Douglasville 2019 Impact Report

FINANCIAL IMPACT

$2.5 $2

OUR HEALTHY FUND$1.5 $1 BALANCE AND POSITIVE $ 0 .

5 BOND RATING POSITION $0 THE CITY ON STRONG FINANCIAL GROUND

$3 .1 9

FUTURE IMPACT 2017

Milli on

INVE SPENT STM ENTON CAP L $2,0 ITAL AST S OV 00,0 E T R H 0 T 0 REE $1,5 YEA HE 00,0 RS 00 $1 ,000

$500

,000

,000 $0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2018

$4 .1 Milli 2 o TOT n A L D

ANN VOL UAL UNT EER

VOLUNTEER IMPACT 30

HOU TEER RS

40

STR RES EETS SI NCURFACE 2016 E THE D SPLO ST

65 $(2,5

$(2,0

$(1,5

$(1,0

00,0

00,0

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2 6 COM 0+ VOL MUNIT UNT EER Y S 3 5 0 VOL 0+ UN

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS MAKE UP THE BOARDS AND AUTHORITIES THAT DRIVE DECISION MAKING IN THE CITY

65

EC DEB REASE IN BAL T OVE ANCES 3 YE R THE LAS ARS T

2019 20

SMART UTILIZATION OF SPLOST FUNDS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TAX ALLOCATION DISTRICTS WILL HELP US TO MOVE PLANS INTO ACTION

2016

IMP

00)

00)

00)

00) 0,00 0) $(0)

$(50

ACT

2016

$2 .14 MILL ION

SURFACE IMPACT

$4.5 MILLION IN 2017 SPLOST FUNDS ARE ALLOCATED TO ROAD 201 RESURFACING PROJECTS

IN S DAT PLOST THO E ON R FUNDS UGH OAD SP OUT RES ENT TO THE UFAC CITY ING

MAYOR MESSA ’S GE

W

elcome! I am honored to have the opportunity to release the City of Douglasville annual for via SPLOST funds and are another shining Impact Report once again. It’s example of collaboration. The Downtown and unbelievable that this is already our third Parks Master Plans, in addition to the Northside edition. I suppose it is a wonderful sign that Redevelopment Plan, have put the spotlight on time has gone so fast because it means we how involved the City of Douglasville residents have been busy making a meaningful impact are. Participation from private citizens on variin Douglasville. ous steering committees guiding staff by voicing Speaking of impact, there has been a lot their opinion and insights have allowed these of it over the past fiscal year. If you’ll recall, initiatives to be genuinely driven by the public.

I stated that the fiscal year 2017-18 was the Finally, there are, perhaps, no projects more “year of planning” and was it ever! So, for the visible throughout the city than our transportafiscal year 2019-2020 the council, city staff, tion projects. The Public Services department and I have shifted our focus to ensure that we has done an excellent job overseeing many put those plans into action. As a result, the city of the paving projects that have been taking has begun to succeed in creating sustainable place throughout the city. There have been 65 progress. Creating that type of growth takes a streets either paved or repaved over the life of multitude of variables for any community: a the SPLOST, equaling over $2 million in value. collaborative spirit, a creative and technically The SPLOST 2019 resurfacing projects have savvy staff, a willingness to provide safety for completed the bidding process and are ready to all, a parks system that promotes a high stanproceed. This includes 24 city streets and will be dard of living, a fiscally responsible mindset highlighted by the Douglas Boulevard resurfacand, finally, high-quality citizen participation. ing project.

These are all goals and objectives that have alAs the city continues to improve its infralowed the City of Douglasville to be where it is structure, it remains our focus to keep those today and where it will be for decades to come. functional items aesthetically pleasing. As you I believe that your city government posmay be aware, beautification is at the forefront sesses the skills to satisfy those variables I noted of my administration. Our Keep Douglasville above. The evidence has been visible over the Beautiful program had another award-winning past fiscal year, as we have been extraordinarily year and continues to keep our community collaborative with our community partners. looking lovely. Soon, we will see additional Partnerships with the Chamber, Economic construction at the Fairburn Road I-20 interDevelopment Authority, the school system, change. This project is mostly a beautification and the community-at-large have been crucial project that focuses on shifting the overpass to our recent success. We have also worked from a concrete jungle to a beautiful mix of closely with the Douglas County governcolors. This will serve as a stunning gateway to ment on many initiatives. Without our great our city. partnership, the city would not have been able Much of what we have accomplished this to acquire the Old Jail Site from the county, year cannot be attributed to one individual or allowing us to move forward with our vision entity, but to an astounding level of collaboraoutlined in the Downtown Master Plan. We’ve tion. As we continue to progress, I encourage also worked closely with the county on our you to keep your impeccable involvement and Census 2020 initiative. The Census is vital for challenge you to bring more into the fold. The our community to gain access to federal funding City of Douglasville is committed to ensuring that will help us efficiently and effectively serve that all voices are heard. I am proud of what we Douglasville residents. have accomplished together thus far, but we In addition to our Downtown Master Plan, have only scratched the surface. city staff has been working hard to implement I look forward to working toward making the Parks Master Plan. This includes a redesign “Impact That Matters” alongside each of you in of three city parks: Mill Village, Willing Workthe coming years! ers, and Jessie Davis. These efforts are paid – Mayor Rochelle Robinson

