Town Council Meeting - Annual Planning Workshop

TYRONE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING - ANNUAL PLANNING WORKSHOP MINUTES March 27, 2025 at 9:00 AM 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: Patrick Stough, Attorney Bridget Smith, Accounting Specialist Kate Chambers, Children & Youth Services Coordinator Patty Newland, Library Supervisor Dennis Davenport, Attorney, was absent. 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 Hunter, Seconded by Council Member Whelan. 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. VII. PRESENTATIONS VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS IX. OLD BUSINESS Town Council Meeting - Annual Planning Workshop Page 1 of 12 March 27, 2025 X. NEW BUSINESS 1. An Overview of Launch Fayette by Director Steven Justice, P.E. Mayor Dial introduced Mr. Justice. Mr. Justice shared that Launch Fayette was a business incubator. We need to grow businesses from the bottom, up. Launch Fayette partners with Fayette County schools, the Fayette County Development Authority, and Southern Crescent Technical College. He added that Fayette County businesses and Fayette County high school students over 18 years of age could also apply. The purpose was to assist entrepreneurs and to mentor those with ideas to get their business and ideas off the ground and to grow. 2. Administration and Finance - Brandon Perkins, Town Manager, and Sandy Beach, Finance / HR Manager Mr. Perkins briefed Council on the Administration department’s highlights for fiscal year 2025. Among the highlights was the resurfacing of the tennis/basketball courts, thirty folks were signed up for the 3rd annual Tyrone 101 program and that he was asked to speak on its success this fall in Tampa at the ICMA Conference. He added that he would continue revisions of employee handbooks. He briefed Council on the Town’s investment totals. The balance of the GA Fund 1 was $802,350.20, CDs totaled $1,228,000.00, and the Town’s total growth was $117,427.35. Mr. Perkins shared the priorities for fiscal year 2026. Among the listed were updating job descriptions, train department heads on the purchasing policy, and complete Phase II of the document scanning project. He named many projects that were currently in the works. Mr. Perkins named at least five ways that he and staff communicated with Council. He asked Council to suggest any other means of communication. Council Member Whelan thanked Mr. Perkins and stated the onus was on Council to ask questions when they arose. Council Member Hunter also thanked Mr. Perkins and staff. FINANCE Ms. Beach listed some highlights from her department, the Town had another favorable audit for the 23/23 fiscal year, the transparency software ClearGov was implemented, staff cleaned up more pension salary reporting, and a new FTO pay for training officers was set up. A few priorities Ms. Beach mentioned for 2025 were to continue with the segregation of duties the best staff can with only three members, to set up the ClearGov Digital Budget Book and to add more transparency links for Council and citizens, and to scan old payrolls making pension files readily available. Ms. Beach shared her department’s ongoing priorities, among which were, being good stewards of the taxpayer’s dollars, proper reporting and maintaining favorable audits, and maintaining transparency for the citizens. Ms. Beach reviewed the bank balances as of February 2025. Including pooled cash, federal seizure funds, 2017 and 2023 SPLOST funds, and savings, the total was $19,711,680.08. The Downtown Development Authority had $177,043.01. Page 2 of 12  She shared that the Town has approximately $8.5 million in reserves with a $4.2 million surplus to balance the budget. Ms. Beach shared graphs for departmental budgets and expenses by funds indicating the General Fund was the largest with $8.4 million and 2023 SPLOST at the smallest with $292,899 but will continue to grow. The last slide indicated projects and expenditures from Assigned Funds (ARPA). The funds were spent on salaries and benefits for employees which left a surplus that was allocated for economic development and departmental operations. From the $2.8 million, $2.1 million remained. 3. Property Tax & Local Homestead Exemptions - Brandon Perkins, Town Manager Mr. Perkins briefed Council on House Bill 581 and shared that Council Member Whelan asked for additional options for homestead exemption relief. The Town had increased the property tax revenue from 2018 to 2024, $1.95 million to $1.889 million, a 9.93% increase each year. HB581 caps assessed values at the rate of inflation of 2%-3% annually. The millage rate would have to increase substantially just to meet the 2018 assessed value. Based on assessments, even though the Town had not raised its millage rate in 16 years, we have increased what we charge the citizens based on the assessments. HB581 was designed for governments to be more transparent. He shared charts with HB581 and without. There would be a large gap for the Town to make up in revenue over time. One effect of HB581 would be that the use of reserve funds to balance the budget would cease and the current millage rate was not sustainable. He listed steps allowed by the Georgia Constitution for homestead exemptions. He listed several examples of exemptions two were, a flat rate for all citizens or those 65 years and older. Mr. Perkins stated that 62.89% of the