City Administrator Monthly Update
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Message from City Administrator Tammi Saddler Jones:
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Summer officially begins later this month and we have a lot of exciting family friendly events in store for you. Our outdoor Summer Concert Series kicks-off on Saturday, June 8th featuring the Sugar Lime Blue. Come out with your family and friends to hear a mix of jazz, blues, and country music. This will be an awesome experience you do not want to miss. Table reservations are still in progress so please contact our Parks and Recreation Department for more information.
We have numerous activities available to keep the children entertained during the summer. Tolleson Pool has officially opened, and it is a great place to enjoy a day of fun in the sun, the Community Center is offering summer camps and the Smyrna Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is in full effect.
June also marks the end of the Fiscal Year 2019 budget season for the city. Over the past few months, the Finance Department Staff and I have been working diligently to finalize all the details of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget cycle which starts on July 1st. The public was given opportunities to provide input on the new budget at two scheduled public hearings held in the months of February and May and by completing a budget survey in advance of the budget process.
The City Council formally adopted the budget at the June 3rd City Council Meeting. The budget for Fiscal Year 2020 is $92,421,338. The City of Smyrna is committed to transparent government. Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens. Therefore, if you want to know how your city funds are being used, the information is readily available for you to view on our city website under the "Financial/Budget" tab at the top of the homepage.
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City Council Approves 2020 Budget
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During the June 3rd meeting of the Smyrna City Council, the budget for fiscal year 2020 was unanimously approved. A summary of the approved budget can be found below.
The Finance department provides financial documents and other data on the Smyrna City website. To view or download a copy of the budget, look under the "Financial/Budget" section of our website or follow this URL for a direct link: https://www.smyrnaga.gov/your-government/departments/finance/annual-budget-financial-audit-reports
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Operation: Best Summer Ever! Summer Camp
Began June 3rd
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Camp is an exciting experience for a kid and this program will be the highlight of your child's summer. Our campers will experience the best of in and outdoor sports, on-site activities, arts & crafts, swimming, and so much more. Each camp session will provide an engaging, fun-filled week of activities for all ages.
- Location: Smyrna Community Center
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (early drop off and late pick up available)
- Ages: 5 - 13 years
- Fee: $150 Resident / $175 Non Resident (additional fee for early drop off and late pick up)
- First session "In the Spotlight" begins June 3rd
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Summer Concert: Sugar Lime Blue
Saturday, June 8 - 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Village Green Circle
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It's been said of Sugar Lime Blue that they are redefining Americana and rolling the instruments to create a "stew of sounds rather than a jam." They draw from Jazz, Blues, and Country to create a purely unique sound. Oh goodness...the vocals. You simply have got to be here to experience it all.
Check out Sugar Lime Blue here.
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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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Not Just a Movie Movie Series: Movie and Fun
Saturday, June 29 - 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Veterans Memorial
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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 movies under the stars, along with kid-friendly activities and outdoor games. Admission and snacks are free and early arrival is recommended.
Movie and Fun
Veterans Memorial - 2800 King St.
Saturday, June 29th
Film: Hotel Transylvania (PG)
Pre-movie activities will begin at 6:30 p.m. and include corn hole, DJ and more! Free admission and popcorn.
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Tolleson Pool Now Open!
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 is now open to the public 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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Smyrna Food Truck Tuesdays
Tuesdays through October 9 - 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Taylor-Brawner Park
3180 Atlanta Road
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Join us for Smyrna Food Truck Tuesdays from now until 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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Smyrna Outdoor Market
Saturdays through October 19 - 8:00 am to Noon
Smyrna Community Center
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The Smyrna Outdoor Market has returned for another year.
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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Smyrna City Staff Spotlight
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Jered Sigmon, Budget Officer
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Jered Sigmon serves as the City’s budget officer. Jered and his wife, Betsy, moved from Arkansas in July 2009 for Jered to begin his career with the City as our ICMA Management Fellow. In July 2010, after the completion of his fellowship, Jered became the City’s Economic Development Coordinator. Jered served in that role for about 4 ½ years until November 2014 when he joined the Finance Department as the budget officer.
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Jered holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration. He is currently pursuing the Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) designation through the Government Finance Officer’s Association (GFOA). Jered is an asset to the Finance team bringing a lot of new ideas and processes for consideration and implementation to Finance.
Jered is a Razorback and loves anything Arkansas! Jered and Betsy welcomed their first child, a baby girl, in May.
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Landon O'Neal, ICMA Management Fellow
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Landon O'Neal is the new ICMA Management Fellow in the Administration Department. Landon began working with the City on May 20th. Having previously interned in several local governments, including the City of East Ridge, Tennessee and Walker County, Georgia, Landon also worked as a research assistant at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Landon has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia and Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. A lifelong resident of Georgia, Landon is from Chickamauga, a small town located in Northwest Georgia.
