Automobile Speeding On I-20

Douglas County Police are currently on the lookout for an automobile that is speeding (over 100 mph) on I-20 near the Chapel Hill Road exit.

January 2 BOC/P&Z Work Session Agenda

PLANNING & ZONING BOARD AND BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING AGENDA
January 2, 2006

APPROVAL of MINUTES
November 7, 2006 & November 9, 2006

AGENDA

Z2006-62 Joseph M. Dowda – Request for a rezoning from R-LD to C-C for a beauty shop at the property located at 4102 Highway 5: Land Lot(s) 92, District 2, Section 5, Parcel(s) 12. Lot size: 1.0 acre. TO BE HEARD BY BOC ONLY Tab [1]

S2007-01 Godwin M. Okpomo – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow a residential program facility for substance abuse & clients with psychiatric disorders at the property located at West County Line Road: Land Lot(s) 913, District 18, Section 3, Parcel(s) 3. Lot size: 1.333 acres. Tab [2]

Z2007-02 James W. Richards – Request for a rezoning from R-LD to C-H for a used car lot (will be combined with parcel 0360-182-0009) at the property located at Highway 78 East: Land Lot(s) 359, District 18, Section 2, Parcel(s) 14 & 15. Lot size: 0.67 acres.  Tab [3]

OTHER BUSINESS:
Consider updates to Article 8, Landscaping, Buffers & Tree Conservation, and to Article 3, Section 325 Day Care, of the Unified Development Code.

Consider overlays for the following areas:
Post Road @ I-20
Highway 92 Corridor (from Lee Road to City of Douglasville)

ADJOURN

Cocaine Trafficking In Carroll County

From The Times-Georgian:   Police say $500K in coke seized in bust Amanda Kramer
Sheriff's deputies seized approximately $550,000 worth of cocaine after an SUV was pulled over Tuesday for driving too slow on Interstate 20. Carroll County Sheriff Terry Langley said driver Edwin James Baker, 42, of Hampton, Va., was pulled over at the Pilot Truck Stop on Highway 113 in Temple when a deputy saw the Chevrolet Suburban driving 39 miles per hour	The drugs were found in a spare tire. Baker and passenger Edward Hunter, 49, of Dallas, Texas, were denied bond during a court hearing Wednesday on trafficking cocaine charges.

Fire Near Mall

From The Douglas County Sentinel:

A grass and brush fire burned over an acre near Arbor Place mall yesterday afternoon. No one was injured, and no structures were involved.

 

Academy Coming To Bremen

Special purpose local option sales tax and state funding will assist the Bremen City School System in building a 39 acre academy. Construction on Bremen Middle School and Bremen 4th and 5th Grade Academy is underway with a number of officials anticipating its arrival. Superintendent Stanley McCain says planning for the academy has lasted approximately five years. McCain says adding the academy has been needed for quite some time. McCain says the two story academy will have the capacity of 750 students starting out with 650. Grading is expected to be completed by this spring with the school completed by August of 2008.

Bit Cop

A Villa Rica police officer is recovering from a bite wound he received while attempting to arrest a Villa Rica resident. Authorities were dispatched early Sunday morning to the Ashland Highland subdivision to find 60 year old Eddie Wilkins acting suspicious. Upon questioning, Wilkins became violent and disorderly, authorities then attempted to take Wilson into custody when he failed to comply and bit officer Richard McCain on his left knee which required medical attention. Wilkins is being charged with criminal trespassing, disorderly conduct, felony obstruction and battery on a police officer.

Cocaine Trafficking

Charges of trafficking cocaine and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute among other charges have been filed against 30 year old Malik Morgan of Lithia Springs following a Saturday night incident that reportedly began when Morgan failed to stop at a stop sign in Carrollton and ended in a short foot chase about a half hour later near Villa Rica. Carrollton Police apprehended Morgan and reportedly found more than two ounces of powder cocaine in his possession, a .38 revolver on the ground where the chase ended and suspected marijuana inside his Chevrolet Suburban that he had abandoned in favor of running from officers. While trying to elude officers in the vehicle, Morgan had reportedly driven on the wrong side of the road, forcing on-coming patrol vehicles out of the way. In addition to the trafficking cocaine and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute charges, Morgan faces charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, aggravated assault on officers, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, fleeing and attempting to elude, obstruction, numerous traffic violations and had been wanted on two outstanding warrants from Douglasville. No one was injured during the pursuit.

Addition to BOC Agenda

Thanks to Losing Georgia (http://www.losinggeorgia.com) for the info.  Remember, the BOC meeting is tomorrow morning at 10am at Citizen's Hall in the Courthouse.  You can also watch the meeting live on DCTV channel 23.

 

27. Consideration of recommendation by Development Authority to enter into an Ad Valorem Tax Incentive Agreement with Google, the Development Authority, Tax Commissioner, and the Board of Assessors, and authorize Chairman to execute necessary Intergovernmental Agreement and related documents concerning Google's facility additions in exchange for various investments in capital improvements, jobs and wages. (Joe)

Fred's Discount Store Robbed

From The Franklin County Citizen:

 

The Lavonia Police Department reported that on Sunday night at approximately 10:06 p.m., a suspect entered the Lavonia Fred's Department Store on Augusta Road, taking a large amount of tobacco and over-the-counter cold medicines. The perpetrators used a concrete block to break open the front door window. The store alarm was activated and a video surveillance camera captured a disguised individual entering the store carrying a large cloth bag. The suspect was wearing dark pants, a short sleeve shirt over a dark, long sleeve shirt, a stocking cap with bill and was driving a white or gray in color 4-door vehicle.

Police Chief Randy Shirley said the individual was only in the store for 56 seconds and left in an awaiting vehicle. Shirley said Commerce was hit with a similar burglary approximately 40 minutes later. Commerce officials stated the vehicle was of a similar style; the perpetrators were described as wearing the same type clothing and may have been both black and white.

Chief Shirley said there were three other stores struck as well in Douglasville, Powder Springs and Forest Park in western Atlanta. A Lavonia Police Department detective is working with those agencies comparing similarities that have developed leads in the case. Shirley said that generally this time of year they see a higher incidence of crime and cautions people to be vigilant of their surroundings, whether inside or outside a store. He warns citizens not to use an ATM at night, but if they must, look for a machine that is well lit and can be driven up to.

Murder Suspect Captured In Douglasville

From the U.S. Marshals Service:

 

Ramondez Lamon Rivera, 28, was arrested by members of the U.S. Marshal's Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) and the Douglas County (GA) Sheriff's Department at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 15. Rivera, of Douglasville, GA, has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Kwana Burns, 28, who was killed in Anderson, SC, early on December 14.

Rivera is also considered a suspect in the murder of another woman in Anderson. The second victim was discovered at her home on Tuesday, December 12. Authorities have yet to charge Rivera in the second homicide.

Acting on a request for assistance from the Anderson, SC, Police Department, Deputy U.S. Marshals in South Carolina and the Operation Intercept task force worked with investigators from the SERFTF, the Anderson PD, and the Douglas County Sheriff's Department to establish Rivera's location in the Atlanta area. Once identified, an extensive surveillance was established on Rivera's location. He was arrested a short time later as he left his residence. He was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held in the Douglas County Jail in Georgia awaiting extradition to South Carolina.

BOC Meeting December 19

The meeting is Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Citizen's Hall In the courthouse.  There is no planning and zoning meeting this month.

 

WORK SESSION AGENDA DECEMBER 18, 2006
10:00 A.M. – BOARD ROOM

CITIZENS' BUSINESS

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Regular Commission Meeting of December 5, 2006.

PLAT APPROVALS – PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL (Cynde)
2. Brentwood Park

PLAT APPROVALS – FINAL PLAT ACCEPTANCE
3. Iroquois Commercial Park Expansion – Phase 2
4. Holly Springs, Unit 5G
5. Stone Haven
6. Riverside Ridge, Unit 1

PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER
7. Liquor License (Transfer) (Elise)
D'Salsa, Inc. d/b/a La Salsa Mexican Restaurant
411 Maxham Road – Suite 700, Austell, GA
(Licencee: Donna Villanueva)

8. Massage Therapist (New)
J & T Massage Therapists
411 Maxham Road - Suite 1100-B, Austell, GA
(Licencee: Jacqueline M. Williams – Teresa C. Cole

9. Massage Therapist (New)
A World Away LLC
5550 Twin Oak Drive, Douglasville, GA
(Licencee: Tracy Peringer)

BUSINESS
10. Rideshare requests authorization to file a grant application with GDOT for vans as well as a new park-and-ride lot in west Douglas County, approve the resolution and authorize the Chairman to sign the resolution and necessary documents. (Gary)

11. Juvenile Services has received $ 5,000 in funding from the Council of Juvenile Court Judges to purchase psychological evaluation services and drug screening kits for the grant cycle year October 1, 2006- September 30, 2007. There are no matching funds required. Authorize Chairman to sign the contract. (Jenny)

 

12. Information Services and the Board of Commissioners each have had employees retire. Funds are budgeted in the General Appropriation's Department to cover the retirement of any employees. Amend the budget by transferring $40,245 from General Appropriations Budget Reserve to Information Services Salaries in the amount of $11,575 and Board of Commissioners Salaries in the amount of $28,670. (Jennifer)

13. The County receives funds from Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) in which we act as a pass-thru agency for the Department of Family & Children Services. ARC has allocated more funds than budgeted. Amend the budget by increasing ARC Title III Revenue and Department of Family & Children Services Transfers out by $28,259.