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CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE

CIT Y COUNC IL Rochelle Robinson Mayor

Richard S. Segal Mayor Pro Tem WARD 5

Terry S. Miller Councilman

Nycole Miller Councilwoman

Mark Adams Councilman

WARD 1

WARD 2, POST 1

WARD 2, POST 2

LaShun Burr Danley Councilwoman

Samuel Davis Councilman

WARD 3, POST 1

WARD 3, POST 2

Coach Chris Watts Councilman WARD 4

IMPACT REPORT 2019

3

CONFR CENTE ERENCE R & TO URISM

T

he mission of the Conference Center and Tourism Department is to create an experience that matTAXES 76% ters in Douglasville, Georgia. The goal is to solicit overnight groups and individuals and to support organizations that will help create an economic impact through tourism dollars. The Department will create, execute, and attract events that will promote Douglasville/ Douglas County as a leading tourist destination.

EVENTS

The Conference Center and Tourism Department increased their reach by 7% through advertisements in 40+ publications.

New marketing collateral such as the departmental website, visitors guide, rack cards, and postcards have been produced to adapt to the City of Douglasville’s new brand.

DOUGLASVILLE CVB IMPACT SUMMARY • Total Number of Relocation Packets Mailed – 24 • Total Number of Request for Proposals Submitted – 14 • Total Number of Visitor Guides Distributed – 10,000 • Total Number of Welcome Bags Distributed – 907

Family Reunion Workshop DOUGLASVILLE TO HOST REGIONAL Sept. 9, 2018 TOURISM CONFERENCE Behind the Veil Bridal Douglasville was selected to host the 2020 Regional Showcase Visitor Information Center (RVIC) Conference Feb.w 17, 2019 from April 22 – 24. Douglasville’s bid was selected National at the 2019 RVIC Conference in Jekyll Island. The conference will take place primarily Travel and at the Douglasville Conference Center and include workshops that educate participants Tourism on effective strategies to improve their Welcome Center operations. The conference Week also provides familiarization tours that take attendees to different attractions around May 5-11, Douglasville and Douglas County.

2019

4

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE

THESE GROUPS MET AGAIN IN DOUGLASVILLE Wellstar Gordon Foods US Foods Paradigm Alum n Lift Georgia Plumbers Association Department of Behavior Health/UGA Publix American Red Cross

NEW ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDE: Probe College Fair R & D Solutions Georgia Department of Transportation State of Georgia Regions Bank Fastenal Home Depot Douglas County College and Career Institute Brady Solutions Citizens Trust Bank Servpro

HUMAN RESOU RCES

HUMAN

T

he Human Resources Department administers human resources, personnel policy and procedure, recruitment and selection, employee benefits, classification and compensation, training and development, and risk management programs. Currently, the department is comprised of a Director, Senior Human Resources Generalist, an Administrative Assistant, Human Resources Generalist, and a Benefits Specialist.

Local Government Risk Management Services presented the City of Douglasville with the 2018 Safety and Risk Management Leadership award in November of 2018.

This award recognizes leaders and entities with a strong risk control culture who contribute to improving organizational safety.

These organizations have an established vision, effective planning/problem-solving techniques, and an accountability process.

In January 2018, the City of Douglasville received a Safety and Liability Grant of $20,000 from the Georgia Municipal Association. This grant provides a financial incentive for the city to improve employee safety and general public liability loss control efforts through the purchase of training, equipment, or services. The city’s proactive approach to loss control has helped to curb employee and public injuries.

