.

Man killed in Alpharetta wreck.

2012-02-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

Courtesy AJC.com

By Mike Morris
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A motorist was killed late Wednesday in a fiery single-vehicle wreck in Alpharetta, police said.

Alpharetta police spokesman George Gordon said a Toyota Corolla that was eastbound on Cumming Street near Clairmont Avenue shortly before midnight left the roadway, struck a utility pole and caught fire.

Responding officers pulled the male driver from the vehicle, Gordon said. He was taken to North Fulton Hospital in critical condition, but later died, according to Gordon.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner's office identified the man killed as Jason Dapice, 36, of Alpharetta.

North Fulton's hidden homeless.

2012-02-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

Courtesy Jonathan Copsey; The Milton Herald

January 25, 2012

NORTH FULTON, GA. - “Mary” lives in Roswell with her three children, where she works as an office manager. Originally from Ohio, Mary left shortly after high school to come to Atlanta, where her then-husband was attending university. While she currently lives in a Habitat For Humanity home, her family was homeless just a few years ago.

In 2005, she and her young children – ages 3, 5 and 9 – were living in an apartment in Roswell. Every morning, Mary would take her children to either school or daycare, then would head off to work. However, even though she worked a full-time job, it just wasn't enough to make ends meet.

“I got caught up with the childcare bills, rent – those were the two most stressful bills,” Mary said. “I just couldn't get caught up.”
After holding out for a few months on the edge of disaster, Mary finally got her eviction notice. And just like that, she was homeless.

“I don't think anyone was as shocked as me that you can be a full-time worker and be homeless,” she said. “I thought I had everything together trying to make things work.”Mary and her children had to live with friends in Norcross or – sometimes – sleep in their car. For three months they either slept on couches or car seats while Mary tried to get her family back on their feet.

“You feel ashamed,” she said. “I was evicted and now need all this help.”
Even though she knew she needed a lot of help, the shame of being homeless stopped her from contacting family or even telling her boss.

According to Rose Burton, executive director of Homestretch, an organization that provides shelter to families that have fallen on hard times, most of those who are homeless, like Mary, in North Fulton are considered the “hidden homeless.”

They are not the shopping cart-pushing hobo, panhandler or person sleeping in a cardboard box; instead they stay in their car or room with friends, so they often have roofs over their heads.

“It's really tough,” Burton said. “Especially when you get into the holidays. It's a time for families and when you have extra folks it create extra tension.”
This is especially difficult for families with children, who Burton said make up one of the largest demographic of homeless.

“It's a meaningful number,” she said. “A greater percentage [of homelessness] is single moms with children.”For Mary, her daughter's school eventually caught on to the family's problems and they suggested Homestretch. There, Mary was given temporary housing for her family as well as lessons on financial and life skills. It culminated in her family moving into a Habitat house.

“I never thought that I would have that much in common with someone who's homeless,” she said.

Not-so-hidden homelessness

Following a narrow path through the woods along Foe Killer Creek in Alpharetta, near North Point Mall, you come across evidence that people are living there – cans, bottles, clothing and the general debris of human occupancy can be found everywhere. It's here that several people call home. They are North Fulton's homeless.

In previous years, Alpharetta Officer Terry Joyner has kept contact with the many homeless people who lived throughout his city in camps or tent cities. This year, however, he said most have moved on.

“There are still some here,” he said.

Joyner said most were not the stereotypical down-on-his-luck person, but instead had stable jobs and only chose to live in a tent in the woods.

“This was a lifestyle choice,” he said. “A lot of them had jobs and they chose to live out there.”There used to be a collection of tents in the woods. At its height last year, there were as many as a dozen tents, although not all were occupied.

Now, the “tent city” has moved to a different area and, instead of tents, there are small plywood shelters up on cement blocks. According to Jeremy Golem, a man who was living there, these shelters were built by a local church.

Homeless for several years now, Golem said there were about three people living in the clearing, although due to the transient nature of homelessness, that number varies. People come and go.

In North Fulton, Golem, who has on-again-off-again work, is the exception rather than the rule when it comes to homelessness.

Changing demographics of homelessness

Burton said that homelessness is still a problem in North Fulton, but it is often under the radar. And the economic slump of the past few years has changed the demographics of families she deals with.

“Originally we had clients that had ... minimum wage salaries,” she said. “We're starting to see that homelessness is affecting people not just at the lowest income levels. Now we're seeing college educations and entry-level management.”
She said the numbers of people in the area who can count as homeless has been steadily increasing in the past few years. The metro Atlanta area had more than 20,000 home foreclosures last year alone, which she said will only add to the problem.

“We've been at capacity all year long,” she said. “Homestretch has people waiting.”
Congregations give helping hand

To help with the problem, several charity groups have formed, including the Drake House, a Roswell-based nonprofit care center that houses homeless women and their children and helps them become self-sufficient. They help about 50 North Fulton families each year.

Religious congregations, which have traditionally been helpful in providing food, clothing and other necessities, are also taking a more active role.

Beyond such acts of charity as Golem's plywood home in the woods, several churches and synagogues have recently banded together to offer shelter and help to homeless families.

Called “Family Promise,” about a dozen religious congregations of several faiths to house a family for several weeks, offering them free food and shelter while they get back on their feet. The children still go to school, the parents still go to work or look for jobs, but they have the benefit of not worrying about bills for at least a little while.

Sometimes that's all they need to get back on their feet, said Rabbi Bradley Levenberg of Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs.

“Homelessness is a growing problem in North Fulton and North Atlanta,” Levenberg said. “Figures were released that demonstrate that 294 children in Fulton County Public Schools were classified as homeless, a number that has grown with the start of the 2011/2012 school year. Combine that with the figures from The Drake House, where more than 40 percent of their clientele list their last address as Sandy Springs, and one can see that homeless is, in fact, a problem in our community.”

Appointed Milton Residents To Discuss mayor's powers and term.

2012-01-31T09:54:00.000-08:00

By Accessmilton.com

A charter commission was established in December of 2011 to discuss the powers and terms of Milton's Mayoral Position.

Meetings will be ongoing.

Members include Ron Wallace, Gordon Hunter, George Ragsdale, David Shannon, Chris Lagerbloom, Robert Myers, and City Attorney Ken Jarrard.

Historic Sunset Legislation Passes the Senate.

2012-01-30T16:04:00.000-08:00

Courtesy Senate Press Office
Natalie Dale, Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@Senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

ATLANTA (January 30, 2012) – The Georgia Senate today passed SB 223 with a vote of 37 to 12, showing tremendous bipartisan support for the measure. Sponsored by William Ligon (R-Waverly), this legislation provides a mechanism for government oversight and accountability.

“During these challenging economic times, it is imperative to streamline government operations and reduce the size and scope of state government,” said Sen. Ligon. “The passage of SB 223 was a step in the right direction toward reducing government waste and ensuring that state government runs efficiently while maximizing every taxpayer dollar.”
SB 223, also known as the Georgia Government Accountability Act, will determine the continued need and existence of state-run programs and agencies. In recent years, several states such as Alabama , Florida , Tennessee and Texas have enacted similar legislation known as Sunset Reviews to evaluate the overall productivity of state agencies and entities.

In 2011, Georgia legislators introduced legislation calling for comparable measures through the creation of a Joint Legislative Sunset Advisory Committee. The committee is to be composed of seven members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House and seven members of the Senate Government Oversight Committee appointed by the President of the Senate. The members must serve two-year terms concurrent with their terms as members of the General Assembly. Co-chairpersons must be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate.

The Committee must consider certain criteria in determining whether a public need exists for the continuation of a state agency or agency function: the efficiency with which the agency operates; the extent to which the jurisdiction of the agency and the programs administered by the agency overlap or duplicate those of other agencies and the extent to which the programs administered by the agency can be consolidated with the programs of other agencies; and the extent to which the agency accurately reports performance measures used to justify state spending on each of its activities, services, and programs.

In addition, the Committee may review all state agencies, including all boards, departments, advisory committees, authorities, bureaus, offices, and any other state entity of the executive branch of state government regardless of its designation. The Committee may also request information and hold hearings to examine the relevance of government priorities and consider ways to help the agency become more efficient.

As part of its functions, the Joint Legislative Sunset Advisory Committee can only recommend legislative action. Abolishment of a state entity can only be issued through a Joint Resolution by the Georgia General Assembly. After this recommendation, the General Assembly will then access whether the laws the agency is responsible for implementing or enforcing have been repealed, revised, or reassigned to another remaining agency.

The passage of SB 223 also enables the Joint Legislative Sunset Advisory Committee to issue recommendations to privatize, consolidate or eliminate a state program or agency.

SB 223 has received overwhelming support from members of the Senate including co-sponsors Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st, Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd, Sen. Frank Ginn of the 47th and Sen. John Albers of the 56th. Introduced last year, the bill passed both the House and the Senate, but was held in the Senate Conference Committee due to a House amendment.

Key supporters of SB 223 offered up the following statements:

“Passage of today’s Sunset legislation may be one of the top five most important accomplishments and most historical acts of the Georgia Legislature,” said Sen. Judson Hill. “Many of us have been working to pass this important legislation for years. Now more than ever, we must reduce the size of government to fit our revenues not increase our revenues to fit the size of government. The Sunset Bill is needed to make this principle a reality not only for today but for generations to come.”
“This legislation plays a critical role in promoting government transparency while also examining the way state government does business,” said Sen. John Albers. “The passage of this legislation is a shining example of how efficient government should operate and ensures greater accountability across all areas of government.”
“I applaud the Senate’s decision to pass SB 223, the Georgia Government and Accountability Act,” said Sen. Cecil Staton. “The passage of this bill reflects the Majority Caucus’ bold vision of limited government and ensures that every taxpayer dollar is put to good use.”
To further discuss the importance of this landmark legislation, Senator William Ligon held a press conference today with several supporters of SB 223 including Sen. Judson Hill, Sen. John Albers, Sen. Barry Loudermilk, Sen. Steve Gooch, Sen. Buddy Carter, Sen. Bill Heath and Sen. Chip Rogers.

During the press conference, Sen. William Ligon and Sen. Judson Hill further highlighted the Majority Caucus’ main priorities of creating a more streamlined and efficient state government.

Judge rules for Alpharetta in mosque lawsuit.

2012-01-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A federal judge has ruled in favor of Alpharetta in its decision to deny the Islamic Center of North Fulton permission to expand its facility on Rucker Road.

