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:                 June 12, 2007

 

SUBJECT:            INFORMATION BULLETIN  - MAY, 2007

 

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

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF FIRE/EMS

 

During the month of May the Department of Fire and Emergency Services has been very busy. Activities included:

 

  • CERT Members completed basic skills review and team building exercises.

 

  • Assisted Recreation and Leisure by providing EMS Stand-by at the Annual Fishing Rodeo held at Fort Gillem.

 

  • Provided EMS Stand-by support for the Forest Park Senior Olympics.

 

  • Sgt. Hogan and FF/EMT Grantham participated in the Fountain Elementary School Career Day activities.

 

  • Participated in the J.E. Edmonds Elementary School Career Day.

 

  • Assisted in the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program at Starr Park.

 

  • Station Two participated in the Clayton County Head Start International Day. Approximately 150 kids were trained in Fire Safety Techniques using the Fire Safety House.

 

  • The Fire Marshals Office conducted Fire Extinguisher Safety Training for employees of Sunoco on Old Dixie Highway.

 

  • EMS Division taught and re-certified nine seniors in CPR and Automatic External Defibrillator training.
  • The Fire Department received $13,888.00 from the Clorox Company to purchase Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) for the City gym and all schools in the City. These units will allow the average lay-person to initiate cardiac care prior to arrival of EMS, thus enhancing the “chances of survival” of citizens in the community.

 

  • FF/EMT Josh Young, Sgt. Kevin Milton and Chief Eddie Buckholts have each been deployed to assist in the South Georgia wildfire disaster. All have learned a great deal in Command and Control of a large disaster as well as representing the City in supporting in this state-wide response to help our fellow state citizens.

 

Call Volume – Month of May

 

1 -     Non-structure, Non-vehicle Fire

255 - Emergency Medical

9 -     Structure Fires

1 -     Vehicle Fire

6 -     Wild land/Brush Fire

1 -     Dumpster Fire

95 -   EMS Assist

7 -     False Alarms

2 -     Mutual Aid (Given)

4 -     Hazmat Response

8 -     Other Hazards Response

22 -   All Other Responses

Total Calls = 411 Responses

 

         

                                                          Chief Eddie Buckholts

                                                          (404) 608-2382

 

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS       

 

Street Division:

          Street crews were kept busy, repairing a sinkhole by filling and installing a brick wall using 60 blocks, 4 bags of mortar and 3 yards of concrete at North Oak Street.  Crews also worked painting bus stops in the City and putting no parking sign at each location.    Crews also helped the Building Maintenance crews installing the new playground equipment in Starr Park.

 

 

Building Maintenance:

          Crews finished the last touches on the concession stand by installing the divider for stalls in the restrooms and hung windows.  Another major project for the Building Maintenance crews has been the installation of the new playground equipment at Starr Park. 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.  Crews also helped Street Division personnel with leaf and limb pick-up.

 

 

                                                          Mike Gippert, Director

                                                          (404) 608-2310

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF POLICE SERVICES

 

TRIAD

On May 18th, certified senior advisor Frank Kalantari presented a program on “Estate and Financial Planning.” Forty-three seniors were on hand for this presentation, held in the Courtroom of the Police Department.

 

Citizens Police Academy

Graduation for the Citizens Police Academy was held on May 24th. Phillip Peacock of Georgia Power Company’s Security Department was the guest speaker, describing their efforts to work with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure the security of the electric system.

 

Hispanic Citizens Police Academy

The Hispanic Citizens Police Academy met every Thursday night during May. Graduation was held on June 7th in the Courtroom at 320 Cash Memorial Blvd. at 6:00.

 

Administration

Braeden Orr, son of Assistant Chief G.T. Orr, traveled to Dallas, Texas as a member of the Jonesboro High School Mock Trial Team to represent Georgia in the national championship competition.  Forty-four teams from around the country and as far away as South Korea competed for the championship. In the final round the Jonesboro team defeated a team from Michigan to become national champions. Assistant Chief Orr and his wife DeAnna were on hand to witness the competition. Braeden, a freshman at Jonesboro High, has been invited to attend a summer program at the University of Georgia Law School in Athens.

