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Chatt Hills . . . Small Town, Big Spirit By Laurie Searle, Citizen Reporter
I admit it. When it comes to patriotism, I’m one of those
sentimental folks who get a little weepy-eyed during the
pledge of allegiance, the national anthem, or whenever
an American flag passes by.
But it’s not just the patriotism for our country that gets
me going. It’s living in a small town where neighbors care
for each other.
In our little City of Chatt Hills, we may sometimes bicker
like brothers and sisters, but when push comes to shove
and someone needs a helping hand, we’re ready, willing,
and able to help.
Take, for example, our neighbor Michael Knapp. Last
month when it was learned that Michael had
complications from a surgery that left him with a $20,000
hospital bill and a reduced work schedule, a good
neighbor created a fundraising page on a website to raise
donations. The community responded in kind by raising more than $10,000 to help Michael and his family.
In this issue we share a few more stories about our small town’s big spirit. Community Brickworks offers free
recreational painting that is guaranteed to bring out the artist in anyone. It not only lifts the spirits, it has helped raise
funds for some residents in need. BullyWag is a pet rescue organization in Sharpsburg that formed in 2008 to raise
awareness and rescue pit bulls and bulldogs. It has since expanded to help rescue all breeds of dogs and has worked
with many neighbors in Chatt Hills to rescue, foster, and adopt abandoned pets dumped in our community.
I hope everyone has a happy and safe Fourth of July. And if you’re in town, why not plan to celebrate our small town’s
big spirit at the July 4th celebrations in Serenbe and at Rico Park (see pages 6-7).
ISSUE No. 19
July 2017
A monthly publication of the Chatt Hills Community, a citizen-run news service that
connects, informs, and engages friends & neighbors of Chattahoochee Hills, GA.
Special July 4th
Celebrations include the July 4th
Parade at Serenbe and the Community Brickworks July 4
th Celebration at Rico Park. (pg. 6-7).
This Month’s Issue:
P2 – Sharing the Joy of Painting
P4 – BullyWag - Champion of the Underdogs
P6-7 – July 4th Events
P8 – Community Events
P10 – Community Announcements
P14 – Church Bulletins
P15 – City Government
P20 – City Events
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 2
Small Town. . . Big Spirit
Resident Carla Carrabino, who was at the Library the day of my lesson, recalled her first
experience with pour painting.
“When Judy first invited me to try painting, I said I don’t craft. It’s not that I don’t like crafts;
it’s just something I never tried while growing up.”
But like a kid tasting her first candy bar, one bite and Carla was hooked. With as much paint
on her hands as on the canvas, Carla experienced the tactile joy of creating art. Before long,
she was selling her paintings and raised nearly $200 for her favorite dog rescue organization.
And she was crafting with the best of them, helping Judy make crafts for her niece’s wedding.
A mixed media pour painting by Judy Henderson. Available at the Community Brickworks Library.
Sharing the Joy of Painting
Scan the shelves at the Community Brickworks Library in
city hall and you’ll likely find small works of art layered
among the stacks, the result of the latest arts & crafts
class offered by Judy Henderson.
A mixed media beauty catches my eye, a fairy beaming
with an inner light of joy as she flitters across a blue-
green swirled background. “How’d you do that,” I ask
Judy, and before I know it I’m being helped into a
painter’s smock for a lesson in Pour Painting.
Acrylic Pour Painting, or fluid painting as it is sometimes
called, involves pouring paint directly onto a canvas, and
then tilting the canvas to move the paint around. The
technique blends the colors together beautifully, creating
a flow and movement that results in an abstract piece of
art that can either be appreciated on its own, or mixed
with other media.
“The great thing about pour painting is that anyone can
do it,” Judy says. She’s had both young and old budding
artists create pour painting masterpieces, and even a few
residents with special needs.
Judy said one neighbor who was going through cancer
treatments started pour painting to lift his spirits. “It got
so he was doing two or more paintings a day,” Judy said.
Another neighbor raised $1,600 from two of her
paintings she donated to a silent auction for St. Jude’s
Children Hospital where she was treated for Leukemia as
a child.
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 3
Pour Painting Class
First select a variety of paint colors for your project. Judy says acrylic paints works best, and any brand will do. Mix each
color of paint in a separate container with a little water. You’ll want 6-8 ounces of each color with a consistency that will
flow.
