East Point hopes for 50K people with census

That census form still sitting around?  Here's why it's important to important to mail it back according to the AJC:

At last count in 2008, the city fell just 6,582 people short of becoming what’s known as an entitlement city.

To reach that 50,000 population threshold, it will have to count traditionally missed folks like Porter and Robinson, as well as those still on the streets, immigrants and the working poor without stable addresses.

It’s a multimillion-dollar proposition. If East Point succeeds, a chunk of the $14 billion that Georgia receives from federal agencies each year will go directly to the cash-strapped city, to help pay for crumbling streets and buildings.

Read more from the AJC here.

City council wrestles with how to handle overdue water bills.

From the ACJ: 

East Point leaders are working to get a handle on a billing practice that, at last count, showed residents owed more than $400,000 for electric service.

That tally has likely gone down since it was revealed late last year, largely because electric use dips in the colder months.

But because the city is still using the budget billing system that created the problem, the money owed could start adding up again if officials don’t get a handle on the issue – and soon.

For more, go here. 

To summarize the problem, the issue for the city is how to collect past due water bills or whether to forgive all or a portion of the money owed.  The average overdue bill is $250.

'Destination' programs may be boosted by new tax--UPDATE

UPDATE:

This new tax could help develop a stronger Main Street program to promote and develop the city center.

Councilman Rhodes answered a few questions about this tax proposal:

1. How much money was raised in the most recent budget year from this tax?

I can get the numbers for you, but it will have no bearing on the proposed increase. Any additional hotel motel tax (1% to 5%) will be used as defined by state law. At this point, we are not sure how much it may be due to not knowing what will be proposed by the state legislature. They may only approve 1% or they could approve the entire 5%.  The total could be from a hotel motel tax for 4% to 8%. The surrounding area is 6% and 8%.

   2. Has the council formed around a consensus about what the new tax rate would be and how much additional income it would bring in?

We have a list of about 20 items we believe would fall within the guidelines set up by the state. However, we are reviewing the list now to be sure we are providing the correct information. I will get it out as soon as we get it. Council will then vote around those things we believe will be proper per state law.

  3. What organizations may benefit from this?  It would appear the Downtown East Point group could benefit? Any other group?

The tax is designed for promotion and tourism. I am not sure any specific group would benefit but I am hoping that we will be able to use some of it for the Main Street Board to fund their activities. Most successful cities have a strong Main Street Board but East Point has not been able to fund them to the extent that they could be of the greatest use. When we get the list reviewed of possible uses, I will have a better idea on how to answer this question.

The East Point City Council wants to increase the city's revenue by raising taxes on hotel guests.

Ward B Council Lance Rhodes said the council took the first step to increase the existing 3 percent hotel/motel tax when it recently voted to notify the city's state representative of the council's intent. 

"It is well past time for East Point to move in this direction," said Rhodes in an email. 

The tax is paid by patrons of East Point hotels. According to the city's Economic Development Department, hotels are big employers here. They include: 

• Crowne Plaza Atlanta-Airport Hotel
• Doubletree Hotel
• Holiday Inn Airport Hotel 

City coffers received $1,186,897 in the 2008 fiscal year and $800,000 the next year from the hotel/motel tax, according to the city's budget.          

A state law restricts uses for the hotel tax to promoting tourism, conventions and trade shows.

Same meeting, two reports

The same city council meeting with two different point's of view.

The AJC's April Hunt wrote:

East Point started out the current fiscal year in yet another deficit, though one smaller than in years past.

The $2.2 million hole in the city’s general fund was among several findings an outside auditor presented during a 90-minute City Council meeting Monday night.  That counters months of claims that the city ended the year with a surplus.
Details, though, are unclear. City attorney Nina Hickson refused to make the draft audit public.

Read more here.

Ward B Councilman Lance Rhodes emailed this message:

Just a quick note to let you know that the auditor meet with the Council last evening and confirmed the financial condition of the city. As I have been advising for the past two years, we are on our way to recovery. Every statement made through the City Manager's office has been correct. Mr. Jones has done an outstanding job in addressing our recovery. It is an exciting time for East Point.


While we are excited about our improvement, we are still far from being stable. My greatest fear now is the attempts of some Council Members to begin a spending spree. This improvement should not be a license to spend but a reminder of the need to continue our recovery plan.


