Town Council Regular Meeting

Tyrone Town Council Meeting Minutes September 21, 2017 Present: Mayor Eric Dial Council Member Ken Matthews Council Member Ryan Housley Council Member Linda Howard Town Manager Jonathan Lynn Police Chief Brandon Perkins Planning & Development Coordinator Phillip Trocquet Town Clerk Dee Baker Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Furr was absent Mayor Dial called the meeting to order and gave the Invocation which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comments Kristi Wheatley a Fayetteville resident spoke. She informed Council that she was a seventh generation Fayette County resident. My people have been here since before the Civil War. My Revolutionary War ancestors settled here. She added that her culture was being taken away; be it the assault on everything Confederate, what other cultures is this happening to? What have we done to deserve this? I saw in the paper this week that a Whitewater teacher is being “strong armed” into resigning due to comments he made five years ago on social media. There is a teacher right now in a Fayette County School that insulted my child inside her classroom. I have sent emails back and forth and nothing has been done about it. Why does my child not get the same respect? Where are my children going to be in five years if this continues? What about my first amendment rights and how I feel about this as a seventh generation County resident? That mural does not need to go anywhere. There is not a man on earth fool enough that is going to go fight for a rich man to keep an aristocratic privilege; he’s not. That’s just common sense. You can believe what the history books say; the lies that fill these history books. This is an assault that has been going on for years and years. I have a letter from the NAACP, dated twenty years ago saying that they would seek removal of everything Confederate; everything. Even outlaw the reenactment, that’s what they want. The problem with society is, it’s all about me, me, me. People need to realize that there are other people in this world. If you don’t like something, don’t look at it, but who are you to tell me what is acceptable under my first amendment rights. This is a slippery slope we are going down. It is just getting worse and worse. The school is coming into my home trying to tell me what is morally acceptable for my child. Page 1 of 6 I had to keep my child out of school the first three days of her ninth grade year because they refused to change her from a gifted English class to a regular English class. They were trying to dictate to me what was best for my daughter. I kept her out of school; the only reason I won is because I took my digital voice recorder with me in that meeting. I could prove what I said. That turned the tables, everything changed then. It is just getting worse and worse. You guys are in a position that you can be heard. Talk to your friends and share my concerns please. I just don’t think that this is good for anybody. Approval of Agenda Council Member Matthews made a motion to approve the agenda. Council Member Housley 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. Council Member Matthews made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Council Member Howard seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. Approval of minutes, September 7, 2017 Presentations/Recognition: Renaissance Strategic Visioning & Planning (RSVP) update. Mr. Trocquet informed Council that the presenters were from the Renaissance Strategic Visioning & Planning (RSVP) Fellowship Program, with the Carl Vinson Institute at the University of Georgia. Mr. Trocquet stated that the Town’s Comprehensive Plan was adopted this year and citizens explained what they wanted to see in the downtown corridor. They wanted to see buildings closer together, with more amenities and walkability. The Town applied to the program and was chosen. The “fellows” came and performed a walk-through assessment of downtown with staff. Their assessment show’s a variety of cohesiveness and walkability, downtown. This will set a standard for future development. The Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s, Clark Stancil thanked staff, Georgia Cities Foundation and Georgia Municipal Association for their contributions. He then introduced Dan Shinkle and Landon Woodward. It was stated that three Georgia cities are chosen each year for the Fellowship. Page 2 of 6 When Tyrone was chosen, staff partnered with Mr. Trocquet in order to create a future downtown plan; encompassing the possibility of future sewer connection and the potential re- opening of Tyrone Elementary School, along with other elements. The study included streetscape enhancements and overall improved connectivity. It also included improvements to Tyrone Elementary’s corner lot, renovations or infill proposals for the two parcels adjacent to Town Hall, infill proposal for the corner of Senoia Road and Commerce Drive and Improvements to the former Firehouse lot. The study also included signage improvements introducing the downtown area and a few trees and shrubberies lining the streets of downtown providing shade and a beautiful space for walkers. This would create a gateway into downtown. The study highlighted Shamrock and Veterans Parks; with possible walking paths located on Commerce Drive and through Hopewell United Methodist cemetery, encouraging connectivity. It was suggested to add shrubbery, a bench, walking path and signage on the former Tyrone Elementary property; on the corner of Laurel Cir. and Senoia Road, creating a pocket park. If the school was to re-open, property across the street could possibly be renovated and be used as a preschool or daycare facility. A proposed future Town Center plan was submitted with reduced street setbacks, two-to-three story buildings with rear parking, minimized curb cuts and on street parking. They also revealed the possibility for connectivity between the parcels by constructing a road behind the buildings from the old Firehouse to Commerce Drive. The “Fellows” shared a short video for the Tyrone Trade Post proposal directly adjacent to the Town Hall property. This plan would include a two story on-street store front building with large windows, street trees, on-street parking, wide sidewalks and also the potential for outdoor seating and offices on the top level. The next proposal was for the area further down Commerce Drive; providing a unique opportunity for creating two story rooftop patio spaces with parking in the back; adding walkability with traditional architecture. The next proposed property is the old Firehouse property. Short-term could be a space for additional downtown parking. Long-term the design standard could match the town center design along