The D-Fit Walking Club initiative was founded by City Manager, Marcia Hampton. The goal of the initiative is to focus on improving physical and financial wellness. Aligned with her vision, the Human Resources Team announced the initiative in March 2019. The Walking Club has comprised of Four (4) Teams with a total of 18 participants, including Mayor Robinson.

The Walking Club began their walking challenge by developing team names, structuring how they would collect their walking data, and committing to walking at least 30 minutes during their lunch break.

Participants celebrated their efforts during a wellness event held on June 28, 2019.

The City of Douglasville contracted with

RESOURCES Evergreen Solutions, LLC to update the city’s classification and compensation system. The study was conducted to ensure that each position classification reflected its duties and responsibilities. Additionally, its salary range assignment is internally equitable and competitive within employment markets. In March 2019, the recommendations of the pay study were approved by the Mayor and Council. One of the accomplishments of the implementation was that the starting salary for Non-Certified Police Officers and Certified Police Officers were increased to $39,259.62 and $44,112.11 respectively.

The City of Douglasville was once again one of 40 companies honored by the Atlanta Business Chronicle for its commitment to employee health. The Chronicle held their Healthiest Employer Awards atop Ponce City Market on May 2, 2019.

Although the city did not take top honor it the medium-sized category for the third year in a row, it did earn placement in the top four. The city’s employees’ increased participation in the ‘D-Fit’ wellness program helps the city to be able to receive competitive health care quotes that are affordable for employees in the future.

The Human Resources department has implemented a summer internship program for college students for the second straight year. This program seeks to pro-

vide Georgia students with practical work experience that complements academic experience in the departments of City Manager, Human Resources, Community Development, Finance, Community Relations, Public Services, and Parks and Recreation. One of the program’s recent highlights is the permanent employment placement of two 2018 interns, Andrew Daffron, who has recently graduated in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from University of West Georgia. Andrew now works in the Conference Center and Tourism Department and Robert Clark, who also recently graduated from the University of West Georgia degree in Finance and is now working for the Finance Department as a financial analyst.

IMPACT REPORT 2019

5

COMM U RELATI NITY ONS

SHARING THE DOUGLASVILLE STORY T

he Community Relations Department’s most significant charge in 2019 has been to tell the story of Douglasville’s great community. To do that, it was imperative that the city government first emulate the community’s desire to see refreshing new development, events, and infrastructure. At the beginning of this year, the Community Relations Department rolled out the latest city branding. It included a new logo, scheme, tagline, and color. Creating “Impact that Matters” has now become the city’s new mantra.

As the rollout continues throughout the year, the Community Relations Department is working vigorously to provide the most up-to-date city information and finding innovative ways of telling the story of the Douglasville Community.

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CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE

First, to meet the increasing demand for online content as a resource for information and public discourse, working to increase the city’s social media presence has become a priority. The city has now become infinitely more strategic about our storytelling on our social media accounts and our website. Throughout 2019, the city’s online presence has reached past its website, Facebook, and YouTube to include Instagram and Twitter accounts. Utilization of social analytics to understand what information the citizens want and how often has become standard operating procedure. As a result, the interaction between the municipality, residents, and visitors has become much more meaningful. Don’t

forget to follow the City of Douglasville on Facebook @CityofDouglasvilleGA, Instagram @cityofdouglasvillega, Twitter @DvilleImpact and subscribe on YouTube, youtube.com/douglasvillecititv.

The city also expanded its reach by introducing “Douglasville Impact,” a community podcast released biweekly. Each episode includes the top news stories from around the community, upcoming special events, and features a special guest representing a community organization. As popularity grows, the show will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the community. The podcast can be found almost everywhere. The podcast can be found almost everywhere – iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Podbean, and YouTube.

In addition, the department has launched the new quarterly “Douglasville Impact” newsletter. This newsletter has increased a close relationship with a great community partner, Chapel Hill News and

Views, for distribution. This partnership allows the city distribution of 45,000+ copies of the Douglasville Impact Newsletter reaching homes and businesses throughout the community.

BE A PART OF THE STORY The Community Relations Department is committed to both telling and promoting the Douglasville story. Citizens of Douglasville are invited to take a place in that

story. Come out to signature events, attend City Council meetings, volunteer on a board, or join a steering committee. There is a place for everyone to become involved! From attending city events to Council meetings, help write the next chapter in the Douglasville story by joining in and making “Impact that Matters”!

