2013 Annual Report now available for download.

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Courtesy City of Milton

The 2013 City of Milton Annual Report is now available at the city's Web site, www.cityofmiltonga.us.

This 42-page retrospective of Milton's work throughout 2013 includes full breakdowns of initiatives by topic, highlights of local volunteerism and awards won, easy-to-understand charts and graphs to illustrate success, and much more.

The 2013 City of Milton Annual Report was produced entirely in-house and is posted online at no cost to taxpayers, said Communications Manager Jason Wright.

"The 2013 Annual Report represents months of research, writing, photography and design work," he said. "And just like last year, it's organized by topic, not department, so readers can gauge success by end results they are familiar with, not arbitrary distinctions."

To download the 2013 City of Milton Annual Report, simply click here. You may also find the Annual Report, and previous years' documents, on the City of Milton's Web site by clicking here.

YMSL, MGG collect paint and chemicals for recycling.

Courtesy City of Milton

This Saturday, Feb. 22, the Milton Chapter of Young Men’s Service League and Milton Grows Green held a paint and household chemical recycling event at Bell Memorial Park.

It was a beautiful day for working outside, and the more than 175 participants brought more than 15,000 pounds of paint and chemicals for recycling.

For more information on Milton’s environmental efforts through MGG, click here.

Be a part of the Earth Day Festival April 19.

Courtesy City of Milton

Want to get your environmental business or cause in front of thousands of Milton residents? Then sponsor or be a vendor at the 2014 Milton Earth Day Festival Saturday, April 19 at Friendship Community Park in Crabapple.

This fun-filled and educational family event hosted by Milton Grows Green and the City of Milton will showcase environmental vendors and businesses along with fun crafts, rides, entertainment and food guaranteed to delight.

And you can be a part of it. To download the sponsor/vendor packet of information, click here. Please note: A check must accompany the application if mailed. If charged to a credit card, the application must be delivered to City Hall in person.

There are four levels of sponsorship, from $1,500 to $250, and non-profit groups can be a part of the festivities for just $15. Food vendors can join up for just $100.

Space is limited, so if you are a business, school or non-profit organization looking to showcase your environmentally friendly products, services or practices, make sure to sign up early.

For more information, contact Angela Thompson, special events and projects manager, at 678-242-2530 or angela.thompson@cityofmiltonga.us.

Milton one of Georgia’s, America’s ‘Safest Cities’.

Courtesy Milton Police Department

For the second year in a row separate independent researchers have named the City of Milton one of the safest cities in Georgia and the United States.

Home security experts Safewise ranked Milton third in its list of the 50 Safest Cities in Georgia with populations over 5,000. The company based the ranking on findings from the FBI's "Crime in the U.S." report.

To see the full list, click here.

Real Estate data resource company NeighborhoodScout.com ranked Milton 46th in its list of 100 Safest Cities in the U.S. with populations over 25,000. NeighborhoodScout.com also used data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program.

Milton is one of just three Georgia cities to make the national list. To see the list, click here.

"Once again, this information confirms what our residents have felt for a long time - that they live in one of the safest, most desirable and lowest crime areas in the country," said Police Chief Deborah Harrell.

In 2012, Milton reported just 15 violent crimes and 352 property crimes with a population of 34,071. That means residents have just a one in 2,271 chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime, far below the state average of one in 264. Additionally, residents have a one in 96 chance of becoming a victim of a property crime, compared to the state average of one in 29.

New software finds crooked employees in Milton.

Courtesy North Fulton

February 22, 2014 MILTON, Ga. – New software allowed the Windward Walmart to discover several employees were stealing from the store using refunds on gift cards.

The new software tracked refunds given to gift cards. Loss prevention employees noticed several gift cards were used for multiple refunds. Looking at security footage of when the cards were used, several employees were found putting refunded monies on gift cards for their own use. One employee was found to have stolen more than $1,000 using the fraud. Another took $310.

Wanted: 2 tons of rocks stolen in Milton.

Courtesy The Milton Herald

February 22, 2014 MILTON, Ga. – Someone stole two tons of rocks from a Glencreek Way home Feb. 10.

