City Commission - Regular Meeting

us being a little late. We have a lot of business to take care of tonight and we've been taking care of a lot of business downstairs. Want to welcome you to the Monday, December the 15th, 2025 meeting of the Rome City Commission. We begin every meeting with a invocation and pledge to the flag. Tonight, I'm going to ask Commissioner Randy Quick if he will uh lead us in that.

If you will please stand. for a moment of prayer. Gracious and heavenly father God, as we gather in this room, in these chambers for the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another, we pause in humble gratitude for the privilege of serving for the trust that has been placed in us and for every opportunity we have had to work for the good of others. We thank you for the wisdom you offered, the strength you provided, and the [clears throat] guidance that carried us through both calm and challenging days. Forgive us for any shortcomings, and bless the efforts made with sincerity and compassion. We commend to you the people we have served. May they continue to be guided by justice, protected by peace, and uplifted by hope. We bless those who now take up the work. Grant them clarity, courage, and integrity as they lead. Direct our hearts toward new purpose. [snorts] Help us to carry the lessons learned with humility and grace. And may our future paths be marked by service, kindness, and continued desire to honor you in everything we do. For it's in your most holy and precious name we pray. Amen.

Amen. Amen. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [cough and clears throat] Thank you, Commissioner. Mr. Clerk, if you will, I'll call the RO. [clears throat] Yes, sir. Mayor McDaniel, here. Commissioner Bojo here. Brock here. Cochran here. Bean here. Dolls here. Quick here. Collins here. Robinson here.

Thank you. You all received the minutes of the December 8th, 2025 meeting of the commission. We will approve those by common consent. We have some registered guests tonight. We're going to change the order around a little bit tonight because uh tonight's a very special meeting. of the Rome City Commission because we have two commissioners that uh this is their last meeting. and uh Commissioner J uh Jamie Doss who has been a member of the Rome City Commission for 32 years and Commissioner Randy Quig who is in his eighth year as a Rome city commissioner and I've known these gentlemen uh in the community more than just commissioners. years. I've served as president of Rome Rotary with them. I've known them in many capacities in the community. It has been an honor to serve them. And um I'm going to ask first for John Bennett, former city manager of the city of Rome, if he would come forth and um John, you know the routine. Just I really don't feel very comfortable here tonight, but Sammy, you don't have anything to worry about, buddy. [laughter] But I I wanted to address the commission about Mr. Jamie Daws and no reflection on you, Randy. I never served with you, but u I think most people know that I served as city manager for 30 years, and

I served with and worked with 33 different commissioners. You were one of them, too, Bill. And uh I just I I wanted to take just take a time to say some one thing about Jamie. A couple things about Jamie Dolls. Um he is uh I I wouldn't say that he's the best commissioner that I have served with or worked with. But I would say I can't think of one that was any better. That's no reflection on two of them that are sitting here. But uh Jamie was a was a great commissioner in my in my dealings with him and he is um he was humble. He was deliberate. He was courteous to uh fellow commissioners. He was courteous to the staff, but he was also very courteous to the public that we worked with. Uh he was a good listener. But I must say there were times when uh we had meetings that we got kind of worried and uh he tried our patience because the chairman or mayor would say Mr. DOS and they'd be going call in a roll and Jamie would just kind of sit there and I'd s I'd look at him [clears throat] and the other commissioners would start looking at him. He never wavered. He kept thinking and he didn't vote till he decided what [clears throat] he was going to do. So Jamie, I think uh we I don't think we ever had to worry about you making a quick decision, [laughter]

but uh I think he he Jamie was a really good [clears throat] public servant for a number of years. He served his community well and with a high he served with a high degree of integrity and uh I don't think anybody ever questioned him and how he what he was doing. So it was a pleasure and an honor for me to have served for him and to work with you Jamie and congratulations on making it. You you're going to do just fine not being on that board. [applause]

We have two other former city commissioners back there, Ernie Smith and Rott Bagby. [clears throat] Wright didn't good enough for the city. He went to the county. and served over there for a while. And u I always thought he had good sense while he was here and then he went to the county. But uh I can't get up and say something.

No, no, [laughter] I I know where your heart is. Um but um um people that serve in these roles and serve like you guys did um you don't know what it's like until you're over here. And um I'll say this to both of you. I've got a letter that Allison Waters sent that I'm going to read and then um we're going to get on about the business of the city. I think Joe, you've got some things you're going to do, but Allison Waters, who is the chairperson of the Floyd County Board of Commissioners, sent a letter has written December the 12th, 2025 to Mayor Craig McDaniel of the Rome City Commission. Dear Mayor, uh, Dear Mayor Craig McDaniel, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and express sincere appreciation for Commissioners Doss and Quick, whose service to our community has set a standard of integrity, collaboration, and true public leadership. Throughout their tenure, both commissioners have consistently demonstrated commitment to listening to residents, engaging in thoughtful dialogue, and working constructively with colleagues, even on complex or challenging issues. Their cooperative approach to working with Floyd County has fostered trust, strengthened re relationships, fortified our more than 30 joint agreements, and ensure that the needs of our community remain at the forefront of every decision. At a time when public service can often feel polarized, Commissioners Doss and Quick have shown

that effective government governance is built on respect, teamwork, and a shared vision for a stronger future. Their steady leadership, willingness to co to collaborate, and dedication to positive outcomes have made a meaningful difference in the quality of life for the people they serve. On behalf of the Floyd County Board of Commissioners, we recognize Commissioners Doss and Quick for their notable contributions and for embodying that what it means to be true public servants. Rome and Floyd County are better because of their efforts. Sincerely, Allison Waters, chair, Floyd County Board of Commissioners. [applause] Mayor, if I h could have just uh one minute, I would like to introduce my family. Uh my wife Tracy, my oldest daughter Abby, my middle daughter, Georgia, and my youngest daughter Natalie. Uh Abby was in the world when I joined the city commission 32 years ago. She was two. It's a little different now.

We both do, honey. [laughter] But um but what I wanted to say is my family uh sacrificed so I could serve the city and so I missed a lot of ball games and um and they really uh pulled the cart uh during that time. And I also wanted to not only thank John, but thank Wright and Ernie. Ernie Smith is in the back. Ernie and I uh when I joined the commission, uh Ernie was on the commission at the time and he is now the only surviving other myself commissioner. And um we had a great group and uh and so Ernie's one book in this commission is the other book in and I will say that uh integrity was always a priority with the Rome City Commission and a motivation for me has always been that I love this city. I love it. So thank you so much. Thank you.

[applause]

Commissioner, let me just say you've been a role model for all of my eight years and your dedication has been an inspiration and I want to tell you what I value. Your friendship and to the staff of this city. It's an incredible group of people to our police department, to our [clears throat] fire department, all of the people that put their lives on the line every day for our quality of life. I cherish each and every one of you, and I appreciate your service more than I could ever put into words today. It's been an honor to have this position. It's been an honor to work with the people I have had the privilege of working with and I only wish God's richest blessings on this city for generations to come. Thank you. [applause]

[clears throat] We have just a small small token of our appreciation. Maybe something you can find a place to hang and think of us occasionally. Uh we thought it was especially fitting. We know how what a fan of the clock tower you are. And the time on the clock is 6:30 time start your service [laughter] two times a month every month for eight years. So [applause]

But wait, there's more for another commission. Oh, that's awesome. Randy, I would just say thank you and congratulations. That's hopefully something very meaningful to you. But from your city manager, just know that I've truly appreciated working with you in this capacity. So, thank you again. Come on down, Jamie.

We also have a little something for you. Uh like Ry's, we've included your name plates. Your yours is a little bigger. Uh we have a picture here we thought was especially uh related to [clears throat] you looking up at the city commission chambers where you spent 750 or so meetings over 30 over 32 years. Uh we thought the city little city seal there and along with a round to it was especially appropriate for you. [laughter] Would

you like to explain the audience around it? So the round to this is the front and this is the back and this is Rome's unofficial currency. And so when you go and say to it now you have to Jamie you serve back in the old days when it was chairman chairman pro Tim course mayor pro Tim mayor and then just plain jam. Thank you. [applause]

I've been a city commissioner almost half my life. So I believe Georgia serve [applause] Mayor, I know I wasn't supposed to say anything, but I served with Jamie almost half of my life. I watched those little girls from the very first one he had. Went to GMA, all those [clears throat] trips and kept each other kids and We come over a lot of road. We have traveled together and had great fun and learned a great deal, I thought. And those little three gentlemen sitting back in the back back there. Boy, if I could just tell the story, [laughter] I learned from uh Ernie. He was here when I first got here, of course. And after Jamie come and Jamie and talk to me about being a a servant for this city and Bennett was the uh John Bennett and Wright bag served under Wright as a commissioner and as a mayor. But it was old John Bennett that uh can't help but always talk about because he uh brought myself up from a young man up to the time that he left here and and Jamie, we would always go in conference together, me and him. We felt like we was the I don't know, we just stuck together a great deal through a lot of ups and downs and u you was just always

a great team player. You really was. I mean, I appreciate it. Give me a hug.

