CITY OF MORROW, GEORGIA
Regular Council Meeting
September 26, 2006
PRESENT AT MEETING: ALSO PRESENT:
Jim Millirons, Mayor John Lampl, City Manager
C. R. Huie, Mayor Pro Tem
Virlyn Slaton, Councilman
Charles O. Sorrow, Councilman
Thomas J. LaPorte, Councilman
Mayor Jim Millirons called the regular meeting of the Morrow City Council to order at 7:35 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 – September 26, 2006
Regular Meeting –September 26, 2006
Councilman Sorrow made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Councilman Huie. The motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING:
The City of Morrow held a public hearing to annex property at certain addresses on Argonne Drive, Pershing Way, Pinecrest Drive, Lake Harbin Road, Meadowbrook Lane, and Pleasant Valley Drive 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. Detailed as follows:
1837 Argonne Drive 1845 Argonne Drive 1846 Argonne Drive
1858 Argonne Drive 1870 Argonne Drive 1874 Argonne Drive
1878 Argonne Drive 1881 Argonne Drive 1882 Argonne Drive
1885 Argonne Drive 1886 Argonne Drive 1889 Argonne Drive
1890 Argonne Drive 1894 Argonne Drive 1898 Argonne Drive
1902 Argonne Drive 1906 Argonne Drive 1910 Argonne Drive
1823 Pershing Way 1835 Pershing Way 1838 Pershing Way
1843 Pershing Way 1849 Pershing Way 1860 Pershing Way
1901 Pershing Way 1938 Pinecrest Drive 1848 Pershing Way
1837 Lake Harbin Road 1861 Lake Harbin Road 1875 Lake Harbin Road
1891 Lake Harbin Road 1915 Lake Harbin Road 1929 Lake Harbin Road
1945 Lake Harbin Road** 1892 Lake Harbin Road 1902 Lake Harbin Road
1922 Lake Harbin Road Lake Harbin Road* 6492 Meadowbrook Lane
6435 Pleasant Valley Drive 6442 Pleasant Valley Drive 6504 Meadowbrook Lane
6447 Pleasant Valley Drive 6454 Pleasant Valley Drive
6463 Pleasant Valley Drive 6466 Pleasant Valley Drive
6472 Pleasant Valley Drive 6473 Pleasant Valley Drive
6450 Meadowbrook Lane 6480 Meadowbrook Lane
*This property is adjacent to and belongs to the property owners at 1858 Argonne Drive.
** This property a/k/a as Childers Way consisting of 13 lots, a/k/a 12-115A-00A-002.
Lots to be annexed are as follows:
12-115A-00A-002-1, 12-115A-00A-002-2, 12-115A-00A-002-3, 12-115A-00A-002-4,
12-115A-00A-002-5, 12-115A-00A-002-10, 12-115A-00A-002-11, 12-115A-00A-002-12
12-115A-00A-002-13, and also the 0.93 acres described as lot number 12-115A-00A-002 that is listed as open space.
PRESENTATION:
It is the intention of the City of Morrow to annex property at certain addresses on Argonne Drive, Pershing Way, Pinecrest Drive, Lake Harbin Road, Meadowbrook Lane, and Pleasant Valley Drive, 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.
John Lampl, City Manager
City Manager Lampl began by thanking the Mayor and Council and the members of the audience. He announced that the petition for annexation had been received and accepted by the Mayor and Council and that the City had received signatures from property owners. He noted that the annexation would be performed under the 60/40 percent method. He then introduced a power point presentation and explained that different departments would take the time to explain the details of our City services. He then explained that after the presentation, citizens would be able to address the City Council and the Mayor would be taking questions.
Referring to the presentation, City Manager Lampl explained that the property boundaries are defined in green, including portions of Argonne Drive, Pershing Way, Pleasant Valley, Lake Harbin Road and a couple of parcels on Meadowbrook. Councilman Slaton noted that the boundaries also included parcels on Pinecrest Drive and Mr. Lampl thanked him for the correction.
In 2004, the City of Morrow as well as Clayton County was required to go through a comprehensive land use reevaluation which addresses zoning and defines how adjacent properties tie together, whether you are in unincorporated or corporated areas. This particular Future Land Use map is Clayton County’s Future Land Use map and looking at the map you can see the city limits of Morrow and you will notice that adjacent areas are in yellow which is a medium density residential, defined as RS-180 A and RS-180 or RS-110. In layman terms, that is single family detached property.
In this particular case, Lampl explains as he refers to the Morrow Land Use map, looking at the area being defined, which is contiguous to the City of Morrow, the green area seen on the map was originally a standard residential zoning, however, 40 acres were just purchased by the City of Morrow and derestricted for designated park space. This change was made only in the last 30 days. The other adjacent areas illustrated in yellow, are RS-80 zoning for the City of Morrow and very similar to the residential zoning of Clayton County. In layman’s terms this would also be single family detached housing.
One of the things we have to look at is how an annexation will affect residents. One thing to note is that public safety is funded out of our general fund. In Clayton County, as an unincorporated resident, you have a fire district tax. That represents 3.9 mils. What that comes down to in value is that the City of Morrow has a homestead exemption. This homestead exemption is allotted no matter ones age or income. That means, if you own a house which values at $170,000 or less, you do not pay Morrow’s City tax, irrespective of what the tax rate is, the City tax will be zero. In this particular case, a home valued at $170,000 or less in the City of Morrow saves $265 annual property tax.
Another attribute to consider is appraisal values for adjacent properties. Almost this entire area for the better part of 30 years has not had any new housing. Because of the change initiated by the City of Morrow, for example, Fox Croft, we have been able to attract quality development and build some single family homes. These new developments are valuing at first $180,000 and escalating to as high as $260,000. The second subdivision was Central Park, now fully complete and again, they started at $190,000 but recent numbers value them as high as $270,000. Two additional subdivisions are coming in and adding more comparable housing. Referring to the presentation, Mr. Lampl points out both Harbin Terrace and Brookwood Estates. In Harbin Terrace, the first house should break $300,000. The average size is a four sided brick exterior, 3,000 to 4,000 square feet with a couple of houses in this subdivision being a little less than 7,000 square feet. We are able to prove that with the RS-80 zoning, we are able to attract and build a quality product in Morrow. Since 1998 we have built 400 new homes which equates to 40% of Morrow’s housing being brand new and commanding anywhere between $200,000 and $300,000.
City Manager went on to compare similar housing in the City of Morrow and Clayton County. He illustrated with two neighborhoods, in Morrow, Harbin Woods and in the County, Rabun Drive. On Rabun Drive the houses sold for $80,000 a decade ago and are still in the same price range. Houses in Harbin Woods command a higher dollar even though they are smaller. These neighborhoods are only a few miles from each other. In theory, the houses on Rabun should be selling for more, but instead, they sell between $80,000 and $100,000. In Harbin Woods, comparable housing sells for between $135,000 and $140,000. These significant differences can primarily be accredited to code enforcement.
When looking down the street on Lake Harbin, the City is concerned with the development that is taking place. Pointing to a slide in the presentation he pointed to some sub-standard residential additions and reiterated that the City is concerned with an increasing amount of this poor quality, which does not add value to a house or a neighborhood. He explained that this would not happen in the City of Morrow. He went on to explain that commercial vehicles can not be parked inside residential areas. In the City of Morrow, these codes are enforced. Additionally, there are right ways and wrong ways to deal with progress. He explained that a house illustrated in the presentation had an enormous amount of dirt in the yard with no regard for storm water issues or water quality issues that must be protected. He went on the explain that with certain types of construction there should be silt fencing to avoid excess dirt running down the street. The codes are in place to protect everyone and therefore, they must be enforced. In Morrow, these codes will be enforced whether you are a resident of the City, an employee of the City or an employee of another jurisdiction. There is no special treatment; you have to follow the rules.
In another case, we had some unwillingness to be cooperative that was quite dangerous. Someone was taking trees down on Carla Drive with no one directing traffic, even though it is a fairly large travel corridor. In the case of an emergency, an ambulance would be unable to get through. Therefore the lanes must be left open. Imagine the ambulance was trying to get to your house. This is good common sense and a matter of being neighborly.
The City makes a real effort to plan, not only residentially but commercially. There are some mixed use ordinances in place that allow for transitions of older shopping centers into something more viable. City Manager Lampl referred to some slides of a development in Smyrna, a development similar to what the city anticipates. He explained that there are a lot of people willing to pay fair market value for a condo over a sandwich shop or something similar.
Mr. Lampl went on to discuss the City’s LCI plan. The plan has been modified over the years but there is a parking deck which has been approved. A streetscape has also been approved (by GDOT). The City is waiting for approval on both projects for a Categorical Exclusion and hopes to bid this project out within the next 60 days. Using Federal and State funds, the City leverages the resources it has to get a return on State and Federal tax dollars.
Morrow strives to provide a family environment. The City sends out a newsletter 3 or 4 times a year telling our citizens about the things going on. The City markets events and Mr. Lampl pointed out the Morrow’s fireworks show is one of the best in southern Atlanta. It even rivals shows such as Lenox and you do not have to wait on hot asphalt for 6 hours to see a 20 minute show. Bring your family out; it does not cost you anything. Watch the fireworks display and you can be back at your house in about 20 minutes. Ultimately, with Morrow’s park space program, we are planning a Peachtree City style trail system, some of which is currently under construction.
Morrow is concerned about the citizens and values their input. Every citizen, for the last four years, has been personally invited to attend a Roundtable meeting at the Tourist Center. We provide a little food, and do a Power Point presentation lasting about an hour. In this meeting, we demonstrate where we were, where we are, and where we are going. We then open the floor for you to talk specifically about your neighborhood, your issues and concerns. The same City players that you see here tonight are there to help answer any questions that come up. This gives everyone an opportunity to speak up about whether or not they are happy with the services they receive. There are two Council Meetings each month, there are Public Safety websites, City of Morrow websites, Code Enforcement websites, we even knock at your door for fire protection inspections once a year. We are out there trying to give you the best services we can and we think our services are unique.
Leadership counts. Morrow has a stable City Council, a group of people that you can call on with a problem that you know by name. There is an open door policy, you can walk in and sit down with the City Manager. If you want to talk with me on a Saturday, I am not hard to find. We do the best we can, leadership matters.
City Manager Lampl turned the presentation over the Public Works Director, Jeff Eady.
Jeff Eady, Public Works Director.
Jeff Eady thanked John Lampl. Mr. Eady introduced himself and noted that he has been with the City for 23 years. He noted that Public Works is a 24 hour service operation just like the Police and Fire departments. The Department keeps people on call to provide citizens with a quality product. Public Works has internal customers such as the Police Department and Fire Department and they have external customers for whom they are responsible, the citizens and visitors. We must manage our Department as efficiently as possible.
Public Works provides physical infrastructure essential for the City to operate and its economic and social development. Public Works provides the physical elements for society to exist. If you do not have roads, nobody gets anywhere.
Every jurisdiction has a Public Works department, including Clayton County. Everyone manages their Public Works department in different ways. Morrow’s Public Works department is divided into sectors; transportation, development and redevelopment, solid waste management, the Tourist Center, parks, public facilities and vehicles and equipment. The City has between 5,500 and 6,000 citizens and that number is climbing. We are also responsible for upwards of 70,000 people who come into the City everyday. During the holidays this number can grow to over 80,000 per day.
As far as the transportation, we are responsible for maintaining, rehabilitating and constructing a network to ensure public safety, promote the economy and enhance the quality of life. We pave streets but since we do not own any equipment, we contract that work out. We evaluate each street to prioritize who gets paved next. The Argonne and Pershing Way area is on year five of SPLOST, which is 2007.
Public Works is responsible for street and drainage maintenance which also falls under transportation, things as simple as patching a road, maintaining right of way, and sealing roads. The streets are swept 12 times a year, or monthly, this keeps the storm drains clean and avoids backup onto the roads. Public Works is responsible for sidewalk maintenance and traffic control signage. Morrow does not actually maintain signals here but do maintain the signage. Public Works is responsible for street lighting; there are over 500 street lights. Morrow pays the bill on 99.9% of those lights. Mr. Eady explained that the area proposed for annexation will have to have additional lights to come up to the City’s standards. The City tries to have a street light every 200 feet.
