City Commission

ROME CITY COMMISSION Monday, April 22, 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. Mayor Pro Tem Bojo opened the meeting with prayer and led in the salute to the flag. Minutes – April 8, 2024 The Minutes of the April 8, 2024, meeting, as submitted in writing by the Secretary, were approved by unanimous consent. Child Abuse Prevention Month Mayor Pro Tem Bojo presented a joint city county proclamation proclaiming April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Rome and Floyd County. This proclamation was presented to Ms. Tina Bartleson. National Crime Victims’ Week Commissioner Brock presented a joint city county proclamation proclaiming April 21 – April 27, 2024, as National Crime Victims’ Week in Rome and Floyd County. This proclamation was presented to District Attorney Leigh Patterson and Associates from the Crime Victims’ Advocacy Department. This group briefly addressed the City Commission, stating that the 2024 theme for their office is “How Would You Help”. Fair Housing Month Commissioner Robinson presented a proclamation proclaiming April 2024 as Fair Housing Month in Rome. This proclamation was presented to City of Rome Community Development Department employees Suzanne Parris, Logan Drake, and Molly Majestic. Georgia Cities Week Commissioner Quick presented a proclamation proclaiming that April 21 – April 27, 2024, as Georgia Cities Week. This proclamation was presented to Ms. Kristi Kent, Communications Director for the City of Rome, and the Greater Rome Convention Visitors Bureau. Ms. Kent explained that the 2024 theme is “Soaring to New Heights”. Guests – Northwest Georgia Housing Authority The following seven guests addressed the commission regarding the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority and the City Commission’s plans to appoint a new member for one of the Housing Authority Board vacancies. Lee Hight, Chairwoman of the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority. Ms. Hight questioned why the City Commission is now considering appointing a new member to the Rome Housing Authority. Ms. Hight stated that in the past, the City of Rome has always taken the Housing Authority’s recommendation regarding appointments to this Authority. 1  The City Commission appointment policies state that appointees are limited to no more than two full terms on their respective assignments. Several years ago, the City Commission amended these policies to remove the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority from the two term limit. The Landbank Authority has most recently been removed from the two term limit. Ms. Hight emphasized that there is nothing wrong with the current board composition and they are high performing. She encouraged the City Commission to table any plans for a new membership appointment at this time and to not take action while current Executive Director Sandra Hudson is in the process of retiring and a new Executive Director is to be chosen. Hilda Curtis, 2107 Kingston Hwy. and member of the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority. Ms. Curtis addressed the City Commission to reappoint Mr. Jim Keaten (term expired March 2023) and reappoint her (term expired March 2024). Ms. Curtis stated that the Board has served this community well and needs to remain in place while the new Executive Director is being hired. Michael Taylor, 311 E. 2nd Avenue and member of the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority. Mr. Taylor stated that he was chosen for his position on the Housing Authority originally in 2007 due to his specialized skills in banking and tax credit financing. Mr. Taylor is concerned that some of the special skills that are currently possessed by board members will be lost with new members and he encouraged the City Commission to accept the recommendation of the Housing Authority regarding their membership. Rev. Terrell Shields, Pastor of Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Mr. Shields stated that the City Commissioners elected in the 2023 Election promised the community to make Rome better. Rev. Shields questioned how they were making Rome better, and it appears, from his perspective, that they are making Rome worse. Rev. Shields is of the opinion that town hall meetings were promised, however those meetings have not materialized. Rev. Shields also indicated that the current City Commission is going to destroy the work of the Executive Director Sandra Hudson by appointing new members to the Housing Authority. He questioned if the MAGA agenda was the City Commission’s agenda. Larry Morrow, Sr., 313 Dellwood Drive. Mr. Morrow asked why two longtime members are being replaced at this time (the City Commission agenda tonight indicates that one Housing Authority member is to be replaced). Mr. Morrow also stated that both Hilda Curtis and Jim Keaten have City streets named after them. He further stated that replacing Ms. Curtis and Mr. Keaten would be an embarrassment to them and to the black community. He reminded the Commission that the majority of the members in public housing are African Americans. He said that the City Commission has seems to have an agenda intended to take Rome back to the Jim