The victim told police he found the rocks missing Feb. 13 along with severe lawn damage to his property. A neighbor said she saw two men in a white Ford truck and a silver sport utility vehicle on the property doing what she assumed was work.

Family offers $1,000 reward in donkey’s shooting death.

AM NOTE: Help protect horses from abuse and harassment. Support Liberty's Law Today!

Investigators have not yet determined who fired the shot that killed Bonnie.

By Alexis Stevens The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

For eight years, donkeys Bonnie and Clyde kept a watchful eye over the cattle on their Barrow County farm.

“If there was something strange in the pasture, the donkeys would alert,” Todd Garrett said.

But now, Clyde will have to work alone while investigators determine who shot and killed Bonnie over the weekend.

Garrett told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution his family members had done their daily cattle count and were back inside when they heard the first of two gunshots.

“They knew it was close,” Garrett said.

But everything appeared fine outside, so no one gave it a second thought. Sunday afternoon, two young cousins made the heartbreaking discovery.

“They found Bonnie where we usually feed them,” Garrett said.

Bonnie had been shot in the shoulder and died from her injury. The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office was called to the Perkins Road farm and continued to investigate the shooting Tuesday afternoon.

The Garretts’ property backs up to a neighborhood, and the family believes the shot was likely fired from there, possibly by a high-powered rifle. But it’s not clear why Bonnie was shot and whether it was an accident or intentional.

The family is offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible, Garrett said.

“Those donkeys have been there for years,” Garrett said. “Everybody around there knows those animals. They’re all pets.”

Once identified, the shooter could face a felony animal cruelty charge. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office at 770-307-3080.

New Poll Up / Old Poll Results.

By Accessmilton.com

All: we have a new poll up. It asks:

"Are you pleased with the Milton Horse Council?"

Have your say in the upper right corner today.

Below are the past poll's results:

$2K in items taken from Milton home.

Courtesy The Milton Herald

February 17, 2014

MILTON, Ga. – A Wyndham Farms Drive home was burgled Feb. 7, with more than $2,000 in items stolen.

The victim said she returned home from work at about 5 p.m. to find her back door pried open. Inside, drawers and doors were found open, with a 17-inch Acer laptop missing along with a white pearl necklace and a box containing more jewelry.

Milton’s K9 officer Kyro provides needed service to police.

Courtesy Nicole Dew; Neighbor Newspapers

K9 Kyro, a nearly 2-year-old German shepherd, joined the force in mid-November and has quickly become a close companion to his handler, officer Chris Ward.

“Not only is he a police officer for the city of Milton, he’s a member of my family,” Ward said.

“I spend more time with him than I do anyone on this earth — more than my wife.”

Kyro rides in Ward’s squad car during the day and goes home with him each night.

“The addition of him has already benefited the department greatly,” Ward said. “He gets used very frequently for narcotics searches. He’s only been on the road for two months and he’s already been deployed roughly 10 times for narcotics searches. All but one led to arrests.”

He said Kyro has also been used by Alpharetta police for drug searches and by Roswell police for a missing person search.

“He’s a great tool,” Ward said. “When we need to locate narcotics in any kind of area, he has the ability to sniff out the actual controlled substance and locate it for us. He can do it a lot better than we can, a lot more efficiently.

“Under the Carroll doctrine, we don’t have to have a search warrant to search a vehicle if probable cause exists, and my K9 is probable cause when the proper indications are shown for the odor of controlled substances. That’s what I use him mostly for.”

Kyro has been trained in obedience, substance detection, criminal apprehension by biting and tracking, and searching for people and evidence. Custom Canine Unlimited in Maysville taught Ward how to work with the K9.

Kyro was born in Germany and then trained for about a year in Holland before coming to Maysville, Ward said.

Until Kyro’s arrival, Milton had been without its own K9 officer for nearly a year. K9 DaSilva, the city’s former police dog, retired in December 2012 after his handler left the police department.

The department reached out to the community last year to raise money to bring K9 Kyro to Milton. A golf fundraiser in May brought in about $24,000.

