Milton Business Alliance To Meet Thursday

The Milton Business Alliance (MBA) will be meeting at The Mad Italian Resturant this Thursday, August 23rd at 6pm. A $5 cover charge for the special MBA menu is requred and cash bar is available. Please bring a potential member as a guest and help the Milton Business Alliance grow.

To find out more about the MBA, click here=>

http://www.accessmilton.com/MBA.php

To find out more about The Mad Italian Restaurant, click here=>

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

Milton Grows Green meeting Thursday, August 20 at 7:30 (new time!)

Please note that our meeting is later this month (by exactly a week and 90 minutes). We had to move it back a week because of the suddenly-conflicting CPAC review at City Hall last Thursday, and by 90 minutes to 7:30 p.m. because several members have curriculum nights at their schools earlier that evening. I hope to see you there.

Jon McPhail
Jon McPhail & Associates, LLC
P.O. Box 783
Alpharetta, GA 30009-0783
770-442-9566 (V)
770-442-1834 (F)
jonmcphail@mindspring.com

Council Person Tina D'Aversa Kicks Off Milton Campaign Season.

Council person Tina D'Aversa kicked off her re-election campaign Saturday night at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Paul English In Milton. With supporters numbering right around 130, discussion and hand shakes were common place.

Council members in attendence included Burt Hewitt, Alan Tart, Julie Zahner Bailey, and Mayor Joe Lockwood. Other notable guests included Fulton County Commissioner Robb Pitts and Milton Rock Band "Rye."

When pressed as to why she chose to host such an impressive gathering even though no one has yet to come forward to challenge her, Mrs. D'Aversa responded that this event was also about saying thank you to those who have supported her
since she initially took office in the Fall of 2006.

Video below includes an endorsement by Mayor Lockwood and a brief speech by Council Person D'Aversa.

Interested in running for a Milton Office? Qualified candidates may file for the Nov. 3 non-partisan election between Aug. 31 and Sept. 4 by picking up a one-page affidavit from the City Clerk's office at 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite A/B, Milton, GA 30004.

First Crabapple Car Show A Huge Success.

With cars from Ford to Chevy to MG to Ferrari, the first Crabapple Georgia Car Show was a great success! Hosted by The Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub, the event kicked off at 9am on Saturday, August 15th and ran until early noon. An estimated 100 plus cars participated. According to Ron Wallace, show coordinator and owner of the Old Blind Dog, they plan on having an auto show the third Saturday of each month.

To view some video, please click on the links below!

Milton Farmers Market & Cruisein This Saturday In Crabapple

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The Milton Farmers Market and the first ever Milton Cruisein will be going on this Saturday in Crabapple. Kick off is at 8am so come on out for some home grown produce and some classic cars!

Many thanks to Ron Wallace and the Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub for making both events possible!

Reminder From Milton Goes Green.

Many Thanks To Jon McPhail for providing this information.

Members and Friends of Milton Grows Green

I learned through a press release that "Milton's Community Development Department and the Comprehensive Planning Advisory Committee are hosting a Comprehensive Plan Information Meeting on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m.at Milton City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway." I have contacted our Board of Directors and received agreement to reschedule our August monthly meeting for next Thursday, August 20 at the Birmingham Fire station from 7:309:30 p.m. Please note the later time--this is to accommodate several members who have curriculum planning meetings at their schools earlier that evening. I hope that you can arrange to attend this specially-scheduled meeting.

I also hope that you will take this opportunity to attend the Comprehensive Plan Information Meeting tom morrow evening at 6:30 at City Hall. This is a very important opportunity to make sure that the Comprehensive Plan, Milton's blueprint for growth for the next 20 years, reflects Milton's vision, which "embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city's equestrian centric rural character." Noble goals such as this do not just "happen." They happen because we work to help them move from visions to realities.

Jon McPhail
Jon McPhail & Associates, LLC
P.O. Box 783
Alpharetta, GA 30009-0783
770-442-9566 (V)
770-442-1834 (F)
jonmcphail@mindspring.com

Bear Sightings in Milton

There have been several bear sightings in Milton over the past several weeks. The Police Department believes the sightings are of one bear moving from the south end of the city to the north. The City would like to share a few bear safety tips from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and The Blue Ridge Highlander. All Milton residents are encouraged to educate themselves about bears and their behaviors. Please keep in mind that a black bear’s diet consists of whatever food is readily available at any given time including human and pet food, birdseed, beehives and compost piles.

Tips from GeorgiaWildlife.org

Keep items, such as grills, pet food or bird feeders off-limits to bears. Clean and store grills when not in use, keep pet food indoors.
Make sure trashcans are bear-proof or kept indoors.
When camping or picnicking, keep your site clean.

Tips from TheBlueRidgeHighlander.com

Anytime you see a bear:

Do not feed or toss food to a bear or any wild animal. Such activity is unlawful.
Keep children close at hand.
Keep pets indoors or in a vehicle or camper, and keep dogs on a lease; dogs will confront bears and may get serious injuries.
Do not approach a bear at anytime as they are dangerous and unpredictable.
Never surround or corner a bear.
Never run from a bear; slowly back away and make lots of noise.

City Council election set for 2009

Seats for the Mayor and three City Council members in Milton are up for election during 2009. Qualified candidates may file for the Nov. 3 non-partisan election between Aug. 31 and Sept. 4 by picking up a one-page affidavit from the City Clerk's office at 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite A/B, Milton, GA 30004. The fee for qualifying is $690 for Mayor and $390 for Council. If no candidate receives a majority vote for a position, a runoff will be held on Dec. 1.

August Calendar

Courtesy City of Milton

August 3 -
City Council Meeting
6 p.m.
Agenda

August 4 -
Design Review Board
6 p.m.
Agenda

August 5 -
MDAC
7 p.m.

August 6 -
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Special Called Work Session
6:30 p.m.
Agenda

August 10 -
City Council Work Session
6 p.m.

