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: November 16, 2009

SUBJECT: INFORMATION BULLETIN - OCTOBER, 2009

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

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING AND ZONING

Building Plans Submitted

Business Name	Address	Details
J & J Pallets	701 Ruskin Drive	Roof repair

Building Permits Issued

Structure Type	Address	Details
Residential	4711 Waldrop Dr. Bldg. F	Fire ruling; JC $20,000
Residential	4711 Waldrop Dr. Bldg. M	Fire ruling; JC $20,000
Residential	576 Shellnut Dr.	Fire repair; 1,470 sq. ft. JC $1,971
Residential	576 Shellnut Dr.	Fire ruling; JC $5,000
Commercial	5277 Ash St.	Remodel; 41,000 sq. ft. JC $1,395,800
Commercial	5031 Park Dr.	Demo barn; 1,600 sq. ft. JC $350

Certificate of Occupancies Issued

Business Name	Address	Date of Issue
Happy Food Mart	5971 Ash St.	10/13/09
D & EA Comm. Dev. Grp.	4532 Jonesboro Rd.	10/13/09
Phases Health Research	4930 Governors Dr. Ste. 409	10/15/09
Family Dollar Store	4018 Jonesboro Rd.	10/19/09

AFFILIATE BOARD ACTIVITY

There were no Affiliate Board meetings in the month of October 2009.

Special Interest

Code Compliance Officer Roy Turner has received his Georgia Association of Code Enforcement (GACE) Level II GACE Masters Certificate on October 8^th, 2009. Officer Turner received his certification as GACE Code Enforcement Officer Level I in 2008 (A 3-year course). He has pursued the Level II certification which also 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. Officer Turner received his framed certification at a graduation ceremony which was held at the Fall Conference in Athens, Georgia. 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

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES

WHAT’S HAPPENING!

Youth Soccer – In our Youth Fall Soccer program there are 17 teams with 200 children participating between the ages of 4 yrs to 12 yrs. Games are played on Saturdays starting at 10am at the Soccer Fields on Park Drive.

Adult Basketball – For the month of October, the recreation department started the adult men basketball with six (6) teams with twelve (12) participants per team. This is an eight (8) week league.

Adult Coed Volleyball – The Coed Volleyball has formed with four (4) teams with twelve (12) participants per team. This is an eight (8) week league.

Youth Basketball – Started registration for the winter league. Youth Basketball is scheduled to have the draft December 5^th. We anticipate that all leagues ages 3-16 years old will fill up. The capacity is 272 participants.

Fall Yard Sale 2009 – One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, so I hear. And so it was indeed at the Forest Park Recreation Department’s Fall Yard Sale on October 3^rd. Held in front of Starr Park, just off of Forest Parkway, residents brought out everything from house-wares to artwork to knick knacks they no longer needed or simply had no more storage space to hold onto. There were close to a hundred spaces selling various items on what turned out to be an incredibly sunny day. Some sold children’s toys and games, other sold paintings, clothing items, kitchen wares, and yard tools, while others came with favorites like Michael Jackson music and pictures. Our Senior Silverteens sold the refreshments and food to keep shoppers cool and well fed for the afternoon. As a result of this terrific day to shop and explore given by the weather gods, we experienced just as great an outcome with our foot traffic and passersby from nearby games and happenings in the park. We look forward to our next yard sale which may bring a little more treasure into our homes.

Fall Festival 2009 – The Forest Park Recreation Department hosted its annual Fall Festival October 24^th. Held on the rain date, the event came to life on a nice chilly day in autumn. With no shortage of excitement, there was food, arts and crafts, games, and the very best of live entertainment. Our stage area saw everything from the Senior Silverteens Cloggers to a Mariachi band to ‘A Touch of Class’ jazz band who serenaded the crowd. The Mighty Zion Trumpets of Macon brought their angelic voices to mix and gave the audience a gospel treat. We even had some pint-sized cheerleaders from Fountain Elementary School who came out and showed off their dance moves. Out and about was the Forest Park Fire Department with Smokehouse in tow to give us an idea of what happens during a fire and to teach kids about fire safety. Also present for the festivities were the Forest Park Police who helped ensure a smooth and fun-filled afternoon in the park. Cold weather or not, all in attendance had a great time and are looking forward to the next festival in the spring.