Milton extends rezoning moratorium five months.

Courtesy City of Milton

Milton's elected officials on Monday night extended for five months the city's moratorium on rezoning applications across multiple residential districts in the city.

"Our staff simply needed more time to examine our current zoning laws in order to produce workable solutions for both the community and applicants," said Mayor Joe Lockwood. "What we're trying to accomplish in Milton is not something you rush."

In their unanimous vote, City Council chose to further bar the acceptance of applications for rezonings to the Community Unit Plan (CUP), Neighborhood Unit Plan (NUP), Transitional Zone (TR), and single-family dwelling (R-2 and R-2A) classifications.

Community Development Director Kathleen Field explained previously those specific classifications were being used by developers looking to reconfigure traditional setback restrictions. Staff wanted to examine the process to ensure Milton's rural viewshed and feel were preserved.

To learn more about the moratorium and Milton's other smart growth strategies like form-based coding, transfer of development rights and community-based master planning, visit the Community Development Department's Web site.

To learn more about rezoning cases currently in the regulatory process, click here.

**Liberty's Law Alert**

A Black Jeep Wrangler similar to the one in this stock photo was seen harassing horses on Bethany Road.

By Accessmilton.com

This past Saturday, February 15th at approximately 8am, a black Jeep Wrangler with leather top and large off road tires was witnessed on Bethany road honking their horn in an attempt to harass two senior horses.

City council and staff have been notified.

Cowardly and ignorant acts against horses are increasing every year. By supporting Liberty's Law, you can help protect the beautiful horses from abuse and harassment!

Shoplifter flees in purple car in Milton.

Courtesy The Milton Herald

February 10, 2014

MILTON, Ga. – A shoplifting suspect tried to flee from the Windward Walmart Jan. 30 in a purple car. He was caught almost immediately.

Police were called to the Walmart at 3:43 p.m. after employees reported they saw a man dressed in a khaki jacket and Army hat take an Xbox game console, tablet computer and a stereo and then tried to leave without paying for them.

When employees tried to stop him, the suspect fled, getting into a purple Pontiac with Tennessee tags.

Police found a car matching the description on Windward Parkway less than a mile away and spoke to the two occupants. The passenger, Dustin Matthew Dowdell, 25, of Cumming, matched the description of the suspect.

He allegedly admitted to the thefts and the stolen merchandise was found in the car. Dowdell was charged with shoplifting. The driver was released without charge.

Milton buys land for City Hall.

Will be in Crabapple.

by Jonathan Copsey / The Milton Herald /February 10, 2014

MILTON, Ga. – Milton is enacting plans to build its own City Hall.

At their Feb. 3 meeting, the City Council unanimously voted to make an offer for roughly $950,000 to buy two parcels of land behind the shops on Crabapple Road, totaling about 2.5 acres of land.

"The desire of council has always been to put City Hall in Crabapple," said City Manager Chris Lagerbloom at the meeting. "It is fair to say this would put City Hall right in the middle of things."

The city has made no secret of wanting a permanent City Hall to house government offices and hold community events. Since the city's creation in 2006, City Hall has been in rented offices on Deerfield Parkway.

The city plans to downsize its footprint in the Deerfield building in the coming years once a new courthouse and public safety building is completed. That project was put on hold during the recession and local option sales tax discussions.

The current rental agreement runs through April 2017, and Lagerbloom said he hopes to have a new City Hall by then. By shifting rent payments to debt payments, eventually the building would be completely paid off.

"This is exciting," said Mayor Joe Lockwood. "As we grow and build a place to gather and a sense of community, it was pretty unanimous that we thought the Crabapple area would be the best place to build our history and have a place for the community to gather."

The purchase was made possible thanks to a redistribution of sales tax revenue (LOST) that was negotiated last year. The revenue is based on Census figures and reflected a shifting of population from downtown Atlanta into the suburbs. Milton saw its revenue nearly double, rising from $4 million to $7.8 million annually.

According to Lagerbloom, revenues so far this year show the incoming monies are in line with projections.

