CITY OF MORROW, GEORGIA
Regular Council Meeting
February 14, 2006
PRESENT AT MEETING: ALSO PRESENT:
Jim Millirons, Mayor John Lampl, City Manager
C. R. Huie, Mayor Pro Tem
Charles O. Sorrow, Councilman
Thomas J. LaPorte, Councilman
Councilman Virlyn Slaton
Mayor Jim Millirons called the regular meeting of the Morrow City Council to order at 7:30 p.m. The meeting took place in the Council Chambers of the Morrow Municipal Complex, 1500 Morrow Road, Morrow, GA, 30260. Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Councilman Sorrow gave the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Work Session - January 24, 2006
Regular Meeting - January 24, 2006
Councilman Sorrow made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Councilman LaPorte. The motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING:
It is the intention of the City of Morrow to annex property at certain addresses on Peacock Boulevard pursuant to Chapter 36 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The proposed zoning classification of the property upon annexation is RS-80. The current Clayton County zoning is RS-110.
(All materials referenced in the presentation can be found with the official minutes or in the Annexation Supplement 2006 in the City Clerk’s office.)
PRESENTATION:
1: Morrow Department representatives for the Fire, Police, Public Works, Emergency
Communications, City Hall and Economic Development, offered service information as it
relates to the annexation and zoning of 6390, 6398, 6408, 6418, 6426, 6438, 6443, 6456,
and 6457 Peacock Boulevard. The proposed zoning classification of the residential
property upon annexation is single-family residential (RS-80).
The Mayor turned the presentation over to the City Manager. John Lampl began by
stating that the City Of Morrow is continuing to clean up our boarders. A portion of Peacock Boulevard has been in our city for many decades while the other side has not. This annexation will take us to the interchange of Pine Crest. When annexation is considered, specifically residential annexation, we need to make sure that it is in the best interests of the current residents that we already have as well as those to be annexed, so as not to detract from the services that we provide.
The majority of Peacock Boulevard residents under a 60/40 annexation method signed a petition to be annexed into the City Of Morrow. Plans for cities and counties ultimately determine future zoning requirements. Looking at the Future Land Use map for Clayton County, Morrow is almost in the center, with Southlake Mall as a prominent identifier. Just to the right of that is Lake Harbin road and the color on the map is yellow, meaning medium density residential. In the County this is RS-180, RS-18A or RS-110 and in our City this would be comparable to our RS-25 and RS-15. We also have RS-80 in our classification which is residential single-family detached houses. This is a similar zoning system. Our current map does not show our future annexation however, a new map will be submitted to the Mayor and Council on February 25, 2006. This new map will show expanded boundaries. Lampl pointed out some City attributes. When dealing with residential properties, we have had remarkable progress. Fox Croft, Central Park and others. Comparables have been seen which is how your property is valued. This can depend on the size, how much land you have, how many bedrooms, bathrooms and so forth. To have property next door selling from $225,000 to $290,000 is not bad. In a new subdivision on Maddox Road we can anticipate because of the size of those houses, the smallest being 2,800 square feet and the largest being at 4,000 square feet, to run at a range of 225,000 to over 300,000. One of the Hallmarks of Morrow is that you know when you have entered the City of Morrow. When you drive across the City lines, you know that something is different.
Referring to the presentation, Mr. Lampl points out structures seen in unincorporated parts of the County that you will not see in the City of Morrow. Future planning is taking place at the Gateway, LCI and there is mixed use development scheduled for Hwy 54. Referring to a slide of Smyrna developments, Mr. Lampl suggests that similar developments will be seen in Morrow, mixed use developments with retail and residential space. This will give us a walk able live, work, play community. The hope Morrow has is that the LCI project, at the entrance of Clayton State College, will create the downtown that everyone wants.
There are many activities to enjoy throughout the year, Day in the Park, Safe Halloween and Summerfest, family events that Morrow provides, six or seven events which are free to the community. Every year the Mayor sends out invitations to each citizen for the Community Roundtable. At this function we present information about Morrow, where we have been, where we are and where we are going. Morrow has the courage to ask your advice, tell us what you would like to see, what we do well, what we can improve on and Morrow builds that into the future plan. A lot of what we have already accomplished came from ideas during such community gatherings.
When a City makes these efforts while being responsible with its capital, recognition often comes. The City received for the second time, the award for City of Excellence, and also the Trendsetter Award from the ARC. Collectively there are fewer cities than ten in the State of Georgia who have both awards.