WAYS TO CONNECT • www.douglasvillega.gov • YouTube: mycititv.com • Douglasville Impact podcast • Comcast Channel 22 • Douglasville Impact newsletter • Douglasville Impact Weekly Update email newsletter (subscribe at city website) • Social media: CityofDouglasvilleGA @DvilleImpact cityofdouglasvillega douglasvillecititv

IMPACT REPORT 2019

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COMM U DEVELO NITY PMENT

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

T

he City of Douglasville Community Development Department provides plan review, issues permits for new development and redevelopment, carries out planning functions for the city, partners with both the public and private sector to bring economic development opportunities to the city, and corrects code deviations within the Douglasville city limits.

UDO In 2017, the City of Douglasville began working with Jacobs Engineering to conduct an operational assessment to collect and analyze baseline data, access efficiency, and to make recommendations. Out of that partnership, city staff, elected officials, and community partners began the process of updating current zoning regulations and development codes. On

May 7, 2019, the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) was adopted by the Mayor and Council. Current planning involves the implementation of the City of Douglasville’s UDO that is used to review site plans for new developments and sign permits. Specific zoning regulations are in place to establish minimum parcel sizes, setbacks, and signage control. Many development application requests such as special land use permits, rezonings, and variances require approval by the Mayor and Council. The City’s Unified Development Ordinance is available either online or at the Zoning Division.

Zoning Ordinance Goals: • Provide a user-friendly format • Logical organization • More graphics • Consistent language • Reduce conflicts and redundancy • Update outdated standards • Ensure legal compliance • Maintain an up-to-date zoning map • Maintain a state-of-the-art regulatory tool to control land use and support desired development.

PHASE I OF THE DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN PROJECT For the past two years, the City of Douglasville, in partnership with TSW (a full-service planning, architecture, and landscape design firm), has worked closely with the citizens of Douglasville to create a vision for what is referred to as the old jail site located in downtown. Through many community engagement meetings, the course has been set for Phase I, which will include green space and an amphitheater. The redevelopment project will

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DUTIES BUILDING DIVISION • Building Permits • Plan Review • Inspections PLANNING DIVISION • Long-Range Planning • Transportation Planning ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION • Recruitment of businesses • Main Street 8

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE

ZONING DIVISION • Current Planning • Rezoning • Design Concept Development Districts • Preliminary & Final Plats • Site Plans • Sign Permits • Special Event Permits • Filming • Board of Zoning Appeals • Zoning Board

CODE COMPLIANCE DIVISION • Temporary sign or banner permits • Yard sale permits • Property maintenance issues • Registering vacant or foreclosed property • Prohibited signs and banners • Abandoned or junk vehicles • Accumulation of garbage and debris • Business license issues • Historic preservation deviations

also include mixed-use structures which will allow for retail, restaurant, office, and residential areas. The goal is to attract the interests of developers, business owners, prospective residents, and tourists to Downtown Douglasville. If fully implemented, the plan would add nearly 1 million square feet of new development and recommended improvements.

Phase I – the Amphitheater and Greenspace – has a two-year schedule.

NORTH SIDE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN The area just north of Downtown Douglasville referred to by locals as the “North Side,” is a collection of older homes, churches, and schools intermixed with newer large suburban subdivisions. These “old” and “new” areas form the dominant character make-up of the North Side, with

the older homes located about a half-mile to downtown and newer, suburban homes located at the periphery. Historically, the area has been the home of a large percentage of Douglasville’s African-American population. Its rich history and culture are highly-valued by residents. Despite the idea of the “North Side” as a place and community existing for as long as people have lived here, a plan to organize the disparate elements of the area has never been conducted and a strict boundary never established.

In recent years, Downtown Douglasville’s renewed commercial momentum and the rerouting of State Highway 92 have created new possibilities for this community. Coming off the momentum of the 2017 Downtown Douglasville Masterplan, the City of Douglasville commissioned the

APD Urban Planning and Management Team to conduct a study of the North Side to ensure that the area would benefit from upcoming changes.

To capitalize on this momentum, the North Side Redevelopment Plan recommends a Development Framework and Strategy centered around catalytic projects to create a walkable “Downtown Neighborhood” that benefits from and contributes to the success of Downtown Douglasville. The plan functions as a tool for the North Side community and the City of Douglasville to establish both a communitysourced vision and the means and strategies to achieve that vision.

