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: January 12, 2006

SUBJECT: INFORMATION BULLETIN - December ’05

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

DEPARTMENT OF POLICE SERVICES

End of an Era

December 27^th marked the end of an era as the last working day for Assistant Chief (Colonel) Jerry Church. Colonel Church began his career with Forest Park on October 1, 1965, and worked his way through the ranks to Assistant Chief. His forty plus years of service saw many changes in the City he loves and calls home.

The retirement of Colonel Church created a tremendous vacancy in the Police Department. On December 27^th Chief Hobbs announced the promotion of Major G.T. Orr to the rank of Assistant Chief. Colonel Orr has been with the Department since 1986. He served as the Operations Major from December 2003. Prior to that appointment he was the Detective Captain.

TRIAD

The Forest Park, Morrow, Lake City, and Clayton County TRIAD group held a “Celebration of 2005” on December 16^th. The Sassy Seniors dance team provided entertainment; and Santa Claus made a special appearance. Over fifty people attended the program and luncheon.

Detectives/COPS/Viper

DARE Officer David Eads conducted holiday safety programs at Huie and Phillips Drive Elementary Schools.

Administration

Captain Roy Hanson traveled to Lebanon, Tennessee as an assessor for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. He was joined by assessors from Maine and Virginia in reviewing the accreditation files, written directives, and operations of the Lebanon Police Department.

Captain Chris Matson attended two days of training to become recertified as a TASER instructor.

Written testing for the promotional process was conducted by the Support Services Department for the rank of sergeant and lieutenant. Thirteen officers completed the sergeant test and four the lieutenant test. An assessment center was conducted for the candidates for lieutenant in December. Testing for sergeant will be conducted in January, 2006. A promotional list for each rank will be prepared and posted for one year.

Chief Dwayne Hobbs

(404) 366-7280

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING AND ZONING

BUILDING PLANS SUBMITTED

1. Chick-Fil-A 4959 Jonesboro Rd. – Rear Addition

2. Airlogistics II 105 Forest Pkwy. Bldg. 200 – Sprinkler System

3. Carniceria Garcia#5 4460 Jonesboro Rd. – Interior Remodel

4. United Rental 3990 Jonesboro Rd. – Remodel

5. Ace Laundry Inc. 424 Forest Pkwy. – Interior Remodel

BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED

1. 651 W. Warren Dr. -Demo Interior/Rehab; 1,200 sq. ft.

job cost $20,000

2. 4764 Bartlett Rd. - Roof over existing rear deck; job cost

$2,000

3. 1071 Ponderosa Pk.- (2) bedrooms (1) bathroom addition; 416

sq. ft.; job cost $7,000

4. 395 Cynthia Ln. - Retaining wall; 300 sq. ft. job cost $1,000

5. 694 Brookwood Dr. -Fire repair; 2,080 sq. ft. job cost $34,000

6. 5530 Old Dixie Hwy.- Bldg. A Replacement permit; job cost

$285,000

7. 5530 Old Dixie Hwy.- Bldg. B Replacement permit; job cost

$285,000

8. 5607 Sequoia Dr. - Alter existing carport; job cost $3,000

9. 4523 Ernest Dr. - Interior rehab; 1,200 sq. ft. job cost

$4,000

10. 4730 Frontage Rd. -Pink Pony South-Cabaret, Bar and

Restaurant adult Entertainment; 29,094 sq. ft. job cost $1,300,000

11. 4460 Jonesboro Rd.- Int. Remodel; 1,200 sq. ft. job cost $7,000

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCIES ISSUED

1. 315 First St. Farwest Produce Exchange 12/06/05

2. 381 Forest Pkwy. Trustee Drugs 12/14/05

3. 786 Main St. Shekinah Designs 12/14/05

4. 4962 Jonesboro Rd. Philly Connection 12/13/05

5. 5087 West St. L.M. Lewis Refrigeration 12/19/05

6. 784 Main St. Eagle’s Deli/Sandwich Shop 12/20/05

7. 541 Forest Pkwy. Ste. 9 H & R Block 12/30/05

8. 786 Main St. Ste. E Eagles Christian Ctr. 12/20/05

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATES

Pink Pony South: 4730 Frontage Rd. In June 2005, Dennis Williams, Executive Vice-President, MIA Luna, Inc. dba Pink Pony South was notified that all required plan reviews related to Phase I, adult entertainment cabaret, bar and restaurant were approved and ready to obtain a building permit. On December 7, 2005, Tommy Gravitt, Contractor, Engineered Structure, Inc. secured a building permit for the 29, 294 sq. ft. structure; estimated construction cost $1,300,000. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2006.

