Smyrna council approves engineering prequalifications, pool‑pack contract and trail grant application

At its May 20 meeting the Smyrna mayor and council approved several professional service awards, a construction contract and grant and intergovernmental agreements aimed at advancing infrastructure and recreation projects across the city.

Standby engineering services: staff reported that 23 firms submitted qualifications and the evaluation team recommended prequalifying seven firms for standby engineering/professional services in specific areas (broad spectrum engineering, traffic, facilities, stormwater and construction engineering). The list approved by council will create a short list departments can use for smaller engineering tasks; council approved the authorization 6–0.

Pool‑pack installation contract: Parks & Recreation and Purchasing recommended awarding RFP 24‑031 to Stevenson McCray Mechanical LLC to install a city‑provided pool‑pack dehumidifier system at the city’s adult recreation center pool. The recommended low bid was $164,625; the contractor’s schedule in its proposal called for a 14‑calendar‑day start and an estimated four‑week completion window. Council approved the award and authorized the mayor to execute required documents, 6–0.

Trail grant application: the city was invited to the second‑level application process for the Georgia Recreational Trails Program to upgrade a gravel trail at Riverview Park, connecting the kayak launch and trailhead with a durable, universally accessible concrete trail. The city will request $200,000 from the Recreational Trails Program; the Trust for Public Land is providing the required $200,000 local match and the city acknowledged the grant is a reimbursement grant with a 24‑month maximum term. Council approved the resolution and authorized the mayor to sign associated documents, 6–0.

Cobb framework agreement (SPLOST 2022): staff explained the city will receive $3,000,000 under the 2022 SPLOST renewal for joint city projects. Smyrna’s identified projects include sports‑lighting conversion to LED, East‑West connector road safety improvements and Windy Hill Parkway improvements (each with an estimated $1,000,000 cost). Council approved the framework agreement and authorization to sign, 6–0.

Consent items and other formal votes (summary): council approved the consent agenda (minutes, a board reappointment, an alcohol sales permit for a Pride festival vendor and use of council chambers for a Ward 2 meeting) by unanimous vote.

Next steps: awarded firms may be engaged for qualifying work under the city’s purchasing policies; the pool‑pack contractor will begin per its bid schedule once permits and scheduling are confirmed. The trail grant application will proceed with the city committing to the local match provided by the Trust for Public Land.