Pour a few small puddles of one paint color on the canvas (Photo 1). Pour another color directly on top of the first, and
repeat until you have several layers of all the paint colors (Photo 2).
Using a Popsicle stick or your finger, draw a few figure eights through the paint (Photo 3). This is the same technique as
making a marble cake. You just want to break up the layers, not really mix them well.
Tilt the canvas slowly, first to one corner, then to the next, until the paint spreads across the entire canvas (Photo 4).
At this point you can call the painting finished. Or to bring out more of layers of the color, use a small crafters torch to
gently warm the paint (Photo 5). Hold the torch far enough away from the painting and continually move it so the paint
doesn’t get to hot. With this technique, beautiful bubbles begin to form. Allow the painting to dry overnight and enjoy
(Photo 6).
If you’d like to try your hand at pour painting, stop by the Community Brickworks Library at City Hall (6505 Rico Rd),
Monday through Friday, noon till 6 p.m. There are also many paintings available for purchase, with the proceeds going
to community support projects. For more information visit Community Brickworks Facebook or call 770-463-6600.
1 2 3
4 5 6
Joy of Painting . . .
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 4
Small Town. . . Big Spirit
BullyWag – Champion of the underdogs
It’s early in the morning when a neighbor sees two stray dogs wandering
near the intersection of Cochran Mill Rd and South Fulton Parkway.
Wasted to skin and bones, nervous and afraid, the dogs dash into the
woods escaping rescue and the possibility for a better life.
But hope is not lost, at least not yet. The neighbor posts a message
on the Chatt Hills Lost & Found Pets Facebook alerting the local pet-loving
community, and then she calls BullyWag.
BullyWag rescues all breeds of dogs, but at the heart of this organization
is a special love for the bully breed, an unfortunate group of dogs
commonly known as pit bulls.
Jonnie Craig recalls the puppy love experience that led her and daughter
Jaime to found BullyWag. “My daughter and I fell in love with the bully
breed when we met my oldest daughter’s three-month-old pit bull puppy
at Christmas 2007,” Jonnie said. “We decided we needed to help the
plight of this misunderstood breed so we adopted Honey from Boggs
Mountain AC in January 2008. She was scheduled to be euthanized on
January 1st of that year.”
About Bully Breeds There are a variety of dogs that fall under the category of “bully breeds,” from large-and-
in-charge boxers to small and stout Boston terriers. Many of these dogs have unfair
reputations for being dangerously aggressive – especially pit bull breeds like the
Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier and American pit bull terrier – but
they actually make for very loyal and loving pets. So how did these canines get the title
“bully breed” in the first place?
According to an article by Animal Planet, bully breeds all come from the same root stock called Molosser, which is a
breed that originated in ancient Greece. Molossers were big dogs with large bones and muscles, pendant ears and short
muzzles. The bullies that we know today were created as a result of Molossers combining with other breeds, like the Old
English bulldog or mastiff breeds. Though they were originally bred to protect livestock and property, some breeders
and owners began to use the dogs for other, unsavory purposes. For example, during the 19th century in England, they
were used in blood sports like bull baiting, and some believe this is where Molosser descendants first came to be known
as "bully breeds.”
At the turn of the 20th century, laws were established to outlaw blood sports. When immigrants traveled to the United
States, bringing bully breeds with them, these pups began serving in various professional roles and soon became
beloved household pets.
The tide turned when pit bulls began to be exploited through dog fighting in greater numbers in the eighties and were
soon associated with poverty, 'urban thugs' and crime. In 2007, dog fighting was brought to the forefront of the nation’s
Jonnie Craig and one of her rescued pups at BullyWag.
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 5
attention by the highly publicized conviction of NFL star quarterback Michael Vick. He and his associates operated “Bad
Newsz Kennels,” which housed and trained over 50 pit bull dogs, staged dog fights, killed dogs, and ran a high stakes
gambling ring.
About BullyWag Jonnie and Jaime founded BullyWag, Inc. in 2008 to educate the public about pit bulls and rescue the bully breeds.
“The housing market crash hit the bully breed especially hard because people were losing their homes and forced to
rent either an apartment or house and the bully breeds were banned so owners couldn't take their beloved pets with
them,” Jonnie said. By 2009, BullyWag was receiving so many calls, Facebook messages, texts, and emails about so many
animals in need, not just the bully breed, they became an official Georgia licensed, non-profit 501(c)3 animal rescue and
branched out to rescue other breeds of dogs.
