HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-04 November 04, 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
November 04, 2024
7:00 PM
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
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 Administrator Joseph Bennett
City Clerk Heather K. Peacon-Corn
Present: 8 —Mayor Derek Norton, Councilmember Glenn Pickens,
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
Staff: 3—Joe Bennett, Jill Head, H. Houze
2. Call to Order
Mayor Derek Norton called to order the November 4, 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting held at
A. Max Bacon City Hall in Council Chambers at 7:03 PM.
3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
A. Sherman Bruce, Chaplain, American Legion Post 160
4. Agenda Changes
5. Mayoral Report
Mayor Derek Norton reported the following:
• Next Tuesday, the Smyrna Police Department, in partnership with Kennesaw State
University and local community partners, are beginning a youth violence training
course.
• The program will teach about mental health, teach parents warning signs, educate
the community, etc. to prevent violence in schools and in the community.
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November 04, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
IL 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
A. PRC2024-036 Proclamation in recognition of Veterans Day Poppy Distribution 2024
Citywide
Susan Wilkinson read aloud the following proclamation:
A PROCLAMATION
BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA
In Recognition of Veterans Day Poppy Distribution November 2024
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 November in 2024, the 2nd, 9th, and 11th as
VETERANS 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.
Veterans Dav Poppy Dav Proclamation
• Volunteers from American Legion Auxiliary Unit 160 in attendance:
o June Burgess
o Patty Hook
o Cheryl Waybright
Poppy Distribution locations leading up to and including Veterans Day:
o If you missed them this past weekend (Nov 2), you can find them again
this Saturday, Nov 9th at Adventure Outdoors, Kroger South Cobb
Drive, and Kroger South Atlanta Rd
o And on Mon Nov 11th at the Smyrna Veterans Day Ceremony, 11 am at
the Veterans Memorial
Mayor Derek Norton reminded all that Monday, November 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM on
the Veterans Memorial there will be a Veterans Day Ceremony. He also thanked
Sherman Bruce for all of the American Legion's support for Support Smyrna.
Community Development Items
A. RES2024-012 Authorization for the approval of Resolution 2024-012 for the
continuation of a moratorium for sixty (60) consecutive days beginning on November
11, 2024 for the accepting or processing applications seeking the issuance of a sign
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November 04, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
permit for free standing signs and authorize the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tern to sign and
execute all related documents.
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, 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 is 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. Legal review has not been concluded; therefore, it is
necessary to extend the Moratorium an additional 60 days with Resolution 2024-012
to begin November 11, 2024.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item RES2024-012;
seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor
Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
8. Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing
9. Formal Business
A. ATH2024-173 Approval of agreement with KM Davis (3259 Austell Road S.W.,
Marietta, Ga. 30008) to perform water main line and service replacement located in
Ward 2 on Spring Creek Place to be funded from the FY2025 Water CIP fund in the
amount of $124,272.10. RFQ 22-003
Ward 2 Councilmember - Latonia A Hines
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
As part of the water/sewer initiative to replace all asbestos cement pipes within the
city, this project involves replacing approximately 800 linear feet of pipe and service
lines in the Spring Creek Place area. Project cost consists of materials and installation
of replacing water main and service lines, to include preserving specimen trees,
driveway apron replacements, and sod installation to restore landscaping to its original
condition.
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines made a motion to approve item ATH2024-173;
seconded by Councilmember Travis Lindley.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
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November 04, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor
Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
B. ATH2024-175 Approval of agreement with KM Davis (3259 Austell Road S.W.,
Marietta, Ga. 30080) to perform water main line and service replacement located in
Ward 2 on Beech Valley Drive to be funded from the FY 2025 Water CIP fund in the
amount of $180,402.40. RFQ 22-003
Ward 2 Councilmember - Latonia P. Hines
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
This project involves replacing approximately 1360 linear feet of pipe and service lines
on Beech Valley Drive. Project cost consists of materials and installation of replacing
water main and service lines, to include preserve specimen trees, driveway apron
replacements, and sod installation to restore landscaping.
