The Community Newsletter (Volume25, Issue 1)

JONESBORO COMMUNITY NEWS

Volume 25, Issue 1 January 2021

“One Great Community, Many Stories”

Joy B. Day, Mayor jday@jonesboroga.com

Councilmembers: Pat Sebo-Hand, Mayor Protem Bobby Lester Tracey Messick Billy Powell Donya Sartor Ed Wise Ricky L. Clark, Jr., City Manager Tommy Henderson, III Chief of Police David Allen, Community Dev. Director Joe Nettleton, Public Works Director Pat Daniel, Asst. City Clerk Ken Thompson, Finance Director Derry Walker, Code Enforcement Fincher Denmark, Legal Counsel Keith Wood, Municipal Judge Jerry Patrick, City Solicitor City Hall (770) 478-3800 Jonesboro PD (770) 478-7407 NON-Emergency # (770) 477-3550

Southern Regional Medical Center Named to Georgia Trend’s 2020 TOP HOSPITALS Data Reveals Georgia’s Hospital Ratings

Georgia Trend, the magazine of Georgia business, politics and economic development since 1985, is the only statewide business publication in the market. Georgia Trend recently evaluated each hospital that participated in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) Hospital Value Based Purchasing. Hospitals of similar size and mission were scored on clinical process, patient experience, outcome, and efficiency. The rankings are based on data of August 19, 2020. Analysis of the data was completed for Georgia Trend by independent consultant Mark A. Thompson, professor & associate dean at the Hull College of Business at Augusta University. Among TOP LARGE HOSPITALS (250+ beds) in the State, Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital, Atlanta was #1, followed by Piedmont Atlanta Hospital at #2, while Southern Regional Medical Center was ranked as #3. Rounding out the top 5 were Northside Hospital Forsyth, and Northside Hospital Atlanta. For a complete list of rankings, see georgiatrtend.com.

Congratulations to President and CEO, Charlotte Dupre, Dr. Vikram Mandadi, Chief Medical Officer, the Board of Directors, and the entire Southern Regional Medical Center Staff. Mayor Joy B. Day serves as a member of the Board of Directors of SRMC. 1st Annual Adopt-A-Senior Citizen Program a Success Initiated and sponsored

by Councilperson Donya Sartor (at left), the Adopt-A-Senior for Christmas Program was able to serve 23 senior citizens this year.

Previously advertised in the Community News for nominees, the program sought out sponsors for individual seniors from local businesses and individuals and prepared special packages designed for specific needs, wants, and interests, as well as a Covid-protection bag with masks, etc. Packages were distributed on December 21 and 22. Ms. Sartor was assisted in her efforts

by Councilperson Pat Sebo-Hand. Thanks to all businesses and individuals who participated.

Major Richard A. Godfrey Named Assistant Chief of Police Major Richard A. Godfrey, CCPD (retired), was recently named Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Jonesboro. Chief Godfrey brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of law enforcement. He has served with the Clayton County Police Department since 1991 in such capacities as Chief of Staff, Unit and Division Commander over Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations (Crimes against Children), School Resource Officer, departmental budgets, procurements, grants, Animal Control, Code Enforcement, Fleet. Records Management System, and many other projects. He is a Certified General Instructor, Firearms Instructor, and has training in Supervision, Management, and Leadership at all levels. He studied Criminal Justice at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. His first day will be January 25, 2021. Welcome, Assistant Chief Richard Godfrey!

City Council Approves 2021 Budget On December 12, 2020, the Jonesboro City Council approved the FY 2021 Budget in the amount of $5,069,600.oo.The 2021 Budget includes a 2% step increase for all employees and no employee cuts. Additional funding was added for the City’s Comprehensive Plan, a requirement for full city accreditation. Also included are a Tuition Reimbursement Plan for employees, funding for Employee Recognition/Promotion, the addition of an Assistant Chief of Police and Corporal positions for the Police Department, and Lease Purchase of three vehicles for the Police Department. The spending plan maintains existing services, provides long term funding for future projects, and advances the City’s strategic goals.