14. Budget amendments must be made to reflect actual expenditures in the District Attorney, Sheriff and Law Library's special revenue funds for 2006.  Amend the following budgets by increasing:
• D.A. Asset Forfeiture Revenue & Expenditures by $150,000
• Sheriff Asset Forfeiture Funds Generated from Fund Balance & Expenditures by $260,000
• Commissary Funds Generated from Fund Balance & Expenditures by $60,000
• Law Library Funds Generated from Fund Balance & Expenditures by $35,000

15. Fire & EMS received donations in the amount of $1,163 for digital cameras and public relations  materials. Senior Center received additional revenue than originally budgeted in the amount of $4,500 for Senior Center Programs. Amend the budget by increasing Donations and Fire & EMS Minor Equipment by $1,163 and by increasing Senior Center Revenue and Senior Center Professional Services by $4,500.

16. The Victim Witness Department and State Court Public Defender had an employee leave and vacation time earned was paid out. This was not budgeted in either department; however, the District Attorney's Office has funds available to transfer to the Victim Witness Department and the General Appropriation's Department will transfer to the State Public Defender. Transfer $3,500 from District Attorney Salaries to Victim Witness Salaries and transfer $3,200 from General Appropriations Budget Reserve to State Public Defender Salaries.

17. The Board of Elections needs additional funds to cover the cost of the two runoffs this year. Amend budget by increasing Election Revenue and Board of Elections Supplies by $7,240.

18. All legal fees are originally paid out of the Legal Services Department.  Periodically, a request goes before the BOC to reallocate the budget funds and expenses to the appropriated departments. Transfer $55,000 from General Appropriations and $35,056 from Legal Services to the following departments' legal fees:
● Planning & Zoning $43,263

● Sheriff Enforcement $3,939
● Sheriff Detention $ 9,164

● Tax Commissioner $2,220
● Board of Elections $30,630

● Board of Assessors $ 840

19. Authorization to enter into agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation to receive funding of $200,000 for Red Light Running Photo Enforcement System to be located at the intersection of SR 6 (Thornton Rd) and SR 8/US78 (Bankhead Highway) and authorize Chairman to sign all required documents (Randy)

20. Award of proposal for aerial photography. (Diane)

21. Award of proposal for an electronic security camera system with digital recording for the Courthouse. (Diane)

22. Request a new classification of Deputy Sheriff (Recruit), Grade 21, be created for Sheriff's Office. (Stan)

23. Authorization for Chairman to sign Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council. (Ken)

24. Approval of Pension Plan Amendments recommended by the Pension Board of Trustees. (Ray)

25. Claims for tax credits per recommendation of Chief Appraiser. (Ken)

26. Selection of 2006 Honorees for Walk of Honor and Pathway of Service. (Wes)

27. Adoption of 2007 budget. (Jennifer)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS

EXECUTIVE SESSION - Personnel, Litigation, Land Acquisition

City Coucil Agenda

The meeting is Monday at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.  If you don't want to see Dorris Road turned into another Chapel Hill Road, attend the meeting.  The land is up for change of zoning so Rough Diamond Investments can build a subdivision.

 

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE CITY COUNCIL

Legislative Work Session

December 14, 2006 7:30 p.m.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Public Safety Committee/Dennis McLain
a. Request for an alcohol beverage license for Publix Super Market, Inc., DBA Publix Super Market #485 for a change in agent outlet manager for the retail package sale of wine and malt beverage at 3316 Georgia Highway 5. Application by Publix Super Market, Inc.

b. Request for an alcohol beverage license for Pizza Hut of America, Inc., DBA Pizza Hut for a change in agent outlet manager for the on premises sale and consumption of wine and malt beverage at 5636 Fairburn Road. Application by Pizza Hut of America, Inc.

c. Request for an alcohol beverage license for Kynn, Inc., DBA Chevron for the retail package sale of wine and malt beverage at 6590 Broad Street. Application by Kynn, Inc.

d. Request for an alcohol beverage license for Grade, Inc., DBA Hospital Drive Food Mart for the retail package sale of wine and malt beverage at 6036 Fairburn Road.

e. Adopt an ordinance amending the City's Alcoholic Beverages Ordinance to clarify serving hours for alcoholic beverages on Sundays which fall on December 31.

f. Adopt a revised Bond Schedule for the Douglasville Municipal Court.

g. Authorize the Mayor to sign a one-year Animal Control Agreement with the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, with the City to pay $40,000.00 to the County for special services.

5. Community & Economic Development Committee/John Schildroth

6. Planning & Zoning Committee/Michael Carter
a. Request approval of a final plat for Kensington Park Unit One on Lee Road south of Interstate 20. Application by Belans Properties, Inc.

b. Request for a change in zoning from R-A (Residential Agriculture District) in unincorporated Douglas County to R-3 (Single Family Detached Residential District) in the City for approximately 12 acres on Dorris Road adjacent to the North Douglas Elementary School. Application by Rough Diamond Investments, LLC.

c. Request for an amendment to the City's Future Land Use Plan from Urban Residential in unincorporated Douglas County to Low Density Single Family Detached in the City for approximately 12 acres on Dorris Road adjacent to the North Douglas Elementary School. Application by Rough Diamond Investments, LLC.

d. Request to annex approximately 12 acres on Dorris Road adjacent to the North Douglas Elementary School. Application by Rough Diamond Investments, LLC.

e. Request for an amendment to the DCD (Design Concept Development District) of The Villages of Riverview in order to re-configure the existing DCD concept plan to relocate the R-2 (Single Family Detached Residential District) base zone to the south, to relocate the R-3 (Single Family Detached Residential District) base zone to the midsection and to the northeast, and to relocate the R-6-T (Single Family Attached Townhouse Residential District) base zone to the northwest corner on approximately 888.438 acres located at Georgia Highway 92 (Fairburn Road) and South Riverside parkway. Application by Falling Water, Inc.

f. Refer to the City Zoning Board a proposed text change to the City of Douglasville's Zoning Code to prohibit signs lighted with LCD, and to prohibit unused sign structures.

7. Parks & Recreation/Roy Mims
a. Appoint Pete Rattigan and Mel Halfon to the City's Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for at-large terms extending through December 31, 2008; and as league representatives on the City's Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee extending through December 31, 2007, appoint Barry Gamel from Douglas County Soccer Association, Danny Barrow from Douglasville Girls Softball, and Amy Cogdill from Douglasville Tiger Cubs Football.

8. Finance Committee/Henry Mitchell III
a. Authorize the Mayor to sign a one-year extension of the City's agreement with Perky Clean, Inc., extending through December 31, 2007.

9. Telecommunications Committee/Henry Mitchell III

10. Maintenance & Sanitation Committee/Charles Banks

11. Transportation Committee/Michael Carter

12. Personnel & Organization Committee/Roy Mims
a. Adopt a resolution interpreting Ordinance O-97-56.

13. Ordinances & Intergovernmental Committee/Callye B. Holmes

14. Other Business

15. City Attorney/Joel Dodson

16. Assistant City Attorney/Suzan Littlefield

17. City Manager/Bill Osborne

18. Comments from Citizens and Delegates

B&N To Open In Newnan

Barnes & Noble is currently hiring in all departments for a new location in Newnan.  Newnan is quickly growing to become more like Douglasville.  My prediction is that Douglasville will have a Barnes & Noble sometime next year.  I like Borders, but I like Barnes & Noble more.  Barnes & Noble hosts more book events than our local Borders does and they also offer a better selection of books.  But what would this mean for Douglasville's only independently owned bookstore, Douglasville Books?  I think as long as people are willing to buy and trade used books, there will always be a need for Douglasville Books.  If I didn't take my used books to Douglasville books, my room would be overflowing with books!

Refinery Fire In Douglasville

From 11alive.com:

 

Douglas Co. Refinery Fire Doused

Reported By: Elaine Reyes Web Editor: Leigha Baugham Last Modified: 12/13/2006 1:39:13 PM The investigation continued Wednesday after a fire in a 26,000 gallon tank at a refinery plant in Douglasville. The fire happened at the Young Refining Plant in Douglasville just off Bankhead Highway. A tank of molten asphalt caught fire and caused an explosion just before 5 a.m. Wednesday. Witness David Kearney saw it all unfold while he was working at a motel just across the street. "It was frightening right at first, I guess I was expecting the worst," said Kerney. Douglas County firefighters worked fast to control the fire, pouring a steady stream of water that was able to put the blaze out in about two hours. There were no injuries, no evacuations or environmental repercussions from the fire. "When you're dealing with a refinery, with asphalt you always the possibility that something like that might happen. They know the back roads in, the front roads in and they were able to respond very, very quickly," said Wes Tallon, Douglas County spokesperson.

