Meeting discussionsStart with a topic.

P. Hines, Councilmember Travis Lindley, Councilmember Charles Welch, Councilmember Susan Wilkinson (virtual), Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Tim Gould, Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. Also Present: 1 – Scott Cochran Staff: 9 – Jennifer Bennett, Joe Bennett, Richard Garland, Dat Luu, Russell Martin, Paul Osburn (virtual), Heather Peacon-Corn, Kristin Robinson, Mark Wolff Call to Order Mayor Derek Norton called to order the January 16, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting held at A. Max Bacon City Hall in the HR Training Room at 6:00 PM.

2. Staff M&C Agenda Items to Review

3. Review of Current M&C Agenda

A. COW2025-025 Review of the February 3, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting Notice and Agenda COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ITEMS: LIC2025-003: Russell Martin, Community Development Director, provided the following background: The applicant was unable to meet the distance requirements and therefore has withdrawn this request. LIC2025-008: Russell Martin, Community Development Director, provided the following background: The applicant is seeking approval for a new Pouring License (Beer and Sunday Sales) at their location – 3315 S. Cobb Drive SE, Suite 300, Smyrna – Tacos La Villa with Abraham De Niz Covarrubias as the agent. He has completed the necessary background check and training with Smyrna PD. FORMAL BUSINESS ITEMS: 2025-061: Scott Cochran, City Attorney, reviewed the information and requirements for the City to Opt Out of HB581 as required by O.C.G.A. § 48-5-44.2(i). To opt out, the local government or school district must adopt a resolution opting out of the exemption (see model resolution provided) after completing the following steps, which must be completed between January 1, 2025, and March 1, 2025: • The local government must advertise the intent to opt out and conduct at least three public hearings on the issue, with at least one of the public meetings occurring between 6:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. on a business weekday. • The local government must place an advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation serving the residents of the political subdivision and post the advertisement on its website of the local government. • The advertisement must appear at least one week prior to each hearing, be prominently displayed, be not less than 30 square inches, and not be placed in that section of the newspaper where legal notices appear. • The advertisement must also be posted on the local government’s website at least one week prior to each hearing. In addition to the advertisement, the local government may include in the notice reasons or explanations for its intention to opt out of the homestead exemption.

Simultaneously with the notice the local government must provide a press release to the local media. Mr. Cochran noted the City had complied with all advertisement requirements and the Public Hearings were set as follows: Public Hearing 1 – Monday, February 3, 2025 at 7:00PM – Mayor and Council Meeting Public Hearing 2 – Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 6:00PM – Special Called Council Meeting Public Hearing 3 – Monday, February 17, 2025 at 7:00PM – Mayor and Council Meeting Additionally at the February 17 meeting there will a Resolution adopted per OCGA. RFP25-015: Richard Garland, Parks and Rec Director, gave the following background regarding this item. 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. Please prepare any necessary paperwork to present to the Mayor and Council for approval. RFP25-020: Richard Garland, Parks and Rec Director, gave the following background regarding this item. 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. Couch Group LLC $1,371,925.00 Ward-Humphrey General Contractors $1,524,200.00 RGC Construction LLC $1,531,750.00 Benning Construction $1,554,251.00 Multiplex LLC $1,615,500.00 Diversified Construction of Georgia, Inc. $1,674,050.00 Complete Site, LLC $1,688,500.00 S.H. Creel Contracting $1,734,696.00 Integrity Construction Management $1,803,009.00 MAPP, LLC $1,875,194.00 Tri Scapes $2,083,149.45 It is the recommendation of Foresite Group, Parks and Recreation, and Purchasing that this project be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Couch Group LLC in the amount of $1,371,925.00. The current playground next to the library will be torn down and construction will begin on the new amenities. The playground canopy will be recycled and used at another location, possibly at Rose Garden. Councilmember Glenn Pickens requested a new canopy of some sort be added to the design as he enjoys having a covering for the children to protect from sun and inclement weather when he brings his kids to play. ATH2025-026: Paul Osburn, Public Works Deputy Director, spoke virtually about this item. This request is based off the current conditions of the City of Smyrna having electrical wiring and components as well as paying for 1260 & 1265 West Spring Street common area lighting and outlets electric bill. The city has no affiliation with either building, has no responsibilities for maintenance, and has no responsibility for paying the development’s common area electrical. At the direction of the City Attorney, the city needs to separate City of Smyrna electrical responsibilities from the private property entity and on to city-owned and maintained property. This project is to be funded out of SPLOST Account # 22149901-541350-2-202 and will require a budget amendment for this project.

