9/12/2022 Council Minutes  MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF AUSTELL CITY HALL BUILDING MONDAY,SEPTEMBER 12, 2022  Present: Mayor Ollie Clemons Valerie Anderson Melanie Elder Devon Myrick Sandra Leverette Meredith Adams Marlin Lamar Absent: Elizabeth Young  Also, present: Denise Lowe, Finance Director; Bo Garrison, Public Works Director; Brandon Merritt, Fire Chief; Scott Hamilton, Police Chief, Darrell Weaver, Community Affairs Director,  Debbie Connor, Executive Assistant and Scott Kimbrough, Attorney  1. CALL TO ORDER  Mayor Clemons called the meeting to order. Reverend Conner gave the invocation & Mayor Clemons led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Clemons asked if anyone had items to add to the agenda. Mrs. Anderson stated she needed to add item 131, Austell Gas Mrs. Leverette made ai recommendation to add to item 131 Seconded by Mr. Myrick. Mayor Clemons presented ai retirement plaque & pin to Randy Henson & congratulated  System Land Sale. Motion passed. (6-0)  him for his 20 years ofs service with the city.  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 - $2,680.00  C.A Approve Minutes of Regular Council Meeting August 1,2022  Mrs. Anderson made ai recommendation to approve the Consent Agenda. Seconded by  Mrs. Leverette. Motion, passed. (6-0)  1    9/12/2022 Council Minutes  4.1 EXCEPTION TO CONSENT AGENDA 6. GAS SYSTEM REPRESENTATIVE OLLIE CLEMONS, MAYOR  5. CITIZENS REPORT  Mr. Kimbrough stated it has been a good year sO far & not much is going on this time of  year.  7.1 FINANCE DEPARTMENT  VALERIE ANDERSON, CHAIRPERSON Denise Lowe, Finance Director  A. Financial Report  B. Employee Recruitment & Retention Strategies employees to remain working with the city.  Purpose: To address the current employee shortage and be competitive with neighboring, jurisdictions in recruiting new talent while incentivizing current Over recent years, the city and neighboring municipalities have been trying to combat worker shortages. In response, cities and counties are funding aggressive strategies to recruit and retain employees. The city must try to keep pace with these efforts to attract and retain a talented work force. The attached strategies detail how the city would like to address three main areas, 1) Increase base entry level pay; 2) Provide bonuses; 3). Allow adjustments to vacation and sick leave. These changes will be initially funded with recovery ofi revenue through ARPA funds and then sustained Itis the recommendation to approve attached strategies for recruiting and retaining Mrs. Anderson made ai recommendation to approve the employee recruitment & retention strategies. Seconded by Mrs. Leverette. Motion, passed. (6-0)  with property tax and franchise fee revenues.  employee talent.  8. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION  MELANIE ELDER, CHAIRPERSON Elizabeth Young, Director  A. No Report  2    9/12/2022 Council Minutes  9. POLICE DEPARTMENT  DEVON MYRICK, CHAIRPERSON Scott Hamilton, Police Chief A. Police Report B. Purchase of Chiefs Vehicle  This purchase is to accommodate ChiefHamilton inl his role as Police Chief. Purchase ofa 2022 Ford F-150 4X4 Super crew Truck. $39,806.76 Emergency Equipment Package- Dana Supplies- $9164.00 Will be paid out of SPLOST: 2022 Account # 345-3210-54-2200 vehicle. Seconded by Mrs. Anderson. Motion passed. (6-0)  Total Price- Turnkey -$48,970.76  Mr. Myrick made a recommendation to approve the purchase of the Police Chiefs  C.N Major Position - Information Only  The Major position will be in charge of the Support and Administration division. This division is in charge oft the most time sensitive and high liability areas such as policy and procedures, evidence, Internal Affairs, etc. D.E Executive Assistant to Police Chief- Information Only  The Executive Assistant to Police Chiefp performs a variety of responsible, complex, and highly confidential administrative, technical, and secretarial support duties  primarily for the Police Chief.  10. FIRE DEPARTMENT  MARLIN LAMAR, CHAIRPERSON Brandon Merritt, Fire Chief  A. Fire Report  Mr. Myrick asked the status of the new ladder truck. Chief Merritt stated it should be  delivered early October as ofr right now.  11.1 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT  SANDRA LEVERETTE, CHAIRPERSON  Bo Garrison, Director A. No Report  12. PARKS DEPARTMENT  MEREDITH ADAMS, CHAIRPERSON  3    9/12/2022 Council Minutes  Darrell Weaver, Director A. Veterans Memorial Park  Parks Department is requesting approval to move forward with the landscape component for our Veterans Memorial Park Improvement project. The Department is currently seeking bids on this component and will award to the lowest bid. We are asking to approve the amount up to, and not to exceed, $70,000.00. Funds will be Mrs. Adams made a recommendation to award the bid for Veterans Memorial Park.  paid for with our SPLOST funds.  