Two previously discussed ordinances were approved, with a few changes, at last week's City Council meeting in Peachtree City.

A tree ordinance is now in place, with guidelines for trees on public lands. At a previous meeting, council members expressed concern about wording in the ordinance that could pertain to many trees already planted around people's homes.

The revised ordinance excludes rights-of-way for minor residential streets when defining locations, and major residential streets have been identified by name to eliminate confusion.

Requirements for spacing trees from streets, sidewalks and paths, established to protect utilities, have not been changed, but adjustments can now be made at the discretion of the building official when utilities are not present in the right-of-way.

City manager Jim Basinger told the City Council that the revisions should clearly show the ordinance applies only to public lands.

Adopting a tree preservation ordinance is one of the requirements for obtaining the designation of “Tree City USA.”

Mayor Pro Tempore Annie McMenamin moved to approve the revised ordinance, Councilman Robert Brooks seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

A revised draft of a septic system ordinance was also presented. It addresses improvements on property in the city where septic systems are in use.

According to the new ordinance, the applicant must obtain written approval from the Fayette County Health Department as part of site plan approval for any new project on a septic system lot.

Council members felt during previous discussions that the resident should bear the responsibility for obtaining such approval, and the first draft was unclear about that, putting more of a burden on the city.

Development director Jim Williams said the revised ordinance is “not as aggressive” as the previous draft, and those concerns are taken care of.

Councilwoman Carol Fritz moved to approve the revised ordinance, Jim Pace seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

In other business, the City Council selected United Waste Service of Atlanta to be the city's preferred provider for solid waste collection.

The issue was first discussed during public hearings on the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. Requests were sent to ten refuse collection services, and those who responded, in addition to United, were Environmental Partners Inc. of Tyrone, C & C Disposal Inc. of Fayetteville, and Waste Management of Atlanta.

After reviewing the proposals and conducting interviews with the three firms, city staff determined that the most favorable overall residential rate package was from United, which currently serves about 33 percent of the city's residents.

Representatives from EPI and United were present at the City Council meeting to plead their cases just before the vote.

Brooks moved to approve the city's recommendation, which includes a three-year contract. MeMenamin seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

An ordinance amending procedures for adding agenda items at City Council meetings was approved. It was necessary due to recent changes in Georgia open meetings and open records laws, which took effect July 1.

Agenda items may now be added during a meeting or public hearing only if it becomes necessary and/or a majority of the City Council approves the move.

The mayor, council members, city manager and assistant city manager have the authority to make agenda changes up to 24 hours before a meeting.

A notice will now be placed on every agenda submitted to the public, stating: “This agenda may change at any time up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. You are encouraged to check the final agenda during the 24-hour period prior to the meeting.”

McMenamin moved to approve the ordinance, Brooks seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

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