Kenai Townhome Development; 380 Main Street. On December 12, 2005 we received a civil plan review for the Kenai Townhome Development from Tim Mullen, P.E. Travis Pruitt & Assoc., Inc. The plans were determined not to be acceptable for the issuance of a land disturbance permit. The review dated December 9, 2005 cited (37) significant deficiencies which must be addressed prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit. The deficiencies ranged from Wetland 404 permitting, storm water management, to tree protection and landscaping which did not meet Forest Park Tree and Vegetation Protection Ordinance and also, numerous civil design site plan requirements. On December 16, 2005 a meeting was held at our office at 10:00 a.m. with Carl Jones, Developer and his civil engineer Mr. Herndon, P.E., Tim Mullen, P.E. Travis Pruitt & Assoc., Inc., and myself to discuss the required revisions to the development plan. During this meeting the developer and his engineer decided not to encroach the wetlands at all, by developing only the 5.0± acre south end of the 10.25 acre tract along Main St., and not disturbing 5.0± north end containing wetlands, north of the pond. It was discussed that the developer would breach the pond dam and drain the pond. The developer’s engineer has determined the pond has no feeder water sources other than wet weather sheet flow. They provided the City with a Dam Breach Concept Plan which depicted how this would be accomplished. The plan was approved, erosion control measures installed and the pond is currently being pumped down. The developer and his engineer are in the process of redesigning the site plan to limit the redevelopment to the 5.0± acre south end.

SPECIAL INTEREST

Cindy Norwood, Admin. Asst. /Court Clerk was selected as one of the five Municipal court clerks statewide to serve as a Board Member of the Strategic Planning Committee on Courts Automation, created by the Georgia Courts Automation Commission (GCAC) in August 2005. The committee works with the (GCAC) in their mandate to certify software for the courts in Georgia. December 13-16, 2005, Cindy and the Board met at Callaway Gardens, Mountain Creek Inn which facilitated the second step in the Council’s development of a Strategic Technology Plan for the Georgia Municipal Courts. The benefits to be derived from these sessions will be the development of data sharing among Georgia’s courts, justice system agencies and State agencies, and the development of software certification for all software offered to the courts in Georgia. Our thanks, to Cindy, for her commitment to this very important endeavor.

Mike Tuttle, Building Inspector/code Compliance Supervisor has successfully completed the Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Certification Program as offered by Sierra Piedmont, Inc. 12045 Hwy. 92 Woodstock, Ga. 30188. Mike now holds a Level IA Certification as required by Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission. Besides our consulting engineers, Mike is the only City employee certified in this area. Thanks to Mike, for his continued effort to advance his qualifications.

Steve Pearson, Director

(404) 608-2300

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES

WHAT’S HAPPENING

· Youth Basketball - Practices have started the month of December. There are a total of 37 teams. Games will start in January 2006.

· Clayton County High School Swim Teams – Meets were held on December 7, and 14, 2005. There are a total of 8 teams. Meets are tri-meets and are at 6pm and 7:30pm on Wednesday nights.

· Adult Basketball – The leagues completed play on the week of December 15, 2006.

· Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting – Our Annual Christmas Parade scheduled for November 28, 2005 was canceled due to the weather. The tree lighting was held at Starr Park on Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 6:30 pm. The First Baptist Church of Forest Park sang Christmas songs and the park was lit up and the arrival of Santa. There were over 200 people that attended this event.

· Run-Off Election – City Run-Off Election was held on Tuesday, December 6, 2005 in the gymnasium of the Recreation Center.

· Call From Santa – Was held on December 6, and 8, 2005. There were approximately 75 children were contacted.

· Pictures With Santa – The pictures were taken at the Forest Park Senior Center on December 2, 2005.

· Wellness Programs

Water Aerobics – Monday evenings 7:30 pm-8:30 pm

Aerobics – Tuesday & Thursday 6 pm-7 pm

Water Exercise – Monday & Wednesday 1pm-2 pm

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

Yoga – Wednesday evenings 6:30 pm-8 pm

Ladies Fitness – Monday evenings 8 pm

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

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

& Saturday 10 am-4 pm

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

The Seniors had a very busy December getting ready for the holidays:

· Our Lake Lanier trip to see the lights started the excitement. Out to dinner, riding through the lights then stopping by Santa’s workshop for some great hot chocolate. We also cooked marshmallows outside to make the holidays feel right.

· The Red Hatters Christmas dinner was a fun trip to Olive Garden with everyone showing their finery and enjoying the fellowship.

· The Breakfast with Santa was fun as many Seniors brought their grandchildren and great grandchildren to make it a Merry Christmas for all.

· The Senior dinner topped off the season with great food, a full house and the Orchestra from the High School. They entertained the Seniors while we ate and really made for a great dinner. We all got in the mood for Christmas.

