Chatt Hills News ~ December

Official Publication of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA

CHATT HILLS NEWS

Issue 10 Volume 1 www.chatthillsga.us

DECEMBER 2020 Features

Events

Arts in Chatt Hills

City Government

Our Community Page 3

What’s going on Locally?

Page 14

What are our Artists up to?

Page 15

Stay Informed Page 22

Christmas Came Early for Our Fire Department

HEALTH CDC Get the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information HERE.

The State of Georgia has a new COVID-19 hotline. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic.

Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.

CALL THIS HOTLINE: (844) 442-2681

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MAYOR TOM REED

There is so much to be thankful for this month that I’m not sure where to start!

It’s pretty amazing how much work (and how many hands) are needed sometimes to get good things done – and how far in advance the work has to start. Patience is not my greatest virtue, but I do love long-range planning.

So it’s always rewarding when work you’ve started (and friends you’ve made) years and years ago come together to produce real results.

It took me years of work to convince Fulton County to give us Campbellton Park. Then there was the auspicious meeting with an unexpected outcome: I was meeting with some folks from the Trust for Public Land to discuss what an underused asset the Chattahoochee River was, as well as my thoughts on what could happen in Chatt Hills, which led to the whole RiverLands project. Later, upon meeting the director of that program, I was thrilled to hear him say, “So you’re the reason I got hired!” That planning

process—combined with Diana Wilson’s unstoppable energy and the help of literally hundreds of like-minded folks—has led to an amazing plan for parks and preserves along the river, the very first evidence of which is our own boat ramp! And there is so much more good stuff going on!

As you’ll see a little further in the newsletter, Laurie wrote a great article detailing the grand opening of the City’s new boat launch at Campbellton Park, along with the very comprehensive list of “thank-yous” that I made in my remarks. I say it often, and I’ll say it again: I am so very thankful for this community—and for the amazing people who give so much of themselves in

their efforts to actualize the collective vision of preservation-oriented development here in beautiful Chatt Hills.

I’m also thankful for so much more. A loving family.

A wonderful community full of good volunteers and great people. Our amazing team at City Hall. The brave men and women in our military, public safety, and medical teams, who will be working to keep us safe from harm and from Covid as we’re enjoying family time. Say an extra prayer for those good folks—and give your family a big hug as you celebrate what you are thankful for.

God bless, Mayor Tom Reed

VOTING INFORMATION CENTER

Visit the Georgia Secretary of State – Election page for the latest information listed below: https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/elections General Election and Special Election Polling place in Chattahoochee Hills is City Hall, 6605 Rico Rd. Don’t forget…Voters in Georgia need to confirm their identity with a photo ID when they vote.

U.S. SENATE RUNOFFS IN GEORGIA, 2020

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• Runoff date: Jan. 5, 2021 • Registration deadline(s): Dec. 7 • Online registration: Yes • Same-day registration: No • Early voting starts: Dec. 14 • Absentee/mail voting deadline: Jan. 5 by close of polls (received) • Voter ID: Photo ID • Poll times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Chattahoochee Hills Celebrates New Fire Truck, With Time-honored Push-In Ceremony November 10th marked a momentous occasion for the City of Chattahoochee, as residents, city staff, elected officials, and guests gathered at our fire station to celebrate the new 3,000-gallon Tanker/Pumper fire truck.

Mayor Tom Reed welcomed guests and thanked Fire Chief Greg Brett and the city’s staff for their efforts in purchasing the new fire truck.

Chief Brett welcomed the guests to participate in the time-honored tradition of the “Push-In Ceremony.” He said the ceremony dates back more than 100 years to a time before fire trucks were motorized and operated with horse drawn equipment. In those days, firefighters had to actually push their trucks into the station after a call. The event has since become a widely practiced tradition for new fire department vehicles.

The celebration began with a “wetdown,” a ceremonial spraying down of the new Tanker/Pumper truck by a neighboring fire engine. Then guests lined up along side the new truck for the ceremonial push-in, while a driver actually backed the truck into the fire station.

The new truck replaces the current 1996 fire Tanker/ Pumper truck that ceased to operate on September 9, 2020. Estimates to repair that truck were between $11,000 - $20,000. At the October council meeting, Chief Brett requested that the City Council replace rather repair the truck. His rationale was that a multi-purpose Fire Tanker/ Pumper is a required component of the Chattahoochee Hills Fire Rescue Department because municipal water hydrants are not available within approximately 65% of City

areas and/or within 1,000 ft of many residential, commercial, and collateral structures. Moreover, the protective class rating for the Fire Department operations is correlated to the combined capacity of all fire apparatus and their ability to generate an uninterrupted required minimum fire flow of water.

The City Council voted to approve a lease-purchase program to finance the acquisition of a New-Used Fire Tanker/Pumper Truck costing up to $250,000. The new truck will benefit all citizens in Chatt Hills and contribute to their public safety for many years to come.

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Chattahoochee Hills Mayor Tom Reed said this new boat ramp is a huge win for the City of Chattahoochee Hills and for the whole region.

He acknowledged and gave thanks to the hundreds of people who helped make this happen.

Ariel View of the Chatt Hills Boat Ramp in Campbellton Park showing the dedication ceremony and the parking area for the river access.

New Boat Ramp at Campbellton Park – Now Open By: Laurie Searle The Dedication Ceremony for the new boat ramp at Campbellton Park on November 20, 2020, marked a significant milestone for the City of Chattahoochee Hills. For the first time since incorporating in 2007, Chattahoochee Hills has public access to one of its most precious natural resources – and its namesake – the Chattahoochee River.

The boat ramp was made possible through a partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the City of Chattahoochee Hills. DNR agreed to design, engineer, and construct the boat ramp at Campbellton Park at no cost to the City, utilizing federal Sport Fish Restoration funds and matching state funds; and the City of Chatt Hills agreed to lease and maintain the facility for 25 years.

The new facility includes an 18foot wide concrete boat ramp, eight 4

parking spaces for trailered vehicles, five additional car spaces, an ADA parking area, and a Life Jacket Loaner Station. The area will be accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A Cooperative Effort towards a Shared Vision Walter Rabon, Deputy Commissioner of Georgia Department of Natural Resources, opened the Dedication Ceremony by thanking the City of Chattahoochee Hills and the many partners who worked on this initiative.

He said that through these strong relationships, this boat ramp will provide recreational enjoyment for the region for years to come.

Georgia Senator Matt Brass said that the Chattahoochee River is the number one natural resource in the state, and with the pandemic driving more people to the outdoors, this boat ramp comes at a perfect time to offer additional recreational opportunities.

Chattahoochee Hills Mayor Tom Reed said this boat ramp is the culmination of many years of dedicated work by the City of Chattahoochee Hills and so many others to increase access to the Chattahoochee River on our side of town. He thanked Tony Phillips and Dick Anderson from Fulton County for helping the City initially obtain the park. He then went on to thank others and their efforts, including: The Chatt Hills Parks Commission, who partnered with Community Brickworks to apply for and receive a Million Mile Greenway Grant, which helped create the master plan; 150 residents who participated in the master plan, community input sessions, and surveys and petition to bring a boat ramp to the park; and Diana Wilson, chair of the Chatt Hills Parks Commission, who initially developed a grant for the Recreational Trail Program to create a boat ramp.

