City Commission

ROME CITY COMMISSION Monday, December 18, 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 McDaniel opened the meeting with prayer and led in the salute to the flag. Minutes – December 11, 2023 The minutes of the December 11, 2023, meeting as submitted in writing by the Assistant Secretary, were approved by unanimous consent. Allison Watters Ms. Allison Watters, 31 Huntington Rd SW and chair of the Floyd County Commission, addressed the City Commission. Ms. Watters thanked Mayor Stevenson for her service to the City of Rome and all she has done to promote a positive working relationship between the City of Rome and Floyd County. Ms. Watters expressed her appreciation for the professional and personal relationship that Mayor Stevenson has extended to her. Present with Ms. Watters tonight representing members of their “Ladie’s Night Group” was Nancy Knight, Aundi Lesley, Missy Kendrick, and Pam Powers-Smith. Solid Waste Collection Fees City Manager Rich explained that there is a recommendation to raise the City of Rome’s Solid Waste Collection fees by approximately 3.3%. These fees include the monthly garbage collection, commercial garbage collection, trash and trailer collection, residential solid waste collection, and residential yard waste collection. The typical residential customer with a 65 gallon trash cart and a yard waste cart, will see a monthly increase of $.39. These fees were last amended in 2018. Commissioner Collins moved to approve the solid waste fee resolution as presented. Commissioner McDaniel seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. 2024 Budgets City Manager Rich commented regarding the proposed 2024 budgets. Mr. Rich explained that much effort has been spent developing these budgets by city staff and the City of Rome’s Finance Committee. The budgets, as presented, are balanced for 2024. Commissioner Collins moved to adopt the 2024 budgets as presented and explained by City Manager Rich and Commissioner Quick seconded. Mayor Pro Tem Cochran stated that he will vote in opposition of these budgets until the Georgia Municipal Association Best Practices are employed by the City of Rome for budgeting purposes. The motion to adopt the 2024 budgets as presented, was approved by the following vote: YES: Bojo, Beeman, Doss, Quick, Askew, Collins, and McDaniel NO: Cochran 1 Z23-12-04 Rezone 2 Center Street Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood introduced rezoning file Z23-12-04, the request to rezone property located at 2 Center Street and identified by Floyd County Tax Map number I12Z-091, from Community Commercial to Light Industrial. Mr. Wood displayed maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. He explained that this site currently houses a multi-purpose building, and the applicant would like this rezoning in order to establish a hemp growing operation in a portion of this facility. The Planning Commission and staff have recommended approval of the rezoning request. Mayor Stevenson called a public hearing to order concerning the rezoning request. Speaking in favor of the rezoning were Mr. Charles Craton, 23 Horseleg Creek Road and Ms. Calley Craton, 23 Horseleg Creek Road. Mr. Craton stated that this property is the former location of Wheelers Building Supplies and Lumber Yard. There is a successful fitness gym that operates in this facility, and they would like to establish a hemp growing operation in another portion of the facility. The Cratons explained that this indoor hemp growing operation would be similar to a green house. They further explained that there would be no sales at this location and that the hemp would be processed at another location outside of the City of Rome. Ms. Craton stated that she has the required State of Georgia Hemp Cultivation license. She also provided some historical information regarding hemp and it’s many uses in America extending back to our country’s founding. She added that her hemp will be used for medical purposes after processing. Speaking in opposition to the rezoning request was Ms. Annette Johnson, 1 Cottage Circle. Ms. Johnson stated that the area surrounding 2 Center Street is mostly residential and additional industrial uses at this site will not be beneficial to the residential neighborhood. She cited current traffic and noise concerns in this area. She also expressed a safety concern and feels the hemp growing operation could possibly lead to attempts to steal this product. With the discussion concluded, Mayor Stevenson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the rezoning request of 2 Center Street from Community Commercial to Light Industrial as requested. Commissioner Cochran seconded and the motion was approved by the following vote: YES: Cochran, Doss, Quick, Askew, Collins, and McDaniel NO: Bojo and Beeman Z23-12-01 Rezone 200 Tom Bing Road Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood introduced rezoning file Z23-12-01, the request to rezone property located at 200 Tom Bing Road and identified by Floyd County Tax Map number J16W-122A, from Suburban Residential to Agricultural Residential. Mr. Wood displayed maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Wood stated that this property is approximately 44 acres in size and is in a rural setting. The Planning Commission and staff have recommended approval of the rezoning request. Mayor Stevenson called a public hearing to order concerning the rezoning request. Speaking in favor of the request was Mr. Troy Lang, 326 Fairwood Dr, Dallas, GA. Mr. Lang stated that he is purchasing this property and would like to move to this site and develop a small farm. Mr. Lang expressed his appreciation for Rome and Floyd County and feels this would be a good place to establish his home. He would like to have some farm animals at his residence. There was no one else to speak regarding this 2 matter, and the public hearing was closed. It was clarified that a variety of farm animals would be allowed at this site, if the property is rezoned. Chickens would also be allowed, however, a commercial chicken operation would not. There was a brief discussion by the Commissioners, since previous applications for chickens in residential areas have been denied by the City Commission, it was clarified that there is very little property zoned agricultural in the City of Rome and Agricultural Residential zoning does allow chickens. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the rezoning request of 200 Tom Bing Road from Suburban Residential to Agricultural Residential. Commissioner McDaniel seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Z23-12-02 Rezone 115 Lombardy Way Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood introduced rezoning file Z23-12-02, the request to rezone property located at 115 Lombardy Way and identified by Floyd County Tax Map number J15W-234, from Community Commercial to Neighborhood Office Commercial. Mr. Wood displayed maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Wood stated that a buyer for this residential structure cannot obtain a mortgage with Community Commercial zoning. Mr. Wood reported that Neighborhood Office Commercial would allow for single family homes or offices. The Planning Commission and staff have recommended approval of the rezoning request. Mayor Stevenson called a public hearing to order. There was no one speaking in favor or opposition to the rezoning request and the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the rezoning request of 115 Lombardy Way from Community Commercial to Neighborhood Office Commercial. Commissioner Cochran seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Comprehensive Plan – Five Year Update Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood stated that the Rome/Floyd/Cave Spring Comprehensive Plan is required to be updated periodically. A ten year update was approved in 2018 and a five year update is now required. Mr. Wood stated that previous public hearings have been held and staff review has been completed. Mayor Stevenson called a public hearing to order regarding the five year update to the comprehensive plan. There was no one to speak in favor or opposition and the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Quick moved to adopt the five year update to the Rome/Floyd/Cave Spring Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Askew seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Christmas and New Year Holiday City Manager Rich reported that City offices will be closed on Monday, December 25th and Tuesday, December 26th in recognition of the Christmas Holiday. City offices will be closed on Monday, January 1st in recognition of the New Years Holiday. Garbage routes will be amended due to these two holidays and the Walker Mountain Landfill will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day. 3 Sundai Stevenson and Bonny Askew Commissioners Sundai Stevenson and Bonny Askew are completing their terms in office at the end of 2023 and this would be their final planned City Commission meeting. City Manager Rich recognized both commissioners and presented gifts to Commissioner Stevenson and Commissioner Askew. Both commissioners expressed their appreciation to the City of Rome residents for allowing them to serve in this capacity over the past eight years (Stevenson) and four years (Askew). Each commissioner spoke regarding Commissioner Stevenson and Askew, expressing their appreciation for their service and their enjoyment of serving along with them on the City Commission. Rome/Floyd County Development Authority Mayor Stevenson announced the Rome/Floyd County Development Authority will meet Tuesday, December 19 at 10:00 AM at 800 Broad Street. City Manager Evaluation - Executive Session Mayor Stevenson announced that an Executive Session was held prior to the beginning of tonight’s meeting on the motion of Commssioner Cochran, second of Commissioner Doss, and unanimous vote. The purpose of this Executive Session was to conduct the annual evaluation of City Manager Rich. Mayor Stevenson announced that Mr. Rich will continue as Rome City Manager. He received a favorable review and will receive a 4% salary increase for 2024. Commissioner Doss moved to exit the Executive Session. Commissioner Quick seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Water and Sewer Committee Commissioner Bojo announced the Water and Sewer Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 4 has been cancelled. Planning Commission Commissioner Quick announced the Rome/Floyd County Planning Commission will meet Thursday, January 4 at 2:30 PM in the Sam King Room. King Fisher Disc Golf Commissioner Doss announced that the new King Fisher Disc Golf Course officially opened on December 14, 2023. This 9-hole course is located on City owned property near King Fisher trail. Six holes are located on the east side of the Etowah River, near 1st Avenue and 4th Street. The other three holes are located on the west side of the Etowah River, on the Etowah River and Silver Creek peninsula. Downtown Development Authority Commissioner Quick announced that the annual Downtown Development Authority awards ceremony took place on Friday December 15, 2023, in the Lewis Loft on Broad Street. Public Safety Committee Commissioner Askew announced the Public Safety Committee will meet Tuesday, December 19 at 2:00 PM in the Sam King Room. 4 Alcohol Control Commission Commissioner McDaniel announced the Alcohol Control Committee meeting scheduled for December 19 has been cancelled. Rome/Floyd Parks and Recreation Commissioner McDaniel announced the Rome/Floyd Parks and Recreation will meet Tuesday, December 19 at 12:00 PM at the Thorton Center. Adjourn With there being no further business, Mayor Stevenson adjourned the meeting at 7:13 PM. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 5