· Line dancing sent the season also by dancing to mostly holiday songs which everyone seemed to enjoy.

· TRIAD held its Christmas dinner and safety meeting with everyone bringing a covered dish. The members enjoyed the fun and the new information they received on community safety.

· Our holiday season ended with a great Breakfast buffet for all the Seniors. It was a great way to end the holiday season together and get ready for a new year.

UPCOMING EVENTS

· January 6, 7, 2006 – Opening Day for Youth Basketball

· January 11, 18, 25, 2006 – 2005 Clayton County High School Swim Meets @ Indoor Pool

· January 30, 31, 2006 – Preliminaries/Finals Clayton County High School Swim Program @ Indoor Pool

Elaine Corley, Director

404-363-2908

DEPARTMENT OF FIRE/EMS

• On December 10^th the Fire Department attended the annual Christmas for Kids project sponsored by Premier Transport located on Cash Memorial. Station Two personnel used the Fire Safety Trailer to teach 250 children fire safety and showed fire department apparatus and equipment.

• The month of December consisted mostly of all firefighters completing annual requirements for State Certification. All personnel have completed and surpassed State requirements.

Chief Eddie Buckholts

(404) 608-2382

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION/FINANCE

Expenditures (preliminary totals) for the General Fund for the month of December are $1,358,349 or 8.65% of the budget. Year-to-date preliminary expenditures for the General Fund are $7,341,210 or 46.75% of the budget (fiscal year July 2005 – June 2006). For comparison purposes, the period of July through December represents 50.00% of the budget year. Total expenditures for the General Fund remain under budget through December. This can be partially attributed to diligent review and approval of purchase orders submitted by departments.

Local Option Sales Tax revenue received in December was $434,669, compared to $403,374 for December of the prior year. The fiscal year-to-date total received is $2,692,408 or 53.32% of the budget; the percentage of the budget year through December is 50.00% of the year. Revenue from Local Option Sales Tax remains ahead of budget.

The deadline for payment of property taxes was December 20, and payments received were continuing to be processed at the end of December. The total payments processed by the end of December were in excess of $1,500,000.

Business license applications were mailed to businesses in December. The bills for business licenses are expected to be mailed on January 17, 2006 and payment is due prior to March 1, 2006.

Mike Blandenburg, Director

(404) 366-4720

OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

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

The concept report has been approved for the Sidewalks to Schools, Phase III project. The City is still awaiting approval of the concept report for the Transit Oriented Pedestrian Improvements Project.

Livable Centers Initiative (LCI)-Main Street Streetscape Project

The Historic/106 report has been approved. In addition, Robert & Company hopes to obtain right-of-way drawing approval in early 2006.

State Farmers Market Project

EDAW is currently performing the basic data collection tasks, as well as preparing for interviews with stakeholders. The interviews are scheduled to begin in January 2006. EDAW met with Commission Irvin on November 22, 2005 and the Wholesale Representatives on December 6, 2005.

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)

The City has received the Notice to Proceed for the two CDBG projects awarded.

Fort Gillem

The Mayor will be appointing a Chairman and two additional board members to the LRA.

Bill Werner, City Manager

Angela Redding, Mgt. Analyst

(404) 366-4720

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

City Annual Barbeque:

Public Works crews along with help from City Hall were responsible for the Annual City of Forest Park Barbeque. The event this year fed approximately 1300 people barbeque pork, hot dogs, Brunswick stew, coleslaw, bread, pickles, potato chips, apple and peach cobbler, and corn bread.

Street Division:

Major projects for the month of December included the city barbeque. Street Division crews also placed 10’ of 12” pipe and concrete to repair the sinkhole in the sidewalk on Springdale Road. Crews were busy cutting up trees that fell during the ice storm. The recycling center was cleaned up and prepared for the upcoming Clean Sweep.

Building Maintenance:

Major project completed by Building Maintenance crews included checking all Christmas light daily. Two heaters were changed out in the gym and the men toilet was repaired in the lobby bathroom. A new heater was install at fleet, which entailed running new gas and electrical lines. Maintenance crews also completed numerous work orders throughout all city departments.

Parks Division:

Leaf clean up and park maintenance kept our Parks crew along with our other departments very busy. Along with helping to clear right-of-ways, crews setup and broke down voting booths at the Recreation Center. Winter flowers were planted at City Hall, Annex, Recreation Building and all the annual beds around the city limit signs and all outdoor fields were winterized. Right-of-way cutting was done on College Street, Jonesboro Road, Forest Parkway, Pineridge Drive, and Thurmond Road.

Mike Gippert, Director

(404) 608-2310