C I T Y O F F O R E S T P A R K

TO: Mayor and Council

FROM: Elaine Corley, Acting City Manager

DATE: March 9, 2006

SUBJECT: INFORMATION BULLETIN - February ‘06

The following is a department by department status report of priority activities, projects and initiatives for the month of FEBRUARY, 2006.

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING AND ZONING

BUILDING PLANS SUBMITTED

1. Sara Lee Bakery 273 Central Ave.; Dock addition

2. U-Freight 143 Lake Mirror Pl.; Fire alarm

3. United Way 5163 Old Dixie Hwy. Ste. 150; Tenant finish

BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED:

1. 4755 Stillwood Cove Repair tree damage; 2,100 sq. ft. Job cost

$13,440

2. 4321 Greenleaf Lane Storage room; 576 sq. ft. Job cost $700

3. 712 Main Street Demo residential dwelling; Job cost

$12,500

4. 539 Evergreen Dr. Demo/repair tree damage; 1,200 sq. ft.

Job cost $32,000

5. 5290 Old Dixie Hwy. Water treatment bldg. 1,044 sq. ft. Job

cost $100,000

6. 424 Forest Pkwy. Interior remodel; 4,200 sq. ft. Job cost

$80,000

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCIES ISSUED

1. El Rio Grande 4609 Jonesboro Rd. 02/01/06

2. World Communication 4595 Jonesboro Rd. 02/01/06

3. Jackson Hewitt 818 Morrow Rd. 02/02/06

4. Panaderia Juqulia#2 4033 Jonesboro Rd. 02/02/06

5. Low Cost Trucking 15 Royal Dr. 02/06/06

6. Appliance 2000 Sales 4164 Jonesboro Rd. 02/09/06

7. Chevron 655 Main St. 02/13/06

8. People 1^st of Atlanta 532 Forest Pkwy. Ste. E 02/13/06

9. Aardvard Animal Clinic 4798 Jonesboro Rd. 02/15/06

10. V-Tech Auto Repair 4778 Jonesboro Rd. 02/21/06

11. Brother’s Auto Repair 1181 Main St. 02/23/06

12. Truckers Plus HR LLC 435 Forest Pkwy. Ste. 305 02/28/06

13. Precision Tune 4772 Jonesboro Rd. 02/27/06

AFFILIATE BOARD ACTIVITY

Architectural Design Review Board

Sunny Wholesale – 120 Forest Parkway: The Architectural Design Review Board (ADRB) held a meeting on February 14^th, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at the Agnes B. Bateman Community Development Building in the Conference Room at 785 Forest Pkwy., Forest Park, Georgia 30297. At issue was the review of civil site plans for a new warehouse development at 120 Forest Pkwy., Forest Park, Ga. 30297 known as Sunny Wholesale. This site is located just east of the new Waffle House Restaurant and just north of the AirLogistic’s building. The new warehouse will be similar to the AirLogistic building, but will have more glass in front along Forest Pkwy. and will look more like an office building. Sunny Wholesale deals in foods and non-food items delivered to small stores. The developer advised construction would begin in the Fall of 2006. The ADRB voted unanimously to approve the site plan as presented.

Planning and Zoning Board

Kenai Townhomes – 380 Main Street: The Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) held a hearing at 7:30 p.m. February 22^nd, 2006 at the Agnes B. Bateman Community Development Building in the Court Room at 785 Forest Pkwy., Forest Park, Georgia 30297. At issue was the review of a preliminary subdivision plat for Kenai Townhomes located at 380 Main Street, Forest Park, Georgia 30297. The preliminary plat depicts a 75 unit, 2,000 sq. ft. each townhome development. The parcel is zoned RM-125 Townhouse-Condominium classification. The PZB voted unanimously to approve the plat and issue a Certificate of Preliminary Subdivision Plat Approval (CPSPA). The CPSPA allows the developer to confidently proceed with the civil portion of the project, which includes infrastructure design, i.e. sanitary / storm sewer etc.

