Jill G. Head

The formal business of the meeting involved a public hearing for variance request V26-007. This request sought permission to allow a second accessory structure on land lot 598, located at 1511 Deborah Drive. The land parcel is a corner lot, which results in less buildable area than typical lots. The existing single-family home and detached garage were both constructed in 1958, predating current 1974 code, making them legal non-conforming structures. The applicant proposed building a new inground swimming pool and spa between the existing home and garage, ensuring compliance with setbacks and impervious surface area limits. Community development supported the variance, as the hardship was not self-created and no opposition was received. The variance was ultimately granted. The meeting concluded with the approval of the minutes from the January 14th, 2026 license variance board meeting.

This document outlines the vision and mission for a city where all residents and visitors experience safe, accessible, and welcoming streets and neighborhoods. The Traffic Calming Committee aims to enhance street safety through strategies that reduce vehicle speeds and crash severity, benefiting pedestrians, bicyclists, and all roadway users. This is achieved through community-informed solutions guided by principles of Safety First, Effective Design, Equity, Accountability, and Community Engagement.

The meeting commenced following an invocation and pledge of allegiance. A key agenda change involved adding an item for the appointment of an interim Public Works Director. Formal business included authorizing a proposal for WEC technologies for facility and program management services at an initial cost of $49,700, approving the reclassification of Water and Sewer Director/Assistant Director positions and integrating the department under Public Works, and authorizing a contract with CW Matthews Contracting Company for milling and overlay resurfacing of approximately 30 city streets for nearly $4.95 million. The council also approved a contract with Georgia Waste Systems LLC for waste management services and authorized a quitclaim deed conveying a segment of unused land. Additionally, appointments were made to the License and Variance Board, and Paul Osman was appointed as the interim Public Works Director. The consent agenda included approvals for minutes from previous meetings and authorization for future use of the council chambers and a street closure for public art installation.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge, followed by housekeeping notes on public speaking procedures. Key agenda items involved approving a change to suspend rules to add an agenda item regarding the weekend closure of King Street from Bank to Powder Springs for downtown green space access, effective from Friday afternoon to Monday morning. The Mayor recognized Robbie Alexander III for his achievements as the 2025 Junior State Champion golfer and noted upcoming community events, including the 'Coming Home for the Holidays' tree lighting. Proclamations included recognition for participants in the 2025 Smyrna Safe Business Program, which aims to build business resiliency through training in areas like cybersecurity and CPR, and recognition for artists featured in the Smyrna Art Council's new abstract art exhibit. Under community development, the Council approved a temporary sales certificate for a Christmas tree lot on Pebble Brook Road. A public hearing was authorized for a new request for a Title Pond LLC Broker license, which staff recommended for denial based on location ordinance requirements.

The meeting included an invocation and pledge, followed by a mayoral report that thanked attendees for the "Coming Home for the Holidays" event and highlighted the "Gift a Family" program. The council recognized the Smyrna Veterans Committee and Bert Turnell for their service. Discussions and actions included the withdrawal of a zoning request, a public hearing for a rezoning request to allow a single-family home, and approval of an ordinance to add definitions for distilleries in the alcoholic beverage ordinance. The council also addressed privilege license requests, including a change of ownership for Syracuse's New York Pizza and a beer and wine pouring license for Taste of China.