Smyrna council approves parking-lot contract, authorizes bank account signatories and land exchange; several items pass unanimously

The Mayor and Council approved multiple formal business items at the meeting, including a construction contract for a downtown parking lot, authorization to establish a city bank account and signatories, and a parcel exchange.

Contract for parking lot: The council authorized awarding a contract under RFQ 25-022 to SCA Construction, of White, Georgia, in an amount not to exceed $454,516.76 to construct a 44-space surface parking lot at 2688 Atlanta Road. Miss Robinson (city staff) described the scope—demolition of an existing parking area and foundation, grading, sanitary sewer, potable water, curb and gutter, asphalt paving, parking lot lighting, storm sewer piping and detention. Staff recommended SCA Construction after the apparent two lowest bidders were either unable to perform or had poor reference checks. The motion to approve passed 7–0.

Bank account authorization: The council authorized a resolution allowing the city’s financial officer and the mayor to establish bank accounts and be named as authorized signatories. Council discussion focused on procurement and banking-selection process. Mr. Welch said he expected a selection process for a new banking relationship; city staff (Christian) clarified this was a one-off account move to a community bank while the city’s primary banking relationship (with Truist) remains in place. The motion to approve was moved by Mr. Lindley and seconded by Mr. Oglesby; it passed 5–2.

Property exchange: The council approved the exchange of the city’s interest in approximately 7,347.53 square feet of land for approximately 9,969.84 square feet owned by Foundry Watkins Property LLC; staff said both parcels were appraised and the property to be conveyed to the city was of greater value. The motion passed unanimously, 7–0.

Consent agenda and other items: The council approved minutes from March meetings, multiple road closures for events and crosswalk painting dates, and other routine items as part of the consent agenda; the consent agenda passed 7–0. Council also authorized bank‑account resolutions and other routine administrative items that had limited discussion.

Votes recorded in the meeting transcript: contract award (SCA Construction) approved 7–0; authorization of bank account signatories approved 5–2; land exchange approved 7–0; consent agenda approved 7–0. City staff said the parking-lot work will be funded from the 2022 SPLAS and that work should add parking capacity near Village Green Park.

Council members and staff said the new parking near the green space should help with weekend closures of King Street and related events. The bank authorization will allow the city to test a relationship with a local bank while keeping the principal banking relationship with Truist intact; Mr. Welch urged adherence to formal selection processes for larger account moves.