Federal District Judge J. Owen Forrester dismissed claims this week by the center that the 2010 action places a substantial burden on the center's ability to exercise religion. He ruled the city's action created no such burden on the center, at least no burden it could not have anticipated when it bought the property in 1998.

"The mere fact that a church, mosque or synagogue has outgrown its current facilities does not mean that it is substantially burdened under [the federal law]," Forrester wrote. "If it were otherwise, there would be no practical limit on such growth, regardless of the surrounding land uses."
The case has drawn the interest of the U.S. Justice Department, which confirmed Friday it will continue its own investigation under a federal law that requires local governments to prove decisions made in zoning cases are not discriminatory and serve public need.

The Alpharetta City Council voted 6-0 in May 2010 to reject plans by the center to tear down its 2,500-square-foot worship house and construct two buildings: a 1,900-square-foot multipurpose facility and a 12,000-square-foot, two-story main building. Council members said they were concerned that the worship center was backing out of previous agreements not to expand, made before Alpharetta annexed the property from Fulton County in 2005.

The judge's ruling does not address claims that could be considered in a state court, only those that deal with federal discrimination laws.

Andrea Jones, attorney for the Islamic Center, said no decisions have been made on whether to appeal the ruling or to pursue the case in a state court.

"Obviously, we're not pleased, but we need to think through how to proceed," she said. "We should know something fairly soon."
Alpharetta City Attorney Sam Thomas said many of the elements the judge ruled on could be applied in a local court, so he feels confident the city's case will hold up at any level.

"I think the key to the case was convincing the court that there was no evidence to suggest that the city based its decision on religion," Thomas said.

Alpharetta's fate is in stark contrast to the outcome in a similar case involving a mosque in Lilburn. Facing a formal complaint from the Justice Department last August, the city capitulated to Dar-E-Abbas' requests for rezoning to build a mosque on its property on Hood Road.

The DOJ found the city's original denial to have been based on the "religious bias of city officials and to appease members of the public who opposed the construction of a mosque because of religious bias," said a press release from the DOJ.

Milton Fire-Rescue Department holds first awards.

2012-01-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Jan. 28, the Milton Fire Rescue Department held its inaugural Fire Awards ceremony at Atlanta National Country Club.

The entirely donor-funded event celebrated the hard work and dedication of Milton’s fire fighters throughout their first five years of service to the city.

During the awards ceremony, Battalion Chief Roth Hutcheson, pictured right, was named the first Firefighter of the Year. Additionally, the members of engine 42 C shift, Captain Clay Barnette, Fire Apparatus Operator Alex Fortner, firefighter Mark Slyman and firefighter Mark Haskins, were named Fire Company of the Year.

In a very emotional moment, the members of engine 42 B shift, Captain Ryan James, firefighter Eric Sprouse and firefighter Thomas Mickens, engine 43 B shift, Fire Apparatus Operator Don Patterson, Fire Apparatus Operator Joe Champion and firefighter Christopher Seay and Battalion Chief Bill Bourn were given lifesaving awards for saving Whit and Krystal Lofty’s daughter, Kinley, from drowning.

Announcing The Second Annual Road To Safety Event!

2012-01-29T09:10:00.001-08:00

Wednesday, February 1st, from 6-8pm at the Alpharetta High School Auditorium! Over 20 videos are competing!

Admission is FREE!

Event includes: Music, Guest Speakers, Videos, and Awards Presentation!

The Road to Safety Program is a video competition between students in Fulton County High Schools, designed for students to raise the awareness of the dangers teens face as new and inexperienced drivers. The program goals are to raise awareness and save lives!

Many thanks to the families and local sponsors for their support of this program.

http://www.road2safety.com/

Sen. Albers and Sen. Majority Leader Rogers to Host Town Hall Meeting in Alpharetta/Milton.

2012-01-27T06:14:00.000-08:00

ATLANTA (January 27, 2012) – Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) and Sen. Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R- Woodstock) will host a Town Hall meeting in Alpharetta on Saturday, January 28, to discuss legislative updates and priorities. Attendees will then have the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session. All residents are invited to attend.

WHEN: Saturday, January 28, 2012
10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Alpharetta City Hall

2 S. Main Street
Alpharetta, GA 30099

Sen. John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov .

Canine Assistants founder to speak at City Hall Feb. 9.

2012-01-25T17:48:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Arnold to discuss work, writings, documentary.

MILTON, Ga., Jan. 24, 2012 - Jennifer Arnold, founder and executive director of Canine Assistants and New York Times bestselling author of "In a Dog's Heart" and "Through a Dog's Eyes," will speak at Milton's City Hall 7 p.m. Feb. 9 as part of the Milton Disability Awareness Committee (MDAC) Community Link series.

Arnold's talk will take place in City Council Chambers at Milton's City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107E. Everyone is invited, and there is no RSVP required.

"We are extremely honored and thrilled to have Jennifer speak about her work, books and the recent documentary about Milton's own Canine Assistants," said Kennard Woods, MDAC chairman. "Her work and mission are a great source of pride for Milton, and I can't wait to help spread her message."
For more information on this program, contact MDAC at mdac@cityofmiltonga.us. For more information on Canine Assistants, visit its Web site, www.canineassistants.org.

ABOUT JENNIFER ARNOLD
Arnold is founder and executive director of Canine Assistants. Founded in 1991, Canine Assistants is a non-profit organization that teaches service dogs to assist children and adults who have physical disabilities, seizure conditions, or other special needs.

She is the creator of Choice Teaching, a positive reinforcement methodology based on creating a special bond that allows dogs and their human partners to trust and understand one another.

Canine Assistants has now placed over 1,000 service dogs with recipients from 48 states and 5 countries and continuously has more than 120 dogs in various stages of teaching in an effort to accommodate the more than 2,200 people on its waiting list.

Arnold is also the New York Times bestselling author of "Through a Dog's Eyes," published by Random House in 2010, and the subject of a PBS Special of the same name. Her second book, "In a Dog's Heart," was released to critical acclaim in October 2011. She has been featured in The New York Times, London Times, People, Mademoiselle, Family Circle, Atlanta Magazine and various other publications and has been seen on numerous television programs.

Arnold has been profiled on CNN's HLN Leaders with Heart, awarded the Jefferson Award for Community Service, WTBS's Super Citizen Award, Buckhead Woman of the Year, MS Society of Georgia's Woman on the Move 2011, Atlanta Magazine's Women Making a Mark, and the Greater Atlanta Veterinary Medical Association's Humanitarian of the Year Award, amongst other recognitions.

This year she was invited to participate as one of 50 Amazing Women in the UN's International Year of Youth. She and her husband, Dr. Kent Bruner, and their son, Chase, live in Milton.

Post January 23 City Council meeting wrap-up.

2012-01-25T17:47:00.001-08:00

ZONING AGENDA

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)

(First Presentation at the December 5, 2011 Regular Council Meeting)

(Deferred at the December 19, 2011 Regular Council Meeting)

(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

Approved 7-0

2. RZ11-19/VC11-05 - 15260 Hopewell Road, Applicant: Reunion Park. A request to rezone from AG-1 (Agricultural) to C-1 (Community Business) and AG-1 (Agricultural) for an existing 1,180 square foot building for general retail uses and an existing 1,835 square foot single family residence to remain with the following four-part concurrent variance:

1) To reduce the 50 foot undisturbed buffer and 10 foot improvement setback to a 10 foot landscape strip along the south zoning line of Parcel 1 intersecting with Hopewell Road and running North 68 degrees 21 minutes 12 seconds West a distance of 89.69 feet (Sec 64-1141(3)(a));

2) To reduce the 50 foot buffer and 10 foot improvement setback to a minimum 40 foot buffer along the south zoning line of Parcel 1 (parallel to Thompson Road), running from the corner of an existing driveway North 80 degrees 44 minutes 27 seconds West 190.43 feet to the westerly 10 foot improvement setback line (Sec 64-1141(3)(a));

3) To delete the 50 foot buffer and 10 foot improvement setback along the southwest zoning line of Parcel 1 running from Hopewell Road North 68 degrees 10 minutes 12 seconds West 89.69 feet and North 21 degrees 34 minutes 48 seconds West 35.46 feet to the northerly line of an existing driveway for Parcel 2 (Sec 64- 1141(3)(a));

4) To reduce the 25 foot setback for parking adjacent to residentially used property to 10 feet along the south zoning line (Sec. 64-1433(f)(1)).

(Agenda Item No. 12-011)

(First Presentation at the January 9, 2012 Regular Meeting)

(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

Motion to allow applicant to withdraw request without prejudice approved 7-0

3. RZ11-17 - To Amend Article XVI of the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 64 of the City Code) - Signs.

(Agenda Item No. 12-012)

(First Presentation at the January 9, 2012 Regular Council Meeting)

(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

Motion to defer until first presentation during the Feb. 6 City Council meeting approved 7-0

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Approval of the Adoption of an Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Milton, Georgia to Amend Chapter 2 - Administration, Article VI - Financial Management Program, of the City of Milton Code of Ordinances to Include Division 13 - Fund Balance Policy.

(Agenda Item No. 12-010)

(First Presentation at the January 9, 2012 Regular Council Meeting)

(Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)

Approved 7-0

NEW BUSINESS

1. Approval of a Resolution for the City of Milton to Partner with Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections to Participate in the Voter Education and Outreach Program (VEOP) to Educate, Register and Increase Voter Participation.

(Agenda Item No. 12-027)

(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

Approved 7-0

Public input sought on Milton Highway 9 study.

2012-01-25T12:18:00.000-08:00

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Milton will host the second of four public meetings at 6 p.m. Thursday to discuss development of the Highway 9 District, the city's most populated area. The meetings are being conducted as part of the Ga. 9 Livable Centers Initiative study funded with a $100,000 grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission.

The LCI grant program funds small area studies to determine strategies that link transportation improvements with land-use development.

The meeting is at City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway.

Information: 678-242-2538 or michele.mcintosh-ross@cityofmiltonga.us.

Fulton's lobbyists will keep fighting re-creation of Milton County.

2012-01-24T16:33:00.000-08:00

By Johnny Edwards

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The Fulton commission has given marching orders to its lobbyists working at the state Capitol, and the team will again ask lawmakers to "aggressively oppose" any bill allowing the breakaway of Milton County. The county budgeted $677,600 for its intergovernmental affairs office this year, which includes payments to lobbyists.

Other lobbying efforts: oppose limiting the county government's powers, oppose delaying delinquent tax collections, support giving Local Option Sales Tax proceeds to unincorporated south Fulton and support finding more funds for Grady Memorial Hospital and MARTA.

