Meeting discussionsStart with a topic.

A. COW2026-008 Review of the February 16, 2026 Mayor and Council meeting notice and agenda Z25-015: Russell Martin, Community Development Director, provided the following background: The applicant is requesting a zoning amendment of Z21-014 to revise the site plan and elevations within the existing MU-Conditional zoning district. The plan reflects a 5,023 sq. ft. drive-thru restaurant and 45 townhomes at a density of 10 units per acre. Staff Recommendation: Approval of the zoning amendment to revise the site plan and elevations of Z21-014 within the MU-Conditional (Mixed Use) zoning district. Planning & Zoning Commission: Approve by a vote of 3-2 at the January 5, 2026, meeting. The proposed development will decrease the density and floor area of the previously approved plan. There are 45 townhome units proposed, which would reduce the residential density from approximately 25 units per acre to 10 units per acre. Additionally, a single drive-thru restaurant is proposed which would reduce the commercial area from 20,409 sq. ft. to 5,023 sq. ft. and reduce the overall required parking from 369 spaces to 172 spaces. The development includes 45 townhome units on 4.47 acres, with 21 being rear-entry and 24 being front-entry. An internal sidewalk is proposed for connectivity within the development with a connection to external sidewalks on Oakdale Road and S Cobb Drive. An amenity lawn is proposed in which 14 lots will have front yard connections. A mail kiosk is proposed at the north west corner of the amenity lawn. A new road is proposed within the development that will be built to public road standards. A full access drive is located on S Cobb Drive with a proposed deceleration lane, as well as a full access drive on Oakdale Road. Variances associated with the townhome development include: 1. A reduction of the side setback from 25 ft. to 12 ft. The drive-thru restaurant will occupy 2.4 acres with a building of 5,023 sq. ft. and 67 parking spaces.

The restaurant facility includes a queuing lane with sufficient capacity to maintain traffic within the restaurant property. A detached canopy is proposed at the north for ordering and an attached canopy for pick-up. A 10 ft. landscape buffer is proposed along Oakdale Road as well as between the restaurant and townhome units, and a 5 ft. landscape buffer is proposed on S Cobb Drive. The buffers will consist of streetscape trees which are overstory trees planted every 40 ft. along Oakdale Road and S Cobb Drive as well as evergreen trees used for screening purposes for the restaurant and along the northern boundary of the townhome development. A full access drive is proposed on Oakdale Road with a deceleration lane for right turns entering the site. An additional full access drive is proposed on S Cobb Drive with a deceleration lane for right turns entering the site and a right and left turn lane exiting the site. All improvements along S Cobb Drive will require GDOT approval. Several variances were granted for the previously approved site plan. Additional variances associated with the restaurant include: 1. Allow a drive-thru restaurant in the MU zoning district. (Sec. 720.2.11)

2. Allow drive-thru facilities and associated queuing lanes be located between the building and the adjacent street. (Sec. 720.8.11) 3. Allow an additional accessory structure (Sec. 501.11) 4. Allow a garbage dumpster visible from the public street. (Sec. 717.81 (c)) and (Sec. 717.82 (a)). The City Engineer has reviewed the proposed rezoning with respect to transportation. The City Engineer has requested a sidewalk along S Cobb Drive and Oakdale Road for the length of the project, as well as connections to the buildings. Additionally, decelerations lanes are proposed for right-turns into the restaurant property on Oakdale Road, and deceleration lanes are proposed for right turns into the restaurant and townhome property along S Cobb Drive. Any improvement along S Cobb Drive will require Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) approval. The applicant is proposing two below ground stormwater management facilities for the townhomes and restaurant within the development. The City Engineer takes no exception to the stormwater management concept as shown. The design submitted during permitting will take into account site constraints such as topography, utilities, and tree/landscaping requirements. The site will be required to meet all the requirements of the City’s Stormwater Management Ordinance. Community Development has reviewed the proposed plan against the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance with regards to setbacks, building height, building separations, parking requirements, buffering and landscaping. The zoning proposal meets a majority of the zoning requirements of the MU zoning district. In addition the variances previously approved the applicant is seeking the following variances: 1) Allow a reduction of the external side setbacks from 25 ft. to 12 ft. for the townhome units. 2) Allow a drive-thru restaurant in the MU Zoning District (Section 720.2.11) (Staff Supports) 3) Allow drive-thru facilities and associated queuing lanes be located between the building and the adjacent street ( Section 720.8.11) (Staff Supports) 4) Allow an additional accessory structure (Section 501.11) (Staff Supports) 5) Allow a garbage dumpster visible from the public street (Sections 717.81 & 717.82) (Staff Supports).

