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.

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