BIWEEKLY STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE REPORT NOVEMBER 20, 2023
STANLEY D HAWTHORNE CITY MANAGER
May you and all readers have a happy upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I am pleased to transmit the 10th installment of the Community Building Leadership Team’s (CBLT’s) Strategic Performance Report (SPR). The biweekly produced SPR showcases activities and information across the full range of College Park’s operations and administration coinciding with the regular meetings of the Mayor and Council. The format and its content are topical based; concise in nature; accented with images and illustrations for more relatable reading; and organized by the alphabetical ordering of offices and departments, and follows a lead topic(s) from the City Manager in the opening pages of the report. SUCCESSION PLANNING As I have assessed the organization and its structure (now realigned) over my initial eight months as City Manager, a recurring topic that I have raised is succession planning, starting with executive transition preparation. For most departments, I have red flags of concern when I examine our readiness for leadership transition. Historically, the lack of an effective strategy for the seamless transition when key positions changeover has been demonstrated up through the current time. Recent examples include the very vacancies that I inherited at the start of my tenure: City Engineer, Director of Public Works, Director of Airport Affairs, Chief Building Official, and Assistant City Manager. For each of those and other key positions in the organization, there has been a toll to the community along with immeasurable risk.
Over an imminent time period, we will begin development of a strategic Succession Plan. Already, key pre-requisite tools such as the organization-wide classification study (recommended as a budget modification amendment on the November 20 actiona genda) and comprehensive development of departmental tables of organization (based on the recent legislative codification of departments) will help enable effective succession planning. First, what is succession planning and how should we think about it as the appointed leadership of the community of College Park. Here is my “real talk” message to our team of departmental leaders: ‘As loyal, committed and knowledgeable members of the Community Building Leadership Team (CBLT), none of us should allow ourselves to become near indispensable. Leaders of the team should give considerable thought to formulating a plan to have other staff members step into your shoes should something prevent you from performing your duties. Ask yourselves: how are you preparing for your department to ensure that the community does not suffer or go without in your absence? Are your staff members trained and ready to assume your responsibilities, temporarily or even permanently?’ Succession Planning and Management Five-Step Process* Succession planning and management is an essential component of the broader human resources planning process. It involves an integrated, systematic approach for identifying, developing, and retaining capable and skilled employees in line with current and projected business objectives.
STEP 1. Identify Key Areas and Positions Key areas and positions are those that are critical to the organization's operational activities and strategic objectives. • Identify which positions, if left vacant, would make it very difficult to achieve current and future business goals • Identify which positions, if left vacant, would be detrimental to the health, safety, or security of the public STEP 2. Identify Capabilities for Key Areas and Positions To establish selection criteria, focus employee development efforts, and set performance expectations, you need to determine the capabilities required for the key areas and positions identified in Step 1. • Identify the relevant knowledge, skills (including language), abilities, and competencies needed to achieve business goals • Inform employees about key areas and positions and required capabilities STEP 3. Identify Interested Employees and Assess Them Against Capabilities Determine who is interested in and has the potential to fill key areas and positions. • Discuss career plans and interests with employees • Identify the key areas and positions that are vulnerable and the candidates who are ready to advance or whose skills and competencies could be developed within the required time frame
• Ensure that a sufficient number of designated groups are in feeder groups for key areas and positions STEP 4. Develop and Implement Succession and Knowledge Transfer Plans Incorporate strategies for learning, training, development, and the transfer of corporate knowledge into your succession planning and management. • Define the learning, training, and development experiences that your organization requires for leadership positions and other key areas and positions • Link employees' learning plans to the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for current and future roles • Discuss with employees how they can pass on their corporate knowledge STEP 5. Evaluate Effectiveness Evaluate and monitor your succession planning and management efforts to ensure the following: • Succession plans for all key areas and positions are developed; • Key positions are filled quickly; • New employees in key positions perform effectively; and • Members of designated groups are adequately represented in feeder groups for key areas and positions
AIRPORT AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS THE VISION & MISSION OF AIRPORT AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS Hospitality and Advancement, two of our core values, are critical to achieve. As a Global City, our city vision states that we aspire to be a destination where people come to raise a family, start, and grow businesses, live, work and play all in a sustainable and healthy social and physical environment. Therefore, the Mission of Airport & Governmental Affairs is to serve as an advocate to protect the community’s well-being as it pertains to environmental, noise and other adverse impacts of the world’s busiest passenger airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA/KATL); and serve as a contributor to relationship building among regional, state and federal entities to achieve collaborative leadership and recommend policies, grant opportunities to enhance the City of College Park.
