Thinking About Two Special MPD Officers.

All:

Sometimes, I think people forget that the men and women who make up our Milton Police Department are people too. They have families and lives just like the rest of us even though they put in long hours and deal with very dangerous situations on our behalf.

Recently, word came to us at Accessmilton.com that an officer lost their father earlier this month. In addition, another officer's father is not doing well at all.

While the names of these heroes are not important, if you have the time or a moment, please keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers. They need them now more than you know.

Better yet, maybe drop some flowers or thinking of you cards by the police department at city hall. The people at the front desk will be able to help you.

Remember, if Milton is going to succeed we have to look out for and be there for everyone, especially those that keep our loved ones safe.

Tim Enloe
Accessmilton.com
770 653 0552

Letter To The Editor.

NOTE: Accessmilton.com does not take positions on letters to the editor. Here, we encourage all citizens to share their opinions on various issues related to Milton, GA.

The following letter is from Milton Parent Kathy Johnson in response to an article written earlier this month by Accessmilton.com titled "Questions Fly Regarding Alternative Energies Class Taught At Birmingham Falls Elementary."

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To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to set the record straight on issues associated with my role and involvement with the environmental education program at Birmingham Falls, as well as my intentions during the May 18 community meeting held by Katie Reeves.

This is the first time I have commented on this story. Tim Enloe did leave me an e-mail asking for commentary prior to posting his article. I attempted to contact him twice before departing for a family vacation out of the country a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, we did not connect before I left and Tim decided to proceed with posting the article. A number of comments posted in response to that article contain what in my opinion are some significant inaccuracies and misconceptions about my conduct and the environmental program, as well as some broader issues of concern that I hope I can clear up in this letter.

During the recently ended school year, I worked with many people to develop and deliver three separate environmentally oriented lessons. One was on storm water drains and the water cycle. The second was on aquifers.

These first two lessons were delivered to different grade levels in the same month earlier in the school year. They were not delivered to students until they had been reviewed and approved by the school’s CST and the Principal. After approval, I and approximately 35 other parent volunteers delivered the lessons in class rooms with teachers present. Lisa Cauley, a Birmingham Falls parent and locally active community member, was one of the parent volunteers who taught the storm water and water cycle lesson.

These first two lessons proceeded without any controversy that I am aware of. In fact, there was substantial praise from parents, students and teachers for the quality and content of the lessons.

The third proposed lesson was on alternative energy and climate change. I was interested in delivering this lesson because I believed that students would benefit from an introduction to these topical issues. I also found in my research that these topics are currently being taught in many school systems across the nation.

I followed the same review and approval process for this lesson as I did with the earlier lessons. I think it is important to note that this process did not and does not include parental review and consent. No supplemental lessons or programs, including science lab, school assemblies, et. al., currently require that kind of prior approval. I also want to be absolutely clear that I would not have had any problem at all with that kind of review, and would have happily done so if the Principal (Tracy Trussell) had asked me to do so. I certainly wasn't attempting to hide anything from anyone. I was just following the process that was laid out for me.

The CST and Principal approved the third set of lessons on alternative energy and climate change. I then sent an e-mail to the group of 35 parent volunteers with the title of the lesson so that they could begin to work with teachers for scheduling classroom delivery. The lesson plan was going to be sent to these volunteers prior to delivery, as we did with the first two lessons.

It was at that point that Ms. Cauley noted the title of the topic and raised her concerns. She wrote me an e-mail saying that she may have a problem with the topic. However, within 24 hours of sending the e-mail to me and before I even saw it in my inbox, Ms. Cauley emailed Cindy Loe and the entire school board (including the superintendent’ s office) to voice her concerns directly to them. She also did not contact the Principal prior to sending her note to the school board. In a subsequent meeting, Ms. Cauley admitted to both me and the Principal that she "went straight to the top" and bypassed us regarding her concerns with the topic.

I then met with Area Superintendent Bob Lynch to discuss Ms. Cauley's concerns and the actual lessons. Mr. Lynch directed me to review the material with the head science CST for all grades for Fulton County. She suggested I modify the lesson, not due to any subject matter deemed as controversial material, but due to potential issues of grade appropriateness (especially understanding certain scientific concepts in the lower grades). I did so, and she approved the revised lesson.

Despite the modifications to this third lesson, at that point the Principal decided that there was still too much consternation about the lesson from Ms. Cauley and the people that she was lobbying at the school board, in particular Katie Reeves. He directed me to remove any references to climate change, up to and including references to the greenhouse effect. I and the school's CST then worked together to comply with Principal Trussell's instructions.

We then delivered the revised lesson, which dealt solely with energy and alternative energies (including fossil fuels), to grades 2 - 5. This lesson was delivered in a lab format with the assistance of The Science Academy, a fee-based outside after-school program.

There was no concern that I know of expressed by Ms. Cauley or anyone else with the delivery of this lesson to the higher grades. Again, as with earlier lessons and maybe even to a greater degree, there was much praise and appreciation for this lesson and the way it was delivered. Again, to be clear, this lesson did not address the topics of climate change or global warming in any way.

This lesson was too academically advanced to present to the lower grades. So the CST and I revised the alternative energies lesson for those grades. These revised lessons were also approved by the school’s CST and the Principal. Upon my recommendation, we also took the extra and unprecedented step to send the lessons (a two to three page document) to Ms. Cauley prior to sending it to other parent volunteers and prior to classroom delivery.

Ms. Cauley complained to Principal Trussell and Katie Reeves that she was not given a full week to review the material prior to scheduled classroom delivery. Principal Trussell then informed me that he was told to cancel the lesson. He informed me of the cancellation one hour prior to classroom delivery during the final week of the school year.

I must emphasize that Principal Trussell strongly implied that he was instructed to cancel the lessons by his superiors. I assumed, based on much prior involvement by Katie Reeves in this matter, that he was including Ms. Reeves in this group who directed the lessons to be cancelled.

That is everything I can tell anyone about the chronology of the green lessons during the just completed school year at BFES. From this point, I will relate how the circumstances behind the cancellation of the last lesson snowballed into a larger issue that is still ongoing.

Right after the last lesson was cancelled, I learned that there was a discussion during the May 11 school board meeting about amending the “Controversial Material” policy to include reference to "widely disputed scientific theories," a phrase which was specifically mentioned by Ms. Cauley during the same earlier meeting when she told me she was going "straight to the top" and "bypassing the chain of command."

This is when I became greatly concerned not just about the fate of the environmental lessons I had worked to deliver, but that that despite the extensive review and approval of the lessons from all levels of the system the opinions expressed by Ms. Cauley about these lessons were going to be written into county wide school board policy.

It is for that reason that I chose to question and confront Ms. Reeves at her community meeting on May 18. Obviously, with the environmental lessons I had developed so intertwined with this broader issue, I questioned Ms. Reeves about them as well. And, yes, I accused Ms. Reeves of cancelling the lessons (again, based primarily on the strong implications made by Principal Trussell and Ms. Reeves’ level of involvement with this issue prior to this time), a charge she vehemently denied.

