UC Now News & Information: January/March 2022

JAN/MAR 2022

UNION CITY’S

NEW SKATEPARK IS NOW OPEN MISSION

VISION

VALUES

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

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

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

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Union City celebrates the completion of its first-ever Skatepark

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Free Covid-19 tests are now available to all U.S. Residents

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#NEXTLEVELLEADERSHIP Spotlight

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Rental & Mortgage Assistance Program is open for City residents

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The Union City Anti-Litter Campaign creates litter awareness

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Q & A with Code Enforcement

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Did you know the UC Community Garden is a year-round amenity?

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UC's Youth Leadership Council empowers young residents

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Save The Date: State of The City 2022 Address

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Fire Recruits In Training

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Application For Homestead Exemption Due April 1, 2022

Cover: Tyreek Morrison, Skater & Artist

CITY HALL 5047 Union Street Union City, GA 30291 T: 770-964-2288 E: contactuc@unioncityga.org W: unioncityga.org

January/March 2022

Reclaim, Renew & Reimagine: Union City’s Master Plan R3 Master Plan Zones: Zone A: Reclaim a landscape for community recreation Zone B: Renew a renovated heart of the City Zone C: Reimagine a dense, walkable, and mixed-use urban village which will catalyze future growth

People see beautiful public spaces and focus on aesthetics and design. But there’s so much more when looking at the vibrancy of a City. Union City sees a connection, the opportunity for mobility, resilience, and hope.

Those are the things that embody the driving force behind the Mayor and Council’s new R3 Master Plan–Reclaim, Renew and Reimagine.

Union City’s Master Plan is a practical and inspirational framework for meeting and changing the City’s landscape for recreational needs and interests. The R3 Master Plan aligns with Union City’s vision to achieve the shared Citywide goals of sustainability and

resilience, equity, livability, and connectivity.

Transforming Union City into a sustainable, flexible, and innovative City requires continued investment and commitment from residents, employees, and their City leaders now and ahead.

The three zones follow a transect gradient going from low-density recreation land in Zone A and increasing density to an urban core in Zone C. The zones will be unified by a continuous open green space that serves as an ecological corridor and a large, wonderful park for residents and tourists. ■

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Rec The R3 Masterplan In Motion

Union City hosted a Virtual Ribbon-Cutting celebration to mark the completion of the City’s first-ever Skatepark. The Park is one of many initiatives under the City’s R3 Master Plan to Reclaim, Renew and Reimagine recreational activities in Union City.

Located at the intersection of SR-29/Roosevelt Hwy and Dixie Lake Road, the Skatepark is a 4000-square foot facility with

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various features geared toward beginner and intermediate riders.

It offers a blend of street and transition obstacles, including: • Bowl feature of varying depths • Quarter-pipe wall • Tiered cantilevered grind ledge • Various grind rails and boxes • A unique wedge ramp feature

claim The Skatepark’s design allows a fun, safe space for skaters to practice their craft it is a collaborative partnership between Spohn Ranch, Atlas, and a special focus group consisting of local skaters. The project was funded by the City and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources through the Land Water Conservation Fund Grant Program. ■

City Manager Sonja Fillingame and skater at the Virtual Ribbon-Cutting celebration.

Highway 29 Ballflieds welcomes its new skatepark.

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Free At-Home Covid-19 Test Are Now Available Great news, Union City! Every home in the U.S. is eligible for FREE at-home COVID-19 tests! Under the Biden administration, the federal government launched covidtests.gov to increase testing access amid the Omicron variant’s nationwide surge. The White House is ordering 1 billion tests for distribution.

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of four (4) free at-home tests through covidtests.gov.

Orders will ship free within 7 to 12 days. Limit one order per household. ■ Visit covidtests.gov for more information.

ABOUT THE AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS: • At home antigen test (Not PCR) • Can be taken anywhere • Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required) • Works whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms • Works whether or not you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines • Are also referred to as selftests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests

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Lt. Donald D. Ausborn Retirement Celebration Congratulations to Lt. Donald D. Ausborn for his 36 years of service with the Union City Fire Department. We wish him well as he enjoys retirement!

From left to right: Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Collins, Mayor Pro Tem Angelette Mealing, Lt. Donald D. Ausborn, Councilmember Lawanna Owens-Twaites, and Fire Chief Joe Maddox.

