By Nancy Badertscher
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Fulton County School Board gave final approval Tuesday night to a 2012 budget that avoids furloughs and a property tax increase.
The final general fund budget, $819.5 million, is effective for the fiscal year that starts July 1. A last-minute change puts $1.2 million back into the general fund for instruction, due to the Georgia Supreme Court ruling regarding the funding of the state Charter School Commission.
For the current budget, employees were furloughed three days, and property taxes were increased by 1 mill. There's no money for raises, though substitute teachers and bus drivers made an 11th-hour plea for some kind of salary increase. The budget depends on about $43.2 million in reserves.
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Fulton officials look at massive school building, renovation work.
By Nancy Badertscher
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fulton County school officials may ask voters to approve a sales tax extension that would allow them to close eight schools and build six in their place.
The plan, which was presented Tuesday to the Fulton School Board, also would commit about $310 million to classroom additions, renovations and modifications at all but 16 of the county's newest schools.
Much of the program details are yet to be ironed out. But Susan Hale, the school system spokesman, said the system would likely try to build any new school before tearing down the old one to minimize the disruption to students. At last count, the new construction plans could affect about 3,900 students.
School boards in Fulton, DeKalb, Decatur and Atlanta are moving forward with plans for a sales tax referendum in November. All four currently have five-year SPLOSTs (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes) that are set to expire in June 2012.
Patrick Burke, Fulton's chief of operations, told school board members Tuesday that a five-year sales tax extension, if approved by voters, is expected to generate about $912 million, $281.5 million of which could be dedicated to new school construction.
The proposal that Burke presented calls for:
-- Closing and replacing four schools: Elementary schools Esther Jackson in Roswell, Heards Ferry in Sandy Springs and Gullatt in Union City and McNair Middle School in College Park. All the new schools except Heards Ferry likely will be built at their current site. Heards Ferry would be located elsewhere to make room for an addition at Riverwood International Charter High School.
-- Closing and tearing down Mt. Olive, Oak Knoll and Harriette Tubman elementary schools and tearing down the already-closed College Park Elementary School in the College Park-East Point areas. All are older -- about 50 years old each -- smaller and would cost more to renovate, Burke said. They will be replaced with two state-of-the-art schools, likely at two of the existing school sites, he said.
The school system developed its SPLOST project list after two consulting firms conducted assessments of the schools based on their physical conditions and educational adequacy, Burke said.
The current SPLOST was forecast to bring in about $900 million, but is bringing in about $700 million, he said.
About $189 million in the new SPLOST would be earmarked for school technology, under the plan given to the board and slated for approval later this month.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fulton County school officials may ask voters to approve a sales tax extension that would allow them to close eight schools and build six in their place.
The plan, which was presented Tuesday to the Fulton School Board, also would commit about $310 million to classroom additions, renovations and modifications at all but 16 of the county's newest schools.
Much of the program details are yet to be ironed out. But Susan Hale, the school system spokesman, said the system would likely try to build any new school before tearing down the old one to minimize the disruption to students. At last count, the new construction plans could affect about 3,900 students.
School boards in Fulton, DeKalb, Decatur and Atlanta are moving forward with plans for a sales tax referendum in November. All four currently have five-year SPLOSTs (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes) that are set to expire in June 2012.
Patrick Burke, Fulton's chief of operations, told school board members Tuesday that a five-year sales tax extension, if approved by voters, is expected to generate about $912 million, $281.5 million of which could be dedicated to new school construction.
The proposal that Burke presented calls for:
-- Closing and replacing four schools: Elementary schools Esther Jackson in Roswell, Heards Ferry in Sandy Springs and Gullatt in Union City and McNair Middle School in College Park. All the new schools except Heards Ferry likely will be built at their current site. Heards Ferry would be located elsewhere to make room for an addition at Riverwood International Charter High School.
-- Closing and tearing down Mt. Olive, Oak Knoll and Harriette Tubman elementary schools and tearing down the already-closed College Park Elementary School in the College Park-East Point areas. All are older -- about 50 years old each -- smaller and would cost more to renovate, Burke said. They will be replaced with two state-of-the-art schools, likely at two of the existing school sites, he said.
The school system developed its SPLOST project list after two consulting firms conducted assessments of the schools based on their physical conditions and educational adequacy, Burke said.
The current SPLOST was forecast to bring in about $900 million, but is bringing in about $700 million, he said.
About $189 million in the new SPLOST would be earmarked for school technology, under the plan given to the board and slated for approval later this month.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Teen Forms Dog Biscuit Company.
Teen Forms Dog Biscuit Company: MyFoxATLANTA.com
By TACOMA PERRY/myfoxatlanta
ATLANTA - When local teen, Zack Eller, turned six, he asked guests of his birthday party to bring dog food instead of presents.
The dog food went to local animal shelters and the idea of helping dogs has now grown into a successful business.
The kids have turned a simple idea and a simple recipe into a booming business, but the money they make doesn't go into their pockets - it goes to help animals in need.
Nothing makes a dog obey like a little culinary incentive - better known as the dog biscuit.
And no dog is better behaved than Duke on baking day in the Eller household.
"We combined just a bunch of different recipes that we found and just tweeked it until it worked," said Zack Eller.
Duke's treats are homemade by his 16-year old owner, Zack, his little brother Thomas and their friends. Zack has always loved dogs.
"They're always fun to be around. They always love you no matter what happens during the day, they still love you and they'll still play with you no matter what," said Zack Eller.