After the meeting, I told Ms. Reeves that if I had incorrectly blamed her for the cancellation that I was sorry. Based on Ms. Reeves’ strong denial, I still do not know for certain who actually cancelled the final lessons.

For those of you who have suggested that I was too angry or animated at that meeting…sorry. But I had strictly adhered to the official and proper channels prescribed to me by the school’s principal and CST, as well as other higher ranking and county level school board members and educators. I made modifications when requested to do so and every lesson I delivered was approved by them, contributing in excess of 500 volunteer hours this past school year across the process. Then I saw all of that work and collaboration, which was met with almost unanimous praise and appreciation from students and teachers at the school, unilaterally upended based upon the concern of a single parent who had chosen to completely bypass me, the Principal and this same established process. Who wouldn’t be just a little mad?

Again, to be clear, I had concerns with two issues on her meeting agenda (the Controversial Material issue and the Volunteer issue) and I went, as a parent (as is my right or any parent’s right) to question these policies. I have seen many parents and community members talk at these meetings and express their opinions on policy. This is why, I believe, that Ms. Reeves has the meetings…so she can hear from parents themselves. So to anyone who is questioning my motives or rights in questioning Ms. Reeves at the meeting, I would say that you don’t have the right to complain and don’t understand why the meeting exists in the first place. If you don’t agree with my opinions, that’s fine. But I have every right, as well as a proper forum, to express them publically and directly. That’s what I did.

I have been accused on the Access Milton blog of enlisting sympathetic supporters to come that same meeting and attack Ms. Reeves. Not true. I was contacted by two concerned and like-minded parents who did attend but there was no conspiracy against Katie Reeves. The PTA members present were there to discuss and comment on the volunteer issue which substantially changes or removes the current volunteer policy. These PTA members regularly attend these Katie Reeves meetings. They did not attend based on any invitation from me or concern about the green lessons or the "controversial materials" policy I was there to discuss.

Which brings me to a set of final points…at least, for now. A number of people have suggested on the Access Milton blog that I am wrong to question Ms. Cauley's motives or tactics in opposing the third lesson, and mean-spirited in removing her from the volunteer program. I fully respect Ms. Cauley’s right to express her opinion and make her voice heard. I just think that she did not show the same respect to me in the process. When it became clear that we were not going to work together on the environmental program, and that Ms. Cauley was going attempt to dictate the content of the lessons by circumventing the process, I removed her from the volunteer program. If she had simply met with me to discuss her concerns prior to escalating her complaints to the entire school board, we may have been able to avoid a lot of grief for many people. But she didn’t. She made her call; I made mine.

Beyond that, some people have ridiculed the notion that Ms. Cauley or any single parent could use their relationships with school board members to strongly influence policy. I don’t know about any parent, but I will tell you Ms. Cauley has and is using her relationship with Ms. Reeves in particular to rewrite county wide policy. This statement is not based on conjecture. I have requested and received copies of numerous emails and draft documents on this matter from the Fulton County superintendent's office that corroborate my position. Many of these e-mails are between Reeves and Cauley regarding the specific topics discussed in this letter, including one that Reeves sent to Cauley during the middle of the May 11 school board meeting to get her opinion on proposed language in the revised "Controversial Material" policy. Other e-mails further confirm the uniquely personal and collaborative nature of Ms. Cauley’s relationship with Ms. Reeves.

In addition, Ms. Cauley has requested that the school board require parental review and consent for all outside materials presented to students. This wording is now in the proposed policy which was scheduled to be voted on during a June 14 meeting.

As I stated earlier, I have no problem with prior review and consent by parents for the materials I developed and presented this past year. I would have happily given it had I been required or asked to do so. However, as in my experience, I believe that Ms. Cauley is less interested in review and consent for all than she is in establishing herself as a final authority on any matter she chooses to weigh in on. I respect her passion. I do not care for her tactics or her presumption to “deserve” the final say.

Again, I have no problem with Ms. Cauley expressing her opinions on any of these topics. She has every right to do so. I also have no problem with her expressing an opinion in opposition to mine. I am perfectly comfortable supporting and defending my case to her or anyone else.

I do have, however, a large problem with any school board member or parent who doesn’t respect established chains of command, ignores or circumvents existing county school board-prescribed processes for developing, approving and delivering supplemental materials and conducts closed conversations regarding written policies that are not open to all concerned. My problem with this kind of conduct multiplies exponentially when these same people suggest that I have a damaging, ulterior agenda or desire to keep matters out of the public forum. Those charges are both false and hypocritical.

I believe the details I have laid out in this letter underscore the validity of my complaint. Even more, I hope they let anyone who reads this know that they can trust me to be open, candid and honest about anything we might work on together in the future.

I appreciate Tim Enloe for inviting me to send this letter and give my side of the story. Bridges have been burnt and feelings hurt on all sides throughout this process. That’s going to happen sometimes in life. But hopefully, for the sake of both personal and civic pride for everyone involved, the ties that bind us as parents, neighbors and citizens of Milton are resilient enough see us past our differences and allow us all to move forward with respect and civility.

- Kathy Johnson, Birmingham Falls parent and volunteer.

Milton mayor building Forsyth fire station.

by Bob Pepalis / Appen Newspapers

June 14, 2010

CUMMING – Joe Lockwood will be doing some business with Forsyth County, but in his role as a builder, not as Milton's mayor. JK Lockwood Construction's bid won it the contract to build Forsyth's Fire Station 7, with a bid cost of $1.33 million.

The good news for the county's budget is that the remaining costs to build the fire station on Dahlonega Highway next to Silver City Elementary School can be paid entirely out of impact fees. During the Board of Commissioners' June 8 work session, Fire Chief Danny Bowman said SPLOST V included $570,000 toward the new station. By law impact fees can only go toward growth. But since the county has already spent what was calculated to be the required 17 percent of the costs to match the square footage in the existing building used as a fire station, all construction costs and even some money for furniture, fixtures and equipment can come from impact fees. That cuts SPLOST V funded expenditures by $220,000.

"This entire amount could be paid for out of impact fees as you have already met your requirement for 17.02 percent," Bowman said.

Staffing exists for the new fire station, though at dangerously low levels, he said. Bowman was scheduled to speak to County Manager Doug Derrer about filling vacant firefighters' position, though he hastened to assure commissioners he has made no assumptions that any of those positions will be filled.

The Fire Department needs to buy a new pumper truck for the fire station to replace the 2000 model. The current truck has been crashed, overturning soon after its purchase.

"It caught fire last year sitting in the fire station," Bowman said.

If tax collections continue at the current pace, the fire millage rate should bring in enough to fund the new pumper, he said.

Come Visit Robert Mondavi Jr. At the Beverage Depot!

Next Thursday, June 17th, the famous Robert Mondavi Jr. will be at the Beverage Depot for an autograph signing. Come between 5-7pm to get your bottles signed. He is the grandson of the late Robert Mondavi. I think we all have heard of him. Mondavi Jr. makes many great wines like the Medusa Zinfandel, IM Chardonnay, Spellbound and many more. See you Thursday!

