City Commission

ROME CITY COMMISSION Monday, November 27, 2023 The Rome City Commission met at 6:30 p.m. on 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 Askew opened the meeting with prayer and led in the salute to the flag. Minutes – November 13, 2023 The minutes of the November 13, 2023, meeting as submitted in writing by the Secretary, were approved by unanimous consent. National American Indian Heritage Month Commissioner Askew presented a joint City/County proclamation proclaiming November 2023, as National American Indian Heritage Month. This proclamation was presented to Cameron Abney, Sam Moss, Sharon Stone, Andrea Warren, and Olivia Caywood, Executive Director of Chieftains Museum. Ms. Caywood briefly addressed the commission regarding this recognition. Certificates of Appointment – Sam Moss and Tayesha Lytle Commissioner Collins presented Certificates of Appointment for Mr. Sam Moss and Ms. Tayesha Lytle (not present) for their November 13th appointment to the Rome Historic Preservation Commission. Robin Hensley and April Tanner – Peaches Ms. Robin Hensley of Woodstock, GA, and Ms. April Tanner of Floyd County addressed the Rome City Commission concerning Peaches, 325 Broad Street. Ms. Hensley described an incident that occurred approximately 3 years ago, when her then 19 year old daughter was involved in a serious car accident. As a result of this accident, her daughter was charged with vehicular homicide and DUI. This young lady is currently serving time in a women’s correctional institute. Ms. Hensley stated that her daughter was served alcohol at Peaches, 325 Broad Street, on the night of the accident. She stated that her daughter was clearly underage and was identified as an underage person in the establishment, however she was sold alcohol by Peaches employees. Ms. Hensley added that the practice of underage sale of alcohol in Peaches is very common and has continued. She concluded her comments describing how the underage service of alcohol and the resulting accident, not only ruined the life of her daughter but cost the life of another young man. She asked the City Commission why this practice is allowed to continue. Ms. Tanner, once again, addressed the commission concerning the incident described by Ms. Hensley. Ms. Tanner’s son was seriously injured in the accident and left in a quadriplegic condition. Her son died on July 10, 2023, as a result of complications from this condition. Ms. Tanner also added that underage persons continue to be openly served alcohol at Peaches. The City Commissioners thanked the ladies for their comments. 1 Z23-11-02 Rezone 104, 106, 108, and 110 Redmond Road Rome/Floyd County Planning Director Brice Wood introduced rezoning file Z23-11-02, the request to rezone 104, 106, 108, and 110 Redmond Road, identified by Floyd County Tax Map Numbers I13W- 018, I13W-019, I13W-020, and I13W-021, from Office Institutional to Community Commercial. Both the Planning Commission and staff have recommended the denial of this rezoning request. Mr. Wood stated that the applicant originally indicated their desire to construct a convenience store at this location. However, they have since withdrawn their rezoning request and asked that their request be withdrawn without prejudice (a public hearing is required by the Unified Land Development Code). Mr. Wood displayed maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mayor Stevenson called a public hearing to order. Speaking in opposition to the rezoning request was Ms. Penny Evans – Plant, 511 Charlton, and President of the Summerville Park Neighborhood Association. Ms. Evans – Plant stated that there are already convenience stores in the area and additional stores are not needed. She also commented on the current traffic issues along this section of Redmond Road and stated that a convenience store would only make the situation worse, creating dangerous left turn conditions. She further stated that, while convenience stores are not needed in this area, a true grocery store is needed. She concluded her comments by providing statistics regarding convenience stores increasing the probability of unhealthy eating by children. With no one else to speak regarding this matter, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Quick moved to deny this rezoning request without prejudice. Commissioner Collins seconded, and the motion was unanimously in favor. Z23-11-04 Rezoning 101 Burnett Street Rome/Floyd County Planning Director Brice Wood introduced rezoning file Z23-11-04, the request to rezone 101 Burnett Street, identified by Floyd County Tax Map number J13I-182, from Community Commercial to High Density Traditional Residential. Mr. Wood explained that this property is on the border of