Double Click To Enlarge Image.Monday, April 19, 2010
History Class.
"Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it."- -John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776
Fulton parents seek to remove six of seven board members.
By Gracie Bonds Staples
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fulton County parents, disappointed over recent decisions to end programs in their children’s schools, have begun efforts to remove six of seven school board members.
“They have chosen to dismantle key programs that are of value to the public,” said Bob Sieling, a parent of two district students. “We chose to dismantle the board. That’s our right.”
Allison Toller, spokeswoman for the Fulton schools, said on Saturday the board is not aware of "any effort of this nature" and would not comment further.
Sieling gathered signatures on a recall petition on Saturday at a meeting attended by more than 60 parents, who despite a 6-1 school board vote last month to approve recommended budget cuts by Superintendent Cindy Loe, are still hoping the board will reinstate the district’s popular elementary band and orchestra program.
The parents met for two hours at the Roswell Recreation Center to hatch out a game plan to make their case once more to the board when it meets Thursday at the Dunwoody Springs Charter Elementary School.
Loe recommended additional cuts last week to shore up the system's $120 million budget shortfall. Loe also recommended the board raise the millage rate by one mill, which would bring in an estimated $28 million more in revenue.
The board will consider the newest recommendations at its meeting on Thursday. However, the district is moving ahead with its plan to convert the elementary school band program into a fee-based after-school program and has asked local contractors to submit proposals to run the after-school program.
John Benham, a nationally known music consultant who has fought to save school arts programs in 47 states, including Georgia, was hired by some Fulton parents to help make their case to keep the program.
To do that, Benham said he needs additional data that the district has refused to give.
He told parents Saturday the only way for them to save the program is to turn out at Thursday’s board meeting, ask for the data he needs to finish a study of the program, and urge the board to rescind its decision until the study is complete.
Benham said board members “could turn a deaf ear but I doubt it.”
Meanwhile, Sieling circulated a petition asking for a recall of board President Linda Bryant and members Linda Schultz and Gail Dean.
He said parents also intend to mount challenges against members Katie Reeves, Catherine Maddox and Julia Bernath in the next election.
Ashley Widener, who cast the lone vote against the band proposal, would not be challenged, Sieling said.
Recall is a procedure that allows citizens to remove a public official before the end of a term of office. It is used most frequently at the local level.
According to Fulton school board attorney Glenn Brock, the group would need the signatures of 30 percent of people who were eligible to vote in the past election (about 14,000) for each board seat. The group must also have a valid legal reason to recall the board members.
Sieling says he has collected more than 100 signatures.
“The board is in a tough position, but rather than focusing efforts on dismantling programs for our children, they need to focus on the Legislature and fight for our children,” he said.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fulton County parents, disappointed over recent decisions to end programs in their children’s schools, have begun efforts to remove six of seven school board members.
“They have chosen to dismantle key programs that are of value to the public,” said Bob Sieling, a parent of two district students. “We chose to dismantle the board. That’s our right.”
Allison Toller, spokeswoman for the Fulton schools, said on Saturday the board is not aware of "any effort of this nature" and would not comment further.
Sieling gathered signatures on a recall petition on Saturday at a meeting attended by more than 60 parents, who despite a 6-1 school board vote last month to approve recommended budget cuts by Superintendent Cindy Loe, are still hoping the board will reinstate the district’s popular elementary band and orchestra program.
The parents met for two hours at the Roswell Recreation Center to hatch out a game plan to make their case once more to the board when it meets Thursday at the Dunwoody Springs Charter Elementary School.
Loe recommended additional cuts last week to shore up the system's $120 million budget shortfall. Loe also recommended the board raise the millage rate by one mill, which would bring in an estimated $28 million more in revenue.
The board will consider the newest recommendations at its meeting on Thursday. However, the district is moving ahead with its plan to convert the elementary school band program into a fee-based after-school program and has asked local contractors to submit proposals to run the after-school program.
John Benham, a nationally known music consultant who has fought to save school arts programs in 47 states, including Georgia, was hired by some Fulton parents to help make their case to keep the program.
To do that, Benham said he needs additional data that the district has refused to give.
He told parents Saturday the only way for them to save the program is to turn out at Thursday’s board meeting, ask for the data he needs to finish a study of the program, and urge the board to rescind its decision until the study is complete.