Zack's love especially extends to homeless dogs.
"Every year just in Atlanta, there are six to eight million dogs that are homeless that have to be put down. And I'm just trying to save as many as those as I possible can," said Zach Eller.
And he tries to save them all with something every dog loves - dog biscuits.
"It's peanut butter, applesauce, flour, eggs, milk and cornmeal and then we put sesame seeds on the top," said Zach Eller.
Zack started the Woof 'em Down Dog Biscuit Company. Armed with a mixer and good friends, he bakes the biscuits and sells them online and at farmer's markets.
"The most we've ever done in one day was like close to a thousand. I think it was like 950 biscuits. We were in here for a while," said Zach Eller's friend Alex.
And the biscuits are big business. So far the company has made about $12,000 and every penny is donated to a local pet rescue organization.
"It gives me that warm feeling you get from doing something good because i know that about 100 dollars can save one dog from being put down or can give it shots for heartworms and stuff," said Thomas Eller.
And while Duke reaps the benefit of being the official taste tester, countless dogs reap the benefit of these baking boys' generosity.
"It doesn't matter how small you are, it just matters how big your heart is," said Thomas Eller.
The boys make about 3,000 biscuits to fill the summer farmer's market demand, but popularity of the treats has grown simply through word of mouth.
To find out more about the Woof 'em Down Dog Biscuit Company, visit their website at http://woofemdown.com/
A Great Story!
By Tim Enloe; Accessmilton.com
Since Milton incorporated in 2006, many front page stories have been of a controversial nature.
We have had numerous ethics hearings, mud thrown during elections, and finger pointing.
People seem to flock to such stories as opposed to those that truly showcase the good that people do make happen here every day. The case of Milton Teen Zack Eller would be a perfect example.
I had the honor of meeting the Eller Family three years ago when my wife Ginger and I came up with an idea to have a Milton Farmer's Market in Crabapple. Their claim to fame was 'Woof 'Em Down Dog biscuits'; a business that Zack and brother Thomas came up with to raise money for homeless pets.
Each summer, the Ellers along with volunteers, will cook up 3000 dog biscuits selling them at various local events. They also work with local schools and even the Atlanta Braves organization. To find out more about this great Milton business, please visit http://www.woofemdown.com/ .
While we took the lead on the Milton Farmer's Market the past two years, Ginger and I simply didn't have the time to devote this time around. When we reached out to the Ellers hoping parents Traci and Tom would lead the charge for 2011, we never expected Mom Traci to respond telling us that their eldest son Zack wanted to take the reigns. For this young man to step forward at age 16 with so much going on in his young life was truly impressive.
Not only is he a Milton High School student that studies on a regular basis, he is also a pitcher and first baseman in Cobb. Besides his weekly practices and weekend tournaments, he will be on a strenuous workout program this summer with his long term goal being to play in college. With his determination, I have no doubt he will make it.
When pressed about his eagerness to step forward, he replied "I am excited about taking the lead on this year's market and I am looking forward to a successful summer. I am happy to be able to offer the citizens of Milton a chance to sell their goods or just come out and talk with their neighbors. It's a fun, casual, relaxing thing to do on a Saturday morning...when you aren't playing baseball."
Zack has poured his heart and sole into this year's "Milton Market." ( He made the executive decision to change the name so that other aspects of the city can be included as opposed to it being just produce driven-a great idea!)He has had to make many tough decisions; one of which was moving the location from next to the "Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub" to across from the Alpharetta Government Center next to the old community center in Crabapple.
Even with the 'Milton Market' kicking off this Saturday, he is constantly calling, emailing, and speaking with would be participants. He has also created a website for the event at http://www.miltonmarket.weebly.com/ .
With all that this young man has done, it is my hope that the citizens of Milton will
become inspired to make Milton Georgia the best it can be. It is also my hope that citizens reward all his efforts with support for this event. With that, we hope you've enjoyed this truly Great Story!
---
Below is The Milton Herald's piece on Zack and the Market / Courtesy of Appen Newspapers=>
MHS student Zack Eller is organizing the third annual Milton Market. It will begin June 11.
Milton Market marks third year in June.
Student now helms annual tradition.
by Jonathan Copsey / Appen Newspapers
MILTON, Ga. - A sophomore at Milton High School has taken the lead in putting on this year's Milton farmers market.
Zack Eller is no stranger to hard work. He has started his own company, "Woof 'em Down Dog Biscuits," which provides homemade biscuits for animal shelters.
"It's a casual, relaxed market that will give members of the community a chance to mingle with their neighbors, and I am excited to be able to offer this to the residents of Milton," Eller said. "I hope everyone comes out and finds something that they like. I think you'll be surprised by who you will see selling produce."
He is currently working on gathering new vendors for the market, which he has renamed the "Milton Market."
"I wanted to do that so we could expand to different fields other than farmers and to get youth involved," Eller said. "We will not only have fruits and vegetables, but a great variety of things offered, from a gold and silver buyer to gourmet cupcakes."
He said 15-20 vendors have already signed up.
"I have always had a blast at farmers markets, and I've loved Milton's since it started," Eller said.
The market offers fresh produce from a variety of local vendors with many different products, including honey, eggs, plants, jewelry, handmade birdhouses and Juice Plus Vitamins, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Vendor space is free and can be used as many times as the vendor wishes. Even students can get into the act to raise money for their school, church or charity.
This is the third year of the market.
