HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-03 February 3, 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
1. Roll Call
Present:
Absent:
Also Present:
Staff:
2. Call to Order
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
February 03, 2025
7:00 PM
7 — Mayor Derek Norton, Councilmember Glenn Pickens,
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines, Councilmember Travis Lindley,
Councilmember Charles Welch, Mayor Pro Tem ) Councilmember
Tim Gould, Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.
1—Councilmember Susan Wilkinson
1 —Scott Cochran
3 —Joe Bennett, Jill Head, Dat Luu
Mayor Derek Norton called to order the February 3, 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 Tyler Cook, Mt. Zion Baptist Church (1789 Hawthorne Ave)
4. Agenda Changes
5. Mayoral Report
II. DISCUSSION I 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
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February 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
B.
Recognition of Judge M. Yvette Miller
Ward 2 Councilmember - Latonia P. Hines
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines announced it is her honor to recognize the
Honorable Judge M. Evette Miller. Ms. Hines provided the following background:
• 1989 — served as an administrative law judge for the state board of Workers'
Compensation
• 1992 — appointed director and judge of the appellate division of the state board
of Workers' Compensation.
• 1996 — appointed to the Fulton County State Court where she served as a
judge
• 1999 — First African American female appointed to the Georgia Court of
Appeals by then -Governor Barnes
Several came to support Judge Miller. They are as follows:
• Part -Time Magistrate Judge Rita Cherry
• Cobb Superior Court Judge Sonja Brown
• Cobb State Court Judge Ashley Palmer
• Former Cobb Chief Magistrate Court Judge & former Cobb DA Joyette Holmes
• Cobb State Court Judge Ann Harris
• Cobb County Bar President Adam Rozen
• Cobb State Court Judge Bridgette Campbell
• Cobb District Attorney Sonya Allen
• Cobb Superior Court Judge Kellie Hill
PRC2025-002 Proclamation in recognition of Black History Month
Ward 2 Councilmember - Latonia P. Hines
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines presented and read aloud the following
proclamation:
A PROCLAMATION
BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA
In Recognition of Black History Month
Whereas: Each year during Black History Month, the City of Smyrna celebrates the
history and culture of African Americans, discovering stories of triumph, courage, and
creativity, through lectures, discussions, exhibits, and educational events; and
Whereas: The origins of Black History Month date back to 1915 when Dr. Carter G.
Woodson founded the organization known today as the Association for the Study of
African American Life and History; and
Whereas: Dr. Woodson initiated Black History Week, February 12, 1926; and for
many years, the second week of February, chosen to coincide with the birthdays of
Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, was celebrated by African Americans in the
United States; and
Whereas: In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial, Black History Week was
expanded and established as Black History Month, and is now celebrated all over
North America; and
Whereas: The contributions of African Americans to the fabric of this country should
be recognized and celebrated. In observation of Black History Month, the Smyrna
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February 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Public Library will host a series of activities, and the city will host the annual Black
History Month Celebration Dinner; and
Whereas: The continued efforts to historically preserve areas in the Rose Garden
community and recognize significant African American leaders who helped in the
building of our city are examples of the City of Smyrna's continuing commitment to
solidify the legacy of black history in the City of Smyrna; Now
Therefore: I, Derek Norton, Mayor of the City of Smyrna, Georgia, do hereby proclaim
the month of February 2025, to be Black History Month.
7. Community Development Items
8. Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing
A. LIC2025-003 Privilege License New Request — Beer, Wine & Liquor (Pouring and
Sunday Sales) — 600 Floyd Dr Ste A - Smyrna, GA 30082 - Cloud Harbor Vape and
Gaming with Kahlil McKnight as agent.
This item is to be withdrawn at the request of the applicant.
Ward 5 Councilmember- Susan Wilkinson
B. LIC2026-008 Privilege License New Request — Pouring (Beer and Sunday sales) —
3315 S Cobb Dr Ste 300 SE, Smyrna, GA 30080- TACOS LA VILLA LLC, DBA
TACOS LA VILLA with ABRAHAM DE NIZ COVARRUBIAS as agent.
Ward 3 Councilmember- Travis Lindley
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
Application was made for privilege license — New Request for TACOS LA VILLA LLC,
DBA TACOS LA VILLA for the sale of beer (Sunday Sales and Pouring).
ABRAHAM DE NIZ COVARRUBIAS is the agent applicant. ABRAHAM DE NIZ
COVARRUBIAS will be the registered agent responsible for the sale of alcohol at
3315 S Cobb Dri Ste 300 SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. The applicant has been given a
copy of the Alcoholic Beverage ordinances and attended the mandatory alcohol
awareness workshop.
A background investigation conducted by the Smyrna Police Department failed to
reveal information that would preclude issuance of this license. Mr. COVARRUBIAS
has agreed to abide by the guidelines set forth by the City of Smyrna ordinance
governing the sale of alcohol.
