CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
FEBRUARY 17, 2025
DR. EMMANUEL ADEDIRAN CITY MANAGER
DR. EMMANUEL ADEDIRAN
To the Mayor and Council, resident and business owners in College Park:
As we recognize and celebrate Black History Month, I think it is important to remember the humble beginnings of Negro History Week, nearing a century ago by noted Black historian, Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson understood, perhaps long before it was fashionable, that we cannot fully comprehend where we are going, without remembering where we came from. Similarly, as we plan a brighter future for College Park, we need to pause and reflect on our own successes as well as our challenges.
In the former category, I want to salute and call out our teams at the College Park Department of Recreation & Cultural Arts, as well as at the GICC and Gateway Arena for an inspiring and incredible celebration of Black History Month on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in front of a crowd of more than 500 area residents and visitors. We had to continue adding rows of seats as Salons 6 & 7 in the GICC began to fill to near overflow.
We are also making history at our Gateway Arena, now the home of two professional women's sports league teams, the WNBA Dream, and now the League One Volleyball League team, LOVB Atlanta, which began play in January of 2025. The College Park Skyhawks, are our home NBA G League division team for the Atlanta Hawks, and they round out our major league sports anchor tenants at the GICC. Also at the Gateway Arena, on Saturday, February 15th, our College Park Police Department and Ward #4 City councilman Roderick Gay hosted a Peabo Bryson LOVE Concert, and a sold-out concert for his 50th anniversary tour, as a special gift to College Park seniors and their loved ones.
And earlier this month, as we completed the hiring of multiple interim and full-time department heads and senior managers, they all took part in an Open Records Act refresher training session on February 7th.
I also recommend you take a look in this month's City Manager Report at the submission by our Police Chief Connie Rogers, which begins on page 39. Chief Rogers led our department to regain statewide certification from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, joining roughly 20 percent of the state's top police agencies holding that designation, which includes numerous continuing education and training requirements. The work of the department has also decreased rates of most all categories of crime across all four wards, while also raising case closure rates, making our city safer and more welcoming for both our residents and visitors alike.
And as we close out our shortest month of this year, we want to recognize the continuing e orts of each of our several hundred City of College Park employees to continue utilizing technology, working better together as a team and overall increasing their productivity, at times learning to do more with less. My wife Angelie and I are very proud to call College Park our home and look forward to our Airport City reaching even higher heights as we thrive in 2025.
Onward,
Dr. Emmanuel Adediran
City Manager
City of College Park
BUILDING AND PROPERTY SUSTAINABILITY
Code Enforcement uses the SeeClick Fix program. The tool enables our residents to report non-emergency issues, share feedback, and request information about our community.
OCCUPATIONAL TAX DIVISION BY THE NUMBERS
The 2025 Alcohol License renewal is underway. All approved businesses in the state of Georgia that have alcohol licenses must have a City of College Park alcohol license before selling alcohol within the city. Our team will work with Code Enforcement to issue any citations to those who are not in compliance with the ordinance. The deadline is December 31st.
CITY CLERK
OPEN RECORDS
Open Records with Cities United
On January 24, 2025, Deputy City Clerk Queenie Brown and Records & Information Administrator Amanda Corbett had the opportunity to attend the GMA Cities United event, which provided valuable training for city o cials and sta . One of the key sessions of the event focused on open records, led by Kristen Settlemire, Senior Assistant Attorney General from the Georgia Attorney General's O ce.
Both Deputy City Clerk Brown and R&I Administrator Corbett found the session to be highly beneficial. It o ered a comprehensive refresher on open records regulations while also introducing new information to enhance their understanding of the subject matter, which directly supports their roles in maintaining transparent records management.
The event also o ered valuable networking opportunities, allowing the attendees to connect with other municipal sta while also having the chance to meet Mrs. Settlemire in person, putting a face to the name.
This training was an important step in achieving the City Clerk O ce's goal of remaining engaged in ongoing education and ensuring the team stays up to date with the latest developments in the Open Records Act.
Open Records Act
**Report: City of College Park Open Records Act Training – February 7, 2025**
On February 7, 2025, the City of College Park held an important Open Records Act training session led by Denmark Ashby, LLC. This training was mandatory for all department heads and their designated sta members. The session was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Open Records Act, ensuring that the City’s sta is well-equipped to handle records requests in compliance with the law.
The training began with Deputy City Clerk Queenie Brown providing an overview of how to navigate the JustFOIA portal, a key tool for managing open records requests. The first part of the session focused on practical use and guidance for the sta in accessing and submitting records through the system.
JustFOIA Portal:
All City Department Heads have been added as either a user or a viewer. Sta is in discussion regarding accepting online payments through the JustFOIA portal for open records requests.
Receptionist and Team Contributions:
Arnetta Daniel transferred from reception to the Open Records Request processor position. Shanrae’ Owens was hired as the part-time receptionist.
