City Commission

ROME CITY COMMISSION Tuesday, June 21, 2022 The Rome City Commission met at 6:30 p.m. this date in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall, 601 Broad Street. Mayor Stevenson presided with Mayor Pro Tem Cochran, and Commissioners Bojo, Beeman, Doss, Quick, Askew, Collins and McDaniel present. Commissioner McDaniel opened the meeting with prayer and led in the salute to the flag. Minutes – June 13, 2022 The Minutes of the June 13, 2022, meeting, as submitted in writing by the Secretary, were approved by unanimous consent. AdventHealth Redmond – 50th Anniversary Mayor Pro Tem Cochran presented a joint City/County proclamation, recognizing the 50th anniversary of Redmond hospital which is now known as AdventHealth Redmond. Present to receive the proclamation were Carolyn Steely, Chief Operating Officer at AdventHealth Redmond, and Dr. Daniel Goldfaden, former Rome Mayor Evie McNiece, Mary Sib Banks, and Rick Stevenson. Juneteenth Commissioner Collins presented a proclamation recognizing the City of Rome’s inaugural observance of the Juneteenth holiday. The City of Rome celebrated the Juneteenth holiday on Monday, June 20th as the official city holiday, however there were activities that took place in Rome in recognition of this event during the weekend. Commissioner Collins and Mayor Stevenson commented regarding the Juneteenth holiday and the parade and other events that took place in the City of Rome. Monica Burge – Library Board Commissioner Beeman presented a Certificate of Appointment to Ms. Monica Burge who was recently appointed to serve as the City Citizen Representative on the Rome/Floyd County Library Board. Ms. Burge commented on her lifelong love of reading and her appreciation for this appointment. A22-06-01 Annex 43 Twickenham Rd Commissioner Quick introduced annexation file A22-06-01, the request to rezone 43 Twickenham Road. The Planning Commission and staff have unanimously recommended approval of this annexation, and the recommendation is to annex this property identified by tax parcel J15Z-278A with its current zoning of Suburban Residential. Rome/Floyd County Planning Director Artagus Newell reviewed the file, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Newell indicated this is a single- family residence. Mayor Stevenson called a public hearing to order concerning the rezoning request. Speaking in favor was Mr. Ryan Smith, owner of 43 Twickenham Road. Mr. Smith stated he would like his 1 children to attend East Central School since it is closer in proximity to his house than Pepperell School and it has a great reputation. With there being no further comments, Mayor Stevenson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the annexation request of 43 Twickenham Road as submitted with Suburban Residential zoning, Commissioner McDaniel seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Z22-06-02 Rezone Rogers Drive Property Commissioner Quick introduced rezoning file Z22-06-02, the request to rezone property located on Rogers Drive and identified by tax amount number H12Z-609C from Community Commercial to Duplex Residential. The Planning Commission has recommended approval of this rezoning request with a 5-3 vote and the Planning Commission staff has recommended approval. Rome/Floyd County Planner Artagus Newell reviewed the file, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Newell stated that the applicant would like to construct duplexes on this property, and he also indicated that the Planning Commission had recommended that if the property is rezoned that there be a single access established for ingress and egress. Mayor Stevenson called a public hearing to order concerning the rezoning request. Speaking in favor of the request was Mr. Tom Sipp, 11 Bluff Mountain Dr. Mr. Sipp represents the owner and developer of this property. He stated that Duplex Residential conforms with the surrounding land use and they would like to construct 6-8 two family duplexes. With there being no other public comments, Mayor Stevenson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the request to rezone this property from Community Commercial to Duplex Residential with the Planning Commission’s recommendation that only a single access be established for ingress and egress. Commissioner Askew seconded the motion and the vote was unanimously in favor. Z22-06-03 Rezone 708 Lee Avenue Commissioner Quick introduced rezoning file Z22-06-03 the request to rezone 708 Lee Avenue and identified by tax lot number J14G-021 from High Density Traditional Residential to Multi- Family Residential. The Planning Commission and staff have unanimously recommended approval for the request. Rome/Floyd County Planning Director Artagus Newell reviewed the file, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Newell stated that the owner of this property would like to expand the neighboring townhome development to include this property. Mayor Stevenson called a public hearing to order. Speaking in favor of the rezoning request was Mr. Pat O’Neal, 163 Rivers Dr. Mr. O’Neal stated he is available for any questions regarding the proposed development. With there being no further comment, Mayor Stevenson closed the public hearing. 