Review of the FY 2021 Budget is available at www.jonesboroga.com

Get to Know…Augustin Rodriguez

Get to Know…Pat Daniel

JPD STATS: November 2020

Citations 424 Warnings 178 Accidents 43 Arrests 36 DUI 0 CID Active Cases 174 Active Warrants 405 Probation, Active Cases 299 Training Hours 38 hours

Like us on Facebook: City of Jonesboro, Ga Police Department

Augustin Rodriguez is known around the City as a dependable and hard worker. He is a native of Manzanillo, Cuba and began working for the City in 2015.

Augustin helps to maintain our parks and keeps the right of ways neat and clean for the residents of Jonesboro. He enjoys Karaoke and collecting music memorabilia in his spare time. Augustin has four adult children, six grandchildren and one on the way. We appreciate your work, Augustin Rodriguez!

Pat Daniel began in the City in 2006 as an Administrative Assistant. She currently serves as Assistant City Clerk, issuing business licenses, processing permits, tax payments, sanitation and other billing.

Pat gives “Customer Service” with a golden touch. She is a native of Atlanta, GA and has been married to Randy for 32 years. She has one daughter and one granddaughter. Pat loves to roller skate, dance, and spend time at the beach.

Thank you, Pat Daniel!

Thanks for Working to Make Jonesboro Great!

Historic Preservation Committee

Main Street

Downtown

Promotion Committee

Development Authority

Betsy Wester, Chair Arlene Charles Tracy Messick Jule Segner Brett Bolden Allison Brown Murphy David Allen, City Facilitator

Jule Segner, Chairman Karen Sullivan Mitch Johnson Helen Meadows Allen Roark Dana Holmes Charlton Bivins

Urban Redevelopment Agency

Beautification Commission

Main Street Design Committee

Helen Meadows Jule Segner Pat Sebo-Hand Ed Wise Joy B. Day, Chair Ricky Clark, Secretary

Billy Raymond Cindy Haire Sheila Brooks Cameron Dixon Derry Walker, City Facilitator

Bonnie Shekarabi Barbara Casey Lane Kimberly L. Lightford Tammary Dowdell David Allen, City Facilitator

CRIME BEAT

As of 12/05/20 These figures reflect the Year-to-Date changes, comparing the year 2019 and 2020 in the City of Jonesboro. The third column shows the actual # of incidences for 2020.

Aggravated Assault Burglary Larceny Auto Forgery/Counterfeiting Stolen Property Narcotics Disorderly Conduct DUI Arrests

-7.69% -44.12% -45.36% -42.86% -75.00% -33.33% -47.17% -59.18% -47.50%

12 19 24 12 11 4 28 20 494

As of 12/05/20, the City had one Homicide, and five Robberies for the year. Vandalism increased somewhat, going from 33 in 2019 to 38 in 2020. The biggest increase was in Family/Children incidences, from 4 in 2019 to 14 in 2020.

Allen Roark, Chairman Helen Meadows Karen Sullivan Sylvester Ford Jule Segner Dawn Murray-Hartman Joy B. Day Ricky Clark, Secretary

Vaccine Update

Thank you, JPD, For Keeping our City Safe

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Tommy & Laura Dupuis

Clayton County Office of Emergency Response, CC Health Department, and Southern Regional Medical Center have made extensive preparations for COVID-19 Vaccine receipt and administration. They are working with all levels of government to inform and educate. CDC guidelines will lead the process. For complete and up to date information about COVID-19 and the vaccine, see claytoncountypublichealth.org.

STAY INFORMED ABOUT CITY HAPPENINGS!

Want to get the facts about issues that affect your neighborhood or your City? Here are ways you can stay informed in 2021.

• Access City Website All agendas, minutes, etc. are posted regularly. www.jonesboroga.com • Like us on Facebook City of Jonesboro Government • Attend WORK SESSIONS. 1st Monday of every month, 6 pm, 170 South Main Street.

Sandra Meyers, We Will Miss You! Open public discussions are held Sandra Meyers, Finance Officer, retired on December at every Work Session.

