City Commission

ROME CITY COMMISSION Monday, October 25, 2021 The Rome City Commission met at 6:30 p.m. this date in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall, 601 Broad Street. Mayor McDaniel presided with Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson and Commissioners Bojo, Cochran, Davis, Doss, Quick, and Collins present. Commissioner Askew was absent due to illness. Commissioner Bojo opened the meeting with prayer and led in the salute to the flag. Minutes – October 11, 2021 The minutes of the October 11, 2021meeting, as submitted in writing by the Secretary, were approved by an unanimous consent. Retired Educators Day Commissioner Quick presented a joint City/County proclamation proclaiming Sunday, November 7th as Retired Educators Day in our community. This proclamation was presented to representatives of the local Retired Educators organization, and Ms. Juanita King briefly addressed the Commission. National Hospice and Palliative Care Month Commissioner Doss presented a City proclamation proclaiming November 2021 as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month in our community. This proclamation was presented to Mr. Art Lloyd and Dave Pledger on behalf of Hospice Care Services. Transit Grant Application - 5307 Commissioner Collins moved to adopt a resolution which authorizes City Manager Rich to apply for FY 2023 Rome Transit Department Operating and Capital Funding. The Operating Grant will be in the amount of $1,350,000 of Federal Funding with an equal local match (50/50). The Capital Grant Application is 80% Federal, 10% State, and 10% local and totals $752,988. Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Curfew Ordinance Amendment Mayor McDaniel explained that the proposed Curfew Ordinance Amendment, which was tabled at the September 13th, September 27th, and October 11th meetings, remains on the table. Commissioner Quick moved to continue with this matter tabled. Commissioner Collins seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Open Container Ordinance Amendment Commissioner Quick announced that, at the October 11, 2021 Rome City Commission meeting, two items were placed on First Reading, which addressed our current Downtown Open Container Ordinance. Currently, there is a temporary ordinance in place which allows the open container of alcohol within the designated downtown area on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. 1 to 11 p.m. This temporary proposal will expire on October 30, 2021. The first option is to extend this temporary period through December 31st. The second option is to make this provision ongoing until such time as amended by the City Commission. There have been no noted problem issues during this trial period. Commissioner Davis moved to adopt the ordinance amendment, which would make the Downtown Open Container option ongoing. Commissioner Cochran seconded the motion, and it was approved by the following vote: YES: Cochran, Davis, Doss, Quick, and Collins NO: Stevenson, Bojo Knox Box Ordinance City Manager Rich explained that the Rome Fire Marshal and Public Safety Committee have recommended the adoption of a proposed Knox Box Ordinance. Rome Fire Marshal Mary Catherine Chewning addressed this matter during Caucus tonight and spoke at the podium during this meeting. Ms. Chewning explained that the Knox Box is a device that is placed on the exterior of businesses that contains a key to the business entrance. In the case of a fire alarm, the Fire Department would have access to the Knox Box and can gain entrance to the business without having to wait for a keyholder to arrive, or damage the structure to gain entrance. The Knox Box will allow the Fire Department to operate more efficiently while not having to wait for a keyholder to arrive. There will also likely be less property damage with quicker access to the alarm source and less damage to the structure. The Knox Box will be required on all businesses built after November 1, 2021 and existing businesses that change hands or have certain renovations. Businesses that have had three or more false fire alarms would also be subject to the Knox Box, as well as businesses where a keyholder has refused to respond to the fire alarm notification. Commissioner Quick moved for the adoption of the proposed Knox Box Ordinance, and Commissioner Doss seconded. There was considerable discussion by the Commission regarding this requirement for financial institutions. Commissioner Cochran made an amendment to exclude financial institutions from this requirement, and Commissioner Davis seconded. Ms. Chewning did not express objection to the exemption of financial institutions; however, she did point out there is at least one financial institution in our community that has voluntarily installed a Knox Box at their location. It was also noted there are other businesses that contain sensitive information, in addition to the cash and other important documents that can be found at financial institutions. With the discussion concluded, the amendment failed by the following vote: YES: Stevenson, Bojo, Cochran, Davis NO: Doss, Quick, Collins, and Mayor McDaniel With the amendment defeated, the original motion to adopt the Knox Box Ordinance as presented, was approved by the following vote: 2  YES: Stevenson, Bojo, Doss, Quick, Collins, and Mayor McDaniel NO: Cochran, Davis Z21-10-02 Rezone Martha Berry Boulevard and North Fifth Avenue Properties Commissioner Quick introduced rezoning file Z21-10-02, the request to rezone the following nine properties: 1) Heavy Commercial to Urban Mixed Use – 1102 Martha Berry Boulevard, Tax Map # J13Y-344. 