Glenn Hill, Public Works
Mr. Hill introduces himself and explained hat he has lived in and around Morrow his whole life and told about himself, including that he has worked for the City for over 17 years. He went on to say that a lot of the things we see in the City, parking lots, buildings and landscaping all have a lot to do with Public Works.
Public Works provides physical infrastructure essential to the City and makes everything work. There are six divisions in the Public Works department, Transportation, Parks, Community Development, Solid Waste Management, Public Facilities and Vehicles and Equipment.
The transportation goal is to maintain, rehabilitate and ensure a safe network to ensure public safety, promote the economy and enhance the quality of life. Mr. Hill reiterated Mr. Lampl’s comments in that all you have to do is come into the City to see the difference. Public Works tries to get ten years out of each paved road and tries to pave 8 to 12 roads a year. Constant evaluation ensures the roads are the best they can be.
Street and drainage maintenance also falls under transportation, not just the streets but also the grass, plants, and all other maintenance. Maintaining right of way, patching, sealing and over spraying are done to maximize life before resurfacing. The streets are swept, storm drains cleaned and repaired, sidewalk construction and repair and the traffic control signage.
Mr. Hill explained that the City currently has 500 new street lights. The City pays the bills and Georgia Power does the maintenance. We receive the reports, flag them and Georgia Power comes out to service the lights.
Some of the things residents will notice is street paving with brick and neighborhood markers, as well as the mast arm lighting at the intersections. These features are already in place in the Peacock neighborhood. The City of Morrow uses decorative sign posts and Mr. Hill told the audience that there are 50 signs in inventory which will be placed throughout Morrow’s East side.
There are eight parks in the City. Pocket parks are for the individual subdivisions, for use by the neighborhoods and parking is not provided. If there is land available the City will purchase the land and Public Works designs and constructs the park. Currently, a Graceland neighborhood park is under construction. Mr. Hill refers to the presentation for illustration. This park will connect with a trail system along Jester’s Creek. There are plans to irrigate, sod and landscape the entire park. There will be a gazebo and plaza, to be completed in two phases, ending with the second phase at Hammack Drive.
The Public Works department also manages pest control 6 to 8 months out of the year. Spraying usually occurs once a week. Typically this is done Wednesdays, depending on the weather. The Department uses charcoal tablets in ponds throughout the City. Citizens are welcome to come and request this service.
The department also ensures construction projects are built to enhance life and minimize impact. The Department works hard to make the City of Morrow look and be the best that it can. We want to outdo our neighboring Cities. We want to be second to none. The Public Works Director, Jeff Eady handles planning, design review, field inspection and project management on the subdivisions and commercial development in the City. The field inspections, however, come down to the grounds crew.
Public Works is also responsible for Solid Waste Management. The department collects transfers and disposes in compliance with federal regulations. Our residential practice of picking up at the back door twice a week is only $52.83 quarterly. Few people do this anymore. This keeps the cans off the road, keeping the City cleaner. We also offer curb side service for anything such as appliances and furniture. Limb and debris removal and disposal is at no charge. The department does charge for bagged yard waste @$1.75 per bag. There are 371 commercial customers and 968 residential customers.
Public Works accomplishes all these functions with eight fulltime employees, two trustee laborers, one for the Administrative Building, and one for the Annex Building. Morrow also works between two and six inmates daily. The number changes depending on the season, grass cutting season may require more.
Public Works understands that this annexation is in the best interest of the residents. There is only one common sanitation service which means neighborhoods do not have multiple trucks on the street. When there is a problem with sanitation, a citizen knows exactly who to call and there is someone always in the office.
Morrow’s development guidelines, code enforcement, sidewalks and lighting are all second to none. There are strict code enforcement guidelines. If there is a pot hole, it is patched. Everything is taken care of that needs to be. This includes the City beautification projects. There are monthly street sweepings and Mr. Hill invites the audience to drive past Peacock and see the difference between the appearance of Morrow streets and other streets. Another function is right of way maintenance. The roads are mowed every other week and trash is picked up weekly along the right of ways. These initiatives can at least maintain the values but can also increase the property values in the area.
Emergency Communication, Christy Bedford, Angeline Johnson
Ms. Bedford introduced herself and Ms. Johnson and explained that they have been employed with Morrow for over a year.
911 is the hub. The center dispatches for police, handles EMS, fire and public works calls. The center also handles GCIC and NCIC with both emergency and non emergency calls for service in Morrow and neighboring Lake City. The Center also handles the notification of secondary services including Animal Control, City Code Enforcement, Public Works, Traffic Engineering and the Water Authority.