Motion seconded by Mr. Myrick. Motion passed. (6-0) VALERIE ANDERSON, CHAIRPERSON  13. COMMUNITY AFFAIRS  Darrell Weaver, Director A. Code Enforcement Report  B. Annexation/Rezoning - Maxham Rd. (unaddressed parcel) Ar request by Maxham Investments, LLC to rezone and annex  property located at an unaddressed parcel on Maxham Road (Tax ID #1802500310) from GC and R-20 to GC: for the purpose of RV Storage and future outparcel development. Mr. Kimbrough opened the public hearing for the annexation. No one Mrs. Anderson moved toj follow the recommendation of Mr. Kimbrough to close the Mrs. Anderson made ai recommendation to approve the annexation; for Maxham Rd. Mr. Kimbrough opened the public hearing for the rezoning. No one spoke in  spoke in opposition.  public hearing. Seconded by Mr. Myrick. Motion passed. (6-0)  Seconded by Mr. Myrick. Motion passed. (6-0)  opposition.  Mrs. Anderson moved to follow the recommendation of Mr. Kimbrough to close the  public hearing. Seconded by Mrs. Adams. Motion passed. (6-0)  Mrs. Anderson made ai recommendation to approve the rezoning, for Maxham Rd.  Seconded by Mrs. Adams. Motion passed. (6-0)  4    9/12/2022 Council Minutes  C.A Amnexation/Rezoning - 200 Maxham Rd.  A request by Maxham Investments, LLC to rezone and annex property located at 200 Maxham Road (Tax ID #02581820004) from C-H to GC for the purpose continuing the use as commercial offices an auto broker with no on-site display/sales and RV repairs conducted inside the building. Mr. Kimbrough opened the public hearing for Mrs. Anderson moved toj follow the recommendation of Mr. Kimbrough to close the Mrs. Anderson made ai recommendation to approve the annexation, for 200 Maxham Mr. Kimbrough opened the public hearing for the rezoning. No one spoke in  the annexation. No one spoke in opposition.  public hearing. Seconded by Mrs. Adams. Motion passed. (6-0) Rd. Seconded by Mrs. Adams. Motion passed. (6-0)  opposition.  Mrs. Anderson moved toj follow the recommendation of Mr. Kimbrough to close the  public hearing. Seconded by Mr. Myrick. Motion passed. (6-0)  Mrs. Anderson made ai recommendation to approve the rezoning. for 200 Maxham Rd.  Seconded by. Mr. Myrick. Motion passed. (6-0) D. Rezoning - 5640 Westside Rd. & 3700 Goodwin Rd.  A request by JMC Development, LLC to rezone property located at 5640 Westside Road & 3700 Goodwin Road from R-30 (residential) to PUD (residential) for the Mrs. Anderson made ai recommendation to approve the rezoning. Mrs. Adams seconded, however her second was to deny the request. After Mr. Kimbrough  purpose ofai residential development.  researched. Robert's Rules ofOrder, the vote was allowed.  Motion denied. (4-2)  E. Tenant Occupancy Permit Process  The Community Affairs Department has been working with the. Austell Fire Department to streamline a way for inspections and documentation ofindividual suite/tenants of multi-use properties. After researching otherj jurisdictions, the use ofa tenant occupancy permit, similar to a certificate of occupancy, is used ini these Powder Springs: $125.00 (ifunder 3000 sq ft and 1 floor....Fire fee is $100) Smyrna: $125.00 - (Fire fee $200 for projects up to 10,000 S.F. $0.02 per S.F.iftotal square footage of new construction'renovation is> 10,000  occurrences. The following was found:  S.F.  5    9/12/2022 Council Minutes  Technology Fee- $15  Cobb County: $100.00 (ifunder 3000 sq ftand 11 floor....Fire feei is $100) Proposed fee for Austell: $150.00 (Which includes a Fire Inspection Fee $50.00) Question What is the purpose ofa Tenant Occupancy Certificate, (TOC)? Answer. The minimum requirements oft the International Building Code (IBC) is to "safeguard public health, safety and general welfare of the occupants ofnew and existing buildings and structures." (Reference 2018 IBC: Effective Use of the Purpose A Tenant Occupancy Certificate is needed on new, and existing businesses to ensure the safety ofthe building occupants. That includes employees as well as the Question - What do Ineed to do to be in compliance with the requirements ofa Answer. General Life Safety and ADA compliance is needed to pass the inspections foraTOC. Each business is unique and may require safeguards that are not necessary for other businesses. For most businesses the following is a general synopsis of what 1.Zoning must approve the business type for the proposed location. 2. Once zoning has given yout their approval an application must be applied for at the Department of Community Affairs. Architectural plans will need to be submitted at  International Building Code. Page ix).  general public. TOC?  the inspectors are looking for:  this time.  3.1 Fire extinguishers must bei installed and have a current tag. 4. Emergency exit lighting must be in compliance. 5. The means of egress, (to go out) must not be obstructed.  6.All signage must be posted. This includes, but not limited to, egress, bathrooms, no 7.Ifyou are in a strip mall the building separation requirements will be verified. 