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

Forest Park Branch Library (Expansion): Carol Stewart, Director of Library Services Clayton County Library Systems is seeking a State of Georgia grant to make significant improvements to the 1967 Library building, located at 696 Main Street. The proposed improvement will include more public space in the children’s area, computer area and the installation of an elevator to make the second floor ADA accessible. The proposed addition is planned for the west side of the building. The addition will create a 2,000 sq. ft. space; it would also encroach into Pine Street, a public road right-of-way. This would necessitate a road closure action by Council and a title transfer. Conceptual plans are being prepared for review and will be available soon.

Closing of Ballard Road/Industrial Road Intersection Construction: Ferdinand Seefried, President of Seefried Properties, Inc. is constructing a $10,000,000 warehouse facility just east of IDI SouthPoint Industrial Park development on 20 acres known as the Stogner tract. The developer is seeking the closure of an 800’ ± section of Ballard Road and is asking to allow them to purchase the property from the City to utilize as a landscaped area and partial truck court for his development. Upon purchase and title transfer of the abandoned right-of-way, Seefried at their expense will design and build the road/intersection which will tie SouthPoint Drive into Ballard Road and then dedicate the improvement to the City. If the Council were so inclined as to accommodate Seefried’s proposal, several benefits for the City would include:

1. Should the roadbed asphalt paving be removed and replaced with landscaping, trees, etc. within the former right-of-way, the green space removed by the onsite development would be somewhat replenished.

2. The ongoing illegal dumping problem on Ballard Road within the City limits would be eliminated.

3. Other properties landlocked along the west side of the drainage basin will be afforded an industrial grade access for future land assembly and industrial development.

4. Allows for the development of an attractive first class industrial building comparable to the IDI Development.

5. The new company will employee nearly 100 people.

6. Promotes the growth of an industrial tax base within the City.

Ferdinand Seefried has made an official/formal request that the City begin the procedures to abandon and vacate the 800’ road right-of-way.

Steve Pearson, Director

(404) 608-2300

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Street Division:

Street crews had a busy month with right-of-way clean-ups of debris in ditches, cutting bushes, and opening blocked storm drains. Crews also picked up leaves and limbs, using the chipper unit and the backhoe. A 40’ guardrail and 80’ of sidewalk was installed on Watts Road. Drains were cleaned out at numerous locations to prevent flooding. Crews replace curbs at Hillpine Road and Delores Way, and potholes were filled on Astor Avenue, Lake Drive, Brookdale Drive, and West Street at Cash Memorial Boulevard.

Building Maintenance:

Major projects for the Maintenance crews have been the refurbishing of the T-Ball press boxes, dugouts, and restrooms. The crews have removed and replaced all bad siding, replaced all soffitt, removed and replaced all roofing, decking, and doors. The press box was also painted. Fascia boards, decking and roofing were removed and replaced on both dugouts. Other projects completed by Building Maintenance crews included work orders for all buildings and departments.

Parks Division:

Parks crews were maintaining park areas and right-of ways along with their regular daily duties of Recreation and Leisure set-ups revolving around the recreation facilities and Senior Building activities. Crews also prepared all City bed for spring planting. Park crews helped Building Maintenance Division personnel with the refurbishing of the press box, dugouts, and restroom.

Mike Gippert, Director

(404) 608-2310

DEPARTMENT OF FIRE/EMS

• The Fire Department has recently completed the “Exit Door Numbering System” on all schools in the City. This project will aid First Responders and school personnel by designating proper doors for exit and entrance in emergency situations. Plans are to implement this procedure on all government and public buildings in the City.
• Firefighter Steven Stone and Sgt. Conway Ferguson attended Career Day at Hendrix Drive Elementary and Forest Park Middle School. Together approximately 500 students were versed in possible careers in the Fire Services field.

• Capt. Matthew Jackson, Capt. Barry Hopper and Lt. Major Oliver were presented service ribbons on behalf of the Georgia Mutual Aid Group and the State of Georgia Office of Homeland Security for their deployment activity and response to the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

• “Severe Weather Awareness” packets were compiled and distributed to all public buildings and schools in the City as well as being posted on the City’s website. These packets were developed to assist citizens in preparing for severe weather incidents in accordance with Governor Sonny Perdue’s Proclamation as Severe Weather Week in Georgia. All City departments participated in the designated Severe Weather Drill exercising action to be taken when severe weather is threatening.