DDA/MAIN STREET PROGRAM DDA Initiatives

- Georgia Cities Foundation - Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund - Façade Grant - Green Cities Program - Historic Tax Credit Opportunity - Opportunity Zone - Façade Design Assistance Program

Public Engagement Activities

- Downtown Love - National Historic Preservation Month - Economic Development Lunch and Learn Series

- Downtown Restaurant Week - Shop Small Saturday - Participation in the Community Development 101 course - Main Street 101 - Social Media Impressions a. Facebook - 5,867 b. Instagram – 1,258 c. Twitter – 765

Total Annual Number of Active Economic Development Projects: - Downtown Master Plan and 10 Year Strategic Plan – Phase One (Old Jail Site) - DDA owned property - Fairburn Road evaluation - Downtown Arts Master Plan

- Wayfinding Signage - Design Based Project, Plaza East

Downtown occupancy rate – 87%

DDA Public/Private Partnerships: - - - - - - - - - -

Public/private investment in Chapel Hill News & Views downtown – GreyStone Power $1,005,916 Douglas County Sentinel Douglas County Chamber of Commerce Promotional Douglas County Water and Sewer events - 90 Authority Attendance at events Douglas County Economic in downtown – 43,400 Development Authority Number of new Small Business Development Center businesses opening or National Small Business Association expanding – 3 Keep Douglasville Beautiful Douglasville/Douglas County Number of jobs created - 9 Cultural Arts Council

IMPACT REPORT 2019

9

PUBLIC SERVIC ES FALL ’1 8 CLEA NUP W SPRING EEK 136 ’19 CLE loads • ANUP W 353.35 EEK 24 tons of 3 loads garbag • 554.77 e • 20.5 tons of 8 tons garbag of recy e • 26.2 cling 7 tons of recy cling

I

PROVIDING ESSENTIAL

SERVICES

t’s official – the Department of Maintenance and Sanitation is now the Department of Public Services. The new name is intended to encompass the diverse nature of the department and to reflect its role within the community more accurately. The overall mission of the Department of Public Services is to provide the highest quality public works services to the City of Douglasville and to enhance the quality of life for the public by delivering these essential services through responsive, cost-effective, dependable, sound management, and the prudent use of resources, teamwork, and community partnerships.

The Public Services Department has two distinct divisions comprised of Maintenance and Sanitation, which provide a wide range of services for the City of Douglasville.

• Street maintenance has oversight for maintaining safe and effective traffic flow for the public. Providing maintenance and repairs necessary for safe, well-maintained streets, pedestrian areas, and public rightsof-way in efforts to improve the overall conditions of city streets and traffic flow.

• Facilities maintenance provides general maintenance for the City of Douglasville’s municipal buildings, structures, parking garages, and common areas – ensuring building safety and efficient mechanical performance.

Public Services disposed of

10,739.74

tons of residential

garbage

in the 18-19 fiscal year 10

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE

In addition, the downtown staff oversees the groundskeeping and installation of holiday decorations for the downtown business district - enhancing the overall downtown appearance.

• Fleet Maintenance repairs and maintains all city-owned vehicles and equipment - providing a safe, reliable, and efficient city fleet in support of operating departments.

• Sanitation provides for the collection and disposal of solid waste, yard waste, and recycling for residents and commercial businesses within the city limits.

Residential sanitation services provide full-scale, curbside collection services to approximately 8,400 residential customers each week. Commercial sanitation services offer both front-end and open-top services for all commercial and industrial waste within the city limits, allowing the City of Douglasville to provide for a clean community while ensuring safety and service consistency for all city residents.

PUBLIC SERVICES FACILITIES UPDATE The new Public Service shop facility, located at 8145 Cedar Mountain Road, is underway. The 22,830 square foot building will serve as the operational hub for the city’s Public Services department and will accommodate all sanitation and street services, personnel, fleet, and equipment

storage. The doors are scheduled to open in early 2020 officially.

The administrative functions for Public Services will be conducted from the building located at 8485 W. Courthouse Square which previously served as Douglasville’s City Hall years ago. The renovation plan was designed to maintain the historical character of the building while creating a more visually appealing and useful structure within the community. The renovation project was awarded to Ra-Lin and Associates and begin construction in late June and is slated to be complete in early 2020.

FAIRBURN ROAD/I-20 INTERCHANGE LANDSCAPING PROJECT The Fairburn Road/I-20 interchange beautification project is intended to create a landscaped feature that serves as an aesthetically appealing focal point when arriving into the City of Douglasville.

AECOM was engaged in providing the architectural design concept and plan, which was approved by Mayor and Council. The project, which is funded by 2016 SPLOST funds, will include large trees, sod, mulch, landscaping rocks, and an assortment of annual plants, creating a welcoming and inviting gateway into the city for visitors and residents once completed.

PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT KEEP DOUGLASVILLE BEAUTIFUL Margaret J. Wheatley once said, “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about!” Keep Douglasville Beautiful (KDB)’s 2019 fiscal year is a great example.

Individuals of various ages were seen helping their neighbors bring their recyclables to KDB’s recycling events. At the same time, civic organizations came together to help expand the adopt-a-road program.

Large corporations care enough to donate their skills and dollars to help complete several large projects such as a butterfly sculpture at the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge Butterfly Garden in Worthan Park and KDB’s newly installed Downtown Gaming Area near O’Neal Plaza which features concrete ping pong tables and corn hole boards. Each organization was giving and participating because they wanted to give back to their community and build a better Douglasville. This year during KDB’s Litter Enforcement Workshop, officers and key community leaders were given a better understanding of litter laws, how to handle litter and code violations, and how citizens can make a difference in the community.

On Arbor Day, classes were provided to cover the most practical of subjects such as composting to more exotic topics like fruit tree grafting and Bonsai tree care. As always, KDB has been throughout the community planting flowers, trees, and shrubs to beautify Douglasville.

There is power in the community and together EVERYONE is helping to Keep Douglasville Beautiful!

REYCLED 17.74 TONS OF ELECTRONICS AND METAL 92 PAIRS OF SHOES 147 PAIRS OF EYEGLASSES

PLANTED 80 TONS OF TRASH PICKUP

BY VOLUNTEERS AND INMATE CREWS FROM DOUGLASVILLE ROADWAYS

1,171 TREES, SHRUBS AND FLOWERS IN PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES

206 VOLUNTEERS & 953 HOURS

EDUCATED AND INFORMED ENGAGED ATTENDEES AT EIGHT EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

33 EVENTS

PLANNED, HELD, AND SUPPORTED

OF EFFORT GIVENT TO KDB

IMPACT REPORT 2019

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PARKS RECRE & ATION

NO STONE

UNTURNED

T

o achieve our mission, the Parks and Recreation Department has incorporated several changes per Master Plan recommendations. From processes, policies, and procedures to staffing, training, and development, the department is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the best practices are being implemented to serve the community better.

The mission of the Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department is to enhance the interaction of people and the environment in the manner which is pleasing to all. To provide recreation opportunities to meet and serve the needs of our constituents effectively, the citizens of Douglasville, and those who interact with the parks system.

The Parks and Recreation Department will always strive to re-energize, renovate, and ensure that the experience of those who interact with our parks and programs are healthy and positive.

We will provide a safe environment, customer service excellence, equal opportunity, affordability, and access for all citizens.

CAPRA ACCREDITATION CAPRA Accreditation is the highest designation available to park and recreation agencies and demonstrates our commitment to becoming a national leader. The Parks and Recreation Department began the quest for CAPRA Accreditation in July 2018. The National Recreation and Parks Association’s (NRPA) Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation

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CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE

Agencies (CAPRA) is the best way to demonstrate that our agency and staff seek to deliver the highest level of service to the community. The accreditation process comprises of 4 phases.

Phase 1: Submit an application for accreditation Phase 2: Submit a self-assessment report and prepare supporting documents using CAPRA standards Phase 3: On-site visit from CAPRA Commission Phase 4: Accreditation hearing at NRPA National Conference.

Currently, the department is in Phase 2 of the process and will continue throughout 2019 gathering documentation and support from other departments and elected officials. The self-assessment will be submitted in April 2020, and the overall process will conclude in October 2020 at the NRPA Conference in Orlando, Florida.

10-YEAR MASTER PLAN (UPDATE) Adopted by Mayor and City Council in October 2018, the Parks and Recreation Department is in the first year of the ten-year Master Plan developed by Lose Design. The Parks and Recreation Department has successfully begun implementation and completed the following Master Plan recommendations:

MILL VILLAGE, WILLING WORKERS, AND JESSIE DAVIS PARK REDESIGN One primary recommendation of the Master Plan was to renovate parks currently in our inventory. A request for proposal was created and put out to bid for (3) parks: Mill Village, Willing Workers, and Jessie Davis Park. The bid was awarded to GMC (Goodwyn, Mills, Cawood) to provide professional design services and concepts for each park. Phase I implementation began in January 2019 and included the following tasks: Task 1: Concept Review and Validation Topographic (ALTA) Surveys Environmental Site Assessments Task 2: Design and Engineering Development Phase Task 3: Construction Assistance Phase The final concept design was completed for Mill Village and Willing Workers park. Expected completion of the Mill Village redesign is December 2019 while completion for Willing Workers is expected late 2020. Jessie Davis Park will be completed following Willing Workers Park in 2020 – 2021.

