[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6145537,"mediaKeyId","5532862-6e0529728d97c366a8ec53faa49b288c","parentId",5532862,"title","City proposes low-pressure sewer extension on South Street to serve existing lots and failing septic systems","audioSeconds",489,"startMs",6540000,"endMs",7029000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532862-6e0529728d97c366a8ec53faa49b288c&start=6540&end=7029","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532862-6e0529728d97c366a8ec53faa49b288c/thumbnail_6540000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6145537/Villa-Rica/Carroll-County/Georgia/City-proposes-low-pressure-sewer-extension-on-South-Street-to-serve-existing-lots-and-failing-septic-systems","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145537-7929bc882bbdf611a65188682502c5fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770451666&Signature=na9rZ3VUOWUeN7bknmMWdvI7XT2mWDJW5N60S-rKU9bXTxavfZ4yvIjiW2ieJNpnOD-twGsaI2q5ogLu8NqfGcJ-s-C4e7jLEyshOvOc7X7gZSEOsXA0D96QQIqDZUwi6954iqDaV61STbDGcWB1BNnrOjeKYoFgKNgq31I6NTw9M6wHNiqSIJxo~Tn~hv24mFo7x8askd25E4~cBKkQ900HH2dzclDI7Z9sQc-CS1cxgHvACnqrI~11g8yz-32TDBwd24KP4VQDl4Wi-Y4-BB0odEWzsxMuSs8hzs0gnUnF2jZCLSHTNNHNiqlpQJo4~iKhrayUbtpG74Z6i69ETQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-08-05T19:18:08.45Z","article","City utilities staff proposed design and construction of a low-pressure sewer extension on South Street at the Aug. 5 work session to serve properties that currently lack gravity sewer and for some lots that are too small for septic systems. Interim Utilities Director John Bain said the low-pressure system would use individual grinder pumps at properties to feed a small force main that city crews would operate and maintain, avoiding the deep trenches and manholes of a gravity sewer extension.

Why it matters: The project would convert properties on septic — including several vacant lots unsuitable for septic — to municipal sewer service, resolving failing septic fields and enabling development for lots that cannot support septic systems. It also supports the city's Water First goals and regional environmental standards to reduce septic discharges.

Scope and approach: Bain said the project would run from the south end of South Street north toward the fire-station access road near the Chick-fil-A area. Preliminary design work and cost estimates were complete and staff requested approval to design and bid the project; Bain said design would take roughly 30 to 60 days and bid and construction likely to follow, with the city seeking contractor approval after bids and subject to the city's purchasing rules.

Technical points and costs: The system is a low-pressure force main rather than a gravity sewer; each property would install a grinder pump or a STEP-type system to lift wastewater into the force main, at which point the city would accept maintenance responsibility at the property line. Bain said the city currently has capacity reserved at the wastewater plant for septic-to-sewer conversions and staff has identified potential funding and loan/grant programs that could help homeowners with tap and pump costs. Councilmembers asked staff to present options for equitable cost-sharing, payment plans or grant assistance for homeowners who face the upfront cost of hook-up and grinder pumps.

