YEAR IN REVIEW
2020
A publication from the City of Cedartown ©2020 Public Information Office 201 E. Avenue Cedartown, Georgia 30125 www.cedartowngeorgia.gov
A MESSAGE FROM THE
CITY M NAGER On behalf of our elected officials and employees, I would like to welcome you to the City of Cedartown. Nearly 10,000 people call Cedartown their home -- and it’s a town as special as the people who live here.
With a historic Main Street that houses decades-old mom-and-pop shops that continue to flourish, to a business park that creates hundreds of local jobs and clean energy via a state-of- the-art solar farm, Cedartown is a perfect mix of modern progress meets quintessential “Small Town, USA.” It is the City of Cedartown’s mission to provide excellent, comprehensive services to our citizens and our businesses. Our residents and businesses are the heart of our community, and we aim to support them in any way possible. Additionally, we strive to provide ongoing stimulus for sustainable economic development and growth. We know that smart expansion paired with careful planning is the key to Cedartown’s future success. Lastly, we will uphold these goals while ensuring that the taxpayers of our wonderful city recognize that their local government will maintain fiscal responsibility. Serving as Cedartown City Manager is a responsibility that I take seriously. I consider it an honor to lead and serve alongside the great employees of the City of Cedartown and to work closely with our Board of Commissioners, ensuring that the absolute best decisions are made for the ultimate good of all our residents. If you live or work in our community, then you already know we are staffed by hard working, courteous individuals who work diligently to provide you with the highest level of service at all times. Whether you are a resident or a visitor in our wonderful city, we hope you find Cedartown to be a perfect place to spend your time. Explore our website to find out more about what Cedartown has to offer. We may be a small town, but we have a rich history, a growing number of local attractions and exciting plans and projects on our horizon. If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me using the information listed below. My door is always open for questions and comments.
Edward Guzman Cedartown City Manager eguzman@cedartowngeorgia.gov 770-748-3220 ext. 3039 www.cedartowngeorgia.gov
City of Cedartown Year in Review 2020— 2
CED RTOWN CITY COMMISSION
2020 CEDARTOWN CITY COMMISSION SAM BRANCH ANDREW CARTER, CHAIR PRO TEM MATT FOSTER, CHAIR DALE TUCK JESSICA PAYTON
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TABLE OF CONTENTS CITY HALL ADMINISTRATION + CODE ENFORCEMENT P. 5 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM P. 7-9 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY P. 10 PUBLIC SAFETY P. 11 PUBLIC WORKS P. 14 RECREATION P. 16 WASTEWATER P. 17 SPECIAL PROJECTS AND EVENTS P. 18
Commissioners Andrew Carter and Dale Tuck were sworn in by Judge Andrew Roper. Both Carter and Tuck started new four-year terms in January 2020 following their uncontested races to remain on the Cedartown Commission.
City of Cedartown Year in Review 2020 — 4
CITY HALL ADMINISTRATION CLEAN AUDIT
The City of Cedartown’s Finance Office received a ‘clean’ audit report for FY 2019.
BUSINESS | ALCOHOL LICENSES ISSUED
In 2020, 445 business licenses were issued by City staff. 58 new licenses were issued. Thirty-seven alcohol licenses were issued in 2020.
NEW ORDINANCES
PHILPOT SPRINGS ANNEXATION ORDINANCE: Allowed the annexation of multiple parcels of land for future residential development. AMENDMENT TO LIVESTOCK ORDINANCE: Allows residents to keep hens at their home with a special use permit.
TOUCHLESS DOORS INSTALLED Touchless door systems were installed at City Hall, the Cedartown Performing Arts Center, Cedartown Police Department, Cedartown Library and the Senior Center. The door systems were funded with money received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The touchless door system significantly decreased the transfer of germs for customers and patrons who continued to do business with the City and seek services during the 2020 pandemic.