An ordinance to amend the city of Milton radar permit to include the Cambridge High School zone.

Approved 7-0

Reappointment of Nancy Plesnarski to the Milton Board of Zoning Appeals for District 3/Post 1.

Approved 7-0

Reappointment of Travis Allen to the Milton Historic Preservation Commission for District 3/Post 1.

Approved 7-0

Enacting a moratorium for 180 days to bar the acceptance of applications for rezonings to the CUP, NUP, TR, R-2 and R-2A zoning districts.

Approved 7-0

A resolution adopting the Milton Parks and Recreation Department youth sports concussion policy.

Approved 7-0

Consideration of a land acquisition contract for a 2.1404-acre parcel of property in the Crabapple community of Milton.

Approved 7-0

Consideration of a land acquisition contract for a 0.3277-acre parcel of property in the Crabapple community of Milton.

Approved 7-0

Liberty's Law Nears 1,300 Online Supporters.

By Tim Enloe; Accessmilton.com

Liberty's Law, the proposed ordinance to protect horses from abuse and harassment, now stands at 1,293 online petition signatures and over 500 facebook friends. With more aggressive marketing in the near future, support will continue to grow.

The goal of Liberty's Law is simple; to protect horses from abuse and harassment via education and enforcement.

Liberty's Law is named after a horse who was born on Bethany road in 1982. In recent years, she has been shot with paint balls,fireworks have been shot at her and above her pastures, she has been screamed at, and engines have been revved to scare her; all by the same offenders. The end result is a horse terrified to graze in the pastures she took her first breaths in.

Even with eyewitness, video, and physical evidence, the City of Milton did nothing to the offenders; not even a warning. One council member refused to support Liberty's Law if her name was in the proposed ordinance while another suggested removing Liberty from the property.

While the City of Milton Georgia's website houses over ten images on it's official website, both council and staff have been defiant in allow Liberty's Law to be presented. Such silence begs a question as to where a city that promotes images of horses and uses "rural" claims on a regular basis is more about image than substance.

You can support Liberty's Law by signing the petition and encouraging others to do so. Together, we can protect the beautiful horses from abuse and harassment!

A "thank you" to our incredible residents.

Last week I saw a community come together like never before.

We all know the story by now. The snow started at 11:15 a.m. By 12:30 p.m. most of metro Atlanta decided to try and get home. Less than one hour later there were accidents and traffic everywhere. By the afternoon people were abandoning their cars and walking. By night we had children stranded on buses and drivers stuck miles from home. Hundreds of kids spent the night at school; hundreds of adults spent the night in the office or at a local business.

But in this confusion the best of us came out. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been lucky enough to hear stories about the teachers who stayed with their kids at school. I’ve heard about neighbors who picked up as many kids as they fit and personally delivered them home.

I’ve heard about the folks who went to the worst spots and just started pushing cars immobilized by ice, towing vehicles stuck in ditches, and spreading sand and kitty litter over impassable hills.

I’ve heard about local businesses that invited in weary travelers and gave them food, blankets, a place to rest the night.

I heard about our public works staff, our contractors, our fire fighters and police officers working all night, sleeping in their trucks, staying put after shifts were done to keep people safe.

I heard about neighbors leaving their porch lights on to signal to stranded drivers to come in, get warm, eat a hot meal and have a safe place to stay for the night.

I’ve heard about whole neighborhoods clearing room for dozens of children stranded in buses – making sure the kids called home, making sure worried moms and dads knew everything was going to be OK.

I’m sure we’ve each got our own personal tale – and I’m sure in each one of those stories there’s a nugget of what makes Milton a wonderful place to live, to work, to raise a family and build a community: the fellowship and friendliness of ourselves and our neighbors.

I wish I could get every name and list them here for everyone to see. I wish I could invite each one of you to City Hall and honor you each individually. But the truth is there were just too many great tales – too many great people who put the safety and comfort of others above their own personal concern.

We couldn’t list them all. We couldn’t hold them all in one building.

And I think that’s a truly incredible thing. So when we look back on the rough couple of days we had last week, let’s focus on what brought us together.

