August 26, 2014

BOARD OFCOMMISSIONERS

Regular Meetings September 2nd - 9:00 AM

September 16th - 6:30 PM

Meetings held at:Administration Building

Community Room140 Henry Parkway

McDonough, GA 30253

Regular Commissionmeetings will air Fridays,Saturdays, Mondays and

Wednesdays onHenry TV Channel 180 andAT&T U-Verse Channel 99,

at 9 a.m. & 7 p.m.

1the henry county update

Local Veterans Help Celebrate New Chick-fil-A

Several volunteers with the Henry County Veterans Museum helped celebrate the grand opening of the new Chick-fil-A in the Lake Dow area of McDonough on Thursday morning, by raising the flag to the familiar tune of the Star Spangled Banner. The honor came following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony opening the new restaurant. Henry County Parks and Recreation Facilities Coordinator Jim Joyce, who is also a veteran and the museum’s curator, led veteran volunteers Bill Steele, Robert Brown, Lloyd Witt, Otis Hicks and Darryl Woodall in the ceremony, hoisting the massive flag, which measured 12x18 feet.

“We were truly honored to be chosen to raise that flag for the first time, and to be a part of the day,” said Joyce. Several Henry County Commissioners were also on hand to celebrate the opening, along with Bubba Cathy, founder Truett Cathy’s son, who is the Senior Vice President of Chick-fil-A, Inc. and President of Dwarf House, Inc. The Henry County Veterans Museum is located at Heritage Park in McDonough inside the red barn and is a treasure trove of military history featuring displays of uniforms, apparatus, medals, photographs, dioramas and vehicles from World War I up to the present. A group of dedicated volunteers runs the museum,

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Volunteer veterans with the Henry County Veterans Museum ready the U.S. flag for hoisting.

henrycounty-ga.org

August 26, 2014

September is Emergency Preparedness MonthHave a plan, make a kit, get involved

Emergencies can strike at any time, from natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornados to chemical spills or catastrophic accidents. Emergencies by their very nature often happen suddenly and without warning, which makes it that much more important for you and your family to be prepared in the event of any emergency situation. With Emergency Preparedness month upon us, Henry County and its Emergency Management Director wants to make sure that everyone has the information and tools necessary to get through any emergency. Whether it’s an unexpected storm, a terrible accident or a terrorist attack, there are steps that every family should take to prepare. The first step is to have a plan in place, so you know what to do in the event of an emergency. To formulate a plan, ask the important questions. Where will you and other family members be when severe weather or a disaster strikes? Whether you are at work, at school, in the car or out-of-town, how will you find or contact each other? How will you know if your children are safe? Severe weather or a disaster may force an evacuation of your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What will you do if your basic utilities - water, gas, electricity, or telephones -- are cut off? These are the types of questions your family disaster plan must address in order to help protect those you love. Second, have an emergency supply kit with all of the necessary items to help see you and your family through for at least three days, such as food,

water and medications. It’s a good idea to have a financial emergency kit as well, with copies of all of your important financial documents. Put together a supply kit that will allow you and your family to survive for at least three days on your own. Necessary items include fresh water, food, daily medications. Plan on a gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and washing. Store food that won’t go bad and doesn’t have to be heated or cooked. Some non-perishable items to put in your kit include protein or fruit and grain bars, canned foods, dry cereal, nuts, peanut butter, crackers, juices and baby food. Also pack a manual can opener and cups and eating utensils. If

you have family pets, don’t forget their food and extra water. Other items for a kit include medications, a battery powered radio and extra batteries, a first –aid kit, flashlight, a whistle, to signal for help, dust mask or

cotton tee shirt to help filter the air, toilet paper, moist towelettes for sanitation, scissors, a utility knife, plastic sheeting and duct tape, garbage bags and plastic ties. Also, think about your family’s unique needs for items such as diapers and infant formula. It’s a good idea to pack some comfort items, such as a deck of cards, books, paper and pens as well as a change of clothes for each member of the family. Also, include a financial emergency kit to keep important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records. It’s a good idea to have photographs in case proof is needed for insurance purposes. If you keep financial records on your computer, it’s a good idea to have a backup file on disc and remember to