While that grant got high scores, it was not awarded, most likely because

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Dignitaries prepare for the ceremonial ribbon cutting to dedicate the new boat ramp at Campbellton Park in Chattahoochee Hills. This project was coordinated, engineered, and paid for by GA Department of Natural Resources. the City had recently received its second RTP grant for Cochran Mill Park. Diana then turned to her other contacts and was able to bring the DNR opportunity to the City. (See the Mayor’s long list of those he thanked at the end of this article.)

Mayor Reed went on to say that the boat ramp brings new recreational opportunities to the City and the region by opening an almost inaccessible stretch of the Chattahoochee River to anglers, paddlers, and boaters. According to the National Park Service, every year almost 3 million visitors to Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area create almost 2,000 jobs and an economic impact of over $160 million in communities near the parks. Almost all of that (up until now) is in the 48 miles north of Atlanta.

In those 48 miles north of Atlanta, there are 20 boat lunch sites. Until now, in the 43 miles south of Atlanta, there has been only 1 boat launch – five miles upstream of the new boat ramp. The Mayor said that with our

new River Park on the south side of town, and with the help of our friends, we intend to open more boat ramps in Chattahoochee Hills in the next few years – meaning that people can really access this part of the river for the first time.

DNR Fisheries Biologist Jim Hakala closed the program by giving thanks to those people and groups who supported the boat ramp, including EMI Engineering, GAC Construction, City of Chattahoochee Hills, Diana Wilson, and the Boating Access Program, which maintains 157 boating access sites across Georgia.

Jim said fishing is big business in Georgia, creating 14,000 jobs that have a positive economic impact on our State. It also is a growing tourism draw, which benefits the cities near the fishing sites, as well as the region and state. He encouraged the guests to invite their friends and families to use the boat ramp. He ended the ceremony with an enthusiastic call to “Let’s Go Fish Georgia!”

About Campbellton Park Campbellton Park is located near the intersection of GA-154 Cascade Palmetto Hwy and GA-92 Campbellton Fairburn Rd, in the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. It features 18 acres of parkland, the historic John F. Beavers House, and 1,920 feet of riverfront on the southern bank of the Chattahoochee River, accessible via the new boat ramp. For directions, use the postal mailing address of the Beaves House: 8655 Cochran Rd SW, Fairburn, GA 30213.

Other boat ramps on either side of Campbellton Park include: DNR Boat Ramp at Hwy 166, approximately five miles north and upstream; and the Moore’s Bridge Park boat ramp, off Black Dirt Rd in Carroll County, approximately 20 miles south and downstream.

There are 16.5 miles of the Chattahoochee River on the western border of our City.

Thank You Mayor Tom Reed acknowledged the numerous organization and individuals that have helped in our City’s effort to gain river access. (Listed in alphabetical order.)

• Atlanta Regional Commission: Byron Rushing, Jim Santo – Metropolitan River Project Act (MRPA).

• Campbellton Park Master Plan: Writer, Anne Marie Hoffman; Concept Drawing, Roland Alston; Graphic Design, Judy Walker.

• Chatt Hills City Council: Ruby Foster, Richie Schmidt, Laurie Searle, Camille Lowe, Troy Bettis, Alan Merrill, Claire Williams, Don Hayes.

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Community

OUR COMMUNITY

Chatt Hills displays its Fire Rescue boat, donated by a generous resident.

• Chatt Hills Parks Commission: Diana Wilson, Roland Alston, Tom Blum, Kay Long, Clifford Blizzard.

• Chatt Hills Staff: Darold Wendlandt, Robbie Rokovits, Greg Brett, Jim Little, Dana Wicher, Mike Morton.

• Chattahoochee Now!: Jodi Mansbach, Steve Nygren, Jett Hattaway, Shannon Kettering.

• Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, responsible for cleaning up the river which makes it possible for those of us downstream of Atlanta to enjoy the Chattahoochee: Sally Bethea, Jason Ulseth, Henry Jacobs, Chris Manganiello, Tammy Bates, Juliet Cohen.

• Community Brickworks, partnered with the Parks Commission to apply for a Million Mile Greenway Grant: Judy Henderson and Joe Heiberger.

• Fulton County, helped us get the park: Tony Phillips and Dick Anderson.

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Did you know your fishing license purchase brings federal money to Georgia to improve fishing and boating access? You pay taxes on items like fishing equipment and boat fuel, and those tax dollars get returned to Georgia based, in part, on how many licenses we sell. So, buy a license (www.GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com) to make sure your dollars stay in Georgia!

• Georgia Department of Natural Resources: Jeff Bishop, Tim Scarboro, and their team.

• Georgia River Network, helped us plan a water trail: Gwyneth Moody.

• Georgia Tourism: Tracie Sanchez.

• Ghosts of Chatt Hills, a theatrical play designed to educate and entertain the community about historic Campbellton: Adrienne and Barry Anbinder wrote and directed the play.

• Serenbe Institute, wrote letters of support for RTP Grant Applications: Dianne Harnell Cohen, Doug Cloud, Deb Griffin, Diana.

• Southeastern Engineering, Inc., provided necessary surveys pro bono: Theresa and Chad Epple, Nathan Adrian.

• Steven Nygren, instrumental in providing vision for preservation and for the River.

• The Million Mile Greenway Grant, provided mentoring to create a Master Plan for Campbellton Park: Jim Langford, Anne Marie Hoffman, Lisa Frank.

• Trust for Public Land, purchased the land for this park and funded the RiverLands study that has reimagined access to the whole river: George Dusenbury and Walt Ray.

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County Denies Quarry Developer Building Permit for Whitesburg Project

By MICHAEL O’HEARN THE TIMES-GEORGIAN Nov 20, 2020 Updated Nov 20, 2020 The developer of a controversial quarry project planned for Whitesburg received another setback on Thursday when county officials denied the company’s building permit.

Birmingham-based developer Green Rock, LLC, wants to build a rock quarry on approximately 360 acres near the intersection of Black Dirt and Hutcheson Roads. The developer estimates the value of the project to be $20 million.

But the proposal has received strong pushback from residents as well as other organizations concerned about the quarry’s impact on the area.

The Black Dirt Road property is zoned agricultural, and until August, the development of natural resources — including quarries — was allowed on agricultural land.

But county commissioners changed the wording of the agriculture zoning classification, moving the development language to the industrial classification.

The developer’s plans had been put on hold by the state Environmental Protection Division because Green Rock did not have a zoning compliance certificate from the Carroll County Planning and Zoning office. That certificate would say the proposed quarry is compatible with the land use of the surrounding area.

The building permit would allow the developer to continue working on the property.

On Thursday, Carroll County Community Director Ben Skipper wrote a letter to Green Rock’s attorney saying that certificate will not be forthcoming. The county has also denied the developer’s commercial building permit application.

“The property is currently zoned in the ‘agricultural’ zoning district under Carroll County’s Zoning Ordinance,” Skipper’s letter said, a copy of which was obtained on Friday by the Times-Georgian. “As Carroll County’s attorney has previously conveyed to the applicant’s counsel, a rock quarry is not listed as a permitted or conditional use under the agricultural zoning district in Carroll County’s Zoning Ordinance.”

