News from Council Member Alan Tart

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

I hope you and your families are doing well and enjoying the summer. I wanted to bring several important meetings to your attention.

I am excited about the progress our city is making. We have numerous committees that are working on behalf of our citizens to plan for our future and improve our quality of life. I wanted to take an opportunity to thank all of our city's volunteers. These individuals dedicate their time and energy and lend their expertise, insights, and fresh ideas to our City. The following individuals have been appointed by me to represent District 6 on various committees:

Audrey Goolrick - Historical Preservation Committee
Bob Meyers - Historical Preservation Committee
Brenda Hemphill - Highway 9 Design Guidelines Committee
Chris Robinson - Transportation Stakeholders Advisory Committee (TSAC) and Intersection Citizen Advisory Committee
Darryl Jan Porter - Design Review Board (DRB)
Diane Palmer - Tree Committee and Highway 9 Design Guidelines Committee
Felicia Houston - Trash and Recycling Advisory (TARA) Committee
Howard Drobes - Board of Ethics
Jennifer Fletcher - Planning Commission and Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC)
John McRae - Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals
Laura York - Milton Disability Awareness Committee (MDAC)
Lynn Gregory - Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC)
Sandy Shelley - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Bike and Pedestrian Path Committee
Todd Harkleroad - Milton Grows Green (MGG) Committee
Thanks to you all for your efforts to make the City of Milton a better place for us all to live, work, and play.
I also want to hear from you. I represent you, and I want to know what I can do to better serve you, the citizens of Milton. Please send this newsletter to others who might want to receive it. They can register to receive future newsletters from me.

I consider it an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Alan Tart

Council Member (District 6, At Large)

_________________________

Community Planning Charrette - July 18, 2009

On Saturday, July 18, the City of Milton Comprehensive Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC) and the Community Development Department are hosting a Community Planning Charrette as part of the City's 2008-2028 Comprehensive Plan. Each Charrette is the forum at which the community has an active hand in determining the future of the City. There will be two identical sessions on Saturday, July 18, 2009. Session 1 is from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and Session 2 is from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The location of this event is Milton City Hall, City Council Chambers, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Milton, GA 30004. You have a voice in the future of your City. Please make plans to attend this important meeting and let your opinions be heard!

July 20 Council Meeting and July 27 Special Called Work Session

There will be a Council Meeting on July 20 at 6 p.m. at Milton City Hall, City Council Chambers, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Milton, GA 30004. Click here for the agenda. Click here for the packet.
Highlights of the meeting include the following:
Consideration of two special use permits for landscaping businesses. Both are requesting concurrent variances.
Consideration of two alcohol beverage permits
Consideration and adoption of the Partial Plan Update, the Community Assessment, and the Community Participation Plan of the City of Milton 2008-2028 Comprehensive Plan
Appointment of two members to the Stakeholder Committee for the North Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan
Consideration of the Milton Parks and Recreation Advisory Board's recommendations on the use of Bell Memorial Park for travel teams
If you have any questions, opinions, or concerns after reviewing the agenda and packet, please let me know.

There will also be a Special Called Work Session meeting on July 27 at 4 p.m. We will be discussing the City of Milton pavement management plan.

Can't make it to the next City Council meeting? Watch online via streaming video!

Homeowner's Tax Relief Grant

I have received questions from citizens regarding the Homeowner's Tax Relief Grant (HTRG) and whether or not the City is going to extend it to our citizens this tax year.

Background: The HTRG shows up as a credit on the tax bill. For Milton City taxes, the credit amounts to $37.85 per eligible property. For Fulton County and school taxes, the credit is around $215. To be eligible, the property owner must live in and own the home as of January 1 and file for homestead exemption with the County prior to the April 1 deadline.

This year's Georgia legislative session produced HB 143 that amended the HTRG program to provide for procedures, conditions, and limitations. The bill states that HTRG will be funded if there is money to do so. Unfortunately, due to the condition of the economy, the State will not be appropriating funds for this program this year. Since the State will not be able to fund this program, our citizens will experience an overall increase of approximately $250 in their tax bills this year. This equates to $37.85 attributable to Milton and $215 attributable to the County. It affects around 6,800 properties in Milton.