LAND ACQUISITION An additional effort made by the Parks and Recreation Department to improve and enhance the current park inventory was the acquisition of land nearby Jessie Davis Park and Willing Workers. With the additional property, Willing Workers Park acreage increased from 8 to 21 and Jessie Davis Park acreage increased from 24 to 25. The land acquisitions have been included with the concepts for each park.

PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD A citizen advisory committee serves a vital community role by enhancing public

involvement, providing input and guidance to the Parks Department and elected officials on important decisions, engaging the public, and advocating for parks and recreation. The Advisory Board is a CAPRA (Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies) best practice standard and is virtually always found in high performing agencies. Recommended as a top priority, the Parks and Recreation Department conducted interviews of board nominees per the city ordinance and were approved by Mayor and City Council in January 2019. The Parks and Recreation Advisory began meeting on January 31, 2019.

HAWTHORNE RECREATION CENTER RESTROOM RENOVATION The Alice J. Minor Hawthorne Recreation Center located at Jessie Davis Park had successful renovations of the restrooms completed in March 2019. The Douglasville Public Services Department leads the charge with design development and construction of the restroom renovations and upgrades. This project provides residents and visitors to the Hawthorne Recreation Center, an enhancement that is beneficial to all.

on planning and marketing, the Parks and Recreation Department has implemented the following new events and programming opportunities.

• Digital Media Camp • National Kids at the Park Day • Adult Basketball League • Shamrock Fun Run • Lacrosse • Kids Day Out Camp

AWARDS / RECOGNITION The Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department received recognition from the Douglas County Sentinel for (5) consecutive years. The Parks and Recreation Department was honored to be voted the 2019 Readers Choice award winner for Best Park (Hunter Memorial Park) and Best Golf Course (West Pines Golf Club).

WEST PINES GOLF CLUB Operating in our first full year since the Bermuda Greens conversion, the West Pines Golf Club had a very successful

year of operation. Evidence that the transformation has enhanced play on the course for golfers is reflected in the following statistical data provided. Another improvement to enhance the golfing experience was the implementation of the “Shark Experience” services applied to the golf carts. Approved by Mayor and City Council in November 2018, the Shark Experience is a new technology for the golf carts that will hopefully revolutionize the on-course experience for golfers. Along with GPS technology, the golf carts are also equipped with an HD-touchscreen that streams music, live sports and highlights.

ANNUAL EVENTS • Hunter Harvest Fall Festival

ORGANIZATIONAL RESTRUCTURE The Parks and Recreation Department was approved by Mayor and City Council to restructure the organization and to add new positions to assist with service and staffing levels. The primary purpose of this recommendation is to be better prepared to serve and maintain with the anticipated population growth and increase of services, parks, and infrastructure.

NEW PROGRAMMING The Master Plan helped identify the programming challenges of the Parks and Recreation Department. With the addition of new staff and a new perspective

• Georgia Games Fishing Derby • National Night OUT! • Pitch, Hit, and Run Skills Competition

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

2018

2019 2020 (PRJ)

Meet or Exceed Revenue Budget of $975k

$677,000 $872,000

Meet or Exceed Rounds Budget of $30k

$20,000 $28,000

Meet or Exceed Range Revenue

• City of Douglasville Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny • July 4th Celebration and Festival at the Park

$975,000 • Breakfast with Santa • Annual Horseshoe

$30,000 Tournament at Jessie Davis Park

$56,806 $59,000

$73,000

* Course was closed for 2 months for bermuda green conversion and pro shop renovations

IMPACT REPORT 2019

13

ENT POLICE DEPAR TM

ONE WITH OUR

FY18

COMMUNITY

64,243 Responses hief Sparks’ motto for the Douglasville Police Department holds true throughout the organi12,419 zation. The Douglasville Police Department is Reports a full-service law enforcement agency consist2,590 ing of several divisions that serve the citizens on a 24/7 Arrests basis. The largest division is the uniformed patrol division. Officers in marked police cars respond to calls for 14,341 service and patrol the city limits of Douglasville 24 hours Traffic a day.

Stops

C

The detective division consists of investigators who follow up on cases usually generated by the patrol officers. The department also has an administrative division, I.T. department, SWAT team, special operations, records division, motor/traffic division, training division/OPS, and a support services division that provides security for the Douglasville Municipal Court. There

14

CITY OF DOUGLASVILLE

are 101 certified law enforcement officer positions that make up these divisions along with 17 civilian support staff.