Town’s revenue was from the homeowners. In the future, new commercial buildings will assist with taxes. A discussion began regarding options for exemptions and their impacts, including the potential for the need for a future millage increase. Council Member Whelan shared that ideally, commercial development would be paying the higher percentage. Mayor Dial asked Mr. Perkins for a formula to lower the tax burden and to keep a level of service. Mr. Perkins shared that normally, municipalities would build their budget and according to their shortfall would adjust their millage rate accordingly. This year, $4.5 million came from savings to balance the budget. Council Member Whelan suggested the implementation of a T- SPLOST. Council agreed that the end goal would be for the bulk of the burden not to be on the citizens. 4. Public Works - Scott Langford, Public Works Director Mr. Langford briefed Council on their 24/25 fiscal year transportation and stormwater completed capital projects, among them were road resurfacing, stormwater annual reports, procuring four major equipment needs and stormwater culverts Phase I. Among the projects currently under construction were the roundabout, Dogwood Trail TIP project, and the Public Works maintenance facility. Page 3 of 12  He shared projects under design/land acquisition, among them were asphalt resurfacing, Shamrock Dam culvert improvements, and the emergency access to Shamrock Industrial Park. Mr. Langford shared their fiscal year 25/26 goals, among them were the resurfacing of five roads, road maintenance, sidewalk repairs, and intersection improvements at Palmetto/Tyrone and Castlewood/Senoia. Mr. Langford shared the environmental and stormwater goals for the upcoming fiscal year. Among the goals were the improvements of several dams through SPLOST funding, stormwater infrastructure, and evaluation. Mr. Langford shared the 25/26 fiscal year goals for the Town facilities. Among the goals were to complete the Public Works maintenance building at Handley Park, seal and stripe the Library/Recreation parking lot, and begin the Handley Park hiking trails. Mr. Langford shared that their large equipment requests were for a 25-foot trailer to better haul large equipment, a 3500 truck, a scissor lift to assist recreation with light repairs, and a tire changer and wheel balancer. Mayor Dial asked what equipment was required for a larger trailer. Mr. Langford stated that it would be used for the track loader and the jet vac trailer unit. Mr. Trocquet shared that Mr. Bowman wished to replace the Ranger and the F-150 4X4. 5. Community Development - Phillip Trocquet, Community Development Mr. Trocquet informed Council of the 2024 milestones. Staff would complete the 2024 LCI Streetscape pre-engineering and design for Senoia Road, the Safe Streets 4 All Safety Action Plan with the County, Mr. Trocquet and Mr. Langford completed their LAP training for certification, Phase I streetscaping, RFP for the Shamrock Park stage/pavilion, and the beginning stages of the Food Truck Park. He shared staff’s 2025 goals, among them were revising zoning, land, and regular ordinances, Shamrock Park parking upgrades, Phase II scanning project of the building/planning department, and Phase II of Shamrock Park improvements. Council Member Furr inquired about the foundation/grounds of the Food Truck Park. Council Member Whelan inquired about the beautification of the outside of the Shamrock Park restrooms. Mr. Trocquet stated that the plan was to commission someone to paint a mural depicting the Town and adding landscaping. Mr. Trocquet began a discussion with Council regarding the Town’s history with and without a Code Enforcement Officer and the issues raised with the current contracted officer through Safebuilt, our building inspection service provider, for $49,000 for 16 hours a week. The cost was not combined with the building permit services. He informed Council of their options moving forward to maintain a high level of service. He added that 16 hours per week was not enough, and the service was not at a level for the Town’s needs. He gave examples of similar-sized cities and most have two full-time staff members. He suggested not adding hours to the Safebuilt position as it would be too costly. Council Member Whelan inquired about the contract and staff member. Mr. Trocquet stated that we were paying for premium services and were not receiving them. Mayor Dial asked what direction staff was looking for. Mr. Trocquet shared that he was giving Council options, continuing with Safebuilt or looking at an in-house position. Page 4 of 12  If Council chose to hire someone the $49,000 would go toward their salary of $80,000 including benefits. Council Member Hunter shared that Safebuilt needed to uphold its contract. Council Member Campbell shared that the Town needed to do it right and hire a full-time position. Council Member Whelan stated that Safebuilt needed to abide by the contract terms. Mayor Dial shared that the Town was not getting their money’s worth, we need a full- time employee. Mr. Trocquet shared all of the code enforcement operations. Council Member Furr stated that some duties may fall under other departments. Mr. Trocquet stated that some duties did overlap but were needed. Mayor Dial asked Mr. Trocquet if we needed a full-time staff member. Mr. Trocquet shared that although he agreed that the contract was not being upheld, the level of service would excel with a full-time position. Mr. Perkins shared that the contract would remain until a full-time person was hired. A motion was made to direct staff to begin the process of obtaining a full-time Code Enforcement Officer. 