The recommendations of a task force reviewing plans to regulate group homes may be coming sooner rather than later.

LaGrange City Council heard an update from the group Tuesday.

“Discussions have been very good,” City Manager Tom Hall said.

Alton West, director of community development for the city, “has been facilitating the meetings.”

The proposed ordinance would require all future group homes be set to a zoning standard and require all current and future homes to purchase licenses, giving the city some control over the homes.

The task force has met four times, including sessions with local and state representatives of the Department of Family and Children Services along with other group home officials. The panel also has looked into group home ordinances used by other municipalities.

“I think they’ll be in a position within the next few weeks to make some recommendations to you,” Hall said. “The group has been very cordial and professional and very cooperative in their deliberations. They’re getting to the point now where they’re getting ready to make some concrete recommendations.”

City Councilman Willie Edmondson wanted to further charge the group with looking into all group homes, including those in assisted-living homes, for fairness along with public safety.

“I think we’re moving along,” West said.

Group homes came to the spotlight after the Nov. 14 shooting death of Joseph “Peace” Boison, a clerk at the Shell Mart on Vernon Street. Christopher Caruso, 18, who is charged with the slaying, had been a resident of a group home on Ridley Avenue until leaving a month earlier.

In another matter Tuesday, council held a public hearing concerning the new ownership of the Lazy Peach at 121 Main St.

Owner Ryan Tibbetts told council he remodeled the restaurant which has new floors, walls and bar and cleaned the building’s front to make it compatible with the rest of downtown LaGrange.

Along with remodeling, Tibbetts said a new menu will offer lunch and dinner daily and additional security will be staying later on weekends.

“That establishment will be changed completely from what it was into a place downtown where families can actually come and enjoy a meal,” Tibbetts said.

Trey Wood can be reached at twood @ lagrangenews. com or (706) 884-7311, Ext. 228.