2) Heavy Commercial to Urban Mixed Use – 1104 Martha Berry Boulevard, Tax Map # J13Y-343. 3) Community Commercial to Urban Mixed Use – 1104 Martha Berry Boulevard, Tax Map #J13Y-338. 4) Community Commercial to Urban Mixed Use – 1200 Martha Berry Boulevard, Tax Map #J13Y-337. 5) Community Commercial to Urban Mixed Use – 1204 Martha Berry Boulevard, Tax Map #J13Y-336. 6) Community Commercial to Urban Mixed Use – 1109 N. Fifth Avenue, Tax Map # J13Y-340. 7) Community Commercial to Urban Mixed Use – 1105 N. Fifth Avenue, Tax Map # J13Y-341. 8) Community Commercial to Urban Mixed Use – 5th Avenue, Tax Map # J13Y-342. 9) Community Commercial to Urban Mixed Use – 1212 Martha Berry Blvd., Tax Map # J13Y-335. Mayor McDaniel stated he is involved with this property and excused himself from discussions regarding this matter; Mayor McDaniel left the room. Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson called on Assistant Rome Planner Brice Wood to review this file. Mr. Wood reviewed this file, displaying maps and photographs of the nine parcels that have requested zoning. Two of the parcels are zoned Heavy Commercial, seven of the parcels are zoned Community Commercial, and Urban Mixed Use is requested for all parcels. 33 Holdings LLC is the applicant. Mr. Wood also displayed letters of support for the project from some surrounding property owners. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend rezoning. Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson called a Public Hearing to order. Speaking in favor of the rezoning request were the following persons: 1) Brandon Bowen, Jones, Bowen & Walker, 15 South Public Square, Cartersville, Georgia 2) Corey Oldknow, Chief Acquisitions Officer for 33 Holdings LLC 3) Bill Jones, Architect for 33 Holdings LLC 4) Stacey Brown, Chicken Salad Chick founder and owner of the Martha Berry Boulevard location 5) Phillip Gaines, owner of Hi-Tech Signs 6) Bill Temple, 510 Cooper Drive 3 All six of these individuals spoke in favor of the rezoning request. Mr. Oldknow explained that 33 Holdings would like to establish a live/work community at this location near the center of Rome. Ms. Brown spoke at length and stated that, as the founder of Chicken Salad Chick with over 200 US locations, she chose to invest in Rome for a founders location. She spoke regarding Rome’s charm and that Rome needs to become as attractive as possible for persons leaving Atlanta looking for a better living environment. Ms. Brown commented on the considerable illegal activity (drugs and prostitution) that have been occurring in this area. She feels that the 33 Holdings project will be great for Rome and will be a tremendous improvement for this Martha Berry Boulevard and North 5th Avenue area. Mr. Gaines stated that he has been involved with Hi-Tech Signs for 21 years at this location. He has seen a lot of positive growth, and he feels that the 33 Holdings project will be a great step forward for this area. Mr. Bill Temple also supports this project and feels that this will be a very worthwhile improvement for this struggling area. Mr. Jones commented on the specifics of the development stating that there will be approximately 200 apartment units and 20,000 feet of retail space. Approximately 500 parking spaces are planned, and there will be two streetscape projects associated with this development. With there being no further comments, Mayor Pro Tem Stevenson closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the Urban Mixed Use rezoning request for this area as submitted, and Commissioner Davis seconded. Following some comments of support for the City Commissioners, the rezoning motion was unanimously approved. A21-10-01 Annex 572 Pleasant Valley Road and Portion of 431 Pleasant Valley Road Commissioner Quick introduced annexation file A21-10-01, the request to annex properties located at 572 Pleasant Valley Road and a portion of the property at 431 Pleasant Valley Road. These properties are identified by Tax Map #s K16-159 and K16-159D. These properties are currently zoned Agricultural Residential, and the annexation request is to annex the property into the City of Rome with this current zoning. The Planning Commission gives no recommendation and voted 4-4 concerning this request. Concerning this annexation file, Staff has recommended approval of the annexation request. Assistant Planner Brice Wood reviewed this file displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Wood explained that this annexation involves approximately 70 acres, and the owner plans to develop a large residential subdivision on this property and on adjoining property that is already located in the City of Rome (and zoned Suburban Residential). The owner would like to annex this property and have his entire planned residential development in the City of Rome with Suburban Residential zoning. There is a rezoning file planned later in this meeting to rezone this same property from Agricultural Residential to Suburban Residential if the annexation is approved. Mr. Wood also stated there