the Community Commercial zoned property in this area. This home was recently damaged by a tree and a permit for repair cannot be issued with Community Commercial zoning for this residential structure. Mr. Wood also displayed maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding area. Both the Planning Commission and staff have recommended approval of this request. Mayor Stevenson called a public hearing to order concerning the rezoning request. Speaking in favor of the request was Ms. Lyra Seals. Ms. Seals stated she is the owner of this property and would like to rezone the property to High Density Traditional Residential and repair the house for her residence. There was no one to speak regarding this matter and the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the rezoning request for 101 Burnett Street from Community Commercial to High Density Traditional Residential. Commissioner Askew seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Election Results – November 7, 2023 Secretary Smith presented the results from the November 7, 2023, election. The election was conducted by the Floyd County Board of Elections and Registration and the results have been certified. 2 Commissioner McDaniel moved to approve the results of the November 7, 2023, election for the three Ward 1 City Commissioners, the three Ward 3 City Commissioners, and the County wide Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax referendum. Commissioner Beeman seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Ward 1 Jim Bojo 2460* Harry Brock 2668* Mark Cochran 2018* Charles Love 1458 Sundai Stevenson 1826 Ward 3 Bonny Askew 1964 Bill Collins 1976* Craig McDaniel 2709* Wayne Robinson 2718* * Elected as one of the top three in the Ward Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax Referendum (County Wide Vote) Yes 4765 No 3724 Property Acquisition- Technology Parkway at Vail Parkway City Manager Rich reminded the commission that as a result of the most recent Local Option Sales Tax negotiations with Floyd County and the City of Cave Springs, the City of Rome has agreed to vacate the Law Enforcement Center located on 5th Avenue. As a result of this agreement, the City has been searching for a temporary location for the Rome Police Department and Municipal Court. Mr. Rich is recommending that the City purchase the Scott Logistics building, located at 16 and 19 Vail Parkway (intersection with Technology Parkway) for $2 million. This purchase price includes the current building and lot and the adjoining 4 acre parcel (map# I12-071 and I12-072). This building is approximately 20,000 square feet. Furthermore, Mr. Rich stated that the City of Rome has an estimate from a local contractor for the interior renovations for $690,000, with an estimated completion date of March 2024. Funds have been allocated in the approved 2023 SPLOST referendum for the City of Rome to acquire a new permanent police headquarters. Although the city will need a temporary home for the next few years, Mr. Rich stated that he feels this proposed purchase will be a good investment for the City of Rome. His objective is for the City Police to eventually be relocated back to a location in downtown Rome. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the purchase of the Scott Logistics building as described by City Manger Rich in the amount of $2 million. Commissioner Doss seconded, and the motion was approved by the following vote: YES: Beeman, Doss, Quick, Askew, and Collins ABSTAIN: Cochran, Bojo, and McDaniel 3 Executive Session Mayor Stevenson announced that an Executive Session was held prior to tonight’s meeting on the motion of Commissioner Doss, seconded by Commission Quick and unanimous vote. One real estate matter was discussed, and no votes were taken. Commissioner Doss moved to adjourn the Executive Session, Commissioner Beeman seconded, and that motion was unanimously approved. Transportation Policy Committee Commissioner Bojo announced that the Transportation Policy Committee will meet on Thursday, December 7th at 10:30 a.m. in the Carnegie Training Room. Water and Sewer Committee Commissioner Bojo announced that the Water and Sewer Committee will meet on Thursday, December 7th at 9:00 a.m. in the Sam King Room. GEFA Revolving Loan - $200,000 Commissioner Bojo moved to approve the appropriate documents for the City of Rome to accept $200,000 from the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority. This money will be used as part of the GEFA Drinking Water Grant Program. Specifically, this money will be used for lead and copper pipe mitigation. This money is a grant; however, it will be administered in the form of a forgivable loan that the City of Rome will not be required to repay