CI T Y   O F   F O R E S T   P A R K

 

 

TO:                       Mayor and Council

 

FROM:                  John Parker, City Manager

 

DATE:                   August 17, 2009

 

SUBJECT:            INFORMATION BULLETIN  - JULY, 2009

 

 

The following is a department by department status report of priority activities, projects and initiatives for the month of July, 2009.

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING AND ZONING

Building Plans Submitted

 

Business Name

Address

Details

Crystal Compton Agency

4645 Jonesboro Rd. – G

Interior remodel

Rexam Systems

48 Royal Dr.

Sprinkler system

Clorox

17 Lake Mirror Rd.

Fire Suppression System

Zorprezas

4150 Jonesboro Rd.-A110

Tenant finish

Jonesboro Plaza

4150 Jonesboro Rd.-A1700

White box finish

 

Building Permits Issued

 

Structure Type

Address

Details

 

Residential

 

5933 Pinecreek Rd.

Sunroom; 192 sq. ft. JC $4,500

 

Residential

 

1092 Grace Dr.

(3) room addition; 540 sq. ft. JC $20,000

Residential

4750 College St.

Carport; JC $2,500

 

Commercial

 

154 Falcon Dr.

Wall extension; 4,214 sq. ft. JC $5,000

 

Residential

 

4528 Mitchell St.

Roof repair; 1,500 sq. ft. JC $1,500

 

 

Residential

 

 

4913 Pine St.

Fee simple townhome; 12,800 sq. ft. JC $672,000

Commercial

269 Main St.

Slab; 84 sq. ft. JC $2,000

 

 

Certificate of Occupancies Issued

 

Business Name

Address

Date of Issue

Beautiful Beauty Salon

5116 Springdale Rd.

07/21/09

Kandance Variety Store

697 Ruskin Dr. – C

07/08/09

Ulysses Auto Connection

4953 Springdale Rd.

07/08/09

Bus Doctor of Atlanta

135 Lake Mirror Rd.

07/10/09

New England Seafood

132 Royal Dr. – B

07/10/09

Crystal Clear Mobile

655 Main St.

07/21/09

Klassie & Sassie II

5114 Springdale Rd.

07/01/09

Crystal Compton Agency

4645 Jonesboro Rd. – G

07/22/09

Liberty Package

4568 Old Dixie Hwy.  101

07/28/09

Graybar Electric

107 Forest Pkwy. – 500

07/06/09

Kingdom Nation Christian Embassy

 

994 Main St.

 

07/30/09

ICX Tactical Platforms

105 Forest Pkwy. – 400

07/31/09

 

AFFILIATE BOARD ACTIVITY

 

Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals

 

The Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday July 15th, 2009 in the courtroom within the Agnes B. Bateman Community Development Building, 785 Forest Parkway, Forest Park, Ga. 30297.  At issue, was to consider a petition filed by John Lee, JBL Jonesboro Road LLC; 12520 Darvish Lane, Alpharetta, Ga. 30005 to obtain a variance to allow the installation of canopies within the parking lot of the Jonesboro Plaza Shopping Center located at 4150 Jonesboro Road, Forest Park, Georgia 30297. These proposed canopies are to be utilized as a barrier and protection from the sun, while Tornado Car Wash employees finish and vacuum vehicles after a wash cycle.   The Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously denied the petition.

 

Planning and Zoning Board

 

The Planning and Zoning Board held a public hearing on July 22nd, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the courtroom located within the Agnes B. Bateman Community Development Building, 785 Forest Parkway, Forest Park, Georgia 30297. The Public Hearing was held for the purpose of hearing public comments, if any, with regard to a proposed Conditional Use to operate a childcare center in a residential home.  At issue, a petition had been filed by Dorothy D. Belton, owner of 5978 Pinecreek Road, Forest Park, Georgia 30297; Clayton County Tax Identification Number 13112D C019, for a Conditional Use Permit to establish and operate a childcare center, providing child care for up to six (6) children from Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. within the residence. A second Public Hearing was held on August 3rd, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 745 Forest Parkway, Forest Park, Georgia 30297. During the regular scheduled Council meeting, Council unanimously approved the Conditional Use Permit.

 

 

                                                                        Mike Tuttle, Deputy Director

                                                          (404) 608-2300

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

 

Summer Swim Classes – These classes are taught in the indoor pool.  We had two sessions the month of July 2009. The first session was held on June 29-July10; second session July 13-July 24. Classes are taught on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Beginners ages are 6-12. Class times are 9am-10am and 10am-11am. Preschool classes ages 3-5 was 11am-11:30am.  Beginner classes had a total of 75 participants and preschool had a total of 26 participants for the month of July. 

