CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
APRIL 21, 2025
DR. EMMANUEL ADEDIRAN CITY MANAGER
DR. EMMANUEL ADEDIRAN
To the Mayor and Council, resident and business owners in College Park:
Last month, I opened the City Manager’s Report by announcing that we had begun to deploy “Wi-Fi” throughout the city and tonight I am pleased to say that our Wi-Fi project is complete. I want to thank our technology team and all who have made this happen.
I also want to highlight the incredible work that our Police Department has been doing to make College Park safer. In our latest crime report, crime has decreased 17.6 percent compared to the same period last year with every Ward experiencing a double-digit decrease. Big thanks to Chief Rogers and the entire department. Let’s keep it going!
While we have all noted some of the exciting milestones we have had in recent weeks, I want to thank all of our sta and especially our volunteer residents for their work in the opening of the Senior Tech Lab and Community Garden at Brady Center, the unveiling of the Historical Markers and the opening of our Chess Patio. It takes a great team to do great things and that includes all of us who call College Park home.
And speaking of calling College Park home, it's Georgia Cities Week in College Park and I hope we all celebrate each other as we continue to work to make our city a wonderful place to live, work and play.
A few things to note, I hope everyone will sign up to join Keep College Park Beautiful in the Greatest American Cleanup. Let me also remind everyone that our burn ban starts next month through to October with no outdoor burning permitted during this period.
Finally, as many of you may know, former College Park Police O cer Lt. Helio Garcia lost his life in an accident last week while serving as a member of the City of South Fulton Police Department. Lt. Garcia was a model police o cer and a great public servant. We extend our deepest condolences to his family.
Onward,
Dr. Emmanuel Adediran
City Manager
City of College Park
BUILDING AND PROPERTY SUSTAINABILITY
TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
Code Enforcement uses the See Click Fix program. The tool enables our residents to report non-emergency issues, share feedback, and request information about our community.
CODE ENFORCEMENT - For A Cleaner Future!
Summertime is the time for barbecue's, neighborhood walks, golf, or just enjoying the great outdoors. Maintaining the quality of life in your neighborhood is one of Code Enforcement’s main goals. You can do your part by observing community standards and being “neighbor friendly”.
It is well known that first impressions are very important; maintaining your property in good condition will improve its curbside appeal and maintain its value. Maintaining your landscaping is one important aspect of community preservation. Another important requirement is to keep property free of peeling or flaking exterior paint, broken windows, weeds, junk and debris. Junk, litter and debris must not be left in the yard areas: this includes auto parts, appliances, discarded furniture, landscape trimmings or other discarded items. Vehicles must be parked on a driveway or garage areas, and never on grass/ landscaped areas. Storing inoperable, dismantled or wrecked vehicles in public view is also not permitted. Placing an auto cover over the vehicle does not remove it from the public view.
These are just a few of the code enforcement codes that are the fundamentals of maintaining and preserving your neighborhood. Be “neighbor friendly”! Get to know your neighbors. Sometimes lack of maintenance in a neighborhood is a result of someone “not being able to physically” do the work. Maybe you might be able to help out ... “a kind and compassionate act is often its own reward.”
Stats for the Month of April are as Follows:
CITY CLERK
OPEN RECORDS
The City Clerk’s O ce has been consistently processing and directing open records requests. To improve e ciency, sta developed a comprehensive guide for JustFOIA, designed to educate team members on the software’s processes. Additionally, a new procedure has been put in place to ensure prompt and timely responses to all open records requests.
Sta Changes
Denise Butler, previously assisting with open records requests, has moved on to pursue a new opportunity in the Inspections Department. We wish her the best in her future endeavors!
Training and Advancements
City Clerk Kelly Bogner attended NIMS 402 Class hosted by the City of College Park Fire Department and Georgia Emergency Management (GEMA).
Georgia Cities Week
The Georgia Cities Week proclamation was presented at the April 7, 2025, City Council meeting, which was presented to the City Clerk’s sta . The City will host Georgia Cities week during the week of April 21 – April 26, 2025.
It's our favorite time of the YEAR!! GEORGIA CITIES WEEK 2025! The GCW committee consisted of the City Clerk’s o ce, Joanne of HR/Risk Management, Bryant Anderson of Cultural Arts and Recreation, Keshia Gass of Communications, Alea Jacobs of Accounting, Frances Kennedy of Keep College Park Beautiful, Anthony Paniagua of the Police Department, Shawn Francis of the Mayor and Council o ce, and Cassandra Tolliver of the Water and Sewer Department! Please come out to our events and celebrate the best thing that moves Georgia forward — CITIES! Let’s show our appreciation for College Park Employees that make our communities thrive and the Residents that call this place home!
COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION
The O ce of Communications and Public Information Report
The O ce of Communications and Public Information (OCPI) has created new procedures and content series for information gathering and public dissemination of various content pieces.
1. OCPI developed an online submission form to gather content for internal and external submissions. This includes content for:
• Flyer Creation
• Social Media posts
• Internal Newsletter (Happy Monday)
• External Newsletter (College Park Connects)
• TV23 video and graphic content
2. OCPI developed a social media series titled, ‘This Week in College Park’ as a way to push out information about various events during the week and on the weekend in one format.
3. CPI launched a new look for the community newsletter, College Park Connects, with a theme for the month, segmented public information and council events and announcements.
4. OCPI joined Nextdoor.
5. OCPI disseminated the following information to the public.
• LIHEAP – financial assistance for energy bills
• Power Up Our Neighbors – Contest – based program that o ers
$100 utility bill credit
• April – Earth Day – Great American Clean Up Activities
- Household Hazardous Waste & Shredder Day - April 19
- Bulk Item Pick-up – All Month Long
- 7 Cities Clean Up – April 26
- Flower Planting – April 22
- GA Cities Week – April 21 – 26
-Litter Awareness Workshops – April 24
- Spring Yard Maintenance Tips
- Summer Crime Prevention Tips
- Summer Work Opportunities
- Business License Renewal Deadline – March 31
- Easter Egg Hunt – April 12
- Easter Egg Hunt – April 19
- Movie Night – April 19
- National Public Works Week – May 18 - 24
College Park Fire Rescue Community Connect Tool.
CONVENTION CENTER, ARENA AND GOLF ENTERPRISES
DIRECTOR’S OVERVIEW
March proved to be another active month resulting in a plethora of diverse events occurring at the Gateway campus venues. We hosted everything from Groom’d, a well-known pet grooming expo attracting groomers from all over the country. Alpha South FOCUS HBCU Fair, 2025 Provoked Conference, Coca Cola Scholars were also on board. The Sports action continued with our NBA G-League SkyHawks as they hosted six games at the Gateway Arena. League One Volleyball (LOVB) women’s league, played their last set of home games during their inaugural season. The historically Black Colleges, Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) also were on the court for a week of basketball games and other activities on the Gateway campus. Social and Business functions included Ivy Community Foundation – 19th Pink Cultured Pearls Cotillion and ATL Next Industry Day.
The Georgia International Convention Center, Gateway Center Arena and the Historic College Park Golf Course reported the following YTD revenues of $11,745,227.39 equal to 67.5% of the adopted budget. The Gateway Center Arena reported YTD revenues of $5,431,292.90 representing 75.78% of the adopted budget. The Historic College Park Golf Course reported YTD revenues of $526,069.02 which is 60.61% of the adopted budget.
HISTORICAL GOLF COURSE
As the month of March came to a close and with the arrival of spring, we have been busy making some exciting changes at our golf course. Firstly, we have replaced the old flags with new ones, giving our course a fresh and updated look. I'm delighted to inform you that our golf course continues to witness a steady increase in the number of golfers visiting us daily, thanks to the favorable weather conditions. Furthermore, the new merchandise has been well received, with positive feedback on the styles and variety of options. James Prince has recently completed another superintendent certification, further enhancing our attributes.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The City of College Park is Open for
Business!
Local Collaboration
• BIDA Chairwoman Dr. Subrenia Willis addressed Old National Merchants Association on 3/27
• Clayton County State of the County event at GICC on 3/19
Progress on Projects
Clean Spark Project: The Planning Commission voted unanimously to support rezoning and conditional use permits.
Historic Preservation
• Over 200 attendees at a rally held on 3/30
• Incredibly strong support for preserving the Brady Center
• Our Six West developer partner attended and heard the community
ELECTRIC POWER
Power Restoration
College Park Power has over 155 miles of power lines that are exposed to the weather, nature and vehicles. Power outages are unavoidable, but we try to minimize them occurring and make restoration as quickly and safely as possible.
Causes of power outages:
1. Trees and tree limbs
2. Lightning
3. Heavy winds
4. Failure of equipment
5. Rodents
6. Vehicles
7. Other – balloons, vandalism, scheduled
Trees and tree limbs are the number one causes of power outages and extended restoration. When a tree comes into contact with the power line, it creates a fault current of typically several thousand amps which will operate and lock out a station breaker. The blinking that a customer sees is the breaker going through operations giving a limb a chance to fall or burn clear. After 3 operations and the limb is still there, the breaker will open until the limb is physically removed.