The Milton Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning on Saturday, June 11. The market will run every Saturday until July 30 outside the Crabapple Community House, 1261 Broadwell Road, across from the Alpharetta government center. For more information, call 678-896-2491 or visit miltonmarket.ga@gmail.com.
Bethwell Community Center now open.
By Accessmilton.com
The Bethwell Community Center, located at 2695 Hopewell Road, was opened to the public today with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m.
Milton’s Mayor and City Council were joined by staff, residents, project participants and summer day campers from Camp Bethwell, which is run out of the Community Center, in opening the new building.
Here are some pictures from the event courtesy of Accessmilton.com=>
On A Different Note...
Double Click to Enlarge Screen.
Many thanks to Steel Magnolia.RIDE ON THE CABLE CAR IN SAN FRANCISCO IN 1906
105 YEAR OLD FILM CLIP
This film was "lost" for many years. It was the first 35mm film ever that has come to light. It was taken by camera mounted on the front of a cable car as it`s traveling down the street. You feel as if your really there, standing at the front looking down the street, amazing piece of historic film. The number of automobiles is staggering for 1906. Absolutely amazing!
The clock tower at the end of Market Street at the Embarcadero wharf is still there. How many "street cleaners" were employed to pick up after the horses?
Great historical film!
This film, originally thought to be from 1905 until David Kiehn with a silent film museum figured out exactly when it was shot. From New York trade papers announcing the film showing to the wet streets from recent heavy rainfall & shadows indicating time of year & actual weather and conditions on historical record, even when the cars were registered (he even knows who owned them and when the plates were issued!).. It was filmed only four days before the Great California Earthquake of April 18, 1906 and shipped by train to NY for processing. Amazing, but true!
No wonder there had to be laws created to regulate driving habits. This is insane. Good thing they couldn't go very fast.
This is a fascinating movie. A camera on the front of a street car 104 years ago. I watched it a couple of times. Look at the hats the ladies were wearing and the long dresses. Some of the cars had the steering wheels on the right side, I wonder when they standardized on the left? Sure was still a lot of horse drawn vehicles in use. Mass transit looked like the way to get around. Looks like everybody had the right of way.
Perhaps the oldest "home movie" that you will ever see!
Milton approves survey for new park.
By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The City of Milton has approved the first stage in developing a new 2-acre park on Birmingham Highway between Crabapple Crossing Elementary School and Northwestern Middle School. The City Council approved a $1,250-contract Monday with Land Surveying Holding Corp. for a boundary and topographic survey.
Under a 10-year agreement signed with Fulton County Schools in March, the city gets use of the park providing it makes about $110,000-worth of improvements, including a fitness trail, a basketball court, a pavilion and a playing field.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The City of Milton has approved the first stage in developing a new 2-acre park on Birmingham Highway between Crabapple Crossing Elementary School and Northwestern Middle School. The City Council approved a $1,250-contract Monday with Land Surveying Holding Corp. for a boundary and topographic survey.
Under a 10-year agreement signed with Fulton County Schools in March, the city gets use of the park providing it makes about $110,000-worth of improvements, including a fitness trail, a basketball court, a pavilion and a playing field.
Post June 6 City Council meeting wrap-up.
By Accessmilton.com
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 08-01-03, a Resolution Appointing A Member to the City of Milton Board of Zoning Appeals for District 6.
(Agenda Item No. 11-119)
(Alan Tart, Councilmember)
Board member Rita Young approved 7-0
2. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 09-01-69, a Resolution to Create the Milton Grows Green Committee and its Governing Board and for Other Designated Purposes and Adding Members to the MGG Committee Governing Board.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 120)
(Cindy Eade, Sustainability Coordinator)
Board member Julie Pinckney approved 7-0
3. Approval of a Resolution to Authorize the Mayor and City Council to Approve the Submission of a Revised Transportation Enhancement Application to Georgia Department of Transportation.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 121)
(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)
Approved 7-0
4. Approval of a Resolution to Adopt the City of Milton's 2030 Comprehensive Plan: The Community Agenda.
(Agenda Item No. 11-122)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
Approved 7-0
5. Approval of a Resolution to Dissolve the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee and to Recognize the Work of Its Members.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 123)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)
Approved 7-0
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 08-01-03, a Resolution Appointing A Member to the City of Milton Board of Zoning Appeals for District 6.
(Agenda Item No. 11-119)
(Alan Tart, Councilmember)
Board member Rita Young approved 7-0
2. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 09-01-69, a Resolution to Create the Milton Grows Green Committee and its Governing Board and for Other Designated Purposes and Adding Members to the MGG Committee Governing Board.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 120)
(Cindy Eade, Sustainability Coordinator)
Board member Julie Pinckney approved 7-0
3. Approval of a Resolution to Authorize the Mayor and City Council to Approve the Submission of a Revised Transportation Enhancement Application to Georgia Department of Transportation.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 121)
(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)
Approved 7-0
4. Approval of a Resolution to Adopt the City of Milton's 2030 Comprehensive Plan: The Community Agenda.
(Agenda Item No. 11-122)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
Approved 7-0
5. Approval of a Resolution to Dissolve the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee and to Recognize the Work of Its Members.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 123)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)
Approved 7-0
Monday, June 06, 2011
So...What Would You Do With $140,000?
By Accessmilton.com
With recent articles being posted about the renovation and ribbon cutting of Bethwell Community center this month, some residents in our comments section
have debated this project.
With that in mind, we thought it would be interesting to hear what you, the tax payers of Milton Georgia, would have spent $140,000 on if you were on the Milton City Council.