LOBBY SAFETY AND FRONT COUNTER IMPROVEMENTS
The main customer service counter was renovated in 2020. Plexiglass dividers were installed to help curb the spread of germs. New desks for front office personnel were purchased and installed. Social distancing signage was purchased and placed in the lobby. The City also provided paper masks for customers upon entering City Hall.
CLASS III WATER OPERATOR TITLE EARNED
Ricky Wilson passed the Class III Water Operator exam.
NEW METER READER
Randy Wells was named as the City’s new meter reader.
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EDWARD GUZMAN NAMED NEW CITY MANAGER
Edward Guzman was appointed by the Cedartown City Commission as City Manager on October 1, 2020. He took the role of former City Manager Bill Fann, who retired in September 2020. Guzman is a 2006 graduate of Cedartown High School and a 2010 graduate of the University of Georgia, receiving undergraduate degrees in both political science and criminal justice. During his undergrad career, he studied abroad for a semester at the University of Oxford in England. He is bi-lingual, speaking both English and fluent Spanish. Mr. Guzman earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Kennesaw State University in May 2019. He was also selected as the 2019 Outstanding Scholar, School of Government and International Affairs while earning his MPA. He is also a 2019 graduate of the prestigious Leadership Georgia The 2020 City Commission and incoming City Manager program. He has worked at the City Edward Guzman (seated, left) and outgoing City of Cedartown for nine years, serving Manager Bill Fann. in various capacities, including clerk, assistant city clerk and assistant city manager. In 2013, he was awarded the Emily Shaw Administrative Award.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
CITY CONTINUES TO FIGHT AGAINST BLIGHT
Above is just one example of a blighted home turned showcase worthy. Encouragement from the City’s Code Enforcement Officer and persistence of the property owner paid off.
City of Cedartown Year in Review 2020 — 6
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM TRAILHEAD ART GALLERY INSTALLED 25 works of art were selected for display along the Silver Comet Trail as part of the City’s Trailhead Art Gallery. Due to COVID-19, the artists’ reception could not be held in 2020. The artwork was displayed in May and remained on display through December.
SNOW MACHINES ACQUIRED The Cedartown Performing Arts Center acquired six snow machines from the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. The snow machines were donated for free and will be used for future performances and events. Director Oscar Guzman was instrumental in receiving the donated equipment. The machines, pictured at right, are valued at an estimated $18,000.
7 — City of Cedartown Year in Review 2020
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM SUMMER THEATER CAMP A scaled-down version of the Cedartown Performing Arts Center’s summer theater camp was held in 2020. Typically more than 30 youth participate in this event, but due to COVID-19, the number of participants was limited to 12. The theater camp teaches basics of stage performance, as well as offering fun activities that build confidence and interest in the arts. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DOWNTOWN The City purchased new Christmas lights, an 18-foot tree and Santa skyline for the downtown area in 2020. The lights are controlled by a smart phone application and feature thousands of patterns and color schemes. The lights were placed on our streetscape sidewalk trees by our firefighters and programmed by Edward and Oscar Guzman, with a little assistance from Mitzi Allen, Aimee Madden and Amy Orebaugh. The 18-foot tree also features programmable lights. The skyline features Santa and his reindeer. The decorations were well received by the community.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM MARKET ON MAIN Though 2020 saw the cancellation of most events, the Downtown Cedartown Association hosted the annual Market on Main. Dozens of crafters, artists and food truck operations participated and the event drew a large crowd.
GRANT FUNDING SECURED The City secured a $7,000 Tourism Product Development grant for a portable, allterrain stage and lighting. A $6,000 grant was awarded from the Georgia Council for the Arts as well. This money will be used for public performance of “Moana” in 2021.A $15,000 grant was also earned from KABOOM! to be used for the installation of a playground at Bert Wood Park.