I appreciate you. [applause] I never would I never would have thought that me and him both grow to be old men sitting on this here commission Ernie he gives me hell about it to day and um but it's really been an honor serve with you Jamie and it's also been an honor to serve with Randy more than you know Randy you was my mayor promp at the time I served as mayor and we did a lot of good things together and I appreciate you. But more than anything, those gentlemen back there sitting in the back of this room. if it had not been for them staying on me and making sure that I got those classes, making sure that uh such things are taught to me like etiquette and properness. I when I first was going to GM, I said, "What kind of class is this?" Right? He said, "Well, you'll know how to fix your plate, set your civilware when you come back." I used to come in here when I came into this commission. If I wore a red suit, I wore red shoes. If I wore a blue suit, I wore blue shoes. It was such things that you just learn as you go along. I didn't feel bad about not knowing all those things. Amy was right there with It's sad to see you go. Not only been a great friend and been part of my family as well. I hope I've been part of your

Thank you so much. I'm going to miss you. I'm going to miss you, too. Thank you. Okay. Uh we're going to move forward. We have some more registered guests. Um, Christy Miner, Christie, if you will come to the podium and give us your name and your address and you'll have three minutes.

Good evening, Mr. Mayor, commissioners. My name is Christy Miner and I live in Somerville Park. I want to address I was just downstairs in the caucus meeting when some discussion came forward about the Rome Floyd Development Authority and there was some representation of the Intergovernmental Contract which I have emailed you a couple of times now back on November 12th and again just last Friday December 12th the section in question I'm going to read directly what it says because it does not align with what you were just told downstairs 3.2 2. The parties intend to equally fund the services to be provided by the authority for the first three years, not five, and thereafter the funding shall shift to the authority on a self- sustaining basis. Notwithstanding the forgo the foregoing, the city and county agree to make up any shortfall. It was never intended to be an ongoing check. In fact, section 3.4 4 says that you're supposed to be reviewing the annual budget of the development authority by the first of each December a meeting in December. Anyway, so that's number one. Secondly, the mayor likes to bring up continuously that the development author, the Rome Floyd County development authority is a constitutional authority, which it is. However, the mayor seems to interpret that to mean that it gives license for them to run roughshot over the taxpayers of Rome and the Floyd County. and that is not the case. Finally, your council downstairs told you that they have reviewed the concerns that I believe were brought by Mr. Swinford last meeting. I was not able to attend the last meeting, but I did watch that perhaps the meeting on August 27th was um not legal and in violation of the open meetings act, which apparently the council has reviewed and decided that that's not the

case. I wish to read into the record a letter that an email that I received on Friday, December 5th at 3:12 p.m. from Kristen Settlemeer, senior assistant attorney general. It reads, "Dear Miss Miner, I hope you are doing well. Our office's open government mediation program is in receipt of your open meetings act complaint against the [clears throat] Rome Floyd Development Authority. We will be opening a mediation for this complaint and sending a letter to the development authorities attorney which you will receive a copy of in the interim. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I have not yet received that letter. So I had not made it public because I wish to know the details. However, I think it's important to note that it was not dismissed outright. So in to conclude, if as Mr. Doss says that the integrity of this board is a priority. I would suggest that perhaps you may not want to blindly accept what your legal counsel tells you. Thank you very much. Our next speaker is Barbara Pinson. If you will come to the podium, give us your name and address, please. seems repetitive, but I'm Barbara Pinson and I live in West Rome. Uh, I need a point of order, please. I have seven questions. They contain 136 words. Now, these questions will take up less than two minutes of my talking time. Therefore, I request that only the time I'm actually speaking be counted towards my three-minute unit. that will allow you to have sufficient time to respond without taking up my three minutes of time. Okay, we clear. Is the Georgia Constitution applicable to the Rome City Commission?

First question. Question number two, how do y'all want to handle this? You going to respond or how do you want me to handle this?

If you have questions, you can put them in writing and we will answer you in writing. I have them in writing. Is Georgia law applicable to the Rome City Commission? Are city commissioners I'm sorry, our city ordinance applicable to the Rome City Commission? What should happen if the city commission in whole or in part violates the constitution, the laws of this state, and the city ordinances? Has the wrong city commission followed the letter and spirit of the Georgia Constitution, the laws of this state, and the applicable city ordinances concerning its budget presentation and approval process thus far? Will the city law firm certify the budget and the budget process thus far? Will they pro uh will the city law firm certify that the budget and the budget process thus far meets all requirements under the constitution, the laws of this state and the local ordinances? What is the appropriate process to report violations of the constitution, the laws of this state, andor county ordinances by the city commission? Now, I have one additional question. I'd like for this commission to tell us how many applicants were uh received for the Rome Floyd Planning Commission. That's on your agenda tonight. Thank you. [clears throat] Our next speaker is Mark Swanson. Mark, if you will go to the podium, give your name and address, please. Just a another point of order before we get started. Um, so this commission is

not going to answer any questions tonight of the public. Is that is that your position? If you have questions of the commission, you can put them in writing and we'll answer them in writing. So, you're not going to answer any questions tonight? If if you have questions, you can put them in writing and we'll answer them in writing. Then I'm gonna read the questions in then and I'm gonna give you the list of questions afterwards and you'll provide them to me in writing. That works.

Okay. All right. Um, is the city is the city manager of Rome currently being investigated by an outside third party? What is the investigation regarding? Has that investigation concluded? Wouldn't the prudent thing be to wait until the results of the investigation are completed before you give a glowing review and arrays? Will the complaint process be in accordance with all city ordinances? Is the city of Rome a city of ethics by the Georgia Municipal Association? Does the city of Rome have a written code of ethics that meets all requirements of the GMA city of ethics? Is the city of ethics complaint uh compliant code of ethics available online? Is the city of ethics compliant code of ethics available online? Those conclude my questions.

[clears throat] Thank you. That's the last registered guest that we have. Uh we have no resolution. Uh we have one item on first reading. We have a downtown sidewalk ordinance. Uh Sammy or Joe.

Yes, Mr. Mayor. Uh we mentioned this at our last meeting and then it was reviewed in significant detail and caucus tonight. Uh both the current ordinance and the proposed changes were reviewed. A lot of pictures were shown, questions were asked. So that is ready for first reading tonight. And if that is acceptable, we'll do that and plan for a a second reading and vote on our in our next meeting, which I believe is January 12th. Thank you. [clears throat]

We do have a second reading tonight on the 2026 budget. As you recall, we met last Monday um and uh talked about the 2026 budget. tonight is the second [clears throat] reading and we'll do that in a form of a public hearing. I'll now open that public hearing. I'm going to call on Sammy Rich, our city manager um to open that up and discuss that budget and then anyone that wants to speak um in regarding uh regarding that budget is welcome to do so.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. We uh we had originally not intended to open a public hearing tonight, but it never hurts to seek more public input and comment. What I would add is um the 26 budgets and we do say budgets plural because there's there's a number of different funds that make up the Rome city budgets. And so as we discussed have have discussed throughout this process, it's um been a lengthy process. I can't say enough good things about our finance director, Miss Tony Reinhardt, and her staff. They've they've worked feverishly with as our department heads to cobble together all the the various incendary elements that go together to create the document that is before you all tonight. As you heard earlier, um the um the change I would say that has occurred since our draft process I would simply point out is found on page 10 of our budget under the intergovernmental and that concerns economic development where we did revise um our request um the request from the Rome flu development author authority from 150,000 uh we have since reduced that um by 75,000 and so Mr. Mayor, that is really the only substantive change that we've had um in this draft as we've gone through the process. And um with that, I would be happy to take any questions. Anyone have any questions about the 2026 budget? Anyone from the floor have any questions about the 2026 budget? Because I wasn't able to say it at the budget hearing last week, I will say again, the Rome Floyd County Development Authority should be getting zero dollars from this body or the county. And all three of the entities need to get on board with straightening up your contract, which you have not been compliant with the 20 and I'm speaking

specifically about the 2019 intergovernmental economic development contract, which you all know because I have been beating a dead horse and nobody is responding. Thank you so much. Thank you. Anyone else have any comments to make about the 2026 budget? I'll entertain a motion. So move. Have a motion from Commissioner Bojo who chairs the finance committee. A second. Have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Mr. Clerk, call the role. Yes, sir. [cough] Commissioner Bojo. Yes. Rock. Yes. Cochran, no.