January 23 City Council meeting notice.

2012-01-21T16:32:00.001-08:00

Monday, Jan. 23, 2012 Regular Council Meeting Agenda 6:00 p.m.

INVOCATION - Pastor Ollie Wagner, Alpharetta Presbyterian Church

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. 12-020)

4) PUBLIC COMMENT

5) CONSENT AGENDA

1. Approval of the January 9, 2011 Regular Council Minutes.

(Agenda Item No. 12-021)

(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)

2. Approval of Financial Statements for the Period Ending August, 2011.

(Agenda Item No. 12-022)

(Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)

3. Approval of Preliminary Financial Statements for the Period Ending September, 2011.

(Agenda Item No. 12-023)

(Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)

4. Approval of a Contract between Rick Pruetz, FAICP and The City of Milton for the Purpose of Providing Professional Planning Services for a Transfer of Development rights Feasibility Study.

(Agenda Item No. 12-024)

(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

5. Approval of a Hosted Application Services Agreement between Guardian Tracking, LLC and The City of Milton.

(Agenda Item No. 12-025)

(Deborah Harrell, Chief of Police)

6. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Milton and Kittelson & Associates for Hopewell/Francis/Cogburn Roundabout Peer Review.

(Agenda Item No. 12-026)

(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)

6) REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS

1. A Proclamation Recognizing Milton's Cuisine and Cocktails Being Named a Top 100 Restaurant.

(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

2. A Proclamation Naming February "Have A Heart for North Fulton Community Charities".

(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

7) FIRST PRESENTATION (None)

8) PUBLIC HEARING (None)

9) ZONING AGENDA

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)

(First Presentation at the December 5, 2011 Regular Council Meeting)

(Deferred at the December 19, 2011 Regular Council Meeting)

(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

2. RZ11-19/VC11-05 - 15260 Hopewell Road, Applicant: Reunion Park. A request to rezone from AG-1 (Agricultural) to C-1 (Community Business) and AG-1 (Agricultural) for an existing 1,180 square foot building for general retail uses and an existing 1,835 square foot single family residence to remain with the following four-part concurrent variance:

1) To reduce the 50 foot undisturbed buffer and 10 foot improvement setback to a 10 foot landscape strip along the south zoning line of Parcel 1 intersecting with Hopewell Road and running North 68 degrees 21 minutes 12 seconds West a distance of 89.69 feet (Sec 64-1141(3)(a));

2) To reduce the 50 foot buffer and 10 foot improvement setback to a minimum 40 foot buffer along the south zoning line of Parcel 1 (parallel to Thompson Road), running from the corner of an existing driveway North 80 degrees 44 minutes 27 seconds West 190.43 feet to the westerly 10 foot improvement setback line (Sec 64-1141(3)(a));

3) To delete the 50 foot buffer and10 foot improvement setback along the southwest zoning line of Parcel 1 running from Hopewell Road North 68 degrees 10 minutes 12 seconds West 89.69 feet and North 21 degrees 34 minutes 48 seconds West 35.46 feet to the northerly line of an existing driveway for Parcel 2 (Sec 64- 1141(3)(a));

4) To reduce the 25 foot setback for parking adjacent to residentially used property to 10 feet along the south zoning line (Sec. 64-1433(f)(1)).

(Agenda Item No. 12-011)

(First Presentation at the January 9, 2012 Regular Meeting)

(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

3. RZ11-17 - To Amend Article XVI of the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 64 of the City Code) - Signs.

(Agenda Item No. 12-012)

(First Presentation at the January 9, 2012 Regular Council Meeting)

(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

10) UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Approval of the Adoption of an Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Milton, Georgia to Amend Chapter 2 - Administration, Article VI - Financial Management Program, of the City of Milton Code of Ordinances to Include Division 13 - Fund Balance Policy.

(Agenda Item No. 12-010)

(First Presentation at the January 9, 2012 Regular Council Meeting)

(Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)

11) NEW BUSINESS

1. Approval of a Resolution for the City of Milton to Partner with Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections to Participate in the Voter Education and Outreach Program (VEOP) to Educate, Register and Increase Voter Participation.

(Agenda Item No. 12-027)

(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

12) MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS

13) STAFF REPORTS

14) EXECUTIVE SESSION (if needed)

15) ADJOURNMENT

(Agenda Item No. 12-028)

Time To Laugh-Two Dogs Dining!

2012-01-21T06:07:00.001-08:00

State says Fulton Science Academy is violating rules.

2012-01-20T15:54:00.000-08:00

By D. Aileen Dodd
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Fulton Science Academy Middle School has been notified it is in violation of state education rules by beginning construction on a new campus without first getting state approval of its plans.

Enlarge photo Johnny Crawford, jcrawford@ajc.com Tatyana Manogin,12, plays the guitar in music class at Fulton Science Academy Middle on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. Fulton Science Academy is Georgia's first charter school to win the national Blue Ribbon for academic excellence.

The nationally acclaimed charter school with more than 500 students was advised late last week by facilities officials at the state Department of Education that its construction application for a new 44-acre campus in Alpharetta was incomplete and had not been approved.

This week bulldozers continued to move red clay to clear a path for the school.

Fulton Science entered into a loan agreement of more than $18 million to build a shared campus with Fulton Sunshine Academy and Fulton Science Academy High School, its sister schools. The schools sought revenue bonds through the city of Alpharetta Development Authority to fund the project.

"The process is that we look over plans before construction is to be done," said Matt Cardoza, spokesman for the state Department of Education. "It's a safety issue. There are codes to follow. Ultimately they are a public school."

Fulton Science officials, however, say they have done nothing wrong and that charter schools have the freedom to build first and get site approval before students move in.

"You have to have fire alarms, you have to have extinguishers. Other than that, charter schools are flexible," said Ali Ozer, executive director of Fulton Science Academy.

A Jan. 12 letter from the state Facilities Unit says otherwise. It notified the school that it did not submit all of the documentation necessary for site approval or construction plans approval to state architects. The letter also questioned financing for the project and whether the school followed state law in advertising bid proposals for jobs. It also stated that the school's application did not mention that an elementary and high school would be located on the property.

Cardoza said Fulton Science is not exempt from state protocol and failing to follow it could cost them.

"They are getting public dollars and they fall under the same state board rules,” Cardoza said. “You have to do a hazards assessment. There are issues about the location of a school in proximity to places that sell alcohol. ... There could certainly be extra expenses to correct those issues if they have to end up retrofitting something we wouldn't have approved."

Cardoza said the state education department doesn’t have the authority to issue a “cease and desist” on construction, however.

Ozer said Fulton Science has updated its construction application to include details of the other two schools that will locate on the site. Ozer added that the project has financing and followed state procurement law. He said 12 proposals for the job were considered before Winter Construction was chosen.

Meanwhile, as a new school is built, Fulton Science continues to operate on a charter contract that will expire on June 30. Its application to continue as a Fulton County Schools charter campus was denied in December. Fulton Schools Superintendent Robert Avossa this week rejected a request by Fulton Science to have the state mediate a reconsideration of that rejection.

Members of the Fulton County legislative delegation had asked Fulton County Schools to reconsider Fulton Science's application.

Avossa said mediation would be “inappropriate” due to the school's numerous issues, including violating state rules on construction. “This pattern of reckless, premature actions ... constitutes additional breaches of their charter contract and has also now endangered the financial health of its FSA sister schools," Avossa said in a state letter.

Fulton Science is currently applying to become a state charter school, a designation which would result in a loss of half of its funding if approved. School supporters have donated more than $245,000 to help offset the loss.

Worried About Milton Roads? Check Out This Picture!

2012-01-20T15:07:00.001-08:00

Milton police arrest suspected "Felony Lane" member.

2012-01-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

Courtesy Milton Police Department

MILTON, Ga., Jan. 20, 2012 - Milton police arrested a 43-year-old Pompano Beach, Fla., woman accused of being part of the national "Felony Lane Gang" Jan. 13 after she allegedly tried to cash a stolen check at a local bank.

Milton police said Kelly Marie Mazon-Perez was arrested at the RBC Bank on Ga. 9 while allegedly trying to fraudulently use the farthest drive-through teller lane, or "felony lane" in law enforcement parlance, to conceal her identity from the teller.

She reportedly had stolen checks from Miami Beach, Fla., a stolen driver's license from Chapel Hill, N.C. and was wearing a red wig to try and match the victim's photo on the ID.

While being interviewed by detectives, Mazon-Perez reportedly admitted to officers she was responsible for similar crimes in the metro Atlanta area under the tutelage of "handlers." She also allegedly confirmed her and their membership in the national Felony Lane Gang theft ring, which has seen members arrested or wanted in Henry County, Naperville, Ill. and McKinney, Texas. Additionally, Mazon-Perez reportedly made specific mention to similar activities in Trenton, N.J. and Philadelphia.

Based on Mazon-Perez's information, Secret Service agents were able to track the unidentified "handlers" to a hotel near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, said Detective Stephen Hewitt.

Hewitt said members of the Felony Lane Gang break into cars at day care centers and parks looking for checks, credit cards and driver's licenses belonging to suburban women. They then recruit women to cash the stolen checks, giving them rented cars and wigs to make it difficult to identify the suspects in multiple crimes. Hewitt said the handler always tags along in a different car to make sure the operation goes smoothly.

Mazon-Perez remains in Fulton County Jail on a $13,000 bond charged with six crimes, including first-degree forgery.

Milton receives erosion control issuing authority status.

2012-01-19T13:36:00.000-08:00

By Accessmilton.com

The City of Milton now has the authority to review erosion control plans and issue permits for land disturbance without concurrent approval from the state, said Plan Review Engineer Jimmy Sanders.

It's all thanks to a memorandum of agreement with the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission and the Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District that shows Milton has the resources and capability to comply with the requirements of the Clean Water Act.

"With permits issued solely by us without outside intervention, the typical 35-day process for applicants - if everything was perfect - now drops to 14," said Sanders. "So while the requirements will be as stringent, the process as a whole should be simpler for those looking to build responsibly in the City of Milton."

Second Highway 9 planning meeting set for Jan. 26.

2012-01-19T13:35:00.000-08:00

By Accessmilton.com

Planning for the future of Milton’s most populated district will continue Thursday, Jan. 26 at Milton’s City Hall as part of the Ga. 9 Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) study.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m., said City Planner Michelle McIntosh-Ross.
“We’ve had good public turnout and response from this process so far, and we hope to see many more people at this meeting, too,” said McIntosh-Ross. “Milton and Alpharetta residents obviously care about the future of Ga. 9 and want it to develop into something unique and beautiful.”