Jonnie says. . .
“We are always looking for fosters to help our rescue which
entails keeping a dog in your home and working with them
on socialization, commands, etc.
We hold adoptions every Saturday at Petco in Peachtree
City (1243 N Peachtree Pkwy) from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m.
If anyone would like to support us, our PayPal account for
monetary donations is [email protected] or
checks can be mailed to BullyWag, Inc. P.O. Box 1436,
Sharpsburg, Ga. 30277.
We also need detergent, paper towels, Clorox Wipes, hand
sanitizer, puppy food, and linens or towels. These can be
dropped off at Petco on Saturday during our adoption
hours. For more information visit: www.bullywaginc.org”
Neighbors Love BullyWag – A few Facebook testimonials
Facebook Friend 1 wrote: Storms made my signal gone, but yesterday was the perfect day to
hibernate, since I have got my own dog. The only downside is that I can't sit in my rocking chair,
since he's got to be next to me at all times! Bailey is from BullyWag, the excellent rescue I've been
blessed to become a small part of.
Facebook Friend 2 wrote: I want to adopt him before Saturday. Where is he?
BullyWag holds adoptions at Peachtree City Petco on Saturdays from 12:30-4:00 p.m.
Facebook Friend 3 wrote: I want to thank
BullyWag rescue for finding a home for
the two pigs that have been homeless for
about a month.
Thank you for caring.
B W
Bully Wag . . .
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 6
Small Town. . . Big Spirit
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 7
Fourth of July Celebration!! Tuesday, July 4th
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Rico Park
FREE HOTDOGS
CHIPS and DRINKS
(provided by Community Brickworks)
LIVE MUSIC!!!
FREE GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
KICK BALL
Games for young and old and
everyone in between!!
July 4th Activities . . .
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 8
Community Events
Serenbe Playhouse Presents. . . Play: Robin Hood
Date/Time: June 2 – August 13
Fridays & Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. Sundays, 2:00 p.m.
Location: The Farmers Market Hideaway at Serenbe
Website: www.serenbeplayhouse.com/shows-events/current-season
No tale could be more suited for REBELLION than that of Robin Hood, the story of a renegade knight who abandons his
life of comfort for that of an outlaw. But Robin Hood’s defection is not in the name of recklessness — he’s a man of the
people who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Alongside his band of Merry Men, our hero also chases romance
with the lovely Maid Marian. In this new adaptation by Serenbe collaborator Rachel Teagle and under the direction of
Broadway’s Paul McGill, characters will fly through Serenbe’s magnificent forest on a zip line, redistributing wealth as
they go!
Photos by Lynn Merrill
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 9
Serenbe Playhouse Presents. . . Play: MacBeth
Date/Time: June 22 – July 9
Wednesday – Sundays, 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Waterfalls at Serenbe
Website:
www.serenbeplayhouse.com/shows-events/current-season
Not all rebellions are wise — such is the case for ill-fated Macbeth. After receiving a prophecy that he will become King
of Scotland, the brave Scottish general commits a heinous act fueled by a lust for power and his wife’s wicked influence.
But upon assuming the throne he was promised, the new king is consumed by crippling guilt and paranoia. Starring film
and television star Justin Deeley, this adaptation features a modern take on the war zone, set in a stunning waterfall,
surrounded by the dense woods of Serenbe much like the plush forests of Scotland. This essential Shakespearean
masterpiece will come to life as you’ve never seen it before.
Chatt Hills Music Presents. . . Concert: Willie Sugarcapps
Date/Time: July 15, 8:00 p.m.
Location: Serenbe Pavillion
10950 Hutcheson Ferry Road, Chatt Hills
Website: www.chatthillsmusic.com
Birthed from a series of casual Southern Alabama songwriter-in-the-round jam sessions, Willie Sugarcapps is an organic
outgrowth of the chemistry between five distinct musicians. Within these sessions, among the pot luck dishes served
and a stage built to resemble a back porch, a connection brewed between Kimbrough, Crawford, Lee, Capps, and
Hughes. Individually, these musicians have written, recorded, and toured throughout the US, with the likes of Jimmy
Buffett, Emmylou Harris, Neil Young, Kate Campbell, Dwight Yoakam, and Steve Winwood, to name a few. The
collaboration of such songwriting expertise inspired a repertoire of material that became their 2013 self-titled debut
album, which was awarded “Americana Album of the Year” by the Independent Music Association. Willie Sugarcapps
went on to build a solid following, and performed on such lauded programs as Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour, NPR’s
Mountain Stage and Music City Roots.