The Council asked if the Village Property owners had been notified of this change and Paul explained that he had been in contact with the HOA Mnaager for the properties and she was aware of the change over. Additionally the City is working with Ga Power to insure that there is no lapse in service during the change and noted the HOA will have to start new service with Ga Power. Paul assured the collective that the property owners will be notified prior to work beginning. 2025-070: Dat Luu, IT Director, spoke about the next four items as it relates to adding servers and cameras: 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 and door access controls into a unified, centralized platform. Staff recommends 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. 2025-063: 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. Parks and Rec as well as IT recommend 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. 2025-065: 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. Staff recommends 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. 2025-072: Security cameras will be installed at Village Green Park 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. Staff recommends 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 fund. ATH202-031: CFO Kristin Robinson walked through the line items related to amendments to the 2022 SPLOST: This item will 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. The Downtown Restroom Building and Playground with related access controls and security camera equipment and installation was bid out and is on the agenda for approval.

The budget in the Downtown and S. Cobb Improvements project must be amended and increased to account for these contracts for these improved amenities in the Downtown area. The Splashpad / Sprayground project with related access controls and security camera equipment and installation was bid out and is on the agenda for approval. The budget for this project must be amended and increased to account for these contracts. There is also an item on the agenda to add additional security cameras to the new Greenspace for added security. The budget in the Downtown and S. Cobb Improvements project must be amended and increased to account for these contracts for these improved amenities in the Downtown area. Mayor Norton inquired as to the discussed and recommended land acquisition that was spoken at the January 9th Mini Retreat Workshop in Executive Session. He requested that Ms. Robinson review the amendments to the SPLOST and include this purchase. Councilmember Wilkinson expressed some concerns and questions regarding the amendments and the South Cobb Drive line item, Mrs. Robinson noted both the Mayor and Councilmembers questions and requests and stated she would reply on Friday with responses. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: There were no questions regarding posted minutes. 2025-074: Jennifer Bennett, Community Relations Director, spoke about the 2025 events: Annual City of Smyrna organized and managed community events requiring approval are provided in a composite list with events requiring street closures noted. Events organized by the City are entered into record and processed under one approval rather than individually. The approval for 2025 event dates includes approval of alcohol license/management of alcohol sales for the Spring Jonquil Festival, Taste of Smyrna and the Crafts & Drafts Festival – JRM Management request letters attached. A separate document listing street closings requiring approval for the 2025 City of Smyrna organized/managed events is included.

