Three agenda items involving the county’s Public Arts Committee were considered and approved by the Fayette County Board of Commissioners at its April 14 regular meeting.
The Fayette County Water System requested the committee’s assistance in issuing a call for artists to paint a mural in the entrance foyer of the Crosstown Water Treatment Plant, utilizing no more than $5,000 that is in the Water System’s budget.
Water System director Lee Pope said that plenty of guests tour the facility and it is being recognized for its state-of-the-art equipment but its appearance is not up to the same standard.
Commissioner David Barlow noted that he recently toured the state’s Go Fish facility in Perry and was impressed with its appearance, which makes him look forward to seeing what can be done here.
The board also approved the Public Arts Committee’s upcoming presentation of a chalk art project to be hosted May 15 in tandem with Taste of Fayette in downtown Fayetteville. The committee was authorized to use up to $3,110 from its budget for this initiative.
This event will allow any interested participants — young or old, professional or amateur — the opportunity to utilize his or her own eight-foot square to create a unique piece of family-friendly art. It will not be permanent, obviously, because of the media being used. Within the event budget the committee will bring in one professional, a member of the Chalk Artists Guild, to participate.
Also approved was a request to proceed with the Animal Shelter Art Project that consists of painting various animal-themed aluminum signs that will be displayed on the outside of the Animal Shelter’s building as a way to promote interest both in pet adoption and public art. An initial expenditure of $575 in Public Arts funds was authorized.
In other non-art business, the board approved a request from The Heritage of Peachtree to connect to the Peachtree City Water and Sewerage Authority’s sewage system while the annexation process by Peachtree City is progressing.
County Administrator Steve Rapson informed the board that there is a two-step process for annexation in Peachtree City and this application is on step 2, having already received WASA approval. There is a lot of construction to be done on this project as well as some septic issues with the assisted-living facility, he added, noting that the city is in agreement about this approach.
Commissioner Steve Brown pointed out that this type of action usually would be “putting the cart before the horse” but a number of issues have made this the logical course of action, particularly the fact that some “medically fragile” people reside in the area in question.
The board voiced its agreement with the annexation of a 6.71-acre lot at 1361 Hwy. 74 South and its rezoning from A-R to O-I. This is the Starr’s Mill Academy day care center, which zoning director Pete Frisina said has been in that location since 1999. The property behind it was annexed two years ago, which make the site contiguous for purposes of legal annexation. There was no public comment for or against the plan.
Tony Parrott was appointed to the Library Board to finish a term that ends Dec. 31. Barlow spoke highly of his qualifications and made the motion for the appointment, which was seconded by Commissioner Charles Rousseau, the other member of the selection committee along with Barlow. The motion passed 3-2 with Brown and Commissioner Randy Ognio voting against. Neither commented on his reasons for the vote.
Unanimous approval was given to Martin Sas’ appointment to the Fayette County Transportation Committee for a term that expires March 31, 2017. Several commissioners noted Sas’ credentials, including an extensive transportation background and a variety of state-level contacts.
The board approved a staff request to authorize a stormwater pipe replacement agreement between the county and the Country Lake Homeowners Association for a 24-inch pipe at an amount not to exceed $25,000. This item was pulled from the consent agenda for a few adjustments but received unanimous approval.
The consent agenda included a “release of all claims” agreement with ACCC Insurance Company, a resolution to adopt the 2015 annual report on fire services impact fees, the purchase of two new mowing tractors, and approval of a one-time two-percent incentive for employees. It was approved unanimously.
Rapson announced that the board’s next meeting was moved to Tuesday, April 26, at 2 p.m. because of ACCG training that would involve all of the commissioners.
