Town Council Regular Meeting

Town of Tyrone Council Meeting Retreat Minutes February 10, 2015 Present: Mayor Eric Dial Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Furr Council Member Ken Matthews Council Member Ryan Housley Council Member Linda Howard Town Manager Kyle Hood Town Clerk Dee Baker Town Attorney Dennis Davenport Mayor Dial called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. The Invocation was given by Mayor Dial, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comments Approval of Agenda Council Member Furr made a motion to approve the agenda. Council Member Matthews seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0 OLD BUSINESS: 1. FY14 Audit Report, Town Auditor Sam Latimer Finance Director Sandy Beach introduced Chris Hollifield and Samuel Latimer from Rushton & Company. Mr. Hollifield thanked Mayor Dial and Council. He stated that for the three years they have been our auditors and we have all worked well together; and stated that Ms. Beach does a great job. He referred to the Audit Report Presentation and explained the layout of the report. He reported that the invested capital asset amount is $7,662,369 and the Town has no debt. The restricted net position amount is $212,763, unrestricted net position is $ 6,843,226 and the total net position is $14,718,358. The total revenue reported was $892,722 there was an increase in the new Ad Valorem Title Tax (TAVT), LOST, building permits and grants. Mr. Hollifield added that regarding the general fund, revenues increased to $617,119 or 18.7% in 2014. Property taxes decreased $5,646, while TAVT increased to $125,417; LOST to $232.951and Intergovernmental increased to $191,532. He reported that expenditures increased by $449,061 or 16.1%. Among the increases were Public Works capital outlay projects at $186,454, Planning and Zoning at $131,532 and Environmental Department at $80,502. Page 1 of 12 He added that the unassigned fund balance for future expenditures is $5,310,786 or 19.7 months of unassigned expenditures. Mr. Hollifield stated that the Town is in great financial shape, better than a majority of cities. He added that the general fund looks good as well. There was not a lot of change in the sewer fund. He stated that regarding the sanitation fund, revenue increased and expenses decreased. He added that there were no major issues with internal controls but suggested to continue to improve on segregation of duties in regards to handling money. Mr. Hollifield then reported on pensions and retirement. He stated that the Town is making its required contributions. He added that as of June 30, 2014 the unfunded pension liability amount was $123,942. He stated that according to the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Statement No. 68. This calculation is now required to be placed on the books as a liability, which is across the board for all municipalities. Council Member Furr asked for more information regarding the topic of pension. Mr. Hollifield referred to the Annual Financial Report. He referenced the historical trend table and stated that in 2014, the actuarial value of assets was $1,436,462 (the Town’s investments). The actuary then provides the Town with their calculated retirement payouts which were $1,560,404. The Town was underfunded by $123,942, which has significantly changed within three years. The Town is now 92.06% funded. He added that a rough estimate of their clients are at 60% funded. Mr. Hollifield stated hypothetically, if the Town put in a new retirement plan today, we would obtain an amount for future retirement from the actuary. He gave an example of $100,000. He added that the Town would be underfunded from the start. This plan allows the client to “catch up,” because you will always be behind a little. Council Member Howard asked if this value would continue to grow. Mr. Hollifield stated yes, the value is always affected by the market. Council Member Housley asked how many months are recommended to keep for unassigned expenditures. Mr. Hollifield stated that the minimum is three to four months. The Town is in good financial shape, having nineteen months allows the Town to put that towards planned projects. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Library Program Update/Staffing Request, Patty Newland Ms. Newland thanked Council for making her position full-time as she requested last year. She stated that according to the Library statistics there has been a 20% increase in circulation, programs, attendees and computer usage each year. Council Member Housley asked for clarification on the computer usage. Ms. Newland stated that the computer tracks the session times, and added that a majority of staff time is assisting patrons with computer usage. Council Member Howard asked how many computers the Library has. Ms. Newland stated that there are a total of eight public access computers. Page 2 of 12 Ms. Newland stated that a part-time staff member has asked to be placed in a full-time position. Ms. Newland stated that this would greatly benefit the Library’s functionality in regards to expanding programing, offer relief for staff scheduling and to better serve the public. Ms. Newland stated that currently she is the only full-time staff member. Ms. Bolling is currently scheduled for a thirty hour week, if approved she would increase to full- time. Mr. Hood stated that if one person is out, it creates overages for other employees. He stated that by placing Ms. Bolling into a full-time position it would not be a complete wash. The Town would save overtime expenses and each shift would be completely covered for breaks and safety but would have money for benefits. Mr. Hood stated that staff will prepare firm financial numbers and inform Council at the next meeting. 