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Michael Conti Retires After 31 Years
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Lt. Michael “Mike” Conti has worked with the City of Smyrna Police Department for 31 years. He is from Virginia, where he obtained his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Virginia Community College.
From 1988-1995 Lt. Conti worked as a patrolman, after which he was selected to the D.U.I. Task Force. During his time on the Task Force, he was twice selected awarded the Officer of the year award from M.A.D.D. for the State of Georgia.
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In 1999, Lt. Conti was selected to be a member of the Smyrna S.T.E.P. Unit, where he served for eight more years. . In 2002, Lt. Conti received a for Nomination Public Safety Award by Cobb Chamber of Commerce for Officer of the year and was selected as the City of Smyrna Officer of the Year.
In 2007 Lt. Conti was assigned to the Street Crimes Unit within Special Operations Division where he worked as an undercover officer investigating vice crimes for two years.
In March 9, 2009, Lt. Conti was promoted to the rank of Uniform Patrol Sergeant and served in that capacity until being promoted to Uniform Patrol Lieutenant on August 19, 2013. Lt. Conti also served briefly as a Lieutenant in the Office of Professional Standards, where he conducted internal investigations, conducted multiple background investigations and worked to hire new officers. Lt. Conti was appointed to the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) in May 2017.
Lt. Conti is married Carrie Conti on August 20, 1988. The two of them settled in Acworth, where they raised four children - Alan, Adam, Brendon, and Haili. More recently, Lt. Conti and Carrie were blessed with four beautiful grandchildren.
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Ken Suddreth Retires After 12 Years
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Ken Suddreth has worked in local government for 42 years. After working briefly for the City of Gainesville, Georgia, Ken went to Athens-Clarke County, where he held various leadership positions from 1978 to 1999. Ken also served as the Planning Director for the City of Duluth, Georgia from 2000 to 2006. Ken came to the City of Smyrna in 2007, where he has served as the Community Development Director. Ken is married to Marsha Suddreth and has two children, Andrew and Abby.
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SPD Officers Save US Navy Veteran's Life
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On May 25, 2019, over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, K9 Officer Daniel Sperano of the Smyrna Police Department’s Special Operations Unit, prevented a United States Navy Veteran from an attempted suicide.
K9 Officer Sperano was working an off-duty job at the Race Trac at 1461 Veterans Memorial Highway Mableton, GA 30126 when a concerned citizen reported to him a man was on the bridge at Veterans Memorial Highway at Riverview Road acting strangely.
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Upon K9 Officer Sperano’s arrival at the bridge which is on the county line between Cobb County and Fulton County, K9 Officer Sperano encountered a male who stated he wanted to die and was attempting to jump into the Chattahoochee River. K9 Officer Sperano immediately grabbed the United States Navy Veteran preventing him from jumping into the Chattahoochee River. K9 Officer Sperano, who is a United States Army Combat Veteran himself, never gave up on the veteran and was able to subdue him until additional officers and medical personnel could arrive on scene to assist.
K9 Officer Sperano has been nominated for the Smyrna Police Department’s Medal of Honor and Life Saving awards.
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Smyrna Community Spotlight
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Campbell High School Girls Track Team
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The Campbell High School girls track team was recognized at the May 20, 2019 City Council meeting for winning the 7-A state championship in girls track. The events were held May 9-11, 2019 at Berry College in Rome. This was the first state championship for the girls track team. Campbell High School placed first in following events:
- 400 meter run- Mekenzie Kelley
- 300 meter hurdles- Ashton Lindley
- 4 x 100 meter relay
- 4 x 400 meter relay
Team members: Jada Alston, Jaleah Alston, Jameah Alston, Sarah Bedell, Mekenzie Kelley, Ashton Lindley, Lailah Malone, Raina Perry, and Zionn Rice.
Congratulations to the track team on winning the state championship!
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21 Residents Graduate from 2019 Smyrna Citizens Academy
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On Monday, May 20th at the City Council Meeting, 21 Smyrna residents completed the Smyrna Citizens Academy program. Graduates were welcomed with a reception prior to the City Council Meeting, where they dined, socialized, and interacted with the elected officials and staff. After the reception, participants made their way to the Council Chambers to be recognized during the Mayoral Report as official ‘graduates’ of the program and received their certificates of completion. Visit the link below for more information.
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Sensory Garden Keeps Garnering Awards
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The Jonquil Garden Club had won yet another award for all their work on the Smyrna Sensory Garden. This brings their total to 3!
Recently, they were awarded the Special Achievement Award from Deep South Convention, a coalition of six southern states. They were the only Georgians to place in that category.
If you have not been to the Sensory Garden, please pay a visit. It is located in the Smyrna Community Center.
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Metro Atlanta Firefighters Conference
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On May 17th, Smyrna firefighters participated in a regional instructor’s conference hosted by Cobb County Fire Department. “MAFFC”, which stands for Metro Atlanta Fire Fighters Conference, is an annual event that brings together both hometown and national-level instructors to offer the highest level of training to firefighters across the United States at little to no cost.