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Chick-fil-A from page 1

EMA from page 2

update it quarterly. Keep these documents and items in a waterproof, portable container. Finally, learn how you can become involved in community efforts to make sure that your community or neighborhood is prepared in the event of an emergency. In Henry County, the best way to become involved is through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, which promotes a partnership between emergency management and response agencies and the people in the community that they serve. The goal is to train members of neighborhoods, schools, churches and workplaces in basic response skills. The CERT teams are formed and maintained as part of the emergency response capability for their area. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.

“I urge residents to purchase a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio, because we know that early warning saves lives,” said Don Ash, Emergency Management Agency Director for Henry County. “I also encourage residents to utilize the EMA’s Reverse Notification system. They can register for that online, and it will notify them by phone or by email when we have an impending emergency.” The Georgia Emergency Management Agency’s Ready Georgia offers the necessary tools that residents need to develop a communications plan, make an emergency supply kit, and stay informed about potential threats and how you can get involved in your community to help during a disaster. For more information, visit www.ready.gov. For more information on the CERT program, call 770-288-7877 or contact cert@co.henry.ga.us. To register for Reverse Notification, visit www.henrycounty-ga.com.

District V Commissioner Reid Bowman, District I Commissioner Bo Moss, Bubba Cathy, Dis-trict II Commissioner Brian Preston and District III Commissioner Gary Barham help celebrate the grand opening of the Chick-fil-A in McDonough.

which is open and free to the public, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on the Henry County Veterans Museum, visit www.hcprd.org or call 770-288-7300.

henrycounty-ga.org

August 26, 2014

Public Information Meeting Regarding East Lake Rd. and SR 20 Intersection Improvements Set for August 28

The Henry County SPLOST Department will hold a public information meeting regarding the East Lake Road and SR 20 intersection improvement project on Thursday, August 28, 2014 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Timber Ridge Elementary School in McDonough. The meeting will be “open house” format where

people can come to view the plans and ask questions. Timber Ridge Elementary School is located at 2825 GA Hwy 20 E in McDonough, GA 30252. For more information on the SPLOST Department, please visit www.henrycounty-ga.org/splost.

The Henry County Police Department is now using YouTube! The purpose is to work in partnership with

our citizens in solving and reducing crime.

www.youtube.com/user/HenryCountyPoliceDpt

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The DUI/Drug Accountability Court celebrated a graduation last week, with eight participants completing the requirements to give them a fresh start on the road to sobriety and living productive lives. The program is presided over by Judge Ernest D. Blount in the State Court of Henry County and during the graduation ceremony, he pointed out that it was through the assistance of his dedicated staff that the court has been such a success. He also congratulated each graduate while addressing participants currently in the program. Each graduate had a chance to give their own powerful testimony on what led them down the paths they had taken and how the program has changed their lives. The Mission of the Henry County DUI/Drug Court is to enhance public safety and promote healthier lifestyles for substance abusing repeat offenders. The Court has developed a program to give its participants the necessary tools and support needed to modify their lifestyles to become productive, sober and law abiding citizens, by combining increased supervision and

accountability with effective and intensive treatment. Since its inception, the DUI/Drug Court has graduated a total of 88 participants. Although not an easy fix, participants are repeat offenders who may choose the program to reduce incarceration time. They must complete a year-long rigorous program made up of five distinct phases, which include intensive counseling, Risk Reduction School, routine AA/NA meetings and fees associated with the program. They are also required to perform community service and submit to random drug tests, as well as random home visits by the Sheriff’s Department for alcohol testing and to enforce curfews, in addition to attending weekly court sessions with Judge Blount. The DUI/Drug Court is part of the Accountability Court system helping to make people accountable for their actions, while assisting them in recovery, saving taxpayers money and reducing recidivism. The Court is funded through D.A.T.E. (Drug Abuse Treatment and Education) Funds, the general fund and a grant from the state.