Hiring is a constant focus as the police department is committed to selecting only the most highly qualified and diverse applicants to work with the agency. In 2018, officers responded to 64,243 citizen contacts/calls for service. They wrote 12,419 reports, 2,996 accident reports, made 2,590 arrests, 14,341 traffic stops,

and issued 10,616 citations. In 2018, the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) Part I Crimes showed a reduction from the previous six years.

The agency strives to provide professional service to the citizens it serves, anything less is unacceptable. Officers receive advanced training year-round to maintain their level of knowledge, professionalism, and physical and mental fitness. The state requires officers to have 20 hours of training per year, but the department offers much more than that by hosting in-service training monthly and allowing officers to attend advanced classes at several regional police academies. Physical and mental well-being are also essential to the officers’ health and performance. The department offers a gym for daily physical workouts and supplements the workouts with other activities, such as yoga, to keep the officers in excellent physical condition.

Crime can occur anywhere at any time. The Douglasville Police Department responds to calls about criminal activity, documents and investigates the acts, and follows through with prosecution when warranted. In addition, officers are involved in proactive activities geared toward crime prevention and detection.

Some of these include the use of technology, undercover operations, specialized patrols, and details aimed at visibility, deterrence, and apprehension. The police department often partners with other local, state, and federal agencies to focus on crimes such as human trafficking, gangrelated activities, and drug use and abuse.

Community policing also plays a signifi-

cant role in the department’s operation.

The Douglasville Community Outreach Program (D-COP) hosts events geared toward training the citizens how to recognize criminal activity and what to do when they observe something suspicious.

Classes, town hall meetings, and one on one interactions with officers during community outreach events all offer the Douglasville Police Department opportunities to train citizens to work with law enforcement for the overall safety of the community. The department engages with the citizens in over 100 community events per year. In 2018, a special unit was created to handle community outreach. Contact Sgt. Shannon Dean at 678-293-1621 for more information on how the police department can partner with your event.

Over the past year, the Douglasville Police Department had several significant accomplishments. One evident improvement was the addition of a new parking lot in front of the PD community room. The new parking area has 40+ parking spaces and provides much-needed parking and convenience to citizens using the community room next to the main police building.

Quite a few of the staff members have also achieved professional accomplishments. Chief Gary Sparks received the 2018 Citizen of the Year Award from the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce.

He grew up in Douglas County and has served with the City of Douglasville for 32 years, so the recognition was welldeserved. Major J.R. Davidson graduated from the University of Louisville Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officer’s Course, and Captain Brad Stafford graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. Both Major Davidson and Captain Stafford successfully completed these academically rigorous police leadership schools and have returned to Douglasville to put their knowledge to good use. Officer Thomas

Altman was recognized by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) with a Golden Shield Honor Award for his commitment to highway safety through DUI enforcement.

The Douglasville Police Department strives to be a professional law enforcement agency that provides services the community expects with the high standard of quality they deserve.

“One with our community.”

IMPACT REPORT 2019

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FINANC DATA IAL

OTHER FINANCIAL SOURCES 1%

SALARIES AND BENEFITS 58%

TAXES 76%

OTHER 35%

CAPITAL OUTLAY 5%

FINES/FORFEITURES 6%

DEBT SERVICE 2%

MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE 1 % CHARGES FOR SERVICES 6% LICENSES/PERMITS 10% INVESTMENT INCOME < 1%

2019 proposed budget

REVENUES $30,748,299

SALARIES AND BENEFITS OTHER

OTHER SOURCES

DEBT SERVICE

$23,368,707

76%

$307,483

1%

LICENSES/PERMITS

$3,074,830

10%

CHARGES FOR SERVICE

$1,844898

6%

$307,483

1%

MISC. REVENUE FINES/FORFEITURES MISC. REVENUE

$1,844,898 $233,863

CAPITAL OUTLAY

2019 proposed budget TAXES

EXPENDITURES $30,748,299

6% 0.8%

City of Douglasville 6695 Church Street Douglasville, GA 30134 Phone 770-920-3000 douglasvillega.gov

Congratulations to the Finance Department for earning a certificate for excellence in financial reporting from the Georgia Finance Officers Assocation.

CityofDouglasvilleGA @DvilleImpact cityofdouglasvillega

$17,834,013

58%

$11,461,905

35%

$1,537,415

5%

$1614,966

2%