Board of Aldermen

BOARD OF ALDERMEN CITY OF TOWN AND COUNTRY APRIL 13, 2017 SPECIAL MEETING The special meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Town and Country was held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, April 13, 2017. Present were: Aldermen Benigas, Butler, Crawford, Frautschi, Mange, and Meyland-Smith. Alderman Rallo arrived at 6:04 PM. Alderman Wright was absent but joined the discussion via speakerphone. In Mayor Dalton’s absence, Acting President Mange presided. City Attorney Steve Garrett represented the City. George Stock, Stock and Associates Consulting Engineers, and Mike Convy, Convy Group, were also present. 1. Discussion-Town Square Technical Proposals Attorney Garrett outlined the process for the evening to include five minutes for each alderman to provide their vision and/or concerns to the rest of the Board and the consultants, as well as a Q&A session to allow for revision and cost estimates to be made. Generally, comments were focused on the following items: the number and size of the pavilion(s), the location of public restroom(s), location of the on-site trail, importance of pavers or colored/special finish concrete to visually break up the plaza, retention of mature trees, storm water retention, and mindfulness of landscaping and bufferyards for neighboring properties. Mayor Dalton arrived at 6:29 PM and presided over the remainder of the meeting. Utilizing the site plan, Mr. Stock pointed out key features of the plan. He explained the site’s topography and the excavation and relocation of dirt on site that would be required to accommodate the tunnel and lake. He assured the Board that the proposed lake would improve storm water runoff rates. The various site elevations were shown and discussed, as well as the possibility of moving the proposed trail from the top of the dam closer to the water. The number and layout of parking spaces was shown and discussion ensued about the potential for a shared access agreement with Mason Woods Village Shopping Center. Mr. Stock stated that the proposed green space is presently 63%. Considerable discussion was held about the tunnel, its impact on ingress/egress, and the need to discern the precise location of utilities in relation to the tunnel’s proposed location. It was pointed out that while the tunnel is aesthetically pleasing, it also provides a very important role in public safety for pedestrians wishing to access the site. Discussion was also held about the intended uses, possible design features, and size of the plaza area. Mr. Convy suggested a soil analysis be completed to determine the characteristics of the property. He added that obtaining these results preemptively is immensely helpful for locating barriers to sewer lines and the existence of clay that could potentially be repurposed on-site, etc. Mr. Stock confirmed that a landscape architect would work with adjoining property owners to customize buffers along the property line. Members of the public expressed concern with providing adequate landscape screening along the property lines, the functionality and importance of the tunnel, and connectivity with Mason Woods Village. Board of Aldermen Page 2 of 2 April 13, 2017 Mr. Convy thanked the Board for their comments. He stated that he will work on another iteration of the plan that incorporates some of the suggestions and alterations. Alderman Mange reminded the Board that agreements would be forthcoming for consulting services with both Mr. Stock and Mr. Convy. Mayor Dalton announced that the discussion would continue at the next Board of Aldermen meeting on April 24 and welcomed the public to attend. No votes were taken. On motion of Alderman Mange, seconded by Alderman Frautschi and unanimously approved by voice vote, the special meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM. Ashley McNamara City Clerk