Community Events
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 10
Community Announcements
Chatt Hills 10 Year Anniversary Celebration Planning Meeting Report 6/22/17
The community was invited to participate in a meeting on June 22 to plan a
10 Year Anniversary Celebration Event for the City of Chattahoochee Hills.
Nine volunteers were in attendance and twelve more offered their
support but could not attend the meeting.
The committee set a tentative date for the celebration on Sunday, November 12, 2017, from 3:00-6:00 p.m., to be held
at a Chatt Hills Park, to be determined.
Many fun ideas were discussed during the brain storming session. The committee will research these ideas and discuss
at the next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, July 25, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. All meetings are open to the public and
anyone may participate in the committee or event.
For more information contact Laurie Searle ([email protected]) or 770-463-5169.
Fairy Day at Serenbe
Pint-sized fairies gathered at the Serenbe Farmers Market on Saturday, June 24, to hear tales read by the Fairy Queen
Marie Nygren. Dressed in their woodland finest and perched upon log stumps, the cute pixies formed a fairy circle that
seemed almost magical under the dew-ladened trees. A unicorn was on
hand to complete the storybook picture.
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 11
The Chatt Hills Artist Co-op Independence Exhibit will be in the Serenbe Community Center from July 2 - Sept 1,
at 413 Selborne Way (upstairs behind the Hil Restaurant), in Serenbe. The new exhibit will include paintings,
photography, mixed media, and watercolors.
An online catalog is available at: https://issuu.com/chatthillsartistco-op/docs/chatt_hills_artist_co-op
This variety of work is by members: Adrienne Anbinder, Christina Blum, Jessica Ashley, Clifford Blizard, Dianne Cutler,
Logynn Ferrall, Valerie Hayes, Julie McKinney, Billy Newman, and Judy Walker.
For more information about art purchases, or about becoming a member of the Chatt Hills Artist Co-op, contact Judy
Walker, 818-434-5436 or [email protected].
Community Announcements. .
.
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 12
What is Learnapalooza? Festival: Sept 9, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. VIP Dinner Event: Sept 8, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Everyone has something to learn. Everyone has something to teach.
Learnapalooza-ATL is a festival for all ages, celebrating all we have to learn from each
other. Join us September 9 at the Chattahoochee Hills Charter School campus in South
Fulton County, 20 minutes south of the Airport at 9670 Rivertown Road. There will be
food trucks, live music, over 100 workshops, a Makers Market and more! We anticipate
750 participants this year and plan to grow annually.
Sponsorship Options
Financial Sponsorships
Sponsorship levels can be tailored to your business' specific needs or guidelines. All sponsors will be recognized
on the event website: www.Learnapal oozaATL.com. Sponsorship opportunities include:
Workshop Sponsor (10): $1,000 - Logo on website class page, class materials, and teacher information
packet. Complimentary tent in Makers Marketplace.
Volunteer Sponsor (S): $5,000 - Logo on website event schedule page, volunteer materials, and
volunteer t-shirt back. Complimentary tent in Makers Marketplace.
Lunch Sponsor (2): $10,000 - Logo on website main page footer, banner at event, banner at VIP Dinner,
and volunteer t-shirt back. Complimentary tent in Makers Marketplace.
Market Sponsor (1): $15,000 - Logo on website Market Page header, Market Gateway flags, banner at
VIP Dinner, and volunteer t-shirt back. Complimentary tent in Makers Marketplace. Admission for 2 to
VIP Dinner (Sept 8) included.
Presenting Sponsor (1): $25,000 - Logo on website header, all event banners, volunteer and event t-
shirts. Complimentary tent in Makers Marketplace. Name/logo on table cards, signage and a speaking
opportunity at the VIP dinner (Sept 8). Admission for 4 to VIP Dinner included.
In-Kind Donations
In-kind donations are also greatly appreciated. Engaging community leaders and businesses is one of our goals
and support from local businesses will enhance our community as a whole.
Teach a Workshop
Teaching a workshop is an excellent way to increase customer reach and exposure. Each of the Learnapalooza
workshops will be taught by individuals and businesses who want to share their passion with those who want to learn.
