BIWEEKLY STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE REPORT NOVEMBER 6, 2023
STANLEY D HAWTHORNE CITY MANAGER
I am pleased to transmit the 9th installment of the Community Building Leadership Team’s (CBLT’s) Strategic Performance Report (SPR) including the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget: First Quarter Review. The SPR showcases activities and information across the full range of College Park’s operations and administration, every two weeks 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, which follows a lead topic(s) from the City Manager in the opening pages of the report. WE BUILD COMMUNITY Since the City of College Park’s inception, investment of our neighbors and their wellbeing has persisted as a primary goal. As part of this aim, we currently are focusing on revitalization efforts — the elimination of blight and the creation of jobs that support and uplift diversity, urban renewal, residential vibrancy, sound economic investments and financial prosperity. Our Strategic Plan along with past, current and future development projects and initiatives are the vehicles that will continue to steer both commercial and residential growth and renewal. VISION FOR THE CITY OF COLLEGE PARK: The City of College Park aspires 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.
MISSION FOR THE CITY OF COLLEGE PARK: The municipal government within the City of College Park exists to create policies and harness and direct human and financial resources in ways that cultivate a sense of community and a place where businesses, families, and individuals can thrive in a safe and inclusive environment. For its members, of which College Parks participates, it has established “Best Practices” for various financial policies and procedures including “Fund Balance Guidelines for the General Fund.” Governments should establish a formal policy on the level of unrestricted fund balance that should be maintained in the general fund for generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and budgetary purposes. It is essential that governments maintain adequate levels of fund balance to mitigate current and future risks (for example, revenue shortfalls and unanticipated expenditures) and to ensure stable tax rates. In most cases, discussions of fund balance will properly focus on a government’s general fund. Nonetheless, financial resources available in other funds should also be considered in assessing the adequacy of unrestricted fund balance in the general fund. With historical precedence and in keeping with the City Charter requirement of the Mayor and Council to authorize the creation of departments, at the October 16, 2023 Mayor and Council Regular Business Meeting, the Mayor and Council “formalized its authorization to restructure and rename city departments by codifying a list of all departments in the City’s Code of Ordinances.”
Further, with the organizational realignment now in place, the naming of department heads for the created/revised departments, along with pending and associated resources for initial implementation, we are now positioned to better ensure the “efficient administration of all the affairs of the City,” Departments have assessed their realigned functional responsibilities for building better and quality community. Our aim is peak and optimal performance towards the community’s aspirational vision and fulfillment of the organizational mission. On October 12, 2023 in a Special Meeting and Budget Workshop with the Mayor and Council, the Community Building Leadership Team shared in details needed resources for lifting off the realigned administration. The needs assessment was organized by departments, as further aligned to the City’s five strategic goals of governance and customer service, quality of life, transportation and mobility, public safety and security, and local economy and growth. Based on the available but limited resources of the City, as Chief Administrative Officer, I have prioritized recommendations to less than one-half of the $8.1 million needs assessment requests from departments and the governing body. My formal recommendation to the Mayor and Council for amending the Fiscal Year 2024 Adopted Budget will be presented for action on November 20, 2023.
AIRPORT AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS AIRPORT COLLABORATION AND STAKEHOLDERS EVENTS The Atlanta Department of Aviation/HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport and City of College Park’s quarterly meeting was reinstated and took place on Thursday, October 26, 2023. The discussion’s focus was on current and new project updates, emergency preparedness, safety in and around our Skytrain platforms and follow-up on previous intergovernmental agreements. Last week’s South Fulton Municipal Monthly meeting, hosted by Union City at the Green Manor restaurant, included legislative, state and regional partners to update on infrastructure, transportation and education projects, etc. as jurisdictions finalize legislative priorities for the upcoming 2024 session. A list of legislative priorities will be submitted for approval by City Council later this month. Connections were made with Georgia Municipal Association, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transport Authority (MARTA) and the GA Department of transportation (GDOT) representatives as the City of College Park continues to expand our economic reach and advance our narrative as a Global City.
The 68th townhall meeting for Ward 1 residents was held on October 17th to offer updates on the Airport & Governmental Affairs’ mission, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport projects, Engineering & Infrastructure Development and the Police Department. The meeting was well-attended and residents were able to ask questions and get them answered.