Bean, no. Dolph, yes. Quick, yes. Collins, yes. Robinson, yes. Okay, we have nothing continued on first reading. We have 10 items on for public hearing tonight. And if you came for other items tonight and you don't want to sit through all of this, and I see people who don't want to sit through this tonight, [laughter] been there, done that. Thank y'all for coming. Thank you for coming.

Thank you, John. Thank you, Ry. Thank you, Ernie. Thank you're right. Okay, Bri, you got the floor.

Thank you, sir. Our first item for you this evening is an annexation request. It is A25-2 for the property of 203 Bernard Ferry Road, the Floyd County Tax Parcel H13i143. It's currently zoned community commercial. The request is to annex into the city. You see the property outline on your screen. It's on Bernett Ferry Road. Uh there is no proposed change in use or zoning. This is a zoning map of the area. This blue line running down Bernett Ferry that comes off. That is the city limits currently. Everything on the other side of the road is in this side of the city. This is an establishment that was built long before the UDC. We have the application itself picture looking in from the street looking further out Bernett Ferry up Presley Street off to the side. And interestingly enough, this is the first time someone's listed on an annexation request that the reason they want to annex into the city is because of property values. It's normally, you know, trash pickup, school district, uh, things of that nature. So this does come with a staff recommendation of approval and got unanimous approval from the planning commission. Thank you.

I now open the public hearing. Is anyone here to speak in favor of this request? Is anyone here to speak in opposition? I now close a public uh hearing and I will entertain a motion. Bryce, has there been any indication? I haven't heard any indication as to whether or not there will be any change of operation.

I I am not aware of any. Can we put that stipulation in a resoning? Reszoning you can put use conditions on. I'm not sure about an annexation. Well, annexation. Is that a possibility, Mr. Attorney, to put a stipulation on an annexation? So, Bryce, this existing use of this this property is a convenience store. It is.

Do they have coams? I do not know. It's being it's operating right now. Just as it was operational the day I put the sign out. Yes. The only thing I know about that is the day I put the sign out. Whoever was running the store was surprised. Apparently, the property owner did not convey to the tenant that he was applied for annexation. This won't change the use at all. We not we aren't here to muddle the use. We're here just to say we want it in the city or not in the city. Yes, sir.

We do currently have a moratorium against gas stations and convenience stores. This being a convenience store. By voting for it, we'd be going against the mortorium, wouldn't we? It doesn't necessarily create another one. It just moves it from one jurisdiction to another. However, I will tell you that this one would be non-conforming under the new proposed ordinance, depending on how it's passed, but it's non-conforming use. Now, it is a non-conforming development. Yes. It does not meet any of the setbacks, landscaping, you name it. I'd like to make a motion to deny the application. I'd like to second it.

Have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Mr. Clark, call the roll. Sir, Commissioner Bojo. Motion is to deny correctly. Yes. Rock. Yes. Cochran. Yes. Bean. Yes, Dolls. Yes, Quake. Yes, Collins. Yes, Robinson. Yes. [snorts] Okay. [clears throat] Motion to deny carries.

Our next item for you this evening is special use permit request 25-2 hyphen 03 for the property at 7 Raw Street and 0 Raw Street. Floyd County tax parcels J130119 and J130121A. This is them outlined on your screen. We're just ups the hill from Five Points. Uh these are two vacant lots. The request is for a special use permit for a duplex. Now, previously you guys approved special use permits for this lot and this one if I'm not mistaken. And there already exists an old duplex across the street. Uh this is an older neighborhood. We're used to it. It's much more common to have multiple housing types within a neighborhood. zoning map of the area, [snorts] the application itself, [clears throat] there is a site plan and some renderings that we're going to that is how the units would fit on the property because the property has some interesting angles. This is an aerial the applicant provided. That is a rendering of what they could look like. Survey provided by the applicant. This is the pictures I took when I put the signs on the property. This does come with a staff recommendation of approval with a condition that at least one of the units face the road which is consistent with the other development along the street as you can see

and the planning commission voted to approve with that condition. Thank you. I now open the public hearing. Is anyone here to speak in favor of this application?

If you would give us your name and addressing my name Brian Coyle of 310 Honeysuckle Drive, Spring Hill, Tennessee. Um I'm the owner of 9 Raw Street and 15 Raw Street. Had the opportunity to possibly purchase 7 Raw Street. And um at the time I said I' I'd be very well interested in it. let me see if I can get also a duplex to be able to build on it. So at that time I submitted my application for uh seven raw street and the zero raw street pro property which I also uh own. So um was just uh I think it's a great street for revitalization. It's got great views of downtown. So I thought I'd maximize as many units as I as I possibly could within within that the view for for the street. Anyone else here to speak in favor of the request? [clears throat] Anyone here to speak in opposition? I now close the public hearing and entertain a motion.

I'll make a motion we approve the request. A second. Have a motion in a second. Any discussion? Mayor only that didn't we consider this property once before? I remember the a house burned on the property years ago. You did consider one of the adjacent neighboring property. It probably would look familiar. Yes, sir. Okay. Thank you. Does anyone need to abstain on this? I think we had not this one. Not this one. Okay. Just just a question about the uh owner. Just showing the owner on Uh Nelson Vincent was on this application.

Okay. So you're not the owner. You're you have it under contract. Okay.

I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Mr. Mayor, one question. Your your motion was to approve. Did it include a condition? No. No conditions. No conditions. Okay. All right. Motion in second. No other questions. Mr. Cler, call the role. Commissioner Bojo. Yes. Yes. Brock, yes. Cochran, yes. Beman, yes. Dolls, yes. Quick, yes. Collins, yes. Robinson, yes.

Motion carries. Our next request SUP25-2 hyphen 06 for the property at 1501 Gordon Avenue, Floyd County Tax Parcel J13P016, currently zone high density traditional residential. The request is a special use permit for a duplex. You see the property outline on your screen. It is actually one of the smaller properties inside the city. I'm told it used to contain a little neighborhood store. Most lots in this neighborhood average around 0.19.2 acres. This is 05 and it's a corner lot. Uh so adding a second unit to put in a duplex is uh interesting. Um there are quite a few challenges with it. So currently you're required to provide two off- streetet parking spaces per unit. So that would be four on this property. Uh it would just about have to be pulling straight into a garage and you know one or two units above it. applicant provided that which shows that it would require multiple variances, reducing the front setbacks on each side to about 10 feet. This is the property as it currently sits. The applicant applied for variances to try and reduce those setbacks and those were denied without prejudice. Basically, he couldn't show that the house or the duplex would even fit on there. This is looking around the neighborhood just to show you. That's a pad where the store reportedly used to be. There's a new home being constructed across the street. Another vacant lot that will have a house on it pretty soon. As I said, this did come with a staff recommendation of denial. Uh we're just not confident it's possible and the applicant provided no plans showing that it could be done. Planning Commission. Let's see.

Planning Commission was a split vote which means no recommendation from them. Thank you. [clears throat] All right. I will now open the public hearing. Is anyone here to speak in favor of this application? Is anyone here to speak in opposition? I now close the public hearing. I will entertain a motion. I think with all the um obstacles that this piece of property has, I I I'll make a motion to deny. Second. Is that with or without prejudice?

That's without prejudice. He can figure out a way to make a miracle happen. So, I have a motion and a second to deny. Any other discussion? Mr. Clark, call. Mayor, I will be abstaining this in the next four. Okay. These four. Commissioner Block abstains. Mr. Clark, call the role. Sir, Commissioner Bojo. Yes. Cochran? Yes. Bean? Yes. Dolls? Yes. Quick? Yes. Collins? Yes. Robinson?

