C I T Y   O F   F O R E S T   P A R K

 

TO:                          Mayor and Council

 

FROM:                    John Parker,  City Manager

 

DATE:                    May 14, 2007

 

SUBJECT:               INFORMATION BULLETIN  - APRIL, 2007

 

The following is a department by department status report of priority activities, projects and initiatives for the month of April, 2007.

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Street Division:

            Street crews work diligently laying 40 feet of 12 inch pipe in the ditch line at 4734 Hendrix Drive. Fencing and a gate were placed at 190 Main Street to close off the old road to prevent illegal dumping.  Crews also laid asphalt at 707 Linda Way, Watts Road, College at Main Street, and on Mitchell Street.  Crews worked clearing fallen trees from roadways at North Avenue, Lake Drive, Dearing Street, and 1st Street, along with right-of-way clean-ups of debris in ditches, cutting bushes, and opening blocked storm drains.  Crews also picked up leaves and limbs, using the chipper unit and the backhoe.

 

Building Maintenance:

            Major projects for the Maintenance crews have been finish the construction of the concession stand by installing the metal roofing, soffit, and facial boards.  Also installed ceiling on the picnic area, trim wood under pavilion, trenched and installed new electrical line conduits, formed up walkways and poured concrete, hung doors and framed windows for glass, painted all facial, soffits, and ceilings.  Also painted the restroom and concession and finished all siding and painted.  Other projects completed by Building Maintenance crews included work orders for all buildings and departments.

 

Parks Division:

            Parks crews were maintaining park areas and preparing fields for the upcoming football and baseball seasons.  Crews cut and weeded right-of ways along with their regular daily duties of Recreation and Leisure set-ups revolving around the recreation facilities and Senior Building activities.  Crews also helped Maintenance Division personnel with the construction of the concession stand and pavilion.

 

 

 

                                                                        Mike Gippert, Director

                                                                        (404) 608-2310

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF FIRE/EMS

  • FF Jim Hambrick continues in his battle with cancer. A Motorcycle Ride was held to benefit him and his family.

 

  • FF/EMT Tony Sailors has received his Paramedic Certification and congratulations are in order for him.

 

  • The CERT Team has completed NIMS 100 Training and will soon start on NIMS 200.

 

  • Major David Halcome has completed Arson II and National Arson Investigator Certification.

 

  • 19 City Employee's were trained in CPR and First Aid by Fire Personnel

 

  • 7 Fire Department personnel were trained as American Heart Association Basic Life Support Instructors.

 

  • Two personnel, FF/EMTs Jon Baker and Steve Stone have been deployed through the Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Mutual Aid Group to assist in the South Georgia Wildfires along with approximately 75 other departments throughout the state. Other deployments are pending.

 

Calls

 

289 – Emergency Medical

                4 – Structure Fires

                3 – Highway Vehicles

                1 – Other Fire

103 – EMS Assist

    4 – False Alarms

    2 – Mutual Aid Given

    3 – HazMat Response

  10 – Other Hazardous Response

  14 – Other Responses

 

433 – Total Calls

 

                                                                       

                                                                        Eddie Buckholts, Chief

                                                                        (404) 608-2385        

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF POLICE SERVICES

 

TRIAD

On April 20th the members of the Triad senior citizens group held their fifth annual BBQ fund-raiser lunch. Triad members and police officers worked diligently for two days to make the BBQ a success. Over 500 meals were served, and over $2,500 was raised to promote the program and purchase safety related items for the senior citizens.

 

Citizens Police Academy

Class topics in April included Uniform Police Functions (Lt. Podsiadly), Gangs (Sergeant Cloud), Training and Educations (Major Matson), Domestic Violence and Victim Services (Captain Stevens), Criminal Investigations and Internal Affairs (Lt. Delk). The participants were able to ride-along with a Forest Park Officer on patrol, getting a first-hand view of law enforcement activities.

 

Hispanic Citizens Police Academy

Classes in April included Community Policing and Criminal Laws (Officer Ambris), Criminal Investigations (Detective Cruz), Use of Force and Defensive Tactics (Lt. Lopez), and Gang Education and Prevention (Sgt. Cloud).

 

Administration

Officer Marcos Suarez was hired on April 25th. Officer Suarez has over twelve years experience and will be a valuable addition to our agency.

 

Braeden Orr, the son of Police Colonel G.T. Orr, is a freshman at Jonesboro High School and a member of the Mock Trial Team. In April they competed in the state Mock Trail tournament and were crowned state champions. The judges awarded Braeden with three individual awards as the Outstanding Witness in the competition. In May they will travel to Dallas, Texas and represent Georgia in the national championship tournament. All of us wish the best of luck to Braeden and the Jonesboro Mock Trial Team.