Mr. Eady told the audience that the Public Works department is always looking for ways to upgrade the City. We seek out innovative techniques to increase or at least maintain property values. One such way is to install subdivision markers for neighborhoods throughout the City. These markers are each lighted and landscaped. We also do street prints; we do four or five a year.
You will also notice that we do not use the standard posts for stop signs. The City of Morrow uses decorative sign posts adding value to the City. We could easily put in a $40 pole, but to raise the bar, Morrow uses a white decorative pole. The pole is over $300 to go into the ground and it adds value to your property, giving you a sense of place. We want you to have a place you can be proud to call home. On the Meadowbrook intersection, you will notice the mast arms and lighted street name signs. We are working to put those in every single intersection.
Public Works is also in charge of parks and we have passive parks throughout the City, including our largest adjacent to City Hall with a walking trail. We have “pocket parks” in many of the neighborhoods. These parks are built with no spaces because they are meant only for the citizens in that neighborhood. We do not want outsiders in our pocket parks. We are currently evaluating neighborhoods to see if there is enough land and a need for additional pocket parks.
Mr. Eady referred to a slide to highlight Morrow’s newest park, Millirons Park on the corners of Graceland and Morrow Road and Hammack. He invited everyone to drive by and take a look at the park. He commended his crews for doing an outstanding job in erecting this destination point along the Jester’s Creek Trail. The trail starts at the end of Westwood Way and Phase I works its way down to the dead end of Monterey Drive and Oakridge Drive. We are currently clearing the trees right now in preparation for the trail. If space is available, we will design and construct a park, in house.
The Public Works department also manages pest control. And although mosquito season is ending, spraying usually occurs once a week. Typically this is done Wednesdays, depending on the weather. This is posted on the marquee in front of City Hall so you know we are coming. If we get heavy complaints, we will go two times a week.
In community development, we ensure construction projects are built and designed correctly. We help enhance traffic and minimize environmental impacts. Even in the clearing process for the trail system, we are not using conventional methods. We are using equipment which turns trees to mulch on the spot with no environmental impact. We look for high quality construction. We are responsible for reviewing plans for commercial developers.
Public Works is also responsible for Solid Waste Management. We collect both commercial and residential garbage. Our residential practice of picking up at the back door twice a week is only $51.83 quarterly. We are on a CPI contract and every year the price may go up, that is a reality. Mr. Eady explained that he could not guarantee the same price three years from now. That is a good deal for “back door”, you do not have to roll your cart to the street. Few Cities and no Counties offer this service. When you drive through Morrow one thing you will not see are hundreds and hundreds of big trash cans sitting at the curb. We also offer curb side service for anything such as appliances, furniture, limbs and debris at no charge. If there is an excess of debris, Public Works will haul off an entire dump truck for a resident for $35. There are 371 commercial customers and 1,134 residential customers.
Public Works accomplishes all these functions with thirteen fulltime employees and inmate labor. The trustees take care of the house keeping duties for City Hall and the Municipal Complex. Morrow also works between two and six inmates daily. Each individual is kept busy. On any given day there are between nineteen and twenty people working. Mr. Eady then explained that Morrow has one common sanitation service. There is always twice a week pick up at the back door.
Everyone is subject to development guidelines, both commercial and residential. We make sure the sidewalks are in place, the street lighting is present and park services are available. As long as you are inside the City limits you benefit from the beautification initiatives such as sign posts and street printing. The street sweeping and right of way maintenance have an important positive impact on the community. In the County, you will notice they get to the right of way when they can. Morrow is on a schedule of every ten days, unless weather prevents.
Public Works believes that the City will maintain property values for the home owners and even increase them. Mr. Eady stated that the Public Works Department will have no problem taking care of the additional homes. Mr. Eady stated that while his department is not perfect, he has a hard working team that is dedicated to Morrow. With the current staff and equipment, Mr. Eady assured the audience that they are capable of providing the best service for the proposed annexed area.
Public Works Director Jeff Eady turned the presentation over to Katherine Capps.
Katherine Capps, Director Emergency Communications
Ms. Capps introduced herself and thanked the Mayor and Council. The 911 Center is the center of communications for the Police, Fire, EMS Lake City Police Department and Public Works, Court Services and GCIC. The Center handles both emergency and non emergency calls for Morrow departments and neighboring Lake City. The Center also handles the notification of secondary services for the City. These include Animal Control, Code Enforcement, Public Works, Traffic Engineering and the Water Authority even after hours and weekends.
Last year the Center handled 22,434 calls for service. Fifteen thousand nine hundred and sixty one of those calls were handled by the Morrow Police Department. Nineteen hundred and sixty six of them were through the Morrow Fire Department. Last year the Center also handled 68,878 incoming telephone calls of which 19,189 were 911 calls. That is 911 calls from land line or cell phones. The Center is also Phase II compliant and we can accept your cell phone call no matter where you are. Morrow’s Center is also TDD capable to handle a telephone device for the deaf. It is an automated system.
Throughout the area proposed for annexation, in the year, there were 34 calls for police service. There were 16 EMS and Fire calls in that area. Ms. Capps explained that the Center was more than capable of handling this additional call volume. A breakdown of the calls for service are as follows: 1 discharge of firearm, 3 dog barking, 2 fight or domestic disturbance, 2 residential alarms, 2 auto accidents, 4 suspicious person, 2 suspicious vehicle, 1 auto theft in progress, 2 traffic direction, 7 domestic related calls, 1 vandalism, 4 911 hang ups, and 1 request for extra patrol.
Ms. Capps explained that Morrow takes hang up calls very seriously. Calling the resident back can not be the only approach; they must be seen as calls for service because one never knows what the circumstances are. Many times when Morrow has responded to these calls, they are actually incidents in progress.
The call break down for fire service is as follows: 3 assist invalid, 1 wire down, 2 house fires, 1 fire alarm, 4 persons fallen and 8 persons sick. Ms. Capps stated that with EMD certified communication officers, this type of call volume can be handled by the Morrow 911 Center.
