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Smyrna council approves multiple construction contracts, camera systems, alcohol license and SPLOST reallocations
Summary
At its meeting, the Smyrna mayor and council approved the awarding of two park construction contracts, several security-system purchases on state contract, a new alcohol pouring license, and a multi-project SPLOST budget reallocation; the council also tabled an electrical SPLOST amendment to March 3.
The Smyrna mayor and council on Wednesday approved a slate of contracts and budget moves aimed at advancing park and downtown projects, authorized purchases of security camera and access-control systems, granted a pouring-and-Sunday-sales alcohol license to a local restaurant, and reallocated 2022 SPLOST funds among completed and pending projects.
Why it matters: The actions move forward two park construction projects — a Riverline splash pad and a Village Green restroom and playground — and fund security and access-control upgrades for those facilities and other downtown assets. The votes also reshape how remaining 2022 SPLOST dollars will be used across multiple city projects.
Council approved the following notable actions: a privileged alcohol license for a new Tacos La Via location, award of RFP 25-515 for the Riverline Splash Pad and entry building to Integrated Construction and Nobility Inc. for $2,361,808.88, award of RFP 25-020 for the Village Green restroom and playground to Couch Group LLC for $1,371,925, and multiple purchases of Genetec/NetPlanner security and access-control equipment on Georgia state contract. The council also authorized an amendment to the 2022 SPLOST project budgets to move money between completed and active projects and approved a short consent agenda.
Council discussion and staff background: City staff described procurement processes and recommended awardees. Jeff Bennett, a city staff member who presented procurement background, said the Riverline project received two proposals and the recommended bidder was selected based on experience, approach and references. On the Village Green project Bennett said 11 proposals were received and Couch Group was the low responsive bidder. Bennett also described the need for a new centralized video-management and access-control platform because the city’s current system “has reached full capacity and cannot be expanded.”
Several council members spoke in support. Councilman Rico ("Ricky") Owlsby, who moved approval of the Riverline splash-pad award, said, “I’m bringing a water park splash pad to the South End of the city for our families to enjoy and our kids.” Councilman Lindley, who spoke about the Village Green restroom and playground, said, “We’re excited about this and hope to have it completed, sometime early summer.”
Tabling and follow-up: The council unanimously agreed to table an amendment to the 2022 SPLOST electrical item so staff can conduct additional outreach; the item was rescheduled for the March 3 meeting. For projects that were awarded, staff will prepare contract paperwork for the mayor and council to execute.
Votes at a glance
- Privileged license (Tacos La Via LLC, 3315 South Cobb Drive): Motion to pass by Councilman Lindley; second by Councilwoman Latonia Hines; approved 6-0. Applicant: Abraham Denise Covarrubias. City staff reported the applicant attended mandatory alcohol training and a police background check revealed no disqualifying information.
- RFP 25-515 — Riverline Splash Pad and Entry Building (Award to Integrated Construction and Nobility Inc.): Motion to approve by Councilman Rico "Ricky" Owlsby; second by Councilwoman Latonia Hines; approved unanimously. Award amount: $2,361,808.88; funding: 2022 splash pad project funds. Project managed by Crowley Engineering.
- RFP 25-020 — Village Green Restroom and Playground (Award to Couch Group LLC): Motion to pass by Councilman Lindley; second by Councilman Glenn Pickens; approved 6-0. Award amount: $1,371,925; funding: 2022 SPLOST downtown project funds. Project managed by Foresight Group.
- Tabling of 2022 SPLOST amendment (electrical): Motion by Councilman Lindley; second by Mr. Welch; tabled to March 3, approved 6-0. Reason: staff needs additional resident communication.
- Security systems and Genetec servers (state contract purchases to NetPlanner): Multiple motions approved, all 6-0: Genetec central database servers ($23,182.50); Village Green restroom/access control ($64,547.20); Riverline Park splash pad cameras/access control ($139,593.94); Village Green Park cameras ($8,080,367.53). Staff said purchases are on Georgia state contract pricing.
- Amendment to 2022 SPLOST project budgets: Motion to pass by Councilman Lindley; second by Councilman Oglesby; approved 6-0. The council approved a set of increases and decreases reallocating funds between downtown and South Cobb improvements (+$1,671,263.73), the splash-pad sprayground (+$403,470.44), and multiple decreases to other completed or lower-priority projects (detailed amounts were read into the record).
Other actions: The consent agenda (minutes and community-event alcohol/street-closure approvals) passed 6-0. No members of the public spoke during the citizen-participation portion.
Ending: Council members said the approvals will fund projects intended to improve park amenities and downtown safety; staff will return executed contracts and schedule work per project timelines.