 

Community Oriented Policing

COPS officers participated in:

  • Citizens and Hispanic Citizens Police Academies
  • Career Day at Edmonds Elementary School
  • Apartment Manager’s Coalition meeting
  • Appreciation dinner for the First Baptist Church After School Program
  • International Day Festival at the Clayton County Head Start Program
  • Ward I Block Captain meeting
  • Safety program for employees of Sonoco (Sara Lee)
  • Neighborhood Watch meetings for Dearing Street residents and West Warren Drive residents
  • Business Watch meeting at Clayton Plaza

 

Patrol

Officer Jason Armstrong completed an eighty-hour class and a demonstration presentation to become certified as a law enforcement instructor. Officer Lisa Presley and Officer Marcos Suarez attended training to become firearms instructors.

 

 

 

                                                          Chief Dwayne Hobbs

                                                          (404) 366-7280

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING AND ZONING

BUILDING PLANS SUBMITTED

 

1.       4652 Jonesboro Rd.                The Wing Spot; Int. Remodel

2.       2500 Southpoint Dr.               Sanofi; Freezer/Vault

3.       3000 S.Corp. Pkwy. Ste. 300   Seefried; Tenant Finish

4.       4894 Jonesboro Rd. Ste. 2      Forest Park Plaza; Tenant Finish

5.       2750 Southpoint Dr.               Forward Air; Fire Alarm

6.       4581 Jonesboro Rd.                La Joya; Int. Remodel

7.       4849 College St.                      A&P Takeout; Int. Remodel

8.       858 Main St.                            Forest Park Army/Navy;  Remodel

 

BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED

 

1.       1161 Evelyn Dr.                       Front porch repair; 64 sq. ft. JC $1,500

2.       5547 Pineridge Pl.                             Storage shed; 120 sq. ft. JC $2,030

3.       3000 S.Corp. Pkwy. Ste. 300   Tenant finish; JC $10,500

4.       2500 Southpoint Dr. Ste. 100 Freezer/vault; 1,240 sq. ft. JC $60,000

5.       4745 Hendrix Dr.                    Int/Ext Rehab; 528 sq. ft. JC $10,000

6.       5115 Old Dixie Hwy.               Concrete pad; JC $2,300

7.       1114 N.Parkwood Dr.              Patio/Concrete pads; JC $1,500

8.       5213 Austin Pl.                        Attached garage; 400 sq. ft. JC $4,200

9.       1114 Tamarack Trl.                  Fire ruling; JC $12,000

10.     885 Kennesaw Dr.                   Int. remodel; 1,104 sq. ft. JC $15,000

11.     860 Dennis Dr.                        Storage shed; 80 sq. ft. JC $1,689

12.     528 Moore Ave.                        New house; 1,849 sq. ft. JC $75,000

13.     5265 Old Dixie Hwy.               Phase I; 7,000 sq. ft. JC $300,000

14.     4150 Jonesboro Rd.                Demo bldg.; JC $10,000

15.     107 Forest Pkwy. Ste. 300       Racking system; JC $4,200

16.     5149 Springdale Rd.               Demo dwelling; JC $4,900

17.     5784 Pearson Pl.                     New house; 2,624 sq. ft. JC $78,720

18.     5768 Pearson Pl.                     New house; 2,624 sq. ft. JC $78,720

19.     5774 Pearson Pl.                     New house; 2,683 sq. ft. JC $80,490

20.     4495 Jonesboro Rd.                Awning; 540 sq. ft. JC $26,000

 

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCIES ISSUED

 

1.       N.E. Marine Resources  132-B Royal Dr.             05/01/07

2.       JM Communication       4877 Jonesboro Rd.       05/02/07

3.       La Haciendia                  4700 Jonesboro Rd.       05/03/07

4.       W&J Development         521 Forest Pkwy. 200    05/03/07

5.       Moorehead Food Svc.     112 Royal Dr.                 05/21/07

6.       Mi Bodequita                 4730 Lake Mirror Rd.    05/21/07

 

 

SPECIAL INTEREST

 

GACE Certified Code Enforcement Officer Program

 

The Ga. Assoc. of Code Enforcement (GACE) is a professional organization dedicated to establishing responsible code enforcement practices throughout local governments in Ga. and the professional development of its members. The GACE Certified Code Enforcement Officer Program (CCEOP) is sponsored by GACE in cooperation with the Association of County Commissioners of Ga., Ga. Municipal Association and the Dept. of Community Affairs. It is administered by the University of Ga.’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. The program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of those persons responsible for enforcement of environmental, housing and land use codes in Ga. Successful completion of the program results in designation as a Certified Code Enforcement Officer.