August 13 -
Milton Grows Green
6 p.m.
Birmingham Fire Station

CPAC
6:30 p.m.

August 17 -
City Council Meeting
6 p.m.

TSAC/CPAC
Joint Meeting
6 p.m.

August 18 -
Board of Zoning Appeals
7 p.m.
Agenda

August 25 -
Planning Commission
7 p.m.

August 26 -
Community Zoning Information Meeting
7 p.m.

August 31 -
CPAC
6:30
Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held at Milton City Hall, Deerfield Professional Centre, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107, Milton, GA 30004.
If you need special accommodations in order to participate in any city meeting, please call 678.242.2500.

Owen Dasher Mayor for a Day

Courtesy City Of Milton

Owen Dasher, an 8-year-old Milton resident, was the lucky winner of a "Mayor for a Day" auction at a local school. Dasher spent the afternoon at City Hall with Mayor Joe Lockwood and City staff. The lucky winner, who brought several family members with him, got a ride around the block in a Milton fire truck, was allowed to peek inside a police car and toured City Hall.

Soli: Winner of Roundup Logo Design

Courtesy City of Milton

Solomzi "Soli" Colbert won the recent logo contest for the 2009 Milton Roundup T-shirt design. At the July 6 City Council meeting, the Mayor and Council congratulated Colbert and awarded him with a $100 prize for his drawing. The design, featuring a horse, cowboy and lasso, was praised by those attending the meeting.

The 2009 Milton Roundup takes place on Saturday Oct. 17 on the campuses of Northwestern Middle and Milton High schools and the first 1,500 attendees will receive a free T-shirt bearing Colbert's design. Colbert is currently on a scholarship at a three-week summer arts program at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan.

Milton a Heart Ready City

Courtesy City of Milton

The City of Milton has been recognized as a Heart Ready City by the American Heart Association. Milton is one of only a few Georgia cities that have received this designation. A "Heart Ready City" demonstrates leadership and commitment to saving lives through implementation of model emergency cardiovascular programs, according to the AHA. As part of being a Heart Ready City, Milton is required to teach CPR to 500 people annually. To achieve this goal, the Fire Department plans to hold a mass community CPR event. This allows the department to provide a free and potentially lifesaving class to all residents while retaining Heart Ready City status.

Check the City Web site for updates on this program.

Building Guides for Milton Homeowners: Swimming Pools

Courtesy City Of Milton

Currently available on the City Web site is a Swimming Pool Guide for Milton residents. The purpose of this guide is to assist you in the permitting process and inform you of pool requirements such as having a fence or other permanent barrier completely around the pool, gates that must swing outwards away from the pool, etc. Please review this guide and discuss your project with city staff to determine if it is subject to additional requirements. Read the brochure on swimming pools

Code Enforcement: Common Violation

Courtesy City Of Milton

Outside Storage Associated with Residential Use or District: Storage is permitted in side and rear yards only and must be screened from adjoining residential uses and from streets with an opaque fence or a vegetative screen.

To find out more about Milton's Code Enforcement, click here=>
http://www.cityofmiltonga.us/zoning/code_enforcement.html

Milton's MDA Boot Drive

Courtesy City Of Milton

Beginning this month, the City of Milton Fire Department will begin its third year partnering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association's "Fill-the-Boot" campaign that takes place each summer. Between 2007 and 2008, Milton firefighters have raised over $65,000 for the fight of neuromuscular diseases. In 2008, the Milton Fire Department raised the second most money in the state and was number one in the Metro Atlanta Area.
Watch for Milton firefighters at various intersections and help our men and women fill that boot.

Message from Mayor Joe Lockwood

Mayor Joe Lockwood

Courtesy City Of Milton

Supporting our Public Safety Team

So far, 2009 is proving to be an interesting year. A lot is changing in our country, our state and our city. Although times – and our city – are changing, there is one thing that remains constant: the need to preserve public safety.

Milton citizens and visitors are fortunate to have such outstanding police and fire departments. Day or night, rain or shine, no matter how dangerous the situation, our hard working public safety team is here for every one of us. They save us from fires, pull us from accidents, protect our families from criminals and allow us to sleep better at night. And for that I am eternally grateful.

In May, two fine Milton police officers, Nathan Allen and Andrew Phillips, acted bravely and fearlessly in the face of danger when they rescued a citizen from a burning automobile. Allen and Phillips risked their lives for a Milton resident and were able to safely transfer him to medical personnel. Since Allen and Phillips acted so courageously, we decided to award them the first-ever Milton Medal of Valor at the Aug. 3 City Council Meeting. I hope these two officers inspire all of us to be more valiant.

While the public safety team is there to help us every day, sometimes they need help from us.

For the third consecutive year, the Milton Fire Department is partnering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association to raise money for the fight against neuromuscular diseases with the “Fill-the-Boot” campaign. Our department has raised more than $65,000 over the past two years and raised the second most money in Georgia in 2008. This year, their goal has been set high and you can help. Keep an eye out for Milton firefighters at various intersections throughout August and please give what you can. Every cent helps; no donation is too small.
Another way you can help our Public Safety Department is by attending the Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue unit fundraising event. The Milton TLAER unit, whose job is to safely manage and deal with incidents that involve large animals, is a newer program for our city and still has a great need for training equipment.

If you are interested in this unit, or wish to make a donation, join us on Sunday, Aug. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Chukkar Farms and Polo Club. Tickets for this event can be purchased at City Hall or any Milton fire station. More information on this event can be found on our City Web site:

www.CityofMiltonGa.us.

Although times are tough, we can always find a way to help others; especially those whose job it is to help us. And as always, contact me or our Public Safety Department with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Mayor Joe Lockwood

Milton hopes to get Lucky, the mannequin horse

By Ralph Ellis
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Milton, the moneyed equine community in north Fulton, wants to get Lucky.