Smyrna firefighters have made it a priority year after year to volunteer their time to create a specialized thermal imaging camera training class, designed for some of the most unique fire situations possible. This class focuses on teaching fundamentals as well as advanced techniques and skills preformed under live fire conditions. This year’s class contained over 25 students from all over the United States, with the farthest student traveling from Wisconsin.
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Smyrna Fire Department
Safety Seat Inspections Video
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Child safety seat inspections are conducted by appointment only. Inspections are generally performed on Mondays between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. If you have any questions, please contact us at 770-434-6667.
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Click on the photo above to watch the video or use this link.
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On May 6th, the City Council approved an outdoor burn ban for the City of Smyrna. The outdoor burn ban was implemented to address the growing issue of burning leaves and trash.
Because of the population density of our city, the City of Smyrna will only allow the burning of “clean wood” (defined in the ordinance) through issuance of a Residential Burn Permit from October 1st – March 31st.
Residential Burn Permits will be free of charge, and will be available on the Fire Department's web page.
Burning recreational fires in outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, fire pits, and barbecue grills will not require the issuance of a permit, but only allow clean wood or charcoal as a fuel source.
At no time will there be an allowance for the burning of leaves, plastic, rubber, or trash.
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Credit Card Processing Fees
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The City currently passes on fees related to online transactions for credit/debit card usage. At the May 6th City Council meeting, the Council approved passing along all processing fees related to credit/debit card use to the customer regardless of if they are online or in person. The Finance Department is working with our current vendors to ensure a smooth transition for this change. More information on effective dates and the percentage will be communicated through enclosures in the water bills and through other communication pathways the City utilizes.
As a reminder, there are several ways to avoid paying a fee when making a payment to the City. There is no fee for payments made via:
- Automatic bank draft
- When you use your personal bank's online bill pay
- Mailed payment
- Payments made by check at City Hall (2800 King Street, Smyrna, GA 30080) in person or through the night drop box
- Payments made by cash at City Hall (2800 King Street, Smyrna, GA 30080) in person
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Warmer weather means Smyrna residents are bringing their canine companions along with them as they explore their neighborhood or the city.
As a reminder, the City of Smyrna Code of Ordinances requires residents to have their pets on a leash when outside of their home. The leash should not be longer than 6 feet and should be in the hands of the person controlling the animal. To see the exact wording of the ordinance, click below.
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Changes to Restaurant Districts
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At the May 20th, 2019 City Council Meeting, the City Council voted to expand the borders of the Smyrna Market Village Restaurant District to connect the district with the Belmont Hills Restaurant District by way of the multi-use trail on Atlanta Road.
The City has previously established restaurant districts to allow for open containers of alcohol outside of restaurants in designated areas.This means that Smyrna residents and visitors can now take their beer or wine served inside and enjoy it outdoors (as long as it’s in a paper or plastic cup). |
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The resolution also expands the aforementioned district to include the Gazebo Area within the Arboretum area which had previously been excluded.
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Additionally, a new restaurant district was created at Concord Linear Park between Hollis Street and McLinden Avenue. This includes the entirety of the park.
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Click here to review the rules of Smyrna's carry-out policy.
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If you don't like seeing litter while driving/walking around our community, there's something you can do! Volunteer!
Join in the effort as Keep Smyrna Beautiful works to eliminate litter in Smyrna. Litter pollutes local waterways, harms wildlife, and is bad for the local economy.
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The shift is from 8:30am-11:30am. We welcome both individual volunteers or groups of up to 15 for this event. Anyone under the age of 18 years old will need to have a signed waiver and a parent/guardian present. Youth groups like Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts need to have 1 adult for every 3 minors.
For more information please contact Julie Barwig at jbarwig@smyrnaga.gov.
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Recycling Tips for Summer
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The Smyrna Recycling Center and Keep Smyrna Beautiful have some great tips for recycling this summer:
- Remember glass IS recyclable at the Smyrna Recycling Center!
- When going to a picnic or outdoor party, take a bag with you to collect items that can be recycled: plastic bottles, plastic food containers, glass, etc.
- When going to the Smyrna Outdoor Market, take reusable shopping bags for your purchases instead of using plastic bags. Keep the bags in your car so you always have them.
- If you forget your reusable bags, remember the grocery stores like Kroger and Publix will accept the plastic bags for recycling.
If you questions about recycling please call the Smyrna Recycling Center at 770.431.2869 or better yet, stop by and meet the great staff.
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Bulky Trash Amnesty Day
Saturday, August 17th
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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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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4th of July Closing Notice
City of Smyrna administrative offices and facilities are closed on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Public Safety remains operational and the curbside sanitation/recycling schedule will adjust as follows:
- Monday and Tuesday routes unchanged
- Thursday route picked up on Wednesday
- Friday route 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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