Carroll Chamber Of Commerce Approves Subdivision

Editor's Note:  Part of this development will be in Douglas County.  Get ready for even more traffic.

 

The Wolf Creek Development proposed by Temple-Inland has received the approval of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The endorsement also comes with recommendations to work with southeast Carroll County residents and other stakeholders throughout the planning and development process, and Temple-Inland President Bob Young says that has been the intention from the start. The Chamber board's vote of support this week cites the Wolf Creek development as a 'valuable project that will provide quality housing, shopping, employment, services and recreational opportunities for new and existing citizens.' A rezoning request to accommodate the 11 thousand plus acre development was officially submitted to the County Board of Commissioners just more than 2 years ago.

Chase Leads To Search

A high speed chase that occurred Saturday afternoon has left the Haralson County Sheriff's Department searching for a 21 year old Villa Rica man. Jonathan Neal Wynn was driving a blue GMB Z-71 pick-up truck as he eluded officers from the Hair Cuttery located at Bremen Corners on Highway 27 to Highway 16 towards Mt. Zion. Wynn is described as a white male 6 feet in height weighing 155 pounds with green eyes and brown hair. Wynn was originally sought for failure to appear on two counts of violation of the Georgia controlled substances act. Wynn could be charged with three counts of aggravated assault on police officers, felony obstruction of an officer, possession of a firearm while committing a crime and one count of reckless conduct. If anyone has further information on the whereabouts of Wynn they are asked to contact the Haralson County Sheriff's department.

Towns Being Dropped off the Georgia Map

I'm listing notable or familiar towns.

 

Batesville

BILL ARP  HOW DARE THEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bowden Junction

Cedar Grove

Chattoogaville

Clem

Evans (near Augusta)

FAIRPLAY

Hollonville

Lowell (if you go west down Hwy 5, past Hwy 166, you'll eventually run into Lowell)

Lost Mountain

Macland

Marble Hill

McWorter

Nacoochee

New Georgia (near Hiram, I think)

New Hope

North Canton

Okefenokee

Owensboro

Pleasant Hill

Raytown

Retreat

Roscoe (near Callaway Gardens, I think)

Sand Hill (near Carrollton)

Scottsboro

Sea Island (How can you leave off Sea Island????)

 

But leaving Bill Arp off...that's HUGE.  Bill Arp, if I'm not mistaken, was here before Douglasville ever existed.  Bill Arp was named after Charles Henry Smith, who wrote essays under the name Bill Arp, who Bill Arp Elementary School is named after..  I've grown up in the Bill Arp community and have lived there for 24 of my 26 years.  I just don't understand how or why they would take Bill Arp off the map.

 

Georgia Dropping Nearly 500 Commmunities Off Its Map

This is insane!  Why would Georgia do this??  There will be a follow-up post on towns near Douglas County that have been dropped.

 

By GREG BLUESTEIN, AP

CHATTOOGAVILLE, Ga. (Dec. 9) -- Poetry Tulip has vanished. So have Due West and Po Biddy Crossroads. Cloudland and Roosterville are gone, too.

A total of 488 communities have been erased from the latest version of Georgia's official map, victims of too few people and too many letters of type.

Georgia's Department of Transportation, which drew the new map, said that the goal was to make it clearer and less cluttered and that many of the dropped communities were mere "placeholders," generally with fewer than 2,500 people. Some are unincorporated and so small they are not even recognized by the Census Bureau.

The state began handing out the new map at rest stops and welcome centers over the summer.

Gone are such places as Dewy Rose, Hemp, Experiment, Retreat, Wooster, Sharp Top and Chattoogaville, a spot in far northwestern Georgia that consists of little more than a two-truck volunteer fire department, a few farmhouses and a country store where locals fill up their gas tanks.

"We're not under obligation to show every single community," department spokeswoman Karlene Barron said. "While we want to, there's a balancing act. And the map was getting illegible."

That doesn't ease the snub to the people who live in those places.

"This gets back to respect for rural areas," said Dennis Holt, who is leading a community group that wants to restore the good name of western Georgia's Hickory Level, population 1,000, which was founded in 1828 and recently put up five new welcome signs. "I'm not sure we're going to accomplish anything, but I would have felt bad about myself if I didn't say something about it."

Mapmaking criteria vary by state, and it is not unusual for a little housecleaning over time, often to get rid of place names now considered racially offensive. But other states said it is almost unheard of to see hundreds of communities given the boot in a single year.

In Texas, few of the 2,076 cities and towns are ever deleted because of strict standards that weigh whether a spot is along a state highway, has a post office or boasts a population of 50 or more.

Rand McNally, which as North America's biggest commercial mapmaker sells its maps at gas stations and bookstores, is not going to follow Georgia's example. It said a change of even just a dozen place names on its state maps is rare.

"Our criteria for keeping towns on the map is not just population," said Joel Minster, the company's chief cartographer. "We won't take a town off the map if we can confirm there's still a landmark - even if there's no people there."

The mapmaker generally deals with clutter by varying the size and style of its print.

Because of the complaints, Georgia transportation officials said will they take another look at their guidelines for what constitutes a "community."

"It's going to take a little bit of work and time, but I think maybe we can get it resolved," said state Rep. Tim Bearden, who represents a western Georgia county that includes Hickory Level and eight other towns removed from the map. "It's about history and heritage. And if you're going down the road and you're trying to find an area that's been on the map and they're not, they make good landmarks."

Some, though, do not seem to mind that their hometowns have vanished.

12-09-06 01:45 EST

Restaurant Inspection Scores

I'm including only a fraction of recent (not very recent, but these are the most recent) inspection scores.  Also, other states mention why the restaurant may have gotten a low score, like the presence of rodents or unclean surfaces--Douglas County Board of Health does not do this, but I think they should.  Citizens should know about the cleanliness (or non-cleanliness) of a restaurant before they choose to eat there.  90 and above is passing.  90 is just barely passing, 100 is a perfect score.

 

Restaurant, Last Score & Date, Previous Score & Date

 

Alpine Steakhouse  8/17/06 100     7/27/06  100

Applebee's Bar & Grill  8/7/06  78      3/2/06  100

Asia Buffet  8/18/06  98          8/9/06  95

Bonz  8/16/06  96         3/10/06  100

Boys And Girls Club of America  8/28/06  79      12/20/04 94

Carollo's Restaurant  8/22/06  92      8/18/06  77

Charley's Steakery (Arbor Place Mall)  8/11/06  100  (No previous score)

China Liu's  8/1/06  88     9/13/06  100

China Star  8/3/06  93      9/16/06  97

Chinese Pagoda Restaurant  8/9/06  100      8/8/06  62

Cracker Barrel  8/17/06  100      8/14/06  88

Dairy Queen (Stewart Pkwy)  8/7/06  97     8/2/06  77

Fabiano's  8/15/06  95     8/14/06  70

Fire Mountain  8/10/06  74      2/27/06  93

Golden Corral  8/4/06  93   3/23/06  72

Golden Dragon (Thorton Rd)  8/15/06  86    8/10/06  77

Hudson's Hickory House 8/15/06  88   8/15/06  70 (fishy, fishy...)

Iron Horse BBQ  8/29/06  86    2/21/06  98

Joe's Crab Shack  8/7/06  94     6/13/06  93

Johnny's New York Style Pizza  8/15/06  92  9/20/05  100

Kentucky Fried Chicken  8/15/06  94    8/11/06  77

The Olive Tree  8/9/06  82    4/17/06  79

Shoney's (Thorton Rd)  8/23/06  88    8/9/06  80

T.G.I. Friday's  8/1/06  90    7/19/06  95

Tokyo Japanese Steak House  8/1/06  95   8/27/04  83

Waffle House (in front of Wal-Mart on Concourse Pkwy)  8/18/06  92     8/16/06  73

Wendy's  8/10/06  93    5/25/06  100

 

And a lot of restaurants aren't listed on the Douglas Public Health website.  And it's kind of fishy that the earlier inspection is a failing score, then the inspector goes back a day or a few days later and voila!  A passing score.  Douglas County has to share their public health website with Cobb County.  So keep these scores in mind the next time you go out to eat...and ponder the fact that all of these restaurants haven't been inspected since August.

Banning Mills Fire Suspected Arson

From the Times-Georgian:

 

Arson suspected in Banning fire By Amanda Kramer

Investigators suspect the Thanksgiving night fire at Historic Banning Mills was purposely set, possibly to cover up a burglary. Carroll County Fire Chief Gary Thomas said the fire department and sheriff's office are following up on leads and information that indicate the fire that caused more than $1.8 million in damages to the Whitesburg convention and resort lodge could be an arson case. "Our information indicates the fire was possibly set to cover up a burglary," Thomas said. "We are investigating this as an intentionally set fire and have developed information through the examination of the scene and interviews the fire was set intentionally."