Yes. All right, the next three actually kind of go together. They're all the same developer and they all have the same outcome. It's SUP 25-2 09 for a special use permit or duplex at uh Brand Z Brandom Avenue, Fleet County Tax Parcel I14W458A. This is the property outline on your screen. The next application will be the next property up and the third will be the vacant lot behind it on Hardy. The applicant was seeking a desk special use permit for to build a duplex on each of them. They're all currently vacant lots. Uh at the planning commission meeting, he requested that they be withdrawn. However, the way the code reads, if the planning commission meeting has already been called to order, it has to come to you guys. Had he withdrawn it prior to the meeting starting, I would have taken it off your agenda. There's a site plan of what they would have looked like. The layout is what that lot currently looks like. Got sidewalks, a bus stop. You within walking distance of an elementary school. This came on the staff recommendation of approval with a condition that at least one of the units face the road. But as I said, it was the planning commission chose to deny without prejudice when he asked that it be withdrawn. Thank you.

Thank you. I now open the public hearing. Is anyone here to speak in favor of this application? Is anyone here to speak in opposition? I will now close the public hearing and entertain a motion. Make a motion we agree with the recommendation of denial without prejudice. I second. Okay. Have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Mr. Clerk, call the role. Are we voting on all three? One at a time. One at a time. Okay.

Item D. Item D. That's correct. Price. Yes, sir. We're voting on item D only. So, I have a motion in a second and call the vote. Yes, sir. Commissioner Bojo. Yes. Cochran? Yes. Bean? Yes. D? Yes. Quick? Yes. Collins? Yes. Robinson? Yes, that motion is denied. Motion is approved to deny. Bryce,

item E is SP25 hyphen 12 hyphen 10 for zero Brandon Avenue, Floy County Tax Parcel I14 W458, which is the next lot north, same request, exact same situation. Staff recommended approval with a condition that at least one unit face the road. He chose to uh withdraw at planning commission. Planning Commission ultimately denied without prejudice. I open the public hearing. Is anyone here to speak in favor of this request? Anyone here to speak in opposition? Public hearing is closed. I'll entertain a motion.

Make a motion to deny based on the previous reason. Have a motion to deny. I'll second it. Have a motion to second. Any discussion? That without prejudice. Without prejudice. Yes. Okay. Mr. Cler, any discussion? Mr. Park, call the role. Commissioner Bojo, yes. Cochran, yes. Bean, yes. Dolls, yes. Quick, yes. Collins, yes. Robinson, yes.

Item Fion to deny carries. Item F is SP25-12-1 11 for the property at 517 Hardy Avenue Fleet County tax parcel I14 W355. This is the other side of the block. Uh once again, special use permit request for a duplex. Staff recommended approval with the condition that at least one unit faces the road at the planning commission. The applicant withdrew or requested withdrawal and the planning commission denied without prejudice. I now open the public hearing. Is anyone here to speak in favor of this request? Anyone speak in opposition? I now close a public hearing. I'll entertain a motion.

Motion to deny without presence. Seconded. Yes. I have a motion and a second to deny. Any discussion? Clerk. Call the role. Commissioner Bojo. Yes. Cochran. Yes. Bean. Yes. Dolls. Yes. Quick, yes. Collins, yes. Robinson, yes.

Our next item is Z25 hyphen 12 hyphen 02 for the property 159 Addington Drive, Rome, Georgia, 30165, Floyd County tax parcel H12Z597. The request is to resone from light industrial to suburban residential. This is coming off of Redmond Circle. It also barely touches the edge of Garden Lakes. As you can see, further down towards Garden Lake or Garden Redmond Circle, there is quite a few light industrial uses. However, once you get past those, it does become residential. The applicant reportedly plans to subdivide and build some single family homes. This is looking in the property as it current currently sits. Looking further up the street across the street, one of the other homes. This does come with a staff recommendation of approval and unanimous approval from the planning commission. Thank you. an open public hearing. Anyone here to speak in favor of this application? If you will all come to the podium and give us your name and address, please. Trent Wade, uh, 209 Pleasant Hope, Silver Creek. U, we just plan to, like you said, subdivide, build three 125 and 1250T houses. Um, that's pretty much it. Anyone else here to speak in favor? Anyone speak in opposition? I now close the public hearing. I'll entertain a motion.

Make a motion to approve. Second. Have a motion in a second. Any discussion? Mr. Clark, call the roll. Commissioner Bojo, yes. Brock, yes. Yes. Bean, yes. Dolls, yes. Quick, yes. Collins, yes. Robinson,

yes. Motion carries. Our next item is Z25-12 hyphen 04 for the property at 2011 East 8 Street, Rome, Georgia 30161, Floyd County Tax Parcel J14G024. It's currently zoned multif family residential. The request is to reszone to neighborhood office commercial. Uh this is in the East Rome Historic District. You have the YMCA is the big building across the road here. Uh this has been a dentist office uh for most of my life.Uh It's been my dentist since I grew teeth and I'm 42, so I can vouch for that. Um, there is no proposed change in use. It's always been a dentist office. This was discovered when the applicant wanted to get a building permit to do an addition on the back. His architect discovered it. We've already received plans for the addition. Uh, you can see a little bit of them here. It meets all the HBC requirements. We have no issues with it. These are some pictures provided by the applicants architect. This is the back of the building. Front of the building. I actually built that building back in my younger days.

It's still standing. Still standing. Miracle. [laughter] This did come with a staff recommendation of approval and unanimous approval from the planning commission. I now open the public hearing. Is anyone here to speak in favor of the request? Anyone speak in opposition? I now close the public hearing. I'll entertain a motion. [snorts] A motion to approve. I'll second. Have a motion and second. Any discussion? Mr. Clark, call the role. Commissioner Bojo. Yes. Rock. Yes. Cochran. Yes. Bean. Yes. Dolls. Yes. Quick. Yes. Collins. Yes. Robinson.

Yes.

Our next item for you. It is page Z25-12-05. Uh the request is to remove a condition that was previously placed on the property when it was reszoned a couple years ago. Uh this is Dod Boulevard and Highway 411, Floyd County Tax Parcels K15X027, J15W 4556, J15W455 and K15X021. The condition when it was resolved to multif family was that they would only have access to come or to exit over here on Hopson Way. However, they also have frontage on Dodd Boulevard. Um I had to go back and watch the video on this and at the time there was a couple folks in opposition uh namely the Monasuri school and a nearby golf course. Uh they were concerned about traffic from the proposed townhouse development going to Carrier Springs Road. Um that condition was placed so that they could have an entrance onto Dog Dodd Boulevard but not an exit. Uh Commissioner Collins asked the question of you know is this is this proper is there a better way? And I made the comment, well ideally that you would come to this little road here next to the Toyota dealership and based on this little map I was looking at or one just like it. I did not notice that there is a little strip of land here between the culde-sac and this property. So this property actually does not have road frontage on that road. So while yes, it would be ideal to go to that red light, especially with this many units, unfortunately that is not feasible under this plan. Uh we cannot force the neighbor to let them cross their land. Um they've provided a traffic study and two possible options, a full in andout or a possible left only exit. Uh one of the things that staff took into consideration is that you know we have about 2500 new homes being built in this immediate area and you know the comment was made well they don't all leave at the same time and that's true but even if only 25% leave I mean that's 700 plus people. So, it's still adding a lot of

cars to the road if they work a traditional day job. Uh staff recommended approval of at least of the left exit. Uh and we're not going to fight it if y'all want to do the full exit. Uh there are plans for both. Both have been studied by the fire marshall and the uh city engineering department. You guys have these in your packet. This is a layout of the proposed development. It is approximately 210 units. There was some debate at planning commission about some possible conditions on approval. However, the important thing to know is that they were generally in favor of giving some form of exit. Uh their only real debate was on possible conditions to put on that. This is looking into the entrance on Hobson Way right by the hotels. Hopsson way is a great way to turn right out of it is not a great way to turn left. That is looking back down Hopson Way from 411 and from the Dodd Boulevard side which is currently wooded and the planning commission had a split vote on this one. So no recommendation from them. Thank you.

I now open the public hearing. Is anyone here to speak in favor of this request? If you will go to the podium, give us your name and address.