$28,000 GRANT TOTAL
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NEW MONITOR AND CONTROL SYSTEM RACO is a wireless, web-based monitoring, alarm notification and control system. In 2020, The City of Cedartown converted all of its Lift Stations from landline-based auto-dialers to RACO’s remote terminal units (RTUs). The RTU’s monitor many parameter-based aspects of the Lift Stations, including pump malfunctions, wet-well levels, and power interruptions. When an issue is detected, the application immediately begins a notification sequence through a chain of appropriate personnel until someone responds to the alarm. One of the most significant features of the new system contributes directly to diagnostics and preventative maintenance. The application provides detailed reports on pump performance across all lift stations, including information on pump flow, hours of pump operation and pump alternation. The data enables Wastewater personnel to address potential problems before they become alarm events. This level of real-time system diagnostics was inconceivable in the past. False alarms have been eliminated and response time for actual alarms has improved dramatically. The application also features a watchdog system, which ensures that each RTU is operating properly. STAFF WIRELESS NETWORK A “staff” wireless network policy was implemented at City Hall. This completed a three-step process to complete a secure, isolated staff network. This change isolates personal devices from the City’s “data” network, which will better protect the City from malicious software/activities. TIME CLOCK CITY HALL
A new electronic time clock was installed in the break room of City Hall for employees. Previously, employees used a punch card system. The new system is more efficient, saving money on supplies and automatically calculates accrued work hours. Employees have a wallet sized card and a key fob that allows for quick clock-ins.
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PUBLIC SAFETY ORDINANCE INFO, PERSONNEL POLICY AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON
The Cedartown Police Department is now equipped with a web-based document management system called PowerDMS. This allows officers to have instant access to up to date City Ordinance, City Personnel Policy, Police Department Policy, all needed forms, and much more from any computer or smart phone.
OVERDOSE DETECTION MAPPING
All Cedartown Police Department supervisors have access to Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program, “ODMap.” This system allows the Police Department to enter data when responding to overdose calls to give a better view of the drug problem. The overdose information is shared at the local, state, and federal levels to foster better cooperation. The app provides near real-time suspected overdose surveillance data to support public safety and public health efforts in mobilizing an immediate response to a sudden increase or spike in overdose events. It links first responders and records management systems to a mapping tool to track overdoses and stimulate real-time response and strategic analysis across jurisdictions.
NEW K9 VEHICLE IN SERVICE
The police department obtained a new K9 vehicle. The department transitioned the old K9 car to the use of the Patrol Captain in a much less rigorous application to extend its service life and save taxpayer dollars.
MOSAIC PLACE PARTNERSHIP
The Cedartown Police Department has increased its partnership with Mosaic Place, a local addiction recovery center. Each officer has a supply of Mosaic Place business cards to refer people, when appropriate, to Mosaic’s Addiction Recovery Services.
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PUBLIC SAFETY FARM EQUIPMENT EXTRICATION
In February, Captain Jason Shuman and Engineer Jose Nevarez attended a 16-hour Farm Extrication course. The course taught secure stabilization methods for large farm equipment and safe removal of entrapped persons. In July, Battalion Chief Rogers recently attended an 80hour Fire Inspections Class and by doing so he obtained his National Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector Level 1. At the end of July, Firefighter Dustin Kerr passed his Advanced EMT test and obtained his state license. In November,firefighters participated in field exercises at the Branch Street Training Ground.
FENLEY HONORED
Josh Fenley was selected as the Cedartown Firefighter of the Year by the Exchange Club. Josh came to work with Cedartown in December of 2007. Since that time, Josh has worked his way up to the rank of CFD Engineer by obtaining his Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 Certifications.
FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
In the month of January, two major projects that will have lasting effects on the City’s firefighter’s health and safety were completed. An outdated exhaust system was replaced with a new state of the art system that removes the truck exhaust. Also, thanks to Fincher’s Roofing and a few days of sunshine, crews were able to replace the roof and gutters on the back of the Fire Station.
