Town Council Meeting

TYRONE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES December 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM Eric Dial, Mayor Gloria Furr, Mayor Pro Tem, Post 4 Jessica Whelan, Post 1 Brandon Perkins, Town Manager Dia Hunter, Post 2 Dee Baker, Town Clerk Billy Campbell, Post 3 Dennis Davenport, Town Attorney Also present: April Spradlin, Court Clerk Linda Howard, Former Council Member Lindsey King, Court Assistant Lynda Owens, Recreation Manager Maureen Wheeler, Councilwoman Elect Melissa Hill, Former Council Member Mitch Bowman, Public Works Supervisor Patty Newland, Library Supervisor Penny, Mentch, Police Officer Randy Mundy, Police Chief I. CALL TO ORDER II. INVOCATION III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Comments are limited to three (3) minutes. Please state your name & address. Comments that require a response may not be answered during this time. The Council or staff may respond at a later date. V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A motion was made to approve the agenda. Motion made by Council Member Campbell, Seconded by Council Member Hunter. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. A motion was made to remove item number 2 and move it to New Business 13 b for discussion. Town Council Meeting Page 1 of 8 December 18, 2025  Motion made by Council Member Furr, Seconded by Council Member Campbell. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. VI. CONSENT AGENDA: All matters listed under this item are considered to be routine by the Town Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will not be separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the consent agenda and will be considered separately. 1. Approval of minutes from the December 1, 2025, meetings, December 4, 2025 and December 8, 2025. 3. Approval to reappoint McNally, Fox, Grant & Davenport, P.C. as the Town's Legal Counsel. 4. Approval of Fayette County News as the Town's Legal Organ. 5. Consideration to reappoint Brad Matheny to Post 2 of the Town of Tyrone Planning Commission. 6. Consideration to reappoint Joram Kiggundu to Post 4 of the Town of Tyrone Planning Commission. 7. Reappointment of Alisha B. Thompson as the Municipal Court Judge for Tyrone Municipal Court. 8. Reappointment of Alaina Granade as Solicitor for Tyrone Municipal Court. 9. Approval of the 2026 Public Defender Contract to Jim Strickland Law. A motion was made to approve the consent agenda including the previous change. Motion made by Council Member Hunter, Seconded by Council Member Campbell. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. VII. PRESENTATIONS 10. Oaths of Council: Alisha Thompson, Municipal Judge Billy Campbell, Council Post 3, January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2029 Maureen Wheeler, Council Post 4, January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2029 Judge Thompson administered the oaths. Brad Metheny Planning Commission. Maureen Wheeler Page 2 of 8  Billy Campbell 11. Recognition of Councilwoman Gloria Furr's service to the Town. - Eric Dial, Mayor Mayor Dial read Council Member Furr's proclamation. Everyone congratulated her on her 20 years of service. Mayor Dial unveiled a plaque dedicating the Tyrone Veterans Day Park, Plaza, to Council Member Furr. VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS IX. OLD BUSINESS 12. Consideration to amend the Award of the Bucket Truck to the Hardy Chevrolet to the new less amount of $151,000. Scott Langford - Public Works Director & Town Engineer Mr. Langford shared that the 2025 bucket truck had already been approved and was expected by this month; however, there has been a delay of approximately 9 to12 months. Hardy Chevrolet has offered a new 2024 bucket truck with an $8,000 reduction bringing the total price to $151,000 down from the original price of $159,000. Staff recommended approval through the 2023 SLOST Fund. He added that the truck was ready. Mayor Dial asked if any specs were lost after sitting for a year. Mr. Bowman shared that it was a new truck and had a bumper-to-bumper warranty. A motion was made to approve the 2024 bucket truck from Hardy Chevrolet for an amended amount of $151,000. Motion made by Council Member Campbell, Seconded by Council Member Hunter. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. 13. Consideration to approve the final Electrical Plans and Change Order 2 for PW-2022-14, the Handley Park Public Works Building Project regarding adding 60 calendar days to the contracted time for Substantial Completion and adding not to exceed $49,000.00 to the contract for the electrical installation. Scott Langford, Public Works Director & Town Engineer Mr. Langford stated that the design for electrical upgrades to the new public works building, located at Handley Park. The contractor requested an additional 60 days, and the cost would not exceed $49,000. The new completion date was slated for February 2, 2026. He added that the project was under the General Fund for this fiscal year. Mayor Dial clarified that the new date of completion would be February 2, 2026. Council Member Hunter inquired about the size of the new panel. Mr. Langford shared that it would be a 200-amp panel. Page 3 of 8  A motion was made to approve the final electrical plans for project PW-2022-14, the Handley Park Public Works Building and to approve Change Order 2 for electrical installation not to exceed $49,000 and 60 additional days for project PW-2022-14, the Handley Park Public Works Building. Motion made by Council Member Hunter, Seconded by Council Member Furr. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. X. NEW BUSINESS 13 b. Approval of the 2026 Holiday Schedule for office closures. Mr. Perkins shared that the item was to request adding January 2, 2026. A motion was made to approve the 2026 Holiday Schedule and to add January 2, 2026. Motion made by Council Member Campbell, Seconded by Council Member Furr. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. Mayor Dial shared that he wished to investigate having more days off for staff, like the County for next year, but the Police Officers were paid differently than regular staff. Council Member Furr suggested a floating holiday. Mr. Perkins stated that he would bring something back to Council for further discussions. 14. Approval of the Tyrone Youth Baseball Association (TYBA) field use agreement for 2026. Brandon Perkins, Town Manager Mr. Perkins shared that no changes were made to the 2026 season agreement and that it was not placed on the consent agenda due to Council Member Campbell’s wishes to present some considerations. Council Member Campbell inquired about soccer’s contract renewal. Mr. Perkins stated that it was approved around March last year and was not due yet. Council Member Campbell shared his concerns regarding pay-to-play and travel ball. He felt that the program did not cater to young Tyrone baseball players or those that wished to learn the game. He wished to raise the cost of Tyrone Youth Baseball Association (TYBA) for the use of the fields from $4,000 to $8,000. He also wished to see the fields better maintained and for the board meetings to be advertised so others could attend. Mr. Esteban Maldonado, Ms. Wendy Taylor, and Mr. Walt Sholar, representatives from the TYBA, spoke regarding their program. They shared that it has never been about travel ball, and the focus was on teaching kids the fundamentals of baseball. Mr. Maldonado shared that travel ball was a very large business, and that he worked with many states and countries for travel ball but, for Tyrone, it has always been about Rec ball. They run free clinics and charge less than anyone to play for recreation ball. Page 4 of 8  They were also working with Flat Rock Middle and Sandy Creek to increase the Tyrone base. In 2024, they had 91 players, and in 2025, they had 151. Mayor Dial asked how the price increase would affect the league. Mr. Maldonado shared that it would not be feasible. All profits went back into maintenance and paying the umpires; the families could not afford that increase. We currently charge $200. Mr. Sholar stated that they used their own personal equipment and paid for dirt, which was much needed; that large of an increase would be crippling. They held fundraisers to help with the maintenance of the fields and volunteers to assist with the work, digging by hand to lay pipes. We are trying to gain major sponsorship to assist with funding. Council Member Hunter thanked the TYBA representatives for their service, his child played. He also attended their Hall of Fame ceremony, where three Tyronians were highlighted, and they were now playing major league ball. He asked where the $4,000 increase came from. Council Member Campbell shared that he now knows what they charge but asked if other travel teams used the Tyrone fields. Mr. Maldonado stated that yes, other teams pay to use our fields, but TYBA always gets priority use. Mayor Dial shared that he understands how travel ball has exploded, he just wants TYBA to have first priority, Tyrone travel teams, then other travel teams, if everyone is paying to use the fields. Wendy Taylor assured everyone that it was their priority. Council Member Whelan thanked everyone for their service to the Town and how values are learned on the ball field. She shared that youth sports are a $41 billion business. We appreciate what you are doing by helping and fundraising. Keep doing what you are doing. Mr. Perkins stated that during the summer, he received a few comments that the program was not being run as it should be. He placed QR Codes around Handley Park to let us know how it was going. He had two complaints that were rectified. Council Member Furr shared that the Town should help keep the fields up. Ms. Taylor stated that it would be helpful. Mr. Perkins stated that when the fields needed lipping, the Town partnered with TYBA to help with that project. He added that the lines of communication needed to remain open. A motion was made to approve the Tyrone Youth Baseball Association (TYBA) field use agreement for 2026. Motion made by Council Member Furr, Seconded by Council Member Whelan. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. 15. Approval of revisions to Section 34-2 of the Town's Code of Ordinances pertaining to Film Permits. - Brandon Perkins, Town Manager Page 5 of 8  Mr. Perkins shared the proposed changes to the Film Ordinance, which was originally passed in 2020. He named the revisions, among which were requiring a permit for filming on private property when it would impact the public, definitions, a 10-day window for processing, requirements for written notice to affected residents or businesses, increased fees on Town-owned property, and regulations for hiring officers for traffic control. He added that the ordinance was similar to Peachtree City and Fayetteville. Mayor Dial inquired about the 10-day window. Mr. Perkins shared that the Town needed some guidelines and guardrails for those with an unreasonable sense of emergency. The permit would not take 10 days to issue. This would prevent folks from coming in on Thursday and wanting to film on Monday. Council Member Hunter inquired about the fees remaining in the ordinance versus a fee schedule. Mr. Perkins stated that he would prefer to keep the film fees within the film ordinance, but staff would do what Council wished. A conversation took place regarding changing the fee schedule versus changing the ordinance when modifications were made. Mr. Davenport stated that a fee schedule would cost less than altering the code on Municode (the Town’s code software). Council Member Whelan agreed with maintaining the fee schedule. A motion was made to approve the revisions to Section 34-2 of the Town's Code of Ordinances pertaining to Film Permits with the change to remove all fees from the ordinance to a fee schedule. Motion made by Council Member Hunter, Seconded by Council Member Campbell. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. A motion was made to adopt Motion made by Council Member Hunter, Seconded by Council Member Campbell. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. A motion was made to direct staff to reflect all changes to Section 34-2 in the Town’s Code of Ordinances pertaining to film permits, all fee amounts in red letters in the changes to be on the fee schedule. Motion made by Council Member Whelan, Seconded by Council Member Campbell. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. 16. Consideration of a sewer rate increase of 5% for 2026. Brandon Perkins, Town Manager Mr. Perkins shared that Fulton County recently voted to increase its sewer rates by 5% for 2026 and 2027. He added that Town should consider a similar increase for its sewer customers, effective February 1, 2026. Page 6 of 8  The Town would conduct a full analysis of the Town's sewer structure for 2026 to consider further changes for 2027 and beyond. Currently, the base cost for 0-4,000 gallons was $34.73, the change would be $36.47, and per 1,000 gallons over the base, $10.27. He stated that staff recommended approval. Council Member Hunter suggested for staff to consider looking at the businesses that are along the sewer line that have not yet tapped into sewer. With more people tapped in, the lower cost could be. Mr. Langford confirmed that several businesses along the sewer route had not tapped in. Mr. Trocquet also confirmed that at the time of expansion, Council opted out of requiring residents/businesses within a certain radius to tap into sewer. Council Hunter stated that there could be grant opportunities for businesses to tap into and pay as they go. A motion was made to increase sewer rates by 5% for 2026, effective February 1, 2026. Motion made by Council Member Hunter, Seconded by Council Member Campbell. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. 17. Consideration to amend the fiscal year 2024/2025 budget, which includes reclassifying the Administration's Subscription-Based IT Agreements (SBITA) and moving money from the General Fund budget to the Founders Day budget to cover the overage from the 2024 Founders Day event. Sandy Beach, Finance Manager Ms. Beach shared that Ruston & Co. was planning on presenting their findings from the budget in February. As they were closing out the year, a couple of changes needed to be made by moving money into the proper line items. The Founders Day budget of 2024 went over budget; staff would move $22,000 from the General Fund to the Founders Day Fund. The second amendment would be for the Subscription-Based IT Agreements (SBITA), which was a new accounting line. In the past, the subscriptions would be spread out; now, they need to be accounted for up front. A motion was made to approve the budget amendment to move $22,000 to the General Fund to cover the 2024 Founders Day overage in Journal Entry BA0000024. Motion made by Council Member Campbell, Seconded by Council Member Whelan. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. A motion was made to move $35,000 from the service area of the Administration Budget to the Subscription-Based IT Agreements (SBITA) Debt portion of the Administration budget. Motion made by Council Member Campbell, Seconded by Council Member Furr. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. Page 7 of 8 XI. PUBLIC COMMENTS: The second public comment period is for any issue. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes. Please state your name & address. Comments that require a response may not be answered during this time. The Council or staff may respond at a later date. XII. STAFF COMMENTS Mr. Perkins shared that Town offices would be closed Wednesday through Friday, December 24 through December 26th. There would also be no meeting on January 1st due to the holiday, and offices would be closed on January 1st and 2nd. The next meeting will be on January 15th. Mr. Langford stated that bids were received today for the stormwater culvert project, and staff would come to Council at the next meeting for approval. XIII. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council Member Hunter congratulated the Sandy Creek High School football team for winning the Georgia State Championship. Council Member Campbell thanked Council Member Furr for her 20 years of service and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Council Member Furr thanked everyone; it was a pleasure. She has enjoyed her 20 years. XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION XV. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made to adjourn. Motion made by Council Member Furr. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m. By: Attest: Eric Dial, Mayor Dee Baker, Town Clerk Page 8 of 8