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: April 16, 2009

SUBJECT: INFORMATION BULLETIN - MARCH, 2009

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

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING AND ZONING

Building Plans Submitted

Business Name	Address	Details
Air Traffic Services	3000 S.Corp. Pkwy. Ste. 300	Interior office / tenant finish
El Milago	5590 Old Dixie Hwy.	Interior remodel
Wilpak	5290 Old Dixie Hwy. 200	Interior remodel

Building Permits Issued

Structure Type	Address	Details
Residential	4815 Juniper St.	Demo quad-plex; JC $4,500
Residential	5298 Lyndale Cir.	Retaining wall; JC $1,000
Commercial	269 Main St.	Slab; 9 sq. ft. JC $4,000
Commercial	3000 S.Corp Pkwy. 300	1,967 sq. ft. JC $60,000
Residential	507 Ga. Ave. C-3 & C-4	Fire repair; JC $38,000

Certificate of Occupancies Issued

Business Name	Address	Date of Issue
Telecell #6	4047 Jonesboro Rd.	03/03/2009
Sunny Garden	4150 Jonesboro Rd. 800	03/05/2009
Haisky Photo	4140 Jonesboro Rd. 740	03/09/2009
Power Source Mort.	4532 Jonesboro Rd.	03/09/2009
Barbers on Main St.	819 Main St.	03/09/2009
Corner Point Food Mart	228 Main St.	03/11/2009
A-Brite Signs	534 Main St.	03/12/2009
Dominica Vip Salon	4061 Jonesboro Rd. B	03/13/2009
US Auto Parts & Salvage	4020 Jonesboro Rd.	03/16/2009
La Fuente Musical	4325 Jonesboro Rd. C	03/05/2009
Shoe Show	4903 Jonesboro Rd.	03/23/2009
Select Truckers Plus	526-B Forest Pkwy.	03/24/2009
Clayton County Head St.	4914 West St.	03/26/2009
The Wireless Store	697 Ruskin Dr. B	03/31/2009

AFFILIATE BOARD ACTIVITY

There were no meetings of the affiliate Boards for the month of March 2009.

SPECIAL INTEREST

Code Compliance Officer Roy Turner has successfully completed his study / training and received certification as International Code Council, Inc. (ICC, Inc.) “Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector”. Mr. Turner passed the certification examination on March 15^th, 2009. He has demonstrated a commitment to the code enforcement profession by achieving this ICC certification. This noteworthy accomplishment brings great credit to the City and reflects his personal commitment to the professional standards of the Planning, Building and Zoning Department. Thank you, Roy; you should be very proud of your accomplishment.

Steve Pearson, Director

(404) 608-2300

OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

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

The City is waiting for the City Attorney to deliver the remaining preliminary title search files for these projects. The City Attorney has delivered 30 Preliminary Title Search files to City Hall. There are a total of 51 easements.

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

A grant that can be utilized for signage improvements at the State Farmers Market has been delivered to personnel at the State Farmers Market for preparation.

Forest Park Business Coalition

In recognition of Georgia Cities Week, the Forest Park Business Coalition meeting will be held at City Hall. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2009 from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm.

John Parker, City Manager

Angela Redding, Mgt. Analyst

(404) 366-4720

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

Lifeguard Training – The conclusion of the Lifeguard Training class was March 26, 2009. There were 8 participants to complete the class. They are now certified for lifeguard duties. The instructors were representatives from the American Red Cross.

CPR/First-Aid – The CPR/First-Aid class taught by our Forest Park Fire/EMS took place on March 7, 2009. The popularity of the class has increased. There were 21 participants registered for the class.

For the month of March the recreation department ended another successful season in youth basketball. We completed the season with a coaches game, skills challenge and a banquet for the entire basketball program at Chick-Fil-A.

Also the recreation center concluded registration and formed teams in the following sports: Youth Soccer (265 kids), Youth T-Ball (66 kids, 6 teams), Pee Wee Ball (44 kids, 4 teams), Girls Softball 46 kids, 4 teams), Girls Volleyball (66 kids, 6 teams), Adult Basketball (60 participants, 6 teams), Adult Softball (12 teams).

Public Swimming – The indoor pool is open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday from 7 pm to 9 pm and Saturdays 1 pm-4 pm.

Men Fitness – Meets on Tuesday nights 8:30 pm-10 pm. This program is for men 18 years and older. The program consists of full court basketball games and weight lifting.

Gym use: 378 for the month of March 2009.