Thomas said arson investigators continued to interview more people and follow leads in what he described as a "solvable investigation." He said at this point in the investigation authorities believe more than one person was involved in the incident. "We feel there is additional information out there that would be helpful to the investigation," he said. "We're still examining evidence to determine exactly how the fire started and where it started." The resort's main, 10,000-square-foot building was engulfed in flames that spread to two smaller buildings and ignited brush fires.

Properties in Douglasville For Sale

I joined a website that allows one to view properties for sale.  Some interesting places up for sale:

 

Fire Mountain Restaurant--they're asking $2.6 million.  Not sure if this includes the actual restaurant or just the building.

 

The carwash across the street from Hudson's is also for sale.  Wasn't this just built about a year ago?

 

The Checkers, or rather the land it is on, is for sale.  So I wouldn't be surprised if Checkers will have to be moved or torn down to make way for Hwy 92.

Another Water Spill Near Anneewakee Creek

A transfer line clogged with rags is being blamed for a six thousand gallon spill being reported this week by the Douglasville-Douglas County water and sewer authority. The spill into a tributary of Anneewakee Creek was reported Monday morning and authority crews had cleared the obstruction and restored the line to working order about four hours later. Environmental agencies and the local media have been notified, and no further action or detrimental effects are anticipated in connection with the spill.

Truck Crashes Into Home

A pickup truck crashed into a home near Forest Road (this isn't the exact name of the road, can't remember it) and Hwy 92 this afternoon.  FOX5 News just reported on it.  They said drugs might have been involved.  My mother saw two heliocopters hovering near the train tracks and one of them was from FOX5.  We'll see if this is in the Sentinel tomorrow.  I think their press deadline is about 4pm because I usually can access tomorrow's articles on their website around 5pm.

Shooting Suspect Caught

A 31 year old Carrollton man is in custody on two counts of aggravated assault in connection with the November 26th shooting incident that critically injured 26 year old Justin Barker of Villa Rica. Derrick Bailey was apprehended Friday at a motel in Douglasville after Carrollton police called the U.S. Marshall's office for assistance in their search. Police Captain Chris Dobbs says the Marshall's Office Southeast Regional Task Force did an excellent job locating Bailey and bringing him into custody hours after the call. Bailey is accused of firing a handgun multiple times outside a birthday party gathering at a warehouse site on Columbia Drive. Barker was shot once in the chest and remains hospitalized.

City of Douglasville City Council Meeting December 4, 2006

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE CITY COUNCIL

Regular Meeting

December 4, 2006 7:30 p.m.

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Minutes of previous regular meeting of November 20, 2006, executive session of November 16, 2006, and legislative session of November 16, 2006.

5. Consent Agenda:
Community & Economic Development Committee/John Schildroth
a. 21-06-46 - Appoint Dr. Robbie Pope to the City's Historic Preservation Commission to complete the unexpired three-year term of former member Joycie C. Wren, which extends through December 31, 2007.

Planning & Zoning Committee/Michael Carter
a. 22-06-99 - Refer to the City Zoning Board a proposed text change to the City's Zoning Code to add libraries and social service centers as accessory uses to a church, to add "church as an accessory use" to the zoning use chart, to limit the relocation of certain non-conforming signs pursuant to a road widening project, and to make other revisions for the purpose of consistency.

b. 22-06-100 - Cancel the public hearing on the City of Douglasville's possible implementation of impact fees scheduled for Monday, December 11, with a new date to be set later.

Parks & Recreation/Roy Mims
a. 23-06-37 - Authorize the Mayor to sign all documents necessary to finalize the City's purchase of two parcels of land adjacent to Davis Park, funded in part by a Land and Water Conservation grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

b. 23-06-38 - Authorize the Mayor to sign the Renewal Agreement with the Douglas County Board of Education and the City of Douglasville for calendar 2007 for the reciprocal use of recreational and/or school facilities.

Finance Committee/Henry Mitchell III
a. 24-06-36 - Accept the presentation by the actuarial firm of Mauldin & Jenkins concerning the June 30, 2006, City of Douglasville Financial Report and audit findings.

b. 24-06-37 - Authorize the City Finance Director to solicit Requests for Proposals from Certified Public Accountant firms for GASB 45 services for the City of Douglasville.

c. 24-06-38 - Adopt an ordinance to amend the City's General Fund budget, Sanitation Fund budget, Conference Center budget, Convention and Visitors Bureau budget, and Police Department Drug Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2006 - 2007.

Telecommunications Committee/Henry Mitchell III
a. 25-06-13 - Authorize the Mayor to sign a Deed to Landlord and Termination of Agreement and related documents with New Cingular Wireless PCS, accepting ownership of that company's fixtures located on the City's 806 radio communications tower site and terminating the parties' lease agreement due to merger of that company with another City tenant.

Personnel & Organization Committee/Roy Mims
a. 28-06-23 - Adopt a resolution authorizing the City's Human Resources Department and Finance Department to prepare and distribute one-time Christmas season payments to City employees.

b. 28-06-24 - Adopt a resolution to clarify the maximum amount per month the City of Douglasville will pay in calendar 2007 for health insurance and for dental insurance for current or retired City employees and elected officials, and for their dependent coverage.

Ordinances & Intergovernmental Committee/Callye B. Holmes
a. 29-06-14 - Adopt an ordinance to repeal City Code Section 14-26 regarding the duty of a proprietor of a pool room or bowling alley to prohibit underage patrons, to repeal Section 70-108 regarding the duty of a proprietor to clean sidewalks, to amend Section 74-2 regarding outdoor display of merchandise to conform to the existing requirements of the City Zoning Code, and to amend Section 4.07 of the City Development Code Ordinance to prohibit use of non-residential parking spaces for uses other than parking for permitted special outdoor events.

6. Public Safety Committee/Dennis McLain
a. 20-06-75 - Consider the request of the City of Douglasville's Legal Department to revoke, suspend, probate, or otherwise sanction all alcoholic beverage licenses of N & Y Investments, Inc., and Jyotsna Aksar DBA R & R Superette at 7714 West Bankhead Highway (West Broad Street) due to sale of alcoholic beverages to a minor in violation of the Douglasville Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance.

b. 20-06-77 - Consider the request of the City of Douglasville's Legal Department to revoke, suspend, probate, or otherwise sanction all alcoholic beverage licenses of Racetrac Petroleum, Inc. and Tibias Clements DBA Racetrac #636 at 656 Thornton Road due to sale of alcoholic beverages to a minor in violation of the Douglasville Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance.

c. 20-06-78 - Request for an alcohol beverage license for Taco Feliz, Inc., DBA Taco Feliz for a transfer of the license and a change in agent outlet manager for the on premises sale of wine and malt beverage at 5975 Fairburn Road. Application by Taco Feliz, Inc.

7. Community & Economic Development Committee/John Schildroth

8. Planning & Zoning Committee/Michael Carter

9. Parks & Recreation Committee/Roy Mims

10. Finance Committee/Henry Mitchell III

11. Telecommunications Committee/Henry Mitchell III

12. Maintenance & Sanitation Committee/Charles Banks

13. Transportation Committee/Michael Carter

14. Personnel & Organization Committee/Roy Mims

15. Ordinances & Intergovernmental Committee/Callye B. Holmes

16. Other Business

17. City Attorney/Joel Dodson

18. Assistant City Attorney/Suzan Littlefield

19. City Manager/Bill Osborne

20. Comments from Citizens and Delegates --PLEASE show up if you want to voice your opinions!

Found On Carrollton's B92.1 FM Website

A 15 hundred gallon spill is being reported by the Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority this week. The spill reportedly occurred Monday between Anneewakee lifts stations number one and lift station number 2, impacting a portion of a tributary to the creek. Authority crews spent about six hours repairing an air release valve that apparently failed. Notices have been posted and state environmental officials have been notified. No further action or adverse effects are anticipated.

Construction

DUNCAN STREET BETWEEN ADAIR STREET AND MELROSE DRIVE IS CLOSED TO THROUGH TRAFFIC TO REPLACE A COLLAPSED DRAIN PIPE. THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO LAST THROUGH JANUARY. DETOUR SIGNS ARE POSTED.

BEGINNING DECEMBER 4TH, MAONREY MILL ROAD BETWEEN GRESHAM AND PRICKETT ROADS WILL BE CLOSED TO THROUGH TRAFFIC FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A SEWER LINE. THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE APPROXIMATELY 3 - 4 DAYS, WEATHER PERMITTING. DETOUR SIGNS WILL BE POSTED.

BOC WORK SESSION AGENDA

The meeting will be held on December 5 at 10:00 a.m.  There are FIVE subdivisions up for approval!!  This is insane!  Every single school in the county is already overcrowded and most likely the roads these subdivisions are on are already filled with traffic.