Not lucky, as in winning a lottery. Lucky, as in the $11,000 horse mannequin.
The fire department is raising money to buy the horse mannequin for training. To practice now, the department’s large animal rescue unit uses live horses, which require a veterinarian and a horse owner willing to let their animal be sedated, said fire Lt. Bill Bourn.

Lucky, so named by manufacturer Rescue Critters! of Los Angeles, has a movable head and limbs. It’s life-size but weighs only 400 pounds, compared with 1,000 to 1,200 pounds for an average horse.

Still, it would allow firefighters to train for equine rescue scenarios: an overturned trailer, a horse in a sinkhole or a steed that wanders into a swimming pool.

“They usually end up in the shallow end,” Bourn said. “Getting in was a lot easier than getting out.”

None of these emergencies has happened yet, but it’s not out of the question for Milton, which has more than 100 horse farms, Bourn said. It’s one of the few towns in Georgia with a large animal rescue unit, he said.

To pay for the mannequin, the Milton Fire Department needs luck — and generosity. It will hold a fund-raiser from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 23 at Chukkar Farms and Polo Club. For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us or call 678-242-2500.

Rescue Critters produces about a dozen handmade horse mannequins a year along with first-aid training mannequins such as Fluffy the cat ($329) and Jerry the K-9 ($989), said company President Craig Jones.

“It’s a niche market,” he said.

Milton Philly Pretzel Factory Deals!

SPECIALS THRU AUGUST 16, 2009

MONDAY & TUESDAY:
$1.00 HOT DOG
$1.75 SPICY DOG, BRATWURST OR ITALIAN SAUSAGE
$3.50 HOT DOG COMBO
$5.00 SPICY DOG, BRATWURST OR ITALIAN SAUSAGE COMBO

(COMBOS INCLUDE: 2 DOGS, 1 BAG OF CHIPS AND 1 DRINK)

WEDNESDAY:
$1.00 PRETZELS ALL DAY LONG

THURSDAY:
$3.00 KIDS RIVITS & DRINK
$2.00 SNACK PACK ALL DAY

FRIDAY:
BUY A PRETZEL GET ONE FREE

SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
5 PRETZELS FOR $5.00

***Lost Great Dane***

All -

A resident's great dane is missing. The dog was last seen in his subdivision of Trotter's Ridge off of Bethany Road. If you see this dog, please call 404 307 8209.

Thank you!

News from Council Member Alan Tart

Courtesy - News from Council Member Alan Tart

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

Be sure to take advantage of the savings this weekend during Georgia's annual Sales Tax Holidays for the back-to-school season. See details below.

Tomorrow is the final day to make your wishes known regarding the location of the Milton library.

The Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library Board of Trustees plays a critical role in advising and making recommendations to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners (BOC) on library matters. For example, they will make a recommendation later this year to the BOC on the site selection for the new Milton library. The Fulton County BOC ultimately decides where the new Milton Library site will be.

For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to the Library Facility Master Plan (April 2009 Version), click here.

As stated in the FAQ, likely site selection criteria that will be used by the Library Board of Trustees include: close proximity to public transportation; pedestrian and bicycle friendly access; high visibility and easy identification; proximity to neighborhoods, schools, daycares, and other educational institutions; and area for adequate green space.

Please submit your site recommendations by July 31, 2009 to the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System via the following ways:
Online: www.afpls.org, click on Library Site Input
Email: librarycomments@fultoncountyga.gov
Fax: 404-335-5291
Mail: Branch Services, Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303

I have heard from many of you already on where you think the library should go. Although the Milton city council does not determine the location of the new library, we can weigh in to these deliberations. I would like to hear from those of you who I have not heard from.

Please send this newsletter to others who might want to receive it. They can register to receive future newsletters from me.

I consider it an honor to represent you. Please contact me with your views on any issue that needs to be addressed or whenever I can be of service.

Sincerely,

Alan TartCouncil Member (District 6, At Large)
AlanTart4Milton@comcast.net
Cell: 678-464-8550

Couldn't make it to the last city council meeting? Watch it on-line now! Click here.

Georgia Sales Tax Holiday Started Today

Legislation adopted during the 2009 session of the General Assembly provides for a sales tax exemption from both state and local sales taxes for certain items purchased July 30 - August 2, 2009. HB 120 also provides an exemption for specific energy and water efficient products purchased October 1 - 4, 2009. Information related to that holiday will be available at later date. Remember to support your city's businesses!During the "Back to School" sales tax holiday period, a sales tax exemption applies to purchases of tangible personal property in the following categories: Articles of Clothing: The exemption applies to articles of clothing and footwear with a sales price of $100 or less per item. Clothing accessories such as handbags, umbrellas, cuff links, handkerchiefs, jewelry, key cases, wallets, watches and watch bands, and ponytail holders and/or similar hair products are not exempt. See lists of exempt items. Personal Computers: A single purchase of $1,500 or less of personal computers and/or related accessories is exempt. If the single purchase exceeds $1,500, the entire transaction is taxable. See list of exempt items. General School Supplies: The exemption applies to the purchase of general school supplies with a sales price of $20 or less per item. See list of exempt items. The exemptions are intended for an individual's personal use. The exemptions exclude items rented, leased, purchased by businesses, or purchased for resale. The exemptions do not apply to items sold at theme parks, entertainment complexes, hotels, restaurants, and airports.
More information . . .

Milton Public Library Site Selection

Courtesy - News From Council Person Tina D'Aversa

News From Tina D'Aversa


This is an update to my newsletter sent earlier this month.
Today is the deadline to share your comments with the Fulton County Commissioners so they can make the best choice for the new Fulton County Library to be located in Milton, Georgia Please share this information with your neighbors. All Milton residents should consider provide to the site selection for the new Fulton Public Library in Milton.