Permitted uses on agricultural land used to allow for the development of natural resources — including quarries — until the county commission changed the zoning ordinance in August.

“Rock quarries are expressly listed as a conditional use in the industrial zoning district under Carroll County’s Zoning Ordinance. As such, Green Rock, LLC, would be required to comply with the requirements of Carroll County’s Zoning Ordinance to seek rezoning of the subject property from agricultural to industrial for the proposed use of a rock quarry.”

The state’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) must grant Green Rock’s application for a mining permit.

However, without a building permit and compliance certificate, the agency will not review Green Rock’s proposal further.

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The developer’s attorneys were notified by the EPD last month their application would be “incomplete” without these items from Carroll County officials.

According to the Carroll County zoning ordinances in effect when the quarry was proposed, the development of natural resources — including quarries — was permitted on land with the “agricultural” designation. Because quarries were a permitted use, the developer did not need approval from the Board of Commissioners for the project.

In August, however, county commissioners changed the agricultural and industrial sections of the county’s zoning ordinance at the request of District 5 Commissioner Ernest Reynolds and Skipper. That change was unanimously approved by the county commission on Aug. 4.

The developer submitted his commercial building permit package on Nov. 10 to the county’s Department of Community Development, according to Skipper’s letter.

That was three months after the changes had been made to the zoning ordinance.

The quarry has been met with criticism and opposition from many, including a citizen’s group in Whitesburg, current Whitesburg mayor Amy Williford, Reynolds, former District 5 Commissioner Kevin Jackson, and the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, an environmental group that protects the Chattahoochee River, which flows near the site.

Now the developer is planning legal action unless county officials sign off on the building permit package, which includes the zoning compliance certificate.

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Director of Mining Operations David Grayson told the Times-Georgian on Wednesday that “nothing has changed” despite the setbacks. He added the developer is not interested in finding another piece of property in an industrial area of the county.

He said there would be a 1,000-foot buffer between the Black Dirt Road site and the Chattahoochee River, as well as a 400-foot buffer around the rest of the property to the northeast and to the south. The county and state require that the buffer around the property be 200 feet — and 50 feet from any streams.

However, he said the buffer was extended to 400 feet after hearing the concerns of homeowners near the property entrance. He also increased the buffer from the stream to 100 feet.

“Nothing has changed, and we feel like we had a legal right under the current zoning at the time that we drilled the property and spent a bunch of money on the property,” Grayson said on Wednesday.

But Grayson said the developer could try to appeal the county’s decision through the Planning and Zoning Commission, or the Board of Commissioners.

“We are now going to move forward in the process, and the most likely process is that we will seek legal recourse. We feel clearly that we have the legal right to do it. They are not going to leave us any angle here really to move forward.”

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Wetlands located along the Chattahoochee River would be impacted by a proposed rock quarry, according to an application filed by the developer.

Volunteer environmentalists are trying to halt the quarry. File/Credit: Brian and Shanda Cook

Volunteer Environmental Groups: Formidable Force for Chattahoochee, South Rivers

By David Pendered Volunteer environmentalists are fighting two separate battles to keep pollution out of the Chattahoochee River and South River, the two biggest waterways in metro Atlanta.

The two rivers are at a crucial moment because of looming decisions that could affect, for generations, the rivers and those who rely on them.

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule this session on the lawsuit filed by Florida to compel Georgia to alter its use of waters of the Chattahoochee River. A U.S. District Court judge in Atlanta is reviewing a pending federal consent decree that spells out state and federal requirements for DeKalb County to fix its broken and leaking sewer system, which flows into the South River.

This is the political and environmental arena in which concerned citizens have come together to further their efforts to protect the rivers. Neither group has deep pockets, nor the tools to wage a high profile persuasion campaign.

They do have passion.

“They are the first responders,” Rena Peck, executive director of the Georgia River Network, said Monday. “They are the eyewitnesses that see the signs of a quarry that might go in, and the tires paving the bottom of the South River. When they see something going on, it strikes fear – as well it should. When you’re worried about something, you call in friends to help.”

Tonya Spinks volunteers with Citizens Opposed to Carroll County Rock Quarry, a group that formed in July to oppose a proposed rock quarry on a site next to the Chattahoochee River. This matter is not related to the Florida lawsuit. The quarry owners seek state and local approval

to dig for rock in Carroll County, across the river from south Fulton County. Three creeks flow across the property and into the river. Spinks wrote Monday in an email: • “The proposed rock quarry along the banks of the beautiful Chattahoochee River would be detrimental to our community, which is a quiet agricultural area. This quarry simply is not appropriate where it is proposed. It will result in the possible loss of wetlands, pollution to Chattahoochee River, damaged air quality, decrease of property values, as well as many other concerns. The citizens in this community chose to live in this quiet area along the river. The noise, pollution, additional traffic on our two-lane roads, and all the industrial activities that come from a quarry would be devastating to our community.

• “We want to maintain our rural way of living.”

Jackie Echols serves as president of South River Watershed Alliance. The alliance was formed in 1999 and has a shoestring budget for efforts that include compelling David Pendered David Pendered, Managing Editor, is an Atlanta journalist with more than 30 years experience reporting on the region’s urban affairs, from Atlanta City Hall to the state Capitol. Since 2008, he has written for print and digital publications, and advised on media and governmental affairs. Previously, he spent more than 26 years with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and won awards for his coverage of schools and urban development. David graduated from North Carolina State University and was a Western Knight Center Fellow.

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GARRETTS FERRY BRIDGE UPDATE The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) approved the Garretts Ferry Bridge last month for its GDOT Local Bridge Replacement Program. Repairs made through this program are done at no cost to our city.

GDOT is expected to begin the process with a survey, followed by 18-24 months of design work, and 3 months of construction to repair the bridge.

The Garretts Ferry Bridge has been closed for repairs since February 10, 2017, after receiving notice from GDOT that the bridge must be closed until it was repaired. The City spent several years looking for an affordable option to repair the bridge, before submitting the application to the GDOT program this year.

RICO CROSSROADS COMMUNITY APPROVED FOR mTAP PROGRAM The Center for Leadership, a program of the Urban Land Institute’s Atlanta District Council (ULI Atlanta), selected Chattahoochee Hills for the 2020-2021 Center for Leadership mTAP program. The program offers free technical assistance to public agencies and nonprofit organizations on a variety of land use issues. During the “Mini-TAP” (or “mTAP”) component of the Center for Leadership, mTAP teams assist their clients with a specific land use or real estate problem within ULI’s mission of providing leadership in the responsible land use and in creating and sustaining thriving communities. The mTAP program awarded to Chatt Hills will focus on the Rico Historic Crossroads Community.

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LOCAL BUSINESSES

Rodale Southeast & Fresh Harvest The Atlanta Foodcast: A Food Podcast As Georgia Organics launches our end-of-year fundraising campaign, Stay Local, we’re focusing on why it’s so important that Georgians continue to support Georgia farmers by shopping as directly as possible from them.