All Morrow Dispatchers are EMD certified. They are certified by a leading agency; the National Academy of EMD out of Salt Lake City, Utah, which is internationally recognized. Morrow is one of only five Centers in the metro Atlanta area in which all dispatchers are certified. Our Center utilizes the leading technology in the industry. This is made possible by the Mayor and Council and the City Manager.
Morrow 911 employs the enhanced 911 system. This system provides the caller’s address and telephone number. The Center is Phase II compliant. This means that if you call from a cell phone, either on the road or from home, dispatchers can pin point your location and view your call back number.
With mapping technology, dispatchers can see where a call is coming from, a residential house or as a wireless caller. We can pin point an x and y axis. The 911 Center is able to send the closest police officer. Referring to a slide, Ms. Capps pointed out the Comet Tracker Software used to track police officer activity. This technology provides additional safety for officers. Dispatchers always know where officers are and can get to them when in distress.
The Center’s technology also includes a 911 simulator used for public education. Currently we are working with both the elementary schools and several community programs. The Center also monitors the traffic flow through the City using six Department of Transportation cameras. In place, there is also one emergency warning siren which can be heard throughout the City.
Katherine Capps turned the floor over to the Police Department
Captain Cam Reed, Morrow Police Department
Captain Cam Reed introduced and explained he was over the Uniformed Patrol Division. Captain Reed stated that the Morrow Police Department is a small department, yet our service represents a big department. Morrows
Police Chief is proactive and innovative and we push that through the ranks down to the patrol officers on the street.
Morrow Police Department is full service. Every officer in their vehicle has the skills to process a crime scene, no outside agencies are necessary. You do not have to sit around waiting for someone else to show up. This Department does not take reports over the telephone, instead they respond personally to every call that comes in to the station or through emergency communications providing a higher level of service. The Department patrols neighborhoods and commercial areas even when they are not responding to calls for service. In some of the bigger agencies, you call and give all the information over the phone but you never see an officer, they simply file a report and send you a copy.
Morrow police Officers take the time to patrol the City, both commercial and residential areas. Morrow’s average response time to emergency calls is 3 minutes and for non emergency calls is 7 minutes. In a Clayton County annual report from 2005, their average response time was 18.61 minutes. That is a big difference from Morrow’s 3 minutes. In 2005 they handled more than 255,000 calls for service. Capt. Reed reiterated the information Ms. Capps presented that only 9 calls in the proposed annexation area resulted in a report being taken out of the 34 calls for service. This will not make a significant impact on the Police Department’s level of service.
Morrow’s full time police force consists of 33 sworn law enforcement officers. This represents 7.75 officers for every square mile in the City. Clayton County has 271 full time sworn officers and they are struggling to get manpower up to where it should be. In the County, this represents 1.85 Officers per square mile.
Capt. Reed reviewed some statistics that were published in July in the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. Comparing 2005 to 2006 they showed increases in certain types of crime. Homicide standing out the most, in 2005, there were 11. Already in 2006 there have been 22, and that was reported in July which means the numbers have probably gone up. That is a 100% increase in the number of homicides in the County. You can see that rapes and robberies are down. Aggravated assaults, burglaries and larcenies are all up, most, a significant amount.
Capt. Reed went on to explain more about GPS capabilities and pointed to an illustration of the maps used in the 911 Center. All units now have GPS tracking capabilities. When dispatch receives a call, they can look at the screen and see which is officer is the closest to the incident and this will obviously cut the response times down. In addition to this style of dispatch, the technology enables the police to pull pertinent statistics up in each vehicle to review crime patterns and therefore more effectively manage personnel. If, for example, there were a rash of residential thefts, officers can examine which neighborhoods have the highest frequency and hence, patrol that neighborhood more often.
This technology also enables us to look at weekly, monthly and end of the year incident data, always assisting with better decisions concerning patrol units, that is, the most efficient use of manpower.
The Morrow Police Department will often provide residential surveys for anyone who wants an officer to check their house. Especially in a community with older housing, an officer can look and give tips on safety around the house making one less vulnerable. The same service is offered to businesses. Another service is a house check for those who are out of town. An officer will come out everyday and walk around your property.
This department conducts a Citizens Police Academy and maintains a Citizens Police Academy Alumni. Two more of these classes will be offered before the end of the year. All citizens are welcome to attend and the department teaches a lot about the functions of law enforcement. The Department sponsors 55 Alive driving courses. Two of these classes were conducted this summer. It is a program sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons and it teaches how to be a safer driver. Morrow has PROUD neighborhoods. Capt. Reed mentioned there are often signs advertising meetings. Each officer is assigned an individual neighborhood, and the PROUD officers meet with the residents to find out about any concerns or problems in an area.
Morrow also has a VIPS program. These are volunteers who aide the Police. Cee Viola comes to our office everyday to assist with paperwork and these individuals also conduct general patrols. There are radar trailers to help make drivers more conscience of their speed, a friendly reminder to encourage drivers to slow down. The Department conducts civic presentations. Anytime we are requested, we will come out and talk about crimes, for example, identity theft. Officers will come out and talk about what you can do.
The Department participates in the GREAT program which is similar to the DARE program. The DARE program is being phased out and the GREAT program is coming to the forefront.
The Police department is involved in Morrow’s code enforcement. Capt. Reed suggested that there is an obvious difference inside the City limits because of the effective code enforcement. Police enforce codes to bring property up to the standards of Morrow and in effect, increase property value. Outside the City you see a multitude of signs and Morrow tries to prevent that.
Captain Donny Harry, Morrow Fire Department
Captain Harry introduced himself as the shift commander with the City of Morrow Fire Department and has been with the City for 26 plus years. Capt Harry pointed out that within the annexation area; the furthest point is 1906 Argonne Drive and is merely 1.1 miles from the fire station. The closest Clayton County fire station is 2.1 miles. Captain Harry went on to explain that Morrow is quicker and closer to the residents with both fire and EMS service.