CONTINUED AIRPORT COLLABORATION The follow-up and collaboration with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA)– City of Atlanta Department of Aviation is on-going as we continue to address noise impacts to our community residents and businesses, schedule executive project update meetings; and obtain necessary information to stay informed of our city’s biggest economic engine. Parcel/property resolution is necessary within Six West and other areas around the City of College Park to have continuity of development with Six West and otherwise. Discussions are underway with the HJAIA to address and resolve such matters. Discussions with the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) leadership have begun to address emergency management via preparedness for managing incidents, etc. between the City of College Park and the Airport. Mutual Aid Agreements are being reviewed in preparation for updates within the College Pak Fire Department. More information will be provided early 2024.
BUILDING AND PROPERTY SUSTAINABILITY DEPARTMENT UPDATE College Park is set to launch a paperless building permit and business license application and tracking system this December 4th, 2023. The City completed the Implementation of New Online Permitting and Inspection Software. The City’s Building and Property Sustainability Department has completed the implementation and launch of SagesGov, an online permitting, code enforcement, and business license software program that offers increased functionality and streamlined services, resulting in a quicker and more efficient permitting process for both users and City staff. Residents, contractors, and design professionals now enjoy a wide array of upgrades that make it even easier to do business with the City, such as online submissions of application forms, comprehensive permit tracking, online payment, real-time communication of inspection results, and improved inspector customer service. nts directly to city officials from job sites or their offices. The SagesGov online system will roll out in two phases Phase 1 – Online Permit, Plan Review, Inspections and Code Enforcement starts 12/04/2023 Phase 2- Online Occupational Tax/Business Licensing starts 01/01/2024 The City of College Park will provide quarterly virtual training webinars to provide step-by-step instructions on how to utilize the system and to answer customers’ questions.
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE [AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS] ELECTION UPDATES
On November 7, 2023, the City of College Park held its Municipal Election for Mayor, Councilmember Ward 1, and Councilmember Ward 3. Bianca Motley Broom was reelected as Mayor for the City of College Park, and we now have two new Council-elect members: Jamelle McKenzie, Ward 1 and Tracie Arnold, Ward 3. The opposing candidate for Ward 1 submitted a recount request to Fulton County Board of Elections (BOE). On November 13, 2023, Fulton County BOE began the recount process. A recount was completed on November 14th for all contests in the November 7, 2023, Municipal General & Special Elections, reconfirming the election results and those winners remain the same. The public swear-in ceremony will be held on January 2, 2024, at the City of College Park auditorium beginning at 6:00 p.m. in lieu of Workshop Session.
COLLEGE PARK YOUTH COUNCIL (CPYC)
The City of College Park, Georgia introduced the members of the City of College Park Youth Council (CPYC) at their November 6th, 2023, Mayor and City Council Regular Session meeting. Pictured from left to right are CPYC members Cedrick Lemons, Donovan Jones, Braden Jones and Pacha Laplanche.
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS BIWEEKLY RECAP
The Strategic Communications Office and the Human Resources Department teamed up for Employee Photo Day along with our City Photographer Warren Bond Photography. This opportunity offered new and seasoned employees a free headshot as well as coordinating photos for the Ugly Sweater Office Party for city employees to be held in December 2023. The turnout was one of our highest, with over 30 employees from various departments who participated.
CONVENTION CENTER, ARENA, AND GOLF ENTERPRISES
SALES AND MARKETING For the month of October, it was primarily the CFA show! They had different waves of attendees (store operators) coming from different regions across the country. Their peak attendance was approximately 900 people and we fed approximately 1000 people that week, including their staff and crew. CFA generated approximately $1.5M in F&B revenue. From this event, we booked a second, un-forecasted event for their CEO retirement function Dec 11-16. He personally requested our venue!
