Milton's Wilson Borden Running For Fulton County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor

From Miltonian Wilson Borden.

Borden’s Experience Brings Cutting Edge Ideas to Stormwater and Erosion Management

- Years of industry experience called on for new ways to solve site problems

In this time of drought combined with new community interest in Green Building and Sustainability, we have a great opportunity to make Fulton County into a leading environmental community according to Wilson Borden, candidate for Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor.

“The days of treating all job sites with the same practices like silt fences and poured walls are numbered” Borden said. Drawing on his extensive experience of working with the enforcement community, environmental groups, and job site contractors, Borden will bring a fresh voice, and new ideas, to the Supervisor Position.

“In the past 10 years of working hand in hand with numerous stakeholder groups throughout the southeast, I have seen new ways to solve problems in the field. My experience in finding new ways to solve problems full time far exceeds the qualifications of the incumbents who only work at this position 4 hours per month.”

One of the ideas that Borden plans on bringing to the table is Low Impact Development. Low Impact Development (LID) is an innovative stormwater management approach with a basic principle that manages rainfall at the source. LID's goal is to minimize a site's runoff impact by infiltrating, filtering, storing, evaporating, and detaining runoff close to its source.

“Stormwater management shouldn’t include unsightly and unfriendly concrete retaining walls damming water followed immediately by discharging all of the water downstream in pipes” says Borden. “We have been working with multiple jurisdictions with this new approach throughout the Southeast. As the economic leader of the South, Fulton County needs to push to be the environmental leader as well.” Borden’s experience can bring that leadership to Fulton.

LID allows for greater development potential with less environmental impacts through the use of smarter designs and advanced technologies that achieve a better balance between conservation, growth, ecosystem protection, and public health / quality of life
LID has numerous benefits and advantages over conventional stormwater and erosion control management approaches. In short, it is a more environmentally sound technology and a more economically sustainable approach to addressing the adverse impacts of urbanization. By managing runoff close to its source though intelligent site design, LID can enhance the local environment, protect public health, and improve community livability all while saving developers and local governments money. The need for such an approach has never been greater.

As a regulator, we can use LID to address a wide range of Wet Weather Flow issues, including Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Phase II permits, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) permits, Nonpoint Source Program goals, and other Water Quality Standards. Fulton County can use LID as a model in revising local zoning and subdivision regulations in favor of more cost-effective, ecologically sound development practices.

Overall, this new, innovative approach is a win-win situation that the current Supervisors can’t or won’t bring to the table.

- It looks better
- It costs less
- It is better for the environment
- In this time of drought, it provides stormwater benefits, such as groundwater recharge and cleaner streams, but they also increase the urban forest, reduce the urban heat island, improve air quality, reduce thermal stream pollution, enhance the appearance of a community, provide a stronger sense of place, etc.

- It is more aesthetically pleasing
This is the type of new idea that only Borden will bring to the table.

Borden has extensive experience in soil and water management issues in Fulton County and throughout the Southeast. A graduate of the University of Georgia, he holds a masters degree from Georgia Tech. He is an acknowledged leader in the industry and is the recipient of several business and environmental awards. He serves in leadership roles in several non-profit, environmental and business organizations.

Borden concluded, “I will bring fresh new ideas and strong leadership to the Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District for the benefit of all Fulton County residents.”

For further information on the Wilson Borden for Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor campaign, please visit the website http://bordenforsoilandwater.com/.

Crooked Creek May Become Gated Community

By DOUG NURSE / www.ajc.com

Friday, October 31, 2008

The city of Milton is talking with the Crooked Creek subdivision about whether to abandon city-owned roads inside the large neighborhood and allowing Crooked Creek to become a gated community.

A meeting between officials with the city and the subdivision on Thursday didn’t result in any decisions, although the city is considering lessening requirements for privatizing city streets.

The city currently requires that 100 percent of all residents in the subdivision agree to pay for future maintenance of the streets if the city abandons them to the subdivision. Crooked Creek residents say that’s unrealistic and point out that some cities have much lower requirements. City staff members will poll other cities to see what their requirement actually are.
Residents there want to limit access in and out of the 600-home subdivision because, they say, their streets often serve as a cut-through for traffic from Ga. 9 to Frances Road.

When subdivision officials initially approached the city last summer, they wanted the city first to refurbish the roads in the subdivision, which would have cost $700,000. The city balked, although it is doing some regularly scheduled maintenance in Crooked Creek.

If the city abandons the roads and subdivision becomes a gated community, Crooked Creek would become responsible for maintaining the roads.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Set for New School In Milton

by Candy Waylock / Appen Newspapers

October 28, 2008 The public is invited to the groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. for the new elementary school opening in August 2009 on Birmingham Highway in Milton.Although site work already has begun, the ceremony allows school system officials, civic leaders and community members to gather and celebrate its construction. The public is invited to view architectural designs and hear about the school's planned features. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes with low heels due to gravel and possibly some muddy areas on the construction site. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be postponed until Nov. 13 at 1 p.m.Designed to house up to 850 students in kindergarten through fifth grade, the new school is part of the capital programs effort in the Fulton School System, all funded through the through the one-percent educational sales tax, SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax).Redistricting meetings to determine attendance zones for the new elementary schools, as well as existing schools in the area impacted by the opening, begin this week. Final attendance zones will be approved by the school system in the spring.

Floating Road Issue Deferred 90 Days In Milton

by Jason Wright / Appen Newspapers

October 28, 2008 MILTON - Crabapple land owner Sally Rich-Kolb is planning on expanding her businesses on Mid-Broadwell Road in March, but she'd got a big problem.Before she can move one speck of dirt, Rich-Kolb has got to give some right-of-way to the city so it can build a connector street from Broadwell to Mid-Broadwell roads called for in the 2005 Crabapple Master Plan. The road will connect to a future street from Mayfield to Mid-Broadwell Road for which the city has GDOT approval.Rich-Kolb verbally agreed to the land swap when the 2005 plan was being crafted, and said if she ever wanted to expand to the 12,800 square feet of retail allowed for her property she'd dedicate the land.Rich-Kolb is not alone.

Two other neighbors in the area agreed to the swap, too, to help ease congestion in the area.But here's the problem: As it stands now, the required right-of-way would be about 50 feet. That significantly changes her building plans and is more than she expected to give up. What's more, due to the complexities of building roads in an area with a state highway and this year's economy, no one is even sure that the road will actually need to be built or that funding will be OK'd.So Rich-Kolb could be faced with a situation where she builds using a more expensive plan, then gets the land back."The cost is the main issue. It makes more sense to me to have the road first," she said. "You don't know if you have the money and you don't know if it's placed right," she said.

Milton's City Council agreed. They voted 6-0 to defer the decision on the zoning modification needed for Rich-Kolb to build at the Oct. 20 meeting. Mayor Joe Lockwood abstained, as his wife rents property from Rich-Kolb in Crabapple.

Former Design Review Board Chairman Buck Bell, who has been heavily involved in Crabapple's planning, spoke partly on Rich-Kolb's behalf. He said what originally was a planned split between three landowners now appears to be rest solely on her shoulders."I think Sally's got kind of a mess that's been handed to her," said Bell. "This is a loophole I don't think she meant to step into. The plan was to build the road in conjunction with her construction — there would be nothing worse than to develop, donate, then get back land you can't use."

Public Works Director Dan Drake said the road was fully consistent with the Master Plan. However, he said other road plans in the area that are state funded and OK'd have impacted it. As such, research was needed."It sounds like the road alignment shifted and now has impacted the community," said Councilman Bill Lusk.Councilwoman Karen Thurman agreed."In the ideal situation we would know whether we needed the road and where it would go," she said. "But I hate putting her on hold for a year."Rich-Kolb agreed to a deferral of about 90 days."This may benefit you more greatly if you allow us to take a look at it," said Mayor Pro Tem Tina D'Aversa, who presided over the meeting.