We are prepared to host more than 120 workshops – on topics ranging from 3D printing, to sign language, beekeeping,
rocket-making and more. To apply to teach a workshop go to: www.learnapaloozaatl.com/teachsomething.
Sponsorships for VIP Dinner
Numerous in-kind and cash sponsorship opportunities are available for the VIP Dinner on Sept. 8. The adult-only event
will bring together parents, school staff and community members to celebrate this unique local school.
Contact Stacie Gottlieb for more information: [email protected].
Community Announcements. .
.
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 13
Learnapalooza is a fundraising event of the Chattahoochee Hills Charter School Foundation. The mission of the CHCS
Foundation is to raise funds to support the financial sustainability of Chattahoochee Hills Charter School. The Foundation
promotes and enhances educational excellence by providing independent funding that would not typically be covered
by the school budget and facilitates partnerships that promote academic achievement and foster a school environment
for the advancement of all students. CHCS Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax
deductible to the extent allowed by law.
About the School
All proceeds of Learnapalooz ATL benefit the Chattahoochee Hills Charter School (CHCS). CHCS is a Fulton County
Charter school that opened in 2014 and serves the South Fulton community with grades K-7. With over 600 students on
the waiting list, CHCS provides high quality elementary and middle school education in South Fulton - and plans to add
8th grade this fall. We believe the success of CHCS is based on three key elements: curricula, campus, and community.
Our Curricula
Based on the GDOE-approved Environment as Integrating Context (EiC), CHCS uses a hands-on approach that positions
agriculture, the environment, and art as lenses through which the Georgia Performance Standards are achieved. Rather
than learning in subject matter silos, students engage in cross-disciplinary projects where they teach themselves real-
world problem-solving skills and cultivate an awareness and appreciation for the complexity of our natural and social
environments. Our students spend one-third of their day outdoors. Research shows that students who learn this way
experience better performance on standardized tests, fewer discipline problems, and an increased enthusiasm for
learning.
Our Campus
Arriving on campus, visitors and students alike immediately recognize that something different and special is going on.
The campus has been thoughtfully planned to be a Community Learning Village - a cluster of individual classroom
buildings facing an outdoor greenway. Instead of fluorescent-lit hallways, our classrooms are connected by outdoor
paths lined with trees and student-planted gardens. The campus is designed to maximize student contact with their
natural world while reducing the environmental impact of the buildings. Once planted, the entire landscape of the
campus will be a series of "outdoor classrooms" including individual Classroom Gardens, a campus Farm, and a Bird
Sanctuary. In these classrooms, students will examine natural systems, hypothesize and apply mathematical
calculations, and even create artistic interpretations of their observations.
Our Community
CHCS was built from the ground up by a community of dedicated volunteers who believe that a good childhood
education improves not only the lives of the individual, but the wellbeing of the whole community; and that each
individual has a social responsibility to contribute back to their community. Every month, hundreds of hours are logged
by our extended family of volunteers: from lunch room buddies, to grounds caretakers, to board members; each helping
build this amazing school and community. We hope you will join us in building this community of learners –to benefit
our local community and serve as a model for other rural communities around the country.
Thank you for considering our request and please contact Stacie Gottlieb at (404)583-8556 or
[email protected] with any questions.
Community Announcements. .
.
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 14
Church Bulletins
Friendship Baptist Church Announces. . . Vacation Bible School
Date: Sunday-Thursday, July 9-13
Time: 5:00-8:00 p.m. in church Fellowship Building
Location: Friendship Baptist Church
6090 Cochran Mill Rd, Chatt Hills
Website: www.pbcrico.org
There are classes for all ages so adults are invited to join
as well children and youth.
Sardis Baptist Church Announces Movie Night
Date: Sunday, July 16
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Movie: New version of Cinderella
Location: Sardis Baptist Church
8400 Sardis Rd, Chatt Hills
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 15
City Government
City Staff Reports Staff & Commission reports are available on the City’s Website: www.chatthillsga.us
The following information is compiled by: Laurie Searle, Citizen Reporter
City Manager Report
PUBLIC MEETING – June 29, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Fulton County Transit Master Plan Public Information and Input Meetings.