has been considerable opposition to this planned residential development from adjoining property owners. This site is served by City of Rome Sewer and Floyd County Water. Mayor McDaniel called a Public Hearing to order. Speaking in favor of the rezoning request was Mr. Denton West of JTG Holdings. Mr. West stated that his company already owns the northern section of this property and would like to annex this property for future development of a subdivision. JTG would like for the entire subdivision development to be inside the City of Rome. Mr. West submitted a printed statement titled “Zoning Stipulations Present Valley Preserve”. This sheet had seven stipulations and was signed by Mr. Bryan Ponder on behalf of JTG Holdings LLC on October 22, 2021. Also speaking in favor of the annexation request was 4 Mr. Bryan Ponder of JTG Holdings. Mr. Ponder referenced the zoning stipulations and a traffic study which is being done to address some intersection improvements along Chulio Road. Mr. Ponder indicated that they would widen the entrances to the new residential development from Chulio Road and Pleasant Valley Road as recommended by the traffic study. Mr. Ponder stated that there would not be access to the new residential development through Hampton Preserve or Hampton Boulevard. Mayor McDaniel noted there were approximately six minutes left of the allotted ten minutes to the applicants. This remaining six minutes can be used for rebuttal time. Speaking in opposition to the annexation was Whitney Ducane, 745 Pleasant Valley Road; Dr. Mandy Knaak, 39 Rushden Way; and Reverend Chris Barbary, 7 Camelot Circle. Ms. Ducane encouraged denial of the annexation request stating that the developer does not serve the City of Rome and that the citizens of this area will be the ones living with this subdivision after it is complete, and the developers have left town. Ms. Ducane also referenced that the traffic study indicates there will be an additional 8,000 cars per day on Chulio Road as a result of this large residential subdivision. Ms. Ducane feels that this area will suffer a loss of quality of life and the small town feel if this 1,018-home development is approved. Increased traffic, deteriorating road conditions and road safety, and school overcrowding are among the potential drawbacks. Dr. Knaak encouraged the City Commission to table this matter until more information/studies can be determined. She commented at length regarding Chulio, which is a nice country road, but not equipped to handle this extra traffic. She commented on some of the problems Chulio Road currently faces now with dangerous intersections, a lack of proper road shoulders, and drainage and lighting deficiencies. Dr. Knaak referenced a 2003 SPLOST Referendum in which some funds were allocated for improving Chulio Road between Highway 411 and Boyd Valley; however, funds have not been spent to improve the road since this designation. She indicated the online petition had received approximately 470 signatures and many comments related to this potential project. Reverend Barbary also encouraged the City Commission to deny this request. Reverend Barbary feels there are several studies that should be completed before approval is given. He encouraged a study concerning the Rome City Schools and the overcrowding that can occur at East Central School as a result of this subdivision. There could be approximately 200 additional students added to East Central School when this subdivision is fully developed. He also encouraged an impact study regarding the effect on surrounding property values, an in-depth traffic and safety study, and an environmental study before approval is given. With the allotted time expired for those speaking in opposition to the annexation, Mayor McDaniel allowed Mr. West and Mr. Ponder rebuttal time. Mr. West commented that the traffic study that referenced 8,000 vehicles a day is reporting on the current traffic count on Chulio Road, and not the impact that the residential subdivision will have. He also commented on the long planned East Rome Bypass that is currently scheduled for construction beginning in 2023. This residential housing project is expected to be a 7 to 10-year buildout, and with 2 ½ to 3 years before the first home is ready for occupation. This will give the school system time to plan for increased students. He concluded his comments by stating there will be deceleration lanes at the Chulio Road intersection and the Pleasant Valley Road intersection into the development. With the comments concluded, Mayor McDaniel now closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the annexation request for this property with Agricultural Residential zoning, and Commissioner Bojo seconded. Rome School Superintendent Lou Byars was present and spoke regarding the potential impact to the City 5 School System from this development. Mr. Byars stated that he is not speaking in favor or opposition to the development; however, he did state that the Rome School System will prepare, as always, for student needs. Whatever expansions or improvements are needed at East Central School will be recommended. Mr. Byars did state that there are plans to place questions before the vote (ELOST) for construction of a new Rome Middle School. Commissioner Doss asked about the trees and other vegetation on this large