Town Council Regular Meeting

Tyrone Town Council Meeting Minutes Thursday February 2, 2017 7:00 PM Present: Mayor Eric Dial Mayor Pro Tem Furr Council Member Ken Matthews Council Member Ryan Housley Council Member Linda Howard Town Clerk Dee Baker Police Chief Brandon Perkins Town Attorney Dennis Davenport Recreation Events Coordinator Mitch Bowman Finance Manager Sandy Beach Public Works Supervisor Billy Campbell Town Manager Kyle Hood was absent. Mayor Dial called the meeting to order. Pastor Paul Holland from Dogwood Church performed the Invocation; it was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comments Approval of Agenda Council Member Housley made a motion to approve the agenda. Council Member Howard seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0. 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. Approval of minutes, January 5, 2017 Consideration for approval of the Tyrone Softball Association agreement. Consideration for approval of the Tyrone Soccer League agreement. Page 1 of 7 Consideration for approval of Tyrone Youth Baseball Association agreement. Council Member Matthews made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Council Member Furr seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0. Presentations/Recognition: Acknowledgement of Service for John Woody Mayor Dial read the proclamation and thanked Mr. Woody for his service. Several past and current members of the Fayette County Development Authority were in attendance to show their appreciation. Mayor Dial also wished Mr. Woody a Happy Birthday. Request for Eagle Scout project approval. Nate Troemel Ms. Baker stated that local resident and current Boy Scout, Nate Troemel, from Troop 79, sponsored by Hopewell United Methodist Church, approached the Town regarding working with staff on his upcoming Eagle Scout Service Project. After discussions with Mr. Troemel and staff, improvement to Fabon Brown Park was determined to be most suitable for a dog park. She added that discussions about the final product were ongoing, but staff and scouts were in favor of installing fencing and obstacles, increasing the utilization of the park. Ms. Baker introduced Mr. Troemel and he shared his plan with Council. He stated that he grew up in Coweta County but he and his family spend a lot of their time in Tyrone. He stated that his goal was to create a safe and fun play environment for dogs of all sizes by the fall of 2017 and that his aim was to purchase everything he needed locally. Mr. Troemel added that the 60ft by 60ft (3,600 square feet) area would be enclosed by a chain link fence and gate. He shared that after speaking with Mr. Hood and Mr. Campbell, the fencing, the use of the auger, a trash can and wood chips would be provided by the Town. He added that he would provide concrete, gravel, paint, tires (for the obstacle) and possibly two fire hydrants. Mr. Troemel stated that benches, additional obstacles and improvements such as shrubbery would be added later through an additional project. Mayor Dial asked if there would be dog waste stations. Mr. Troemel stated that they would be provided. Council thanked Mr. Troemel for his effort. A discussion ensued regarding the history of the former First Baptist Church of Tyrone Pastor and School Bus driver Mr. Fabon Brown. Council Member Matthews recalled that when he was a member of Troop 79, there were only 12 members. Mr. Troemel stated that currently Troop 79 has approximately 50 Scouts. Council Member Furr posed the question, “when the dog park is established, will dogs no longer be welcome at Shamrock Park?” Ms. Baker stated that dogs would still be welcomed at Shamrock Park. Page 2 of 7 Old Business: New Business: 1. Consideration for the use of Shamrock Park on June 12-13, 2017 from Dogwood Church for Venture Quest family outreach. Mitch Bowman, Recreation Events Programmer Mr. Bowman stated that Dogwood Church’s Venture Quest’s two day event was well attended last year and that there was no scheduling conflict for the dates this year. He recommended approval. Council Member Housley made a motion to approve Dogwood Church’s Venture Quest at Shamrock Park June 12-13, 2017. Council Member Furr seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0. 2. Consideration and action to grant permission for the annual “Paws for a Purpose” Charity Dog Walk at Shamrock Park on March 18, 2017. Mitch Bowman, Recreation Events Programmer Mr. Bowman stated that Fayette County Daybreak Rotary Club’s annual Paws for a Purpose event was scheduled for March 18th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and there would be no scheduling conflict; he recommended approval. Council Member Housley made a motion to approve Fayette Daybreak Rotary’s Paws for a Purpose at Shamrock Park March 18, 2017. Council Member Furr seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. Council Member Matthews was recused due to his Rotary membership. 