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#NEXTLEVELLEADERSHIP Mayor Vince R. Williams has strived to increase consensus, cooperation, and partnership between South Fulton, Metro Atlanta, Georgia's many governments, businesses, civic communities, and residents. The result of this effort is a new era of collaboration that has paved the way for a string of remarkable accomplishments for a greater Union City. He received numerous accolades from local, regional, national, and international organizations and agencies. Most recently, Georgia Trend Magazine honored Mayor Williams as one of the State's Most Influential Georgians.

Mayor Pro Tem Angelette Mealing has worked tirelessly to present the issues and concerns of residents to the City Council. She fights for key topics, including community policing, jobs, education, youth initiatives, better infrastructure, safe neighborhoods, economic growth, and development in Union City. Mayor Pro Tem Mealing represents the initiative, integrity, and experience needed

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to ensure citizens and the community of Union City have a seat at the table and ensure that their voices are heard.

Councilmember Christina Hobbs is a committed, results driven business professional currently serving Union City as the Vice President of the Housing Authority Development, Inc. and a member of the Stakeholders Committee for the Union City Comprehensive Plan Update.

She enjoys working with entrepreneurs and business leaders to help them secure government contracts. Dr. Hobbs also works with prime construction firms to ensure opportunities for subcontractors.

Councilmember Brian K. Jones Councilmember Brian K. Jones has extensive experience in government as an employee of the Fulton County Government.

He currently serves as a Board Member with the Middle Chattahoochee Water Authority.

Councilman Jones is a member of the 100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta, the National Black M.B.A. Association, Kappa Kappa

RECLAIM RENEW REIMAGINE

Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, and Impact Church.

He believes in supporting the needs of the seniors, youth activities, and economic development.

Councilmember Lawanna OwensTwaites has worked in advertising, on Wall Street, and as an Educator. She currently serves as a schoolwide instructional coach for literacy. As an educator, Dr. Owens-Twaites has passionately led many initiatives that have left an indelible imprint on the lives of students and colleagues.

Dr. Owens-Twaites aims to ensure that all marginalized people are provided with community development that positively supports all residents while supporting quality education that leads to strong communities. ■

Rental & Mortgage Assistance Program Union City is excited to open its Rental & Mortgage Assistance Program for Union City residents.

This program provides rental and mortgage assistance to eligible low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities. Applicants may apply by completing an online application at https://gmen.org/city-of-union-city. Union City is pleased to aid residents negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and is supporting these efforts with CARES Act funding received from the federal government through the Fulton County Commission.

The City is working with the Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN) to manage the selection of applicants and the distribution of funds. GMEN is a statewide nonprofit agency with more than 25 years of experience in administering federally funded programs and has administered ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) for municipalities since December 7, 2019.

Payments of up to $2,400 will be made to landlords or mortgage companies on behalf of eligible Union City residents. Applicants who are not eligible for the program will receive notifications explaining why they were disqualified. The main reasons for disqualification are that applicants live outside of Union City as defined by data from the Georgia geographical information system or they have self-reported household income above the maximum allowed by the assistance program. ■ For more information, read the frequently asked questions on the gmen.org or call the GMEN Office at 678-515-3346.

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Union City’s Anti-Litter Campaign The Public Services Department and the City’s Green Team are seeking volunteers to lend a hand in keeping public spaces clean and litter-free.

The Union City Anti-Litter Campaign creates litter awareness and builds 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 Parkway corridor and beyond.

This initiative supports the City’s ordinances on litter control while promoting, enhancing, and sustaining litter-free conditions. We invite you to join us along with several partners and volunteers to beautify Union City. ■ Call Public Services at (770) 306-6855 to learn more about our Anti-Litter Campaign.

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Q&A

CODE ENFORCEMENT

Chief Officer Terry Stephens and Officer Jonathan Speas

Keeping Union City Clean and Safe

Contact Code Enforcement at (770) 515-7890 Mon—Fri, 7:00 AM—4:00 PM to speak with a customer service representative.

Our Mission is to serve the community by enforcing local ordinances designed to protect the quality of life, safety, and welfare of all Union City citizens.

What is Code Enforcement?

“Code Enforcement is authorized to enforce the provisions of the Union City Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance and the Erosion Control Ordinance.”