Benham said board members “could turn a deaf ear but I doubt it.”
Meanwhile, Sieling circulated a petition asking for a recall of board President Linda Bryant and members Linda Schultz and Gail Dean.
He said parents also intend to mount challenges against members Katie Reeves, Catherine Maddox and Julia Bernath in the next election.
Ashley Widener, who cast the lone vote against the band proposal, would not be challenged, Sieling said.
Recall is a procedure that allows citizens to remove a public official before the end of a term of office. It is used most frequently at the local level.
According to Fulton school board attorney Glenn Brock, the group would need the signatures of 30 percent of people who were eligible to vote in the past election (about 14,000) for each board seat. The group must also have a valid legal reason to recall the board members.
Sieling says he has collected more than 100 signatures.
“The board is in a tough position, but rather than focusing efforts on dismantling programs for our children, they need to focus on the Legislature and fight for our children,” he said.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
"Riddle Me Milton" Monday!
All:
"Riddle Me Milton" is sponsored by Milton's very Own Bobby G's Chicago Eatery!
Every Monday, we will be sharing a riddle that will focus on stories that we have posted right here in the Accessmilton.com news blogg.
If you are the first to figure out the riddle, you will recieve one of Bobby G's very own authentic CHICAGO HOTDOGS FREE!
If no one gets that week's riddle right, we will upload another one the following Monday.
Last week's answer was: parks.
THIS WEEK'S RIDDLE!
I am an unwanted guest
on your pretty green lawn
People use me and abuse me
then toss me away with a yawn
There is a proper place for me
that I love to call home
but some choose to forget
about it being known
I'll see you on Monday
that is for sure
You'd be a millionaire
if you could figure out my cure.
WHO AM I?
on your pretty green lawn
People use me and abuse me
then toss me away with a yawn
There is a proper place for me
that I love to call home
but some choose to forget
about it being known
I'll see you on Monday
that is for sure
You'd be a millionaire
if you could figure out my cure.
WHO AM I?
Answers must be sent to sales@magnoliamedias.com / subject line "Riddle Me Milton" with your answer within the body of the email.
Winner limited to one prize per month! So, if you've already won for this month, you don't qualify for another chance at winning until the following month.
To find out more about Bobby G's Chicago Eatery, click here=>http://www.accessmilton.com/Advertisers/BobbyGs.php
Friday, April 16, 2010
Community Support Continues With 'Feed The Cops'
Double Click To Enlarge Screen.
By Tim Enloe; Accessmilton.com
Forget the buffet at your local restaurant; the place to be this past week was at Milton City Hall and the person to be was a Milton Police Officer. Not one, but two Milton groups stepped forward to feed our Milton Police Heroes as they rolled into their long twelve hour shifts.
Elaina Smith; owner of Studio One To One, was the first in line on Friday, April 9th around 11:30am. The goodies that she presented included a fantastic spinach and strawberry salad accompanied by grain rolls and smoked meats.
As Saturday afternoon rolled around, Lori Bruner of the Crooked Creek HOA stepped up with their support which included some great food from Roasters Chicken. "As part of the 'Feed The Cops' Program, we think it is a great program," Lori shared,"We're excited about it..." Food donated included BBQ ribs and chicken along with rolls.
Since the beginning of the 'Feed The Heroes' Program, the goal was meant to benefit all involved while looking out for one another.
Positive results have included our very own Police Chief Deborah Harrell joining Studio One To One whom she met through the program. In addition, Mrs. Bruner had been involved in a fender bender where the first officer to respond turned out to be one of the officers on duty and fed Saturday.
It is our hope that as the 'Feed The Heroes' Program continues to grow, more support will be generated for our heroes in addition to our heroes coming to know the residents they keep safe 24 hours a day; 7 days a week.
To Find Out More About Studio One To One, Click Here!=>
http://www.accessmilton.com/Advertisers/StudioOneToOne.php
To Find Out More About Milton's Own Crooked Creek, Click Here!=>
http://www.accessmilton.com/Neighborhoods/CrookedCreek.php
Milton officer walks 22 miles, raises $600
Media Contact:
Jason Wright
jason.wright@cityofmiltonga.us
678-242-2523 (Office)
770-825-3096 (Blackberry)
Milton's 'Cuffed for a Cause' effort second among departments
MILTON, GA., April 16, 2010 - Milton police officer Paul Fregosi walked 22 miles and raised $600 while participating in the Special Olympics of Georgia's "Cuffed for a Cause" event April 10.