Limbs are being trimmed every workday to provide at least 10 feet of clearance from the power line, but trees 80’ to 100’ tall may drop limbs during heavy winds or rainstorms.
If the power line is protected by a fuse, the fault current generated by the limb can result in the fuse melting so fast that it sounds like an explosion.
Mylar balloons can conduct electricity and cause power outages.
Fallen trees can cause major damages due to broken conductors and/or poles. These restorations can take several hours. Lightning hitting a power line can also cause blinks until the strike dissipates but often leaving damage that may create a power outage later. Heavy winds have a tendency to slap power lines together causing breaker operations and blinks. Rodents such as squirrels do not know the di erence between a tree and a power pole, so their climb may end up fatal to them when they come into contact with a line or transformer bushing. They can also create a fault current that can cause an outage.
Lighting will strike and dissipate but can cause damage.
We ask that all residents remain patient during power restoration. The number one goal is for our team to complete the work safely, which may take a little longer.
ENGINEERING
• Reviewed ROW cut, Building permit, LDP, applications
• Assisted Code Enforcement with mapping/addressing clarification
• Completed processing address assignments for water sites
• Continue updating online maps with additional layers and search options
• Updated City Owned Properties Map with additional layers for Economic Development/ BIDA/CCPK
• Updated City Wards Map
• Engineering continued its regular support of all City departments and City Council
• Assisted di erent departments on printing copies of maps, street indexes, map interpretation, location, etc.
• Attended the 2025 ESRI Southeast User Conference
PLAN REVIEWS
INSPECTIONS: SITE INSPECTION SUMMARY
FIRE RESCUE
Fire Department Response Statistics and Activities
YOUR DEPARTMENT AT WORK
On March 18, at 7:41 PM, the Fire Department responded to 3445 Almand Drive. With the assistance of the City of Atlanta, East Point, South Fulton, and Hapeville, the fire was brought under control. No injuries were reported.
FIRE MARSHALL CPR COMMUNITY EVENTS
On March 27, 2025, College Park Fire Rescue attended a career fair at Skyview High School. The Career Fair aimed to provide students with insights into various career paths and opportunities available to them beyond high school. The department was able to greatly enrich the event and provide invaluable information to students about potential career paths in your industry.
FINANCE
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Budget
The City of College Park, GA, recognizes the significance of its Annual Budget as one of the most critical documents presented to our citizens, community, Mayor, and City Council. This budget delineates the programmatic, operational, and fiscal framework essential for the delivery of services and programs for the upcoming fiscal year, which spans from July 1st to June 30th of the following year.
This year's strategic plan is focused on fostering a stronger and more prosperous future for our community. It embodies our commitment to investing in essential services, infrastructure, and initiatives that will uplift the quality of life for all residents. Through a careful allocation of resources, we aspire to create opportunities for economic growth, enhance public safety, and guarantee access to education and healthcare for everyone.
HUMAN RESOURCES & RISK MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The updates listed below are related to Strategic Goals: Quality of Life, Public Safety/Security, Governance/Customer Service
GOVERNANCE/CUSTOMER SERVICE
New Wi-Fi upgrade: Great news…Our Wi-Fi project is now complete. All locations are using it regularly. Please see the stats below
New Computers for TWRC, Conley and Brady Rec. Center:
The Brady Center Senior Citizen Lab is now open. We have a total of 10 computers at Brady Recreation Center for Councilwoman Mckenzie.
See Click Fix
Department heads and their sta have begun uploading their reports on to the shared folder. The reports will be delivered every Tuesday to the Mayor and Council.
PLANNING AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT
City Council
The Comprehensive Plan Update for the City of College Park is due in October 2026. The Atlanta Regional Commission assisted in preparing the 2021 update and made a presentation about the process to the Mayor and City Council at their April 7th meeting.
The Mayor and City Council will consider two zoning applications on April 21st for a rezoning and conditional use permit for the property located at 4570 Edison Drive.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission reviewed and approved three applications at their March 31, 2025, hearing. The first was a lot consolidation plat for three parcels: Parcel 14 0159900010512 (1747 Mercer Avenue), Parcel 14 0159900010504 (3303 Main Street), and Parcel 14 0159900010520 (0 Main Street Rear) for the Mercer and Main redevelopment.
There were also two agenda items for 4570 Edison Drive to, 1) rezone the from M2 (Heavy Industrial) to M1 (Light Industrial); and 2) a conditional use permit for a data center. The rezoning application was approved, and the conditional use permit was approved with the following condition: The conditional use permit shall be issued for a data mining facility to the owner/operator CleanSpark, Inc. and shall not be transferable.
Board of Zoning Appeals
There was no Board of Zoning Appeals hearing in April.
