City Administrator Monthly Update
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Check out video from the Birthday Celebration!
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The annual Birthday Celebration for Smyrna was held this past Saturday, August 3rd. Thousands of citizens came out to celebrate and join in on the fun activities, including an enormous cake from McEntyre's Bakery, inflatables for the kids, and fireworks to end the night!
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Update on Air Quality Testing
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The City of Smyrna’s Mayor, Max Bacon, is in the process of establishing an Oversight Committee composed of Local Elected Officials, Public Health and Emergency Management professionals, and local stakeholders.
Additionally, Mayor Bacon has authorized the establishment of an independent Air Quality Taskforce. This Taskforce will be composed of an Emissions Chemical Engineer, a Toxicologist, an Industrial Hygienist, an Environmental Attorney, and ambient air sampling experts.
More information will be provided in the coming weeks.
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Mayor's Annual State of the City
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On July 11th, Mayor Max Bacon delivered the annual State of the City address to a crowd of over 300 people. Mayor Bacon provided information on the Smyrna's accomplishments and progress over the last year, including facts regarding the City's budget and development projects across the City. Additional information can be found below in the City's Annual Report.
At the conclusion of his remarks, Mayor Bacon announced that he will not seek re-election in November.
Click here to watch a clip of the Mayor's State of the City address.
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City Council Approves 2019 Millage Rate
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At the August 6th meeting of the Smyrna City Council, the Council voted to approve the proposed millage rate of 8.99 mills. The adopted millage rate remains unchanged from last year.
The official notice, and all required information, was posted in the MDJ on July 10th, and July 17th. Required public meetings were held on July 17th at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and on July 24th at 10 a.m.
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City Hall Selfie Day
Thursday, August 15
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What is #CityHallSelfieDay?
August 15, 2019 is #CityHallSelfie Day. It’s a day to showcase your pride in local government service and facilities! On this day, people take self portraits in front of local government buildings and share them on social media to celebrate the important work happening at the local level.
How do I participate?
- Stand in front of your government building (any city building - not just City Hall!)
- Snap a picture of yourself or a group.
- Share the photo on social media with the hashtag #CityHallSelfie & tag City of Smyrna!
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Bulky Trash Amnesty Day
Saturday, August 17 - 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Smryna Public Works Department
2190 Atlanta Road
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.
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Smyrna Night at Suntrust Park
August 21 - 7:20 pm
Suntrust Park
755 Battery Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA
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The Smyrna Police Department and the Smyrna Fire Department are happy to announce "Smyrna Night at SunTrust Park."
The Smyrna Police Department and the Smyrna Fire Department have secured the Home Run Porch area at SunTrust Park on August 21, 2019 at 7:20 against the Marlins to host a community get together.
This is a time for members of the Smyrna City Government and our great citizens to come together to have fun, get to know one another better, and to cheer on the Braves, who are in playoff contention.
The goal of Smyrna Night is to showcase why Smyrna, GA is one of the best places to live, work, and play in our country; and to display it on the national stage. At the game that evening, we will have our elected officials, city employees, and most importantly: Smyrna's citizens.
To support our event, the Atlanta Braves have set aside tickets to be sold at $10 per ticket. Click here for more information.
Over the course of the next week, SPD & SFD, will be having a ticket giveaway contest, so be sure to follow us, like us, or share our page on Facebook.
Any local businesses that want to help participate, please reach out to Sgt. Louis Defense at 678-631-5125 or Officer Heather Knight at 678-631-5261 for additional details.
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Smyrna Youth Council Applications Open!
Due by August 23
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The City of Smyrna has opened applications for this year's Smyrna Youth Council. The Smyrna Youth Council is an opportunity for local high school students to engage in a local government leadership opportunity and represent youth in the community. Beginning in early September, selected members will meet at least twice monthly throughout the school year to discuss youth priorities, work on projects, and learn about their local government.
Apply online by August 23, 2019 at 5:00 pm by visiting the link below. For more information on the Smyrna Youth Council, application process, and eligibility, click here to visit our Smyrna Youth Council page.
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Community Housing Fair
Saturday, August 24 - 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Smyrna Community Center
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The Smyrna CHARMS Community Housing Team is hosting a housing fair event for current residents and prospective residents considering making Smyrna their home.
Resources will be available for first time home buyers as well as existing homeowners. In addition, current renters or those looking to rent in Smyrna will be able to access useful information.
There will also be a First-Time Homebuyers Educational Seminar!
Read more: https://www.smyrnavision.com/smyrna-housing-fair-make-smyrna-your-home/
Exhibitors of all kinds can reserve a table by filling out this form and someone will follow up to provide additional information:
https://forms.gle/CMRCEZvbfoJcQLsA8
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Library Creative Writing Academy
Saturday, September 14 - 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Smyrna Public Library
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Smyrna Public Library is launching its own adult continuing education academy with a four-week course in creative writing. The $75 class fee includes 12 hours of instruction by a critically acclaimed novelist, handouts for notes and writing exercises, and refreshments.
Seating is limited to 20 participants. Register at the Smyrna Community Center front desk or online.
Class Fee: $75
Other Session Dates: September 21, October 5, October 12
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Taste of Smyrna
Saturday, September 14 - 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Village Green
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Experience a wide selection of food and entertainment! The Taste of Smyrna is food, fun, and music all day long.
Over 30 local restaurants will be available to sample. Admission is FREE and samples can be purchased from $0.50 up to $4.
There will be a variety of children's activities from a quad bungee, rock wall, inflatable slides, bounces, obstacle courses and much more.
Follow event details on City of Smyrna Facebook page.
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Smyrna Woofstock 2019
Pet Party on the Village Green!
Saturday, September 28 - 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday, September 29 - 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
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Join Star 94.1 for Woofstock 2019, one of the biggest pet adoption events in the Southeast with 40,000 pet-lovers over two days, and it features a variety of activities for the whole family (including all family pets) to enjoy!
Admission is FREE!
Our entertainment includes live music, dog contests, pet adoptions, pet vendors, arts and crafts, delicious food trucks, and ice-cold beverages. Visit over 50 non-profits, rescue groups, pet related arts & crafts, pet related businesses, and commercial sponsors at the event!
Pets of all kinds are welcome! Dogs, Cats, Birds, Ferrets but all Animals MUST be on a Leash! And don’t forget to clean up after your pets.
There are lots of ways for you to get involved! There is still time to become a part of Woofstock 2019. Small businesses, non-profits, and arts & craft vendors are all invited to take advantage of this incredible event!
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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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Save the Date - Shred Fest is Back!
Saturday, October 12 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Church Street Park
884 Church Street
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Gather all the documents you have been saving and bring them to Keep Smyrna Beautiful’s Shred Fest on Saturday, October 12th. The event will be from 9:00AM to Noon at the Church Street Park, 884 Church Street.
There is a limit of 5 copy paper sized boxes per vehicle. Please remove all staple, clips, notebooks, and folders.
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A-1 Shredding will be handling the shredding and KSB will have volunteers ready to help you unload your car. Want to see your documents shredded? Just park after unloading and you can watch your documents go through the shredder.
For more information please contact the Keep Smyrna Beautiful offices at 770.431.2863 or jliberman@smyrnaga.gov or jbarwig@smyrnaga.gov
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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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The Smyrna Arts Council is happy to announce the City Hall Art Exhibit. Works from various artists are displayed throughout City Hall. Come check out the incredible art exhibits next time you're in City Hall. The City plans to hold a reception for the artists in the near future.
For more information on the Smyrna Arts Council, take a look at their website.
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Smyrna Tree Scarves Project
Saturday, August 17
Smyrna Arboretum
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The City of Smyrna and the Smyrna Tree Board are highlighting more than 30 trees in the city’s arboretum through artful “yarn bombing” installations for the Smyrna Tree Scarves project. “Yarn bombing” is a form of street art defined as the action or activity of covering objects or structures in public places with decorative knitted or crocheted material. More than 50 community members have signed up to knit scarves to cover specially selected trees in the arboretum located in downtown Smyrna, adjacent to the community center and city library.
The project was conceived by the Smyrna Tree Board in an effort to raise awareness and advocate for the care and beauty of the City’s urban forest. Beyond the art installation, the project includes a series of educational experiences including local school classroom activities, community knitting sessions and a large-scale community marketing effort.
“We have been thrilled with the community support for the Smyrna Tree Scarves project,” said Shaun Martin, Smyrna Tree Board member and project leader. “With more than 50 knitters and multiple community partners participating, we are excited about the widespread love being shown for our city’s trees. It has also allowed strangers to become friends and there is tremendous beauty in that.”
