UC Now: News & Information - Spring/Summer 2021

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

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

VALUES

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

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

LOVE WHERE YOU

JOIN OUR ADOPTA-SPOT PROGRAM. Call Public Services at (770) 306-6855 to learn more.

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Pictured L-R: Councilwoman Angelette Mealing, Councilwoman Shayla J. Nealy, Atlanta Influencer Ms. Michelle Taylor-Willis, Mayor Vince Williams, WeSolar CSP CEO Steve Anglin, Mayor ProTem Dr. Christina Hobbs, and Councilman Brian Jones

UNION CITY AND WESOLAR CSP BRING CLEAN ENERGY TO SOUTH FULTON. In a joint effort to build a more sustainable and reliable power grid, WeSolar CSP will build microgrids to bring clean energy to South Fulton County. Using a disruptive technology that is dispatchable, scalable, and storable, WeSolar CSP’s systems unite solar power generation with resilient long-duration energy storage, allowing 24/7 production.

“The City Council and I welcome the partnership with WeSolar CSP," stated Mayor Williams. "It will position Union City at the forefront of the new generation of clean energy. We will lead the adoption of this revolutionary and patented technology in the country which will also help safeguard the community from extreme weather events.”

Future cooperation may include the production of green hydrogen, installation of clean energy in affordable housing, and the evolution of green eco-parks.

Also part of the agreement is the possibility to hybridize existing coal-fired power plants in the greater Atlanta area, extending the life of these assets towards a greener path into the future and retaining jobs.

Additional details of the partnership to follow in the coming months.

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WE'VE GOT NEXT LEVEL LEADERSHIP IN UNION CITY

MAYOR VINCE R. WILLIAMS Congratulations to Mayor Vince Williams for receiving the Trailblazer Award during the 19th annual South Metro Development Outlook Conference.

Mayor Williams was also named among Georgia Trend Magazine's 100 Most Influential Georgians. He currently serves as President for the Georgia Municipal Association, GMA, and 1st Vice President for the National League of Cities, NLC. Additionally, Mayor Williams was appointed as Chairman of the GA Department of Community Affairs.

Councilwoman Shayla J. Nealy Councilwoman Shayla J. Nealy has been recognized as one of 50 Women “In the Know” in the April issue of Engineering Georgia by the ACEC. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the voice of the business of engineering around the nation. Their focus centers around political advocacy, business development, business resources and leadership development.

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HELPFUL COVID-19 RESOURCES CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

To obtain updated information about COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

To obtain updated information about COVID-19 in Fulton County and around the state, visit www.dph.georgia.gov.

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT To obtain information about COVID-19 resources for your business, please www.georgia.org/covid19.

IT'S WORTH A SHOT. COVID-19 vaccinations are available in Union City.

Register online at www.fultonvax.coreresponse.org.

Vaccines are available to all Georgia residents 12+.

Those under the age of 18 are required to have a parent or guardian present.

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Get Fit from the Comfort of Your Home

Union City Parks and Recreation is shaking things up with a unique virtual health and fitness session experience!

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel (@UnionCityGov) to view an assortment of classes, from Yoga to Line Dancing to Zumba!

That's right, now you can work out at your own pace, in your own home for FREE! Our instructors are volunteering their time and expertise to help you reach your health goals!

Union City to Provide Homestead Tax Exemption for 2021 Property taxes Union City will provide homestead exemption ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in the amount of $2,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents. This homestead exemption is applicable to 2021 property taxes. Tax statements are issued each year in the fall.

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Pictured L-R: Ofc. Emmitt Stringer, Ofc. Maryam Mohammend, Sgt. Josh Brock

Union City Police Officers Take 'Protect and Serve' To The Next Level Officer Maryam Mohammed was patrolling the area of Shannon Parkway when she observed an individual who appeared to be asleep in a wheelchair.

After further investigation, the individual identified herself as being homeless and unable to find shelter. Mohammed contacted several Atlanta area shelters but was unable to find accommodations.

With the help and support of Sgt. Josh Brock (Mohammed’s Field Training Officer), Ofc. Emmitt Stringer, and the Garden Inn- Union City, temporary shelter was identified.

Ofc. Mohammed returned to the hotel to check on the individual and discovered she was in need of immediate medical care. Mohammed arranged for her to be transported to the hospital for treatment.

She forwarded the information to Ofc. Stringer so additional resources could be provided.

