Please Be Mindful Of The Horses This Evening.

By Accessmilton.com

All:

Please be mindful of neighbors who have horses this evening. New Year's Eve
is a joyous occasion celebrated by many and it is well known that fireworks are a part of that.

However, horses are extremely frightened of loud noises; be it from fireworks or otherwise. Some horses have experiened stress so severely that they have heart attacks and die. To read more about one incident, please click here=>
http://miltonga.blogspot.com/2010/12/horses-and-fireworks-dont-mix.html

To read more about Milton GA's firework ordinance, please click here=>
http://miltonga.blogspot.com/2011/05/georgia-fire-works-laws.html

May 2012 bring you much happiness!

Milton fire, police receive donation grants.

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The non-profit Milton Public Safety Fund recently donated nearly $6,000 to Milton’s public safety departments.

A $3,500 grant was made to purchase a Stairmaster Stepmill, which will be used both by police officers and firefighters during daily workouts and to conduct annual fitness and new candidate assessments. Another grant, for $2,375, was made to the Milton Police Department to purchase gun range safety kits for 33 officers.

Since the group’s inception in 2007, the MPSF has donated more than $19,000 to the city’s fire and police departments.

So, What Toys Did You Get For Christmas?

Santa Conquers The Martians!

A campy, Christmas Classic. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Black Eye Friday: Shoppers throw punches over new Air Jordans.

Courtesy www.waff.com

PINEVILLE, NC (WBTV) – Dozens of police officers had to break up fights and restore order at a local mall while shoppers were waiting for an overnight sale of a popular basketball shoe.

SLIDESHOW

Click here to view more photos from two malls where the shoes were released The disturbance started inside Carolina Place Mall just after 5am. Witnesses said as mall officials opened the mall doors, crowds of people pushed their way in.

"They almost took the door off the hinges," one shopper who didn't want to be identified said, "there were women with babies in their hands and they on their backs."

Shoppers were in line waiting for the re-release of the Air Jordan XI Concord tennis shoe at Foot Locker, Finish Line and Downtown Locker Room.

Outside the Foot Locker on the second floor, witnesses said some shoppers started jumping the line, then a crowd of people at the back of the line forced their way to the front, causing several people to get angry and become unruly.

"People were falling, I had to jump over a girl, it was crazy," Dominique Brewer said.

Two women were even spotted throwing punches. The incident was caught on camera by WBTV Photojournalist Corey Schmidt. Neither woman was arrested.

More than a two dozen officers from Pineville Police and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police were stationed inside the mall as the stores continued to make their sales.

"Overall, it was a successful event," Carolina Place Mall General Manager Susan Barwick said. When asked what happened to the women who were fighting, Barwick said she was unaware of any fights inside the mall.

Outside the mall, crews were cleaning up piles of debris and trash left behind by mall patrons.

At Northlake Mall, shoppers forced the mall doors open, taking the sliders off the hinges. "At 6:30, they were like, that's it, we're going to bust the doors down, they busted the doors down, everybody was falling and running, shoes everywhere," one witness said.

Police responded to the mall in a big way, sending 40 officers to the scene. One person was arrested and charged with resisting arrest, a police spokesperson said.

Other witnesses said mall security threatened to arrest more people if they did not leave the mall before it officially opened.

At SouthPark Mall, there were more reports of large crowds and an increased police presence, although no incidents or arrests were reported, police said.

Across the country, there were similar scenes of crowds forcing their way into malls. A YouTube video showed a group of people fighting outside a Brooklyn shoe store.

The crowd outside the Bobcats Store at Time Warner Cable Arena was not disruptive, but tensions ran high as only season ticket holders got first dibs at the new shoes. One lucky holder was scheduled to have a pair signed by Michael Jordan himself.

The Charlotte Bobcats did offer everyone who was outside the area a free pair of tickets to Friday's game against the Orlando Magic, which did not appease many who said they waited for hours.

On the social media website, Twitter, many users asked and questioned the appeal of the shoes that are valued at $180 a pair.

Twenty years ago, Nike teamed up with filmmaker Spike Lee and Michael Jordan and sent the brand into the sales stratosphere.

The shoes are so popular, collectors will fork over nearly 2 hundred dollars and never even wear them. Many just want the chance to own a piece of the Jordan empire.

Friday, it seemed, many were willing to do anything to get that chance.

So far, no injuries have been reported in the Charlotte area.

Elected Officials Remain Silent On Vandalism.

By Accessmilton.com

It has been a couple of weeks since we posted images and locations of vandalism that hit both the subdivision and open road neighborhoods of Milton. At that time, we emailed both council and council elect officials asking for them to weigh in on the situation at hand.

Unfortunately, not one elected official responded to our email asking for input.

If and when we receive a response, we will post it here for Accessmilton.com readers.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

Apparently the White House referred to Christmas Trees as Holiday Trees for the first time this year which prompted CBS presenter, Ben Stein , to present this piece which I would like to share with you. I think it applies just as much to many countries as it does to America ....




The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary


My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu .. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God ? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham 's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Hurricane Katrina).. Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem ( Dr. Spock 's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit.

If not, then just discard it.... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.


My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,


Ben Stein

Letter On Behalf Of The Fulton County Legislative Delegation Regarding Fulton Science Academy.

Courtesy State Of Georgia North Fulton County Legislative Delegation.

December 22, 2011

Fulton County Board of Education
786 Cleveland Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30315

Dear Members of the Board:

We were very disappointed to learn that the Fulton Science Academy was denied a charter renewal on Tuesday. The ramifications of closing this school have far reaching negative effects for all of Georgia. The fallout and negative press will hurt us economically and academically. This news will go nationwide very quickly and add to the list of educational black marks similar to the City of Atlanta and Clayton County schools. The school is a nationally registered Blue-Ribbon institution, and has the highest test scores among Fulton Middle Schools and in some instances the entire state.

It is time to set aside differences between adults and work together for the students. These children are doing their best and it is essential a compromise is reached. The future of our children is paramount. We recieved numerous telephone calls today from parents and in some cases we could hear their children crying over losing their school. Refusal to renew this charter will be the catalyst for the demise of the other two charter schools financially tied to FSA due to the bonds already issued.

We have a legal opinion and confirmation from the State Of Georgia that your Bond does have the power and authority to accept the resubmitted petition immediately that meets all of Dr. Robert Avossa's requirements and demands for approval. Denying the Fulton Science Academy a charter renewal and holding a hard line is not the right answer. Failure is not an option. We cannot think of a better way to start the New Year than everyone reassessing this decision and working together without emotion to solve this problem.

Sincerely,

Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers
Senator John Albers
Senator Judson Hill
Senator David Shafer
Representative Chuck Martin
Speaker Pro-tem Jan Jones
Majority Whip Edward Lindsey
Representative Joe Wilkinson
Representative Lynn Riley
Representative Wendell Willard

Mosque Coming To Milton?

By Accessmilton.com

For those unaware, currently there is a conflict between the City of Alpharetta and
an Islamic Center looking to expand it's facility on Rucker Road.

In May of 2011, the Feds actually came and investigated the situation.

To read more on www.ajc.com, please click here=>
http://www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/feds-investigating-alpharetta-mosque-937963.html

Wsb ran coverage here=>
http://www.wsbtv.com/videos/news/feds-probe-alpharettas-decision-to-deny-mosque/vCbJm/

Rumor has recently come to surface that members might look to relocate their place of worship...possibly to Milton.

It should be stressed that this is strictly RUMOR; we have nothing concrete proving either way.

However, Accessmilton.com will always list both fact as well as possible fact for discussion by the citizens of Milton.

'Bring One For The Chipper' set for Jan. 7.

Volunteers will take trees at MHS, Home Depot and Scottsdale Farms.

MILTON, Ga., Dec. 21, 2011 - Get those lights off and stock up on tie downs, because Saturday, Jan. 7 the City of Milton and Milton Grows Green (MGG) will once again offer Christmas tree recycling as part of Georgia's "Bring One For The Chipper" program.

This year residents may take Christmas trees to multiple locations: Milton High School's Birmingham Road entrance, located at 13025 Birmingham Highway, and Home Depot, located at 5300 Windward Parkway, offer assisted drop-off from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 7.