This is the second of four public meetings held as part of a planning study of the Ga. 9 area from Bethany Bend in Milton to Mayfield Road in Alpharetta and the areas east of Ga. 9 to Ga. 400, which includes Deerfield Parkway. The study is funded by a $100,000 LCI grant awarded to Milton by the Atlanta Regional Commission in February 2011.

New Poll Up - Old Poll Results.

2012-01-15T09:53:00.000-08:00

All:

We have a new poll up.

It asks "Is Milton better with the recent council seat changes or worse?" Have your say today in the right margin.

The most recent poll results are located in the image above.

City Hall Closed Jan. 16.

2012-01-15T09:47:00.001-08:00

Milton’s City Hall will be closed Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It will reopen Jan. 17 at 8:30 a.m.

Jobs In Milton.

2012-01-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

Teller - Birmingham Village Store, 20 hour position - Milton, GA

Job Description
Under direct supervision, processes customer transactions within established guidelines. Identifies and makes sales referrals, recommends alternate channels, cross-sells bank services and products for Wells Fargo partners, provides excellent customer service. Duties may include safe deposit, merchant/vault, ATM processing, bonds and coupons, foreign currency and night drop.

Basic Qualifications: 1+ years experience interacting with people or customers

Minimum Qualifications: Demonstrated skill in use of computers. Demonstrated ability to achieve individual and team goals. Positive approach in interactions with customers and team members. Reliable attendance. Good communication skills. Ability to work a schedule that includes working weekends and some holidays.

Preferred Skills: Previous experience selling products and services, Previous experience meeting customer satisfaction goals, Previous experience working in a fast paced environment, Ability to stand for extended periods of time, Multilingual speakers are encouraged to apply

Company Description

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC)is a diversified financial services company providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through more than 10,000 Wells Fargo and Wachovia stores, 12,000 Wells Fargo and Wachovia ATMs, the internet and other distribution channels across North America and internationally.

We're headquartered in San Francisco, but being decentralized, every local Wells Fargo store is a headquarters for satisfying all our customers' financial needs and helping them succeed financially.

Wells Fargo has $1.3 trillion in assets and 282,000 team members across our 80+ businesses. We ranked fourth in assets and second in market value of our stock among our peers as of June 30, 2009.

Additional Information
Posted:January 13, 2012Type:Full-time Experience:Entry level Functions:Finance Industries:Banking, Financial Services, Retail Employer Job ID:3562718GAALPHARETTAJob ID:2400668

Find out more at www.wellsfargo.com or you can reach this location direct at
678-867-6857.

January 18 City Council work session notice.

2012-01-14T07:52:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 18, 2011 Work Session Agenda 6:00 p.m.

1. Discussion of Project Overview of Milton Parks Comprehensive Master Plan, Trails Update Master Plan and Birmingham Park Master Plan.

(Presented by John Rebar, Parks & Recreation Director)

2. Update and Discussion of the Moratorium of Issuing Business Licenses to New Pain Management Clinics within the City of Milton.

(Presented by Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)

Great Volunteers; Sponsors Step Forward for "Road To Safety" Program.

2012-01-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

By Accessmilton.com

The Road to Safety Program continues to grow with two more fantastic sponsors jumping on board!

Shane's Rib Shack has generously offered to donate catering for the participants, parents, sponsors, judges, and invited guests before the event starts. In addition, Music Matters in Milton is also participating; plus two bands in association with the company will be opening the event at Alpharetta High School.

A special Guest of Honor will announce the winners and hand out the awards to the students.

Community leaders have been invited to the event which include city mayors, council members and local area Georgia Legislative members. The Road To Safety program appreciates their willingness to step forward in helping raise awareness for safe driving for our young people.

To give you a sneak at how the evening will flow, the event will open with great band performances followed by a half hour or so to premiere all the videos submitted. This fantastic night will end with the annnouncement of the winners and awarding prizes.

This is turning out to be a fun informative event. We encourage students from each school to make the drive to Alpharetta HS to come and see what this is all about.

Students from local high schools are encouraged to join us for a very exciting and informative evening. There is no fee involved.

Other local sponsors of this program are: Bloor Dentistry, Leslie Harper, Realtor - BHG Metro Brokers, Johns Creek Driving School and Drive Smart Georgia. If you are interested in making a donation or becoming a sponsor of this event please email Access Milton for more information.

The Road to Safety Program was established in 2010 and is fully supported by the Fulton County Board of Education. The RTS Program is a 100% non profitable program and all donations and proceeds go to the students.

The student video entry deadline is January 23rd and the Awards Event and Video Premiere is February 1st, Wednesday, from 6-8 pm at Alpharetta High School Auditorium.

Milton joins Fulton voter registration push.

2012-01-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

by Accessmilton.com

The City of Milton has joined Fulton County’s Department of Registration and Elections to increase voter education, registration and participation in North Fulton County.

As part of that effort, on Jan. 11 seven Milton employees attended training at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce to allow them to register voters at Milton’s City Hall and help hold voter registration drives. Additionally, Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood participated in and spoke at the event.

Christmas vandals caught, sentenced.

2012-01-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

By Accessmilton.com

Juveniles must apologize, pay for damage, serve 25 hours of comm. service.

MILTON, Ga., Jan. 12, 2012 - Three local high school students have been sentenced for the Dec. 10 Christmas vandalism incidents at Gates Mill subdivision, said Milton Police Capt. Shawn McCarty.

Because of state law barring information for suspects under 17, their identities will not be released.

According to Milton police, the three youths were detained after Sgt. C.S. Barstow was able to identify a black Jeep Wrangler seen in the neighborhood between midnight and 3 a.m., when the three homes were vandalized. The victims told police they awoke that morning to find their Christmas decorations, among other indignities, beheaded and hung.

Barstow was then able to ascertain the identity of the driver, one of the youths sentenced. The suspect voluntarily cooperated with police, which led to the other two co-conspirators. One lived in the neighborhood, the other two did not.

All three were served with subpoenas that detailed charges of second degree criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, theft by taking and being unruly juveniles.

At their Jan. 6 Milton Municipal Court Hearing, all three were sentenced to restitution, or paying back the homeowners for the damage done, 25 hours of community service each and a formal written apology to the Gates Mill subdivision.

Many thanks for the Milton Police department catching those responsible.

New councilmen sworn in.

2012-01-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

Lance Large is sworn into office.

Matt Kunz is sworn into office.

By Accessmilton.com

At the Jan. 9, 2012 meeting, new councilmen Matt Kunz (District 2) and Lance Large (District 6) joined incumbent councilman Burt Hewitt (District 4) in being sworn in for a four-year term.

Additionally, each councilman made appointments to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Design Review Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Planning Commission.
To view those appointments, please click here.

Post January 9 City Council meeting wrap-up.

2012-01-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

Post January 9 City Council meeting wrap-up

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Approval of An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 11, Purchasing Policies, Section 2-621.

(Agenda Item No. 11-283)

(First Presentation on December 19, 2011)

(Chris Lagerbloom, City Manager)

Approved 7-0

NEW BUSINESS

1. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 11-06-177, A Resolution Appointing or Reappointing Members for Districts 2, 4 and 6 to The City of Milton Board of Zoning Appeals.

(Agenda Item No. 12-013)

(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

Chris Bloor (District 2), Todd Chernick (District 4) and Rita Young (District 6) all approved unanimously

2. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 11-11-196, A Resolution Appointing or Reappointing Members for Districts 2, 4 and 6 to The City of Milton Design Review Board.

(Agenda Item No. 12-014)

(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

Perry Mason (District 2), Karl Hasse (District 4) and Tim Bryan (District 6) all approved unanimously

3. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 11-04-174, A Resolution Appointing or Reappointing Members for Districts 2, 4 and 6 to The City of Milton Historic Preservation Commission.

(Agenda Item No. 12-015)

(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

Pam Gillig (District 2), Ken Sisson (District 4) and Alison Byrnes (District 6) all approved unanimously

4. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 11-03-173, A Resolution Appointing or Reappointing Members for Districts 2, 4 and 6 to The City of Milton Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

(Agenda Item No. 12-016)

(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

Dave Duley (District 2), Wallace Britton (District 4) and Ronald Hill (District 6) all approved unanimously

5. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 10-01-127, A Resolution Appointing or Reappointing Members for Districts 2, 4 and 6 to The City of Milton Planning Commission.

(Agenda Item No. 12-017)

(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

Mark Bittner (District 2), Fred Edwards (District 4) and Gariel Burchett (District 6) all approved unanimously

6. Approval of A Resolution Establishing Issues to be Reviewed by the City of Milton Charter Commission.

(Agenda Item No. 12-018)

(Discussed at December 12, 2011 Work Session)

(Chris Lagerbloom, City Manager)

Approved 7-0

Road To Safety Program Ready To Roll!

2012-01-08T15:13:00.001-08:00

Premiere All Video Entries From All North Fulton High Schools!

Winners Will Be Announced & Awards Will Be Presented!

Contestants Must Be Present To Win!

Event Held In AHS Auditorium!

(This program is non-profit and supported by the FCBOE)

January 9 City Council meeting notice.

2012-01-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

Monday, Jan. 9, 2012 Regular Council Meeting Agenda 6:00 p.m.

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

CALL TO ORDER

1) ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE TO ELECTED OFFICIALS

(Judge Zimmerman and Judge Bruggink)

2) ROLL CALL

3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (Led by the Mayor)

4) APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA (Add or remove items from the agenda)

(Agenda Item No. 12-001)

5) PUBLIC COMMENT

6) CONSENT AGENDA

1. Approval of the December 19, 2011 Regular Council Minutes.

(Agenda Item No. 12-002)

(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)

2. Approval of Financial Statements for the Period Ending June, 2011.

(Agenda Item No. 12-003)

(Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)

3. Approval of Financial Statements for the Period Ending July, 2011.

(Agenda Item No.12-004)

(Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)

4. Approval of a Task Order with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for Design for SR 372 Crabapple Intersection Improvements.

(Agenda Item No. 12-005)

(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)

5. Approval of a Construction Services Agreement between Martin-Robbins Fence Company, Inc. and The City of Milton for Guardrail Replacement on Hopewell Road.

(Agenda Item No. 12-006)

(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)

6. Approval of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District and The City of Milton of Fulton County, Georgia.

