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:                        December 29, 2009

 

SUBJECT:                 INFORMATION BULLETIN  - NOVEMBER, 2009

 

 

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

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING AND ZONING

 

 

Building Plans Submitted

 

Business Name

Address

Details

MJD Business Group

697 Ruskin Dr. Ste. B

Tenant finish

Champion Logistics

3000 S. Corp. Pkwy 100

Tenant finish

Worldpac

3000 S. Corp. Pkwy 200

Tenant finish

City South

5182 Old Dixie Hwy. B

Interior demo

Ash Street Center

5277 Ash Street

Fire alarm system

Jacobson Wilpak

5290 Old Dixie Hwy. 200

Interior remodel

City South

5182 Old Dixie Hwy. B

Interior finish

 

Building Permits Issued

 

Structure Type

Address

Details

Commercial

3000 S. Corp. Pkwy. 100

Tenant finish; 4,030 sq. ft. JC $123,000

Residential

5416 Adamson Street

Roof repair; JC $4,000

Commercial

697 Ruskin Dr. B

Tenant finish; 1,000 sq. ft. JC $3,500

Residential

886 Birch Street

Roof repair; JC $1,700

Residential

5412 Lee Circle

Rebuild garage; 884 sq. ft. JC $10,000

Residential

663 Cynthia Lane

Roof repair; JC $3,000

Certificate of Occupancies Issued

 

Business Name

Address

Date of Issue

Deliverance Church

4595 Jonesboro Rd.

11/03/09

Cuatro Brothers Corp.

15 Royal Dr. – B

11/04/09

Miracom 3102 Inc.

4185 Jonesboro Rd.

11/04/09

Miracom 3101 Inc

4894 Jonesboro Rd. – B

11/04/09

Hak Gifts & Things

4150 Jonesboro Rd. – B900

11/09/09

C&R’s Used & New Tires

4816 Old Dixie Hwy.

11/11/09

Pizza Hut

4866 Jonesboro Rd.

11/16/09

Blue Sky

5959 Ash Street

11/25/09

A&A Alfa Driving School

4584 Jonesboro Rd. – A

11/30/09

Alfa Hispanic Center

4584 Jonesboro Rd. – B

11/30/09

 

 

AFFILIATE BOARD ACTIVITY

 

Planning and Zoning Board

 

The Planning and Zoning Board (Planning Commission) held a public hearing on November 18th, 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 with regard to the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance.  At issue, is an ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance of the City of Forest Park by adding a new Article “L” to be entitled “Forest Park Main Street Overlay District” so as to prescribe new district design guidelines. The subject ordinance also amends the zoning map by creating and establishing an overlay district. The area includes Main Street and Forest Parkway between West Street and Jonesboro Road, Jonesboro Road between Marie Street and Forest Parkway, and nearby side streets within the area.  The design guidelines are created to help attract and direct new growth as Forest Park anticipates development in the Main Street areas.  The design guidelines will inform the redevelopment of the Main Street Overlay District to ensure that new construction and renovation contributes to a sense of place, a lively pedestrian environment, a high quality small town destination consistent with the redevelopment plan adopted in 2008.  The regulations will provide strong direction for property owners and property developers seeking to be a part of the Main Street Revitalization, while reassuring residents that new development is guided by a vision for a walkable, friendly, and inviting Main Street that is accessible to all.  After reviewing the design guidelines and the accompanying ordinance, and considering the staff report and public comments, the Planning and Zoning Board unanimously voted to recommend approval of the design guidelines ordinance to the Mayor and Council.  A second public hearing will be held on Monday December 7, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 745 Forest Parkway, Forest Park, Georgia 30297. Also, during the regular scheduled Council meeting, the ordinance will be considered by Mayor and Council for adoption.

 

 

 

                                                                        Steve Pearson, Director

                                                                        (404) 608-2300      

 

 

 

OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

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

The City of Forest Park has executed easement acquisitions for thirteen (13) of the fifty-one (51) properties requiring an easement.

 

Livable Centers Initiative (LCI)-Main Street Streetscape Project

The City of Forest Park has received the Authorization to Advertise for Bid Proposals from the Georgia Department of Transportation.

 

State Farmers Market

NO STATUS CHANGE – Assisting the Georgia Department of Agriculture in identifying and researching funding sources for transportation and building improvements.

 

Proclamations

The City of Forest Park Mayor and City Council presented Proclamations to Babb Middle School Football and Volleyball teams for winning the Clayton County Championship in their respective sport.

 

                           

                    Babb Middle School Football Proclamation

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

 

                        Babb Middle School Volleyball Proclamation

 

 

Grassroots Leadership Institute

Angela Redding was the instructor for the Grassroots Leadership Institute Local Government Session Leading Community Change.  The class was held November 24, 2009.