County commissions and city councils can decide to extend/fund the HTRG credit, but the State will not provide any funds to offset the losses that would be experienced by the counties and cities. Fulton County has decided not to give the credit this year, so regardless of the mayor and city council's decision on this issue, our citizens will experience an overall increase of $215.
Currently, city staff is reviewing our budget to determine if we can carry the $260,000 burden of extending this unfunded tax relief to our citizenry. You may have heard in the news a few months ago that the mayor and city council cut our budget by approximately $1.5 million in anticipation of lost revenue from delinquent property taxes, a reduction in the renewal of business licenses, and a decrease in the application of new business licenses and building permits - all of which are unfortunate symptoms of our current economy. Although we are looking for additional areas to cut our budget even more, it should be noted that another $260,000 cut could have drastic effects on the services the City provides to its citizens. This effect would be disproportionate to the $37.85 HTRG credit our eligible property owners would receive. Although I will maintain an open mind as we move forward, I will not be in favor of extending the $37.85 credit if that means that the safety and security of our citizens will be at risk from having to cut essential services to make up for the loss.

Milton Farmer's Market This Saturday!

The Milton Farmer's Market will be held of this Saturday, July 18 in Crabapple. The market will run from 8am to noon each Saturday until early Fall. Participants will be setting up shop west of The Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub right across the street from Chateau De Nail. Milton grown produce available for purchase will include tomatoes, corn, pumpkin, squash, peppers, watermelon, and okra. Other local vendors will offer honey, eggs, and various types of flowers. If you would like more information or are interested in participating, please contact Ginger Enloe at gingekirk@aol.com or direct at 770 653 0551 or Tim Enloe at 770 653 0552.

Milton News from Julie Zahner Bailey

Dear Milton Citizens, Friends and Neighbors - I hope everyone is having a safe and enjoyable summer. This year's second annual Milton Citizen's 4th of July Parade was another great display of love of country and community. There were decorated bikes, wagons and horses and everything in between. Thanks to those who were able to participate.

Meanwhile there are some very important meetings approaching dealing with the future of Milton. I encourage your participation because without it the results may not reflect your desires for future growth, development patterns and parks and recreation. Your voice and opinions matter now more than ever. This upcoming week there are two City sponsored activities that are designed to solicit the input of citizens regarding Parks and Recreation and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan:

Parks & Recreation Meeting - Thursday, July 16th 6:00 p.m. at City Hall

Your input is needed regarding what type of parks and recreation you desire for Milton. Come prepared to discuss your expectations and ideas for both active and passive recreation, styles of parks, whether you support land acquisition for additional green space and more. Your presence and proactive participation matters. Please do not assume your ideas and goals for this critical component of our community will be addressed by someone else.

Comprehensive Land Use Planning Meeting Saturday, July 18th at City Hall

Two sessions - 9a.m. till 12:00 or 1:00 p.m. till 4 p.m. Charettes -- which are interactive sessions that involve citizens in land use, transportation, rural preservation and development pattern decisions - will be facilitated by our consultant ECOS Environmental Design, Inc.. These sessions could be the most important element of the Comprehensive Land Use Planning process so far as citizens will have a direct hand in helping shape the future of Milton. You will be asked to weigh in on where development should occur, where it should not, which areas should be preserved, whether new commercial and office activity nodes should be allowed in certain areas such as New Providence and Birmingham Highway area, where roadways should be expanded or not and much more. Please mark your calendars and plan to participate in at least one of these two sessions on Saturday, July 18. Bring a family member, a friend and a neighbor. Your opinions and voice will have a direct impact on the future of our community. This link will provide additional input on this meeting.

Other City of Milton Meetings -

There are a variety of other City meetings taking place in the next few weeks including the Monday, July 20th Council meeting at which two Special Use Permits will be on our zoning agenda (scroll down for more details), Historic Preservation Committee on July 15th, Planning Commission on July 28th, etc. Please see the right margin of this release for details. You can also use this link to view the City of Milton calendar.

In other news, the City of Milton now has live, web streaming capabilities for Mayor and Council meetings, Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals and Design Review Board meetings. This is a terrific way for citizens to view real time discussions taking place at these various city meetings. Public participation at the actual meetings is still critical, but this allows citizens that otherwise can not attend in person to have a first hand view of discussions and decisions being made. Link to streaming video!

