
changed despite what may be stated online in social media posts.
B. ATH2024-093 Authorization to modify the GA Power scope of work in the approved
GA Power Master Services Agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute
all related documents.
Citywide
Joe Bennett. City Administrator, provided the following background:
This is a request for authorization to approve the following change in scope of work
outlined in Work Order 2024-01 -Rev 1
Requesting the removal from the original approved scope to remove ECM5
LED Lighting for all Park Ball Fields, Batting Cages and Pool. At a cost
reduction of $2,316,297.00
Requesting an additional increase to scope ECM4 Switchgear, Transformers,
Generators, ATSs. At a cost increase of $1,775,650.00
Requesting the modification and scope change of the original approved
amount of $10,735,243.00 to now $10,194,596.00 with a cost savings of
$540,647.00 to the overall project amount not to exceed.
This request was based off findings as GA Power started performing engineering for
the new generators it was found that the current ones do not service the main
essential functions of Fire Stations 1 — 5, Police Department / Jail, & Public Works as
they should being the essential facilities of the city. The new generators will service
the entire facility at each location. If a catastrophic event where to arise the facilities
would operate without interruption.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2024-093;
seconded by Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
Page 4 of 9
July 15, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:45 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
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: 2 — Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould
C. RFP24-034 Approval of RFP24-032 and authorization to approve beautification, of
downtown exterior roof lighting for City Hall, Library, and Community Center to Blingle
of Marietta - Exhibit C to be funded by 2022 SPLOST Sidewalks/ Trails/ Greenways/
Beautification project in amount not to exceed $92,675.00 and authorize the Mayor to
sign and execute all related documents.
Ward 3 Councilmember Travis Lindley
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
This is a 1-time request to be paid from 2022 SPLOST. The general ongoing
maintenance will be added to B&G operational budget.
It is the recommendation of Finance, Parks and Public Works to approve RFP24-032
for the authorization to approve beautification, of downtown exterior roof lighting for
City Hall, Library, and Community Center to Blingle of Marietta - Exhibit C to be
funded by 2022 SPLOST Sidewalks/ Trails/ Greenways/ Beautification project in
amount not to exceed $92,675.00 and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all
related documents.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item RFP24-034; 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: 2 — Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould
D. RFQ24-035 Approval of RFQ 24-035 Riverlands Trail Streambank Stabilization in the
amount of $394,984.55 to be constructed by SCA Construction (4408 Westfield Dr
SW, Mableton, GA 30126) and funded from the Stormwater Fund.
Ward 7 Councilmember - Rickey N. Oglesby Jr.
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The City of Smyrna requested bids for the Riverlands Trail Streambank Stabilization.
The purpose of this project is to stabilize the bank of the Chattahoochee River in the
area by re -grading the slope and installing a vegetated concrete mat and live stakes.
Eight (8) bids were received on Friday, June 21, 2024, and the lowest responsive and
responsible bidder is SCA Construction in the amount of $394,984.55.
Staff recommends approval of RFQ 24-035.
Page 5 of 9
July 15, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:45 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Oglesby stated that Riverview Road is an exciting new location in
Smyrna in Ward 7. There will finally be more accessibility, safe environment,
upgrades, and trails.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. made a motion to approve item RFQ24-035;
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: 2 — Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould
E. AGR2024-029 Authorization to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement between
The City of Smyrna, Georgia and The City of Austell, Georgia for hosting Austell's
MFR and RMS system on Smyrna's IT Infrastructure for an annual payment of $1,000
and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The City of Austell, Georgia has requested The City of Smyrna, Georgia to host
Austell's Mobile Field Reporting (MFR) and Records Management System (RMS)
systems within Smyrna's existing servers. These public safety software systems will
allow Austell's police department to create police reports and store it electronically.
Utilizing Smyrna's existing IT infrastructure will allow Austell to avoid the initial upfront
cost and time to acquire servers that would run those systems. The agreement will
take effect once it is approved and is valid for 5 years unless the agreement is
terminated by means stated in the Intergovernmental Agreement. The City of Austell
has agreed to pay the City of Smyrna an annual rate of $1,000 compensations to
cover the expenses related to hosting these systems.