Ongoing Classes

Water Aerobics – Monday & Wednesday 6 pm-7 pm

Yoga – Wednesday evening 6:45 pm-8 pm

Water Exercise – Monday & Wednesday 1 pm-2 pm

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

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

Chess – Wednesday 5 pm-9 pm

Baton – Wednesday 6 pm-7 pm

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

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

* March for the seniors came in like a lion and out like a lamb. We had the Red Hatters lunch which we had to cancel because of the snow and ice.

* Then came getting ready for the Soup and Cornbread lunch. Making the soup and cooking cornbread took us a couple of days. Then it came time to sell and serve. We even had to deliver some. But it turned out to be a great day for everyone.

* It seemed like we just ate soup when St. Patty’s Day came. Then it was getting out the green and cooking the ham and cabbage. It was fun and they all enjoyed the green ice cream. The Jonesmen ended the evening singing for us and making the night complete.

* Bingo & cards, Dominoes, WII, computers, Line Dancing, and games keep rolling on and keeping the seniors busy. We still have shuffleboard and the players getting ready for the Olympics.

* Then we ended the month with a fun lunch where everyone brings their favorite dish and shares it with everyone. It makes for a good lunch and good fellowship.

UPCOMING EVENTS

* April 4, 2009 – Community Wide Yard Sale 9am-2pm – Recreation Center Parking Lot

* April 4, 2009 – Easter Egg Hunt/Safety Fest 11am-2pm @ Starr Park

* April 6-10, 2009 – Spring Break Day Camp – Recreation Bldg

* April 11, 2009 – Youth Soccer Opening Day Starting @ 9am – Soccer Fields

* April 18, 2009 – T-Ball/Pee Wee Ball Opening Day

* April 25, 2009 – Fishing Rodeo 8:30am-12noon – Stephens Lake @ Ft. Gillem

Elaine Corley, Director

404-363-2908

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Street Division:

Street crews had a busy month with right-of-way clean-ups of debris in ditches, cutting bushes, and opening blocked storm drains. Crews also replaced the asphalt at Cash Memorial Boulevard and completed driveway tie-ins at Scott Boulevard, Alice Street, and Shirley Court. The Recycling Center was cleaned up and preparations were made for the upcoming Clean Sweep.

Special Paid Sanitation Pick-ups:

703 North Avenue, 556 Moore Avenue, 5034 West Street, 4325 Brookside Drive, 1161 Grace Drive, 944 Forest Avenue, and 287 First Street

Abatements:

601 Kay Street, 385 Central Avenue, 1108 Elaine Drive, 1170 North Parkwood Drive, and 5555 Alder Drive

Cleared Ditches:

703 Callaway Drive, 5673 Kite Drive, 4799 Hendrix Drive, North Avenue, 4727 Hendrix Drive, 4668 Burks Road, 4658 Burks Road, and 4643 Puckett Street

Building Maintenance:

Major projects for the Maintenance crews were the removal of carpet, cleaning and repairing low spots on the floor, and touch up painting at Personnel. Crews also enlarged the inmate break area and created a storage area which entailed installing sheetrock, ceiling tracks and lighting. Outlets were install and wired, installed door, primed and painted walls at Public Works. Major repairs were also completed at the Police Department, which entailed painting, and installing new tile, replacing 2 feet of ceiling track painting CPU room, repairing of water damaged areas, and cleaning of gutter and install new drains. 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. Park crews assisted the Street and Maintenance crews with their projects. All city building flower bed areas were weeded and sprayed. Setup was done for the City-wide Yard Sale.

Mike Gippert, Director

(404) 608-2310

DEPARTMENT OF FIRE/EMS SERVICES

• The Fire Marshals Office conducted a Fire Extinguisher safety and use class at Ashton Walk Apartments with approximately 50 residents in attendance.

• Major David Halcome and Capt. Sam Batten attended the Spring Arson Conference in Henry County. Several Classes on Fire Safety and Arson Investigation were conducted.

• Several fire personnel including Lt. Geoff May, FAO John Gaskin, Paramedic Carter Cagle and FF/EMT Keith King participated in Career Day at Forest Park Street School. These professionals provided talks on the rewards of a fire service career to young adults.

• Major David Halcome and Mike Tuttle of P B & Z attended a GEMA class on Assessing Storm Damage for Individual Assistance.

• Major David Halcome and Director Mike Gippert from Public Works Department attended a GEMA class on Assessing Storm Damage to Public Buildings and Infrastructure.

• Major Matt Jackson attended the annual EMS Changes Conference in Augusta. This conference is designed to keep EMS Directors from throughout the State current on the latest professional trends, standards and equipment.