Because it’s rare we get the opportunity to share with each other how much we really care and the lengths to which we will go to ensure our community is safe.

So thank you. Thank you to each and every one of you who took it upon yourselves to be part of the solution. You are what makes Milton the amazing place it is.

Sincerely, Mayor Joe Lockwood

Better Together happenings.

Courtesy City of Milton

Better Together, Milton residents looking for unique and fun opportunities to connect with neighbors, meets twice-monthly at the Bethwell Community Center, located at 2695 Hopewell Road in Milton (click here for directions).

Meetings in February will be held on Monday, Feb. 10 and 24 and will begin at 6 p.m. All residents are invited to attend these meetings where projects and activities of interest are discussed.

On March 15 from 3 to 5 p.m., Communiteen, a Better Together-affiliated organization of Milton-area high school students, will be hosting an event at Bethwell open to all Milton-area high school students.

Communiteen was formed to encourage and foster friendships among teens of all abilities.

Better Together is also participating in the Adopt-a-Road project sponsored by Milton Grows Green. The next road clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, April 12 at 9 a.m.

If you would like more information on Better Together or any of its activities, please contact Community Builder Wayne Boston at 678-242-2512 or wayne.boston@cityofmiltonga.us.

Milton Mayor's Run presents Jog for a Cause Feb. 22

Courtesy City of Milton

The City of Milton is proud to bring the 11th annual Jog for a Cause to the community as part of the 5th annual Milton Mayor's Run.

Applications and sponsorship packets for the 2014 Milton Mayor's Run presents Jog for a Cause, to be held at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 22 at Freedom Park, are now available.

To download the participant application, click here.

For the sponsorship application and packet, click here.

To sign up online through Active.com, click here.

The partnership with Jog for a Cause is not the only change for the 2014 Mayor's Run. The race will follow the same route as in years past, but will begin and end at Milton's Freedom Park located at the corner of Deerfield Parkway and Webb Road (click here for directions), said Angela Thompson, Milton's special events and project manager. It includes a 5K race and tot trot. The race will be a Peachtree qualifier.

Cost for participation is $25 if received before Feb. 14 and $30 after. That fee includes a quality, moisture-wicking T-shirt with the logo displayed below and plenty of food and fluids after the race.

Sponsorship levels to benefit The City of Milton Parks and Recreation Department and its efforts to provide citizens with access to greenspaces, parks, trails, facilities, and recreation programs and activities include packages from $250 to $5,000 for title sponsors. Deadline for sponsorship is Feb. 4 to ensure inclusion in all advertising.

The 5K race will circle Deerfield Parkway, meaning it will be flat and fast. Awards will go to the 5K Male and Female Open and Masters and to the top 3 finishers in the various age groups.

For more information, please contact Thompson at 678-242-2530 or angela.thompson@cityofmiltonga.us.

Georgia Philharmonic Young Artists Concerto Feb. 22.

Courtesy City of Milton

Join the Georgia Philharmonic on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. as they welcome the finalists of the Young Artists Concerto Competition at Cambridge High School, 2845 Bethany Bend (click here for directions).

Mayor Joe Lockwood will kick off the program showcasing: Mendelssohn's Concerto in E minor, Movement 3 performed by 12-year-old Rebekah Willard of Albany; Vivaldi's Concerto in G minor KV 317, Movement 1 performed by 9-year-old Kearston Gonzales of Hilton Head, SC; de Sarasate's Carmen Fantasy for Violin performed by 18-year-old Likai He of Columbus; Mendelssohn's Concerto in E minor, Movement 1 performed by 15-year-old Malhar Kute of Dunwoody; Mozart's Oboe Concerto in C performed by 23-year-old Colton Cox of Athens; and Copland's Clarinet Concerto performed by 21-year-old Ford Fourqurean of Fayetteville.

In addition, the orchestra will perform two pieces alone: Shostakovich's Festive Overture, Op. 96 and Wagner's Reinz Overture.