Scottsdale Farms, located at 15639 Birmingham Highway (click here for directions), will offer extended drop off Dec. 26 through Jan. 7.

Additionally, Milton Boy Scout Troop 841 will pick up trees and recycle them for a donation of $10. To schedule a pick-up, e-mail treepickup841@yahoo.com.

"We appreciate the community's awareness and cooperation in getting Christmas trees to a 'mulch' better place," said Cindy Eade, Milton's sustainability coordinator. "I'd also like to thank our sponsors, Casey Tree Experts, Harry's Farmers Market and Starbucks, for making this effort possible."

Organizers are hoping to see growth similar to last year's Chipper effort. In 2011, Milton residents brought 687 trees to be chipped, which represented a more than 43 percent increase over 2010. They were used for mulch at local schools and in animal and fish habitats.

With over 20 years of treecycling in Georgia, Bring one For the Chipper is the largest event of its kind in the nation. Since 1991, 5.7 million Christmas trees have been diverted from landfills and put to a greater use.

Post December 19 City Council meeting wrap-up.

Post December 19 City Council meeting wrap-up

ZONING AGENDA
1. RZ-11-18 - To create Article VI, Division 26, of the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 64 of the City Code) - H (Historic) District.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 242)
(First Presentation on November 7, 2011)
(Discussed at Work Session on November 14, 2011)
(Deferred at November 21, 2011 Council Meeting)
(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

Approved 4-2 with conditions

Note: Councilman Joe Longoria was absent

2. ZM11-03 - 12792 Donegal Lane (Lot #39) Vickery Crest Subdivision - Gerald E.
Hudgins requests to modify Condition 3.a. of RZ05-135 to reduce the Minimum Rear
Yard from 50 feet to 10 feet along the west property line.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 271)
(First Presentation on December 5, 2011)
(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

Motion to defer until the Jan. 23, 2012 City Council Meeting approved 6-0


3. ZM11-04/VC11-06 - Deerfield Green Subdivision - Redus Atlanta Housing, LLC
requests to modify the following conditions to read:

1d. Site development shall be substantially consistent with the rendering and
elevation submitted to the Fulton County Department of Environment and
Community Development on June 27, 2005 except for lots identified as
136 through 163 on the revised site plan submitted on November 24, 2009
to the City of Milton Community Development Department (ZM09-03);
186 through 220 on the revised site plan submitted on November 3, 2011
to the City of Milton Community Development Department. (RZ05-22)

1f. The minimum heated floor area for a townhouse unit shall be 2,000 square
feet except for those lots identified as 136 through 163 shall be a
minimum heated floor area of 1,850 square feet. All units shall have a rear
entry 2-car garage except for those lots identified as 136 through 163 shall
have a front entry 2-car garage per the revised site plan submitted on
November 24, 2009 to the City of Milton Community Development
Department (ZM09-03); 186 through 220 shall have a front entry 2- car
garage and a minimum heated floor area of 1,850 square feet per the
revised site plan submitted on November 3, 2011 to the City of Milton
Community Development Department. (RZ05-22)

1g. Units 136 through154 provide a minimum of a 20' setback from the back
of sidewalk to the garage door and Units 155 through163; Units 186
through 220 to provide a minimum of a 18 foot setback from the back of
sidewalk to garage door. (RZ05-22)

2a. To the revised site plan received by the City of Milton Community
Development Department on November 3, 2011. Said site plan is not
conceptual; the developer must strictly adhere to the site plan as
submitted. Any changes to the site plan must be approved by the Director
of Community Development and must meet or exceed the requirements of
the Zoning Ordinance and these conditions. Unless otherwise noted
herein, compliance with all conditions shall be in place prior to the
issuance of the first Certificate of Occupancy. (RZ05-22)
To request the following 2 part concurrent variance to1) To reduce the number of
required parking spaces from 18 spaces to 13 spaces for the amenity area (Section 64-
1410); 2) To allow the rear of town home units to exceed 25% cement siding for units
186 through 220 (Section 64-1095 (p)).
(Agenda Item No. 11 - 272)
(First Presentation on December 5, 2011)
(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

Approved 5-1 with conditions


UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Approval of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 42, Secondhand Goods, by Adding an
Article III, Precious Metals Dealers.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 273)
(First Presentation on December 5, 2011)
(Discussed at December 12, 2011 Work Session)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)

Approved 6-0 with conditions


2. Approval of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 42, Secondhand Goods, Article II,
Pawnshops and Brokers.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 274)
(First Presentation on December 5, 2011)
(Discussed at December 12, 2011 Work Session)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)

Approved 6-0 with conditions


NEW BUSINESS
1. Approval of a Resolution to Adopt the 2012 Zoning and Use Permit, Planning
Commission, Zoning Modification, Board of Zoning Appeals, Historic Preservation
Commission and the City of Milton Design Review Board Schedules.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 284)
(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

Approved 6-0

December 19 City Council meeting notice.

INVOCATION - Chaplain Remco Brommett, Chaplain for City of Milton Police and Fire

CALL TO ORDER

1) ROLL CALL

2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (Led by the Sons of the American Revolution)

3) APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA (Add or remove items from the agenda)
(Agenda Item No. 11- 278)

4) PUBLIC COMMENT

5) CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of the December 5, 2011 Regular Council Minutes.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 279)
(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)

2. Approval of the December 12, 2011 Work Session Minutes.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 280)
(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)

3. Approval of Financial Statements for the Period Ending May, 2011.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 281)
(Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)

4. Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement for the Provision of Animal Control Services between Fulton County, Georgia and the City of Milton.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 282)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)

6) REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation Honoring Milton High School's State Champion Theatre Program.
(Presented by Councilmember Julie Zahner Bailey)

2. Recognition of $3,500 Grant Funded by Milton Public Safety Fund for a Stairmaster for the Milton Fire and Police Department Wellness Program and $2,375 Grant for Milton Police Gun Range Kits.
(Presented by Jan Fowler, President - Milton Public Safety Fund)

3. Presentation of the Silver Good Citizenship Award.
(Presented by Allen Greenly, President of Piedmont Chapter, Sons of the American
Revolution)

7) FIRST PRESENTATION
1. Approval of An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 11, Purchasing
Policies, Section 2-621.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 283)
(Chris Lagerbloom, City Manager)

8) PUBLIC HEARING (None)

9) ZONING AGENDA
1. RZ-11-18 - To create Article VI, Division 26, of the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 64 of the City Code) - H (Historic) District.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 242)
(First Presentation on November 7, 2011)
(Discussed at Work Session on November 14, 2011)
(Deferred at November 21, 2011 Council Meeting)
(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

2. ZM11-03 - 12792 Donegal Lane (Lot #39) Vickery Crest Subdivision - Gerald E.
Hudgins requests to modify Condition 3.a. of RZ05-135 to reduce the Minimum Rear
Yard from 50 feet to 10 feet along the west property line.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 271)
(First Presentation on December 5, 2011)
(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

3. ZM11-04/VC11-06 - Deerfield Green Subdivision - Redus Atlanta Housing, LLC
requests to modify the following conditions to read:

1d. Site development shall be substantially consistent with the rendering and
elevation submitted to the Fulton County Department of Environment and
Community Development on June 27, 2005 except for lots identified as
136 through 163 on the revised site plan submitted on November 24, 2009
to the City of Milton Community Development Department (ZM09-03);
186 through 220 on the revised site plan submitted on November 3, 2011
to the City of Milton Community Development Department. (RZ05-22)

1f. The minimum heated floor area for a townhouse unit shall be 2,000 square
feet except for those lots identified as 136 through 163 shall be a
minimum heated floor area of 1,850 square feet. All units shall have a rear
entry 2-car garage except for those lots identified as 136 through 163 shall
have a front entry 2-car garage per the revised site plan submitted on
November 24, 2009 to the City of Milton Community Development
Department (ZM09-03); 186 through 220 shall have a front entry 2- car
garage and a minimum heated floor area of 1,850 square feet per the
revised site plan submitted on November 3, 2011 to the City of Milton
Community Development Department. (RZ05-22)