The response distance from Station II on Mt. Zion is also only 1.1 miles; again the County’s closest station is 2.1 miles. The second closest station in the County is on Battle Creek and is a distance of 2.9 miles. The Department’s average response time throughout the City is 3.45 minutes. This is for emergency calls, in non emergency calls the response is under 7 minutes, both of which are well below the National average.
Pointing to a slide, Captain Harry described the Department’s fleet as two engines, a ladder truck, and two ambulances. The Fire Department provides an ALS emergency rescue squad, which is paramedic level on each rescue vehicle and also, we respond to calls with fire engines having paramedics on board if the rescue squads are on calls. In 1996 Morrow was the first department in the County to implement paramedics on engines. The same equipment is on the ambulances and engines, but the department does not transport in the fire truck.
The City of Morrow only charges a citizen’s insurance carrier. If you are a citizen we do not send you a bill, we send your insurance company a bill. We do not collect directly from citizens. County charges are $475 dollars for advanced care and $50 dollars for a response fee. There is a charge of $8 per mile to the hospital $40 for every procedure administered.
Captain Harry noted that Morrow has nine persons per shift with a seven man minimum. Two engines, two ambulances, ladder truck, command vehicle and Chief’s car. We have a mutual aide agreement with the Forest Park Fire Department. There are also agreements with other surrounding departments.
Morrow has 31 full time employees, nine people a shift, the Chief and the Fire Marshall which equates to 7.75 fire fighters per square mile, something the City can be proud of. Clayton County has 221 full time employees equating to 1 fire fighter per 2.26 square miles. Morrow has 1 fire fighter for every 183 residents; Clayton County has 1 fire fighter for 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 a fire fund paid for by participating agencies. The County’s EMS division is funded by the County’s General Fund. The County employees are designated Fire or EMS and are paid out of two separate funds.
Morrow has an ISO rating of four, and Clayton County has an ISO rating of three. Most insurance companies group a rating of three and four together. With an in house survey of nine insurance companies, there was no increase in premiums between Morrow and Clayton County. In determining insurance costs, this is what is examined. Response times, water supply, distance of hydrants to structures in the area, and the distance of the fire station to house. Insurance companies report that rates are typically lower in the Cities than in the Counties. (Nationwide, Allstate, Geico, State Farm)
The Morrow Fire Department can move 1700 gallons a minute with one five inch line. The County still uses 3 inch supply lines and can move 500 gallons a minute. Therefore if you need more than that, the County will have to have a second engine on the scene to supply the water.
Morrow Fire Department is very proactive in the community and conducts smoke detector surveys and home fire inspections. The Department has a Fire Safety House used to teach fire safety in the home. The Department also does blood pressure checks. Morrow has the first state certified CERT team. Captain Harry mentioned that CERT training takes place tomorrow night. In summary, Captain Harry notes, it is in the best interest of these residents to come into the City. This Department takes pride in itself on being involved with every resident for a safer community.
Grant Wainscott, Economic Developer
Mr. Wainscott told the audience that as proactive as we are in public safety and all the other things we have heard about tonight, we can not discount how lucky we are to be in a City that has an Economic Development and Tourism Department. We are one of the only cities in this entire region our size that has a separate Economic Development function and Tourism function. You will notice the beautiful new Tourist Center. That is the department over which I preside and our Economic Development function through the MBTA, which just opened an office over in the Global Trade Market across from Southlake Mall.
We are creative in how we fund these functions. The hotel motel tax helps pay for all the staff, and for the beautiful Tourist building out on the interstate which helps us keep that $170,000 homestead exemption. Mr. Wainscott explained that the City spends a great deal of time looking into facts by finding the right folks who can tell us. We find the data that supports proactive responsible growth.
These are some of the major partners we have worked with to help with the ULI study. In 2000, the Urban Land Institute, one of the finest development institutes came into Atlanta and did a major survey with participation from Metro Chamber, Georgia Power, Universities, and all different groups. They were paid a fair amount of money to develop guiding principals for how we can grow responsibly. Morrow really took the information to heart even when other communities in the area did not. We listened to what the experts said. This type of information helps us drive towards our goals as a City.
Morrow’s Comprehensive Plan, the land use element and annexation plan, these are all things that we spend a tremendous amount of time researching. These help the City figure out from a residential and commercial stand point, where we want to be in five years, and where we want to be in ten years. It is important to remember that even if there is a 30 year plan, the City must start today. Let us find out what our residents want, what will increase the property value and the safety and pleasure of our residents.
The Comprehensive plan was designed to maintain a balance of development patterns, annexation of commercial and industrial properties, and residential properties. If it is Morrow, we want to help drive how the area is perceived. Mr. Wainscott then discussed the economic development plan. This plan was put together and entitled, “Morrow…The Time Is Now”. In this strategy, the City states clearly goals based on studies, residential, and business input. In this plan the City identified an International Wholesale District. You may have noticed a new sign that went up on Mt. Zion, Global Trade Market. This sign is our effort to help revitalize an eye sore of partially occupied warehouses that no one is paying attention to.
The City wants to bring economic revitalization, good jobs, and good shoppers back into the area to help with quality development. This trade market area is approximately 60 to 80 acres on the extreme side of Mt. Zion, from the Piccadilly down toward the end of the City limits. In that area you will really see some amazing things as the City changes the way we do business in that area.
If you have noticed what took place over the past 12 months at the once Aaron Rents Center, now the Global Trade Marker Center, you will have seen tremendous efforts in lighting, landscaping, and other redevelopment efforts. Mr. Wainscott pointed to some photos of the Center. He explained that before the City took control there were always a lot of people sitting around the property and that detracts from the 3 million square feet of shopping. The City has 1.2 billion dollars in retail sales in the City. 1.7 total in the Morrow district and we do not want to jeopardize that revenue. That is tax relief to home owners.
Mr. Wainscott proceeded by showing a rendition of Twinn Creeks at Southlake. It is an early concept of how to revitalize the area around Southlake Mall, particularly around the interstate. Until about two years ago we had increasing vacancies. These were mostly due to national bankruptcies. There were still strong retail sales and it was not necessarily because of anything going on inside the City of Morrow. Still we needed to reduce those vacancies, so we came up with a plan to bring in more quality entertainment and things for people to do. We need more than an afternoon at the mall. This plan looked at how we could bring museums, culture, art, and restaurants into the area providing and even better quality of life.
