Here are a few quick take-aways from the Board of Mayor and Commissioners (BOMC) Feb. 23 meetings:
City Resumes Normal Operations
The BOMC repealed the resolution that imposed restrictions on city operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A few notes about operations:
- City staff have returned to normal operations.
- The BOMC, boards and commissions have resumed in-person meetings.
- The BOMC and DDA will continue to provide Zoom links to meetings in addition to in-person options.
- Please enter through the front doors of City Hall facing N. Avondale where front desk staff can assist you.
- The back door by the parking area will remain locked. Those needing special assistance may ring the doorbell at the back entrance.
North Woods Phase One Contract Approved
A contract with Centennial Contractor Enterprises was approved at the BOMC meeting on Feb. 23 to start the first phase of the North Woods stormwater project. Phase one will focus on creation of a path connecting the sidewalk at the northwest entrance of the North Woods to the Lake Trail. This part of the project must be completed by June 30 per a grant by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Land, Water and Conservation Fund. The city is pursuing bids for the next phase of the project which includes enhancement and realignment of the swale, repair of the eroded stream bank and installation of three rain gardens to slow and filter stormwater entering Lake Avondale
Police Chief Search
Seven candidates for the chief of police have accepted the invitation by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) to a one-day assessment to be held on March 2. The GACP anticipates completing their scoring of applicants by March 10 and will then meet with the City Manager to discuss recommendations for finalists for the city to interview.
Stormwater
The BOMC set the storm water service fee rate for 2022 at $180 per year per a residential unit. Annual fees are set each March and bills go out in September. Additionally, the BOMC adopted a new Water Waste Policy to reduce water waste such as outdoor leaks and improper irrigation, thereby reducing the volume of flows entering the storm water collection system.
Town Green Park
Sod and trees have been planted, playground pieces are being installed and the layout of the Town Green is materializing. Delays with utilities and materials have pushed back final completion of the two-acre park portion of the Town Green until May.
Town Green Market Pavilion
The BOMC approved a contract with Reeves Young to construct the open-air market pavilion and multi-use lot on the corner of North Avondale Road and Oak Street. This structure will expand the public portion of the Town Green with a 4,200 square foot open-air pavilion which can support between 140-500 people depending on setup. The roofline of the structure is designed to reflect the rhythm and patterns of the Tudor Style buildings that define the historic character of Avondale Estates. The pavilion is envisioned as a space for farmers’ markets and events and is expected to be completed this summer.