CONVENTION CENTER, ARENA AND GOLF ENTERPRISES
DIRECTOR’S OVERVIEW
January was an energized month to say the least, beginning with the Atlanta Travel Show and going full force into sporting events with fi ve (5) SkyHawks games, Varsity Spirit Cheer, Sports and Fitness, Gymnastics, a Cheerleading competition and LOVB Volleyball. Attendance was impressive. We also welcomed students attending the NACAC College Fair. To add flavor to the month, we hosted the St. Augustine 20th Annual Mardi Gras with attendance exceeding 1,500.
The Georgia International Convention Center, Gateway Arena and the Historic College Park Golf Course reported the following year-to-date revenues. The Georgia International Convention Center reported YTD revenues of $8,731,291.88 or 50% of the adopted budget. The Gateway Center Arena reported YTD revenues of $3,497,838.01 representing 49% of the adopted budget. The Historic College Park Golf Course reported $347,398.63 in revenues representing 45% of the adopted budget.
HISTORIC COLLEGE PARK GOLF COURSE
As we concluded the holiday season and welcomed the new year, we are pleased to report that daily golfer participation has remained consistent, despite the drop in temperatures. Our grounds crew is actively engaged in safeguarding our golf course against the e ects of the cold weather, ensuring that our patrons can enjoy their experience throughout the winter months. In recent weeks, we have encountered snow and temperatures dipping below freezing.
To protect our putting greens from potential harm, we have covered them with protective tarps, which will be removed once the frost has cleared, and play can be resumed. We have also initiated the removal of overhanging tree branches that obstruct the golf greens, as they also hinder turf growth and playability. These trees pose an increased risk of disease and other complications.
ELECTRIC POWER
BILLING UPDATE
A new Georgia Public Service Commission residential rate survey has been posted for 2025 winter billings.
Below are comparisons from the most recent survey and the past summer survey for 1000 KWH:
Winter (Nov. – April billing)
Summer (May – October billing) College
The rate calculation includes base charges, energy charges, power cost adjustments, and a franchise fee but no tax.
The senior rate, for those at age 65 or older, has a combined $10 and 10% discount.
ENGINEERING
• Created up to date Fire Station Coverage Area and Rescue Zone Area layers and maps for Fire Dept.
• Created Fire Information Map
• Updated O cial Zoning Map as part of open records request.
• Created City Owned Properties Map for Economic Development/BIDA/CCPK
• Created Water Site layer as per internal addressing request
• Processed GICC address requests
• Assisted di erent departments on printing copies of maps, street indexes, map interpretation, location, etc.
PLAN REVIEWS
INSPECTIONS: SITE INSPECTION SUMMARY
FINANCE
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
The City of College Park, Georgia, has been honored with the Certi fi cate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Fiscal Year 2023 by the Government Finance O cers Association (GFOA). This distinguished recognition highlights the City’s commitment to exemplary fi nancial practices and transparency in its reporting.
The Certificate of Achievement represents the highest standard in governmental accounting and financial reporting. It is awarded to municipalities that exemplify outstanding fi nancial management and present information that is clear, comprehensive, and accessible to stakeholders. By achieving this certification, College Park solidifies its reputation as a leader in financial governance.
This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the City's finance department and a clear reflection of its commitment to fiscal responsibility. The GFOA's rigorous review process ensures that only municipalities that meet stringent standards for financial transparency and accountability are awarded this certificate.
Upcoming Utility Customer Service Department Project – Transition to SAGES.GOV
As part of our department’s ongoing e orts to enhance e ciency and elevate customer service, we are excited to announce our transition to the SAGES.GOV platform. This strategic move will automate approximately 65% of our business processes through the implementation of smart forms and online access, significantly streamlining our operations.
Moreover, by adopting SAGES.GOV, our Utility Customer Service Department will align seamlessly with the Permits, Inspections, and Code Enforcement Departments, integrating our systems. This alignment is expected to foster stronger synergy between departments, facilitating improved communication and enhancing service delivery to our customers.
FIRE RESCUE
Fire Department Response Statistics and Activities
January 16 through February 11, 2025
FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE
Fire is fast and getting faster.
Synthetic materials in our homes and new construction methods and materials help fire spread faster than ever before. Encourage your community to make an emergency escape plan and practice it.
• Install smoke alarms and fire sprinklers.
• Closing doors can help stop the spread of fire, save lives and limit damage to your home.
• When escaping a fire, evacuate quickly and close the door behind you.
• Close Before You Doze.
• Always close your bedroom door when you go to sleep.
One of these rooms is safer than the other.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Collaborating with our Partners
• Aerotropolis Alliance
• Clayton County Economic Development
• Development Authority of Fulton County
• East Point Economic Development
• City of South Fulton Economic Development
• Fulton County Economic Development
• Highlights:
-ARC Flint River/Power $65M project
-CPMSA Retreat
-Airport Aera CIDs – Micro Transit on the Way
BIDA Training Work Session
Given BIDA’s broad financial powers (bond issuance, PILOT collections, property transactions, etc.), how assertively should the Authority leverage these tools to generate income and facilitate economic growth?
