Residents

in the Wynnmeade subdivision will have an easier time

crossing Line Creek Parkway, thanks to a tunnel now in

the works.

The City

Council voted last week to get the $78,000 project moving

while the parkway is in the early stages of construction.

"Now's the time," said councilman Jim Pace.

Originally

termed a "cart path tunnel," the project was

referred to by Mayor Pro Tempore Annie McMenamin as a

"recreational path" in deference to bicyclists

and others who could benefit from the safety of not

having to cross the road.

A sole

source contract is being executed with McCoy Grading, the

contractor for Line Creek Parkway. City officials pointed

out that, since that company is already on the site and

will not have to mobilize equipment for the tunnel

project, the city will save money by using McCoy instead

of bidding it out.

Mayor Bob

Lenox was initially concerned about the project, saying

that all tunnels in the past were in core areas of the

cart path system. But Wynnmeade resident John Dillihunt

said that the parkway is being built about 20 feet above

the adjacent ground, so a tunnel makes sense.

That was

fine with Lenox, and the vote to approve the project was

4-0 (Robert Brooks was absent).

In other

business, the council approved the purchase of

property/casualty insurance providing liability and

automobile physical damage at an annual premium of

$54,152.

The measure

was previously tabled while various rates and deductibles

were considered, but city insurance consultant Joe Byrd

reported last week that there is not much advantage to

taking higher deductibles in the current market. The

deductible under this plan will be $25,000.

All agreed

that acquiring the coverage was a good decision.

"There's been quite an increase in claims in

governmental fields," said Byrd.

"I

wouldn't operate my business without this kind of

coverage, and I don't see why the city should be exposed

like that," said councilman Jim Pace.

According

to reports, the city has had good luck since becoming

self-insured in 1986. The most expensive claim during

that time was in excess of $150,000 for the Palm Beach

lawsuit, but the highest claim the past four years has

cost the city a relatively low $47,544.

Also, the

City Council approved a $5,000 request for funding of

playground equipment at Peachtree City Elementary School.

In

accordance with the ordinance passed earlier this year,

the Recreation Commission previously reviewed the project

and recommended a $5,000 contribution - the maximum

amount allowed for a single school under the city's new

policy.

This money

is for phase one of a two-phase project, contingent upon

the school's PTO providing the remaining funds for the

first phase. PTO vice president Jane Langley reported to

the Recreation Commission that the organization has

$9,500 available in savings and earned more than $5,000

during September's wrapping paper fund-raiser.

Pascal's

American Cafe has received an alcoholic beverage license

for Pascal's Bistro, to be situated on Commerce Drive in

the space formerly occupied by Agnes and Muriel's, which

shut down its Peachtree City operation.

Pascal

Lecorre asked to be appointed as the licensee and license

representative, and he reported to the City Council that

he plans to be open around Oct. 17. Lecorre is a

Peachtree City resident.

"It's

nice to have local owners," said McMenamin as the

request was approved.