October 25, 2008

Milton Halloween Nights...at The Mad Italian Restaurant was a great success! Many folks turned out in their best costume to enjoy some great Italian food while supporting Milton's Public Safety Department. Many thanks to judges Chuck Campbell and Jan Fowler, The Mad Italian Restaurant, and all those who came. Enjoy some great pictures from the event below!

Saturday Night Is THE HALLOWEEN NIGHT IN MILTON!

For those who dare, your last night awaits on Saturday, October 25th - 6pm to 9pm!At The Mad Italian, your final requests shall be heard among ghouls, goblins, witches, and ghosts - some young, some old, and some even cold!Your Concluding Menu Offers:Dinner for a Family of Four only $51.00(additional kids meals can be purchased for 4.50 each)Includes.....FREE munchie bar for the family from 6 to 8 PM Each Adult receives: Pasta dinnerHouse salad, choice of dressingGarlic breadOne Dessert to share Two drinks per adult from the bar (beer or wine) Each child receives: Kid's meals ( from the kid's menu)Soft drink beveragesCookie(Tax and gratuity not included - in house promotion only, no carry outbags.)Please RSVP by October 20th to tracey@maditalian.comSo come one and all to the first annual Milton Halloween Nights dressed in your best costumefor good food, good fun, and good people!

Milton Council Looks At Noise Ordinance

by Jason Wright / Appen Newspapers

October 22, 2008MILTON - The cries of Bethany Creek residents sick of noise coming from nearby Montana's Bar and Grill on Ga. 9 reached City Council again Oct. 13.Montana's, which hosts live music and karaoke in a converted Ace Hardware greenhouse, backs up to the neighborhood. Residents have routinely complained to council about the noise. They've called Fulton and Milton police regularly every weekend for nearly four years, and Montana's was fined for the first time in July.Despite meetings between residents and Montana's owner Cary Eubanks, the situation continues.

At the work session, acting City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, who helped craft the city's noise law in his capacity as Public Safety director last April, brought up the possibility of tweaking portions pertaining to amplified music to try and appease citizens.He also mentioned there have been complaints about Milton High School's noise during football season. The school is exempt from the ordinance for games. Those calls and e-mails have gone down, though, he said - it's now just one consistent complainer."However, I want to caution us that we don't change a law just to deal with one issue," said Lagerbloom.

Lagerbloom said in discussions with City Attorney Ken Jarrard it became clear restricting certain types of amplified noises wasn't the best way to fix the problem. Instead, it was a better plan to simply change the decibel levels allowable at certain times.As it stands now, Milton's ordinance states that noise cannot exceed 65 decibels in a person's property before 10 p.m. After then until to 7:30 a.m., that level drops to 60, about the level of common speech from a foot away.

It's a conservative law, said Lagerbloom."Our decibels are lower than any of the cities that surround us," he said. Councilwoman Karen Thurman asked how much over the ordinance Montana's Bar and Grill was during all these calls from residents."I can tell you he's right on the line," said Lagerbloom. "There must be a tape mark on the amplifier. It is consistently at the highest allowable decibel level for that particular time of day."

Lagerbloom said he and former City Manager Billy Beckett had a meeting with Eubanks, but the mediation was not successful.Councilwoman Tina D'Aversa said she thought since the complaints were limited to basically two buildings, figuring out a solution to those problems without changing the city-wide noise ordinance was a better idea. She proposed looking at zoning ordinances to catch the problem before it became protracted and creating a new set of rules for "outdoor entertainment."

"There's got to be a point where we put pressure that there will be a solution here," said Mayor Joe Lockwood.Councilman Burt Hewitt suggested taking the fact that Milton was looking at changing the ordinance to something "he wouldn't be able to do business with" back to Eubanks for that pressure.Councilwoman Julie Zahner Bailey wanted to know if the law could be tweaked simply because Montana's is so close to residences. In other parts of the city that's not a problem, she said.The spectre of uncertainty that looms over the issue, said Jarrard, is the "law of unintended consequences."

"Do we know the outcome of lowering the ordinance 10 or 15 decibels?" he asked. "I'll tell you right here I do not. I'm not used to a restaurant playing a game of chicken with the local jurisdiction to see who blinks first."

Lagerbloom said he would bring forward the same ordinance with a new drop of ten decibels for night time noise.

Ga. 9 Residents Speak Their Minds In Milton

by Jason Wright /

October 22, 2008 MILTON - Crooked Creek resident Mark Hanley was worried. With most of the talk in Milton City Hall seemingly centered around sewer, planning in Crabapple and fussing in council chambers, Hanley was afraid his portion of Milton had been left behind."I don't hear anything about Ga. 9," he said. "It's almost as if that area has been punted."

Council members Tina D'Aversa and Alan Tart, who represent almost all of Ga. 9 in districts 5 and 6 respectively, want to make sure that fear is averted. And so it was Oct. 16 that the two hosted an open house at City Hall for and about the citizens of the Ga. 9 corridor, Milton's most populated region.D'Aversa said last year - the city's first - she and mayor Joe Lockwood met with at least 12 home owners associations in the Ga. 9 corridor. This year she simply didn't have the time, so a big meeting seemed like the best plan. Throw in the fact that she and Tart had been discussing the idea of holding just such a meeting for their constituents, and voila.

"The purpose of tonight's meeting is to tell us what you want to see on Ga. 9," she said to the roughly 30 people in attendance. "We can't fight the development, it's going to happen. But we can decide how we develop starting right here tonight."And tell they did. In an informal setting residents spoke with each other, Tart and D'Aversa, Councilwoman Julie Zahner Bailey (the only other council member in attendance) and staff members, who made short presentations. Lockwood was in Florida, and couldn't make it.Topping the list was a clear, concise vision for Ga. 9 — regardless of how much land is actually left to develop. As such, a Ga. 9 design guidelines citizens group may get off the ground as early as the end of November.

Community Development Director Alice Wakefield put it best."Even if there's no vacant land, you can always have redevelopment," she said. "And you need those guidelines around beforehand."

With the list of residents' ideas in hand, D'Aversa and Tart pledged another meeting after all of council has the ability to look at the results.That suited Hanley fine. He felt satisfied he'd been heard - especially on his hot button issue: Fulton County's former policy of property tax freezes.And though Hanley said he might not always see eye to eye with every elected official, "I'd never, ever go back to Fulton County."

Come On Out With Your Fellow Ghouls!

For those who dare, your last night awaits on Saturday, October 25th - 6pm to 9pm!At The Mad Italian, your final requests shall be heard among ghouls, goblins, witches, and ghosts - some young, some old, and some even cold!Your Concluding Menu Offers:Dinner for a Family of Four only $51.00(additional kids meals can be purchased for 4.50 each)Includes.....FREE munchie bar for the family from 6 to 8 PM Each Adult receives: Pasta dinnerHouse salad, choice of dressingGarlic breadOne Dessert to share Two drinks per adult from the bar (beer or wine) Each child receives: Kid's meals ( from the kid's menu)Soft drink beveragesCookie(Tax and gratuity not included - in house promotion only, no carry outbags.)Please RSVP by October 20th to tracey@maditalian.comSo come one and all to the first annual Milton Halloween Nights dressed in your best costumefor good food, good fun, and good people!

