Betsy Tyler
This storage shed at Riley Field was defaced on all sides, requiring it to be completely repainted.
Several Peachtree City government departments are teaming up to stop the recent proliferation of graffiti. In the past six months this form of vandalism has significantly increased in volume throughout the city and citizens are asked for assistance.
Golf cart safety especially important in summer months
Betsy Tyler
AGREEMENT REACHED ON POLICE BUILDING REPAIRS
Betsy Tyler
Volunteers Needed: PTC Library Commission & Airport Authority
Betsy Tyler
Now taking applications for Spring PTC 101
Betsy Tyler
Outdoor Burning Resumes in PTC
Betsy Tyler
Council to Consider Stream Buffer Ordinance on 1/17
Mark Caspar
Senior Homestead Exemption – Register by March 1
Betsy Tyler
Severe Weather Awareness Week, February 3 – 9
Betsy Tyler
Wieland to Present Second Planning Charrette on 1/23
Betsy Tyler
770-487-7657
info@peachtree-city.org
06/12/2008 8:44:05 AM
“We’re asking people to report any new graffiti to us immediately upon seeing it, or if they see it in progress,” said Police Chief H.C. “Skip” Clark II. “We are documenting and tracking incidents so we can best determine how to counter this trend.”
Citizens can call the Police Department at 770-487-8866; the Recreation Department at 770-631-2542; Public Works at 770-487-5183; or City Hall at 770-487-7657 to report vandalism in any form.
Incidents of graffiti have increased in city cart path tunnels, on park playground equipment, in public restrooms, on walls of buildings, on traffic signs, on trash cans, on subdivision signs and even in the bathroom at the Library. Each incident of graffiti requires from one to several hours of work to clean it up. This is a chore that generally falls on Public Works or Parks maintenance crews.
“Our crews have their hands full just trying to accomplish the routine maintenance required to keep this city looking clean and well kept,” said Randy Gaddo, Leisure Services Director. “Our goal is to clean up graffiti within a day or two of finding it. When we have to stop what we’re doing to clean graffiti, that means something else important isn’t getting done.”
Often repainting an entire structure or replacing signs is necessary to eliminate the unsightly remains of graffiti. The ability to remove graffiti depends on what sort of paint was used and what surface it was applied to.
“This gets costly to citizens, in materials, equipment needed and man hours required to put things back in order,” said Tom Corbett, Public Services Director.
There are several steps being taken to apprehend graffiti vandals, who will be prosecuted to the fullest extent the law allows. There are plans to deploy roving hidden cameras to catch them in the act. Police and parks monitors will focus patrols on sites where this vandalism is occurring. Other city staff will be on the look out for evidence of graffiti and report it immediately. However, one of the best deterrents is citizens who will report vandalism in progress or after the fact.
“We can’t be everywhere at once, but citizens are out there all the time so we’re depending on them to report incidents to us,” said Clark. “Help us help you save your tax dollars.”
770-487-7657
info@peachtree-city.org
06/06/2008 1:53:37 PM
Now that school is out, Peachtree City’s paths are seeing more use than ever. Peachtree City Public Information Officer Betsy Tyler is reminding golf cart owners of the rules of the path for Peachtree City's signature vehicle.
Tyler said, “Golf carts are a way of life in Peachtree City, and they are certainly a lot of fun. However, cart owners and operators need to remember that these vehicles share the paths with pedestrians and bicyclists, and can cause serious injuries if drivers are not careful.”
Peachtree City has several rules to help keep all path users safe:
• All passengers of a golf cart must remain seated while the cart is in motion – it is very easy to throw a standing passenger from a cart by suddenly starting or stopping the vehicle, or hitting a bump in the path or street.
• No one may sit in the driver’s lap while the cart is in motion – children could become crushed between the driver and the steering wheel in an accident.
• Young children should sit flat in the seat and wear safety helmets to avoid injury from falling or being thrown from the cart.
• All operators must abide by all traffic regulations applicable to vehicular traffic.
• Golf cart drivers should slow down when approaching other path users, curves, and intersections.
• Golf cart drivers should use caution when crossing any street or driveway, stopping the cart if an auto is approaching.
• Golf cart drivers are required to use a horn or other audible signal when approaching pedestrians from behind -- electric carts are very quiet and can injure pedestrians.
• Where cart paths exist they must be used instead of parallel city streets (excluding private golf course paths).
• Carts driven at night must be equipped with functional headlights and tail lights.
• Carts are not allowed on or across Hwy 54, Hwy 74, Peachtree Pkwy, or Crosstown Road except at authorized crossings.
Tyler added, “Drivers need to pay attention and use caution at all times because owners can be held both criminally and civilly liable for injuries caused by their carts.”
The City also strongly encourages golf cart owners to obtain separate liability insurance. Tyler said homeowner policies often do not cover carts taken off property, making accidents especially expensive.
