UC Now News & Information-Jan/Feb 2023

MISSION

We are proudly promoting community growth with municipal services and programs utilizing community engagement, teamwork, innovation, best practices and effective and efficient public service.

VISION

We are making bold, visionary plans to push toward the future by providing enhanced safety, quality of life opportunities and a leading-edge economy

VALUES

We are a vibrant community comprised of passionate residents whose values are based on family, inclusion and partnership.

Congratulations Mayor vince r. williams

Mayor Williams was appointed as Chair for the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association (MAMA). He will lead efforts to foster communications among cities, support public policy decisions, and communicate identified needs to federal, state and regional agencies and organizations, and residents within the Metro Atlanta region.

Councilwoman Mealing was recognized by the Georgia Municipal Association for her completion of the Robert E. Knox, Jr. Institute. This intensive, multi-day seminar focuses on leadership and collaboration for good governance.

Congratulations councilwoman angelette Mealing

Councilman Jones was appointed to serve on National League of Cities’ Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee. He will provide strategic direction and guidance for NLC's federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities on sustainability, water infrastructure, community resilience and more.

2023 WATER AND SEWER RATE ADJUSTMENTS

UNION CITY'S FIRST ADJUSTMENT TO WATER AND SEWER RATES IN 14 YEARS

Rate adjustments help fund upgrades to the City's existing infrastructure. Additionally, it supports the funding of all operational requirements for City utilities, maintenance expenses, transfers, equipment, and capital improvements.

Utility rates have remained the same since 2009. Effective January 1, 2023, water and sewer rates will increase by 7%. These adjustments result from infrastructure improvements as well as wholesale wastewater increases necessary for the support of the Water and Wastewater Capital Improvement Program. Rate adjustments will reflect in billing statements beginning in March.

Union City's new rate will help maintain the Utility Program's sound financial position, reinvestment in long-term capital improvements, and increased costs of operations, primarily due to inflation.

While water and wastewater service costs continue to increase across the country, our investments and operational efficiencies help us provide high-quality service that continues to be an exceptional value. For more information about water service or the new utility rate, please call (770) 515-7953 or email water@unioncityga.org.

HONORING THE LEGACY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

UNION CITY HOSTS MLK DAY OF SERVICE CLEAN-UP EVENT

Over 100 volunteers, including residents and businesses, participated in Union City's first-ever MLK Day of Service Clean-up Event. Together, we collected 250 bags of trash along Raymond Drive, Highpoint Road, Flat Shoals Parkway, and Shannon Boulevard.

We are committed to making our City a better place for all, and community service is a vital part of that mission. Whether it's through volunteer work, community events, or simply keeping our streets and neighborhoods clean, every effort counts.

Interested in participating in upcoming Clean-up Events or the Adopt-a-Spot Program? Contact Public Services at (770) 306-6855.

CELEBRATING EMPLOYEE ACHIEVEMENTS

WE ARE #UCPROUD

John Hughes, Division Director-utilities

Mr. Hughes obtained his Maintenance Technologist Class 3 Certification from The Georgia Water & Wastewater Institute (GWWI). Certification training courses help individuals attain certification in operational aspects of drinking water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and laboratory analysis.

Firefighter Evans joined the Union City Fire Department in February 2022. Evans recently completed his training program at the Georgia Fire Academy and graduated at the top of his class as Valedictorian.

shandrella jewett, city clerk

Ms. Jewett has been appointed as Chair for the Georgia Municipal Clerk Association's (GMCA) Membership and Mentoring Program and reappointed as GMCA's Division 3 Director. This non-profit organization provides educational training and professional interaction among Clerks throughout Georgia.

Nicholas evans, firefighter

CELEBRATING EMPLOYEE ACHIEVEMENTS

WE ARE #UCPROUD

joe maddox, Fire Chief

Chief Maddox was unanimously elected as President of the Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association (MAFCA). This non-profit organization promotes informed and progressive leadership in the Metro Atlanta area that results in control and reduces the impacts of fire, emergency medical, and natural or man-made disasters through legislation, prevention, professional development, standards, information, and education.

roger dukes, gcic security for the uc police department

Mr. Dukes was recognized as Union City's Employee of the Month (January) and received the Award of Excellence.

ashley davis, detective sergeant for the uc police department

Detective Sergeant Davis was recognized as Union City's Employee of the Month (February) and received the Award for Excellence.

THE CREATIVE EXCHANGE: VISUAL STORIES OF LOCAL ARTISTS

UNION CITY CELEBRATES THE ARTS WITH OPENING RECEPTION

The Gathering Place buzzed with excitement as the highly anticipated "Creative Exchange: Visual Stories of Local Artists" exhibit reception took place on February 9

This event showcased the incredible talents of local artists of all ages and provided them with a platform to share their stories and motivations behind their works The featured artists' diverse ages and backgrounds showcased the wealth of talent and creativity within Union City and surrounding communities. The event was a massive success, with many visitors viewing the diverse range of artworks on display.

CHRISTIAN CITY MULTI-USE PATH IS NOW OPEN

THIS PROJECT IS PHASE ONE OF THE CITY'S GREENWAY CONNECTION TRAIL INITIATIVE

Put on your walking shoes, Union City. The Christian City Multi-Use Path is NOW OPEN!

The new path complements the existing ¼-mile multi-use trail along Lester Road and was constructed as part of the Union City's R3 initiative and street improvement projects for 2023. It offers a safe and convenient option for pedestrians, runners, and bike riders in the area It is part of the city's efforts to improve the transportation infrastructure and promote healthy and active lifestyles.

UC SENIORS RECEIVE A SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DAY SURPRISE

COMMUNITY PARTNER DONATES 100 LAPTOPS TO RESIDENT SENIORS

Mayor and Council hosted an amazing Valentine's Day luncheon at The Gathering Place today During the luncheon, our #communitypartner Comcast made a special announcement of donating 100 laptops to the attendees.

The laptop donation is part of Project UP, Comcast's 10-year, $1 billion pledge to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, increase economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.

THE GATHERING PLACE DESIGNATED AS A LIFT ZONE BY COMCAST

LIFT ZONES PROVIDE FREE INTERNET CONNECTIVITY IN COMMUNITY CENTERS AND FACILITIES

We are excited to announce the collaboration with Comcast to provide Wi-Fi Lift Zones at the Gathering Place Community Center Lift Zones provide internet connectivity at community centers and other public facilities allowing students to get online, participate in distance learning and do their homework. The sites also benefit adults, connecting them to online education, job searches, healthcare information, and public assistance

As part of their senior-specific programming, in partnership with Comcast and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, the Gathering Place will provide digital skills training for seniors at the Lift Zone during a five-week course beginning February 24.

THE HIGH MUSEUM COMES TO UNION CITY

WE ARE ELEVATING ARTS AND CULTURE APPRECIATION

Seniors at the Etris-Darnell Community Center were treated to a textile stamping class taught by High Museum Teaching Artist Marquetta Bell Johnson Marquetta has over 30 years of experience as an artist and teacher, sharing her artwork with people of all backgrounds through her workshops with the High. A variety of hand-carved stamps, textile paints in every color, and blocks of quilting cotton resulted in the creation of stamped squares for participants to use in quilting projects, as framed art pieces, or just as a fun artistic outlet. Marquetta will be bringing more projects like this from the High Museum to Union City in the near future!

Any Seniors interested in attending a class should reach out to the Etris-Darnell Community Center for more information at (770) 964-1236.