C I T Y   O F   F O R E S T   P A R K

 

TO:                       Mayor and Council

 

FROM:                  Bill Werner, City Manager

 

DATE:                   September 16, 2005

 

SUBJECT:            INFORMATION BULLETIN  - AUGUST  ’05

 

The following is a department by department status report of priority activities, projects and initiatives for the month of August,  2005.

 

DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND EMS SERVICES

 

  • The Fire Safety Trailer was used at Mundy’s Mill High School for Congressman David Scott’s 1st Annual Health Fair. The trailer was used to teach children and adults fire safety and fire hazard awareness. Two City of Forest Park CERT Team members assisted with this event.
  • The Fire Department, along with several CERT members, collected donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association to assist with the cost of patient treatment, research and MDA Summer Camp. The Department collected twice this year. $6404.33 was raised by a Boot Drive for this great cause. 
  • Twenty children and four adults from Ash Street Learning Center toured Fire Station Two on Linda Way. The children were shown the station and apparatus while being taught fire safety.
  • The second CERT Team has finished their basic training and is scheduled for their graduation ceremony that will be held at the City Council meeting on September 19th at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The two teams will be joined together as one team and will begin ongoing training one night each month.

 

 

Chief Eddie Buckholts

(404) 608-2382    

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Street Division:

          Major projects for the month included repairing and filling sinkhole at 1182 Lloyd Drive, which required the laying of 80 feet of pipe; 130 tons of fill dirt, and 35 tons of asphalt. Also driveway pipe was placed at 1278 Rocksprings Street and 5240 Albert Drive. Court orders from 4247 Gilbert Place, 1110 Stoneybrook Road, 5596 Pineridge Place, and 740 Shellnut Drive were completed.

 

Sanitation:

 

MSW                              YARD WASTE                          TRASH

Tons – 33.48                  Tons – 23.16                            Tons – 10.32

Cost –$910.49                Cost –  $515.60                       Cost – $394.89

 

 

Building Maintenance:

          Crews worked on major repairs at the Recreation and Leisure building. Several rooms were repainted including the walls in the pool area. Pipes to the water pump at the pool were replaced, and the deck was cleaned and painted with non-slip paint. Doors were replaced. The gym floor was cleaned and waxed, the backboards were cleaned and rims repainted. The concessions area floor was stripped and waxed. The grout was cleaned in the showers rooms also all air vents were cleaned, and hardware on doors replaced.

 

Parks Division:

          Right-of-way cutting on Main Street, Jonesboro Road, and Forest Parkway highlighted efforts by Parks crews.  The rains have made August a busy month for Parks crews cutting grass and trimming and pruning shrubs. All ballfields were lined off for the upcoming football season. Personnel have been shifted from other divisions to help with these tasks as well as utilization of the trustee workforce.

 

                  

                                                                   Mike Gippert, Director

                                                                   (404) 608-2310

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF  RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES

WHAT’S HAPPENING

 

Y                  Outdoor Pool  - The outdoor pool changed from Monday through Saturday operation on August 5, 2005 to Friday evening 5pm-8pm and Saturday 12noon-5pm.  The pool closed for the summer on Saturday, August 27, 2005.

 

Y                   Kiwanis Stadium – The Jonesboro Seminoles semi pro football team played one game on August 20, 2005.  Youth soccer practice at Kiwanis Stadium Monday through Thursday 6pm-8pm.  The Forest Park Youth Football season opener will be held on September 3, 2005.  Teams – 11.

 

Y                  Youth Soccer – The soccer program has a total of 202 children on 17 teams ages 4-13 years old.  Practice started August 15, 2005.  Season started September 10, 2005.  Games are played on Saturdays starting at 10 am at the Soccer Fields on Park Drive. 

 

Y                  Adult Softball – We have four leagues that play Monday through Thursday nights at Baker Field and one league that play on Wednesday night at Burk Field.  We have a total of 30 teams participating in the Fall Softball Season.  The leagues started the week of August 1, 2005.

