CALL TO ORDER: CITY OF FLOWERY BRANCH Public Hearing Meeting Minutes Thursday February 18, 2016 6:00 p.m. City of Flowery Branch City Hall 5517 Main Street, Flowery Branch GA, 30542 PRESENT: ABSENT: Mayor Mike Miller and Councilmembers Chris Mundy, Mary S Jones, Fred Richards, Joe Anglin, Monica Beatty None. Also present were City Manager Bill Andrew, City Clerk Melissa McCain, Finance Director Jeremy Perry, Planner John McHenry and Attorney Ron Bennett Councilmember Chris Mundy arrived at 6:35 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilwoman Monica Beatty led the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC HEARING Comprehensive Plan Planner McHenry gave an overview of comments to date from the Steering Committee, the Developer Outreach and the Public Meeting: Need for senior housing Enhanced Protection of Historic Properties and downtown Multi-Use trail incorporation into City plans Proactive approach on stormwater issues Improved economic development outreach City sponsored events Increased signage and gateway improvements Include more than City properties in Plan Additional commercial built between I-985 and downtown should not compound congestion. City Hall should not be located on Railroad Street, but at DPW. Storm water management be moved to an underground system. More sidewalks to walk downtown Promote more restaurants Address the barrier caused by the railroad Planner McHenry reviewed a timeline and advised that the proposed city adoption is scheduled for June 23, 2016.
Page 2 of 13 Councilman Anglin suggested that Code Enforcement be included in the plan in order to attract more developers. Councilman Anglin gave an example of a property in need of repair at the corner of Pine Street and Mitchell Street. Further, Councilman Anglin suggested the Spout Springs Road median be spruced up and a connection made between Spout Springs Road and Cherokee Bluffs Park. ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Miller adjourned the Public Hearing at 6:11 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: CITY OF FLOWERY BRANCH Work Session Meeting Minutes Thursday February 18, 6:00 pm City of Flowery Branch City Hall 5517 Main Street, Flowery Branch GA. 30542 Mayor Miller called the Work Session to order at 6:11 p.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 2 nd Reading Ordinance 476A Amend Alcoholic Beverage Code: February 18, 2016 Page 3 of 13 City Clerk McCain advised when the code was revised in 2013 there was a new requirement that all servers obtain a Alcohol Awareness Server Certification. This is a 4 8 hour class reviewing items such as checking for proper ID and over service concerns. When it became a requirement that all servers be certified Section 8-143(1)(1) of the Code missed the update. This amendment is to bring the code into There was a consensus to place the second reading of Ordinance 476A on the February 18, 2016 Voting Session Agenda for further consideration. Resolution 16-001 Sewer Capacity Fee for 5658 McEver Road City Manager Andrew advised that the developer has requested that this item be postponed until the March 3, 2016 meeting. Manager Andrew further went on to review the applicants discussions on subdividing the property. There are approximately 50 units that are proposed to be built at a later time, if at all, and the applicant is not wanting to pay upfront capacity fees for these units. Discussion 2 nd Reading Ordinance 239G & 240G - Rezoning of Sterling on the Lake Planned Unit Development: Planner McHenry made the following summary statements: The Sterling Planned Unit Development has been modified six times since the original approval back in 2001. The rezoning centers on two items which are access and road related. They are to potentially change roads in Z Pod from private to public, as well as the need for access along Capitola Farm Road for the Honeycutt and Knutson Pods.