NEW PURCHASES
The Cedartown Fire Department purchased six sets of turn out gear, four new air packs and new fire hose. The new hoses are larger than previous ones - they measure one inch and three-quarters as opposed to the old hoses that measure an inch and-a-half. That small amount of extra room adds up to a big difference in fire extinguishing.
City of Cedartown Year in Review 2020 — 12
PUBLIC WORKS STREET DEPARTMENT
Hired Michael Gamage as fulltime mechanic and opened shop to repair and maintenance of all city vehicles and equipment. Promoted Shawn Edison to Street Department superintendent. Continued in our agreement with Polk County Sheriffs Office for a work detail for Street Department and Cemetery Department for cutting grass, cleaning right of ways and the Silver Comet Trail at $52,000 a year. Removed old Bridge at Burt Wood Park and Installed new culvert pipes. Had traffic signals repaired at College Street and East Avenue for $14161.43. Had turn signal sensors repaired at Frank Lott Drive and East Avenue for $4676.00. Repaired sidewalks and curbs on Philpot Street at the new Doug Sanders Golf Museum.
STREET DEPARTMENT
Kelvin Garmon renewed his Backflow Prevention State License. Matthew Wray was promoted to Public Works Manager. Matthew Wray obtained his Wastewater Collection System Operator License from the State. Installed new manhole in the city parking lot next to Ideal Bakery for $9,562.00. Replaced section of 10” sewer mainline on South Main Street and Ellawood Avenue for $9650.00. Tied sewer force main and Cave Springs Lift Station on to separate bypass line. Assisted contractors installing tie ins on the 12” and 16” force main line at the new Main Lift Station. Installed water and sewer service at the new concession stand at Goodyear Park. Purchased new DM2100 water tap machine and boring bar for $3,127.43. Purchased new kk100CS sewer camera $1,695.00. Purchased 224 ¾” Iperl meters to replace the ¾” SR-2 meters that have reached the end of their life span for $2,8445.20. Purchased 6 1” Iperl meters to replace the 1” SR-2 meters as they go bad for $1,302.60.
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PUBLIC WORKS Purchased 2 2” Omni meters to replace the 2” SR- meters as they go bad for $3,100.00. Purchased 486 MXU Transmitters to replace old MXU Transmitters that are being switched out. Assisted contractors at the new Wendy’s location. Installed two new ¾” water taps for $3,250.00. Installed one meter split for $600.00. Installed one 1” water tap for $1,775.00. Installed two 4” sewer taps for $1,800.00. Installed one 6” sewer tap for $3,600.00.
CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
Opened up new section of Northview to sell. Purchased Ferris 600Lawn mower for $4,981.80. Purchased 4 FS91R Weed eaters for $1,074.24. Purchased 2 140cc push mowers for $419.98.
TRANIST DEPARTMENT
Hired Raul Segura as new transit driver. Charles Montgomery, Raul Segura, Reed Runyon received their CPR certification. Charles Montgomery, Raul Segura, Reed Runyon received their Driver Improvement Program certification. Charles Montgomery, Raul Segura, Reed Runyon received their Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity certification. Kelvin Garmon and Matthew Wray received their Drug and Alcohol Program Manager training.
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RECREATION ONLINE REGISTRATION ROLLED OUT
In June, the Cedartown Recreation Department rolled out an online registration option. The online form give residents a chance to enter information and pay registration fees easily.
TENNIS COURT RESURFACED
In May, the City’s tennis courts at Peek Park were resurfaced. The resurfacing was complete in time for the Phase 1 reopening of Peek Park after it was closed during the first few months of the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 LOWERS PARTICIPATION NUMBERS, YOUTH CONTINUE TO BENEFIT
Cedartown Recreation enjoyed a successful soccer season. 19 youth participated in the fall program. The soccer program participants were the first to play on the new soccer field at the Goodyear Soccer Complex. 46 youth participated in the football program, 28 participated in the flag football program and 25 youth enrolled in the cheerleading program.
SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT HELD
A one-day softball tournament had all five fields at Bert Wood Park bustling with balls, bats and grand slams. The National Softball Tournament, held on Nov. 7, attracted 20 teams from Georgia and Alabama and brought with it close to 2,000 spectators.
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WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT -Purchased a new dechlorinating pump for our sodium bisulfite chemical -Repaired outside lights at the Wastewater Plant -Completion of the Main Lift Station upgrade and installed a new generator on site -Completion of the Cave Springs Lift Station upgrade and installed a new generator on site -Culligan installed a deionized water tank system for the Wastewater Lab -Purchased a new pump for the sludge bed station at the Wastewater Plant -Replaced transducer at Asbury Lift Station -Valves replaced at 278 Lift Station and repaired a Pump at 278 and also replaced the transducer -Purchased a roll off dumpster for the belt press and signed a contract with Recyc to start land applying our sludge instead of hauling it to a landfill -Purchased a sump pump to have for emergency back up -Submitted our application for the renewal of our discharge permit for the Wastewater Plant (every 5 years) -Refurbished a clarifier at the Wastewater Plant -Repaired an old pump from Ledbetter Lift Station -Working on installation of new alarm agents at 11 Lift Stations , including the Wastewater Plant -Repaired digester blower roof -Repaired exhaust fans in the aeration blower room -Replaced the old tile flooring upstairs of the building with laminate flooring -Replaced effluent sampler pump
City of Cedartown’s new main lift station
-Replaced two doors on the sludge pump building
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SPECIAL PROJECTS AND EVENTS PILOT CITY FOR ‘IT STARTS WITH ME’ CAMPAIGN
The City of Cedartown was tapped to participate in a social media based pilot program. GMA’s “Starts With Me!” workforce development campaign was developed for use by Georgia’s cities. This campaign was created to help address the growing talent acquisition and retention challenges faced by Georgia’s cities and focuses on the heartwarming side of working in city government. The City’s participation in the campaign was successful, and it is still being used today.
YOUR CEDARTOWN POLICE: GOING THAT EXTRA MILE
Laura Timmons, 90 years young, visited the Cedartown Police Department in August to thank Officer Chase Parker. Ms. Timmons locked her keys in her car on a 90-degree day and was stranded. Not only did Officer Parker stop to check on her, but he called a wrecker and waited with her until the car was unlocked and he knew she was safely on her way.
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FIRE FIGHTING SKILLS + A LITTLE EXTRA
In addition to having amazing first responders on call, the city’s fire hall also houses some pretty talented firefighters as evidenced below. Early in the first half of 2020, they built this table from lumber and supplies donated by the Unified Brothers. Joe Morris, owner of local business Rural Retreat Metal and Wood Art, donated the metal art work to add a special touch to the table. The table sits in the dining area of the fire hall.
COVID-19 CAMPAIGN AND SAFETY IMPLEMENTATION In March, Cedartown City Hall closed to the public in efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. During the shut down, the City launched an education campaign on social media to help explain orders from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. In June, City Hall was reopened with safety measures in place -- including a marked lobby for social distancing, hand sanitizer, masks, plexiglass partitions and foot traffic control. During this time, many local businesses donated masks and hand sanitizer to our public safety and public works personnel.
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SPECIAL PROJECTS, EVENTS & PEOPLE SENIOR CLASS SHOUT-OUT
COVID-19 took away many of Cedartown’s annual events, including Cedartown High School’s traditional May graduation. The senior class of 2020 missed out on many of the senior milestones. In an effort to boost spirits, Cedartown painted storefront windows, hung banners and created signs of support to honor the Class of 2020’s achievements. City Hall employee Aimee Madden painted two large windows and designed yard signs. Many of the city’s employees displayed the signs in their yard, as well as commissioners (pictured below are Commissioner Matt Foster and Sam Branch).