 

Y                  The Recreation Staff attended a seminar on ‘Conflict Resolution in the Workplace’ held at Warner Robins Recreation Center on August 26, 2005.  The seminar was sponsored by the Georgia Recreation and Park Association. 

 

Y                  Aquatic Programs –Water Aerobics, Water Exercise, Swim For Fun, Tara Tarpons Swim Team and Public Swimming has utilized the outdoor pool the month of August 2005 during regularly maintenance of the indoor pool.  Indoor pool  reopened on September 6, 2005.

 

Y                  The Recreation Center was closed for the month of August 2005 for repairs and maintenance.   The center  reopened on September 6, 2005.

 

Y                  Senior Programs

The Red Hatters had a great lunch and Fashion Show to start the month of August.  Everyone came in their Red Hatters’ finest and brought a covered dish.  There are approximately 18 Red Hatters.

Our Putt-Putt Tournament was fun for the few that didn’t mind the heat.  They really enjoyed the golf and fellowship.  We are planning again when it gets cooler.

Bingo is still going strong and everyone enjoys it.  We never know how many are coming or what prizes we will have, but the mystery is fun for everyone.

The Luau was great as the seniors from the craft class really did a great job decorating.  It looked like Hawaii and the food was the best ever.  We had approximately 75 seniors at the Luau.

Pilgreens at Lake Dow was our supper trip for the month.  Twenty-five seniors took the trip for a great half priced dinner.  They all seemed to enjoy the scenery and just going for a ride.

Line dancing, still our growing program, is really busy getting ready for the fall festival.  They hope to perform and show their talents.

The Card Club meets regularly and is up to three or four tables on Thursdays.  During the week they also play and teach anyone that would like to learn.

Walkers in our Lazy Walking Club meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  They take their time, but still enjoy a walk or two around the Center.

The Shuffleboarders are really busy practicing and getting ready for the State Tournament September 28-October 1.  It keeps them busy and sharp for the tournaments during the year.  We are sending 10 to the State Tournament.

Y                  Wellness Programs

Water Aerobics – Monday & Wednesday evenings 7pm-8pm @ Outdoor Pool

Water Exercise – Monday & Wednesday 1pm-2pm @ Outdoor Pool

Swim For Fun – Tuesday & Thursday 1:30pm-2:30pm (seniors) @ Outdoor Pool

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Y                  September 6, 2005 – 9am-7pm – Registration for Fall Classes Monday - Friday

Y                  September 7, 13, 27, 2005 – Clayton County Middle School Football Games @ Kiwanis Stadium @ 4:30pm

Y                  September 10, 2005 – Opening Day for Youth Soccer Program

Y                  September 24, 2005 – Italian Night @ Forest Park Senior Center 5pm-7pm (Reservation Required)

Y                  September 28-October 1, 2005 – State Golden Olympics @ Warner Robins, Georgia

 

 

Elaine Corley, Director

404-363-2908

 

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION/FINANCE

Cindy Griffiths, City Tax Clerk, has announced her retirement, after more than twenty years of service with the City. Cindy’s last day of employment with the City is expected to be September 23. She has been a great asset to the Finance Department and the City, and she will be missed very much.

 

Expenditures for the General Fund for the month of August are $1,299,702 or 8.43% of the budget.

 

The annual audit is in progress and the auditors expect to complete fieldwork by September 16. The audit report is expected to be completed by the November 15.

 

New business licenses issued during August:

 

Supply Inc. d/b/a/ SupplyCore                          Aiba’s Beauty Salon

Brito Enterprises, Inc.                                          Don Andres Food Inc.

Carpet and Cleaning Service                                La Placita

Karol & Herbert Wooten                                       El Michaoacano

All Construction Remodeling Service                             Natural Products

K & S Metro Corp Inc. d/b/a Flea Market           George T. Boussaw

Amigos Auto Repair                                              Margaret Burns

Mary Burns                                                          Eloy Soriano

Pizza Wali                                                             Kellesai’s

Shirley Cain                                                         Antonio Hartley

 

 

Mike Blandenburg, Director

                                                         (404) 366-4720

 

OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

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

GDOT forwarded their comments on the Concept Report to Pond and Company.  Pond & Company is making the necessary changes.