 

 

WORK SESSION AGENDA  DECEMBER 4, 2006  10:00 A.M. – BOARD ROOM

CITIZENS' BUSINESS

PRESENTATIONS
• Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) – Terry DeMeo King, representative from Chattahoochee Hill Country.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Regular Commission Meeting of November 21, 2006.

RESOLUTIONS
2. Resolution urging the Georgia Public Service Commission to discontinue allowing cities to tax unincorporated area citizens.

PLAT APPROVALS – FINAL PLAT ACCEPTANCE (Cynde)
3. Hickory Stone
4. Holly Springs, Unit 5G
5. Providence Walk (Revised)
6. British Mills, Phase 2
7. Stone Haven

PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER
8. Liquor License (Transfer) (Elise)
D'Salsa, Inc. d/b/a La Salsa Mexican Restaurant
411 Maxham Road - Suite 700, Austell, GA 30168
(Applicant: Donna Villanueva)

9. Proposed 2007 budget. (Jennifer)

 

10. The Public Defender requests a $25,000 transfer to cover a murder case that had originally been marked as a death penalty case but the State has decided not to seek the death penalty. Authorize the transfer of $25,000 from Conflict Case – Death Penalty to Conflict Case – Indigent. (Jennifer)

11. Authorization for Chairman to execute annual agreements with the City of Douglasville for Animal Control Services, the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and History Commissioner, Sheriff's Department Chaplain, Clinton Farm Caretaker, Cultural Arts Center, Julia Banks (Probation Office), SHARE House, Sherrod and Bernard, Virginia Whaley lease, Juvenile
Prosecutor and Juvenile Defender.

12. Authorization for Chairman to execute annual employment agreements and approval of supplements for Elected Officials and State employees.

13. Renewal of Copier Maintenance Agreement for 2007 with Douglasville Office Equipment. (Diane)

14. Claims for tax refunds or credits per recommendation of Chief Appraiser. (Eric)

DISCUSSION ITEMS – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

15. Sewer Hookup at Fire Station #6. (Scott)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS

EXECUTIVE SESSION - Personnel, Litigation, Land Acquisition

Rate Local Businesses!

I found this website that lets you rate businesses from most (or all) cities in Georgia.  You do have to sign up to rate them, but I'm sure it's free.  The direct link to Douglasville is http://www.ikarma.com/biz/Georgia/Douglasville/

October's New Business Licenses

A&M Fashions, A Helping Hand, Advanced Metal Creations, Alaska's Finest Seafoods, Asha's Bookkeeping, Bargain House, Biggs Barber Shop, C&K Transport, Callao Construction Inc, Chrome Masters, Cooper Flooring, Diversified Business, Divine Lawn Care, Four Paws Pet Sitting Service, Gowebmart.com, Incredible Events LLC, K & C Towing, Kellat Construction, Maran Real Estate LLC, Marlo's Framers, Mobil Food Mart, Omniworks International, Owens Floor Systems LLC, Power Controls & Testings, Quality Painting, Renal Life Link, Inc; Rylee Homes LLC, Salon Locators.com LLC, Scrubs, Staffing Priorities LLC, Tido Tech International, Unlimited Business, Utopia Dance Company, Vishaal Management INC, West Georgia Dream Homes, Worldwide Trade, 4 Seasons Self Storage

 

 

Tuesday's BOC Meeting

If anyone opposes the THREE subdivisions up for final acceptance, PLEASE go to tomorrow's meeting.  It is at 10:00 a.m. at Citizen's Hall in the Courthouse.

 

COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA NOVEMBER 21 2006
10:00 A.M. – CITIZENS' HALL

INVOCATION - Judge Barbara Caldwell, Magistrate Court

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Regular Commission Meeting of November 7, 2006

PRESENTATIONS
2. Presentation of check from September Saturdays to Mitzi Teal of Communities in Schools.

PLAT APPROVALS – FINAL PLAT ACCEPTANCE (Cynde)
3. River Walk, Unit 7
4. The Gates at Chapel Hill
5. Westpoint at Riverside

CONSENT AGENDA
6. The Fire & EMS Department needs an estimated $40,000 for auto gas and auto repair for the remainder of the year. Amend budget by transferring $40,000 from Fire & EMS Salaries to Fire & EMS Auto Gas in the amount of $35,000 and Auto Maintenance in the amount of $5,000.

7. The Board of Equalization needs an estimated $7,000 for meetings and training for the remainder of the year. Amend budget by increasing Funds Generated from Fund Balance and Board of Equalization Professional Services by $7,000.

8. Various insurance reimbursement checks for damages to County vehicles have been received. Amend the budget by increasing Insurance Claims Revenue by $20,997 and by increasing Auto Repair and Vehicles in the following departments: Fire & EMS by $1,814 and Sheriff Enforcement by $19,183.

9. The Senior Services Transportation Department needs approximately $18,000 for gas and repair/maintenance for remainder of the year. Amend the budget by increasing Funds Generated from Fund Balance and Senior Services Transportation Auto Gas & Auto Repair by $18,000.

 

10. The Department of Transportation sold/traded equipment to purchase new pieces of equipment. Because more pieces of equipment were sold/traded than originally anticipated, the budget needs to be amended to reflect this additional transaction as well as the corrected value of the new equipment purchased. Amend the budget by increasing Sale of Fixed Assets by $103,487 and Department of Transportation Machinery & Equipment by $143,487 and Funds Generated from Fund Balance by $40,000.

11. The Sheriff Enforcement Department and Fire & EMS received donations in the amount of $1,717. These departments request these funds be placed in their budget for Meth Task Force expenditures and for fire safety educational handouts/materials. Amend the budget by increasing Donations by $1,717 and by increasing Sheriff Enforcement Public Relations by $717 and by increasing Fire & EMS Public Relations by $1,000.

12. The Sheriff Department received a $25,590 grant from Office of Justice Programs. Only $6,000 was budgeted for this grant so the budget needs to be amended for the additional amount received. Amend the budget by increasing Federal Grants by $19,590 and increasing Bullet Proof Vest Grant by $19,590.

13. The Courthouse Maintenance Department received a bid for the Courthouse security camera upgrade project. They need $40,000 in additional funds to complete this project. The Sheriff's Asset Forfeiture Account has contributed $20,000. Amend the budget by increasing Transfers In by $20,000, Funds Generated from Fund Balance by $20,000 and Courthouse Maintenance Machinery & Equipment by $40,000.

14. Renewal of property and casualty insurance with Travelers for the premium of $554,281 through McIntosh/Public Risk Underwriters; and renewal of County's Public Official and Law Enforcement Insurance with CNA for the premium of $188,362.48 through McIntosh/Public Risk Underwriters (Agent of Record). Total Premium, all lines, $742,580.48 for the term: 12/1/06 through 12/1/07.

15. Authorize the Chairman to sign the Sanitary Sewer Easement for Braylen Manor, LLC and the associated agreement.

16. Authorization to enter into Supplemental Agreement #1 with the Georgia Department of Transportation to amend the final completion date for Project #PI 007127 (Curve Safety Action Plan).

 

NEW BUSINESS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS

CITIZENS' BUSINESS

 

Publix Caught Selling To Minors

I went to the Publix on Hwy 5 Friday night and as I passed the aisle that usually holds the beer and wine I noticed an employee putting up packages of toilet paper--and there was no wine and beer to be seen. Later my mother said she overheard someone saying the store had been caught on Tuesday or Wednesday of last week selling alchohol to minors and had been put on probation. I've heard of convienience stores in the county being put on probation, but never a grocery store. How can a grocery store, whose checkout lanes display signs that say they won't sell alcohol to anyone under 21, illegally sell alcohol to minors? It's definitely something to think about and a problem that needs to be solved.

Board Of Commissioner's Meeting Tuesday 10 A.M.

WORK SESSION AGENDA NOVEMBER 6, 2006 10:00 A.M. – BOARD ROOM

CITIZENS’ BUSINESS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Regular Commission Meeting of October 17, 2006

PRESENTATIONS
2. Fire Department’s 30th Anniversary Yearbook – Chief Spencer

PLAT APPROVALS – PRELIMINARY PLATS (Cynde)
3. The Shoppes at Chapel Hill

PLAT APPROVALS – FINAL PLAT ACCEPTANCE (Cynde)
4. Chaparral Ridge at Anneewakee, Unit Four
5. Dog River Reserve
6. Timber Ridge
7. The Estates at Dorsett Bridge

BUSINESS
8. Authorization to transfer $90, 000 from Salaries line item to Gas & Oil line
item in order to cover anticipated expenditures in Sheriff’s Department for
the remainder of 2006. (Stan)

9. Acceptance of State of Georgia H.E.A.T. Grant for the Sheriff’s Office and
allocate $92, 591 for matching funds from the fund balance. (Stan)

10. Award of bid for a vehicle for County Administrator. (Diane)

11. Award of bid for a signal, maintenance truck, custom bucket for Department
of Transportation. (Diane)

12. Renewal of County’s Property and liability insurance. (Diane)

13. Renewal of County’s Public Official and Law Enforcement Insurance. (Diane)

14. Approval of First Amendment to Intergovernmental Service Agreement with
the City of Douglasville regarding Chapel Hill Road traffic signals. (Randy)

15. Authorization to enter into an agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation for Project #0007950 Chapel Hill Road at Central Church Road/Bomar Road and Project #0007951 Chapel Hill Road @ Dorsett Shoals Road/Anneewakee Road and authorize Chairman to sign documents. (Randy)

16. Recommendations from the Benefits Committee regarding Health Insurance for County employees for year December 1, 2006 through November 30, 2007. (Ray)

17. Authorization to transmit an LCI (Living Centers Initiative) Application for a
study of the Highway 92 emerging corridor. (Amy)

18. Authorization to place a limitation of use on a portion of Dog River area park property.

19. Authorization to execute Limited Warranty Deed and Agreement for In-Kind Services and Purchase of Property and Flood Easement for expansion of the Dog River Reservoir.