 

Program Objectives:

 

  • Encourage professionalism in public code enforcement administration throughout Ga.
  • Increase knowledge of the major aspects of code enforcement administration.
  • Develop skills necessary to the enforcement of environmental, housing and land use codes.

 

~        Code Compliance Officer Ron Bedingfield and Code Compliance Officer Daniel Gallardo, both attended the 2007 Spring Conference, May 1st to May 4th, 2007 at Lake Lanier Islands. At this conference, CCO Ron Bedingfield completed a three (3) year program, passed his written exam and now holds (GACE) State certification as a “Certified Code Enforcement Officer” – Level I.

 

~        Code Compliance Officer Daniel Gallardo received his (GACE) certification as (GACE) Code Enforcement Officer Level I in 2005. CCO Daniel Gallardo is continuing to pursue a Level II certification which covers hazardous and special materials handling. This course outlines how a code enforcement officer deals with asbestos, demolition waste, barrels with unknown contents, paints and other chemicals, etc. He lacks only three (3) more hours after which he will take his written exam at the Fall 2007 Conference.

 

~        Code Compliance Officer Catherine Samay completed the (3) year program, passed her written exam, and holds GACE State Certification as a “Code Enforcement Officer” – Level I which she accomplished at the Fall 2006 Conference. 

 

Both Officers Bedingfield and Officer Samay will receive their framed certifications at a graduation ceremony which will be held in October 2007. These are noteworthy accomplishments that bring great credit to the City and reflect these officers commitment to the professional standards of the Planning, Building and Zoning Department.

 

Thank you, Ron, Catherine and Daniel; you should be very proud of your accomplishments.

 

AFFILIATE BOARD ACTIVITY:

 

NOTE:    There were no Affiliate Board meetings during the month of May 2007.

         

                                                          Steve Pearson, Director

                                                          (404) 608-2300

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES

 

WHAT’S HAPPENING

 

*        T-Ball/Pee Wee – We have eight (8) teams participating in this program with 96 children.  The season will end on Saturday, June 2, 2007.   

 

*        Men’s Basketball – We have six (6) teams in our Spring Basketball League.  Games are played on Wednesday night starting at 6pm in the gym.  Season will end on June 6, 2007. 

 

*        Spring Soccer – We have 20 teams with 242 children participating in the soccer program ages 4-12 years of age.  The season will end on Saturday, June 9, 2007.       

 

*        Start Smart Soccer – Is registering boys and girls ages 3-5 years old for Start Smart Soccer.  The program prepares children for organized soccer in a fun environment.  Program will meet on Tuesday night 6pm-7pm starting June 5, 2007.    

 

*        Girls Softball – We have three girls softball teams 8/under, 10/under, 12/under.  Games are played on Burke and Baker fields through the week and on Saturday.

 

*        Adult Softball – Games are played on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night at Baker Field.  We have 24 teams, ladies league, men’s league and a coed league.  Games start at 6:30pm.

 

*        Summer Special Sign-Up – Summer sign-up for Day Camp and Swimming Lessons were held on May 3, 2007 at the gym from 6pm to 8pm.

 

*        Fishing Rodeo – This event is a joint effort between the City of Forest Park and Fort Gillem.  The rodeo is for boys and girls 13 & under.  This event was held on May 12, 2007 at Stephens Lake 8am-12noon.  We had about 50 participants.  Awards, snacks and prizes were given out at the rodeo.  Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.  This year we had a record number of good size fish being caught at the rodeo compared to previous years when the size of gold fish were being caught.  Everyone had a great time.

 

*        Girls Summer Basketball – We have been registering for the girls summer league basketball program the month of May 2007.  Season to start in June 2007.

 

*        Spring Swim Lessons – Will finish up on June 2, 2007.  These lessons are for children ages 3-12 years old.  The class meets on Saturdays at the indoor pool starting at 11am.

 

*        Swing Into Spring Festival – Was held on May 5, 2007 at Starr Park 10:30am-6pm.  We had a total of 60 vendors to participate in this year’s event.  We had a wide variety of food, music, arts and crafts, and entertainment.  The weather was unseasonably cool, but everyone seems to have a good time.

 

*        Wellness Programs

Water Aerobics – Monday & Wednesday 7pm-8pm

Yoga – Wednesday evenings 6:30pm-8pm

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

                   Monday & Wednesday 12noon-1pm, 1pm-2pm

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

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

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

                                                                   Saturday 10am-4pm

 

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

 

          May is Senior Month and the seniors were busy.