Dear Milton Neighbor,

Before your summer is over and as the kids plan to go back to school, take a few minutes to provide your comments to your local government decision-makers.
It is an exciting time to live in Milton, Georgia. Your Milton Mayor and City Council are considering a permanent City Hall location since the lease for the current City Hall is nearing the end. At the same time, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners are considering a location for the new Milton Public Library. It is important that citizens provide input to the preferred locations for both City Hall and the Library. The Mayor, City Council and City Manager should have your input before making a decision on a permanent City Hall.
Please contact the Milton City Council and tell them your preference for Milton's City Hall.

Two of the areas being considered:
Crabapple (Southern Interior of Milton)
Highway 9 Deerfield (Northeastern Milton Gateway)
There may be other sites you feel should be considered.
Now is the time to let your opinions be known on where you think our City Center and City Hall should be and why. Please e-mail me or the other council members with your preference.

joe.lockwood@cityofmiltonga.us - Mayor
karen.thurman@cityofmiltonga.us - District 1
julie.zahnerbailey@cityofmiltonga.us - District 2bill.lusk@cityofmiltonga.us - District 3burt.hewitt@cityofmiltonga.us - District 4tina.daversa@cityofmiltonga.us - District 5alan.tart@cityofmiltonga.us - District 6

Proposed Milton Public LibraryThe Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library Board of Trustees plays a critical role in advising and making recommendations to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners (BOC) on library matters. They will make a recommendation later this Summer to the BOC on the site selection for the new Milton library. The Fulton County Commissioners decide where the new Milton Library site will be.

The likely site selection criteria that will be used by the Library Board of Trustees include: close proximity to public transportation; pedestrian and bicycle friendly access; high visibility and easy identification; proximity to neighborhoods, schools, daycare centers, and other educational institutions; and area for adequate green space.
Please submit your site recommendations by July 31, 2009 to the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System via the following ways:

Online: www.afpls.org, click on Library Site Input

Email: librarycomments@fultoncountyga.gov
Fax: 404-335-5291
Mail: Branch Services, Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303
Input on New Library Sites? The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System requests citizen input on sites for five of the eight new libraries to be built during Phase I of the Library's Facility Master Plan. If you have a recommendation for a site for any of the five libraries listed below, please let us know by July 31, 2009. Visit the website by clicking here to provide your input to the location of the Milton and Alpharetta Libraries.
Site selection applies to the five of eight new library sites where a parcel of land has not yet been identified:

Milton
Alpharetta
Stewart-Lakewood
Southeast Atlanta
Northwest Atlanta

Wolf Creek (site has been identified)Palmetto/Chattahoochee Hill Country (site has been identified)East Roswell (site has been identified)

The Library Bond Referendum, approved on November 4, 2008, in the general election vote, will significantly enhance Fulton County's public libraries with 8 new libraries, 2 expanded libraries and 23 renovated libraries. The library system is currently developing a timeline for Phase I of the Facility Master Plan, which includes construction of eight new libraries and expansion of two libraries. Library staff is working with Fulton County Land Division to research possible sites for the new libraries, with the goal of making selections by mid-2009 so that design can begin in late 2009. A project management firm will be selected in 2009 to assist in Phase I of the Facility Master Plan, and the selection of architects and engineers is expected in late 2009.
Information from previous newsletters is available on my web site at tinadaversa.com.

I hope this update helps keep you better informed of our city news. We have a City Council Meeting Monday night, August 3, 2009, 6:00 PM, If you would like to stop by with your comments at that time, please know that you are always welcome at Milton City Hall!

Join me tomorrow, August 1st as we celebrate and honor our veterans and their families at the Old Soldiers Day parade! It is my honor to serve as your city council representative from District 5. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Tina D'Aversa
Milton City Council Member
District 5 at large
678-242-2498 Direct
www.tinadaversa.com

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead

___________

July Meetings and Events Click on the event title for additional information or the Calendar link below.

July is National Parks and Recreation Month

City of Milton May Meeting Calendar of the City Boards and Commissions

Milton Milers Walking Club
Milton walkers meet at Starbucks at Bethany Bend and Highway 9 each Sunday at 7:00 PM and walk for health wellness and neighborly conversation

Crabapple Farmers Market

Join your neighbors each Saturday morning in July and August at the open area adjacent to the Faire La Belle Salon and Olde Blind Dog Tavern 12650 Crabapple Road. Saturday 9 AM to 12 noon.

PAST

Parks & Recreation Town Hall Meeting July 16, 2009, 6:00 PM, Milton City Hall

PAST

Community Planning Charrette

Saturday, July 18, 2009, Session 1: 9 AM to 12 noon Session 2: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Milton City Hall City Council Chambers

PAST City Council Special Called Work Session - Transportation Planning - July 27, 2009, 6:00 PM

Tax Free Holiday

July 30, 2009 - August 2, 2009
Every little bit helps! Remember that today through Sunday, August 2, 2009, you pay no tax on many items for back to school including school supplies and computers.

Old Soldiers Day Parade
August 1, 2009, 9:00 Main Street, Alpharetta, Georgia
City Council Meeting August 3, 2009, 6:00 PM
Milton City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Milton, Georgia 30004

SAVE THE DATE FOR A CELEBRATION

Please join me at the home of Paul and Dani English Saturday, August 15, 2009, for some "southern" food and spirits. The English are hosting a celebration on my behalf and you are all invited. Watch for invitations coming next week.

Saturday, August 15, 2009, 7:00 PM at the English Home on Thompson Road.

Casual summer attire is appropriate.

Featuring Entertainment by Milton's own: RYE

Join us each Sunday at 7:00 PM at the Starbucks on Bethany Bend Road, Milton. The walk is 3.5 to 5.5 miles.