In the City of Morrow, if we say it, we are trying to do it. And we can prove that real progress is being made. Remember the old Oldsmobile? It sat vacant for eight years. The property had issues that needed to be addressed. The City came in, addressed the issues and turned the property around and sold it out to Pappas Restaurant group. This will be one of the largest restaurants in their chain and there will also be a boutique hotel. These are the kinds of developments Morrow is working to secure.
We have a responsibility has an economic development group to come in and help stimulate the economy. Do the things that make financial sense, get in and get back out again and get it into corporate tax paying hands and get good quality development. This is happening in Morrow.
Mr. Wainscott referred to a slide which illustrated an area called Olde Morrow. The design is on the backside of Southlake Mall along I-75. He pointed out a clearing of the area and a house that has been placed on the property. He then mentioned that several other homes will be coming in. In this district we are creating a higher quality dinning experience and since we were not able to save a lot of our historic homes, the City is bringing some in from around the state. The City is restoring these homes and creating an environment with a different feel. Again, this is just the City trying to add quality and value.
Mr. Wainscott then pointed out a new retail development along Hwy 54, called the Bridges. Before, where the developers were getting about $6 per square foot, the new development commands $22 per foot. That is an increase of almost 400%.This rate will attract a higher caliber retail outlet and shopper. This is what will build confidence in the area. Developers are saying good things about Morrow.
Mr. Wainscott explained that we try and keep tabs on what is going on around us. Clayton County has a lot of land to take care of and they have some great new development projects. The five main projects they are focusing on do not include any of the area around Southlake Mall which means, we have to focus on this area ourselves. We really want to be able to control our own destiny and that is really what tonight is about.
Mr. Wainscott thanked the mayor and Council and turned the presentation back over the John Lampl.
John Lampl explained that presenters did try and keep it brief even though it may not have felt that way. Anyone of these Department heads, he stated, could do individual presentations to exceed two and three hours. With that being said, we will submit the presentation over as a part of the official minutes and let the mayor and Council take the floor.
Mayor
Mayor Millirons explained that the property known as the Childers Way, consists of 13 lots also known as 12115A00A-002, which is the map identification for the property. The lots to be annexed are as follows:
12115A00A-0021 through 12115A00A-002-13 covering the 13 lots. Also, the .930 acres described as lot 12115A00A-002 listed as open space.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. First Reading of Ordinance 2006-10 for the annexation of certain properties as described above.
2. Melly Meadows, In the Fullness of Time
No presentation given.
COMMENTS:
Mayor Millirons opened the floor for comments related to the annexation.
Mayor Millirons:
The mayor asked all those with comments to come and speak into the microphone to ensure clarity for everyone in the room. The mayor asked for each individual to limit their comments to three minutes and explained that if more time was needed, to let him know. He asked that individuals not repeat the same comments over and over, nor should anyone repeat the comments of their predecessor. He assured the audience that everyone who wanted to speak would be heard.
Citizen 1
Thank you, Mayor, Council and Mr. Lampl. I am a resident of Clayton County and while I have enjoyed the presentation I am still opposed to being a part of the City. I have property inside the City now and I moved to Clayton County almost 40 years ago. I like the County and have played an active role over the years. I have had fire trucks, EMS and police out and I have never had a problem with any of the County services and I fail to see the benefit of duplicating that. I am curious as to what Morrow needs with all the property owners, you have done well enough without us. I appreciate your time
Mayor Millirons Thank you.
Citizen 2
My name is Stan Wynens; I live at 1922 Lake Harbin Road. My house is the beautiful pictures you showed under construction. I feel the same way as the first speaker. We did not get the information and we did not have time to prepare for this. If we can not get a continuance of this meeting then I think we should just go ahead to the State Court and get started down there. It is not fair to us; this was pushed on us so fast. We feel like you have gone against our wishes. We never had any intentions of coming into the City because you have harassed us for 17 years, so we would have never come into the City of Morrow. We did not have time to prepare for that. Thank you.
Mayor Millirons Thank you.
Citizen 3
Reginald Dixon Is anyone going to answer some of those questions those guys have?
Mayor Millirons I believe the letter of laws have been followed and sufficient notification is a matter of public record.
Stan Wynens Sir, I have to respectfully decline that.
Mayor Millirons I am not debating that, I am just saying that we feel we are within the letter of the law with what we are doing. You are entitled to your opinion.
Stan Wynens You are under the same codes as the State of Georgia.
Mayor Millirons I realize that.
Citizen 3
Reginald Dixon I am not sure I understand what you are saying.
Mayor Millirons Wait, you will have a turn.
Citizen 3
Reginald Dixon I am just trying to figure out what is going on. Are you going to answer the question later on? Are you recording the questions? Should we address the questions right now? Forgive me if I am messing up the legal process, I am just asking you a question. Is anyone going to answer the questions?
Mayor Millirons I asked that the same question not be asked three or four times in succession. I will answer your questions. When he asked the question as to whether or not they will gain in service and response times, the neighborhood services such as PROUD, personal observations 24 hours a day, the presentations answer our position very well.
As to the gentleman’s question on notification, I answered that, what else is left?
Citizen 3
Reginald Dixon I was talking about that the 20 to 30 year plan that Morrow has for these properties. He was asking, “Why does the City of Morrow want these properties?”
Mayor Millirons The presentation addresses this issue. We are talking about better protection and improvement; we are not talking about developing.
Citizen 4 My name is Emery Lowery I reside at 6492 Meadowbrook Lane and I came from Atlanta here in 1998. That was my first time coming to Clayton County and I was amazed by how it was. I really loved it and that is why I moved here. Now, I have been pleased so far, and now it is getting to the point where they are trying to run me out of Clayton County. I left the City to come to the County. Now if I can’t live in the City or the County, where else am I supposed to go? We all have a right to own our home and the right we have when we purchased our home. Like the other gentleman, he had the right to choose between the City or the County and he chose the County. Why bother us? If we are not creating any problems, if it is not broke, why fix it? I haven’t had any problems with the County and I haven’t had problems with the City. I maintain my home like every one of you and there are two things you really love, your home and your children and you are going to take care of those. The County, I love it, that is why I moved from the City and I shouldn’t be forced to live in the City because it is not right. Just like when we pledge allegiance to the flag, justice for all and you just can’t take it away from us. Thank you.
