Town Council Meeting - Workshop

TYRONE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING - WORKSHOP MINUTES December 07, 2023 at 5:30 PM Eric Dial, Mayor Gloria Furr, Mayor Pro Tem, Post 4 Linda Howard, Post 1 Brandon Perkins, Town Manager Melissa Hill, Post 2 Dee Baker, Town Clerk Billy Campbell, Post 3 Dennis Davenport, Town Attorney Also present: Sandy Beach, Finance / HR Director Scott Langford, Town Engineer / Public Works Director 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. Council Member Elect-Jessica Whelan who lives on Valleywood Rd. stated that she was excited about the workshop for Shamrock Park improvements. The park was special to her because it was the first place she and her husband visited in 2008. She shared her concerns regarding safety with the new proposed public parking lot located behind the former police station, she would like to hear Chief Mundy’s view regarding that. She also shared concerns regarding the aquatic plant life, would the plants require maintenance and whether there be a visibility issue. That would cause additional work for the public works team. The vegetation may also welcome unwanted vermin. Ms. Whelan was not in favor of the wooden deck in option C. She asked if option A, letter C was a multiuse golf cart connector. Also, would there be any designated golf cart parking? She was in favor of preserving the older trees in the park. V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A motion was made to approve the agenda. Motion made by Council Member Campbell, Seconded by Council Member Furr. Voting Yea: Council Member Howard. 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 Town Council Meeting - Workshop Page 1 of 6 December 07, 2023 VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS IX. OLD BUSINESS X. NEW BUSINESS 1. Consideration of Shamrock Park Alternatives. Phillip Trocquet, Community Development | David Argo & Adam Williamson, TSW Mr. Trocquet reminded Council that the Town had contracted with TSW to prepare a detailed park re-design for Shamrock Park consistent with the "Envision Tyrone" Downtown Plan and the 2023 SPLOST. The plan originated with the LCI. He added that a steering committee of approximately 10 citizens had been formed providing commentary throughout the process ensuring citizen needs were addressed. He stated that $2.5 Million of SPLOST funding was dedicated to the Shamrock Park improvements as it was our flagship park. Tonight was to review the design phase, and then to move into construction. He stated that TSW had developed three design alternatives based on commentary and expressed the needs/desires outlined in previous plans. The elements of each design could be mixed and matched to combine into a final design of greater detail to be utilized for construction implementation. He introduced Mr. Adam Williamson, RLA, AICP, and Mr. David Argo, Associate with TSW. Mr. Trocquet stated that he combined comments and ideas from the citizen Steering Committee, along with staff, and in particular, Recreation and the Library for their input. He shared that tonight, he was looking for Council’s input regarding the design, and added that Council could mix and match ideas from each main design (A, B, and C). Mr. Trocquet listed many items from the Steering Committee regarding the designs. He shared that there was a majority of support for the Library space in option A. They liked the idea of keeping the terraced area flexible and suggested adding a rain cover between recreation and the library. They suggested adding a shade cover for the Tot Lot, including power in the terraced area, and ensuring an ADA ramp was included, and connecting the front of the building to the outdoor area via a new retaining wall. They also suggested creating art from the power box. Council Member Hill arrived at 5:45 pm. Mr. Trocquet shared more commentary. He stated that the committee supported Plan A for the main thoroughfare and its granite fines flex area. They suggested adding power to the flex areas, a mural on the bathroom building, and additional art throughout. They wished to keep the interior trails for pedestrians only and to leave some of the flex areas for golf cart parking. Mr. Trocquet stated that the committee preferred option B for the west parking lot and trail connection. They wanted area "G" to be turf, fencing around the playground, and to have epoxy rubber for the playground material. Page 2 of 6 He listed many more items, some of which were, the need for tables and chairs in the flex areas, preservation of the field, Christmas Tree Plaza, native plants, the addition of AEDs, outdoor games such as cornhole, and a Town Hall pedestrian crossing with flashing beacon. He shared that within the design were the construction of two additional public parking lots, one behind the former police station, and a temporary lot located at 969 Senoia Rd. Council Member Furr asked when Council would see the final rendering. Mr. Trocquet shared that currently, the project is in Phase II, after receiving direction from Council, TSW could prepare a final design which would include a site plan and topography. Mr. Perkins asked if staff would meet the March deadline. Mr. Trocquet stated that the deadline should be met. Council Member Campbell inquired about the stage. Mr. Trocquet stated that it would be open and made from natural materials, similar to the stage at Drake Field in Peachtree City. It was also positioned according to the angle of the sun; it could also be seen from Senoia Road. However, Council could decide the final design. Council Member Campbell asked to see a closer design of the stage. Mr. Perkins displayed the stage at Drake Field. Council Member Furr suggested raising the stage. Council Member Campbell suggested more lighting and having speed tables at the Town Hall building crossing, the Publix crossing, and the Farr Road multiuse cart path crossing. Mr. Trocquet shared that there could be additional traffic calming elements such as chokers, and small islands. Mr. Perkins shared that the speed limits registered lower on Senoia Road with the speed indicator placement. Council Member Howard inquired about the trees/bushes depicted in the design along Senoia Road. Mr. Trocquet stated that they were trees, however, there were comments regarding the preservation of the viewshed from the road. The next phase of the design would give a better