DUI/Drug Accountability Court Celebrates Graduation

Judge Ernest D. Blount (bottom center) surrounded by the DUI Drug Court staff.

henrycounty-ga.org

The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of a ballot on demand system (BALOTAR) from Election Systems & Software in the amount of $21,645. The action came at the August 19 regular Commission meeting. The new ballot printing system will give the Henry County Elections Department the ability to print and audit highly legible ballots in the right quantities, and to meet the growing demand for absentee ballots on an as-needed basis, eliminating wasteful spending on preordered ballots. Janet Shellnutt, Director of Henry County’s Elections and Registration Office said that absentee ballots are currently ordered by a best overall guess for

the amount needed to be mailed to voters. She said that during the last primary, held on May 20, 2014, it cost the County $1,658.58 for paper ballots of which 360 ballots were mailed out, resulting in a cost of $4.61 for each ballot. She said the new system will allow ballots to be printed on an individual basis, saving taxpayers money. The new ballot on demand system is budgeted and approved in the current fiscal budget. Election Systems & Software is the sole source provider, connects with the state’s registration system and has a contract through the State of Georgia for this printing capability. For more information on elections or to register to vote, please visit www.henrycounty-ga.org/elections.

On August 21, 2014, Henry County Police Chief Keith Nichols and Deputy Chief Mark Amerman presented members of Stockbridge Assembly of God Church with a plaque of appreciation for their efforts to support the department by providing breakfast and lunch

to all department employees. Church members brought the meals to the Henry County Police Training Room where department personnel were able to enjoy food and fellowship.

Board Approves New Ballot On Demand System

Police Department Thanks Local Church

August 26, 2014

Pictured (l. to r.) Henry County Police Chief Keith Nichols, Pastor Steven Hedgecoth and his wife, Nikki Hedgecoth and Deputy Chief Mark Amerman.

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The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a bid for the design and build of the Bellamy Brothers Memorial Park, which is budgeted under SPLOST IV. The action came at the August 19 regular Commission meeting after a presentation by Ron Burckhalter, SPLOST Capital Projects Director for Henry County. Proposals were solicited through the Purchasing Department and Commissioners approved and awarded the design/build contract to Sports Turf of Whitesburg, GA in the amount of $2,200,000, contingent upon the

purchase of the relevant tracks of land and a date not to surpass December 31, 2014. In November of 2013, voters approved the SPLOST IV referendum, which included funds for a new park in District 5. The Bellamy Brothers Memorial Park is slated for property located at 16 Fairview Rd. and 1935 Panola Rd. in Ellenwood, GA. To see the full SPLOST IV priority list or to learn more about SPLOST, please visit www.henrycounty-ga.org/splost.

BOC Awards Design and Build Bid For New Park in District 5

henrycounty-ga.org

August 26, 2014

The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the city of Hampton in which the city will provide to the County five acres of property located on McDonough St. in exchange for the County contributing $250,000 toward site improvements to the property. Henry County will use the property to construct the Hampton Senior Center/Recreation Center, which is

an approved project of the SPLOST IV District 2 list. The property is located at 56 McDonough St. in Hampton and is part of a larger, ten-acre tract of land located across the street from the Fortson Library. The action came at the August 19 Commission meeting. For more information on SPLOST IV, please visit www.henrycounty-ga.org/splost.

Intergovernmental Agreement for Hampton Senior Center/Recreation Center Property

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The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a request for an Intergovernmental Agreement between Henry County and the city of Hampton for commercial building inspection services. The action came during the regular Commission meeting held August 19. The Henry County Building Department currently provides such services in the unincorporated area of

Henry County and has the staff and necessary expertise available to provide services within the city limits. Hampton has agreed to pay for the services at a rate of $50.00 per inspection, and if overtime is necessary, at a rate of $75.00 per hour. The Intergovernmental Agreement is for a six-month term, to be renewed automatically every six months unless cancelled by either party with a 60-day written notice.

Board Approves Agreement with Hampton for Commercial Inspection Services