Halloween Carnival – October 31^st, approximately 500 witches, goblins, ghosts, princesses, and many more questionable visitors had a much welcomed invasion on our Recreation Center. There were plenty of games, prizes, and of course, candy on hand to make the invasion a fun and very exciting one. Members of the Forest Park High School ROTC were on hand to assist the Recreation Staff with the various activities. We also had a costume contest with approximately 20 participants in each age group. The Halloween Carnival was for kids ages 12 and under, but there were plenty of parents dressed for the occasion. Our Forest Park Fire Department brought a rescue truck out for the event.

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

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

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

* We started October with the Yard Sale and has kept us busy the rest of the month. The Seniors sold hotdogs, nachos, and a lot of drinks, we also sold some of our old treasures or junk, but it was a fun day.

* The Red Hatters had their meeting then went to eat at Shane’s. They always enjoy the friendship and fun at these places.

* Some of the Seniors went to Disney’s Ice Show which was really a good show. Everyone’s favorite character was there and many more. We ate at the CNN Food Court then on to the show. We had 14 Seniors.

* Our trip to Alto, GA to the Apple Orchards, was fun as it was a new place for us to get apples. And it was a surprise as they had everything but the kitchen sink. We came home with vans full of Seniors and food. We then stopped for lunch at the “famous” Hula Corner Café. It was great and so was the food.

* We ended the month with the Festival, and especially the Halloween/50’s Party and dance. We had a 50’s band, everyone dressed in 50’s clothes and the food served was just like the old stops at the Varsity.

* So it has been a busy month plus the cards, shuffleboard, exercise, mystery lunches, games, and the programs we have.

UPCOMING EVENTS

* November 3, 2009 – City Election @ Recreation Department Gymnasium

* November 11, 2009 – Veteran’s Day Ceremonies @ 10 am in front of City Hall

* November 30, 2009 – Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting – Parade starts @ 6:30 pm – Main Street to Starr Park

Elaine Corley, Director

404-363-2908

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION / FINANCE

Expenditures (preliminary totals) for the General Fund for the month of October are $1,381,834 or 6.91% of the budget. One month represents 8.33% of the budget for the year. Year-to-date preliminary expenditures for the General Fund are $5,341,270 or 26.73% of the budget (fiscal year July 2009 – June 2010). For comparison purposes, the period of July through October represents 33.33% of the budget year. Total expenditures for the General Fund are under budget for the month of October and year-to-date.

Local Option Sales Tax revenue received in October is $418,541, compared to $426,370 for October of the prior year. The fiscal year-to-date total received is $1,696,345 or 32.62% of the budget amount; the percentage of the budget year through October is 33.33% of the year. Revenue from Local Option Sales Tax remains less than budget through October. The monthly amounts will continue to be monitored closely.

The annual audit for the City began on October 5 and the fieldwork (audit procedures) was completed in late October. Preparation of the financial report has begun and a draft of the report is expected to be completed by the end of November.

New business licenses issued during the month of October:

Name Description

Paqueteria Telephones and accessories

El Lation Billiards and restaurant

Family Dollar Store Variety retail store

Phases Health Research Medical research office

Happy Food Mart Retail grocery store

Mike Blandenburg, Director

(404) 366-4720

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Street Division:

The major event for the month of October was the quarterly “Clean Sweep event on October 3^rd. The Street crew and volunteers worked hard to move the vehicles that entered our facility. Street crews were kept busy due to the heavy rains. Trees were removed from Ernest Drive, South Avenue, Burks Road, Old Jonesboro Road, and Scott Blvd and ditches were cleaned along Georgia Avenue, Finley Drive, Courtney Drive, Virginia Circle, Oak Street, Main Street, Pineridge Road, College Street, and Hill Street.

