Emory University will host an Atlanta mayoral candidates forum and debate at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Emory's Glenn Memorial Auditorium (1652 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, 30307). The forum is sponsored Emory’s Office of Government Affairs, Emory’s Center for Ethics, the League of Women Voters of Atlanta-Fulton County, WAGA FOX-5 and the Clifton Community Partnership.
“Part of the role of the Center for Ethics is to be a safe space for public discussion of controversial issues, so it is appropriate for the center to help host a discussion with the next mayor and the concerns that confront Atlanta – issues of poverty and homelessness, education and ethics, sustainability and the workforce environment,” says Paul Root Wolpe, director of Emory's ethics center. “We are thrilled work with our internal partner, the Office of Governmental and Community Affairs, as well as the League of Women Voters to sponsor this important conversation.”
As the contest for the next mayor of the City of Atlanta enters the final weeks prior to the election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, all the qualified candidates have been invited to the Emory campus to discuss these topics and other issues of interest not only to the university, but to the entire Atlanta region.
Confirmed attendees include:
• Lisa Borders, city council president
• Peter Brownlowe, former Atlanta police officer
• Kyle Keyser, founder of Atlantans Together Against Crime
• Mary Norwood, city councilwoman
• Kasim Reed, state senator
• Jesse Spikes, attorney
The forum is free and open to the public.
-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
City of Atlanta Seeking Pension Payment Refund
The City of Atlanta was notified by the IRS on September 14th of unpaid taxes, penalties and interest which totaled $2.5 million related to the City’s pension funds. The penalties and interest were imposed because the City was a few days late on some of its monthly pension payments.
The City intends to seek a full refund. As a first step of that effort, the City sent a letter on September 21th requesting a refund of $894,000 that was paid to the Police Pension fund instead of the General Fund pension account.
Based on legal advice about the pension payment, the City paid the full $2.5 million IRS levy bill on September 23rd even though it is pending an appeal
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
The City intends to seek a full refund. As a first step of that effort, the City sent a letter on September 21th requesting a refund of $894,000 that was paid to the Police Pension fund instead of the General Fund pension account.
Based on legal advice about the pension payment, the City paid the full $2.5 million IRS levy bill on September 23rd even though it is pending an appeal
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Atlanta City Concilwoman Plea for Assistance for Flood Ravaged District 9
As you may know by news reports, many of our citizens in District 9 have been affected by the flood of the Chattahoochee River, RM Clayton Wastewater Treatment Plant, Peachtree, Proctor and Sandy Creeks. I have been trying to get around to every community to assess the damage and needs.
I am appealing to you and your neighborhood organizations to help me, help those in need! Please call my office at 404-330-6044 if you can assist.
My office is working hard to coordinate services for those affected. The Salvation Army is in route to provide a Canteen with lunch, water, etc. for residents in the Buckhead, Riverside, and Lincoln/Bolton Hill Communities. If I’ve missed any areas, please alert me.
Also, we are coordinating with our Public Works department to set a pick-up day for bulk items. If you have flood insurance, you may be reimbursed for private dumpsters. Those who do not have insurance and need assistance for pick-up can call my office for coordination.
I’m preparing and electronic and printed information which I will distribute tomorrow with contact numbers for assistance and helpful hints.
This email is a call out to individuals and neighborhood associations who were not affected by the flooding to help your district and neighboring communities.
Here’s how you can help:
Volunteers to help remove items in homes damaged by the flood – I have seniors who need help!
Donation of cleaning supplies
Pumps and vacuums to remove water from homes
Dumpster donations, etc.
If you can help please call me ASAP.
Thank you,
Felicia A. Moore
fmoore@AtlantaGa.Gov
Councilmember, District 9
Atlanta City Council
55 Trinity Avenue, Suite 2900
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 330-6044 Phone
(404) 658-7966 Fax
-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
I am appealing to you and your neighborhood organizations to help me, help those in need! Please call my office at 404-330-6044 if you can assist.