Council questions and next steps: Council asked how residents would pay for connections and whether the city would require mandatory hookups; staff said mandatory connection language and a program for phased hookups were options to consider but are not currently in place and would require council policy direction. Staff recommended design approval and a return to council with the construction bid award for approval.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Villa Rica","oneSentenceSummary","City staff proposed designing and bidding a low-pressure sewer extension on South Street on Aug. 5 to serve properties that cannot use septic systems and to allow homes with failing septic systems to tie into municipal sewer.","taxTitle","Villa Rica, Carroll County, Georgia","taxId",57022,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6145542,"Council debates city ethics ordinance as complaints and legal costs mount",332,2899000,3231000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532862-6e0529728d97c366a8ec53faa49b288c&start=2899&end=3231","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532862-6e0529728d97c366a8ec53faa49b288c/thumbnail_2899000.jpg","/articles/6145542/Villa-Rica/Carroll-County/Georgia/Council-debates-city-ethics-ordinance-as-complaints-and-legal-costs-mount","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145542-e245ddeed76148acdb0bb3e6e50d49c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770451666&Signature=BBo9F3BrfR7GW24WELef68-8WyE8WG7-2tEiZdyJObEeXC1e~vPsXb~8cvOfJ8SXJixTK-9p5eImGMskQoE4vCk9W3beRZDzJ4uFdW2pCuw~LNTmCFRH9M62-h2Nb4DVpuRs5evVkMIvGVFieeBx~CR~peMbqdPtfBsRe5YON4g1Afzj7-fgj1O93A8Tmnk8LkRmedmxgMeNnolGthuAhmCLFwGKKa26krbFhxuSBkyBaxzdH8Ub0rW7S0s~ckvv0ohhB9zGV5VgxVpASLtuI1SVEuKgSIZsF5Exnh56RKl85-Lvx5MOAk~c8~9Du7kXs4Zdy9uY6Yp5rEkSA8v8zQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor and council held an extended discussion Aug. 5 about the city's existing local ethics ordinance after staff and the city attorney provided guidance on alternatives for citizens who want to raise official-conduct concerns. City legal staff outlined options including criminal prosecutions for criminal violations, mandamus or declaratory-judgment actions in Carroll County Superior Court, petitions for review of judicial or quasi-judicial city actions, and complaints to the Georgia State Ethics Commission for campaign-finance matters.

Why it matters: The council said the current local ordinance has produced multiple complaints, cost the city legal fees and administrative resources, and nonetheless provides limited remedial authority or enforcement options. Council members asked whether keeping, repealing or replacing the ordinance is the best path forward.

City staff and council members said the local ethics ordinance does not allow the city to impose corrective or punitive legal remedies and that many complaints the city has processed were dismissed or deemed outside the ordinance's jurisdiction. Council members repeatedly raised the cost to taxpayers, with a headline figure cited in discussion of roughly $10,000 in legal fees so far related to enforcing or processing ethics complaints; staff said those legal costs include attorney time and administrative staff time to convene meetings and process records.

Options discussed: The city attorney's memo (summarized at the meeting) listed nonexhaustive alternatives: criminal investigation and prosecution by law enforcement and the district attorney when a criminal statute may have been violated; mandamus actions in Superior Court when a public official refuses to perform required duties; declaratory-judgment actions to challenge improper public actions; complaints to the Georgia State Ethics Commission for campaign-finance violations; and petitions for review of governing-board decisions in Superior Court. Council members debated whether a filing fee for local ethics complaints could recoup some costs and whether it would discourage meritorious filers; staff said the legal effect of charging a local filing fee had not been researched.

Some council members argued for outright repeal of the current ordinance because it can be used for repeated filings that consume city resources yet provide little legal remedy, while other councilmembers favored keeping an accessible city-level option for citizens who want to raise concerns before pursuing costlier court filings. Council consensus was not reached; the item will return to council for future action and the city manager indicated staff would prepare options, including how to direct citizens to existing venues such as the state ethics commission and the courts.

What was said about alternatives: Council members noted the state ethics commission will accept campaign-finance complaints for free online but that other legal options (mandamus, declaratory judgment, petition for review, criminal complaint) can require litigation and associated filing fees or attorney representation. Several councilmembers recommended exploring a filing fee with waiver options for those who cannot afford it, while others said imposing a fee risks deterring legitimate complaints and still would not guarantee a remedy. Some members urged staff to produce an informational guide to existing legal options citizens can use outside the local ordinance.

