Town Council Regular Meeting

Town of Tyrone Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2014 Present: Mayor Eric Dial Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Furr Council Member Ken Matthews Council Member Ryan Housley Town Manager Kyle Hood Town Clerk Dee Baker Town Attorney Dennis Davenport Council Member Linda Howard was absent. Mayor Dial called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Invocation was given by Mayor Dial; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comments: Mr. Kevin Gooding who lives at 120 Shankhill Ridge spoke and stated that he and his wife have lived in Tyrone for nine years and currently lives in Dublin Downs. He stated that there has been significant development on Handley Road: the Women’s Center, expansion of Little Vine Church, an office park, Handley Park has expanded; and there is also O’Reilly’s Auto Parts. This has caused additional traffic and speeding cars on Handley Road. There is currently no safe alternative for walking or riding a golf cart on Handley Road. Mr. Gooding stated that he has made requests to Council over the nine years of living in Tyrone and no action has been taken. He stated that he and his friends and neighbors were in attendance because they feel very strongly on this topic and asked that Council seriously consider a multi-use cart path on Handley Road. He stated that he would like the same expanded shoulder that is on Arrowood Road on Handley and Tyrone Roads. He added that he understands that there have been funding issues in the past regarding the placement of a cart path on Handley and Tyrone Roads but pleaded with Council for safety reasons. He stated that Dublin Downs is completely built out, with 38 homes. He asked for Council to look at the smaller picture from O’Hara Drive to the entrance of Handley Park, which is 2/10 of a mile. He included a formal request in the form of a letter to Mayor Dial and Mr. Hood. Mr. Gooding continued by informing Council that in 2007, the Town participated in a comprehensive survey and the plan included a walking district, gathering places, multi-use paths, recreation and park space, a historic feel and clean streets. He stated that a few have been completed however downtown looks like a 1970 leisure suit and we need to clean it up. He proposed that we clean up what we have, co-op with businesses, along with some code enforcement to make downtown better. 1|Page Maha Raslan asked Council to waive the rental fees for the non-profit organization Heart of Passion’s “Tyrone Tackles Cancer” festivities. She stated that the event is for teens to raise money for teens with Cancer to attend a retreat just for them. The event would be held Saturday, May 17, 2014 from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Council Member Matthews made a motion to waive the rental fees. Council Member Housley seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. Ms. Erin Kagey, a Lake Windsong resident, spoke next. She stated that she too has lived in Tyrone for nine years and owns a golf cart. She requested a golf cart path on Senoia Road from Maple Shade to the four way stop at Senoia/Palmetto Road. She shared her concern for safety as she picks up her children from Crabapple and attends the Tyrone Library. She added that she would also like to see improvements to the downtown area and to add more playground equipment. Ms. Michele Norman, also a resident in Lake Windsong, stated that she requests a multi-use path connecting Tyrone to Peachtree City. She shared her safety concerns for the lack of lines drawn on Dogwood Trail. She stated that at night and with foggy conditions, it is very difficult and dangerous to drive down Dogwood Trial into Lake Windsong from Senoia Road. Mrs. Michayla Best spoke regarding the potential placement of Optimus Academy within the Town limits. She stated that unfortunately they do not have the numbers to inhabit Tyrone Elementary School. She described the school as a private school that was created to be a learning environment where students can learn in a way that suits them best, and provides skills-based education in a nontraditional setting. She added that she and her husband have been a part of Operation Mobilization for 15 years and believe that Tyrone is the perfect centralized location for the school. She ended by addressing that she believes that they can serve Tyrone and bring something unique for our community and our children. Ms. Ingrid Wade from Lake Windsong spoke in support of a golf cart path, safe sidewalks and connectivity into Peachtree City. She suggested weeding the downtown area so we can be proud of our Town and suggested having a community beautification project to get the community involved. Ms. Charlotte Gooding, who lives in Lake Wind Song, spoke on two items. The first was the comprehensive plan from 2007 in regards to multi-use paths. She stated that the residents