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: September 14, 2006
SUBJECT: INFORMATION BULLETIN - AUGUST ‘06
The following is a department by department status report of priority activities, projects and initiatives for the month of August, 2006.
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING AND ZONING
BUILDING PLANS SUBMITTED
1. Sanofil Events 2500 S.Point Dr.; Tenant finish
2. Ms. Norma’s Kitchen 697 Ruskin Dr.; Tenant finish (Ste. C)
3. Breckenridge Apts. 5530 Old Dixie Hwy.; Pavillion Comm.
Ctr., Mail kiosk, storage bldg.
4. Roadway Inn 4415 Jonesboro Rd.; New motel
BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED
1. 507 Sirrocco Ct. Repair car damage to structure; JC $1,500
2. 5117 Springdale Rd. New dwelling; 1,149 sq. ft.; JC $94,000
3. 4473 Hillpine Rd. Fire repair; 2,799 sq. ft.; JC $130,000
4. 2500 S.Point Dr. Tenant finish; 168,000 sq. ft. JC $300,000
5. 745 Blue Ridge Dr. Carport; 360 sq. ft.; JC $800
6. 5530 Old Dixie Hwy. Pavilion; 282 sq. ft.; JC $12,500
7. 5530 Old Dixie Hwy. Storage Bldg.; 1,232 sq. ft.; JC $15,000
8. 5530 Old Dixie Hwy. Mail kiosk; 418 sq. ft.; JC $10,000
9. 5530 Old Dixie Hwy. Comm. Ctr.; 1,680 sq. ft.; JC $140,000
10. 3000 S.Corp.Pkwy. Remodel; JC $43,000
11. 4827 Bartlett Rd. Int. /Ext. rehab; 1,100 sq. ft.; JC $10,000
12. 676 Blue Ridge Dr. Demo/Int. /Ext. rehab; 1,100 sq. ft. JC
$2,150
13. 651 Glenn Dr. Porch additions; 64 sq. ft. and 320 sq. ft.;
JC $1,900
14. 788 Needle Dr. Fire repair; 1,252 sq. ft.; JC $42,000
15. 653 Bridge Ave. Replace deck; JC $5,900
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCIES ISSUED
1. Chapman’s Truck Wash 132 Forest Pkwy. 08/29/06
2. Loco Prices 4851 Jonesboro Rd. 08/15/06
3. Paleteria Y Neveria 4160 Jonesboro Rd. 08/30/06
SPECIAL INTEREST
OVERVIEW OF FOREST PARK’S SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL PROGRAM:
Ga.’s Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act of 1975; specifies that local soil and water conservation districts and/or the Ga. Soil and Water Conservation Commission, provide overviews of cities and counties that are certified issuing authorities for Land Disturbance Activities (LDA). This review assists governments in improving the effectiveness of their programs and provides technical assistance on related soil and water issues. In accordance with this mandate, a meeting was held on August 24th, 2006 to accommodate a District Assessment Team’s (DAT) review and assessment of Forest Park’s PB&Z S & EC program. Russell Tonning, Regional Representative and Jeff Bishop, Erosion and Sediment Control Specialist, Ga. Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GA. SWCC) performed the interview and assessment. The assessment included the City’s plan review program, record keeping and inspection log books, and enforcement process. Also, field inspections were conducted of current construction sites. Upon conclusion of the assessment, the representatives of GA. SWCC commended the level of competency of Forest Park’s Erosion and Sedimentation Control program. A final assessment report will be provided to Mayor Deyton in the near future.
AFFILIATE BOARD ACTIVITY
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN REVIEW BOARD (ADRB)
The ADRB held a meeting at 7:30 p.m. on August 8, 2006 to review development plans for T-Mobile / Forest Park Plaza, 4894 Jonesboro Rd. (This is the former proposed site for the Washington Mutual Bank location). This site is located just north of the O’Reilly’s Auto Parts retail facility and will share a common drive entrance. The Forest Park Plaza building will house a T-Mobile store and an All Tune and Lube vehicle service shop. The ADRB voted unanimously to approve this development as submitted. Construction should begin in late September 2006.
