in the Know
IN DISTRICT 1
2018
The Year in Review
City of South Fulton District 1
Councilwoman Dr. Catherine Foster
Rowell is committed to keeping you up to date on City of South Fulton District 1 and citywide happenings. Also, addressing public safety and quality of life issues; strengthening the local economy; and encouraging innovation and transparency. Together we are South Fulton Strong - looking forward to a productive 2019!
Public Safety
• Voted for a public safety feasibility study and investment in K-9 dogs, the establishment of a gang unit, and purchase of body cameras and new firearms to ensure that our police department is adequately equipped.
• Lobbied for and secured citywide lighting assessment to support the installation of street lights and lighting improvements at city-owned facilities.
• Introduced the Intergovernmental Agreement with Fulton County Schools for Bus School Safety Program which was approved by the city council.
• Supported Firefighters Paramedic Incentive Pay, offering all future field operation firefighters who successfully complete the certification requirements for paramedic a 6% increase in their base pay.
• Worked with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), to help secure lighting under freeway underpass at Cascade Road and I-285.
• Focused on reporting potholes to public works, installing yield signage for soft shoulders along New Hope and Fairburn roads, and requested tree limbs get cutback in the right-of-way throughout District 1 to improve visibility and road conditions.
• Secured $50,000 to install a flashing traffic beacon on Campbellton Road near Asa Philip Randolph Elementary School and Sandtown Middle School to help keep our children and adults safe.
• Supported the Fire Chief’s efforts to secure Grady EMS as the new ambulance service provider in the area which has resulted in improved response times (the average response time was reduced from 25 minutes to 11 minutes), voted for investments in a new ladder truck, and also two fire apparatus for our city’s fire department.
• Hosted “Coffee with a Cop” to bring police officers and the community members that they serve together to discuss issues and learn more about each other over coffee.
• Fully supported Mayor William Edwards effort to open minipolice precincts throughout our city, including the co-located station inside the fire station on Cascade Road.
• Working with Risk Manager to help identify churches located in District 1 to serve as emergency shelters in our community.
Health & Well-Being
• Successfully transitioned employees from Fulton County Government to the City of South Fulton with the same health benefits package available under the county.
• Co-sponsored resolution to develop a Park, Recreation Trail, and Open Space Master Plan for the City of South Fulton.
• Utilized budgeted District 1 funds to purchase tables and chairs for the Sandtown Recreation Center to kick off efforts to beautify the rec.
• Sponsored nuisance and anti-blight tax ordinance to address blighted properties in the city limits by imposing financial penalties for failure to bring properties into compliance with code enforcement standards.
• Co-sponsored the first “Healthy South Fulton Family Fun Day and Back-to-School Giveaway” at Sandtown Park with Councilwoman Gumbs and Touch of Life Chiropractic, many area businesses and community-based organizations supported the well-attended community event.
• Planned inaugural Westlake High School “Lunch and Learn Career Speaker Series” to expose our youth to 12 different professionals who volunteered their time to share valuable information about their chosen professions, educational attainment, and training.
• Produced “Team Up to Clean Up” Public Service Announcement and took part in monthly community cleanup efforts hosted by the Cascade Business Merchants Association.
Economic Development
• Hosted several District 1 economic development bus tours to introduce commercial and large-scale residential opportunities.
• Sponsored resolution to recognize the Sandtown Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) to help ensure eligibility for Atlanta Regional Commission’s project and planning funds.
• Working with National Church Residences and the Beverly J. Searles Foundation to bring affordable senior housing to the City of South Fulton.
• Working with representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and City of South Fulton Public Works Department to obtain approval for a public art installation in the Boat Rock and Campbellton Road roundabout.
• Hosted three ribbon-cuttings for new businesses located in District 1 – Gocha’s Breakfast Bar, Evolving Learning Center, and the Pain 2 Wellness Center.
• Co-sponsored the ordinance to allow for the November 2018 voter referendum to be placed on the ballot to allow voters to decide if alcoholic beverages would be sold at 11:00 a.m. versus 12:30 p.m. on Sundays.
• Created the Public Arts Commission and Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission to support the arts and preservation, enhancement, and commemoration of historic, cultural, and architectural characteristics of our city.
Government Transparency & Fiscal Responsibility
• Hosted quarterly Townhall Meetings to keep residents informed of activities and developments in our city.
• Distribute weekly e-newsletter to residents in District 1 to “Keep them in the know.”
• Co-sponsored Townhall Meeting with the Fulton County Tax Assessors Office to inform residents of the impact of tax exemptions and the process for appealing a tax assessment.
• Earned the University of Georgia’s Harold F. Holtz Training Institute’s Certificate of Recognition (42 hours) and the Certificate of Achievement (72 hours) for professional development training designed to help city officials enhance their knowledge and skills in municipal matters.
• American Society of Public Administrators “Conference of Minority Public Administrators” (COMPA) National Board AtLarge Member.
• Sponsored or co-sponsored 12 ordinances and 14 resolutions to help establish a solid foundation for the efficient operation of our municipal government to include OpenGov to report the city financials in a user-friendly format for residents to view and analyze.
Ways to Connect
Visit District 1 on Facebook: @CatherineDistrict1
Visit District 1 on Twitter: @rowel70
Visit District 1 on Instagram: rowel70
catherine.rowell@cityofsouthfultonga.gov 470.809.7701