My office is working hard to coordinate services for those affected. The Salvation Army is in route to provide a Canteen with lunch, water, etc. for residents in the Buckhead, Riverside, and Lincoln/Bolton Hill Communities. If I’ve missed any areas, please alert me.
Also, we are coordinating with our Public Works department to set a pick-up day for bulk items. If you have flood insurance, you may be reimbursed for private dumpsters. Those who do not have insurance and need assistance for pick-up can call my office for coordination.
I’m preparing and electronic and printed information which I will distribute tomorrow with contact numbers for assistance and helpful hints.
This email is a call out to individuals and neighborhood associations who were not affected by the flooding to help your district and neighboring communities.
Here’s how you can help:
Volunteers to help remove items in homes damaged by the flood – I have seniors who need help!
Donation of cleaning supplies
Pumps and vacuums to remove water from homes
Dumpster donations, etc.
If you can help please call me ASAP.
Thank you,
Felicia A. Moore
fmoore@AtlantaGa.Gov
Councilmember, District 9
Atlanta City Council
55 Trinity Avenue, Suite 2900
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 330-6044 Phone
(404) 658-7966 Fax
-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Monday, September 21, 2009
Atlanta Flooding Update (w Emergency help numbers...)
Atlanta Fire Rescue (Fire Department)
· The Atlanta Fire Department opened its Joint Operation Center (JOC) this morning around 8:30 am
· The Atlanta Fire Department has searched 150 apartments on Peachtree and 58 residents are currently displaced and the Red Cross is responding to those residents
· Another area near Peachtree in Midtown has 10 people who have been displaced because of the flooding
· Georgia Mutual Aid Groups have brought boats in near Peachtree Battle Circle to help rescue residents
· DPRCA Office of Parks’ Forestry Unit is on the scene working with AFD and APD. There are 33 trees down and 12 have been completed.
STREET CLOSINGS:
A sink hole has forced county officials to close Cascade Road between Milano Drive and Danforth Road. There is also a tree leaning into the right-of-way along this stretch of Cascade Road near Utoy Springs Creek.
In the Sandy Springs area, there were several trees down on wires in the area of Mount Vernon Highway and Powers Ferry Road.
In Buckhead, Northside Drive at Woodward Way is closed because a tree has fallen.
PUBLIC WORKS
The City of Atlanta Department of Public Works maintenance crews are responding to numerous complaints of roadway flooding and street blockages due to down trees and limbs. Our primary focus is barricade placement in advance of these blockages, and barricade placement around road washouts.
The following numbers may be used for emergencies:
- Down trees, call the Department of Parks & Recreation at (404) 817-6813
- Flooding, call the Department of Watershed Management at (404) 658-6500
- Power outages, call Georgia Power 1-888-891-0938.
- Watershed for flooding emergencies, 404-954-6340
The Fulton County Joint Operations Center (JOC) is also available for emergencies/inquires at (404) 546-2606
· The Atlanta Fire Department opened its Joint Operation Center (JOC) this morning around 8:30 am
· The Atlanta Fire Department has searched 150 apartments on Peachtree and 58 residents are currently displaced and the Red Cross is responding to those residents
· Another area near Peachtree in Midtown has 10 people who have been displaced because of the flooding
· Georgia Mutual Aid Groups have brought boats in near Peachtree Battle Circle to help rescue residents
· DPRCA Office of Parks’ Forestry Unit is on the scene working with AFD and APD. There are 33 trees down and 12 have been completed.
STREET CLOSINGS:
A sink hole has forced county officials to close Cascade Road between Milano Drive and Danforth Road. There is also a tree leaning into the right-of-way along this stretch of Cascade Road near Utoy Springs Creek.
In the Sandy Springs area, there were several trees down on wires in the area of Mount Vernon Highway and Powers Ferry Road.
In Buckhead, Northside Drive at Woodward Way is closed because a tree has fallen.
PUBLIC WORKS
The City of Atlanta Department of Public Works maintenance crews are responding to numerous complaints of roadway flooding and street blockages due to down trees and limbs. Our primary focus is barricade placement in advance of these blockages, and barricade placement around road washouts.