In this episode, we’re discussing the environmental and economic significance of supporting small farmers—and why it’s so vital to support Georgia farmers in and beyond this pandemic year. To learn more about Georgia Organics’ Stay Local campaign, visit georgiaorganics.org/staylocal.

First up, we’re talking to Georgia Organics board member Rebecca Williams with Rodale Institute Southeast Organic Center at Many Fold Farm in Chattahoochee Hills.

Rodale Institute’s Southeast Organic Center is opening soon, and we caught up about the work they’ll be doing to support research and policy-making in organic agriculture in Georgia and beyond. To learn more about the Rodale Institute Southeast Organic Center, visit RodaleInstitute.org and follow them on social media.

Rodale Institute Southeast Organic Center held a virtual open house on November 17; to see this, visit https:// rodaleinstitute.org/education/webinars/.

In the Gardening with Farmers, CheFarmer Matthew Raiford shared his tips for the fall vegetable and fruit garden. Matthew is the sixth generation owner and farmer

of Gillard Farms in Brunswick, host of the podcast Jupiter’s Almanac, author of the forthcoming cookbook, Bress ‘n’ Nyam, and an Atlanta Foodcast co-host!

Finally, we caught up with Zac Harrison of Fresh Harvest about how their operations have weathered the pandemic year and why it’s more important than ever to be supporting Georgia farmers as directly as possible.

We discuss how crucial it is that consumers who have shopped from farmers during the pandemic continue to do so to provide ongoing stability to Georgia’s small farmers who are planning their crops with these new customers in mind. To learn more about Fresh Harvest and to become a member, visit freshharvestga.com/.

Curious about our Stay Local campaign? Through the end of the year, we’re asking Georgians to STAY LOCAL by doing two things:

First, consider keeping your charitable dollars in Georgia with a year-end contribution to Georgia Organics, which will go toward supporting local and organic farmers working to feed their individual communities across our state.

Second, please buy from those farmers directly where possible. Consistently shop at your local farmers market, and visit gfg.georgiaorganics.org to browse a selection of our farmer members who offer direct purchasing options through CSA subscriptions and online purchasing.

Visit georgiaorganics.org/staylocal to learn more.

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LOCAL BUSINESSES

Now serving Chattahoochee Hills weekly!

HyperBox Fresh was born during a time of uncertainty as the pandemic took full hold of our lives, turning everything upside down. Toilet paper was—and still is—a hot commodity. But one thing remains: we still need food! There is fantastic food being grown by enthusiastic farmers all around us, and the team at HyperBox Fresh feels passionate that now more than ever, quality, nutrient-dense food should be accessible and delivered right to your doorstep.

Our mission is to partner with local farmers and artisans to bring their fresh or unique (organic, local, sustainable, non-GMO, certified naturally grown, etc.—essentially non-yucky) products to consumers, at home, quickly and safely.

We are excited to partner with White Oak pastures from Bluffton, GA. Their unique style of regenerative farming and care for the whole animal is unparalleled.

The multi-generation Harris family that runs this farm has not only invested in clean farming techniques, they have invested in the growth and wellbeing of their small town.

White Oak Pastures sets the bar high, and they are often the trailblazers of their industry.

Dayspring Farms from Danielsville, GA, produce a variety of fresh, stone-milled grains and flours. From heirloom varieties like Rouge de Bordeaux to everyday grits, their two-generation family operation provides unique offerings not available in a conventional grocery store.

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Right in our backyard of Peachtree City, there is a new way of farming! Aquaponic grower Alo Farms is shattering the mold with nearly full circle sustainability and amazing flavor. Serving up greens like never tasted before, we are excited to share their product for the first time in a delivery model!

HyperBox Fresh, 404.394.1920 Chattahoochee Hills - Peachtree City - Atlanta, hyperboxfresh.com

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Chef Sidney Corum is partnering with Valero in downtown Palmetto.

Replenish Community BBQ & Grill coming to downtown Palmetto Opening in Palmetto this coming spring, Replenish Community BBQ & Grill is set to be a casual garden-dining venue featuring southern-style smoked BBQ and a number of specialty vegan and vegetarian offerings. In a move welcome to locals who appreciate farm-to-table style dining, dishes will feature provisions from farmers and growers in the local area, including grass-fed beef and lamb from Your Faith Farms, vegetables and fruits from Serenbe Farms and other local growers, and breads and desserts baked right on the premises.

Chattahoochee Hills resident and restaurant entrepreneur Sidney Corum and his son Ryan, of Douglasville, have decades of experience in the food services industry and plan to open their slow-cooked barbeque garden restaurant at 204 Fayetteville Road, just under the picturesque Tombs Street train bridge in downtown Palmetto. Sidney looked at the local restaurant options around Palmetto and Chattahoochee Hills and decided to open their first location in partnership with the owners of the Valero station just past the 1918 train bridge, anchoring what they intend to be a 9-restaurant group.

Sidney and his family run Chef Ago Go, a business catering to the film and arts industries, and they also run a

Chef Sidney Corum summer camp program called ChefTech at Auburn University, training young people interested in restaurant cooking and kitchens, with an emphasis on academic achievement.

Ryan also runs a design-build business Called Greek Life Kitchens, geared toward providing university fraternal organizations with kitchens, meal plans, and staffing.

Despite staying very busy in the restaurant industry, they plan for construction of the new restaurant to begin in December, with a Grand Opening slated for April of 2021.

However, look for them in the meantime, because during the intervening months the Replenish crew will host popup events featuring several selections from their amazing menu. Chattahoochee Hills will no doubt welcome this new addition to the dining options landscape.

For more information, contact Sidney Corum at 404287-7323.

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DECEMBER EVENTS 5

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 5th, 9 to 11 am Enjoy a FREE pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa and/or his reindeer ponies, arts and crafts!

Sardis Baptist Church Pavillion, 8400 Sardis Rd. www.sardisbaptistch.com, Event: 404.877.8571

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Holiday Concert with Deb Bowman

Terminus Holiday Premiere

Join us for a live streamed Holiday concert with vocal performer Deb Bowman!

Praised as “hypnotic and unforgettable,” Dynamo Deb Bowman’s performances “are cut from one rare thread” and “must be seen.” Her vocal versatility and unmatched acting have thrilled audiences of all ages worldwide. Whether belting out Broadway and big band ballads or softly seducing you with sultry standards, she always delivers memorable musical moments that keep people coming back for more.

For more information visit serenbeinstitute.org/events

Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre is excited to present a festive holiday premiere on film inspired

by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”. The work will feature an original score created by Atlanta native Jacob Ryan Smith and choreography by TMBT Co-Founder Heath Gill. This storytelling duo is sure to set the spirit of the season!

December 13, 4:00pm

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For more information visit serenbeinstitute.org/events

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Arts Section

www.studioswan.com 6401 Campbellton Redwine Road Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Artists of The First 7: Morgan Boszilkov, Gail Foster, Thomas Swanston, Jennifer Cantley & Ren Dillard. Not pictured, Mary Hollis & Rachel K. Garceau.

The First 7, the inaugural exhibition at Center which opened Nov. 21 Studio Swan opens gallery at CENTER with their first exhibit. Tom Swanston and Gail Foster are at it again, bringing more art to Chatt Hills.