(Agenda Item No. 12-007)

(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

7. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement between Davenport & Company, LLC and the City of Milton for the Purpose of Providing Financial Advisory Services.

(Agenda Item No. 12-008)

(Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)

8. Approval of a First Amendment to the Granicus Services Agreement between Granicus, Inc. and the City of Milton, Georgia.

(Agenda Item No. 12-009)

(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)

7) REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS (None)

8) FIRST PRESENTATION

1. Approval of the Adoption of an Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Milton, Georgia to Amend Chapter 2 - Administration, Article VI - Financial Management Program, of the City of Milton Code of Ordinances to Include Division 13 - Fund Balance Policy.

(Agenda Item No. 12-010)

(Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)

2. RZ11-19/VC11-05 - 15260 Hopewell Road, Applicant: Reunion Park. A request to rezone from AG-1 (Agricultural) to C-1 (Community Business) and AG-1 (Agricultural) for an existing 1,180 square foot building for general retail uses and an existing 1,835 square foot single family residence to remain with the following four-part concurrent variance:

1) To reduce the 50 foot undisturbed buffer and 10 foot improvement setback to a 10 foot landscape strip along the south zoning line of Parcel 1 intersecting with Hopewell Road and running North 68 degrees 21 minutes 12 seconds West a distance of 89.69 feet (Sec 64-1141(3)(a));

2) To reduce the 50 foot buffer and 10 foot improvement setback to a minimum 40 foot buffer along the south zoning line of Parcel 1 (parallel to Thompson Road), running from the corner of an existing driveway North 80 degrees 44 minutes 27 seconds West 190.43 feet to the westerly 10 foot improvement setback line (Sec 64-1141(3)(a));

3) To delete the 50 foot buffer and10 foot improvement setback along the southwest zoning line of Parcel 1 running from Hopewell Road North 68 degrees 10 minutes 12 seconds West 89.69 feet and North 21 degrees 34 minutes 48 seconds West 35.46 feet to the northerly line of an existing driveway for Parcel 2 (Sec 64- 1141(3)(a));

4) To reduce the 25 foot setback for parking adjacent to residentially used property to 10 feet along the south zoning line (Sec. 64-1433(f)(1)).

(Agenda Item No. 12-011)

(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

2. RZ11-17 - To Amend Article XVI of the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 64 of the City Code) - Signs.

(Agenda Item No. 12-012)

(Kathleen Field, Community Development Director)

8) PUBLIC HEARING (None)

9) ZONING AGENDA (None)

10) UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Approval of An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 11, Purchasing Policies, Section 2-621.

(Agenda Item No. 11-283)

(First Presentation on December 19, 2011)

(Chris Lagerbloom, City Manager)

11) NEW BUSINESS

1. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 11-06-177, A Resolution Appointing or Reappointing Members for Districts 2, 4 and 6 to The City of Milton Board of Zoning Appeals.

(Agenda Item No. 12-013)

(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

2. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 11-11-196, A Resolution Appointing or Reappointing Members for Districts 2, 4 and 6 to The City of Milton Design Review Board.

(Agenda Item No. 12-014)

(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

3. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 11-04-174, A Resolution Appointing or Reappointing Members for Districts 2, 4 and 6 to The City of Milton Historic Preservation Commission.

(Agenda Item No. 12-015)

(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

4. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 11-03-173, A Resolution Appointing or Reappointing Members for Districts 2, 4 and 6 to The City of Milton Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

(Agenda Item No. 12-016)

(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

5. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 10-01-127, A Resolution Appointing or Reappointing Members for Districts 2, 4 and 6 to The City of Milton Planning Commission.

(Agenda Item No. 12-017)

(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

6. Approval of A Resolution Establishing Issues to be Reviewed by the City of Milton Charter Commission.

(Agenda Item No. 12-018)

(Discussed at December 12, 2011 Work Session)

(Chris Lagerbloom, City Manager)

12) MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS

13) STAFF REPORTS

14) EXECUTIVE SESSION (if needed)

15) ADJOURNMENT

(Agenda Item No. 12-019)

Working toward a better community.

2012-01-08T08:49:00.000-08:00

Each year around this time, I’m asked to take a look into the future and report on what the City of Milton will be up to throughout 2012.

In municipal government, goal setting exercises are especially important, because these guideposts help chart the path of a large organization responsible to taxpayers.

And this upcoming year looks good: Just days before I was asked to write this letter, Milton was recognized as having the best quality of life in the state and ninth in the South by Business Journals, Inc. I suspect that quality of life will only increase, because after a few tough years, the economy seems to be picking up, both here in Milton and across the United States.

With that in mind, here’s what you can expect from the City of Milton government over the next 12 months:

** Georgia 9 Livable Communities Grant Initiative: In February 2011, the Atlanta Regional Commission awarded Milton $100,000 for a land development and transportation planning study of the Ga. 9 area from Bethany Bend to Mayfield Road and the areas east of Ga. 9 to Ga. 400, which includes Deerfield Parkway. You’ve already seen online visual survey portion of this process.

This study will be complete and turned into ARC by April, 2012. Due to the work, this area will now be eligible for additional money to implement the transportation projects identified in the study.

** Recreation and Parks Master Plan: The Parks and Recreation Master Plan, for which there have been four public meetings covering the plan as a whole and the trails and Birmingham Park update components, will be delivered to City Council from consultants Moreland Altobelli Associates in early 2102.

Once adopted City Council will begin discussing possible funding strategies for the improvements outlined in the plan. Based on a number of factors, including a cost of services study (discussed below) we will move forward with the expressed goal of creating a robust inventory of parks and recreation options for residents.

** Crabapple Overlay District Form Based Code Project: Stakeholders began meeting on this project in December and will continue throughout the new year. At the end of this process, City Council will vote on adopting the resulting zoning code regulations, which could include visual standards for development in Crabapple and a mechanism for transfer of development rights to protect Milton’s agrarian land from density and development. This effort is a direct result of the Crabapple Visioning study from earlier this year conducted by Lew Oliver Wholetown Solutions, Inc. and is expected to be complete in June, 2012.

** Cost of Service Study: There has been a dialogue since Milton’s birth regarding how to balance expected levels of service with available tax funds. In an effort to define several strategies both for City Council and voters, City Manager Chris Lagerbloom and Finance Director Stacey Inglis have embarked on a process by which we will be able to create several possible models for government and the resulting impact on city budgets.

** Web based reporting for Strategic Plan objectives: This year Milton created its first three-year strategic plan to guide budgeting. But what good is this document if the goals and objectives it establishes aren’t easily checked by residents? That’s why this year you’ll see a whole new section of the city’s Web site where each objective is explained and given a current score for level of completion.

Of course, there are more projects in the pipeline, including paving more roads in 2012 than we ever have before, a video-on-demand citizens’ government academy and a Newcomer’s Guide for new residents. My sincere hope is that you’ll be with us every step of the way and let us know what you think.

I’m always available to talk, and City Hall’s doors are always open. Please stop by sometime.

Sincerely,
Mayor Joe Lockwood

Crabapple stakeholder meeting Jan. 19.

2012-01-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

By Accessmilton.com

The second meeting of the Crabapple Overlay Zoning District Form Based Code Project stakeholders will be held Thursday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in City Council chambers.

This meeting will be spent learning about the concept of transfer of development rights (TDR) and how it might be used in Crabapple as well as other selected locations in Milton.

The presenter/consultant for this presentation will be Rick Pruetz, a national expert on this topic. Our goal, as we develop the Crabapple Overlay Zone, will be explore the feasibility of incorporating the TDR concept into it.

For more information on this process, contact Milton Community Development Director Kathleen Field at 678-242-2555 or kathleen.field@cityofmiltonga.us.

Schools invited to Evergreen meeting Jan. 19.

2012-01-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

Courtesy City of Milton

Milton public and private schools are invited to participate in the Evergreen School Program and all interested teachers, administrators and parents may attend free informational seminars (five meetings per year with different topics).

The next meeting will be held Jan. 19 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Johns Creek Environmental Campus, 8100 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell GA 30022. The program topic is "Utilizing Art in Environmental Education."

For more information, please contact Kathy Johnson, chairwoman of the environmental education committee for Milton Grows Green at mgg@cityofmiltonga.us.

Registration continues for youth volleyball league.

2012-01-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

By Accessmilton.com

Online registration continues for a co-ed recreational volleyball league for children ages 6 to 18.

To sign up at Overkill Volleyball's Web site, click here. After filling out the registration, click here to pay online. For more information on the program, click here.

This program will take place at Hopewell Middle School thanks to an intergovernmental agreement with the Fulton County School System. Cost for residents is $150 and $225 for non-residents. That price includes a uniform and 90 minute, once-weekly practices and games for a six-game season, plus an end-of-season participation award.

Evaluations will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 (by age group - times posted Feb. 1) and practices begin Feb. 20. The first game will be held Feb. 25, with the season finishing up March 31. Please be advised that dates are subject to change.

For more information about this program, visit Overkill Volleyball's Web site, www.overkillvolleyball.org or e-mail info@overkillvolleyball.org.

HMS student wins prestigious Beta Club award.

2012-01-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

Nico Leis, center, with Erin Bolling, left, and Stephanie Sosebee, right.

By Accessmilton.com

Hopewell Middle School student and Jr. Beta Club President Nico Leis recently won the John W. Harris Leadership award after being nominated by his two Jr. Beta sponsor teachers, Erin Bolling and Stephanie Sosebee. Click here to read their nomination essay.

He was one of just 25 Jr. Betas out of 420,000 members. He also received a full tuition scholarship to attend the Broyhill Leadership academy held every summer by the Beta National Association.

Leis received the award in front of 5,000 Georgia Jr. Betas Nov. 18 at the Georgia Jr. Beta Convention in Macon, Georgia. It was presented to him by Judy Cummings, the National Jr. Beta Sponsor.

Leis said he is most excited about the recognition because it has brought attention to his current charitable drive for the Family Haven Shelter in Cumming. He is collecting paper towels, toilet paper, diapers of all sizes and laundry detergent.

To donate, e-mail familyhavendrive@gmail.com.

Earth Day Festival set for April 21.

2012-01-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

Courtesy City of Milton

Sure, April 22 is the "official" date that Earth Day is celebrated around the globe. But here in Milton we will host the third annual Earth Day Festival Saturday, April 21.

Once again, the celebration will be held at pristine Birmingham Park, located at 750 Hickory Flat Road behind Fire Station No. 43.

