City Administrator Monthly Update
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Message from City Administrator Tammi Saddler Jones:
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My 4-year-old son has fallen in love with the movie, Incredibles 2. This movie is about a family of superheroes who use teamwork to defeat a new foe who seeks to turn the populace against all superheroes. Of course, my son always wants mommy and daddy to watch the movie with him, so I know we have seen it at least 15 times and counting. Every time we watch the movie, it reminds me of my City of Smyrna family. I consider our city employees my family because I really do spend as much time with them as I do my own family.
My city family is filled with superheroes with superpowers. They make the impossible possible, they defeat obstacles, and so they must be commended for their hard work and dedication. For example, our Community Relations employees, Parks and Recreation employees, Police employees, and Public Works employees used their superpowers this past weekend to make sure that the Jonquil City Jog was a success. People may not realize it, but a lot of teamwork goes into pulling off an event of that magnitude and that is just one example.
Our city employees do not just use their superpowers during special events, they use their superpowers every day to make sure Smyrna remains a dynamic place to live, work, and play. We are public servants who are whole-heartedly committed to serving the citizens of this community. That is our superpower! What’s your superpower?
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Arthur Bacon Golf Tournament
May 4 and May 5
Fox Creek Golf Course
1501 Windy Hill Road
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9:00 am Shotgun Start
The Arthur Bacon Golf Tournament, first hosted in 1986, honors the former Mayor and is the City of Smyrna’s annual golf championship. The focus of the tournament is to have fun through fellowship. This year, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Smyrna Arts Council.
The two-day event will be conducted at Fox Creek Golf Club, located at 1501 Windy Hill Road in Smyrna, GA. There will be a 9 am shotgun start each day.
This annual championship with the Mayor is a great way to mix business and fun!
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Smyrna Outdoor Market
Saturdays Beginning May 4 - 8:00 am - Noon
Smyrna Community Center
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Mark your calendars for the return of the Smyrna Outdoor Market.
The Market is located at the Community Center along Atlanta Road and is open from 8:00AM to Noon Saturdays until October 19th.
We have great vendors again this year:
Grayland Farms, Hardy Bakery, David's Garden, Pam's Magic Cauldron, Roots and Crops, Russell's Gourmet Coffee, Nurture from Nature, King of Pops, She's Divine Desserts and Specialty Foods, Dickey Farms, TNT Catering and Event, Bling by JayCee, Café Celaque, Edward Jones, Summers Wellness, My BACE Skin, Zilis, Sugarbush Bakery, Cure Melanoma, Caprigia Cheese, plus music and artists!
Vendor applications are still being accepted. Please contact Janet Liberman at jliberman@smyrnaga.gov for more information.
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Kid-Con: Children's Literature Festival
Summer Reading Kickoff Event
Saturday, May 4 - 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Smyrna Community Center
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A Celebration of Children's Literature sponsored by Smyrna Public Library, the Friends of Smyrna Library, and Smyrna Parks & Recreation
Tickets:
Free of charge, but the number of tickets is limited. Please pick up tickets at Smyrna Public Library starting Monday, April 22nd.
Ages:
0-12 years old (plus parents and caregivers)
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Activities:
- Meet famous characters from Children's Literature
- Games, crafts, STEAM activities
- Dance party
- Light refreshments courtesy of the Friends of Smyrna Library, Dairy Queen (Spring Road), McEntyre's Bakery, Bella's Pizzeria, and Zucca Pizzeria
- Vendor activity tables by the Friends of Smyrna Library, Jitterbug Performing Arts, STEAMbug, MusicTogether Metro Atlanta
- Children are encouraged to dress as their favorite character from literature. We ask that adults please not dress up.
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DiverCITY: A Community Event Presented by the Smyrna Youth Council
Saturday, May 4 - 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Taylor-Brawner Park Amphitheater
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The inaugural Smyrna Youth Council will be hosting a new community event, DiverCITY on May 4th at Taylor-Brawner Park. The event will celebrate diversity in the Smyrna community with varous local performances on the amphitheater and activites. The event is free and open to the public.
The lineup for this event includes: Giving Tree Yoga (bring a yoga mat), StepN2TheBeat, CHS Foreign Language Club, local student performances, and much more!
Follow the Facebook page for event updates!