Councilmember Latonia P, Hines made a motion to approve item ATH2024-175;
seconded by Councilmember Charles Welch.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor
Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
C. ATH2024-181 Community Services Administrator
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
This is a title change and new position to be added to the pay grades to replace the
Assistant City Administrator position. The title of the position is Community Services
Administrator. The Parks and Recreation Director, Richard Garland, will be moved into
this position.
Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to approve item ATH2024-181;
seconded by Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor
Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0— None
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November 04, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
D. CNV2024-003 Approval to abandon an alleyway behind 1521 Roswell Street and
convey up to half the alleyway width to the adjacent property owners.
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
There is an alleyway behind several properties that is owned by the city. It was used
by sanitation for garbage pickup many years ago, but not used any longer. The
property owner has approached the city inquiring if the alleyway can be deeded to
them.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item CNV2024-003;
seconded by Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 — Counciimember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor
Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
10. Consent Agenda
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented; seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor
Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
A. MIN2024-179 Approval of the October 17, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting
Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
B. MIN2024-181 Approval of the October 21, 2024 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
C. MIN2024-183 Approval of the October 21, 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
D. ATH2024-179 Approve the closing of the following streets for the Smyrna Parks and
Recreation's Home for the Holidays: King Street from Stephens to Village Green
Circle; Bank from Village Walk to King and W. Spring St. from Atlanta Rd to King
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November 04, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Street from 2:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Ward 3 /
Councilmember Travis Lindley
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
E. 2024-270 Approval to use Council Chambers for the 2025 Quarterly Joint Ward
Meetings for Wards 1, 3 and 6: January 5, April 6, July 13 and October 5, 2025,
4:30pm-5:30pm.
Ward 1 Councilmember - Glenn Pickens
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
Ward 6 Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember - Tim Gould
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
12. Ward and Staff Reports
Councilmember Glenn Pickens — Reminded all that tomorrow is election day.
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines — Please exercise the right to vote. Stay safe. A
Ward 2 meeting will be at the Community Center on November 5, 2024. The Rose
Garden Fall Festival was well attended.
Councilmember Travis Lindley — Thanks to staff for the execution of Crafts & Drafts
Festival. Williams Park neighbors had a fall festival with a great showing. He
encouraged all to vote.
Councilmember Charles Welch — Thanked all to those who came out to Jazz Under
the Gazebo.
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson — She had a Ward 5 meeting on Oct. 26 at the
Wolfe Center. She thanked all who came, including staff. The information was well
received and appreciated. She, too, reminded all that tomorrow is election day.
Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould — He complimented Cobb County
Elections who ran a smooth election at the Community Center. He attended the
NAACP gala Saturday night. Forest Hills Preservation had a Fall Festival which was
well attended.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. — As the council liaison for the Public Art
Committee, he wanted to thank all for the welcoming and warm response to the new
public art installation. He recognized the members of the committee: Vanya Foote,
Robert Harrison, Charles "Chuck" Rhome, Burke Scott, Tracy Styf, Imani Thomas.
Looks forward to more art very soon. In the spirit of Veterans' Day, he recognized the
first veteran in his family, his grandfather Private James McDowell, Company A, US
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November 04, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Colored Infantry who heeded the call of Abraham Lincoln in 1865 and fought for the
Union Army in Virginia.
Deputy City Clerk Jill Head — Early voting ended last Friday, November 1, 2024.
Approximately 37,000 people voted early at the Smyrna Community Center. Election
Day is tomorrow, November 5, 2024, from 7:00 AM — 7:00 PM. If your precinct was
the Community Center, it is now Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church at 810
Church Street.
Mayor Derek Norton — Regarding the public art, it is part of the Smyrna ARTery —
there are 56 locations between Belmont and Brawner. He thanked Public Safety
folks for keep all safe on Halloween night.
13. Adjournment
Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the November 4, 2024 Mayor and Council meeting at 7:31 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.smyrnaga.gov
City Hall, 2800 King Street SE, Notice Boards
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