Page 4 of 13 Planner McHenry noted that Newland Communities submitted a traffic study which examined intersections along Capitola Farm Road and that for 2023 build-out conditions which include background and site traffic, all of the study intersections are expected to operate adequately. Further noted was that these requests in Ordinance 239G & 240G does not change density, land use or size of Planned Unit Development zoning district. Continuing, Planner McHenry stated that the last concept plan showed the roads in the Z Pod as private with a gate, the developer is now looking at making these public roads and not gating the community with roads ultimately be conveyed to the City. Planner McHenry reviewed the conditions added to address comments from the Public Hearing on February 4 th. 1. Two 4 way stop intersections will be located at entrances onto Capitola Farm Road, at the Lake Sterling Boulevard/River Green Road intersection and the proposed new access points cited above for the Knutson and Honeycutt pods. In addition, there will be a crosswalk at the Lake Sterling Boulevard/River Green Road intersection. 2. A pedestrian trail connecting Pod Y to Pod W will be installed per the exhibit within issuance of all local, state and federal permits. Planner McHenry advised that opportunity for further traffic analysis as needed remains in the Planned Unit District zoning. Councilmember Anglin inquired on when the stop sign would be installed at the Lake Sterling Blvd. and Capitola Farm Road intersection. Mr. Brian Rochester, Rochester and Associates, advised that it would be installed at the final platting of new subdivision which is anticipated for this year before homes are built. Councilman Anglin suggested that there is a short sight distance coming down Capitola Farm Road and suggested that a temporary blinking light be installed to warn drivers of the new stopping requirement. Mayor Miller advised that he had heard from two residents with concerns on the application: 1. The first person requested a traffic signal as opposed to a stop sign. Mr. Rochester noted that the intersection and traffic patterns do not warrant a traffic signal at those intersections and that the cost would be increased significantly. 2. The second person suggested a bridge over or tunnel under the road for crossing. Mr. Rochester advised that Newland has created a trail system and is going to install stop signs for safe pedestrian traffic crossing. Mayor Miller read a portion of the gentleman s email with items that the writer claims were promised but not delivered:
The following were the promises made to original 15 or 16 residents of Pod X. February 18, 2016 Page 5 of 13 1. Gated community(the Preserve) of 1 million dollar + homes with acre + lots. Mayor Miller advised the economy has changed and the writer understood that. 2. Pool and tennis courts: now projected to be constructed in 2017. Mr. Rochester noted that this projects timing has not changed. 3. Entrance to Pod X to be comparable to the Spout Springs entrance to Sterling on the Lake (shrubbery, flowers, etc.) Ms. Landers advised that those improvements were made in 2009. And that there was never a promise to make it the same entrance as Spout Springs, their can t be two main entrances. 4. Homes on Lemon Grass not to be on top of Capitola Farm Road. At the three entrances to the main area of Sterling on the Lake there are not homes on top of each. There is an attractive buffer area. Ms. Landers stated that there is a buffer that exists that is approximately the same size as one lot. Original buffer is still intact. David Knutson 6791 Capitola Farm Road Mr. Knutson inquired on the location of the development as he misunderstood and thought the development was going through his property. Ken Kittrell 6523 Lemon Grass Lane Mr. Kittrell disagreed with Mr. Rochester and felt a traffic light would be warranted on Capitola Farm Road. Mr. Kittrell suggested that a red blinking light be added for visibility as well as when the traffic light is warranted, the wiring will already be in place. Planner McHenry stated that there were some concerns expressed in the past about traffic accidents and it was noted that in the past two years there have been four accidents reported. Spout Springs Road had 178 accidents in the past five years. Councilmember Anglin requested that language be added that the stop signs be installed at time of platting. There was a consensus to place the second reading of Ordinance 239G & 240G on the February 18, 2016 Voting Session Agenda for further consideration. NEW BUSINESS Master Contract for Professional Services from McKim & Creed, Inc. for Water and Sewer Engineering City Manager Andrew reviewed the contract and noted that this would create a contractual umbrella. The City had this agreement with Infratec who has sold out to McKim and Creed and at the direction of the auditors a new contract is needed with the new company. Councilman Anglin inquired if this would lock the City into using this company for all projects. City Manager Andrew advised that it would not tie us in but they are only engineering and they would put together a RFP for construction services.