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Not Just a Movie Movie Series:
Under the Stars Movie Night
Saturday, May 4 - 7:00 pm
Tolleson Park Soccer Field
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Don't miss out on the City of Smyrna Outdoor Movie Series! Families, come out and join us for a fun, relaxing evening in our parks. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy these family-friendly movie under the stars, along with kid-friendly activities and outdoor games. Admission and snacks are free and early arrival is recommended.
Movie Night Under the Stars
Tolleson Park (Soccer Field) - 3515 McCauley Road
Saturday, May 4th
Film: Uncle Drew (PG-13)
Pre-movie activities 7:00pm, movie starts at dusk.
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Smyrna Food Truck Tuesdays
Tuesdays Beginning May 7 - 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Taylor-Brawner Park
3180 Atlanta Road
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Join us for Smyrna Food Truck Tuesdays starting May 7th through October 8th at Taylor-Brawner Park from 5:00pm until 9:00pm.
The City of Smyrna, Georgia Power and Cobb Travel & Tourism (Atlanta's Sweet Spot) have "powered" up to bring you Food Truck Tuesday along with lots of entertainment and fun. Check our Facebook page (linked below) for weekly updates and a list of scheduled trucks.
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Keep Smyrna Beautiful Garden Tour
Saturday, May 18 - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
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The 2019 Keep Smyrna Beautiful Garden Tour will take place Saturday, May 18th and showcase five private gardens within the community. This is the 11th anniversary for this wonderful event and plans are coming together to make it exceptional.
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The tour is self-guided between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. The gardens offer an assortment of sizes, styles, terrain, and plantings to ensure each visitor leaves with at least one idea they can use in their own garden.
The Taylor Brawner House will also host a plant sale, sponsor tables, a raffle of great prizes, and refreshments.
All proceeds of the tour will be awarded in grants to Smyrna area schools in support of gardening, recycling and academic goals. It is a fun, educational event for the whole family. To date, over $90,000 has been raised for school grants.
Tickets are now available at Vickery Hardware and the Smyrna Recycling Center. Buy tickets on-line here |
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Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Public Hearing
Monday, May 20 - 7:00 pm
Council Chambers
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A Public Hearing on the proposed City of Smyrna Fiscal Year 2020 budget will be held during the May 20th City Council Meeting located in the City Hall Council Chambers. This is an opportunity for the public to make comments on the proposed budget prior to the City Council vote at the June 3rd City Council Meeting.
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Financial Updates
Each month, the Finance department updates the financial data published to the Smyrna City website. Tableau Public is a free platform that allows us to easily visualize our budget data alongside year-to-date revenues and expenditures. To access the Open Data dashboards, click “Financial/Budget” at the top of our home page, or follow this URL for a direct link: https://www.smyrnacity.com/financial-budget/open-data
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Smyrna Receives GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
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The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to City of Smyrna by Government Officers Association of the United State and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
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Tolleson Pool Opens May 25th
3530 King Springs Road
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Tolleson Pool is a seasonally operated outdoor facility with an average depth of 5 feet. The pool features a 1-meter and 3-meter diving board. Tolleson Pool also contains a Spray Park for non-swimmers eight years old and younger. You may sign yourself or your children up for swim lessons during swim lesson registration, or even host a party at the pool!
Hours of Operation
Tolleson Pool will open to the public Saturday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m., and will remain open seven days a week through July 28. After Sunday, July 28, a weekend-only schedule will exist through Sunday, September 29.
- Monday – Friday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
(Early closure at 4pm each WEDNESDAY in June)
- Saturday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Holiday Hours 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
(Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day)
2019 Night Swim Dates
- July 1 thru 4
- July 8 thru 11
- July 15 thru 18
- July 22 thru 25
Night Swim hours are: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Pool Admission
$5.00 for patrons 16 years and younger
$7.00 for adults
Season Passes
Individual Pass: $50 resident / $75 non-resident
Family Pass: $125 resident / $150 non-resident
Purchase pool passes at the Smyrna Community Center Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 10:00 pm. Family pass includes four members; each additional member is $15 per person.
For more information visit www.Smyrnaga.gov or call the Community Center at (770) 431-2842.
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Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 27 - 9:30 am
Veterans Memorial Lawn
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On Monday, May 27, 2019, at 9:30 am, Smyrna, Georgia holds its annual Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial lawn on King Street. The event and adjacent parking are free and open to all.