 

 

 

                                                                        Chief Dwayne Hobbs

                                                                        (404) 366-7280

 

 

OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

Sidewalks to Schools, Phase III and Transit Oriented Pedestrian Improvements Projects

The Georgia Department is continuing review of the Right-of-Way plans.

 

Livable Centers Initiative (LCI)-Main Street Streetscape Project

The cost estimates were submitted to GDOT for approval in February.  The cost estimates must be approved by GDOT before the City can approach property owners regarding easements, which is the next phase of this project.

 

State Farmers Market Project

EDAW has submitted the draft Transportation Plan to the City for review.

 

Community Development Block Grant Projects (CDBG)

Starr Park Improvements

The City received $71,600 for the construction of a new concession and restroom building in Starr Park.  The project is underway.

 

Other

Atlanta Regional Commission Land Use Coordinating Committee

Angela Redding has been selected to serve as the Clayton County City Representation on the Land Use Coordinating Committee (LUCC) for the Atlanta Regional Commission.  Some of the responsibilities of the Land Use Coordinating Committee are:  refining and detailing land use polices of the ARC Regional Development Plan, participate in reviews of Developments of Regional Impacts (DRI) and other reviews referred by the ARC staff to ensure considerations of land use implications of the proposal, conducting on-going research on the feasibility or barriers to implementation of innovative land use techniques and best development practices, and evaluating other proposed major public investments (transportation, sewer, water, etc) plans against the achievement of land use policies.  Meetings are held monthly.

 

New Business Welcome Package

Angela Redding has been working with Dee Dee Peppers of Heritage Bank to send out welcome packages to new businesses in the City.  The packages includes a welcome letter from the City Manager, a survey to assess the efficiency and customer service provided in obtaining a business license, and other items from various businesses and churches in Forest Park.

 

New Resident Welcome Package

Angela Redding has worked with various departments and individuals to obtain information for a new resident welcome package.  Clayton County Water Authority is in the process of revamping their computer system.  When this process is completed, the Water Authority will provide information to the City regarding new accounts so that the City can send out Welcome Packages to new homeowners in the City.  The package has been assembled and will provide informative information to homeowners regarding city services, regulations, etc.  Dee Dee Peppers has indicated that Heritage Bank will serve as a Sponsor for this initiative.

 

Forest Park Business Coalition

The next meeting of the Forest Park Business Coalition will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at the Clayton County Community Services Authority located at 1000 Main Street.  The meeting begins at 7:30 am.  John Parker is the speaker for the meeting.

 

The regular meetings of the Forest Park Business Coalition are usually held the 2nd Wednesday of each month.  Beginning in July, the meetings will be moved to a lunch meeting beginning at 12 noon.

 

 

 

                                                                        John Parker, City Manager

                                                                        Angela Redding Mgt. Analyst

                                                                        (404) 366-4720

 

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION / FINANCE

 

Expenditures (preliminary totals) for the General Fund for the month of April are $1,099,954 or 6.73% of the budget.  Year-to-date preliminary expenditures for the General Fund are $12,620,615 or 77.20% of the budget (fiscal year July 2006 – June 2007). For comparison purposes, the period of July through April represents 83.33% of the budget year. Total expenditures for the General Fund remain under budget for the ten month period of July through April.

Local Option Sales Tax revenue received in April is $368,851 compared to $242,540 for April of the prior year. The fiscal year-to-date total received is $4,379,940 or 85.88% of the budget. The percentage of the budget year through April is 83.33% of the year; therefore, revenue from Local Option Sales Tax remains slightly ahead of budget through April.

 

Licenses for New Business for the month of April 2007:

 

            Name                                                             Description

 

V & P Oriental Market                              Oriental Grocery Store

Café Polet                                                     Natural produce and fruits

Tattoo Fiesta                                                Tattoo and Body Piercing

Taqueria El Camino                                  Mexican Restaurant

Chevron Food Mart                                    Gas / Convenience Store

La Haciendita Coin Laundry                   Coin Laundry

Global Sporting Goods                               Uniforms, Shirts, Shoes, etc.