2. Agreement for CMIT Solutions to oversee all Library IT, Patty Newland Ms. Newland reported that currently one person who is located at the regional library headquarters in Griffin is managing their IT services. They are managing eight libraries and the response time occasionally takes days. Mr. Hood added that CMIT currently manages the Town’s IT services. Ms. Newland stated that an additional firewall will supplement the increased protection and she will investigate this matter further. 3. Class/Instructor Fees for Rec Programs, Jennifer Patton Ms. Patton stated that currently, the Town charges 25% of the instructor’s fees to teach a class at the Recreation Center. She added that in order to form a better projection of revenue, she proposed that everyone be charged the same fee based on the time slot. Mr. Hood stated that the rental fee schedule has been set by policy. The instructors are currently saving money by not renting store fronts or paying occupational taxes. There are a few low performing classes that are utilizing time slots that could be used to grow classes. Ms. Patton added that this could free up blocks of time for new classes and benefit instructors as well. She ended by stating that if Council chooses to approve the new instructor fee schedule that she be allowed enough time to notify instructors of the forthcoming change. Council Member Housley made a motion to approve the change to the Recreation instructor payment schedule as presented effective April 1, 2015. Council Member Howard seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0. 4. Discussion of St. Patrick’s and other possible events, Jennifer Patton Frey Ms. Patton proposed that the Town focus on its Irish heritage, starting with a 2015 Opening Season Ceremony for all Tyrone Sports Associations. In the past openings were separate. This year everyone is invited, Mayor, Council and other dignitaries. She stated that there would be a parade around Shamrock Park, hot dogs, drinks and music. The event would take place on Friday, March 13th prior to St. Patrick’s Day. Council Member Furr requested that the associations sell the food and divide the earnings evenly amongst themselves and use no outside vendors. Page 3 of 12 Ms. Patton also proposed an additional Irish Heritage family event: “Tyrone’s Irish Crawl.” She stated that this would also benefit the local businesses. She informed Council that businesses would be invited to participate in the five day event. A shirt will be designed with a theme and it will include the listed participants. The shirt must be worn in order to receive special discounts at participating restaurants or other locations. Children under five will be given a wristband in order to receive treasures or trinkets. The local businesses will provide a list of items offered, preferably something green or Irish. Items could include free or reduced priced drinks or appetizers or a type of gift for the kids. Ms. Patton stated that the Tyrone Recreation Center has offered several Senior Programs for the past eight years, such as the Lunch and Learn. This has always been a free service. The regular participants have requested new topics but made little or no suggestions. Ms. Patton suggested re-vamping the program and offering a monthly “Movie and Munchies” or something similar to increase interest. She proposed that the Town purchase a popcorn machine. This would benefit other programs as well. She suggested a quarterly Lunch and Learn with a local speaker. She added that in the past, occasionally the sponsor would pay for the catering. When the sponsor does not provide the meal, the fee to cater could cost up to $200 a month. Ms. Patton suggested charging a minimal fee of $3 for Tyrone residents and $4 for out of county residents. This would assist in covering costs. She added that another option is for participants to bring a covered dish. Mr. Hood added that the scheduled movies could also coincide with holidays. He also recommended snacks as a substitute for catering on occasion. Council Member Furr stated that the individuals that she spoke with would not mind bringing a bagged lunch, they came for the social aspect and would be disappointed if it was discontinued. Ms. Patton shared her concern regarding a couple of participants occasionally being disrespectful of the speaker but assured Council that her wish is to continue the program. 