Follow the link to see The First 7 virtual tour! https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=GMwUQz5iWMS Thomas Swanston’s Artist Interview: https://youtu.be/5vSLZuOGYbg Gail Foster’s Artist Interview: https://youtu.be/BXT_EDVENm8

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Arts Section

Kristin Genet, 323-497-8979, kristingenet@gmail.com Instagram @kristingenetdesign, https://www.kristingenetdesign.com/

“Beauty & Bones” Exhibit

Kristin Genet

Kristin Genet was born in a small village in the former East Germany.

At a very young age she learned to find creative ways to make the most out of living in a spare, socialist state.

Since early childhood she showed an interest in design, spending most of her time outside in the woods planning and building forts. During her high school years she fell in love with both the performing and fine arts. She was one of her school theater’s founding members, and self-produced every aspect of each play from writing the script, composing the music, to designing the sets and acting.

Genet studied Architecture in Dresden, one of Germany’s most history-laden cities. With the opportunity to travel after the Berlin wall came down, she followed her love of adventure and lived in Granada, Spain where her passion for set design grew, and she enrolled in film school in Berlin Potsdam Babelsberg, Germany.

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Opening is Dec. 12, the show will run through Jan. 2021.

Kristin Genet is the first featured artist with 20 big scale works (biggest one 10’x10’). In collaboration with Bobo Intriguing Objects, in their first retail space in upper westside Atlanta: THE WORKS 1295 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta GA 30318 Wednesday-Sunday 9am-5pm https://theworksatl.com/ Air Serenbe Interview https://www. airserenbe.com/2020/sita-profiles/ kristin-genet

A movie project brought her to Los Angeles, CA, and then to Georgia, where now she lives with her three children south of Atlanta in a progressive community where she

started her own event business. Her work is deeply inspired by her love of nature, her European background, and her desire for creating transformative experiences.

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Arts Section

Amy Peterson

Wanda Hughes

Ann Jackson

Judy Walker

Malinda Lively-Arnold Karin Slaton

Logynn Ferrall Robert Lederman

Todd Terranova

Adrienne Anbinder

Co-op members are: Adrienne Anbinder, Malinda Lively-Arnold, Janice Barton, Morgan Boszilkov, Logynn B Ferrall, GW Harper, Gail Foster, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Robert Lederman, Julie McKinney, Amy Peterson, Karin Slaton, Tom Swanston, Todd Terranova, and Judy Walker. www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com 9057 Selborne Lane & Paint Space, 10625 Serenbe Lane Unit A. Open by appointment: 818.434.5436 CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS

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Book Section December Selections from Hills & Hamlets Bookshop and Underground Books: Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a charming neighborhood bookstore in the Serenbe development of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, created by Josh Niesse and Megan Bell, the couple behind Underground Books in nearby Carrollton.

Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 to 4, and we’re open 24/7 online at www.bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and at info@ hillsandhamlets.com.

New in Coffee Table: The Architecture of Trees by Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi “This book could be considered the Bible for tree lovers.”—Western Art & Architecture.

This gorgeous, large format volume shows each hand-drawn illustration in stunning detail. The Architecture of Trees is the result of over twenty years of dedicated study by landscape architects Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi and features more than 550 exquisite quill-pen drawings. Each of the 212 tree species are drawn to a scale of 1:100, with and without foliage. Complete with tables of seasonal color variation and projections of shadows cast during the hours of daylight and season by season, no other book contains such detailed and scientific drawings of trees. This legendary and unsurpassed botanical masterwork will captivate anyone interested in nature and trees.

Buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781616898069 New in Giftable: The Antiquarian Sticker Book: Over 1,000 Exquisite Victorian Stickers The Antiquarian Sticker Book is a beautiful collection of sticker ephemera for the modern-day crafter, scrapbooker, art lover, or for anyone who just loves stickers. With thousands of gorgeous stickers, this is the perfect present for sticker lovers of all ages!

Peel and decorate or browse and feast on the beauty of this lush sticker book unlike any other. A treasure trove of authentic historical prints from the ornate Victorian era to the early twentieth century can live on its own, be used on stationery and wrapping, or create an amazing collage. We’re personally using our Antiquarian Sticker Book to decorate all the book packages we’re sending out this holiday season!

Buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781250208149 New in Advent Calendars: Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Christmas Pop-Up Celebrate the holidays at Hogwarts with this interactive pop-up book and advent calendar. Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Christmas Pop-Up is a one-of-a-kind book that re-creates the iconic Great Hall as seen in the Harry Potter books and films, complete with a 13” pop-up Christmas tree at the center. The book is filled with 25 keepsakes of iconic magical artifacts and other elements from the series, which can be used as ornaments to decorate the pop-up tree, including Hermione’s Time-Turner, the Monster Book of Monsters, Hogwarts house crests, and more.

Buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781683839002 18

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Trending Topic

LOCAL

Autumn Fruit and Cheese Torte Serves 10 Crust: 2 cups flour 2/3 cup sugar 1 cup cold butter, cut in pieces 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Submitted by Mary Collins Shephard

Ginger-Carrot Bisque Serves 10

This creamy, mildly spicy soup is perfect as a first course for a festive fall or winter supper or an elegant Christmas dinner. It’s quite rich so small servings are in order. Those china tea cups that you seldom use are just the right size.

6 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 pounds carrots, peeled and thinly sliced 2 large onions, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and minced 2 teaspoons grated orange zest Juice from 1 orange ½ teaspoon coriander ground 5 cups chicken stock, homemade or canned 1 cup half-and-half ½ cup fresh parsley, minced Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat.

Add carrots and onions. Cover saucepan and cook until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Mix in ginger, orange peel, and coriander. Add 2 cups stock. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover pan and simmer soup until carrots are very tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

Puree soup in batches in processor or blender. Return to the pan and add remaining 3 cups stock and half and half. Cook over medium-low heat until heated through.

Season with salt and pepper. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley.

COOK’S NOTES: Bisque can be prepared one day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Reheat over medium heat until warm. Warning— Whenever blending hot liquids, make sure your blender top is vented. Remove the plug and cover with a paper towel.

Otherwise, you’ll be redecorating your kitchen!

Filling: 16 oz. cream cheese 1 teaspoon vanilla 2/3 cup sugar 2 eggs Topping: 5-6 apples and/or pears, peeled and thinly sliced 1/3 cup dried cranberries ¼ cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon lemon juice ¼ to ½ cup slivered almonds, walnuts, or pecans Preparation For the crust: Place flour and sugar in the bowl of a food processor; pulse to combine. Add butter and vanilla and pulse until dough comes together. Press mixture evenly into bottom and up sides of a 9’’or 10’’ springform pan.

For the filling: In a large sauté pan, precook sliced apples and/or pears until some of the liquid has been release, 8 to 10 minutes.

Drain and place in a large bowl. Add cranberries, sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice.

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg together. Pour into crust. Place fruit mixture over the cheese layer. (It will sink in a bit.)Top with nuts. Bake at 400° until cheese layer is set, about 45 to 60 minutes.

NOTE: This crust has a LOT of butter, and it has a tendency to seep out the bottom of the springform pan during baking.

Wrap foil around the bottom of the pan or place on a rimmed baking sheet.