Comprehensive Plan Partial Update

On Nov. 3 the City Council will hold a public hearing for the Partial Update for the Comprehensive Plan. The preparation of the City's first Comp Plan was initiated in 2007. The Community Participation Program and the Community Assessment portions of the Plan have been successfully completed. The development of the final phase, the Community Agenda, is in progress. However, to address the pending deadline and allow for more time for completion of the Community Agenda, the City has agreed to complete a Partial Plan Update. It is the belief of the Department of Community Affairs and the Atlanta Regional Commission that a Partial Plan Update would move the City toward greater local control and self-determination. The partial update will serve as a "bridge" between the Focus Fulton 2025 (adopted by the City of Milton in 2006) and the new plan underway. The partial plan is essentially a repackaging of work already completed as part of the Community Assessment. By submitting the partial update, additional time is provided to prepare the full Comp Plan thoughtfully and allowing it to clearly represent the City's vision.

The Partial Plan Update is available on the City's Web site and it is also available for review at City Hall.

Gravel Reconstruction

For this project the Public Works Department will be replacing driveway pipes and under-road pipes as well as applying a dust abatement treatment. They will also add gravel to each road, minimizing drainage issues.

Lastly, the first 100 feet of each gravel road will be paved allowing a smooth transition from nearby paved roads.

Portions of the following four roads are scheduled to be reconstructed as needed:

1. Nix Road from Birmingham Hwy to Freemanville Road, 0.92 miles.
2. Summit Road from Cowart Road to Freemanville Road, 0.82 miles.
3. Cowart Road from Providence Road to Freemanville Road 0.07 miles.
4. Brittle Road from Bethany Road to Redd Road, 0.78 miles.

Resurfacing Projects

Portions of the following roads are scheduled to be resurfaced and patched as needed:

1. Creek Club Drive from SR 9 to Wolf Willow Close, 0.36 miles.
2. Thompson Road from Hopewell Road to Francis Road, 1.86 miles. **Please note that Thompson Road may only be patched in October and would then be resurfaced later this year.**
3. Bell Park Road from Thompson Road to Park Entrance to dead end, 0.29 miles.
4. White Columns Drive from Freemanville Road to Hampton Bluff Drive, 0.4 miles.
5. Treyburn Manor View from White Columns Drive to dead end, 0.6 miles.
6. Onagh Court from Glendlough Court to dead end, 0.16 miles.
7. Kilgarron Court from Powers Court Ave to Powers Court Ave., 0.11 miles.
8. Hopewell Crest from Hopewell Plantation Drive to dead end, 0.29 miles
9. Alicia Way from Hopewell to dead end, 0.1 miles.

City Wide Resurfacing & Gravel Reconstruction Projects Begin

The City's first two infrastructure projects began on Oct. 20. Both projects represent an investment greater than $800,000 into our roadway infrastructure. Please be alert for construction activity on the roadways listed below and be mindful of any workers on the road.
"While the City's budget for road improvements is somewhat limited, we have selected roads that need work the most based on a standard rating system," said Public Works Director Dan Drake. "The Pavement Condition Index, or PCI, gives roads a rating of 1 to 100-with 100 being excellent-and this year we chose to work on local roads with a rating of 30 or below. This will ensure that citizens see the maximum road improvement from their tax dollars."These projects are expected to be completed by Nov. 15. Work on each road will be done during weekday business hours, with start times as early as 8 A.M. and ending no later than 6 P.M.

Click here to see the 2008 Road Improvements Map

So, What Is Your Costume Going to Be?

For those who dare, your last night awaits on Saturday, October 25th - 6pm to 9pm!At The Mad Italian, your final requests shall be heard among ghouls, goblins, witches, and ghosts - some young, some old, and some even cold!Your Concluding Menu Offers:Dinner for a Family of Four only $51.00(additional kids meals can be purchased for 4.50 each)Includes.....FREE munchie bar for the family from 6 to 8 PM Each Adult receives: Pasta dinnerHouse salad, choice of dressingGarlic breadOne Dessert to share Two drinks per adult from the bar (beer or wine) Each child receives: Kid's meals ( from the kid's menu)Soft drink beveragesCookie(Tax and gratuity not included - in house promotion only, no carry outbags.)Please RSVP by October 20th to tracey@maditalian.comSo come one and all to the first annual Milton Halloween Nights dressed in your best costumefor good food, good fun, and good people!

Braeburn Plan Cleared For Construction by Corps In Milton

by Jason Wright / Appen Newspapers

October 16, 2008 Milton's director of Community Development, Alice Wakefield, said the city has been told by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods satisfied the requirements to lift a stop-work order issued in May for it's Braeburn development in Crabapple.The notification came in mid-September, she said. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, financial mitigation on the project could reach up to $200,000.The developer had been under fire since May 5 for a $1 million, 18-foot retaining wall built in the middle of an unnamed stream that empties into Chicken Creek running through the development.

The 61-acre site is planned for 94 residential properties and 33,000 square feet of retail."It was determined that the wall was not in violation," said Wakefield. Jennifer Small, a spokeswoman for the Corps, said the problem was in the process to erect the wall — Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods hadn't followed the proper one. In a compromise, the developer offered an alternative site analysis that the Corps deemed to have the "best environmental impact," which included the wall.Thus, a settlement agreement dated Aug. 25 allowed Wieland to impact 180 feet of the stream, said Small.Another wall built in a stream – outside state and federal concern but important to Milton — was granted a variance by the city's Board of Zoning Appeals in mid-May after members expressed concern that removing the structure would further damage the waterways.

As part of the variance allowing that wall to stand, it has to be faced with brick. In addition, John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods paid $15,000 in silt removal at Six Hills neighborhood's pond, which was affected by the construction."[To have the stop-work order lifted] Wieland was required to submit a revised plan that matched what was on site," Wakefield said. "In addition a new hydrology study, which included a water quality component outside of the pond, was approved by the Corps of Engineers and EPD and reviewed by Milton."

Kevin Chambers of the Georgia EPD said the exact details of the requirements will not be revealed until John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods and the EPD both sign the consent order between them."We are very happy to be moving ahead with Braeburn and look forward to building in the city of Milton," said Jennifer Nilsson, director of corporate marketing for John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods. "We believe that Braeburn will be an exciting new destination with its mixture of great homes, club amenities and conveniently adjacent office and professional suites."

Milton Council OKs Sewer Permits

by Jason Wright / Appen Newspapers

October 16, 2008 MILTON -

In a vote that matched exactly the contentious one Sept. 15, Milton's City Council gave the green light for building permits to parcels granted sewer in the service delivery map it approved three weeks prior.That means if the land was included in the sewerable portions of the approved map and you have a sewer permit from Fulton County, you're OK to move forward with the city.Only Fulton County sewer permits dated before Oct. 6 will be honored. Anything past that date will be used as leverage to have Fulton County work with the city on ironing out the differences in their sewer plans.

No intergovernmental agreement (IGA) for sewer service has been reached between the bodies.If the agenda item sounds like housekeeping, well, it was — on a decision council members Alan Tart, Tina D'Aversa and Julie Zahner Bailey fought bitterly.They voted against this measure as well, as it carried out the decision for sewerage they opposed and moved forward without an IGA. They were defeated again."The passing of the map was a threshold," said City Attorney Ken Jarrard, who brought the item to council. "It is not official public policy [because the IGA has not been worked out yet], but it was the will of the council. That's all I have to go on."

Originally, the item was supposed to be only for Braeburn in Crabapple, a 61-acre mixed used development where work was stopped in early May due to concerns a wall was built in the middle of federally and state-protected waters. However, the state Environmental Protection Division found in mid-September the wall was not in violation and building could continue

"Braeburn needs the permits for it's commercial portions, because it has tenants who wanted to walk," said Community Development Director Alice Wakefield.The company also wanted to build four model homes on the site and has sewer lines already in the ground from Fulton County, she said.A majority of council asked that the Braeburn permit item be expanded to all parcels included on previously embattled sections of the map so as to increase efficiency. Zahner Bailey opposed such a "global" decision."Braeburn meets the criteria, but what about the others?" she asked. "Urgency for one development doesn't mean urgency for all. There is a tangible leap from Braeburn to this blanket approach."