with elements of an old firehouse with an eating space, a breezeway, on-street parking, wide sidewalks, awnings, crosswalks, vegetation and street trees. The presenters concluded by encouraging connectivity, wider sidewalks for more walkability, a double frontage road; which would allow for more store frontage and on-street parking for the long-term downtown infill plan. Mr. Lynn stated that the Fellowship Report would be posted on the website. Council Member Housley declared that the report was very informative, creative and well done; it gives staff a snapshot of available opportunities. Mr. Stancil added that this is your opportunity to pick the parts that you like; this is your Town. Pick style options for each parcel. Mayor Dial asked, “What’s next?” Mr. Stancil stated that this was just a way for us to introduce ourselves; we are always here as a public service for any future designs. We also offer the larger scale future planning. Take from this plan and see what makes sense and see it through. Page 3 of 6 Mr. Trocquet stated that it was a pleasure working with the “Fellows” and this plan gives the Town many great options to springboard into the Comprehensive Plan. Public Hearing: Old Business: 1. Consideration to approve civic group signage to be located at Shamrock Park. Phillip Trocquet, Planning and Development Coordinator. Mr. Trocquet stated that this process began on May 4th with a request from Council. Several options were submitted, such as; erecting the signage at Veterans Park or to coincide with the Gateway signage. He added that he was now submitting concepts for Shamrock Park and the on- ramp at Highway 74 and Senoia Road. He added that the first option for the on-ramp was to attach the signage to an existing sign or a totem style pole. Council Member Housley stated that he preferred the totem style pole. Mayor Dial added that he does not care for the metal pole. Mr. Trocquet stated that the metal pole option was simply the less expensive alternative. Council Member Howard stated that she recalled discussing an option located at Shamrock Park, where the bushes once were located on the corner, off the road. This location would be more visible. Council Member Matthews stated that he preferred option 1 located at Shamrock Park, closer to Senoia Road. Council Member Housley mentioned the on- ramp location. Mr. Trocquet stated that he would create pricing for Gateway signage. Pricing would encompass civic signage constructed of wood and stone and the Shamrock Park option for the October 5th Council meeting. New Business: 2. Consideration for the use of Shamrock Park for Tyrone’s First Baptist Church’s annual Fall Festival on October 31, 2017 Dee Baker, Town Clerk Ms. Baker informed Council of the annual Fall Festival request which is hosted by Tyrone First Baptist Church. She stated that the festival is slated for Tuesday, October 31 at Shamrock Park from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm; the public is invited, free of charge. Setup and take down would be from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. They are requesting all applicable fees be waived for signage and electricity. Council Member Matthews made a motion to authorize Tyrone First Baptist Church permission to host a Fall Festival on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at Shamrock Park with all applicable fees be waived. Council Member Housley seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. Page 4 of 6 Public Comments Mr. Hank Sanak, a Tyrone resident spoke. He stated that all of the downtown planning ideas were great but we do not have any sewer systems in place. Mr. Sanank then shared his concern regarding the trees that are too close to the road on Palmetto Road from Arrowwood Road to the office park on the right. He asked for them to be cut back. He reiterated that the presentation was great and that he considered a similar plan when he was on Council years prior. He added that the additional trees in the plan would be a great bonus to Shamrock Park. Staff Comments Mr. Lynn thanked staff for their quick response to Hurricane Irma; Public Safety and Public Works for keeping things moving and roads cleared. He also thanked the Recreation Manager and Town Clerk for opening a temporary shelter for anyone that needed assistance. Mr. Lynn also thanked April Spradlin with Court for assisting with passing the GCIC annual audit with flying colors. Mr. Lynn stated that the Sanitation request for proposal was due October 2nd and that he should have an update for the second meeting in October regarding Sanitation services. Mayor Dial also thanked the Police and Public Works Departments for their role in assisting with needs during Hurricane Irma. He thanked Mr. Bowman, Ms. Baker, Council Member Matthews, Council Member Housley and Mayor Pro Tem Furr for spending time with folks that visited our shelter; and Council Member Housley for providing water and snacks. Chief Perkins shared with Council that the Police Department had budgeted for the lease of two patrol cars for the through Ford Motor Credit. This included the lease, stripping, lights and equipment.The annual payment for the next three years would be $18,336.50 which was $336. 50 over budget but could be supplemented for in other line items. Council Member Housley made a motion to approve two 2018 Ford Interceptor Utility Vehicles. Council Member Howard seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. Chief Perkins stated that when police vehicles age and new ones are acquired, staff reuses cameras and technical equipment. He added that it was time to start phasing in new patrol car cameras. He stated that staff would be transitioning to the company, Watch Guard’s, new wireless camera and body camera system. He informed Council that the one-time fee for hardware, two car cameras, two body cameras and software would be $15,646. He added that this would be funded by the Federal Drug Fund. Moving forward, these camera upgrades would be included as one yearly payment. Page 5 of 6 Council Member Matthews made a motion to authorize Chief Perkins to purchase two body cameras, two in-car cameras, software and hardware in the amount of $15,646. Council Member Howard seconded the motion. Motion was approved 3-0. Council Comments Council Member Howard asked if the directional signage had been ordered for Handley Park. Mr. Lynn stated that Mr. Bowman has them in stock, ready for Founders Day. He added that staff is currently working toward permanent directional signage. Executive Session Adjournment Council Member Housley made a motion to adjourn. Motion was approved 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:53 pm. _______________________ __________________ Eric Dial, Mayor Dee Baker, Town Clerk Page 6 of 6