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Runyan closed chapter on 30-year career For Captain Henry Runyan, community policing can be summarized in one word: helping. “When I go out on a call, I think to myself, someone’s got a problem, maybe I can help,” explained the 30-year veteran of the Cedartown Police Department. His way of thinking has earned him the respect of many folks in the community, as well as admiration from his fellow officers. Runyan’s dedication to the job and his devotion to service above self made his July 2020 retirement a huge loss to the CPD family and Cedartown as a whole. Runyan has gone from being the youngest officer on the roster to the oldest, or let’s say “most experienced” officer on the force. He stepped into his career in law enforcement by happenstance. “I was working as a salesman at Bruner Oil Company. I worked with a lady who was a relative of the current police chief and she mentioned that there was a job opening with the department. I put my name in, was hired and here I sit,” Runyan said matter-of-factly. He was hired in the early 90s. Back then, he explained, equipment was far and few between. Officers supplied their own gun, and according to Runyan, the one he managed to procure one “older than he was.” Times have changed, and the difference in equipment now versus 30 years ago is like night and day. Though toting a gun comes with the job, Runyan’s equipment of choice during his years of service is one that housed no bullets. “Mediation is the best thing you’ve got as an officer. Of course, you have to be a people person for that, you can’t talk down to people, you’ve got to listen and you’ve got to be able to handle people that get mad, people that say things that aren’t nice. If you can’t take that, then you don’t need to be a police officer,” Runyan said. “Many times, you can mediate a situation and not have to make an arrest.” With three decades of policing under his duty belt, Runyan’s seen a lot. He’s quick to point out that his moments of lending a hand to someone in need are the memories he will treasure the most. “I remember there was a couple in town that needed gas money. I just happened to have $20 and I gave it to them and they went on their way. Sometime later, I was in Rome doing some shopping and a man approached me and said ‘you were the officer that gave us gas money’ and made me take $20 back.” He’s served his community under the direction of four police chiefs – John Dean, Keith Barber, Henry King and current Chief Jamie Newsome. He takes pride in being a part of those administrations and in leaving Cedartown a better place. “I was part of Operation Street Sweep that ridded the City of corner drug dealers. We were very aggressive during that operation. I learned a lot during that time. I know I wouldn’t be the same person I am today had I worked anywhere else other than the Cedartown Police Department. I am grateful for those that helped me along the way and gave me the advice of ‘youngun, learn all you can’.” Runyan sits back in his chair and takes a moment to reflect on his long career. “Just the opportunity to help people, I am going to really miss that. But I can still help people even after I retire because of what I learned as my time spent as an officer.”
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Willbanks retires with 30 years of service Thirty years ago when Ralph Willbanks was in his twenties, he applied for a job at Cedartown’s Water Plant. It was a field of work that he didn’t really set out to enter into, but he was happy when he found out that he’d landed the job. “I was young and just glad to be employed,” Willbanks said. “At that time, when you’re that age, you don’t really see yourself staying at one job for years and years. It just creeps up on you and one day it’s 10 years and then the next it’s 30 and you’re retiring,” he said with a chuckle. Life is like that. His 30-year career in water treatment morphed into time spent at the wastewater treatment plant as well, and eventually Ralph earned the “gold standard” of experience in his field by obtaining his Class I certification. “To complete 30 years in any profession is an admirable feat but to do that in the utility field, and particularly in the operations of “critical infrastructure” is even more of an accomplishment,” City Manager Bill Fann said of Ralph’s career. “For most, achieving a Class I Certification in either Water or Wastewater Plant operations means a successful career, but through dogged determination Ralph was able to achieve that top level of professionalism in both fields.” Most folks really don’t think about the process it takes to get clean water flowing to your tap, or what happens to the dirty water you produce on a daily basis. But for three decades, that’s what Ralph was paid to do. “People really don’t realize the process that goes into making sure you’re providing residents with the cleanest drinking water possible, and then the flip side of that as well. All of the wastewater that comes through this plant, comes in dirty as you expect, but then it’s treated and released as clean water. It’s a complicated process that is very technical and sciencedriven.” It’s apparent that after 30 years, Ralph enjoyed his profession. But what’s kept him there for so long? “It’s the people I work for, the people I work with. They’ve been great. I’ve enjoyed my routine here.” “We congratulate Ralph on a successful, productive career with the City of Cedartown and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement,” Fann said. He retired on June 1, 2020.