• Total figures of Fire Statistics for the year 2005 resulted in a 75% save rate for total fire calls responded to by the department.

Chief Eddie Buckholts

(404) 608-2382

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION/FINANCE

Expenditures (preliminary totals) for the General Fund for the month of February are $1,124,439 or 7.15% of the budget. Year-to-date preliminary expenditures for the General Fund are $9,714,324 or 61.77% of the budget (fiscal year July 2005 – June 2006). For comparison purposes, the period of July through February represents 66.67% of the budget year. Total expenditures for the General Fund remain under budget through February. This can be primarily attributed to the continued diligent monitoring of expenditures by the City departments.

Local Option Sales Tax revenue received in February was $500,079, compared to $430,421 for February of the prior year. The fiscal year-to-date total received is $3,564,502 or 70.58% of the budget; the percentage of the budget year through February is 66.67% of the year. Revenue from Local Option Sales Tax remains ahead of budget at this time.

The budget process for the 2006-2007 fiscal year has begun. Department heads are in the process of preparing their budget worksheets. Each department head will submit their budget worksheet to the Finance Director in March, for review.

Carolyn Pearson, City Payroll Clerk, was honored at the Employee Appreciation Luncheon on February 27, for twenty years of service to the City. This milestone is not easily reached and we congratulate Carolyn for her loyal and diligent service to the City.

Mike Blandenburg, Director

(404) 366-4720

DEPARTMENT OF POLICE SERVICES

Administration

Chief Dwayne Hobbs announced the promotion of Chris Matson from Administrative Captain to Operations Major effective February 15^th.

Captain Jamie Reynolds was transferred from the Uniform Patrol Division to the Administration Division. Lieutenant Lillianna Stevens has been appointed as acting Captain of Adam Team.

Detectives/COPS/Viper

Officer Dejuan Lee was named officer of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2005. Officer Lee is assigned to the VIPER Team and was recognized for her effort in rescuing a child from a life threatening abusive situation. Officer Lee also worked with the Immigration and Naturalization Service to break up a ring of individuals providing false identification and social security numbers to undocumented workers.

Detective Sergeant John Marcus Grunden has been assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. He will be working with the FBI, Homeland Defense Department, state agents, and officers from other local agencies in preventing terrorism.

Officer Derell Whitehead conducted two Neighborhood Watch meetings, and spoke to children at a local day care facility about good behavior. Officer David Eads held a D.A.R.E. graduation program for twenty students at Hendrix Drive Elementary School.

Uniform Patrol

Officer Randy Groenewold responded to a suspicious person in a vehicle at McDonald’s on Jonesboro Road. Upon arrival he found a person sitting in a vehicle blocking the drive through lane and holding a handgun. Officer Groenewold called for back-up, then gave verbal commands to the driver, who placed the gun on the floorboard and was taken into custody without further incident.

Adam Team members responded to an attempted auto theft call at Holland Park Apartments and received descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle. The quick, professional response of Lieutenant L.A. Stevens, Officer Walter Freeman, and Officer Randy Groenewold resulted in the identification and arrest of the suspects.

On February 16^th, Officer Ramsey Iter responded to a suspicious persons call at El-Banco on Jonesboro Road. An employee called 911 after becoming suspicious of two persons asking strange questions in the bank. The employee provided a description of the vehicle in which the suspects left the bank.

Officer Iter located this vehicle parked behind the bank, occupied by two males. Officer Iter approached and took the two suspects into custody. The investigation that followed resulted in the arrest of both of these individuals. Discovered inside their vehicle were two handguns, one under each front seat, two stockings, two bandanas, and several pairs of rubber gloves.

TRIAD

The monthly TRIAD meeting was held on Friday, February 17^th at the Senior Center. Rocky Moore of the Fulton County 911 Center presented a program on the emergency preparedness activities in the Metro Atlanta area.