Abraham Covarrubias, applicant, stated that this is their third location, and they are
looking forward to doing business in Smyrna including an ice cream shop. He stated
he has taken all of the requisite courses.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item LIC2025-008; seconded
by Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
n Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
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February 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Wilkinson
Formal Business
A. 2025-061 PUBLIC HEARING: Discussion regarding the City of Smyrna's intention to
opt out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption. This is
Public Hearing 1 of 3.
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, explained that the City of Smyrna's floating homestead
exemption provides a greater benefit to the taxpayer than the new statewide adjusted
base year ad valorem homestead exemption; therefore, the City of Smyrna is intending
to opt out.
A public hearing was called, and no one came forward in favor of or in opposition to this
item.
B. RFP25-016 Authorization to approve RFP25-015 to award construction of the River
Line Splash Pad & Entry Building located at 6043 Oakdale Road, Smyrna, Ga. to
Integrated Construction and Nobility, Inc. (3335 Carrollton Villa Rica Highway,
Carrollton, GA 30116) in the amount of $2,361,808.88 to be paid from the 2022
SPLOST Splashpad project and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related
documents.
Ward 7 Councilmember - Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The City of Smyrna requested proposals for the River Line Park Splash Pad and Entry
Building. The scope of work includes construction of a new, approximately 4,000 SF
splash pad and 1,317 SF restroom/concession building, and additional site
improvements located at 6043 Oakdale Road, Smyrna, GA. This project is managed
by Croy Engineering.
Two (2) proposals were received on Monday, January 13, 2025. Based on evaluation
of relevant experience, methodology, approach, staffing, and references the
recommended firm is Integrated Construction & Nobility, Inc. in the amount of
$2,361,808.88.
Integrated Construction and Nobilty, Inc. (Bid Amount) $2,361,808.88. and Sovereign
Cooper ($2,219,357.00).
It is the recommendation of Croy Engineering, Parks and Recreation, and Purchasing
that this project be awarded to the selected responsive and responsible bidder,
Integrated Construction & Nobility in the amount of $2,361,808.88.
Mayor Norton explained that this is part of the ongoing effort to put facilities and
resources in Ward 7.
Councilmember Oglesby thanked all who have been involved in making this a reality.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. made a motion to approve item RFP25-015;
seconded by Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
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February 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Wilkinson
C. RFP25-020 Authorization to approve RFP25-020 to award the construction of the
Village Green Restroom & Playground located next to the Smyrna Library to Couch
Group, LLC (333 North Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga 30009) in the amount of
$1,371,925.00 to be paid from 2022 SPLOST Downtown project 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 Smyrna requested proposals for the Village Green Restroom and
Playground. The project includes the demolition of an existing pavilion, playground,
and concrete sidewalk. Proposed work includes installation of one (1) restroom
building, playground, hardscape, granite retaining walls (30" max), landscaping,
lighting and electrical, erosion control, grading and drainage, and associated utility
improvements. This project is managed by Foresite Group.
Eleven (11) proposals were received on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Based on
evaluation of relevant experience, methodology, approach, staffing, references, and
cost, the recommended firm is the low bidder, Couch Group LLC in the amount of
$1,371,925.00.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item RFP25-020; seconded
by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Wilkinson
D. ATH2025-026 Authorization to amend the adopted 2022 SPLOST project length
budget to increase the Downtown Improvements Project in the amount of $145,000.00
and approve TLS Electrical Company, Inc. (1750 Corn Road, Smyrna, GA 30080) to
perform the construction and relocation of city -owned electrical wiring and
components out of the privately -owned electrical rooms located at 1260 & 1265 West
Springs Street in and amount not to exceed $145,000.00 to be funded from the 2022
SPLOST Downtown Improvements project and authorize the Mayor to sign and
execute all related documents.
Ward 3 Councilmember- Travis Lindley
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February 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to table to the March 3, 2025 Mayor and
Council meeting item ATH2025-026; seconded by Councilmember Charles Welch.
The motion to table carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Wilkinson
E. 2025-070 Approval to award the purchase of Genetec Central Database Servers to
NetPlanner (3145 Northwoods Parkway, Suite 800, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071) in
the amount of $23,182.50 on Georgia State Contract (99999-SPD0000172-012) to be
paid from the 2022 SPLOST Downtown and Splashpad projects and authorize the
Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The city has several upcoming projects requiring a new video management and
access control system, as the current system has reached full capacity and cannot be
expanded. After evaluating various options, the IT Department has determined that
the Genetec platform is the optimal solution for integrating the city's security cameras Y
and door access controls into a unified, centralized platform.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. made a motion to approve item 2025-070;
seconded by Councilmember Travis Lindley.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Wilkinson
F. 2025-063 Approval to award the purchase and installation of security cameras and
access control systems for the Village Green Downtown Playground/Restroom Facility
to NetPlanner (3145 Northwoods Parkway, Suite 800, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071)
in the amount of $64,547.20 on Georgia State Contract (99999-SPD0000172-012) to
be paid with 2022 SPLOST Downtown project funds and authorize the Mayor to sign
and execute all related documents.