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Bill Fann retires; leaves a legacy of leadership The Kleenex was passed. What an evening was had at the October City Commission meeting. City employees and commissioners honored soon-to-be-retired City Manager Bill Fann on his nine-year career here at the city. He was presented with a special cedar bench, designed with his “retirement years” in mind. With nowhere pressing to be, no meetings to dash off to, the bench will be placed on his porch or in his yard somewhere (aka God’s Country) or more than likely, wherever his wife tells him to put it.’ He can sit a spell in the mornings with his cup of motor oil -- err, coffee, and reflect on whatever he wants to. Probably things like his family, Alabama football, NASCAR or clearing brush with his tractor. He might could even sit on the bench and listen to his favorite singer, Don Williams, or his favorite comedian James Gregory or Jerry Clower. In the afternoon, we figured he could sit on the bench and “rest his eyelids” after enjoying a little of his wife’s sweet tea and a bag of FritoLay Cheese Munchies. There probably won’t be much bench sitting at night, as he has reminded all of us here at the City, he goes to bed early (read: you better not text me after 8 p.m.), and we doubt that will change with retirement. But all jesting aside, Bill has earned a spot in Cedartown history as one of the best. With vision and drive, he’s finished project after project. Some have been large, can’t-miss projects like the completion of One Door Polk or the renovation of Big Spring Park. Others have been quiet, day to day successes yet just as important -- if not more so -- like a complete financial turnaround of the City. A “socially-distanced” drive-by reception was held in his honor on September 29, 2020.
City of Cedartown Year in Review 2020 — 21
Hulsey takes rec department helm After 17 years away, Jeff Hulsey found his way back to his hometown. Born, raised, and schooled in Cedartown, Hulsey has been a fixture in the Rockmart community for nearly two decades. But that in August of 2020. On Monday, Aug. 24, Hulsey took the helm as the City of Cedartown’s new recreation department director, a title that he knows is an important one. “Recreation sports and programs are definitely a big part of our community. I had a great time over in Rockmart starting several programs there, and the opportunity arose to come back to Cedartown. I wanted to finish out my career here, so here I am,” he said with a chuckle. “I am excited to be here, to work with everyone here and ready to hit the ground running.” Hulsey’s number one goal as head of the department is short and sweet: get those participation numbers up. “COVID put a damper on everything for sure, especially for 2020, but we’re ready to grow and get more kids involved,” Hulsey said, adding that youth involvement in team sports is critical to growing minds and bodies. “You look at the data and you will see that kids who are active in rec sports go on to finish high school at a higher rate than those that are not involved. Kids that don’t have a physical outlet like sports have a higher rate of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.” Hulsey is an advocate of team sports, especially recreation teams outside of school. “There are so many kids who won’t make a middle school or high school team, but they need the benefits of team sports. That’s where recreation departments step in. Sure, we want to help build great athletes and serve as a feeder for our schools, but I am not as concerned with winning championships as I am with building teams and character.” When he’s not building teams, you can find Hulsey serving as pastor of Morning View Baptist Church in Rockmart. He has been married to the former Lisa Akins for 36 years and has one daughter and three grandsons. “Give your kids a chance to play,” Hulsey said. “Help support us and we will make a great thing even better.”
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Cedar Valley Church of Christ on North Main Street selected the firefighters of the Cedartown Fire Department to honor the morning of February 17, 2020, for their service, courage, and dedication to the citizens of Cedartown.
A publication from the City of Cedartown Š2020 Public Information Office 201 E. Avenue Cedartown, Georgia 30125 www.cedartowngeorgia.gov