Paleteria Suprema                                     Ice Cream; Fruit Bars

Mi Hogar                                                       Home Decoration

Mia’s Natural Hair Care Studio              Hair Braiding

San Marcos Boutique                                 Clothing

Scooter City                                                  Scooters, Four-wheelers, parts

AK Production                                             Production Management

Michael’s Floors and More                        Temporary flooring for events

United One Auto Sales                              Used Cars – Retail

San Marcos Shoes                                       Shoes and Accessories

 

 

Mike Blandenburg, Director

(404) 366-4720

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES

 

WHAT’S HAPPENING

 

*          Yard Sale – The Community Wide Yard Sale was originally scheduled for April 7, 2007, had to be rescheduled for April 14, 2007.  The Yard Sale was held behind the Recreation Center in the parking lot.  We had a good turnout with 86 spaces being sold.  Everyone is looking forward to the Fall Yard Sale.   

 

*          Adult Softball – Games started on April 9, 2007.  Games are played Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night at Baker Field.  We have a total of 24 teams.  We have a Ladies League, two Men Leagues and a Coed League.  Games start a 6:45 pm.

 

*          Men Basketball Spring League – The league started April 11, 2007.  Games are played on Wednesday nights at the Recreation Center.  There are six (6) teams.     

 

*          Girls Softball – We have a total of three (3) teams, 8/under, 10/under, 12/under.  Home games are played at Stanford and Burke Fields.  Games are played through the weekend on Saturdays.  

 

*          Youth Soccer – The soccer season started April 14, 2007.  Games are played on Saturdays starting at 10am.  We have a total of 20 teams ages 4-12 years old.  There are 242 participants.

 

*          T-Ball/Pee Wee – The T-Ball/Pee Wee Baseball program started April 14, 2007.  Games are played on Saturdays at Lopez Field.  We have a total of eight (8) teams, with 96 children ages 4-7 years old.

 

*          Gym/Weight Room/Exercise Room – The gym is open to the public 12 noon-8 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 12 noon-5:30 pm on Wednesday; and 10 am-4 pm on Saturday.  The weight room/exercise room is open Monday-Friday 9 am-8 pm, and Saturday 10 am-4 pm.  For the month of April we had 1,457 members use these facilities.

 

*          Wellness Programs

Water Aerobics – Monday & Wednesday 7 pm-8 pm

Yoga – Wednesday evenings 6:30 pm-8 pm

Water Exercise – Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12 noon-1pm Monday & Wednesday 12 noon-1 pm, 1 pm-2 pm

Teen Weight Lifting – Tuesday & Thursday 5 pm-6 pm

Swim For Fun – Tuesday & Thursday 1:30-2:30 pm – 55 & up

                                    Exercise/Weight Room – Monday-Friday 9 am-8 pm and

                                                                                    Saturday 10 am-4 pm

 

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

 

            We have stayed busy with these programs:

*          The Yard Sale was a great event for the seniors.  We sold a lot of hand made items that were created in the arts class.

 

*          The Easter Dinner was a success.  We expected about 60 and 70 showed up.  Good thing we cooked extra.        

 

*          We visited the Strawberry Patch to pick fresh strawberries.  We all enjoyed the trip and the thrill of picking strawberries.

 

*          Bingo & Lunch, Breakfast is always a big day.  Everyone seems to enjoy those events.  Lunch is always a surprise and I think they enjoyed it being that way.

 

*          We exercise on Tuesdays at 9am.  We walk leisurely around the center and converse with each other.

 

*          Our coffee and cake sessions are great to start the day discussing the events of the day and enjoying the fellowship.

 

*          Our programs like knitting, exercise, shuffleboard, cards and the new dominoes are staying busy and growing all the time.

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

*          May 3, 2007 – Summer Special Signup 6pm-8pm in the Gym

 (Swimming Lessons and Day Camp)

 

*          May 5, 2007 – Swing Into Spring Festival @ Starr Park 10:30 am-6 pm

 

            *          May 9, 10, 11, 2007 – 4th District Golden Olympics

 

*          May 12, 2007 – Fishing Rodeo @ Stephens Lake, Fort Gillem 8 am- 12 noon

 

*          May 19, 2007 – Hillbilly Ho-Down @ Senior Center 5:30 pm-8 pm – Reservation Required

 

 

 

Elaine Corley, Director

404-363-2908

 

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING AND ZONING

Building Plans Submitted

1.         4730 Frontage Rd.                          Pink Pony South; Fire alarm system

2.         107 Forest Pkwy. Ste. 400 Trane; Tenant finish

3.         5530 Old Dixie Hwy. Bldg. D        New apt. bldg.