Fregosi was literally handcuffed to a moving treadmill for eight hours during the event, which took place outside the Walmart on Windward Parkway. The store generously donated the treadmill and was joined by Milton-based businesses Anytime Fitness and Extreme Nutrition in co-sponsoring the event.
"I'm not even sore," his fellow officers heard the triumphant Fregosi remark after his time on the treadmill.
Milton's $600 total was second in fundraising for police agencies participating across the metro area. More will be holding their own Cuffed events through May, said Allison Kaczenski, a Special Olympics of Georgia spokeswoman.
Through T-shirt sales, donations and other fundraising events, the Milton Police Department will continue in its efforts to raise money for the Special Olympics of Georgia's Law Enforcement Torch Run, which will take place Wednesday, May 19.
Previously, the Milton Police Department participated in and raised money for "Tip a Cop" Feb. 9 at Dickey's Barbecue and the "Polar Plunge" Feb. 20. To date, the department has raised nearly $4,000 through in-person and online donations.
On Saturday, April 17, Milton's police officers will join other metro departments at the Red Robin restaurant on Peachtree Parkway in Cumming for another "Tip a Cop" event in conjunction with the chain's long-standing charitable relationship with the Special Olympics. They will man the lunch shift. All five Georgia Red Robin locations are having similar events that day.
Jason Wright
jason.wright@cityofmiltonga.us
678-242-2523 (Office)
770-825-3096 (Blackberry)
Milton's 'Cuffed for a Cause' effort second among departments
MILTON, GA., April 16, 2010 - Milton police officer Paul Fregosi walked 22 miles and raised $600 while participating in the Special Olympics of Georgia's "Cuffed for a Cause" event April 10.
Fregosi was literally handcuffed to a moving treadmill for eight hours during the event, which took place outside the Walmart on Windward Parkway. The store generously donated the treadmill and was joined by Milton-based businesses Anytime Fitness and Extreme Nutrition in co-sponsoring the event.
"I'm not even sore," his fellow officers heard the triumphant Fregosi remark after his time on the treadmill.
Milton's $600 total was second in fundraising for police agencies participating across the metro area. More will be holding their own Cuffed events through May, said Allison Kaczenski, a Special Olympics of Georgia spokeswoman.
Through T-shirt sales, donations and other fundraising events, the Milton Police Department will continue in its efforts to raise money for the Special Olympics of Georgia's Law Enforcement Torch Run, which will take place Wednesday, May 19.
Previously, the Milton Police Department participated in and raised money for "Tip a Cop" Feb. 9 at Dickey's Barbecue and the "Polar Plunge" Feb. 20. To date, the department has raised nearly $4,000 through in-person and online donations.
On Saturday, April 17, Milton's police officers will join other metro departments at the Red Robin restaurant on Peachtree Parkway in Cumming for another "Tip a Cop" event in conjunction with the chain's long-standing charitable relationship with the Special Olympics. They will man the lunch shift. All five Georgia Red Robin locations are having similar events that day.
Fulton County school board to consider raising millage rate.
By Gracie Bonds StaplesThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fulton county residents soon may get the additional tax some of them have been asking for. It just might not bring the parents' desired result of saving a music program.
Superintendent Cindy Loe recommended to the school board at its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday that the millage rate be raised by one mill.
The increase, one of several recommendations the superintendent made to shore up the system's 120 million budget shortfall, would bring in an additional $28 million in revenue, Loe said.
“You have been great stewards of taxpayer money by rolling back the millage in earlier years,” Loe said. “But now as property values are declining, we need to address millage.”
The board will consider Loe’s newest recommendations at its next meeting on April 22 at Dunwoody Springs Charter Elementary School.
Some parents, upset over the elimination of the district’s popular elementary band and orchestra program, have been advocating raising the millage rate for weeks as a way to either reinstate the program or, as a compromise, provide a fifth-grade-only program.
But the school district is moving ahead with its plan to convert the elementary school band program into a fee-based after-school program and has asked local contractors to submit proposals to run it. Contractors have until April 22 to submit proposals.