Page 6 of 13 Manager Andrew further stated that McKim and Creed s prices are in line with the industry. Attorney Bennett advised that this is not an exclusive contract for services. If the City felt they were high they could go to another company. There was a consensus to place the Master Contract for Professional Services from McKim & Creed, Inc. for Water and Sewer Engineering on the February 18, 2016 Consent Agenda for further consideration. Moonies Texas BBQ Beer License Clerk McCain reviewed the application and stated that Moonies held a beer license for both 2012 and 2013 and in 2014 the beer license was not renewed due to the cost of insurance and application fees outweighing the sales and revenue received. Continuing, Clerk McCain advised that the owner will be the registered agent that lives close to the business and has proven to be a great asset to the community through participation in downtown events and support of those less fortunate. The required background checks have been completed and all applicants are able to serve if approved. There was a consensus to place the Beer License application for Moonies Texas BBQ on the February 18, 2016 Agenda for further consideration. Meeting Minutes from February 4, 2016: Clerk McCain advised there were no changes. There was a consensus to place the February 4, 2016 Meeting Minutes on the February 18, 2016 Consent Agenda for further consideration. Discussion - Request for an additional Police Officer Chief David Spillers approached the Council and summarized the following in a PowerPoint presentation: 1. Basic Law Enforcement mission is to prevent crime and disorder. 2015 Business/Residence/Extra Patrols 7,871 Patrol Miles Driven 167,154 2. The Police Dept. believes the performance of our duties is entirely dependent upon public approval. Our very existence is dependent upon our ability to maintain the respect of our community and relationships with its members.
Page 7 of 13 3. The degree of cooperation of the public diminishes with increases in the use of physical force in achieving police objectives: 7 instances in past 12 months; 2 hands on and 1 pepper deployment at Avita 2 hands on DUI drugs or alcohol 1 hands on Drug suspect residential setting 1 hands on excessive alcohol intoxication 5 instances of hands on in 2014 3 instances of hands on in 2013 When was the last time the police department received an additional employee: It was in CY 2007 to correlate with the opening of Stonebridge Village. Why are you requesting an officer now: Actually, an additional officer has been requested in at least the last two budget processes. With Court Fees projected above budget and building permit fees above budget, now is the most conservative time to request the position again. What are the concerns for not getting this additional officer: Without receiving this position, it makes it impossible to have adequate backup for officers when the following occur: When officers are training. Officers are required to have 20 hours of mandatory training to remain certified. There are other vital training courses that the officers should be taking; however, we do not have the manpower available. When officers take sick leave or vacation. When officers are required to be in court or on trial. When officers resign or are terminated. When officers are already addressing calls for service. 2015 Dispatch Center Data HCSO case numbers 148,897 264 officers 564 calls /12 mos. 47 calls per mo. FBPD case numbers 17,842 13 officers 1,337 calls/12 mos. 114 calls per mo. Calendar year 2014 data (2015 unavailable) HCSO average response time more than 4 minutes FBPD average response time 1.21 minutes
Page 8 of 13 Sworn Officer Density Georgia State average 2.73 per thousand citizens Current Flowery Branch average: 6,500 = 2 officers per thousand 7,000 = 1.86 officers per thousand International Association of Chief of Police recommends 2.5 per thousand 6,500 population (16.25) 7,000 population (17.5) Georgia Association of Chief of Police recommends Man Power Allocation based upon community make up and total call volume. 17,842 total calls dispatched and self-initiated (20.71 officers) Request for an additional police officer position FY2016 FY2017 Salary & Benefits $ 17,531 $ 52,594 Operating $ 3,570 $ 5,730 Capital $ - Total Expenditures $ 21,101 $ 58,324 Estimated Fines $ 5,000 $ 30,000 Bullet Proof Vest Reimb. $ 225 $ - Total Revenues $ 5,225 $ 30,000 Net $ 15,876 $ 28,324 Councilman Anglin inquired on police cars. Chief Spillers advised that the funds for the cars have come from the SPLOST in the past. Currently the City has two spare cars in case a car goes down or an officer needs to go to school. There is also a car with special equipment and has been refurbished. It is used sparsely because if it is assigned to a full time officer then it would be replaced within five years as opposed to ten years. Currently, a new officer could use a car the City currently has but a car would need to be purchased and could be split over two years. Finance Director Perry reviewed savings from resigned employees and other areas of savings that will cover the 2016 addition of an officer. There was a consensus to place the addition of a police officer in the 2016 Fiscal Year budget on the February 18, 2016 agenda for further consideration. DEPARTMENT REPORTS a. City Manager Report Manager Andrew reviewed the dates for the roundabout schedule. March 4 th open for traffic, March 11 is considered to be substantial completion Landscaping will still be under construction.