Thank you for making the Arboretum trees look beautiful!
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Census 2020 Outreach: #SmyrnaCounts
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The City of Smyrna is seeking community volunteers to help with community education and awareness about the upcoming 2020 Census so we can count every Smyrna resident.
City volunteers will only help with educational awareness outreach to encourage all residents to respond. It’s important residents receive information from trusted sources in their community.
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Smyrna City Staff Spotlight
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Dan Campbell, System Support Specialist
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Dan Campbell came to work for the Smyrna Information Technology department in May 2012. Since that time, he has been involved in rolling out computers and major software systems across the City. He has spent a lot time working in the Library implementing systems there. He spends a lot of time at the police department supporting their computer needs including the mobile systems in the police cars.
One of Dan's favorite activities is grilling on weekends. Although Dan is recognizable for his strong New York accent, he resides in Smyrna and loves it here. If you want to know a good local restaurant to visit, just ask Dan.
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Joey obtained his undergraduate degree in Music from Georgia State. Then received his Masters Degree from Georgia Tech in City and Regional Planning. In between undergraduate and graduate school, Joey worked for eight years in operations and customer service. During and after graduate school he had internships at Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA). Prior to working in Smyrna, he worked for Hall County as a planner. Outside of work Joey enjoys playing bass & guitar, soccer, movies, and traveling.
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Joey has been with the City of Smyrna for seven years (since 2012). He started off as a Planner – I and was later promoted to Planner – II. Joey assists the general public with permitting, variances and zonings. He provides zoning information related to site and building design requirements. Joey managed the completion the Georgia Tech Smyrna Gateway Study and is currently managing the update to the City’s Tree Ordinance.
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Notable Service Anniversaries
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Top Left: Joe Bennett, Deputy Police Chief - 25 years
Top Right: Jody Collis, Fire Lieutenant - 15 years
Bottom Left: Kieran Dozeman, Utility Billing Coordinator - 15 years
Bottom Right: Andrew Grubb, Master Patrol Officer - 15 years
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Top Left: Everton Robb, Mechanic SR - 15 years
Top Right: Wallace Ratliff, Fire Lieutenant - 10 years
Bottom Left: Steven Benzel, Firefighter II - 10 years
Bottom Right: Kevin Alderette, Maintenance-Crew Worker - 5 years
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Smyrna Community Spotlight
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Congratulations to Boxing Champion Nathan Lugo!
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At the August 5th meeting of the Smyrna City Council, a proclamation was issued for Nathan Lugo, a local 15-year-old boxer. From 2012-2019, Nathan is the most decorated amateur boxer in Georgia to date and has been a resident of Smyrna since 2010.
Nathan is a current member of Team USA and has over 200 recorded bouts, 12 national titles, and a gold medal in the biggest junior international tournament. Nathan's crowning achievement was during his recent trip to Eger, Hungary where he won gold for his country, state, city, and gym and presented his father with the medal in honor of Father's Day.
Nathan is the son of Michael and Angela Lugo, and has one younger brother, Elijah, who is also a national level boxer.
Congratulations to Nathan on his wonderful achievements! Keep making Smyrna proud!
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Message from the Public Works Department
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Business as usual for the Public Works Department, but we do have a couple of reminders for city staff as well as the general public.
Please be aware:
- Resurfacing projects have begun in the City and you may see our work on different streets. The City projects to resurface 6.8 miles of road during the remainder of 2019.
- Roads scheduled for resurfacing include, but are not limited to, Spring Street, Reed Road, Old Vinings Parkway, Honeysuckle Drive, and Ridge Road.
- School began August 1st, and all drivers need to be aware of children and parents at the bus stops, school zone warning lights will be turned back on, school buses will be back on the streets and slow traffic will be upon us again.
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Labor Day Closing Notice
City of Smyrna administrative offices will close on Monday, September 2, 2019 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Public Safety remains operational. The Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. The curbside sanitation/recycling schedule will adjust as follows:
Labor Day - Monday, September 2
- Monday routes picked up on Tuesday
- Tuesday routes picked up on Wednesday.
- Thursday and Friday routes unchanged.
- No yard waste or large items picked up 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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