Would you still have spent it on the Bethwell project, would you have utilized these funds on something else, or would you have spent then money at all?
Have your say in the comments section below.
HYA fall registration begins June 13.
By Accessmilton.com
Online registration for Hopewell Youth Association’s (HYA) fall 2011 recreational baseball season will begin Monday, June 13 at the group’s Web site, www.hopewellbaseball.org.
Please note the registration process is split into three parts: The first, for Milton residents only, opens June 13. The second, which begins Monday, June 27, is for HYA veteran players who do not reside in Milton. The third, kicking off Monday, July 11, is open registration for everyone regardless of residence or previous league history.
Registration will close Sunday, July 24. A $25 late fee will be charged for any registrations after this date. Each phase of the registration is open to all ages.
League fees will be published on the HYA Web site prior to the start of registration.
HYA, a longstanding, non-profit organization, schedules and programs the baseball activities at Milton’s Bell Memorial Park through a joint agreement with the City of Milton. For more information about the programs, including a full schedule of fall baseball, visit the group’s Web site at www.hopewellbaseball.org.
Milton to unveil renovated Bethwell center.
By Patrick Fox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Milton will unveil its recently renovated Bethwell Community House at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The house, located at 2695 Hopewell Road, was built in the early 1950s and obtained through Fulton County when the city incorporated in 2006.
The $140,000 renovation includes a large porch, playground, parking, central heating and air conditioning, new restrooms, a new kitchen and new floors. The house will be soon available to rent for parties, reunions and private functions, said Cyndee Bonacci, parks and recreation director.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Milton will unveil its recently renovated Bethwell Community House at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The house, located at 2695 Hopewell Road, was built in the early 1950s and obtained through Fulton County when the city incorporated in 2006.
The $140,000 renovation includes a large porch, playground, parking, central heating and air conditioning, new restrooms, a new kitchen and new floors. The house will be soon available to rent for parties, reunions and private functions, said Cyndee Bonacci, parks and recreation director.
June 6 City Council meeting notice.
By Accessmilton.com
Monday, June 6, 2011 Regular Council Meeting Agenda 6:00 p.m.
INVOCATION - Pastor Dave Benson, Birmingham United Methodist Church
CALL TO ORDER
1) ROLL CALL
2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (Led by the Mayor)
3) APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA (Add or remove items from the agenda)
(Agenda Item No. 11- 106)
4) PUBLIC COMMENT
5) CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of the April 25, 2011 Work Session.
(Agenda Item No. 11-107)
(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)
2. Approval of the May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting.
(Agenda Item No. 11-108)
(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)
3. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Milton and Wolverton & Associates, Inc. for the Design of a Shoulder Repair on Mountain Road.
(Agenda Item No. 11-109)
(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)
4. Approval of an Agreement between the City of Milton and Brumbelow-Reese & Associates, Inc. for a Right-of-way and Topographic Survey for Drainage Improvements on Hopewell Road.
(Agenda Item No. 11-110)
(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)
5. Approval of an Agreement between the City of Milton and Frontline Surveying & Mapping, Inc. for Boundary and Topographic Survey for 2.5 Acre Parcel at 15690 Hopewell Road.
(Agenda Item No. 11-111)
(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)
6. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Milton and Georgia Land Surveying Holding Corp., Inc. for a Boundary and Topographic Survey for Crabapple Park for an Amount not to Exceed $1,250.00.
(Agenda Item No. 11-112)
(Cyndee Bonacci, Parks and Recreation Director)
7. Approval of a Revised Parks and Recreation Event License Agreement between the City of Milton and i9 Sports Forsyth/North Fulton to Offer a Coed Youth Soccer Program for Ages 4 - 12.
(Agenda Item No. 11-113)
(Cyndee Bonacci, Parks and Recreation Director)
8. Approval of a Revised Parks and Recreation Event License Agreement between the City of Milton and i9 Sports Forsyth/North Fulton to Offer a Coed Youth Flag Football Program for Ages 4 - 12.
(Agenda Item No. 11-114)
(Cyndee Bonacci, Parks and Recreation Director)
9. Approval of a Revised Fee Schedule for the City of Milton Parks and Recreation Department.
(Agenda Item No. 11-115)
(Cyndee Bonacci, Parks and Recreation Director)
6) REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. A Proclamation Recognizing MDA Firefighter Appreciation Month.
(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)
2. Presentation of City of Milton Tax Assessments and New Legislation.
(Presented by Burt Manning, Fulton County Tax Assessor)
3. Presentation of Memorial Day Essay Contest Winner and Finalists.
(Presented by Councilmember Bill Lusk)
7) FIRST PRESENTATION
1. RZ11-13/VC11-02 - 14355 Providence Road and Haystack Lane by Segars & Snidow, LLC to rezone from C-1 (Community Business) and AG-1 (Agricultural) to O-I (Office-Institutional) and AG-1 (Agricultural) to expand an existing building and two existing buildings for a total of 5,740 square feet with the following four part concurrent variance:
1) Sect. 64-730(c)(1) To reduce the 40 foot side yard setback to 10 feet along the east property line;
2) Sect. 64-1433(e) To allow off-street parking within the side corner yard along the east property line;
3) Sect. 64-1141(3)a. To reduce the 50 foot buffer and 10 foot improvement setback along the west property line to 20 feet;
4) Sect. 64-1141(3)a. To reduce the 50 foot buffer and 10 foot improvement setback along the north property line to 0 feet.
