ROME CITY COMMISSION Monday, December 28, 2015 The Rome City Commission met at 6:30 p.m. this date in the Commission Room of City Hall, 601 Broad Street. Mayor Doss presided with Mayor Pro Tem Slack and Commissioners Irmscher, Wachsteter, Davis, Lee, Canada, Collins, and McNiece present. Commissioner Wachsteter opened the meeting with prayer and led in the salute to the flag. Minutes December 14, 2015 The minutes of the December 14, 2015 meeting, as submitted in writing by the Secretary, were approved by unanimous consent. Elaine Snow Rome Police Chief Ms. Elaine Snow, Rome s Police Chief who will be retiring as of the end of 2015, was recognized. Commissioner Wachsteter read a proclamation congratulating Ms. Snow for her 41 years of service to the Rome Police Department. Ms. Snow was hired as Rome s first female police officer in August, 1974. Ms. Snow moved up through the ranks of the Rome Police Department and was appointed Chief in September, 2010. Chief Snow thanked the Commission, City Management, and Rome Police Officers for their support throughout the years. Majors Denise Downer-McKinney and Debbie Burnett were present, along with Lieutenant Burkhalter. Bring One For The Chipper Day Commissioner Canada presented a proclamation recognizing Saturday, January 2 nd as Bring One For The Chipper Day. This proclamation encourages the citizens of our community to recycle their 2015 Christmas trees. This proclamation was presented to Keep Rome/Floyd County Beautiful Director Mary Hardin Thornton. Ms. Thornton was present, along with Jack Druckenmiller. This is the 25 th anniversary of the Bring One For The Chipper Day recycling effort. City Commission Candidate Qualifications - Charter Amendment Commissioner Irmscher presented a resolution which would authorize local legislation for a City Charter Amendment. Specifically, this Charter Amendment would clarify that candidates, running for the Rome City Commission, would be required to live in their Ward at least 90 days prior to the candidate qualification period. This matter was discussed by the General Administration Committee. The General Administration Committee recommended amending the Charter to require the candidates to live in their Ward at the time of qualifying. The resolution, now before the Commission, does extend that period to 90 days prior to qualifying, which is similar to the rule which requires that a candidate to be registered voter at least 90 days prior to the qualifying period. Commissioner Irmscher moved to adopt the resolution, and Commissioner Canada seconded. 1
Commissioner Davis stated that the 90-day rule wasn t discussed by the General Administration Committee, and since there is no rush to make this change as the next City election will not be until 2017, she favored taking no action on this matter at this time. Commissioner Davis would also like to examine the possibility of changing other areas of the Charter and would prefer that all Charter related topics be discussed at the next City Commission annual retreat. Commissioner Davis is also concerned that there has been no public input concerning this topic of Charter Amendment. Commissioner Davis moved to table this matter; however, that motion died for lack of a second. There was some further discussion concerning this section of the City Charter and how it has been interpreted in past elections. Secretary Smith clarified that, in the past, candidates were told they must live in their Ward at the time of qualifying. There has never been any question or discussion regarding that requirement until the 2015 Election. During that election, a candidate questioned the need to live in their Ward at the time of qualifying. This question was presented to the City Attorney. The City Attorney researched the matter and determined that as the Charter was currently written, a candidate would only have to establish residency in their Ward by the time of the election and continue residency in that Ward throughout their term in office if elected. With the discussion concluded, Commissioner Irmscher s motion to adopt the resolution authorizing local legislation for the Charter Amendment as presented, was approved by the following vote: YES: Slack, Irmscher, Wachsteter, Lee, Canada, Collins, McNiece, and Mayor Doss NO: Davis Property Tax Refund 430/432 Lavender Drive, LLC Commissioner McNiece moved to authorize a property tax refund for 430/432 Lavender Drive, LLC. Commissioner Collins seconded the motion. It was explained that there has been a lawsuit involving a property tax assessment involving 430/432 Lavender Drive, LLC, and as a result of this lawsuit settlement, $25,000 in property taxes is being refunded. Seventy-five percent of that comes from the City of Rome and City School system. The remaining twenty-five percent is coming from the Floyd County government. Commissioner McNiece s motion is to authorize a specific City and City School System combined refund of $18,750.00, and this motion was approved by the following vote: YES: Slack, Irmscher, Wachsteter, Lee, Canada, Collins, and McNiece NO: Davis Transportation Grant Application Commissioner Canada moved to adopt a resolution which would authorize the filing of an application with the United States Department of Transportation for a Transportation Planning Grant. Commissioner Wachsteter seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. 2
Truck Parking Ordinance Business Vehicles in Residential Zones Secretary Smith reported that an ordinance was being placed on First Reading concerning truck parking. Specifically, this would impact business vehicles parked in residential zones under certain conditions. A Second Reading and a vote on this ordinance is scheduled for the January 11 th City Commission meeting. 2016 Budgets Commissioner McNiece briefly reviewed the 2016 Budget process announcing that a Public Hearing with a more detailed explanation of the proposed 2016 Budgets was held at the December 14 th City Commission meeting. There was no one from the public present at that meeting to provide input. Commissioner McNiece moved to approve the 2016 Budgets as presented and recommended by the Finance Committee. Commissioner Slack seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. 112-2015Z Rezone 208 Airport Road Commissioner McNiece presented rezoning file 112-2015Z, the request to rezone 208 Airport Road from Low-Density Traditional Residential to Suburban Residential and a request for a Special Use Permit for a manufactured home on that property. This site is identified by Floyd County Tax Map #H13W-196. The Planning Commission has recommended denial of this request. surrounding properties. She pointed out that this lot is surrounded by Low-Density Traditional Residential and High-Density Traditional Residential zoning. The applicant was not present at the Planning Commission. Mayor Doss called a Public Hearing to order concerning this request. There was no one to speak in favor or opposition, and the Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner McNiece moved to deny the rezoning and SUP request that was presented. Commissioner Irmscher seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. 121-2015Z Rezone 3 Wallace Street Commissioner McNiece presented rezoning file 121-2015Z, the request to rezone 3 Wallace Street from Community Commercial to Low-Density Traditional Residential. This property is identified by Floyd County Tax Map #I13L-367. The Planning Commission has unanimously recommended approval of this request. surrounding properties. She stated that this is a single-family home which is on the edge of Community Commercial zoning, and other adjoining properties are zoned Low-Density Traditional Residential. Mayor Doss called a Public Hearing to order concerning this request. Speaking in favor of the rezoning was Ms. Mary Ann Bohannon. Ms. Bohannon is a local real estate agent and represents the property owner. Ms. Bohannon stated that the lending institution will not make a mortgage loan on this property with the Community Commercial zoning in place. She asked that the City 3
consider rezoning it to its current use which is Residential. There was no one else to speak in favor or opposition, and the Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner McNiece moved to approve the rezoning request for 3 Wallace Street from Community Commercial to Low-Density Traditional Residential as requested. Commissioner Canada seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. 123-2015Z Rezone Braves Boulevard Property Commissioner McNiece presented rezoning file 123-2015Z, the request to rezone property located on Braves Boulevard and identified by Floyd County Tax Map #J12Y-003C, from Community Commercial to Urban Mixed Use. The Planning Commission has unanimously recommended approval of the request, with the suggestion that the UMU zoning standards be followed. surrounding properties. Ms. Hiller also outlined the standards for UMU zoning per ULDC Code Section 2.2.4(a). Mayor Doss called a Public Hearing to order. Speaking in favor of the rezoning request was Mr. Doc Kibler, 35 Rome Road, Cave Spring, Georgia. Mr. Kibler stated that the plan is to develop this site with residential and commercial uses. He spoke of the 2009 development plan for this site and the variances concerning setback and landscaping that were given at that time. Also speaking in favor of the rezoning request was Mr. Gardner Williams, Rome, Georgia. Mr. Williams stated that the residential component of the Ledbetter Riverside Parkway plan, which was reviewed by the City Commission during the rezoning Hearing during the fall of 2014, has now been moved to this site. Mr. Williams stated he feels that this is a better site for the residential component that was originally planned for Riverside Parkway. Mr. Williams went into some detail describing the planned structures which will comprise one, two, and three-room apartments with a swimming pool and other amenities. Mr. Williams also presented some nice artistic renderings of the proposed residential development. He expects construction to begin between six and nine months if the rezoning is approved. Mr. Williams was reminded that his residential development will be near the Rome Braves Stadium which hosts 70 Home Games during the season, many of which are at night. With there being no one else to speak regarding the matter, the Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner McNiece moved to approve the rezoning request for the Braves Boulevard property as requested from Community Commercial to Urban Mixed Use. Commissioner Davis seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor, including Mayor Doss. 124-2015SUP 305 Kingston Avenue Commissioner McNiece presented Special Use Permit request file 124-2015SUP. This Special Use request is to allow a community garden on property at 305 Kingston Avenue, identified by Floyd County Tax Map #J14I-094. This property is zoned High Density Traditional Residential. The Planning Commission has unanimously recommended approval of this request. surrounding property. Ms. Hiller detailed some of the requirements for a community garden. 4
Mayor Doss called a Public Hearing to order. Speaking in favor of the rezoning request was Mr. Charles Love, 304 Kingston Avenue. Mr. Love spoke on some of the efforts and successes that the North Rome community has had, along with the City of Rome, in making improvements to this part of town. He stated that, through these efforts, improvements are being realized in this area, and this site where the community garden is planned once housed a dilapidated structure. This structure has been demolished, and he feels that a community garden will be a very nice addition to this area. Other groups are involved in the community garden projects such as Berry College students and the Rome Braves. In addition to becoming a productive piece of property which will be used to grow food for a variety of uses, it will also be a community gathering spot and a source of community pride. With there being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner McNiece moved to approve the SUP as requested for a community garden at 305 Kingston Avenue. Commissioner Canada seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. ULDC Amendment Table of Permitted Uses Commissioner McNiece stated that the Planning Commission has recommended an amendment to the Unified Land Development Code concerning the Table of Permitted Uses. The Table has been studied, and there have been several amendments as a result. The Planning Commission has unanimously recommended approval of the Ordinance. Rome Planner Sue Hiller reviewed the Table and highlighted some of the significant changes that are being proposed. Mayor Doss called a Public Hearing to order, and no one was present to speak in favor or opposition, and the Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner McNiece moved to approve the ULDC Amendment concerning the Table of Permitted Uses as presented. Commissioner Slack seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Commissioner Canada and Commissioner Wachsteter Parting Comments This is the last scheduled meeting of the year, and Commissioner Canada and Commissioner Wachsteter s terms will end with their replacements being sworn into office on January 11 th. Both Commissioners took this opportunity to make general statements to the Commissioners, both commenting on their time in office as a City Commissioner. Commissioner Canada has served for 12 years, and Commissioner Wachsteter has served for 14 years. Both were very complimentary of the citizens of Rome, City Staff, their fellow City Commissioners, and their families. Both also stated that, even though they were ending their current careers as City Commissioners, they would remain in Rome and would be available to help the City of Rome in any way possible in the future. New Year s Holiday City Manager Rich announced that City Administrative Offices will be closed on Friday, January 1 st in observance of the New Year s Day Holiday. Garbage schedules will also be amended due to the holiday. 5
Flooding City Manager Rich announced that the City of Rome is experiencing some moderate flooding due to the approximate six inches of rain it received during the week of Christmas. There is more rain forecasted and flooding could worsen over the next week. Mr. Rich thanked the City employees for their very dedicated efforts and many hours of overtime to work on flood related issues. He also expressed caution to the citizens of our town to not attempt to cross flooded streets. There are several streets that the City of Rome has barricaded due to high water. Alcohol Control Commission Mayor Pro Tem Slack announced that the Alcohol Control Commission met on December 21 st. In addition to routine business, one Hearing was held during that meeting. The result of the Hearing was a letter of warning for Buchanan s Sports Bar, 2730 Martha Berry Highway. There is no City Commission action needed as a result of the Hearing. South Rome Redevelopment Agency Nominations Commissioner Irmscher moved to nominate Mr. Brent Bell, Ms. Mary McHenry, and Ms. Jean Cahill to serve as members of the South Rome Redevelopment Agency. The Agency is also proposing that Mr. Wright Bagby serve as Chairman, and Mr. Bill Kerestes to serve as Vice- Chairman for 2016. A vote on these nominations will take place at the January 11 th meeting. McCall Hospital Demolition Commissioner Lee announced that the old McCall Hospital located on South Broad Street has now been demolished. Rubble is still on site, and that will be removed in the near future to make way for the planned housing development. Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital Proposal For Future Use Commissioner Collins stated that the City of Rome has met with the Georgia State Properties Commission and has received an 18-month extension for our proposal for a future use of the Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital. The City now has until July, 2017 to submit a proposal for the use of this site. The Regional Hospital was closed within the last few years, and the City of Rome is interested in reusing that site for some productive use. Commissioner Collins thanked our state representatives for their help in securing this extension. TAD One Intergovernmental Agreement Commissioner Collins moved for the City of Rome to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement with Floyd County for the Tax Allocation District One. This TAD request has been made as part of a plan to build a Marriott Courtyard Hotel on West Third Street. The request is for this particular Tax Allocation District Financing Plan to exist for 12 years, and it is expected to generate slightly over $2.5M during that time. The Floyd County Commission is also being asked to approve the TAD request. Commissioner Collins motion for approval is subject to the creation of a definition of construction, and that February 15, 2016 be established as the date to be under construction. These changes are subject to the review by the City Attorney. Commissioner Collins motion further stipulated that the $375K land acquisition cost be repaid to the City on the front end of the TAD repayment schedule. Commissioner Wachsteter seconded the motion for adoption, and the vote was unanimously in favor. 6
Downtown Development Authority Awards Commissioner McNiece announced that the Downtown Development Authority recently held their Awards Breakfast, and the following honors were noted: Harry Brock William Fricks Award Bob Blumberg Volunteer of the Year Award Heritage First Bank Economic Partnership Award Twins Commercial Properties Golden Nail Award City of Rome Public Works Department Quality of Life Award Commissioner McNiece congratulated all of these individuals and businesses for their efforts in making downtown a better place. Rome Police Officers Recognition Commissioner McNiece and Police Chief Elaine Snow recognized seven City of Rome Officers. These officers recently contributed their own personal funds to replace Christmas gifts stolen from a West Rome residence. A $300 gift card, along with other presents, was purchased by the Officers to help replace this family s loss. Executive Session City Manager Evaluation Commissioner Collins moved to go into Executive Session following the adjournment of tonight s meeting for the purpose of performing the annual evaluation of the City Manager. Commissioner Slack seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Following the adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Doss announced that City Manager Rich received a very favorable evaluation, and his annual compensation will be increased 2%. Neighborhood Enhancement Program Appreciation Commissioner Lee announced that there will be an appreciation event held for the recently concluded Neighborhood Enhancement Program for North Rome. This will take place on January 7 th at 6 p.m. in the Rome Civic Center. Adjourned With there being no further business, Mayor Doss adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 7