8. Again, all businesses are unique in nature and willj probably have some unique safety requirements as well. Most oft this will be addressed during the plan review Answer The Austell Fire Department will be inspecting the building for any and all life safety issues. The Department of Community Affairs Building Official will be inspecting the structural components, as well as mechanical, electrical, and HVAC, (heating and air). He will also inspect any construction changes, or new construction Mrs. Anderson made a recommendation to approve the tenant occupancy, permit  smoking, Arc fault hazard, etc.  process.  Question - Who will be doing our inspections?  work.  process. Seconded by Mr. Myrick. Motion passed. (6-0)  F. Enterprise Zone Incentive Program  As you may recall, in 2014 the city adopted the Enterprise Zone ordinance to offera tool that would encourage and incentivize private businesses to reinvest, renovate, restore, improve and rehabilitate areas of Austell resulting in improving economic vitality and increased employment opportunities. Staff has recently received ai request  6    9/12/2022 Council Minutes  from the owner/developer oft the Cincinnati Junction project in downtown Austell along Broad Street for inclusion in the Enterprise Zone program. Staffisi in support ofthe following incentives: 1. Exemption from state, county and municipal ad valorem taxes in accordance with the schedule identified within the Enterprise Zone Ordinance. 01 100% of property taxes exempt year 1-5 0 80 % of property taxes exempt year 6-7 D 60% of property taxes exempt year 8 0 40% of property taxes exempt year 9 D 20% of property taxes exempt year 10 2. Waiver ofb building permit and inspection fees.  3. Exemption of "pioneer" business license fees for 5 years. "Pioneer" being the first business to occupy and operate out oft the subject project. Any subsequent businesses  shall not be eligible.  4.1 Exemption oft the Stormwater Impervious Surface fees. 5. Credit of $200 toward water meters (up to 1%i inch lines).  6. Applicant has received a waiver of right-of-way permit fees for stormwater Mrs. Andersons made a recommendation to approve the Enterprise Zone Incentive  improvements.  Program. Seconded by Mr. Myrick. Motion passed. (6-0)  G. Comprehensive Plan Update  Itis the recommendation oft the Community Affairs Department to authorize the Atlanta Regional Commission to submit the city' 's draft 2022 Comprehensive Plan Update to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for review. Mrs. Anderson made ai recommendation, for approval. Seconded by Mrs. Leverette.  Motion passed. (6-0) H. Variance Board Appointment  Itis the recommendation of the Community Affairs Department to appoint Tim Mrs. Anderson made a recommendation to deny the request. Seconded by Mrs.  Adams for a two-year term expiring July 31,2024.  Leverette. Motion passed. (4-2) . Austell Gas System Land Sale  Asyour may recall, the Austell Gas System (AGS) recently placed approximately 15.86 acres of land off Joe Jerkins Boulevard and Hutcheson Drive for sale as surplus property. Staffhad considered several inquiries for thei future use oftl the property,many of which were not appropriate for the surrounding land uses; however, one potential purchaser offered aj proposal that appeared to blend well with the area. The proposed purchasing party is Quality Diversified Services (QDS) who is a local based, nationally serving, tree removal and emergency response company who employs  7    9/12/2022 Council Minutes  approximately 7 in office employees and an additional approximate 8 field personnel. Their proposal includes an approximately 30,000 square foot building with office and warehouse space. Traffic would enter/exit off. Joe Jerkins Boulevard. AGS will retain approximately 3.01 acres along Hutcheson Drive with the remaining 12.85 acres being sold to QDS. Additionally, QDS currently owns two adjoining parcels along Rolly Street accounting for approximately 6.14 acres that will be included in the purchase of the. AGS property that will be transferred into the name of the City of Austell. AGS is offering to sell the 12.85 acres of land to the City of Austell for an amount of one dollar ($1.00) with the City of Austell then selling the property to QDS for an amount of $315,000, minus closing costs and broker fees, plus the additional two properties owned by the purchaser located off Rolly Street in downtown Austell. City Attorney Scott Kimbrough is currently drafting all applicable paperwork for this Staffis requesting approval for the Mayor to move: forward with the proposed purchase Mrs. Leverette made ai recommendation to approve the landsale. Seconded by Mr.  transaction. and resale transaction.  Myrick. Motion passed. (6-0)  14.4 ATTORNEY, DUPREE & KIMBROUGH  A. 2022 Douglas County SPLOST IGA & Reterendum B. 2022 Douglas County SPLOST Referendum Resolution Seconded by Mrs. Leverette. Motion passed. (6-0)  Mrs. Anderson made a recommendation to approve the IGA & Resolution.  15. MAYOR'S REPORT A. No Report 16. ADJOURN  Mr. Myrick made ai recommendation to adjourn the meeting. Seconded. by Mr. Lamar.  Motion passed. (6-0) Dlich ADV. 7.2022  Mayor Date  Attest  8