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines made a motion to approve AGR2024-029; 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: 2 — Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould
F. 2024-049 Appointment of Eric Randall, Public Works Director, to serve as an alternate
member of the License and Variance Board alongside Chairperson, Richard Garland,
Parks and Recreation Director, Boardmember Bo Jones, Water, Sewer and Utility
Director, Boardmember Andrea Worthy, Economic Development Director, Alternate
Boardmember Eric Mohrmann, Deputy Fire Chief, Alternate Boardmember Mary
Moore, Library Services Director and to remove Fire Chief Brian Marcos as an
alternate member of the board effective July 16, 2024.
Citywide
Page 6 of 9
July 16, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:45 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item 2024-049; 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: 2 — Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould
G. 2024-162 Authorization for the 2024 Exterior Holiday Lighting and Decorations to
Universal Concepts (1461 Ventura Drive, Cumming, Ga 30040) in the amount of
$200,000 for the first year (2024) with a 4-year lease agreement at $200,000 per year
and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The City of Smyrna requested proposals for services of a licensed, qualified and
experienced holiday lighting and decorations contractor to provide exterior and interior
lighting and decorations for the 2024 holiday season. Eight proposals were received
and evaluated by the team based on several criteria including strength of proposal,
experience with large scale projects, innovative and creative approach, references
and schedule and proposed cost. After initial scoring and evaluation discussions, four
firms were interviewed, and Universal Concepts was selected in the amount of
$200,000 per year with a 4-year lease agreement.
This is funded from the General Fund.
Councilmember Glenn Pickens made a motion to approve item 2024-162; 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: 2 — Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould
H. CHOR2024-008 Request from Baldwin Paving (1014 Kenmill Drive N.W., Marietta, GA
30060) for a change order for an additional 10 days to be added to their contract for a
delay in implementing the traffic shift on Windy Hill Road in May 2024 and authorize
the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Ward 5 Councilmember - Susan Wilkinson
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
City staff contends the request for additional days was not made in accordance with
the terms of the contract. Staff does not recommend approving the request.
Page 7 of 9
July 15, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:45 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to deny item CHOR2024-008; seconded
by Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to deny carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 2 — Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould
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: 2 — Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould
A. MIN2024-094 Approval of the June 13, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting
Minutes.
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
B. MIN2024-096 Approval of the June 17, 2024 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes.
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
C. MIN2024-098 Approval of the June 17, 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes.
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
D. AGR2024-031 Approval of Letter of Agreement with Mitch Leff & Associates for
ongoing public relations support, managed by the Community Relations Department.
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
E. AGR2024-033 Approval of Amendment No.1 to the Cobb County Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Subrecipient Agreement No: CD24-C24SA/S8 to
increase the award by $91,927.30 for a total amended PY2024 allocation of
$272,985.15 and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
Page 8 of 9
July 15, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
6:45 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
11. Ward and Staff Reports
Councilmember Glenn Pickens — thanked all who came out to the joint town hall last
Sunday. October will be the next quarterly meeting.
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines — stated what a wonderful job Parks & Recreation
staff did with the concert. Uptown Funk was amazing. She announced another back -
to -school event next Saturday. She also noted that the Handmade Market continues.
Councilmember Travis Lindley - thanked all who came out to joint town hall. Huge
thanks to staff for a wonderful event this past weekend. He also encouraged anyone
to visit the new exhibit at the museum about behavioral health.
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson — thanks to all who came out to the concert
Saturday night despite the heat. She extended a special thanks to Parks &
Recreation staff.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. — Sunday, July 21 at 3PM at 1100 Wilson
Way suite 400, public safety training facility - community meeting.
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
12. Public Comment
13. Adjournment
Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the July 15, 2024 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.G.A. 50-14.3:
The City of Smyrna "belts, — www.smymaga.gov,
City Hall, 2800 King Street BE, Notice Boards
Page 9 of 9
SPECIAL CALLED MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING WITH MILLAGE
DEREK NORTON, MAYOR GL NN PICKENS, WARD I
IA P. HINES, WARD 2
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CHARLES A.WELCH, WARD 4
ABSENT
TIM GOULD, WARD 6
MAYOR PRO TEM
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TRAVIS LINDLE , WARD 3
SUSA ILKINSON, WARD 5
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CITY SEAL
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