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD (PZB)
The PZB held a meeting on August 2, 2006; at issue was Montega
Apartments – Subdivision Final Plat for the subdivision of a (1) lot –
9.071 acre parcel into (2) parcels. (Old Dixie Hwy.) This purpose of this
meeting was to review a final plat for the subdivision of (1) lot, a 9.071
acre parcel into (2) parcels being Phase I, which is currently a developed
RM-85 Multi-Family Residential zoned 6.170 acres and Phase II, which is
currently an undeveloped RM-85 Multi-Family Residential zoned 2.900
acre parcel. This tract lies in Land Lot 52 of the 13th District of Clayton
County, Georgia. The applicant/owner, represented by the law firm of
Slutzky, Wolfe and Baily, LLP, Attorney Brad P. Wolfe has submitted this
petition under CFPCO Section 8-7-12(f) Short-Cut Method; which allows
a subdivider (developer) to submit an application for final plat approval
without submitting a preliminary plat, provided that;
1. each lot in the proposed subdivision abuts an existing public street;
2. the proposed subdivision will not effect any major alterations of utility installations, or other existing or proposed public facilities; and
3. the application for final plat approval meets all the applicable procedural, design and other requirements of these regulations
The final plat for this subdivision meets the requirements of CFPCO Section 8-7-12(f) subparagraph (1), (2), and (3). The reason for this subdivision is so the owner can develop a multi-family residential development separate from the Montega Apartments, 5048 Old Dixie Hwy., Forest Park, Ga. 30297 on the 2.900 acre Phase II tract. Brad Wolfe was there to represent to owner, Majestic Montega, LLC. Mr. Wolfe stated that there are no current detailed plans for development of Phase II, however, we are requesting subdivision at this time to carve out this property from our existing one. We do acknowledge that in the future when we do have specific plans for this parcel it will be subject to all codes and ordinances of such development at that time and we are willing to comply with any Boards and City Council. The PZB voted unanimously to approve and sign the Final Plat. Subsequently, the Council approved this Final Plat at the Regular Council meeting of August 21, 2006.
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD (PZB)
1. each lot in the proposed subdivision abuts an existing public street;
2. the proposed subdivision will not effect any major alterations of utility installations, or other existing or proposed public facilities; and
3. the application for final plat approval meets all the applicable procedural, design and other requirements of these regulations
The final plat for this subdivision meets the requirements of CFPCO Section 8-7-12(f) sub paragraphs (1) (2) and (3). The proposed subdivision site is located within an R-80 Single Family Residential District. The reason for this subdivision is so the owner can develop a single family residence on Lot 2. The PZB voted unanimously to approve and sign the Final Plat. Subsequently, Council approved both Final Plats at the Regular Council meeting of September 5, 2006.
Steve Pearson, Director
(404) 608-2300
DEPARTMENT OF FIRE/EMS
Fire Department Personnel Activities for August included:
Fire Personnel also participated in a Boot Drive to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The Boot Drive was conducted on two weekends and raised a total of $3550.43 for this great cause. A check for the proceeds will be presented at the Jerry Lewis Telethon on Labor Day.
Response activity for August included 381 calls. 255 were medical-related and 126 were fire-related, including 6 fires, with 1 structure fire with a save percentage of 99% of the value.
Chief Eddie Buckholts
(404) 608-2382
DEPARTMENT OF POLICE SERVICES
TRIAD
Lisa Wells from the Clayton County Health Department presented a program on “Pandemic Preparedness” at the July meeting of TRIAD, held at the Forest Park Senior Center. Sixty-five members and guests attended.
Citizen Police Academy and Hispanic Citizens Police Academy
Anyone who lives, works, or has other connections to the City is welcome to participate in the Citizens Police Academy. The next session will begin on September 19th. If you would like to receive more information on this program, or receive an application, Contact Captain Alex Skwira or Captain Roy Hanson at (404) 366-7280.
The Hispanic Citizens Police Academy will begin its next session on September 21st. Contact Officer Mayra Ambris for registration information at (404) 366-2232.
Police Cadet Academy
Master Police Officer Whitehead held the graduation ceremony for the first Police Cadets Academy at the Forest Park Police Dept. Over fifty people attended the ceremony along with the fifteen cadet graduates. Chief Dwayne Hobbs spoke to the cadets and their guests about the importance of preparing for their future, and the benefits of community service.
Administration
Mark Colvin, Duane Hiers, and Alfred Paul were hired as police recruits on August 30th. They entered the Clayton Regional Law Enforcement Academy on September 4th to begin the basic law enforcement training.
Captain Roy Hanson traveled to Bryan, Texas to conduct an on-site inspection of the Bryan Police Department for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Captain Hanson is assisting personnel from several local agencies seeking to obtain state certification and/or national accreditation.