The following numbers may be used for emergencies:
- Down trees, call the Department of Parks & Recreation at (404) 817-6813
- Flooding, call the Department of Watershed Management at (404) 658-6500
- Power outages, call Georgia Power 1-888-891-0938.
- Watershed for flooding emergencies, 404-954-6340
The Fulton County Joint Operations Center (JOC) is also available for emergencies/inquires at (404) 546-2606
Thursday, September 17, 2009
City of Atlanta Receives $81,000 Refund
In August, the City of Atlanta Finance Department was required to make a $81,912 late payment to the State’s Subsequent Injury Trust Fund (SITF) which is part of the worker’s compensation system for the State of Georgia. The annual return and payment are normally due on March 1st, so August was late. In investigating the late fee with the State officials it was discovered that the notice was never received by the City and was returned unopened to the State. Based on this factor, the SITF Administrator agreed with the City Chief Financial Officer, Jim Glass, that these circumstances did not warrant the late penalty . The refund for this payment was returned to the City on September 9th.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
AED School Program at Its Best: Atlanta Public Schools' Partnership With Cardiac Science
/PRNewswire/ -- Cardiac Science Corporation (NASDAQ:CSCX) , a global leader in automated external defibrillator (AED) and diagnostic cardiac monitoring devices, announced the expansion of the largest AED deployment of any school system in Georgia with 195 Powerheart AED G3 devices from Cardiac Science.
The Atlanta Public School AED program started with 100 Cardiac Science AEDs in 2007 and has grown; now protecting 102 locations with more than 1,100 trained responders. "In Atlanta Public Schools, we not only want to ensure every student learns at high levels; we want to ensure every student is safe," said Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall.
"The district-wide deployment of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and trained on-staff first responders is a meaningful component of our emergency preparedness," Hall added. "Parents can take comfort in this security measure, driven by our own on-the-ground team of security professionals with help from leading health care experts in the community."
Often a school AED program is led by school nurses or the athletic department. In this case, the Fulton County Public Schools' Police Department and its Deputy Chief Marquenta A. Sands worked with distributor School Health Corporation and Cardiac Science Corporation to drive AED adoption.
Dave Marver, Cardiac Science president and chief executive officer, said, "We've become very good at helping major school systems with their AED programs. In addition to Atlanta, we help protect young people at large school systems in Houston, Miami, Tampa, San Diego, and throughout Ohio, New York, and Texas, which have state mandates requiring AED placement in schools. We're pleased to have partnered with School Health, Children's Healthcare, and the AHA to make this happen."
Chief Sands explained, "We need to protect our young people - and sudden cardiac arrest is a real threat to their safety. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 7,000 young people will die a sudden cardiac death this year alone. With our AED school program, we're hoping to lower that tragic toll."
Marver added, "Relatively few metropolitan public school systems in the US have formal AED programs, despite the growing number of legal mandates that protect schoolchildren against sudden cardiac arrest. We've chosen to focus on the school AED market with the intent that children everywhere would have the level of safety now provided in Atlanta."
"My deep thanks to Cardiac Science, Children's Healthcare, School Health, and the AHA for their support. We far exceeded the acceptance, visibility, and scope of our initial goals," said Chief Sands. "Ten percent of the staff is trained at each school and several schools voluntarily committed to having 100 percent of the staff trained."
Atlanta Public Schools also created a dedicated training facility available to people in the Atlanta community to learn CPR and AED use at no charge. And the school AED program is compliant with civil immunity requirements afforded by Georgia's Good Samaritan law for AED use.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia
The Atlanta Public School AED program started with 100 Cardiac Science AEDs in 2007 and has grown; now protecting 102 locations with more than 1,100 trained responders. "In Atlanta Public Schools, we not only want to ensure every student learns at high levels; we want to ensure every student is safe," said Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall.
"The district-wide deployment of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and trained on-staff first responders is a meaningful component of our emergency preparedness," Hall added. "Parents can take comfort in this security measure, driven by our own on-the-ground team of security professionals with help from leading health care experts in the community."