 

Adult Swim Lesson – Ages 13 and up. Class was held on July 13-24; indoor pool 7pm-8pm. Class met Monday through Thursday. There were a total of 19 participants.

 

Total swimming lessons participants for the month of July – 120.

 

Outdoor Pool – The month of July 2009 had a total of 1,671 people to use the pool during public swimming. The pool is open to the public on Monday, Wednesday 1pm-7pm; Tuesday and Thursday 3pm-7pm; Friday 1pm-6pm; Saturday 12noon-6pm; and Sunday 1pm-5pm. We also had day camps to use the pool Monday through Friday. The pool will close on August 8, 2009.

 

Family Nights @ Starr Park Pool – Were held on July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, 2009 6:30pm-8pm. This time is set aside so families may enjoy swim time at the pool and a hotdog plate for only $2 per person.

 

Day Camp – The week of July 20-24 concluded our summer day camp program. Throughout the eight weeks of camp approximately 700 kids participated.  One of the camp’s objectives is to provide a safe, fun environment for the campers and with the large number of return campers we feel that objective was met.  The campers participated in various activities including swimming, movies, organized athletic games, special guests, field trips, and much more.

 

The recreation department in the month of July finished up the fast pace game of Girls Basketball ages 8-16. We began registration for adult softball, adult basketball, youth soccer and our annual 5K Fun Run and Walk.

We started our rental season at Kiwanis Stadium July 18, through November 14, 2009.

 

Gospel Night – July 2, 2009 – Thursday Night Summer Bash at Starr Park took the residents of Forest Park through a complete one eighty. From a night of karaoke filled with amateurs who kept us smiling to a night of praise, inspiration, and incredible voices call on God. Week 4 of our Summer Entertainment series took us back to church. Gospel Night drew a crowd of over a hundred people in Starr Park. We were blessed by Urban Gospel Alliance artists such as Tonio, Mouthpiece, and many more who showcased their talents through song and even spoken word. WIGO radio host Dr. Kameron Stevenson took on the role of MC and made sure the audience knew of the talent performing before them. All in all, Gospel Night was a success and left us looking forward to another week of sun, entertainment, and family fun.

 

Movie Night II – July 9, 2009 – If you like the Cupid Shuffle or you’re a kid at heart and happen to like bubbles, Thursday Night at Starr Park was the place to be. The opening show for our second movie night was jam packed with dancing, jumping, and about forty little people wearing smiles. They shuffled, did the limbo, and some just ran in circles til they got dizzy.  As the sun went down and the clock struck nine, our MCs (Connie and Bill) treated the crowd of one hundred plus to the main event – Madagascar 2. Within minutes of the movie’s start our excited audience received complimentary popcorn from the staff of Forest Park Recreation – to which the wide-eyed reactions, and many “thank you”s expressed the kids approval.  Just sly of 10:30pm, the movie ended and all the excited little people headed home with their parents following close behind.

 

Talent Show – July 23, 2009 – This Thursday Night’s Summer Bash brought us another great show. As the clouds pulled back, the sun came out – and so did the people of Forest Park with probably its biggest crowd this summer. The Starr Park stage opened its doors to a multitude of talent from the city’s young people. In its first ever talent show, we witnessed performances ranging from hip hop dance to contemporary to a trio of praise dancers. To say the least, they were phenomenal. But that was just one category. One young lady opened the show with a thoughtful monologue and was followed soon after by a group of preteen cheerleaders dancing to the music of Michael Jackson. Intermission came with a treat from our very own Portia Langley, who performed a stilt dancing routine which really got the kids eyes to light up. If that wasn’t enough, our singers closed the show with memorable performances in their own right. Each of the six tried their own rendition of gospel, R & B, and pop sensations, and two were even brave enough to sing acappella. In the end, we all had a great time. We gave out awards in each category and every performer received a certificate on behalf of the Recreation Department.

 

Ongoing Classes

 

          Water Aerobics – Monday & Wednesday 6pm-7pm

          Yoga – Wednesday evening 6:45pm-8pm

          Water Exercise – Monday & Wednesday 1pm-2pm

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

          Swim For Fun (ages 55 & Over) – Tuesday & Thursday 1:30pm-2:30pm

          Chess – Wednesday 5pm-9pm

          Martial Arts (Tai-Chi, Kung Fu) – Tuesday 6pm-7pm

 

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

 

*        July is here and we are busy as usual. Cards, dancing, dominoes, computers keep most of us on the go. But specials seem to be fun for everyone.