Our goal is to work over the next two years to be able to operate without the use of a tax anticipation note. I believe the use of the TAN is a solid financial approach. However, it certainly is a sign of improvement when the use of a TAN is optional and not necessary for general operation.


We have gone from a 22 million dollar financial challenge 8 years ago, to a 14 million dollar TAN to only needing an 8 million dollar TAN this year.


We have cut the budget, increased revenue, completed major CIP improvements, addressed the Consent Order issued through the EPD, paid a 16 million dollar debt to Atlanta and the list goes on.


Bottom line is............."what we are doing is working". Please encourage the Council to continue our recovery plan. In addition to this focus, we must now search out new development and retain present business.

Add your voice to city boards

There are many opportunities to serve on city boards, helping to set priorities for parks, guide ethics issues and other important functions. 

 Ward Councilman Lance Rhodes posted this email: 

Council Person Hubbard is seeking appointments for the following listed Boards/Commissions. You can learn more about these on the city web site. I can also give you my appointee's contact information (email) if you would like to talk to someone about the Board/Commission.

If you are selected, I am sure you will enjoy having Council Person Hubbard's support.

I recommend that you reply to "all" on this email with your contact information and any additional information that you would like to be considered (such as resume, experience in the area covered by the Board/Commission, and ect). I would also recommend you list all of the Boards/Commissions you may have an interest.

Thanks

Ethics - They meet as needed

East Point Building Authority- They meet quarterly

Civil Service Board of Appeals- They meet as needed

Cultural Enrichment - They meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month.

Municipal Utility Advisory Commission - They meet as needed

 And another opportunity: 

Council Person Bennett has an appointment he needs to make to the Parks and Recreation Commission. If you have an interest in serving, please send me your contact information. Thanks

Meets every 2nd Thursday at 7 pm Parks and Recreation Administrative Office, Jefferson Station, 1526 East Forrest Avenue, Suite 400

Councilman Rhodes can be contacted by email. 

City moves ahead to borrow money

The AJC's April Hunt again reported on the city finances:

East Point's mayor won’t veto another move by the City Council to borrow money to keep the city running this year.

But after getting an overview of city finances from an outside auditor Saturday morning, Earnestine Pittman said she would prefer the city borrow only enough to pay $6 million in bond payments due next month.

Read the rest of the article here.

The council may take up the issue at its meeting this week. Also on the agenda is

   Authorization to award a Contract to Better Homes Bureau, LLC., for the Construction of Two Tennis Courts and One Basketball Court with Lighting at Brookdale Park (Parks and Recreation)

JP coucil member looks ahead

Ward B Coucilman Lance Rhodes this week moved into a leadership role on city council. 

The board elected Rhodes to serve as mayor pro tempore, putting him in line behind Mayor Earnestine Pittman to preside at the council if she cannot attend a meeting. He was elected to the post earlier this week when Pittman and other council members were sworn in. Rhodes has served on the council since 2004 representing the neighborhood.

For his efforts in local politics, Georgia Equality issued a press release applauding  Rhodes' leadership.  Late last year, Rhodes wrote a new local law to provide employment protections to gay and transgender employees.

Rhodes answered questions from The Jefferson Park Hub about future goals as elected city leaders start to guide the community:

What are your three priorities in the year ahead for Ward B and how will you achieve them?

• Controlling and building our budget. We must focus on building a reserve fund balance while controlling our spending and increasing our revenue.

• Responding to the "Penny for Your Thoughts" program. I received over 55 ideas ( from over 125 citizens in ward B ) and I will work to address each item on the list. If you do not have a copy of this, let me know and I will send it to you.

• Development

• You asked for three but there is a fourth that I must mention. Being responsive. I can not state the importance of responding to emails and calls from citizens. I will remain committed to be responsive. I would even go so far as stating this is my major priority.  

Overall, what challenges do you think the city faces in 2010?

• One challenge is to enable our Building, Industrial and Development Authority to complete their mission to develop our down town area.

• Secondly, we must be creative in providing service delivery while continuing our work on balancing the budget. While I support the need to improve services, I believe that the "Band-Aid" approach to service delivery has been part of what has caused the city so many financial difficulties. We need to improve service delivery but in a fashion that will be long term. Temporary improvement only serves to drain our financial resources and end up being a disappointment to our community. 