Councilmember Oglesby asked if the Chick-Fil-A would be as visible from the road to the neighborhoods. Mr. Martin stated that the topography has changed. There will be a signalized crossing on Oakdale Road. There is a sidewalk all the way around with connections. Councilmember Oglesby said the biggest concern for those he represents are the lights Councilmember Welch asked if fast food drive-thrus are allowed in a mixed-use development. Mr. Martin stated that permitted uses are outlined, and drive-thrus are prohibited. That is why the applicant is requesting this variance before Mayor and Council. Mayor Prto Tem Gould asked about the exteriors of the townhomes. Mr. Martin stated that no hardi-plank siding is to be visible from the roadway. Discussion took place about traffic flow, entrances and exits, deceleration lane, etc. Mr. Martin stated that it still needs to go through Smyrna engineering, GDOT for the state, and through Cobb County because of where it lays in conjunction with a state route, County road, and Smyrna road. RFP26-013: Russell Martin, Community Development Director, stated that the City requested proposals for a consultant to update the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Eight (8) proposals were received on Friday, December 19, 2025, and evaluated by staff from Economic Development and Community Development. The team selected three (3) firms for presentation/interviews and the final evaluation on January 16, 2026. The recommended firm is MKSK. Councilmember Welch noted that he discovered the company he works for submitted for this RFP, and once he realized that, he told them they cannot do so as he is a sitting council member. CON2026-002: Deputy Fire Chief Davey stated Vehicle #3078, a 2006 Ford E-350 Cargo Van, is utilized daily by Support Services staff to sustain essential Fire Department operations. This vehicle is critical for transporting equipment, supplies, and materials necessary to support station operations, logistics, maintenance, and administrative functions across the department.

Vehicle #3078 has exceeded the City’s established age replacement criteria by nearly 5 years. Continued use increases the risk of mechanical failure and operational downtime, which could negatively impact support functions that enable frontline emergency response. The total cost to replace Vehicle #3078 is $47,350.00. The replacement vehicle will be built to order, with an anticipated delivery timeframe of 8–10 weeks following approval. Mayor Norton asked if they reached out locally first, and Deputy Chief Davey stated they did attempt to, but communication has been very poor with Wade Ford. ATH2026-016: Paul Osburn, Interim Public Works Director, stated this is a request based on a need for Georgia Power to acquire two (2) easements to be able to properly access and maintain their new infrastructure along Belmont Circle and Windy Hill Road to service the new bridge lighting. CNV2026-002: Paul Osburn, Interim Public Works Director, explained this is a citizen request whose property has a segment of land behind it, located at 1501 Walker Street SE. The homeowner has requested the City of Smyrna deed ownership of that segment to the individual owner since the City has no use or plans of utilization for the old road segment. CNV2026-003: Paul Osburn, Interim Public Works Director, explained this is based on a citizen request whose property located at 1400 Quarles Avenue SE has an unused segment of land behind the property that belongs to the City of Smyrna. The homeowner has requested the City of Smyrna deed ownership of that segment to the individual owner since the City has no use or plans of utilization for the old alley way segment. 2026-008: Carson Haynie, Special Projects Manager, explained Carry The Load is requesting approval to host a community awareness event at Veterans Memorial Park on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM (set up beginning at 7:30 AM and dismantling complete by 12:00 PM) in honor of Memorial Day.

The event will include local speakers and a representative from Carry The Load sharing stories to highlight the sacrifices of our nation’s military, veterans, first responders, and their families. Participants will then walk a 1-3 mile loop (route attached) starting and ending at Veterans Memorial Park, following all traffic and safety laws. The event will conclude with time for participants to sit and share their stories with one another. The Special Event Permit Application is attached. Mrs. Haynie also mentioned that American Legion Post 160 is hoping to host a 5K. This item will be on the next agenda, but if anyone has questions, let her know. 2026-084: Paul Osburn, Interim Public Works Director, stated that a City stormwater infrastructure improvement project is planned across the properties at 1533, 1523, 1503, and 1493 Collier Drive to begin construction in early March 2026. The initial phase of this project will require installing stormwater pipe across Collier Drive between 1493 Collier Drive and 3200 Collier Gate Court. Due to the size and depth of the new pipe, a complete road closure is required at this location. A detour plan has been submitted by the contractor and approved by the Engineering Department.

5. Other Business / Staff Comment Mayor Pro Tem Gould: Leadership Cobb had their Economic Development Day. Lunch was held at the Community Center, and they got a tour of StillFire. Andrea Worthy, Economic Development Director, provided a presentation about everything that is going on in the city. Councilmember Hines: Stated she had a visit with a city official from a city in Switzerland. They performed an extensive public input session for their development. They have a performing arts area that is housed in an old church similar to what Smyrna would like to do. February 27 is the Black History Month program. Councilmember Lindley: The groundbreaking for First Baptist was on Sunday. Councilmember Pickens: Asked about any updates on the Campbell Middle School project. Mayor Norton said they will discuss this is two weeks. He has met with them, and progress is being made. Mayor Norton: There is a bill at the capital that may change elections. If passed, it would add a year to their terms so elections can be held on even years. A rural legislature has put this forward, but the bill will likely not move forward. There is also a lot of discussion about property taxes. Heather Peacon-Corn, City Clerk: She spoke to Michael D’Itri, Interim Director for Cobb County Elections. In discussing use of the Smyrna Community Center for elections, the measurements used from StillFire to the Community Center are from building corner to building corner as prescribed by the OCGA. That is only 89 feet currently, well under the minimum 250 feet required. The Smyrna Community Center will not be able to be used for elections. She has reserved the Taylor-Brawner House for 2027. Discussion took place about having the ward elections closer to their wards. More information will be forthcoming. Councilmember Welch stated that once the brewery opens, Community Center parking will become an issue. May need to do something to prevent that, like “Community Center Parking Only” signs. Paul Osburn, Interim Public Works Director, stated that the utility billing customer service portal for automatic debits is active. They are trying to get the permit for Windy Hill Road. There needs to be a renaming of the bypass at Windy Hill. 6. Executive Session (As Needed)

7. Adjournment Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the February 12, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting at 7:00 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