5. Construction of Restrooms at Handley/Shamrock Park, Jennifer Patton Ms. Patton shared a picture of the restroom at Lake McIntosh and stated that she would like to see something similar at Shamrock Park or Handley Park. Mr. Hood stated that it would fit neatly on the former Public Works building site and there are utility stubs still in place which would bring down the price considerably. Council Member Furr shared her concern with the facility facing the street. Mr. Hood stated that if it were turned it would not be safe due to the nonvisible corner where someone could hide. The front could be dressed up with signage and shrubbery. He added that staff could firm up the cost and have a bid budgeted for this summer’s construction. Council Member Matthews stated that he did not like the façade. Ms. Patton stated that there are several prefab restrooms to choose from, as an example one that resembles a log cabin. Council Member Matthews stated that he did not like the slope of the roof. Ms. Patton stated that the slope assists in the shielding of the sun. Other design layouts will be emailed to Council for consideration. Page 4 of 12 6. Employee Shirts/Uniforms, Dee Baker Ms. Baker stated that in the past, a few staff members purchased polo style shirts with the Town logo embroidered on them. She added that the shirts were good for morale and also represented the Town when employees attended functions such as training or Town sponsored events. She proposed that the Town purchase one shirt for each employee that wished to have one and the employee could purchase more if they choose. Chief Perkins suggested contacting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), this could be a taxable liability. If the shirts are provided by the Town, the employee may be required to pay the tax. Mr. Hood stated that this is an ongoing discussion with the local governments. If the agency requires that you wear the shirts as a part of a uniform then the tax would not be required. He gave the example of employees wearing uniformed shirts to church or the golf range. Mr. Davenport added that if the shirt is for general use the employee may try to write off the cost as a work expense on their taxes. 7. Consideration of IGA w/ Fayette Co. for Code Enforcement, Kyle Hood Mr. Hood stated that the general input for two to three years has been the need for code enforcement. Occasionally, we have utilized the Police Department to deliver warning letters. When staff needs to deliver information, there is always a safety factor. Mr. Hood stated that he has been in contact with Fayette County regarding code enforcement. The County is working with separate municipalities in the county to share County Marshal services for code enforcement. Violations would be written from the Town’s citation booklets to name six visual compliances. The officer would be within the Town a certain amount of hours. The officer’s salary would be invoiced on a monthly or quarterly basis, our cost would be 25%. The process needs to be solidified regarding codes and form letters. Council Member Howard asked if residents would receive a warning. Mr. Hood stated that the individual would receive a citation from a uniformed officer and they will have five to ten days in order to comply. Council Member Howard then asked, who discards all of the signs around town. Mr. Hood stated that Public Works takes care of most of them, such as yard sale signs that homeowners do not retrieve. Others should be permitted. Mayor Dial stated that there would be no patrolling. Mr. Hood reiterated that the process is reactive. Mr. Hood stated that he will be meeting with everyone involved on Monday and if this is something that Council is not interested in he would rather not pursue it. 8. RFP for Audit Services, Sandy Beach Ms. Beach stated that the agreement for financial services has expired. She stated that Rushton & Company has offered very a competitive service for the past three years. She recommended that the Town extend their service with Rushton & Company and for Mayor Dial sign the engagement letter to retain service for another two years. Council Member Furr made a motion to retain Rushton & Company for the Town of Tyrone’s financial audits for the next two years. Council Member Matthews seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0. Page 5 of 12 Lunch Break Council Member Matthews made a motion to move to lunch. Council Member Housley seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0. Council Member Housley made a motion to reconvene. Council Member Matthews seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0. 