1g. Units 136 through154 provide a minimum of a 20' setback from the back
of sidewalk to the garage door and Units 155 through163; Units 186
through 220 to provide a minimum of a 18 foot setback from the back of
sidewalk to garage door. (RZ05-22)

2a. To the revised site plan received by the City of Milton Community
Development Department on November 3, 2011. Said site plan is not
conceptual; the developer must strictly adhere to the site plan as
submitted. Any changes to the site plan must be approved by the Director
of Community Development and must meet or exceed the requirements of
the Zoning Ordinance and these conditions. Unless otherwise noted
herein, compliance with all conditions shall be in place prior to the
issuance of the first Certificate of Occupancy. (RZ05-22)
To request the following 2 part concurrent variance to1) To reduce the number of
required parking spaces from 18 spaces to 13 spaces for the amenity area (Section 64-
1410); 2) To allow the rear of town home units to exceed 25% cement siding for units
186 through 220 (Section 64-1095 (p)).
(Agenda Item No. 11 - 272)
(First Presentation on December 5, 2011)
(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

10) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Approval of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 42, Secondhand Goods, by Adding an
Article III, Precious Metals Dealers.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 273)
(First Presentation on December 5, 2011)
(Discussed at December 12, 2011 Work Session)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)

2. Approval of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 42, Secondhand Goods, Article II,
Pawnshops and Brokers.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 274)
(First Presentation on December 5, 2011)
(Discussed at December 12, 2011 Work Session)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)

11) NEW BUSINESS
1. Approval of a Resolution to Adopt the 2012 Zoning and Use Permit, Planning
Commission, Zoning Modification, Board of Zoning Appeals, Historic Preservation
Commission and the City of Milton Design Review Board Schedules.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 284)
(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

12) MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS

13) STAFF REPORTS

14) EXECUTIVE SESSION (if needed)

15) ADJOURNMENT
(Agenda Item No. 11- 285)

Fulton might spend $3.9 million on one-time raises.

By Johnny Edwards
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Fulton County might give temporary raises to employees earning $59,452 per year or less. The commission, by a 4-0 vote, told County Manager Zachary Williams to look for $3.9 million to make it possible next year.

The 2012 budget will be approved in January, and Williams said in an e-mail that he will offer a tentative budget on Wednesday that would give affected employees about $1,400 extra a piece next year. The increases would go away in 2013.

This year, the county spent about $1.2 million giving 2 percent raises to employees earning $40,000 per year or less.

Wsb Runs Story On Birmingham Park.

Courtesy wsbtv.com

To view the complete video segment, please click here=>
http://www.wsbtv.com/videos/news/local/north-fulton-topic-page/lHk/

Looking For A Horse?

All:

A horse has been found wandering off of Freemanville Road. If you are looking for a "Paint" horse, please contact Wilson Farm-they have your hooved friend@

Officer Coverage For Today.

Courtesy goes out to Kathy Fies of The Milton Police Department for providing the following information to our readers.

Today, Thursday, December 15th, 2011, the 30,000 plus residents of Milton have five police officers protecting them and enforcing the laws on the books.

This shift runs from roughly 5am to 5pm.

Christmas in Crabapple to take place Dec. 17.

by Accessmilton.com

Perk up those ears for sleigh bells and pack the mittens, because the Fourth Annual Christmas in Crabapple holiday celebration will take place Saturday, Dec. 17 from 2 to 5 p.m. in Milton’s historic downtown Crabapple.

As always there will be Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday music favorites from local children’s choirs, a community bonfire and photos with Santa. But this year’s event also boasts free rides on a holiday train and a brand new “North Pole Passport” program featuring more than 20 participating local businesses.

As part of this program, families will be whisked from shop to shop, receiving small gifts and partaking in holiday activities. Those who return with a passport stamped by every participant receive a free, limited edition gift.

A limited amount of spaces are available for this exciting program, so make sure you RSVP to crabapplecommunityassoc@yahoo.com by Dec. 5 to reserve your family’s spot.

Milton police, fire “Shop with a Cop”

Officers and firefighters from the City of Milton’s Police and Fire Departments joined their Alpharetta counterparts in the 13th annual Police Athletic League (PAL) “Shop with a Cop” program at the Walmart on Windward Parkway and Ga. 9 Dec. 14.

This annual program helps families from across North Fulton -- recommended to PAL organizers by local schools, North Fulton Community Charities and volunteers -- shop for holiday gifts. Each child was given $100 (funding comes from personal and corporate donations ranging from $20 to $2,500) to spend on presents for himself and his family.

This year, 110 children from 67 families took part. They were accompanied by 67 public safety personnel from Milton and Alpharetta, 26 civilian volunteers and nine PAL board members and staff. Nearly $14,000 went to the families, and every penny raised went to the participants.

Additionally, 50 North Fulton families will receive holiday dinner baskets Saturday, Dec. 17, delivered by fire trucks from Alpharetta, Milton, Sandy Springs and Roswell.

Milton has best quality of life in state, 9th in South.

Courtesy City of Milton

"On Numbers" ranking due to economics, housing and education

MILTON, Ga., Dec. 14, 2011 - The City of Milton has the highest quality of life in the state and the ninth-best in the southern United States, according to a recent "On Numbers" study.

The study, conducted by Business Journals, the Charlotte, N.C.-based publisher of the Atlanta Business Chronicle, is based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2009 American Community Survey.

"This study affirms the belief many of us have had here in Milton since we incorporated, namely that we have the best quality of life in the state," said Mayor Joe Lockwood. "Now it's substantiated with some pretty powerful numbers, and is not just community pride."

According to the survey, in 2009 Milton had a median household income of $117,608 -- more than double the national median of roughly $50,000. It also had a tremendously low poverty rate for families of only 2.82 percent, far below the national average of 11.1 percent. Of Milton's 2009 estimated population (the first official Census wasn't until 2010), nearly 58 percent held management and professional jobs.

Availability of high-quality housing and education of Milton's populace also factored heavily in the ranking. More than 86 percent of the city's houses were built since 1990, and 40 percent of those had nine or more rooms, which is reflected in the median home value of $466,400. Additionally, more than 81 percent of Milton's population owns their home.

According to the study, more than 96 percent of Milton residents over 25 have a high school diploma, and nearly 66 percent have a bachelor's degree. More than 20 percent have advanced degrees.

For more information on this study, and to see where other cities in Georgia ranked, click here=>
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2011/12/07/milton-ninth-best-for-quality-of-life.html

Milton Police Apprehend Shoplifting Suspect.

By Accessmilton.com

Many thanks to Kathy Fies of the Milton Police Department for providing the following police report to Accessmilton.com readers. Thanks also to the Milton Police officers who responded to those in need.

------------

AGENCY NAME: Milton Police Department

ORI: GA 0605700

LOCATION OF INCIDENT: 13055 Highway 9, Milton GA 30004

PREMISE TYPE: Department / incident

ZONE/TRACT: MP12

CASE#: 11-02275

DATE / TIME REPORTED: 12/12/2011 09:08 Mon

LAST KNOWN SECURE: 12/12/2011 09:08 Mon

AT FOUND: 12/12/2011 09:08 Mon

CRIME INCIDENTS: Theft by shoplifting Over $300 / 16-8-14 (C)(2)

WEAPON / TOOLS: Knife

VICTIM / BUSINESS NAME: Target

HOME ADDRESS: 13055 Highway 9, Milton GA 30004

OTHERS INVOLVED: Anthony King / Target / (Loss Prevention)

PROPERTY:

GO FLEX / 750 gb / qty - 1 / $129.99 / COMPUTER HARDWARE / SOFTWARE

COLEMAN / qty -1 / $24.99 / COMPUTER HARDWARE / SOFTWARE

RECORDING AUDIO VISUAL / MONSTER / qty - 1 / $149.99 / COMPUTER HARDWARE / SOFTWARE

IMPD - 2007 Blu / HOND Civic

-------------

OFFICER/ID#: Fregosi, P. (1208)
ASSISTING OFFICERS: Grey, K. (1209), Borsey, J. (1115), Johnson,S. (1207)
SUPERVISOR: Borsey, J. (1115)

--------

NARRATIVE:

On December 12, 2011, I was dispatched to the Target retail center at 13055 Highway 9in reference to subject shoplifting. Dispatch advised that a light skinned male with red hair, wearing a black jacket and khaki pants was opening up merchandise with a knife and concealing it on his person. When I arrived on the scene, I located a subject matching the description given rapidly walking away from the store and toward a blue Honda Civic in the parking lot. I made contact with the subject and detained him for further investigation.