if the conditions of the grant are met. Commissioner Beeman seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Rome/Floyd County Planning Commission Commissioner Quick announced that the Rome/Floyd Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, December 7th at 2:30 p.m. in the Sam King Room. Solid Waste Commission Commissioner Askew announced that the Solid Waste Commission will meet on Tuesday, November 28th at 8:30 a.m. in the Sam King Room. Christmas Parade Commissioner Quick announced that the 2023 Christmas Parade will be the largest Christmas Parade in Rome’s history, with approximately 153 entries. The parade will take place on Tuesday, November 28th. Collard Fest Commissioner Askew announced that the 1st Annual Collard Fest, sponsored by the South Rome Community Association, was a great success. Commissioner Askew’s wife Adrianne also won the Collard Contest. Finance Committee Commissioner Collins announced that the Finance Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 29th at 10:30 a.m. in the Sam King Room. Peaches, 325 Broad Street Commissioner McDaniel reported that on November 20th, the Alcohol Control Commission held a License Hearing concerning Peaches, 325 Broad Street. This license hearing was held due to a report by 4 the Rome Police Department of alcohol consumption at Peaches after the allowed hours of consumption (2:00 a.m.). Commissioner McDaniel moved to accept the recommendation of the Alcohol Control Commission. This recommendation specifies that the beer, wine, and liquor pouring license at Peaches be suspended for a 90 day period and that Peaches be issued a $2,000 monetary penalty. Commissioner Beeman seconded the motion. Ms. Stephanie Shaw, owner, operator, and alcohol licensee at Peaches, 325 Broad Street, addressed the Commission. Ms. Shaw stated she feels she is being targeted and that she is the only establishment that has been called in for a hearing before the Alcohol Control Commission. She further stated that the police reports indicate that there are other offenses taking place in Rome, however they are being ignored. She reminded the commission that the police department did not issue a citation to her on the night of the alleged violation. She feels this is the most severe punishment that the Alcohol Control Commission has recommended, and this will likely put her out of business. There was serious discussion by the City Commissioners regarding this matter. Commissioner Collins stated that Ms. Shaw seems to not want to accept responsibility for her actions as an alcohol pouring establishment. He also reminded Ms. Shaw that, considering the past issues at her establishment, she should realize that her location on Broad Street is in the spotlight, as are other downtown alcohol establishments. He also reminded her that the City Commissioners are responsible to all the citizens of Rome for taking the necessary steps to address infractions and provide a safe community. Commissioner McDaniel commented on variances that have been granted to three downtown pouring establishments. These variances allow these establishments to pour distilled spirits, but not be required to meet Rome’s traditional food/drink ratio. These variances allow the ratio to be met by products other than food. In the case of Ms. Shaw, she was granted a variance earlier in 2023, which allowed her to meet her food/drink ratio with a combination of food (minimum 25%) and event ticket sales. Secretary Smith and Commissioner McDaniel explained that because of Peaches’ variance, she no longer meets the definition of a restaurant as outlined in Rome’s Alcohol Ordinance. Restaurants are defined as establishments which meet the food/drink ratio. Since Ms. Shaw has a variance, she is viewed as an entertainment establishment with food service. It was emphasized that the focus of the ACC hearing and tonight’s discussion, is regarding the consumption of alcohol after the allowed hours which is independent of her status of a restaurant. Commissioner Doss stated that he would like for alcohol to be a topic on the next City Commission Retreat. He feels there needs to be a discussion regarding variances, closing times, and other topics such as the proposed small bar ordinance. The discussion was concluded with Commissioner McDaniel thanking the ACC for their diligent job and the thorough job of our Rome Police Department, particularly Lt. Stroupe. With the discussion concluded, Commissioner McDaniel’s motion to approve a 90 day pouring license suspension at Peaches and a $2,000 monetary penalty was unanimously approved. 5 Adjourn With there being no further business, Mayor Stevenson adjourned the meeting at 7:24 p.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 6