Save 10% off his wines during the signing
Offer Expires: 6-17-10 Must present this coupon

To find out more about Milton's own Beverage Depot, click here=>

http://www.accessmilton.com/Advertisers/BeverageDepot.php

Milton Police & Citizens Together Meet (MPACT) Tuesday

MILTON - Residents interested in becoming part of a city wide crime watch program should attend a meeting scheduled for Tuesday night. Dubbed MPACT, the Milton Police Sponsored program will work to create a line of every day communication with the citizens and police heroes of Milton.

The first meeting of three for the year will be held at the Hickory Flat Firestation off of Hickory Flat Road in Milton. Time is 6pm.

For more information, call the City of Milton at 678 242 2500 or MPACT volunteer Tim Enloe at 770 653 0552.

Milton man denied in request to trade noise for sewer.

Double Click To Enlarge Screen.

By Patrick Fox / The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Milton City Council applauded a Bethany Road resident for his creative presentation, but it didn't reward him.

On Monday night at a monthly work session, the council rejected Tim Enloe's request to obtain a sewer line in compensation for his claim of noise abatement coming from nearby and newly opened Milton High School.

To make his point, Enloe showed a video in which he played Kermit the Frog and Billy Bob Thornton.

Enloe said the blare of the band and incessant shouting over the loudspeakers has disrupted life for him and his family.

"Peace and quiet has been stolen from us," he said. "It's hell."

Enloe next asked the city to allow sewer on his property to compensate for the noise disruption. Council members congratulated Enloe on his presentation. But they were unmoved by his request.

Mayor Joe Lockwood said the issue was noise, not sewer. Lockwood wouldn't grant a variance for sewer lines on the property, but said he would join other council members and contact the school. Yet the city has no jurisdiction over the school property, he said.

Enloe's sewer request was prompted in part by the council voting 4-3 on May 3 to allow sewer service to eight land parcels within the city. The vote, which followed nearly an hour of debate and discussion, ended one argument in the city's negotiation with Fulton County over a state-mandated service agreement. The Service Delivery Strategy is now in court-ordered mediation.

Milton and Fulton County have disagreed on sewer service since the city was founded. Sewer is seen by many residents as the first step to uncontrolled growth.

Also, city officials heard an update on a revised ordinance governing cell phone towers. The new ordinance would require more stringent reviews of applications, height and setback restrictions and a new fee structure.

The city voted in March to place a moratorium on cell tower permits until it can revise its ordinance.

On April 26, after nearly four hours of debate involving a capacity crowd, the council granted permission to T-Mobile South to build one of three proposed cell phone towers.

The council said that tower, located at 13302 New Providence Rd., would be restricted to 100 feet in height and require an engineering plan for wind load requirements.

Milton Home Invasion Believed To Be Drug Related.

Courtesy Beacon Staff

City of Milton detectives are currently investigating the June 6 home invasion at 13725 Arnold Mill Road that sent one 28-year-old man to North Fulton Regional Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head.

The victim, 28-year-old Frank Demarino, suffered a gash to the head after being grazed with a bullet during a home invasion involving three African-American men in ski masks, two of which were armed. He was taken to North Fulton Regional Hospital, treated and released.

The other person in the house, Claudia Rivera-Voy, 53 and Demarino’s mother, was unharmed. Both recounted being accosted by the suspects, who left in a white, newer model passenger vehicle. Demarino told officers he struggled with one of the men after being woken up, resulting in his gunshot wound.

Rivera-Voy escaped the house and called 911 from a neighbor’s home at 11:58 p.m. In interviews, she said the men asked about money during the incident.

Milton Detectives were at the scene Monday processing evidence that is now being taken to the Atlanta Police Department Crime Lab.

Cops said they now believe the victims were targeted by the suspects and that the crime was drug-related.

Milton detectives have also met with a witness who possibly saw a vehicle matching the description given by Rivera-Voy. That witness told officers the white passenger vehicle was in the area a few days before the home invasion.

Parks and Rec. Survey results now available.

Scrutiny of written responses nearly complete

The results of the City of Milton's Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment Survey are now available.

Click here to download the survey results. They are also available here.

The packet of information compiled by independent, third-party research firm The Schapiro Group includes examination of the 2,629 responses received after an initial Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment Survey mailing of 11,437 - a return rate of 23 percent from every household in Milton.

Those answers give the City of Milton a clear road map for what residents expect from their burgeoning recreation system.

The information in the packet includes demographics of respondents, response rate by area and population, and, of course, what residents want from the City of Milton Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, click here.

On A National Note...

Double Click To Enlarge Screen.

Stable Days Farm Produce Starting To Come In...

All:

Home grown fruits and veggies are starting to come in at Stable Days Farm in Milton!

To date, we have the following available for purchase:

1. Yellow Squash: $1 per lb.
2. Zuchinni: $1 per lb.
3. Banana Peppers: $3 per lb.

Later this summer, we will also have the following available:

1. Tomatoes (various)
2. Bell Peppers
3. Bush (green) beans
4. Watermelon
5. Sunflowers
6. Okra
7. Cooking apples (great for pies)
8. Pears
9. Peaches

Our produce is pesticide and fertilizer free. All that is used in the garden for nutrients are manure, compost, and lime. All pests are removed by hand.

We will deliever your produce for free provided you are within five miles of Bethany Road and order $20 or more.

Feel free to give us a ring at 770 653 0552. Also, be sure to look us up at the Milton Farmer's Market kicking off on Saturday, July 10th in Crabapple!

*** BREAKING NEWS: T- MOBILE TO SUE MILTON ON ALL THREE CELL TOWER SITES***

More details to follow.

Gulf Oil Aftermath: How to Help!

Courtesy AP

A Brown Pelican is seen on the beach at East Grand Terre Island along the Louisiana coast after being drenched in oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill Thursday, June 3, 2010. The Environmental Protection Agency has not yet fined BP for the Gulf oil spill - details of possible penalties will be worked out later.

Numerous organizations are mobilizing to lend a hand in the devastating aftermath of BP's Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

For simple, safe ways to donate or volunteer to help affected areas contact one of the following well-established charities and beware of online scammers.

• Greater New Orleans Foundation: In response to the recent disaster, the foundation is opening the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund to make emergency grants to nonprofit organizations helping the victims of the oil spill and help address the long-term economic, environmental, cultural effects of the disaster, and strengthen coastal communities against future environmental catastrophes by investing in solutions

• Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is joining with partners at the local, state and federal level to begin registering volunteers to assist with spill recovery efforts and collect donations toward those efforts.

• National Park Foundation’s Disaster Recovery Fund: Give to the “National Parks Disaster Recovery Fund” online or by texting “PARKS” to 90999 on your mobile phone by July 1st. Your money will go directly to the parks impacted by the Gulf oil spill.

• Gulf of Mexico SeaGrant Programs is supplying the most current information about the disaster and for volunteer opportunities in the region.

• Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is a group of organizations with a history of on-the-ground work in Louisiana, and combining efforts and experience to implement an effective volunteer response and make a real difference in the BP Oil Spill recovery efforts.

• The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is working with Matter of Trust to collect donations of nylons, hair and fur, which can be used in making booms for containing oil.