The council asked staff to return with a recommended approach. In public discussion, the mayor and members emphasized balancing transparency and access to complaint mechanisms with limiting frivolous filings and protecting taxpayer resources.
","At an Aug. 5 work session, Villa Rica council members and staff debated the city's local ethics ordinance after multiple complaints and legal costs prompted calls to repeal or redesign the ordinance and to point citizens toward state and court remedies.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6145532,"Council to award Mare Lake Boulevard left-turn lane contract after bids come in below estimate",297,3604000,3901000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532862-6e0529728d97c366a8ec53faa49b288c&start=3604&end=3901","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532862-6e0529728d97c366a8ec53faa49b288c/thumbnail_3604000.jpg","/articles/6145532/Villa-Rica/Carroll-County/Georgia/Council-to-award-Mare-Lake-Boulevard-left-turn-lane-contract-after-bids-come-in-below-estimate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145532-c1815320588daf12c0aa5b93cf93d760/orig.mp4?Expires=1770451666&Signature=lLsMFbSG2KANc-tYfSWisFIrZeXdpBJb~ebLYCZuLd4xXeMTrZfGq0NqtOd6h6f6t-xZJkxwivuEnaPQakD3TNVAVauG~SYe7rK3mJ~MpZPSzR8sMXkEm~Bwy23h61Fq785N1~c665A5lsKzIql8vSYkYpeA9garz-7KUtFFcJstR6JzxBlBaUGw~ewIMuXWYz3I7cHZR74a6yq3JjMt3L0WMI-OzS989ahCadrKJewXd5GEcY-aJHolvCBXpzahlYZj4OLUzFNQa-jpbJdoihB3Lkv2dYrEv9i1Dv94nCIwCIqTJitEJMkinAAed8UNKLwIuxunUbhKBRWfQy0~0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Aug. 5 work session, City Engineer Mark Teal reported that the city opened bids July 30 for construction of a left-turn lane on Mare (Mirror) Lake Boulevard to address traffic safety and turning maneuvers near Meadowlark and Shoreline. Bids ranged from about $447,361 (Summit Construction) to $484,000; the low bid was roughly $200,000 below the city's internal estimate, Teal said.

Why it matters: The project will add a turn lane intended to improve safety and traffic flow where growth and new development has increased turning movements. Council raised questions about impacts to existing sidewalks, adjacent property fences and guardrail relocations.

Scope and questions: Staff confirmed the work will not require entering private yards or removing property-owner fences but will involve some guardrail removal and reinstallation and minor path relocations. Teal said schedule details were pending receipt of a contractor schedule and that staff will circulate the timing to council once the contractor provides it. Council discussed alternative configurations such as write-in/write-out access restrictions, but staff said earlier development agreements and anticipated future traffic from nearby development made those options infeasible.

Next steps: Council agreed to place the award on the consent agenda for the next regular meeting; staff will return with a contractor schedule and start date. Council members noted the project had been discussed in earlier workshops and emphasized transparency about the timeline and the necessity of the work to complete previously-planned road improvements.
","The city received three bids for a Mare (Mirror) Lake Boulevard left-turn lane; the low bidder, Summit Construction, submitted a price of approximately $447,361 — well under the city's estimate — and council directed staff to move the contract award forward for consent-agenda approval.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6145551,"Housing authority updates council on RAD conversion and Walton Trail development",1126,255000,1381000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532862-6e0529728d97c366a8ec53faa49b288c&start=255&end=1381","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532862-6e0529728d97c366a8ec53faa49b288c/thumbnail_255000.jpg","/articles/6145551/Villa-Rica/Carroll-County/Georgia/Housing-authority-updates-council-on-RAD-conversion-and-Walton-Trail-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145551-88c8ddc2bfcf8c413d2cd17597339063/orig.mp4?Expires=1770451666&Signature=I5T~F72yz3XKsvS8sZt0IAuyUuu7FAP-mG2~QoRLRQSdNwblyR-7yEjaw8xO9rXidq0YHe0HqnXC8gFhWlzXLbviZmKYzvhPMzVM69dGGtiGslXzUj6c5Q1imK4PcfJVg3m8lJngT61Px4SKJRkNLFhZAoCJqQDCTpTi6EOnz6vYeXyE~p8xILGd3zmCg4Z1Y~dz1NCMj3mkIDrkJm6g61iDsJxIJYSpym8CU~ZpeWOYY4JvpQvgOhgTnsr9L-V5lbs5qeg0xlsXdiwnh~-tHntDhotgXx3n-~PfH4Moz17EB~CrRadQBA8C1Tz9z3EAWGbJQUfWr3jioGxRTXwE~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Villa Rica Housing Authority gave a progress update on planned and completed work to its public housing portfolio and the Walton Trail development at the council's Aug. 5 work session. Executive Director (Housing Authority) described the authority's 2019 entry into HUD's Rental Assistance Demonstration, explained how RAD converted the authority's operating subsidy, rents and capital funds into a HAP contract, and said that the contract amount increases annually. Walton Communities representatives described construction progress on Walton Trail Phase 1 and the family-focused Phase 2.