GATEWAY CITY ARENA Skyhawks have been a client that we have had a phenomenal partnership with for the past four years. This year, the Skyhawks and Atlanta Hawks decided to collaborate with us to bring a Hawks preseason game to College Park. We are always trying to find ways to bring fun, enjoyable family-friendly events to the Arena and what better way than to bring one of Atlanta’s favorite teams to the southside? Once the game was agreed upon and approved by the league, we got to work planning the best basketball game on the southside!
[ELECTRIC] POWER DEPARTMENT
RESIDENTIAL WINTER RATES Winter rates began November 1 and will continue through April 30, 2024. The winter rates offer a break in the cost of electricity over 500 kilowatt hours (KWH) for winter heating energy, which can be much higher than summer cooling energy because of the temperature difference. Winter has temperature differences of 20 to 40 degrees between outdoors and inside compared to 10 to 20 degrees in the summer. When extreme cold temperatures hit our area such as in December 2022, heat pumps rely more upon auxiliary electric heat, which can use four times more energy. College Park Power’s winter rates offer a good break for extreme conditions. Residential Rate Tariff for Winter: Base Charge: $10.00 per month First 500 KWH: $.088 per KWH Over 500 KWH: $.078 per KWH Senior Rate Tariff for Winter: Base Charge: $0 per month First 500 KWH: $.0758 per KWH Over 500 KWH: $.0668 per KWH Both rates are also charged a $.005 per KWH franchise fee and a $.029 per KWH power cost adjustment. Electric rate design supports the Strategic Plan Goal I: Local Economy and Growth, Section 1.6: Maintain structures for rates, fees, fines and penalties that are both sustainable and in keeping with price points in surrounding communities
FIRE RESCUE LIFESAVING ACTION FROM OUR FIRE RESUE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS This week, fire rescue responded to an apartment fire where an elderly resident was trapped. Upon the arrival of our fire truck, the crew entered the burning structure and rescued the elderly resident. Woodward’s security staff was on the scene and assisted with the evacuation of additional residents. The patient was treated by our rescue personnel and transported to Grady hospital. The fire was extinguished and contained to two apartment units. The displaced residents were assisted by the American Red Cross. I want to thank the members of Woodward’s security team, the men, and women of both our fire rescue and police departments on a job well done for protecting and serving our community. Also, the members of our police department who responded provided blankets to the residents while waiting for the Red Cross arrival. WINTER SAFETY Statistics show that sales of electrical products increase during December. This increase in electrical product purchases, combined with the advent of colder weather in many parts of the country, increases the likelihood of electrical fires, electrocutions, and injuries. Cooking fires are also common during the winter months due largely in part to the holiday season. Our handy infographic can help you Prevent Common Kitchen Hazards during the winter months and throughout the year. Be sure to refer to our Holiday Safety Resources to make sure that you avoid the hazards that are all too common during this otherwise festive time of year.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TEXTEDLY SOFTWARE
It has set up a 14-day trial with Textedly software designed to alert all staff and citizens in the event we have a emergency or expedient message to deliver. We can segregate each building by staff members and send alerts to that building only if needed. I tested the features and functions of the software with our emergency management committee. Below are the honors they received with their product. MAINSTREET CAMERAS Great news, IT had our contractor net planner come out and reroute some of our ubiquity’s and other camera equipment so we can regain connectivity to Conley recreation center 4 cameras and a host of other cameras such as Cannon ct., hawks basketball court, and Princeton. See current screenshots below. Three of the Barett Park cameras are also working.
[PARKS]RECREATION AND CULTURAL ARTS PROJECT UPDATES FOR PHILLIPS PARK BASKETBALL COURT Phillips Park Basketball Courts are completed and ready for play. The new basketball courts project was funded by Fulton County Community Development Block (CDBG) Grant along with funding from car rental tax. The hours of use for the basketball court for Phillips Park are governed by the City’s Use of Park’s Ordinance in which the court will be from dawn to dusk.,
PROJECT UPDATES FOR BARRETT PARK RESTROOMS The Barrett Park restroom project is well underway and the masonry, electrical, roofing and plumbing are in progress. The project completion date is scheduled for the end of November to December. The restroom project is implementing a pilot program for access control for the restrooms. The vision of remote access is taken from Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit (MARTA) program that was implemented at the Lindbergh Pilot station to provide “Smarta” public restrooms. The City of College Park Director of Information Technology along with the Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts met with former MARTA director of facilities maintenance, Remy Saintil, to provide information about the pilot program and cost. Mr. Saintil, who is now with the Commissioner of the City of Atlanta, Department of Enterprise Asset Management, provided an overview of the restroom and how they operate. Due to issues with vandalism of the restrooms and the MARTA stations, and staff time to open and wait for customers to use the restroom to lock back the facility, they implemented an access control system.