"This will be an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy this beautiful 200 acre park and to check out the latest ideas for environmental sustainability," said Jack Lindon, co-chairman of Milton Grows Green (MGG), the city's environmental citizens committee.

Last year the event boasted an animal show, Easter egg hunt, entertainment, kids activity area, vendors showcasing environmental products and services, a horse drawn carriage ride and free food samples.

"Our plan is to enhance the vendor area of the event, with the objective of bringing Milton residents the latest information on making their homes and businesses more environmentally sustainable," said Jon McPhail, co chair of MGG.

There are many ways to be involved in this annual event which last year drew 500 visitors: businesses may sign up for sponsorship and advertising benefits beginning at $250; companies with an environmental product or service to offer may obtain booth space; restaurants can showcase their favorite food samples; and groups can volunteer to help in many aspects, including planning, which begins immediately.

For more information, please contact Cindy Eade, sustainability coordinator for the City of Milton at cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us or call 678-242-2509.

Monthly crime prevention tip: Share the Road.

2012-01-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

By Capt. Shawn McCarty, Milton Police Department

On any given day with good weather you can find a large portion of the city's population outside enjoying nature. One of the most visible events is bike riding.

Many times the interaction of bicycle and motorist creates annoying reactions from one to the other. The motoring public is annoyed by the unnecessary delay that is created by the cyclist, while the cyclist becomes irate of how the motoring public is oblivious to his or her presence or safety. To help mitigate some of these problems, the Milton police would like to take this opportunity to talk about changes to state law and reminders to the both the motoring public and cyclists.

For motorists: On July 1, 2011 Gov. Nathan Deal signed the "Better Bicycling Bill" which added a provision that motorists shall yield to a person operating a bicycle in a bicycle lane. Additionally, when feasible, the operator of a motor vehicle, when overtaking and passing a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, by law shall leave a safe distance (no less than 3 feet) between the vehicle and the bicycle and shall maintain that distance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.

Be patient and wait till it is safe to pass. Do not honk your horn or harass a cyclist in any way.

For cyclists: All traffic laws apply to cyclists. Make sure you obey them and always signal all turns. Ride as close to the right side of the road as possible, never more than two abreast. Always wear a helmet, and remember any cyclist under 16 is required to wear a helmet when riding on any public street or sidewalk.

The Milton Police Department wants everyone to enjoy our city and all it has to offer. As always, we are here to assist and will provide updates as needed on topics that affect the safety and security of our residents and visitors.

Click here for information on becoming a part of the MPACT program.

Monthly fitness tip: Fitness resolutions.

2012-01-08T08:31:00.001-08:00

Courtesy City of Milton

By Kolleen Riddick, CorePhysique founder

It is that time of year when I start hearing from numerous people ready to start their fitness resolutions. They are ready to commit to a new and improved body. They want to know how they can start exercising regularly and eating healthy. Everyone wants to look and feel better and this is the time of the year when everyone gets another chance.

The best way to start a fitness resolution is to be realistic: Understand that it takes about 12 weeks for you to notice a difference in your body. Eating a proper diet will also be a big factor in losing those extra pounds. Start by writing down a daily food journal. This is always a great learning tool.

Schedule your workouts into your calendar. Pick classes or times that fit with your schedule. Be careful not to over schedule your workouts. One of the biggest mistakes I see my clients make is that they say that they are going to work out every day, and when they can't meet that goal, they fall off the band wagon and give up completely. Start with three days a week for anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.

Find a support system. Workout with a buddy or find a class where the instructor holds you accountable. At City of Milton/Core Physique camps we are committed to our clients and follow up with weekly emails and texts. We hold monthly contests that take attendance into account in order to qualify as a winner. And for all newcomers, we're offering a week of free camps. There's never been a better time to give it a try.

Most importantly, have fun! Be sure to pick a program that works for you. Commit to something that you look forward to doing three days a week: biking, swimming, running, boot camps, the list can go on and on. Pick what works for you. The best part of exercise is that it can be free. Enjoy it, and you'll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

Monthly new business report.

2012-01-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

By Accessmilton.com

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.

Off Broadway Expressions 2969 Commonwealth Circle Milton, GA 30004
Green Acres Realtors 980 Birmingham Road Suite 606 Milton, GA 30004
Tags & Titles Inc 13010 Morris Road Bldg 1 Suite 600 Milton, GA 30004
Grace Finance Consulting 3204 Chipping Wood Court Milton, GA 30004
Plastic Solutions Inc 15800 Birmingham Hwy Bldg 500 Milton, GA 30004
Changing Faces & Places in the Community 14116 Triple Crown Drive Milton, GA 30004

Homeowner pushes for horse ordinance

2012-01-04T14:58:00.000-08:00

Courtesy www.wsbtv.com

Here is the video segement on the proposed ordiance to protect horses.

Homeowner pushes for horse ordinance

Gnats linger in warm fall temps.

2012-01-03T14:35:00.001-08:00

Courtesy wsbtv.com

To view the complete video segement, please click here=>
http://www.wsbtv.com/videos/news/gnats-linger-in-warm-fall-temps/vFcxz/

Man seeks law to protect horse owners in Milton.

2012-01-03T14:09:00.000-08:00

By David Ibata
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A man who says he’s trying to protect Milton’s reputation as an equestrian-friendly community is working on a city ordinance that essentially would create quiet zones around people’s horse pastures.

Tim Enloe, known around town as the local blogger, cites incidents in which people allegedly set off fireworks, revved motorcycles and otherwise made a racket around “Liberty,” his mother’s 29-year-old mix Arabian. Like others of its kind, the animal is made skittish by loud noises.

“There’s really no ordinance on the books to protect … horses against such abuses,” Enloe told Channel 2 Action News.

Someone also has shot paint balls at Liberty.

"The horse had residue all up on her eyes and down her neck where the welts were,” Enloe said.

In a follow-up phone interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Enloe said his family has complained to authorities of the North Fulton city, to no avail.

Meanwhile, due to the harassment, “our horse won’t graze without company. And we have to purchase extra grain and hay because she will only graze close to our house,” he said.

“My 74-year-old mother shouldn’t have to ride a mower out to a pasture like she’s walking a dog to get her horse to graze.”

Enloe said he’s working to draft an ordinance that he’d call “Liberty’s Law.” He hopes to have it introduced in the Milton City Council before the end of the month.

“We’re thinking honestly of having ‘Horse Zones’ – if you have property near horses, please, no shotguns, please, no loud noise except at certain times of year, New Year’s Eve and July 4th,” Enloe said. “I wish to goodness this wasn’t even needed … but I believe we need to have laws in place to protect this type of lifestyle.”

Consequences for ordinance violators could start with warnings and end in fines. Enloe said he did not know what fines would be appropriate, as he is still researching the matter and trying to contact horse-ownership organizations for guidance.

Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood told Channel 2 that he’d be happy to discuss the proposed ordinance with Enloe.

New Poll Up - Old Poll Results.

2012-01-03T14:01:00.001-08:00

All:

We have new poll up. It asks:

Should students outside of the Milton school district be allowed to participate in school sports?

Have you say today.

Results from the previous poll about the possible change of the city's borrowed horse logo are listed in the image above.

Ga. 9 to get $3.5 million upgrade through heart of north Fulton.

2012-01-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A $3.5 million plan to upgrade traffic signals along Ga. 9 could spell relief for thousands of drivers frustrated by sluggish stop-and-go commutes through north Fulton County.

Traffic engineers in Alpharetta, Roswell and Sandy Springs won't promise the moon, but they say the plan, set to begin early next year, could cut travel times and provide a more reliable commute along the route, which parallels the heavily traveled Ga. 400.

The project calls for signals fed by a series of roadway sensors that can adjust their timing immediately to accommodate high-volume traffic. Construction is fully funded through the Federal Highway Administration and is being administered through the Georgia DOT. The cities paid a total of $500,000 in design costs, each responsible for the share of road in their jurisdiction.

"I think this is a very good system," said Alpharetta resident Don Nahser who drives Ga. 9 frequently. "Economically speaking, it's a great advantage because it saves gas and time. It should work fine if drivers obey the speed limits."
Many of the signals along the 18-mile stretch from the Forsyth County line south to Abernathy Road in Sandy Springs are already connected on a timing system to help coordinate traffic flow, said Eric Graves, city traffic engineer for Alpharetta.

"This project is going to take care of some of the gaps in that system ," Graves said. New sensors will then be able to feed traffic information instantly to the system and allow heavier volumes more time through signals, he said.

In addition to the timing sensors, the project will also include:

-- Additional closed circuit television cameras for traffic flow monitoring and incidence response

-- Permanent traffic count stations to help study patterns and understand overall growth and seasonal variations

-- Driver information systems to update drivers about the status of the corridor

Alpharetta averages about 21,000 vehicles a day on its portion of Ga. 9, but traffic really picks up in Roswell and Sandy Springs, where the daily number climbs to more than 45,000 in spots.

Roswell Transportation Director Steve Acenbrak said motorists will not only benefit with state-of-the-art adaptive signal timing, but will also see improved response to traffic incidents.

Sandy Springs is the coordinating agency for the project and will deal directly with the Georgia DOT as work begins sometime in early 2012. The project has a 16-month construction schedule.

"This is a very legitimate effort to develop a regional traffic system, one that crosses borders," said Bill Andrews who operates Sandy Springs' traffic control center.

Motorists will see the biggest improvement in travel times during off-peak driving hours, Andrews said, when the signals can adjust to accommodate the flow of traffic.

"You're still going to have a peak hour, and it's still going to be heavy at peak hour, but it will get flushed out faster," Andrews said.

Court hears arguments in Alpharetta mosque case.

2012-01-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A federal judge will decide whether to rule on a lawsuit involving a mosque's expansion in Alpharetta before the case goes to trial.

Both sides appeared in U.S. District Court this month seeking a summary judgment in the case.

Attorneys for the city of Alpharetta and the Islamic Center of North Fulton presented arguments in a federal suit stemming from the city's denial of a request by the mosque to expand its facility on Rucker Road.

The case, filed in 2010, has drawn the attention of the U.S. Justice Department, which is conducting its own investigation under a federal law that requires local governments to show that zoning decisions against religious groups are the least restrictive way to accomplish a compelling government interest. The law also prohibits governments from making decisions favoring one religion over another.

"The mosque is arguing that the refusal to allow it to rebuild an adequate space on the site they own substantially burdens their ability to exercise their religion," said Andrea Jones, attorney for the Islamic Center.