It is an honor and privilege to represent you, your families and your interests. Your opinions, ideas and questions matter to me and help ensure I am representing the desires and expectations of the majority of citizen's, so keep your comments coming. I am available via email, phone or to meet to discuss matters of interest to you. Continue to enjoy your summer and time with family.Thank you for placing your trust in me. All my best -

Julie Zahner Bailey

Milton City Council

770-664-5529 (home)

404-310-6344 (cell)

Julie4Milton@mindspring.com

Julie4Milton.com

___________________

Upcoming Rezonings/Use Permits

U09-01/VC09-01, Frank Schafer, 13120 Arnold Mill Road (Deferred from 4/27/09 to the 5/18/09 and again to the July 20 Council meeting)

Requesting a use permit for a landscaping business on 1.74 acres at a density of 3,908.04 square feet per acre (Article 19.4.27). Applicant is also requesting a 3-part concurrent variance:

1) To delete the 50' buffer and 10' improvement setback along the west property line from the right-of-way for a distance of 140' (12H.3.1 Section C.1).

2) To delete the 50' buffer and 10' improvement setback along the east property line from the right-of-way for a distance of 140' (12H.3.1 Section C.1).

3) To allow a sign located less than 10' from the right-of-way (Article 33 Section 21.C).

Use these links to view the two analyses prepared by staff on this case. The first link provides the initial staff analysis followed by a changed analysis as found in second link.Staff analysis of 2/24/2009Staff analysis of 3/24/2009Updated Staff analyses will be available via the City of Milton calendar/agenda - please review prior to July 20 hearing.

U09-02/VC09-02, Rob Nestor, 15150 Birmingham Highway/Taylor Road,

(Deferred several times due to additional variances identified - now coming to July 20 Council meeting)

Requesting a use permit for a landscaping business on 3.926 acres at a density of 387.92 square feet per acre (Article 19.4.27).

Applicant is also requesting a 3 part concurrent variance:

1) to allow access from Taylor Road, a local street (Article 19.4.27.B.1).2) to allow the existing strucures, a gravel drive and septic system to encroach into the 50-foot undisturbed buffer and 10-foot improvement setback along the south property line as shown on the site plan (Article 12H.3.1.C.1).3) to allow the existing structures along the south property line as shown on the site plan to remain within the 50-foot setback adjoining the AG-1 District (Article 19.4.27.B.3).

Use this link to view the prior Staff analysis.

Updated Staff analyses will be available via the City of Milton calendar/agenda - please review prior to July 20 hearing.

News From Tina D'Aversa

Freedom Rings in Milton

The 2nd Annual Fourth of July Citizens Parade was a grand success. Many families travel during July but the lucky families who joined the parade had a fun time. The pets and wagons and horses were patriotic. Red. white and blue was flowing!

Photos taken by Nikki Haslett can be viewed by clicking on http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102639952151&s=835&e=001RHgcImffO4oJb8ertiKJM0uVudOa9Qmr2QQDCdU-nMuJ9oMYNytVQaZd_KNZsZwnaXZ3nlRwdEiYCIx1MIH5ZDrfkvbvThftSRVb8fDNpMwZuVDg1rNYPRUWVixk7q3g_ejc-qRPCtIMEV9HC0-eC4qo2XTqoqsI4MGRbaMtz0vLqhErQXl3WA==
Dear Milton Neighbor,

It was a pleasure seeing so many neighbors at the Independence Day Citizens parade July 4th. I had a great time riding in the truck and throwing candy and footballs to the children. If anyone did not get a football, give me a call and I will hook you up!

As you continue to enjoy this hot but glorious summer, please remember that city business continues. We have several meetings this month that offer the opportunity for public input.

Parks and Recreation Town Hall Meeting 6:00 PM, Thursday, July 16, 2009, at Milton City Hall

This meeting will afford citizens the opportunity to tell city staff, consultants and planners what types of park develop is needed in Milton. Citizens should be prepared to discuss the types of programs you would like to see the city provide in the future.

This is a wonderful time to celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Milton. Come out and make sure your voice is heard. Milton's most important asset is you.

Comprehensive Plan Community Planning Charrette July 18, 2009

This is the meeting forum during which citizens have a more formal voice in determining the future of the City. Your thoughts and suggests are always welcomed and this is a great opportunity for you to share with the city staff and planners.

The Comprehensive Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC) and the Community Development Department are hosting this Community Planning Charrette as part of the City's 2008-2028 Comprehensive Plan. There will be two identical sessions as follows: Community Planning CharretteSaturday, July 18, 2009Session 1: 9 AM to 12 noon Session 2: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PMMilton City Hall City Council Chambers

Crabapple Town Hall Meeting

Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at 6:00, Alpharetta's Crabapple Government Center. This meeting hosted by Council members Thurman (District 1) and Lusk (District 3) will offer presentations from members of the community who have ideas for and proposals for future development in Crabapple. Crabapple is a unique historical part of our Milton community and should be revered and preserved for future generations to enjoy. Make sure you come and learn more from business leaders and citizens from the community.