I made contact with Loss Prevention Officer Anthony King. L.P.O. King informed me he watched a white male, later identified as Erik Proano, select a pair of headphones from a locked peg in the electronics department. The subject cut the wire connecting the headphones to the peg with a knife and concealed the headphones on his person. L.P.O. King said he watched Proano walk past the sensors at the exit without paying for the item he had concealed on his person. L.P.O. King informed me that he recognized the subject from an earlier incident of shoplifting that occured on 12/03/2011 around 13:00. I was able to review the surveillance footage from both incidents and was able to positively identify the subject I had detained as the subject involved in both of the thefts. I was advised by L.P.O. King that Proano had stolen an external hard drive on the incident that occured on 12/03/2011.

I advised Proano he was under arrest for shoplifting. I searched his person incident to arrest and located the reported stolen headphones along with a digital compass that was later determined to be stolen as well. E. Proano admitted to the thefts without being questioned and offered to pay for the merchandise after he was in custody.

L.P.O. King provided me a receipt of the stolen items and their values.

Monster In-ear Headphones - $149.99

Go Flex 750GB External Hard drive - $129.00

Coleman Digital Compass - $24.99

The total loss value was listed as $304.97

King provided me with a DVD copy of the incident. He completed and signed a retail theft affidavit. He requested that I issue Proano a criminal trespass warning.

I handcuffed Proano behind his back. The handcuffs were checked for fit and double locked. I transported Proano to the Alpharetta Jail without incident. When we arrived at the jail, I turned over custody to the jail staff without incident. The rear of my patrol car was searched for contraband prior to and after transport and nothing was located.

I obtained an Electronic Warrant for theft by shoplifting, warrant number EW-054142. I submitted the DVD of the surviellance footage, LP King's retail theft affidavit, and the receipt of the stolen merchandise into evidence.

Proano's vehicle, a blue Honda Civic bearing Tag XXX was inventoried and impounded by United Towing.

A copy of this report has been faxed to the Complaint room for review.

Officer Coverage For Today.

By Accessmilton.com

Courtesy goes out to Kathy Fies of The Milton Police Department for providing the following information to our readers.

Today, Tuesday, December 13th, 2011, the 30,000 plus residents of Milton have three police officers protecting them and enforcing the laws on the books.

This shift runs from roughly 5am to 5pm.

Milton considers pawn shop restrictions.

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The City of Milton is considering adding restrictions on pawn shops as a preventive measure against marketing of stolen goods. Currently, Milton has no pawn shops operating within the city limits.

At a work session Monday, the City Council discussed some proposals, including requiring operators to photograph the customer and not accept unopened items without a purchase receipt.

The measure could come up for a vote later this month.

Young Men’s Service League Adopts a Road.

By Accessmilton.com

The Young Men’s Service League (YMSL), a local mother-son volunteer service team, recently completed its third Adopt-A-Road cleanup of its adopted section at Bethany and Hopewell roads. Additionally, they went the extra step of creating their own branded vests to make sure drivers knew who was doing their part to create a better city.

The YMSL is Milton’s newest Adopt-A-Road participant and has worked very hard in short amount of time to make Milton a cleaner and more beautiful city. Great job!

Meetings will focus on Milton's Birmingham Park.

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Two workshops will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday to decide the future of Milton's 200-acre Birmingham Park.

The meetings will be held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107 E.

The Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which will include both the Birmingham Park Master Plan and Trail Plan update as components, will be delivered to the City Council in early February by project consultants Moreland Altobelli Associates.

Information: John Rebar, 678-242-2489 or john.rebar@cityofmiltonga.us.

December 12 City Council work session notice.

Monday, December 12, 2011 Work Session Agenda 6:00 p.m.

1. Discussion Regarding Draft List of City Charter Areas to be Reviewed by Charter Commission for Consideration of a Final List to be Approved at January 9, 2012 Council Meeting.

(Presented by Chris Lagerbloom, City Manager)


2. Discussion Regarding the Use of MARTA Offset Funds.

(Presented by Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)


3. Discussion on a Cost of Service Study.

(Presented by Chris Lagerbloom, City Manager)


4. Discussion of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 42, Secondhand Goods, by Adding an Article III, Precious Metals Dealers.

(Presented by Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)


5. Discussion of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 42, Secondhand Goods, Article II, Pawnshops and Brokers.

(Presented by Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)

Vandals destroy Nativity scene, Christmas decorations.

Courtesy Wsbtv.com

To view the video segment, please go here=>
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/vandals-destroy-nativity-scene-christmas-decoratio/nFy76/

MILTON, Ga. —
Several homeowners in North Fulton County awoke Saturday morning to find a damaged Nativity scene and a Santa Claus lawn ornament hanging from a tree.

Vandals struck several houses in the Gates Mill subdivision in Milton. Residents take pride in their Christmas displays, but that pride turned to outrage.

"I had a Nativity scene set up with lights and everything and I saw that the baby Jesus was taken and thrown, tossed out to my driveway and damaged," Ken Tazza told Channel 2 Action News reporter Carl Willis. "And I saw that a statue of Mary was taken and tossed around."

Tazza spent Saturday cleaning up the broken pieces.

Vandals left yards scattered with bent, broken and even beheaded Christmas decorations. Reindeer lights were knocked over, an inflatable Santa Claus was flattened.

Tazza said that wasn't even the worst of it.

"They even, I heard, took a Santa Claus and hung him from a tree, which was a terrible thing for children to have to see," he said.

Emails have been circling all day and neighbors have discovered that as many as five homes were hit.

"I don't know how much of this stuff is fixable, how much is beyond repair, but there's several hundred dollars worth of stuff," said Mark Vantassel.

Homeowners believe this was the work of local teenagers.

They said whoever's responsible needs to be taught a lesson in respect.

"It's not right," said Vantassel. "It's Christmas. It's for the kids, and to do this kind of stuff, it's just not right."

Vandalism Update, Pics, and Police Reports.

City still publicly silent on issue.

By Accessmilton.com

The following is information generated over the course of the past few weeks with the most recent being earlier today.

Evidence has pointed at the possibility that some Milton High School students are responsible. In reaching out to Principal Cliff Jones, he responded only saying
"Tim, Thanks for forwarding the information. I will remind the students to act appropriately outside of school.

Clifford Jones
Principal
Milton High School"

We have emailed him back asking "in what way will you remind students? Also, I am sure you are aware of the vandalism your institution experienced within the last 24 hours. Please advise."-Stay tuned...

Regarding the school vandalism, here are some pictures. Eight to ten signs were run over on the Northwestern side of School Drive; the spray paint is on the gates leading into the High School.











As Accessmilton.com readers know, however, these crimes against property are not exclusive. Here we have a speed limit sign that was flattened near the Providence Road / Birmingham Highway intersection=>





The primary victims of these acts have been families who reside in Milton's open road neighborhoods. Here we have a property off of Dorris Road that was damaged recently by a piece of pottery which was covered in profanity and had "Destination-Mailbox" listed on the bottom.(Address removed out of respect.) It is believed this item came from an art class at Milton High School. Not to be outdone, someone came by last night and flattened the entire mail box; post and all. This would be the fifth time this resident has had to address his mail box being vandalized. He has also had to spend quite a bit of money and time righting these wrongs.



Not to be left out, Milton's subdivisions are now on the radar as well. Providence Lake Subdivision had both a speed limit sign taken out as well as subdivision billboard. Thankfully, evidence was left that will hopefully help our Milton Police Department find those responsible-fresh deep tire tracks.









While these crimes of opportunity could still happen if Milton had hundreds of officers on duty each shift, it is simply a numbers game. The more visible police are, the less likelihood of crime. Thanks to Kathy Fies of The Milton Police Department, she not only sent Accessmilton.com the requested police reports, but also the amount of officers that have recently been on the road during the evening shift:

11/19 – 4 total

11/20 – 4 total

11/21 – 5 total

11/22 – 5 total

11/23 – 4 total

11/24 – 4 total

11/25 – 5 total

11/26 – 5 total

11/27 – 5 total

11/28 – 4 total

11/29 – 4 total

11/30 – 4 total

POLICE REPORTS

Here are the Milton Police reports to date. More are on the way.
--------

REPORT 1.