tract of property, and the land developer informed him that, in order to construct a subdivision, the property would be clear cut; however, trees would be planted back as part of the development. Commissioner Cochran stated that this development can happen even without annexing into the city. While Agricultural Residential zoning has some different development standards than Suburban Residential, this subdivision can occur. Commissioner Cochran feels that it will be better for all involved if the subdivision is inside the city limits. Commissioner Collins inquired about expected prices for homes and was told that plans are for house prices to range from the mid-200s to the mid-300s, and the size of the homes will be from 2,000 to 2,400 square feet. City Manager Rich stated that there is adequate water and sewer services in this area to provide water to the homes and for fire services. With the discussion concluded, the vote to approve the motion to annex this property into the City of Rome as Agricultural Residential was approved unanimously. A21-10-02 Annex 30 Wellington Way Commissioner Quick introduced annexation file A21-10-02, the request to annex 30 Wellington Way into the City of Rome with the current zoning of Suburban Residential. This property is identified by Tax Map # J15Z-258. Both the Planning Commission and Staff have recommended approval of the annexation. Assistant Planner Brice Wood reviewed the file, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Wood noted that the owner of this property owns two lots, one of which is already in the City of Rome. Mayor McDaniel called a Public Hearing to order. There was no one to speak in favor or opposition, and the Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the request to annex 30 Wellington Way into the City of Rome with Suburban Residential zoning. Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion was approved by the following vote: YES: Stevenson, Bojo, Davis, Doss, Quick, and Collins ABSTAIN: Cochran Z21-10-01 Rezone 572 Pleasant Valley Road and a Portion of 431 Pleasant Valley Road Commissioner Quick introduced rezoning file Z21-10-01, the request to rezone 572 Pleasant Valley Road and a portion of 431 Pleasant Valley Road from Agricultural Residential to Suburban Residential. This property is identified by Floyd County Tax Map # K16-159 and K16-159D. This is the same property that was annexed into the City of Rome earlier during tonight’s meeting. 6 Assistant Rome/Floyd Planner Brice Wood reviewed this file once again indicating this is approximately 70 acres that was annexed in during the earlier segment of tonight’s meeting, and this request is to rezone the property from Agricultural Residential to Suburban Residential to match the zoning of the adjoining property owned by the applicant. Mr. Wood indicated that the applicant has submitted a conceptual drawing; however, the drawing is a concept only and is not a plan or an engineering document. Also addressing the Commission tonight was Artagus Newell, Rome/Floyd Planning Director. Mr. Newell stated that the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the rezoning request via a 5-3 vote and that Planning Staff recommends rezoning of the property on the condition that the developer perform the suggestions from the traffic study. Mayor McDaniel called a Public Hearing to order. Speaking in favor of the rezoning request was Mr. Denton West and Mr. Bryan Ponder, representing JTG Developers. They provided details regarding the planned residential development, including some of the amenities that will be provided such as swimming pools, a club house, small parks, a trail system and possibly an outdoor kitchen facility. They expect a 7 to 10-year buildout, and the overall development will be likely developed in pods and constructed by different builders. These two gentlemen used three of their ten allotted minutes and retained their seven minutes for rebuttal comments. Speaking in opposition to the rezoning request was Mr. Doug Haney, 222 Washington Drive, Marietta, Georgia. Mr. Haney is the attorney representing the Hampton East and Hampton Preserve Subdivisions; Lynn Clowers, 11 Caversham Lane; and Andy Akins, 5 Trent Drive. Mr. Haney spoke primarily on behalf of the Hampton East and the Hampton Preserve Subdivisions. He stated that these are very well developed and well-preserved subdivisions that are an asset to our community. There are considerable dues paid by property owners in that area to maintain the subdivision. He asked for the City Commission to restrict the new development from having access through the Hampton Preserve or Hampton East Subdivisions. Mr. Clowers spoke on several issues related to the planned residential development. He first commented on the dangerous intersection of Hampton Boulevard and Chulio Road. This Hampton Preserve intersects at Chulio Road near a hill and makes entrance into Chulio Road somewhat treacherous. Mr. Clowers referenced the SPLOST Funds that were designated for Chulio Road and indicated that there are considerable funds still in reserve for this project, and they should be spent for their intended purpose. When the subdivision begins construction, there will be a lot of heavy equipment on Chulio Road with many trips in and out serving various aspects of the property development. This will