Loe has said the district had little choice in cutting the band program because it operates solely on local funds.
Still parents have pledged to continue their fight to keep the program. They said they will again make their case to the board on April 22.
Only one parent, Jacquette Quashie, addressed Thursday’s meeting but her comments had nothing to do with music. Quashie, president of the PTSA at Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, said that under the proposed budget cuts the county would lose 27 of its counselors.
“That’s unacceptable. Counselors are the glue,” she said. “They hold the key to student progress, especially at the high school level.”
On Thursday, the superintendent also recommended, among other things, cutting central office operating costs by 10 percent, requiring all employees to take three furlough days, and stopping door-to-door transportation for magnet students.
“They will have to get to their home schools and ride the bus from there with other students,” Loe said.
School districts across metro Atlanta are facing huge budget deficits. Most have decided so far to take similar steps, from trimming staff, to furloughing teachers, cutting community education and increasing class sizes. Fulton, which is furthest along in the budget process, is the first to approve cost-cutting items like increasing class size, eliminating the summer CRCT retake program and reducing the school calendar from 180 to 177 days.
Board member Katie Reeves stressed early in the meeting that none of the districts has spent its system into the ground.
“Every school system is required to have a balanced budget every year by Georgia law,” she said. “We are simply trying to bridge the gap between our expected revenues and expenses.”
The Fulton board over the past two months has voted to accept Loe’s recommendation to cut 1,000 positions, including 500 teachers, many of whom may in the end keep their jobs as the reductions come through attrition.
The system is proposing a 2011 budget that is about $120 million less than the 2010 budget -- from $857 million to $737 million.
In other business, Loe recommended the board reject applications for nearly a half dozen start-up charters, including those for Chattahoochee Hills and Young Leaders Collegiate Academy.
Loe also commended the Northview High School chamber orchestra for its performance recently at the National School Boards Association conference in Chicago. The orchestra was chosen from about 100 other ensembles for the honor of performing during the conference’s April 10 opening session.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Milton EarthDay Festival THIS SATURDAY.
Friends of Milton Grows Green:While you have probably seen e-blasts and press releases up to your chin, let me take this last-minute opportunity to remind you about the Milton EarthDay Festival sponsored by MGG, THIS SATURDAY in Birmingham PArk from 10-3. It's free, and there will be fun activities, carriage rides, walking tours, displays by vendors of Earth-friendly products and food provided by Milton restaurants that are interested in a greener food/waste cycle, some of which have already made great strides in improving their packaging, water conservation and incorporating local produce. I hope you'll join us, and bring your neighbors! Have a great day in the park, celebrate EarthDay, and learn about environmentally-preferable actions you can take today and in the future.
Jon McPhail
Jon McPhail & Associates, LLC
P.O. Box 783
Alpharetta, GA 30009-0783
770-442-9566 (V)
770-442-1834 (F)
New Poll Up.
All:We have a new poll up.
It asks:
"Who Would You Vote For If 2011's Council Election Took Place Now?"
Note that districts 2, 4, and 6 will be up for election in 2011. Each seat's poll will be referenced in two week intervals in sequential order.
Have your say in the upper right.
The previous poll asked:
"Which should the city activate to slow down speeders in the open road neighborhoods?"
RESULTS:
1. Activate a city wide speed limit of 35mph - 30%
2. Hire more officers - 40%
3. Nothing - 30%
April 19 Work Session Notice.
