City Commission

ROME CITY COMMISSION Monday, December 19, 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, Quick, Askew, Doss, Collins, and McDaniel present. Commissioner Bojo opened the meeting with prayer and led in the salute to the flag. Minutes – December 12, 2022 The Minutes of the December 12, 2022, meeting, as submitted in writing by the Secretary, were approved by unanimous consent. Z22-12-01 Rezoning 43 Chateau Court Commissioner Quick presented rezoning file Z22-12-01. The request to rezone property located at 43 Chateau Court and identified by Floyd County Tax Map Number J15W-406, from Community Commercial/Office Institutional to Community Commercial. The Planning Commission and staff have recommended approval of this request. Assistant Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood reviewed this file, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mayor Stevenson called a public hearing to order. Speaking in favor of the rezoning request was Laura Weber, 201 Broad St. Ste 200. Ms. Weber represents property owner Larry Martin Real Estate. Ms. Weber stated that this parcel was split half Community Commercial and half Office Institutional. She would like to consolidate the zoning into only Community Commercial. There was no one else to speak regarding this request and the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the rezoning request for 43 Chateau Court as requested, from Community Commercial/Office Institutional to Community Commercial, Commissioner McDaniel seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Z22-12-02 Rezone 1004 East 1st Street Commissioner Quick presented rezoning file Z22-12-02. The request to rezone property located at 1004 East 1st Street and identified by Floyd County Tax Map Number J13O-055, from Community Commercial to Urban Mixed Use. The Planning Commission and staff have recommended approval of this request with the condition that one off-street space per dwelling unit is provided as the street was not intended to accommodate parking. Assistant Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood reviewed this request, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mayor Stevenson called a public hearing to order. Speaking in favor of the rezoning request was Mr. Chris Allen, Claremont Rd, Atlanta, GA. Mr. Allen stated this was a problem structure, however he would like to rehabilitate the property and provide four dwelling units. He stated that he would likely 1 need to buy an adjoining parcel to accommodate the off-street parking request. There was no one else to speak regarding the request and the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the rezoning request for 1004 East 1st Street as requested, from Community Commercial to Urban Mixed Use. Commissioner Collins seconded the motion. There was considerable discussion by the City Commission concerning this request and the need for off- street parking by the applicant. It was noted that it would be difficult to acquire the needed property to provide the off-street parking as the surrounding property drops away towards the Etowah River. It was also noted there is considerable on-street parking during services provided by the nearby Thankful Baptist Church. Commissioner Beeman expressed her opinion that off-street parking should be provided for these residential units. With the discussion concluded, Commissioner Quick’s motion to approve the rezoning request was adopted by the following vote: YES: Cochran, Bojo, Doss, Quick, Askew, Collins and McDaniel NO: Beeman Z22-12-03 Rezone 111 Redmond Road Commissioner Quick presented rezoning file Z22-12-03. The request to rezone property located at 111 Redmond Road and identified by Floyd County Tax Map Number I13W-071, from Neighborhood Office Commercial to Duplex Residential. Assistant Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood reviewed this file, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. It was noted that the staff and Planning Commissioner have recommend approval of this request with conditions that the proposed duplex have a 25ft setback from Raymond Drive to be more consistent with the existing homes on Raymond Drive. Mayor Stevenson called a public hearing to order. Speaking in favor of the rezoning request was Mr. Jay Stevenson, 304 Dodd Street. Mr. Stevenson stated that his intention is to mirror the structure located across the street from this lot. He expects to have approximately 2000sqft per side and these units will have two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Speaking in opposition to the rezoning request, was Norma, from Shorter Heights. Norma did not speak, specifically, in opposition to this request, however she stated that the City of Rome has water infrastructure needs that should be corrected. Norma had a glass jar containing tinted water that she asked that the City take steps to correct. With there being no further comments, Mayor Stevenson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the rezoning request for 111 Redmond Road from Neighborhood office Commercial to Duplex Residential as request. Commissioner Askew seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Z22-12-04 Rezone 1407 East 2nd Avenue Commissioner Quick presented rezoning file Z22-12-04. The request to rezone property located at 1407 East 2nd Avenue and identified by Floyd County Tax Map Number J14O-169, from Community 2 Commercial to Suburban Residential. The Planning Commission and staff have recommended approval of this request. Assistant Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood reviewed this file, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Wood stated that the most recent use for this structure was for a heating and air contractor. Mayor Stevenson 