LOCATION OF INCIDENT: XXXXX Bethany Road, Milton, GA 30004

CASE#: 11-02105

DATE / TIME REPORTED: 11/19/2011 16:27 Sat

LAST KNOWN SECURE: 11/18/2011 20:00 Fri

AT FOUND: 11/19/2011 16:00 Sat

CRIME INCIDENTS: Mailbox / Mail-Damage / destroy

OFFICER / ID#: Kiel, B.C. (1162)
INVEST / ID#: Barry, K. (1188)
SUPERVISOR: Taylor, C. (1114)

NARRATIVE

Report by: Ofc. Kiel, B.C. #162

On 11-19-11 I responded to XXXXX Bethany Road, Milton, Georgia in reference to a damaged mailbox.

Upon arrival I met with the victim, XXX XXX. She said that at sometime over night after 2200 hours on 11-18-11 an unknown person (s) destroyed her mailbox. The replacement of the mailbox and post is approximately ($300) dollars.

Ms. XXX said that she had some threats from an ex-employee (XXX XXX) who lives at XXXX Birmingham Road, Milton, Georgia. I explained to Ms. XXX that we have had multiple incidents of damaged mailboxes over the past weekends. While she has had threats by Mr. XXX, there is no specific threat indicating Mr. XXX committed the destruction at this time.

The mailbox was in pieces along the ground near Bethany Road. I found no tire marks or vehicle parts indicating a vehicle caused the damage.

Nothing further.
----------------

REPORT 2.

LOCATION OF INCIDENT: XXXX New Providence Road Milton GA 30004

CASE#: 11-02148

DATE / TIME REPORTED: 11/25/2011 12:07 Fri

LAST KNOWN SECURE: 11/24/2011 17:00 Thu

AT FOUND: 11/25/2011 11:00 Fri

CRIME INCIDENTS: Mailbox / Mail-Damage / destroy

OFFICER / ID#: Ward, C.A. (1210)
INVEST / ID#: Barstow, C. (1111)
SUPERVISOR / Scott, R.E. (1112)

NARRATIVE

On November 25, 2011 at approximately 1207 hours I responded to XXXX New Providence Road in reference to a damaged mailbox. Upon arrival, I met with the victim, XXX XXX.
Mr. XXX stated on 11-25-2011 at 1100 hours he noticed his mailbox was destroyed. Mr. XXX stated the last time his mail box was seen intact was 11-24-2011 at 1700 hours. Mr. XXX stated this is the 5th time in approximately 7 years his mail box has been destroyed. Mr. XXX stated this is the first time he has reported it.

I observed the victim's mailbox. The mailbox was destroyed and part of the mailbox was missing. I observed a smashed pumpkin next to the broken pieces of mailbox. Mr. XXX stated he did not have any information on who could have damaged the mail box.
--------

REPORT 3.

LOCATION OF INCIDENT: XXXX Birmingham Highway, Milton GA 30004

CASE#: 11-02181

DATE / TIME REPORTED: 11/29/2011 12:23 Tue

LAST KNOWN SECURE: 11/27/2011 15:00 Sun

AT FOUND: 11/27/2011 15:00 Sun

CRIME INCIDENTS: Mailbox / Mail-Damage / destroy

OFFICER / ID#: Hickerson, J. M. (1166)
INVEST / ID#: Barstow, C. (1111)
SUPERVISOR: Borsey, J. (1115)

NARRATIVE

I, Officer Hickerson, was dispatched to XXXXX State Route 372 on 11-29-11 at approximately 1223 hours in reference to a damaged mailbox. On my arrival, I made contact with the victim, Ms. XXX XXX.

Ms. XXX XXX stated on 11-27-11 at approximately 1500 hours, she discovered her mailbox knocked off it's wooden post and damaged. The red mailbox was layiing in the middle of her driveway. Ms. XXX stated that the last time she saw the mailbox not damaged was sometime around 11-23-11,she was unsure of what exact day and time.

When I looked around by where the mailbox post and mail box were, I discovered pumpkin seeds and pieces of broken pumpkin. Ms. XXX had no idea as to who could have done this. She was unable to provide any suspect information.

Nothing further.
---------------

REPORT 4.

LOCATION OF INCIDENT: XXXX Bethany Way, Milton Georgia 30004.

CASE #: 11-02236

DATE / TIME REPORTED: 12/07/2011 10:35 Wed

LAST KNOWN SECURE: 12/03/2011 00:00 Sat

AT FOUND: 12/04/2011 00:00 Sun

CRIME INCIDENTS: Criminal Trespass

OFFICER / ID#: Grey, K. (1209)
SUPERVISOR: Borsey, J. (1115)

NARRATIVE:

On 12/04/2011 at approximately 1035 hours, I was dispatched to XXX Bethany Way for a report of damage to property. Upon my arrival, I met with victim, Ms. XXX XXX.

Ms. XXX stated that she walked to her barn (XXX Bethany Way) on 12/4/2011. She did not observe her mailbox while walking over to her barn. Ms XXX stated that her employees told her that when they pulled into the driveway of the barn (12/04/2011), they noticed the mailbox had been damaged. Ms. XXX did not see or hear anyone smash her mailbox. She believes that teenagers in the area may have smashed her mailbox because other mailboxes have been smashed in the area. Ms. XXX disposed of the left over debris from her mailbox prior to my arrival; therefore I was unable to observe damage to the mailbox. Ms. XXX stated that her mailbox had been smashed once before (approximately 8 years ago), but did not file a report.

Upon my arrival, I did not observe skid marks in the grass near where the mailbox stood.
------------

Earlier this month, we broke this story thanks to one of Accessmilton.com's readers. At that time, we reached out to council, council elect, the police chief and city manager for input.

Unfortunately, the only person we heard from was Police Chief Deborah Harrell. She stated " Tim –Capt. McCarty is reviewing the damage reports to see what info we can direct to the officers for extra patrol in the area. "

Still, there as been no public announcment or input from the city. With that in mind and thousands of dollars of damage to date, we have sent another email to the same individuals asking if they would support offering a reward for information leading to those responsible. If and when we hear anything back, we will post it on Accessmilton.com.

We have also sent numerous pictures of the tire tract left at the Providence Lake scene to authorities.

Future information will be posted as recieved. In the mean time, keep your eyes and ears open and contact the Milton Police Department if need be.

Milton eases path for personnel policy changes.

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Milton has switched how it enacts measures relating to personnel policies.

Officials passed a measure this week moving personnel policies from the city code, where any changes require two votes of the City Council. Under the new system, personnel policies are in the form of a resolution, and changes can be implemented by the city manager with a single vote of the City Council.

The Council also passed a measure doing the exact opposite with the 75-cent fee it charges for each prepaid wireless phone sale. That fee is now part of the city code.

Some tax money returning to Milton, John's Creek.

But county must OK how funds are spent.

By Patrick Fox and Johnny Edwards
jredwards@ajc.com
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Trying to avert a legal battle over two northern cities’ leftover taxes, Fulton Commissioner Robb Pitts came up with a solution Wednesday that placated leaders in one city, but not in the other.

Johns Creek and Milton taxpayers will get back the combined $221,000 that’s been sitting idle in the county’s coffers, but it will come through the county, spent for some purpose mutually agreed to by each city’s council and the commission. Commissioners approved Pitts’ plan 4-3.

While Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood said he’s satisfied with the outcome, Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker still predicts litigation.

“I believe that while Commissioner Pitts has the best of intentions trying to mediate a tough situation, I still believe what he is introducing is illegal,” Bodker said. “I’m confident if the county enacts this, there will be a lawsuit involved.”It was the second time the commission voted to move the money into the general fund. In October the board voted 6-1 — north Fulton Commissioner Liz Hausmann dissenting — to use it for the good of the entire county, which infuriated Northside leaders and regalvanized the movement to break off Milton County.