Uh, yes. My name is Darren Harden. Uh, my address is 230 Old Highway 41 at Daresville, Georgia 30103. Uh, yes. As uh, Mr. would correctly told you that this is a this is simply to add a um a left exit on the Dodd Boulevard. When this was originally brought to to the council before this was a concept plan and there were 395 units at the time. It is now 219. That's a 44% reduction in the amount of units that will be put on this property. Um [clears throat] we we have full uh set of development plans which were submitted to the city and through that process with the engineering department and the fire marshall what came about is a desire for a full access specifically from the fire marshall for um egress reasons specifically I I don't know if you have read read the letter that was provided to you um in the packet, but I I will read this to you. Um it is being proposed that there would only be an uh exit or an ingress to the property, which we we provided because that's what the stipulation said. I am recommending two full entry exit points for ingress and egress. The reason is very simple. evacuation. With over 200 dwelling units being proposed, if an evacuation were to be needed, there is a potential for delay in getting civilians out of the subdivision due to the bottleneck effect of hundreds of people trying to leave an

exit point. The weather, for example, can affect ingress and egress. If both entry points are blocked, emergency services would be able to utilize the exits to gain access to the subdivision. I appreciate your attention to this matter and consideration for the need to have two full accesses uh into the proposed subdivision. That was from Chief Mary [clears throat] Katherine Chaing, fire marshal. So we simply are coming back to you guys to do what's right for a life safety situation. The uh the traffic studies were provided as well along with the uh full development plans and the engineering department reviewed those and noted that there were that it improves the access to 411 um by having the the secondary uh access or egress point as well. I'm happy to answer any questions. I'm simply here um asking for you guys to follow along with what what happens in these processes of getting construction development plans approved. Anyone else here to speak in favor? Anyone here speaking opposition? If you would go to the podium and give us your name and address, please. I am Grant Miller at uh 2653 Cow Springs Road. I uh own and manage Cow Springs Country Club. I'm here to speak on behalf of the area. Uh the concerns we brought last time in regards again traffic and I want to note that the major there's a part of Dodd that's

within the city limits and then there's another part of DOD that's in the county. Well, it goes from city to county at Cowarder Forest and at that point there are about 20s something driveways that open up on the dod's also a reduction in the sides of the roadway. So it goes from being on the city side with curbing and a little being a little bit wider down to where you actually have cars parked on the edges of the roadway. You also have in the way it's sized, you often have to stop and let another car pass you at that point on dot because it's not really great for two-way traffic. So say we do allow more traffic on dot and we allow this really we if there needs to be anything it does need to go back towards 411 somehow. But I don't see if allowing it all a freeforall for in and out. I don't think it's going to be good for the school uh because they have air traffic that's also going to be coming out of there most days of the week. Then you also look at the planning for for DOD. I've you know I've brought it up with several people within the city government. There are plans to eventually work on DOD but it's no time soon is my understanding. I don't know Sammy if you know when the any of that might be because it keeps getting pushed back some. But there's a lot of work that road needs to be done. And I can go back and tell so much about Coward Springs Road. I've been in county mics going back to know that the road originally was called Farm Road prior to 19 whatever it was before 1930 and they pretty much put up together a a petition in 1940 and paved it and it's similar to what it was back then even now. So, just to be able to talk about the traffic issues, we've talked about it with the other development doing a three-way stop to help slow down traffic on CER. I don't know if that's actually going to

happen either. So, we're going to have people and it's already being used as a pathway to go to downtown. It's a bypass. You said you go instead of going 411, you cut Carrier Springs Road and you come on in town. So again, 2,000 or so units all are going to some way end up on Cowier. Dodd will feed to Cower and you we have to keep in mind of the school and the residents on the other end of Dodd too because you have people backing out the driveways directly on to Dodd. So you look at all 20some driveways, there could be more of them. There's that already that other uh housing development on there. you've got Calier Forest and another one up from that. So anyway, I just would like to suggest we keep with the original plan or maybe investigate some other ways to curb traffic or work on getting that part of Dodd to where it can sustain two8 traffic to go on to Calier. But again, we already have a lot of traffic, but I would like to I would appreciate if you would consider all this and I thank you'all for the time and thank you for all you do.

Thank you, Grant. Anyone here else to speak in opposition and I'll now close the public hearing. We should have some time for Would you I don't know how much time 30 seconds. Darren, would you like to make any rebuttal? I'm sorry. [clears throat]

No, sir. I I would just say that I if there are driveways like like what the gentleman is speaking about, I believe that those are are much further down from from actually where our entry point and exit point would be. And of course any these development plans will be approved by the city of Rome engineering department and will meet all the requirements. Okay, I'll close the public hearing and I'll entertain a motion. But I have a question after we get the motion. I want to ask you a question. After we get a motion to approve or deny, [clears throat]

I'll make a motion that we approve it. Um because I think most of the traffic coming out of there is going to be heading towards 411. There's very few people going to turn and go in the other direction. So I don't feel like that's going to create more of an issue. I think it's going to Okay. Have a motion to approve. Is there a second? I second it. I have a motion and second. Um any discussion? I have a concern because there's no sidewalks and there is a housing complex there. several and a lot of people utilize the street area to get to Walmart, going to the convenience stores on Maple. So, there is a lot of activity, walkable activity, but there's no sidewalks.

Darren, let me ask you a quick plan would have to site plan would have to have sidewalks, right? Pardon, Mass. Bryce, the site plan would have to be including sidewalks, wouldn't it? Only at their frontage.

How long ago has it been since you made the decision to reduce the number of units and why did you make that decision? If you would go to the podium and answer that if you don't mind. the builder groups. Sir, we we made that decision uh about a year and a half ago when we started working with a builder group that that wanted to develop this for town houses, not apartments. Initially, it was thought that this would be for apartments and that's not the case now.

Okay. So, I want to draw attention to the fact that it's really dark on Kag Springs Road.

Pardon?

Yes, I'm sorry. Any other comments? We have a motion and a second. Anybody else want to make a comment or ask a question before we call the vote? The motion is to approve. Uh, Mr. Clerk, call the role. Commissioner Bojo, yes. Brock, yes. Cochran, yes. Bean, no. Dolls, no. Quick, yes. Collins, yes. Robinson, yes.

Pass. Motion carries. [clears throat]

And our last item for you this evening is file Z25-2 hyphen 08 for the property at zero match point way. It's currently zone community commercial. The request is to reszone to multif family residential. Property is currently vacant. This is Floyd County tax parcel J12 W 001 A2. It's approximately 38 acres in size. The it's shown on your screen there. It's between the tennis [clears throat] center and the mall. Uh it's also just north north of where the proposed DAG center will go. Uh that gentleman is seeking to construct an apartment complex or with excuse me a mix of apartments and town houses. Um I'm going to show you a site plan here in a second. It has access to the Archie connector. It's also close to Highway 27. It's also just right just shy of a mile uh via bike lane to the eco greenway trail network. Uh this is one of those areas where we can actually afford density because we've got quite a bit of access. We've got the utilities. We've got space and it's not really imposing on any established neighborhoods or anything. It's a great opportunity for redevelopment. Um with you do have one conservation easement here. Uh got a few bulls on it, I believe.

[clears throat]

The applicant will have access to Match Point Way as well as he's reached an agreement with the mall to access the back side of the mall and their service road. This is the site plan. You see the larger apartment buildings up here towards the our emergency connector. Then you get into town houses. Uh this shows the access to the mall service road. Zoom out a little more. The applicant agreed to move the buildings back from the property line. He has the high ground above the uh a center and the conservation easement. uh staff put a condition on it that we would ask that the mature vegetation along the southern border be kept uh not just for the apartments but for the a center as well. Uh this is a proposed layout of the a center that will be next door. My time [laughter]

you can't leave yet.

There was discussion about a possible fence. Uh this is what will be on the a center property. something to this effect. I believe the applicant and the a center have since reached some sort of an agreement if I'm not mistaken. This is looking in from the old Dalton Road side. Uh there is an old single family house here. The applicants have chosen not to seek a uh vehicular access onto Old Dalton Road. That's looking towards our Mercy connector back towards the mall directly across the street. This is the roundabout there on Match Point Way. This is looking up into where the [clears throat] proposed development would be B. That's the roundabout. Here we're looking at the Ar Merchie connector. As I said, there's quite a bit elevation on this property. It's looking over towards the hotel. This is where it flattens out on top of the property. You can see the trees in the background.

[snorts and clears throat]

Uh this did come with a staff recommendation and approval with a couple of conditions that as I said that the mature vegetation be kept along that southern property line preserved and maintained and that any additional vegetation may be added as necessary to meet the visual opacity requirement of a buffer. Uh that the proposed development adhere to the required side and rear setback and buffer requirements for multif family developments within the MR district as required by article 3.5.2 and 6.16 which is the buffer section. Uh, and there was also a condition that a six to seven foot tall fence be constructed along that southern border. Thank you. All right, I'll open the public hearing. Is anyone here to speak in favor of this request? You will give us your name and address.