Mayor Millirons Let me answer a couple of his questions as to why people choose to live in Morrow. To get the services provided to everyone and they would be provided to you and the response times speak for themselves. I can not think of anything the County excels in that we do not bypass. You talk about areas in which to live and the quality of life that goes with your home and the protection of your family; we have had major industries come in here that would benefit Clayton County and the City of Morrow but when they get out of the confines of the City of Morrow they tell you, “I wouldn’t put anything here.” Everything is so run down that the drawing power is affected. So, they won’t come here because of what is happening outside the City, this happens repeatedly. I have covered it with the Commissioner and I have invited him to come and see our neighborhoods. They are well protected and well maintained. If people want to come here, we welcome them. I know no one who puts pressure on anyone to leave the City of Morrow or Clayton County and it would not be tolerated for a minute.
Citizen 5
My name is Bill Middlebrook and I live at 6454 Pleasant Valley Drive, of course, that is in the County. I am real pleased. I learned a lot about the City of Morrow a few years back when Kenny Smith was Chief of Police. I went through the Citizens Police Academy and got involved in a lot of stuff and learned a lot about the City. The statistics that were shown a while ago impressed me enough that I sure know I want to be in the City. I am not complaining about the County, they are doing the best they can, but they are 50 officers short on the Police force. I hate to think I would need them in a hurry and no one could come to me. The response times are quick and I can’t think of why anyone that lives as close as I do to the City limits would object to coming over a little further and taking me in. I am all for it, 100%. Nearly everyone around, I went to each one and talked to them and they tell me they feel the same way. Some of them are right by me now and I am trying to make them all stand up and say so. Thank you very much.
Mayor Millirons I couldn’t say anything better than that.
Citizen 6
Hello, Gail Wynens. My question is that it is taking two years for a house to sell in the City of Morrow. People do not want to move here and I realize that the people here that are in favor of going into the City, there is nothing wrong with that, because they are going to stay here. But there are some of us who will eventually want to leave and we don’t want to wait two years to sell our house. People are asking, “Is it in the County or is it in the City”, and when they find out it is in the City, they won’t look at these houses and you know yourself they are sitting there on the market. When we purchased our house there was not one shrub, the floor was falling in, the house was all but abandoned We took it over and have spent every dime and all of our time trying to improve it and we are still in the process. And on another note, I wanted to point out that the paving company that the City of Morrow hired, they had both lanes blocked and there was not room for an ambulance to get through. Thank you.
Mayor Millirons I question the two year sale time in the City of Morrow. There may be a lot of places identified as the City that are not, within the City limits. I would like to see the numbers on your source. Secondly, the new construction in the City is sold out because of the improved quality, the size and the way they are built. Clayton County defied us for years saying that it couldn’t be done in the City of Morrow. They wanted us to build starter homes and we refused, the upgrade raises the value of the whole City. I do not know of a house that stayed on the market two years.
Citizen 6
Gail Wynens I know of three houses, one on the corner of Lake Harbin and Carla, the one two doors up from that and the one in between there and the post office.
Mayor Millirons I do not know of them personally but my bet is they are overpriced. People feel that because they have lived there for 30 years it is worth two or three times what they paid for it, and I can’t speak to the factuality of that.
Citizen 6
Gail Wynens My problem is that people will not look at a house if it is in the City.
Mayor Millirons I don’t understand that. I am in the real estate business. The homes that are for sale in the new subdivisions sell immediately. Those subdivisions bring everyone else up. Usually the expectation of too much money for the home in the location will slow it down. I would like to hear your sources. You are talking three out of
one thousand four hundred, that is a very low percentage. But I appreciate your comments.
Citizen 6
Gail Wynens I am saying that real estate agents are telling me that people won’t even look at a house in the City of Morrow. That it is taking an average of two years.
Mayor Millirons Well, I have been in business 33 years and for real estate agents to say that is very irresponsible. They are not to show people where they want to go. It is the law that real estate agents do not tell people where not to go, I would like to talk to any one of them.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon It takes a lot for me to get up here. I can’t think of one time where I have gotten up to give a speech, I want everyone to recognize that this is a big deal for me. The last one of these meetings I attended was when somebody put something in my mailbox about properties around Costco, I remember people fighting. I don’t know who was fighting who. By the way, what is going on there?
City Manager, John Lampl That is the 40 acres on Meadowbrook, the City of Morrow just purchased that property and it will be a dedicated park space.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon I am not upset about anything. I keep my grass cut and all that good stuff. As far as the little stuff like cutting your grass, any responsible adult should do that for the well being of the City. But for this other stuff, like too much dirt in their yard or a porch not being up to standards, I feel as though I don’t need the City to help with that. I can go over myself and tell them. I can get my grass cut without the City. Aren’t there people in the County who can handle that?
Mayor Millirons The County could but I will tell you right now they don’t .
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon I can just call the County rather than get annexed in to have that handled. I am having a hard time understanding why we need the City to take care of these little things. I appreciate the wonderful things the City is doing. I love the City of Morrow, I use the parks, I love the pretty signs but I don’t want you moving into my home.
Mayor Millirons Draw a conclusion because your time is way over.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon I sat through the process and I enjoyed that. I will cut it short and I don’t want anyone angry at me. I feel like I can’t get you to pay attention now. You all came to us, so that is why I am here. I don’t want to be annexed in, there is no big reason, I just don’t want to. I am worried about how this affects me and my children in the small ways, like bus stops. Does anyone know whether or not it will affect my kids as far as the bus stops?
City Manager, John Lampl
No sir, that does not affect the school systems, either where they go to school or where the bus stop is located.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon Is there anything I can do tonight to keep my home from being annexed. How about just let those who want to be annexed, get them to come on in and leave everyone else alone?