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 rezoning request for 1407 East 2nd Avenue as requested, from Community Commercial to Suburban Residential. Commissioner McDaniel seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor. SUP22-12-05 Special Use Permit Request - Westside Industrial Blvd Commissioner Quick presented request file SUP22-12-05. The request for a Special Use Permit to operate a cryptocurrency mining operation for property zoned Heavy Industrial and located on Westside Industrial Blvd. This property is identified by Floyd County Tax Map Number H13W-034A. The Planning Commission has recommended approval of the SUP request subject to the proposed development installing sound dampening walls to keep the noise within the property and that a vegetative buffer of evergreen trees, no less than 6 feet in height at the time of planting, be installed and maintained along any/all front property lines. Assistant Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood reviewed this file, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Wood stated this is the first application for a cryptocurrency mining operation in our community. This type of use was not in existence at the time of the ULDC adoption and that is why an SUP is required in this case, even though the property is zoned Heavy Industrial. Mr. Wood also stated that Planning staff has recommended denial of the request, since this particular 2.4-acre lot is less than the minimum lot size (of 5 acres). It was also noted that when researching the few other local governments in Georgia that have this type of business, there have been some complaints regarding noise from this type of operation. Mayor Stevenson called a public hearing order concerning this SUP request. Speaking in favor of the request was attorney Sid Wright and applicant Olivia Wang. Ms. Wang stated that she previously lived in New York, but currently resides in Cobb County, Georgia. Ms. Wang presently a detailed PowerPoint presentation regarding her proposed cryptocurrency mining operation at Westside Industrial Blvd. Ms. Wang used the majority of her time describing how the noise generated from the cooling fans that will be needed for the high-capacity computer servers at this location would be mitigated. Ms. Wang described her sound absorption plan and detailed how the level of decibels would be adequately managed. She emphasized that the exhaust from these cooling fans will be pointed towards the adjoining and unused site that formerly housed the Lowes Home Store. There are no residential areas close by that would be affected by this operation. Ms. Wang also commented on the vast electrical needs of this operation and estimated her annual electric bill will be approximately $1.8 million. Ms. Wang has a letter from Georgia Power Company stating that there is ample power on the Georgia Power grid in this area to supply her electrical needs. Ms. Wang noted that the buffer trees will not be needed due to her sound mitigation plan, however she is willing to plant these trees as the Planning Commission has 3 recommended and stated that they will be on the side of her operation nearest to Dr. Muller’s office. Ms. Wang and Mr. Wright saved approximately 1 minute 30 seconds of their allotted 10-minute time for rebuttal comments. Speaking in opposition to the SUP was: 1. Norma, Shorter Heights. She expressed her concerns and questions regarding our electrical infrastructure and the ability to accommodate the electrical needs of the proposed cryptocurrency mining operation. She also questioned the financial impact to our community from this enterprise and the legal registration and location of this cryptocurrency mining corporation. She concluded her comments by questioning the use of the cryptocurrency information. 2. Carrie Jones, PO Box 1142. Ms. Jones questioned, specifically, who is investing in our community with this proposed business. She expressed concerns regarding the electrical demands on the electrical grid in this area from this operation. Ms. Jones feels that the approval of this request, could lead to other cryptocurrency mining operations establishing in our area. Ms. Jones also commented on Ms. Wang’s apparent link to Sequoia Capital, a Chinese corporation, stating that it appears that Sequoia Capital may have helped Ms. Wang start her own fund. Ms. Jones concluded her comments by mentioning the volatile nature of cryptocurrency. 3. Thomas, Shorter Heights. He questioned how many jobs this operation will generate. 4. Rhonda Buckner, 34 Nature Walk Rd. SW. Ms. Buckner expressed her belief that if this SUP is approved, the City of Rome will be inviting an entity that will try to rule our community. Ms. Buckner also questioned the message the approval of this request would be sending to our children. Ms. Buckner concluded her comments by questioning if we want this evil in our community. 5. Linda Evans, Hwy 156, Armuchee, GA. Ms. Evans encouraged the City Commissioners to evaluate the big picture of this request. She commented on Ms. Wang’s nationality and her patriotism. Cryptocurrency mining operations are often located next to large electrical substations. Ms. Evans expressed her concern that if the United States were to have a future armed conflict with China, sabotage of our electrical systems could result. Ms. Wang and Mr. Wright used their rebuttal time to emphasize that there will be a sizeable capital investment for equipment in this business and that the annual local franchise fee is expected to be approximately $54,000 from the Georgia Power bill. Ms. Wang stated she is Chinese American, and the fear expressed by some of those speaking tonight seemed to be the fear of the unknown. With the allotted time expired, Mayor Stevenson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the