This event honors the valiant men and women of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, both past and present. It also commemorates the 100th anniversary of both the Treaty of Versailles and the founding of the American Legion. The Treaty of Versailles formalized the end of World War I, but to many, it set the uneasy foundation of an even greater conflict starting just twenty years and three months later: World War II.
The event includes current and vintage military vehicles and weaponry, an honor guard, 21-gun salute, echo taps, wreath laying ceremony and the elite and unique Georgia 116th Army National Guard Band.
In case of inclement weather, the event will be at the Smyrna Community Center. Sponsors include The City of Smyrna, Smyrna Veterans Committee, American Legion Post 160, Smyrna Rotary Club, Jonquil City Kiwanis, Veterans Memorial Association of Smyrna, Chick-fil-A of South Cobb and JWC Real Estate.
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Table Sales for Summer Concert Series
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A limited number of concert tables for the Smyrna Summer Concert Series is on sale now. Residents can grab a table for all three events for $75 through June 7th. Tables can be purchased in person at the Wolfe Center or online at our website. Resident prices for single event table prices are $30 for the June and July concert and $40 for the Birthday Celebration.
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Smyrna City Staff Spotlight
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Nancy Lartey, Library Aide
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Nancy Lartey is a part-time Library Aide in the Smyrna Library Adult Services department. Nancy has been with the library for over two years. She recently received her Bachelor of Business Administration majoring in Information Systems from Kennesaw State University, and she plans to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration. Her father’s job brought the family to Kansas from Gabon, Africa, in 2010, then to Georgia several years later. Nancy is bilingual, speaking French and English.
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She loves reading, writing, and watching TV and movies in her spare time. This summer, her family is visiting Gabon, and she longs to soak in the sights, sounds and aromas of her childhood. Until then, you can find Nancy at the Adult Services desk on the upper level. She is happy to help you with your reference and computer questions.
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Mary Arvin, Administrative Services Coordinator
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Mary Arvin is the new Administrative Services Coordinator in the Administration department. Mary began working with the City on April 8th. Having previously worked in various divisions of Cox Enterprises, Mary has over fifteen years of corporate senior executive assistant experience supporting C-level executives and their teams. Mary has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Oglethorpe University. Although most of Mary’s family lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, she has lived in the metro Atlanta area since 1996. Mary is married with 4 children and she has 11 grandchildren.
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Notable Service Anniversaries
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- James Carper, Detention Shift Supervisor – 5 years
- Kay Bolick, Director of Human Resources/Risk Management – 10 years
- Bao Pham, Public Works Crew Worker/Sanitation – 15 years
Thank you to our City of Smyrna employees for their dedicated service!
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50th Municipal Clerks Week May 5-11
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Pictured left is Smyrna City Clerk Terri Graham and picture right is Smyrna Deputy City Clerk Tina Monaghan
Do you realize how important your City Clerk is to the successful running of your city government? Just a few of the duties that clerks are responsible for include:
- Documenting and facilitating council meetings, including preparation of agendas and taking minutes
- Documenting and publishing ordinances and resolutions
- Retaining and managing public records, including the handling of open records requests
- Ethics and other state agency required filings
- Handling qualification of candidates and coordination of election information
- In some cases, financial administration including tax and revenue collection
- In some cases, coordinating contract bidding, and requests for proposals (RFP)
- In some cases, issuing licenses, permits, and payments.
Make sure your clerk knows how much they are appreciated!
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Smyrna Community Spotlight
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Campbell High School JROTC Cadets
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The Campbell High School JROTC Cadets were recognized at the April 15, 2019 City Council meeting for being State Drill Competition winners. The Army JROTC State Drill and Color Guard Competition was held Saturday, March 23, 2019 in Griffin, GA. Campbell High School placed in the following events:
- Female Armed Squad - Commanded by Valeri Cruz (3rd Place)
- Female Squad Exhibition - Commanded by Daniela Palacios (3rd Place)
- Male Unarmed Platoon - Commanded by Brayan Garcia (3rd Place)
- Female Armed Platoon - Commanded by Daniela Palacios (3rd Place)
- Male Color Guard - Commanded by Luke Lunsford (5th Place)
- Unarmed Knock Out - Alex Lin (5th Place)
- Unarmed Knock Out - Gustavo Moctezuma (9th Place)
Congratulations to the CHS JROTC Cadets for their placements!