However, because of a stipulation County Attorney David Ware inserted into Pitts’ motion, the first vote only covered interest earned off the funds, about $13,200.

The money in question came from taxes levied before the two cities formed in late 2006, when they were still part of the unincorporated county and paid a special tax rate for municipal-type services such as police, fire protection, parks and planning. But the money was not received until 2008 and later, through things such as delinquent tax payments and taxes paid after assessment appeals were settled.

The general fund is for countywide functions, such as courts, the jail, libraries, senior centers and health services.

Leaders on both sides of the debate questioned whether mixing the two is permissible under state law and service agreements.

“It ain’t right, it ain’t never happened before,” said Commissioner William “Bill” Edwards, who first raised the issue of the $221,000 in an effort to move it to cash-strapped unincorporated south Fulton, in his district. “But if y’all want to break the law, go ahead.”

Milton was dead-set against Pitts’ proposal earlier in the week, its council adopting a letter formally opposing the measure. But Lockwood and City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, who both sat through Wednesday’s meeting, came around after Hausmann inserted the stipulation that city councils must agree on how the money gets spent.

“You can either be right, or you can be happy,” Lagerbloom said after the vote. “I think we were right, but the end result is the same.”

What the money will be used for is undetermined. Lagerbloom said a county-owned fire station in Milton could use some work. He said he would prefer it not go toward decontaminating county-owned Providence Park, since funds for that have already been allocated.

Hausmann said moving the money might still prompt a lawsuit. She said she voted in favor, though, so it will get spent in the communities where it was collected.

Pitts said he thinks a judge would understand what the commission was trying to do.

“This is a very, very unique situation,” he said, “that we may never be faced with again.”

Vandalism Hits High Gear.

By Accessmilton.com

The vandalism that has been hitting Milton's open road neighborhoods over the course of the past three weeks has now spilled over to the new Milton High School and Providence Lake Subdivision.

Open Road neighborhoods are still on the hit list, however, as Providence Road suffered damage. In addition, a Dorris Road family whose mailbox was damaged by a clay pot customized at Milton High School earlier in the week had the mail box completely wiped out within the last 24 hours.

Photos will be shared later this evening plus all related police reports regarding the vandalism to date. We will also be posting pictures that could be used as evidence with the hope of catching those responsible.

Be advised that Milton has only four officers per twelve hour shift on average.

There has still been no public comment from the city at the time of this post.

A Great Comment And More.

Stock image.

By Accessmilton.com

Accessmilton.com is a success due to those who visit and comment on the various issues that affect our home town of Milton Georgia.

Recently, open road neighborhood residents have been hit with a rash of mailbox vandalism over the course of the past three weeks. Unfortunately, the city chose not to send out any notice to citizens even though they have released information on previous crimes as well as city employees taking a leave of absence.

Thanks to a reader of Accessmilton.com, we were made aware of these crimes against property and the rest of the information came from there.

We have quite a bit of material regarding that will be posted soon thanks to Kathy Fies of The Milton Police Department and our officers.

In the mean time, the following comment posted Thursday night more than sums up the frustrations of those affected.=>

"our mail box has been smashed 4 times in the last 2 months. once with a bat, twice with a pumpkin and our mailbox got hit again today at 3 pm with a nice piece of high school made pottery. they dented our new indestructible mailbox.

we plan to get with the milton high school ceramics teachers and match up the art work to the student. they wrote profanity on the bottom of the pottery and we were able to piece together the message "destination mailbox" written on the side with a marker.

our teenagers believe the students are milton sophomores. it seems they may be bragging to other students. we'll get em.

2:28 PM"

To the individual that posted this comment, please contact us when you can=>770 653 0552. Your privacy will respected should you ask.

Also, we will be emailing Milton Principal Cliff Jones and FCBOE representative Katie Reeves asking them what they are doing to help address this situation. Any responses will be posted on Accessmilton.com.

Visual survey available for Ga. 9 LCI study.

Results allow staff, consultants to craft plan that meets local expectations.

By Accessmilton.com

MILTON, Ga., Dec. 7, 2011 - There is still time to take part in an online community character survey as part of the city's ongoing Livable Communities Initiative (LCI) Grant study of the Ga. 9 area.

To take the survey, which requires less than 10 minutes to complete, click here. It is also always available at the city's Web site, www.cityofmiltonga.us, under "Your Government" > "Community Development" > "Ga. 9 Livable Centers Initiative Grant Information" > "Visual Preference Survey" or "For Residents" >"Current and Future Planning Documents" > "Ga. 9 Livable Centers Initiative Grant Information."

This survey includes a visual study of business, residential and green space areas. Residents are asked to rank the images based on their appropriateness for the Ga. 9/Windward/Deerfield parkways area. Additionally, there are a series of questions detailing transportation, business, housing and pedestrian access issues.

Results from this study, which is not scientific and is not intended to be, will give city planners and consultants from plan partner Urban Collage a good starting point from which to craft a citizen-based plan for business, housing and green space growth along Ga. 9 and Windward and Deerfield parkways.

For more information about this process, click here or contact city planner Michele Macintosh-Ross at 678-242-2538 or michele.mcintosh-ross@cityofmiltonga.us.

Drivers Beware: It's Deer Rutting Season!

By Accessmilton.com

Reports have recently come in regarding numerous accidents between deer and automobiles in Milton. Most recently, a deer was hit and killed off of Redd Road with quite a bit of damage to the car.

For those unaware, the deer rutting or mating season is active from October through December in Georgia. Such action easily puts deer on higher activity and alert. Thus, they will run any direction at a moment's notice.

The following story by GA DNR should be of interest. Courtesy goes to http://www.georgiawildlife.com/ .

------------------

Avoid Deer on Road by Taking Extra Caution During this Time of Year.

With an estimated 50,000 deer-car collisions annually in Georgia, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division advises motorists across the state to be extra cautious of increased deer and wildlife sightings this fall season.

Increased deer sightings occur for a number of reasons – increased populations, habitat fragmentation and mating season are a few. With fall breeding season in full swing – a peak time of year for deer-related car collisions – the division offers motorists some tips and information to help avoid potential collisions.

“Some Georgia motorists may only expect deer to cross rural roadways, while in fact, urban and suburban roads are also prime areas for deer-car collisions,” explains Don McGowan, Wildlife Resources Division biologist. “Hunting is oftentimes mistakenly blamed for increased deer-car collisions in autumn when, in reality, deer are on the move due to a series of both natural and human causes.”
One such cause is mating season. Deer mating season occurs between October and early December. Male deer go into rut and begin actively searching for mates. This greatly contributes to the increased movement of deer, bringing them across roadways.

Increased human population and rural development also lend to increased deer sightings. As the human population continues to grow and expand into traditionally rural areas, deer lose their natural food source and consequently move into new areas in search of food and water.

Additionally, as we begin to “fall back” for daylight savings time, our days become shorter and nights become longer. Rush hour for most commuters tends to fall during the same hours in which white-tailed deer are most active – at dawn and dusk.

The division advises drivers of the following:

· Unpredictable: Always remember deer are wildlife and therefore, very unpredictable. A deer calmly standing on the side of a road may bolt into or across the road rather than away from it when startled by a vehicle.

· One Deer Usually Means More: Take caution and slow down when a deer crosses. Deer generally travel in groups, so if one crosses, be prepared that others may follow.

· Time of Day: As deer are most active at dawn and dusk, they typically are seen roadside during the early morning and late evening – the same times most people are commuting to and from work.

· Time of Year: While many deer-car collisions occur in early spring and late summer, when natural food sources are scarce, the fall breeding season is also a peak time for such accidents. Road shoulders generally provide green food both during extremely dry times of the year and following a long, hard winter.

· Minimize Damage: If it is too late to avoid a collision, drivers are advised to slow down as much as possible to minimize damage – resist the urge to swerve to avoid the deer, this may cause further damage, sending drivers off the road or causing a collision with another vehicle. If an accident occurs, alert the police as soon as possible.

For more information on deer-car collisions in Georgia or to learn more about white-tailed deer or deer seasons, visit www.georgiawildlife.com , contact a Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office or call (770) 918-6416.

Milton Police Thwart Possible Suicide.