SUP for the cryptocurrency mining operation, with the two conditions as requested by the Planning Commission, and Commissioner Doss seconded. There was considerable discussion concerning this request. Most of the comments were about the potential noise generated by this facility. Ms. Wang was also questioned why she chose Rome for her operation, and she stated that she has similar operation in Winder, GA, and another operation targeted 4 for Cedartown, GA. Rome is within 2.5 hours of the Atlanta airport, there is ample power available at this site, this property is currently zoned Heavy Industrial, and there are no residential areas within close proximity. Each commissioner has a chance to make comments regarding this matter. Commissioner Beeman stated she does not feel comfortable acting on this request tonight and has not received enough information. Commissioner Beeman moved to table the request. Commissioner Bojo seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. 2023 Budgets Mayor Pro Tem Cochran once again introduced the proposed 2023 budgets. A public hearing was held regarding this matter at the December 12, 2022, City Commission Meeting, and there was no public participation. Finance Director Toni Rhinehart was present and added that there has been one amendment since the budgets were originally presented on December 12th. Approximately $750,000 has been added to provide paving on North Broad Street Extension. Mayor Stevenson called a public hearing to order concerning the 2023 budgets. There was no one to speak in favor or opposition and the public hearing was closed. Mayor Pro Tem Cochran moved to approve the 2023 budgets as presented. Commissioner Quick seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Holiday Notices City Manager Rich made the following comments regarding the closing of certain City offices during the Christmas and New Year’s Holiday: a) The City of Rome offices will be closed for Christmas Holidays Friday, December 23rd and Monday, December 26th. Monday and Tuesday garbage routes will be serviced as usual. Thursday and Friday garbage routes will be serviced on Thursday. There will be no yard cart service. The Walker Mountain Landfill will be closed all day on Saturday, December 24th and Sunday, December 25th. b) The City of Rome offices will be closed for New Year’s Holiday, Monday, January 2, 2023. Monday’s garbage routes will be serviced on Tuesday. Tuesday’s garbage routes will be serviced on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday garbage routes will be serviced as usual. The Walker Mountain Landfill will operate as usual. Rome/Floyd County Development Authority Mayor Stevenson announced that the Rome/Floyd County Development Authority will meet on Tuesday, December 20th at 10:00 a.m. at the Manis Business Center. 5 Transit – 2023 Free Ridership Mayor Pro Tem Cochran moved to approve Free Ridership on Rome Transit facilities for 2023. This recommendation comes from the Public Works/Traffic/Transit Committee. Commissioner Bojo seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Tax Allocation District – West 3rd Street NOVA Project Commissioner Bojo stated that the Rome Redevelopment Agency met on December 16th to discuss the NOVA West 3rd Street redevelopment project. Commissioner Bojo moved to approve the TAD Resolution and Memorandum of Understanding regarding the NOVA development agreement. Commissioner Collins seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. This agreement authorizes $14 million in TAD financing that will occur over the remaining life of TAD1. TAD1 expires on December 31, 2034. It was noted that January 1, 2021, will be the “base year” value for this financing arrangement. City Manager Rich explained that the NOVA Redevelopment Agreement for West 3rd Street is being drafted by the City Attorney. Commissioner Bojo moved to approve the NOVA West 3rd Street Development Agreement subject to creation and review by the City Attorney. Commissioner Askew seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. North Broad Street and Martha Berry TADs Commissioner Bojo announced that the Redevelopment Agency discussed a potential North Broad and Martha Berry Blvd Tax Allocation Districts. More information about these proposals will be coming in the future. Alcohol Control Commission Commissioner Beeman announced that the Alcohol Control Commission will meet on Tuesday, December 20th at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. Historic Preservation Committee Commissioner Beeman announced that the Historic Preservation Committee meeting scheduled to meet on Wednesday, December 21st has been cancelled. Rome/Floyd County Planning Commission Commissioner Quick announced that the Rome/Floyd County Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, January 5th at 2:30 p.m. in the Sam King Room. Rome/Floyd Parks and Recreation Commissioner McDaniel Announced that the Rome/Floyd Parks and Recreation Committee will meet on Tuesday, December 20th at 12:00 p.m. at the Thornton Center. Executive Session – City Manager Evaluation City Attorney Andy Davis reported that an Executive Session was held at 4:00 p.m. today in the City Manager’s Conference Room. The purpose of this session was to perform the annual evaluation for City 6 Manager Sammy Rich. Mr. Rich received a very favorable evaluation and will receive a 7% increase in his annual salary. Commissioner Collins moved to enter Executive Session, Commissioner Quick seconded, and there was a unanimous vote. Commissioner Quick moved to adjourn this session at 5:15 p.m. Commissioner Askew seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Adjourn With there being no further business, Mayor Stevenson adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 7