should have access to various avenues of transportation: biking, walking and golf carts, in order to enhance revenue to local businesses downtown. Ms. Gooding stated that the second item of interest is the safety for parents picking up their small children from Crabapple Elementary School. She requested the extension of the cart path from Tyrone/Palmetto Road, down Senoia Road to Maple Shade. Ms. Pip Nelson, also a Lake Windsong resident, spoke regarding the golf cart paths. She stated she has a child attending Crabapple Elementary and Sandy Creek High School. She added that currently it is not safe for her children to ride the golf cart or their bikes to school and they are required to ride the bus. She suggested a golf cart crossing, located toward the back of Sandy 2|Page Creek around the cross country trail from the Sonic area. This would allow families to drive their golf carts to Sandy Creek, Flat Rock and Burch Elementary Schools. She also suggested the cart path be extended from Tyrone/Palmetto to the four-way leading to Crabapple. Ms. Rebecca Stevens has been a Lake Windsong resident for three years after moving from Peachtree City. She spoke regarding the cart paths. She shared the need for a cart path from Senoia Road to Maple Shade, connecting to Peachtree City and the Kedron Shopping Center. She prefers living in Tyrone to Peachtree City and would like to see a cart path along Senoia Road. Ms. Jennifer Elwyn, also a resident in Lake Windsong, moved from the Northeast because they liked the Tyrone area. She spoke of the need of a cart path along Senoia Road to Maple Shade. Ms. Elwyn stated that she also has a child at Sandy Creek and would like a path connecting to the school area as a safe alternative to an automobile. Constance Ruddock stated that she likes to ride her bike and feels that Dogwood Trail, coming out of Lake Windsong is not safe, due to the lack of lines on the road. She would also like to see multi-use paths on Senoia Road. Ms. Patricia Welch, a Lake Windsong resident and local business merchandiser, spoke regarding the future development of Tyrone. She stated that a local business shared their concerns regarding the red tape a new business has to go through in order to develop within the Town. She added that the retired residents would like something to do also. She mentioned the feel of the shops in Senoia and that cart paths would be a great start for Tyrone. She suggested some type of marketing needs to be applied, in order to bring in retailers to our small Town. She stated that almost eight years ago, the realtors promised paths, and ended by inquiring; where is the Town going? Shirley and Leroy Pressley, residents of Lake Windsong, also supported their neighbor’s requests for the need of golf cart paths. Mr. Pressley reiterated the need for stripes on Dogwood Trail from McDade to Senoia Road and also requested better lighting for that area. Ms. Judy Jefferson, a Tyrone Planning Commissioner stated that she was inspired by the young folks that are coming to Tyrone that want to breath breathe into the Town. Ms. Jefferson stated that she pledges to work with these young people to “put vibrance into a sleeping swan.” She stated that she has spoken with Mr. Hood and is embarrassed of how awful Shamrock Park looks after working her fingers to the bone years ago. Mayor Dial introduced a few people in attendance; Wil James, Planning Commission Member, Dr. Barry Marchman, Fayette County Board of Education Member and John Woody, Tyrone’s Representative for the Fayette County Development Authority and thanked them all for attending. Ms. Susan Triunfo, an eight year resident from Lake Windsong, spoke in favor of the need of a golf cart path in Town and the need for a center line down Dogwood Trail. 3|Page Matt Douglas, a Lake Windsong resident, spoke in support of a golf cart path. He stated that he has four young daughters. He moved from Newnan and wishes to raise them in Tyrone. He bought a golf cart when they moved to Tyrone. He added that his family would spend more time downtown if the trip was a lot safer. Senoia Road would be the easiest road to take but it is also the busiest. He added that where he is located, it is more feasible and safer to visit restaurants in Peachtree City. Ms. Jo Halverson spoke in favor of improving and extending the Tyrone cart paths for a smoother ride on a bike or a cart. Occasionally she will ride her bike in Peachtree City due to the better cart paths. Mayor Dial addressed the audience and stated that Council cannot make any commitments at this time due to several major arteries that needed to be paved and several stormwater projects that need attention. He added that Tyrone has not raised taxes in eight years. There are several other Town projects that need to be completed, but that is not to say that the Town does not want improved or additional cart paths. Next month is our budget