• Thirdly, we must remain committed to our financial recovery plan. I am fearful that there will be a "spending" frizzy among our Council. A slight improvement should not be mistaken for a complete recovery. We still a few years before we can stand as a city that recovered from the past 20 years of financial abuse. 

Downtown East Point appears to have ‘good bones,’ with a mix of community institutions, the MARTA station and library, and a dining district, from Thumbs Up and sports bars to the vegan restaurant. Are you satisfied with East Point’s downtown? If not, what needs to happen?

• Complete our Transportation grant program to beautify the down town area. The role of the BIDA needs to be a priority on Council. Business owners should be invited to be more involved in our development. Incentives to retain business must be a corner stone to development improvement.

City Council, Mayor disagree about finances

The city council and new mayor got off to a rocky start on Day One.

According to the AJC, Mayor Earnestine Pittman threatened her first veto over a measure dealing with the city finances. 


AJC reporter April Hunt reports:

Minutes after a swearing-in ceremony filled with promises of cooperation and unity, East Point’s City Council and mayor were at loggerheads Monday night that may shatter the city’s frail financial stability.
At issue is $8 million that staff recommends the city borrow to run operations for the coming year – and to pay a $6 million capital bond next month.

Read the rest here.

New starts in East Point--UPDATE

UPDATE -- Jan 8:  Things are looking up at Tri-Cities High School.
The AJC profiled its principal Eldrick Horton. 

The 1,800-student school this year met federal testing goals; SAT scores have increased 72 points over the last two years. From the Horton-instituted "welcome desk" out front -- where no visitor waits more than five minutes to get an answer -- to newly organized teacher, parent and student resource rooms, the man spends 12 or more hours a day on campus and says he wouldn't trade it for the world.

Read more here.



--
East Point news owned the front page of the Metro section of Monday's AJC.

On the politics beat, Mayor-elect Earnestine Pittman comes out with a take-no-prisoner's stance:

"A new mayor and new direction for East Point begins Monday night in East Point.
Candidate Earnestine Pittman was openly critical of the financial recovery plan touted by then-mayor Joe Macon and city Manager Crandall O. Jones.
As mayor, Pittman is expected to touch on her doubts about the success of that plan – which city officials last week showed would put the city in the black for 2009 – following a swearing-in ceremony tonight.
“I really do not have faith in the financial reports that are being given,” the 63-year-old former math teacher said. “I am waiting for the reports from outside auditors to get a real idea of what is going on.”

To keep your finger on the pulse of city politics news, read the rest here.

The new city council and mayor take the oath of office and hold its first meeting today at 6:30 p.m. at Tri-Cities High School.

On the education beat, there is a new attitude at the high school in the neighborhood's backyard. There is a profile of the principal of Tri-Cities High, Eldrick H. Horton. The school has recently seen an upswing in SAT scores and improved morale among parents, faculty and students. (I'll post the link when if it goes online.)

Inaugural ceremony for East Point

East Point’s 21st mayor, Earnestine Pittman, takes her oath of office on Monday, along with other elected officials.
The swearing in ceremony for Mayor-Elect Pittman and other city leaders is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4, at Tri-Cities High School Performance Art Center, at 2575 Harris St.

There will also be the first city council meeting of 2010.




View Tri-Cities High School in a larger map

Results

Election results from the Fulton County Board of Elections:

With 25 50 percent of precincts reporting

EAST POINT MAYOR    

• THREET W. BROWN 248 293 525
  
• JOE MACON (I)   329 413 647
  
• DELANA MORRISSETTE    17 24 46
  
• EARNESTINE PITTMAN    237   416 877
  

EAST POINT COUNCIL Ward A - AT LARGE   

• GREG FANN (I)    272 385  712
  
• SHARONDA HUBBARD 239 316 593
  
• CRAIG JEFFARES    248 335 589
  

EAST POINT COUNCIL Ward B - AT LARGE      

• PAT LANGFORD (I)   330 485 986
  
• K. ERIC MORROW    456 586 956
  

EAST POINT COUNCIL Ward C - AT LARGE    0   

• KENNETH DELEON    396  513 879
  
• MARCEL L. REED (I)    352 524 1034
  
• Write-in     0
  

EAST POINT COUNCIL Ward D - AT LARGE    0

• JACKIE S GIBBONS (I) 553 1042
  
• STAS RUSEK    483 849
  
• 
  

City election: video & voter guide to help you make your choice

On Nov. 3, Jefferson Park-ers, along with the whole community, head to the polls to elect leaders to guide the city. These are important elections as city leaders tackle downtown development, deal with city budgets in a tough economy and get the city ready for the closing of nearby Fort McPherson.