9. Consideration of purchase of body cameras, Brandon Perkins Chief Perkins updated the Mayor and Council on the recent increase for the need of body cameras in law enforcement. He stated that the department had looked into microphones and cameras in 2008, but the technology was disappointing and they did not purchase more than the demo. He added that with new the technology, the officer can go back and review what is in the system and tag sections of the video. He informed Council that this is a costly endeavor. He stated that it is still in the early stages. There may be implications on people’s privacy and what rights do officers have? The cameras in our cars are always recording. If you need to record from your body camera, you can initiate it and it will pick up thirty seconds prior to pressing record. Mayor Dial asked about the timeline for the program. Chief Perkins stated that the Town can budget for it in July and it should be running by January 2016. He stated that there needs to be a policy in place prior to, and there is a data storage cost as well. He proposed that the policy states that there be a 90 day minimum storage life. The initial quote for the total cost of the program is $10,000 per year that will be paid for in part with drug money. 10. Consideration of Firearms Simulator, Brandon Perkins Chief Perkins stated that ammunition is getting harder to acquire, it is very expensive and it takes a very long time to arrive after an order is placed. Our department sends each officer twice a year to firearms training. It would be cost effective if the Town purchased its own Firearms Simulator. The simulator projects scenarios on a screen and a laser interacts with the screen. The simulator gives verbal commands and there are several outcomes. It places officers in different situations. A few counties own one but they are never available. If approved, the system would be purchased with drug money. Mayor Dial asked how much money would the simulator save on purchasing ammunition. Chief Perkins stated that it would save one to two thousand dollars a year and the Town could offer it to other agencies and possibly the public as well. Mr. Hood stated that staff could benefit from the program with the new gun carrying laws in effect. 11. Sewer Maintenance Assessment, Beth Vaughn Nathan Brooks, Peachtree City Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) Construction Coordinator approached Council. Mr. Brooks stated that he and Ms. Vaughn have worked together establishing a sewer maintenance map. Mr. Brooks stated that the most logical place to start was the Southampton line because everything flows to that pump station. Page 6 of 12 He also reported that since Christmas there has been a 300% increase of flow in the River Crest subdivision from ground water. One contributing factor is two manholes with excessive water flow. The video assessment will give an accurate reading of what is flowing into the system, such as paper, plastic or grease. He added that homes are the largest producers of grease, not restaurants. A good starting point would be River Crest. There is a pond a dam and overgrown trees that need to be maintained in that subdivision. He stating that he recommends starting with a maintenance program and move forward with other issues. He informed Council that “as built” map that he and Ms. Vaughn were working with is very helpful. The starting point is to video the lines to see what needs to be cleaned out and start cleaning in Southampton. Mr. Hood stated that monies have been budgeted for filming and cleaning. He stated that WASA has already gone through the procurement process and he is awaiting an official expense request. He ended by recommending approval of the rehabilitation of the manholes at River Crest. Council Member Matthews asked if the two manholes were in the Town’s easement. Mr. Brooks stated yes, they are included in the River Crest development. Council Member Howard made a motion to allow staff to work with the Peachtree City Water and Sewer Authority to address the water infiltration at and around the manholes at pump station number 3. Council Member Matthews seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0. Mr. Hood stated that Ms. Vaughn has also requested the installation of a bypass connection for each of the four pump stations to allow future maintenance to be proactive in case of emergency circumstances. Council Member Housley made a motion to recommend the installation of a bypass connection for each of the four pump stations in enable future maintenance. Council Member Howard seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0. 12. Stormwater Maintenance Assessment, Beth Vaughn Mr. Hood stated that the projects that are complete or have already been bid out are: the retaining wall on Arrowood Road, catch basin repair in Millbrook Village, stormdrain and sink holes in the Estates, ditch and cross drains on Brentwood Road and drainage improvements along Farr Road. He added that the miscellaneous stormwater project lists are constantly changing and thanked Mr. Campbell for assisting Ms. Vaughn with completing the various projects. Mr. Hood stated that he will meet with Mr. Campbell, Ms. Vaughn and the Town’s Engineer to assess the next set of projects for the budget. He gave an example of the dip in Briarwood Road and stated that staff would rather repair the stormdrain underneath than pave over it. He added that there are thousands of stormwater structures that require attention. Mr. Campbell stated that the additional person for Public Works would be beneficial to himself and Ms. Vaughn. He stated that the first ten to fifteen projects will be prioritized. Page 7 of 12 13. Municipal Court Administrative Update, Kathy Bright Ms. Bright informed Council that in 2014 the Court adjudicated a total of 1894 citations and 1875 traffic violations. Among the payments made, 857 or 45% of the payments, were made by a credit card. She added that this has significantly reduced foot traffic. It has also reduced probation cases due to the added option and convenience to make a payment with a credit card. She ended by reporting that the yearly jail credit that was carried over this year was $83,452.92. These monies remain in the account and are utilized if needed. 