3. Request for Market Hill project management. Ms. Baker stated that Town representatives met with the Market Hill Business Owners Association (MHBOA) in 2014 to discuss what would be necessary to obtain a permit from GDOT for the construction of a right-in/right- out entrance from Market Road onto Highway 74. The current MHBOA President, Chris Downing, has built up a reserve fund and plans to levy a special assessment within their business park to pay into an escrow account the amount of money necessary for the construction of the road project. The project estimated range is $115,000 to $140,000, to be funded by the private landowners within the business park. Mr. Downing has also submitted a formal letter of request to the Town for the project. Ms. Baker added that the Town will provide legal and engineering services to ensure all rules, regulations and design standards will be followed. Ms. Baker stated that management recommends the acceptance of the letter of request and to authorize the Town’s Attorney and Engineer to coordinate with the MHBOA to draft a formal agreement to begin the project. Page 3 of 7 Council Member Furr made a motion to accept the letter of request and to authorize the Town Attorney and Engineer to coordinate with MHBOA on drafting a formal agreement to begin the project. Council Member Housley seconded the motion. Motion was approved 4-0. Mayor Dial requested that staff contact someone from GDOT to begin the process and to give Peachtree City a curtesy call. Mr. Downing stated that the permit was issued years ago before funding was available; the process is to re-permit the project. 4. Annual Financial and Audit Report. Rushton and Company Ms. Beach stated that the financial report and audit had been completed and was sent to the state as required and that the report was on the Town’s website. She introduced Sam Latimer, Ruston & Company representative. Mr. Latimer gave a brief overview of the report. He stated that the financial statements were presented fairly and management provided everything that was requested. He informed Council that the first statement of net position presented the assets, deferred outflows of resources, liabilities, deferred inflows of resources, and residual net position of the Town. The second statement was that of activities and presented the results of operations of the Town. He added that Mr. Hood and Ms. Beach are always a pleasure to work with. Mr. Latimer reported that the Net Investment in Capital Assets for 2016 totaled $7,800,448. The restricted net position was $412,279, the unrestricted net position was $7,531,509, the total net position was $15,744,236 and the revenues over expenses were down this year, totaling $414,155 this was due to the decrease in Motor Vehicle Taxes, fines, forfeitures and that Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) was down. He added that revenues were down 6.8%, expenditures decreased by 32.2% the difference was due to the Senoia Road paving project last year. Mr. Latimer stated that according to the study, the Town could operate sixteen months without any additional revenue. He stated that the sewer fund operating revenue decreased by 3.4% and the operating expense increased by 7.3% due to salaries. Mr. Latimer reported that the sanitation operating revenues increased by 12.1% and the operating expenses increased by 18%. He referenced page sixty-seven of the report and stated that their firm did not discover any deficiencies in internal control. Mayor Dial thanked Mr. Latimer and gave thanks and appreciation to Ms. Beach for a job well done. Public Comments Page 4 of 7 Staff Comments Chief Perkins stated that several years ago the police department had an underground reserve fuel tank for emergencies and that the Environmental Protection Agency ordered the Town to no longer use the tank. He stated that the police department recently purchased an above ground tank that would house 550 gallons of reserve fuel in a secured area behind the police department. He also added that he signed an agreement with the Tyrone BP gas station (Green Oil) to also reserve 500 gallons of fuel for the officers in case of an emergency such as a busted pipeline or a storm threatening the gulf. He ended by stating that each June he would recycle and replace the fuel. Council Member Furr questioned the security of the housed fuel. Chief Perkins stated that the tank would have a large lock and the gate would also be locked and only supervisors would have keys. Chief Perkins informed Council that he published the department’s annual report on the Town’s website and social media page. He stated that currently this is the best team he has seen in 18 years and that his officers have put in hard work and are worthy of praise. He cited that Part I crime (major crime) was down 22% from 2015 which was a very good number. Part II crime increased by10% due to DUI arrests a 35% increase in narcotic arrests and a 40% increase in disorderly arrests. He stated that there were 203 accidents last year which indicated a 3% decrease. Last year traffic