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Keep Smyrna Beautiful Volunteer Spotlight
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The Campbell High School DECA club has volunteered for KSB for many years. The students put in hundreds of hours each year at the Shred Fest Events, the Volunteer Recognition events, the Home for the Holidays event, the summer concerts and more. This group of students is so dedicated to being involved within their community. We are fortunate to have them!
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Tolleson Park Playground Ribbon Cutting
Held April 25th
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Mayor Max Bacon, Smyrna City Councilmembers, Parks and Recreation staff and representatives from KOMPAN Inc. hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 25th for the new playground equipment installed at Tolleson Park. This KOMPAN playground is a fully inclusive playground for young and old. It is a unique play experience that will also have them problem solving and thinking creatively to overcome the challenges this playground provides. Bring your family and check out the new state-of-the-art equipment!
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Smyrna Police Detective Testimony
Influences Change in “Pimping” Law
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On April 18, 2019, Governor Brian Kemp signed into law House Bill 281, which amends Code Section 16-6-13 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. This code sections relates to the penalties for pimping and pandering. The changes made will now make the second offense of pimping and pandering punishable as a felony. The bill also added that if the offense involves anyone under the age of 16, the offender can be punished by imprisonment for up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine amount up to $100,000.
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State Representative Teri Anulewicz sponsored the bill and worked closely with Smyrna Police Detective Meredith Holt. Detective Holt testified before members of the Georgia Legislative body and it is believed her testimony positively impacted the caucus to move on adopting the change in legislation.
Detective Holt has been with the Smyrna Police Department for 12 years; Detective Holt previously worked for the Maryland State Police before relocating to Atlanta. Detective Holt is part of the FBI Match Task Force and one of Smyrna’s crimes against women and children detectives. Detective Holt is a fierce advocate for battered women and children and is relentless in her pursuits against those that try to harm or exploit them.
Pictured from left: Governor Brian Kemp, Detective Meredith Holt, State Representative Teri Anulewicz
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Riverview Landing Construction Update
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On April 15, 2019, the Smyrna City Council approved a modification of the site plan for the Riverview Landing development along the Chattahoochee River in Ward 7 that is currently under construction. The new site plan increased the number of residential units from 608 (310 multi-family, 233 townhome and 65 single-family) to 816 (580 multi-family, 188 townhome and 48 single-family). The new plan also allows for 14,680 square feet of space to accommodate neighborhood retail, restaurants, offices, live-work units and/or commensurate amenities.
A representative from Prestwick Companies, the developer constructing the Eddy at Riverview Landing apartments, gave a presentation on the construction progress and mentioned that Grand Champion BBQ, Chattahoochee Coffee Co., and Reformation Brewery will occupy retail space in the development. The apartments are expected to be completed in Summer 2019.
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Fire Station 2 Dedication Ceremony
Held April 13th
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On Saturday, April 13th, the Smyrna Fire Department hosted the Fire Station 2 Dedication Ceremony. The event was open to the public and had an excellent turnout. Thank you Smyrna residents for supporting our city and our firefighters at the official grand opening!
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Code Compliance Information for Residents
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As the weather gets warmer and outdoor activities increase, there are several areas of Code Compliance that requires more attention and changes the focus of the City Marshals. Listed below are some of the commonly found violations during the spring and summer:
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High grass & Weeds
Every home owner and or occupants are required to cut and maintain the exterior premises, by keeping yards free of overgrown grass (exceeding 8 inches), plants and other vegetation. The Smyrna Department of Public Works will pick up limbs and branches and tree debris (not exceeding 4 feet in length and 8 inches in diameter) when placed at the curb.
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Trash and Rubbish
When citizen start their spring cleaning, it’s important to remember all trash and rubbish must be placed in an approved container for proper disposal. For large items such as furniture and appliances the Solid Waste Division will remove items placed at the curb, for a cost of $25 per item. The pick-up must be scheduled with the Public Works Department prior to placing them at the street.
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Sanitation
Residents should be careful not to allow water to accumulate or stand in containers or buckets. This could lead to mosquito larva breeding and creating un-sanitary condition on your property.
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Signs in the Public Right of Way (Yard Sale Advertisements)
Many citizens tend to have more yard sales during the warmer month when the weather is nicer. Yard sales are allowed to be located at the residence of the person conducting such sale for not more than three consecutive days. No such activity shall be conducted more than four times during any one calendar year. No signs advertising the yard sale shall be placed in the Public Right of Ways, streets and medians of the city.
