About three dozen solar lights are set to be installed at various locations on McDonough properties in the near future, as a revised list was approved by the City Council at its November 5 regular meeting.

  The sites on that list include Alexander Park East, Alexander Park West, Avalon Park, Big Springs Park, Boots Welch Precinct, Hope Park, Jonesboro Road Park, the Rainer parking lot, the public works facility on Racetrack Road, and Rufus Stewart Park. A total of 29 lights and 7 camera/wifi devices are in the plans.

  In other business, the council approved a variance request regarding the Arnold Estates development in the McGarity Road corridor. The site in question on Lotus Circle was approved for a reduction in the front building line setback from 35 to 31.5 feet due to a 75-foot impervious buffer in the rear, and also a side yard setback reduction from 10 to eight feet. The request is within the 10 percent reduction threshold allowed by city ordinance. According to a city staff report, the change “allows for the best possible scenario for location placement of desired house plan.”

  Just over $200,000 was allocated by the council for the purchase of two new pieces of equipment to support its water system. According to city staff reports, the $166,060 installation of a new Aqualitec multi rake screen “raketec” and washer/compactor “compatec” for the wastewater plant is designed to automatically remove and compact sewer debris and non-dispersible products. The water distribution department is receiving a 2021 Ford F-350 crew cab long-bed truck at a cost of $35,887 and it is designated as a replacement for an older model that was sent to be surplused due to its age and condition. Each expenditure comes from its respective department’s budget.

  The council approved the Georgia Department of Transportation radar list requested by the city for the use of speed detection devices.