period. He announced the following budget meeting times; Tuesday, May 27th at 4:00 p.m., Thursday June 5th at 7:00 p.m. and Thursday, June 19th at 7:00 p.m. We cannot make these types of decisions without making the decision to appropriate the money to do so. He stated that what was asked tonight may mean higher taxes and is that something you would be comfortable with. There are several other neighborhoods in town besides the two that were represented here tonight. We greatly appreciate you coming out and voicing your opinions. Council Member Furr stated that she agrees that the Town needs cleaning up and that she has been trying for over eight years on Council to do so. A company has been hired to do just that, and she is not happy with the results. She stated that the weeds are waist high and our Public Works did a better job. She asked Mr. Hood to review the new service. Council Member Housley echoed Judy Jefferson and stated that he too was inspired by the ground swell of interest by the community. This is our future and more young professionals will be moving into Town. It is motivating to be a part of that type of community. Council Member Matthews stated that he was raised in Tyrone and has seen a lot of changes. He also shared his dissatisfaction with the right of way mowing. Approval of Agenda Council Member Housley made a motion to approve the agenda. Council Member Matthews seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. 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. 4|Page Approval of Minutes April 17, 2014 Consideration of approval for a contract with Forever Young Amusements for Founder’s Day. Jennifer Patton, Recreation Events Programmer Council Member Matthews made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Council Member Furr seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. PRESENTATIONS/RECOGNITION: Proclamation- National Armed Forces Day. Eric Dial, Mayor PUBLIC HEARING: OLD BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: 1. Consideration and action on a permanent stage in the Roger Spencer Community Center. Jennifer Patton Frey, Recreation Events Programmer Mrs. Patton Frey spoke regarding the deterioration of the current stage and the safety issues. She added that during the week she has up to 25 classes using the same stage and the stage was here prior to her arrival in 2007. She stated her request for a permanent stage with storage underneath, and added that this would be an asset to Recreation. Council Member Furr asked Mr. Davenport if the Town needs to obtain three separate bids for this project. Mr. Davenport stated that the purchasing policy should state the particulars. She added that one of the bidders gave the dimensions of 16 X 24 X 3. Ms. Patton replied that the company did send the wrong calculations and that she called them to submit the correct details, they never replied. The company also did not include stairs or storage. Council Member Furr asked if the bid standards were appropriate. Mr. Davenport stated that if the amounts requested for were consistent in the purchasing manual, then you should be fine. A discussion took place regarding the details, such as materials. Mayor Dial suggested tabling the item for further discussion. Council Member Furr made a motion to approve the construction of a permanent stage by American Eagle not to exceed $6,500. Council Member Matthews seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. 2. Consideration of approval of a bid for a Permanent Pavilion at Handley Park Sports Complex. Jennifer Patton Frey, Recreation Events Programmer Mrs. Patton Frey requested permission to proceed with the construction project of a permanent pavilion at Handley Park. Mrs. Patton Frey stated that last year the Mayor requested research on the construction of a permanent structure to be utilized by the sports 5|Page organizations and Founder’s Day festivities. She added that it could also be used for family reunions, picnics, church retreats and sports camps during inclement weather. Council Member Furr stated that this project will be nice and elaborate. Mrs. Patton Frey stated that this will be a permanent structure used not only for shade but will have storage for Founder’s Day and the Recreation Department. The structure will be placed behind the T-Ball field where there is currently a berm, which will be moved to the left. Council Member Furr shared her dilemma with approving the structure and that the Soccer Association does not have restrooms nor a concession stand, also the cost is very steep. Mrs. Patton Frey stated that the Town will receive a State Grant to assist with the Soccer Association and that Recreation is continuing on with the Federal Grant process. The grants will assist in the construction of future soccer fields, a concession stand and restrooms. Council Member Housley inquired of the uses of the pavilion besides cover and storage. Mrs. Patton Frey stated that the pavilion will be a safe haven from the elements in between tournaments. It will have electricity and water. A discussion ensued regarding the estimated cost and construction. Council Member Matthews made a motion to table the item to the June 5th meeting. Council Member Housley seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. 