BUILDING AND PROPERTY SUSTAINABILITY DEPARTMENT UPDATE
The Inspections and Permits department has changed to the Building and Property Sustainability Department. Along with the name change is a business model change of establishing a one-stop-shop approach to services rendered by this new department. The One-Stop-Shop combines the business operations of building permits, business licenses, and Code Compliance into a central location to assist the customer with any development service needs. These services ensure that projects are safe and aligned with federal, state, and city codes. THE ONE-STOP SHOP To establish a One Stop Shop Department in College Park; improve efficiency; combine fragmented divisions within the City into one department. The Building and Property Sustainability Department is designed specifically to make your permitting experience effective, efficient, and engaging. The One-Stop Shop strives to provide convenient options to meet the needs of all customers: onsite subject matter experts; reduce commuting; free parking; enhanced online permitting system; and clear development process.
TRAINING Unleashing the power of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in Code Enforcement. Standard operating procedures are crucial in code enforcement. From training new employees and improving efficiency to ensuring compliance with local regulations – and reducing legal risks and liabilities – SOPs are extremely beneficial. Upcoming Date & Time Selected Sessions: Nov 6, 2023 01:00 PM. Completed – Procedures for officers and inspectors Training Class on October 27, 2023 Completed- Dealing with regulatory inspections (Property Maintenance, Housing, and Apartment Inspections on August 24, 2023
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE [AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS] COLLEGE PARK YOUTH COUNCIL (CPYC) The City of College Park Youth Council had an amazing time at the 2023 Youth Symposium hosted by the Lagrange Youth Council and the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) last month. Held at the Wolf Creek Lodge and Piney Wood Farm, this event was a fantastic opportunity for our members to engage in discussions on effective leadership and youth engagement. At Piney Wood Farm, the members had the unique chance to explore regenerative farm techniques, adding an enriching dimension to the symposium. For the later part of the day, members received inspirational messages from elected officials and local community members. Cedric, representing CCYC, shone alongside 110+ youth council members from diverse counties and cities. The diversity of perspectives shared at the symposium was truly inspiring and reinforced the importance of youth leadership. LEADERSHIP CLAYTON City Clerk Shavala Ames was selected as a member of the 2023-2024 Leadership Clayton Class. Since 1972, Leadership Clayton has engaged emerging and existing leaders in a nine-month program that broadens their knowledge of community issues, sharpens their leadership skills, and challenges themselves and others to seek solutions to key issues affecting our communities. Leadership Clayton is designed for men and women interested in making Clayton County a better place to live, work, and play. Leadership Clayton has over 800 graduates through the program's 50year history.
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE [AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS] STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS BIWEEKLY RECAP The Strategic Communications team has officially drafted their first Emergency Crisis Plan for the department. The Crisis Plan was initially a task that evolved from the 2022 water crisis that took place in the City of College Park. The Strategic Communication office, along with several other departments that include Fire Rescue, Police and Public Works, were all tasked to create an action plan to tackle unforeseen emergency events. The objective of the Crisis Plan is to be proactive instead of reactive.
LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT’S BIWEEKLY RECAP Please welcome our newest Legislative Assistant to the Mayor and Council’s office, Shonta Briggs. Ms. Briggs will officially join the City of College Park on November 6, 2023. Ms. Briggs was formerly contracted through a temporary service agency at the request of an elected official. Since then, Ms. Briggs has shown great dedication to the department by working before and after hours, fulfilling last minute requests, effective communication and being a team player. We look forward to Ms. Briggs continuing her commitment to the City of College Park.