Pre-Application Meetings, Use and Development Inquiries, Code Enforcement Support, Plat Maps, Business License Review, Zoning Confirmation Letters
• The City Planner continues to coordinate with the Building Department and City Engineer to respond to inquiries and permit applications regarding potential use of land, site development, zoning verification letters, auto broker licenses, business licenses, potential rezoning, sign permits, plat map subdivision or consolidation, and preliminary review of renovations/additions. Resolution of above related issues is ongoing. City Planner reviewed various permit and business license applications.
• The City Planner has conducted pre-application and development inquiry meetings for properties located at 1812 Rugby Avenue, 2260 W Rugby Avenue, 1765 Temple Avenue, and 2105 Roosevelt Highway.
POLICE
Career Day at Main Street Academy
On March 21, 2025, the College Park Police Department had the honor of participating in Career Day at Main Street Academy, where we spoke with students about careers in law enforcement. We emphasized the vital role of community engagement, underlining that it is the backbone of our work and the key to a safe and thriving community.
We were also joined by Mayor Bianca Motley Broom, who spoke with students about leadership and public service. It was a transformative experience to connect with the future leaders of our community and inspire them to explore careers that make a di erence. We could see the spark of inspiration in their eyes as they realized the potential they hold to shape the future. Thank you to Main Street Academy for hosting us. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the students for their great questions and enthusiasm. Your active participation made the event a success!
National Public Safety
This week, we proudly recognize the unique role of our 911 dispatchers and emergency tele-communicators as the true first responders. These unseen heroes are the calm voices on the other end of the line during your worst moments. They gather critical information, dispatch o cers, and o er reassurance when needed. At the College Park Police Department, we are incredibly grateful for our dispatch team. Their professionalism, compassion, and steady voices are instrumental in keeping our o cers safe and our community secure every day.
Lieutenant Helio Garcia
We, the members of the City of College Park Police Department, mourn the loss of a fellow servant Lieutenant Helio Garcia. Lt. Garcia, a proud member of the City of South Fulton Police Department and a former o cer with the College Park Police Department, tragically lost his life in the line of duty on April 15, 2025.
We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, children, loved ones, and our brothers and sisters in blue at South Fulton PD. Lt. Garcia’s legacy of service and courage will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Lieutenant. We’ll take it from here. Let's honor his memory by continuing the work he was so passionate about.
PUBLIC WORKS
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
It should never be said that employees of the City of College Park who are not residents lack dedication or a genuine commitment to making a di erence. A shining example of this dedication is Carlton Newton, a Building and Grounds employee who faithfully served the city for 35 years. His unwavering commitment has left a lasting mark and created a legacy that will forever serve as a testament to his contributions to the City of College Park and its residents.
Reflecting on his e orts, Carlton shared, “I always wanted to do something for the city to leave my legacy behind.” He collaborated with contractors, Russell Landscape and Sign World, to bring his vision to life, transforming the city’s entryway into a welcoming space. In addition, the City Manager has generously agreed to allocate funds for the installation of an exit sign, thanking travelers as they leave the city.
This is a remarkable time for the City of College Park. Despite spanning only approximately 11 square miles, including both land and water, the city continues to achieve great things by fostering creativity and encouraging its employees to bring their ideas to fruition.
KEEP COLLEGE PARK BEAUTIFUL
Keep College Park Beautiful is also asking all employees and residents to sign up and take part in the Greatest American Cleanup and volunteer to work with KCPB. If you already done so in the past or are doing so currently by participating in litter pickup, recycling, beautifi already doing something beautiful. Document it by taking the pledge at: greatest. It will take less than 30 seconds.
RECREATION & CULTURAL ARTS
EGGS, CANDY, AND PRIZES…OH MY!
Laughter, excitement, and a little bit of friendly competition filled the air as families from across the community gathered at Badgett Stadium for the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12th.
Historical Marker Highlights African American
The unveiling ceremony of the newly installed “One Square Mile” announcement sign for historical markers that will be showcased throughout the Six West District was held on March 13th at the Main Street Depot. Members of PHOAA (Preserving the Heritage of the ORIGINAL African Americans of College Park, GA), the mayor and city council, department heads, and representatives of Georgia State University’s Heritage Preservation Department began the exhaustive endeavor nearly three years ago to ensure the transformative contributions made by African Americans to College Park were recorded and preserved.
BRADY WELCOMES NEW SENIOR COMPUTER LAB
On Friday April 4th, the College Park Rams played their first game in the NFL Spring Flag Football League. The theme for the season is Friday Night Lights and will run until the end of May. Pictured are members of the 8U Rams Blue and 8U Rams White who both picked up victories to open the season.
SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITIES
