CITY OF MORROW, GEORGIA
Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005
PRESENT AT MEETING: ALSO PRESENT:
Jim Millirons, Mayor John J. Lampl, II, City Manager
Virlyn Slaton, Mayor Pro Tem
C. R. Huie, Councilman
Thomas J. LaPorte, Councilman
Charles O. Sorrow, Councilman
PUBLIC HEARING:
A public hearing was held in the council chambers beginning at 6:30 p.m. for the public to examine the work done thus far and to contribute ideas and concerns of the bike and pedestrian path system along Jester’s Creek which is a consequence of a grant awarded by the Department of Transportation through the Transportation Enhancement Program.
Jeff Mills, the project manager, spoke on behalf of Jordan, Jones, & Goulding. The master plan is to create an alternate form of transportation along Highway 54 that will tie together neighborhoods in Morrow with activity centers, schools, and interest points. The 12 foot wide concrete trail will generally follow Jester’s Creek with several branch-offs and areas where the path will cross the creek. Presently, phase one has been funded, with two phases to follow as more funding becomes available. Phase one of the “linear park” is expected to be completed in late spring of 2006. The stream restoration being done by the Clayton County Water Authority has helped accelerate the process.
A comment was made from the audience regarding the concrete not being conducive for runners. Mr. Mills said there will be sufficient grass areas along the concrete for this purpose. Concrete was chosen because of its durability and low maintenance.
Mayor Millirons asked if there had been a cost evaluation done between concrete and brick pavers and what the difference would be. Mr. Mills said he knows that pavers are more expensive, but he will find out the difference in cost. However, pavers will be used at crosswalks and other strategic areas with the present plan. The asphalt stamping is not as expensive but is also not as durable.
Mayor Pro Tem Slaton asked what else would be allowed on the path besides walkers and runners. Mr. Mills said the path is intended for bicycles and similar type vehicles.
Mr. Slaton also inquired as to the length of the trail at completion. It will be approximately 4 to 5 miles, with phase one being 1.2 miles. He also asked if it would tie into the trail at the library headquarters on Battle Creek Road.
Sylvia Redic, Grants Administrator, said there is an awareness for the potential connectivity to the county system as well as Forest Park plans.
Ms. Redic also pointed out that the comment sheets will be distributed at the City’s Community Roundtable meetings to be held once a week through April.
Councilman Huie stated that Reynolds Nature Preserve has requested bicycles not be allowed along their borders, and he is in agreement. Mr. Mills said signs could be erected or possibly bollards could be placed there.
The public hearing adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:
Mayor Jim Millirons called the regular meeting of the Morrow City Council to order at 7:30 p.m. The meeting took place in the Council Chambers of the Morrow Municipal Complex, 1500 Morrow Road, Morrow, GA 30260.
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Councilman Sorrow gave the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Work Session - January 11, 2004
Regular Meeting - January 11, 2004
Councilman Sorrow made the motion to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Councilman Huie. The motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATION:
Police Chief Charlie Sewell stated that the Morrow Police Department is involved in many community outreach programs each year. This would not be possible without the support of the community and particularly the business community. The one business that comes to mind year after year is Wal-Mart, and one person that comes to mind is Angelia Lewis, an employee of Wal-Mart. One of Wal-Mart’s programs is Shop with a Cop for underprivileged children in which the City’s police officers participate. Police officers themselves also have a Christmas party for underprivileged children for which Wal-Mart donates. Chief Sewell pointed out that there have been other events such as Safe Halloween, Easter Egg Hunt in the park, Child Safety Seat program, the P.R.O.U.D program, Safe America Teen Driving program, Day in the Park, and Tar and Turf Run to which Wal-Mart generously donates. The majority of the time before the Police Department can ask for donations, Angelia is offering not only her time but donations from Wal-Mart. Chief Sewell said it is a privilege to have a partner relationship with Wal-Mart and the Police Department, and it is a great pleasure to offer Ms. Lewis the Morrow Police Department Business Liaison of the Year Award for 2004.
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
COMMENTS:
Citizens-
Mr. Lampl will set up a meeting with Mr. Gavitt of Continental Circle who had questions about the path system. Mr. Gavitt was unable to attend the public hearing.
City Manager-
Mr. Lampl presented a Georgia Trendsetter video and the Trendsetter award the City received this week from the Georgia Municipal Association. The video explained the City Manager’s forward thinking approach to a public safety situation. Anou Sothsavath, IT Director, then investigated and implemented a network of software which is an electronic interactive system linking the Police Department, Fire Department, Emergency Communication, and Municipal Court.
Mr. Lampl expressed his appreciation of Mr. Sothsavath and the Police Department for all the work they put into this system which will offer us great opportunities in the future, save tax dollars, and give the ability to time manage people better. He said they deserve all the credit for being recognized by the State of Georgia for being leaders in public safety technology.
Mayor and Council-
Mayor Millirons said Mr. Lampl, Mr. Sothsavath, and all who participated in this program are to be commended, and also complemented the council for having the backbone to allow people to “think” and improve the City.
Councilman Huie noted that this is the first year for the Georgia Municipal Association Trendsetter award. There were six cities in the state selected for the award, and he is very proud Morrow was one of them. He also echoed Mr. Lampl’s comments that he appreciates every employee’s contribution.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Millirons adjourned the meeting at 7:45p.m.
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JIM MILLIRONS, MAYOR
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VIRLYN SLATON, MAYOR PRO TEM
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C. R. HUIE, COUNCILMAN
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THOMAS J. LaPORTE, COUNCILMAN
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CHARLES O. SORROW, COUNCILMAN
ATTEST:
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Renee Murphy, City Clerk