POLICE DEPARTMENT SOUTH METRO SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics Team) On November 3, 2023, the South Metro SWAT Team had fall try outs. SWAT is a designated law enforcement team whose members are recruited, selected, trained, equipped, and assigned to resolve critical incidents involving a threat to public safety which would otherwise exceed the capabilities of traditional law enforcement first responders and/or investigative units. SWAT tryouts consist of a physical fitness assessment that include a timed mile and half run, push-ups, and sit-ups, and participation in the State Qualification Course (SQC), the candidate must shoot a 270 or better on the course to receive a passing score. After all portions of the assessment were completed Sergeant Joseph Deak and Sergeant Nico Goss were selected as new members of the South Metro SWAT Team. Congratulations Sgt Deak and Sgt Goss.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Nice To Be Recognized
Ginger Melton, Main Street Department Manager, expressed her gratitude towards the Building and Grounds Division on October 27th. She wanted to thank the Public Works department for the support that comes from this department, but this day the focus was on the Building & Grounds Division, highlighting their prompt and efficient service, whenever she calls upon them. According to Ginger, this department is exceptional. She says she’s always greeted with smiles, a host of jokes and an exceptional work ethic.
HIGHWAYS, STREET, AND STORM WATERS
The Public Works Department is now finally in possession of a Street Sweeper. This is a huge win for the department of Public Works. It’s not just a giant vacuum cleaner, it’s essential for maintaining the health and safety of our environment. This vehicle will not only prove to be an asset for Highway and Streets but will be well received by all departments within the Public Works division. The vehicle is undergoing the usual process to be ready for our city streets. As soon as everything is finalized, you are sure to see this vehicle in action,
KEEP COLLEGE PARK BEAUTIFUL Ms. Kennedy was also present during a webinar kick-off of the “Greatest American Clean-up.” The goal is to encourage over 25,000 communities across the country. Mayor Bianca Motley Broom has signed the pledge and College Park is now officially a part of this community. WATER & SEWER
The Water & Sewer Division is working toward replacing all fire hydrants that contain lead and corrosion that can enter the drinking water. On October 24, 2023, the fire hydrant located on Almand Drive was replaced. We will continue.to investigate all throughout the city.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CITY PLANNER FUNCTIONS Pursuant to Mayor and Council approval of the new organizational chart, the Department welcomes planning functions to its scope. We’re pleased to support the City Planner, the Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Planning Commission. We extend a big thank you to Sabrina Walters for the transfer of knowledge and dedicated service to these boards all these years. Progress in organizational development includes SageGov training, updating and/or creating SOPs for planning workflows and plans for regular reporting on development activity with our sister departments. We’re excited about serving as a strategic planning resource for various department programs, as appropriate in the team’s implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. SIX WEST Please check out the re-launch of our Six West web page! It includes an interactive map, where clicking on a circle will reveal amenity information and details of the property you selected. Visit:SixWestCollegePark.com Our partners at Stream Realty released a media “blitz” to their universe of national and international investment and developer networks. Around 9,0000 connections were made last week, and the team has been organizing responses and prioritizing next steps.
MAIN STREET AND VIRGINIA AVE BOARD The Main Street Manager has been preparing for this year’s Tinsel Trail event. Trees will be delivered November 20th for teams to start decorating November 21st. We have volunteers from the Boy Scout Troops 1906, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, LLC, and Parklane Elementary School to assist in installing holiday trees. We are so grateful for all the work from Buildings & Grounds for the installation of the trees, lights, and decorations. Best Tree Award - Voting Ends Midnight December 17th. Winner announced December 18th and given a giant gold winning ribbon! And all Social Media Bragging rights!
The full and complete City Manager's biweekly Strategic Performance Report is available online at: www.collegeparkga.com
Very truly yours,
Stanley D Hawthorne City Manager | City of College Park 3667 Main Street | College Park, GA | 30337