Page 9 of 13 Road Maintenance Schedule Manager Andrew reviewed the subdivisions and the % of streets in each as follows: Anaguluskee 1% Mulberry Village 2% Madison Creek 2% Portsmouth 2% Carriage Crossing 2% Newberry Point 4% STOL 35% Flowery Branch 52% The last street condition inventory report was in 2009. The County s cost to inventory in 2009 was $1,900. The evaluation of the roads may be considered in disrepair but a road in better condition may be slated to be repaired first. The evaluation depends on many factors including but not limited to amount of traffic on the road, speed limit, if the road is a primary or secondary arterial and number of homes on the road. We have spoken to the County about a new inventory but due to the County being short staffed this effort and IGA may not occur until the fall of 2016. Status of the roads in the City: 29.57 Miles of public roads 5% or 19% are new 6.88 Miles or 23% need to be mill and pave 1.34 Miles or 4% are in need of full depth reclamation 15.84 Miles or 54% are in good condition. Manager Andrew reviewed the paving schedule and funding as found below Finance Director Perry advised the Council that he was estimating SPLOST VIII to be approximately $7,642,557 or an estimated increase of 79%. Paving and Full Depth Reclamation is 13% of SPLOST or $1,022,974 and $6,619,583 Other projects. It was noted that in the year 2026 Sterling Roads will be 15 years old. Current prices for full depth reclamation is approximately $189,000 per mile, for mill and pave the cost is approximately $175,000. Working on pooling paving with County and the other cities for savings of paving costs.
Page 10 of 13 b. City Clerk Report: No report. c. Finance Report: No report. d. Planning Report: No report e. Attorney Report: No report. f. Council Report: No report. ADJOURNMENT WORK SESSION: Mayor Miller adjourned the Work Session at 7:46 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: CITY OF FLOWERY BRANCH Voting Session Meeting Minutes Thursday February 18, 6:00 pm City of Flowery Branch City Hall 5517 Main Street, Flowery Branch GA. 30542 Wallace Stiving - 7117 Artisans Way, Flowery Branch, GA. 30542 February 18, 2016 Page 11 of 13 Mr. Stiving expressed concerns with the upcoming consideration of the 2016/2017 fiscal year budget and made the following suggestions: 1. Cut budget where you can and compare last year budgeted to actual. 2. Increase reserves from 6 months to 8 months. 3. Increase Distilled Spirits fees to the original $5,000. 4. Hire a new police officer and purchase a police car for the new officer. CONSENT AGENDA February 4, 2016 Meeting Minutes Master Contract for Professional Services from McKim & Creed, Inc. for Water and Sewer Engineering There was a motion made to approve the Consent Agenda as presented MOTION: Fred Richards SECOND: Mary S Jones UNFINISHED BUSINESS Consider 2nd Reading of Ordinance 476A - Amending Alcoholic Beverage Code Attorney Bennett read the caption to Ordinance 476A There was a motion made to approve the second reading of Ordinance 476A. MOTION: Fred Richards SECOND: Chris Mundy
Page 12 of 13 Consider - 2nd Reading Ordinance 239G & 240G - Sterling on the Lake Amendment. Attorney Bennett read the caption to Ordinance 239G and 240G. There was a motion made to approve the second reading of ordinance 239G & 240G - Sterling on the Lake Amendment.. MOTION: Joe Anglin SECOND: Chris Mundy Consider - Resolution 16-001 - Sewer Capacity Fee for 5658 McEver Road There was a motion made to postpone Resolution 16-001 - Sewer Capacity Fee for 5658 McEver Road until March 3, 2016. MOTION: Joe Anglin SECOND: Mary S Jones NEW BUSINESS Consider - Moonies Texas BBQ Alcoholic Beverage License There was a motion made to approve the beer license for Moonies Texas BBQ. MOTION: Chris Mundy SECOND: Fred Richards Consider - Addition of a Police Officer Position There was a motion made to approve the addition of a Police Officer in the 2016 fiscal year. MOTION: Fred Richards SECOND: Monica Beatty
EXECUTIVE SESSION: There was no Executive Session. February 18, 2016 Page 13 of 13 ADJOURNMENT: There was a motion made to adjourn at 7:58 p.m.. MOTION: Fred Richards SECOND: Monica Beatty Mayor Mike Miller Date City Clerk Melissa McCain