(Agenda Item No. 11-116)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
2. RZ11-06 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Create the "Film and Movie Media Productions Administrative Permit" (Sec. 64-1616).
(Agenda Item No. 11- 091)
(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
3. RZ11-07 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Revise the "Use Regulations" for the C-1 (Community Business) District (Sec. 64-775).
(Agenda Item No. 11- 092)
(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
4. RZ11-08 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Revise the "Use Regulations" for the C-2 (Community Business) District (Sec. 64-798).
(Agenda Item No. 11- 093)
(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
5. RZ11-09 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Create "Prohibited Uses in All Districts" (Sec. 64-395).
(Agenda Item No. 11- 094)
(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
6. RZ11-10 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Create "Separation Standards for High Traffic Uses" (Sec. 64-218).
(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(Agenda Item No. 11- 095)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
7. RZ11-11 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to amend definitions in Section 64-1.
(Agenda Item No. 11-117)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
8. RZ11-12 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to amend Roadside vending in Section 64-1607.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 118)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
8) PUBLIC HEARING (None)
9) ZONING AGENDA (None)
10) UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None)
11) NEW BUSINESS
1. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 08-01-03, a Resolution Appointing A Member to the City of Milton Board of Zoning Appeals for District 6.
(Agenda Item No. 11-119)
(Alan Tart, Councilmember)
2. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 09-01-69, a Resolution to Create the Milton Grows Green Committee and its Governing Board and for Other Designated Purposes and Adding Members to the MGG Committee Governing Board.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 120)
(Cindy Eade, Sustainability Coordinator)
3. Approval of a Resolution to Authorize the Mayor and City Council to Approve the Submission of a Revised Transportation Enhancement Application to Georgia Department of Transportation.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 121)
(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)
4. Approval of a Resolution to Adopt the City of Milton's 2030 Comprehensive Plan: The Community Agenda.
(Agenda Item No. 11-122)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
5. Approval of a Resolution to Dissolve the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee and to Recognize the Work of Its Members.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 123)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)
12) MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS
13) STAFF REPORTS (None)
14) EXECUTIVE SESSION (None)
The purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss potential land acquisition.
(Agenda Item No. 11-124)
15) ADJOURNMENT
(Agenda Item No. 11-125)
Monday, June 6, 2011 Regular Council Meeting Agenda 6:00 p.m.
INVOCATION - Pastor Dave Benson, Birmingham United Methodist Church
CALL TO ORDER
1) ROLL CALL
2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (Led by the Mayor)
3) APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA (Add or remove items from the agenda)
(Agenda Item No. 11- 106)
4) PUBLIC COMMENT
5) CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of the April 25, 2011 Work Session.
(Agenda Item No. 11-107)
(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)
2. Approval of the May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting.
(Agenda Item No. 11-108)
(Sudie Gordon, City Clerk)
3. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Milton and Wolverton & Associates, Inc. for the Design of a Shoulder Repair on Mountain Road.
(Agenda Item No. 11-109)
(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)
4. Approval of an Agreement between the City of Milton and Brumbelow-Reese & Associates, Inc. for a Right-of-way and Topographic Survey for Drainage Improvements on Hopewell Road.
(Agenda Item No. 11-110)
(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)
5. Approval of an Agreement between the City of Milton and Frontline Surveying & Mapping, Inc. for Boundary and Topographic Survey for 2.5 Acre Parcel at 15690 Hopewell Road.
(Agenda Item No. 11-111)
(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)
6. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Milton and Georgia Land Surveying Holding Corp., Inc. for a Boundary and Topographic Survey for Crabapple Park for an Amount not to Exceed $1,250.00.
(Agenda Item No. 11-112)
(Cyndee Bonacci, Parks and Recreation Director)
7. Approval of a Revised Parks and Recreation Event License Agreement between the City of Milton and i9 Sports Forsyth/North Fulton to Offer a Coed Youth Soccer Program for Ages 4 - 12.
(Agenda Item No. 11-113)
(Cyndee Bonacci, Parks and Recreation Director)
8. Approval of a Revised Parks and Recreation Event License Agreement between the City of Milton and i9 Sports Forsyth/North Fulton to Offer a Coed Youth Flag Football Program for Ages 4 - 12.
(Agenda Item No. 11-114)
(Cyndee Bonacci, Parks and Recreation Director)
9. Approval of a Revised Fee Schedule for the City of Milton Parks and Recreation Department.
(Agenda Item No. 11-115)
(Cyndee Bonacci, Parks and Recreation Director)
6) REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. A Proclamation Recognizing MDA Firefighter Appreciation Month.
(Presented by Mayor Joe Lockwood)
2. Presentation of City of Milton Tax Assessments and New Legislation.
(Presented by Burt Manning, Fulton County Tax Assessor)
3. Presentation of Memorial Day Essay Contest Winner and Finalists.
(Presented by Councilmember Bill Lusk)
7) FIRST PRESENTATION
1. RZ11-13/VC11-02 - 14355 Providence Road and Haystack Lane by Segars & Snidow, LLC to rezone from C-1 (Community Business) and AG-1 (Agricultural) to O-I (Office-Institutional) and AG-1 (Agricultural) to expand an existing building and two existing buildings for a total of 5,740 square feet with the following four part concurrent variance:
1) Sect. 64-730(c)(1) To reduce the 40 foot side yard setback to 10 feet along the east property line;
2) Sect. 64-1433(e) To allow off-street parking within the side corner yard along the east property line;
3) Sect. 64-1141(3)a. To reduce the 50 foot buffer and 10 foot improvement setback along the west property line to 20 feet;
4) Sect. 64-1141(3)a. To reduce the 50 foot buffer and 10 foot improvement setback along the north property line to 0 feet.