20. Approval of Assistant Public Defender employment contract with Anthony G. Davis and authorize Chairman to sign contract.

21. Claims for Tax Refunds per recommendation of Chief Appraiser.

22. Consideration of Merit System proposals recommended by the Personnel Review Board: (Ray)
• Section 13-52 – Recruitment for Vacant Positions
• Section 13-14 - Definitions
• Section 13-100 (4) (5) – Types of Disciplinary Actions
• Section 13-113 - Procedures

DISCUSSION ITEMS – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
23. The 2007 meeting schedules.
24. Shoe Shine Stand/Operator in the Courthouse. (Diane)

ANNOUNCEMENTS
COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS
EXECUTIVE SESSION - Personnel, Litigation, Land Acquisition

Planning & Zoning Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ZONING BOARD AND BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING AGENDA
November 9, 2006

AGENDA

S2006-73 Ora Wisdom – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow an in-home daycare at the property located at 4320 Midway Drive: Land Lot(s) 834, District 18, Section 2, Parcel(s) 10. Lot size: 0.96 acres. Tab [6]

S2006-74 Faith Eagle Ministries International – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow a church at the property located at 561 Thornton Road, Suite P: Land Lot(s) 425, District 18, Section 2, Parcel(s) 3. Lot size: 4.02 acres. Tab [7]

Z2006-76 Wellstone Housing Corporation – Request for a rezoning from R-LD to R-TC for an “over 55” townhome community at the property located at 3263 McKown Road: Land Lot(s) 632, District 18, Section 2, Parcel(s) 3. Lot size: 23.63 Acres Tab [8]

S2006-79 T-Mobile South, LLX – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow a 150’ monopole telecommunications tower & associated ground equipment at the property located at 3095 Bright Star Road: Land Lot(s) 131, District 2, Section 5, Parcel(s) 9. Lot size: 1.886 acres. Tab [9]

Z2006-80 Platinum Development – Request for a rezoning from R-LD to R-TC for a townhome community at the property located at 7172 & 7170 North County Line Road & 7145, 7147 & 7157 Miller Street: Land Tab [10]

OTHER BUSINESS:
Consider updates to Article 3, Section 312 (a) (1) of the Unified Development Code

ADJOURN

If you have any concerns or wish to voice your opinion on any of the developments listed above, PLEASE show up at the Planning and Zoning meeting next Tuesday night at 6:00p.m. at Citizen's Hall in the Courthouse. Note there are TWO townhome developments up for approval. Does the county really need any more townhomes???

P&Z & BOC Meeting Results Oct. 3

PLANNING & ZONING BOARD AND BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING RESULTS

October 3, 2006

S2006-59 Donald Jackson – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow a church at the property located at 4917 Highway 92: Land Lot(s) 139, District 1, Section 5, Parcel(s) 16. Lot size: 8.73 acres. Approved with Conditions

Z2006-64 Atlanta West Holdings, LLC – Request for a rezoning from R-A to C-C for office and retail space at the property located at 8851 Highway 78: Land Lot(s) 172, District 2, Section 5, Parcel(s) 11. Lot size: 8.2 Acres. Withdrawn without Prejudice

S2006-65 Yelena Grinchuk & Victor Evic – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow a church at the property located at 2441 Pope Road: Land Lot(s) 83, District 1, Section 5, Parcel(s) 183. Lot size: 7.2 Acres. Approved with Conditions

Z2006-66 Catalyst Real Estate Ventures, LLC – Request for a rezoning from C-H & R-LD to R-TC & C-G for an active adult mixed use cluster homes & neighborhood retail center at the property located at Highway 92: Land Lot(s) 80 & 82, District 1, Section 5, Parcel(s) 1 & 1. Lot size: 38.86 acres. Tabled
until 11/07/2006

S2006-67 Monique Webster-Lamb – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow an in-home daycare at the property located at 5229 Overlook Lane: Land Lot(s) 63, District 1, Section 5, Parcel(s) 40. Lot size: 1.0 acre. DENIED

S2006-69 Steven & Nancy Mitchell– Request for a Special Use Permit to allow a 60’ x 120” covered riding arena at the property located at 7362 Highway 5: Land Lot(s) 82, District 3, Section 5, Parcel(s) 3. Lot size: 4.49 acres. DENIED

S2006-70 Exxell Developers, Inc. – Request for a rezoning from LI-R to R-TC for a 173 unit townhouse development at the property located at Skyview Drive @ Sweetwater Creek: Land Lot(s) 524, District 18, Section 2, Parcel(s) 1. Lot size: 50.48 acres. DENIED

OTHER BUSINESS

Consider updates to Article 9, Section 907 (b) (1); Article 15, Section 1502 (c) (2) (b); Article 15, Section 1503 – Definition of “Dwelling Unit” and “Family”; and, Article 10, Section 1019, (a) (2) of the Unified Development Code and to consider the revised delineation of the Dog River Watershed and adoption of the Official Zoning Map of Douglas County.

ALL PROPOSED AMENDMENTS/UPDATE WERE APPROVED

Burglary Suspects Caught, Search On For One

Two burglary suspects were arrested when officers stopped them at the Avalon Township off Highway 92 today. One suspect remains at large. No word if these are the burglary suspects that have been hitting banks in the area recently.

Douglasville City Council Meeting

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
October 2, 2006 8:00 p.m.

AGENDA
1. Call to Order

2. Invocation

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Minutes of previous regular meeting of September 18, 2006, and legislative session of September 14, 2006.

5. Public Safety Committee/Dennis McLaina. 20-06-54 - Request for an alcohol beverage license for Carrabba's Italian Grill, Inc., DBA Carrabba's for the on premises consumption of wine, malt beverage, and spirituous liquor at 2700 Chapel Hill Road. Application by Carrabba's Italian Grill, Inc.

b. 20-06-55 - Request for an alcohol beverage license for a change in ownership for the retail package sale of wine and malt beverage for Highway 5 Shell at 9415 Georgia Highway 5. Application by Lominy Enterprise, LLC.

c. 20-06-56 - Request for an alcohol beverage license for a change of agent/outlet manager for
the retail package sale of wine and malt beverage for Ingles #432 at 2175 Fairburn Road. Application by Ingles Market, Inc.

d. 20-06-57 - Consider the request of the City of Douglasville's Legal Department to revoke, suspend, probate, or otherwise sanction all alcoholic beverage licenses of Motiva Enterprises, LLC, and Sadek Hussain DBA Shell Food Mart at 5652 Fairburn Road (Georgia Highway 92) due to sale of alcoholic beverages to a minor, in violation of the Douglasville Alcoholic Beverages Ordinance.

e. 20-06-58 - Consider the request of the City of Douglasville's Legal Department to revoke, suspend, probate, or otherwise sanction all alcoholic beverage licenses of Racetrac Petroleum, Inc., and Tobauis Melson DBA Racetrac #439 at 5897 Fairburn Road (Georgia Highway 92) due to sale of alcoholic beverages to a minor, in violation of the Douglasville Alcoholic Beverages Ordinance.

6. Community & Economic Development Committee/John Schildroth

7. Planning & Zoning Committee/Michael Cartera. 22-06-72 - Request approval of a final plat for The View at Cedar Mountain on Cedar Mountain Road. Application by Lacey White and Company, Inc.

b. 22-06-73 - Request approval of a final plat for The Villages at Brookmont Pod B, Lots 1 and 2, at Brookhollow Drive. Application by Patrick Malloy.

c. 22-06-74 - Adopt a resolution to authorize the Mayor to submit to the Atlanta Regional Commission a draft of a new Capital Improvements Element, a new Short Term Work Program, and minor amendments for the City of Douglasville's Comprehensive Plan.

d. 22-06-75 - Consider appointment of an individual to complete the unexpired Post 3 position on the City Zoning Board formerly held by Harvey Jones, which extends to June 1, 2007.