With this in mind, the "Jefferson Park Hub" emailed questions to the four candidates vying to be mayor and the two candidates wanting to represent Ward B residents to help voters be informed.

Two candidates for mayor responded, as did one candidate for the Ward B at-large seat. 

Ward B candidate K. Eric Morrow. Read his answers here.
Mayor Joe Macon. Read his answers here.

Earnestine D. Pittman was the second mayoral candidate to reply to questions asked by The Jefferson Park Hub. Unfortunately, she declined to answer.

She wrote:

Thank you for the information and the invitation to participate however, I must decline at this time.

 

The two mayoral candidates that did not reply were:

• Threet Brown
• Delana Morrissette

The Ward B incumbent, Pat Langford, also did not reply.

 

To provide more information about the candidates, the AJC and the League of Women Voters of Georgia produced a voter guide. Read the positions of the candidates.

Watch a video of the mayoral candidates at a fall forum.


And to watch them live, there is a chance next week:

The Cherry Blossom Neighborhood Association of East Point, Ga, is hosting a Mayoral Candidate Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 pm, at St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church, 2670 Hogan Rd. at the corner of Dodson Drive and Hogan Road. Please email any questions you may have for the candidates to bonnieaskew@bellsouth.net. no later than Oct. 23, Friday.

Poll: Will you vote?

Q&A with East Point mayor

On Nov. 3, Jefferson Park-ers, along with the whole community, head to the polls to elect leaders to guide the city. These are important elections as city leaders tackle downtown development, deal with city budgets in a tough economy and get the city ready for the closing of nearby Fort McPherson.

With this in mind, the "Jefferson Park Hub" emailed questions to the four candidates vying to be mayor and the two candidates wanting to represent Ward B residents to help voters be informed.

Two candidates for mayor responded, as did one candidate for the Ward B at-large seat. Today's Q&A is with Mayor Joe Macon. His answers are unedited.

Incumbents: what is your most significant accomplishment as an elected official?

I successfully lobbied for $7.5 million in federal funds for the City, even during a tough economy with a Republican controlled congress. I also successfully lobbied to bring distribution centers for Dick’s Sporting Goods and Clorox as well as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement regional headquarters to East Point.

What is the most significant need in District B/the city and what will do you to achieve it?

More parks and green space are desperately needed in the city as a whole. We have made some improvements however; we need significantly more green space to improve the walkability and livability in the city. I will seek more federal and states funds to acquire more land to be used as park and trail space and we need a community center centrally located for all the residents to enjoy.

 What do you believe is the best way to spur development downtown?

The redevelopment of our downtown is the most important issue facing East Point. I have implemented the East Point Corridors TAD (Tax Allocation District) to spur downtown redevelopment. We are currently exploring the idea of a New City Hall Complex to phase the downtown development and make the project more attractive. I added a map of our TAD for citizen information. The TAD is highlighted in bright lime green. As indicated on the map our TAD covers most of our Downtown area.

http://epdocs.webs.com/EastPoint_CorridorsTAD%20(2).pdf

Please name four items you want to achieve on the council?

Less infighting is a goal however it is up to each councilmember to control themselves and concentrate on the needs of the people and less on personal agendas.

Better communication with the residents. I believe we as a council have room to improve on our communication to the public. The council has achieved much over the last 4 years but we have done a poor job at communicating those accomplishments. A quarterly newsletter to the residents is in development.

Improve our public image. The city of East Point is great city we just suffer from an identity crisis. We need to enlist professional help in molding and enhancing the reputation and image of the city. These changes can’t just be cosmetic. We need to a wholesale change in the way we conduct business in certain departments and with certain procedures. This should be an ongoing process that constantly evaluates our performance and seeks way to improve on our service and image.

Environmental Sustainability is goal the city has to take seriously. I want to convert our entire diesel fleet to 100% biodiesel that the city will convert from waste cooking oil from both residential and commercial customers. Not only will this process reduce our fuel cost it will also reduce our carbon footprint and reduce pollution in our industrial corridor.

What is your favorite food to cook?

Sautéed asparagus with garlic and lemon zest, my wife loves it.

What pets live in your household?

Merrick the dog is our pet. She was a rescue dog and now she runs the house.

