City Commission

ROME CITY COMMISSION Monday, February 12, 2024 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 and Mayor Pro Tem Bojo were present, along with Commissioners Brock, Cochran, Beeman, Doss, Quick, Collins, and Robinson. Reverend Terrell Shields opened the meeting with prayer and Commissioner Doss called for a moment of silence in recognition of the passing of former Rome City Commissioner and Chairman David Harvey. Commissioner Doss led in the salute to the flag. Minutes – January 22, 2024 The Minutes of the January 22, 2024, meeting, as submitted in writing by the Secretary, were approved by unanimous consent. Arbor Day Commissioner Doss presented a joint city/county proclamation proclaiming Friday, February 16, 2024, as Arbor Day in our community. This proclamation was presented to Keep Rome/Floyd Beautiful Director Hannah Bagley. In addition to recognizing Rome as a Tree City USA for over 30 years, Commissioner Doss stated that the 2024 Arbor Day Celebration will take place on Friday, February 16 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mount Berry Trail Head. Commissioner Bojo congratulated Hannah Bagley and Ben Winkelman for their work with Keep Rome/Floyd Beautiful and the Rome ECO Center. He stated that Ms. Bagley is a Governor’s Circle award winner and commented on the growth of Keep Rome/Floyd Beautiful under her direction. Georgia Day Commissioner Quick presented a joint city/county proclamation proclaiming February 12, 2024, as Georgia Day in our community. This proclamation was presented to Ms. Cameron Abney representing the Xavier Chapter of the Daughter of the American Revolution. It was noted that the Georgia Day recognition is linked to James Oglethorpe’s landing in Georgia on February 12, 1733. Rome Police Officer of the Year – Chris Ridling Commissioner Brock presented a proclamation recognizing Pfc. Investigator Chris Ridling as the Rome Police Department’s Office of the Year. Ofc. Ridling was present along with Rome Police Chief Denise Downer-McKinney and Assistant Chief Rodney Bailey. Chief Downer – McKinney commented on the excellent performance of Pfc. Investigator Ridling, noting that he was Rome Police of the Year in 2022. Reverend Terrell Shields Rev. Terrell Shield, Pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church and residing at 101 Luminosa Terrace, addressed the City Commission. Rev. Shields commented that some commissioners ran on the platform during the 2023 Election of “making Rome better”. Rev. Shields asked how city residents can assist these commissioners in accomplishing that goal and what items are on the city commission agenda for 2024. 1 The Forum River Center Rental Rate Resolution Mayor McDaniel stated that as a component of the most recent Local Option Sales Tax distribution agreement with Floyd County, the City of Rome acquired certain properties. One of the properties, now under the ownership of the City of Rome, is the Forum River Center. Commissioner Robinson moved to adopt a rental rate resolution, establishing the rental fee structure for those persons using the Forum River Center. Commissioner Quick seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Annexation and Rezonings Requests - First Reading Secretary Smith announced that the following annexation and seven rezonings are being placed on first reading: a) A24-02-10 Request to annex the property located on Archer Street, Rome, GA 30161, zoned Suburban Residential (no change in zoning), Floyd County Tax Parcels J14O179 and J14P128. (Planning Commission recommends approval 8-0). b) Z24-02-02 Request to rezone from Community Commercial to High Density Traditional Residential for the property located at 1312 East 2nd Avenue, Rome, GA 30161, Floyd County Tax Parcel J14O163. (Planning Commission recommends approval, 9-0). c) Z24-02-03 Request to rezone from Light Industrial to High Density Traditional Residential for the property located at 100 Clifford Street, Rome, GA 30161, Floyd County Tax Parcel J14O268. (Planning Commission recommends approval, 9-0). d) Z24-02-05 Request to rezone from Heavy Industrial to Low Density Traditional Residential for the property located at 3 Lamar Street, Rome, GA 30165, Floyd County Tax Parcel I13L042. (Planning Commission recommends approval, 9-0). e) Z24-02-11 Request to rezone from Community Commercial to Multifamily Residential for the property located at 1405 East 2nd Avenue, Rome, GA 30161, Floyd County Tax Parcel J14O168. (Planning Commission recommends approval, 8-0). f) Z24-02-12 Request to rezone from Suburban Residential to Multifamily Residential for the property located on Archer Street, Rome, GA 30161, Floyd County Tax Parcels J14O179, J14P128, and J14P129. (Planning Commission recommends approval, 9-0). g) Z24-02-14 Request to rezone from Urban Mixed Use to Neighborhood Office Commercial for the property located at 107 South Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161, Floyd County Tax Parcel J14D105. (Planning Commission motioned to deny, motion failed 3-5). h) Z24-02-16 Request to rezone from Light Industrial to Heavy Industrial for the property located at 29 Westside Industrial Blvd., Rome, GA 30161, Floyd County Tax Parcel H13X028. (Planning Commission recommends approval, 9-0). 