City Commission

ROME CITY COMMISSION Monday, April 28, 2025 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 presided with Mayor Pro Tem Bojo and Commissioners Brock, Cochran, Beeman, Doss, Quick, Collins, and Robinson present. After a moment of silence to recognize the recent passing of retired U.S. Army Colonel John Ware, Commissioner Collins opened the meeting with prayer and led in the salute to the flag. Minutes – April 14, 2025 The Minutes of the April 14, 2025, meeting, as submitted in writing by the Secretary, were approved by unanimous consent. Brian Bojo and David Williams – Certificates of Appointment It was noted that Certificates of Appointment were prepared for Mr. Brian Bojo and Mr. David Williams who were recently appointed to serve on the Housing Authority of Northwest Georgia and the Unified Land Development Code Board of Adjustments. Neither Mr. Bojo nor Mr. Williams were able to attend tonight’s meeting. Estimated 2025 Tax Mill Rate Resolution City Manager Rich explained that due to actions by the 2025 Georgia General Assembly, local taxing authorities are now required to submit an estimated ad valorem tax mill rate prior to the distribution of property tax assessment notices. This estimated millage rate is also established prior to the submission of the annual tax digest to the City of Rome by the Floyd County Board of Tax Assessors. Mr. Rich emphasized that during the summer of 2025, the City of Rome will set the actual millage rate in a similar fashion as has been done in recent years. Commissioner Collins moved to adopt the resolution establishing the following estimated 2025 tax mill rate for the City of Rome: Net City Maintenance and Operation 9.80 Mills (includes “City Capital” rate of 1.80 Mills) School Maintenance and Operation 17.25 Mills Estimated Total City 27.05 Mills Commissioner Quick seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Hazardous Materials Ordinance Amendment – First Reading Commissioner Brock announced that the Public Safety Committee has previously recommended adoption of a hazardous materials ordinance related to expenditures for certain industrial fires or incidents incurred by the Fire Department. The Floyd County Commission has previously adopted the same ordinance. 1 This ordinance is being placed on first reading and will be scheduled for a second reading and vote at the May 12th City Commission meeting. A25-04-01 Annex 500 Elliott Drive Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood introduced annexation file A25-04-01, the request to annex property located at 500 Elliott Drive and identified by Floyd County Tax map number H12Y-225. This property is zoned Suburban Residential and there is no requested change in zoning. Mr. Wood reviewed this file, display maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Wood stated that the property owner wishes to annex in order to receive city services. The Planning Commission and staff have recommended approval. Mayor McDaniel called a public hearing to order. There was no one to speak in favor or opposition and the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Quick moved to approve the annexation request for 500 Elliott Drive with Suburban Residential zoning. Commissioner Bojo seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. A25-04-02 Annex 2705 Garden Lakes Blvd Rome/Floyd Planning Director Brice Wood introduced annexation file A25-04-02, the request to annex property located at 2705 Garden Lakes Blvd and identified by Floyd County Tax map number H12Y- 746. This property is zoned Suburban Residential and there is no requested change in zoning. Mr. Wood reviewed this file, display maps and photographs of the subject and surrounding properties. Mr. Wood stated that the property owner wishes to annex in order to receive city services. The Planning Commission and staff have recommended approval. Mayor McDaniel called a public hearing to order. There was no one to speak in favor or opposition and the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Robinson moved to approve the annexation request for 2705 Garden Lakes Blvd with Suburban Residential zoning. Commissioner Quick seconded, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Development Oversight Committee Commissioner Bojo announced that the Development Oversight Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 6th at 10:00 a.m. in the Sam King Room. Finance Committee Commissioner Bojo announced that the Finance Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 30th at 10:30 a.m. in the Sam King Room. Water and Sewer Committee Commissioner Bojo announced that the Water and Sewer Committee scheduled for May 1st has been cancelled. 2 Water Professionals Association - Platinum Award Commissioner Bojo announced that for the 21st year in a row, the City of Rome has received the Platinum Award from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals. This particular award was for Rome’s compliance during calendar year 2024. Tourism Commissioner Brock announced that the next meeting of the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau will take place at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30th. The meeting will take place at the Mount Berry Trail Head and will involve lunch and a walk. Keep Rome/Floyd Beautiful Commissioner Beeman announced recent and upcoming Keep Rome/Floyd Beautiful events. Landmark Ceremony – Lovejoy Baptist Church Commissioner Doss announced that a ceremony was held on Friday, April 25th at 11:00 a.m. at Lovejoy Baptist Church. The City of Rome Landmarking Committee selected Lovejoy as one of the two landmarking sites for 2024. The ceremony was well attended and led by Rev. Carey Ingram and Ms. Esther Vaughn. Rome/Floyd Planning Commission Commissioner Quick announced that the Rome/Floyd Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, May 1st at 2:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Commissioner Collins announced that at the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission recently scheduled meeting, a quorum was not present. There was some discussion, but no action was taken. Party Time Beverages 2797C Martha Berry Blvd. Commissioner Robinson announced that a License Hearing was held at the April 21st Alcohol Control Commission for Party Time Beverages, 2797C Martha Berry Blvd. and Chevron Express, 507 Turner McCall Blvd. Employees at each establishment were charged with underage alcohol sales. As a result of the ACC Hearing, a recommendation was made to the City Commission that Party Time Beverages receive a $2,000 monetary penalty and a thirty day suspension of their beer, wine, and liquor package license as a result of an employee selling alcohol to a minor during a Rome/Floyd Metro Task Force undercover investigation. The ACC recommendation was for the elimination of the thirty day license suspension if Mr. Patel installs an identification card code reader at his retail establishment. This code reader is to be used for alcohol sales age confirmation. Mr. Patel and his family were present at tonight’s meeting and explained that the ID code reader has been installed and is operational at his facility. He responded that this piece of equipment cost approximately $700. It was also noted that as a result of the alcohol violation, the clerk who sold the alcohol (Mr. Patel’s daughter) was arrested and spent approximately eight hours in jail. Mr. Patel’s daughter concluded her comments to the City Commission by asking for leniency on their punishment, noting that they have been in operation for thirty-two years with only one violation. 3 Commissioner Robinson moved to impose a $500 monetary penalty and no license suspension. Commissioner Collins seconded the motion. After a brief discussion by the City Commission, Commissioner Robinsons amended his motion to implement no monetary penalty and no suspension. Commissioner Collins seconded this motion, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Downtown Development Authority Commissioner Robinson announced that the Downtown Development Authority will host the RoFlo Fest celebrating Rome and Floyd Arts and Culture on Saturday, May 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event will take place in the 300, 400, and 500 blocks of Broad Street. Downtown Development Authority Commissioner Robinson announced that the Downtown Development Authority will meet on Thursday, May 8th at 8:30 a.m. in the Milner Building. Executive Session Mayor McDaniel announced that an Executive Session was held prior to tonight's meeting. The purpose of this Executive Session was to discuss two real estate matters and one personnel matter. No votes were taken. Commissioner Robinson moved to enter into Executive Session, seconded by Commissioner Quick and a unanimous vote. Commissioner Collins moved to exit Executive Session, seconded by Commissioner Robinson, and the vote was unanimously in favor. Adjourn With there being no further business, Mayor McDaniel adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Joseph F. Smith City Clerk 4