• Catholic Charities is providing food, rent and utilities aid and is currently in need of volunteers to help outreach to families who work in fishing-related industries affected by the oil spill.

• Second Harvest Food Bank: is working in concert with Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Louisiana Department of Social Services and others to ensure that men, women, children and seniors are afforded the meals they need during these trying times.

• The BP Volunteer Hotline has set up numbers if you need to report injured wildlife or damage related to the spill. You can also request volunteer information at 866-448-5816.

• Oxfam America is working to help affected communities with financial assistance, as well as protect local wetlands and marshes. Oxfam also has an online form to "Ask your Senator to make BP clean up their mess"

• Louisiana Serve Commission is helping mobilize and train volunteers in response to the Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

• Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service: All oil and oil-contaminated materials will only be handled by trained, paid workers and not by volunteers. To apply for these jobs, go to the MS Department of Employment Security website and click on Oil Spill Jobs. Registered volunteers will also be contacted as needed.

• Volunteer Florida encourages everyone to get connected with a local organization. Volunteers can support these organizations throughout the oil spill and beyond through appropriate activities such as Coast Watch, pre-oil landfall beach cleanups, fundraising, and meeting other needs of responding organizations.

• Alabama Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives provides information on volunteer and donation opportunities.

D'Aversa takes Milton to court.

by Jonathan Copsey / Appen Newspapers

June 06, 2010 MILTON - Former city council member Tina D'Aversa has served the city and its Board of Ethics with papers demanding their verdict against her be overturned.

In late April, the city was served with papers arguing that D'aversa was denied constitutional rights and due process when the ethics board found her guilty of violating the city's ethics laws. She is taking the case to the Fulton County Superior Court.

The controversy began during last year's election, when D'Aversa was reported to have sent an email offering her then-opponent Joe Longoria a place on a city volunteer board if he would drop out of the race. D'Aversa maintains she did nothing wrong, however some, including former Council member Neal O'Brien, saw it as an attempt at bribery. O'Brien filed an ethics complaint against D'Aversa in the last weeks before the election. O'Brien was not involved in the alleged ethics violation.

In March, D'Aversa was found guilty by the city ethics board of conduct unbecoming of a public official and using her city email to conduct campaign business. The board declined to punish her, since she had lost the election by the time of the hearing.

During the hearing, Ethics Board Chairman Clint Johnson maintained that anything regarding the complaint - including O'Brien and his reasons for filing it - could not be used as evidence, a point which frustrated D'Aversa and Lucian Gillis, her attorney, who had hoped to paint the complaint as maliciously timed, frivolous and that O'Brien himself was holding a grudge against D'Aversa. The only evidence and testimony allowed for consideration was related to the email exchange between D'Aversa and Longoria.

Gillis was flabbergasted by the restraint placed upon his case by Johnson.

"In 30-something years of practicing law, I don't ever remember being denied an offer of proof," Gillis said, highlighting just one of the problems he saw with the proceedings. "That's how you perfect the record. 'Here's what I would show if you would let me.'" An "offer of proof" is used in law to enter evidence into the record without it being considered in the current hearing. This evidence can be used to show the need for an appeal.

The city has received the case and must now respond to the filing.

Milton Police dog earns his keep.

by Jonathan Copsey / Appen Newspapers

June 06, 2010 MILTON - DaSilva may seem like your typical hyperactive large dog, but he's anything but cuddly - he's been trained for two things: catching criminals and sniffing out drugs. And he does both very well. He's Milton's police dog.

The Milton Citizens Police Academy was introduced to DaSilva and his handler, Officer Brien Kiel, at the recent class, where they learned everything about how the Belgian Malinois takes a bite out of crime.

DaSilva is trained to use his nose to sniff out narcotics - everything from marijuana to cocaine to methamphetamine. He follows the scent and, when he finds it, will paw at the location and look back to his master. The dog's main use in Milton is searching vehicles on traffic stops. He is trotted around the outside of a stopped vehicle to sniff the air around it. If and when he finds a smell he recognizes, he alerts Kiel. If there is marijuana in the driver's side door, the dog will paw at the door. He's that precise.

But such training does not come easily. The two of them train more than eight hours a week just to keep fresh and alert, making sure that every command is understood and followed.

"It took some time to get used to him," said Kiel, who recounted how afraid he was of DaSilva when they first met. This was 70 plus pounds of high-strung biting machine that Kiel was being partnered with. Even the dog instructor, whose job it is to train large killing machines to hunt for drugs, was a little fearful of DaSilva.

Donated money bought the $10,000 DaSilva for Milton and Kiel got the role of handler by virtue of being the only volunteer.

"But we were destined to be together," said Kiel.

The two have formed such a strong bond over the years that neither would take another partner.

The Police Academy class was treated to DaSilva hunting through the classroom for hidden narcotics, which he immediately found and actively pawed at. According to Kiel, the dog has been trained to hunt not for objects but for smells, which he associates with getting a reward for finding. DaSilva doesn't see anything but the scent of the drug, which makes him perfectly suited to hunt for the tiniest traces of illicit materials.

And he's very good at that.

"Can you beat my dog?" asked Kiel. "Sure. But you're going to have to go through hell to do it."

Case in point: drug smugglers have tried everything to deter drug-sniffing dogs. A case in Marietta turned up a large shipping crate. It was screwed shut with the screws filled in. Inside were cellophane-wrapped bundles filled with layers of everything from mustard to coffee, with drugs located in the middle. The drug dog still found it. There is no way to hide the smell of anything once a dog has been trained to find it. Only time and distance will allow the scent to dissipate.

But that's no solace to the drug runner with a bundle of cocaine in his glove box, or the pot dealer with a bag of marijuana hidden in the trunk.

Despite the nature DaSilva's work, he's friendly and loves to crew things, which makes him the ideal mascot for the Milton Police Department. He can go into schools and most kids will enjoy seeing him and playing with him, while Kiel teaches them about safety and what the police (and their dogs) do.

Does having a dog on the force work?

"You're dang right it does," Kiel said.

As a face for the children as well as a useful and productive member of the police force, DaSilva has earned his keep.

Milton Farmer's Market Kick Off July 10th!

Come and be part of the wonderful Milton Farmer's Market! Kick off date is Saturday, July 10th in Crabapple. Times are from 9am to 1pm. For more information, please call Tim Enloe @ 770 653 0552.

How Does Your Garden Grow? Vol 2: Squash Bugs!

Double Click To Enlarge Screen.

By Tim Enloe; Accessmilton.com

MILTON - As gardens around the city start to produce everything from tomatoes to watermelon, the garden pests are gearing up for a feast as well.

On this issue of "How Does Your Garden Grow?", we will focus our attention on the infamous squash bug and how he goes about his dasterdly deeds. Squash bugs are notorious for attacking any type of vine related crop, from squash (imagine that) to pumpkins to cucumbers.

Many supposed pesticide free remedies to fight this invader can be found online; but the truth is there is no saving grace with exception of keeping a constant vigil and eye on your plants and removing the pests and eggs by hand.