The Alpharetta City Council voted 6-0 in May 2010 to reject plans by the center to tear down its 2,500-square-foot worship house and construct two buildings: a 1,900-square-foot multipurpose facility and a 12,000-square-foot, two-story main building.

During the 2010 zoning hearing, a crowd of 150 squeezed into the council chambers to hear several hours of arguments. Residents of surrounding subdivisions said the project was too big for the 4-acre lot and would make traffic worse on Rucker Road.

Residents and the City Council said they were concerned the worship center was backing out of previous agreements made before Alpharetta annexed the property from Fulton County in 2005.

Attorneys for the center argued this month that the mosque never entered into any agreement with surrounding homeowners about the development of its facility or the size of its congregation. The congregants of the Islamic Center are underserved by the current facility, they argue.

In addition, the Islamic Center argues that its expansion would not adversely affect traffic on Rucker Road and that the city's own Comprehensive Plan allows for churches in the area.

In its arguments before the court, the city maintains the Islamic Center asserted in its original zoning agreement with Fulton County that the site would be used as a place of worship in the existing structure.

The city also claims that center officials indicated in 1998 they were not planning on growing their 25-member congregation.

City Attorney Sam Thomas said Alpharetta is awaiting a ruling from the judge and will be prepared to present its case at trial if necessary.

"The city’s position from the outset is that this case is not about religion," Thomas said. "It’s about land use, and that’s what we presented in our oral argument to the court."

Teen with 3 kids in car charged with street-racing in Alpharetta.

2012-01-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

Courtesy wsbtv.com / www.ajc.com

By David Ibata
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A juvenile driver who had three other youths in his car – the youngest, a 7-year-old -- has been arrested and charged with going 80 mph in a 35 mph zone as he street-raced another teen in Alpharetta, police said.

The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. Tuesday as Alpharetta police officers with speed-detecting gear monitored traffic on Old Milton Parkway near Roswell Street, according to a police report.

One of the officers recorded two vehicles approaching at high speed – a black 2011 Dodge Challenger going 80 mph, and a silver 2006 Dodge Charger going 74 mph, police said. The drivers were motioned to pull over, and they did.

The motorists were two males, ages 18 and 16, and the younger driver had three minors with him in his car – ages 7, 14 and 15, police said. Both drivers were placed under arrest, handcuffed and checked for weapons and contraband. Also, their mothers were called to the scene.

Joshua Michael Gaudineer, 18, of Odessa, Fla., and the 16-year-old whose name was not released because he is a minor, were each charged with reckless driving, racing and speeding, police said. The juvenile also was charged with violating the terms of his Class “D” driver’s license.

The juvenile was released to his parents, while Gaudineer was handed over to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

Please Be Mindful Of The Horses This Evening.

2011-12-31T09:19:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-27T13:07:00.001-08:00

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?

2011-12-25T11:59:00.000-08:00

Santa Conquers The Martians!

2011-12-24T11:21:00.000-08:00

A campy, Christmas Classic. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

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

2011-12-24T11:14:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-23T17:03:00.001-08:00

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!!

2011-12-23T16:56:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-22T08:53:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-12-22T08:29:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-12-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-18T16:52:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-18T16:32:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-18T10:11:00.001-08:00

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?

2011-12-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-15T08:52:00.000-08:00

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”

2011-12-14T15:18:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-14T12:28:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-12-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-13T08:21:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-12-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-11T16:32:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-11T16:14:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-09T18:59:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-12-09T18:58:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-12-09T18:55:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-08T16:54:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-08T15:32:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-07T15:53:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-07T15:37:00.001-08:00

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.

2011-12-07T15:33:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-05T16:51:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-05T16:11:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-04T15:06:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-04T14:31:00.000-08:00

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)

Horse Meat Inspection Ban Lifted In The U.S.

2011-12-01T17:11:00.000-08:00

By JUSTIN JUOZAPAVICIUS; The Huffington Post

TULSA, Okla. -- Horses could soon be butchered in the U.S. for human consumption after Congress quietly lifted a 5-year-old ban on funding horse meat inspections, and activists say slaughterhouses could be up and running in as little as a month.

Slaughter opponents pushed a measure cutting off funding for horse meat inspections through Congress in 2006 after other efforts to pass outright bans on horse slaughter failed in previous years. Congress lifted the ban in a spending bill President Barack Obama signed into law Nov. 18 to keep the government afloat until mid-December.

It did not, however, allocate any new money to pay for horse meat inspections, which opponents claim could cost taxpayers $3 million to $5 million a year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture would have to find the money in its existing budget, which is expected to see more cuts this year as Congress and the White House aim to trim federal spending.

The USDA issued a statement Tuesday saying there are no slaughterhouses in the U.S. that butcher horses for human consumption now, but if one were to open, it would conduct inspections to make sure federal laws were being followed. USDA spokesman Neil Gaffney declined to answer questions beyond what was in the statement.

The last U.S. slaughterhouse that butchered horses closed in 2007 in Illinois, and animal welfare activists warned of massive public outcry in any town where a slaughterhouse may open.

"If plants open up in Oklahoma or Nebraska, you'll see controversy, litigation, legislative action and basically a very inhospitable environment to operate," predicted Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive of The Humane Society of the United States. "Local opposition will emerge and you'll have tremendous controversy over slaughtering Trigger and Mr. Ed."

But pro-slaughter activists say the ban had unintended consequences, including an increase in neglect and the abandonment of horses, and that they are scrambling to get a plant going – possibly in Wyoming, North Dakota, Nebraska or Missouri. They estimate a slaughterhouse could open in 30 to 90 days with state approval and eventually as many as 200,000 horses a year could be slaughtered for human consumption. Most of the meat would be shipped to countries in Europe and Asia, including France and Japan.

Dave Duquette, president of the nonprofit, pro-slaughter group United Horsemen, said no state or site has been picked yet but he's lined up plenty of investors who have expressed interest in financing a processing plant. While the last three slaughterhouses in the U.S. were owned by foreign companies, he said a new plant would be American-owned.

"I have personally probably five to 10 investors that I could call right now if I had a plant ready to go," said Duquette, who lives in Hermiston, Ore. He added, "If one plant came open in two weeks, I'd have enough money to fund it. I've got people who will put up $100,000."

Sue Wallis, a Wyoming state lawmaker who's the group's vice president, said ranchers used to be able to sell horses that were too old or unfit for work to slaughterhouses but now they have to ship them to butchers in Canada and Mexico, where they fetch less than half the price.

The federal ban devastated "an entire sector of animal agriculture for purely sentimental and romantic notions," she said.

Although there are reports of Americans dining on horse meat a recently as the 1940s, the practice is virtually non-existent in this country, where the animals are treated as beloved pets and iconic symbols of the West.

Lawmakers in California and Illinois have banned the slaughter of horses for human consumption, and more than a dozen states tightly regulate the sale of horse meat.

Federal lawmakers' lifting of the ban on funding for horse meat inspections came about in part because of the recession, which struck just as slaughtering stopped. A federal report issued in June found that local animal welfare organizations reported a spike in investigations for horse neglect and abandonment since 2007. In Colorado, for example, data showed that investigations for horse neglect and abuse increased more than 60 percent – from 975 in 2005 to almost 1,600 in 2009.

The report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office also determined that about 138,000 horses were transported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter in 2010, nearly the same number that were killed in the U.S. before the ban took effect in 2007. The U.S. has an estimated 9 million horses.

Cheri White Owl, founder of the nonprofit Horse Feathers Equine Rescue in Guthrie, Okla., said she's seen more horse neglect during the recession. Her group is caring for 33 horses now and can't accept more.

"A lot of the situation is due to the economy," she said, "People deciding to pay their mortgage or keep their horse."

But White Owl worries that if slaughterhouses open, owners will dump their unwanted animals there instead of looking for alternatives, such as animal sanctuaries.

Animal rights groups also argue that slaughtering is a messy, cruel process, and some say it would be kinder for owners to have their horses put to sleep by a veterinarian.

"Euthanasia has always been an option," Pacelle said. But "if you acquire a horse, you should be a responsible owner and provide lifetime care."

The fight over horse slaughtering has pitted lawmakers of the same party against each other.

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., said the poor economy has resulted in "sad cases" of horse abandonment and neglect and lifting the ban will give Americans a shot at regaining lost jobs and making sure sick horses aren't abandoned or mistreated.

But U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va., is lobbying colleagues to permanently ban horse slaughter because he believes the process is inhumane.

"I am committed to doing everything in my power to prevent the resumption of horse slaughter and will force Congress to debate this important policy in an open, democratic manner at every opportunity," he said in a statement.

Build your community this December.

2011-12-01T15:14:00.001-08:00

It’s December, and at Milton’s City Hall, the spirit of community, camaraderie, friendship and fellowship is in the air. For us, it’s a month packed full of not only festive holidays, parties, dinners and all that December entails – but real work being done to bring this community closer together and make life better for our residents.

The first thing we have coming up this month is Milton’s fifth birthday on Dec. 1. The city incorporated on Dec. 1, 2006 after being voted into cityhood July 18, 2006 by an overwhelming majority of 85 percent.

There have since been elections (the first, however, took place in November 2006 in preparation of the incorporation), the start of a police and fire service, numerous citizen and council meetings, great celebrations and much, much more.

The City of Milton’s government pledges to keep going strong into the future. The next five years are sure to be even better.

Up next is the Fourth Annual Tree Lighting, held Saturday, Dec. 3 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the corner of Webb Road and Ga. 9 in front of the Deerfield Place shopping center. There will be Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday music, food and giveaways from local businesses and of course Santa Claus! He’ll ride in by fire truck as the tree is lit, then be available for photos. Make sure to get there early so you don’t miss a thing.

The next important event is Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. That’s when the first meeting of the Stakeholder Group for the Crabapple Zoning Overlay District will take place. This group, 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, is tasked with created a form-based zoning overlay district and incorporating regulations for transfer of development rights.

Basically, what this means is that Milton has listened to the public’s concerns regarding land use and a uniform appearance in Crabapple and is doing something about it. Keep an eye on this group as these plans develop into something that will keep Crabapple special for the next 20-plus years.

Also this month we have the Birmingham Park Master Planning meetings on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec 14 and 15, at 7 p.m. This portion of the larger Parks Master Plan, which itself held its kick-off meeting in November, concerns of course the currently unplanned 200-acre park area off Hickory Flat Road. We need to hear what you think this park should include: tennis courts? Maybe ball fields? Perhaps we should leave portions of it passive for hiking and equestrian use. It’s up to you.