Each of these meetings will be informative and worth your time to attend!

Celebrating the Anniversary of ADA

The month of July is a time when we celebrate the anniversary of the American's with Disability Act (ADA) and also support National Parks and Recreation Month. Click here to more about MDAC and ADA. You can also visit the city web site to check out the photo taken during the recent proclamation we presented at the July 6, 2009, City Council Meeting.

Budgets Tighten - Call for No Tax Increase

I do not need to tell you that citizens, cities, counties and states across the U.S. are all experiencing financial challenges. Some of the financial challenges are greater than others. We are fortunate in the City of Milton to have a balanced budget and opportunity to remain fiscally conservative. The City of Milton has amended the 2009 budget to adjust for tax revenue shortfall and other slow revenue collections. The city council and staff have worked hard to make sure the city continues to operate with a balanced budget with appropriate spending even in these tough economic times.

There are some implications that citizens will face from the federal, state and local level. One such issue impacts the Homestead Relief Grant that many residents receive. While it is not a huge amount of money, it is a sign of some financial concerns I have which are spawned from federal and state level funding. The city council is committed to making sure we do everything possible to continue the high level of city service and support to all tax paying citizens and their families.

I do not support an increase in taxes. I support smart and appropriate spending. Join me at upcoming City Council Meetings listed below to learn more about the financial implications to you in these financially challenging times.

It is my honor to serve as your city council representative from District 5. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Tina D'Aversa
Milton City Council Member
Ddistrict 5 at large
678-242-2498 Direct

http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102639952151&s=835&e=001RHgcImffO4rHS87H3-MBXxgiC3zG5xcAJk1XWh6KClYxSZi83i8rHW1QklfDORojeNEXwXes83hbF6OJ2dMIn0W5TVEjtDGBUZlUODl4JqfKFbnNJjmx6A==

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead

Homestead Relief Grant Funding (review from July 1 newsletter)

Fulton County has decided not to fund the homestead exemption fund this year. This is a product of the fiscal challenges facing the state and country. The HTRG shows up as a credit on the tax bill. For Milton City taxes, the credit amounts to $37.85 per eligible property. For County and school taxes, the credit is around $215. To be eligible, the property owner must live in and own the home as of January 1 and file for homestead exemption with the County prior to the April 1 deadline. A city must first extend the credit to the property owners and then submit a reimbursement request for it. This year's legislative session produced

HB143 that amended the HTRG program to provide for procedures, conditions and limitations. It basically states that HTRG will be funded if there is money to do so. The decision to give the credit to the tax payers lies with the council members and commissioners of each municipality/county if the funding is available. The county is not likely to pay this since the state says the funding will not be there this year.

The city of Milton finance director spoke with the Dept of Revenue representative that handles the HTRG program and she said that it is highly unlikely that any funds will be appropriated in the near future given the condition of the economy. Since the State will not be able to fund this program, our citizens will experience an overall increase of approximately $250 in their tax bills this year. This equates, on average, to $37.85 attributable to Milton and $215 attributable to the County. It affects around 6,800 properties in Milton. The city council will discuss appropriate action by the city during an upcoming City Council Meeting. We have asked our city manager and finance director to review the budget for additional reductions and some minor tightening in order to ensure no reduction in service delivery to citizens and no increase in taxes.

Meetings and Events Click on the event title for additional information or the Calendar link below.

July is National Parks and Recreation Month
City of Milton May Meeting Calendar of the City Boards and Commissions

Forth of July Citizens Parade July 4, 2009, 9:30 AM, Milton City Hall

City Council Meeting July 6, 2009, 6:00 PM City Council Meetings are scheduled three Mondays a month at City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Milton, Georgia 30004
Milton Milers Walking Club
Milton walkers meet at Starbucks at Bethany Bend and Highway 9 each Sunday at 7:00 PM and walk for health wellness and neighborly conversation

Disability Awareness Committee Meeting July 8, 2009, 7:00 PM, Milton City Hall

Milton Grows Green Meeting, July 9, 2009, 6:00 PM, Birmingham Fire Station Parks & Recreation Town Hall Meeting July 16, 2009, 6:00 PM, Milton City Hall

Community Planning CharretteSaturday, July 18, 2009, Session 1: 9 AM to 12 noon Session 2: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PMMilton City Hall City Council Chambers

City Council Meeting July 20, 2009, 6:00 PM

City Council Special Called Work Session July 27, 2009, 6:00 PM

SAVE THE DATE FOR A CELEBRATION

Please join me at the home of Paul and Dani English Saturday, August 15, 2009, for some "southern" food and spirits. The English are hosting a celebration on my behalf and you are all invited. Watch for invitations coming next week.

