January - June 2020

Ward Update 

Traffic Calming

In February, I raised concerns about the lack of progress and efficacy with the city’s traffic calming policy. As a result, the Mayor and Council directed city staff to review and rewrite the policy. We have listened to the residents of Ward 3 to identify some clear needs in our community that we have begun to act on in the past few months. 

• Speeding issues and concerns - We have been working closely with Smyrna Police Chief, Joe Bennett, on speed and stop sign enforcement throughout Ward 3. There are enforcement measures underway as residents and visitors once again take to the streets. Please slow down and abide posted traffic signs!
• Stop Sign Petitions - We have been working closely with City of Smyrna staff and neighborhood leaders on the installation of new stop signs in several neighborhoods around Ward 3, including Williams Park and Smyrna Heights. 
• Smyrna Five Points Roundabout Completion - The City’s newest roundabout opened ahead of schedule in Smyrna’s Five Points. Several proposals are underway to accent and landscape the areas around the new roundabout. I am excited the project is completed and we look forward to further enhancements in the area. I am proud that the project was completed ahead of the construction schedule and a special thanks to the city’s Public Works Department. 

Mt. Zion Cemetery Restoration Project 

I hosted a meeting with residents, community leaders and city officials on the restoration project of the Mt. Zion Cemetery on Hawthorn Avenue. The cemetery dates back to 1877 and is Smyrna’s historic African American cemetery. We have made significant progress towards a long overdue restoration project for this sacred cultural landmark within our community. A special thanks to Pastor Richard Bush of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Ron Davis of the Williams Park Association for their continued leadership on the effort. 

Campbell High School Expansion Project 

City officials, the Mayor, the City Council Education Committee, and city staff have held several meetings and conference calls with Cobb County School District officials on the high school expansion that is underway. We applaud the expansion of the school and believe its completion in the coming years will enhance the education experience in our community. We continue to work with district officials on traffic issues on Ward Street and Powder Springs Street, parking concerns and landscaping buffers with neighboring residents. We have called on the school district to hold a virtual townhall meeting to better brief both residents of Ward 3 and parents of Campbell High School students on the ongoing project. 

Tillman House 

Throughout the COVID-19 reality, I am beyond proud of the way our community has rallied and helped each other and those in need. Particularly for people needing food assistance, Tillman House has filled an enormous need in our community, and we continue to connect those in need with assistance. For those that don’t yet know of this crucial ministry, it is located at 940 Concord Road and a ministry of Smyrna First United Methodist Church. A huge thanks to Coach Alan Nicely, Tillman House Director and Pastor Derek Porter for their ongoing efforts. 

City of Smyrna Ethics Code of Conduct

In June, I introduced an ethics code of conduct that will apply to all official city business and activities. The code applies to all elected officials. The model code from the GA Municipal Association is a best practice and, in my view, holds everyone to the high standard expected by our citizens. 

City Council Approves Resolution Condemning Racism 

During the most recent City Council meeting (6/1/2020), the   Council unanimously approved a resolution condemning racism. As a result   of recent tragic events that have occurred across the country, and the   sadness expressed by the City of Smyrna's Mayor, City Council, Police   Department and employees city-wide, the City of Smyrna approved the   resolution. The City is committed to safeguarding our community while   ensuring that the Constitutional rights of every person who lives, works and   visits our great City are protected. The City of Smyrna, Georgia stands against   racism and reaffirms its commitment to fighting for racial justice and human   and civil rights for all.

Ward Appointments – Our Neighbors

As the Ward 3 Council Member, I am honored to appoint several Ward 3 residents to posts representing Ward 3:

• Planning & Zoning - Keith Bentley, Williams Park
• Hospital Authority - Joan Stuart, Bank Street
• Keep Smyrna Beautiful - Betty Williams, Rose Gardens
• Parks and Recreation - Leigh Anne Rehkopf, Bank Street area 

I am pleased to have several additional residents from Ward 3 serving in appointed positions citywide. 

Ward 3 Meeting 

The next Ward 3 meeting will be rescheduled later this year when it is once again safe to hold public gatherings. We were set to meet in mid-March but decided to cancel in accordance with CDC and city guidelines. Please stay tuned for announcements as we get to the end of the summer. 

Eagle Scout Projects 

Congratulations to Jack Miller (Williams Park) for his efforts in working towards obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. As a fellow Eagle Scout, I can certainly attest to the life lessons from Scouting and proud to help as Jack looks to execute his Eagle Scout project with the City of Smyrna. Please let me know if you have a Scout looking for projects in our community. 

Community Outreach

I have received many emails and calls from residents in Ward 3, with the help of our great city staff, and we have been able to timely address issues as they come in throughout the Ward. 

Constituent Services 

It is my honor to serve you and this ward. If I can be of assistance, please let me know. 

Please feel free to contact me with questions, concerns or ideas. 

My email is tlindley@smyrnaga.govand my phone number is (678) 631-5308. 

From the Cobb Chamber of Commerce - Grant Applications Open June 8 for Cobb Small Businesses
The Cobb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved $50M for small business grants to be administered by SelectCobb to help our a Cobb County businesses with 100 employees or less. The process for the application is as follows:

• The website for small business grants goes live on June 1 with information on the grants (https://selectcobb.com/industries/grants/ );
• The application will be uploaded at 10:00 am on June 8;
• A webinar on how to apply for the small business grants will be on June 10 at 10:00 am through the Cobb Chamber; and
• The application portal will be open until June 26 at 5:00.
• All grants submitted in that time frame will be evaluated (this is not first come first served).

Grants are available in three tiers as follows:

• 1 to 10 employees – up to $20,000
  11 to 50 employees – up to $30,000
  51 to 100 employees – up to $40,000

The grant website will have a lot of information about how to apply, document needs, etc. so you can gather everything and be prepared to complete and submit the application between June 8 and June 26. Read more here.