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19

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Community

OUR CHURCHES Campbellton Baptist Church 8660 Campbellton Fairburn Rd Friendship Baptist Church 6090 Cochran Mill Rd www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com Interfaith Fellowship at Serenbe www.facebook.com/ groups/1964824926878340/ New Hope United Methodist Church 7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd

Providence Baptist Church 6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd www.pbcrico.org Rico United Methodist Church 6475 Rico Rd Rivertown United Methodist Church 9325 Rivertown Rd Sardis Baptist Church 8400 Sardis Rd www.sardisbaptistch.com

Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/ Vernon Grove Baptist Church 8440 Vernon Grove Rd OTHER CHURCHES IN CHATT HILLS Many churches have suspended services and activities due to the COVID-19 precautions. Please check with the individual churches to get an update on their schedules.

Community

FOOD PANTRY REPORT Community Brickworks – Holiday and Year-End Giving The Brickworks Food Pantry served in first three Wednesdays in November 222 Children and Adults

Community Brickworks has been busy preparing for its Holiday giving events. As it does every year, this local nonprofit is helping families in our area during the Christmas season with gifts for children in need.

The team of Christmas elves at Community Brickworks is preparing a list of holiday gifts for the children of the food pantry clients. Carla Carrabino keeps track of the master list, while Nan McGuffy works with churches in the area, and Lisa Remley works with Serenbe residents to pair the list with sponsors who will purchase the gifts for the children.

If you would like to sponsor a gift for a child, please look for information coming soon to the church bulletins and Serenbe Facebook. Or you may call Community Brickworks at 770-463-6600 and leave your number to receive more information.

The Giving Tree Community Brickworks will also host the Giving Tree again this year. Volunteers will decorate the tree inside city hall on

Carla Carrabino prepares the Christmas gift list/

The Giving Tree offers another opportunity to sponsor a gift for families in need.

November 20, with gift tags that list a child’s age and gift. If you would like to participate, select a gift tag, purchase the gift, then return the unwrapped gift and tag in a bag to the Community Brickwork Library.

All donations are 100% tax deductible. Community Brickworks receives monetary donations as well as food, books, and school supplies all through the year. We are managed completely by volunteers with no paid staff. 100% of your donation is used in your community to help your neighbors.

Community Brickworks, 6505 Rico Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268, 770-463-6600

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City Government City Council Updates NOVEMBER 5 – CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION REPORT 1. Historic Commission (HC) Update –Allison Duncan The HC will tour the following city-owned properties during its Nov. 14 meeting: Beavers House, Varner House, Scout Hut, and Wilkerson Mill. The HC is working on the mitigation plan for interpretive signage that is required for the Cochran Mill Park Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant.

The HC will be setting goals during its Dec meeting, with discussions about archaeology joint projects with Parks Commission, public art on historic structures, and periods of significance.

2. Council Meeting Agenda Review Item 20-038: Request from The Inn at Serenbe, The Farmhouse at Serenbe, The Hill, and Halsa to waive late penalties for hotel/motel and alcohol tax during COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussion: Mayor Reed said that due to COVID, these businesses had notified the City they would be working hard to make up their late tax payments. Their taxes are now up-to-date, but have requested that the late fees be waived.

Item 20-039: Ordinance to Add a New Chapter 13, Emergency Management, to the Code of Ordinances.

Discussion: Fire Chief Greg Brett said that similar emergency management ordinances have already been adopted by other cities, and/or are being considered now. The value of the ordinance is that it gives detailed authority and instructions to provide for the health and safety of persons and property during an emergency or disaster in Chatt Hills resulting from manmade or natural causes.

Councilmember Laurie Searle asked why this ordinance was needed now, when our city charter already gives the City the basic authority, and the City has not had this ordinance for the past 12 years. Chief Brett said one reason is that additional funding may be available to cities that have emergency ordinances.

Searle said she thinks this ordinance gives the City too much authority and takes away civil liberties, such as: gives the Mayor the power to make immediate decisions, but does not give the city council (later) opportu22

Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM

nity for input; gives the Mayor the power to activate the local emergency operations plan and shall be authority for the deployment of personnel and use of any forces to which the plan applies, but council has not seen the “plan”; gives the City Manager the power to execute a right of entry to use any property, and no person shall refuse entry or access.

Councilmember Troy Bettis said he understands that the Mayor (or some designated official) needs the authority to act immediately, but he would like the City Council to have an opportunity to convene (if possible) to discuss as soon as possible after the initial act.

Attorney Rick Lindsey suggested that this ordinance be removed from the council meeting agenda so as to give the council more time to review and send him their suggestions.

Item 20-040: Agreement with Providence Baptist Church to use property at 6405 Campbellton Redwine Road as an emergency shelter.

Fire Chief Greg Brett said this church has been utilized in the past and has offered its large fellowship building for the use of its kitchen, restroom, and show facilities, and large meeting space.

Item 20-041: Resolution declaring three (3) Mossberg 12-gauge pump shotguns as surplus property.

Police Chief Jim Little said these shotguns have exceeded their useful life and are no longer operable towards serving the needs of Chatt Hills.

Item 20-042: Resolution declaring one (1) 1996 International E-One fire tanker/pumper engine as surplus property.

Fire Chief Greg Brett said this was to follow up on previous discussions. The 1996 fire tanker/pumper was in need of expensive repairs and due also to its age, council approved the purchase of a new tanker/pumper truck. With this new resolution, the 1996 tanker/pumper truck may be declared surplus property and either sold for parts or traded in for payment on an existing repair bill.

Item 20-043: Resolution for a Capital Lease Purchase Agreement with the Georgia Municipal Association – proceeds of the lease purchase financing to be used to reimburse the purchase price of Fouts/Kenworth

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City Government 3,000-gallon Tanker-Pumper.

City Manager Robbie Rokovitz reviewed the lease purchase agreement for the new tanker pumper truck, which will be $ 53,115.33/per year, paid for 5 years.

Item 20-044: Approve the purchase of a Ford F150 SSV Police Vehicle for an amount not to exceed $32,300.

Police Chief Little said this is part of their fleet replacement program, to keep adequate and operational vehicles in their fleet. Currently they have 12 police vehicles, nine of which are considered in “good” condition. There are days when they do not have enough vehicles to support their department. Adding this new vehicle continues their best practice of fleet replacement.

3. Sunday Alcohol Sales Hours – Rick Lindsey Rick Lindsey talked about Sunday Alcohol Sales hours and the option to allow home delivery of alcohol. He said this could be added to as a referendum vote next year.

4. Serenbe Conservation Review – Mike Morton In prior council work sessions and meetings, council asked for clarification on the status of Serenbe placing land into conservation, as required by our city’s zoning. Community Development Director Mike Morton presented the two maps of the Conservation Easements and Existing Open Space in Serenbe, available on the City’s website. The Conservation Parcel Map legend below, shows the total acreage per phased area and the conservation areas.

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City Government 5. Community Outreach – Councilmember Foster Councilmember Ruby Foster mentioned several outreach programs that have already taken place, such as the townhall meetings, and several Census Day outreach programs that gave away food and assisted residents in completing their census. She presented a list of additional outreach suggestions that would allow citizens to get involved in our city in ways they believe are fulfilling to themselves and their neighborhood. For the upcoming holidays, she is coordinating volunteer opportunities for a Christmas & Toys and Coat Giveaway, and a day to decorate City Hall for the holidays.