Saturday, August 15, 2009, 7:00 PM at the English Home on Thompson Road.
Casual summer attire is appropriate.

Site Suggestions Needed For New North Fulton Libraries

Eight new libraries are scheduled to be constructed as part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System's facility master plan.

Of those, three will be located on existing or donated land parcels, including a library at the edge of East Roswell Park.

The library system is seeking input from citizens on the location of the remaining facilities. Parcels of land have not yet been identified for new libraries in Milton and Alpharetta.

The public is invited to submit site recommendations by July 30 through one of the following ways:

- Online: www.afpls.org, click on input on New Library Sites.
-E-mail:librarycomments@fultoncountyga.gov
-Fax: (404) 335 5291
- Mail: Branch Services, Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303.

It should also be noted that Accessmilton.com conducted a poll earlier this year. The two choices given to vote on for Milton were the Hwy 9 area and Crabapple. The question and results were as follows:

"Where should the proposed Milton Library be built?"

Results: Highway 9 - 38% Crabapple - 62%

Thurman, Lusk plan Crabapple meeting

by Jason Wright / Appen Newspapers

July 10, 2009

Council members Karen Thurman and Bill Lusk are holding a meeting for the public July 15 at the Crabapple Government Center to discuss the many issues facing the growing Crabapple Crossroads area.

Lusk said the meeting will be an opportunity for curious citizens to hear the latest information regarding speed limits, intersection improvements and the Crabapple portion of the recently passed Community Identification Sign program featuring its backer, Buck Bell.

"We'll be discussing what has been approved and what types of things are in the works," said Lusk. "What's going on right now and what has been proposed."

Both Thurman and Lusk said they were excited for a presentation from local developer J.T. Adams of Lodestone Development and John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods about plans for the northwest quadrant of Crabapple – basically the area behind the Olde Blind Dog that includes Wieland's Braeburn.

"That will be worth the price of admission right there," joked Lusk.

Thurman stressed, though, that neither city staff nor elected officials have seen the plan. Its inclusion in the program is not to be construed as being endorsed by the city.

Thurman said she's very pleased to announce publicly recent monies given to the area for the "Safe Routes to School" grant allowing for new sidewalks.

The meeting will also serve as a good introduction for a lot of folks to the developing Transportation Master Plan – which has money set aside to deal with Crabapple's storied traffic jams — and the Comprehensive Plan, Thurman said."Hopefully we can give out some information and get some information from the community about what they think of it," she said.

Milton Town Hall Meeting

Many thanks to Council Person Karen Thurman for bringing this to our attention.

Please join us for an informative session on specific issues and concerns for the Crabapple Crossroads area.


Are you interested in finding out what is happening at the Crabapple Crossroads and surrounding area? Are you curious about a plan proposed by property owners for the northwest quadrant of the Crossroads? Would you like to see a library in Crabapple? Are you hoping for sidewalks that would allow you to more safely walk to schools, restaurants, etc.? Would you like to see a program allowing for community banners to give specific areas of Milton a greater sense of identity? Are you interested in upcoming city sponsored events for the area? Do you have an opinion concerning Crabapple that you just want to express? If so, you won't want to miss this Town Hall Meeting.


What: An old fashioned Town Hall Meeting
When: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Where: The Alpharetta Government Center at Crabapple Crossroads (The old church across from the Shell station)
Why: An update on items of interest to the Crabapple Crossroads area, a discussion on community signs and a master plan for the NW quadrant proposed by members of the community and a chance for you to pose your questions and offer feedback
Who: Hosted by Council Members Karen Thurman (District 1) and Bill Lusk (District 3) Spread the word. Come, be informed and be heard. This is your chance to hear what is happening, view community member sponsored proposals and give us your feedback. We hope to see you next Wednesday.

The Milton Farmer's Market will be held of this Saturday, July 11 in Crabapple. The market will run from 8am to noon each Saturday until early Fall. Participants will be setting up shop west of The Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub right across the street from Chateau De Nail. Milton grown produce available for purchase will include tomatoes, corn, pumpkin, squash, peppers, watermelon, and okra. Other local vendors will offer honey, eggs, and various types of flowers. If you would like more information or are interested in participating, please contact Ginger Enloe at gingekirk@aol.com or direct at 770 653 0551 or Tim Enloe at 770 653 0552.