At the request of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the Cities of Fulton County outside of the City of
Atlanta, the Atlanta Regional Commission, in partnership with Fulton County, is developing a Fulton County Transit
Master Plan. The master plan will include review of each City’s community and economic development strategies,
analysis of existing transit services and needs, and development of a financial model to determine the potential for
expanded transit services within Fulton County. Two rounds of public meetings will be held to provide information and
gather public input.
The first round of public meetings in June and July 2017 will focus on each City’s plans for the future, the potential role
of transit within that vision, and public needs and desires related to transportation and transit. A second round of public
meetings will be held in the fall 2017 to review the community vision, summarize the transit market analysis and needs,
and provide an overview of existing and potential transit services.
The City of Chattahoochee Hills will host a first meeting on June 28, 2017, to gather input from citizens and property
owners. This is an opportunity for the community to affirm their community vision and the potential role of transit in
helping realize that vision.
GEORGIA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION UPDATE – The following slate of GMA District 3 Southwest officers have been
approved by member cities in the district for the 2017-2018 year:
President Brian Jones, Councilmember, Union City
Vice President Tom Reed, Mayor, Chattahoochee Hills
DRUG FREE WORKPLACE - The City of Chattahoochee Hills has been certified as a Drug-Free Workplace. This is not a
certification that comes easy or that we take lightly. It goes beyond pre-employment testing or post-accident testing. It
requires that we have policies in place that places employees on notice that we have specific criteria to meet in order to
qualify as a drug free workplace as well as systems in place to help employees who are proactive and engage in
preventative strategies to mitigate potential consequences.
SEECLICKFIX – The City of Chattahoochee Hills will procure a new application next month called SeeClickFix. This app
will allow citizens with smart phones to take a picture and send it straight to city hall when they see an issue. It could be
a missing sign, a dead tree hanging over the road, a pothole, etc. A video is available at: https://gov.seeclickfix.com/.
TSPLOST ENGINEERING ROADWAY REPORT - Our TSPLOST Engineering consultants have provided a report on roadways
that need paved and recommendations for our approach and funding. Specifically, they reviewed the following roads
(Rico Road, Cochran Mill and Wilkerson Mill). Their general ranking in terms of need are as follows:
1. Rico Road, Part A (Campbellton-Redwine to SFP) 1.4 miles, avg. 11’ lane width
2. Cochran Mill (SFP to end of LMIG project) 1.8 miles, avg. 10’ lane width
3. Rico Road, Part B (SFP to Hutcheson Ferry) 3.5 miles, avg. 10’ lane width
4. Wilkerson Mill Road (Cochran Mill Road to Cascade Palmetto Hwy) 2.5 miles, avg.10’ lane width
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 16
Project #2 and #3 could be swapped based on local input and funding availability.
Generally speaking they are proposing the following approach for repair of all roads:
Deep patch (mill & inlay 3.5”) with 19 mm asphalt as required
Level (restore proper crown) with 9.5 mm asphalt @ 125#/SY
Top with 125 mm asphalt @ 165#/SY (1.5” thickness)
Stripe, 5” high-build paint
Raised pavement markers (RPM) centerline only
Grade shoulders (2’) to prevent shoulder drop-offs
Grass shoulder area
Traffic Control
Using current cost values yields an approximate cost/mile of $255,000. CEI would be performed at 5%. This cost/mile is
reduced where average lane width is reduced. This yields an average cost/mile for Project 2-3 of $232,000/mile.
Additionally, some price increases must be anticipated in years 2 and following. But also, some roads will require less
deep patching possibly. More accurate project costs can be estimated when detailed field marking and measuring is
performed prior to bidding.
Taking all of this into account, here are the following budget estimates for each project:
1. Rico Road – Part A = $355,000; CEI = $17,500; total = $372,500
2. Cochran Mill Road = $$17,600; CEI = $20,900; total = $438,500
3. Rico Road – Part B = $812,500; inflation = $40,000; CEI = $42,500; total = $895,000
4. Wilkerson Mill = $580,000, inflation = $20,000, CEI = $30,000; total = $630,000
FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT – Chief Brett reported that there were 51 incident calls in May and 254 incident calls to
date in 2017. The Fire Officer-Lieutenant selection process is underway. The municipalities are waiting on an official
response from American Medical Response on the current draft of the new service level agreement. He said more
CodeRED enrollments are needed. A roster of those who have signed up is available for enrollees to provide their cell
service provider. This information facilitates priority notifications.