What was the last movie you saw and should I go see it?

Monsters v. Aliens. Not unless you have a group of kids and a ton of popcorn with you.

Q&A with East Point City Council candidate

On Nov. 3, Jefferson Park-ers, along with the whole community, head to the polls to elect leaders to guide the city. These are important elections as city leaders tackle downtown development, deal with city budgets in a tough economy and get the city ready for the closing of nearby Fort McPherson. 

With this in mind, the "Jefferson Park Hub" emailed questions to the four candidates vying to be mayor and the two candidates wanting to represent Ward B residents to help voters be informed.

Two candidates for mayor responded, as did one candidate for the Ward B at-large seat. Today's Q&A is with Ward B council member hopeful K. Eric Morrow. His answers are unedited.

K. Eric Morrow is a first-time candidate for the East Point City Council.  He received two undergraduate degrees from Emory University and a Master's from the State University of New York at Stony Brook  and a law degree from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.  Mr. Morrow is an attorney at an Atlanta law firm. He served on the city's Ethics Review Task Force. He has lived in East Point for four years. His Web site is http://electericmorrow.blogspot.com

What qualifies you to sit on the council? 

My qualifications include a solid educational background, a career of public service and a desire to utilize my skills to participate in government and make a positive impact on my community. I first moved to East Point in 2005. I was attracted to the close proximity to Atlanta and the small-town feel of East Point. I received two undergraduate degrees from Emory University in 1984. Anticipating a career in public service and after receiving the prestigious Sloan Fellowship, in 1986 I received a Master of Science degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in Public Policy Analysis and Management. I furthered my higher education in 1989 receiving a J.D. degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. I have been a member of the Georgia Bar since 1989 and the California Bar since 1997 with additional certifications from the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. I began my career in public service by serving the State of Georgia as an Assistant Solicitor in Dekalb County and later as an Assistant District Attorney in Newton County. I also served the citizens of the City of Atlanta as an Associate City Attorney working in the Law Department. I am a certified Georgia mediator, trained and qualified to teach legal ethics continuing education courses to attorneys, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and a member of the Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association. Most recently, I was appointed by Mayor Macon to utilize my expertise in ethics training and appointed to the City of East Point Ethics Review Taskforce. I also served on the East Point Ethics Review Board which reviews all complaints of ethics violations against city officials.

What is the most significant need in District B/the city and what will do you to achieve it? 

The increasing crime rate is of great concern to our citizens. As a prosecutor for the State of Georgia, I have been on the front lines of helping victims bring criminal offenders to justice. I have worked hand-in-hand with police officers to deter crime, solve crimes and prosecute criminals. I understand the difficult job that our self-sacrificing police officers have on a daily basis. East Point citizens must work with our police department to systematically decrease crime in individual neighborhoods by reporting crimes and joining forces with neighbors to deter crime through neighborhood watch programs. Working with the City Manager to ensure that the citizens of East Point are adequately protected will be a priority focus of any budget proposal.

What do you believe is the best way to spur development downtown?

There is no easy, one solution answer to developing our downtown area. It is incumbent on Council Members to work with the City Manager to develop strong public policy, hire consultants to provide an economic development plan, develop strong personal relationships with developers and viable business owners and ensure that the businesses that we desire in the downtown are not deterred by an antiquated permitting system. My Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis and Management affords me a solid educational background to establish and implement effective policies for our city. The Master of Science program required courses in political, economic, quantitative and organizational analysis, with a practical focus on the solutions to complex public policy problems.

Please name four items you want to achieve on the council?

• I will work toward the goal of “beautification” and “gateways” to the city of East Point.  East Point must have gateways into the city if we expect to continue to lure new residents and business.  In addition, green space and park development is critical.
• I will work to ensure accountability of all city employees so that citizens receive acceptable levels of professionalism and work product. I will also ensure that our city employees in turn receive respect for their contributions to our city and will fight to guarantee high morale within all departments.
• We must change the demeanor and tone on council and work together for the critical goals of promoting East Point and expanding our tax base to ease the burdens on existing citizens. For this to happen, the mayor and council must work together, put Ward issues aside and act in unison to plant a seed that will grow across the entire city.
• Most importantly, I will work with the mayor, council and city employees to get East Point’s financial house in order.
  

What is your favorite food to cook?

Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

What pets live in your household?

None 

What was the last movie you saw and should I go see it? 