Why it matters: The RAD conversion and the Walton partnership shift public housing from the old public-housing model to HUD multifamily contracts and tax-credit-backed development. That affects long-term funding streams for operating and capital needs, and it changes the options the authority can use to preserve and expand affordable housing.

The housing authority's executive director told council that the authority previously demolished 62 units of Old Town Homes and consolidated some households into existing authority properties; the authority now manages roughly 79 RAD units across Anderson, Auburn and Nunley Homes with a mix of bedroom sizes (21 one-bedrooms; 36 two-bedrooms; 19 three-bedrooms; four four-bedrooms). He said the authority lacks plans to consolidate all older developments into Walton Trail and that any new development would require a separate procurement to satisfy Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) rules administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Russell Smith and Jill Dixon of Walton Communities gave a construction update: Phase 1 (90 senior apartments) opened in July 2022; Phase 2 will add 143 non-age-restricted units in three buildings and was about 85% complete at the time of the briefing. Walton said the first Phase 2 building (facing Highway 61) was targeted to turn over in October and the final building around January; Walton staff said there will be no vehicle gates across the development but building breezeway gates will be used. Walton described amenities including a leasing office, fitness center, pavilion, playground and laundry, and reported Phase 2 was 9% leased at the time of the update and that prior relocation from Old Town Homes had returned a small number of original residents.

Council members pressed the authority on maintenance and future development plans. The authority and Walton said the current emphasis is on maintaining and repairing aging systems in existing public-housing units (heating/cooling, plumbing, roofs and cast-iron plumbing replacements were mentioned). The executive director said much of the authority's older housing was built in the 1950s'70s, and long-term decisions about whether to rehab or replace those units would be matters for the housing authority board and would likely require a new developer procurement and LIHTC/DCA approvals.

The authority confirmed its board meets quarterly; the chair is Phil Blair and the vice chair is Emily Heinemann, with members Rob Smith, Cheryl Hall and Barbara Daniels. Deputy director Loretta North was identified as the authority's planned executive director when the current executive director retires.

What didn't change: Council members seeking a plan to consolidate Auburn, Nunley and other sites into Walton were told that the current Walton contract covered the Old Town Homes demolition and two phases at Walton Trail only; additional consolidation or redevelopment would require a new procurement under state tax-credit rules. The authority said there were no current plans to demolish or relocate the remaining older sites but that the board would consider options.

Next steps: The authority and staff recommended continued coordination with the city's housing committee and more frequent briefings so newly elected council members and the public can follow maintenance plans and future redevelopment options.