My name is uh Chuck Harden. I work for Southern Engineering Surveying 163 Rivers Drive. Um we are representing the developer and Barry College the owner in this uh development. Um as the staff report kind of explained in in pretty good detail uh we're looking at a a mixed development um with a combination of town homes and uh apartment units there. Um just like staff said, we think that's a great opportunity uh perfect area for um this residential development. Um so uh the uh staff's recommendations um we're okay with all those. Uh we're as the site plans show, we are proposing to leave a a vegetative buffer there um along those property lines. um undisturbed and even potentially some some additional plantings on that area to provide the buffer. Um the the the one condition in question is the fence the u requested fence. Um the developer uh at this point in time um is really not um in agreement with the fence or an agreement with putting that fence in uh for a couple reasons. Uh the location uh size type, what the fence looks like, all those things at this point in time are really undefined. And um it's actually kind of early in the game to to even be able to define those things. Um the uh the way the site plan is drawn and the way the topography on the property um exists and with the

proposed grading of that property, there's a significant grade change that actually creates its own natural buffer between any of the adjoining properties and and this development. Um There is anywhere from a 15 or 20 all the way to a 35 foot bank that will be graded on this this apartment development that creates its own buffer. Um and the buildings are actually set back um a pretty significant different distance from the property lines as well. It's uh in its closest point, I think it's 50 or 55 ft from the property line to the nearest building. And most of the buildings that are higher uh more stories, taller buildings are um in most cases over 100 ft uh all the way up to 180 feet from the adjoining property line. Um so for those reasons we're just the developer is asking respectively if um the final condition on the resoning to to add a fence be removed. Um they the developer and the county the a center has been in conversation. I think they're continuing to talk um to come up with an agreement or uh you know some kind of common ground on a fence between the two properties. But at this point in time, just where that fence needs to go and how it's constructed, um the size, uh you know, we're not really in favor of putting it within the natural undisturbed buffer, which you would have to disturb to put the fence in along the property line. So maybe a fence somewhere else. But at this point in

time, we're just asking if it would be um the best solution would be to um eliminate that condition if it's at all possible. We got any questions, we'll be glad to answer them.

Anyone else here to speak in uh favor? Anyone here to speak in opposition? You will go to the podium and give us your name and address, please. Hi everyone. My name is Kate Harmon. So I'm the director for the Floyd County Agriculture Center. So I'm here to represent 255 uh three mile road Northeast. And I'm here just to clarify, I'm not against the entire proposal. Uh just like we've been talking about, we working on this agreement with the fence. Uh to me the fence is a huge thing because it's about the safety of the citizens in Rome and in Floyd County. Um from day one I've been all about safety and the design of this center and I want everyone from the people that actually come to compete to vendors to the public that comes to watch events, everyone involved to be safe. And the reality is when you've got animals on a property and you've got residents right next door, if all it takes is for a small child, a college student, a high school kid that wants to go and mess with cow to go through a little bit of woods and they don't have much of a deterrent. Um, unfortunately the reality is that that's hard to resist for some people and we want to make sure that everyone's safe and having that fence being a deterrent along that entire southern border because not only is it the a center and where our barns may be and you're talking about um I think at the planning meeting I was telling them say it's our seven hill showdown that we had at the Kusa Valley Fairgrounds a couple of weeks ago. um our 4 and FFA heads pour their hearts and souls into those animals. And in 2024, the average price

of um one of those show cattle was about $4,000. So even a small cattle show, you're looking at easily a quarter million dollars in livestock in those barns overnight. If you're talking about a horse show, something like that, you're talking about an average of 20,000 to 200,000 and I know that's hard to say per horse. So that could potentially be four million to6 million dollars in horse flesh there over a weekend. We need to make the commitment to keep those animals safe um to make sure that everyone in that area is safe as well as their residents. We don't want them getting hurt. Uh not everybody is wellversed in livestock and unfortunately people make bad decisions and we want to make sure that everyone is safe. Um you're talking about around 300 units say potentially a third of those people have a dog. Well that's a lot of potentially loose dogs over a hundred loose dogs that could come onto property with livestock right next door. and we have existing county and city ordinances about containment of pets. Um, so we're asking you to consider those things. Um, as far as the conservation easement property next door to the a center, I have been in touch with the Georgia Land Trust. I have been in touch with the Barry family. Um, they're in agreement that this is really important. Their renter right there, Mr. Lowry keeps his three incredibly large Angus boss on that corner property. Um and and that has a lot to do with his livelihood. When he he doesn't have those with his cattle year round, he's got to put them in that corner to keep everybody safe. So when it's not breeding season, that's where those three large bulls live. Um we certainly don't want a teenage boy to get a wild

hair and and think they want to go and mess with those big bulls and get killed. So, um, again, this is about safety. We are working well together. We've had a lot of conversations. We're trying to come up with an agreement, um, that we can can figure this out and I think that we really can. We just kind of got strapped for time to be quite honest. Um, and I we're on the cusp of something, but basically I'm here to ask that you recommend a fence along that entire southern border to be a contingency of the development. Um, and I I think we'll be able to move [cough and clears throat] forward. So, thank you all very much. [clears throat] Anyone else here to speak in opposition? I now close the public hearing. I'll entertain a motion.

I'd like to make a motion that we approve this with the removal of the fence stipulation. Have a motion to approve with the removal of the fence stipulation. Second. Have a motion and a second. Any discussion? I've got a couple of questions. The um what is the d proposed density of this? How many units are you looking at here? Okay. Um,

so uh in a smaller development, we had the suggestion or recommendation of two access points. This is an access point on a private property. I I think if there's any stipulation, it needs to be maybe that there's a second that we know that there's a second access point. I know it is on this uh on this proposed plan, but I would think that we need we've already been told that that was what they would like on a smaller development. So, I would think we would need a second access. I mean, you've got it you've got options, so it's not like you're

on to a private property. So, Right. Right. That's a private road. And I guess the only other question I had is is the mall fenced? Huh? Is the mall fenced? Okay. Well, no. I mean the the question that I would have what is the budget for the a center

right now? Um we're looking at a total of about $21 million to completion. I I'm I'm somewhere between very conservative and a libertarian. And I'm going to tell you why people hate government. Um because you need to build your own fence. We got a lot of cattle farmers in Floyd County. And if every cattle farmer got out there and told every neighbor, "You need to build a fence around your property to protect my cows." We'd have people getting shot. I think that's a that's that is a misunderstanding and I

build your own fence. You plan to build a fence. This man is going to be capital investment of your project. How much?

75 million. you're going to be paying taxes, creating jobs soon. So, um, just as a taxpayer, I appreciate people like you because you create jobs and you pay taxes and you're bringing the kind of growth that we have asked for in this community for a long time. We put together a housing summit back in 2019 2020 and we're said we're open for business. We want people to bring housing here and our population between 2000 and 2020 grew less than 5%. All of a sudden we've got houses coming and we've got a lot of population and we've got a lot of problems with it. sometime. My buddy Bill Collins and I have talked about this a lot lately. We're going to have more growth than we can handle. And we're going to have to sit around the table and say, "Where we going to put all these kids? Where are we going to hire more policemen? What are we going to do about the traffic? I don't think we're there yet, but we're getting there. So, we're doing it because people who have money are investing in our community. Sometimes we're doing it with government." A lot of times we're doing it in spite of government. U I want government to get out of the way of what we're doing. So um the recommendation that Commissioner Robinson made u to remove uh the restriction on the fence I think is a very wise motion. And if the county wants to build a fence around their a center, I support that 100%. And I cannot wait to see what this a center is going to look like. We all can't wait to see what it's going to look like. With $21 million, you can build a heck

of a fence. But you don't need to build a fence to protect those cows. That's just what I think. If no one has anything else, you you mind if I go back to ask my question about the access? Yeah. What? I'd like to ask my question about the access. I mean, what is this permanent easement? Is this I mean, how is that? So we have an access

right house. If I could say one quick thing, and I I think Chuck, you're very aware of this what I'm about to say. Uh property in Cardiffville that we have, uh we had a private road. It was designated private road for public use, which is basically what basically what you're saying. And I mean, it was just for public uh use at any time, but it was actually a private road. So, Bryce, has has there been any discussion about that access?

The developer and I have discussed it. Okay. I mean, nothing formal. What What can we do formal to to make sure that that access is and I I just think that's it was just pointed out that's a concern. [clears throat] uh attorney put it in the deed down there that it was

uh a a permanent I guess it would be an easement but the problem is if you get a easement and they decide to take the road up I don't know what you've got to right but my but my point is yeah my point is that the mall could do away with that road and you would have access to a no I mean just a piece problem

well there's another potential access because it's really access my question because I was wondering why it wasn't safety. It was an issue by building a fence but Mayor McDaniel answer my question.