CONVENTION CENTER, ARENA, AND GOLF ENTERPRISES
Sales and Marketing
Arena Booking Manager and Box Office Manager attended VenuesNow Conference in Palm Springs, California to network and showcase our campus to event planners, booking agents, producers and crew leads. Executive Director Miller was a panelist and stole the show! Everyone there now knows about our Campus! Way to go Director Miller! Gateway City Arena This month, The Gateway Center Arena, had a thrilling end to the WNBA season. The Arena hosted 2 home Atlanta Dream games in the month of September, and each one sold out. Combined, the two games generated $104,000. The Dream clinched a playoff spot with a win against the Seattle Storm. All of College Park was cheering them on with hopes of having the opportunity to host a WNBA playoff game at the Gateway Center Arena for the first time! The Dream started the playoffs on the road, but unfortunately, did not return home with a win. Their season officially ended against Dallas with a score of 101-74. It is now time for the Arena Conversion team to begin their turn of the Gateway Center Arena from the WNBA season to the NBA G- League season. The Dream led the league with 12 sell out games during the season.
[ELECTRIC] POWER DEPARTMENT
Utility Coordinating Committee (UCC) Representatives from College Park attended the very first South Fulton UCC meeting on September 7 and the monthly Clayton County UCC on September 13. Hugh Richardson, Director of Power, Glenn Spivey, Manager of Operations & Engineering of Power, and Deen Buharie, City Engineer, attended both meetings. The Clayton County UCC was hosted by College Park at the Atlanta Gas Light facility in Riverdale including a luncheon and a presentation for the participants. LOTTIE MILLER BOULEVARD The Power Department will soon be adding street lighting to Lottie Miller Boulevard. Black aluminum poles with light emitting diode (LED) fixtures are already in place at the roundabout and 12 more will be added from Camp Creek Parkway to Redwine Avenue to make the street safer and attractive.
ENGINEERING AND INFRASTUCTURE DEVELOPMENT COLLEGE PARK RECOGNIZED AT THE GSPE NEW PE RECOGNITION
The Engineering Department had the distinct privilege of representing the City of College Park, Georgia, at the prestigious GSPE New PE Recognition Event recently hosted in Atlanta. This invitation was a testament to our department's commitment to excellence in the field of engineering. In the adjoining photograph (from left to right), Rob McPherson, Vice President of Prime Engineering and event sponsor; Bill Atkins, the President of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE); City Engineer Mohideen F. Buharie, a licensed Professional Engineer proudly serving as the City Engineer for the City of College Park, GA; and Mitch Polk, the distinguished President of the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE). ANTICIPATED ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE GATEWAY CONNECTOR BRIDGE PROJECT
The Gateway Connector Bridge Project - Road Closure and Completion the Gateway Connector Bridge Project is nearing its completion. However, the originally planned erection and road closure of Camp Creek Parkway in November has been postponed and anticipated to occur Mid-December or early January 2024. This adjustment in the schedule is due to logistical challenges related to the bridge manufacturer located in Houston, Texas. Simultaneously, ongoing efforts are being made to address the complexities of welding the arch legs and the X-piece of the bridge. This welding work must undergo a rigorous inspection and approval by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). GDOT representatives are expected to travel to Houston to facilitate the inspection and approval process.
FINANCE SENIOR/DISABLED ONE-TIME UTILITY CREDIT - UPDATE The Mayor and Council established a one-time utility credit initiative for City Residents aged 65 and above or disabled. Eligibility was based on criteria set by the General Assembly for senior and disability homestead exemptions. In collaboration with the Finance and Customer Service Departments, the city dispatched 1,300 applications. Residents were informed about this program through direct mail, social media, an online application portal, and a digital display at City Hall. The application deadline was set for September 29th. Out of the applications received, 95 were submitted. Of these, 64 were approved, providing utility credits amounting to $49,254. Fifteen applications were deemed ineligible, with four surpassing the income limit. Six applications were returned as undeliverable. There are ten applications still pending due to the need for additional documentation, representing a potential $3,917 in utility tax credits. Staff has reached out to those with pending applications to ensure they can complete the process. This program reflects the city's dedication to assisting its senior and disabled residents.
CUSTOMER
SERVICE
WEEK
-
2024
AWARD
NOMINATION The Customer Service Department of the City of College Park is elated to announce its nomination for the prestigious Customer Service Week 2024 Awards. This nomination is a testament to the department's unwavering commitment to excellence in utility customer service. The department's notable achievement, particularly in implementing the email and text message utility bill notification program through the Paymentus Corporation campaign portal, has garnered this recognition. This initiative is a clear reflection of the department's dedication to enhancing digital
engagement
embracing
modern
and
improving
communication
the
overall
technologies,
customer the
experience.
