2/6/2023 Council Minutes  MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF AUSTELL CITY HALL BUILDING FEBRUARY 6, 2023  Present: Mayor Ollie Clemons Valerie Anderson Melanie Elder Devon Myrick Sandra Leverette Meredith Adams Marlin Lamar  Also, present: Denise Lowe, Finance Director; Bo Garrison, Public Works Director; Brandon Merritt, Fire Chief; Scott Hamilton, Police Chief, Darrell Weaver, Community Affairs Director,  Elizabeth Young, City Clerk and Scott Kimbrough, Attorney  1. CALL TO ORDER  Mayor Clemons called the meeting to order. Pastor Hooper gave the invocation & Mayor Clemons led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Clemons asked ifanyone had items to add to the agenda. Mrs. Anderson added item 13H, CDBG Sub-Recipient Agreement, Mr. Myrick added item 9B, Camera Purchase, and Ms. Elder added item 8A, CivicPlus. Mrs. Anderson made a recommendation to add items 13H, 9B, & 8A. Seconded by Mrs. Mayor congratulated Jannette Mariani-Herrera & Kiona Warren (not present) on 5 years ChiefHamilton thanked Austell First United Methodist Church for the recent help during  Adams. Motion passed. (6-0) ofservice with the city.  an event.  2.CONSENT AGENDA -] INFORMATION AND UPDATE (No Action Required by Council - See Specific Department Director before a Meeting.)  2. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve Bills B. Approve Legal Bills - $3,222.50  C.Approve Minutes of Regular Council Meeting January 9, 2023  Mrs. Anderson made ai recommendation to approve the Consent Agenda. Seconded by  Mrs. Leverette. Motion passed. (6-0)  1    2/6/2023 Council Minutes  4. EXCEPTION TO CONSENT AGENDA  5. CITIZENS REPORT  Mr. Tim Adams asked ift the city could follow up on the DNR paperwork that was signed by Mayor Clemons. Mr. Weaver stated they have reached out to the DNR and Mr. Mr. Derek Caffe asked if there was an update on the LCI study, mainly the railroad quiet Ms. Monica Delancey is from the city ofl Mableton and gave an update on her  Kimbrough stated he would check into it also.  zone and the road diet plan.  community.  6.GASSYSTEM REPRESENTATIVE OLLIE CLEMONS, MAYOR The gas system is still in good shape. 7.FINANCE DEPARTMENT  Mr. Kimbrough stated December 2022 had new daily records due to the cold weather.  VALERIE ANDERSON, CHAIRPERSON Denise Lowe, Finance Director  A. Financial Report  8. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION  MELANIE ELDER, CHAIRPERSON Elizabeth Young, Director  A. CivicPlus  The General Administration Committee met in November and discussed the topic ofCivicPlus, which was also presented to Mayor, City Council, and Directors at our recent retreat in December. CivicPlus is a platform that is integrated with Municode and will assist in preparing meetings, agendas, minutes, and many other features. It was determined that CivicPlus would be an asset to the city and  necessary for progression. Please see packet. Premium meetings management - $5,500 Meetings Hub -$1,100 One-time Build Fee-$1,500 year- $660 discount  Below is the cost:  Existing Municode Client grants 10% discount on renewables for your first  2    2/6/2023 Council Minutes  Total year 1 investment = $7,440 Each additional year = $6,600 (+5 5%1 tech uplifts) Funds will come from 100-1330-52.1300  Ms. Elder made a recommendation to approve CivicPlus. Seconded by. Mrs.  Anderson. Motion passed. (6-0)  9.1 POLICE DEPARTMENT  DEVON MYRICK, CHAIRPERSON Scott Hamilton, Police Chief  A. Police Report B. Camera Purchase  Per the Austell City Ordinance under the "Procurement Policy...Sec. 2-276 (C)(4) Criteria for purchases and bids", full documentation shall be submitted tot the mayor and city council for the lack of a competitive market as applicable. The following is such documentation: Chief O.S. Hamilton and the Austell Police Department are filtering through a significant transition as it relates to current antiquated technology being used by the PD as opposed to up-to-date technology that is more conducive to the types of policing in 2023. As Deputy Chiefof Cobb County PD, ChiefHamilton oversaw the PD vehicle fleet, which encompassed in-car cameras and body cameras. As Major with the Brookhaven Police Department, Deputy Chief Harrell occupied a similar role. Chief Hamilton and Deputy Chief Harrell are well-versed in the Procurement process and vetting vendors for bids. They both are well acquainted with vendors affiliated with in-car/body cameras, including Axon. They have set in several meetings with vendors, such as watch guard, utility, Axon, Motorola, et cetera., over the last 3 years, and have an excellent working knowledge of each product. Austell Police department recently conducted a test trial of Safe Fleet's upgraded cameras and discovered several drawbacks with this product. Some of the issues are Body camera takes al long time to download the videos because they have to be downloaded on a desktop until a downloading station is accessible. The body camera does not always sync with the vehicle as it should or lags The body camera comes off easy if you smack the bottom of it in an upper Body camera dash cam does not have the best night quality, and some videos  as follows:  when you activate the blue lights.  