Commissioner Brock, do you want to amend the motion? I think it needs to have us. Hey, we need to um be assured that there's a second access even if it's the mall. If if the mall cuts them off, the mall cuts them off, then then they've got to, you know, I I don't know. I don't know. That's kind of what I'm saying. I don't know the best way to handle that. You're you're we're trying to get them access a second access out of there, but it's access on a private drive. So, that private drive could go away.

I don't I don't see how the client or this commission can answer that question. They don't own the road. The mall do. And the mall is not here being represented. Well, the point is we can make sure that that this motion has a second that this property has a second access point. We have heard from the fire marshall that fewer units they they want a second access and I just think we need to be assured that there is one. Bryce, would that along the lines that you was talking to mall and them about for this access? I have not spoken to the mall. Let me clarify. I've spoken with the developer.

Is that what you understand coming from the fire department? They typically Yes. With this many units, they would prefer multiple points of access. There was just a letter read that said that. I think the commissioner has a valid point. I mean, if they if they've got it, then we can get it in the in the agreement. I don't I don't know how that's structured. I um any any advice on how that is structured?

So So, Commissioner, let me make sure I understand. So, what I guess one idea is to simply apply a condition that the property be developed with two points of access. you don't necessarily care if it's the mall, if it's Old Dalton, or if they were to get access across a conservation e, right?

So, if that I think if the commission's desire, then I think that could that could be added as a motion and then you're not handcuffing the developer on how he's going to have to figure that out or make him hostage to some negotiation he may not want to be part of. So, just out of curiosity, did we get any feedback from the fire that or did this second access um satisfy them? And did they know that that access is on a private drive, not a public right away? They did not express any concern. And yes, they were aware of it. They did. But I mean, did they know that road's a private? Yes.

Okay. Commissioner Brock, do you want to amend the motion? I just I just ask how does it need to be amended to assure that we have a second access point? Sam,

any any would anybody like to If if that property is sold over at the mall, could they actually close that? Well, if it's got a permanent if it's got a permanent easement, they can't. But they can take that road and and you know, they can build a whatever on it. I mean, they can do away with that road. That's that's my concern. You you've got access to a private drive that that is not permanent. You can have a permanent easement. Do you think the mall will give you in writing that if they decide to sell that property, they would sell you that road?

Right. can be brought up in discussion. I'm assuming that dedicated Yeah, I would think he'd want an easement from from there to old Alton. I mean, it'd be Wouldn't that be the only way?

Oh, that's your short. It's not just Yeah. Yeah. Otherwise, you go next to otherwise you go next to the house back to old and there's there's 60. I mean, there's unfortunately [cough and clears throat] Sound like you have one option there. So Harry, what are you going to do? Well, I think they they need to have a second access, Joe. Anybody want to Anybody want to tell me how that motion needs to be made? Need to be assured that there's a second access. second.

Well, I'm assuming you can make a a motion to require a second access point and leave them up to determine particularly what access point that is. [cough] We just looked at the a center there. I would add to request a second access to meet fire marshal. So stipulations that's not that's not our issue. That's not my issue. That's what What's their timeline? What is their timeline?

So besides this approval, what approval are you waiting on? Won't that take place? That'll be addressed when the formal plans are submitted. We're just doing resoning right now. We're not really approving a development plan. Won't that will all have to be taken in account then? No, we're just reszoning the property. We're not reszoning it conditionally. Yeah. So, [cough]

and I agree with Commissioner with Commissioner Brock, but I don't understand why we can't make that a condition. I don't understand it when we're being consistent. You can make I just wanted to make sure because that's why we can't do that for condition to be placed on this man motion. I'm just asking because that's not what I heard. I would like for a condition to be placed on here to have a a permanent easement uh a permanent second access point whether that be an easement to old Dalton Road across the mall property or through the existing buried property a second access. Now that's whether Wayne won't accept that or not. No, I'm I'll accept that. If you want to place that on on motion, I'll accept that

because I know they're going to fire Marshall's going to require something and that can be worked out after the plans are submitted. So can you Yeah. So I'll make a motion that we approve it with no fence but condition that there is a second access point to the property. Permanent permanent access point to the property. I have an amended motion. I need a second for that amended motion. Second [snorts] motion and a second. Any other discussion? I'm going to have to recuse myself while I'm not a part of this project. I am on retainer with this with Barry. So got one recusal. Mr. Clark, call the roll.

Mr. Bojo, yes. Rock, yes. Bean, yes. Dolls, yes. Quick, yes. Collins, yes. Robinson, yes. Thank you.

[laughter] did a great job. Very efficient. Thank you. Yes, sir. Thank you. Last meeting of the year. I hope Santa Claus is good to you.

Uh, Mr. Manager.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Have a couple of announcements. Uh, first, the City of Rome administrative offices will be closed for the Christmas holidays on Wednesday, December 24th, Thursday, December 25th, and Friday, December 26th. Those interested in garbage service, our garbage routes for Monday, Tuesday, and Friday will be serviced as normal. Thursday's garbage, yard waste, and recycling will be serviced on Wednesday, and Walker Mountain Landfill is going to be closed on both December 24 and December 25. Moving along, uh we will also have the administrative offices closed for the New Year's holiday on Thursday, January 1st, 2026. Again, garbage routes for Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, will be serviced as normal. Thursday's garbage, yard, waste, and recycling will be serviced on Wednesday. The Walker Mountain Landfill will be closed on Thursday, January 1st, 2026. And Mr. Mayor, I would just uh take a moment uh to congratulate both Commissioner Doss and Commissioner Quick on um their service to the city of Rome. Um my time here as city manager, I've spent a lot of time um with you two, gentlemen. And um it has been a privilege to work for you and to work with you and I wish you both the best in your future endeavors. And I would just wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy holidays. And that concludes my report. Mr. Mayor,

thank you. Thank you, Sammy. Thank you. Under my time, the Rome floor Development Authority will meet on Tuesday, December the 16th at 9:00 a.m. at 800 Broad Street. Commissioner Boto.

Yes, sir. The only thing I've got water and sewer as we discussed down in Caucus uh to approve a contract for failsafe gates uh with to the company of JHC Corporation. and they will put the gates up on the Avenue A uh properties at a cost of $686,000 and we had budgeted $750,000 for that uh to be done. So actually we saved about $64,000 in and by that contract right there and uh I ask you that we we approve this

second. Have a motion and second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. I.

All right. Uh, Commissioner Brock. Uh, no report. Commissioner Cochran, Historic Preservation Committee will meet on Wednesday, December the 17th at 2:30 p.m. in the commission chambers. Thank you.

Thank you. Commissioner Beman. don't have a report, but I do have comments for the two commissioners that are leaving us. Um, my first time running as a city commissioner, we were all on the same ticket. I was the first name called, but I mean, it was the first person on the ballot, but the last name called. That was my first term. And when I came in, both of you treated me with the utmost respect and I gave it. And I appreciate that. I appreciate your leadership. I appreciate your kindness. And I I appreciate your ability to serve the city. Now, the second time we ran, all three of us was on the ballot, and I was the only incumbent that came back in. But I got excited because I prayed and I prayed and I prayed and I asked God to use his vessels, use his vessels that he chose and he did. And then I asked him to use the people to be able to use their voices of what they wanted and they spoke. And then I wanted to say that every time a door closes another opens. So, I don't know how God is getting ready to use you, but he's gonna use you. But my prayer is that when Jill Fiser, Elena Beaman, and Victor Hixon comes into this this council now or this commission to serve not only the people, but to represent this one body that you'll still be there to cheer us on, to lead us on, and to be there to be a mentor for us when we need you. God is not through with this city. God

is not through with this commission, but a change is coming and I thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Bean. Certainly, um um I don't look at this uh change as a funeral. It's not. It's it's a celebration. It is. and uh you're going to get some new blood and uh u young commissioners that are eager to serve and uh I appreciate your remarks. Thank you.

Commissioner Doss, you're up. So the first thing under committee on committees I'll make a motion to appoint uh today commissioner Randy Quick to the Rome Planning Commission. I'll second.