By staying one step ahead, you will no doubt have plenty of squash when harvest time comes.

June 7 City Council meeting notice.

Monday, June 7, 2010 Regular Council Meeting Agenda 6:00 PM

INVOCATION - Chaplin Remco Brommet, Chaplain for Milton Police and Fire

Brian Cochran from King's Ridge Christian School in Milton will "gavel" Council Meeting
(Brian is winner of "If I Were Mayor I Would" Essay Contest for 6th Graders)

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. 10-1142)

4) PUBLIC COMMENT

5) CONSENT AGENDA

1. Approval of the May 3, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes. (Agenda Item No. 10-1143) (Sudie Gordon, Interim City Clerk)

2. Approval of the May 10, 2010 Work Session Minutes. (Agenda Item No. 10-1144) (Sudie Gordon, Interim City Clerk)

3. Approval of the May 14, 2010 Special Called Minutes. (Agenda Item No. 10-1145) (Sudie Gordon, Interim City Clerk)

4. Approval of the GDOT Certification Acceptance Qualification Agreement. (Agenda Item No. 10-1146) (Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)

5. Approval of an Indemnification and Maintenance Agreement with the Hopewell Plantation HOA for the Installation of Radar Signs within the Subdivision. (Agenda Item No. 10-1147) (Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)

6) REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS

1. Recognition for Memorial Day Essay Contest Finalists. (Presented by Councilmember Bill Lusk)

2. Proclamation in Recognition of Milton High School Girl's Lacrosse State Champions. (Presented by Councilmember Karen Thurman)

3. Proclamation in Recognition of Milton High School Boy's Lacrosse State Champions. (Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)

4. Results of Needs Assessment Survey for Parks and Recreation. (Beth Schapiro and Rusty Parker, The Schapiro Group)

7) FIRST PRESENTATION (none)

8) PUBLIC HEARINGS
ALCOHOL BEVERAGE LICENSE APPLICATIONS

1. Approval of Alcohol Beverage License for Manor Golf Development, LLC at 15951 Manor Club Drive, Milton, Georgia. The applicant is Riverfront Management, Inc. - Wine, Malt Beverages & Distilled Spirits.
(Agenda Item No. 10-1148) (Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)

2. Approval of Alcohol Beverage License for Manor Golf Development, LLC at 15952 Manor Club Drive, Milton, Georgia. The applicant is Riverfront Management, Inc. - Wine, Malt Beverages & Distilled Spirits. (Agenda Item No. 10-1149) (Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)

3. Approval of Alcohol Beverage License for The Olive Group d/b/a River Tavern at 2955 Bethany Bend Road, Suite 300-400, Milton, Georgia. The applicant is Michelle C. Steinfeld. - Wine, Malt Beverages & Distilled Spirits. (Agenda Item No. 10-1150) (Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)

9) ZONING AGENDA (none)

10) UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Approval of an Ordinance to Create Article 13 Of The City Of Milton Zoning Ordinance To Establish A Historic Preservation Commission In The City Of Milton To Provide For Designation Of Historic Properties; To Provide For Issuance Of Certificates Of Appropriateness; To Provide For An Appeals Procedure; To Repeal Conflicting Ordinances; And For Other Purposes. (Agenda Item No. 10-1078) (Previously Discussed at March 8, 2010 Council Work Session) (First Presentation on May 17, 2010 Regular Council Meeting) (Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)

2. Approval of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 20, Environment, Article VI, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, of the City of Milton Code of Ordinances. (Agenda Item No. 10-1139) (Previously Discussed at April 19, 2010 Council Work Session) (First Presentation on May 17, 2010 Regular Council Meeting) (Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)

11) NEW BUSINESS

1. Approval for the Submission of an Application to FEMA's Assistance to Firefighter's Grant to Support the Advanced Life Support Initiative of the Milton Fire Department. (Agenda Item No. 10-1151) (Robert Edgar, Fire Chief)

2. Approval for Milton's Participation in a Regional Application to FEMA's Assistance to Firefighter's Grant to Support the UASI Communications Program in North Fulton. (Agenda Item No. 10-1152) (Robert Edgar, Fire Chief)

12) MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS

13) STAFF REPORTS

14) EXECUTIVE SESSION (If needed)

15) ADJOURNMENT (Agenda Item No. 10-1153)

Questions Fly Regarding Alternative Energies Class Taught At Birmingham Falls Elementary.

Birmingham Falls Elementary is the newest public school in Milton.

It’s not the 4th of July yet, but a Katie Reeves community meeting at Northwestern Middle school provided an early fireworks display...

By Tim Enloe; Accessmilton.com.

Do you believe in Global Warming? Is it myth or a proven science? In Milton, the answer differs substantially depending on who you talk to.

A heated debate transpired unexpectedly between Fulton County Board of Education Member Katie Reeves and some local PTA volunteers at a recent community meeting at Northwestern Middle School. The issue at hand was an environmental lesson on alternative energies which was being taught by parent and PTA volunteer and environmental Director Kathy Johnson. The class had been recently cancelled on Friday, May 7th, but by who and why?

Katie Reeves holds community meetings at various schools throughout her district with the focus of open communication between the Fulton County Board of Education and parents. The meeting at Northwestern on May 17th, was supposed to be no different. However, some in attendance believed that she was being set up this time around. “It seemed as they (Other PTA Members) had an agenda prepared in advance” parent Adriana Marchese shared, “It was done inappropriately and appeared to be very uncomfortable to everyone in attendance.”

During the exchange, Johnson interrupted the flow of the meeting and had accused Reeves of being the one behind the last minute cancellation which Reeves vehemently denied. Birmingham Falls Principal Trussell was in attendance as well. When pressed as to who they believed ended the class, parent Lisa Cauley stated, “the Principal made the call to cancel the class.” Adriana Marchese agreed,”Mr. Trussell the BFE Principal. The buck stops with the principal of a school.”

Accessmilton.com not only reached out to Principal Trussell, but also to other active parents in attendance on the other side of the coin. After numerous phone calls and emails, no information on their perspective was provided at press time.

Reeves had been made aware of the concern by Cauley. “Anytime a parent is upset about something, even if it is one parent, it is enough to ask a question…” commented Reeves.

Mrs. Cauley's issue was primarily about the lack of parental notification and approval of such materials - “The parents have a right to know what outside influences and materials are being presented to our children in our schools that isn’t coming from the GDE or Fulton County teachers. If it isn't GA Curriculum instructed by teachers then the parents should see the material ahead of time so they can decide what their own children participate in or not," she relayed. “I felt the supplemental environmental lesson plan presented by the Environmental Director of this school was a controversial topic, and after reviewing the original lesson plan months ago it was presenting a one sided point of view and opinion”.

According to sources, the Principal and CST, Patty Franklin, earlier this year, had revised the alternative energies lesson several times, and removed the climate change portion of the lesson altogether. The recent lesson cancelled was a new lesson, not the revised one, which was going to be presented to K and 1st grades.

When pressed as to whether or not they viewed the class's topic as controversial, Mrs. Marchese replied "If it is about "Global Warming" it is extremely controversial... Do I think we should be taking care of our planet? Yes. Give me facts, not opinion! I don't believe this would be a great lesson to be taught by teachers and volunteers."