Another potential cost to cart owners can come from allowing under-age drivers to operate carts.
In Peachtree City, golf carts may only be driven by:
• Those 16 and over, whether or not they have a license (unless license has been suspended or revoked)
• 15-year olds with a valid learners permit may drive alone, or if unaccompanied by a parent/grandparent, or person 18 or older, they may drive accompanied by up to one other person who must be at least 15 years old, or may be accompanied by up to 3 immediate family members.
• 15-years old with NO learners permit must be accompanied in the front seat by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian, or a person age 18 or older with a valid drivers license.
• Children age 12, 13 & 14 must be accompanied in the front seat by a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian.
• No person under 12 years of age may drive a cart.
Tyler reminds residents that fines for under-age drivers are very steep, ranging from $350 for a first offense to $1,321 and loss of registration for a third offense within two years. Tyler said, “Violations on a golf cart can also affect a teenager’s ability to obtain a drivers license.”
Tyler said, "Using caution on the paths and following the rules will help every to have a safe and fun summer."
The City posts complete path rules on its web site, www.peachtree-city.org, and on the street and path map available for purchase at City Hall.
770-487-7657
info@peachtree-city.org
05/05/2008 1:52:38 PM
Peachtree City and Leslie Contracting have reached an agreement concerning issues that have arisen regarding the City’s Police Department Building.
Leslie will perform certain repairs at no cost to the City or its taxpayers. In addition, Leslie has agreed to perform additional remedial work at a significantly reduced price, again resulting in a significant savings to the City based upon current estimates to repair the building.
The agreement resolves any claims that the City could have raised against Leslie regarding its construction of the Police Building. While Leslie disputed those claims, both factually and legally, it wanted to “assist the City in resolving this issue” according to Wayne Leslie, the firm’s CEO.
Mayor Harold Logsdon said that he appreciated Leslie’s willingness to come to the table in good faith and assist the City in this matter. “Leslie has a good reputation as a builder, and has successfully completed projects for the City before and after the Police Building. Naturally, we all wish there had not been a problem with the building. Leslie voluntarily came to the table and did the right thing, and I commend them for doing so. More importantly, the agreement will help the City get the building repaired in a more cost-effective manner than was originally anticipated,” said Logsdon.
With respect to the agreement, Wayne Leslie said, “As a member of the Fayette County community, we want to do our part in helping arrive at a solution. Sometimes it is prudent to agree to disagee and then move forward to solve a problem. I commend the efforts of the City officials and their consultants in reaching this resolution.”
770-487-7657
info@peachtree-city.org
04/07/2008 3:57:29 PM
The City of Peachtree City is seeking volunteers for a term on the Peachtree City Library Commission and for an unexpired term on the Peachtree City Airport Authority.
The Library Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month and advises the Mayor and City Council on issues relating to the operation of Peachtree City’s Library. The appointment is for a three-year beginning June 1, 2008.
The Airport Authority is a separate legal entity that owns and operates Peachtree City-Falcon Field Airport. The Airport Authority meets on the second Thursday of each month. The appointment will be for the term ending December 31, 2010.
Applications for these volunteer positions are available on the City’s web site, www.peachtree-city.org , under the Jobs page. Library Commission applications are due to City Hall by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25. Airport Authoity applications are due to City Hall by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9. Applicants must have lived in Peachtree City for at least 6 months.
For more information, please contact Ms. Nikki Vrana at 770-487-7657.
770-487-7657
info@peachtree-city.org
03/17/2008 10:47:32 AM
Peachtree City residents interested in learning more about the operation of the City government are invited to sign up for the second PTC 101 class, a six-session overview of Peachtree City’s seven operating divisions. The weekly classes will be held on Tuesdays from 7:00 – 9:00 beginning April on that begins at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25.
Course topics will include an overview of Peachtree City’s history and form of government, the City’s technology and website, the Planning Department and process, Engineering, Stormwater, Public Works, Recreation, the Library, the Fire & Police Departments, Finance and budgeting, Building & Code Enforceent. The program will concluce with a Q&A session with the Mayor & City Council.
Peachtree City Mayor Harold Logsdon said, “I encourage anyone wanting to know about the operation of our City to sign up for this course. It is a lot of fun and very informative”
There is no charge for the program, but participation will be limited to a class of 25. Applications are available at City Hall and on the City’s web site at www.peachtree-city.org . Applications will be accepted through April 4, and participation0 will be limited to the first twenty-five applicants age 18 and older.
770-487-7657
01/23/2008 8:55:53 AM
Peachtree City’s Outdoor Burning Ban has been lifted due to recent precipitation a decreased Fire Danger Rating from Georgia Forestry Commission.