Often a school AED program is led by school nurses or the athletic department. In this case, the Fulton County Public Schools' Police Department and its Deputy Chief Marquenta A. Sands worked with distributor School Health Corporation and Cardiac Science Corporation to drive AED adoption.
Dave Marver, Cardiac Science president and chief executive officer, said, "We've become very good at helping major school systems with their AED programs. In addition to Atlanta, we help protect young people at large school systems in Houston, Miami, Tampa, San Diego, and throughout Ohio, New York, and Texas, which have state mandates requiring AED placement in schools. We're pleased to have partnered with School Health, Children's Healthcare, and the AHA to make this happen."
Chief Sands explained, "We need to protect our young people - and sudden cardiac arrest is a real threat to their safety. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 7,000 young people will die a sudden cardiac death this year alone. With our AED school program, we're hoping to lower that tragic toll."
Marver added, "Relatively few metropolitan public school systems in the US have formal AED programs, despite the growing number of legal mandates that protect schoolchildren against sudden cardiac arrest. We've chosen to focus on the school AED market with the intent that children everywhere would have the level of safety now provided in Atlanta."
"My deep thanks to Cardiac Science, Children's Healthcare, School Health, and the AHA for their support. We far exceeded the acceptance, visibility, and scope of our initial goals," said Chief Sands. "Ten percent of the staff is trained at each school and several schools voluntarily committed to having 100 percent of the staff trained."
Atlanta Public Schools also created a dedicated training facility available to people in the Atlanta community to learn CPR and AED use at no charge. And the school AED program is compliant with civil immunity requirements afforded by Georgia's Good Samaritan law for AED use.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia
Monday, August 3, 2009
City of Atlanta Wins Playful City USA for the Third Consecutive Year
For the third consecutive year, KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to bringing play back into children’s lives, has named the City of Atlanta a Playful City USA community.
The City of Atlanta is one of 93 communities across the nation that has taken innovative approaches to make play a priority and ensure that children have the time and space they need to play. Despite the down economy, the City of Atlanta supports its communities in building and maintaining play spaces and developing programming to meet the needs of the community.
“This is an honor for the City of Atlanta to be recognized three years in row for our dedication to play, “says the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Dianne Harnell Cohen. “We are proud to provide the residents and visitors play spaces to enjoy throughout the City of Atlanta.”
The Atlanta Taskforce on Play (ATOP) was instrumental in working with City of Atlanta in demonstrating creative commitments to the cause of play. “The freedom to play in a beautiful, safe, fun, clean, creative environment is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children,” says ATOP Founder Cynthia Gentry.
The City of Atlanta and ATOP will host the City of Atlanta’s second annual Great Atlanta PLAY DAY on September 26, 2009; a day where people will turn off their TVs, shut down their computers and go outside to play.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
The City of Atlanta is one of 93 communities across the nation that has taken innovative approaches to make play a priority and ensure that children have the time and space they need to play. Despite the down economy, the City of Atlanta supports its communities in building and maintaining play spaces and developing programming to meet the needs of the community.
“This is an honor for the City of Atlanta to be recognized three years in row for our dedication to play, “says the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Dianne Harnell Cohen. “We are proud to provide the residents and visitors play spaces to enjoy throughout the City of Atlanta.”
The Atlanta Taskforce on Play (ATOP) was instrumental in working with City of Atlanta in demonstrating creative commitments to the cause of play. “The freedom to play in a beautiful, safe, fun, clean, creative environment is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children,” says ATOP Founder Cynthia Gentry.
The City of Atlanta and ATOP will host the City of Atlanta’s second annual Great Atlanta PLAY DAY on September 26, 2009; a day where people will turn off their TVs, shut down their computers and go outside to play.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
US Department of Justice COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) Grant Award
The Department of Justice has approved a COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) grant award for 50 police officer positions in Atlanta. The estimated amount of federal funds to be awarded over the three-year grant period is $11,209,300.00.
The official notification has been provided and as soon as the City receives their award letter this fall, Atlanta Police Department will begin the process of adding police officers to the force.