 

The mission of the Grassroots Leadership Institute is to identify, train, and nurture emerging leaders to better serve the needs of the Clayton County community.  The Grassroots Leadership Institute is free to the public, but interested citizens must apply since limited space is available.  The Grassroots Leadership Institute training will better prepare participants who want to continue their leadership development through other programs, such as Leadership Clayton.

 

 

                                                                        John Parker, City Manager

                                                                        Angela Redding, Mgt. Analyst

                                                                        (404) 366-4720

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION / FINANCE

 

New business licenses issued for the month of November: Expenditures (preliminary totals) for the General Fund for the month of November are $1,300,629 or 6.51% of the budget. One month represents 8.33% of the budget for the year. Year-to-date preliminary expenditures for the General Fund are $6,642,938 or 33.24% of the budget (fiscal year July 2009 – June 2010). For comparison purposes, the period of July through November represents 41.67% of the budget year. Total expenditures for the General Fund remain well under budget for the month of November and for the five month period of July through November.

 

Local Option Sales Tax revenue received in November is $398,183, compared to $531,159 for November of the prior year. The current amount is consistent with the prior month of the current year. The fiscal year-to-date total received is $2,094,527 or 40.28% of the budget. The percentage of the budget year through November is 41.67% of the year. Revenue from Local Option Sales Tax remains slightly less than budget through November.

 

The preparation and mailing of 2009 property tax bills was completed in October. Payment of property taxes is due by December 20. Collections posted to the accounting system as of the end of November are approximately $1,000,000.

 

A draft of the City’s annual Financial Report, including the audit report, is currently being reviewed. An unqualified (top level) audit report is expected for fiscal year 2009.

 

 


                        Name                                                              Description   

 

                        Boost Mobile                                                 Retail cellular phone sales

            C & R Used Tires                                          Sales and repair of new                                             and used tires and wheels

                        Felices Fiestas                                               Sale of clothing and shoes

 

 

 

                                                                        Mike Blandenburg, Director

                                                                        (404) 366-4720

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF FIRE/EMS

 

  • 92 students from J.E. Edmonds Elementary participated in a make-up day (rain) from Fire Prevention Week Activities. The Fire Safety House, fire engine and ambulance were utilized in this event.

 

  • All shifts from the Fire Department participated in walk-thru familiarization of the Clorox Company and refresher training on specialized systems at the facility.

 

  • 60 tenants from Governors Terrace attended a community meeting on Holiday Fire Safety conducted by the Fire Marshal’s Office.

 

  • 30 citizens were trained in current CPR procedures.

 

                                    Run Activity

 

                                    Fire Response

 

                                    Private Dwelling Fire                       1

                                    Apartment Dwelling Fire                2

                                    Vehicle Fire                                       2

                                    Grass/Brush Fire                             1

                                    Rubbish/Dumpster Fire                  3

                                    False Alarm                                       9

                                    HazMat                                              2

                                    Other Hazards                                  11

                                    Other Responses                              22

                                    EMS Assist                                        80

                                    Total Fire Calls                                 133

 

                                    EMS Response                                  223     Total Calls with 133                                                                                                                          patients transported to area                                                                                                           Facilities

 

                                    Total Calls                                      356

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT O F POLICE SERVICES

 

TRIAD

 

Triad held their monthly meeting where Kevin Young from Clayton County Health Department gave a presentation about men’s health issues. There were 38 seniors in attendance.

 

Citizen’s Police Academy

 

CPA Graduation was held on November 10, at 6:30 pm. Clayton County School Superintendent, Dr. Edmund Heatley was the guest speaker. There were 6 graduates from the program.

 

 Patrol

 

MPO Geeslin awarded Officer of The Year for Clayton County

 

All personnel completed low-light shooting training at East Point PD Firing Range.

 

Adam Team welcomed new member Officer Fadi Habboushi who started November 20, 2009.

 

MPO Jenkins is back from maternity leave.

 

MPO Smith has completed CPR training on November 17.

 

MPO Colvin has been transferred to Detectives.

 

 

CID

 

Detective Averhart presented the holiday safety PowerPoint presentation to the Southside Neighborhood Watch meeting on 11-03-09.

 

Admin

 

Neighborhood Watch Meetings were held on November 3 and November 19th

 

 

 

                                                                        Chief Dwayne Hobbs

                                                                        (404) 366-7280

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Street Division:

             Major projects for the month of November included the cleaning and removing of leaves from ditches, storm drains, and right of ways.  Crews also helped  the Building Maintenance Division with the installation of Christmas decorations.  Ditches were cleaned out on the north and south sides of town.  Preparation and arrangements were made for the City barbeque.

 

Completed Court Ordered Abatements:

            5163 East St., 4750 Tanglewood Ln., 5070 Park Ave., 5689 Cypress Dr., 601 Kay St., 814 Cone Road., 522 Moore Ave., 535 Cynthia Ln., 637 Linda Way., 575 Shellnut Dr., 5631 Ash St., 5489 Alder Dr., 5466 Ash St.