cause significant wear and tear on Chulio Road and degrade its current condition. Finally, Mr. Clowers spoke about the density of the planned development with 50-foot lots−some roofs could be only a few feet apart, and this provides a good opportunity for a home fire to spread to an adjoining home more easily. With time expiring, Mr. Andy Akins only had a few seconds, but he asked the City Commission to table this rezoning request until more studies can be completed. With the ten minutes for opposing comments completed, the applicants briefly offered rebuttal comments and stated that there will be no access from the planned development to Hampton Boulevard (Hampton Preserve Subdivision or Hampton East Subdivision). With the comments concluded, Mayor McDaniel now closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the rezoning request as submitted, subject to the zoning stipulations for Pleasant Valley Preserve as submitted by Bryan Ponder of JTG Holdings. This one-page document contains 7 seven stipulations. Commissioner Quick’s motion for approval also requires that the traffic study referenced today be implemented. Commissioner Bojo seconded the motion. There was considerable discussion by the City Commission regarding this rezoning proposal. Commissioner Doss asked specifically what transportation improvements will be implemented as part of the traffic study. There was no clear answer to this question. Commissioner Cochran spoke on this matter stating that Chulio Road is a heavily traveled rural road. It has been in its current condition for many years and is need of improvement. Of the 3.76 miles from Highway 411 to the planned subdivision entrance, only .4 miles of Chulio Road is in the city according to Commissioner Cochran. Commissioner Cochran feels that this development can happen whether the property is in the City or the County and whether it is zoned Agricultural Residential or Suburban Residential. He feels that it is best to rezone the property and give the City of Rome some role in the development. With this subdivision in the city, it would give the City of Rome a better opportunity to make improvements to Chulio Road. Commissioners Collins and Davis echoed some of Commissioner Cochran’s comments on this matter. Commissioner Doss, once again, emphasized that the City of Rome needs to know specifically what transportation improvements will be made and hold the developer accountable for those alterations. With the discussion concluded, Commissioner Quick’s motion to approve the rezoning request with conditions, as stipulated, was approved by the following vote: YES: Stevenson, Bojo, Cochran, Davis, and Collins NO: Doss, Quick Z21-10-10 Rezone 512 East First Street Commissioner Quick presented rezoning file Z21-10-10, the request to rezone 512 East First Street from Office Institutional to Neighborhood Office Commercial. This property is identified by Tax Map # J14C-169. The Planning Commission has unanimously recommended approval. Assistant Rome/Floyd Planner Brice Wood reviewed this file, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Wood stated that there is a law office in the downstairs portion of this structure, and the plan is to establish a loft dwelling unit upstairs. Staff has also recommended approval of the rezoning. Mayor McDaniel 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 Quick moved to approve the rezoning request for 512 East First Street from Office Institutional to Neighborhood Office Commercial. Commissioner Collins seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Z21-10-11 Rezone 625 Calhoun Avenue Commissioner Quick presented rezoning file Z21-10-11, the request to rezone 625 Calhoun Avenue from High Density Traditional Residential to Community Commercial. This property is identified by Tax Map # K13Y-270. The Planning Commission has unanimously recommended denial of this request. Planning Staff has recommended approval. 8 Assistant Rome/Floyd Planner Brice Wood reviewed this file, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Wood stated that this is a commercial-type structure and has traditionally been used for commercial purposes. Mr. Wood also said that the zoning is somewhat irregular in this area with some residential structures being zoned commercial with commercial type uses, and this commercial property being designated as residential. The applicant plans to establish a convenience store at this site; however, gasoline will not be provided. Mayor McDaniel called a Public Hearing to order concerning the request. There was no one to speak in favor of the request. Speaking in opposition was Mr. Charles Love, 304 Kingston Avenue. Mr. Love stated that this site will become another convenience store in the North Rome area, and these type stores are not good for the neighborhood. Mr. Love stated he would fully support a true grocery store or other needed business in this area; however, a convenience store, which would primarily be used for coin operated amusement machines is not needed in North Rome. These type stores contribute no benefit to the neighborhood, and the North Rome Action Committee is recommending denial. With the public comments concluded, Mayor McDaniel closed the Public Hearing. There was discussion by the City Commission regarding the facts that this is a commercial type building that was intended for commercial purposes. There was also discussion regarding these types of convenience stores and the proliferation of them in our city. The general feeling of the Commission is that a convenience store is more tolerable if the coin operated amusement machines are not part of the business. Assistant City Attorney Frank Beecham stated that, when questioned, the City Commission could rezone the property with the stipulation that these types of devices not be allowed. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the rezoning request for 625 Calhoun Avenue from High Density Traditional Residential to Community Commercial with the condition that no coin operated amusement machines be allowed at this business. Commissioner Stevenson seconded the motion, and it was approved by the following vote: YES: Stevenson, Cochran, Davis, Doss, Quick, and Collins NO: Bojo 2021 Election Secretary Smith reported that November 2, 2021 will be the day of our Rome City Commission Ward 2 and Rome Board of Education Election. Early voting has now concluded, and the normal precinct voting will take place on November 2nd. Commissioner Davis pointed out that the traditional polling location for Mt. Alto North has been moved from the Garden Lakes Baptist Church to the Anthony Recreation Center. Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital Property - Intergovernmental Agreement Commissioner Collins moved for the City of Rome to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rome, Floyd County, and Rome/Floyd County Development Authority for the purchase of the former Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital property. This purchase will take place with SPLOST Funding allocated for economic development−$1,550,000 from the City and $1,550,000 from the County allocated amounts. Commissioner Quick seconded the 9 motion. Commissioner Davis stated that she hopes consideration will be given for the existing housing on this property and that the housing will be put back in to residential use in some way. Commissioner Collins’ motion was approved by the following vote: YES: Stevenson, Bojo, Davis, Doss, Quick, and Collins NO: Cochran Highway 27 – Water and Sewer Agreement Commissioner Stevenson announced that the Georgia Department of Transportation will be undergoing a paving project on Highway 27. As part of that project, the City of Rome will need to adjust the elevation of water and sewer utilities. The contractor will perform this work; however, the City of Rome is obligated to pay for that service. Commissioner Stevenson moved to approve an agreement in the amount of $53,250 with the Georgia Department of Transportation for the adjustment of the water and sewer utilities along Highway 27. Commissioner Bojo seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. This funding will come from the Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund. Recycling Center Operating Deficits Commissioner Cochran announced that the Rome/Floyd Recycling Center continues to operate with a deficit. As a result, the quarterly deficits are split three ways between the City of Rome, Floyd County, and the Solid Waste Commission. Commissioner Cochran moved to approve the City of Rome and the Solid Waste Commission deficit payments for second and third quarters of 2021. The second quarter amount for each of the three entities is $22,259.53. The third quarter deficit for each of the three entities is $13,330.84. Commissioner Collins seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. COVID Update Commissioner Cochran made a brief update regarding the status of COVID-19 in our community. He stated that there have, to date, been 300 Floyd County deaths related to COVID, and 301 COVID-related deaths for Bartow County. The City of Rome continues to strongly suggest that all eligible persons be vaccinated against COVID. Housing Report - Northwest Regional Hospital Property Commissioner Davis expressed her appreciation for the request that the Housing Committee forwarded to the Rome/Floyd Development Authority. This request was for the Development Authority to consider using the existing homes at the Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital property for future residential needs. General Administration and Pension Committee Commissioner Doss announced that the General Administration and Pension Committees will meet on Tuesday, October 26th at 11 a.m. in the Carnegie Training Room. 10 Downtown Development Authority Commissioner Quick announced that the Downtown Development Authority will meet next on Thursday, November 4th at 8 a.m. in the Carnegie Training Room. Rome/Floyd Planning Commission The next meeting of the Rome/Floyd Planning Commission will take place on Thursday, November 4th at 2:30 p.m. in the Sam King Room as reported by Commissioner Quick. Vaccination Event Report Commissioner Collins announced that the recently held vaccination event at the North Rome Community Kitchen was a great success. There was a strong turnout, and all persons receiving their vaccinations were compensated, and a $1,000 drawing was awarded. Commissioner Collins announced that a homeless woman won the $1,000 and hopefully, she can put these funds to needed uses. Adjourn With there being no further business, Mayor McDaniel adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 11