Milton Milers Walking Club Kick-Off

News from Karen Thurman, Milton City Council Member

Courtesy - News From Council Person Karen Thurman

Dear Neighbors,

Council Member Bill Lusk and I want to thank all those who took the time to attend the Crabapple Town Hall meeting. We also want to thank Milton residents Buck Bell, JT Adams and George Ragsdale and many of our city and county staff and consultants for their presentations at the meeting. Over 175 people attended the meeting and I know that the Mayor and City Council Members welcome your feedback on any the items that were presented.

For those that were unable to attend the meeting, a survey concerning the Crabapple area was distributed and is now available for completion online. We ask that you complete only one survey per resident. The survey can be accessed at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=btS7EpaaKIFFqsS2yiuYvg_3d_3d

The Fulton County Library System is requestingcitizen input on sites for five of the eight new libraries to be built during Phase I of the Library's Facility Master Plan. If you have a recommendation for a site for the Milton library or a preference in location for the library, please let them know by July 31, 2009.

You may submit your site recommendations via the following ways:· Email: librarycomments@fultoncountyga.gov
Fax: 404-335-5291· Mail: Branch Services, Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303

Thank you again for allowing me to serve you in Milton.Sincerely,

Karen C. Thurman

New Library Site Selection - Citizen Input Requested by Friday, July 31, 2009

Courtesy - News From Council Person Julie Zahner Bailey

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is requesting citizen input on sites for five of the eight new libraries to be built during Phase I of the Library's Facility Master Plan. The Facility Master Plan, approved in the November 4, 2008 general election, will significantly enhance Fulton County's public libraries with 8 new libraries, 2 expanded libraries and 23 renovated libraries. Of the 8 new libraries, 5 have not yet been sited. One of the new libraries is going to be in the City of Milton and another in the City of Alpharetta. Your direct input is requested.Community engagement has been the cornerstone of our Facility Master Plan, and Fulton County is asking for specific recommendations and citizen input for the following library locations from the various communities: MiltonAlpharettaStewart-LakewoodSoutheast AtlantaNorthwest Atlanta Note: Sites have already been identified in the following three locations: Wolf Creek; Palmetto/Chattahoochee Hill Country; and East Roswell. We have been asked to help let people know about this opportunity for input. Citizens should submit library site recommendations by July 31, 2009 to the Library Staff via:
Online: www.afpls.org, click on Input on Library Sites
Email: librarycomments@fultoncountyga.gov
Fax: 404-335-5291
Mail: Branch Services, Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303

Please feel free to contact Anne Haimes, Group Branch Manager at 404-730-1881 or anne.haimes@fultoncountyga.gov if you have any questions about this process.As always, citizen input is critical to all decisions facing our community. Please take the time to provide input as noted above directly to the Library staff and please send me information as well as to where you believe the new library in Milton should be located as well as input regarding an Alpharetta library. Your input matters. It is an honor to represent you.

Take care, Julie Zahner Bailey
Milton City Council
770-664-5529 (home)
404-310-6344 (cell)
Julie4Milton@mindspring.com
www.Julie4Milton.com

Birmingham Falls to open near capacity

By Candy Waylock / Appen Newspapers

Ronald "Tracy" Trussell has opened a few schools in his 27 years as an educator. But standing in the nearly-complete Birmingham Falls Elementary, he proclaims this one to be nearly perfect.

"I've been a part of five new school openings, and I can say without a doubt that this is the best school construction I have ever seen," said Trussell, who officially opens the school to new students Aug. 10. "The [construction firm] was out here every day making sure everything was right. And I was right there with them."

From the tile work, to the painting, to the horse trail (the only school in Fulton County to boast such an asset), Trussell has been amazed at the professionalism from the contractors, Evergreen Construction.

"The attention to detail down to the smallest items has been amazing," he said.

Trussell especially loves the heating and cooling system that provides individual controls for each classroom and actually filters the air as it is circulated. He predicts that system alone will keep kids healthier with fewer allergy and asthma issues.

Not that everything has gone as smoothly as the construction. Trussell was still waiting for his school-issued computer in mid-July, relying on his assistant's machine – brought in from her home – to stay in e-mail contact. And the first Open House date had to be pushed back a few weeks when certain city requirements weren't complete.

But standing in the hallways, with staff and contractors putting the finishing touches in place for the July 26 opening, Trussell is envisioning a vibrant school filled with students.

The school is a courtyard design — one of two prototypes typically used for elementary school construction in Fulton County — and has the capacity for up to 850 students.

It will open just 100 students under capacity and is expected fill in a few short years as Milton continues to grow.

Birmingham Falls sits on about 20 acres off Birmingham Highway near White Columns subdivision and is the northernmost school in Fulton County. Its 54 classrooms cost about $20 million to build – which includes the land purchase of $2.7 million. The school was funded through the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), a one-percent tax in Fulton County for education.

Birmingham Falls' main building will be a familiar one for students. The elementary school they all came from – Summit Hill – is the identical floor plan. But that's where Trussell hopes the comparisons will end.

"I'm looking forward to building a unique identity for Birmingham Falls," noted Trussell, who promises to incorporate a waterfall onto the campus at some point to reflect the name of the school. "This will not be Summit Hill – Part 2, but a school with its own traditions and its own way of doing things."

With every student feeding in from Summit Hill and steeped in the traditions of that school, he recognizes it might be a bit of a battle to chart his own course, but he's up for the challenge. Already the school's PTA is active and the school foundation – started nearly the day Trussell was named principal – has been busy raising funds and establishing business connections.

Parents involved in the PTA will be tasked to take an active part in the classroom, with Trussell urging members to focus on the kids, not the cash.

"It's something I do that may be different from other principals," said the previous principal of Creekview Elementary in Alpharetta. "I have charged the PTA to be instructionally focused in the classrooms ... assisting with small groups, tutoring, running the science lab and computer lab."

Fundraising – which is the main focus for most school PTAs – will be left to the school's foundation, noted Trussell.

"I have two outstanding organizations already in place and both groups are going gung-ho," he said. "I feel very fortunate to be a part of this North Fulton community ... the support is amazing."