 

*        Red Hatters started the month going out to lunch in Hapeville and really enjoyed it. They had their birthday hats on and set up the program for the next couple of months. 

 

*        Our Picnic was full of food and fun. We all brought something good to share and we cooked the meat (hotdogs and hamburgers). They all enjoyed it and went home full.

 

*        Bingo is always fun. Whether they bring the prizes or we come up with some doesn’t matter, as long as we get to play. Then add breakfast or lunch and they all had a great time.

 

*        The Wednesday and Friday morning coffee and donuts brings out the morning people. They just like sitting and visiting with each other. It seems to be the stopping place in the mornings before shopping, doctor’s visits, or anything else. It is just as they say, family time.

 

*        Our trip for peaches was cancelled because of the weather, but we are going in August.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

*        August 1, 2009 – Community Wide Yard Sale @ Recreation                       Center parking lot 10am-2pm  

 

*        August 7, 2009 – Family Night @ Starr Park Pool 6:30pm-8pm

 

*        August 8, 2009 – Starr Park Pool Closes  

 

 

 

                                                          Elaine Corley, Director

                                                          404-363-2908

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION / FINANCE

 

Expenditures (preliminary totals) for the General Fund for the month of July are $1,366,298 or 6.84% of the annual budget. As a reminder, July is the first month of the new fiscal year. For comparison purposes, the month of July represents 8.33% of the budget year. Preliminary total expenditures for the General Fund are under budget for the fiscal year (month of July) by $299,056 or 1.49%.

 

Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.) revenue received in July is $410,644 compared to $492,092 for July of the prior year. The prior year amount could have included an additional distribution above the regular distribution. The July 2009 amount received is 7.90% of the budget total, compared to the monthly budget percentage of 8.33%. Therefore, the amount received in July is slightly under budget.

 

The Finance Department has begun preparation for the annual audit, which is scheduled to begin on September 28. The auditors will again be the firm of Mauldin & Jenkins.

 

Licenses issued for new businesses for the month of July 2009:

 

                   Name                                       Description

 

Kadance Variety                                          Variety Store

Klassie & Sassie II                                       Braid Shop

T N T Studio                                               Hair Salon / Barber Shop

Ulyess Auto Connect                                   Sale of Used Cars

Graybar Electric Company                          Wholesale Electric Distributor

Discount Auto Insurance Center                 Insurance Agent

New England Seafood Service                      Seafood Wholesale and                                                                                   Restaurant Delivery

Blimpie                                                        Sandwich Store

Bus Doctor of Atlanta                                 Collision Repair

Beautiful Beauty Supply                                       Beauty Products

Liberty Package                                           Alcohol Sales

The Crystal Compton Agency                      Insurance Agent

 

 

                                                          Mike Blandenburg, Director

                                                          (404) 366-4720

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF FIRE/EMS SERVICES

  • Major David Halcome and Captain Sam Batten of the Fire Marshals Office attended a week-long Fire Safety Symposium sponsored by the Insurance Commissioner’s Office at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth. Several excellent classes on fire codes, investigation and fire safety education were attended during the week.

 

  • Captain Sam Batten, FAO William Sanders, FAO Richard Mahoney and FF Keith King conducted a class in “Using Fire Extinguishers” to Clorox Company personnel during their employee safety meeting. Approximately 240 employees received this valuable training.

 

  • All fire personnel participated in walk-thrus and preplanning of all County schools located in the City to prepare for school starting back.

 

  • A CPR/First Aid Class was conducted with nine (9) citizens being trained in CPR and Basic First Aid Techniques.

 

  • Congratulations are in order for new employees:  FF/EMT Bryan Rathvon, FF/EMT Hunter MacFarlane and FF/Paramedic James Oglesby. We wish all of these a very happy and rewarding career in the City of Forest Park.

