New loitering rule would put parents on the hook for children caught ‘hanging out’

The Fayetteville City Council agenda promises to be packed July 17, with consideration of the 2009 budget, a proposal for Sunday alcohol sales, the third of three water and sewer system rate increases, items relating to the proposed Villages at Lafayette retail/office/residential project, proposed changes to the Stella’s Place residential development and a proposed ordinance on loitering.

Council members will consider adopting the proposed $10.588 million General Fund budget. If adopted, the new budget will represent a $470,577 increase for the fiscal year beginning Aug. 1.

The increase, said Finance Director Lynn Robinson, is based on continuing the millage rate at 2.99 mills. It remains to be seen if a net increase will be in the offing.

Up for consideration July 17 will be putting Sunday alcohol sales on the November ballot. Main Street and Downtown Development Authority boards said July 10 that Sunday liquor-by-the-drink sales could allow restaurants to provide full-service operations throughout the week.

Currently within Fayette County, only Peachtree City allows Sunday sales of mixed drinks at restaurants.

The council will also hear the first reading of the proposed loitering ordinance. The ordinance defines loitering and includes a provision for a person fleeing the scene in an attempt to elude law enforcement.

If the offender is a minor, the parent or guardian will be given a warning citation on the first offense, with more severe outcomes for repeat offenses. The city already has in place a teen curfew ordinance.

On a topic related to increasing consumer costs, the council will hear the first reading of the third phase of water and sewer adjustments implemented in 2006.

If approved, the increase will affect sewer rates only, amounting to an increase of $5.78 to the average bill, Robinson said. The base rate for residential customers would increase from $13.20 to $15.95, from $11.22 to $13.56 for seniors and from $25.20 to $27.95 for businesses. The usage charge for all categories would increase from $2.30 to $2.85 per 1,000 gallons over the 2,000 gallon base.

Robinson said the three-part increases, implemented on an annual basis, were established in 2006 to ensure that the city has adequate financial resources to meet long-term needs of the water and sewer systems.

Council members will also hear the second reading of an amendment to the Villages of Lafayette retail/office/residential development proposed along Ga. Highway 54 between Meeting Place Drive and Lafayette Avenue.

The proposal for the 162,850-square-foot development was tabled in May to allow developers to review options and pursue another anchor tenant after being informed that LA Fitness had withdrawn its interest in the development.

The 13.7-acre development would include seven buildings, including the 45,000-square-foot anchor and a pair of two-story retail/office/apartment buildings on the development’s east side near Hampton Inn.

On another matter, city planning staff are recommending approval of a request that would rezone the Stella’s Place residential development on Grady Avenue from R-22 Planned Unit Development (PUD) to MO (Medical Office), a zoning category that would accommodate attached residential units for older adults.

The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission June 24 recommended approval of the 86-unit development. The first reading and a public hearing on the proposal will be July 17.

On the new city budget, Robinson said the increase over the current year reflects increased jail costs, increases in 911 center costs and personnel increases.

Proposed personnel increases of 2.5 percent and benefits such as increases in health insurance total $224,000 while increased jail costs are slated for an additional $160,000.

This is due to increased housing costs as persons not paying fines are incarcerated, Robinson said. The other significant increase totaling $113,000 is anticipated for 911 services. Robinson said supplies and debt service is budgeted for a $65,000 decrease in the 2009 budget.

Also included in the increases is a $37,000 item for nine firefighter positions. Robinson said a firefighters’ grant pays for 90 percent of the cost, leaving the city responsible for the remaining 10 percent, or $37,000.