6. Barn Quilt for the Beavers House – Councilmember Searle Councilmember Laurie Searle presented a proposed barn quilt design for placement on the Beavers House property.

The design was created based on a quilt the Lee Family’s mother made while they lived in the Beavers House. Searle suggested the barn quilt be placed on the garage, since it is not a historical structure. The council liked this idea.

She then asked the council what their preference was for future proposed barn quilts on city-owned property – did the council want the designs to go before the Historic and Parks Commission, did the council want to review every design, or did they prefer the City Manager review. Council said they would prefer to review each proposed design for city-owned property.

7. Guidelines for City Council stipend – Councilmember Schmidt Councilmember Richie Schmidt said when the idea of a stipend came up several months ago, it was because council was told there were no funds in the budget targeted towards outreach events in their districts. Since the $2,000 has been approved for each councilmember, Schmidt wanted clarification on what that could be spent on.

Attorney Rick Lindsey said that taxpayer money cannot be used for political purposes, such as advocating for or against a bond referendum or to alert citizens about a disagreement you might have on political issues.

Nor can taxpayers’ money be used to improve someone’s property if it is not a part of an overall improvement project. He said funds could be used to communicate generally about issues facing the citizens or information that might prove helpful for the citizens. However, he 24

suggests if there is any doubt, councilmembers contact him for guidance.

8. Chatt Hills News – Councilmember Schmidt Councilmember Richie Schmidt continued his on-going discussion about the municipal newsletter, Chatt Hills News. He said no councilmember should be allowed to edit another councilmember’s news story, as it was a conflict of interest.

Mayor Reed asked Councilmember Searle if she had edited his story.

Councilmember Searle said she was a part of the writing and editing team on the newsletter. When Schmidt submitted a story about the Coweta County Boundary Change that held his personal opinion, she forwarded it to the City Manager and Attorney for their consideration because it violated the newsletter standards of not submitting a political story. Both agreed and the story was not printed.

City Manager Rokovitz gave the council copies of the municipal newsletter guidelines.

Schmidt said councilmembers need a way of sharing their news with the citizens.

Rokovitz said everyone is welcome to submit stories to the newsletter; however, stories cannot have a political opinion as defined in the newsletter guidelines. He said the newsletter is funded by hotel/motel funds which are designated for tourism. If council members have political opinion pieces to share, they are welcome to do that with their own personal funds.

Searle said she emailed Schmidt a quote to print and mail 1,000 newsletters of about the same size as what is currently produced. The totally monthly estimated cost was around $6,361/month or $76,332/year. She also gave him a printed copy of the quote during the work session.

Comment: After Searle notified Schmidt that his article did not meet the newsletter policy and therefore could not be printed, she offered Schmidt the opportunity to print his story in her district newsletter, which she pays for with her personal funds, and she also offered him the opportunity speak at her district 3 townhall meeting. He declined both. She has since notified the city that she is resigning her volunteer work as writer and editor on the city’s newsletter.

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City Government 9. Signs – Councilmember Schmidt Councilmember Richie Schmidt inquired about the status of the (Coweta County Bound) signs placed along the road side.

City Manager Rokovitz said the public works crew wents out of their way to be helpful to the citizen’s committee to legally place those signs.

Mayor Reed said all signs must meet the legal requirements specified by the City.

10. Scout Hut Inspection Report – Robbie Rokovitz City Manager Robbie Rokovitz presented the results of the recent structural assessment done on the Scout Hut

by West Georgia Home Inspection & Renovation Services, LLC. He said the inspector called the building’s overall condition “Fairly Poor” and said he did not think it was safe for public use. Several items of concern include: • Water Damage – The landscape slopes toward the left side of the house allowing rain water to flow into the house and foundation and rot the boards.

Rain water falls from the roof to the ground and runs towards the foundation, because there are no gutters. Holes in the porch roof have allowed rain to damage the porch and some of the roof’s interior.

• Termite Damage – In Foundation beams and interior exterior walls.

• Electric System – panel is improperly wired, lower level has outlets incorrectly wired, upper level seems mostly ok.

• Lead-based paint on the exterior.

• No water, septic, or HVAC.

Rokovitz said the city could take some measures now to prevent on-going damage, such as creating a berm to channel water away from the building, and possibly treating for termites.

Councilmember Searle asked if additional grants would be available if the structure were to placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

HC Commission Chair Duncan said grants are few and far between now due to COVID, but also that the purpose of the building needs to be defined before grants can be submitted.

NOVEMBER 10 – CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION REPORT Presentations / Proclamations (1) Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Risk Reduction Certificate presentation.

Stoney Mathis, 4th V.P. (and Chief of Police, Fairburn, GA) presented the certificate to Police Chief Jim Little for his department’s accomplishment of completing 10 of the standards. Chief Little said it has been his goal since joining Chatt Hills two years ago to complete the Risk Reduction Certificate program.

(2) Proclamation recognizing Dr. Gene “Doc” and Margaret Tyre for their 60 years in Christian ministry, and their service at Providence Baptist Church in Chattahoochee Hills.

(3) Proclamation recognizing Linda Bryant for 27 Years of Service on the Fulton County School Board. Linda Bryant was recognized by Chatt Hills, and by the other cities that she served in her position on the Fulton County School Board.

(4) Recognition Awarding Tom Blum for his years of volunteer service to Chattahoochee Hills. Resident Tom Blum was recognized for his many years serving as a volunteer in Chatt Hills, most notably for his long-term efforts in trash pick-up, and also for his years serving on the Parks Commission.

Public Comment Amber Lightsey, 11750 Upper Wooten Road – expressed concerns about the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail, that it is moving too quickly, not growing organically, and has potential to spoil the scenic quality of our city if too many barn quilts are installed.

Staff Reports Fire Chief Greg Brett, honored firefighter Brad Wilson with a ceremony in honor of his promotion to Lieutenant.

New Business Item 20-038: Request from The Inn at Serenbe, The Farmhouse at Serenbe, The Hill, and Halsa to waive late penalties for hotel/motel and alcohol tax during COVID-19 pandemic.

The motion passed unanimously.

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City Government Item 20-040: Agreement with Providence Baptist Church to use property at 6405 Campbellton Redwine Road as an emergency shelter.

The motion passed unanimously.

Item 20-041: Resolution declaring three (3) Mossberg 12-gauge pump shotguns as surplus property.

The motion passed unanimously.

Item 20-042: Resolution declaring one (1) 1996 International E-One fire tanker/pumper engine as surplus property.

Discussion: Councilmember Troy Bettis asked the weight of the new truck. Fire Chief Brett gave the weight and said that there were some bridges in our city that would not support the truck, but alternative routes have been mapped.

The motion passed unanimously.

Item 20-043: Resolution for a Capital Lease Purchase Agreement with the Georgia Municipal Association – proceeds of the lease purchase financing to be used to reimburse the purchase price of Fouts/Kenworth 3,000-gallon Tanker-Pumper.

The motion passed unanimously.