 

*        The Red Hatters started with a trip to Red Lobster to start the month.  Then we went right into the festival with the fellowship and fun of the day.

 

*        The Senior Olympics was the big event of the month.  We fed the seniors at the Senior Center, used the Recreation Center for shuffleboard and swimming, cards at the Center and the big finale was at Starr Park, the picnic, the games and especially the awards.  It was a great three (3) days for everyone.       

 

*        Our next big event for Senior Month with our Annual Ho-Down.  We had a lot of great food, good music and dancing.  The Walnut Grove Band played and no one wanted to leave.

 

*        It was a fun month and we are all looking forward to the start of summer and some putt-putt, picnics, day trips.  It has been a great month and staying busy into the next month.

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

*        June 2, 2007 – Starr Park Pool Opens

 

*        June 4, 2007 – Summer Day Camp Starts

 

*        June 4, 2007 – Summer Swim Lessons Starts

 

*        June 4-7, 2007 – Cheerleading Camp 6pm-8pm @ Kiwanis Stadium

 

          *        June 8, 15, 22, 29, 2007 – Family Night @ Starr Park Pool/Mini Golf

                                                          6:30pm-8pm

 

          *        June 11-14, 2007 – Girls & Boys Basketball Camp Starts @ Gym

 

*        June 19, 2007 – Senior Picnic @ Senior Center 6pm/Tickets Required

 

*        June 25, 2007 – Girls Basketball Summer League starts

 

 

 

Elaine Corley, Director

404-363-2908

 

 

 

OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

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

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

 

Livable Centers Initiative (LCI)-Main Street Streetscape Project

The City is still waiting for GDOT to approve the cost estimates submitted in February.

 

State Farmers Market Project

The City along with the Consultants met with Commissioner Irvin and a representative from Congressman David Scott’s office regarding the final concept and transportation plan for the State Farmers Market.  The Commissioner and Congressman Scott’s Representative were pleased with the proposed final concept and transportation plan.  In addition, there was a discussion regarding moving the project towards implementation.

                  

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

After hearing First Lady Mary Perdue speak at a Clayton County Chamber of Commerce Early Bird Breakfast on Foster Care, City Hall employees decided to donate overnight bags (one for girls and one for boys) to the Clayton County Department of Family and Children Services. (See attached letter from the Clayton County Department of Family and Children Services)  The employees agreed to donate two overnight bags per quarter.

 

When kids are placed in foster care, the majority of the time they leave the home they are taken from with only the clothes on their back.  The overnight bag contained items for children ages 2-18.  Items donated included book bags, paper, pencils, crayons, socks, sleep pants, under garments, hair bows, tooth brushes, tooth paste, t-shirts, and stuffed animals to name a few.

 

Thanks to the employees at City Hall for donating to such a worthy cause!

 

 

 

                                                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 May are $1,199,050 or 7.32% of the budget.  Year-to-date preliminary expenditures for the General Fund are $13,819,665 or 84.42% of the budget (fiscal year July 2006 – June 2007). For comparison purposes, the period of July through May represents 91.67% of the budget year. Total expenditures for the General Fund remain under budget for the eleven month period of July through May.

 

Local Option Sales Tax revenue received in May is $433,121 compared to $607,922 for May of the prior year. The prior year amount is not typical and is unusually high. The prior year amount for April was unusually low. The current fiscal year-to-date total received is $4,813,061 or 94.37% of the budget. The percentage of the budget year through May is 91.67% of the year; therefore, revenue from Local Option Sales Tax remains slightly ahead of budget through May.

 

Licenses for New Business for the month of May 2007:

 

          Name                                                 Description

 

Motorides                                           Pocket Bikes / Go- Carts

JM Communications                           Wireless service

New England Marine Resources                   Seafood – wholesale

Two Women With A Bucket                 Cleaning services

W&J Development and Finance          Real Estate Investment / Development

Valdez Masonry                                  Stone work

Mi Bodeguita                                                Wholesale distributor

Phone                                                Regular phone sales

La Haciendita                                     Mexican Restaurant

Lawrence Holmes                               Lawn Service

Moorhead Food Service                       Warehousing food products

Mail Terminal Service                         Mail Sorting / Processing

Rivera Home Remodeling                    Frame / Concrete / Sheetrock / Roofing

         

 

 

Mike Blandenburg, Director

(404) 366-4720