Since being named principal at Birmingham Falls last December, Trussell has held several community meetings to meet the parents and students. In addition, he gave "homework assignments" to each new student this summer to send him photos of themselves and their families, along with answers to 10 questions. The photos were on display at Birmingham Falls during the Open House on July 26; the answers to the questions will help him get to know students before school even starts.

Saturday charrette proves popular

By Jason Wright / Appen Newspapers

Turnout was higher than expected at the two-session charrette — or community planning meeting — at Milton City Hall July 18, with about 50 people showing up to give their opinions on the future of the city.

The charrette, which focused on land use and development and how to implement growth strategies in Milton, was one of the final pieces in the city's multi-stage Comprehensive Plan process slated to end with final approval by Dec. 31.

"We're ratcheting down toward implementation," said Community Development Director Alice Wakefield.

The crowd was formed into two groups for the first, more heavily attended meeting, and one for the last. The participants talked about Milton's "character areas" – those eight agreed upon corridors from May's community meeting that define the city such as Crabapple, Deerfield and Birmingham – gave their thoughts on maps showing where growth could occur and discussed implementation of city policies concerning such growth.

"There was lots of active dialogue," said George Ragsdale, head of Milton's Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Committee (CPAC). "We're trying to get the community to tell us how and where to put development eventually. It's a 25 year view of what Milton could be – so where do we need to start working?"

Ragsdale said there was a common thread among the comments collected by consultants Ecos Environmental Design at the charrette."As we make Milton more attractive, more people will come," he said. "So how do we accommodate those new people and maintain our rural character? You're in a chicken-and-egg situation."

The meeting was about getting as many different viewpoints as possible, said Ecos Environmental Design representative Shannon Kettering to a group discussing whether or not Ga. 9 should be defined as a future growth area or scenic corridor.

There were, of course, some differences of opinion."This is not a about consensus, guys – this is just a broad discussion," she said. Ragsdale agreed and said everyone's comments will be "assimilated" into CPAC's work on the final plan, which is slated to be to council in September."We want to get as broad a cross section of community input as possible," he said.

Council OKs longtime landscaper

By Jason Wright / Appen Newspapers

July 27, 2009

It took nearly an hour and a half of conversation and roughly four months of deferrals, but by a 4-3 vote July 20 Milton's City Council approved a use permit for a longtime Birmingham Highway landscaper.

The situation began in January when Robb Nestor's American Gardens, which has been on Ga. 372 for 15 years, was cited by a Milton code enforcement officer who noticed it didn't have the appropriate permits to operate.

Nestor, who said he had no idea he was operating illegally because he'd always worked with Fulton County, had to apply for the permit. County business license records forwarded to Milton in its early days apparently didn't include Nestor's business.

"I'm not surprised the county suddenly realized you had a business when you've had a business license for 15 years," said Councilwoman Karen Thurman. "That happens at Fulton."

Nestor's current set up meant he also needed variances to Milton's zoning laws — an original one for business access to Taylor Road, since Birmingham Highway is a state road requiring Ga. Department of Transportation (GDOT) approval — and two newer ones for existing greenhouses encroaching into city-regulated shielding areas.

City staff recommended denial of the greenhouse variances because they violated the strict letter of the law. Milton's Planning Commission, however, saw the grey area — moving the greenhouses, which are made of glass and weren't minded by neighbors, could be a huge hassle — and recommended approval of everything.

As part of the deal, Nestor agreed to deed restrict the land so no larger businesses could be built there.

Council was split on the issue and showed signs of what a few at the meeting called "deja vu" — meaning the marked infighting that plagued the group in its infancy.

Councilman Alan Tart, who had voiced his opposition to the permit since April, told Nestor he was approaching the case as if it were a new business. As such, he suggested Nestor didn't need the access to Taylor Road and should deal with GDOT on Birmingham Road.

"You get more state and city people involved and you have to spend more money," said Nestor. "I just can't afford it."

Tart was joined in his opposition to the variance for Taylor Road by councilwomen Tina D'Aversa and Julie Zahner Bailey. Both said they had received parental concerns that Nestor's two trucks on Taylor Road would be a hazard for nearby children.

The rest of council disagreed."We're missing the forest for the trees," said Councilman Burt Hewitt. "We're getting pretty good things, good restrictions, by allowing this access to a local road."

Lockwood concurred."I don't know if I would ask my worst enemy to get involved with GDOT," he said.

Zahner Bailey tried to defer to the case for GDOT input and because the night's meeting agenda did not list all the variances. The motion was denied 4-3. Hewitt then moved to approve following all of Planning Commission's recommendations, which passed.

"I can appreciate their thorough consideration," said a clearly relieved Nestor. "That's why I live here."

MEDAL OF VALOR PRESENTED TO MILTON POLICE OFFICERS

Courtesy City of Milton, GA

MILTON, GA., July 28, 2009 - Milton Police Officers Nathan Allen and Andrew Phillips will be recognized and presented with the Medal of Valor by the Mayor and Council at the Aug. 3 City Council Meeting. On May 10, Allen and Phillips responded to an automobile accident with injuries on Hopewell Road. Upon their arrival they found the vehicle overturned and on fire. The victim was dangerously close to the burning vehicle and the officers had to combat smoke, high heat and difficult terrain to rescue him. Allen and Phillips removed the unconscious man from the crash site and transferred him to medical personnel. "Officers Allen and Phillips performed with professionalism and courage in the face of significant personal risk to assist a citizen," said Capt. Shawn McCarty. "As such they are presented with the department's first ever Medal of Valor in recognition and appreciation of their fine efforts."

Allen and Phillips are the first Milton officers to receive this high honor. Incorporated on December 1, 2006, the City of Milton is a distinctive community that embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving and enhancing the city's rural character. The City of Milton is committed to maintaining the unique quality of life for its residents while efficiently delivering essential services to residents and businesses in an interactive community environment. For more information, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us, or call 678-242-2500.

Video from The Constantly Growing Milton Farmers Market!

All:

The Milton Farmers Market continues to gain momentum. Located in the heart of Crabapple each Saturday from 8am to noon, it is a bee hive of activity as vendors share their "Good mornings" ,weekend chatter, and homemade and home grown items. So come on out and be a part of some great Milton Georgia fun!

Fire on Freemanville Road

Late Saturday night at approximately 1am, a fire occured on property owned by the BOE off of Freemanville Road. A small house scheduled for eventual demolition was lost.

We have contacted a member of the Milton Fire Department in the hopes of receiving more information.

Many thanks to Melissa for bring this to our attention!

Support Woof Em Down Dog Biscuits!

Woof Em Down Dog Biscuits is working with The Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub to help generate monies for homeless pets. The event will take place on Wednesday, August 5 at the Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub in Crabapple. Event time is 6pm to 8pm.

Zach and Thomas Eller, the founders of Woof Em Down, have raised a total of $8000 since the creation of their charitable organization. 100% of their profits have been donated.

So come on out and support a Milton business and a Milton Charitable Organization for a night of fun, good food, and entertainment!

Great Deals At Your Milton Philly Pretzel Factory!

SPECIALS THRU AUGUST 2, 2009

MONDAY & TUESDAY:
$1.00 HOT DOG
$1.75 SPICY DOG, BRATWURST OR ITIALIAN SAUSAGE
$3.50 HOT DOG COMBO
$5.00 SPICY DOG, BRATWURST OR ITIALIAN SAUSAGE COMBO

(COMBOS INCLUDE: 2 MEATS, 1 BAG OF CHIPS AND 1 DRINK)

WEDNESDAY:
$1.00 PRETZELS ALL DAY LONG

THURSDAY:
$2.50 KIDS RIVITS & DRINK
$2.00 SNACK PACK ALL DAY

FRIDAY:
BUY A PRETZEL GET A PRETZEL FREE

SATURDAY:
5 PRETZELS FOR $5.00
25 PRETZELS FOR $13.00

SUNDAY:
BUY 5 PRETZELS GET 5 FREE25 PREZELS FOR $13.00

Milton Super Target Sales July 26-August 1

Sutton and Dodge T-Bone Steaks $5.99/lb
Sutton and Dodge New York Strip Steak $7.99/lb
Market Pantry Sliced Honey Ham $3.99/lb
Pens, Watercolors, Book Covers, and more all for $.50
Mead 1 subject notebooks, Elmer's 6 pack glue, and more all for $1.00
Deer Park 24 pack .5 liter bottles for $3.50

Buffy Trent Store Team Leader *SuperTarget 2431 *

The Milton Farmer's Market will be held of this Saturday, July 25 in Crabapple. The market will run from 8am to noon each Saturday until early Fall. Participants will be setting up shop west of The Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub right across the street from Chateau De Nail. Milton grown produce available for purchase will include tomatoes, corn, pumpkin, squash, peppers, watermelon, and okra. Other local vendors will offer honey, eggs, and various types of flowers. If you would like more information or are interested in participating, please contact Ginger Enloe at gingekirk@aol.com or direct at 770 653 0551 or Tim Enloe at 770 653 0552.

Milton Community Development Director Resigns

Milton Community Director Alice Wakefield resigned on Tuesday, July 21st. Mrs. Wakefield had been with the city for approxmately one year. Prior to that, she worked for Fulton County in the same capacity.

No word yet on a replacement. As more information comes to light, we will post it here.

Fulton County BOE Investigated

The following news segment from CBS Atlanta focuses on the Fulton County Board Of Education's questionable dealing with Office Depot. As it would turn out, the Board ended up spending over $1.5 million dollars more on school supplies than they had to.

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/19692994/detail.html

Suspect arrested in string of bank robberies

By ALYSE KNORR
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

David Conn, 30, was arrested on July 14 in Decatur by the FBI-led Atlanta Metropolitan Major Offenders unit in conjunction with investigations by Sandy Springs and Atlanta police, FBI spokesman Steve Emmett said.

Conn was arrested for the July 1 robbery of a Wachovia bank at the Birmingham Crossroads in North Fulton, the June 25 attempted robbery of a Bank of America on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs and the June 10 robbery of a Wachovia on Northside Parkway in Atlanta, said Sandy Springs spokesman Lt. Steve Rose.
Sandy Springs police and AMMO officers located Conn, whose last known residence was in Canton, by following leads from a note he used to rob one of the banks and left at the scene, Rose said.

The suspect wrote a note saying he had placed a bomb in the building and demanded money, Rose said. When he fled the scene, he left the note behind.

The note had been written on a loan-for-title document from Title Max, and investigators were able to contact the company and form a short list of potential suspects.
Investigators then narrowed down the list and identified Conn by comparing bank surveillance photos with photos of the potential suspects.

Conn, who is in Fulton County jail, has been charged with criminal attempt to commit armed robbery by Sandy Springs police and two counts of armed robbery by Milton and Atlanta police, Rose said. Investigative holds have been placed on Conn by Alpharetta police and Cherokee County, according to Fulton County jail records.

Because the robberies were a “note job” and involved no weapons, prosecution is being left to local jurisdictions and no federal charges have been pressed, Emmett said.
The FBI became involved in the case because the money taken is federally insured, Emmett said.

Milton Farmers Market Pictures!

"Money Plant" Is A Plenty At The Milton Farmers Market!

Mr. Westbrook is eager to share smiles and home grown tomatoes!

The craftsman and the client.

Young Entreprenuers Of Milton!

The Sunflowers brought plenty of smiles...and a bee!

How hot is too hot?

Home Grown Veggies From Stable Days Farm on Bethany Road!

Many Thanks to Nikki Haslett of "Through The Eyes Of Nicola Photography" for these wonderful shots. To find out more about the wonderful photography talents of Miss Haslett, please click here=>http://www.accessmilton.com/Advertisers/NikkiHaslett.php

Milton Farmer's Market This Saturday!

The Milton Farmer's Market will be held of this Saturday, July 18 in Crabapple. The market will run from 8am to noon each Saturday until early Fall. Participants will be setting up shop west of The Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub right across the street from Chateau De Nail. Milton grown produce available for purchase will include tomatoes, corn, pumpkin, squash, peppers, watermelon, and okra. Other local vendors will offer honey, eggs, and various types of flowers. If you would like more information or are interested in participating, please contact Ginger Enloe at gingekirk@aol.com or direct at 770 653 0551 or Tim Enloe at 770 653 0552.

Milton News from Julie Zahner Bailey

Dear Milton Citizens, Friends and Neighbors - I hope everyone is having a safe and enjoyable summer. This year's second annual Milton Citizen's 4th of July Parade was another great display of love of country and community. There were decorated bikes, wagons and horses and everything in between. Thanks to those who were able to participate.

Meanwhile there are some very important meetings approaching dealing with the future of Milton. I encourage your participation because without it the results may not reflect your desires for future growth, development patterns and parks and recreation. Your voice and opinions matter now more than ever. This upcoming week there are two City sponsored activities that are designed to solicit the input of citizens regarding Parks and Recreation and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan:

Parks & Recreation Meeting - Thursday, July 16th 6:00 p.m. at City Hall

Your input is needed regarding what type of parks and recreation you desire for Milton. Come prepared to discuss your expectations and ideas for both active and passive recreation, styles of parks, whether you support land acquisition for additional green space and more. Your presence and proactive participation matters. Please do not assume your ideas and goals for this critical component of our community will be addressed by someone else.

Comprehensive Land Use Planning Meeting Saturday, July 18th at City Hall

Two sessions - 9a.m. till 12:00 or 1:00 p.m. till 4 p.m. Charettes -- which are interactive sessions that involve citizens in land use, transportation, rural preservation and development pattern decisions - will be facilitated by our consultant ECOS Environmental Design, Inc.. These sessions could be the most important element of the Comprehensive Land Use Planning process so far as citizens will have a direct hand in helping shape the future of Milton. You will be asked to weigh in on where development should occur, where it should not, which areas should be preserved, whether new commercial and office activity nodes should be allowed in certain areas such as New Providence and Birmingham Highway area, where roadways should be expanded or not and much more. Please mark your calendars and plan to participate in at least one of these two sessions on Saturday, July 18. Bring a family member, a friend and a neighbor. Your opinions and voice will have a direct impact on the future of our community. This link will provide additional input on this meeting.

Other City of Milton Meetings -

There are a variety of other City meetings taking place in the next few weeks including the Monday, July 20th Council meeting at which two Special Use Permits will be on our zoning agenda (scroll down for more details), Historic Preservation Committee on July 15th, Planning Commission on July 28th, etc. Please see the right margin of this release for details. You can also use this link to view the City of Milton calendar.

In other news, the City of Milton now has live, web streaming capabilities for Mayor and Council meetings, Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals and Design Review Board meetings. This is a terrific way for citizens to view real time discussions taking place at these various city meetings. Public participation at the actual meetings is still critical, but this allows citizens that otherwise can not attend in person to have a first hand view of discussions and decisions being made. Link to streaming video!

It is an honor and privilege to represent you, your families and your interests. Your opinions, ideas and questions matter to me and help ensure I am representing the desires and expectations of the majority of citizen's, so keep your comments coming. I am available via email, phone or to meet to discuss matters of interest to you. Continue to enjoy your summer and time with family.Thank you for placing your trust in me. All my best -

Julie Zahner Bailey

Milton City Council

770-664-5529 (home)

404-310-6344 (cell)

Julie4Milton@mindspring.com

Julie4Milton.com

___________________

Upcoming Rezonings/Use Permits

U09-01/VC09-01, Frank Schafer, 13120 Arnold Mill Road (Deferred from 4/27/09 to the 5/18/09 and again to the July 20 Council meeting)

Requesting a use permit for a landscaping business on 1.74 acres at a density of 3,908.04 square feet per acre (Article 19.4.27). Applicant is also requesting a 3-part concurrent variance:

1) To delete the 50' buffer and 10' improvement setback along the west property line from the right-of-way for a distance of 140' (12H.3.1 Section C.1).

2) To delete the 50' buffer and 10' improvement setback along the east property line from the right-of-way for a distance of 140' (12H.3.1 Section C.1).

3) To allow a sign located less than 10' from the right-of-way (Article 33 Section 21.C).

Use these links to view the two analyses prepared by staff on this case. The first link provides the initial staff analysis followed by a changed analysis as found in second link.Staff analysis of 2/24/2009Staff analysis of 3/24/2009Updated Staff analyses will be available via the City of Milton calendar/agenda - please review prior to July 20 hearing.

U09-02/VC09-02, Rob Nestor, 15150 Birmingham Highway/Taylor Road,

(Deferred several times due to additional variances identified - now coming to July 20 Council meeting)

Requesting a use permit for a landscaping business on 3.926 acres at a density of 387.92 square feet per acre (Article 19.4.27).

Applicant is also requesting a 3 part concurrent variance:

1) to allow access from Taylor Road, a local street (Article 19.4.27.B.1).2) to allow the existing strucures, a gravel drive and septic system to encroach into the 50-foot undisturbed buffer and 10-foot improvement setback along the south property line as shown on the site plan (Article 12H.3.1.C.1).3) to allow the existing structures along the south property line as shown on the site plan to remain within the 50-foot setback adjoining the AG-1 District (Article 19.4.27.B.3).

Use this link to view the prior Staff analysis.

Updated Staff analyses will be available via the City of Milton calendar/agenda - please review prior to July 20 hearing.