The department will receive a COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) grant award for 50 officer positions. The estimated amount of federal funds to be awarded to your jurisdiction over the three-year grant period is $11,209,300.00. When the grant funding ends, there must be a plan to sustain the additional officers as the City seeks to increase the police force to reach a minimum goal of 2,000 police officers.
Atlanta Deputy Chief George Turner said that the goal is to have a recruit class this fall with the 50 new recruits. Once the officers are trained they will be dispatched into the community. The police department is proud and happy to add 50 new officers to the force, said Chief Turner. All the positions awarded under the grant must be used to initiate or enhance community policing in the City of Atlanta.
Currently, the City of Atlanta authorized positions (budgeted for) is 1,701 sworn police.
Mayor Shirley Franklin believes that the COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) program is vital in the crime-fighting efforts of American cities. Franklin said, “ I join other mayors and local officials in acknowledging the Department of Justice and Attorney General Eric Holder for their efforts to advocate on behalf of cities. Atlanta competed nationally for this grant along with hundreds of other communities, and this award represents an important public safety investment in our community.”
The Recovery Act grants, which will be administered by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) through the federal agency’s COPS Hiring Recovery Program, provide much needed financial support to state, local and tribal governments, and will help the nation’s law enforcement agencies add and retain the manpower needed to fight crime more effectively through community policing. The Department of Justice received over 7,200 applications for more than 39,000 officer positions, representing a total of $8.3 billion in requested funding.
The Recovery Act includes $4 billion in Department of Justice grant funding to enhance state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts, including the hiring of new police officers, to combat violence against women, and to fight internet crimes against children. In addition to today’s COPS awards, to date the Department of Justice has awarded $1.7 billion through formula state and local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants, $95 million through the Victims of Crime Act Formula Grant Program, $41.5 million for Internet Crimes Against Children initiatives, $127 million in Office on Violence Against Women Recovery Act funds and $8.6 million for assistance for law enforcement along the Southern Border and in high intensity drug trafficking areas.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
The official notification has been provided and as soon as the City receives their award letter this fall, Atlanta Police Department will begin the process of adding police officers to the force.
The department will receive a COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) grant award for 50 officer positions. The estimated amount of federal funds to be awarded to your jurisdiction over the three-year grant period is $11,209,300.00. When the grant funding ends, there must be a plan to sustain the additional officers as the City seeks to increase the police force to reach a minimum goal of 2,000 police officers.
Atlanta Deputy Chief George Turner said that the goal is to have a recruit class this fall with the 50 new recruits. Once the officers are trained they will be dispatched into the community. The police department is proud and happy to add 50 new officers to the force, said Chief Turner. All the positions awarded under the grant must be used to initiate or enhance community policing in the City of Atlanta.
Currently, the City of Atlanta authorized positions (budgeted for) is 1,701 sworn police.
Mayor Shirley Franklin believes that the COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) program is vital in the crime-fighting efforts of American cities. Franklin said, “ I join other mayors and local officials in acknowledging the Department of Justice and Attorney General Eric Holder for their efforts to advocate on behalf of cities. Atlanta competed nationally for this grant along with hundreds of other communities, and this award represents an important public safety investment in our community.”
The Recovery Act grants, which will be administered by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) through the federal agency’s COPS Hiring Recovery Program, provide much needed financial support to state, local and tribal governments, and will help the nation’s law enforcement agencies add and retain the manpower needed to fight crime more effectively through community policing. The Department of Justice received over 7,200 applications for more than 39,000 officer positions, representing a total of $8.3 billion in requested funding.
The Recovery Act includes $4 billion in Department of Justice grant funding to enhance state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts, including the hiring of new police officers, to combat violence against women, and to fight internet crimes against children. In addition to today’s COPS awards, to date the Department of Justice has awarded $1.7 billion through formula state and local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants, $95 million through the Victims of Crime Act Formula Grant Program, $41.5 million for Internet Crimes Against Children initiatives, $127 million in Office on Violence Against Women Recovery Act funds and $8.6 million for assistance for law enforcement along the Southern Border and in high intensity drug trafficking areas.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Thursday, July 16, 2009
City of Atlanta Parking Management Statement
The City of Atlanta is planning to adopt new legislation for comprehensive parking management services including meter installation and maintenance, collection of meter revenue, parking enforcement, electronic processing of ticketing and payments, and delinquent collections.