8. Parks & Recreation/Roy Mimsa. 23-06-30 - Consider authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with Bron Cleveland Associates, Inc., for preparation of a grant proposal for a greenway project on that section of Anneewakee Creek between the Arbor Station subdivision and Stewart Mill Road, including land already owned by the City.

9. Finance Committee/Henry Mitchell IIIa. 24-06-33 - Adopt an ordinance to amend the Fiscal Year 2005 - 2006 City of Douglasville General Fund budget.

10. Telecommunications Committee/Henry Mitchell III

11. Maintenance & Sanitation Committee/Charles Banks

12. Transportation Committee/Michael Carter

13. Personnel & Organization Committee/Roy Mimsa. 28-06-19 - Adopt an ordinance to revise the terms of retirement benefits for new City of Douglasville employees.

14. Ordinances & Intergovernmental Committee/Callye B. Holmes

15. Other Business

16. City Attorney/Joel Dodson

17. Assistant City Attorney/Suzan Littlefield

18. City Manager/Bill Osborne

19. Comments from Citizens and Delegates

BOC Agenda

The meeting is October 3, 10:00 a.m. at Citizen's Hall.


WORK SESSION AGENDA
OCTOBER 2, 2006
10:00 A.M. – BOARD ROOM

CITIZENS’ BUSINESS

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Regular Commission Meeting of September 19, 2006

PLAT APPROVALS – PRELIMINARY PLATS (Cynde)
2. Rivers Edge – Extension of Preliminary Plat Approval)

PLAT APPROVALS – FINAL PLAT ACCEPTANCE (Cynde)
3. Timber Ridge Business Center

BUSINESS

4. Rideshare has received donations in the amount of $1,250 to assist with its 20th anniversary celebration in October. Amend the budget by increasing Advertising & Public Relations Expense by $1,250 and increasing the Donations Revenue by $1,250. (Gary)

5. Various insurance reimbursement checks for damages to County vehicles have been received. These funds need to be placed in the department to which the damage occurred so that repairs/replacements can be made. Amend the budget by increasing Insurance Claims Revenue by $31,327 and by increasing Auto Repair in the following departments: Appraisal by $2,475, Animal Control by $1,343, Sheriff Enforcement by $22,120, and Parks & Recreation by $5,389. (Jennifer)

6. The Sheriff Enforcement Department received various donations in the amount of $5,858. Amend the budget by increasing Donations by $5,858 and by increasing Sheriff Enforcement Minor Equipment by $4,500 and by increasing Sheriff Enforcement Advertising & Public Relations by $1,358. (Jennifer)

7. Additional funds are needed to cover operation costs for the remainder of the year for the Aquatic Center and the Parks & Recreation Department. Authorize transfer of $17,500 from the Skateboard Complex budget to the Parks & Recreation budget in the amount of $10,000 and the Aquatic Center budget in the amount of $7,500. Also amend the budget by increasing Aquatic Center Revenue and Aquatic Center Budget in the amount of $12,000. (Jennifer)

8. The Coroner is requesting additional funds for medical services for transporting bodies. Amend the budget by increasing Funds Generated from Fund Balance by $7,500 and by increasing Coroner Medical Services by $7,500. (Jennifer)

9. Authorization to transfer funds from the Victim Assistance Fund to the Victim Witness Department in General Fund. (Anne)

10. Authorization to enter into an agreement with Continental 156 Fund LLC (Continental Properties, Inc.) with respect to the construction of a monument sign and parking lot for the Shoppes at Deer Creek located on Chapel Hill. (Randy)

11. Authorization to enter into an agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for resurfacing 11.330 miles of various County roads and authorize the Chairman to sign all contract documents. Project #: PR000-S009-00 (586) C1. (Randy)

12. Approval of contract for Arborist and authorize Chairman to sign agreement.

13. Authorization to participate in agreement for merchant services. (Diane)

14. Authorization to reject all bids for the broker of employee health services.
(Diane)

DISCUSSION ITEMS – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

15. Restriction on 02-90 and 03 Line Items to those approved in the budget. (Stan)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS

EXECUTIVE SESSION - Personnel, Litigation, Land Acquisition

Misc. News

I found this website that lists several shopping centers in Douglas County that are either currently under construction or looking for businesses to lease spaces to. The first is the Arbor Connection at the corner of Stewart Parkway and Douglas Blvd. This is the one across from the car dealership. This is listed as being completed in the second quarter of this year but is not anywhere near completion. There will be two levels, a retail level and an "Event Facility". The retail level has over twenty spaces available. The lower level has two retail spaces available as well as several storage rooms, a 24 person meeting room, a warming kitchen, a kitchen (998 sq ft), a banquet hall that also serves as a 174 seat theatre which includes a 609 sq ft stage, and a bride's room. The brochure mentions that there has been "explosive residential growth with many country club and subdivision developments with home price ranges in excess of $1 million and the "primary trade area" is "one of the fastest growing areas in the state with the population expected to increase nearly 12% in the next five years." The retail development will be a total of 31,000 square feet.

There is also another new development under construction behind the QuickTrip on Chapel Hill Road. According to Losing Georgia (http://www.losinggeorgia.com) it will be called Douglasville Medical Center. I can count at least five medical centers in the county, and most likely there are more. How many more doctors' offices do we need?

Another new development opening pretty soon is the Shoppes At Deer Creek aka the Publix at the corner of Chapel Hill and Anneewakee Roads that nobody wanted. Apparently Anneewakkee Road will be relocated so that the road will go right in front of the shopping center instead of passing it by. There will also be a strip mall in the shopping center. The Publix will be 45,600 sq ft and the strip mall will be just under 20,000 sq ft. They expect to be completed with the shopping center by the end of this year. I tried to look up the Douglasville Publix to see how many square feet it was, but CBL no longer owns Cosby Station--Australian Trust does.

Also, Cumberland Mall in Cobb County is undergoing a huge renovation, adding 77,000 square feet and an open-air plaza. The renovation will be complete this November. The mall will be adding several stores--the Cheesecake Factory, Cosco Wholesale, Maggiano's Little Italy, P.F. Changs China Bistro, Stoney River Legendary Steaks, and Ted's Montana Grill. They will also be adding a "Village Streetscape" that I wish our mall had.

And--believe it or not--Macy's and Dillard's already have Christmas decorations in their stores in Arbor Place Mall.

Also, the roundabout at Hwy 5 and 166 is still not finished. Fall semester has started for me (I go to college in Carrollton) and I had to deal with people not sure about when to go. Perhaps they don't think it's still a four-way stop? Either way, two or three cars went before me when my turn came. It didn't even look like they worked on it today--if they did, they stopped working before noon. Anybody have any info on when it will be completed?

I went to the Neva Thomason Memorial Library in Carrollton today and they now have a house next to the library where they sell books on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. They only had two rooms open but I could tell they had many more books left in boxes to sell. I wonder why Douglas County Library doesn't hold book sales, have films, book clubs, and author signings at their library? One of the librarians there told me they don't have as much money as the Lithia Springs Library is allowed to spend on books, therefore they can't buy as many new books as they do. Douglas County citizens deserve a nice library. The Smyrna City Library is two stories--and they have events every week. So who else thinks Douglas County deserves a nice library??

Douglasville Company Wants To Build Alternative Fuel Plant

But here's the catch--PAF, Patriot Alternative Fuels, wants to build the bio-diesel and ethanol plant in an old, contaminated Cedar Chemical plant site--in Helena, Arkansas. It will reportedly cost $43 million to clean up. Did the company consider opening a plant in Douglasville? Phillips County even wants to give the company a tax incentive. This plant could have been built in an already existing industrial park in Douglas County. And because they might be getting a tax incentive, employees of the plant will be paid more than 150% of the local county or state average hourly wage, whichever is less. These are jobs that could have been brought to Douglas County!

Douglasville Business Sued By Microsoft

Microsoft filed a lawsuit against GForce Computer Sales and Services, based in Douglasville, for allegedly distributing infringing Windows XP and Office 2003 Pro software. The lawsuit was among twenty lawsuits filed against resellers in nine states for allegedly selling illegal copies of Windows XP Pro, Office XP Pro and Office 2003 Pro. More than half were filed against southern resellers. Two stores in Norcross, Dalsand Computers, and Atlantatechnology, were also sued.

Ebay

I've put one of my pictures on ebay. You can bid on it at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130029029100 . All proceeds will go towards my college tuition, which is $457 per semester, and I spend about $100-$150 a semester on books. I hope you'll bid!

Eliza

Shopping Center Under Construction Rumored Dead

What do I mean by dead? I've heard a rumor that the Avenue At Chapel Hill is no longer being built. I asked Andrew of the website Losing Georgia (http://www.losinggeorgia.com) and he said nothing has been done to the site lately. He did say the DOT has installed traffic lights at the new intersection so he thinks it may be just delayed or possibly the development has been sold to a new owner because the previous owner might have run out of money. So we'll see in the coming weeks if anything happens with this.