COPS
Captain James Scott and Master Patrol Officer Mayra Ambris assisted Captain James Scott with the monthly Apartment Manager’s Coalition Meeting at the C.O.P.S. Office.
The speed trailer was deployed at Burks Rd. August 24th thru August 29th 2006, and at College St. August 29th thru September 1st, 2006. The speed trailer gives a visual readout of their speed to passing motorists. A computer attached to the trailer records information on the number and the speed of passing vehicles. This information is reviewed by department personnel as part of the traffic analysis activity.
Chief Dwayne Hobbs
(404) 366-7280
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION / FINANCE
Expenditures (preliminary totals) for the General Fund for the month of August are $1,099,554 or 6.86% of the budget. Year-to-date preliminary expenditures for the General Fund are $2,434,192 or 15.19% of the budget (fiscal year July 2006 – June 2007). For comparison purposes, the period of July through August represents 16.67% of the budget year. Total expenditures for the General Fund are under budget for the year.
Local Option Sales Tax revenue received in August is $431,512, compared to $445,409 for August of the prior year. The current amount is a slight decrease from the prior year, but a slight increase as compared to the previous month. The fiscal year-to-date total received is $857,461 or 16.81% of the budget; the percentage of the budget year through August is 16.67% of the year. Revenue from Local Option Sales Tax remains slightly ahead of budget through August.
New business licenses issued during the month of July:
Name Description
Philly Connection Restaurant
Perkins Auto Repair and Body Shop Auto repair and body shop
Petit Tersor (Little Treasures) Group Day Care Home
American Pro Window Tinting Window Tinting/ Auto
Accessories
D & E - A Financial Education /
Training Institute Counseling Agency (HUD)
D & E Consulting Group Adult / Personal Skill
consulting
Forest Park Coin Laundry Self service laundry
The annual audit for the City began on August 14 and the fieldwork (audit procedures) was substantially complete by the end of the month. Fieldwork is expected to be completed in September, and preparation of the financial report will also begin.
The City has recently been notified that our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005, qualifies for a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
Mike Blandenburg, Director
(404) 366-4720
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Street Division:
Major projects for the month included repairing and filling sinkhole at Patricia Drive, which required the laying of 380 feet of pipe; 100 tons of fill dirt, and 320 tons of asphalt. A sinkhole was repaired at 435 Greenhill Way using 2 yards of concrete and 2 tons of asphalt. Scott Boulevard Park was cleaned up and 4 loads of wood chips were placed. Ditches were cleaned and dug out at First Street, Hwy 41 and at Elam Church Road.
Building Maintenance:
Crews worked on major repairs at the Recreation and Leisure building. Several rooms were repainted including the walls and ceiling 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 removed and replaced with new ones. The gym floor was cleaned and waxed, the backboards were cleaned and rims repainted. A new storage room was built off the stage area. The basement area floor was stripped and waxed, with new wash sink and counter top. 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 ball fields 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
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Sidewalks to Schools, Phase III and Transit Oriented Pedestrian Improvements Projects
Pond & Company is awaiting comment from GDOT regarding on the preliminary plans.
Livable Centers Initiative (LCI)-Main Street Streetscape Project
Robert & Company submitted utility plans to the utility companies for verification of existing and proposed facilities. Robert & Company is currently coordinating with Atlanta Gas Light regarding their utilities. In addition, Robert & Company received and are addressing additional Right of Way Plan comments from GDOT.
State Farmers Market Project
Public Visioning Sessions were held August 8, 2006 at City Hall. A session was held from 10 am-12 noon and from 6 pm-8 pm. EDAW presented an overview of the project, project schedule, recent planning efforts, identified Issues and Opportunities and developed preliminary vision for the retail component of the market.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is in the planning phase for proposed interchanges, access lanes and HOV lanes for Interstate 75. There were some proposed improvements that were in potential conflict with the Master Plan and Transportation Plan for the State Farmers Market. In addition to EDAW meeting with the Georgia Department of Transportation regarding the proposed improvements, letters were also sent from the Mayor’s office and Commissioner Irvin to GDOT.
EDAW met with the Wholesale group to discuss current operations and coordination with the retail area master plan.
Community Development Block Grant Projects (CDBG)
Forest Avenue – The project is now scheduled to start late October. Improvements consist of constructing a sidewalk, curb & gutter and drainage improvements. CDBG funds awarded $82,000.
