City Commission

ROME CITY COMMISSION Monday, March 11, 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 Beeman, Doss, Quick, Collins, and Robinson. Commissioners Brock and Cochran were out of town and excused. Commissioner Collins opened the meeting with prayer and led in the salute to the flag. Minutes – February 26, 2024 The Minutes of the February 26, 2024, meeting, as submitted in writing by the Secretary, were approved by unanimous consent. Hill Street Closing Commissioner Quick presented a resolution which would initiate the process of closing a portion of an alley formerly known as Hill Street (between East 14th Street and Archer Street). Commissioner Collins seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Ethics Ordinance – First Reading Mayor McDaniel announced that an Ethics Ordinance is being placed on first reading tonight. This item will be scheduled for a second reading and vote at the March 25, 2024, meeting. If adopted, this ordinance would replace the existing Ethics Ordinance. Rezonings Requests - First Reading Commissioner Quick announced that the following two rezonings are being placed on first reading: a) Z24-03-01 Request to rezone from Low Density Traditional Residential to Multifamily Residential for the property located at 2 Leon Street, Rome, GA 30165, Floyd County Tax Parcel I13L254. (Planning Commission recommends approval, 9-0). b) Z24-03-02 Request to rezone from Community Commercial to High Density Traditional Residential for the properties located at Calhoun Avenue and 617 Calhoun Avenue, Rome, GA 30161, Floyd County Tax Parcels K13Y271 and K13Y272. (Planning Commission recommends approval, 9-0). There were no objections and a public hearing for these items is scheduled for the March 25, 2024, City Commission meeting. Rome/Floyd County Development Authority Mayor McDaniel announced that the Rome/Floyd County Development Authority will meet Tuesday, March 19th at 9:00 a.m. at the Manis Business Center (800 Broad Street). 1 Trump Rally – Forum Mayor McDaniel announced that former President and current Presidential Candidate Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Rome on Saturday, March 9th. This event took place at The Forum (now under City ownership). Mayor McDaniel praised all of the city staff that were involved in this event which was announced with approximately one week notice. Mayor McDaniel asked City Manager Rich to extend the City Commission’s appreciation to all city employees that were involved in making this a very successful and well ran event. Metropolitan Transportation Plan Grant Commissioner Bojo announced that the City of Rome has an opportunity for a Metropolitan Transportation Plan Grant. He moved to authorize the application for this grant. The grant is characterized as an 80/20 grant, with 80% coming from the federal government and the remaining 20% coming from local government in the form of the City of Rome and Floyd County. The grant is approximately $200,000, and both the city and the county will be obligated for approximately $20,000 each. Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion for adoption and the vote was unanimously in favor. Government Finance Officers Association Award Commissioner Bojo announced that the Cit of Rome has received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for 2022 from the Government Finance Officers Association. Commissioner Bojo congratulated Finance Director Toni Rhinehart and her staff for their excellent work and for once again receiving this prestigious award. Transportation Policy Committee Commissioner Bojo announced that the Transportation Policy Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 20th at 10:00 a.m. in the Carnegie Training Room. Fire Overview Mayor McDaniel announced that the Fire Overview Committee will meet on Tuesday, March 12th at 10:30 a.m. in the Sam King Room. Public Safety Committee Mayor McDaniel announced that the Public Safety Committee will meet on Tuesday, March 19th at 2:00 p.m. in the Sam King Room. Due to Commissioner Brock’s absence, Mayor McDaniel will be substituting at both the Public Safety and Fire Overview meeting. Health Board Commissioner Cochran announced that the Health Board will meet on Thursday, March 14th at 12:00 p.m. at the Floyd County Health Department. Historic Preservation Committee Mayor McDaniel announced that the Historic Preservation Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 20th at 2:00 p.m. in the Sam King Room. Public Works/Traffic/Transit/Trails Committee Commissioner Doss announced that the Public Works/Traffic/Transit/Trails Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 13th at 10:00 a.m. in the Sam King Room. 2 Commissioner Doss also commented on the Jackson Hill trail, which is located in the middle of Rome and provides a serene environment for those wishing to hike, run, or mountain bike. Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Commissioner Collins announced that the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission will meet on Thursday, March 21st at 11:00 a.m. at the Rome Civic Center. Rome/Floyd Parks and Recreation Commissioner Collins announced that the Rome/Floyd Parks and Recreation will meet on Tuesday, March 19th at 12:00 p.m. at the Shannon Center. Alcohol Control Commission Commissioner Robinson announced that the Alcohol Control Commission will meet on Monday, March 18th at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers. Land Bank Authority Commissioner Robinson announced that the Rome/Floyd County Land Bank Authority will have an Open House on Friday, March 15th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 1 Orchid Place. The Land Bank Authority has constructed an infill house on this lot and this house is for sale. Downtown Development Authority Commissioner Robinson announced that the Downtown Development Authority will meet on Thursday, March 14th at 8:30 a.m. in the Carnegie Training Room. Armuchee Connector Homeless Camp Commissioner Collins asked City Manager Rich to report on the cleanup of a homeless camp that developed near the Armuchee Connector. Mr. Rich stated that City of Rome Public Works personnel did an excellent job cleaning up this large homeless camp, which filled approximately three trailers of debris. Adjourn With there being no further business, Mayor McDaniel adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 3