14. Private Probation Services in Municipal Court, Kathy Bright Ms. Bright updated Council regarding a 2013 civil lawsuit against a private probation company that was serving over eighty courts in Georgia. Among the charges, they had no valid contract and they were “tolling” (if an inmate failed to check in or violated probation, their probation was put on hold until law enforcement arrested them for that probation violation). Ms. Bright stated that not being able to toll will affect the Town financially. Upon the ruling, Tyrone’s court dismissed eighteen warrants totaling approximately $23,000. Ms. Bright added that the tolling issue will be introduced to legislation during the current session. She ended by stating that Tyrone Court is attempting to keep close tabs on probationers and that they are extending the probation term from six months to twelve months, this allows the department more time of control. Ms. Bright stated that the court would issue the citation after three months and that gives us another nine months. Mayor Dial asked Mr. Davenport if the Council were to lobby for certain issues would they be covered legally as elected officials? Mr. Davenport stated that he believes that elected officials should be specifically exempt and have the freedom to discuss without being considered a lobbyist. He added that the law is ever changing and he will make sure. Mr. Hood reiterated that the GMA alerts that staff receives are more than likely pertaining to municipal topics. Their policy statement asks municipalities to reach out as well in regards to having a voice. Ms. Bright added that GMA also posted a statement after the decision was made regarding the court case, advising cities to make sure that their contracts were in compliance, and that they will be working toward changes. She added that there are several organizations involved with this topic: The Georgia Council of Criminal Justice Reform, The Administrative Office of The Courts and The Municipal Judges Association. 15. Public Works Staffing/Outsourcing, Billy Campbell Mr. Campbell stated that in 2014 an RFP was sent out to local vendors for the lawn maintenance work for the Town. Through several different circumstances that situation did not work out. Mr. Hood has since advertised for a new RFP for February 20th. The difference is that staff has simplified the service contract to cutting, trimming, edging of right of ways, park’s lawns as well as trash pick-up. This will cut the contract by fifty to sixty thousand dollars. Mr. Campbell stated that he has met with each potential bidder to identify all areas in the Town that they would be responsible for and answered all of their questions. Public Works will still be responsible for tree trimming, major work and widening of right of ways, in regards to brush. Page 8 of 12 Our only other option would be to hire four to five more staff members and purchase new equipment. He recommended moving forward with the RFP. Mr. Campbell relayed to Council that currently Public Works has a staff of three and he would like to hire a fourth person in the near future. The fourth person would allow two two-person crews for safety and assist in the event of vacations and sickness. The budget currently allows for another part-time person. With assistance from Sandy Beach for figures, by adding another full- time person there would be an approximate additional yearly cost of $20,000. Mr. Hood stated that until the RFP is opened, there is nothing to consider. We may be able to receive better service for a lesser amount. This information will come at a separate meeting. Mr. Hood stated that in regards to hiring an additional Public Works person, the difference would actually be $14,000 a year. He stated that currently the janitorial services are being performed by Mr. Campbell and he chooses to be off the clock. We would be paying someone salary anyhow and we owe it to Mr. Campbell. He is far more concerned with the work product of that department than any other department head that preceded him. Mr. Hood communicated that he does not want Mr. Campbell to continue to arrive at 6:00 am every morning and do the job of someone that we can hire and we have budgeted for. Council Member Furr asked for clarification. Do we need to hire a full-time person to assist Mr. Campbell and an additional part-time person? Mr. Hood clarified that if the Town hires one more full time person, that would allow staff to better handle all duties. A Public Works staff member could come in later and stay later to maintain the housekeeping duties so staff in all buildings would not be disturbed while cleaning. Council Member Matthews made a motion to advertise for a full-time person in the Public Works Department and for staff to report the financial impact soon. Council Member Housley seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0. 