Forest Acres City Council meets April 8, 2008
Story and Photos by John Dixon

Barbara Tester

The April 8, 2008 Forest Acres City Council meeting was called to order at 5:17 pm by Mayor Frank Brunson. Councilman Charles Fetner led those assembled in the invocation and pledge. The minutes from a special meeting on March 4 and the minutes from the March 11 meeting were read and approved with no discussion. Lee Holloway, Ginger Dukes, Curtis Rye, Frank Brunson, Charles Fetner, Shell Suber, and Mark Williams were present.

Mayor's Issues City Signs: The matter of awarding the bid for neighborhood signs was deferred pending Council's viewing of the new reflective gateway sign just installed on Forest Drive.

Quinine Hill Park: Plans are complete and a call for bids will be advertised on the April 9 and Sunday, and will need approvals by May.

New Business After a brief period of discussion about community concerns, unanimous first reading was given to an ordinance to rezone 4128 Forest Drive as a PDD pending completion of a community impact study of traffic flow concerns on Brentwood.

Unanimous first reading approval was given to an ordinance to Annex 5620 Lakeshore Drive (TMS 16707- 03- 03) into the city of Forest Acres.

Briarfield and Satchel Ford intersection

Chapter 13 of the Disabled American Veterans wishes to donate a 0.88 parcel of land at Falcon and Beltline with 220 feet of frontage on Beltline to the city. Council unanimously agreed to accept the donation pending completion of a phase one environmental impact study.

Approval of a residential sign bid was deferred pending further study.

Andy Witt of the Richland/Lexington Cultural Council presented proposed arts and cultural events which included continuation of the Paletteto Palate program as well as Putting the Forest Back in Forest Acres to do some outside art and music events to showcase the city’s newly renovated parks and to bring business back into Forest Acres.  The Cultural Council supports many Forest Acres artists and musicians already.  Whitt asked for Council input to amend a draft proposal to better meet the City’s needs. An Art in the Park idea was supported by Dukes who suggested using Citadel and Idalia Parks for those activities.

Don Britt

City Administrator Report City Administrator Mark Williams asked for and received permission to schedule a special meeting for review of the new employee handbook.

Health and dental Insurance renewals are due and the process is underway.

Williams is investigating grant sources for the Gill's Creek trail project. Key deadlines will likely be July or October to coincide with the beginning of the new fiscal years of the various agencies and organizations involved. The disputed loop behind residential properties has been removed form the original plan.

Community Items Don Britt expressed concerns about a drainage ditch on Grace Hill which has repeatedly flooded causing significant erosion and property damage. The roots of trees have been exposed causing the trees to become potentially unstable and lean over the street. Williams will investigate ownership of the property and determine if appropriate public easements exist to allow management by a governmental entity or agency responsible for such things.

Grace Hill ditch

Barbara Tester expressed concern about the blatant disregard of the four- way stop at the corner of Briarfield and Satchel Ford, which is in close proximity to Sims Park and Satchel Ford Elementary. She asked for increased sign visibility. Williams will study the matter and discuss with the Department of Transportation.

Council Items Fetner reported on the phenomenal success of the Forest Acres Classic but lamented the fact that A. C. Flora was not able to win tournament this year.

Mayor Brunson was once again on the winning home run derby team thanks to the Herculean efforts of Trey Dyson who almost single handedly claimed victory for his team.

Mayor Brunson invited the community to come out to the Roof Top at Midtown at Forest Acres for the Spring Roof Top Rhythms event Saturday, April 12.

Council adjourned for an executive session for briefing on legal matters. No further action was taken and the meeting was adjourned. Council meets again on May 13 at 5:15 pm.

Andy Whitt