stops were down 22%, citations were down 22% and warnings were down by 15% partially due to being short-staffed. The end of 2016 reflected that 71% of traffic stops resulted in warnings. Citations were recorded at 29%. Chief Perkins addressed the topic of Tyrone being perceived as a “speed trap”. He stated that regarding a speed trap analysis, state law announced that if a municipality generated the equivalent of their operating budget by 35% in speeding tickets less than 20 miles over the speed limit, they are considered a speed trap. He reiterated that the Town generated 6% of its budget toward speeding tickets. Chief Perkins stated that he appreciates the public’s misconception; when drivers meet the town limits, they drive slower which increases driver safety. Chief Perkins stated that in regards to personnel, he is staffed with 17 officers and needs one more to be fully staffed. He added that he has been holding out for quality over qualified since October. He stated that his officers have completed over 1,300 hours of training in 2016, which is an average of 76 hours per officer. The state requires 20 hours per officer in order to maintain their certification. Chief Perkins added that out of the five complaints filed against officers, three were unfounded based on an investigation and two officers were given corrective disciplinary action based on an investigation on two cases. Chief Perkins informed Council that among the 2016 awards given to officers, Sargent Eric DeLoose was given a lifesaving award and Officer Lee Huddleston was awarded Officer of the Year. Page 5 of 7 Chief Perkins then highlighted the agency’s accomplishments: body cameras, the purchase of a generator with Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) grant money and officers obtained Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training which psychologically trains an officer if they were to encounter those that may be experiencing a psychological breakdown. He added that a use of force simulator was purchased and training continues. He thanked Ohio Hog in the assistance of purchasing Bruno, the K-9 Unit. Chief Perkins added that his staff made a commitment to gain certification through the Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program (GLECP) by December 2017. This is a voluntary quality assurance program that is met through the completion of over 100 standards. He stated that through the hiring of Cayla Banks into the position of Certification Manager, this certification process should be met. Council Member Furr asked where the simulator was stored. Chief Perkins stated that the simulator is a mobile unit and can be assembled within 15 minutes but is housed in the police department basement. Council Member Furr asked, “How are the body cameras working out?” Chief Perkins stated that they had a few kinks to work out but everything was going well. Council Member Housley inquired of the size of the body cameras. Sargent DeLoose presented his camera. Chief Perkins shared that the quality is good for the small size. Council Member Furr inquired about the Tasers. Chief Perkins stated that Sargent Collins is administering the training and it is going well. Council Member Furr shared her concern from a citizen that the Town’s K-9, Bruno, was being fed raw meat. Chief Perkins stated that Bruno is on a very strict diet of special food donated from Purina and treats, that’s all. He assured Council that Bruno is well taken care of. Ms. Baker stated that early voting for the Special Project Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum would be for three weeks starting February 27th through March 17th. Voting would be held in the Tyrone Council Chambers, the Peachtree City Library and the Fayette County Elections office from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. She also stated that staff was in discussion with the new Fayette County Elections Supervisor, Floyd Jones, regarding moving the polling place from the Tyrone Library to the Council Chambers for the November election. The reasoning is that early voting takes place in the Chambers and there is no reason to move the equipment to the Library when it is already in place. Mayor Dial stated that in regards to the SPLOST referendum, neither he nor Council can advocate for or against it. He suggested that the citizens educate and inform themselves regarding this matter. He suggested that they reach out to any Fayette County municipality’s website for more information. Mayor Dial stated that if the citizens have questions they can call Town Hall for answers regarding the SPLOST list of projects. Page 6 of 7 Council Comments Council Member Matthews stated that he was glad that the Handley Road paving project had been completed. Executive Session Adjournment Council Member Furr made a motion to adjourn. Motion was approved 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:57 pm. ____________________ __________________ Eric Dial, Mayor Dee Baker, Town Clerk Page 7 of 7