OTHER MEETINGS
Pandemic Summit
The Mayor, City Manager, and Department Directors attended the Clayton County Board of Health Pandemic Summit held August 22, 2006 at the Performing Arts Center. Topics discussed: Overview of Pandemic Flu, Business Involvement & Pandemic Flu Planning, Pandemic Family Readiness Planning, Preparedness & Planning for 1st Responders, Preparedness & Planning for Hospitals & Medical Providers, and A Tale of Two Cities which, discussed preparations made by two cities (Philadelphia and Saint Louis) during the 1918 Influenza Pandemic.
Southern Regional Accessibility Study
Mayor Deyton and Angela Redding attended the Southern Regional Accessibility Meeting held August 17th in the Shannon Mall Community Room. The Southern Regional Accessibility Study (SRAS) is an on-going study for improving transportation and land use for the six-county South Metro sub-region. The counties are Clayton, Henry, Spalding, Coweta, Fayette, and South Fulton. ARC in partnership with two Regional Development Centers (McIntosh Trail and Chattahoochee-Flint) and GDOT, is conducting the study.
Clayton Summit
An update was given on Economic Development in the County. Speakers included Chairman Eldrin Bell, Lt. Governor Mark Taylor, and Craig Lesser, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner. Updates were given on the following projects: Forest Park/Ft. Gillem Redevelopment, City of Riverdale LCI, Southern Regional Health System Highway 138 Expansion Project, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Clayton State University School of Business.
John Parker, City Manager
Angela Redding, Mgt. Analyst
(404) 366-4720
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Y Outdoor Pool – The outdoor pool closed on Saturday, August 5, 2006.
Y Kiwanis Stadium – The Jonesboro Seminoles semipro football team played one game on August 12, 2006. Youth Soccer practice at Kiwanis Stadium Monday through Thursday 6pm-8pm. Babb Middle School played on August 30, 2006. Forest Park Youth Football season opener will be on September 2, 2006 with 8 teams.
Y Youth Soccer – The youth soccer draft was held on August 8 and August 10. The soccer program has a total of 201 children on 16 teams ages 4-12. Practice started on August 21, 2006. Games are played on Saturdays starting at 10am. Games begin September 9, 2006. Games are played at the soccer fields on Park Drive.
Y Adult Softball – We have two leagues that play on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Baker Field.
Y Aquatic Programs – Water Aerobics, Water Exercise and Swim For Fun has utilized the outdoor pool the month of August 2006 during the regularly maintenance of the indoor pool.
Y The Recreation Center was closed the month of August 2006 for repairs and maintenance. The Center will reopen on September 5, 2006.
Y Wellness Programs
Water Aerobics – Monday evenings 7:30pm-8:30pm
Aerobics – Tuesday & Thursday 6pm-7pm
Water Exercise – Monday & Wednesday 1pm-2pm
Swim For Fun – Tuesday & Thursday 1:30pm-2:30pm (seniors)
Yoga – Wednesday evenings 6:30pm-8pm
Ladies Fitness – Monday evenings 8pm
Teen Weight Lifting – Tuesday & Thursday 5pm-6pm
Exercise/Weight Room – Monday-Friday 9am-8pm
& Saturday 10am-4pm
Y The Red Hatters had a great lunch at the Family Buffet in McDonough to start the month of August. Everyone wore their Red Hatters’ finest. There were approximately 18 Red Hatters.
Y Our Putt-Putt Tournament was fun for the few that didn’t mind the heat. They really enjoyed the golf and fellowship.
Y 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.
Y The Seniors also enjoyed their Waffles and Ice Cream Social. We had approximately 60 seniors at the social.
Y Line Dancing is really busy getting ready for the fall festival. They hope to perform and show off their talents.
Y The Card Club meets regularly and is up to four tables on Thursdays. During the week they also play and teach anyone that would like to learn.
Y 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.
Y The Shuffleboarders are busy practicing and getting ready for the State Tournament September 27-30. It keeps them busy and sharp for the tournaments during the year.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Y September 5, 2006 – Recreation Building reopens to the public
Y September 5, 2006 – Registration for Fall Classes start – Monday-Friday 9am-7pm
Y September 9, 2006 – Opening Day for Youth Soccer
Y September 12, 19, 2006 – Babb Middle School Football Games at Kiwanis Stadium @ 4:30pm
Y September 14, 2006 – Italian Night @ Forest Park Senior Center 5pm-7pm (reservation required)
Y September 27-30 – State Golden Olympics @ Warner Robins, GA
Y September 30, 2006 – Southern Football League Football Game @ Kiwanis Stadium @ 6:30pm
Elaine Corley, Director
404-363-2908