The parking enforcement component will include ticketing, booting, and towing of vehicles with at least 3 outstanding parking citations.
The new system is planned for implementation in Fall 2009. Prior to implementation, a public education campaign will be used to advise the public about the new program and obtain information about outstanding parking citations. It will include public service announcements via television, print, and electronic media.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
The parking enforcement component will include ticketing, booting, and towing of vehicles with at least 3 outstanding parking citations.
The new system is planned for implementation in Fall 2009. Prior to implementation, a public education campaign will be used to advise the public about the new program and obtain information about outstanding parking citations. It will include public service announcements via television, print, and electronic media.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Atlanta: City Buildings Reopen on Fridays---July 10, 2009
City furloughs end this Friday, and here is an update that may be helpful to residents and visitors.
All City departments at City Hall, City Hall East and the Atlanta Municipal Court will be open on Fridays.
PUBLIC SAFETY
· The funds generated by the property tax increase will allow Atlanta Police Department (APD) and Atlanta Fire Rescue (AFR) to eliminate furloughs and fill all positions authorized in the budget. There are some vacancies right now (there are always vacancies, since people retire, quit, get fired etc all the time) but both APD and AFR have recruitment strategies in place to ensure that vacancies are filled expeditiously.
· E911 services have already been upgraded due to the move to the new center and the capabilities it provides. E911 management has a plan in place to fill the approximately 20 vacancies currently in the center, so we expect that the center will operate at full strength for most of the year. The city is also bringing in a consultant to provide a review of the policies and procedures to make sure we are allocating our staff appropriately and taking full advantage of the technology we have installed. That review will be completed this fall.
· APD and AFR have a large series of initiatives underway, as they always do, to improve public safety operations. In addition to the move to the new facilities (which will improve operational efficiencies and customer service, among other things), AFR is completing the renovation of several firehouses and adopting some new procedures in response to the ISO process. Fire Station 23 has reopened and is back in service, as well as another truck is assigned to Fire Station 12 on DeKalb Avenue.
· APD is completing the installation of the ICIS information management system, putting hand held devices into the hands of more officers to increase their efficiency, and have applied for stimulus funds which would –among other things – fund additional police officers and create a city wide video surveillance network.
PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
· The Office of Parks will restore a five-day work week with a nine-day maintenance cycle instead of the 11-day maintenance cycle that took place during the furlough time period.
PUBLIC WORKS
· There will be no changes to Solid Waste Services garbage collection.
· Effective September 14, 2009, Solid Waste Services will resume weekly collection of yard trimmings & recycling (on the same day as the scheduled trash garbage pickup.
· The Office of Transportation will:
1. Perform Emergency Sign installation 5 days/week.
2. Perform Construction Inspection 5 days/week.
3. Issue Permits 5 days/week.
4. Review site plans 5 days/week.
5. Offer parking enforcement utilizing a full staff 5 days/week.
PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
· Scheduled inspections for code complaints will occur more timely due to field inspections being completed Fridays (versus postponing those inspections until the following Monday).
· Planners will resume attending NPU meetings every other month and as necessary, to present key departmental legislation, monitor the by-law approval process and the election of officers.
· The Bureau of Planning will continue to provide customer service to the public via the Planning Information Desk, staffed by Planners on a rotating basis. Due to a reduction in staffing, the hours of the Desk will be adjusted to allow for customer service, as well as allow Planners adequate time to complete other assigned duties.
· Permits and plans review will resume 5 days a week. The hours for obtaining permits will be 8:15 am to 4:30 pm to allow sufficient time for the customers to pay for their permits at the Finance Department on the first floor.