These exceptional young musicians from all over the Southeast recently competed in person before an esteemed panel of judges for a position within one of three categories: Apprentice (ages 5-13), Artisan (ages 14-18) and Virtuoso (ages 19-23). In addition to the three winners, three additional young laureates were selected to perform as well.

One exceptional string player will be awarded a $500 scholarship sponsored by Atlanta Violins.

Visit www.georgiaphilharmonic.org to purchase your tickets or for more information. Ticket prices are $10 for seniors/students, $15 for adult general seating and $25 for adult prime seating.

Register now for spring sports and programs.

MGG hosts events March 4, 8, 15.

Courtesy City of Milton

Milton Grows Green has a busy March. In addition to the Bulky Trash Amnesty Day March 22 (see below), volunteers are also hosting:

Evergreen Schools March 4

Evergreen Schools will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chattahoochee Environmental Education Center, 3802 Barnwell Road in Johns Creek (click here for directions).

Jerry Hightower, a National Parks Service ranger, will lead the group on how to use journaling as a K-12 teaching method in the outdoors. Lunch will be provided by Harry's Farmers Market. This meeting is open to all schools or volunteers in Milton, Roswell, Alpharetta and Johns Creek.

For more information please RSVP on the Meetup group or contact Cindy Eade at cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.

Adopt a Stream March 8

Join Milton Grows Green for our Adopt-A-Stream program training Saturday, March 8. Location and times will be based on interest.

This is a great family volunteer project, and those interested in learning how to monitor water quality in Milton streams should e-mail mgg@cityofmiltonga.us for more information.

Shredding event March 15

Boy Scout Troop 3000 and Milton Grows Green are once again co-hosting a document shredding and electronics recycling event March 15. Keep your eyes peeled for the exact times and place in the March newsletter.

Bulky Trash Amnesty Day set for Saturday, March 22.

Courtesy City of Milton

The City of Milton Public Works Department and Milton Grows Green are offering residents a bulky trash amnesty day Saturday, March 22, so gather your large items for disposal.

From 8 a.m. to noon, residents of Milton can bring items to the City of Roswell Public Works Division at 1810 Hembree Road in Roswell (click here for directions ). Only City of Milton and Roswell residents will be served. Proof of residency will be required, and utility bills are preferred.

Some of the items accepted are (reusable items will be donated to Atlanta Furniture Bank):

tires - must be off the rim, automobile tires only; limit 4 per car sofas tables refrigerators chairs washers dryers televisions deactivated cell phones computer equipment and electronics mattresses and box springs grills lawnmowers (with fluids drained)

The following items will not be accepted:

paint household hazardous waste any fluids including motor oil and anti-freeze household batteries construction and demolition materials yard waste For proper disposal of these items, please contact either the Roswell Recycling Center at 770-442-8822 (motor oil and anti-freeze) or Chadwick Landfill at 770-475-9868 (construction and demolition materials).

Materials will only be accepted at the site on the day of the event and only during the hours of 8 a.m. and noon. Please note that the gate will close at noon.

A special thanks goes to the Young Mens' Service League for their continued volunteer support.

For more information, please contact Milton Sustainability Coordinator Cindy Eade at 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.

Earth Day Fest April 19 at Friendship Park.

Courtesy City of Milton

The fifth annual Milton Earth Day festival, scheduled for Saturday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be right in the heart of Crabapple at Friendship Community Park (click here for directions)!

This fun-filled and educational family event will showcase environmental vendors and businesses along with fun crafts, rides, entertainment and food guaranteed to delight the projected 1,500 visitors.

To have your business connect with this upscale and environmentally friendly community, please consider joining us as a sponsor and/or vendor.

To download the sponsorship/vendor form, click here.

For more information, contact Cindy Eade, sustainability coordinator, at cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us or Angela Thompson, special events and project manager, at angela.thompson@cityofmiltonga.us.

Citizens Government Academy.

Citizens Government Academy 10

The City of Milton Communications Department has undertaken a monthly, video-on-demand Citizens Government Academy hosted through the city's YouTube page.

Each month, Communications Manager Jason Wright will discuss a new topic in the two-minute videos.