 

Livable Centers Initiative (LCI)-Main Street Streetscape Project

Robert & Company is currently working on the Design Development and the construction document preparation.

 

State Farmers Market Project

Council authorized the Mayor to sign the GDOT Agreement and the contract with Jack Burnside.  Contract clarifications have been made with the Design Team and legislation should be on the September 19th  agenda.

 

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)

The City is waiting on the Notice to Proceed from the County for the two CDBG projects awarded.  The projects awarded are Pocket Park Improvements (Theatre Road Park, Second Street Park, Scott Boulevard Park and Hemlock & Alder Park) in the amount of $74,662 and Street/Drainage/Sidewalk Improvements to Forest Avenue in the amount of $82,000.

 

Dual Tracking Grant

The Technical Review Committee had reviewed the Dual Tracking Grant.  Comments received have been addressed.

 

 

                                                         

                                                          Bill Werner, City Manager

                                                          Angela Redding, Management Analyst

                                                          (404) 608-2310

 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING AND ZONING

 

BUILDING PLANS SUBMITTED:

1.       Auto Finance                 5486 Old Dixie Hwy. – Remodel

2.       PineRidge Villas             448 Cynthia Ln.- Bldg. 1

3.       Public Storage                4560 Frontage Rd.-Sprinkler

 

BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED:

1.       5001 East St.        Bed/Bath; 336 sq. ft. - $6,500

2.       5076 Lorranie Pl. Demo Garage; 1500 sq. ft. - $5,000

3.       828 Catherine St. Roof Repair - $1,255

4.       5505 Alder           Repair Deck; 160 sq. ft. - $2,980

5.       4914 West St.       Int. Remodel - $25,500

6.       5316 Ash St.        Handicap Ramp - $300

7.       5074 Old Dixie     Fire Ruling - $15,000

8.       4729 Ruby Ln.     Enlc. Carport; 220 sq. ft. - $1,000

9.       4725 City View     Replace Steps - $1,200

10.     448 Cynthia Ln.   Bldg. 1; 5,117 sq. ft. - $168,000

11.     5486 Old Dixie     Int. Remodel; 200 sq. ft. - $30,000

12.     5290 Old Dixie     Int. Finish; 96,681 sq. ft. - $250,000

13.     4256 Cloudland   Closet addition; 64 sq. ft. - $1,800

14.     4878 Evans St.     Bed/Family Room; 431 sq. ft. - $23,500

15.     4660 Jonesboro   Int/Ext. Remodel - $3,000

16.     1057 Main St.      Tenant Spaces;9600 sq. ft. - $270,000

17.     863 Laurel St.      Bed/Bath; 342 sq. ft. - $5,000

 

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCIES ISSUED

1.       105 Forest Pkwy.                     Supply Core                   08/29/05

2.       4095 Jonesboro Rd.                 Alba’s Beauty Salon       08/26/05

3.       5000 Old Dixie Hwy.                Brito Enterprises           08/30/05

4.       4778 Lake Mirror Pl.                Don Andres Foods         08/01/05

5.       4140 Jonesboro Rd.A-12         Carpet&Cleaning Svc     08/22/05

6.       4150 Jonesboro Rd.                 La Placita                       08/23/05

7.       1089 Forest Pkwy. A                El Michaocano               08/31/05

8.       4140 Jonesboro Rd. A12         All Construction             08/22/05

9.       4140 Jonesboro Rd. #1K         Natural Products            08/12/05

10.     4140 Jonesboro Rd.                 Metro Flea Market                   08/31/05

11.     4610 Ernest Dr.                       Amigos Auto Repair       08/12/05

12.     797 Morrow Rd.                       Pizza Wali                       08/10/05

13.     821 Main St.                            Kellessai’s                      08/09/05  

 

AFFILIATE BOARD ACTIVITY

 

PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD

 

The Planning and Zoning Board held a meeting at 7:30 p.m. on August 24th, 2005 in the courtroom at 785 Forest Pkwy., Forest Park, Ga. 30297.  At issue was a final plat review for Springdale Subdivision to be developed by R & B Construction, Inc. located in the southwest Forest Park Community on Henderson Road.  The subdivision site lies within an R-80 Single Family zoned district.  After reviewing the final plat and considering the staff report the Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously to approve the Springdale Subdivision.  Subsequently, Mayor and Council voted to approve the final plat of Springdale Subdivision at the regular Council meeting of September 6th, 2005.