Crow era. Sara Malone, 204 Woodbine Avenue, and president of the local NAACP Chapter. Ms. Malone stated that the residents of the Housing Authority are less fortunate citizens and were not born with “silver spoons in their mouths”. Ms. Malone also stated that Sandra Hudson has been great for Rome and that a movement to appoint any new member to the Housing Authority would be a move backwards not forwards. Ms. Malone concluded her comments by reminding the Commission that Executive Director Sandra Hudson is in the process of retiring and she questioned why the City Commission is interested in changing the Housing Authority personnel at this time. 2 Sam Malone, 204 Woodbine Avenue. Mr. Malone stated that Rome is great, but he feels that the “light is dissipating”. He asked the City Commission to consider reappointing Hilda Curtis and Jim Keaten or otherwise the Housing Authority will be moving in the wrong direction. Chaka Denise Johnson - Guest Ms. Chaka Denise Johnson, 37 Washington Drive, addressed the City Commission. Ms. Johnson’s concern is her attempt to use one of Rome’s public parks for an event. Ms. Johnson outlined her difficulty in securing this park, her continuing issues with the Rome/Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority, and the requirements they are imposing on her use of the park. She encouraged the City Commission to give the parks back to the people. Ms. Johnson did clarify that she would like to hold her event at the North Rome Park and that it would include a mechanical bull. Mayor McDaniel informed Ms. Johnson that the parks in Rome are administered through the Rome/Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority. He encouraged Ms. Johnson to continue her discussion with Mr. Wofford, Director of the Rome/Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority, and County Manager Jamie McCord. Mayor McDaniel stated that the City Commission would help in this matter in any way that the City could. Alcohol Ordinance Amendment and Resolution – Standard Drink Price Secretary Smith explained the concept of the alcohol ordinance amendment on tonight’s agenda. This amendment would establish a standard drink price option that liquor pouring establishments could use in calculating their monthly food/drink ratio. The food/drink ratio is applicable to all establishments, except private clubs, that pour distilled spirits. Smith emphasized that each establishment would continue to set their own drink prices and pay the corresponding mixed drink tax on these drinks, however for food/drink ratio calculation purposes, an establishment may use the standard drink prink of $5 per ounce. One of the intentions of this ordinance is to remove the requirement for more food sales at establishments that sell higher priced distilled spirits. Currently those establishments must sell more food to offset the same volume of distilled spirits due to their premium price. Commissioner Robinson moved to adopt the standard drink price alcohol amendment ordinance and resolution establishing the standard drink price of $5 per ounce. Commissioner Quick seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Alcohol Ordinance Amendment – Excise Tax Language Secretary Smith explained that an alcohol ordinance amendment is scheduled for second reading and vote tonight which would clarify the language in Rome’s Alcohol Ordinance regarding excise tax on malt beverages, wine, and distilled spirits. Smith emphasized that the excise tax rate is not changing, just the clarification of language to more closely match the language used by the State of Georgia. Commissioner Collins moved to adopt the excise tax language alcohol ordinance amendment. Commissioner Robinson seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. 3 Street Closing Ordinance – Alley off E. 14th Street Secretary Smith presented a street closing ordinance which would finalize the process to close an alley located off E. 14th Street and deed this property to the three adjoining property owners. Smith further explained that the adjoining property owners are Trinity Holdings of Rome, LLC, Richard Dixon, and June Ables Aycock. Commissioner Quick moved to adopt the street closing ordinance which would close an alley off E. 14th Street and authorize the execution of quit claim deeds to the three adjoining property owners. Mayor Pro Tem Bojo seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. SUP24-04-02 – Special Use Permit Request at 213 E. 16th Street Commissioner Quick presented special use permit file 24-04-02, the request for a special use permit for an adult daycare on property located at 213 E. 16th Street. This property is identified by Floyd County Tax Map Number J14N-210 and is zoned High Density Traditional Residential. Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood reviewed this file, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Wood stated that the Planning staff is recommending denial of this request since the proposed use has the potential to be considerably more intensive than what the adjacent and nearby properties typically experience. The proposed use would allow a potential of up to 18 clients plus staff. The proposed service, as described by the applicant, is inconsistent with its size and hours of operation when compared to adjacent residential uses. Mr. Wood further stated that the Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval of the SUP request. Mayor McDaniel called a public hearing to order. Speaking in favor of the special use permit was Ms. Tamika Fitzgibbons, 230 S. Broad Street. Ms. Fitzgibbons stated that she is in the adult daycare business and would like to use this site as part of her business. She stated that clients would be transported to this location, none of whom would be driving vehicles. She further stated that her maximum capacity would be 5 persons per room and that they would be at this location a maximum of six hours per day as allowed under the State of Georgia guidelines. She expects the clients to leave this property by 3:00 p.m. each day. This property is approximately 1300sqft. With there being no other comments regarding this request, Mayor McDaniel closed the public hearing. There was a brief discussion by the City Commission concerning this request during which Ms. Fitzgibbons indicated that she has been in this business for approximately 24 years. She further stated that some of the patients have early dementia. She would like to expand her current level of service and reported that she does service persons as far away as Atlanta. She also clarified that there will be no more than 18 persons on site, with two or three staff members and two restrooms. This facility is ADA compliant. Commissioner Beeman moved to approve the special use permit request for an adult daycare at 213 E. 16th Street which is zoned High Density Traditional Residential. Commissioner Collins seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Z24-04-04 Rezone North Broad Street Extension Commissioner Quick introduced rezoning file Z24-04-04, the request to rezone property located on North Broad Street and identified by Floyd County Tax Map Number J14W-080B, from Suburban 4 Residential to Multifamily Residential. Upon introduction of this topic, Commissioner Wayne Robinson and Mayor Pro Tem Jim Bojo left the room. Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood reviewed this file, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Wood reported that the Planning Commission has recommended denial of this request via a 5-3 vote. Wood also stated that the planned road improvement project in this area is still under development and no dirt has yet been moved. The proposal, if this property is rezoned, is for the construction of a townhome project. Mayor McDaniel called a public hearing to order. Speaking in favor of the rezoning request, was Mr. Walt Griffin. Mr. Griffin stated that he plans to construct affordable townhomes in the $225,000 - $250,000 range. He referenced other projects in the area and discussed the pending road improvement project in this area. Mr. Griffin saved the remainder of his time for possible rebuttal comments. Speaking in opposition to the rezoning request was Mr. Sam Evans, 3 Indian Trace. Mr. Evans stated that he and other neighbors in this area (North Pointe subdivision) are not opposed to single family developments, however they are opposed to townhomes and rental properties in this area. Mr. Evans further stated that the road improvement project plans will be beneficial for this area, and he is encouraging the City to complete that project at their earliest convenience. When the road improvement is made, people living in the development along that street should not be backing into the roadway. Also speaking in opposition to the rezoning request was Ms. Anne Summersill, 13 North Pointe Drive. Ms. Summersill also expressed her opposition to multifamily housing in this area, but clarified there is no opposition to expansion of this single family area. She encouraged the City Commission to use long term planning whenever possible. Bonnie Jacobs, 14 Indian Trace, spoke in opposition to this project, stating that she has spoken in the past regarding the road issues and safety concerns in this area. Ms. Jacobs stated that if these townhomes are constructed, it will only contribute to the existing traffic issues and school bus concerns. Ms. Sara Malone, 204 Woodbine Avenue, expressed her opposition to the plan stating that Mr. Griffin’s townhomes are not what she considers affordable. Mr. Griffin used some of his remaining time for rebuttal comments. Mr. Griffin stated that additional residences will come to this area in the form of single family homes or multifamily units. He reminded everyone that his plan is for only six townhomes and there is no opposition from the Crestwood subdivision, only the North Pointe subdivision. He further emphasized that in today’s housing market, his townhomes will be affordable and will be work force housing, which is needed in Rome. With there being no further comments, Mayor McDaniel closed the public hearing. There was a brief discussion by the City Commission. Commissioner Collins questioned if Mr. Griffin would limit the price of his townhomes to no more than $250,000. Mr. Griffin could not commit to that but stated that was his goal and that these units would be affordable. He clarified that he would not be the contractor, and these would be built by Smith Douglas Homes, thus his inability to give an absolute guarantee. City Manager Sammy Rich updated everyone on the status of the planned road 5 improvements, stating that plans have been submitted and right-of-way acquisition is currently underway. He hopes for construction to begin during the Summer of 2024. Commissioner Brock questioned if each unit would have a driveway directly onto the street or if there would be one driveway serving the townhouses collectively. Commissioner Brock stated that the existing “bad road” serves as somewhat of a traffic calming device. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the rezoning of this North Broad Street Extension property as requested from Suburban Residential to Multifamily Residential and Commissioner Doss seconded. After a further brief discussion by the City Commission, Commissioner Doss requested that an amendment to the motion for approval be added which would indicate if the motion fails for the rezoning request, it would be without prejudice, allowing for a future request without a waiting period. Commissioner Quick made that amendment and Commissioner Doss seconded. After continued discussion by the City Commission and before a vote on the amendment was taken, Commissioner Cochran moved to table this request and Commissioner Collins seconded. The motion to table was immediately approved by the following vote: YES: Brock, Cochran, Beeman, Collins, and Mayor McDaniel NO: Doss and Quick ABSTAIN: Bojo and Robinson Z24-04-05 Rezone W. 8th Avenue Commissioner Quick presented rezoning file Z24-04-05, the request to rezone property located on W. 8th Avenue and identified by Floyd County Tax Parcel J14Y-049, from Community Commercial to Urban Mixed Use. Upon the introduction of this topic, Commissioner Wayne Robinson left the room. Commissioner Collins left the meeting. Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood reviewed this file, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Wood indicated that if rezoned, the applicant plans to build townhomes on this site. The Planning Commission has unanimously recommended approval of this request. Mayor McDaniel called a public hearing to order concerning this request. Speaking in favor of the rezoning request was Mr. Chuck Hardin of Southern Engineering, 160 Three Rivers Drive, and representing the owner. Mr. Hardin stated this will be a townhome development in the Between the Rivers district. This site has been a vacant parking lot for many years. Mr. Hardin stated there is a need for this upscale type of townhomes in the downtown area, further stating that all ULDC requirements can be met. With there being no further comment, Mayor McDaniel closed the public hearing. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the rezoning request of this W. 8th Street property from Community Commercial to Urban Mixed Use as requested, Mayor Pro Tem Bojo seconded. The motion was approved by the following vote: YES: Bojo, Brock, Cochran, Beeman, Doss, and Quick ABSTAIN: Robinson 6 Z24-04-06 Rezone 409 Hardy Avenue Commissioner Quick presented rezoning file Z24-04-06, the request to rezone property located at 409 Hardy Avenue and identified by Floyd County Tax Map Number I14W-367, from High Density Traditional Residential to Office Institutional. The Planning Commission has unanimously recommended approval of this request. Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood reviewed this file, displaying maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Wood indicated that this property is owned by Lovejoy Family Baptist Church, and they intend to use this site to expand their food and clothing ministries. Mayor McDaniel called a public hearing to order. Speaking in favor of the rezoning request was Mr. Cary Ingram, Pastor of Lovejoy Baptist Church, 436 Branham Avenue. Rev. Ingram stated that this church has been in the food and clothing ministry for 30 years, and that demand is growing. Currently, approximately 125 families are served with these offerings. The church annex has been used for this service, however that site has been outgrown and the church would like to expand onto this property for the food and clothing ministries. There may be a drive up facility at the new site. With there being no further comments, Mayor McDaniel closed the public hearing. Commissioner Robinson moved to approve the rezoning request for 409 Hardy Avenue from High Density Traditional Residential to Office Institutional as requested. Commissioner Quick seconded, and the motion was unanimously approved. Georgia Municipal Association District 1 Ballot Secretary Smith reported that the City Commission needs to take a position regarding the proposed Georgia Municipal Association ballot for District 1 officers. This ballot includes Commissioner Randy Quick as incoming District 1 President. Mayor Pro Tem Bojo moved to approve the ballot as submitted. Commissioner Robinson seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Finance Committee Mayor Pro Tem Bojo announced that the Finance Committee scheduled for Wednesday, May 1st at 10:30 a.m. in the Sam King Room. Water and Sewer Committee Mayor Pro Tem Bojo announced that the Water and Sewer Committee will meet on Thursday, May 2nd at 9:00 a.m. in the Sam King Room. Development Oversight Committee Commissioner Brock announced that the Development Oversight Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 7th at 10:00 a.m. in the Sam King Room. Jane’s Walk Commissioner Cochran announced that the annual Jane’s Walk event will highlight South Rome and take place on Saturday, May 8th. This event was named for Ms. Jane Jacobs and started in New York City. This event will begin at the Myrtle Hill Mausoleum. 