Soon, installments will cover virtually every aspect of the city's municipal operations, including sections reserved for hot topics that arise throughout the project.

To visit the City of Milton's YouTube page, click here.

For more information, contact Communications Manager Jason Wright at jason.wright@cityofmiltonga.us or 678-242-2523.

Roadwork continues in Milton.

Courtesy City of Milton

Roadwork projects continue throughout the city in January.

ROADWORK

Please note: All dates on roadwork projects are estimates and are based on weather conditions. Any road closures will be sporadic and announced well in advance.

Ga. 140 at New Providence Road

In July, CMES, Inc. began intersection improvements at Ga. 140 (Arnold Mill Road) and New Providence Road. Plans include redirecting the intersection approach, adding turn lanes and installing a traffic light.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) awarded the construction contract to CMES, Inc. in the amount of $1,161,626.92. The job is expected to last one year.

Ga. 372 at Providence Road/New Providence Road In August, Bartow Paving Company, Inc. began intersection improvements at Ga. 372 (Birmingham Highway) and Providence and New Providence Roads. Plans include redirecting the intersection approach and installing a roundabout.

GDOT awarded the construction contract to Bartow Paving Company, Inc. in the amount of $2,576,297.45. The job is expected to last 18 months.

Hopewell Road at Francis and Cogburn roads

In August, Baldwin Paving Company, Inc. also began intersection improvements at Hopewell Road at Cogburn and Francis roads. Plans include installing a roundabout.

The City of Milton awarded the construction contract to Baldwin Paving Company, Inc. in the amount of $786,606. The job is expected to last one year.

For more information on these projects, visit http://miltonintersectionprojects.com or contact Angie Kapijimpanga, citizen responder for the City of Milton, at 678-242-2562 or angie.kapijimpanga@cityofmiltonga.us.

Monthly new business report.

This list is compiled from business license records kept by the city's Community Development Department. If a new business receives a license within the month proceeding the newsletter, it will be listed.

The appearance of a business on this page is not intended, nor should it be construed, as the City of Milton's or Milton City Council's endorsement, sanction, promotion or advertisement of any particular business. Identification of businesses on this list is for informational purposes only. Citizens interested in retaining or conducting business with any of the companies or agencies listed in this item should conduct their own review and investigation of that business.

Volcano Asian Bistro: 5316 Windward Parkway Four Peas, Inc: 805 Champions Close Brightway Insurance: 960 Birmingham Road Suite 723 Spice Afro Caribbean: 13695 Ga. 9 Atlanta Photos.com: 820 Fox Hollow Run AskCody Inc: 13010 Morris Road 6th Floor Building Four Char's Trunk: 155 Galecrest Drive First Alliance Realty Group, LLC: 155 Tullgean Drive Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc: 12600 Deerfield Parkway Suite 100 Stacey Spolzino Designs: 14980 Thompson Road Optimum Vitality, LLC: 445 South Burgess Trail NLC Experts, Inc: 13262 Kemper Road

For a continually updated list of current businesses in Milton via the city's Web site, click here.

Milton church raises new cross.

It took an hour and a half to raise the new cross on the hill. JONATHAN COPSEY/Staff.

Replaces one taken by the elements

by Jonathan Copsey / The Milton Herald

February 03, 2014

MILTON, Ga. – It goes without saying, but a cross is important to a church. For the congregation at the Birmingham United Methodist Church, near the intersection of Birmingham Highway and Birmingham Road, they have had crosses on their minds. In the days before Jan. 16, a decade-old cross that stood on a prominent hill welcoming all visitors was blown over in heavy winds. A week later, on Jan. 25, the congregation joined together to raise a new one.

The church has existed near the crossroads for over 100 years. In the early 2000s, they acquired 62 acres near the crossroads to put up a new building. To commemorate the beginnings of the new church location, crosses were erected around the property. Standing 16 feet tall, the fallen cross was an important welcome to the congregation.

"This cross has stood over the hill since then," said congregant Jeff Johnson. "It's important to us."

Group prayers and sunrise services were frequently held in the shadow of the cross. Some people even had their ashes spread beneath it.