By Accessmilton.com

Many thanks to Katie Fies of the Milton Police Department for providing the follow police report to Accessmilton.com and to Milton Officers Borsey, Hayes, and Kiel for helping residents in need. Believe in these Heroes.
------------

AGENCY NAME: Milton Police Department

ORI: GA 0605700

LOCATION OF INCIDENT:XXX XXXX Dr, Milton, GA 30004

PREMISE TYPE: Residence / Home

ZONE / TRACT: MP32

CASE#:11-02219

DATE / TIME REPORTED: 12/04/2011 09:09 Sun

LAST KNOWN SECURE: 12/04/2011 09:09 Sun

AT FOUND: 12/04/2011 09:09 Sun

CRIME INCIDENT (S): Miscellaneous Offense 8001

WEAPONS / TOOLS: Not Applicable / None.

OTHERS INVOLVED / 1: XXXX / RACE: W / SEX: F / AGE: 40

OTHERS INVOLVED / 2: XXXX / RACE: W / SEX: M / AGE: 48

OFFICER/ID#: Borsey, J. (1115)
OFFICER/ID#: Hayes, W. (1107)
SUPERVISOR/ID#: Kiel, B.C. (1162)

SUSPECT HATE / BIAS MOTIVATED.

NARRATIVE VIA OFFICER/ID#: Borsey, J. (1115)=>

On 12-04-2011 at 0909 hrs. I was dispatched to XXX Glendover Dr. Milton GA 30004 in reference to a suspicious person. Upon arrival, I made contact with complaintant XXX XXX. Ms. XXX stated that when she let her dog out into the backyard area, the dog began barking and growling next to a wooden play set. As she approached she found her estranged husband XXX XXX sleeping in the play set. Mr. XXX XXX woke up and began crying stating that he had nowhere to go and was hungry. Ms. XXX stated that he shouldn't be here and advised that she was going to call the police. Ms. XXX entered the residence to place a call to 911 when she observed Mr. XXX walk towards the fence located at the rear of the property. After placing the call, Ms. XXX no longer visual contact with Mr. XXX. I checked the property and the residence and was unable to locate Mr. XXX. I requested Sgt. Kiel to the scene to see if using his patrol canine for a track was an option. While waiting for Sgt. Kiel to arrive, Ms. XXX told me that Mr. XXX had been threatening suicide recently and drinking heavily since losing his job three years prior.

Once Sgt. Kiel arrived we conducted a track (see supplemental). Once the track was completed, I went back to the residence to advise Ms. XXX that we were unable to located Mr. XXX. Immediately after leaving the residence, Ofc. Hayes advised that a subject matching Mr. XXX's description was walking southbound on Birmingham Hwy just south of Providence Rd. We made contact with the subject who in fact was XXX XXX. Mr. XXX was very cooperative and appeared visibly upset and broke down crying. While checking Mr.XXX's back pack for weapons, I observed a length of rope tied in a noose and several "goodbye" notes written in a journal to family members. I asked Mr. XXX why he wanted to kill himself and he stated "life is hard." Sgt. Kiel then requested an ambulance for transport. Mr. XXX agreed to voluntarily go to the hospital for evaluation. Once Rural Metro Ambulance was on scene, Mr. XXX entered the ambulance on his own free will and was transported without incident. Mr. XXX was checked GCIC/NCIC with no wants or warrants.

Milton prepares for coming winter.

by Jonathan Copsey; The Milton Herald
December 02, 2011
MILTON, Ga. - City officials are working so that a repeat of last year's crippling ice storms does not affect Milton as badly.

City Public Works Director Carter Lucas said last year, they had no snowplows. This year, they do.

"That's the biggest change for this year and would have been the biggest help last year," Lucas said.

The plows were added to the contract that Milton has with Optech RWN, the field services company the city contracts with for public works projects.

"We're also stocking our materials, but preparations are similar to last year," he said. "Every year we go through and every year we learn a little more about the hot spots throughout the city and formulate a plan."
Last year, a problem was caused by the state reacting slowly to allow local governments to plow state roads in their cities. Carter said this year, the state has given a tentative approval.

"If those roads need attention, then the local government has authority to go out and do it," Lucas said.

Instead, the state will likely focus on the primary roads and interstates.

Milton sets fees on new permits.

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Milton City Council unanimously approved a fee schedule for a small slate of new permits.

Licensed businesses wishing to allow "brown-bagging," that is allowing customers to bring their own wine into the establishments, will pay a $100 fee for a full-year and $50 for a six-month permit. Also, the city will collect 75 cents on each retail sale of wireless telephones. Finally, the City Council approved a fee schedule for media production permits, $100 for low-impact production and $250 for high-impact. There are additional fees for expedited permits.

Milton High student is Mayor for a Day.

Mayor for a Day participant Max Moorman, center, poses for a photo with Officer Scott Mulvey, left, and Mayor Joe Lockwood, right.

By Accessmilton.com

Max Moorman, a 15-year-old Milton High School student, recently spent an afternoon at Milton’s City Hall as part of the city’s Mayor for a Day program.

Moorman met with Mayor Joe Lockwood and City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, who introduced him to city staff and explained how his local government works. Moorman also rode with police officers and visited a Milton fire station.

That evening, Moorman presided over the Milton City Council meeting, helping give out 5-year service pins and even swear in a new board member.

If you are interested in introducing yourself or your child to local government, call Christine Doss, interim executive aide to the city manager, mayor and council, at 678-242-2492 or e-mail christine.doss@cityofmiltonga.us.

Post December 5 City Council meeting wrap-up.

Post December 5 City Council meeting wrap-up

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Approval of an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of Milton, Georgia, to Amend Chapter 38 to Adopt the Personnel Policies of the City of Milton Outlined in Chapter 38 as a Policy Resolution, rather than as an Ordinance Enactment.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 253)
(First Presentation on November 21, 2011)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)

Approved 7-0



2. Approval of an Ordinance to Ratify and Convert to Ordinance From a Prior Resolution of the Council Regarding a Prepaid Wireless 9-1-1 Wireless Charge.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 254)
(First Presentation on November 21, 2011)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)
Approved 7-0



3. Approval of an Ordinance to Amend Appendix A, Fees and Other Charges of the Milton City Code.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 255)
(First Presentation on November 21, 2011)
(Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)

Approved 7-0 with changes: one-year license fee drops from $200 to $100; prorated license fee drops from $100 to $50.



NEW BUSINESS
1. Approval of a Resolution Adopting the City of Milton 2012 City Council Regular Meeting and Work Session Schedule.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 275)
(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)

Approved 7-0



2. Approval of a Resolution Establishing a Charter Commission for the City of Milton, Georgia.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 276)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)

Approved 7-0


3. A resolution authorizing the distribution to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners of certain correspondence regarding Northwest Fulton SSD funds.
Note: Added by motion and unanimous vote.

Approved 7-0 with recommendation that staff member deliver message to Fulton County commissioners in person.

Birmingham Park planning meetings Dec. 14, 15.

MILTON, Ga., Dec. 5, 2011 - As part of the ongoing City of Milton Parks and Recreation Master Planning process, two workshops will be held at City Hall Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 14 and 15, to discuss the future of 200-acre Birmingham Park.

Both will take place at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers at Milton's City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107 E.

"We've had great turnout at the last two parks planning meetings in November regarding the master plan as a whole and trail plan component," said department Director John Rebar. "These two workshops continue that process, and I'm hoping we get another impassioned group to work with us on this project."
During the meetings, residents will be shown maps of Birmingham Park and asked what types of activities, if any, they would like to see planned in the space. There will also be discussions regarding the park's position in a city-wide system, said Rebar.

There will be a follow-up public input meeting after the first of the year where residents will be asked to judge the work resulting from the proceeding four planning sessions and give direction on where the plan should go. It will also be held at Milton's City Hall.

The Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which will include both the Birmingham Park Master Plan and Trail Plan update as components, will be delivered to City Council in early March by project consultants Moreland Altobelli Associates, Inc.

Crabapple stakeholders group to meet.

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The first meeting of the Stakeholder Group for Milton's Crabapple Zoning Overlay District will be at 6:30 p.m Wednesday at City Hall.