 

 

                             Fire Responses

 

                   Private Dwelling                                 3

                   Apartment                                         1

                   Vehicles                                             5

                   Non-structure/Non-vehicle               3

                   Brush/Grass                                     5

                   Rubbish/Dumpster                           4

                   EMS Assist                                        91

                   False Alarms                                      6

                   Mutual Aid Response                        2

                   Other Hazards                                   20

                   Others                                               15

 

                             EMS Response

 

                   Total Calls                                         267

          165 transported to area hospitals

          102 treated on scene

 

                             TOTAL CALLS                         422

 

 

 

                                                                   Chief Eddie Buckholts

                                                                   (404) 608-2382

 

 

 

EPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

 

Street Division:

          Clean sweep was a big success; we had a steady stream of residents disposing of limbs, trash, and furniture. Street crews were kept busy cutting and clearing trees from the roadway from the storms and securing and cleaning up Briarwood Apartment. This entailed repairing gates and fixing fencing around the perimeter and re-securing windows and doors from vandalizing. A total of 14 new abatement and 16 reoccurring abatements were done.  Trees were removed from the roadway at Lloyd Drive at South Parkwood Drive, 999 South Avenue, 200 First Street, and Tara Drive. Crews also helped the Parks Department cutting grass on City right-of-ways.

 

 

 

 

New Abatements:

         

Special Sanitation Pickups: 694 Glenn Drive, 4784 Hendrix Drive, 4594 Puckett Street, 535 Cynthia Lane, 637 Linda Way, 575 Shellnut Drive, 604 North Avenue, 4506 Pine Drive, 4612 Puckett Street, 4510 Burks Road, 5631 Ash Street, 5489 Alder Drive, 651 W. Warren Drive, and 5466 Ash Street,704 Valleyview Drive, 1159 Tamarack Trail, 651 Valleyview Drive, and 4322 Hendrix Drive

 

Building Maintenance:

          The major project for Building Maintenance crews is the installation of the playground equipment at Starr Park, which entail installing climbing equipment, slides, and 2 sets of swings. Repairs were made at both pool areas in preparation for the summer swim season. Other projects completed by Building Maintenance crews included work orders for all buildings and departments.

 

Parks Division:

          Parks crews were maintaining park areas and right-of ways along with their regular daily duties of Recreation and Leisure set-ups revolving around the recreation facilities and Senior Building activities.  Crew helped set up for  quarterly Clean Sweep at the recycling center and the Annual Yard Sale held in Starr Park.  Crews lined off the ball fields in preparation for the football season. Crews also helped Street crews removing downed trees after thunderstorm from City right of ways.

 

 

                                                          Mike Gippert, Director

                                                          (404) 608-2310

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF POLICE SERVICES

 

TRIAD

 

TRIAD held their monthly meeting with Christian’s Pharmacy discussing how seniors could obtain free items from Medicare. Approximately 38 seniors were in attendance.

 

Patrol

 

Officer Avery and Stevenson attended Marijuana Examiner Class and both passed

 

Lt. Gentry completed Glock Armorer school

 

Officer Avery and Stevenson completed TASER class

 

Officer Eric McClelland was released from field training on July 8th.

 

Officer Erik Kurtz assigned to Baker Team beginning today, July 15th. MPO Monroe will be his FTO.

 

Officer Hightower completed O.C. certification training

 

Officer Ashworth completed O.C. and Taser certification training

 

Officer Johnson completed radar class

 

Sgt. Armstrong attended training by the Secret Service – Police Partnership Briefing

 

CID

 

Capt. Cotrell attended the local business owners breakfast held at the Police Department.

 

Captain Cotrell and Detective Craig attended the City-wide NHW meeting on 07/09/09.

 

Detective Morris attended a 40 hour course on Sexual Assault Investigations at Forsyth Training center  July 13 – July 17.

 

Admin

 

MPO Presley is training for the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. October 25, 2009. She is running for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund which assists wounded Marines and their families with rehabilitation and household expenses while they are recovering from their injuries. If you would like to donate you can do so by going to

 

http://www.active.com/donate/teamsemperfi09/lisapresley

 

 

 

                                                          Chief Dwayne Hobbs

                                                          (404) 366-7280

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

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

The City has begun preparing the Right-of-Way Easement package for this project.

 

Livable Centers Initiative (LCI)-Main Street Streetscape Project

NO STATUS CHANGE - The City of Forest Park is waiting for the Notice to Proceed with construction from the Georgia Department of Transportation.

 

State Farmers Market

NO STATUS CHANGE – Identifying and Researching funding sources for transportation and building improvements.

 

Chick-fil A Back to School Campaign

Employees in the Support Services Department and City Hall donated over seventy (70) items to the Chick-fil A School Back to School Campaign.

 

Archway Partnership

The City of Forest Park along with the other funding partners signed the Archway Partnership Memorandum of Understanding for a second year.  For more information on the Archway Partnership, please visit www.archwaypartnership.uga.edu/.

 

 

 

                                                          John Parker, City Manager

                                              Angela Redding, Mgt. Analyst

                                              (404) 366-4720