Councilwoman Karen Thur-man disagreed."We're wasting a tremendous amount of money and staff time," she said. "It's costing us taxpayer money every time we discuss this."

Tart summed it up best."Could we possibly vote against the map but for this?" he asked. "Basically it's the same vote as the 15th."The item to authorize the permits was then voted in 4-3.

Milton Finds New Interim City Manager

by Jason Wright / Appen Newspapers

October 16, 2008 MILTON -

According to city's communication's department, Milton City Council will vote Oct. 20 on making 31-year government veteran Mortimer Smedley its interim City Manager.Due to publishing deadlines, the outcome of that vote is not known. Please visit www.northfulton.com for a full run down of the meeting's events.Smedley spent 18 years as municipal manager of the borough of Lehighton, Penn., then nine as County Administrator for Carbon County, which is also in Pennsylvania. He finished his career with a two-year stint in Maryland as County Administrator for St. Mary's County, where he oversaw a more than $100 million budget and oversaw more than 600 employees.He spent three years in the Navy and more than 30 in the Army Reserves.Interestingly, the semi-retired Smedley most recently spent the last eight years at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution in Ft. Pierce Fla.

There he worked with research scientists as 2nd mate on the Seward Johnson II throughout the Atlantic Ocean, Adriatic Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Carribean.Smedley will likely replace acting City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, who is the city's director of Public Safety. Lagerbloom stepped in for the second time after former City manager Billy Beckett, a 30-year government veteran, tendered his resignation in late August, citing tensions with a minority of council members.

Beckett joined Milton in late April, ending Lagerbloom's first fill in period. The director previously served as city manager for eight months starting in August 2007 after Milton's first captain, Aaron Bovos, resigned following the city's failure to apply for an insurance premium tax kickback. He now works as deputy city administrator in Roswell.

Fulton 911 Response To Sept 22 Call Under Scrutiny

By D.L. BENNETT / www.ajc.com

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Authorities are investigating the Fulton County 911 center’s handling of a Sept. 22 car wreck that left a 21-year-old woman dead.

An ambulance didn’t arrive for about 45 minutes after somebody placed a non-emergency call to the 911 center about a car on the side of the road in North Fulton County.

Milton and Fulton County officials who reviewed the case said Thursday that 911 operators and emergency crews probably handled the call properly.

Erika Blood of Alpharetta, who was studying business office management at Lanier Technical College in Oakwood, died Sept. 24 from injuries sustained in the early morning, single-vehicle wreck on Bethany Bend Road in Milton.

The incident has been turned over to consultants who are already reviewing operations of Fulton’s 911 center in the wake of an Aug. 2 operator’s error that delayed help to a Johns Creek woman who later died. Their report is due out next month.

Officials said police didn’t arrive on the scene for more than 20 minutes after the original call because the call came in as non-emergency — a vehicle on the side of the road with its lights on rather than a serious car crash with injuries.

Roberto Hernandez, Fulton’s deputy county manager who oversees 911 operations, said there was an initial delay of “a few minutes” while call takers and dispatchers tried to decide whether the incident occurred in Milton or Alpharetta. The incident was reported on a cellphone, not a land line that can be tracked to a specific address, he said.

Chris Lagerbloom, Milton’s public safety director, said nearly 10 minutes elapsed before the city finally got the call and dispatched help. More than 10 additional minutes went by before a city police officer arrived at the accident scene.

Lagerbloom said the response time was acceptable for a non-emergency call in the early morning hours of a rural community. The officer who arrived first found two seriously injured persons – Blood and an unidentified passenger — prompting an ambulance to finally be sent, officials said.

Both Lagerbloom and Hernandez said they had reviewed the tapes and reports several times and could find no serious error in what happened. Hernandez said Fulton could have resolved whether the wreck happened in Alpharetta or Milton quicker and an ambulance could have been sent on the original call just in case.

“It’s always better to send someone. You can always call them back,” Hernandez said.

Blood’s father, Bill Blood of Alpharetta, declined comment when contacted Thursday night.
Since Oct. 1, Milton’s 911 calls have been handled through the Alpharetta 911 center, not Fulton County.

An Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation of the Fulton County 911 center found more than 1,100 disciplinary actions taken against center employees over five years as well as chronic problems with tardiness, absenteeism and other issues that often led to potentially dangerous mistakes.

— Staff writer Chandler Brown contributed to this report.

Identity Theft Protection Shred Day In Milton

Posted by: johnheid

Event Date(s): Wednesdays, 11/5/2008
Time and Location: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Terry Mechling’s Allstate offices at 980 Birmingham Road, Suite 720, on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008
Contact Info: John Heid
Protecting the Public: Milton Allstate Insurance Agency, Shredderman Document Destruction Service to Co-Sponsor ID Theft Shred Day on Nov. 5, 2008

MILTON, Ga., – An Identity Theft Shred Day, co-sponsored by the Terry Mechling Allstate Agency and Shredderman Document Destruction Service, Inc., of Alpharetta will be held in the parking lot of Mechling’s Allstate offices at 980 Birmingham Road, Suite 720, on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008.

The event is open to individuals who want to shred personal information from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Shredderman will provide secure bins for drop off of materials that will be shredded at the company’s off-site facility in Alpharetta. Members of the Allstate Insurance Company will be on hand all day to answers questions about protecting yourself from identity theft.

“This event is a great way for Allstate and our Agency to give back to the community,” said Mechling. “People need a safe way to dispose of old, unneeded papers and records that may contain personal and financial information.”

“Shredderman Document Destruction Service is proud to partner with Terry and Allstate in this effort to protect our community,” said Mark Ray of Shredderman Document Destruction Service.

Modern technology has made our lives easier, but it has also made it easier for thieves to commit identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission estimated in September 2007 that about nine million Americans are the victims of identity theft annually.

If you ever become a victim of identity theft, would you know what to do to help restore your name? There are many issues that may need to be addressed, such as:

• Understanding your rights as a victim.
• Filling out paperwork, including police reports.
• Issuing a Fraud Alert to the three major credit bureaus, financial institutions and credit card companies, as well as the Social Security Administration, Department of Motor Vehicles, Federal Trade Commission, and U.S. Postal Service.
• Obtaining copies of your credit bureau reports and working with the three major credit bureaus to restore the accuracy of your credit history.

You can also get help if you become a victim. As this crime grows increasingly common, the amount of time it takes consumers to clear their credit can be significant. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s 2006 Identity Theft Report, issued in September 2007, 10% of all ID Theft victims need at least 55 hours to resolve their issues. The top five percent of that group need 130 hours or more.

The Federal Trade Commission reports that while more than half of victims did not have any out-of-pocket expenses in 2006, 10% of ID Theft victims paid $1,200 or more to correct their issues.

Some insurance companies, including Allstate Insurance Company, are offering identity restoration coverage. This type of coverage, often added for an additional fee to homeowners, renters and/or condominium insurance coverage, can provide customers access to identity restoration assistance and reimburse them for covered expenses incurred to help restore their identity.

While this coverage can help victims of identity theft recover their lives, it is still up to every individual to protect himself or herself. The following six tips can help make you less vulnerable to identity theft…

• Don’t carry unneeded credit cards.
• Cancel all unused, lost, or stolen credit card accounts immediately.
• Keep Social Security cards, birth certificates, and other personal documents in a secure lock box or safety deposit box. Don’t carry them, or duplicates, in a wallet.
• Check credit histories periodically and report any unauthorized activity.
• Keep careful track of all receipts. Store them in a safe place or destroy them before putting them in the trash.
• Do not give out Social Security numbers or other information to any person or company unless you are familiar with them and you have initiated the conversation.
For more information, visit www.allstate.com.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through approximately 14,700 exclusive Allstate agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. Encompass® and Deerbrook® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers. Customers can also access information about Allstate Financial Group products and services at myallstatefinancial.com.
###

Milton Halloween Nights Just One Week Away!!!