(Agenda Item No. 11-116)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
2. RZ11-06 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Create the "Film and Movie Media Productions Administrative Permit" (Sec. 64-1616).
(Agenda Item No. 11- 091)
(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
3. RZ11-07 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Revise the "Use Regulations" for the C-1 (Community Business) District (Sec. 64-775).
(Agenda Item No. 11- 092)
(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
4. RZ11-08 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Revise the "Use Regulations" for the C-2 (Community Business) District (Sec. 64-798).
(Agenda Item No. 11- 093)
(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
5. RZ11-09 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Create "Prohibited Uses in All Districts" (Sec. 64-395).
(Agenda Item No. 11- 094)
(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
6. RZ11-10 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to Create "Separation Standards for High Traffic Uses" (Sec. 64-218).
(Deferred from May 2, 2011 Regular Council Meeting First Presentation)
(Agenda Item No. 11- 095)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
7. RZ11-11 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to amend definitions in Section 64-1.
(Agenda Item No. 11-117)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
8. RZ11-12 - Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to amend Roadside vending in Section 64-1607.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 118)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
8) PUBLIC HEARING (None)
9) ZONING AGENDA (None)
10) UNFINISHED BUSINESS (None)
11) NEW BUSINESS
1. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 08-01-03, a Resolution Appointing A Member to the City of Milton Board of Zoning Appeals for District 6.
(Agenda Item No. 11-119)
(Alan Tart, Councilmember)
2. Approval of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 09-01-69, a Resolution to Create the Milton Grows Green Committee and its Governing Board and for Other Designated Purposes and Adding Members to the MGG Committee Governing Board.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 120)
(Cindy Eade, Sustainability Coordinator)
3. Approval of a Resolution to Authorize the Mayor and City Council to Approve the Submission of a Revised Transportation Enhancement Application to Georgia Department of Transportation.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 121)
(Carter Lucas, Public Works Director)
4. Approval of a Resolution to Adopt the City of Milton's 2030 Comprehensive Plan: The Community Agenda.
(Agenda Item No. 11-122)
(Lynn Tully, Community Development Director)
5. Approval of a Resolution to Dissolve the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee and to Recognize the Work of Its Members.
(Agenda Item No. 11- 123)
(Ken Jarrard, City Attorney)
12) MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS
13) STAFF REPORTS (None)
14) EXECUTIVE SESSION (None)
The purpose of the Executive Session is to discuss potential land acquisition.
(Agenda Item No. 11-124)
15) ADJOURNMENT
(Agenda Item No. 11-125)
Police: Man shot ex-girlfriend in front of couple's two children.
To view a video segment on this story from WSB, click here=>
http://www.wsbtv.com/video/28139369/index.html
By Mike Morris
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Canton man was in the Fulton County Jail Monday, charged with killing his ex-girlfriend and mother of his two children Sunday while the toddlers looked on.
Enlarge photo Fulton County Jail Christopher Erdman
Enlarge photo WSB-TV A relative holds a photo of Shannon Lawrence, who was shot and killed during a custody exchange.
The slaying was the third deadly domestic incident of the weekend in metro Atlanta.
According to Milton police, the shooting happened around 2 p.m. Sunday when Christopher Erdman met Shannon Lawrence in the Birmingham Crossings shopping center parking lot to exchange custody of the children.
Erdman, 25, allegedly shot Lawrence, also 25 and from Canton, four times in the face and neck, then put her in the back of his pickup truck and drove her to Northside Forsyth Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Milton police Capt. Shawn McCarty said that when officers went to shooting scene, “they found four shell casings and a pool of blood in the parking lot.”
The children, ages 1 and 3, witnessed the shooting, according to police. The children were not physically harmed and are staying with relatives.
Erdman was arrested at the hospital and booked into the Fulton County Jail. He waived his first appearance hearing Monday morning on charges of murder, felony murder, aggravated assault with a weapon, cruelty to children, tampering with evidence and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and will be held without bond until a June 20th preliminary hearing.
Lawrence's mother, Diana Macksey, described her daughter as "the most beautiful, kind, loving soul."She said her daughter was attending Kennesaw State University and planned to enter the school's nursing program.
"No mother should have to go through this," Macksey told Channel 2 Action News. "This is just all surreal. I can't believe right now that this is really happening."
Macksey told Channel 2 that Lawrence had a protective order against Erdman and the child custody exchanges were supposed to be supervised. She told the station that Lawrence and Erdman had planned to meet in a Publix parking lot, but at the last minute, he changed the location to a more secluded lot at the Wells Fargo bank in the shopping center.
A day earlier and about eight miles away in neighboring Roswell, the bodies of Kyle Webb, 50, and his mother, Wilma Webb, were discovered in her King Road home.
Roswell police said Kyle Webb, who was reportedly facing financial problems, killed his mother, then himself, after writing a lengthy letter detailing how he’d like their funerals to be handled.
In Clayton County, the daughter of a woman whose body was found in the trunk of an abandoned car on Saturday has been charged with murder along with her boyfriend.