 

NOTE:         There were no Architectural Design Review Board or Zoning Appeals Board meetings during the month of August 2005.

 

NEW DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Washington Mutual Bank is opening a branch in Forest Park. The

location of the new development site, is the vacant lot between the

O’Reilly Automotive retail facility and the Pizza Hut restaurant on

Jonesboro Road.  The development/construction plans are currently

being prepared.  The proposed site is currently owned by O’Reilly

Automotive, Inc. which is in the process of having the parcel subdivided

to accommodate Washington Mutual Bank.  

 

SPECIAL INTEREST

  • Please join me in congratulating Daniel Gallardo, Code Compliance Officer, for successfully completing a three (3) year Code Enforcement Officer Certification Program.  The program is sponsored by the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement (GACE), the University of Ga., Carl Vinson Institute of Government in partnership with Association of  County Commissioners of Ga. (ACCG) and Georgia Municipal Association (GMA).  Daniel’s graduation ceremony will be held on Thursday October 6th, 2005 during the GACE Fall Conference in Athens, Ga., where he will receive his certificate. This is a noteworthy accomplishment that brings great credit to the City and shows Daniel Gallardo’s commitment to the professional standards of the Planning, Building and Zoning Department.  Thank you, Daniel, you should be very proud of your accomplishment.

 

  • Cindy Norwood, Admin. Asst./Environmental Court Clerk has been selected to serve as Board Member of the Strategic Planning Committee on Courts Automation created by the Council of Municipal Court Judges of Ga.  The committee will be working in conjunction with the Ga. Courts Automation Commission (GOAC) in their mandate to certify software for the courts in Ga.  This committee and program will have far-reaching and significant impact on Municipal Courts as they respond to the State’s new citation disposition reporting requirements. Cindy is one of five Board Members selected statewide.

 

 

 

Steve Pearson, Director

(404) 608-2303

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF POLICE SERVICES

 

TRIAD

 

The August TRIAD meeting was held at the Forest Park Senior Center on August 19th. Paula Munchard from the Clayton County Humane Society talked about pet care. Over sixty people attended.

 

Detectives/COPS/Viper

 

Detective Sergeant Karen Henry completed the demanding Command College training program conducted by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police in association with Columbus State University.

 

Detectives made arrests for robbery, fraud, child molestation, and other crimes during the month of August.

 

Master Police Officer David Eads began the D.A.R.E. program at Hendrix Drive and Huie Elementary Schools. The D.A.R.E. program focuses on fifth grade classes, but classes are also held for the kindergarten through fourth grades. Officer Eads will have class time with over one-thousand young people through this program.

 

COPS Officers conducted six neighborhood watch meetings with over one-hundred people attending.  They deployed the Speed Trailer at three locations for traffic education purposes, and assisted with the Apartment Managers Coalition meeting held on August 18th.

 

Viper Officers conducted three investigations leading to drug arrests and the recovery of marijuana, methamphetamine, and firearms. Viper personnel assisted detectives in an investigation leading to the arrests of two subjects for robbery. Viper officers worked toward expanding citizen contacts by individual meetings with neighborhood residents.

 

Administration

 

Captain Roy Hanson traveled to Independence, Missouri as an assessor for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. He was joined by assessors from North Carolina and Nevada in reviewing the accreditation files, written directives, and operations of the Independence Police Department.

 

 

                                                          Chief Dwayne Hobbs

                                                          (404) 366-7280