Milton earns Small Agency Achievement Award for human resources.

Courtesy The Milton Herald

February 03, 2014 MILTON, Ga. – Milton's Human Resources Department was recently awarded the Small Agency Achievement Award from the Georgia Local Government Personnel Association (GLGPA).

According to the group, Milton won the award for its ability to produce a high level of service.

"In four short years, the city of Milton Human Resources Department has developed into a 'complete' department," said GLGPA officials. "With only two employees, the department provides the city of Milton with compensation and benefits, payroll, recruitment and retention, employee relations, safety and risk and organizational development."

Department Director Sam Trager, who came to Milton in 2009 to shepherd the city from its contract with CH2M HILL OMI to a more traditional model of government, said it was a tremendous honor to be recognized.

"We were given a unique opportunity to be proactive and innovative in our approach to HR," said Trager. "We've been able to build systems that best meet the needs of our employees and to change and adjust those programs as necessary."

Milton city manager credentialed by ICMA.

Courtesy The Milton Herald

February 03, 2014 MILTON, Ga. – Milton City Manager Chris Lagerbloom recently received the credentialed manager designation from ICMA, the International City/County Management Association.

Lagerbloom is one of just 1,300 local government management professionals credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program.

"There are just a handful of city managers in Georgia who have earned this important designation, and we're proud one of them is our city manager," said Mayor Joe Lockwood. "Every day, Chris brings a level of expertise and commitment to the city of Milton that is simply unparalleled."

Lagerbloom has served as Milton city manager since his permanent appointment on Feb. 2, 2009. Previously, he held the positions of director of public safety and interim city manager. Lagerbloom came to the city of Milton on Nov. 26, 2006.

During his time with the city, Lagerbloom has overseen a Milton that has been awarded "Best Quality of Life" in the state of Georgia, among numerous other honors for excellence in financial reporting and budgeting, community development and communications.

Additionally, he was the driving force behind Milton bringing more services in house in a hybrid public-private partnership that became the model for Milton's sister cities looking for ways to cut costs and increase services. Because of the move, Milton was able to realize more than $2 million in savings over two years, and it continues to operate with an enviable fund balance.

To receive the prestigious ICMA credential, an applicant must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government; have earned a degree, preferably in public administration or a related field; and demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development.

ICMA's mission is to create excellence in local governance by promoting professional management worldwide and increasing the proficiency of appointed chief administrative officers, assistant administrators and other employees who serve local governments and regional entities around the world. The organization's nearly 9,000 members in 27 countries also include educators, students and other local government employees.

City Manager surprised by Council, staff.

Courtesy City of Milton

At its Feb. 3 meeting, Milton’s City Council surprised City Manager Chris Lagerbloom with a joint proclamation honoring his Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA, the International City/County Management Association.

Lagerbloom was also surprised by his family and numerous members of staff.

As council explained, Lagerbloom is one of just 1,300 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program.

To receive the prestigious ICMA credential, an applicant must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government; have earned a degree, preferably in public administration or a related field; and demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development.

Registration open for paint & chemical collection event.

Courtesy City of Milton

Online pre-registration is now available for Milton’s second household paint and chemical collection event, to be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 (with a snow date March 1) at Bell Memorial Park thanks to Milton Grows Green.

To register online, click here. Please be as specific as possible when estimating weight to be dropped off.

Online registration and the printed confirmation is required to bring materials to the event. There is no charge to Milton residents. However, due to budget restraints, registration may close early once the maximum amount of material is registered.

Milton residents only (no businesses) may drop off:

•Latex and oil-based paints (in original containers; quantities limited) •Lawn and garden chemicals •Cleaning products •Fluorescent bulbs •Batteries “We are planning to serve as many residents as possible, but we have a limited budget and can only collect as much as funding allows,” said Cindy Eade, environmental sustainability coordinator for the City of Milton. “Therefore, registration will be first-come, first served.

“The online registration process helps us stay within budget and ensures we serve the most residents.”

For directions to Bell Memorial Park, located at 15245 Bell Park Road in Milton, click here. For more information, contact Eade at 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.