Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Newton County to update park ordinances, add cameras and taller lights at Fairview Community Park
Summary
Commissioners agreed Jan. 29 to pursue ordinance changes and equipment upgrades at Fairview Community Park after complaints about ATVs, after-hours use and safety; signage was posted and staff said taller poles and cameras should be installed within weeks.
Commissioners reviewed Chapter 38 of the county parks and recreation ordinance on Jan. 29 and focused discussion on safety issues at Fairview Community Park and countywide ordinance gaps.
Parks and recreation staff said signs were installed the same day, and Dwayne Mast, Director of Parks and Recreation, told the board the department will replace 10-foot light poles around the Fairview track with 20-foot poles; he estimated a three- to four-week lead time. Staff also said Snap & Shoals has agreed to run power and set poles to support two to four high-definition cameras; staff estimated camera installation within four to six weeks. Mast said those measures, together with signage, should improve lighting and detection of unlawful activity.
Several commissioners and commissioners'requesting Commissioner Lindsey'urged the attorney to revise county ordinances to explicitly make ATV use in parks, after-hours presence, unpermitted fires and firearm discharge unlawful and to raise penalties (staff noted the current fine is $500 and commissioners proposed increasing to $1,000).
County Attorney Patrick Jogstetter said he has begun drafting ordinance revisions and expects a draft for board review around the board's second meeting in February. Commissioners asked that drafts include specific prohibited conduct definitions so sheriff's deputies have clear statutory grounds for citations.
Residents who use Fairview told the board they want physical access controls. Maya Allen, a Fairview Estates resident, asked the county to close the subdivision connection to the park and to install an automatic gate similar to the one at Spring Hill Park. Staff said the sheriff's office will monitor cameras through its existing system and county staff will have viewing access.
Ending: The board directed county staff and the county attorney to prepare ordinance language and execute the lighting and camera upgrades; staff gave an estimated four- to six-week timeframe for equipment work and committed a draft ordinance for review at the February meeting.