For those who dare, your last night awaits on Saturday, October 25th - 6pm to 9pm!At The Mad Italian, your final requests shall be heard among ghouls, goblins, witches, and ghosts - some young, some old, and some even cold!Your Concluding Menu Offers:Dinner for a Family of Four only $51.00(additional kids meals can be purchased for 4.50 each)Includes.....FREE munchie bar for the family from 6 to 8 PM Each Adult receives: Pasta dinnerHouse salad, choice of dressingGarlic breadOne Dessert to share Two drinks per adult from the bar (beer or wine) Each child receives: Kid's meals ( from the kid's menu)Soft drink beveragesCookie(Tax and gratuity not included - in house promotion only, no carry outbags.)Please RSVP by October 20th to tracey@maditalian.comSo come one and all to the first annual Milton Halloween Nights dressed in your best costumefor good food, good fun, and good people!

New Fulton 911 Probe

By Chris Camp @ October 16, 2008 2:42 AM / Wsb Radio

(WSB Radio) -- Fulton County and the City of Milton are investigating the handing of a call to the Fulton County 911 Center. It took 46 minutes to get an ambulance to a car wreck and one of the victims died two days later at the hospital.

It happened on September 22 in the city of Milton, a motorist reported the accident to Fulton 911 at 3:40 a.m. He could only tell them there was a car off the road with it's lights on and it looked like and accident may have just happened.

The 911 dispatcher called Rural Metro Ambulance and notified them, but their dispatcher questioned whether it may be just a stalled car and didn't send anyone. and recommended they call "Alpharetta 911" to respond. It was another 20 minutes before a Milton officer got to the scene and found 21 year old Erika Blood and her passenger comatose and seriously injured.
It was another 20 minutes, 46 minutes after the first call that the ambulance arrived on the scene and took both patients to the hospital. The director of Rural Metro Ambulance tells Channel Two Action News he has investigated the incident and now an ambulance will be dispatched every time there is a call and then called back if it's not needed.

He also says they changed their 911 service to the Alpharetta 911 center on October 1st. and haven't had any problems with calls since the change.

Important Reminder Of Tonight's (Thursday, October 16, 2008) Town Hall Meeting

Discussion Issues of Importance to Highway 9 Area Residents

October 16, 2008

Subject: Community Meeting
When: October 16, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Milton City Hall located at 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Building 100, Suite 107, Milton, GA 30004

Hi, everyone:

This is an important reminder that Council Member Tina D'Aversa and I will be hosting a community meeting tonight at 6:00 p.m. at Milton City Hall. Topics for discussion will include, but may not be limited to, the following:
Fulton County Property Tax Explanations
Crime Prevention
Community Planning for Highway 9
Traffic Management
Noise Control
Land use and zoning
Parks and Recreation
Please bring your questions and comments and join your neighbors in offering suggestions for improving this important area of our city. Although this meeting will be specific to the Highway 9 area, every citizen is welcome to attend and participate regardless of where you live in the city. It is vital to the future of Milton that you get involved and voice your opinions regarding these important issues. Feel free to forward this email to your neighbors. Council Member D'Aversa and I hope to see you at tonight's meeting. We both look forward to a constructive discussion.
Regards,

Alan Tart
Council Member, District 6 (At Large)
Milton, GA
AlanTart4Milton@comcast.net
678-464-8550 (cell)

Milton News From Julie Zahner Bailey - Council Person

Dear Milton Neighbors, Friends and Citizens -

I hope this newsletter finds you and your family well and enjoying this lovely time of year. This release includes:

Information regarding a Town Hall meeting hosted by Council members D'Aversa and Tart on Thursday, October 16th at 6:00 P.M. at City Hall. I encourage you to join me at this meeting which will provide an informal opportunity to ask questions and provide comments regarding particular concerns focused on the areas of District 5 and 6 including Highway 9. A special thanks to Council members D'Aversa and Tart for hosting this community exchange.

A quick summary of the results of our last Mayor and Council meeting on October 6th,
Highlights of a proclamation regarding two outstanding youth in our community - Zack and Thomas Eller -

An update on the Milton Grows Green (MGG) Committeeregarding MGG becoming an official committee of the City of Milton, and A listing of other upcoming meetings of interest.Please scroll down for details on each of these items.As always, one of my goals is to keep you informed and up to date on issues and opportunities facing our wonderful Milton community.Thank you for the opportunity to represent your interests and those of your family.

All my best - Julie Zahner Bailey

Town Hall Meeting at City Hall Thursday, October 16, 6:00 P.M.

Discussion re: District's 5 & 6 including Hwy. 9

I am pleased to invite you to attend a community discussion hosted by Council Member Tina D'Aversa and Council Member Alan Tart on Thursday, October 16 at 6:00 P.M. at City Hall. As you know each council member represents the entire City of Milton. Council member D'Aversa and Tart feel it is important to address some specific issues and concerns they are hearing from residents living in Districts 5 and 6. All residents are welcome to attend the discussion. I encourage you to join me at this meeting as every area of Milton has an impact on the whole of our collective community. Council members have received invitations to attend Homeowners Association Meetings in District 5 and District 6. In most instances, members of our city team should also attend these meetings to address questions and concerns. Therefore, a meeting centralized at City Hall on October 16 will allow citizens to join the city team for an informational discussion. The city staff representing Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Community Development, Public Safety and Finance will be on hand to discuss current matters and answer frequently asked questions. Topics for discussion will include but are not limited to:

Fulton County Property Tax Explanations
Crime Prevention
Community Planning for Highway 9
Traffic Management
Noise Control
Land use and zoning
Parks Plans

Please bring your questions and comments and join the team for this needed discussion. It is vital to the future of Milton that residents get involved and voice their opinions regarding important issues. You may feel free to forward this email to your neighbors. We hope to see you at this community gathering and look forward to a thoughtful discussion. Milton City Hall is located at 13000 Deerfield Parkway.
_______________________________

Results from October 6th Mayor & City Council Meeting

4-3 Vote to Approve Sewer extension despite No IGA with Fulton County
On Monday, October 6th, at the regularly scheduled Council meeting there was an agenda item related to the issue of sewer extension to certain properties in Crabapple and on Webb Road. Based on the 4-3 vote to approve the agenda item, it now provides sewer service approval to multiple properties despite there not being an approved IGA with Fulton County.

The specific agenda item #08-687, "Authorize the issuance of permits (LDP, building, CO, etc.) to those parcels reflected within the sewer delivery area map approved by City Council on September 15, 2008 as long as the applicant provides an approved sewer permit from Fulton County" was approved 4-3 with Mayor Lockwood, Karen Thurman, Bill Lusk and Burt Hewitt voting for the motion to approve sewer extension and Council members Tina D'Aversa, Julie Zahner Bailey and Alan Tart voting not to extend sewer to these parcels without an approved IGA.