BURN BAN REMINDER – The annual burn ban imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the
metropolitan-Atlanta area counties begins May 1 and lasts until October 1. “Burn ban” means no outdoor
burning of any sort can be done in order to control emissions into the atmosphere during the hotter, more
critical time of year. Chattahoochee Hills Fire Rescue Department must enforce this ban since it is federally
mandated. Thank you for your support.
POLICE DEPARTMENT - Chief Mathis reported there have been no personnel changes. The investigations in May were
one aggravated battery, two thefts by taking, one burglary, and one elder abuse. Other statistics for May were 146
citations, 144 warnings, 36 parking citations, 31 arrests, and 54 reports. There were also 214 dispatched calls in May,
which is more than double the number for May 2016.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - Mr. Wendlandt said ball season was a great success. He thanked all the volunteers that
worked to make it happen. He and Parks Commission Chair Diana Wilson walked the green trail at Cochran Mill Park to
look at the storm damage. He said some of the trail has been cleared so the park can be accessed from the Cochran Mill
Nature Center and the Chattahoochee Hills Charter School; however, the damage is extensive and some of the green
City Government . . .
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 17
trail will need to be rerouted. Currently, he has one crew dedicated to right-of-way cutting. A majority of the gravel
roads have been scraped with help from Fulton County. Once the weather improves, Public Works staff will start back
with pulling ditches and putting gravel on the roads. Road status as of last month: Brock Road has been scraped and
ditched and completely redone. On Creel Road, the PW staff has completely excavated the concrete storm water drains
and removed all the vegetation that has been impacting the natural flow of water. Capps Ferry, Petersburg Road,
Wilkerson Mill and City Hall has all been cut.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT- Mr. Morton reported there were six new home building permits issued in
May, and there were three times as many inspections conducted in comparison to May 2016. There was filing last
month in Campbellton, and “The Pact” was filming on June 14 at South Fulton Parkway and Rico Road.
PARKS COMMISSION – Wilson reported on the RTP grant and the archeological survey completed by New South
Associates. The report states no artifacts were recovered in any of the excavated shovel tests and no archeological
features were observed in the shovel tests or on the surface of the four survey areas. The planned park improvements
will have no effect on significant archeological resources and no additional archeological investigation is recommended.
Wilson will send the survey to Historic Preservation as part of the review of the grant application.
PLANNING COMMISSION – Zoning Fence Standards are under review and the commission is discussing less restrictive
changes for fences and walls. Mr. Morton will work on the language of a draft presented by Mr. Merrill and present it at
the next meeting for review.
Commissioners 'freeze' Fulton County property tax levels By: George Franco
http://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/262943917-story
The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to "freeze" property tax assessments at the 2016 levels
after receiving community backlash for the 2017 rates and increases.
The resolution was proposed by Chairman John Eaves, and brings relief to the more than 360,000 property owners who
saw increases in Fulton County.
"Our vote will allow all people, regardless of their zip code, to keep their homes by giving them time to adjust to rising
property values over time," said Eaves in a press release sent to FOX 5.
The Fulton County Board of Assessors will have time to re-calculate the 2017 tax digest and will notify taxpayers within
30 days of the new notices.
Fulton County residents voiced their concerns at three emergency town hall meetings and packed other commissioner’s
meetings and a state Senate committee hearing. More than 1,000 people signed the Tax-Freeze Petition.
City Government . . .
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 18
Letter from City Council Representative, Faye Godwin, Dist. 4
Dear Chatt Hills Residents, District 4:
After serious consideration, this is to notify you of my decision not to run again as your District 4 City Council
representative in the upcoming November election. During my 10 years of service, you have given me your ongoing
support, encouragement and confidence to represent you at the most strategic time in our City’s history. We have
gone from a struggling start-up operation to a thriving, stabilized operating City. I am honored to have been your
representative during this critical period in our history.
I also want to express my thanks and appreciation to the many staff, city council and mayors and volunteers that I have
had an opportunity to work with during my three terms. As with any start-up business, there have been some
challenging times and rewarding times, but we have always sought the common goal to work together for the good of
the City.
As most of you know, my roots have been in Chattahoochee Hills for many generations. I shall continue to support
initiatives and representatives that protect our City’s vision for maintaining and preserving our land, environment and
quality of life in my home town.