Completed Court Ordered Abatements:

769 Longleaf Drive, 4723 Chesler Street, 1161 Rockcut Road, 1102 Rockspring Street, 887 Linda Way, 707 Melrose Drive, 1017 Longleaf Drive, 475 Lake Drive, 674 Morrow Road, 5953 Ash Street and 1003 Longleaf Drive

Special Paid Sanitation Pick-ups:

287 First Street, 5225 Albert Drive, 5936 Pinecreek Road, Elm Drive, and 732 Hill Street

Building Maintenance:

Projects for the Building Maintenance crews included the replacing of tile in the ladies restroom and the removal of a whole door and replacing it with a half door to facilitate the signing in of community service workers at Public Works. All inground electrical boxes were checked and repaired in preparation for the festival at Starr Park. Crews started the demolition of the Barn in Starr Park. Work orders were completed on all City buildings.

Parks Division:

October was a busy month for Parks Division crews cleaning City right-of-ways and park areas. Particular attention was given to the Starr Park area in preparation for the Fall Autumn in the Park Festival. The Recreation Center was set-up for the Halloween Carnival. Other standard maintenance issues were completed by the crews, which included helping Building Maintenance crews with winterizing outdoor facilities, demolition of the Barn and checking city buildings.

Mike Gippert, Director

(404) 608-2310

DEPARTMENT OF POLICE SERVICES

TRIAD

Triad held their monthly meeting with 50 people in attendance. Michael Johnston gave a presentation about Chiropractic care.

Citizen’s Police Academy

CPA Graduation was held November 10, at 6:30 pm. The Guest Speaker was Clayton County School Superintendent, Dr. Edmund Heatley.

Patrol

All officers completed Defensive tactics/ASP baton training, and Crime Scene Photography training at FPPD

VIPER team attended report writing class and Mobile Field Reporting (MFR) computer training 10-08-09.

Viper team attended Laser Speed Detection training on 10-27-09.

MCT/MFR training is still on going. A training class was conducted October 6.

All members of Delta Team attended Report Writing class on October 1

Officer Rowe has been released from the field-training program and is now a solo officer

MPO Cochran has obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice.

MPO Colvin & Ofc. Paul attended Laser class on October 27

CID

Lt. Delk attended I.A. investigations class at GPSTC.

Admin

MPO Lisa Presley and her 18 year old daughter Seanna Wright completed the Marine Corps Marathon (26.2 miles) in Washington D.C. October 25, 2009.

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 mailing the Right-of-Way Easement packages to property owners.

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 – Assisting the Georgia Department of Agriculture in identifying and researching funding sources for transportation and building improvements.

Forest Park Business Coalition

The Forest Park Business Coalition meeting was held 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at Clayton County Community Services Authority 1000 Main Street. The guest speaker was Cathy Ratti, Director, Clayton County Department of Family and Children Services.

John Parker, City Manager

Angela Redding, Mgt. Analyst

(404) 366-4720

DEPARTMENT OF FIRE/EMS SERVICES

The month of October was a very busy month for fire personnel with the following activities coinciding with “Fire Prevention Week”:

• 80 2^nd grade students of Fountain Elementary were taught fire safety utilizing the Fire Safety House and a fire engine display.

• 110 2^nd grade students at Huie Elementary were taught fire safety utilizing the Fire Safety House and a fire engine.

• 100 kindergarten students of Huie Elementary toured Fire Station One and were taught fire prevention and safety practices by on-duty personnel.

• 20 students of Fountain Elementary pre-school were treated to turn-out gear display by on-duty personnel to learn about the usefulness of turn-out gear and to calm anxiety of such in emergency situations.
• Fire personnel assisted by CERT members conducted fire safety education to 45 children utilizing the Fire Safety House during the Autumn in the Park activities.

• Fire personnel gave out candy to kids at the Dwarf House “Trunk or Treats Celebration”.

• 30 children viewed fire apparatus and were taught Fire Safety at the City annual Halloween event.

Run Activity

Private Dwelling Fire 1

Apartment Fire 1

Store/Office Fire 1

Vehicle Fire 4

Brush/Grass Fire 1

Other Fire 1

EMS Assist (Engine) 106

False Alarm 19

HazMat Response 3

Other Hazards 9

Other Response 22

Fire Calls 168

EMS Calls 275 (94 treated and released on scene

181 transported to area medical facility)

Total Calls 443

· 12 private citizens trained in CPR.

Chief Eddie Buckholts

(404) 608-2382