4.         4495 Jonesboro Rd.                                    LaCosta; Deck/awning

5.         2500 S.Point Dr. Ste. 100              Sanofi Aventis

6.         705 Ruskin Dr.                                JB Hunt; Alarm system

 

Building Permits Issued

1.         5577 Ash St.                                     Storage shed; 256 sq. ft. JC $1,500

2.         107 Forest Pwky. Ste. 400 Warehouse; 9,307 sq. ft. JC

$149,000

3.         357 Cynthia Ln.                              Room addition; 440 sq. ft. JC $6,000

4.         5530 Old Dixie Hwy.                       Apt. bldg.; 7,840 sq. ft. JC $902,400

5.         4784 Tuong Yen Ct.                       New house; 1,577 sq. ft. JC $70,000

6.         4546 Mitchell St.                             Remodel porch; 120 sq. ft. JC

$11,000

7.         5530 Old Dixie Hwy. D                   Demo Bldg.; JC $32,000

8.         525 Perkins Dr.                               Demo dwelling; JC $2,000

9.         773 Cone Rd.                                    Roof repair; JC $4,200

10.       5135 Ash St.                                     Bed/bath addition; 375 sq. ft. JC

$26,000

11.       1004 Cone Rd.                                 Roof repair; JC $8,000

12.       4772 Tuong Yen Ct.                       New house; 1,386 sq. ft. JC $65,000

13.       4790 Tuong Yen Ct.                       New house: 1,386 sq. ft. JC $65,000

14.       4802 Tuong Yen Ct.                       New house; 1,386 sq. ft. JC $65,000

15.       4808 Tuong Yen Ct.                       New house; 1,386 sq. ft. JC $65,000

16.       4809 Tuong Yen Ct.                       New house; 1,386 sq. ft. JC $65,000

 

Certificate of Occupancies Issued

1.         Hacienta Coin Laundry    4700 Jonesboro Rd. Ste. D            04/05/07

2.         Atlanta RV                           249 Forest Pwky.                             04/05/07

3.         Taqueria El Camino          4185 Jonesboro Rd.                                    04/06/07

4.         Chevron Food Mart            4578 Old Dixie Hwy.                       04/09/07

5.         Global Sporting Goods       819 Forest Pwky. Ste. D                 04/11/07

6.         Palateria Supreme             4442 Jonesboro Rd.                                    04/11/07

7.         Church’s Chicken               4498 Jonesboro Rd.                                    04/12/07

8.         Telecell                                  4047 Jonesboro Rd.                                    04/13/07

9.         Scooter City                          4726 Jonesboro Rd. Ste. C            04/17/07

10.       Mia’s Natural Hair             771 Main St.  Ste. C                        04/17/07

11.       United One Auto                 4983 Jonesboro Rd.                                    04/23/07

12.       David Ricks DDS                 541 Forest Pwky. Ste. 18               04/25/07

Affiliate Board Activity

 

Planning and Zoning Board

 

The Planning and Zoning Board held a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. April 11, 2007 in the courtroom located in the Agnes B. Bateman Community Development Bldg., 785 Forest Pkwy., Forest Park, Ga. 30297. At issue was a petition for a conditional use permit to operate a “group daycare” out of a home, located at 4085 Tara Dr., Forest Park, Ga. 30297. “This location currently enjoys a conditional use to operate a “family daycare home”; consisting of six (6) to eight (8) children, operating from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Marquette and Zaketia Kendrick (owners/petitioners) for property located at 4085 Tara Drive, Forest Park, Georgia 30297, petitioned for a conditional use to operate a family daycare in 2003.  This Board considered the petition on April 16, 2003 and voted 4 to 1 to recommend approval. The Mayor and Council considered the petition on May 5, 2003 and voted 4 to 1 to approve the conditional use for the home daycare. Marquette and Zaketia Kendrick were petitioning for a conditional use to operate a “group daycare” at the 4085 Tara Drive location.  A group daycare would allow care for seven (7) to eighteen (18) children, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The Kendrick’s were proposing to make a building addition to the home to acquire the necessary space to house the larger number of children, if the conditional use was approved.  After considering the petition and hearing from the petitioner the Planning and Zoning Board members voted unanimously to recommend approval of the conditional use to allow a group daycare operation at the location. Ms. Martin stated that this Board is only a recommendation to Mayor and Council. This will be on the May 7, 2007 agenda of the regular council meeting.  Mayor and Council considered this issue at the May 7, 2007 regular Council meeting after a second public hearing. Subsequently, the Council voted unanimously to deny the conditional use petition.

 

 

 

                                                                        Steve Pearson, Director

                                                                        (404) 608-2303