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. Council took a 15-minute break 6. Sewer and Tree Funds. - Scott Langford, Public Works Director Mr. Langford began with his sewer review and stated that the following projects were completed or under construction, Southampton sewer manhole stabilization, pump station 2 generator was replaced, pump station 4 reserve pump was ordered, the annual sewer and emergency contracts were almost completed, and the manhole repair’s design was close to completion. Among the fiscal year 25/26 sewer goals were continued maintenance for pump stations, pump station 3 Natural Gas conversion or an NG generator, and continued evaluations of sewer capacity. Mr. Langford reviewed the 2017 SPLOST projects. The roundabout was under construction, and the streetscaping was completed for 993 Senoia Road. He shared that for the 2023 SPLOST, staff was working on procuring equipment, and the resurfacing of several streets and the replacement of four culverts should be completed. Under design for the 2017 SPLOST were the 881 Senoia Road restroom improvements and ADA compliance, and the Swanson Road multi-use path/share the road projects. Under design and land acquisition for the 2023 SPLOST to mention a few were, the Laurelwood Road multi-use path connector, and the Adams Lake and Shamrock Park dams. Mr. Landford then shared the next fiscal year goals for the 2017 SPLOST among them were the roundabout, 881 improvements for Recreation, and debt reduction. Mr. Langford shared staff’s goals for the 2023 SPLOST. Among the goals were, continued work on multi-use paths, stormwater infrastructure, and dams. Council Member Whelan shared that there was a dead tree at Fabon Brown Park. Council Member Furr asked when construction would begin on the restrooms at 881 Senoia Road. Page 5 of 12  Mr. Langford stated that a lot of work needed to be done before the restrooms. It will not be completed before the Easter event in April. Mr. Perkins suggested a restroom trailer. Tree Fund Mr. Langford stated that the tree fund currently had $62,184 and some would go toward the downtown streetscape, some would go toward filling in space from the removal of the barn at Handley Park. Council Member Hunter inquired about the underground utilities for the first phase of the streetscape including the placement of trees. Mr. Trocquet explained that once they had a detailed construction plan established, the tree location may need to be shifted for Commerce, Caboose, and Senoia Roads. 7. Library - Patty Newland, Library Supervisor Ms. Newland introduced Ms. Kate Chambers the Children and Youth Services Coordinator. She gave some statewide library statistics and stated that there was an 8% increase in checkouts from 2023 amounting to 35 million, half being children’s materials. There were 11 million computer sessions, 45.5 million library visits, and $265 million in funding, 2.3% from federal, 17.9% state, and 80% from the local government. She then gave the Tyrone Library statistics, 90,461 circulations, 12,247 program attendees, 391 programs, and 14,735 computer sessions. She shared that from 2021 to 2024 their programs have doubled. Among the 25 plus free resources with your library card, they have added the Computer Museum of America and The Palace Project, which combined Libby and GALILEO eBook information into one database. Ms. Chambers announced that the Thousand Books Before Kindergarten program had six graduates. This year, staff requested receipt printers, barcode scanners, and a new copy/print release terminal from the Lib Tech Grant fund. Ms. Chambers shared that in 2024, patrons read an additional 4,000 hours during their Summer Reading Program. There was a 45% increase in Pre-K, a 145% increase in tweens and teens, and a 90% increase in adults. In 2024, the library hosted 11 summer reading programs, and they would increase them by 2 in 2025. Council Member Campbell asked what attributed to the rise in participation? Ms. Chambers shared that it was due to enticing prices and additional marketing. Ms. Chambers then shared the 2025 goals, among them were to continue with excellent customer service, continue growing their programs and attendance, especially for the teen and adult programs. They also wished to expand their outreach and presence at Town and community events. She currently performs two outreaches per month. She then shared their partnerships and factors, among them were the Georgia Public Library Services, local schools, PINES, social media, repairs, scanning, and developing collections. Mayor Dial asked how the library dealt with the shift in public schools to more private school attendance. Was the library partnering with Tyrone private schools? Ms. Chambers shared that they currently had a partnership with Crossroads and in collaboration with Landmark Christian, Trinity, homeschoolers, and occasionally, Clearwater and Konos students. Mayor Dial stated that those were great numbers. Page 6 of 12  Mr. Perkins shared that he met with Ms. Newland recently regarding the potential loss of federal funding and added that the Town should be able to supplement that funding if needed. Council Member Whelan added that she spoke with Senator Harbin and that the State could also supplement funding. 8. Recreation - Linda Owens, Recreation Manager Ms. Owens informed Council that numbers continue to increase with event turnout. There was also an additional $10,000 raised for last year’s Founders Day. Recreation also added more classes, Bathed in Sound, Art Workshop, and Tumbling. They’ve also added a new Summer STEM Camp in June and more. The cost should be $100. The current classes were Jazzercise, Line Dancing, Pilates, Zumba, and Yoga. Ms. Owens shared that among those that Recreation supports and hosts are the Elks, Toys-for-Tots, and Tarps for the Homeless. She announced the new Spring Festival on April 12th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm with a vendor card-assisted egg scavenger hunt. She announced the Downtown Development Authority’s First Friday proposed events, on May 2, June 6, July 4, August 1, and September 5 (Movie Night). She shared that Founders Day would be on October 3rd and 4th. She and Mr. Perkins used the procurement registry and found a vendor to provide all the attractions needed, including the largest slide in the U.S. More funding was being saved by utilizing local musicians, resulting in a smaller stage. She stated that Truck-or-Treat would be on October 31st from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. including Pumpkin Bowling. The Tyrone Tree Lighting and Christmas Market will be on November 30th from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will include fireworks and a merry-go- round. With procuring fireworks through one vendor there were savings bundling five fireworks events. That item will be on the next agenda for approval. She shared that the budget for Christmas for decorations totaled $9,790 with a couple of items pending. Council Member Campbell inquired about decorations from years ago. Ms. Owens stated that she only knew of the current pole decorations, but she would investigate it. Ms. Owens stated that she planned to purchase a wreath for the Council Chambers and the clock tower. Council Member Whelan requested an additional banner be placed on the opposite end of Town announcing Founders Day. Break for lunch 12:21 p.m. Resumed at 12:51 p.m. 9. Budget Options for Tyrone's America 250 Celebration. - Brandon Perkins, Town Manager Mr. Perkins and Council Member Whelan began the discussion regarding the July 4, 2026, event and its budget. Mr. Perkins shared that the baseline was $12,000 for the fireworks which were secured. Council Member Whelan shared ideas from the committee, which included, pet adoptions, cooling tents, presentation of flags from ROTC, a Barbershop Quartet, a kids parade around the park, an art contest, Sandy Creek Choir, and an essay contest, to name a few. The idea was to keep the small-town feel. Page 7 of 12  Council Member Hunter suggested a combat helicopter fly-over. Discussions included reaching out to churches and schools and sending postcard mailers. A motion was made to proceed with budgeting for the America 250 Celebration. 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. 10. Special Events Alcohol Ordinance Update - Phillip Trocquet, Asst. Town Manager Mr. Trocquet began a discussion regarding updates to the special event alcohol ordinance as it pertains to off-premises permitting including Council approved Town- sponsored events at Shamrock Park. Mr. Trocquet stated that on-premises require 55% of sales to be food with no exceptions for special-event venues. Off-premises could be issued to an on-premises license holder. The Catered Special Events must receive a permit, have an off-premises license, report their distilled spirit sales, for no more than three consecutive days. He clarified that currently, licenses were for non-residential properties, not allowed in our parks, and they had to adhere to distance restrictions. The proposed changes would consist of authorized off-premises special-event sales in conjunction with Town-sponsored, and DDA events in Shamrock Park with approval from Council for each event. It would also allow monthly frequency for temporary structures. He shared that the only ordinance changes for Section 4-201, would include changing the catered event off-premises license wording; An authorized catered function or event may be held in a temporary structure; however, no more than one such event per quarter month shall be held at a particular location. For Section 4-202, An off-premises license issued for the sale of alcoholic beverages shall only permit the sale of those types of alcoholic beverage permitted by the underlying license. For section 30-6 (j), the additional wording would be Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all town facilities except as authorized in conjunction with Town-sponsored events in Shamrock Park. Council Member Campbell asked if the license would be limited to the type of alcohol served. Mr. Trocquet stated that it would be part of the already established on-premises license. Council Member Campbell questioned if liquor would be allowed in Shamrock Park. Mr. Stough stated that it would depend on Council’s approval of the event and what they would limit it to for Town-sponsored events. Council would have control over Shamrock Park events. Council Member Whelan questioned the goal of having alcohol at Town-sponsored events. Mr. Trocquet shared that according to surrounding city