• Eight firefighters from Forest Park attended the National Fire Academy –

Georgia/Maine weekend in Emmittsburg, MD. This event included classes on various subjects for two days as well as experiencing the National Fire Academy environment. Those attending were: Chief Eddie Buckholts, Capt. Barry Hopper, Capt. Robert Brackett, Lt. Chip Tyson, Lt. Damon Hall, FAO Chance Williams, FAO Conway Ferguson, and Para/FF Kevin Milton. All experienced a very educational and rewarding weekend.

• Chief Eddie Buckholts, Deputy Chief Raymond Clark and FAO Jon Baker attended the Annual Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs Spring Conference in St. Simons. The theme of this year’s conference was “The Heartbeat of the Georgia Fire Service” with concentration on leadership in Physical Fitness Standards for firefighters and officers.

Run Activity

Structure Fires 4

Vehicle Fires 3

Grass/Rubbish Fires 2

Other Fires 1

EMS Assist 97

False Alarm 10

Mutual Aid 1

Hazmat Response 3

Other Hazards 17

Other Response 15

EMS Calls 237

390 Total Calls

(Including 146 transported to area hospitals)

Chief Eddie Buckholts

(404) 608-2382

DEPARTMENT OF POLICE SERVICES

TRIAD

TRIAD held a monthly meeting with approximately 45 people in attendance. Sgt. Miller of the Clayton County Sheriffs Department was the guest speaker and he discussed programs at the Sheriff’s department, the agency’s reorganization and his goals as the sheriff.

Citizens Police Academy

The Citizen’s Police Academy class is currently underway with 16 people attending this session.

Patrol

MPO Juaneka Smith attended the Marijuana Certified Examiner Class at GPSTC.

Captain Alex Skwira celebrated his 18^th Anniversary as an employee of Forest Park Police Department.

Charlie Team discovered a chop shop being run at Liberty Sales at 3901-B Jonesboro Road. Six stolen vehicles were recovered and the owners were arrested.

Sgt. Pigate completed Supervision II at GPSTC.

Capt. Harris attended Internal Affairs investigation training at HIDTA.

Several patrol members attended graduation ceremonies from Clayton Regional Law Enforcement Academy for four new officers. The graduates, Shane Clayton, Lindsey Stevenson, Raymond Hightower, and Eric McClelland will all begin duty at FPPD on Monday March 6^th.

Officer Luis Gomez began employment with FPPD on March 8^th and is assigned to Delta Team.

MPO Cochran has successfully completed Advanced Firearms

Lt. Hiers taught supervision class at Clayton Regional Law Enforcement Academy

FPPD supervisors attended conflict resolution class on April 2^nd and 3^rd.

SGT. Cloud attended Supervision III class at GPSTC March 2^nd - 6^th.

MPO Freeman attended the neighborhood watch meeting on 03-03-09

MPO Waltrip and MPO Freeman attended the Clayton County P. D. Gang Conference on 03-12-09.

MPO Freeman attended neighborhood watch meeting on 03-19-09

CID

DET. Craig attended the CPA class on 03/17/09.

DET. Craig attended the new officer’s graduation on March 2, 2009.

Detective Jackson attended a 40 hour class at GPSTC on Cyber Crime Investigations.

Detective Jackson attended CPA class on 3-31-09.

Admin

MPO Presley completed the ING Half Marathon in Atlanta on March 29, 2009 in 2:31:48.

Chief Dwayne Hobbs

(404) 366-7280

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

Expenditures (preliminary totals) for the General Fund for the month of March are $1,771,467 or 9.2% of the budget. Year-to-date preliminary expenditures for the General Fund are $12,781,802 or 66.4% of the budget (fiscal year July 2008 – June 2009). For comparison purposes, the period of July through March represents 75.00% of the budget year. Total expenditures for the General Fund remain under budget for the nine month period of July through March.

Local Option Sales Tax revenue received in March is $366,372 compared to $390,506 for March of the prior year. The fiscal year-to-date total received is $4,164,573 or 81.00% of the budget. The percentage of the budget year through March is 75.00% of the year; so, revenue from Local Option Sales Tax remains more than budget through March.

Business license payments for 2008 licenses were due by February 28. As of the end of March, $809,854 (101% of budget) of collections had been posted to the accounting system. The City has exceeded the Budget amount for Business License fees collected.

Licenses for New Business for the month of March 2009:

Name Description

Barbers On Main Street Barber shop

Haisky Photo Portrait studio

Dominican V.I.P. Hair Salon Hair salon

True Image Designs Photography Photography service

A Brite Signs Sign design / service

U.S. Auto Parts & Salvage Auto dismantling; parts and salvage

Clayton County CSA Head Start Head Start child development

Select Truckers Plus Temporary staffing service

Sunny Garden Restaurant

Telecell #6 Q Cell sales and service

Rosetown Recreation Center Pool hall and video games

Mike Blandenburg, Director

(404) 366-4720