I'll have a motion in second. Any discussion? do want to say that there is a lot of people who do who had comments about how do we select people who serve on our committees and I think that there needs to be a change of how if the people who are going to lead us or voted in for us and they represent us and we have so many people sitting on the committee. I think we need to go back in and change our process of how we recommend people without of all of us being able to talk about and discuss the people that represent us on the committee. And that's my comment. Any other discussion? Mr. Clark, call roll. Commissioner Bojo, yes. Brock, yes. Cochran, yes. Feman, yes. Dolls,

yes. Collins, yes. Robinson, yes.

So, uh, next I'll go quickly. Um, we heard again from Kumamoto that they uh are still planning to send their mayor to Rome next year. And they understand that we're going to have a new commission starting in January. And at that time, uh, our new commission can sit down with the folks from Kumamoto and make some decisions. And also I uh wanted to say uh this last trip to Kumamoto um to put it bluntly, we salvaged that sister city relationship and I want to thank the mayor and the pro Tim and Meredith for making that commitment. And then moving on to um uh it's not listed, but the mayor asked uh myself um Commissioner Cochran and Commissioner Robinson to study parks and recreation. And so throughout the year we met a few times and um the first thing we determined as a special committee is the city of Rome does not need to get into the recreation program business. We've got some great uh partners in the community, the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, and their others that do a fantastic job. But where we saw an opportunity is with our parks. And our parks are very important to our city. Not only our neighborhood parks, but our community parks. And we just

opened a new community park, Banny Jones. It is a fantastic community park. Ridge Ferry Park. There's always a lot of people at Ridge Fairy Park. It's quite frankly it's overused, but it's the proximity to our downtown and with all the other activities, the tennis center, these new developments, the reverse osmosis, our new police department, um that is a critical community park and this group and Commissioner Cochran and Commissioner Robinson um you know, they think outside the talks and we I can't talk about it tonight, but we talked about some pretty grand things that would really change our city. And when I say change, it would improve the quality of life in the city of Rome. And um I'm excited that uh the new commission will look into this new change and uh present it next year. And and that is my report. Thank you.

Thank you. And Commissioner Doss, I want to tell you I appreciate the job that you and uh Commissioner Cochran and Commissioner Robinson did. I think Commissioner Collins for serving on the parks and recck board. I I think what we've seen over the past couple of years is a change of attitude a little bit about parks within the city uh from a county standpoint. Um, we don't want to be in the wreck business. We don't want to be in the competitive sports business. But, um, the parks that are in the city, I I think we're all in agreement that we can do a better job than what's been done. We got to take it seriously. We met with Sammy. I think Sammy has a plan that after the first of the year when the new commissioners get on board, Sammy can maybe at a retreat, make a presentation. Um, and it's something that it will benefit the city and everybody has worked hard on that and I think it's something that we need to take to heart because it benefits the kids. That's the one thing that we can say it really benefits kids.

Well, uh, it will benefit everyone in the greater Rome area and the big part of it is it will improve the quality of life in our city. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Quick.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The I lost my place. Royal Floyd County Planning Commission will meet Thursday, January 8th, 2:30 p.m. here in the commission chambers. And as we look forward, as we move forward, Jill, Elena, Vic, always know that we've got your backs. We really do. And we will work with you. We will help you. If you have a question, if there is anything you need, we're always going to be there because at the end of the day, we share one thing in common. We're all Romans. We all believe in this city. We want this city to be the best it can be. not for what is sitting in this room here, but the children and their [clears throat] children all looking forward and building a community that we can be very proud of. And I thank you all. I mean, I thank you for this opportunity. I thank you all my fellow commissioners for giving me the opportunity to do something that has been best eight years of my life. So, we got your back. Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner Collins.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I wanted to report that the Rome FL Park and Recreation will meet December 16th at 12 noon in Thornton Center. And as far as my comments behind what Commissioner Doss just made mention of, I differ with him on several areas. When you're talking about dumping recreation, we have four sides of town in the city of Rome and each one of them has challenge areas. City of Rome and I've been here for a great long while has never been interested in putting a great deal of money with to join with the county as far as creating opportunities like a indoor basketball court for our challenge kids to be able to walk to. We can't walk to not now county recreation department. Uh Thornton, where would you say that's at? Jan

Thornton Thornton centers out a merchant. Absolutely. Where would you say the one that's in uh let's say Lindell is at the Gilly? Yes. Yeah, I know where it is. All of these entities, our young people that live in these challenged areas would love to have opportunity to play basketball in the war. All of them had love to have opportunity to play baseball. And so you saying to us all this you going to turn over Mr. Manager to the county? No, we didn't say that.

Well, you're saying the city's not interested in having recreation. What are we saying? So we don't get the opportunity to uh enjoy the same amenities that the county kids get to. Already our young folks is having to travel to Garden Lakes to play basketball and they go to city schools already. I went to a basketball game that my daughter granddaughter played for. Had to go all the way to a merchant and we have to wait long hours stay out there on school nights. We don't have a single anything having to do with recreation for our young afroamerican and poor whites or whatever challenged areas in our city. And you're talking about abandon it.

No, we're not talking about abandoning. It sound like it is. We're talking about evolving. Leaving it alone. Talking about what the recreation side of it. Leave it alone. Let them run it. That's what we've been doing all along. It just hadn't been told to us. It's nothing but about what $50,000 in our budget. If you pull that budget up each year, what can that buy? Valley of basketball. North Heights and Anak Davis sit vacant. Absolutely it does. And have we made the effort to get those doors open in our own neighborhood? No. I've talked about it for a long time. It drives me crazy to we save gyms, but we don't let people use them.

I hope it drives you crazy enough that we won't let it continue to be that way. That's all I'm saying. Commissioner, I wouldn't be in agreement with that. Commissioner Collins, I just wanted to share too that um and uh Sammy that everybody loves the park in East I mean in uh yeah East on Maple Street, but they're complaining about how dark it is. The park is lit up, but the streets are dark down Maple at night. So if when the time changes, you can't really get you see the park with all the lights, but going down Maple Street, you see nothing but darkness. Just want y'all to think about that, too. Could be vandal anything.

I would just say this discussion can take a new life next year. And uh um I can tell you our group I thought uh really worked well together and we heard from some of the partners, the Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA and their others that uh that do a fantastic job. And I think uh if the city wants to get more involved with uh programs for these challenge areas, I think you should look at it and absolutely

remember we did lose programs in these challenged areas. Just want to keep bringing that up. That's my report. Thank you. No, I'm I think it's still on bill.

I'm trying to help you. No, I'm I'm not not at this chair seeking help other than a listening ear. Sometime I wonder why am I still here? And I I think it's because of moments like this. It I'm not I'm not just preaching to this here commission. I hope it's a listening ear out there. These people that live in these communities are being like [clears throat] just shove back. It's not fair to them to not have the opportunity to have a warm gym to play in in the winter. It's not fair to them to be able to go to a field that's in the city of Rome that's lying off so they can practice baseball. It's [clears throat] just every part having to do with recreation is a dollar sign attached to it. And these folks That's just not how me and the mayor grew up. It is not.

Thank you, Commissioner Roberts. I have two announcements. The uh Alcohol Control Commission meeting will be on Wednesday, December the 17th, 5:00 right here in the commission chambers. and the downtown development authority will meet Thursday, January the 8th at 8:30 in the Milner building. And the last thing I I just want to say is uh to Randy and Jamie is I only got to serve two years, but it was a great two years. Thank you, Wayne. And you're not only my fellow commissioner. Thank you so much.

I look down to my right and I don't see [laughter] Thank you for all you guys. Now you got the best hair. That's right. I got the best hair. That's right.

Before we close, tomorrow night is our uh Christmas get together. Um hope everybody can come. And um this been a long year. Jamie Dolls told me he said the third year that you're the mayor is going to be your hardest year. And I didn't know what he meant. And uh John Bennett told me when I got on the city commission, he said, "I want you to write down all the friends you got." [laughter] He said, "At the end of the first year, uh go back and look for that list. You're not going to have that many friends." And both of those guys are right. And uh but uh let's get together tomorrow night. It's been an honor to serve as mayor of the city of Rome. Um I have officially fired myself. Um, we're going to have new mayor next year and I got two more years on the s city commission and uh I will not be running for a third term. It's a it's a blessing to live in Rome, Georgia. I've been here for 72 years. It is a blessing to live in this community. I've done things uh my mom and dad have been gone for a while now and I've done some things that they would never have believed. I've done some things I don't want them to know about. But um it's been a great opportunity to be in this community and I've been able to serve with people that are a lot better and a lot smarter than I am and I'm blessed every day. Thank you.