position.  are very dark at night. Night vision could be better.  3    2/6/2023 Council Minutes  Due to this experience and after several meetings with the current vendor (Safe Fleet), who services the Austell Police Department with cameras, ChiefHamilton and his staff has decided toj part ways with Safe Fleet and move forward with Axon. ChiefHamilton and his team respectfully ask the mayor and city council to consider "Axon" as a sole Some reasons why Axon should be considered a sole source is because of the Axon services approximately 80% ofLaw enforcement agencies in metro Atlanta, including Cobb County police and the Cobb County Sheriff's office. Austell PD plans toj partner with CCPD to be partoftheir Real Time Crime Center. CCPD's RTCC is currently linked to an intelligence system called "Fusus." Fusus isas software plugged into the network (RTCC) and can connect with all cameras linked to the system; this includes city and county-wide. They can view business cameras, DOT cameras, residential cameras, et cetera. This capability will allow Austell PD to conduct investigations at al high level and increase the probability of  source vendor and bypass the bid process.  following:  solving violent crimes that plague the city.  Axon is the only vendor to date that links with the fusus software.  Axon's ability to link with fusus will allow Austell PD to operate more efficiently and collaborate with local LE agencies more effectively if they utilize the same camera system. These are the most prominent justifications for why Axon should Mr. Myrick made a recommendation to approve the Camera Purchase. Seconded by  be considered a sole source. Mrs. Adams. Motion passed. (6-0)  10. FIRE DEPARTMENT  MARLIN LAMAR, CHAIRPERSON Brandon Merritt, Fire Chief A. Fire Truck Presentation B. Fire Report  The new ladder truck was at City Hall before the council meeting for everyone to see. The Fire Department met with the Fire Council Committee on January 18 to discuss the need for adding additional personnel to the Fire Department. After meeting, the committee decided to move forward with bringing the recommendation to council. Due to the annexations and development in the city over the last few years, the annual call volume increasing, and with the addition oft the ladder truck, the Fire Department has reached the point with personnel that we are in need of adding firefighters to each shift tol help with staffing. The Fire Department is asking for the addition oftwo personnel per shift. One position will be filled with a full-time employee and one position will be filled with part-time personnel to help save the cost of benefits and  C. Request for Additional Personnel (Information Only)  4    2/6/2023 Council Minutes  overtime. Any part-time employee would already be a certified firefighter. We operate with three shifts sO there would be a total ofs six positions filled. With the addition of staffing, this would be helpful when someone is out for leave or training and aid in the number of calls that can be responded to at any given time. The estimated cost of full-time position including all benefits: One on each shift; at three shifts= 3 positions total One position filled with part-time 365 days per year  $210,000 total $165,000 total  D. Request for Realigning Rank  The Fire Department met with the Fire council committee on January 18, during this meeting there was some discussion of some needed realignment ofthe rank structure to help with the chain of command, and adequate staffing for additional apparatus. After meeting, the committee decided to move forward with bringing the recommendation to council. The realignment of positions would include adding a rank to our rank structure in the suppression division along with realigning our current ranks. This would also help with safety and having an officer on each apparatus. This change would have a cost ofa approximately $25,000- - $30,000 annually. At the same time, we are requesting to change the "Assistant Chief" position to "Deputy Chief". This change is requested due to the term "Deputy Chief" isai more standard name for that position and is more commonly used in surrounding Mr. Lamar made the recommendation to approve the request. for Realigning Rank.  jurisdictions.  