The approval of this agenda item basically circumvented the need for an approved IGA with Fulton County thereby allowing sewer extension to certain properties as a follow-up to the September 15th vote to extend sewer to certain properties.
________________________________________

Milton Grows Green (MGG) Recognized as an Official City of Milton Committee

On Monday, October 6, 2008, Milton City Council unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the Milton Grows Green (MGG) Committee as an official city committee. Established with a Governing Board consisting of 13 volunteer citizens from across all districts and business partners, MGG will assist the city in identifying and implementing a variety of environmental activities. These include identifying and encouraging greener building practices, protecting natural resources, raising awareness through education, working towards a green designation for Milton and pursuing grants in coordination with other city and community initiatives. Milton Grows Green's mission is "advocating responsibly managed growth by conserving and protecting resources, while preserving Milton's heritage and natural landscape for future generations." Councilwoman Julie Zahner Bailey, who presented the resolution, initiated the idea of Milton "going green" in September 2007, and interested volunteers began meeting early this year, culminating in a variety of activities and specific projects.The projects already started by MGG include assuming coordination of the Adopt-A-Stream and Adopt-A-Road programs, assisting with the annual Rivers Alive Cleanup,and marking storm water drains throughout the city to help meet state requirements regarding water pollution reduction. The committee is also coordinating the implementation of a pilot recycling program at Bell Memorial Park and City Hall. MGG plans to roll out environmental education-related programs at local schools in Milton. The first pilot program is in progress at Hopewell Middle School. The committee is co-chaired by Milton residents Melissa Estes, Jack Lindon and Jon McPhail. Everyone interested in the committee's activities or in environmental issues is encouraged to contact MGG through miltongrowsgreen@earthlink.net. Please use this link to read a recent article regarding the Milton Grows Green (MGG) Committee from the 9/25/08 Milton Herald.

Milton News from Council Person Tina D'Aversa

MILTON NEWS

Note: You are receiving this note from me because you have asked to receive communication about the City of Milton. I am sending you this email because you have corresponded with me in the past or you have subscribed to my email newsletter.

Community Meeting October 16, 2008, 6:00 Milton City Hall

Dear Milton Neighbor,

I am pleased to invite you to attend a community discussion hosted by myself and council member Alan Tart.

As you know each council member represents the entire City of Milton. Council member Tart and I feel it is important to address some issues and concerns we are hearing from residents living in Districts 5 and 6. All residents are welcome to attend the discussion.

I have received invitations to attend Homeowners Association Meetings in District 5. In most instances, members of our city team should also attend these meetings to address questions and concerns. Therefore, a meeting centralized at City Hall on October 16 will allow citizens to join the city team for an informational discussion. The city staff representing Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Community Development,
Public Safety and Finance will be on hand to discuss current matters and answer frequently asked questions.

Topics for discussion will include but are not limited to
Fulton County Property Tax Explanations
Crime Prevention
Community Planning for Highway 9
Traffic Management
Noise Control
Land use and zoning
Parks Plans

Please bring your questions and comments and join the team for this needed discussion. It is vital to the future of Milton that residents get involved and voice their opinions regarding important issues. You may feel free to forward this email to your neighbors.

I hope to see you and look forward to a thoughtful discussion. Milton City Hall is located at 13000 Deerfield Parkway.


Tina D'AversaPreserving Milton
tinadaversa@bellsouth.net 678-242-2498

City Council Work Session

Milton City Council is having a work session Monday, October 13 at 6pm. Issues to be discussed include upcoming Public Works contract and the Milton Noise Ordinance. To find out more about the evening's agenda, please click here=>

http://www.agendapost.org/comga/council/10-13-2008-Agenda.pdf

Newsletter from Council Person Alan Tart

Subject: Community Meeting
When: October 16, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Milton City Hall located at 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Building 100, Suite 107, Milton, GA 30004

Dear Milton Neighbor:

I am pleased to invite you to attend a community discussion hosted by myself and Council Member Tina D'Aversa. As you know, each council member represents the entire City of Milton. Council member D'Aversa and I feel that it is important to address some issues and concerns we are hearing from residents living in Districts 5 and 6. All residents are welcome to attend the discussion. Like Council Member D'Aversa, I have received invitations to attend Homeowners Association Meetings in District 5 and 6. In most instances, members of our city team should also attend these meetings to address questions and concerns. Therefore, a meeting centralized at City Hall on October 16 will allow citizens to join the city team for an informational discussion. The city staff representing Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Community Development, Public Safety, and Finance will be on hand to discuss current matters and answer questions. Topics for discussion will include, but may not be limited to, the following:

Fulton County Property Tax Explanations
Crime Prevention
Community Planning for Highway 9
Traffic Management
Noise Control
Land use and zoning
Parks and Recreation

Please bring your questions and comments and join the team for this needed discussion. It is vital to the future of Milton that residents get involved and voice their opinions regarding important issues. Feel free to forward this email to your neighbors. Council Member D'Aversa and I hope to see you there. We both look forward to a thoughtful discussion.

Best regards,

Alan Tart
Council Member, District 6 (At Large)
Milton, GA
AlanTart4Milton@comcast.net
678-464-8550 (cell)

Sewer Issue Could Cost Milton $52,000

by Jason Wright / Appen Newspapers

Milton's divisive sewer issue has likely cost the city more than $52,000 in legal bills alone, according to billing statements and other information from the city's law firm, Cumming-based Jarrard and Davis. That's more than one-fifth of the total legal costs of $276,167.The total includes the bills for September, the last month in fiscal year 2008. Jarrard and Davis has preliminary figures of $20,805 with a sewer item of $4,460. August's projected bill of $26,193.83, with a sewer allotment of $4,120.56, has not been passed by council.

At the city's hourly rate of $150 an hour, the total equals 360 hours on the issue - 15 days.The vote on the sewer service delivery map and intergovernmental agreement Sept. 15 was split bitterly, eventually coming down to a 4-3 vote after hours of discussion and research into the matter.Mayor Joe Lockwood and council members Karen Thurman, Bill Lusk and Burt Hewitt passed the map, with Julie Zahner Bailey, Tina D'Aversa and Alan Tart in opposition. Those three called the vote "sewer expansion."Fulton and Milton are now working on the map to smooth out some parcels left off Milton's version, which could increase the total cost, as well.

Since April, when the issue really began heating up — a $17,505 sewer bill out of a $38,062 total — Milton has steadily increased its legal bills.And the bills aren't all sewer. In July, sewer made up $12,975 of the total $43,962 bill. It was followed by billboard litigation at nearly $9,000.City Manger Billy Beckett, who left office Sept. 23 citing tensions with the three members who voted against the map, said the skyrocketing bills were due partly to increased use by council, who were trying to better acquaint themselves with the many issues the city is facing.City Attorney Ken Jarrard said he routinely talks to several different council members based on the issue at hand and that no one member or faction is more active than others.

For instance, he said most of the sewer cost came from simply the sheer amount of work needed to parse through the history of sewer in North Fulton, which included research into every parcel's vested property rights."My instructions were to get that right," he said. "Those findings were scrutinized by the whole council, and we're working with a battery of Fulton's lawyers.

"It is a big issue and truly a labor of love."Beckett said as Milton is a new entity, there is no internal policy on how the lawyer will be used, which leads to individual phone and e-mail communication. However, Jarrard and Davis' bills show research into specific issues and preparation and participation in City Council meetings dwarfed the time spent talking with individual council members.In a budget meeting Sept. 15, Beckett suggested one way to keep costs down was to introduce some sort of filtering system."If council feels calling and e-mailing the city attorney is the best way to go, that's fine," he said in another interview. "But the city needs to prepare for that use. [Jarrard and Davis] are selling a professional service, and you can't expect the attorney to be involved and not expect compensation."

Lockwood said he's "working on taking care of things" so the legal budget doesn't get out of hand next year, as well."The city attorney works for council and council needs a lot of advice," he said.For his part, Jarrard — whose firm works with a number of governments throughout north Georgia, including Forsyth County — said he has not worked in a jurisdiction where the information was filtered through a single source.To cover the costs, Milton had to bump up its fiscal year 2008 legal fee allocation from $180,000 to $300,000. Last year, the city had to make a similar move after legal fights involving annexation and other unforeseen circumstances blew past the original budget.For 2009, City Manager Billy Beckett originally set aside $250,000, but that was knocked down to $180,000 when the budget passed Sept. 15."We have unusual legal costs," said Beckett. "But we may have unusual circumstances."

