Public Safety Capital Improvement Needs
Radio Repeater Tower and Transmitter (95)
In the ever changing world of communications, the band width for radio frequencies has continued to narrow. While we typically receive excellent communications service while in a patrol vehicle, the areas within the City have multiplied rapidly where an officer cannot communicate with dispatch, or other officers, using their portable hand held radio. This creates a safety concern for our officers when they are conducting business outside of their patrol car, which is quite frequently.
Fortunately, since we own two water tanks, finding an acceptable mounting place for an antenna system should not be difficult. Estimated cost of this project is $15,000.
COMPLETED
Replacement of Patrol Vehicles (87)
In order to keep our department in safe fully operational vehicles while minimizing significant repair costs it is necessary to plan for the purchase of one new patrol car every two years. As the department grows, this number will of course increase.
At current rates we are putting approximately 20,000 miles per year on a patrol car. With the goal of retiring a vehicle before reaching 100,000 miles, then each vehicle would be replaced every 5 years. These numbers are flexible depending on the maintenance results and vehicle performance. At times a vehicle may last for 120,000 miles, while others, due to maintenance problems, may need to be replaced at 85,000.
This establishes a “target” for one new car, every two years, at current staffing levels.
In-Car Computer Systems (67)
Purchasing an in car computer system for each vehicle will maximize each officers road time, provide access to incident location maps, and allow officers the ability to run tags and check warrants quickly and quietly without waiting to do so verbally with a radio dispatcher on a busy communications net.
The anticipated cost of this would be $2,500 per car including software and wireless card. There will be ongoing costs associated with this equipment for the monthly wireless access service, currently estimated at approximately $70.00 per unit.
COMPUTERS AND MOUNTS OBTAINED—WORKING ON SOFTWARE– SCHEDULED FOR 2015
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Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Needs
Downtown Street Furniture (69)
In order to finish the streetscapes project as originally designed we still need to purchase and place and additional 4 benches, 4 trash receptacles and 2 bicycle racks.
Although the cost is fairly high for the specified materials, these are extremely durable pieces that we can anticipate lasting a minimum of 10-15 years.
Bench placement is planned for the area in the vicinity of JJ’s Pizza and Subs, Dot’s, Old City Hall and the flagpole area. One trash can will be placed near each bench. The bicycle racks will be installed at the plaza and near the City Park.
Cost will be an estimated $9,000.
SCHEDULED FOR 2016
Valley Street Linear Park (64)
The intent of this project is to create an inviting pedestrian atmosphere along Valley Street from Beck Street south to Howell Bridge East.
The City already owns all of the property located east of Valley Street and West of the stream, so all that is required to plan for and install amenities such as park benches, shelters, fitness stations, plantings, information kiosks etc.
An application was submitted to the University of Georgia School of Landscape Architecture in November 2010 for assistance in plan design. Once a plan is created and adopted a cost estimate can be prepared and grant dollars can be sought for construction.
Estimated cost is $50,000
GRANT OBTAINED SCHEDULED FOR 2017
Installation of Walking Loop Trail in Calvin Farmer Park (58)
The existing walking path in Calvin Farmer Park and near the Community Building is our most heavily used walking/exercise area. The goal with this project is to extend the walking trail in Calvin Farmer Park northward into the 6 acre tract of land acquired by the City for park expansion and sewer lift station construction.
This is also the same land on which the soccer fields are projected to
be constructed. Initially this area can be developed by land clearing and the establishment of a compacted earth walking trail that connects to the existing pathways in Calvin Farmer Park. This cost is estimated to be less than $10,000.
For a more finished and usable product, asphalt paths could be installed, similar to those in existence in Calvin Farmer Park for a cost of less than $40,000.
PROJECT DROPPED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REASONS
Install Public Restrooms Downtown (57)
We are receiving a growing number of requests for the installation of public restrooms in the downtown area. Installation of these facilities would make the downtown a more user friendly area for hosing festivals, picking in the park, Farmers Market, Tree Lightings etc. There are three leading ideas on how to accomplish this project.
- Convert the Old City Hall at 301 Gilmer Ferry Road into a public restroom/information Center. This could be accomplished for less than $10,000.
- Construct a small concrete block facility near the back of the Downtown Park (behind the Gazebo). A block building with shingle roof and facilities could be constructed for less than $12,000. The building could be initially constructed with a brick ledge in place so that the building could eventually be face with brick.