 

Asphalt Work:

            852 Cone Road. Driveway tie-in, 850 Springvalley Drive driveway tie-in, 721 Conley Road. Driveway tie-in, Lake Drive 2-potholes, Main @ Ash Street pothole, 5759 Jefferson Avenue curb line, North Avenue Evans curb line. 

4140 Jonesboro Road and 87 Royal Drive

 

 

Building Maintenance:

            Public Works crews led by the Building Maintenance Division installed Christmas decorations throughout the City, and exterior decorations to most of the main city buildings. Crews also replaced ceiling tiles in Multi classroom and in the lobby area near water cooler, and repaired pool cover storage stand at the Recreation Department. Crews replaced all blown light bulbs and replaced the hinge in the rear door of the police station. Maintenance crews also completed numerous work orders for all city departments.

 

 

Parks Division:

            Along with the daily cleanup around the park areas and city buildings and the interior cleanups of the recreation building and park buildings, Park crews were busy removing leaves from side parks and median areas and right-of-ways, which included Forest Parkway and Jonesboro Road.  The Parks Division with help from the other Public Works Divisions was also responsible for the setup on Main Street and the Starr Park area for the Annual Christmas Parade and Grand Lighting of the Park Area.

 

 

 

                                                                        Mike Gippert, Director

                                                                        (404) 608-2310

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES

 

 

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

 

Adult Men Basketball – The adult basketball league concluded the fall, winter league with six (6) teams with twelve (12) participants per team.  This is an eight (8) week league.  This is one of our most exciting programs.

 

Adult Coed Volleyball – We concluded our adult coed volleyball fall, winter league with four (4) teams with twelve (12) participants per team.  This is an eight (8) week league.  We ended the volleyball season with very high expectation for the spring season.   

 

Youth Basketball – Registration was held the month of November 2009.  The draft is scheduled for December 5, 2009.  The program is for boys and girls ages 3-16 years of age.  Practices will be held in December with games being played starting January 2010.  The capacity is 272 participants.   

 

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

 

Swim Lessons – Swimming lessons are taught on Saturdays starting at 11am.  We have a beginner’s class and a preschool water orientation class.  Total of 16 participants.    

 

Gym Use – 419

 

Christmas Parade 2009 – Originally scheduled for November 30th,   our annual Christmas Parade was postponed a week due to the weather.  Despite the cold weather the people of Forest Park came out and we had a great time.  We witnessed an incredible turnout.  Young and old came out to see floats, the special performances, Santa Claus, and to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  As night came, they gathered in front of Anne & Bill’s Restaurant on Main Street.  Some sang along with the choirs, some watched as the marching groups executed their feats, and others simply enjoyed the candy being handed out.   Following soon after, floats, and vehicles circled Starr Park carrying the city’s dignitaries, Grand Marshall Representative Mike Glanton (District 76), special guests, and of course, Santa and his helpers.  Whatever their motives for attending, they were pleased as we gathered, as we awarded prizes for the winners among the parade participants; and as Starr Park lit up at the sound of ‘Oh Come All Ye Faithful’.  It was a wonderful display as Reindeer, Snowmen, wreath, and the Christmas tree illuminated throughout the park.  As the music faded, all in attendance left with bright eyes and the season in the hearts.

 

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

 

*          We are busy this month with Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

 

*          We had Red Hatters High Tea. That is a special tea and entertainment at the Center.  It was a fun day for the Red Hatters and their fineries. 

 

*          Then came our tree decorating for all the seniors.  They enjoyed doing the tree as they all look for the ornament that they hung on our first tree.  It surprises them when they actually see it.

 

*          Bingo and breakfast was good this year as we had some excellent prizes for the seniors.  Toys R Us donated a lot of Christmas things last August, we used them as prizes this year.

 

*          Our Thanksgiving dinner was a great feast for everyone.  The seniors enjoyed the ham, turkey, and all the trimmings.  They love to eat and enjoy the fellowship.

 

*          Our other programs are progressing well and staying busy.  We have 2 exercise classes; our card club usually has 3 or 4 tables, shuffleboard, crafts, and line dancing continues during the holidays.

 

*          Now we are ready for Christmas and the approaching New Year!

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

*        December 1, 3, 2009 – Call From Santa   

 

*        December 4, 2009 – Pictures with Santa @ Senior Center 6pm-8pm  

 

            *          December 5, 2009 – Youth Basketball Draft @ Gymnasium

 

            *          December 12, 2009 – Breakfast with Santa @ Senior Center                                                                                                                          8:30 am

 

*        December 17, 2009 – Senior Christmas Dinner @ Senior Center 5:30 pm   

 

 

 

                                                                        Elaine Corley, Director

                                                                        404-363-2908