Clayton police Lt. Tina Daniel said the boyfriend, 20-year-old Latoris Grovner, admitted to beating Alena Marble, 59, during an argument Friday night, then wrapping her in a blanket and putting her in the trunk of her car while she was still alive.
Marble’s daughter, 21-year-old Kajul Harvey, was “involved in the entire incident,” police said. Harvey and Grovner were arrested Sunday and charged with murder, aggravated assault and tampering with evidence.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Suspect in custody in fatal shooting.
By Accessmilton.com
25-year-old Christopher Erdman arrested at Northside Forsyth Hospital
MILTON, GA., June 5, 2011 - A 25-year-old Canton man is in custody after the shooting death of the mother of his two children at the Birmingham Crossroads in Milton.
According to Capt. Shawn McCarty, Christopher Erdman allegedly shot 25-year-old Shannon Lawrence, also of Canton, four times in the face and neck in the parking lot of a mostly empty shopping center at 15780 Birmingham Highway.
McCarty said the couple had two children together but never married. They used the shopping center as the drop-off point when exchanging custody of the children.
McCarty said it was unclear whether the children were at the scene during the shooting.
Dispatchers received a call of shots fired at 2:02 p.m. and officers found shell casings and a pool of blood in the parking lot, said McCarty. After the shooting, Erdman reportedly drove Lawrence to Northside Forsyth Hospital.
Staff alerted Milton police that Erdman and Lawrence were at the hospital, and by the time officers arrived, Lawrence was pronounced dead form the gunshot wounds. Erdman was arrested and will go to Fulton County Jail.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Summertime is here.
Though it doesn’t officially start on the calendar until June 21, everyone around these parts knows summer began in Milton at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 27 when all the kids came streaming out of school, smiles on their faces. And I, for one, couldn’t be happier, because this summer Milton is really going to shine.
This year, we’re offering summer camps for our local youth starting June 6 – Camp Bethwell at the newly renovated Bethwell Community Center and Camp Joyful Soles at Hopewell Middle School. We’re very excited to be able to offer parents these low cost options for summer fun right in their back yard. We’re also launching a free summer concert series at Birmingham Park, and the first date is June 17 – the Friday before Father’s Day. Please come out, bring a blanket and a picnic, and meet your neighbors for some music under a beautiful evening sky.
I feel these programs, along with our basketball summer league and camps, fitness camps, and options for fall sports, represent a huge leap forward in the types and quality of service folks up here are used to within the boundaries of their city. We’ve come a long way in just four short years of planning for a full scale recreation department, and the future is looking very bright.
But summer is about family (and friends) time, as well. We’ve got a beach trip lined up, plans to ride dirt bikes in the mountains, and plenty of opportunities for good, old-fashioned cookouts by the pool.
Sure –there will be some work, too. In addition to our normal schedule of meetings, the Milton City Council, along with several members of our senior staff, are headed to Savannah for the annual Georgia Municipal Association conference in just a few short weeks. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with elected officials and staff from across the state and swap stories and ideas. We always come out of this conference energized and ready to take on new challenges in City Hall, and it’s something we all look forward to every year – even though Savannah in June can get a bit sweltering.
Well, I know you’re itching to get outside and enjoy this summer, so I won’t keep you any longer. But please feel free to contact us or stop by City Hall anytime and let us know how we’re doing. We’d love to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Mayor Joe Lockwood for Accessmilton.com
This year, we’re offering summer camps for our local youth starting June 6 – Camp Bethwell at the newly renovated Bethwell Community Center and Camp Joyful Soles at Hopewell Middle School. We’re very excited to be able to offer parents these low cost options for summer fun right in their back yard. We’re also launching a free summer concert series at Birmingham Park, and the first date is June 17 – the Friday before Father’s Day. Please come out, bring a blanket and a picnic, and meet your neighbors for some music under a beautiful evening sky.
I feel these programs, along with our basketball summer league and camps, fitness camps, and options for fall sports, represent a huge leap forward in the types and quality of service folks up here are used to within the boundaries of their city. We’ve come a long way in just four short years of planning for a full scale recreation department, and the future is looking very bright.
But summer is about family (and friends) time, as well. We’ve got a beach trip lined up, plans to ride dirt bikes in the mountains, and plenty of opportunities for good, old-fashioned cookouts by the pool.
Sure –there will be some work, too. In addition to our normal schedule of meetings, the Milton City Council, along with several members of our senior staff, are headed to Savannah for the annual Georgia Municipal Association conference in just a few short weeks. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with elected officials and staff from across the state and swap stories and ideas. We always come out of this conference energized and ready to take on new challenges in City Hall, and it’s something we all look forward to every year – even though Savannah in June can get a bit sweltering.
Well, I know you’re itching to get outside and enjoy this summer, so I won’t keep you any longer. But please feel free to contact us or stop by City Hall anytime and let us know how we’re doing. We’d love to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Mayor Joe Lockwood for Accessmilton.com
Firefighters begin Fill the Boot Drive.
By Accessmilton.com
The Milton Fire Department will begin it's Summer Fill the Boot Drive June 3. During this time you will see Milton fire fighters collecting money at various locations throughout the city twice a month.
The collection dates will continue throughout the summer and early fall, ending in September.
In just four years, the City of Milton Fire Department has raised more than $161,000 for MDA, which uses the money to aid local children and adults affected by neuromuscular diseases by providing wheelchairs, leg braces, clinic visits, support groups and a chance for children to attend Camp Walk-N-Roll.
HYA fall registration begins June 13.