Julie/Julia was the last movie I saw and it was entertaining and informative.

East Point Political Forum with 20 days until election

Still weighing which candidates to vote for?

There are two opportunities this week to see the hopefuls, ask them questions and hear what they have to say:  

Tonight: 

THE CONCERNED CITIZENS AND CLERGY OF EAST POINT

In Partnership with

THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
AND
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY

SPONSORS THE

2009 COMMUNITY POLITICAL FORUM

Tuesday - OCTOBER 13, 2009

6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

PAUL D. WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL
2376 HEADLAND DRIVE
EAST POINT, GA.   30344

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO MEET AND HEAR THE CANDIDATES FOR CITY COUNCIL OF EAST POINT.

 Saturday:

"Meet the Candidates"
(Table/Booth Event)
Saturday, October 17, 2009
noon to 2:00 p.m.
East Point Christian Church (fellowship hall & gym)
1706 Washington Road
East Point, Ga 30344
Free Hotdogs & Punch (Come Early!) 

photo credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/farlane/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

Polls for elections open in 32 days

Polls for the city's election open in a little more than a month. But to be able to cast a vote, residents need to be registered.

That deadline is fast approaching: Monday, Oct. 5.


(At left, a sample ballot. Click to enlarge.)

Fulton County is responsible for handling registration. To get all the details and forms to perform this civic duty, see the county election Web site.

The department's phone number: (404) 612-7020


You can register by mail, but the application must be postmarked by Monday. And there is a whole list of items you need to supply to get on the election rolls.

To get a voter registration form - here - and print out and save time standing in line.

Flood forces city to close water supply system

The flooded Chatahoochee River forced the East Point to shut it's water pipes, leaving the community with a 15-day water reserve. 

According to a news release from Mayor Joe Macon, the city is following it's emergency contingency plan and continues to supply drinking water to residents and businesses.

"These measures have anticipated the worse case scenario based on my observations at the facility and potential damage due to record breaking flood levels of the Chatahoochee river," Macon said in a release.

Drinking Water is partially drawn from the river. However, the flood drowned the facility in Douglas County that draws the water into the city's water system and forced it's closure.

Now city leaders are focused on getting parts, like water pumps and essentials, ready for when the waters recedes and repairs can begin, according to the Wednesday release. 

East Point uses about 7 million gallons a day to quench its thirst, water the lawns and provide for business needs.

Federal disaster aid has been requested. The city may be reimbursed to fix the problem.

Press release:

East Point Intake Facility Underwater!

Please be advised that the Intake Facility (Raw Water Pump House) located in Douglas County adjacent to the Chatahoochee River has been shutdown due to the current flood stage of the river.

As a result, we have initiated our Emergency contingency plan that will entail the emergency procurement of parts and services to assure the power supply and pumps and motors can be reactivated as soon as possibe from the time the river flood levels crest and recede to levels that will permit inspection, maintenance and reactivation of the pumps that provide raw water to our plant.

The current raw water supply is 15 days based on the available storage capacity and average usage(7 mgd). I am requesting Fire and Police to take the appropriate action to notify those establishments that may be impacted if the worst case scenario presents itself.

These measures have anticipated the worse case scenario based on my observations at the facility and potential damage due to record breaking flood levels of the Chatahoochee river.

As stated by the Fire Chief, the Governor has declared a local State of Emergency for 17 counties and has also asked President Obama to declare a National Disaster. If this occurs we will be eligible for reimbursement of cost associated with this emergency.

We are keeping records of all the operation and maintenance expenses incurred as a result of the flooding for potential Federal reimbursement.

Mayoral forum--UPDATE

Future development in the city, crime and setting priorities for the community were a few of the key issues at Thursday's mayoral forum.

The four candidates told the crowded hall at East Point Christian Church their goals if elected for the next four years. The candidates are: Mayor Joe Macon, Earnestine Pitttman, Delana Morrissette and Threet Brown.

Erik Friedly, president of the Frog Hollow Neighborhood Association, moderated the 90 minute discussion. 

---

 Following the forum, the candidates stood together for photos. From left, Mayor Joe Macon, Earnestine Pitttman, Delana Morrissette, Threet Brown.

 ---

Macon said he wants another term in office to complete vital projects, especially the development of the downtown and the city common. After many years of financial uncertainty, the city is on track, he said. "It takes boldness. You can't be timid" leading the city, which requires decisions that not everyone likes, he said.