While the patient received treatment, Ofc. Mohammed took it upon herself, while off duty, to go gather clothing and other supplies to help keep her warm during cold weather conditions.

Mohammed delivered the items to the hospital before reporting to duty.

We are SO proud of the amazing work of Ofc. Mohammed, Ofc. Stringer, and Sgt. Brock. They have truly set the bar high on what it means to serve and protect those in our community!

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Celebrating an Easter Egg-Venture We celebrated this year's Easter holiday a little differently by hosting a socially distanced DriveThru Egg-Venture at The Gathering Place Community Center.

Families were greeted by Mayor and Council and received tasty holiday treats. Some even snapped fun selfies with the Easter Bunnies.

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Have you heard about Union City's Water Leak Protection Program?

When it comes to leaks, we've got you covered. Union City is expanding service to include an allnew program designed to protect your wallet.

In the event of a costly water bill caused by high-water usage from qualifying leaks or line breakages, our ServLine Protection Program covers the overage of your costly water utility bill once the active cause of the leak has been repaired. All eligible Union City customers have been transitioned to this money-saving program, but if for some reason you’d like to remove your residence or business from the Leak Protection Program, please call today (770) 999-0515.

We're Helping The Community Get Back To Work To help unemployed residents in Fulton County, WorkSource Fulton deployed its Mobile Career Center to Union City. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fulton’s network for One-Stop Centers has been closed to the public and moved to virtual service offerings.

The Mobile Career Center offers wi-fi, computer stations, and printing capabilities to provide workforce services remotely, and in

adherence with social distance guidelines.

Additional services include resume assistance, interview skills, and support to help residents find employment. Job seekers who are interested in gaining new skills to enter one of the many in-demand careers in Fulton County can also enroll in job-training programs.

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Life is better with ART in it.

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Parks and Recreation hosted an outdoor Paint & Sip Party in the courtyard of the Gathering Place Community Center. Led by instructors from Mosaic Moon, participants enjoyed a fun afternoon filled with music, light refreshments, and take-home masterpieces of their own creation.

#ITSWORTHASHOT

Union City joined the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) “It’s Worth a Shot” public information campaign around the COVID-19 vaccine. This campaign was built to contribute to Gov. Brian Kemp’s and the Georgia Department of Public Health’s goal to vaccinate as many Georgians as possible during spring and early summer 2021.

The “It’s Worth a Shot” initiative will leverage local events, social media, and community ambassadors to educate Georgians on the safety and efficacy of all approved COVID-19 vaccines while also dispelling vaccine-related misinformation. Through the campaign, Union City joins Georgia’s 536 other cities in sharing key messages about the COVID-19 vaccine: Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is safe Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is the next step toward normalcy By receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, Georgians are doing their part to protect their communities Georgians’ health and the state’s economy are at stake by not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in pursuit of reaching herd immunity For more information about how and where to get vaccinated, residents can visit Fulton County's website.

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#WORKINPROGRESS

EXCITING UPDATES ARE HAPPENING AROUND THE CITY Construction is underway as Public Services begins the Shannon Parkway projects. Once completed, residents and visitors will see a new gateway sign with a water feature at the intersection of Shannon Parkway and Flat Shoals Road along with a fresh, new landscape along the median.

Future work along this corridor includes renovated sidewalks, improved lighting, and beautified intersections with benches.

Multiple upgrades are coming to The Woods of Christian Corners. Upgrades include drainage improvements, water line replacements, and asphalt resurfacing.

Periodic water service interruption is expected for Union City water system users and residents of Woodridge Lane through July 3, 2021. This interruption should last approximately 30 minutes between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm.

Our Public Services and Police Departments are working together to install solar school speed limit signs and cameras near C.H. Gullatt and Liberty Point Elementary Schools.

Installing the solar-powered speed zone signs and cameras will maintain a safe commute and reduce the number of speeding vehicles during peak morning (7:15 am - 8:15 am) and afternoon (2:15 pm - 3:15 pm) traffic while school is in session.

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NACA Home Ownership and Career Fair Comes To Union City Union City's NACA Homeownership and Career Fair had an EXCELLENT vendor turnout.

With the help from partners such as Feeding Georgia Families, Wholesome Wave Georgia, and Fulton County's District 6 Commissioner Kadijah Abdur-Rahman, and more, a diverse range of resources and career opportunities was shared with Union City residents.

Participants also received donated food boxes and an opportunity to get their COVID vaccine.