1/31/ – 2/2 – Oysterfest 2/7 – Daddy / Daughter Dance 2/15- Galentine’s Day Brunch 2/28 – Black History Month Event 3/14 – Mother / Son Nerf Wars 3/15 – 3/17 – St. Patrick’s Day Festival 3/22 – Kids Smyrna Market 3/23 – Women’s HIstory month Program 4/16 – Mayor’s Education Awards 4/26-27 – Spring Jonquil Festival 5/3 – Garden Tour 5/3 – Jonquil City Jog 5/3 – 5/4 – Crawfish Boil 5/4 – 10/19 – Handmade Market 5/6 – 9/23 – Food Truck Tuesday’s 5/22 – Campbell High Teacher’s Appreciation Luncheon 5/26 – Memorial Day Ceremony 5/31 – Garden Party on the Green 6/7 – First Outdoor Concert Series 6/19 – Juneteenth Event 6/28 – Smyrna is Fabulous Event 7/12 – Second Outdoor Concert Series 9/6 – Taste of Smyrna 9/28 – Hispanic Heritage Celebration 9/30 – State of the City October – College Football Saturdays (Dates TBD) Birthday Celebration (Date TBD) 10/17 – Smyrna Spookfest 10/25 – 10/26 – Crafts and Drafts 11/11 – Veteran’s Day Memorial Event 12/2 – Home for the Holidays Event 12/6 – 12/ 7 – Holiday Market December – Menorah Lighting (Date TBD) Councilmember Hines noted the State of the City was later this year. Mayor Norton acknowledged the programming was excellent for this year. OTHER BUSINESS / STAFF COMMENT: Councilmember Travis Lindley briefly mentioned the Church Redevelopment Advisory Committee’s meeting held earlier and noted they had high hopes the Public Input portion of the process that would be held at various public City functions. Mayor Norton commented that there should be an individual who works with the church to keep them on the timeline. He also recommended holding regular meetings with them to accomplish this. Councilmember Lindley remarked about the presentation from MKSK and it was noted it would be published on the website the following day. There will be a QR code to share with the public as well.

All appointees were present except one who had a death in the family. The next meeting is scheduled for April. Over the next ten months they will work on a concept they will present to Council before the end of the year. City Administrator Joe Bennett reviewed the recent meeting with Cobb County regarding discussion on the HB489 agreements. Cobb said we owed them $95,000.00 for traffic signals and wanted us to maintain our portion of the East -West Connector, however we have no agreement related to East – West Connector and offered to take back our traffic signals and maintain them. The County declined our offer. Mayor Norton spoke about the Red Light Cameras and requested the collections numbers for the past year as well as statistics as to whether they have changed behaviour. Deputy Chief Mark Binicewicz was present and stated he would generate a report he would share. Councilmember Oglesby wants the cameras to remain as the area is a raceway in the areas of the cameras. It was noted by the other members we have flock cameras all over the City to help combat racing. Councilmember Wilkinson would like to see before and after accidents in those camera areas as well. Mr. Bennett discussed the Ga Power street light replacement project. The Smyrna Hill beaver damn was resolved. No input regarding the status of the beaver. Councilmember Oglesby remarked about the crosswalk status update and that one of them had been repainted possibly and sealed. The RFQ is out for painting the fire hydrants. He attended the Cobb County Commission meeting where they spoke about upgrades to Oakdale Road. Councilmember Glenn Pickens had a meeting with the newest House Rep which went well. He lives in Glenn’s ward. Councilmember Hines attended the Cobb annual dinner where Ron Newsome was recognized. Black History Month program tickets are available for the February 28th activities.

March 23rd is the afternoon tea for Women’s history. There will be another pop up legal clinic on May 3rd at United Methodist sponsored by herself and Councilmember Lindley. Councilmember Lindley asked if there was an update to the pool and Richard says there isn’t a newer update. Councilmember Oglesby wants signs posted in his ward for the upcoming Town Hall on February 13th. Councilmember Hines attended the County Town Hall held at the Community Center where they spoke about HB581 regarding the homestead exemption among other County business. Councilmember Welch said he has not seen any plans for the Splash Pad or the restroom for the Village Green area. Richard will provide updated plans for his review. Additionally he remarked on the spreadsheet provided by Parks and Rec regarding their fee structure they have proposed and has been previously discussed. Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould also attended the Cobb County Town Hall. The Business Association lunch will have Judge Kelli Hill speaking on Thursday, February 6th. Councilmember Wilkinson would like a copy of the spreadsheet Richard passed out to Council as well as the plans Corkey requested. City Clerk Heather Corn mentioned the Proclamation procedures and guidelines handout and asked Council to forward all requests to Christy and copy Mayor Norton for his approval. 4. Executive Session (As Needed)