· Inspections will resume 5 days a week from 7:00 am to 3:45 pm. Special inspections for testing life safety systems can still be done on weekends or evening hours.
· Arborist and zoning inspections will be done daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
· Homeowners’ permits can be done between 8:15 am -5:00 pm Monday-Friday.
· The Bureau of Housing will be open 8:15 am -5:00 pm Monday- Friday
Budget documents and related information are on the City’s homepage under the budget link www.atlantaga.gov.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
All City departments at City Hall, City Hall East and the Atlanta Municipal Court will be open on Fridays.
PUBLIC SAFETY
· The funds generated by the property tax increase will allow Atlanta Police Department (APD) and Atlanta Fire Rescue (AFR) to eliminate furloughs and fill all positions authorized in the budget. There are some vacancies right now (there are always vacancies, since people retire, quit, get fired etc all the time) but both APD and AFR have recruitment strategies in place to ensure that vacancies are filled expeditiously.
· E911 services have already been upgraded due to the move to the new center and the capabilities it provides. E911 management has a plan in place to fill the approximately 20 vacancies currently in the center, so we expect that the center will operate at full strength for most of the year. The city is also bringing in a consultant to provide a review of the policies and procedures to make sure we are allocating our staff appropriately and taking full advantage of the technology we have installed. That review will be completed this fall.
· APD and AFR have a large series of initiatives underway, as they always do, to improve public safety operations. In addition to the move to the new facilities (which will improve operational efficiencies and customer service, among other things), AFR is completing the renovation of several firehouses and adopting some new procedures in response to the ISO process. Fire Station 23 has reopened and is back in service, as well as another truck is assigned to Fire Station 12 on DeKalb Avenue.
· APD is completing the installation of the ICIS information management system, putting hand held devices into the hands of more officers to increase their efficiency, and have applied for stimulus funds which would –among other things – fund additional police officers and create a city wide video surveillance network.
PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
· The Office of Parks will restore a five-day work week with a nine-day maintenance cycle instead of the 11-day maintenance cycle that took place during the furlough time period.
PUBLIC WORKS
· There will be no changes to Solid Waste Services garbage collection.
· Effective September 14, 2009, Solid Waste Services will resume weekly collection of yard trimmings & recycling (on the same day as the scheduled trash garbage pickup.
· The Office of Transportation will:
1. Perform Emergency Sign installation 5 days/week.
2. Perform Construction Inspection 5 days/week.
3. Issue Permits 5 days/week.
4. Review site plans 5 days/week.
5. Offer parking enforcement utilizing a full staff 5 days/week.
PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
· Scheduled inspections for code complaints will occur more timely due to field inspections being completed Fridays (versus postponing those inspections until the following Monday).
· Planners will resume attending NPU meetings every other month and as necessary, to present key departmental legislation, monitor the by-law approval process and the election of officers.
· The Bureau of Planning will continue to provide customer service to the public via the Planning Information Desk, staffed by Planners on a rotating basis. Due to a reduction in staffing, the hours of the Desk will be adjusted to allow for customer service, as well as allow Planners adequate time to complete other assigned duties.
· Permits and plans review will resume 5 days a week. The hours for obtaining permits will be 8:15 am to 4:30 pm to allow sufficient time for the customers to pay for their permits at the Finance Department on the first floor.
· Inspections will resume 5 days a week from 7:00 am to 3:45 pm. Special inspections for testing life safety systems can still be done on weekends or evening hours.
· Arborist and zoning inspections will be done daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
· Homeowners’ permits can be done between 8:15 am -5:00 pm Monday-Friday.
· The Bureau of Housing will be open 8:15 am -5:00 pm Monday- Friday
Budget documents and related information are on the City’s homepage under the budget link www.atlantaga.gov.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Monday, June 15, 2009
City of Atlanta Statement in Regard to the Georgia Supreme Court’s Decision in Columbus vs. Expedia, Inc.