With thanks and gratitude,
Faye Peek Godwin
City Council, District 4
Report: Fulton County Transit Master Plan Public Information and Input Meeting By Laurie Searle (See presentation on City’s Website: www.chatthillsga.us)
A public input meeting was held in Chattahoochee Hills on June 28 at city
hall to inform residents and gather their input about a Fulton County
Transit Master Plan.
Following last year’s ¾ cent TSPLOST effort, the Mayors of the 14 Cities
outside of Atlanta and the Fulton County Commission affirmed that a
plan was needed to determine potential expansion of transit services in
Fulton County. The Mayors and County approached ARC to help fund and
manage the study in collaboration with MARTA, Fulton County, and the
14 participating cities.
The master plan will include a review of each City’s community and economic development strategies, analysis of
existing transit services and needs, and development of a financial model to determine the potential for expanded
transit services within Fulton County.
Two rounds of public meetings will be held to provide information and gather public input. The first round of public
meetings in June and July 2017 will focus on each City’s plans for the future, the potential role of transit within that
vision, and public needs and desires related to transportation and transit. A second round of public meetings will be held
in the Fall 2017 to review the community vision, summarize the transit market analysis and needs, and provide an
overview of existing and potential transit services.
City Government . . .
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 19
Mayor Reed opened the meeting by framing the context of the Transit Master Plan. “This isn’t about bringing Marta to
Chatt Hills,” he said. “Studies have shown that Marta requires a densely populated area to be feasible, and Chatt Hills
doesn’t have the population to support transit at this time.” The mayor said it’s about understanding what type of
transportation residents use today, and what they may desire in the future. He reminded residents that the planned
Friendship Village at the intersection of South Fulton Parkway and Rivertown Road has already been approved to build
5,000 homes, and while there is no active movement at this time for them to develop, we need to proactively plan for
the future. The mayor closed his remarks by affirming, “Rural areas in our community want to stay that way.”
Eric Bosman, Urban Designer/Planner at Kimley-Horn and Associates, facilitated the meeting. He said that the City of
Atlanta already has a transit plan, so it is not included in this study. But during the TSPLOST effort, citizens from other 14
cities in Fulton County said they wanted a vision. As a result the following potential transit objectives were set:
1. Provide greater access to employment centers and regional destinations
2. Catalyze economic development, investment and placemaking
3. Provide faster, more reliable mobility and mitigate highway congestion (short-term and long-term)
Bosman reviewed the Chattahoochee Hills Comprehensive Plan, its community vision, and its future development
strategy. He said based on those elements, the most logical place to consider future transit would be along the South
Fulton Parkway corridor.
Bosman then reviewed the current state of transit in Fulton County which includes Marta (heavy rail), GRTA (express bus
service), GRTA (van pool service), and shuttle services – most of which are concentrated around city hubs. He then
invited the Chatt Hills residents to give their input by adding their comments to display board around the room. The
questions they considered were:
1. Is there a role for transit to play in realizing your community’s goals and objectives?
2. What would make transit in Fulton County successful as part of a balanced, regional transportation system?
Bosman closed the meeting, thanking residents for participating and mentioning that there will be another meeting in
the fall. (As a side note, Bosman apologized for scheduling the June 28 meeting on a Wednesday evening church night
but said their scheduler had to work with the dates 14 cities had given them to schedule all meetings with two months.)
City Government . . .
Chatt About – July 2017 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 20
City Events For more community events, check out these Chattahoochee Hills Websites:
City of Chatt Hills: www.chatthillsga.us
Chatt Hills Charter School: http://www.chatthillscharter.org/calendar
Cochran Mill Nature Center: www.cochranmillnaturecenter.org
Community Brickworks: www.communitybrickworks.org
Serenbe Community: www.serenbe.com
The Children’s House (Montessori School): www.thechildrenshouseatserenbe.com
Date Event
Thursday, July 6, 5:00 p.m. City Council Work Session City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 302688
Monday, July 10, 6:00 p.m. Tree Board Meeting City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 302688
Tuesday, July 11, 6:30 p.m. City Council Meeting City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 302688
Thursday, July 13, 6:30 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Tuesday, July 18, 6:00 p.m. Parks Commission Meeting
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 302688
Thursday, July 27, 5:00 pm City Council Work Session City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 302688
Communication is Key
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Help keep your neighbors informed by
printing & delivering this newsletter. If you have a story or suggestions
for future articles we’d like to hear
from you.
Email: [email protected]
Or Call Laurie Searle: 770-463-5169