Mayor Millirons This is a public hearing both sides will be heard. Public meetings have to be held and then an ordinance has to passed.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon So the decision has not yet been made, which means there is still a way out, is that true?
Mayor Millirons As far as I know.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon Now that is not what the letter said.
Mayor Millirons I don’t know of a solution to stop the process except express yourself.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon Well, that is what I want to do then. This letter says they want to thank everyone, that this thing is 100% done. Mr. Dixon read parts of a letter sent to the residents stating that the Council had approved the petition for annexation.
City Manager
John Lampl That letter states that the Council has accepted only the petition.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon So, in other words they have accepted, but not the annexation.
City Manager
John Lampl The City is required to have a public hearing and the Planning and Zoning Board is required to recommend the petition for zoning. The Council will meet again to hear the final sections of the annexation.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon So, in other words, it is not a done deal.
Mayor Millirons You can not stay there all night saying them same things over and over. I am asking you to finalize your comments and take your seat.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon I don’t know the business aspects, but the way you are treating me tonight, that is why we don’t want to be in the City of Morrow.
Mayor Millirons How are you being treated?
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon Not by no one because I was taught by the scripture that you pay people the respect they give you. I am asking you to respect me and let me get this out.
Mayor Millirons You haven’t shown respect to me, because I asked you to draw this to a conclusion about ten minutes ago.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon I just want to get my questions out. I love the City and I don’t want this to come between you and me. You won’t see me again when I leave here tonight. I just want to voice my opinion. I just want to make a comment that the guy I bought my home from told me not to be annexed and I don’t know why.
Mayor Millirons We can address those comments anytime without engaging the entire audience.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon I will try to keep my comments to something they want to hear. I will try and come to a conclusion.
Mayor Millirons You have 30 seconds to a minute.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon Will there be a side walk on the other side of the road along Meadowbrook, will you be widening the road?
City Manager
John Lampl We do not anticipate widening Meadowbrook. The City usually has sidewalks on one side only.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon Because I don’t want any widening, I already have a short front yard. I don’t want you doing what you did across from WalMart. I think I remember you.
City Manager
John Lampl You can take my number, but I believe your time is up.
Citizen 7
Reginald Dixon Okay, okay, I have to go to the job. I do appreciate it.
Citizen 8
Melly Meadows I actually came here tonight to say thanks to the City Council for all they have done to help support tourism and the musical that I produce, and happen to fall upon the annexation that is going through. My name is Melly Meadows and my mom was the former Mayor of Jonesboro. She recently went home to the Lord. I have lived through many years of City politics and County politics and it is my understanding, and correct me if I am wrong, I don’t think people necessarily have an understanding of the benefit of being annexed.
I would just like to briefly comment on the piece of real estate that I actually own that is in the County and I wish it were annexed into the City. It is my understanding that in annexing people, they are not taking your property away from you, your ownership, or even your rights. What they are offering to you is an umbrella of protection that ensures your property value from decreasing over the next ten or twenty years. Annexing the property in brings long term plans with parks and restoration and rebuilding property that is just falling apart, with property value going down. As a home owner, that brings your property value down.
If the City of Morrow, the business, became a ghost town and businesses won’t come in, then your value will quickly decrease. I own a piece of property that is outside the City limits of Jonesboro. When that property was at its prime, its value was $90,000. The people who live right next door have been arrested numerous times for drugs. We as owners have solicited the help of the County in order to regain our property value. We can’t get the County to come and clean up this dump and my property value is now $30,000 because I have trashy neighbors with no power and no water. I would be most grateful for a City to come in and say, let us help keep your property from depreciating. So when a City says we want to annex, what they are saying is we want to build a wall of protection around the land we love. To protect your long term investment, it is not to take away your rights. The City wants to annex this land because the City cares about the value. By expanding their parameters, you, as a City, get a greater return on your investment.
If homes are sitting on the market and not selling, it is because of a deficit in the area that is bringing in people. What can we do as a team to correct this? That is to come up to City improvements, improve Southlake Mall, add parks, add safety, add fire protection, and then people will come and say “This is where I want to live.” This City offers us a great community for our children giving to them parks and quick response times. I personally applaud the efforts of the City Council for all the City services. I strongly recommend to the citizens who have the privilege of being annexed into the City to be grateful that you have someone looking out for your best interests and your property value.
Mayor Millirons asked for any additional comments.
No additional comments.
Mayor Millirons thanked everyone for there time and comments. The Mayor then went on to address comments which were made about the fighting at a past meeting. He explained that people came to voice their opinions on what to do with the property. He explained that the 40 acres of land now belongs to the City and it is dedicated forever to a park, nothing will happen there accept good things. Mayor Millirons explained that in his tenure with the Council there had never passed a bad word one between the other. As a Council, he explained, they reserved the right to disagree but we work together respectfully to run the City of Morrow.
Mayor Millirons asked if there was anything further.
Citizen 9
Ms. Marsha Evans I just wanted to make a comment. The property on the slide that showed the house with all the dirt, I see a wall built on the corner of Lake Harbin and Carla, I was impressed by the wall, I thought it was an attractive wall. I went to the back yard and it is a beautiful back yard. I don’t even know these people, but that property could be in Southern Living. It is beautiful behind that wall. Even if it takes another year to get finished, it is well worth it.
Mayor Millirons Thank you. But you missed the point about the dirt. It is not that the dirt is in the yard, but that it is flowing into the street and stops up the storm sewers and we are required by law to see that silt screens are put up to protect the environment and the public right of way.
Mayor Millirons asked for additional comments. No additional comments.
We have covered the first reading of 2006-10.
There were no additional comments from the City Manager or the Council
Mayor Millirons adjourned the meeting at 9:30 pm.
______________________________________________
JIM MILLIRONS, MAYOR
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BOB HUIE, MAYOR PRO TEM
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CHARLES O. SORROW, COUNCILMAN
_______________________________________________
THOMAS J. LaPORTE, COUNCILMAN
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VIRLIN SLATON, COUNCILMAN
ATTEST:
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Sylvia Redic, City Clerk