16. Surplus Equipment and Metal Scrapping, Billy Campbell Mr. Campbell stated that presently the Town has a great deal of job specific equipment that is not being utilized and wished for it to be surplused. By removing these items we would obtain much needed cash and make room for storage or other purposes. Mr. Campbell stated that he would like Council to consider this and that this is not an urgent matter. Mayor Dial stated an example of the equipment is the old Recreation dunk tank which could be used as scrap metal. Mr. Hood proposed that one list and the dunk tank is for scrap, the items are not numbered. This list would be solicited to scrap metal vendors for the best price. The second list has individual names and VIN numbers attached. That would be sold and taken off of the Town’s inventory list. Council Member Furr shared her concern with selling three lawn mowers and there be an unforeseen problem with outsourcing for lawn maintenance. We would not have mowers to cut the Town’s grass. Mr. Campbell stated that the current mowers need to be replaced nevertheless. Page 9 of 12 Council Member Housley made a motion to direct Public Works staff to salvage and surplus the material for scrap as presented. Council Member Howard seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0. Council Member Housley made a motion to direct Public Works staff to salvage and surplus the items to be sold as presented with the exception of the Auger. Council Member Matthews seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0. Mr. Campbell asked if there were in objection from Council to remove trees on the left and the right side of the Handley Park drive way near the culvert. He added that this would allow for a more improved clear-out. None objected. 17. GTIB – Castlewood/Senoia Road Paving Bid Approval, Kyle Hood Mr. Hood informed Council that in their packets was letter from the Town Engineer and an adjusted project scope from the low bidder for the Castlewood and Senoia Roads paving project. The adjusted work will eliminate paving work north of Carriage Oaks Drive on Senoia Road. The low bidder, C.W. Matthews’, adjusted bid price, with management oversight is for $3,077,778.59. Mr. Hood recommended approval of the bid and stated that paving could begin when the weather is warmer. Mr. Hood stated that Senoia Road would be paved from Depot Court to Carriage Oaks Drive. Council Member Furr shared her concerns for the intersection of Crabapple and Rockwood Road. Mr. Hood stated that the milling and resurfacing for certain sections will have an extended radius and extra shoulder areas for the trucks within the Industrial Park. Mayor Dial inquired of a section of Castlewood Road in regards to water lines. Mr. Hood stated that water line improvements may also coincide with the paving project so the Town will not have to revisit an already paved section of road. Council Member Furr asked which road would be paved first. Mr. Hood stated that they will probably start on the north end of Senoia Road toward the on ramp due to traffic detours. He added that the Town has thirty days to prepare due to utility line locates. Council Member Matthews made a motion to accept the bid as presented and authorize Mayor Dial to execute a Notice of Award to CW Matthews in the amount not to exceed $3,077,778.59 for the resurfacing of Castlewood and Senoia Roads. Council Member Furr seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0. 18. Gateway Coalition Update, Eric Dial & Kyle Hood Mayor Dial stated that he and Kyle are part of a group that includes: South Fulton Community Improvement District (CID), Fairburn, Fayette County and Peachtree City; and reiterated that everyone is welcome to join them for their meetings. The main purpose for the meetings is to implement design standards for the Hwy 74 corridor median. Mayor Dial stated that currently the organization is working on ideas to fund the project and made it clear to all members that Tyrone is the smallest government involved with the biggest stake. Mayor Dial informed Council to be prepared that there will be monies spent, but added that they will look at all options prior to utilizing Town funds. Page 10 of 12 Mr. Hood stated that he has formally requested, on behalf of the Mayors of Fairburn, Peachtree City and Tyrone, for the County to look into unused 2003 SPLOST monies for the Gateway Study. This study would create a set of documents that govern zoning and development standards, transportation access management, curb cuts, intersection improvements and landscaping. If the Town can fund the study locally, then we can apply to the Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). When local transportation projects are requested then this project may be covered. He added that we will get as much accomplished with as few Tyroneian dollars as