3. Consideration of approval of a Resolution adopting the 2014 Capital Improvements Element. Kyle Hood, Town Manager Mr. Hood informed Council that each year each city, in conjunction with the county, is asked to adopt a set of Capital Improvement projects relative to our collection of Fire Impact fees. Part of the process is to adopt a resolution stating that the projects are ongoing. Council Member Furr made a motion to approve the Resolution as submitted and to be executed by Mayor Dial. Council Member Matthews seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. 4. Consideration of an MOU for reciprocity between Fayette County and the Town of Tyrone on Golf Cart Ordinance. Kyle Hood, Town Manager Mr. Hood informed Council that Fayette County is now involved in the operations, and construction of golf cart path infrastructure. The County wishes to enter in an agreement of reciprocity between Tyrone and Peachtree City also, for rules and regulations. Council Member Housley made a motion to adopt the MOU and be executed by Mayor Dial. Council Member Matthews seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. 6|Page Public Comments Mr. Kevin Gooding spoke regarding items number one and two on the agenda. He asked for Council to relay the amounts again for the stage and pavilion. Mayor Dial stated that the permanent stage construction will not surpass $6,500 and the pavilion item was tabled to the first meeting in June. That amount was $109,851.00. Mr. Gooding stated that the appearance of parks could start with improving the signage and Shamrock Park is in need of a public restroom. He’s counted 20-30 cars most nights at Shamrock Park for unscheduled events. Please consider the Handley Park expenditures in order to improve the appearance of the downtown area. Ms. Charlotte Gooding spoke again to reflect on Council’s proposal for the permanent pavilion at Handley Park. She stated that from a fiscal stand point, the Town needs to evaluate considerations that were brought forth to the Council, such as the beautification of the parks and cart paths, things that are more pressing to the community. John Lee, Director of Development for Konos Academy, spoke next requesting sewer connection to the former Tyrone Elementary School. He informed Council that Konos Academy is a unique hybrid school that is designed specifically to assist home school families. In 2001 the school housed 20 students, this year we have 160, next year approximately 185. They are seriously considering Tyrone Elementary School to house our school. It is a wonderful central location, however there is a septic issue. The one field that is currently running, could serve our school for years to come. It would be a risk to take. He asked Council to consider adding sewer lines to the school. If our school is moved into this building, we will see a definite increase in attendance. Mr. Lee concluded that they would love to be a part of Tyrone and they want to see Tyrone revitalized. He stated that they could be a part of the long term picture and this would ensure quality tenants in the downtown area. Staff Comments Mr. Hood announced that during the retreat the full time Library position was discussed, this will go live on June 23rd. Mr. Hood stated that cleaning service bids were received and they were over the amount allotted for the service. At this time the service will remain in house. The current staff person will be servicing the buildings at night. Mr. Hood informed everyone that Town offices will be closed on Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day. Council Comments Council Member Housley stated again how inspired and impressed he was at the amount of citizens that were in attendance to show Council how invested they were in the Town and that the best days are ahead. 7|Page Executive Session Pursuant to O.C.G.A § 50-14-4 (b) of the Open and Public Meetings Act, Council will meet in Executive Session to review one item of pending litigation. Council Member Matthews made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss one item of pending litigation. Council Member Furr seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. Council Member Furr made a motion to reconvene. Council Member Matthews seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. Adjournment Council Member Furr made a motion to adjourn. Council Member Matthews seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm. By:________________________ Attest:______________________ Eric Dial, Mayor Dee Baker, Town Clerk 8|Page