Speakers quoted are drawn from the housing authority presentation and Walton Communities.
","The Villa Rica Housing Authority told the mayor and council Aug. 5 that its Rental Assistance Demonstration conversion and a public-private partnership with Walton Communities have produced new housing at Walton Trail, while the authority continues to maintain older public-housing properties and has no immediate plan to consolidate all units into Walton.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6145547,"Consultants unveil Northside downtown streetscape concept emphasizing walkability and public space",577,2546000,3123000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532862-6e0529728d97c366a8ec53faa49b288c&start=2546&end=3123","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532862-6e0529728d97c366a8ec53faa49b288c/thumbnail_2546000.jpg","/articles/6145547/Villa-Rica/Carroll-County/Georgia/Consultants-unveil-Northside-downtown-streetscape-concept-emphasizing-walkability-and-public-space","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145547-b8148e64489e7ce2cf19005a0e59b5c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770451666&Signature=Y9jRuaOLgVdKB7unG1E4YY7KqsjrxGVBYGXzX9XFX8iEdex1FS1Tcb3CCny~fgikQtZdlIYDK8WW8qdktoBdPjohDVVYEGzlPQqoAP-TxDEmncunALb6jQqVF0n9QOQUpTi8me9CiVI7nxUJ3sZStM55FV0vEEJqYhf0yUexUofKYTKCekjHP-q7kHH5rLYhOP~mQhKmEEQ9I60XgZnvLwNoDm8Tyh5sA8ow9GIrI7Pw1eS6aRvFCJ5565Y1W8hsQZtq8LL6PBL0dp6c-2mntfTbyOEiBM8Rt-DgvTYtaOk3aKny1OiShmIhReiSl7penSXwKLfcp7e705GUpu4fDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City consultants presented the Northside Downtown Streetscape concept at the Aug. 5 work session, laying out a plan to shift Main Street alignment and create a curbless, pedestrian-priority civic spine centered on Temple Street. The plan, which grew from a 2021 Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) study and a March community design workshop, calls for two-way traffic on a flush street, angled and parallel parking, generous sidewalks, street trees, a \"great lawn\" (Goldminer's Green), a grove and pavilion, a playground adjacent to the Gold Way shared-use trail, and a fountain plaza at Temple and Carroll.

Why it matters: The concept aims to convert a car-first downtown to a people-first environment intended to increase walkability, provide flexible space for events, support business activity and encourage economic vitality along Temple Street and adjacent blocks.

Consultants said the design keeps two-way travel but narrows travel lanes to calm traffic, uses a curbless (flush) roadway to cue drivers to pedestrian priority, and includes travel-lane and parking reconfiguration to create continuous pedestrian amenity zones. A sequence of terraces and steps would connect the great lawn to the railroad crossing and the Gold Way trail. The playground would be elevated and visually in view of the pavilion so parents can supervise children's play.

Designers acknowledged constraints: railroad operations and Norfolk Southern review will be required because the project abuts the railroad right-of-way; Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) oversight is required because the project connects to state routes; federal funding requires environmental documentation and the city must provide a 20% local match with the consultants indicating SPLOST as the likely local funding source.

Project schedule: Consultants said they will finalize the concept and submit documentation to GDOT for review this fall, continue engineering and federal permitting and aim for bid-ready construction documents by early 2028. Councilmembers raised parking, safety near the railroad and programming concerns; consultants and staff recommended using remote and shared parking, better wayfinding, targeted curbside management and design-stage playground safety measures (fencing and boundaries) to address them.

Council direction and next steps: Staff said consultants will continue detailed engineering and federal environmental reviews. Council members urged that the plan include improved pedestrian connections across the railroad tracks to the south side of downtown and that the city coordinate with Norfolk Southern and GDOT early in final design. Multiple councilmembers expressed the desire for a phased approach that improves both sides of the tracks over time and better integrates programming (events and concerts) to ensure the new spaces have regular activity.
","Consultants presented a concept to realign Main Street toward Temple Street, create a curbless 'people-first' civic space with a great lawn, playground, pavilion and fountain plaza, and recommended phased engineering and federal environmental work before construction bids are possible in 2028.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City proposes low-pressure sewer extension on South Street to serve existing lots and failing septic systems

Council debates city ethics ordinance as complaints and legal costs mount

Council to award Mare Lake Boulevard left-turn lane contract after bids come in below estimate

Housing authority updates council on RAD conversion and Walton Trail development

Consultants unveil Northside downtown streetscape concept emphasizing walkability and public space