The uproar at the meeting was proof enough for many at this meeting that this topic is indeed controversial. In the end, the biggest controversy of all appeared to be a weakness in policy, and the lack of transparency of supplemental or controversial materials taught by PTA parent volunteers or any other outside organization, with the notification and protocol involving such. “I think that everything should be transparent…this is about policy,” concluded Reeves.

Man Shot During North Fulton Home Invasion.

Courtesy WSBTV.com

MILTON, Ga. -- Milton police spent Monday morning looking for two home invaders who burst into a north Fulton County home overnight. The robbers fired several shots, grazing one man’s head.

The shooting happened on Arnold Mill Road in Milton.

To view video on the story, click here=>

http://www.wsbtv.com/video/23815017/index.html

The victim was treated and released overnight. Detectives in Milton said they are working to find out why the robbers came after him.

Police said a 20-year-old Hispanic male and his mother were inside the home when two men broke in with guns drawn.

“Both victims were at home asleep when the home invasion occurred,” said Capt. Shawn McCarty of the Milton Police Department.

McCarty said the victim’s wound was minor and he will be OK.

Detectives are searching for answers as to why the robbers may have targeted the home. Police spoke with both victims.

“Right now, we really don’t know the motive. Indications would lead us to believe it was a robbery,” said McCarty.

Police did not say if the men took money or what they were after.

The victim told police the men drove away in a white Honda Accord heading toward Cherokee County.

Police Academy Provides Insight Into the K9 Unit.

Double Click To Enlarge Screen.

MILTON - The second annual Milton Citizen Police Academy has helped provide local residents some insight into what being a Milton Police Officer is all about.

From fatal wreck re-inactments to crime investigations to the K9 unit, the education has been vast and indepth.

This past week, Milton Police Officer Brian Kiel and K9 Police Dog De Silva showed that hours and hours of training can truly pay off. Thankfully, the "criminal" that De Silva is in pursuit of above is none other than Milton Police Officer Keenan Grey.

Many thanks to the wonderful Milton Police Officers who put their lives on the line every day and work long hours to keep citizens safe.

A Special Message From Ray Stevens...

Double Click To Enlarge Screen.

T-Mobile sues Roswell over Lake Charles tower proposal.

ALL: In light of the Milton Council's decision to deny two of three T-mobile cell towers, we thought the following article would be of interest. No word yet on whether Milton has been served.

By Rachel Kellogg / Neighbor Newspapers

T-Mobile South has filed a lawsuit against the city of Roswell, based on the council’s decision last month to deny the company’s application to place a cell tower on vacant residentially-zoned land on Lake Charles Drive.

The lawsuit says the decision violates the Telecommunications Act of 1996 on three counts, claiming the decision was not supported by substantial evidence, the city is prohibiting wireless service and the city is unreasonably discriminating among providers of functionally equivalent services.

“The city is preparing the answer and will defend its position as necessary,” said Roswell City Attorney David Davidson.

Davidson said the city’s answer, or response, will be filed before June 7, followed by a four-month pre-trial process “unless the judge decides otherwise.”

The company planned to construct a 108-foot stealth monopine tower, which would have resembled a tall pine tree.

When presenting the application to council, the telecommunications company said T-Mobile had a gap in signal strength in the Lake Charles area and the tower was necessary to provide reliable service to area customers in their homes and vehicles.

The council also denied a previous application by the company to place a tower on city-owned property at Fire Station No. 3. According to the lawsuit, the location used to be on the city’s siting plan but was removed after the city held a public meeting seeking neighborhood input. The lawsuit referred to the earlier decision by saying the city “bowed to political pressure, ignored its own ordinance and Siting Plan and refused to enter into a lease for the site at Fire Station No. 3.”

The lawsuit mentions citizens who came to the council meeting to speak out against the tower and said they voiced “generalized aesthetic concerns, speculating about the possible diminution of property values that would be caused by the proposed tower, speculating about the signal coverage afforded by the tower, and speculating about T-Mobile’s ‘true’ motive for constructing the tower.”

The lawsuit also includes a statement from Councilman Kent Igleheart, who is quoted as saying it is not the council’s “mandate to level the field for inferior technology.” The lawsuit calls this an “incorrect and unsupported” statement.

The document says the city has been “stubbornly litigious,” and goes on to state that council members seemed to intend to prohibit telecommunications towers from residential areas, despite the lawsuit’s claim that “the entire search area is residentially-zoned.”

Milton Farmer's Market Kick Off July 10th!

MILTON -

Do you have a local business that you want to promote? Are you looking for some great home grown produce? Then look no further that the Milton Farmer's Market in Crabapple Georgia!

The second annual Milton GA Farmer's Market will take place once again in Crabapple next to the Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub. The market will be open each Saturday from July 10th through August 28. Times are 9am to 1pm. Local gardeners, businesses, and the like are encouraged to be a part of this wonderful summer affair. Last year home made pastries, homegrown vegetables, and crafts were hot items.

In addition, charities such as Zach and Thomas Eller's own Woof 'em down dog biscuits were in attendance to raise money for homeless dogs and puppies.

With exception of charities, there is a small $5 booth fee required each weekend. 100% of these monies will be donated to the Milton Fire & Police Departments on behalf of the Milton GA Farmer's Market.

For more information, please call 770 653 0552.

Public Service Announcement.

Double Click To Enlarge Screen.

LE GRANDE DAY SPA SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

THREE DAYS ONLY

June 2nd, 3rd, 4th

35% off any hair, facial, or massage service

Le Grande Salon & Spa
An Aveda Concept
980 Birmingham Rd.
Alpharetta, Ga. 30004
(678) 526-6067
Mon - Sat 10am - 7:30pm
www.LeGrandeDaySpa.com
legrandedayspa@bellsouth.net
*Offers cannot be combined and are based upon availability. Some restrictions may apply. Services must be regular priced

To Find Out More About Milton's Own Le Grande Salon & Day Spa, click here=>

http://www.accessmilton.com/Advertisers/LeGrande.php

June Newsletter clarification.

June Newsletter clarification.

MILTON, GA., June 2, 2010 - In the June Newsletter for the City of Milton, the June 5 Senate District 56 candidate forum information was incorrect.

Current Sen. Dan Moody will not host the event. In addition, John Albers, Brandon Beach and David Belle Isle have been invited. They have not confirmed attendance.

City of Milton Communications Director Jason Wright sincerely regrets this error.

Now's the time to build a community.

One of the things our residents are always proud of, and people outside the city limits amazed by, is the commitment of Miltonians to get together for a cause. I am truly thankful we have such an engaged populace. Its public discourse is one of this city's points of pride.

Now that summer has arrived (on the school calendar at least) the time to strengthen this community even more is upon us. Georgia's long summer days mean neighborhood and homeowner pool parties, cookouts, baseball games and more. I can't think of a better time to reach out to someone you might not know and invite them into your life.