Greenhouse Zoning Case Wilts In Court

By DOUG NURSE / www.ajc.com

Friday, October 10, 2008

The state Supreme Court has handed the city of Milton a victory in a controversial zoning case involving orchid greenhouses.

The justices on Oct. 3 declined without comment to hear the appeal of orchid growers Don and Sue Baker. The Bakers had hoped the court would reverse the city’s denial of two setback variances they requested to build additional greenhouses.

On Feb. 6, the Bakers applied for variances, which were denied by the city. The Bakers argued that their property was zoned agricultural and this use fit. They also argued they had a vested right to add additional greenhouses because they had bought the property before the city was incorporated Dec. 1, 2006.

Neighbors howled that the additional greenhouses would make the area look too industrial.

Newsletter From Council Person Tina D'Aversa

Community Meeting October 16, 2008, 6:00 Milton City Hall

Dear Milton Neighbor,

I am pleased to invite you to attend a community discussion hosted by myself and council member Alan Tart.

As you know each council member represents the entire City of Milton. Council member Tart and I feel it is important to address some issues and concerns we are hearing from residents living in Districts 5 and 6. All residents are welcome to attend the discussion.

I have received invitations to attend Homeowners Association Meetings in District 5. In most instances, members of our city team should also attend these meetings to address questions and concerns. Therefore, a meeting centralized at City Hall on October 16 will allow citizens to join the city team for an informational discussion. The city staff representing Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Community Development, Public Safety and Finance will be on hand to discuss current matters and answer frequently asked questions.

Topics for discussion will include but are not limited to

Fulton County Property Tax Explanations
Crime Prevention
Community Planning for Highway 9
Traffic Management
Noise Control
Land use and zoning
Parks Plans

Please bring your questions and comments and join the team for this needed discussion. It is vital to the future of Milton that residents get involved and voice their opinions regarding important issues. You may feel free to forward this email to your neighbors.

I hope to see you and look forward to a thoughtful discussion. Milton City Hall is located at 13000 Deerfield Parkway.


Tina D'AversaPreserving Milton
tinadaversa@bellsouth.net 678-242-2498


Milton's Vision Adopted by the City Council and Endorsed by Citizen Survey ResponsesIncorporated on December 1, 2006, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city's rural character. The City of Milton is committed to maintaining the unique quality of life for its constituents while efficiently delivering essential services to residents and businesses in an interactive community environment. For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us, or call 678-242-2500.
______________________________________________
You are receiving this newsletter as a service because you have expressed interest in City of Milton News, or I have received email correspondence from you. If you would like to continue to receive the newsletter, you need do nothing. If you have received this email in error, please click on the link below and you will be unsubscribed.

This newsletter is a service of Tina D'Aversa to inform Milton residents of items that may be of interest about the City of Milton. It is not intended to represent the City of Milton or opinions of other members of the City of Milton Council.

Paid for by Tina D'Aversa. No City of Milton Funds were used to distribute this message.

Emergency 911 Public Safety Dispatch Transition a Success

The City of Milton transition of the Emergency 911 and Public Safety Dispatching from the Fulton County Emergency Dispatch Center and Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to the City of Alpharetta Emergency Dispatch Center and PSAP on October 1, 2008, was success. All wired phones or "land lines" were changed through a programming process. Citizens that have these phones will not need to take any action. It is important to note that citizens who have VOIP (voice over internet protocol) service may need to take action. It is the responsibility of those users to notify their service provider and tell them of the change.

The information for the Alpharetta Public Safety E911 Dispatch Center and PSAP is as follows:

City of Alpharetta Dispatch Center

2565 Old Milton Parkway

Alpharetta, Georgia 30004

(678) 297-6300

Milton's Public Safety Department has been working to transition its dispatch center since its inception in May 2007. Thank you for your attention to this very important issue. Any questions, please contact the Milton Public Safety Department at 678.242.2570.

Judge To Decide Fate of 70 billboards in North Fulton

By DOUG NURSE / http://www.ajc.com/

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

A Superior Court judge is considering whether to order Fulton County or the new cities in north Fulton to let sign companies set up about 70 billboards in the area. County officials and city leaders are asking the judge to toss out the sign companies’ lawsuits.
Judge Melvin Westmoreland is reviewing motions for summary judgment and responses. A hearing date has not been scheduled.

It’s a heated issue in the new cities, whose self-images do not include a horizon full of billboards. For the billboard companies, a victory could mean millions of dollars.

The billboard companies have asked for 31 billboards in Johns Creek, 15 in Milton, 23 in Sandy Springs, three in Alpharetta and three in south Fulton. Johns Creek currently has one billboard, Milton none.

Several billboard companies filed for permits from Fulton County while the communities of Sandy Springs, Milton and Johns Creek were still unincorporated. Fulton County said no, but then the state Supreme Court threw out the county’s sign ordinance as unconstitutional.
The billboard companies filed suit against the county, saying the denials were based on bad law and they should get their permits. If the companies couldn’t get the permits, they wanted the county to pay them about $6 million to cover their lost revenue.

In the meantime, Sandy Springs residents voted to become a city, starting Dec. 1, 2005. The northeast part of the county became the city of Johns Creek and the far northern area became the city of Milton on Dec. 1, 2006.

In December, Fulton County negotiated a settlement in which the commissioners agreed to issue backdated permits. City officials hit the roof. Fearing a glut of billboards, city officials asked to become a part of the court case.

In their motion for a summary judgment, filed in August, the cities say Fulton County’s proposed settlement was out of bounds because it can’t issue permits for other jurisdictions. They also maintain there are other provisions of county law that cover the denial.
The billboard companies’ motion argues that the county ordinance was invalid and they should get their signs.

Check Out Accessalpharetta.com!

Wonder what is going on with our neighbor to the east? Then check out www.accessalpharetta.com today!

Milton Goes Ahead With Building Projects

Split city council agrees to expand sewer connections

By DOUG NURSE / www.ajc.com

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

A split Milton City Council on Monday decided that some building projects can connect to the Fulton County sewer system even though the city and the county don’t have a sewer agreement.
By a 4-3 vote, the council gave a green light to projects that already are in the works, that have letters from county telling them they can connect to sewer, and are within the defined sewer service area. The county provides sewer service to the city.

The issue is a big deal in Milton, which has used limiting sewer as a growth management tool. Many residents fear that sewer will bring density, which they say will ruin the agrarian atmosphere. Others maintain that the sewer will be contained to the few commercial areas on the edges, and that the city needs some commercial development for the tax revenue.

The City Council on Sept. 15, voted along the same 4-3 lines to approve a defined sewer service area and a proposed agreement with the county. Fulton County is still reviewing the agreement.
Opponents on Monday argued the council was being hasty in allowing construction to proceed, especially without an agreement with the county.

Supporters said the parcels in question were in the area previously approved by the county, that the sewer issue has consumed much staff time and drained financial resources, and it was time to make a decision.

Email News From Council Person Julie Zahner Bailey

Dear Friends, Neighbors and Milton Citizens -

Fall is here and our Milton community had many terrific events to ring in this wonderful season. Everything from the Crabapple Antique and Arts Festival, to Hands on Atlanta efforts at Northwestern Middle School, the Crabapple Crossing Elementary Fall Festival, the Summit Hill Elementary Fall Spruce-up to our Annual Rivers Alive event focused on volunteerism and the need to clean up our local waterways. All of these events and more contribute to the great community now defined as Milton. It is a blessing to be a part of such a wonderful community.