Customer
By
Service
Department has provided residents with a more convenient and accessible way to stay informed about their utility services.
FIRE RESCUE WEEKLY FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING This week, our training division conducted the weekly Rapid intervention Team (RIT) department drills. Firefighter Rescue Training provides students with the skills necessary to rescue their fellow firefighter, should an emergency occur. Firefighter Rescue Training provides firefighters with the skills necessary to rescue their fellow firefighter, should an emergency occur. Whether you have an established
Rapid
Intervention
(R.I.T.)
Team
dedicated to rescuing downed firefighters or not, all members are prepared and knowledgeable of the skills and techniques necessary to execute a rescue of a downed firefighter. RIT training is realistic and allows
firefighters
to
adjust
for
the
changing
possibilities they may face during an incident.
FIRE SAFETY EXPO The Fire Department held its 6th annual Fire Safety EXPO in conjunction with the Ward 4 festival held on October 14, 2023, at Phillips Park. The
EXPO
represents
the
last
day
of
Fire
Prevention Week, where the department goes out in the community to teach fire safety education, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to our day cares, elementary schools, senior facilities, and businesses throughout the city.
CAREER ADVANCEMENT Congratulations to Firefighter/Acting Training Officer Salvador Carrillo, on earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University!
HUMAN RESOURCES & RISK MANAGEMENT RISK MANAGEMENT During the same timeframe, from July 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023, the city experienced four vehicle accidents, resulting in total damages of $30,500.71. We aim to enhance productivity, ensure employee safety at work and in their personal lives, and protect the City of College Park's reputation. In this upcoming fourth quarter, the Risk Management department will organize a Defensive Driving program for all City employees on November 8th and 9th. It is essential to recognize that motor vehicle collisions rank among the primary causes of workplace fatalities and injuries, with a single accident potentially exceeding $1.4 million HUMAN RESOURCES AND RISK MANAGEMENT – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The Office of Human Resources and Risk Management is committed to building a robust and inclusive connection with our local community. We understand the significance of actively engaging with our community members and ensuring they are well informed about the exciting career opportunities available within our organization. Through transparent communication and active community involvement, we aim to ensure that the community understands our job openings. We aim to foster a more diverse and talented workforce that mirrors our community's rich tapestry while offering our residents valuable opportunities. The Office of Human Resources and Risk Management Team participated in the Annual Trunk or Treat Celebration sponsored by the College Park Police Department.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CITY OWNED CAMERAS
Over the past few months we have had a slew of issues with our camera’s connectivity. The camera network was installed in 2011. I have spent countless number of financial resources to repair, and monitor, the cameras. Currently we have Netplanners in the city re-designing several routes to bring some cameras back online. A permanent fix would be to upgrade all the cameras to a more modern form of technology. We have 6 major locations that feed our camera network city wide. They are as follows: Police cell tower, Train depot, Charlestown water tower, Marriott hotel, Camp creek Advertising sign, Ramada hotel. These locations need a re-design. This upgrade should also merge and connect to our new access control system for greater functionality. I am waiting on quotes from 2 vendors that are currently working in city of College Park. A formal bid will be submitted once the re-design scope of work is determined.
WINDSTREAM NETWORK UPGRADE UPDATE We are continuing the upgrade of all city owned locations with more bandwidth. We only have 2 locations remaining, they are as follows: Fire Station 3 and Conley Rec. Center. Conley is scheduled to be complete by Friday 11-03. This bandwidth upgrade leads to faster performance on computers, faster access to documents, which ultimately leads to faster service for our citizens. The overall project is an enterprise telecom upgrade of phones, email to voicemail, electronic fax, and bandwidth. Once the bandwidth phase is complete, we will move to all new desktop telephones upgraded. Followed by electronic fax capability. Customer Service will start their Contact Center training on the new phones later this month. WINDSTREAM NETWORK UPGRADE UPDATE
Integrated Solutions technology has completed the following locations: City Hall, Conley, Power/Water- Sewer. The next location will be Public Works. Each location has an administrator that manages their location staff access.