Your comments will be worked into the master plan for the park, which will be presented as part of the full Parks Master Plan in February. From there we can look at funding these great ideas to bring residents the parks and recreation services they want.

Lastly, we have the Fourth Annual Christmas in Crabapple holiday celebration Saturday, Dec. 17 from 2 to 5 p.m. This year, the volunteer Crabapple Community Association is helping plan and run this event. They’ve come up with a great idea to involve all the businesses in Crabapple – a “North Pole Passport” program in which families go from store to store doing holiday activities. When you’ve gotten your passport stamped at every business, you receive a holiday gift.

We’ll also have the traditional winter holiday music from several faiths, photos with Santa, a roaring bonfire and, new for this year as well, rides on a holiday train. It’ll be a great time, and I hope to see you out there.

This time of year makes me very thankful for my family and the time we spend together. Looking at the calendar ahead, I know I’ll get to spend a lot of time with my neighbors, continuing to make Milton a great place to live, as well. And that community spirit is what makes the holidays special.

Come join us, won’t you?

Sincerely,
Mayor Joe Lockwood / Accessmilton.com

Crabapple stakeholder meeting Dec. 7.

2011-12-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

By Accessmilton.com

The first meeting of the Stakeholder Group for the Crabapple Zoning Overlay District will take place Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

This group, 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, is tasked with created a form-based zoning overlay district and incorporating regulations for transfer of development rights.

Stakeholders:

Name Organization
Boyd Rose Milton Business Alliance/Milton's
Ron Wallace Crabapple Community Association
George Freiberger, Principal Crabapple Crossing Elementary School
Gary Willis, Chair Board of Zoning Appeals
George Ragsdale, Chair Planning Commission
Kathi Cook, Vice-Chair Design Review Board
Mark Reed, Chair Park and Recreation Advisory Board
Travis Allen, Chair Historic Preservation Commission
Will Stolz Land Owner
Adam Orkin Land Owner
Kelly Reinkemeyer, Member Crabapple Crossroads, HOA
Dave Corsini, President Crabapple Station, HOA

City Staff
Carter Lucas, Director Milton Public Works
Chris Lagerbloom, City Manager City of Milton
Kathleen Field, Director Milton Community Development
Robyn MacDonald Milton Community Development

TSW Staff
Caleb Racicot, Principle Planner Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh & Associates
Woody Giles, Planner Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh & Associates

ARC Staff
Allison Duncan, Senior Planner Atlanta Regional Commission

For more information on this process, contact Milton Community Development Director Kathleen Field at 678-242-2555 or kathleen.field@cityofmilonga.us.

Birmingham Park master planning Dec. 14, 15.

2011-12-01T15:10:00.001-08:00

By Accessmilton.com

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 decide the future of 200-acre Birmingham Park.

The meetings are open to the public, and interaction is needed to ensure the park meets community expectations.

There will be a follow up public input meeting Jan. 18.

The Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which will include both the Birmingham Park Master Plan and Trail Plan update (discussed in a meeting Nov. 30) as components, will be delivered to City Council in early February by project consultants Moreland Altobelli Associates, Inc.

For more information on this process, contact Milton Parks and Recreation Director John Rebar at 678-242-2489 or john.rebar@cityofmiltonga.us.

Christmas in Crabapple to take place Dec. 17.

2011-12-01T15:09:00.001-08:00

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.

Bring One for the Chipper 2012 Jan. 7.

2011-12-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Jan. 7, Milton Grows Green and the City of Milton are sponsoring "Bring One for the Chipper 2012" as part of a statewide effort to recycle Christmas trees.

This annual event continues over 20 years of tradition of actively participating in environmental education and stewardship by providing drop-off points in the community. The Christmas trees are recycled by chipping them into mulch for use in landscaping, or by using them as fish or animal habitats.

The locations for Milton residents to drop off their trees are:
Milton High School, Birmingham Road entrance 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Home Depot, 5300 Windward Parkway 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Scottsdale Farms 15639 Birmingham Hwy. (Drop off 12/26-1/7)

As a service to the community, Boy Scout Troop 841 will pick up your tree for a $10 donation, and bring it for recycling. For more information, please contact them at treepickup841@yahoo.com.

This annual event continues over 20 years of tradition of actively participating in environmental education and stewardship by providing drop-off points in the community.

For more information, contact Cindy Eade, Milton's sustainability coordinator, at 678-242-2509 or cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us.

Milton basketballers win championship.

2011-12-01T15:05:00.000-08:00

By Accessmilton.com

The Up With Kids Sports "Ballerz" fifth grade travel team, which is made up exclusively of Milton players, many of whom also play in the city's winter league run, recently won the Carson Tool Thanksgiving Tournament Championship.

The team beat opponents from across North Fulton's elementary schools to claim the title, with the championship against a Roswell team decided by just one point.

The Ballerz are head coach Samuel Hines, assistant coach LaTresa "Tree" Cunningham, assistant coach Ken Harris, Turner Rosenbaum, Bryce Boutelle, Kalik Brooks, Graham Pauley, David Kramer, Samuel Hines, Jr., Jack Filan, Jack Rhodes, Matthew Curtis, Kaleb Harris and Kamar Robertson.

School beautified by local business.

2011-12-01T15:03:00.001-08:00

Milton-based North River Landscaping recently began caring for the green scape of Milton High School's property along Birmingham Highway, alleviating the strain on the school's maintenance staff, said Tracey Eller, a parent volunteer who coordinates care for the school's grounds.

The road frontage is maintained through the state's "Adopt-A-Highway" program, similar to the city's own, since the city does not own or service Birmingham Highway.

In addition to Milton, North River also maintains an Adopt -A-Road mile at Hardscrabble Road and the newly refurbished playing field at Hembree Springs Elementary.

"The North River Philosophy encompasses a strong work ethic and giving back to the community," said Joy O'Bert, a representative from the company. "We take great pride in working and helping in the community."

Monthly crime prevention tip: Holiday season crime prevention tips.

2011-12-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

By Dennis Nelson, Community Outreach and Policy Coordinator

The holidays are a happy time for most of us, but for many, holiday shopping is simply a headache. Holiday traffic is always bad, there are long lines at the stores and people are often financially, emotionally and physically stressed out.
Of course one of the happiest people this time of year is the criminal opportunist. He/she lies in waiting for us to make simple mistakes that create opportunities for him or her to steal or cause us personal harm. Don't add being the victim of a crime this holiday season to your stress. Follow these simple steps to ensure you and your family is safe during the holidays.

The dedicated employees of the Milton Police Department wish you and yours a safe and joyful holiday season!

Home Safety and Crime Prevention

Be extra careful and cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house. It only takes a few moments for a burglar to get in and steal your property and gifts.
Never put large displays of holiday gifts in view of your windows or doors.
When going on trips or out for the evening, use automatic timers to turn indoor lights on and off. This gives the appearance someone is home.
Immediately after the holidays, mark your new gifts with your driver's license or a personal ID number. This will ensure your property can be identified should it be stolen and recovered. It also makes it more difficult for the criminal to dispose of it.
Never advertise what you got for Christmas by putting the boxes out on trash day. Break the boxes down or take them to the dump yourself.
Shopping Safety and Crime Prevention

If shopping at several stores, lock your already purchased packages in the trunk of your car.
Never overload yourself with packages. You make yourself an easy target for a criminal to grab them from you and get away.
If you must shop after dark, always have a friend or relative with you.
Always park in well-lit areas and as close as possible to the entrance of the store. Be particularly aware of persons loitering in the parking lot, especially if they are near your car.
Always lock your car and make sure all of the windows are closed.
Carry only the charge cards you will actually need.
Never carry or flash large sums of cash.
Women should always carry purses close to their body with the purse flap against them. Men should carry their wallets in the front or inside pockets.
Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Never allow your attention to become distracted from your purse, packages or your young children.
Teach your children to go immediately to a store clerk, cashier or security guard and ask for help if you become separated in a store or shopping mall.
Never hesitate to notify store security if you see suspicious activity.
If you have to wait for a ride, stay in a busy, well-lit place.
If you are a victim of a crime, report it to the Milton Police immediately.

Monthly fitness tip: Stay fit over the holiday rush.

2011-12-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

Courtesy City of Milton

It is hard to find the time to eat right and exercise this time of the year. Striking that healthy balance while busy with shopping, parties and the endless parade of high-calorie food and sweets can be daunting. Unfortunately the average American puts on five to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and the New Year.

But it doesn't have to be that way. Here are some quick tips to keep you from gaining that extra holiday weight.

Park far away from the stores: Do not spend time driving around the parking lot waiting for someone to come out of the store. Instead go right to the back of the lot. This will keep you moving. Wear a pedometer throughout the day to help keep track of your movement.
Eat a healthy snack before you go: Whether it's shopping or attending a holiday party, be sure to grab a healthy munchable before you leave. Choose a snack that has protein, fat and carbs. For example, sliced apples with one tablespoon of almond butter or two slices of cheddar cheese will keep you from wanting without tipping the scales.
Exercise when you can: Do not be discouraged if you cannot make your regular exercise class. Instead, while decorating your tree, do squats as you are picking up your ornaments. Make it a fun game to see who did the most squats while decorating the tree. Or turn on the holiday music and get the family dancing.
Moderate your drinking: This is the fastest way to pack on the calories. Eggnog alone has 350 calories per cup. Pick drinks that are lower in calories. Make sure that you intersperse all alcoholic drinks with water or sparking water. And keep in mind - we're all much more inclined to exercise when we feel our best, so moderation the night before is key.
Keep a food log: Keeping track of your food will help with accountability. Write down the good, the bad and the ugly. Don't cheat. Share your log with a buddy to keep yourself committed to the cause. You will be surprised how quickly the calories can add up and how unbalanced your meals can get during this time of year (fat, carbs, few vegetables - it's a tradition that goes back to our agrarian past).
Core Physique is running a holiday contest from now until Jan. 13 to help ward or melt off those extra pounds. The winner will win six free months of Fitness Camp. For more information contact Core Physique at corefitness@corephysique.net or call 77-752-5152.

Monthly new business report For Milton GA.

2011-12-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

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.

Cedar Ridge Services LLC 600 Hickory Flat Road Milton, GA 30004

Design Consulting Services 14490 Creek Club Drive Milton, GA 30004

Web Data Corp 13077 Highway 9 Suite 620 Milton, GA 30004

Nina Barnardi 13077 Highway 9 Suite 620 Milton, GA 30004