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FEMA OFFERS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR COVIDRELATED FUNERAL EXPENSES The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. FEMA's mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters. The organization is dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. The organization is working with stakeholder groups to identify ways to provide this assistance and to enlist their help with outreach to families and communities.

FEMA encourages those who have COVID19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep and gather documentation to apply for assistance.

Additional information, including eligibility, can be found on the FEMA website.

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#COMMUNITYMATTERS We have the Best. Community. Partners. Ever.

Through ongoing collaborations with nonprofits like Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and Feeding Georgia Families, we have provided hundreds of boxed food items to Union City families. Additionally, residents can sign up for and receive their COVID vaccination at The Gathering Place Community Center.

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Do you have what it takes to be a

UC ROCK STAR We're looking for high school juniors and seniors to join our 2021-2022 Youth Leadership Council. Visit unioncityga.org for more details.

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Union City Fire Dept. Partners with Tails of Hope

Our four-legged friends from Tails of Hope visited Station 42 for interactive training with the City's first responders.

Training with first responders familiarizes service dogs with various sounds and movements in the event their person is in need of emergency medical treatment.

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Meet our new Assistant Police Chief

JOSEPH D. DORSEY Air Force Veteran. Leader in Law Enforcement.

Husband. Father. Grandfather.

Assistant Chief Joseph D. Dorsey has been married for 34 years and has three children and three grandchildren. He has over 32 years of experience in law enforcement. In 1984, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served in the areas of Intelligence, Tactical and Strategic Reconnaissance. He later joined the DeKalb County Police Department serving multiple areas including the Criminal Investigation Division. He held many positions with Fulton County Police Department with varying responsibilities as Lieutenant, Captain, Intelligence Vice Investigator, Narcotics Investigator, S.W.A.T. Operator, and S.W.A.T. Commander. In 2006, he assisted in leading the MARTA Police Department, where he served as the Deputy Chief of Police over Operations and Administration until retirement. He managed and directed the following units while he commanded Operations,

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Precincts, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations (SWAT, Bomb Assessment Team, Explosive Detection K9 Teams and a narcotics K9 Team) and Budget. Additionally, he directed Administration, Emergency Preparedness Unit, Communications, Training, Backgrounds and Recruiting, Records, Property and Evidence, Protective Specialist, Emergency Operations Facility and the Mobile Command Vehicle.

Assistant Chief Dorsey is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Public Safety Leadership Institute course at Mercer University.

In addition to his roles within the MARTA Police Department, Assistant Chief Dorsey served as the 2014 DeKalb County Chiefs Association President.

Union City's Anti-Litter Committee visited local businesses along Shannon Pkwy. to distribute information about our #UCAdoptaSpot program. This initiative is designed to create litter awareness and build partnerships with our business (and residential) communities.

Our goal is to increase litter consciousness and encourage proper garbage disposal to reduce litter found along the Shannon Pkwy corridor and beyond. Join us along with several partners and volunteers to beautify Union City.

CONTACT US TO GET MORE DETAILS Karen Allison | Division Manager PUBLIC SERVICES kallison@unioncityga.org Terry Stephens | Chief Code Officer CODE ENFORCEMENT tstephens@unioncityga.org Emmitt Stringer | Police Officer POLICE DEPARTMENT - COPS UNIT estringer@unioncityga.org

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Saying farewell to Battalion Chief

Kenneth "Stoney" Alexander "Being part of the Union City Fire Department is like being part of one big family."

After serving Union City for 40+ years, Battalion Chief (BC) Kenneth "Stoney" Alexander announced his retirement from the City’s fire department effective June 30, 2021. BC Alexander began his career in 1978 and is considered the longest active firefighter in Union City.

Alexander a full-time position as a firefighter.

BC Alexander's states his nickname "Stoney" came from being hard-headed during his time volunteering.

"I'm going to miss the [fire] personnel and the camaraderie we have built. Being part of the Union City Fire Department is like being part of one big family," stated Alexander.

Union City has a rich history of community involvement and volunteerism. The original fire station, which is now Fire Headquarters, was built by firefighter volunteers prior to the department being officially formed. Alexander’s father was a volunteer firefighter, and as such, he decided to volunteer with the department.

Prior to becoming a firefighter at the age of 18, BC Alexander volunteered his time with the fire department during high school. was recruited by Fire Chief, Marcelle West.

Shortly after graduation, Chief West offered

"I was influenced to become a firefighter because my father was a volunteer for a few years at the fire department," recalled Alexander. “ He always told me stories about how brave our firefighters are."