Pittman, who recently stepped down from her city council seat to run for mayor, said the community needs to start a vigorous program to lure commercial development here, especially to downtown and Sylvan Road area. City leadership needs to make long-term plans and set budgets to meet those goals, she said.  Pittman cautioned about the city taking on more debt.

Brown said he wants to bring a business mindset to city government, being proactive and responsive to community residents. "You have to get your financial house in order to move forward," he said. 

Morrissette said she sees a lot of promise in East Point and wants to make it the best place it can be.  She said a business-friendly community and a nice downtown would help its image.

 
A more complete report will be posted soon. But for now, view the 15 minutes of opening remarks by the candidates. (Technical difficulties interfered with recording Macon's opening. Sorry about that.)


East Point, Ga., mayoral forum from Andrew Nelson on Vimeo.

Residents ID area of concerns

From improving shabby Cleveland Avenue to making downtown "more artsy," residents in Ward B identified areas of concerns in a recent e-mail survey.

Ward B Councilman Lance Rhodes turned to constituents for advice on city priorities. He asked them:

• If you could spend $100K to $200K on any East Point City service improvement or any type of project that would benefit the citizens in East Point, what would it be? 
• If you could spend $100K to $200K on anything that would be a benefit to the citizens of East Point, what would it be?

Councilman Rhodes reported he received some 50 e-mails with ideas.

Cleaning up the city and improving the look of East Point, which calls itself the 'crown jewel' of Metro Atlanta appeared in several emails. 

The tips suggested the most were: 

• Program to improve and clean up Cleveland Ave.
• Improve the appearance of downtown- lamp post-benches- street lines painted-cross walks-trees-plants-etc. 
• Hire a professional public relations firm to promote East Point.
• Make downtown more “artsy” 
  

Councilman Rhodes asked residents to trim the laundry list of ideas to the five most important. To email Councilman Rhodes with ideas: rhodes@eastpointcity.org

The list of suggestions as distributed by Councilman Rhodes:

1.                  Movies on the green – Movies for the public at city parks.

2.                  Decrease utility bill and property tax. 2

3.                  Purchase property on Main Street to help development in down town.

4.                  Purchase the old Wachovia Building.

5.                  Invest in a way to encourage Publix to move in down town. 2

6.                  Hire a professional public relations firm to promote East Point. 3

7.                  Invest in legal position to stop the odor from Meredith.

8.                  Restore Charles A Green Recreation Center.

9.                  Establish bike paths.

10.              More pedestrian friendly walk ways. 2

11.              Sidewalk repair 3

12.              Road repairs-sink holes

13.              More frequent trash pick ups

14.              Increase Code Enforcement Officers

15.              Fund a way to track down absentee property owners to force maintaining of property

16.              Business incentive for Cleveland Ave.

17.              More green space for our city entrances.

18.              Program to improve and clean up Cleveland Ave. 3

19.              Renovate the East Point Auditorium.

20.              Create a dog park. (at the Historical Society site) 1

21.              Create a dog park 2

22.              Plant trees and flowers in public places 2

23.              Increase home ownership

24.              Program to encourage renters to maintain their property.

25.              Decrease the cost of trash pick up.

26.              Speed bumps on East Forrest

27.              Painting of lines on the streets

28.              Repaving of Washington Ave. 2

29.              Improve education

30.              Programs to attract more business

31.              City swimming pool

32.              Add solar panels to roofs of city buildings

33.              Make downtown more “artsy” 3

34.              Bury utility/power lines

35.              Replace old utility poles with more modern metal poles

36.              Create a down town area that is “event” friendly. Like a BBQ cook off or a go-cart event like they had in Atlanta. 2

37.              Create an investor friendly permitting process. A fast track for those who have developed property in the city before.

38.              Litter control program. Our city is dirty

39.              Vacuum leaf pick up. 2

40.              Improve our parks 2

41.              Reopen fire station #1

42.              Street sweeping program

43.              Replace street signs that are old. Add new ones 2

44.              Brighter street lights

45.              Improve the appearance of downtown- lamp post-benches- street lines painted-cross walks-trees-plants-ect 4

46.              Make East Point wireless-free WIFI

47.              Add some more green space or parks

48.              Establish Local Improvement Districts

49.              Improve recycle program

50.              Stronger “green” energy program