2 Public hearings for these eight items are scheduled for the February 26, 2024, City Commission meeting. John Boyd - Water and Sewer Division Director City Manager Rich reminded the commission that former City of Rome Water and Sewer Division Director Mike Hackett resigned from the City of Rome to accept a similar position in Florida. Since that time, the city has been slowly moving towards appointing a permanent replacement. Mr. Rich commented that this was not an urgent matter since the department has been under the capable direction of Assistant Water and Sewer Director John Boyd since the departure of Mr. Hackett. Mr. Rich stated that after a search for the most qualified person for this job, he is recommending that Mr. John Boyd be promoted to Water and Sewer Division Director for the City of Rome. He further stated that Mr. Boyd has over 30 years of service in local government, including the last 8 as the City of Rome’s Assistant Director. Commissioner Bojo moved to confirm City Manager Rich’s appointment of John Boyd as the Water and Sewer Division Director for the City of Rome. Commissioner Robinson seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor, including Mayor McDaniel. Mr. Boyd was present along with his wife Amy and daughters Kendal and Jacey. Mr. Boyd thanked the commissioners and Mr. Rich for the confidence they have placed in him and noted this is an important time for the City of Rome’s Water and Sewer department, as we are moving forward with plans for our new water treatment plant. Film and Entertainment Alliance Permit City Manager Rich stated that the city commissioners heard a presentation from Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Lisa Smith and the Industrial Development Director Missy Kendrick in caucus regarding “Georgia’s Rome Film and Entertainment Alliance”. Those persons commercial filming in our community, have been paying a $50 permit. There is a recommendation to raise that permit fee to $150, with $100 of that fee going to the Film and Entertainment Alliance. Commissioner Collins moved to establish this fee as described by Mr. Rich. Commissioner Quick seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Rome/Floyd County Development Authority Mayor McDaniel announced that the Rome/Floyd County Development Authority will meet Tuesday, February 20th at 9:00 a.m. at the Manus Business Center, located at 800 Broad Street. 2024 City Commission Planning Retreat Mayor McDaniel announced that the Rome City Commission will meet in a Planning Retreat on Friday, February 23 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Rome/Floyd County Fire Training Center, 409 E. 12th Street. Commissioner Quick – Certificate of Distinction Mayor McDaniel announced that Commissioner Quick has been recently recognized by the Georgia Municipal Association for achieving the Certificate of Distinction for Municipal Training. This level of recognition requires 204 hours of training. Commissioner Quick thanked the City of Rome for 3 supporting his efforts and allowing him to attend this training and also for allowing him to serve on the GMA Board of Directors. Commissioner Quick will be installed as District 1 President at the June 2024 GMA Annual Convention. Historic Preservation Committee Commissioner Cochran announced that the Historic Preservation Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 21st at 2:30 p.m. in the Sam King Room. Library Board Commissioner Beeman announced that the Library Board will meet on Thursday, February 15th at 4:00 p.m. at the Rome/Floyd County Library. Recycling Center Deficit – 3rd Quarter 2023 Commissioner Beeman moved for the City of Rome to approve the Recycling Center deficit for the 3rd quarter of 2023. This deficit is split three ways between the City of Rome, Floyd County, and the Rome/Floyd Solid Waste Commission. These three will pay $33,721.48 each for this deficit. Commissioner Beeman moved for the City of Rome to pay their invoice for this deficit and approve the payment of the Solid Waste Commission deficit. Commissioner Collins seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Thankful Baptist Church – Landmarking Commissioner Doss announced that during the 2023 session of the Landmarking Committee, two churches were designated for landmarking. On Sunday, February 18th at 3:00 p.m., there will be ceremony at Thankful Baptist Church, 935 Spider Webb Drive, for placement of their landmark recognition. Saint Mary’s Catholic Church was also designated for landmarking in 2023, however the date of the ceremony has not yet been established. Public Works/Traffic/Transit/Trails Committee Commissioner Doss announced that the Public Works/Traffic/Transit/Trails Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 14th at 10:00 a.m. in the Sam King Room. Arbor Day Commissioner Doss reminded the commission that the 2024 Arbor Day Celebration will be held on Friday, February 16th at 1:00 p.m. at the Mt. Berry Trail Head. Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Commissioner Collins announced that the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission will meet on Thursday, February 15th at 11:00 a.m. at the Rome Civic Center. 4 Rome/Floyd Parks and Recreation Commissioner Collins announced that the City of Rome and Floyd County will hold its annual Joint Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday, February 20th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Rome/Floyd County Fire Training Center, 409 E. 12th Street. Alcohol Control Commission Commissioner Robinson announced that the Alcohol Control Commission will meet on Monday, February 19th at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers. Black History Month Commissioner Beeman announced that the annual Black History Month ceremony will take place at the February 26th City Commission meeting. The commissioners will meet at 5:00 p.m. for a brief caucus session in the Sam King Room, then proceed to the City Commission Chambers for the ceremony. This ceremony is expected to conclude prior to the beginning of the 6:30 p.m. official meeting. Adjourn With there being no further business, Mayor McDaniel adjourned the meeting at 7:14 p.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 5