2 Commissioner Quick moved to approve the rezoning request for 708 Lee Avenue from High Density Traditional Residential to Multi Family Residential. Commissioner Cochran seconded the motion. There was a brief discussion regarding the historical district status of this lot. It was reported that this property is not in a local historic district. It was also stated that the home on this property was in poor condition and likely beyond a feasible restoration. With the discussion concluded, the motion to approve was unanimously in favor. Joye Weeks – Deputy City Clerk Rome Deputy City Clerk, Joye Weeks, addressed the Commission during caucus tonight. Ms. Weeks announced to the Commission that her planned retirement would be in effect at the end of June 2022. Ms. Weeks has worked for the City of Rome since 1989 and has been the Deputy City Clerk since 1995. Ms. Weeks announced her retirement plans at the beginning of the year and expressed her appreciation to the City of Rome during her caucus address. Ms. Weeks had reminded the Commissions that the City of Rome’s most valuable assets are the dedicated employees. Mark Green – Deputy City Clerk City Manager Rich announced that Mr. Mark Green had been selected to serve as the next Deputy City Clerk for the City of Rome. Mr. Rich explained that Mr. Green was a graduate of Pepperell High School following that he received a bachelor's degree from Shorter University and a Master of Business Administration from Jacksonville State University. Mr. Green joined the City of Rome’s HR department in 2017 and became Rome’s Business License Inspector in 2021. Mr. Green has developed into a valuable asset for the City of Rome and Mr. Rich encouraged his appointment. Commissioner Collins moved to appoint Mark Green as the Deputy City Clerk. Commissioner Quick seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor. The Commission and staff congratulated Mr. Green on his appointment. July 4th Holiday City Manager Rich announced that City offices would be closed on Monday July 4th in observance of the Independence Day Holiday. Garbage services would be altered that week due to the holiday. Executive Session Mayor Stevenson announced that an executive session was held prior to the beginning of tonight’s meeting on the motion of Commissioner Askew, second of Commissioner Doss and unanimous vote. One litigation update was discussed, and no action was taken. Commissioner Askew moved to adjourn from executive session, Commissioner Quick seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor. 3 Eagle Park Property The City of Rome has received a request from Mr. John Mayes that the City sale a 30-foot strip of property which is part of the Eagle Park. Mr. Mayes would like this 30-foot strip of property to expand his business operation on the adjoining lot. Commissioner Bojo moved to transfer the 30-foot strip of property that Mr. Mayes has requested to the Land Bank Authority. Commissioner Collins seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor. The Land Bank Authority will have the ability to dispose of this property. Redevelopment Committee Commissioner Bojo announced that the Redevelopment Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 22nd at 2:30 p.m. in the Sam King Room. Water and Sewer Committee Commissioner Bojo announced that the Water and Sewer Committee will meet on Thursday, July 7th at 9:00 a.m. in the Sam King Room. Alcohol Control Commission Commissioner Beeman announced that the Alcohol Control Commission will meet on Wednesday, June 22nd at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. Tourism Commissioner Doss announced that the Tourism Board will meet on Wednesday June 22nd at 11:45 a.m. in the Rome Area History Center. Keep Rome/Floyd County Cleanup Commissioner Beeman announced that the Keep Rome/Floyd County Beautiful Commission held a cleanup event during the past week. Redmond Trail Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Commissioner Doss announced that there will be a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Redmond Trail on Thursday June 30th at 4:30 p.m. This event will take place at the bridge which connects the Redmond/Mount Berry Trail to the Avenue A Levy Trail. The newly constructed bridge will be the specific site. Pride Event – Drag Queen Story Hour Commissioner Doss expressed his personal opposition to one of the events scheduled to occur as part of the Pride Celebration in Rome during the June 25th weekend. Specifically, there is a drag queen story hour that appears to be designed for children that has been generating opposing comments from some citizens. Commissioner Doss stated that he understands that this event is legal and permitted with the City of Rome’s assembly permit and protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Commissioner Collins stated he is that glad our community allows the opportunity for individuals and groups to express their beliefs and opinions without fear. Commissioner Collins 4 also stated that the Rome City Commission does not have the power to prevent an event if the gathering is legal and a permit has been acquired. He further stated that the adoption of a proclamation by the Rome City Commission does not indicate support for any specific cause. Georgia Municipal Association Mayor Stevenson announced that the Georgia Municipal Association annual training conference will take place on June 24th – 27th in Savannah, GA. Adjourn With there being no further business, Mayor Stevenson adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 5