This group is charged with creating a form-based zoning overlay district and incorporating regulations for transfer of development rights. It is composed of 12 Crabapple business, resident and appointed citizen representatives, plus four Milton staffers, two consultants from project partner Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh & Associates and a planner from the Atlanta Regional Commission.

New Poll Up-Old Poll Results.

All:

We have a new poll up. In light of the recent poll's results which showed the overwhelming majority do not want Birmingham Park to offer equestrian facilities, we thought it might be nice to piggy back on those results this time around...

"Should the city change it's borrowed horse logo to something else?"

Have your say today!

Here are the results from Accessmilton.com's most recent poll.=>

Vandals Hit Open Road Neighborhoods.

Bethany Way Residence.

Bethany Bend Residence.

By Accessmilton.com

Over the course of the past two weeks, vandals have destroyed or damaged numerous mailboxes throughout the city.

While incidents have occured on both Providence and Birmingham Roads, most recently residents on Bethany Bend and Bethany Way were victims. (Out of respect, we have deleted the address numbers in the photos above. )

Due to no notice being sent out, it has been requested that we contact the city manager, police chief, city council, and city council-elect with the hopes of finding out what is being done to apprehend those responsible.

Therefore, the following email was sent late Sunday evening:

"All - Recently, there has been numerous mailboxes destroyed in Milton's open road neighborhoods. Accessmilton.com has received inquires asking what is be done to address the vandalism taking place in these residential nodes.

Also, please advise how many officers have been on duty each night over the course of the past two weeks.

Any responses given will be posted on Accessmilton.com.

Thank you for addressing the concerns of Milton Citizens.

Tim Enloe
Accessmilton.com
770 653 0552"

If and when we recieve responses, they will be posted. If you or someone you know experiences this or any other type of vandalism, we encourage you to report it to the authorities and then Accessmilton.com at tim.enloe@yahoo.com.

December 5 City Council meeting notice.

Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 Regular Council Meeting Agenda 6:00 p.m.

INVOCATION - Pastor Jason Howard, Director of Adult Ministries with Stone Creek Church, Milton, Georgia


CALL TO ORDER


1) ROLL CALL


2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (Led by the Mayor)


3) APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA (Add or remove items from the agenda)
(Agenda Item No. 11- 262)


4) PUBLIC COMMENT


5) CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of the November 18, 2011 Special Called Meeting Council Minutes.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 263)
(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)


2. Approval of the November 21, 2011 Regular Council Minutes.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 264)
(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)


3. Approval of Financial Statements for the Period Ending March, 2011.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 265)
(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)


4. Approval of Financial Status Report for Period 7- April, 2011.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 266)
(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)


5. Approval of a Construction Services Agreement between Blount Construction Company, Inc. and the City of Milton for Repairs to the Shoulder on Mountain Road.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 267)
(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)


6. Approval of a Construction Services Agreement Addendum #1 between the City of Milton and Georgia and Hames Residential Properties, LLC (DBA Direct Build) for Repairs to the Hopewell House.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 268)
(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)


7. Approval of a Task Order with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for Subsurface Utility Engineering Septic Tank Location for Arnold Mill Road at New Providence Road.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 269)
(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)


8. Approval of the following plats:
Name of Development Action Comments
Braeburn I Revision Change Address from 12230 to 12220


Braeburn I Revision Add Building 60 and 70


Braeburn II Revision Revise Property lines on Lots 2, 3, 5 and Common
Area 4


Milton Preserve Final Plat Create 39 Lots


Farrow Estates Minor Plat Divide One Lot into Three


Wood Valley Estates Revision Revise Lot Lines on Lot 11 and 11A


Crooked Creek Revision Revise Right of Way for Road Improvements
Amenity Area


The Shops @ Revision Revise Lot Lines on Tract A and D
Windward Village


(Agenda Item No. 11- 270)
(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)


6) REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Recognition of $3,500 Grant Funded by Milton Public Safety Fund for a Stairmaster for the Milton Fire and Police Department Wellness Program.
(Presented by Jan Fowler, President - Milton Public Safety Fund)


2. Recognition and Presentation of City of Milton "Five" Year Anniversary Service Award Pins to: Mayor Joe Lockwood, Councilmember Julie Zahner Bailey, Councilmember Bill Lusk, Councilmember Karen Thurman, Chris Lagerbloom, Robyn MacDonald, Jared Erni and Roddy Motes.
(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)


7) FIRST PRESENTATION
1. ZM11-03 - 12792 Donegal Lane (Lot #39) Vickery Crest Subdivision - Gerald E. Hudgins requests to modify Condition 3.a. of RZ05-135 to reduce the Minimum Rear Yard from 50 feet to 10 feet along the west property line.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 271)
(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)


2. ZM11-04/VC11-06 - Deerfield Green Subdivision - Redus Atlanta Housing, LLC requests to modify the following conditions to read:
1d. Site development shall be substantially consistent with the rendering and elevation submitted to the Fulton County Department of Environment and Community Development on June 27, 2005 except for lots identified as 136 through 163 on the revised site plan submitted on November 24, 2009 to the City of Milton Community Development Department (ZM09-03); 186 through 220 on the revised site plan submitted on November 3, 2011 to the City of Milton Community Development Department. (RZ05-22)

1f. The minimum heated floor area for a townhouse unit shall be 2,000 square feet except for those lots identified as 136 through 163 shall be a minimum heated floor area of 1,850 square feet. All units shall have a rear entry 2-car garage except for those lots identified as 136 through 163 shall have a front entry 2-car garage per the revised site plan submitted on November 24, 2009 to the City of Milton Community Development Department (ZM09-03); 186 through 220 shall have a front entry 2- car garage and a minimum heated floor area of 1,850 square feet per the revised site plan submitted on November 3, 2011 to the City of Milton Community Development Department. (RZ05-22)

1g. Units 136 through154 provide a minimum of a 20' setback from the back of sidewalk to the garage door and Units 155 through163; 186 through 220 provide a minimum of a 18 foot setback from the back of sidewalk to garage door; Units 186 through 220 provide a minimum of a 18 foot setback from the back of sidewalk to garage door. (RZ05-22)

2a. To the revised site plan received by the City of Milton Community Development Department on November 3, 2011. Said site plan is not conceptual; the developer must strictly adhere to the site plan as submitted. Any changes to the site plan must be approved by the Director of Community Development and must meet or exceed the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and these conditions. Unless otherwise noted herein, compliance with all conditions shall be in place prior to the issuance of the first Certificate of Occupancy. (RZ05-22)

To request the following 2 part concurrent variance to
1) To reduce the number of required parking spaces from 18 spaces to 13 spaces for the amenity area (Section 64-1410); 2) To allow the rear of town home units to exceed 25% cement siding for units 186 through 220 (Section 64-1095 (p)).
(Agenda Item No. 11 - 272)
(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)


3. Approval of an Ordinance of the City of Milton, Georgia for Precious Metals Dealers.
(Agenda Item No. 11 - 273)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)


4. Approval of an Ordinance of the City of Milton, Georgia for Pawn Shops.
(Agenda Item No. 11 - 274)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)


PUBLIC HEARING (None)


8) ZONING AGENDA (None)


9) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Approval of an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of Milton, Georgia, to Amend Chapter 38 to Adopt the Personnel Policies of the City of Milton Outlined in Chapter 38 as a Policy Resolution, rather than as an Ordinance Enactment.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 253)
(First Presentation on November 21, 2011)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)


2. Approval of an Ordinance to Ratify and Convert to Ordinance From a Prior Resolution of the Council Regarding a Prepaid Wireless 9-1-1 Wireless Charge.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 254)
(First Presentation on November 21, 2011)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)


3. Approval of an Ordinance to Amend Appendix A, Fees and Other Charges of the Milton City Code.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 255)
(First Presentation on November 21, 2011)
(Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)


10) NEW BUSINESS
1. Approval of a Resolution Adopting the City of Milton 2012 City Council Regular Meeting and Work Session Schedule.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 275)
(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)


2. Approval of a Resolution Establishing a Charter Commission for the City of Milton, Georgia.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 276)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)


12) MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS


13) STAFF REPORTS


14) EXECUTIVE SESSION (if needed)


15) ADJOURNMENT
(Agenda Item No. 11- 277)