The Henry County Board of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole Meeting, Monday, November 17, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. in the Community Room of the County Administration Building, 140 Henry Parkway, McDonough, Georgia.
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Activity Building at Heritage Park: Commissioner Harper asked that each representative that he asked to attend the meeting to come forward for discussion regarding the activity building. Commissioner Harper began the discussion by giving a background of this building. It was brought to Commissioner Harper’s attention that there is a need for a facility to show livestock. Commissioner Harper and Chairman Maddox discussed this issue and began to research to find a facility that could fit this need. Commissioner Adams, Chairman of the Human and Community Services Committee, toured a park facility in Forsyth County. They have an activity building that is also an arena. The arena is a multi-purpose building with a concrete floor. They show livestock at this facility and also they hold the annual County Fair at this facility also. The arena has stadium seating which allows them to have outdoor concerts or performances. This building would be available to any group wanting to use the facility. Commissioner Harper met with Susan Howington, Director of Extension Services, and others about the possibility of building an activity building. One of the questions was “where do you find the funding for this type of building”. The building at Heritage Park would be a hybrid building with an arena, but at one end would be an enclosed building with 2-stories. This building could be used as office space for the county extension office. Others that could use this facility are Henry County Cattlemen’s Association, Henry Players, Henry Arts Alliance, Master Gardeners, Community Gardens of Henry County, Henry County Schools (Graduation), Parks & Recreation, Music in the Park, Kiwanis Club (Henry County Fair), Henry Senior Services (Extra Classrooms). 2.5 million dollars was allocated to Heritage Park through the current SPLOST Program for the purpose of constructing an activity building. This is a bondable project and Commissioner Harper would like to make sure there is adequate parking for this facility.
Commissioner Holder inquired about the seating of this building and how many people it will hold. Commissioner Adams stated he was not sure on the number of seats. Commissioner Holder added there is a need and demand for this type of facility within Henry County. Commissioner Harper stated there would also be a stage for performances.
Commissioner Freedman asked how much of the SPLOST II Bondable money has been allocated? Mrs. Angus stated 17 million of 25 million dollars and 27 million is the total capital projects allowed with a budget of 90 million dollars. Commissioner Freedman stated there are other projects in other districts and he wants to make sure they are not sacrificed for this facility.
Chairman Maddox asked what projects are allocated for the $17 million. Mrs. Angus stated the list is as follows: Fire Station @ Timberidge; Fire Station @ Kellytown; Fire Station @ Keys Ferry; Animal Shelter; Library at Cochran and Locust Grove; the Courthouse Annex; Sandy Ridge Park; Warren Holder Park; North Forty Park; Windy Hill Park; Big Springs Park; Alexander Park; Heritage Park; Mosley Park; North Mt. Carmel Park; Soccer Complex. Park improvements at Warren Holder Park; Franklin Rape Park; Heritage Park and North Mt. Carmel Park.
Commissioner Holman addressed the possibility of user fees for this type of facility. Commissioner Holder stated it’s a possibility but it would depend on the activity. Ms. Angus added this would not be a break-even project. These buildings are built for the community, by the community’s money. Commissioner Freedman stated he hoped that commitments aren’t made to do this project, have someone check into how much it will cost and see how much is allocated and go from there.
Commissioner Harper made a motion to amend the contract with Breedlove Land Planning, Inc. to prepare a master plan for the final phase of Heritage Park (Phase III) and retain the services of an architect to do the design work for an activity building and present to the Board. Commissioner Freedman seconded the motion and stated he did not want this to take priority over other capital projects. The motion passed unanimously 6-0-0.