The City of Atlanta believes today’s Supreme Court decision in Columbus vs. Expedia, Inc. is a very positive development. In that decision upholding a permanent injunction against Expedia, Inc, the majority recognized that Expedia Inc. in fact collects taxes from its customers. The Court also recognized that, under both state and local law, occupancy taxes are to be collected on the amount the customer pays for the room. Finally, the Court held that, so long as Expedia collects taxes from customers, it must collect taxes on the amount its customers pay as a room rate and remit those taxes to the appropriate municipality. The City of Atlanta believes that this decision validates the positions that the City has taken in its lawsuit, currently pending in Fulton County Superior Court.
Atlanta brought its suit to collect recovery of occupancy taxes as collected by the online travel companies. Even though those companies would charge the same retail room rate as would a local hotel, Atlanta would receive less money in those transactions where the online travel companies rather than the hotel collected the taxes. Again, Atlanta is pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision and looks forward to recovering past due occupancy taxes in its pending case, as well as securing compliance with state and local tax laws going forward.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Atlanta brought its suit to collect recovery of occupancy taxes as collected by the online travel companies. Even though those companies would charge the same retail room rate as would a local hotel, Atlanta would receive less money in those transactions where the online travel companies rather than the hotel collected the taxes. Again, Atlanta is pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision and looks forward to recovering past due occupancy taxes in its pending case, as well as securing compliance with state and local tax laws going forward.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Friday, May 1, 2009
Atlanta's CFO Responds to Internal Audit
City of Atlanta Chief Financial Officer James Glass today released the following statement regarding the Performance Review of the Department of Watershed Management conducted by the City’s internal auditor and KPMG at the request of the City Council:
“I am grateful for the hard work and dedicated effort that is evident in the Performance Review of the Department of Watershed Management. The Performance Review offers many sound recommendations, a significant feat given the demands of creating this important review in a relatively short time period.
However, I believe the final analysis as it relates to rate setting and budgeting to be flawed because of a lack of understanding about what is happening in the credit and financial markets and the environment in which the City of Atlanta is currently operating. Additionally, the auditors have not anticipated some serious risk factors and what they mean in relation to the Department’s debt coverage.
These risk factors could pose a significant threat to interest rates, the amount of debt the Department is carrying and termination costs and would require the Department to make drastic cuts to its capital program, potentially falling out of compliance with Federal Consent Decree mandates.
Many variables impact the Department’s financial picture. It is my belief that the Performance Review seriously understates the impact of the international credit crisis on the City’s borrowing ability and has made assumptions about budgeting that cannot be supported in this current economic climate.
Therefore, I would recommend that, with the exception of implementing some of the operational recommendations set forth in the Performance Review, the City defer taking action on any financial recommendations for six months.
This would give the Department sufficient time to determine the direction the international financial markets are taking and make judgments that will allow it to continue to meet federal requirements as it provides the exceptional water and wastewater services that are, after all, the reason the Department exists.”
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
“I am grateful for the hard work and dedicated effort that is evident in the Performance Review of the Department of Watershed Management. The Performance Review offers many sound recommendations, a significant feat given the demands of creating this important review in a relatively short time period.
However, I believe the final analysis as it relates to rate setting and budgeting to be flawed because of a lack of understanding about what is happening in the credit and financial markets and the environment in which the City of Atlanta is currently operating. Additionally, the auditors have not anticipated some serious risk factors and what they mean in relation to the Department’s debt coverage.
These risk factors could pose a significant threat to interest rates, the amount of debt the Department is carrying and termination costs and would require the Department to make drastic cuts to its capital program, potentially falling out of compliance with Federal Consent Decree mandates.
Many variables impact the Department’s financial picture. It is my belief that the Performance Review seriously understates the impact of the international credit crisis on the City’s borrowing ability and has made assumptions about budgeting that cannot be supported in this current economic climate.
Therefore, I would recommend that, with the exception of implementing some of the operational recommendations set forth in the Performance Review, the City defer taking action on any financial recommendations for six months.
This would give the Department sufficient time to determine the direction the international financial markets are taking and make judgments that will allow it to continue to meet federal requirements as it provides the exceptional water and wastewater services that are, after all, the reason the Department exists.”
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