Ward 3 Councilmember Travis Lindley
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
After review, NetPlanner was chosen by Parks & Recreation and IT to facilitate the
install of cameras, access control doors and lock hardware at the Village Green
Playground/Restroom facility, using State Bid pricing.
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February 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. made a motion to approve item 2025-063;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Wilkinson
G. 2025-066 Approval to award the purchase and installation of security cameras and
access control systems for the River Line Park Splash Pad to NetPlanner (3145
Northwoods Parkway, Suite 800, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071) in the amount of
$69,693.94 on Georgia State Contract (99999-SPD0000172-012) to be paid with 2022
SPLOST Splashpad project funds and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all
related documents.
Ward 7 Councilmember - Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
Security cameras and an access control system will be installed at the new River Line
Park Splash Pad for security purposes. After thorough evaluation, Parks and
Recreation, in collaboration with the IT Department, selected NetPlanner as the
preferred vendor due to their ability to provide state contract pricing for this project.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. made a motion to approve item 2025-065;
seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Wilkinson
H. 2026-072 Approval to award the purchase and installation of security cameras for the
Village Green Park to NetPlanner (3145 Northwoods Parkway, Suite 800, Peachtree
Corners, GA 30071) in the amount of $80,367.53 on Georgia State Contract (99999-
SPD0000172-012) to be paid with 2022 SPLOST Downtown project funds and
authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
Security cameras will be installed at Village Green Park for security purposes. After
AA thorough evaluation, Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with the IT Department,
selected NetPlanner as the preferred vendor due to their ability to provide state
contract pricing for this project.
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February 03, 2025 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 2025-072; seconded by
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Wilkinson
ATH2026-031 Authorization to amend the 2022 SPLOST Fund project length budgets
to increase the Downtown and South Cobb improvements project in the amount of
$1,671,263.73, increase the Splashpad / Sprayground project in the amount of
$403,470.44, decrease the Restrooms at North Cooper Lake Park project in the
amount of $29,754.22, decrease the Facility Improvements project in the amount of
$270,000.00, decrease the 800MHz radio project in the amount of $363,251.82,
decrease the Small Equipment project in the amount of $1,302.57, and decrease the
Sidewalks, Trails, Greenways, and Beautification project in the amount of
$1,410,425.56 to reallocate funding between projects to increase project funding for
pending/ approved contracts and reallocate excess budget available on completed
projects.
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, stated that several projects have been completed or
have available funding that can be reallocated to cover these projects, so we are
recommending decreasing those project budgets to offset the increases described
above.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2025-031;
seconded by Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Wilkinson
10. Consent Agenda
Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented; seconded by Councilmember Travis Lindley.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6— Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould,
Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0— None
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February 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Wilkinson
A. MIN2025-015 Approval of the January 9, 2025 Mayor and Council Mini -Retreat Work
Session Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
B. MIN2025-017 Approval of the January 16, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting
Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
C. MIN2026-019 Approval of the January 21, 2025 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
D. MIN2025-021 Approval of the January 21, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
E. 2025-074 Approval of City of Smyrna organized/managed community events, alcohol
sales and associated street closings for 2025.
Citywide
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 Latonia R Hines reminded all about the Black History Month program in
February 28. The tickets are on sale right now. Thanks to Councilmember Oglesby for
entertainment for Whitfield Academy. She also recognized Cobb Collaborative and
Resiliency Week. Irene Barton from Cobb Collaborative stated this is the 2nd annual
Resiliency Week anchored in Smyrna. Several events will take place in and around
Smyrna. The purpose of the program is to promote awareness for mental well-being for all
ages.
Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Tim Gould reminded all that early voting is underway for
Cobb County Commissioner race for Districts 2 and 4. The primary is February 11, 2025.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. reiterated the civic duty of voting and to get out to
vote. He also announced that there is an RFQ out for the Smyrna ARTery with project goal
to decorate 15 fire hydrants throughout the city. He mentioned that he is excited about
Black History Month and is glad that Smyrna still recognizes black history as American
history.
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February 03, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street BE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
13. Adjournment L
Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the February 3, 2025 Mayor and Council meeting at 7:40
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 — wvnr✓.smymaga.gov
City Hall, 2800 King Street SE, Notice Boards
Page 10 of 10
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
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DEREK NORTON, MAYOR
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CHARLES A.WWEELCH, WARD 4
TIM GOULD, WARD 6
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GLENN PICKENS, WARD 1
TRAVIS LINDLEY, WARD 3
SUSAN WILKINSON, WARD 5
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