Those relationships are what make this city great -- they give us something other communities just don't have these days. In a world where iPhones, Facebook and whatever else is around the bend have connected us all in very interesting but superficial ways, Milton has something you just can't replicate, no matter how powerful your iPad: face-to-face contact.

Maybe you'll meet a new friend when your child attends one of the cities beloved equestrian camps. That's a pretty tight knit community already, so if you're looking for some good folks to pass the time with, I'd start there.

Perhaps your families can enjoy recreation at one of our parks or dinner at one of our local restaurants featuring patio seating. Of course, don't forget that summer staple, the ice cream cone, afterward. We've got a few choice creameries in this fair city that I know I enjoy. I'm sure you will, too.

With vacations, summer camps and all those parties, I certainly don't want to keep you inside - you'll never meet anyone new there. So I'll keep it brief this month.

As always, swing by City Hall anytime and one of the friendly staff members will answer any questions you might have and even take you on a tour if you have the time.

Sincerely,

Mayor Joe Lockwood

Milton needs 2010 Roundup concept.

Have you ever wanted the community to see your creativity first-hand? Then help shape the City of Milton's largest yearly event, the 2010 Milton Roundup.

The City of Milton wants this year's event to be an accurate representation of what matters to its citizens. That means one of you decides what best encapsulates all that Milton means in 2010.

As such, all local designers, artists and art enthusiasts are encouraged to submit their ideas for a 2010 Milton Roundup logo and event concept. The winning design/theme will be featured in and guide all aspects of the event's signage, promotions, T-shirts, souvenirs and more.

The only rule is that the design and theme somehow incorporate the title "Milton Roundup 2010." That's it. Let your imaginations run wild.

For more information, click here.
To view the flyer for the contest, click here.

Georgia SD-56 Candidate Forum June 5.

There will be a state Senate District 56 candidate forum at 9:30 a.m. June 5 in the Circa History Guild, 8400 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta Ga. 30022.

This forum is hosted by current District 56 Senator Dan Moody, who is not running for re-election. The three candidates running for the seat, John Albers, Brandon Beach and David Belle-Isle, will all attend.

District 56 covers northwest Fulton County and includes Milton.

Parks and Recreation survey results June 7.

The results from the City of Milton's first Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment Survey will be presented to Milton's City Council at its June 7 meeting, which begins at 6 p.m.

Presented by the Schapiro Group, Inc., the findings represent a 23 percent return from surveys sent to every home in Milton. The results will be used to help prioritize and find funding for recreation programs in Milton, an area identified by City Council as a top priority moving into the next five years of cityhood.

For more information, check the City of Milton's Web site. After the meeting, the results will be available for download.

Tennis tourney raises $2,230 for cancer.

Milton residents helped raise $2,230 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Greater Atlanta Affiliate, thanks to a May 22 tennis tournament at Avensong.

The tournament, sponsored by T2 Tennis, saw 44 players participating in a round robin, one-point tournament, serving contest and prize court.

Area businesses including Discrete Wireless, Youthtopia Med Spa, LA Fitness, Bluegrass Nail Salon and Serious Tennis, as well as local tennis pros Eric Becker and Tricia Hanson, donated prizes for raffles and a silent auction.

Special thanks to Avensong for the free use of their facilities!

For additional information on T2 Tennis, visit
www.t2tennis.com. To learn more about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Greater Atlanta Affiliate, visit www.komenatlanta.org or call 404-459-8700.

CLEANER FIRE TRUCKS.

The City of Milton Fire Department received a $23,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which will be used to purchase filters that reduce dangerous emissions from fire engine exhaust. Fire Marshal Matthew Marietta said the equipment should be at firehouses within the summer, curbing emissions and creating a safer environment for residents and fire professionals.

Click here for more information.

Tom Price Event on July 7th at Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub.

Double Click To Enlarge Image.

Please see the “Save the Date” flyer (above) for a reception honoring Congressman Tom Price, M.D. scheduled for Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at the Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub in Milton, Georgia. Also, for your convenience, attached to the flyer is a contribution sheet for the event.

If you would like to be a host, sponsor or guest for the event, please fill out the same and return it to Price for Congress, P.O. Box 425, Roswell, Georgia 30077, or contact me via email at hwalker@orkinandassociates.com or via phone at 678-297-2700, Ext. 226, and I will be happy to assist you in any way possible. Please note that the printing deadline for host committee is June 11th, so if you would like to be part of the host committee and would like your name to be listed on the invitation, please submit your paperwork on or before June 11th.

We encourage you to join us for this event honoring Congressman Price. We look forward to seeing you there!

Milton Honors Its Heroes.

Courtesy The Beacon

By Maggie West / Staff and D. Jefferson Bean / Staff

Individually set and hand-driven, a file of white crosses stands at silent attention along a half-mile stretch of Milton’s Deerfield Parkway. In the sweltering heat, a handful of volunteers, including councilmen Bill Lusk and Joe Longoria, turned out on May 23 to erect the markers in remembrance of America’s war dead.

Lusk began the project three years ago, intending to give a patriotic institution a distinctly local flavor: each cross memorializes a relative of a Milton resident.

“My ultimate goal,” he said, “is to recognize every fallen veteran that’s related to a Milton resident. The inspiration is that we were a new city and we had no traditions, no types of recognition for anything. So, Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day seemed to be two of the natural ones to initiate.”

Lusk also heralded other contributing organizations. “As a member of Piedmont Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, we traditionally mark Revolutionary War veterans graves. This is an extension of that tradition”, he emphasized.

LUSK’S LABOR OF LOVE

For Lusk, the yearly undertaking is a labor of love.

“Bill’s a veteran,” said Longoria. “He does it all himself. And he takes this stuff very much to heart. It’s a passion for him. And you must support your friends when they have that kind of passion for something. So, I’m thinking that’s why we’re all out here.”

Lusk not only funds and supervises the project, though; he constructs each marker himself. At present, there are 132 in place and 18 more at his shop.

“Each stencil is taped to a cross; then Bill sprays them with paint, takes each one off, and does it all over again,” said volunteer Steve Hernandez.” He builds the crosses, paints them, stencils them, and puts them up. It’s a tedious process. I’ve seen him do it.”

Longoria elaborated: “Bill puts them together in the back of his office building. He puts them together by hand, paints them. We spent some time this morning putting the names on some of them. He’s been doing it for three years now, and so he’s been adding to it as he goes. He’s got a page on the website where you can just basically sign up.”

And they are signing up, in greater numbers.

“I keep getting more and more help as we put more markers out,” said Lusk. “It’s becoming recognized as a city tradition. And people are just interested in getting on board. I started with roughly 50 crosses the first year. Last year we were at 96. Hopefully, by the end of this week, we’ll have 150.”

Beyond increased participation, 2010 marks the event’s first year as a multigenerational effort. As Longoria remarked of his son Joe; another volunteer: “I think it’s important. My son’s an Eagle Scout. He actually built two hundred crosses at his school for his Eagle Scout project.”

By 2:00 p.m., the row of markers had grown to half a mile in length. The task complete, Lusk’s wife, Janie, who placed an American flag atop each cross remarked, “I’m just real proud of him.”

