From the Mayor’s Desk . . .
The Mayor and Council continue to focus on our constant and collective primary goals of:
-Ensuring lines of communication remain open and available for all our citizens
-Maintaining transparency in our decision making
-Demonstrating consideration, caring and respect when rendering service to our
constituency
While being: Accountable Available Fiscally Responsible
Recent Actions of Interest
Palmetto Clergy Group: On the suggestion of several area pastors, Mayor Miller has agreed to facilitate the formation of a group of concerned area clergy. Initial response has been positive. Expectations are that this voluntary and cooperative alliance will define areas of common focus for the betterment of our community.
Train Depot Renovation: The coordination and approval process continues on this Department of Transportation (T.E.) Grant. Required environmental testing is complete and the DOT consultant expects to issue authorization to advertise the project for bid soon.
Fayetteville Road Sidewalk
Construction of the Fayetteville Road Sidewalk Project, between School Street and Huntington Forest, will get underway in August and will be completed by year end. The project is funded by a Community Development Block Grant. Stop by City Hall if you would like to look at the plans.
“First Fridays”
If you would like to share your ideas and conversation with a Council Member or two, in a casual, comfortable setting, the next in the “First Fridays” series will be held at City Hall on August 6th from 11:00 to noon.
Palmetto Youth League
The Palmetto Youth League “One Family, One Community, One Mission” is located at the Carter Recreation Center, 204 Taylor Circle. The facility has recreational equipment and many recreational opportunities for children. Participation in the first season of soccer has been very encouraging. Stop by or call the executive director at 770 463-2260, email PYLeague@aol.com, or visit their website at www.palmettoyouthleague.org.
Safe Route to School Project (SRTS)
The Georgia Department of Transportation has awarded the City, in conjunction with Palmetto Elementary School, $470,000 for construction of sidewalks, crosswalks and other infrastructure improvements along Carlton Road from Hwy 154 to Brentwood Boulevard. SRTS is a national program to improve the health and well-being of children by enabling and encouraging them to walk and bicycle to school. We expect design work and construction to begin later this year.
Palmetto Health Council, Inc. ARRA Grant
In December, the Palmetto Health Council was awarded a $6.3 million federal grant to build a new headquarters facility in our City. Palmetto Health Council, Inc. (PHC) is a non-profit network of seven Community Health Centers serving the communities of Meriwether, Pike, Lamar, Troup, Carroll, and South Fulton counties. PHC Community Health Centers are unique in that they are located in areas facing limited access to affordable, quality healthcare and have a large number of citizens who are uninsured or underinsured. The Executive Director and the principle architect continue to meet with City staff to discuss design plan submission requirements. The official groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for August 31, 2010.
Comprehensive Plan
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has approved Palmetto’s “Community Agenda” segment of our Comprehensive Plan. The Council will consider adoption of the Plan in September. The next major effort in establishing our development guidelines is development/modification of our zoning ordinances. Community input is an essential component in the process and numerous public meetings will be held in the coming months. The City website is the source for detailed information.
Structures and Vehicles
Dilapidated structures and inoperable, unregistered vehicles are not only eyesores but can also present a very real, dangerous nuisance that requires removal and abatement to address public safety issues. If you are aware of a nuisance of this type in your neighborhood, please contact the City’s Code Enforcement officer at 770 990-4156.
Community Garden
Stop by and take a look at the garden. A limited number of 4’ x 8’ garden plots are available to individuals or organizations on an annual basis. Call 770 463-2826 or email kiadams@bellsouth.net for more information.
FOG-Fats, Cooking Oil and Grease Recycling
A recycling bin for collection of kitchen grease has been located behind the newspaper recycling bins and the Community Garden at Wayside Park. No trash, water or motor oil can be accepted at this location.
Upcoming Community Activities
2nd Annual Fantasy Forest Event
All of the tree decoration sponsorships (twenty) have been secured for our 2nd Annual Fantasy Forest Event. It starts on Saturday, November 27th and runs through December 5th. If your organization wants to be a part of this great event take a look at the website at www.PalmettoFantasyForest.com or call City Hall at 770 463-3377.
The next Palmetto City Council Work Session and City Council Meeting will be held at City Hall on Thursday, September 2nd at 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, September 7th at 7:30 p.m., respectively.
Mayor and Council Members
Green Space, Blue Skies, Great People