City council discusses pathways to new jobs -

by Prissi Sullivan

Andy Camp, formerly of Carroll Tomorrow, presented a retail research, marketing and recruitment overview of NextSite to the Villa Rica City Council at their work session on March 29, 2018. The company has a state-wide contract with Georgia Power and can offer innovative price structuring to municipalities to bring new retail, new restaurants, and new jobs to an area. NextSite is proposing a 3-year customized consulting plan for $15,500 per year. Camp projects a 185% return on the investment.
Mayor Jeff Reese pointed out that the city is under obligation to Carroll Tomorrow for $50,000 per year for the next several years. “I would be hard-pressed to obligate more taxpayer dollars for the same service,” he stated.
“I thought Carroll Tomorrow handled mostly industrial businesses,” said Council Member Leslie McPherson.
City Manager Tom Barber explained that there was no more industrial space available. There followed a discussion on how to make the best use of the services of Carroll Tomorrow. “I just want us to get the best service,” declared Reese.
Community Development Director Bobby Elliott reported that paving on West Wilson Street had been completed earlier than projected. “We were able to have 60 parking spaces instead of the projected 56, and the business owners are happy,” stated Elliott. He requests that the council approve West Wilson Street with the 60 parking spaces as a one-way street.
In addition, Elliott recommended that the reverse angle parking be revised to hood-in parking. The RAP was implemented in early 2016, and numerous complaints have arisen; many residents and local businesses wanted the parking re-visited.
Valerie Runyon presented a proposal for a Pet Jam at the Mill Amphitheater in June. Local veterinarian, Wyn Burnett, wants to host the event to raise funds for rescue animals, educate the public on the care of pets and wild life, some pet and distribute coupons for discounted services. Also proposed are several pet contests and a petting area. Burnett’s band will also perform free to the public that night.
The original presentation, which garnered a no vote from the council, was not fully detailed and did not address several major concerns of the council. The council is not in favor of animals at the Mill and would prefer another site, such as Prospector’s Park. Runyon would like a discounted price for the second venue. Barber requested that City Attorney David Mecklin investigate the legality of allowing an entity that is not a registered charity use public facilities free.
McPherson clarified that Burnett would be paying for use of the Mill and had already rendered the clean up deposit.
Council Member Gil McDougal, who had previously voiced concerns of having animals at the Mill because his children have allergies to animals, stated that no one was questioning whether this was a promising idea, but that he had concerns about the process and being presented with a new idea at the work session.
Runyon explained that her purpose was to make this event happen. “We are just trying to come to terms with what the council wants, so we can do this,” she explained. “Doctor Burnett lives and works in the city and wants to host this event in the city.”
Burnett has cared for the city animals at Pine Mountain Gold Mine free of charge and, according to Runyon, cares for and finds homes for a multitude of stray animals deposited at his facility. “He has served this community well,” she explained.
The mayor instructed Runyon to meet with Economic Development Director Chris Pike regarding the Mill, Parks and Recreation Director Vicki Coleman concerning Prospector Park fees, and the city manager to formulate a cohesive proposal to bring to the council.
Pike requested the council approve license agreement for alcohol sales with The Olive Tree for the Jazz Festival to be held on April 28 and for the May summer concert by the Atlanta Rhythm Section to be held on May 19. The city will garner 60% of the sales, while the restaurant will earn 40% of the beer and wine sales. He also requested that the council allow the sale of beer and wine at the TriMusic Festival, sponsored by Stepping Stones Foundation. This is a private event and a fund-raiser for scholarships.
Other issues to be considered at the April 3 council meeting include:
• Equipping police cars at a total cost of $49,317.40
• Purchasing vehicles for public works at a total not to exceed cost of $109,520
• Water plant improvements bid reward for $446,200
• Water/sewer equipment and services totaling $211,841