[PARKS]RECREATION AND CULTURAL ARTS RAM’S TACKLE FOOTBALL AND CHEERLEADING PEP RALLY AND HOMECOMING The College Park Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department’s tackle football regular season wrapped up on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Bill Badgett Stadium. The College Park Ram’s Homecoming Pep Rally was scheduled for Friday, October 20, 2023, at 6:30 pm but rescheduled for Thursday, October 19, 2023, due to rain forecast. Homecoming games were held on Saturday October 21, 2023, from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Games were played at the City of College Park’s Bill Badgett Stadium. The College Park Ram’s football and cheerleading program had over three hundred participants with fifty-eight volunteer coaches for both football and cheerleading. With the regular season over, there were ages 5, 6, 7, 9 & 11 and under team qualified for the playoff games. College Park will host the 9 and under playoff games on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the Bill Badget Stadium and the other teams that qualified GIRLS AND BOYS BASKETBALL will play at other locations. REGISTRATION The City of College Park Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department offers annual youth girls’ and boys’ basketball programming. Registration is currently open, and the cost is $120 which includes the uniform. The College Park Parks Recreation and Cultural Arts Department has three basketball facilities to provide space for practice. Gyms include the Brady Gymnasium, Wyatt Center Gymnasium, and the City Auditorium.
POLICE DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE TEAM Please welcome Marcus Dennard as Police Major. Major Marcus Dennard is no stranger to the College Park Police Department; he spent the first twelve (12) years of his career with the College Park Police Department before taking a position with the South Fulton Police Department in 2018, where he last held the rank of Police Major, as a highly experienced and dedicated law enforcement professional with a passion for serving and protecting his community. With over 15 years of service in law enforcement, he has proven himself a capable and respected leader.
SPOTLIGHT Chief Connie Rogers was among 50 individuals inducted into Alabama State University, 2023 class of 50 Under 50. The 50 Under 50 is the University’s signature group. The exceptional group of honorees are among the best
and
brightest
alumni
of
Alabama
State
University. They demonstrate excellence in their respective fields and have distinguished themselves as leaders, exemplifying ASU’s enduring legacy of perseverance, progress, and promise.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS The Ward IV Festival is a huge event which often brings over 300 to 400 visitors. Preparation is never a small task for this department, as you can see by the pictures. HIGHWAYS, STREET, AND STORM WATERS
Clay requested that the center lines be stripped, and asphalt patches be applied to Conley Street. This is an important aspect of road safety as it helps regulate traffic by highlighting driving maneuvers and clearly marked roads allow drivers to follow road regulations accurately. Patching on the other hand is an important aspect of road maintenance. Councilman Carn requested a sidewalk be installed on Frontage Road after observing that children who catch the bus on Frontage Road share the street with traffic in the mornings and in the afternoons, walking to and from Marta. Thanks to the skilled workers of Highway, Streets and Storm Water, we now have a beautiful new sidewalk on Frontage Road to which we can enjoy. Take time and check it out when you can.
SANITATION
The Sanitation Division has replaced the old bins that were worn out after receiving requests from local apartments and businesses. The delivery of new bins was captured, and you can now see how the Sanitation department obtains their commercial bins. When they arrive, the College Park emblem is immediately attached signifying us as the supplier.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PRICE BARBERSHOP "There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." Margaret J. Wheatley The collective efforts which began as a request from community stakeholders transformed into action once Mayor and Council approved the protection of the Price Barbershop property, located at 1988 Harvard Ave. Price Barbershop has seen better days. The once thriving hub of cultural discussion and activity has aged into the now vacant neglected shell, but no more. With the breath of activity requested by College Park citizens and honored by Mayor and Council, Sustainable Development has been hard at-work working with community members and internal stakeholders to revitalize the property. Sustainable Development began working with Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts to assist in providing support for the College Park Historical Marker initiative. The proposed historical markers would provide background information on properties located within Six West to educate locals and visitors alike of the significance of he listed properties to the Historic African American community. For example, in the early 1950s G&W Cab Companies relocated to College Park and provided taxi services from a room attached to Price’s Barbershop. If approved, a marker will be placed at 1988 Harvard Ave to honor the significance of G&W Cab Companies impact on the historically African American community.
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