New Restaurant Coming Soon To Arbor Place Mall

Chapel Hills News & Views can't give you the name until next month because they've been "sworn to secrecy", but I can give it to you right now. The restaurant is really a "family restaurant" that also has a full bar and live music. Not sure how I feel about that since it's going to be in a mall. Anyhow, the name of it is Quaker Steak and Lube, and it advertises itself as a "motorsports themed family restaurant." The prices are outrageous, ranging to over $7 for a hamburger to over $20 for a large bucket of wings (they have over 15 varieties of boneless chicken wings). No menu item is below $7. Some items are as much as $20. They want almost $20 for a full rack of ribs. Needless to say, their prices are very high. I do not think this restaurant will be successful with those prices. If you want to check out the prices, go to http://www.quakersteakandlube.com/ and click on one of the cities listed on the front page. There will be a menu link in each of them. The restaurant will be open in November.

Tonight's BOC/P&Z Meeting

This is tonight's agenda:

AGENDA
S2006-57 Christine Davis – Request for a Special Use Permit for an in-home daycare at the property located at 940 Riley Farm Lane: Land Lot(s) 539, District 18, Section 2, Parcel(s) 32. Lot size: 0.588 Acres. [TAB 1]

Z2006-58 George T. Cloud, Freddie J. Harrison, Otis Bellamy Estate & Clifford Bellamy – Request for an amendment to the P.U.D. to remove the requirement for no mass grading at the property located at Factory Shoals Road: Land Lot(s) 772, District 18, Section 2, Parcel(s) 4. Lot size: 39.459 Acres. [TAB 2]

S2006-59 Donald Jackson – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow a church with an accessory daycare at the property located at 4917 Highway 92: Land Lot(s) 139, District 1, Section 5, Parcel(s) 16. Lot size: 8.73 acres. [TAB 3]

S2006-60 John L. Clendenin – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow the replacement of 3 existing buildings with one larger building for storage of equipment, working shop, office and restroom at the property located at 4031 Crabapple Road: Land Lot(s) 86, District 2, Section 5, Parcel(s) 11. Lot size: 44 +/- acres. [TAB 4]

Z2006-62 Joseph M. Dowda – Request for a rezoning from R-LD to C-C for a beauty shop at the property located at 4102 Highway 5: Land Lot(s) 92, District 2, Section 5, Parcel(s) 12. Lot size: 1.0 acre. [TAB 5]

S2006-63 Blake Keener – Request for a Special Use Permit to allow a 3,750 square foot agricultural storage building at the property located at 621 Bearden Road: Land Lot(s) 447, District 18, Section 2, Parcel(s) 6. Lot size: 10.088 acres. [TAB 6]

The second one is most likely for a subdivision since it is almost 40 acres. If you live on Factory Shoals Road or even near it, you should go to the meeting tonight at the new courthouse at Citizen's Hall. The meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. and will be televised on channel 23, but will not be taped to re-air like this morning's meeting will be. I also looked up where the beauty shop will be and it looks like it will be about a half mile or a mile where you turn off to go to Alexander High School. It is almost at the corner of Berea Road. PLEASE go to the meeting to voice your opinions!

Millage Rate

In today's Sentinel...


Tax hike vote scheduled August 17
By Winston Jones

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners (BOC) has scheduled a Thursday, Aug. 17, called meeting to adopt a 2006 property tax millage rate with a proposed .907 mill increase. The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. in Citizens Hall at the county courthouse. A public hearing will precede the BOC vote. Similar public hearings were held at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday.
The BOC is proposing a hike of 12.4 percent over the rollback rate. The rollback rate is the gross tax millage rate less the rate to compensate for the increase in the total tax digest and property reassessments.

The proposed net tax millage rate will be 8.240 mills. This will result in a total levy of about $30 million in taxes, a $5.7 million increase over last year. At an Aug. 1 BOC meeting, Bob Harshbarger, county finance director, cited several 2006 budget increases as reasons for the requested millage rate increase.

`There are salary and benefits increases of more than $2 million, with 32 new positions,` Harshbarger said. `Sixty-five percent are in public safety and 16 percent in the courts.`
Harshbarger also noted the county must purchase 46 new vehicles, at a cost of $1.3 million and make capital improvements of $1.2 million. `The average county tax millage in Georgia is 11.520 mills, compared to Douglas’ proposed 8.240 mills,` Harshbarger told the meeting.
`Counties with populations over 100,000 have an average millage rate of 9.90 mills. Metro Atlanta counties average 10.65 mills.`
_______________________________________________________
If this is approved, everyone's property taxes will go up at least $40, maybe more. It depends, I guess, on how much your property is worth. If you oppose this, or support it (but I'm not sure why you would) please go to the meeting on August 17 at 10 a.m. to voice your opinions during the public hearing. I'm sure part of this is because they want money for the jail--it has to be. Can we be guaranteed that this money will not be used for the jail? Can it legally be used for a jail? That I'm not sure of. Someone could ask at the public hearing. But the county is determined, I am sure, to get that new jail because every other county, in their mind, probably has a better county jail than we do. The city doesn't want them to build it--that's why they were so opposed to the SPLOST passing. And someone emailed me that the county can get a judge to approve the building of a jail. I searched on Google to see how many federal judges have actually approved jail mandates but only found a few. And I couldn't find any statistics for it, so I emailed the research department of the Federal Judicial Center. So we'll see if I get a response in the coming days.

Tuesday's BOC Meeting Agenda

WORK SESSION AGENDA JULY 31, 2006 10:00 A.M. – BOARD ROOM

CITIZENS’ BUSINESS

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Regular Commission Meeting of July 18, 2006.

PLAT APPROVALS – PRELIMINARY (Cynde) Note: If you oppose either of these, PLEASE come to the meeting to voice your opinions!
2. Riverside Ridge, Unit 2
3. Falcon Ridge @ Anneewakee Trails (Revised)

PLAT APPROVALS – FINAL PLAT ACCEPTANCE
4. The Lakes @ Stewart Mill, Phase 3
5. Riley Estates, Phase 2
6. The Villages @ Brookmont – Entrance Road and Recreation Area #1
7. Holly Springs, Unit 8, Phase 1 (Revised)

PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER
8. Massage Practitioner License (Elise)
Alternative Gym, Inc.
561 Thornton Road – Suite Q, Lithia Springs, GA 30122
(Applicant: Angelica M. Gomez)

BUSINESS
9. The County has received a $2,638 check from Village Auto Insurance
Company for repair work on Rescue #1. The funds need to be added to the
Fire Department’s budget. Amend the budget by increasing Insurance
Claims by $2,638 and by increasing Automotive Other Expenses by $2,638.
(Bob)

10. Transfer $100,000 from the Budget Reserve Line Item to the Legal Fees
Line Item due to legal expenses exceeding the budget amount for the year.
Also, transfer from the Legal Services Department, where it was originally
budgeted, to the following departments: $16,180 to Maintenance &
Construction; $14,187 to Appraisal Department; $91,988 to Planning &
Zoning; $630.00 to Animal Control; $5,000 to General Appropriations; and
$27,359 to Sheriff Detention. (Bob)

11. The Aquatic Center is requesting that $9,000 be added to their budget for
the purchase of chemicals. Since the pool has not operated for a full year
when the budget was prepared, they could not anticipate accurately how
much it would take for chemicals. There has also been an increased
participation which has resulted in more chemicals being needed. Amend
the budget by increasing Aquatic Center Fees by $9,000 and by increasing
Chemicals & Fertilizer by $9,000. (Bob)

12. Authorization to receive a $75,000 contribution from Continental Properties,
Inc. for intersection improvement project at Chapel Hill Road and
Anneewakee Road/Dorsett Shoals Road and amend the SPLOST
Transportation budget line item R20150 by increase of $75,000. (Randy)

13. Authorization to advertise for a public hearing to consider the installation of
a multi-way stop at the intersection of North Helton Road and Liberty Road.
(Randy)

14. Authorization to advertise for a public hearing to consider the installation of
a multi-way stop at the intersection of Liberty Road and West Liberty
Road/East Liberty Road. (Randy)

15. Authorization for Chairman to execute amendment to FY’07 Aging Services
Contract with ARC (Atlanta Regional Commission).

16. Award of bid for solid waste disposal services. (Diane)

17. Award of proposal for red light traffic enforcement system. (Diane)

18. The Council of Juvenile Court Judges has awarded Juvenile Programs a
$5,000 grant for grant cycle year October 1, 2006 – September 30, 2007.
No matching funds are required. Authorize the Chairman to sign the
contract and approve budget amendment. (Jenny)

19. Authorization for Chairman to execute contract with Georgia Department of
Transportation for 6.910 miles of resurfacing on various County roads
(Project PR000-S009-00(544). (Randy)

20. Café 450 Services Agreement. (Diane)

21. Millage Rate. (Bob) Editor's Note: This is the county's way of getting more $$. If approved, your property taxes will go up at least $40.

22. Appointments to the Cemetery Preservation Commission.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS

EXECUTIVE SESSION - Personnel, Litigation, Land Acquisition