Seconded by Mrs. Adams. Motion passed. (6-0) E. Addition to Fire Station #2 (Information Only)  On January 18 the Fire committee met regarding the need for additional personnel. It was discussed that an addition to the station would be required to accommodate this change. The addition would be approximately 26'x26' and would be located at the south end ofthe building. It would include three bedrooms, a small office area and storage. We are currently looking into an estimated cost for this project.  11.PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT  SANDRA LEVEREITE, CHAIRPERSON  Bo Garrison, Director A. No Report  12.PARKS DEPARTMENT  MEREDITH ADAMS, CHAIRPERSON A. Jefferson Street Park Conceptual Project  Darrell Weaver, Director  In efforts to redevelop and revitalize the downtown area, a need has been identified for creating a sense of place for the community to enjoy. Such an area would allow  5    2/6/2023 Council Minutes  visitors to enjoy downtown and the various businesses serving the community. Staff began conversations with Ron Huffman, the architect who assisted the city with the redevelopment ofVeterans Memorial Park, to generate ideas on how to create such an experience downtown. The Jefferson Street Park conceptual plan was created incorporating history with modern activities such as seasonal splash pads paying homage to the various springs which founded Austell as well as a ghost structure honoring a former fire station that once sat in the center oft the existing parking area. Within that ghost structure would be a piece of play equipment reflecting a fire apparatus. Parking would be reconfigured with a net loss ofonly a few spaces while incorporating more sidewalks and street trees making this area of downtown more inviting and enjoyable. Therefore, staffis requesting to move forward with the beginning stages of creating this new park including updated cost estimates, surveying and finalizing a plan for Mayor and Council approval. Mrs. Adams made ai motion to approve the. Jefferson Street Park Conceptual Plan.  Seconded by Mr. Myrick. Motion passed. (6-0) VALERIE ANDERSON, CHAIRPERSON  13. COMMUNITY AFFAIRS  Darrell Weaver, Director A. Code Enforcement Report  B. 3575 Old Thompson Dr. - Rezoning & Annexation  Application 2022-30R & 2022-31A: by Quality Diversified Services, LLC to rezone and annex approximately 0.47 acres located at 3575 Old Thompson Drive (Tax ID #19109100270) from R-20 (Residential) to GC (General Commercial) to continue the use ofc commercial office and outdoor storage. The full staffr report and supporting documents are attached. Mr. Kimbrough opened for a rezoning public hearing. Mr. Stefan LeBlanc spoke on behalfofQuality Diversified Services, LLC. He stated there would be small trucks parked on the property & small equipment would be stored inside the building. Mr. Kimbrough asked ifanyone signed upi in opposition. No one signed up to speak in opposition. Refer to the required stipulations requested by Cobb Mrs. Anderson made ai motion to close the rezoning. public hearing. Seconded. by Mrs. Mrs. Anderson made ai motion to approve the rezoning with. stipulations from Cobb County. Seconded by Ms. Elder. Motion passed. (5-1 Mr Myrick opposed) Mr. Kimbrough opened up for a annexation public hearing. No questions were asked. Mrs. Anderson made a motion to close the annexation public hearing. Seconded by  County in their non-objection letter. Leverette. Motion passed. (6-0)  Ms. Elder. Motion passed. (6-0)  6    2/6/2023 Council Minutes  Mrs. Anderson made ai motion to approve the annexation. Seconded by Mrs.  Leverette. Motion passed. (6-0)  .5 5640 Westside Road & 3700 Goodwin Road - Rezoning  Application 2022-21R: by JMC Development, LLC: request to: rezone approximately 28.35 acres at 5640 Westside Road and 3700 Goodwin Road (Tax ID#19131400070, 19131400020 and 19131500060) from R-30 (Residential) to PUD(Planned Unit Development -Residential) for the purpose ofa residential development. Mr. Kimbrough opened fora rezoning public hearing. Mr. Allen Smith was present on behalfo ofJMC Development. Mr. Bryan Mills spoke in opposition. Mr. Myrick made a recommendation to close the rezoning public hearing. Seconded Mrs. Anderson made a recommendation to approve the rezoning request. Seconded  by Mr. Lamar. Motion passed. (6-0)  by Mr. Myrick. Motion passed. (5-1 Mr. Lamar opposed)  D. Convenience Store/Gas Station Moratorium  