Six West Community Engagement
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The updates listed below are related to Strategic Goals: Quality of Life, Public Safety/Security, Governance/Customer Service
GOVERNANCE/CUSTOMER SERVICE
New Sta : We have hired a new CCTV technician, Jason Cheeks. You will see him around town doing repair on cameras inside buildings and on the street. All new cameras have been installed. There are some areas that we may choose to install new cameras based on Public Safety request.
New Wi-Fi upgrade: Great news! We are moving forward with the Wi-Fi deployment. We had our overview meeting to discuss locations and resources on Monday Feb. 12th. Our next meeting will be to discuss deployment dates. City Hall will be the first location.
New Computers for Tracy Wyatt, Conley and Brady Recreation Centers: We have been delayed due to payment issues with Dell. We have recently been allowed to post the Purchase Orders again. We are looking to receive the 10 computers (5) for Brady and (5) for Conley Recreation Center next week. Our cable contractor Net planners have pulled the network cabling for all 3 locations. We have adequate power for Conley and Brady but not for TWRC. The electrician is waiting for the furniture to arrive so he can install the outlets. Shawn Francis has the lead on the furniture.
POLICE
POLICE TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS
Police technology includes software and tools that help law enforcement agencies work more e ciently. Technology can improve law enforcement in many ways, including crime prevention, o cer safety, and community engagement. O cer Ronnie Wyatt facilitates the development and implementation of modern technologies to aid the department with the assistance of federal grants.
The Police Department added the following new technology:
1. A mobile surveillance trailer.
2. Quick Response (QR) codes.
3. Installation and implementation of the FUSUS platform.
4. Installation and implementation of the IBIS/NIBIN Ballistics technology.
5. Implementation of Freedom Application technology.
6. Additional Flock Safety License Plate Reader (LPR)
IN LOVE CONCERT AND SENIOR SOCIAL
Our annual Valentine’s Senior Social event is to showcase our beloved seniors in the College Park community. This event gives the department an opportunity to acknowledge the significant role our seniors play in our community.
PUBLIC WORKS
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Fueling Mishaps. As you may already know, the City of College Park has its own on-site unleaded and diesel fuel tanks located at the Public Works facility on Harvard Avenue. Our fleet users visit this location to fill their tanks during the day and evening hours.
In December 2024, we noticed a perplexing trend. Drivers would pull up to fuel their vehicles, and wait in their vehicles while fueling, and then drive o with the gas pump still attached. Fortunately, in most instances, the handle could be reattached. However, this occurred five times in the month of December. On the fifth occasion, the driver not only dislocated the handle but also completely removed it, making it irreparable. This lack of attention resulted in a cost for the city, as we had to reach out to our vendor for repairs.
Fortunately, we have had no incidents since the repair, and we hope to maintain this trend through the end of the year and beyond.
Vandalism. Barrett Park took a bit of a beating in the last week. Our Park Attendant Brandy Heard reported damage to the landscape to our Building & Grounds Superintendent, Carlton Newton. It appears that unidentified motorists are defacing the landscape. The vandals appear to enter the park after hours and when no one is there to police the area. We have asked IT to reveal any footage available to assist in identifying the perpetrators, and for police to patrol the area after hours We count on you and our citizens to report anything unusual at our parks. If you See Something, Say Something.
RECREATION & CULTURAL ARTS
COLLEGE PARK CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY
On Sunday February 2, the Department of Recreation & Cultural Arts, along with volunteers of the Cultural Arts Council, hosted The Sankofa Experience: Remembering the Past, Embracing the Present, and Building Toward the Future. The City’s premiere Black History Month celebration was held at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC). This year’s celebration honored the first African Americans who serve(d) the City in various capacities to include City o cials, department directors, and community and youth leaders. The keynote address was given by Dr. La’Neice Littleton, Atlanta History Center’s Director of Community Collaborations. Her dynamic address was punctuated by performances by the Metropolitan Atlanta Community Band, Kouyate Jeli and Main Attraction Dance Studios.
RECREATION STAFF RECEIVES AWARD
Fred Johnson, Custodian at the Conley Recreation Center, was recently named Employee All-Star of the Month during the February 3 City Council Meeting. Fred initially started out as a community service worker and was soon hired as part-time custodian. His team members describe him as professional, thorough, a team player, and friendly. Fred has quickly garnered the respect of sta and patrons of the Conley Center. His attention to detail is only matched by his warm and friendly personality. The Recreation & Cultural Arts Department is honored to have Fred on the team.
6U RAMS SCORE MAJOR WIN
The College Park Rams Flag Football Program had 10 teams and more than 100 youth ages 5 -15 compete in the 2024 NFL Flag Football League. Because of their dedicated training during the 2024 season, the team took home the championship win and were honored with a proclamation during the February 3rd City Council Meeting. They finished the season with an undefeated record of 11-0, including a 3-0 record in the playo s.