events, such as Peachtree City’s Night Market, alcohol plays a big factor in the success of the event. Council Member Campbell agreed. He asked Chief Mundy’s opinion on the impact of alcohol being served at Shamrock Park. Chief Mundy stated that after speaking with Chiefs Moon and Grey, alcohol in their parks has had no impact on their service delivery. Mayor Dial stated that approval of events including alcohol would be practical, Finding Nemo would not be an event to include alcohol. Mr. Stough shared that in his position he stated that by serving alcohol there could be potential liability issues allowing increased exposure. Page 8 of 12 Council Member Whelan asked what the expected result of a better-attended DDA event with alcohol was. Council Member Campbell stated that the purpose of the DDA was to get as many downtown as possible to get citizens involved with current and future events and plans. Folks do not come to events to get intoxicated; they must stand in lines and the cost of alcohol is too high, however, it would attract more. Council Member Hunter asked Chief Mundy to elaborate. Chief Mundy shared that both Chief Moon and Grey did not have increased calls for fights or any more calls due to alcohol. He agreed that it was too expensive. Council Member Hunter stated that there would be a lot of layers to vote on each event. Mr. Trocquet added that a policy would also be in place as an additional layer regarding containers and a marked area only for drinking. Council Member Whelan inquired about data showing that events including alcohol are attributable to the economic development in the downtown area. Mr. Trocquet stated that breweries and wine bars do contribute and that events such as Night Market would not be successful without alcohol. Mayor Dial inquired about Fayetteville’s rules. Mr. Trocquet stated that Fayetteville had an open container district, effective year-round. Newnan had the same. Mr. Perkins stated that he had a conversation with the folks who run Night Market before COVID to see if they could do events in Tyrone. They declined because alcohol was not allowed. Mr. Perkins also attended Night Market and waited in line for 25 minutes for an expensive beer. Council Member Hunter inquired if the ordinance would also pertain to other parks. Mr. Trocquet shared the rules and regulations essentially pertaining to town property. Mr. Stough shared that the ordinance would not restrict the Town, it restricts those consuming alcohol. A motion was made to bring the ordinance changes to a regular future Council meeting for special events. Motion made by Council Member Campbell, Seconded by Council Member Hunter. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Hunter. Voting Nay: Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan. Mayor Dial broke the tie in favor. Mr. Trocquet expressed the difficulty that special event venues have had obtaining off- premises alcohol license holders to cater their events. Currently, no local alcohol license holders have an off-premises license, which would require some education. Not many municipalities have off-premises licenses. Town venues must meet the 55% food sales requirement to prevent bars. There was a discussion on creating a special events venue alcohol license. It would prevent them from becoming a bar and they would have limitations because they are an event venue. It would not include the 55% food sales. Glendalough has an in-house caterer, but others do not and cannot sell alcohol. Mayor Dial stated that a local venue had been unlawfully operating under BYOB and realized that they were not allowed to do so. Mr. Trocquet echoed that some venues have been operating under bring your own beverages which is strictly prohibited. Page 9 of 12  Mr. Trocquet shared that to assist these venues, staff could approach other alcohol license holders to see if they would be interested in pursuing an off-premises license to help these businesses. He added that currently, no fee was established for an off-premises license. We are holding the venues to a standard that was difficult to obtain. Mr. Stough added that if other jurisdictions had an off-premises license they could pay the special event permit cost and cater for a Tyrone event. Mr. Perkins shared that through conversations with an individual who is renting a local event center, they have found it impossible to find an off-premises license holder to cater for their event next weekend. We suspect that local venues have BYOB events illegally, however, the Town does not police private events. If the ordinance is updated, the Town could benefit from fees and would have some regulatory control. Mayor Dial stated that the Town needed to work with the venues for their success. Mr. Trocquet named the venues Glendalough Manor, Tyrone Depot, Ritzy Royal, and Orleangham Event Facility. Mayor Dial added that it would apply to future centers too. Mr. Trocquet added that the venues had to meet the distance requirements. Mayor Dial asked if the distancing regulations could be updated also, Mr. Trocquet stated that the Town Center requirements were updated, however, there were State requirements as well. A motion was made to direct staff to amend the ordinance regarding off-premises alcohol licenses. Motion made by Council Member Whelan, Seconded by Council Member Hunter. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter. 11. Municipal Court - April Spradlin, Court Clerk Ms. Spradlin informed Council that she and her staff would continue to uphold their Mission Statement and continue with training for Judge Allisha Thomspon, Prosecutor, Alaina Granade, herself, and the Assistant Court Clerk, Lindsey King. Among their accomplishments were, a successful audit, the maintenance of records, the completion of GCIC training, and the handling of warrants with the Fayette County Magistrate Court. They have collaborated with Fayette County Accountability Court for their Veterans Treatment and DUI courts as an element of rehabilitation. She shared that Court adjudicated 1,250 citations, and their fines collected and paid totals. There was a $53,138 increase in revenue over last year. Ms. Spradlin also shared many goals including maintaining training, GCIC requirements, and having no appeals or formal complaints. 12. Public Safety - Randy Mundy, Chief of Police Chief Mundy shared that Part 1 crime was down by 10% in 2024 and Part 2 decreased by 78% for the sixth year in a row. Officers logged 1179 hours of advanced POST training in 2024. The officers logged 323 incident reports and 176 accident reports. There were 2,796 traffic stops with only 1,067 citations issued the rest were warnings. Page 10 of 12  He names several community outreach events including, the Zombie Apocalypse, Founders Day, and HOA meetings. Among the department’s goals were to maintain low crime rates, more community outreach and maintaining a full staff. Two final staff members are expected to begin in April and July, after training. Chief Mundy shared that staff needed two more F-150s and would be placed within the new budget. Mayor Dial asked for clarification on POST training. Chief Mundy shared that only 20 hours per officer was required, under 400 for the department and the department was approaching 1,200 hours. Council Member Campbell inquired about the Intermediate and Advanced Supervisory and Managerial Certifications. Chief Mundy shared that the program was still intact along with the FTO training program and pay. Council Member Campbell asked if the additional pay and program were offered to other departments. Mr. Perkins shared that it was currently being offered, however, he was open to further discussions about employee retention. Mr. Perkins and Chief Mundy agreed that the Police Department training opportunities were different, and college credits were a prerequisite. 13. Public Safety Mental Health and Wellness Options. Randy Mundy, Chief of Police Mayor Dial began the discussion regarding the importance of ensuring that officers are given ample resources for mental health. Many options were suggested including Equine Therapy. The Town currently offers Chaplin services and psychotherapy through insurance. Chief Mundy shared that staff reached out to the Georgia Police Accreditation Coalition. Tyrone was current on what others offered. Some offer contracted mental health services. He spoke highly of Frank Mercer (Chaplin Services). Mayor Dial mentioned Flying Change in Fairburn which offered equine services. He then inquired about contributions for Frank Mercer. All agreed to move forward with compensation. Chief Mundy added that 4 Heros Thrift Shop helps pay for his services for other municipalities too. Mayor Dial said that the Town had options for officers and that Mr. Mercer’s modest compensation would be placed within the next budget. A motion was made to include a mental health and wellness line for police personnel within the budget. 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. 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. Page 11 of 12 XII. STAFF COMMENTS Mr. Perkins shared that not many showed up to claim their pews from 881 Senoia Road. They were not in the best shape to donate. He would reach out to various non-profits before removal. Council Member Campbell suggested making them into large chairs. Chief Mundy informed Council that the department passed their third certification inspection and received a plaque. Mr. Langford gave the Public Works Crew for their expeditious support for the CSX derailment. Mr. Perkins recognized Lt. Eric DeLoose for his diligence in noticing the damage and reporting it to CSX before the incident. XIII. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council Member Furr inquired about the AmWaste transfer station regarding the fire. Mr. Perkins stated that they were operational. Council Member Hunter thanked Chief Mundy, and the show of cooperation from the other local law enforcement departments regarding the CSX incident. Mayor Dial was disappointed with the lack of communication that CSX had with the local affected businesses. He asked for everyone to drop by and give them well wishes. Council Member Campbell thanked all department heads for the preparation that went into the meeting. Council Member Whelan thanked all for the great presentations and for answering all questions. She also thanked God for watching over everyone during the CSX incident. She then led a prayer for thanksgiving. XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION XV. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made to adjourn. Motion made by Council Member Campbell. Voting Yea: Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr, Council Member Whelan, Council Member Hunter The meeting adjourned at 2:22 p.m. By: Attest: Eric Dial, Mayor Dee Baker, Town Clerk Page 12 of 12