possible. Mayor Dial echoed that staff is working hard to exhaust all possible sources. Mayor Dial stated that another aspect of the project is the intersection of Sandy Creek Road and Hwy 74. One point of the Coalition is to avoid red lights. He informed Council that Mr. Hood and Fayette County Engineer, Phil Mallon met the DOT regarding a new concept that would address the difficulty of making a left turn onto Hwy 74 heading south from Sandy Creek Road or from the River Crest subdivision heading north. The Town may qualify for funding from DOT for this project. Mayor Dial stated that the goal is to maintain the integrity of the Town and this project. Mr. Hood stated that pertaining to the Sandy Creek intersection, it is the largest intersection without improvements. There is potential to improve that intersection without the placement of a red light. This intersection among others such as Wisdom Road in Peachtree City are being looked at as a test site for a “restricted use intersection.” If the Town is eligible, we may not have to pay for the improvement and would be the first in the state of Georgia to adopt this type of intersection. Mayor Dial specified that by paving Senoia up to Carriage Oaks Drive, we are saving money for other projects such as this. At the discretion of the Mayor, the following items will be considered, time dependent: Public Comments Fayette County Development Authority Member, John Woody requested that the Town consider making improvements to the entrance into Shamrock Industrial Park. Mayor Dial stated that with the paving of Senoia Road, small improvements would be made at that intersection. Council Member Howard stated that there may be improvements in the future with one corner of that intersection due to the possible selling of property. Mayor Dial asked Mr. Woody if there were any updates from the Development Authority. Mr. Woody stated that there is a new Development Authority and he has been re-elected as Secretary/Treasurer and he is pleased with all of the new members and has high hopes for the future of the organization. Staff Comments Mr. Hood stated that recently Briarwood and Palmetto Roads were approved for stripping and if weather permits it will be completed tomorrow. Mr. Hood stated that in regards to Town Hall using a credit card machine in the near future, he and Ms. Beach have been in contact with South Crest Bank for an ACH (bill pay) program. Page 11 of 12 The Town would send out a form to sanitation customers, giving them the choice to have their sanitation payment paid from their accounts directly to the Town. This would eliminate a lot of foot traffic at Town Hall and would help with the separation of duties in regards to the handling of monies. He stated that in the near future a resolution would be brought to Council allowing sanitation customers to have the option of this bill pay program. The Town has officially transitioned for all sanitation complaints and concerns be directed straight to Allied Waste. There has been some reduction of calls. Mr. Hood added that some-time this year Allied Waste will move to a staggered, everyday pickup schedule for the Town. This means that Allied Waste will be in the Town every day of the week picking up different neighborhoods and that individuals pickup schedules could see a change in their day of the week. Council Comments Council Member Furr discussed the past Christmas Tree Lighting. She shared the complaints that she had received regarding the length of the program and Santa arriving too late. It was a school night and kids were tired and hungry; some were laying on the ground waiting for Santa. Singing Christmas music or playing recorded Christmas music is fine but we need to get rid of belly dancing and Jazzercise. She added that citizens also complained about having vendors at the event, the Rotary Club is all we need. Council Member Furr also stated that individuals were asking why we were having sports sign ups at the Christmas event. She added that 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm is too long, we need to shorten the time. She shared that two individuals were upset that the Town asked an out of Town Pastor to be a part of the festivities. They added that there are plenty of Pastors in Tyrone and why are Tyrone Pastors not being asked to participate in the Town events? Mayor Dial stated that we have asked Tyrone Pastors to give our Invocations many times and rarely will someone volunteer. Council Member Furr referred back to the future Heritage Month option of bringing alcohol to Shamrock Park. She stated that she was opposed to the notion of ever bringing alcohol to any of the Tyrone Parks. Council Member Howard agreed. Mr. Hood stated, regarding Santa Clause, that we have always relied on a local Santa that did not charge the Town. We are considering hiring a professional Santa in the future. Executive Session Public Comments Adjournment Council Member Matthews made a motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 2:05 pm. By: ________________________ Attest: ______________________ Eric Dial, Mayor Dee Baker, Town Clerk Page 12 of 12