Perhaps, even as proud as the City of Milton is of its fallen warriors.

Milton's Memorial Day Ceremony.

More than 300 attendees made the third annual Milton Memorial Day Ceremony the biggest and best yet May 31. Though rain clouds loomed overhead, Team RV was able to provide a Missing Man Formation flyover. Brigadier Gen. Maria Britt's stirring speech brought tears to the crowd, and the roll call of local fallen veterans was, as ever, poignant. To see a gallery of photos from the event, click here.

Notice & Waiver Re D'Aversa Complaint / Final.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF FULTON COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA
TINA D’AVERSA,
Petitioner
v.
CITY OF MILTON, GEORGIA BOARD OF ETHICS,
Respondent
CITY OF MILTON, GEORGIA and NEAL J. O’BRIEN,
Defendant in Certiorari
Civil Action No. 2010CV184381

NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION AND REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS
To KEN E. JARRARD, Esq., as City Attorney of City of Milton, Georgia and attorney for Respondent City of Milton, Georgia Board of Ethics:
A petition for certiorari has been commenced against the entities on whose behalf you are addressed. A copy of the petition, with supporting papers, is attached to this notice. It has been filed in the Superior Court for the State of Georgia in and for the County of Fulton and has been assigned case number 2010CV184381.
This is not a formal summons or notification from the court, but rather my request under Code Section 9-11-4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated that you sign and return the enclosed waiver of service in order to save the cost of serving you with a judicial summons and an additional copy of the complaint. The cost of service will be avoided if I receive a signed copy of the waiver within 5 days after the date designated below as the date on which this Notice of Civil Action and Request for Waiver of Summons is sent. I enclose a stamped and addressed envelope (or other means of cost-free return) for your use. An extra copy of the
waiver is also attached for your records. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO CONSULT WITH YOUR ATTORNEY REGARDING THIS MATTER.
If you comply with this request and return the signed Waiver of Service, the waiver will be filed with the court and no summons will be served on you. The action will then proceed as if you had been served on the date the waiver is filed.
If you do not return the signed waiver within the time indicated, I will take appropriate steps to effect formal service in a manner authorized by the Georgia Rules of Civil Procedure and then, to the extent authorized by those rules, I will ask the court to require you (or the party on whose behalf you are addressed) to pay the full costs of such service. In that connection, please read the statement concerning the duty of parties to waive the service of summons, which is set forth in the Notice of Duty to Avoid Unnecessary Costs of Service of Summons enclosed herein.
I affirm that this Notice of Civil Action and Request for Waiver of Service of Summons is being sent to you on behalf of the plaintiff this 15th day of April, 2010.
_____________________________________ LUCIAN GILLIS, Jr.,
Georgia Bar No. 295163,
Attorney for Petitioner.
GILLIS & CREASY,
Two Ravinia Drive, Suite 650, Atlanta, Georgia 30346 770-394-3127; fax 770-394-3117; e-mail LGillis@gilliscreasy.com.
NOTICE OF DUTY TO AVOID UNNECESSARY COSTS OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS
Subsection (d) of Code Section 9-11-4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated requires certain parties to cooperate in saving unnecessary costs of service of the
summons and complaint. A defendant (or respondent) located in the United States who, after being notified of an action and asked by a plaintiff located in the United States to waive service of summons, fails to do so will be required to bear the cost of such service unless good cause be shown for its failure to sign and return the waiver.
It is not good cause for a failure to waive service that a party believes that the complaint is unfounded, or that the action has been brought in an improper place or in a court that lacks jurisdiction over the subject matter of the action or over its person or property. A party who waives service of the summons retains all defenses and objections (except any relating to the summons or to the service of the summons), and may later object to the jurisdiction of the court or to the place where the action has been brought.
A defendant (or respondent) who waives service must, within the time specified on the waiver form, serve on the petitioner’s attorney (or unrepresented plaintiff) a response to the complaint and must also file a signed copy of the response with the court. If the answer is not served within this time, a default judgment may be taken against that defendant.
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF FULTON COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA
TINA D’AVERSA,
Petitioner
v.
CITY OF MILTON, GEORGIA BOARD OF ETHICS,
Respondent
CITY OF MILTON, GEORGIA and NEAL J. O’BRIEN,
Defendant in Certiorari
Civil Action No. 2010CV184381

WAIVER OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS
To LUCIAN GILLIS, Jr., Esq., Attorney for Petitioner:
I acknowledge receipt of your request that I waive service of a summons in the action of In re Tina D’Aversa, (Bd. of Ethics Mar. 16, 2010), which is case no. 2010CV184381 in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia. This is on behalf of the City of Milton Board of Ethics and the City of Milton, Georgia, only. I have also received a copy of the complaint in the action, two copies of this instrument, and a means by which I can return the signed waiver to you without cost to me. I understand that I am entitled to consult with my own attorney regarding the consequences of my signing this waiver.
I agree to save the cost of service of a summons and an additional copy of the complaint in this lawsuit by not requiring that I (or the entity on whose behalf I am acting) be served with judicial process in the manner provided by the Georgia Rules of Civil Procedure.
I (or the entity on whose behalf I am acting) will retain all defenses or objections to the action—including but not limited to those related to the proper parties to this
action—or to the jurisdiction or venue of the court except for objections based on a defect in the summons or in the service of the summons upon the City of Milton Board of Ethics and the City of Milton, Georgia, only.
This day of April, 2010.
_______________________________ KEN E. JARRARD,
Georgia Bar No. 389550,
Attorney for City of Milton Board of Ethics & City of Milton, Georgia.
JARRARD & DAVIS, LLP,
105 Pilgrim Village Drive, Suite 200, Cumming, GA 30040 678-455-7150; fax 678-455-7149; kjarrard@jarrard-davis.com.

Claim Filed By Tina D'Aversa Re: Ethics Complaint / PT 4

Docket no. 2010CV184381
Plaintiff(s) (last, suffix, first, middle initial, first, middle initial, maiden)
1. D’Aversa, Tina
2.
3. _______________________
4. _________________________
Defendant(s) (last, suffix, first, middle initial, maiden)
1. City of Milton Board of Ethics
2. City of Milton, Georgia
3. NEAL J. O’BRIEN
4. _________________________
Plaintiff / petitioner's attorney
LUCIAN GILLIS, Jr., Bar # 295163.
___ Pro Se
No. of plaintiffs One
No. of defendants Three
CHECK PRIMARY CASE TYPE:
(Check only ONE)
Contract/Account
__ Wills/Estate
__ Real Property
__ Dispossessory / Distress
__ Personal Property
__ Equity
__ Habeas Corpus
X Appeals, Reviews
__ Postjudgment Garnishment, Attachment, or Other Relief
__ Nondomestic Contempt
Tort (If tort, fill in right column)
__ Other General Civil
(specify)
IF TORT IS CASE TYPE:
(Check no more than TWO)
Auto Accident
___ Premises Liability
___ Medical Malpractice
___ Other Professional
Negligence
___ Product Liability
___ Other (specify) ____________________
Are punitive damages pleaded?
Yes No
_____________
More to come.