7 Solid Waste Commission Commissioner Beeman announced that the Solid Waste Commission will meet on Tuesday, April 23rd at 8:30 a.m. in the Sam King Room. Northwest Georgia Housing Authority Budget Training Commissioner Beeman announced that the Library will host the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority for upcoming budget training. Tourism Committee Commissioner Beeman announced that the Tourism Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 24th at 11:45 a.m. at Myrtle Hill Cemetery. Public Works/Traffic/Transit/Trails Committee Commissioner Doss announced that the Public Works/Traffic/Transit/Trails Committee will meet on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:00 a.m. in the Sam King Room. Alcohol Control Commission – Reappoint Billy Cooper Commissioner Quick moved to reappoint Mr. Billy Cooper to serve an additional three year term on the Rome Alcohol Control Commission. Commissioner Robinson seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Downtown Development Authority – Reappoint Tayesha Lytle and Elaine Abercrombie, and Appoint Jamie Baker Commissioner Quick moved to reappoint Ms. Tayesha Lytle and Ms. Elaine Abercrombie for additional terms on the Downtown Development Authority, and to appoint Ms. Jamie Baker to replace Harry Brock on the Downtown Development Authority. Commissioner Doss seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Landbank Authority – Appoint Robert Smyth Commissioner Quick moved to appoint Mr. Robert Smyth to replace Harry Brock on the Landbank Authority. Commissioner Cochran seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Northwest Georgia Housing Authority – Appoint Billy Cooper Commissioner Quick moved to appoint Mr. Billy Cooper to serve on the Housing Authority of Northwest Georgia. Mr. Cooer would be replacing Mr. Jim Keaten. Mr. Keaten’s most recent five year term expired on March 31, 2023. Mr. Cooper’s term would run through March 31, 2028. Commissioner Doss seconded the motion. Commissioner Cochran stated that some of the comments made earlier tonight were valid and had the community’s best interest in mind. Commissioner McDaniel reminded everyone that, while the Housing Authority has been removed from the City’s two term limit policy, the City Commission has the authority and responsibility to appoint new members as needed. Commissioner Cochran questioned if the City Commission should have term limits. 8 The motion to appoint Mr. Cooper was approved by the following vote: YES: Bojo, Brock, Doss, Quick, and Robinson NO: Cochran ABSTAIN: Beeman Rome/Floyd Planning Commission Commissioner Quick announced that the Rome/Floyd County Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, May 2nd at 2:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of City Hall (2nd floor of City Hall). North Broad Food Mart, 1416 North Broad Street, Unit B – Penalty Recommendations Secretary Smith reported that on April 15, 2024, the Alcohol Control Commission held a Hearing for a police report that individuals were found consuming alcohol inside North Broad Food Mart, 1413 North Broad St. Unit B. This facility does not possess a City of Rome pouring license, only a package license. Specifically, these persons were found consuming alcohol at the coin operated amusement machines. This is the third such infraction that the Alcohol Control Commission has reviewed in the past three months, the other two infractions were similar but occurred at other locations in Rome. The Alcohol Control Commission has recommended that the beer package license at the North Broad Food Mart be suspended for 90 days and that a $2,000 monetary penalty be imposed. Smith further stated that this penalty is more severe than the previous two penalties due to the presence of youths in this case. Commissioner Robinson moved to approve the penalty recommendations, Commissioner Bojo seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Community Redevelopment Committee Commissioner Robinson announced that the Community Redevelopment Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 24th has been cancelled. Downtown Development Authority Commissioner Robinson announced that the Downtown Development Authority will meet on Thursday, May 9th at 8:30 a.m. in the Milner Building. ROFLO Fest Commissioner Robinson announced that the Downtown Development Authority will host the annual ROFLO Fest celebrating Rome and Floyd art and culture on Saturday, May 4th from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in Downtown Rome. Adjourn With there being no further business, Mayor McDaniel adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 9