Citizen Police Academy

The spring session of the Citizens Police Academy begins classes on Tuesday, March 21^st. Classes run from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM. Contact the police department to see if any spaces remain for this session.

Chief Dwayne Hobbs

(404) 366-7280

DEPARTMENT OF LEISURE SERVICES

WHAT’S HAPPENING

· Youth Basketball - We have a total of 37 teams, 296 children. Teams practice Monday through Thursday with games being played on Friday nights and all day Saturday. They played a total of 72 official games in February in the gym at the Recreation Center.

· Swimming Lessons – Are held on Saturdays – Beginners 4pm-5pm ages 6 years and older, and Preschool 5pm-5:30pm ages 3-5 years old. A new class started February 25, 2006.

· Indoor Pool – The indoor pool is open for public swimming on Tuesday and Thursday nights 7:30pm-9:30pm and Saturday 1pm-4pm.

· Lifeguard Training – This is an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course. The class started February 15, 2006. We had a total of 15 to qualify to take the course.

· Men’s Fitness Class – A new class started February 21, 2006. The class meets on Tuesday nights 9pm-10:30pm. The program consist of weight lifting, basketball, and walking.

· Chess Club – Meets every Wednesday night 6pm-9pm at the Recreation Center for ages 13 years old and up.

· Youth Ball Registration – We are currently signing up for T-Ball, Pee Wee Ball, 7/8 Baseball, Girls Softball and Youth Soccer. Registration was held the month of February Monday through Friday 9am-7pm.

· Adult Ball Registration – We are signing up for Men’s Softball, Ladies Softball, Coed Softball, Men’s Basketball, and Coed Volleyball 9am-7pm on Monday through Friday.

· 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

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

· February was a busy month at the Senior Center. We started the month with the Super Bowl Party and ended it at the International Food Show.

· We ate Japanese food with the Red Hatters and 20 seniors enjoyed the fun, food and fellowship.

· Then it was Breakfast and Bingo at the Senior Center with everyone winning something and eating. Our breakfast crew served about 30 for breakfast and the others came for Bingo (40 bingo players).

· Our next adventure was Valentine Dinner and they all had fun decorating, getting ready and then coming for dinner. We had 60 enjoy a great dinner and special dessert.

· Other things that kept us busy were our new exercise class and computer class. They went well and were enjoyed by all.

· Line Dancers are practicing for the Senior Olympics. There are getting better and feel more comfortable dancing for groups.

· The card players keep everyone busy at the Senior Center and seem to enjoy the fellowship. So anytime they are lonesome at home they know someone is at the center ready to talk, go eat or as usual play cards.

· The Food Show was great and 50 seniors enjoyed going over the 2 days. It was free samples, all you could eat, and whatever you could carry home. It was a great month and a busy one for the seniors.

UPCOMING EVENTS

· March 1, 2006 – March of Dimes ‘Coaches Game’ @ 6pm in the gym

· March 6, 7, 9, 2006 – Dribble and Shoot Contest starting @ 6:15pm / Junior Olympics Contest in the gym

· March 15, 2006 – Silverteens Annual Soup & Cornbread Lunch @ Forest Park Senior Center 11am-1pm

Sharon Smith, Deputy Director

404-363-2908

OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

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

The City met with Jack Burnside and Pond & Company on February 23^rd to discuss the progress of the project. Pond & Company will begin preparing drawings for the project.

Livable Centers Initiative (LCI)-Main Street Streetscape Project

Robert & Company are currently working on the easement drawings.

State Farmers Market Project

EDAW is currently moving forward with this project and should begin steering committee interviews soon.

Fort Gillem

The Mayor and Council approved the final appointments to the LRA. The LRA consists of Shane Short, Chairman, John Westervelt, Jim Dalton, Mike Bragdon, Tawana Tarno, Rev. Charles Grant, Nigel Pennycook, Frank Bradon, Pat White and Mattie Hartsfield.

Elaine Corley, Acting City Manager

Angela Redding, Mgt. Analyst

(404) 366-4720