Staff has been receiving an increasing number ofinquiries and proposals for convenience stores and gas stations throughout various corridors in the city. Many of these areas are in close proximity to residential communities as well as key areas of redevelopment efforts. Parcels within these areas are currently zoned General Commercial which allows for these uses by right making it difficult for staff to ensure harmonious development patterns complimenting surrounding uses instead of creating potential nuisances. As a result, staffis requesting a moratorium for a period ofone-year on any newly proposed convenience stores and/or gas stations to allow time to evaluate existing zoning regulations and how to address these concerns Mrs. Anderson made ai recommendation to approve the Convenience Store/Gas Station  moving forward.  Moratorium. Seconded by Mrs. Leverette. Motion passed. (6-0)  E. Threadmill Complex RFP  The Threadmill Complex has been reaching the end ofi its sustainability as infrastructure is aging rapidly. Key components such as the elevators, boiler room, cooling tower and parking lot are all at the stage where they are facing the need for replacement. These items would be costly for replacement and could fail at any time.  Costs have been estimated at: Elevators: $265,125.00 Boiler Room: $338,000.00 Cooling Tower: $417,000.00 Parking Lot: $250,000.00 Emergency Generator: TBD  7    2/6/2023 Council Minutes  This is all in addition to the roofreplacement currently occurring with an estimated cost of$1,459,500. Staff has been exploring all options for the Threadmill Complex being sensitive to the historic and unique value it brings to the community. One the potential for the Threadmill Complex to be redeveloped into ai mixed use live/work/play venue similar to Ponce City Market or the Etowah Mill. Therefore, staffi is requesting to move forward with producing and putting out an RFP for options and opportunities to redevelop the Threadmill Complex and surrounding campus. Mrs. Anderson made ai recommendation to approve the Threadmill Complex RFP.  option that staff has been approached with was  Seconded by Mr. Myrick. Motion passed. (6-0)  F. Sale ofCity owned Property  Staffhas been approached by the real estate community seeking properties within the city for potential industrial warehouse and/or distribution developments. These are job creators that will also help balance the city' s tax digest; however, like most metro area communities, large enough tracts to do sO is scarce. After looking atj properties that would make sense within proximity oft the intermodal and Thornton Road, the city's property along Luke Glenn Garrett, Jr. Memorial Highway has entered conversations. The property is currently over thirty (30) acres in size with quite al bit in floodplain and Sweetwater Creek frontage. There is an opportunity to develop a portion of this tract while retaining additional greenspace to incorporate within the city's greenspace network and creek frontage. Therefore, staffis requesting to move forward with conversations with interested parties tol bring potential concepts for Mrs. Anderson made ai recommendation to approve the Sale ofCity owned. Property.  development to the Mayor and Council for consideration. Seconded by Mr. Myrick Motion passed. (6-0)  G. Privilege License. Approvals  Attached is a listing of Alcohol Privilege License Renewal requests received. Each applicant has conducted and passed the required background checks by the Austell Police Department. Staff recommends approval of each of the requests listed. Johnny's Liquor Store (Aziz Farista) 5770 Harris Street, Austell, GA 30168 Austell Gas and Food (Heena Amin Virani) 5161 Austell Road, Austell, GA 30106 Mrs. Anderson made ai recommendation to approve the Privilege License. Seconded  by Mr. Lamar. Motion passed. (6-0) H. CDBG Subrecipient Agreement See attached agreement.  8    2/6/2023 Council Minutes  Mrs. Anderson made a recommendation to approve the CDBG Subrecipient  Agreement. Seconded. by Mr. Myrick. Motion passed. (6-0)  14.ATTORNEY, DUPREE & KIMBROUGH  A. Douglas County SDS Animal Control Agreement  See attached agreement.  Mrs. Anderson made ai recommendation to approve the Douglas Counly SDS. Animal Control Agreement. Seconded by Mr. Myrick. Motion, passed. (6-0)  15. MAYOR'S REPORT A. CMA Meeting  February 22, 2023 at the Cobb Chamber  Mayor Clemons stated he would be having a State ofthe City Address in several  weeks.  16. ADJOURN  Mr. Myrick made a recommendation to adjourn the meeting. Seconded. by Mrs. Leverette.  Motion passed. (6-0) Aidam  Mayor Date  3-10-2023  Cyps  9