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Above Ground Swimming Pools
Swimming pools are considered accessory structures and shall only be placed in the rear yard. In the interest of Life, Health & Safety; swimming pools having a minimum depth of two feet (24 inches) shall be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches (1219 mm) in height above the finished ground level measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool. Gates and doors in such barriers shall be self-closing and self-latching.
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If you have any questions about code compliance with the City of Smyrna, contact the Code Enforcement office at (770) 319-5387.
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Large Item Amnesty Day: Coming August 17
Keep Smyrna Beautiful and the City of Smyrna are planning the city’s first ever Large Item Amnesty Day on Saturday, August 17th. Large items come with a cost to get rid of, and so they can start to pile up in our garage or our yard. This initiative provides residents with an absolutely FREE way to get rid of large items like furniture, old appliances, and even old car parts. City staff will be unloading vehicles on August 17th at the Public Works facility located at 2190 Atlanta Rd SE. Keep an eye out for more information in the coming months.
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Smyrna City Council Election Information
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A General Election will be conducted November 5, 2019 for all 7 City Council Members and the Mayor of the City of Smyrna.
Qualifying for the Smyrna Municipal Election will be held in the Human Resources Training Room on the first floor of Smyrna City Hall (2800 King Street, Smyrna Ga 30080) as follows:
- Tuesday, August 20th, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 21st 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and
- Thursday, August 22, 2019 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.,
- Each day the qualifying process will close for lunch from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.
Qualifying fees are $756 for Mayor and $567 for Council Members.
Register to Vote by visiting the Georgia Secretary of State Voter website.
For more information, visit the city website or contact the City Clerk.
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US Census 2020: Smyrna Counts!
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Census day is coming on April 1, 2020. The city’s goal is for every Smyrna resident to be counted in the 2020 census. Census counts help determine the allocation of billions of federal funding dollars at the state and local level for the next decade – it’s super important!
The 2020 Census is the first time that residents can respond online or via the Census app. Encourage your friends and neighbors to be ready to respond next year. Keep an eye out for more information in the coming months on how to help ensure everyone is counted.
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Report a Street Light Outage
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Are there any street lights out in your neighborhood that need to be repaired by Georgia Power? Click below to report a street light outage. Reporting is easy with Georgia Power's online outage system. You can enroll to receive outage alerts, learn about weather events in your area, and check the status of your outage.
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Enjoy Smyrna life, ride a bike! Smyrna's Zagster Bike Share program offers rentable bicycles to get around the city.
Smyrna has 5 Zagster stations to rent from:
- Concord Rd & Hurt Rd
- Concord Road Linear Park Station
- Smyrna Public Library Station
- Spring Road Linear Park Station
 Taylor-Brawner Park
Rider Cost: The first hour of riding is FREE, then pay $2 per hour
Promo Code
For a limited time, use promo code ZagAllDay2019 to unlock $4 in ride credits (2 hours of free riding!)
For more information, visit Smyrna's Zagster Bike Share page below.
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Smyrna's Community Engagement Tool
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As part of Smyrna’s Strategic Vision Plan, we're asking our residents to respond to a few basic community satisfaction survey questions so the City can begin to track satisfaction and gather feedback in hopes of continuing to improve City services and the community’s quality of life. New questions are available monthly. Click below to begin!
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Memorial Day Closing Notice
City of Smyrna administrative offices and facilities are closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 27, 2019. Public Safety remains operational and the curbside sanitation/recycling schedule will adjust as follows:
- Monday routes picked up Tuesday
- Tuesday routes picked up Wednesday
- Thursday and Friday routes unchanged
- No yard debris or large items collection this week
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Is there a problem in the City that you'd like to report?
A pothole on your street or issue in one of the parks you've visited recently? We can't be everywhere at once, so we want our residents to let us know so we can take care of things as quickly as possible! Please don't hesitate to tell us. |
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Get to Know Your Smyrna City Council
City Council meetings are on the first and third Monday of each month at 7 PM at City Hall.
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Please share with your neighbors to let them know about all the great things going on in the City.
There's so much, we couldn't list it all here so please be sure to visit our website and follow the City on our Facebook page. |
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If you have any questions, but don't know where to look, you can always call the Front Desk at City Hall.
Just call 770-434-6600 and our receptionist will happily assist you.
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It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your City Administrator.
Tammi Saddler Jones
City Administrator
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