In 2005 the calls for service for the police department was 15,961. The Morrow fire department had 1,966 and the Lake City police department had 4,507, making the total calls for service 22,434. The total number of 911 calls in 2005 was 19,189 and administrative calls peaked at 49,689, totaling 68,878.
The calls for service on Peacock included one police call references disorderly children and one EMS sick call. All of our 911 callers reach certified emergency medical dispatchers who are trained to take the call, provide pre arrival instruction and dispatch the necessary fire and EMS units. The EMD certification is through the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch, an internationally recognized body and the highest level of training available.
The Morrow Emergency Communications center is one of five in the metro area where all dispatchers are certified. This center utilizes industry leading technology including enhanced 911 services, Phase II wireless with location technology, and mapping technology enabling our dispatchers to send the closest available unit.
The Center’s technology also includes a 911 simulator used for public education. The DOT cameras can monitor the daily flow of traffic throughout the City and there is also an early warning siren.
Captain Byrd, Morrow Fire Department
Captain Byrd introduced himself as a shift commander and explained that he has been with the City for almost 17 years.
The Morrow Fire Department is one mile away from the proposed annexation area at Peacock. The next closest station is the Clayton County station eight, 1.6 miles away. This leaves the Morrow station closer for both fire and EMS protection. Looking at 6/10 of a mile, it may not seem very important, but when talking about fire and EMS, minutes count. When buying homeowners insurance, they will inquire as to the closest fire station, hydrant and which ones protect you. Insurance companies know all to well that every minute counts. A fire can double in size every minute. If you are watching a loved one who is not breathing, every minute counts.
Response times are something the Morrow Fire Department prides itself on. The Department’s average response time throughout the City is 3.45 minutes. Ninety six percent of the time the Department is on the scene in seven minutes or less, above the National goal of 92%. Captain Byrd refers to a map showing the locations of both the Morrow Department and the County Station 8. Topography affects the response capabilities for Station 8 which can make a difference for an engine. Also, Station 8 is a very busy station and if they are not in house it is five miles from the next station in the County.
Captain Byrd challenged the audience to find a station with better equipment than the Morrow department. He then went on to introduce the entire fleet, a one hundred five foot aerial truck, two Class A pumpers capable of flowing well over 1500 gallons per minute, two ambulances with the oldest being a 1998 model and a command vehicle. All units are very well equipped. The ambulances are staffed 100% of the time with an ACLS paramedic, which means they carry advanced cardiac drugs, defibulators, air way management and similar equipment.
Morrow Fire Department provides advanced life support and responds with advanced life support engines. That means, if the department gets a call and the two ambulances are tied up, an engine is sent. This engine carries a paramedic and advanced equipment with defibulators and drug kit. Staff can start an IV from the engine and this puts life saving equipment on the scene faster. Morrow was the first department in the County to go with the ACLS engines, starting in 1996.
The staff runs nine people per shift with some of the best fire fighters in the state of Georgia. When staffed at a minimum, there will never be below seven individuals manning two engines a ladder and a command vehicle. The Chief also lives in the City and can respond. This department has a close working relationship with the City of Forest Park. They respond and provide assistance when we need it. The Morrow Fire Department holds mutual aid agreements with Forest Park and all the surrounding areas.
Morrow has 29 full time employees, nine people a shift, the Chief and the Fire Marshall which equates to 7.2 fire fighters per square mile, something the City can be proud of. Clayton County has 220 full time employees equating to 1 fire fighter per 2.26 square miles. Morrow has 1 fire fighter to protect every 168 residents; Clayton County has 1 fire fighter to protect every 1,027 residents. This data is based on the 2000 Census.
The City of Morrow Fire Department is funded 100% by the City’s General Fund. Clayton County is funded by fire fund tax from participating agencies. The County’s EMS division is funded by the County’s General Fund. The County uses employees trained for both fire and EMS functions paid out of the two separate funds.
The ISO rates insurance. In their ratings, one is the best all the way down to 10 and 12. Currently the City of Morrow has a class four rating. The County holds a class three. There is no difference between the 3 and 4 rating. An in house survey of nine insurance companies corroborates this finding. With this, there is no increase in premiums.
Morrow’s engines carry 5 inch supply lines. This is the line used to connect to the hydrant to give needed water. A 5 inch supply line is capable of flowing 1,700 gallons per minute. The County only carries a 3 inch line, while the City of Morrow used to carry this size line. A 5 inch line essentially moves the hydrant closer to the fire. With a smaller line it is more difficult to pump large amounts of water. For the County, they need more people to gets more water and Morrow, on the other hand, needs fewer people.