Peachtree City residents must continue to obtain a Burning Permit from the Fire Department, which will issue burning permits on a day-to-day basis based on the Fire Danger Rating and current weather conditions in the city.
For daily permits, visit www.peachtree-city.gov under Online Services or call 770-631-2588 ext.555 for details.
770-631-2538
01/15/2008 5:13:58 PM
On January 17, the Peachtree City Mayor and Council will consider adopting a buffer ordinance for streams as required by the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (MNGWPD). The ordinance requires a 50 ft undisturbed buffer from the banks of the stream and an additional 25 ft setback from the buffer for impervious surfaces.
Peachtree City Stormwater Manager Mark Caspar said, “We don’t want the public to confuse this ordinance with the proposed rules for lake buffers that Peachtree City began reviewing in 2007.” Caspar continued, “Issues and questions relating to that ordinance are still under review by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, and we will continue to work with property owners along Peachtree City’s lakes to finalize the proposed amendments later this year.”
Due to its restrictive nature, the Stream Buffer Protection Ordinance under consideration Thursday night includes grandfather provisions and exemptions for the repair and maintenance for anything lawfully permitted and built prior to the adoption of the ordinance, and anything currently under construction, approved for development, or submitted for approval prior to adoption.
Several exemptions also exist, including stream crossings by a driveway, transportation route or utility line; public water supply intake or public wastewater outfall structures; intrusions necessary to provide access to a property; public access facilities that must be on the water including boat ramps, docks, foot trails leading directly to the stream, fishing platforms and overlooks; unpaved foot trails and paths; and, activities to restore and enhance stream bank stability, vegetation, water quality and/or aquatic habitat, so long as native vegetation and bioengineering techniques are used.
For those properties which have certain rights conveyed via deed or other instrument of title, the construction or maintenance of any docks or other access points within such area provided, however, that such docks or access points shall not be increased in size or scope after the effective date of this ordinance.
This ordinance does not apply to the property immediately adjacent to Lake Kedron and Lake Peachtree, as this ordinance is only for streams. Property further uphill from the lakes adjacent to a stream that drains to the lake may be affected by this ordinance, depending on the grandfather and exemption provisions.
Caspar said, “The City will review all proposals for land disturbance and determine if the stream buffer setbacks apply.”
Local governments that do not adopt the ordinance will lose grant funding for stormwater projects.
770-487-7657
01/10/2008 9:53:32 AM
Forms for qualifying senior citizens to register for the 2008 Senior Homestead Exemption are now available at City Hall.
Qualifying PTC homeowners must be age 65 by January 1 of 2008 and must already have applied for the standard Homestead Exemption through the Fayette County Tax Commissioners Office. The household income, which must be less than $30,000, will be calculated on the Federal Adjusted Gross Income of the applicant and spouse.
The exemption is a flat rate of $5,000 per home, which would amount to a $26.00 savings in city property taxes under the city’s current millage rate. Qualifying seniors should bring proof of age and income (a copy of their 2007 tax returns) to City Hall, 151 Willowbend Road, in Peachtree City to file for the exemption.
The deadline to file for 2008 is 5:00 PM on Friday, February 29, 2008. Because the deadline to file taxes is April 15, the City will accept proof of income through April 25, 2008, for those who registered by March 1.
Residents with questions may contact City Hall at 770-487-7657 or info@peachtree-city.org.
Note: Homeowners must register annually for this exemption.
770-487-7657
01/10/2008 9:34:40 AM
February 3-9 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia. Peachtree City and Fayette County will participate in the statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, February 6 (f severe weather threatens that day, the test will be moved to Friday, February 8).
During the tornado drill, Fayette County Emergency Management WILL CONDUCT A LIVE TEST OF THE SIREN SYSTEM, including the emergency sirens located in Peachtree City, at approximately 9:00 a.m.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for severe weather by creating a Family Disaster Plan and Disaster Supplies Kit. More information, including a complete list of recommended supplies, is available through the Georgia Emergency Management Association web site, www.gema.state.ga.us .
770-487-7657
01/10/2008 9:23:02 AM
John Wieland Homes will present a second planning charrette on Wednesday, January 23, 2008, at 7:00 pm at City Hall in Peachtree City.
The first charette was held on December 4, 2007, and the public was invited to share their vision via a visual preference survey for residential imagery, residential streetscape imagery, mixed-use streetscape imagery, commercial imagery and landscape imagery. The purpose of this charrette is for Wieland Homes to present a new concept plan, taken from public comment, and likes/dislikes, from the last meeting.
In this second presentation, Wieland will also include the area north of the 89-acre tract. As discussed in past task force meetings, the area to the north of the 89 acres is being looked at as an office/institutional development area.
The public is invited to attend and voice their opinions and concerns. The 89 acres are located in the West Village, along GA Highway 74, near south Kedron Drive.