By Accessmilton.com
Registration for the Hopewell Youth Association's (HYA) fall 2011 season will begin in June.
First phase: Monday, June 13 for all Milton residents
Second phase: Monday, June 27 for Hopewell veteran players who do not reside in Milton
Third phase: Monday, July 11 -- open registration
Registration for all will end promptly on Sunday, July 24 and a $25 late fee will be charged for any registrations after this date. Fees will be published on the HYA Web site prior to the start of registration.
Click here to visit the HYA's Web site=> http://www.hopewellbaseball.org/
Registration for the Hopewell Youth Association's (HYA) fall 2011 season will begin in June.
First phase: Monday, June 13 for all Milton residents
Second phase: Monday, June 27 for Hopewell veteran players who do not reside in Milton
Third phase: Monday, July 11 -- open registration
Registration for all will end promptly on Sunday, July 24 and a $25 late fee will be charged for any registrations after this date. Fees will be published on the HYA Web site prior to the start of registration.
Click here to visit the HYA's Web site=> http://www.hopewellbaseball.org/
By Accessmilton.com
For the first time, the City of Milton will host a series of free, live summer concerts at Birmingham Park. Families and friends are invited to bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy the tunes and warm summer nights!
Currently, the tentative schedule is as follows:
Friday, June 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 at Birmingham Park -- Father's Day with Lisa Port & Friends
Friday, July 1 from 6:30 to 8:30 at Birmingham Park -- Independence Day with Sarah Peacock
Friday, Aug. 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 at Birmingham Park -- End of summer with an act to be announced.
For more information on all of the City of Milton's special events, click here.
Parks and Rec. opportunities for summer.
By Accessmilton.com
The City of Milton Parks and Recreation Department has a host of activities this summer, including day camps, a basketball league and skills camps, fitness camps for children and adults, a concert series and the 2nd Annual Community Kickoff at Milton High School.
For more information on the city of Milton's programs and activities, click here=>
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=fsk9m7bab&et=1105699341587&s=255&e=001ezyD8TtR5W4irooC2Sr79VjSs9DzZYsCQbBrZjHey9Aq0i8BdLnoTkItmAJnQb5bLGY8CCEDDYpatRbj4WKLrjtTqt1Y-AQoZSpAPEiOUeb7pK1QKQxvyBgv0Y99bSyK-KDCAPpv_MExFvBb6fozz3rFG0vsniJWoz1zcy_oYXb-wy2-XjP1W6GzP_Cvhv7lNIf6t-W4wNtlNkCl7dooFH6xChDRG15c
For more information on the city's special events, click here=>
http://www.cityofmiltonga.us/index.asp?Type=B_LIST&SEC={B032B4E4-A888-4A56-8CFB-1A0B773D824D}
.
The City of Milton Parks and Recreation Department has a host of activities this summer, including day camps, a basketball league and skills camps, fitness camps for children and adults, a concert series and the 2nd Annual Community Kickoff at Milton High School.
For more information on the city of Milton's programs and activities, click here=>
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=fsk9m7bab&et=1105699341587&s=255&e=001ezyD8TtR5W4irooC2Sr79VjSs9DzZYsCQbBrZjHey9Aq0i8BdLnoTkItmAJnQb5bLGY8CCEDDYpatRbj4WKLrjtTqt1Y-AQoZSpAPEiOUeb7pK1QKQxvyBgv0Y99bSyK-KDCAPpv_MExFvBb6fozz3rFG0vsniJWoz1zcy_oYXb-wy2-XjP1W6GzP_Cvhv7lNIf6t-W4wNtlNkCl7dooFH6xChDRG15c
For more information on the city's special events, click here=>
http://www.cityofmiltonga.us/index.asp?Type=B_LIST&SEC={B032B4E4-A888-4A56-8CFB-1A0B773D824D}
.
Woman killed by rock thrown from DOT mower.
NOTE: With the many open road neighborhood residents that cut their yards up to the road in Milton, we thought the following article might be of interest.
A LaGrange woman sitting in the backseat of this car was killed after a state DOT mower struck a large rock and sent it flying through the windshield of the car.
By Fran Jeffries and Joel Provano
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A woman who had moved to Georgia after Hurricane Katrina was killed Wednesday in west Georgia after a state DOT mower struck a large rock and sent it flying through the windshield of a car and into the back seat where she was a passenger.
Enlarge photo Troup County Sheriff's Deptartment A LaGrange woman sitting in the backseat of this car was killed after a state DOT mower struck a large rock and sent it flying through the windshield of the car.
Troup County Coroner Jeff Cook identified the woman as Annie Lee, 58, of LaGrange. Cook said Lee had moved to the area in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
"She comes up here to make a new life after Katrina and then this happens ... it's just unreal," Cook told the AJC. He said Lee's family would be taking her body back to Louisiana for burial.
The incident happened at about 1 p.m. on U.S. 27 in Troup County, Sgt. Chad Mann of the Troup County Sheriff’s Office told the Ledger-Enquirer.
The car was headed north behind a Bush Hog mower operated by the Georgia Department of Transportation. The rock grazed the front passenger across the lips before striking the woman in the back seat and killing her instantly, Mann said. Lee was pronounced dead at the scene.
Four additional occupants of the car reported only minor injuries, Mann said.
Cook said a similar incident occurred in Troup County a few years ago, when a prisoner on a work detail was hit in the jugular by a rock thrown from a mower. The prisoner, who Cook said was scheduled to be released the next day, died.
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