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When BC Alexander joined the fire department, Union City was approximately five miles across with a small population. He recalls the department didn't have many resources to assist when responding to emergencies. As the population increased, so did the department.

Alexander’s most memorable moments involved the use of ground-breaking fire and safety technology. "It was exciting to receive new equipment,” he recalled. “When I [first] started, we had a rescue bin attached to a van and two pumpers from the 1950s." Other memorable moments include the invention and introduction of the Jaws of Life tool, which significantly prevented a number of fatalities in vehicle accidents.

Prior to his promotion as Battalion Chief, Alexander served in other leadership roles in

the fire department as Sergeant and Lieutenant.

His advice to new personnel - "Get [as much] training that you can. There are more opportunities available today than when I first started."

As BC Alexander reflects on his long-standing career as a first responder, he will miss interacting with the community. "We do a lot of things and meet a lot of people,” he stated.

“Although we [often] see people during a crisis, we also engage in activities and provide resources to help those we serve every day.”

BC Kenneth “Stoney” Alexander has been a great asset to the department and Union City.

We will miss his wisdom and passion for fire service, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.

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WELCOME TO

S E L EAG TRY COUN

It's official - outdoor sports have started in Union City!

Whether it's catching a little league baseball game or cheering for your favorite ladies' kickball team, be sure to catch a game (or two) at our newly renovated ballfields on Highway 29 - better known as Eagles Country.

Looking for a game line-up to show team spirit? Call the Parks and Recreation Dept. at (770) 892-6288.

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LET'S GET CONNECTED UC CONNECTION

SOCIAL MEDIA @UNIONCITYGOV

Connect with our FREE mobile app, UC Connection. This app uses GPS to recognize your location and gives you a menu of common quality-of-life conditions to select from such as street maintenance, street light requests, trash and/or debris, utility payments, and more. The App is available through iPhone and Android.

Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@UnionCityGov) to view event photos, receive quick updates, and engage with the City! It's a great way to be in the know!

UNION CITY'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL @UNIONCITYGOV

In addition to great at-home workouts, our YouTube channel has a variety of videos that capture a number of events including our State of the City Address, Veterans Day program, #MaskUpUC PSA, and more.

TEXT AND EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS

Don't miss out on City news, events, or other important information. Stay informed of local happenings by signing up for text and/or email notifications.

The process is easy. Visit our website and sign up today! *Standard message rates apply for text notifications.* UC Now | Page 23

Union City Services QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE AND DIRECTORY

The City has taken several important steps to address the threat of COVID-19 to our community and is preparing for further actions as needs arise. Many of these measures impact the programs and services our residents have come to enjoy. Our top priority is to preserve the health and well-being of our citizens and employees.

Below is a quick reference guide to assist with available City services. Continue following the health and safety guidelines as outlined by the CDC. Connect with us via our website (www.unioncityga.org), social media, or the City's mobile App, UC Connection. The information may be subject to change as new updates become available.

COURT SERVICES

Citation payments can be paid online at http://unioncitypayments.com/ or via phone at (844) 225-0807

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Accident Reports can be obtained online at www.buycrash.com Incident and Impound Reports can be obtained via phone at (770) 964-4089 For Non-Emergency Services, call (770) 964-4089 CODE ENFORCEMENT

Code Violations can be reported to the Code Enforcement Dept. by calling (770) 5157890 TRASH SERVICES

Trash services will continue to operate as normal with the exception of planned holidays. Holiday Pick-up Schedules are available online.

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PUBLIC SERVICES

Public Services requests can be submitted via mobile App, UC Connection, by phone at (770) 306-6855, or via email at publicservices@unioncityga.org SUBMITTING UTILITY PAYMENTS

Water payments can be made by phone at (866) 990-9566, online (http://unioncitypayments.com/), mail or payment dropbox PARKS & RECREATION

Recreational activities and programs are canceled or postponed at this time.

PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS

Permit information is available online Call (770) 474-9393 for building inspections Email Fire Marshal Larry Knowles at lknowles@unioncityga.org for fire inspections

A Little Free Library Finds A Home in Union City With the support from South Fulton Parents for Education and Fulton County Schools Board Member Franchesca Warren, Union City has a Little Free Library at our newly renovated ballfields located on Hwy 29 (Roosevelt Highway). This wonderful addition to the community allows avid readers of all ages access to books donated by friends, local organizations, and fellow residents.

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