Media Contact:
Jason Wright
jason.wright@cityofmiltonga.us
678-242-2523 (office)
770-825-3096 (cell)
Monday, April 19, 2010 Special Called Meeting 5:45 PM
1) CALL TO ORDER 2) ROLL CALL
3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (Led by the Mayor)
4) APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA(Add or remove items from the agenda) (Agenda Item No. 10-1102)
5) PUBLIC COMMENT
6) NEW BUSINESS
1. Approval of a Contract between the City of Milton and Tyler Technologies for Financial Software. (Agenda Item No. 10-1103) (Presented by Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)
2. Approval of a Contract between the City of Milton and EnerGov Solutions for Community Development Business Licensing, and Work order Management Software. (Agenda Item No. 10-1104) (Presented by Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
7) ADJOURNMENT
(Agenda Item No. 10-1105)
_____________________________________________________
Monday, April 19, 2010 Work Session Agenda Immediately following special called meeting
1. Proclamation Patriots Day (Presented by Bill Lusk, Councilmember)
2. Discussion on Ethics Ordinance (Presented by Chris Lagerbloom, City Manager & Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)
3. Discussion of an Ordinance To Amend Chapter 7, Alcoholic Beverages, Of The City Of Milton Code Of Ordinances (Presented by Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)
4. Discussion of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 20, Environment, Article VI., Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, of the City of Milton Code of Ordinances (Presented by Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
Jason Wright
jason.wright@cityofmiltonga.us
678-242-2523 (office)
770-825-3096 (cell)
Monday, April 19, 2010 Special Called Meeting 5:45 PM
1) CALL TO ORDER 2) ROLL CALL
3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (Led by the Mayor)
4) APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA(Add or remove items from the agenda) (Agenda Item No. 10-1102)
5) PUBLIC COMMENT
6) NEW BUSINESS
1. Approval of a Contract between the City of Milton and Tyler Technologies for Financial Software. (Agenda Item No. 10-1103) (Presented by Stacey Inglis, Finance Director)
2. Approval of a Contract between the City of Milton and EnerGov Solutions for Community Development Business Licensing, and Work order Management Software. (Agenda Item No. 10-1104) (Presented by Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
7) ADJOURNMENT
(Agenda Item No. 10-1105)
_____________________________________________________
Monday, April 19, 2010 Work Session Agenda Immediately following special called meeting
1. Proclamation Patriots Day (Presented by Bill Lusk, Councilmember)
2. Discussion on Ethics Ordinance (Presented by Chris Lagerbloom, City Manager & Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)
3. Discussion of an Ordinance To Amend Chapter 7, Alcoholic Beverages, Of The City Of Milton Code Of Ordinances (Presented by Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)
4. Discussion of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 20, Environment, Article VI., Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, of the City of Milton Code of Ordinances (Presented by Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
Governor candidates forums held in Roswell
Media Contact:
Jason Wright
jason.wright@cityofmiltonga.us
678-242-2523 (Office)
770-825-3096 (Blackberry)
MILTON, GA., April 15, 2010 - The North Fulton Mayors' Association will hold two debates in late April, one for the Democratic candidates for governor, and the other for the Republicans.
Both debates will be held a week apart at the Roswell United Methodist Church, located at 814 Mimosa Blvd., in Roswell. Each will last from 7 to 9 p.m.
The republican debate will take place Thursday, April 22. Confirmed candidates include Karen Handel, Scott Austin, Eric Johnson, Jeff Chapman, Nathan Deal and Ray McBerry.
The democratic debate will take place one week later on Thursday, April 29. Confirmed candidates include Thurbert Baker, Carl Camon and Dubose Porter.
The events are sponsored by mayors Joe Lockwood (Milton), Mike Bodker (Johns Creek), Eva Galambos (Sandy Springs), Arthur Letchas (Alpharetta), Jim Still (Mountain Park) and Jere Wood (Roswell).
The mayors will act as moderators in the debates. For more information on these events, please call the City of Sandy Springs at 770-730-5600 or visit www.sandyspringsga.org.
Jason Wright
jason.wright@cityofmiltonga.us
678-242-2523 (Office)
770-825-3096 (Blackberry)
MILTON, GA., April 15, 2010 - The North Fulton Mayors' Association will hold two debates in late April, one for the Democratic candidates for governor, and the other for the Republicans.
Both debates will be held a week apart at the Roswell United Methodist Church, located at 814 Mimosa Blvd., in Roswell. Each will last from 7 to 9 p.m.
The republican debate will take place Thursday, April 22. Confirmed candidates include Karen Handel, Scott Austin, Eric Johnson, Jeff Chapman, Nathan Deal and Ray McBerry.
The democratic debate will take place one week later on Thursday, April 29. Confirmed candidates include Thurbert Baker, Carl Camon and Dubose Porter.
The events are sponsored by mayors Joe Lockwood (Milton), Mike Bodker (Johns Creek), Eva Galambos (Sandy Springs), Arthur Letchas (Alpharetta), Jim Still (Mountain Park) and Jere Wood (Roswell).
The mayors will act as moderators in the debates. For more information on these events, please call the City of Sandy Springs at 770-730-5600 or visit www.sandyspringsga.org.
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