The Morrow Fire Department is a community focused department. Public service is important and customer service is the new buzz word. The bigger Cities are pushing to do smoke detector surveys and the Morrow Fire Department has been doing this customer service since 1994. These surveys are not only gathering facts, but the department supplies a home with a detector if they do not have one. The department knows those detectors can save lives.
The department also does a fire inspection to make sure residences are safe, with proper storage of flammable products and an escape plan in place. The City of Morrow was the first department in the County to obtain a fire safety house. This is a miniature house used to teach fire safety education. The department offers free blood pressure checks. It is in the best interest of these residents to come into the City, the Department can handle the fire protection needs and Captain Byrd explains the residents will get better service.
Captain Jeff Baker, Morrow Police Department
Morrow Police Department is full service. Every officer is trained to be proficient on the scene, and does not have to wait for someone else to process a crime scene. The Police Department comes to you and does not take reports over the phone, responding personally. The department patrols all residential and commercial areas which are less reactionary, and more proactive, reducing crime by being present.
Morrow’s average response time to emergency calls is 3 minutes and for non emergency calls is 7 minutes. Calls for service from Clayton County report that there was only one call for service in the Peacock area. Captain Baker predicts that this area would not significantly impact response times or the ability to provide service. Because the area is already on the Department’s patrol, there is no real change.
Morrow has 31 sworn, full time police officers. This represents 7.75 police officers for every square mile in the City. Clayton County’s 221 sworn, full time officers, represent 1.85 police officers per every square mile in the County. This is a significant difference. With 31 officers, there is one officer for every 158 residents in the City, based on the 2000 Census. In Clayton County the officer resident ratio is 1 officer for every 873 residents.
The Department’s global positioning satellite is one of the many state of the art pieces of equipment the department has. This is a mobile data system, with GPS tracking. This enhances officer safety, and assists dispatchers when determining the closest officer for dispatching. This in turn diminishes response times to calls. In-car mapping and analysis gives real-time to the officers to see where the crimes are occurring. Captain Baker refers to the presentation with a demonstration of the computer screen.
Some of the services offered by the department are residential surveys. Upon request, an officer will come out and do a survey of your home, giving ideas and pointers for environmental crime reduction including trimming bushes or adding lighting. Another service is an out of town house check. If a resident is out of town, you can request an officer to come out and walk your property once a day. Many people are interested in walking through the law enforcement process. The Citizen’s Police Academy is offered to have time with citizens in the community, and teaches some of the functionality of the department. The 55 Alive is a State driving course required for some people to keep their insurance down. The Morrow Police Department does some of that training.
Yet another service is the PROUD neighborhoods. At least one officer and one fire fighter are assigned to each neighborhood. The department conducts meetings and spends time with the citizens, to get an idea of what some of the crime trends are. Also, it gives residents a chance to discuss problems with a police officer. The CERT team is a very important arm of the Morrow Police Department. There is also a VIPS, federally mandated program. There are volunteers who give many hours a year helping the department with various tasks. There is a VIPS vehicle for use by the volunteers to patrol in. Morrow Police Department has three radar trailers. These are friendly speed notification devices. They are all equipped with computers to collect and analyze data and have information boards. The Morrow Police Department gives presentations to businesses and civic groups on a variety of topics. The topics include business safety, personal safety, and identify fraud.
Captain Baker suggests that annexation is in the best interest of the Peacock area because of code enforcement. The new residences will be required to maintain the high standards of the City of Morrow. This will increase and help maintain a higher property value. The residents will also enjoy a much quicker response to calls for service from Public Safety.
City Manager Lampl thanked the presenters and commented that many were doing it for the first time and they did a tremendous job. He then opened the floor for questions concerning the annexation. There were no questions or comments.
OLD BUSINESS:
No Old Business
NEW BUSINESS:
1. First Reading of Ordinance 2006-02 for the annexation of certain property on Peacock Boulevard, as described above.
Mayor Millirons adjourned the meeting at 8:15 pm.
______________________________________________
JIM MILLIRONS, MAYOR
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C. R. HUIE, MAYOR PRO TEM
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CHARLES O. SORROW, COUNCILMAN
_______________________________________________
THOMAS J. LaPORTE, COUNCILMAN
VIRLYN SLATON, COUNCILMAN
ATTEST:
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Sylvia Redic, City Clerk