How does Code Enforcement help to improve the City?

“Our role specifically pertains to property maintenance. We want to support the health, safety and welfare of citizens, patrons and business owners and enhance quality of life within the community.

This includes facilitating a litter-free City and maintained manicured properties.”

How do you know when there’s an infraction in the City?

“We are proactive. We’ll routinely patrol the City, observing violations. We also get numerous calls.

Some of the common things we would come across are trash later on properties, either on residential or commercial properties.”

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What City Ordinances are being enforced?

“Whether it’s commercial or residential, Code Enforcement ensures all things pertaining to the health, welfare, and safety of communities will be addressed. This includes distractions of poorly maintained properties and excessive litter.”

What is considered a distraction?

• Inoperable vehicles on lawns or along the street • Excessive trash in and around receptacles • Poor lawn maintenance (i.e. grass exceeding 12" in height) • Improperly placed signage • Poor upkeep of property’s exterior facilities (i.e. blight)

Reclaim Our Commitment To Health & Wellness Did you know the UC Community Garden (located in the 29 Ballfields Complex) is a year-round amenity for residents? It features raised bed plots and an open field to grow fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

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The garden is a hidden gem in our City and represents our commitment to Reclaim, Renew, and Reimagine the health and wellness of our community.

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Union City residents at the UC Community Garden.

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UC’s Youth Leadership Council Union City’s Youth Leadership Council (YLC) empowers young residents to take an active role in public service by identifying community issues and creating practical solutions. Our Council consists of high school scholars working on the everyday purposes of developing their leadership skills, strengthening their communities through volunteer service, and increasing communication with municipal leaders. Like similar programs in Georgia, our UC YLC offers training and mentorship for young people interested in becoming future leaders. ■

Youth Leadership Council with (third from left) Councilmember & Mayor Pro Tem Angelette Mealing.

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Fire Recruits In Training Recruits undergo an intense eight-week program consisting of rigorous training, classroom based lectures, and practical skills-building sessions.

In a joint training effort between the Union City Fire Department and the City of Fairburn's Fire Department, 13 recruits applied their knowledge to take the Georgia Fire Standards and Training Council (GFSTC) written NPQ Firefighter 1 test. Each recruit earned state certification as a Firefighter. ■

Union City and Fairburn Fire Recruits at the Burn House training facility.

At-Home COVID Tests Available To Senior Residents In an ongoing effort to minimize the spread of Covid-19 in the community, Union City has partnered with Fulton County to provide at-home Covid tests to senior residents. Tests are available for pick-up between 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Etris-Darnell Senior Center located at 5285 Lakeside Drive.

For more information, contact Parks and Recreation Director Lee Blitch at (770) 892-6288. ■ Limit one test per resident.

ABOUT THE AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS: Etris-Darnell Senior Center

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Can be taken anywhere Works whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms or whether up to date on your vaccines

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Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)

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Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)

Application For Homestead Exemption Due April 1, 2022 A homestead exemption is a legal provision that helps to reduce the amount of property taxes on owner-occupied homes. Applications must be submitted on or before April 1st. Fulton County will ONE apply applications received after April 1st to the following year. Those receivingGRAPHIC the Fulton County Homestead Exemption will automatically be enrolled into Union City's Homestead Exemption Program. No additional applications are needed.

The home must be your legal residence for all purposes, including the registration of your vehicles and filing your Federal and Georgia income tax returns. You are not eligible if you or your spouse claim a homestead exemption in another city, county, or state. If you are currently claiming homestead elsewhere, you must notify the appropriate authority to remove the exemption. Homestead exemptions are not granted on rental property, vacant land, or more than one property (in this state or any other state). Homeowners can only receive one exemption locally. ■ To learn more, visit https://fultonassessor.org/exemptions/

Homestead Exemption for Union City Seniors • • • •

Will you be 65 years of age or older on Jan 1st?

Do you own property in Union City?

Is your name on the deed?

Do you live at the property as your primary residence?

GOOD NEWS! If you meet all the above criteria, you are just one step away from being tax exempt.

Simply complete the Senior Homestead Exemption Application and submit, with a copy of your photo id, to the Tax Division by April 1st to receive the exemption for the next tax year. ■

Senior Homestead Exemption Application: https://www.unioncityga.org/departments/ finance/property-taxes

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