On October 1st our Public Safety department in conjunction with the City of Alpharetta positively and smoothly transitioned our 911 Dispatch Service from Fulton County to the Alpharetta Emergency Dispatch Center. We are blessed by the many men and women that help to keep Milton and North Fulton safe. Scroll down for details.

I would like to send a special thank-you to the scouts, families, students and citizens that pitched in to help increase the awareness of keeping our waterways clean while physically working very hard to clean up Chicken Creek, Little River at the Birmingham Parkland and the Birmingham Parkland itself while also placing storm drain markers in various neighborhoods. Please scroll down for details and photos from this year's Rivers Alive event.

Regarding upcoming meetings of the Mayor and Council, please view the list of meetings on the right margin of this update. On Monday, October 6th, we have a regularly scheduled Council meeting that includes several items of interest including Item #08-687, "Authorize the issuance of permits (LDP, building, CO, etc.) to those parcels reflected within the sewer delivery area map approved by City Council on September 15, 2008 as long as the applicant provides an approved sewer permit from Fulton County".

This agenda item relates to the issue of sewer extension to certain properties in Crabapple and on Webb Road and potentially will provide sewer service approval to multiple properties despite there not being an approved IGA with Fulton County. It is not yet clear which properties are intended for inclusion in this agenda item. I have concerns with a "blanket approval" to all properties approved for sewer extension given varied circumstances surrounding each property. For example, some properties have had EPA regulation issues, while others are at various stages of development while still others are not under development at all.

I also believe that an approved IGA should be required based on previous input from the City Attorney. This agenda item could circumvent the need for an approved IGA with Fulton County. If you have questions, concerns or comments about any item or issue facing Milton, please let us hear from you. Thank you for caring about your community and for being involved in all aspects of Milton. Every person does make a difference. I consider it an honor to be a part of this wonderful community.

All my best - Julie Zahner Bailey

Annual Rivers Alive Event A Success

I would like to send a special thank-you to the scouts, families, students and citizens that pitched in to help increase the awareness of keeping our waterways clean while physically working very hard to clean up our local waterways. This year's annual Rivers Alive event had more than 70 participants that pulled out old tires, metal bed springs, trash, old washing machines and more from Chicken Creek, Little River at the Birmingham Park and the Birmingham Parkland itself.

It is always an eye opening experience for young and old alike to see first hand the items that are dumped directly into our collective waterways and public lands. Also as a part of Rivers Alive, students and Girl Scouts helped to place storm drain markers in various subdivisions as part of the environmental education efforts to keep Milton's waterways clean as Milton continues to "grow green". These efforts will continue beyond this past weekend thanks to our wonderful youth volunteers and families. Way to go to the many volunteers that once again made such a difference.

City Meetings Tonight

Monday, October 6th, 2008

City Hall will be busy with activity tonight as there will be two meetings:

6pm - City Council Regular Meeting

Click here for agenda => http://www.agendapost.org/comga/council/10-06-2008-Agenda.pdf
Click here for packet=> http://www.agendapost.org/comga/council/10-06-2008-Packet.pdf

6:30pm - CPAC Meeting

Click here for agenda=> http://www.agendapost.org/comga/cpac/10-06-2008-CPAC-Agenda.pdf

For those who dare, your last night awaits on Saturday, October 25th - 6pm to 9pm!At The Mad Italian, your final requests shall be heard among ghouls, goblins, witches, and ghosts - some young, some old, and some even cold!Your Concluding Menu Offers:Dinner for a Family of Four only $51.00(additional kids meals can be purchased for 4.50 each)Includes.....FREE munchie bar for the family from 6 to 8 PM Each Adult receives: Pasta dinnerHouse salad, choice of dressingGarlic breadOne Dessert to share Two drinks per adult from the bar (beer or wine) Each child receives: Kid's meals ( from the kid's menu)Soft drink beveragesCookie(Tax and gratuity not included - in house promotion only, no carry outbags.)
Please RSVP by October 20th to tracey@maditalian.com
So come one and all to the first annual Milton Halloween Nights dressed in your best costumefor good food, good fun, and good people!

Missing Kitty on Bethany Road

All:

Bethany Road Nieghbors Rick and Laura Downs are missing a friend of the family; this beautiful black cat named Blackie. Any help you could provide in bringing this kitty home would be appreciated. Please contact The Downs at redowns@bellsouth.net or 770 667 0720.

Annual Rivers Alive Cleanup Event

Presented byBailey Farm & Gardens, Inc.

Saturday, Oct. 4, 20088:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

255 Hickory Flat RoadMilton, GA 30004

Keep Our Waterways & City Clean!

Please join us for the annual Environmental Education and Cleanup event as we work together to clean up Little River, Chicken Creek, the parkland and more!We'll also be placing storm drain markers in some subdivisions. We'll gather at Bailey Farm & Gardens, (come anytime between 8 and 1). We'll have various opportunities to learn about water quality and the environment. Scouts, local Milton cluster schools and residents of all ages are teaming up again with our dedicated Community Partner in Education, Bailey Farm & Gardens, to help the local environment. It's best to register in advance, please contact us at:Baileyfarmandgardens@mindspring.com or our website 404-310-6344 (cell).

Everyone is welcome! We'll have the Fire Department on hand for some fire safety tips along with our fabulous Fire Clowns! Keep North Fulton Beautiful will be here to help with "Enviroscape" and rain barrel demonstrations. Some groups will go to other various predetermined locations and local waterways for specific cleanup activities. Smaller participants can stay at Bailey Farm & Gardens and walk and cleanup Little River as it is a safe waterway away from the road.What is Rivers Alive?Rivers Alive is a volunteer cleanup event that occurs in the fall and targets all waterways in the state of Georgia including streams, rivers, lakes, beaches and wetlands. The mission of Rivers Alive is to create awareness and involvement in the preservation of Georgia's water resources through waterway cleanups.Why should you get involved?Our waterways provide us with fresh drinking water, recreational activities, and a pleasant respite from our daily lives. This is an opportunity to give back to theenvironment.Use this link for a flyer to forward to others so they can participate in this fun, hands-on learning opportunity, julie4milton.com/riversalive

Volunteers Needed For Habitat in Milton

September 29, 2008 Volunteers are needed to help this week at Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia's North Fulton site, Centennial Village.If you are available this Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, contact Bettye Maye at 678-672-5220 or bmaye@habitat-ncg.org. Centennial Village is located off of Hwy 9 just north of the intersection of Hwy 9 & Windward Parkway.

Milton Bans All Burning

September 30, 2008 The City of Milton has issued a city-wide outdoor burn ban, effective immediately.Milton Fire Marshal Melissa Henderson issued the ban in response to the continuing drought and reduced water supply levels. Under terms of the ban, Milton residents must refrain from all outdoor burning, including open campfires and fires built for the burning of debris, until further notice. This ban will remain in effect until conditions improve and the Fire Marshal rescinds the order."It's important to remember that we're still experiencing a drought, which brings increased fire hazards," said Henderson. "I encourage every citizen to abide by this ban in an effort to prevent unnecessary water usage and fire hazards."

Exempted from the ban are the following:Training fires conducted under the direct control and supervision of qualified instructors at a training facility operated by a fire department or government entity.Fires for commercial outdoor cooking, and cooking for fairs and festivals. A water source capable of extinguishing the fire must be present, as well as an approved fire extinguisher.Liquid-fueled gas fire stoves, grills or lanterns.

To report burning violations, call Alpharetta/Milton Dispatch (non-emergency) at 678-297-6300.For additional information or if you have any questions, contact Melissa Henderson, City of Milton Fire Marshal, at 404-242-2500.