- Purchase a prefab, vandal resistant restroom facility similar to what was purchased and installed in Calvin Farmer Park. Cost estimate would be in the vicinity of $60,000.
COMPLETED
Construct Soccer Fields (50)
Construction of the youth soccer fields is slated to take place on the 6 acres immediately north of Calvin Farmer Park on Old Dawsonville Road. The City has entered an agreement with North Cherokee Soccer Association, and this group has agreed to construct the fields at no cost to the City of Ball Ground in exchange for use of the fields.
There is no time line established for construction. Some clearing work has already taken place. All labor is from volunteer sources, making construction timelines difficult to project, however; the group would like to have the fields fit for use by the fall of 2011.
Estimated cost to the City is $10,000 with total project cost in the vicinity of $100,000
PROJECT CHANGED TO MULTI PURPOSE FIELD AND COMPLETED
Install Fountain in Downtown Park (49)
The objective of this project is to install a fountain in Calvin FarmerPark. There are two options. One would be to install a floating fountain in the existing pond with the second option of installing a free standing fountain elsewhere in the park.
The benefits of adding the fountain to the existing pond would be of benefit for fish and other wildlife. The drawback is issues with muskrats chewing the under water cables.
Depending on the route selected, this project can cost as little as $2,000 or an anticipated $15,000—$20,000 for a free standing fountain. The risk and liability would likely be higher on a new structure, as adding a floating fountain to the pond does not change the existing liability of a water feature.
PROJECT DROPPED
Develop Pocket Park near Ball Ground Elementary School (49)
The intent of this project is to create a small pocket park area with benches and bicycle racks where children would have the option of biking to school. Technically bikes are not allowed on school property. This would enable children to park their bicycles on City property within 20 feet of the school property and they could finish their trip to school on the sidewalk.
This project would need to run concurrent with development of the cul-de-sac previously discussed in the roads and streets section of the capital improvement plan. The cost could be minimal, just clearing of the area and the costs of bike racks and benches.
The project should be able to be accomplished for less than $5,000.
PROJECT DROPPED—NOT ENOUGH PROPERTY
Clear and Grade North end of Calvin Farmer Park (6 acres) (43)
This is the same property where the soccer fields and the walking trails are proposed. This will be accomplished in conjunction with construction of the soccer fields.
However; if the soccer fields to not become a reality this could be a stand alone project just to create useable space.
Extensive clearing needs to take place in the area and could be accomplished for less than $8,000. The trail networks could be installed within minimal grading.
COMPLETED
Install Water Fountain at City Hall (39)
The objective of this project is to add a functioning water feature to the City Hall grounds. There are two potential course of action, once of which would be to install a commercial grade tiered fountain with automatic filling features.
The second potential course of action would be to install an inground pool type fountain. Either course of action should be able to be satisfactorily accomplished for less than $10,000, with the majority of the work being performed by City employees.
All water features present risks either from climbing hazards or drowning hazards, however many communities have installed such with no known problems.
PROJECT SCHEDULED FOR 2017
Water/Power Installation in City Parks (34)
Power and water are currently available in all City Parks, but only in central locations. The goal here would be to install an underground electrical network the would allow for the placement of outlets and numerous locations throughout the parks, making them more user friendly for special events and festivals.
The cost of this project varies widely depending on the amount of electricity to be delivered, the distance involved and the number of outlets placed. A minimal system can be installed for approximately $15,000 in the City Park and $25,000 in Calvin Farmer Park.
PHASE 1 COMPLETED. PHASE 2 SCHEDULED FOR 2017.
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Facilities Capital Improvement Needs
Construct a New Fire Station (86)
The existing Ball Ground Fire Station is a facility owned by the City, but leased to Cherokee County for use as a fire station.
The facility is a metal building and faces many challenges, primarily concerning the ability to house fire fighters in their living quarters. Grading issues around the building frequently allows storm water to enter the building, primarily in the living quarters.
The SPLOST referendum voted on in 2010, and upon which collections will begin in 2012, have set aside $250,000 local SPLOST dollars to be matched with $1,500,000 in County SPLOST dollars to construct a new fire station.
Although a location for the facility has not yet be secured, options could include the current Community Building location, City owned property on Church Street near the Baptist Church, and property on Old Dawsonville Road near the sewer lift station on the north end of Calvin Farmer Park.
SCHEDULED FOR 2016
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