Lt. Anthony Lumpkin To Retire 18, 2020 after 14 years of service to the City. Sandra Lt. Anthony Lumpkin began his career at • Attend Council Meetings, brought a wealth of knowledge to the City, having 2nd Mon., 6 pm. 170 S. Main served the City of Riverdale for 31 years, 10 years as Jonesboro PD in 2004 as a Patrolman.

City Clerk. Above, City Hall Staff: ( l to r) Pat Since that time he has served as Corporal, Note: Work Session & Council Meeting Sergeant, and finally Lieutenant. He has are combined for JAN 2021. ( JAN 11) Daniel, Maria Wetherington, Cable Brooks, and supervised virtually all phases of operation Sandra Meyers.

WE NEED at JPD in his role as Lt. He says of his Best Wishes in Your Retirement!

YOUR PARTICIPATION retirement: “I plan to continue to work in my food truck & concession trailer WELCOME, NEW BUSINESSES and since my hobby is collecting cars, I K-Bueno Latin Café 847 Hwy 138 Spur Supersport Motors, LLC plan to visit all the car shows. When you Reliable Partners, LLC 8045 Tara Boulevard 198 Jonesboro Road, B2 retire you have to stay active, and that’s Greedy Man’s BBQ & Grill 1423 Stockbridge Road, B7 194 Jonesboro Road, E1 Supersport Transport, LLC what I plan on doing. Thank you City of Benjamin Solutions, LLC 198 Jonesboro Road K4 Jonesboro for everything you have done Good Cents Furniture & Fashion 198 Jonesboro Road, C14 QCS Auto & Tire Spot, LLC 198 Jonesboro Road, B10 for me & my family. I couldn’t have Stanley Dunlap (Barber) 8639 Tara Boulevard Metro First Class Cleaning, LLC worked for a better agency and municipal- Wardrobe Queen Boutique 513 1287 Hwy 138 Spur 113 Chestnut Street ity.” Lt. Lumpkin retires on December 31. New You Recovery House, LLC 198 Jonesboro Road, B1 K & F Motors, Inc. 198 Jonesboro Road, K4 Thank you for your service, Sir!

CITIZEN GLIMPSES

Jonesboro City Hall 124 North Avenue Jonesboro, GA 30236

COMMUNITY CALENDAR JAN 1

Happy New Year!

JAN 6

City Court, 8 am, PD

JAN 6

Design Review Comm., 4:30 pm, CH

JAN 7

DDA, 6 pm, PD

JAN 11

City Court, 8 am, PD

JAN 11

Work Session & City Council Combined Meeting, 6 pm, PD

JAN 18

MLK, Jr. Holiday, City Offices Closed

JAN 19

Historic Commission, 5:30 pm, CH

JAN 25

City Court, 8 am, PD

JAN 25

Beautification Comm., 5:30 pm, CH

JAN 26

Promotions Comm., 4:30 pm, CH

JAN 26

Fun at Work Day: Call City Hall now for a surprise! First three are winners.

The Community News is published at Jonesboro City Hall. Written & Edited by Mayor Joy B. Day. To submit news, email jday@jonesboroga.com

Pre-Sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Jonesboro, GA Permit No. 7

CITY ARCHIVES— “Christmas 1968 at the Smith House” Submitted by Marie Smith

The Joseph & Mary Lee Smith family has lived on West Mill Street for many years. Children were: Herbert, Frederick, Marion & Marie (twins), Reginald, Fedelia, Ahlo, LaTorsha, Neeka, and Errol. Reginald (“Boots”) and Errol Smith were valued employees of the City of Jonesboro for many years. Great memories!

CITY BUSINESSES ELIGIBLE FOR FAÇADE GRANTS Are you interested in attracting more customers to your business?

Start with a façade grant from our Main Street Program! Many of our businesses have already taken advantage of new design, paint, new doors, signage, etc. How can you become eligible for a grant?

Join our MAIN STREET PROGRAM! Being a MAIN STREET member promotes our City in a positive way, revives our local economy, and helps to forge the future for Jonesboro. Call Cable Brooks at (770) 478-3800 today for details. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$