idea of the landscaping along that area. Council Member Furr stated to be mindful of the power lines. Mr. Williamson and Mr. Argo introduced themselves. Mr. Williamson shared that he would be the Principal, and Mr. Argo was the Project Manager. TSW was an Atlanta planning, architect, and landscaping firm. He added that they were there to answer any questions Council may have. Mayor Dial asked who would answer questions regarding “mass plantings” as depicted. Mr. Trocquet directed Council to view the entire plan as displayed on the wall, it was more cohesive. He added that during discussions, Council could ask Mr. Williamson and Mr. Argo those types of questions. At this point of the meeting, Mayor Dial, Council, staff, and attendees viewed the renderings and discussed them. Mayor Dial asked for Council’s input. Council Member Campbell shared that the general concept was good. He added that the food trucks should utilize the east parking lot instead of driving along the new areas and the cart path and to add walkways from parking to the park. He shared his concern regarding the low-lying wet areas around the Page 3 of 6 lake and the location of the new west parking lot. Mr. Trocquet ensured Council that the final design would better address his concerns. There may also be changes during construction regarding placements and topography. Council Member Campbell added that he would also like to see the stage raised but he did like the open-air look. Mayor Dial inquired if the east parking lot would be a temporary lot until the parcel was sold. Mr. Trocquet stated that it would be a temporary gravel lot with concrete ADA spaces. Mayor Dial then shared his concerns with the upper arch of the field near Senoia Road. He did not want the landscaping to consume the field space. Council Member Campbell asked what types of planting would be placed in that space. Mr. Argo (inaudible from audience) stated that it would be more of a no-mow zone, not too intensive, a small buffer area, they were looking for direction from Council. Council Member Campbell asked how many feet would the buffer be. Mr. Argo stated that it would be 30-40 feet. Council Member Hill shared her concerns with the idea of a small field area. A discussion took place regarding a small drop between the field and the cart path. Mr. Trocquet (inaudible) stated that the buffer would be more for aesthetics. Mayor Dial clarified that the entry onto the field would be through the 3-5 entryways over the dips. He added that he did not like the no mow option. Mr. Trocquet shared that the buffer area would add more infiltration for stormwater runoff. Council Member Campbell stated that 30-40 feet was too much. Mr. Trocquet clarified that the idea was to keep as much of the field as possible and to keep the buffer between the path and the field small. Discussion began regarding the curve of the design in the same area. Mr. Trocquet stated that the curve would benefit the crowd as it pertained to the stage. All agreed that the curve should be pushed back taking up less field space. Mr. Perkins displayed Madras Park in Newnan indicating several path options and entrances onto the field. Mayor Dial moved the conversation to the space between the Library and the Recreation Center. Mr. Trocquet shared that Ms. Newland preferred Option A as it had tiered seating. Mayor Dial was concerned with the materials used. Mr. Trocquet stated that it would be made from artificial turf and cinder blocks. Council Member Howard asked about the height of the steps. Mr. Williamson stated that it would be 18 inches. He added that granite fines would be added for ADA compliance. Discussion began regarding the vegetation around the lake and a boat ramp for public works access. Mr. Trocquet clarified that Council wished to keep access to the pond for fishing, no blockage regarding viewing, low maintenance vegetation that would not attract vermin. Council Member Campbell suggested a concrete boat ramp for better access to the pond. Mr. Williamson suggested more of a natural border. Mr. Trocquet shared that signage would be placed throughout the park. Mayor Dial wished to have more lighting added to the park in addition to what was on the plan. Council Member Hill suggested uplighting the trees. Page 4 of 6  Council Member Howard inquired about the entrance listed on the plan, are we moving the entrance. Mr. Perkins stated that it was an option to move it to be in line with the former police building. He also shared that the Town Hall entrance could also be realigned. Mr. Trocquet stated that by adding the parking lots, the entrance would be moved including many options. All agreed that it would be the better option. Mayor Dial shared his approval for the Christmas Tree Plaza. Mr. Trocquet stated the three different options for the plaza. One with pavers, another with granite fines, and last with a small trail and loop around the tree. Council Member Howard asked if the Christmas Tree Farm could still be used in the options. Mr. Trocquet stated that it would be included. Council Member Hill inquired about the power lines. Mr. Trocquet stated that the design would not impede the lines, however, it would be costly to move them. Mr. Trocquet stated that the final design would come before Council soon following the next Steering Committee meeting. Currently, the direction Council gave would be to preserve as much of the field as possible, the buffer/walkway area would be minimal, give thought to the plantings around the lake for minimized maintenance, and initiate Option A for the Library area. Mayor Dial thanked the Steering Committee for their time, he thanked Mr. Williamson and Mr. Argo. He also thanked Mr. Trocquet and staff for working hard. His hopes were that past, present, and future Tyroneians would be proud of the new design. Council Member Howard inquired about the materials used for the expansion behind the current playground. Mr. Trocquet stated that it would be mulch or a rubberized material. 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 XIII. COUNCIL COMMENTS XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION XV. ADJOURNMENT Page 5 of 6  A motion was made to adjourn. Motion made by Council Member Howard. Voting Yea: Council Member Hill, Council Member Campbell, Council Member Furr. The meeting adjourned at 6:49 pm. By: Attest: Eric Dial, Mayor Dee Baker, Town Clerk Page 6 of 6