Item 20-044: Approve the purchase of a Ford F150 SSV Police Vehicle for an amount not to exceed $32,300.

The motion passed unanimously.

Item 20-045: Resolution adopting 2021 Council meeting schedule.

City Clerk Dana Wicher made a recommendation to change the December 2020 meeting schedule, moving the Dec. 1st 4:00 pm Work Session and 6:00 pm Council Meeting to December 3rd, as Fulton County requires the large room on Dec. 1st for its voting machines.

The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor and Council Comments Councilmember Foster thanked staff for all their hard work, especially with the recent storm and in dealing with COVID over the last several months. She also announced that decorating of city hall for Christmas would take place on November 20th at 3:00 p.m.

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Councilmember Schmidt thanked Chief Little for the greater presence on Wilkerson Mill Road. He also said that the newsletter guidelines will be discussed at the planning retreat. Until then, it will stay in place in its current form, and he encouraged the Council and citizens to submit articles. He also said he supports the Barn Quilt Trail but said it should be brought before the Council before proceeding any further.

Councilmember Searle thanked the Mayor for putting out updates during the power outage. She also said she appreciated Amber Lightsey’s comments and said the Barn Quilt Trail project had been discussed by the Council twice.

Councilmember Lowe asked Chief Brett to clarify the new mobile alerts. Chief Brett said it is taking some time to clean up the data that was brought over from the old system. She also asked for an update on the proposed rock quarry in Carroll County. Mayor Reed answered that the proposal is still working its way through the process at the county level.

Councilmember Bettis thanked the crews that were working on storm clean up. He also said he is excited that the newsletter will be changing format. Most of his constituents do not have internet and the newsletter needs to be informative. He asked if all the bridges in the city would support the weight of the new Tanker. Chief Brett answered that department training includes appropriate routes.

Mayor Reed said that he was impressed with Greystone’s response during the recent storm and power outage. He was receiving updates from the Director of Operations, who was working in the field running lines with his guys at 2:00 a.m. He also was getting updates from Chief Brett as city crews were out clearing trees in the early hours. We now have the automatic aid with the City of South Fulton and are continuing to work the other south Fulton cities on the EMS issues. Our little city gets a huge benefit from the level of working relationships with surrounding entities. He also reminded everyone of the Boat Ramp Ribbon Cutting ceremony on November 20th at 10:00 a.m.

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City Government Department Operations & Response Tanker 51 vital to fire service delivery. Chattahoochee Hills is unique in many ways, but one major difference is the lack of hydrants in approximately 60% of the city. Your fire department offsets that disadvantage by utilizing a special fire apparatus known as the “Fire Tender/Tanker” which carries 2,000 gals of water. Currently, CHFD is utilizing a task force approach with support from Palmetto and Coweta fire departments to shuttle water to fires scenes while our own “Tanker 51” is out of service. Update: The City Council approved the lease of a new 3,000-gallon taker truck at its Oct. 6 council meeting.

Tanker 51 “In the house!” CHFD’s new Fouts Pumper/ Tender was received on Friday, November 6th. The new unit carries 3,000 gallons of water and can serve as a “front-line” fire engine thus earning the City and department additional credits for its ISO rating.

Fireworks law clarified. Georgia residents must request a permit any time fireworks of consumer or commercial grade are displayed “before a proximate audience.” This clarification comes from the Georgia Commissioner’s Office of Insurance and Safety Fire. Generally speaking, public firework exhibitions require permits and special approvals from Fulton County’s Probate Court and the City of Chattahoochee Hills. Contact the Office of the Fire Chief for more information.

Automatic Aid with City of South Fulton finally a reality.

All automatic aid agreements between Chattahoochee Hills and City of South Fulton have been signed and recorded.

Dispatching protocols for the two fire departments will be set in motion on January 1, 2021. For more information or a copy of these documents for insurance purposes, contact the Office of the Fire Chief (Greg.Brett@chatthillsga.us).

Disaster Management. Hurricane Zeta came through Chattahoochee Hills quickly and caused damage to power lines and roadways but generally spared us of significant structural damage. Public Safety crews including Fire, Public Works, and Police responded to 36 incidents from 4 AM until 4 PM on October 29th. Power outages were

Greg Brett, Chief of Fire, EMS & Emergency Management City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA Greg.Brett@chatthillsga.us

widespread across the city and lasted for three days in some areas. Greystone Power reported 50,000+ customers without power, although power was reinstated for most residents within 48 hours.

National Weather Service reports of 50 mph wind gusts were confirmed by CHEMA weather instruments. Rain-heavy tree canopies and strong winds brought many pines down; our Public works removed these trees from roadways and right-of-ways.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Class.

Chatt Hills Emergency Management is registering persons to participate and receive certification as members of the Community Emergency Response Team. CERT is national program initiative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and an important resource for rural areas when problems arise in the form of weather-related damage, pandemic/epidemic biological threats, and other natural disasters. Email your interest in participating in November classes/training to: CHEMA@chatthillsga.us.

Register for CHATT HILLS ALERTS free emergency notification SEVERE WEATHER • POLICE UPDATES ROAD CONDITIONS/CLOSURES • AREA NOTICES Registration form located at: https://www.chatthillsga.us/CHATT%20HILLS%20 ALERTS%20EverBridge%20enrollment%20form.pdf EMAIL THE COMPLETED FORM TO: CHEMA@chatthillsga.us

CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS

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Trending Topic

Community & City

City of Chattahoochee Hills, City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268, Phone: (770) 463-8881, www.chatthillsga.us

City of Chatt Hills: www.chatthillsga.us Chatt Hills Charter School: http://www.chatthillscharter.org/calendar Community Brickworks: www.communitybrickworks.org Serenbe Community: www.serenbe.com Acton Academy at Serenbe: http://actonacademyatserenbe.com/#ourstory

Event

We will be scheduling Special Called City Council meetings as dictated by circumstances. These will be virtual and open to the public.

City Council Work Session - Thurs., Dec. 3, 4:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

The City will take the following safety precautions: • The City Council room will be set up so that the council and staff are all at least 6’ apart.

• Any citizen attendees that want to attend in person will also be separated by at least 6’; capacity will be limited to the number of seats that can fit in the room under those conditions.

• The meeting will be streamed live. Check details on the City’s website.

City Council Meeting - Thurs., Dec. 3, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Parks Commission Meeting - Tues., Dec. 6, 6:00pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Planning Comission Meeting - Thurs., Dec. 10, 6:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Historic Commission Meeting - Mon. Dec. 14, 6:30pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

About Chatt Hills News The official newsletter of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Chatt Hills News, is published monthly. This publication is compiled from submissions from the community and is available in public locations around the City, at City Hall, or via email subscriptions.

Email Subscriptions: To subscribe via email, visit the City’s Website: www.chatthillsga.us Or subscribe directly at this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/w9cGwxA Print Copies: Residents of Chatt Hills who do not have Internet may request mailed copies by calling City Hall (770) 463-8881.

Article / Event Submissions: If you have a story, event, or suggestion for future articles, we’d like to hear from you. Please submit your information by the 15th of every month for publication on the 1st of the month to: chatthillsnews@chatthillsga.us

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CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS