November 13, 2020

This is a monthly update issued by the Manager’s Office regarding the activities of the Unified Government. The Mayor and Commission have developed “strategic commitments” that communicate what the citizens of Athens-Clarke County should expect from their local government. The report is not a comprehensive list of all activities undertaken by the Unified Government, but rather a select amount of information to help inform the public. The information is organized under these strategic commitment headings. Updated information from the past month is found in blue text.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INFORMED & ENGAGED CITIZENS ISSUES BEFORE COMMISSION November 15, 2020 ...... 4 December 1, 2020 Voting Meeting ...... 4 December 8, 2020 Work Session ...... 5 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Recent Meetings ...... 5 Upcoming Meetings ...... 14 TAX COLLECTION (PROPERTY, SALES, EXCISE AND BUSINESS TAXES) ...... 16 DEPARTMENTS Leisure Services ...... 16 Public Information Office ...... 19 Public Utilities ...... 22 Solid Waste ...... 22 Transportation & Public Works ...... 23 PROJECTS OF NOTE Envision Athens ...... 23

HEALTHY, LIVABLE, AND SUSTAINABLE ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS Animal Services ...... 25 Central Services ...... 25 Cooperative Extension Service ...... 26 Leisure Services ...... 26 Public Utilities ...... 27 Solid Waste ...... 28 CAPITAL PROJECTS – YOUTH AND COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT FACILITY PARTNERSHIP ...... 31 CAPITAL PROJECTS - ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM – SOLAR FOR FIRE STATION No. 4 ...... 31 CAPITAL PROJECTS – LEISURE SERVICES Sandy Creek Park Renovations – Beach Renovations ...... 32 Sandy Creek Park Renovations – Playground Replacement ...... 32

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 1 OF 66 Park Facilities Improvements – Memorial Park - Small Mammal Exhibit ...... 32 Park Facilities Improvements – Ben Burton Park – Pavilion Construction ...... 32 Park Facilities Improvements – Dudley Park Improvements ...... 33 CAPITAL PROJECTS – SOLID WASTE Phase V Landfill Expansion ...... 33 CAPITAL PROJECTS – SUSTAINABILITY OFFICE Solarize Athens 2.0 ...... 34 Hybrid Vehicle Replacement Program ...... 34

TRANSPORTATION MOBILITY & CONNECTIVITY DEPARTMENTS Transit ...... 36 CAPITAL PROJECTS – LEISURE SERVICES Park Facilities Improvements – Rails-to-Trails Network Program – Sub-Project #2 Firefly Trail ...... 37 Park Facilities Improvements – Rails-to-Trails Network Program – Sub-Project #3 Firefly Trail ...... 38 Park Facilities Improvements – Rails-to-Trails Network Program – Sub-Project #3.1 Firefly Trail ...... 38 Sub-Project 4 - Firefly Trail – Trail Creek Crossing ...... 39 CAPITAL PROJECTS – TRANSIT DEPARTMENT Bus Stop Improvement Program ...... 39 Transit Vehicle Expansion & Replacement Project ...... 39 CAPITAL PROJECTS – TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS Sidewalk Gap Program – FY17 Projects Group 1 – N Chase St, Baxter St & Southview Dr ...... 40 Sidewalk Gap Program – FY17 Projects Group 2 – Holman Ave and Magnolia St ...... 40 Wet Broad Street Sidewalk Gap...... 41 2020 Pavement Maintenance Project ...... 42 Carriage Lane Culvert Replacement Project and Barnett Shoals Sidewalk Gap Project ...... 42 Tallassee Road Bridge over CSX Railroad Replacement ...... 43 Lexington Highway Corridor Improvements ...... 43 Atlanta Highway Corridor Improvements ...... 43 Clayton Street Infrastructure and Transportation Improvements ...... 44

SAFE & PREPARED COMMUNITY DEPARTMENTS Animal Services ...... 46 Central Services ...... 47 Code Enforcement ...... 47 Fire and Emergency Services ...... 47 Police Services ...... 50 Public Utilities ...... 51

SHARED PROSPERITY DEPARTMENTS Building & Planning Activity ...... 53 Central Services ...... 54

ACCOUNTABLE & RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 2 OF 66 Central Services ...... 55 Public Information Office ...... 55 Public Utilities ...... 55 Solid Waste ...... 56

CAPITAL PROJECTS Middle Oconee Water Reclamation Facility Maintenance Building Project ...... 56 Middle Oconee Water Reclamation Facility (MOWRF) Centrifuge Replacement ...... 57 Brooklyn Creek Interceptor Project Phase I ...... 57 Brooklyn Creek Interceptor Project Phase 2 ...... 58 Upper North Oconee Interceptor Phase 2B Project ...... 58 Tanyard Creek Interceptor Improvements Phase 2 ...... 58 CURRENT AUDITS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE OFFICE OF OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS ...... 58

POSITIVE CITIZEN FEEDBACK ...... 59

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 3 OF 66

ISSUES BEFORE COMMISSION

Agenda Items for November 17, 2020 Special Call Meeting  A request to extend the Parklet Program and implement the Outdoor Retail Areas Program in the downtown area Approve minor modifications to the Parklet Policy, which include a program extension through March 31, 2021; and, Adopt a policy to implement the Outdoor Retail Areas Program on weekends through the remainder of 2020.  TSPLOST 2018 Project 06 - Firefly Trail Project, Sub-Project #3 - Parcel 222 018 Easement Indenture (Edwards Property) Approve the Easement Indenture for Parcel 222 08 for TSPLOST 2018 Project 06 - Sub-Project #3, for the Firefly Trail Project; and Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents.

Agenda Items for December 1, 2020 Voting Meeting  Services, Training, Officers, Prosecution (STOP) Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grant Program - Competitive Request for Applications Approve the Athens-Clarke County Police Department’s (ACCPD) submission, and if awarded, acceptance of a competitive grant award from the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) in the amount of up to $120,643 to provide partial funding for four investigators and a records clerk in an effort to prevent and reduce crimes of violence against women; Approve continuation of four full-time authorized investigator positions and a records clerk position through the remainder of CY2021 at an annual cost of $136,998; Approve the budget amendment ordinance; and Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all documents related to the grant.  CY2021 Grant Acceptance: Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Existing Local Project via Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) Approve submission of an application by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program 2020 Existing Local Project Grant; Accept the grant funds if awarded; Authorize the continuation of four Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) sworn officer positions in the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force, consistent with the grant award; Approve the budget amendment ordinance; and Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all documents associated with the grant.  Atlanta Highway at Timothy Road Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project Authorize an appropriation in the amount of $998,733 for the Atlanta Highway and Timothy Road Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project; Award a unit price construction work order to the low bidder, RDJE, Inc., in the amount of $875,044; Authorize staff to approve project change orders that do not collectively exceed the overall appropriation of $998,733; and Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related contract documents.  Atlanta Highway at Ultimate Drive Sewer Replacement Project - Approval of Preliminary Construction Plans Approve the Preliminary Construction Plans for the Atlanta Highway at Ultimate Drive Sewer Replacement Project; and Authorize staff to complete the Final Construction Plans, acquire easements and associated permits, & solicit bids for construction.  North Chase Street TAP Grant Preliminary Engineering and Design Services Contract Award Approve a designation of Alfred Benesch & Company as the most qualified firm to enter negotiation for the preliminary design of the N. Chase Street Corridor Improvement Project; Award a Multi-Phase Master Contract to provide Preliminary Engineering & Design Services on N. Chase Street Corridor Improvement Project for a cost not to exceed $1,000,000 to Alfred Benesch & Company; and Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents.  Government Operations Committee Report: Transit Advertising Program The Government Operations Committee recommends that the Mayor and Commission “Pass Out With No Action” the review of the Transit Advertising Program.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 4 OF 66  AXON Services & Equipment Contract Extension (On-Officer Cameras & CEDs) Approve a term extension for the existing AXON services and equipment agreement for an additional period of up to five years for on-officer cameras and associated services; Approve the addition of conducted electrical devices (CEDs), commonly known as “TASERs,” and associated services within the existing AXON equipment and services agreement; and Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all documents associated with the revised AXON services and equipment agreement.  SPLOST 2020 Program: Authorize a Budget Transfer for Program Administration; and Adopt a Project Tier Funding Schedule Adopt an Ordinance to amend the FY 2021 Annual Operating and Capital Budget in order to establish a budget for each SPLOST 2020 project and the associated program administration budget; Approve a Twelve-Year Tier Funding Schedule for the SPLOST 2020 Program; and Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute all related documents.  Office of Operational Analysis Audit Work Plan Approve two new audits recommended by the Audit Committee for the Office of Operational Analysis Work Plan  School Resource Officer (SRO) Agreement for 2021-2022 Academic Year Approve the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) School Resource Officer (SRO) program contract with the Clarke County School District for the 2021-2022 academic year; and Authorize the Mayor and appropriate staff to execute the contract and all related documents.  North Oconee River Greenway  TSPLOST 2018 Project 06 – Firefly Trail Project, Sub Project #4 – Bridge over Trail Creek: Construction services contract

Full agenda reports can be found at: https://www.accgov.com/agendas

Mayor and Commission Work Session – December 8, 2020  ACCGov COVID-19 Response Update  Riverbend Road – Sidewalk or Multi-Use Path (TSPLOST 2018 – Project #12) Athens-in-Motion Tier 1 Projects Project Concept – Present to M&C the updated layouts and cost difference for the proposed Project Concept as a Sidewalk or as a Multi-Use Path project.  Pavement Management Roadway List for Calendar Year 2021 Present Pavement Management Roadway List Strategy for Calendar Year 2021, and provide an update on the current pavement ratings and pavement condition index to be used for future programs.  ACCGov Employee Benefit Plans Discuss benefits strategy  Greenway Network Plan Map Update

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Recent Meetings  On the afternoon of Friday, October 9, ACCPD helped kick off National Faith and Blue Weekend. The purpose of National Faith & Blue Weekend is to create safer and stronger communities by connecting law enforcement officers and the residents they protect and serve. National Faith & Blue Weekend consisted of events that occurred in communities of every kind and included a wide array of activities such as picnics, athletic events, forums, and community service projects. All activities were designed to facilitate law enforcement officers and the public getting to know one another and to build mutual understanding. There were over 550 events nationwide and over 30 states participated.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 5 OF 66

 On October 9, Recycling Division staff led a tour of the Compost Facility and Landfill for 3 homeschool individuals.

 On October 10, the ACCGov Water Conservation Office and Stormwater Management Program hosted the Athens Water Festival in a Box Unboxing Party with 120 people participating virtually. A total of 180 boxes were distributed in and around Athens with 49 being hand delivered by Lily Anne Phibian (WCO mascot), Tortuga (Stormwater mascot), Bee Bee Clean (KACCB mascot), and Binny (Recycling mascot). The Athens Water Festival in a Box was a new, innovative take on the Athens Water Festival. It was a chance to provide engaging, hands-on learning opportunities in a safe and fun way! The Water Conservation Office, Stormwater Management Division, and several other environmental education partners provided water activities and goodies for registrants to receive by mail.

 On October 13, the Water Conservation Office hosted a virtual Little Lily’s Pad Hop Orientation to the new and returning teachers participating in the Little Lily program. Little Lily's Pad Hop is a learning tool to increase student literacy skills, encourage family involvement, and combine subjects in a new way, all while promoting water conservation practices.

 October 13 – October 17 – Recycling Division staff coordinated and facilitated the ACCGov Vulture Festival Virtual & Self-Led Programming -

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 6 OF 66 o 25 participants in the Saturday and Sunday morning bird walks led by Oconee Rivers Audubon Society o 57 total participants in the Friday and Saturday self-led scavenger hike coordinated by ACC Recycling Division, Landfill Division, and Admin staff. o Overall Facebook reach of 12,785, with overall engagement of over 1,100 individuals. Our 39 minute Facebook live video tour of Chattahoochee Nature Center had 428 total viewers. o "Where's Veto?" interactive Instagram tv videos throughout the week had 377 total views, and images accounted for 594 likes and other interactions.

 On October 16, KACCB staff participated in the Sandy Creek Nature Funny series. https://fb.watch/1w3dKdg8fk/

 On October 16, ACCPD, First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Fresh Communities and the USDA were able to hand out nearly 1200 boxes of food for local families.

 On October 16, the Leisure Services Department hosted a dedication ceremony and opened the newly completed Athens-Clarke County portion of the Firefly Trail. This section is approximately 1.5 miles long and located along the City of Winterville’s historic Main Street. This project includes the establishment of an improved surface trail for non-motorized vehicles along the historic Georgia Railroad corridor between Athens Road and the Athens- Clarke/Oglethorpe County line. The trail will allow for pedestrians and bicyclists alike to safely participate in biking, jogging, and walking activities. The expanded vision of Firefly Trail is a planned 39-mile rail-trail from Athens to Union Point in Northeast Georgia, connecting Athens-Clarke, Oglethorpe, and Greene Counties. The historic rail line, known as the Athens Branch of the Georgia Railroad, branched off the still-active Augusta-to-Atlanta line in Union Point and passed through the towns of Woodville, Maxeys, Stephens, Crawford, Arnoldsville and Winterville on its way to Athens.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 7 OF 66

 On October 17, ACCPD got a key assist from community members in cleaning up Buddy Christian Way as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program.

 Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) supported the UGA Dawg Day of Service (Day three of three) October 17 by arranging a school garden workday for Barrow Elementary. KACCB provided tools for 4 Dawg Day of Service projects (Barrow Elementary, Brooklyn Cemetery, UGA Geography Green Roof, and Oconee Forest Park Invasive Removal.) for a total of 85 volunteers for 2 hours.

 KACCB Staff Presented “Trashercise: Your Neighborhood as a Classroom” at the Outdoor Learning Symposium October 17. 56 educators from across the state attended the symposium. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL- DYHu3EXbdPhxPLwkh9Hss00PRHCZfrW

 The Leisure Services Department held another successful Movies by Moonlight Drive In Movie. This film was presented at Georgia Square Mall in front of the former JC Penney store. The event was a sell out and featured the family favorite Hocus Pocus. Each child in attendance received a Halloween goody bag.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 8 OF 66

 On October 17, Athens Creative Theatre, in partnership with the Lyndon House Arts Center, hosted their first in- person live theatrical production since February of 2020 – Live Drawing: A Portrait of the Mona Lisa. The socially distanced production took place on the lawn of the Lyndon House Arts Center (LHAC). Patrons reserved picnic pods for up to eight people to share. Below is the quick breakdown of our audience participation for the production.

o Total sales were $234 o Total patron attendance was 39 o Total staff/cast/crew attendance was 12 o 100 % of ticket transactions were made with card o 12 of 14 spaces were reserved o Of the 12 spaces reserved, ACC residents reserved seven and five were reserved from residents of neighboring communities.

o Below is a link to the production photos as well as the production program: o https://accls.smugmug.com/Athens-Creative-Theatre-at-Memorial-Park-/Live-Drawing-A-Portrait-of- Mona-Lisa

o https://www.accgov.com/DocumentCenter/View/71967/Live-Drawing-Portrait-of-the-Mona-Lisa--- PROGRAM

 Cathy Padgett, Leisure Services Department Community Relations Specialist, attended a virtual parents meeting at Burney Harris Lyons Middle School. She discussed the department’s scholarship program, the new online registration look, and virtual programming.

 The Leisure Services Department’s Trail and Open Space staff led a Birchmore Trail Night Hike that was well attended and enjoyed by all participants. A Greenway Fun Ride was also a hit as staff led the participants along a tour of the trail from Sandy Creek Nature Center to Dudley Park and on the end of the Firefly Trail at Old Winterville Road. The monthly Bring the Gnome Home program found the Gnome located on Lakeside Trail in Sandy Creek Park by a young man and his family. They received a $25 gift certificate to Fleet Feet.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 9 OF 66

 On October 20, ACCPD assisted in a food giveaway at the East Athens Development Center (EADC).

 The Water Conservation Office challenged Athenians to “Imagine A Day Without Water” on October 21. The date marked the sixth year in which organizers seek to raise awareness and educate America about the value of water. WCO distributed special coffee sleeves and can coolers to Athens’ favorite coffee shops and local breweries. No water means no brew in the AM or the PM. (Stop by the Water Conservation Office and get a can cooler!)

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 10 OF 66  On October 22, ACCPD Officers helped distribute food boxes at Alps Road Elementary.

 The Water Conservation Office met with almost 20 neighbors in Carrington Place subdivision on October 23 to discuss the proper care of septic systems. The event organizer created a Halloween feel, though nothing is as scary as what may creep back out of your toilet if you fail to maintain a septic system properly. You can protect your septic system by: 1) knowing your system, 2) using water wisely, 3) remembering toilets are NOT trash cans, and 4) following regular maintenance guidelines.

 On October 24, Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful, Stormwater Management Division, Leisure Services, Water Conservation, Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission, Upper Oconee Watershed Network, Athens Land Trust, Oconee River Land Trust and UGA’s Office of Service Learning participated in the 2020 Rivers Alive Event. A total of 158 volunteers cleaned up 20 different sites around Athens collecting 2.62 tons (5,250) pounds of trash and recycling, 840 lbs. of metal, 4.23 tons of leaf and limb, and 71 tires! This year, the committee offered a Choose Your Own Adventure Independent Clean-Up with 8 groups/families participating during the month of October.

 On October 27, Georgia Recreation and Park Association Board Member presented the State of Georgia and District 7 Volunteer of the Year Awards to the University of Georgia Whatever it Takes (WIT) program at East Athens Community Center. Since, 2015 hundreds of WIT volunteers have contributed thousands of hours of service through the afterschool programs at East Athens and Rocksprings Park. Volunteers assist children with homework assignments, lead recreational activities, and perhaps most importantly serve as mentors.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 11 OF 66  The Leisure Services Department hosted a variety of Halloween events throughout October. The inaugural Drive Thru Boo was hosted at East Athens Community Center/ Educational Dance Center, Lay Park/Lyndon House Arts Center, and Memorial Park.

 More than 5,000 individuals viewed Virtual Scary, Oozy, Slimy Day presented by Sandy Creek Nature Center staff. There were live-streamed videos, ranging from Plague Dating Game to live animal encounters.

 October was filled with excitement as well as ghouls and goblins across Lay Park. Christine Stratton, Lay Park Program Specialist, launched Creepy Creations, which allowed children to make Halloween themed crafts and snacks every Friday. Additionally the annual Pumpkin Hunt was attended by 50 children. They played carnival games, made crafts and had fun looking for candy filled plastic pumpkins. It was featured in The Red & Black: https://www.redandblack.com/multimedia/photos-pumpkin-hunt-at-athens-lay-park/collection_e3d80872-0aa4- 11eb-a706-2b0ce09401c4.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user- share&fbclid=IwAR1hovpx4qlmuisV60ymCWAGFJgSqsYSuGqaQLUn0lDBgfXP3MTSK8CendU

 Lay Park Facility Supervisor, Kelly Thomas led a Halloween themed Paint Nite where parents and children showcased their artistic talents.

 On Wednesday, October 28, Play at Lay: Four Eyes livestream was featured on the Leisure Services Department’s Facebook page. This Halloween themed concert was the first of its kind for the department!

 On October 28, Recycling Division staff led a tour of our ACCGov Compost Operations for 10 officials, consultants, and staff of the City of Covington, Georgia, and Reve Solutions Inc. staff who are interested in modeling a composting operation in their community after ours.

 On October 29, the Water Conservation Office debuted Froggie Tales, a virtual extension of Little Lily’s Pad Hop combining literacy and water education. Each month the WCO will record PUD staff reading a water-themed story for Little Lily classrooms and social media. The first book, It’s Raining Bats and Frogs, incorporated a Halloween theme and had 49 YouTube views in the first week.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 12 OF 66

 On October 31, ACCPD Officers and volunteers hosted a Spooktacular Trunk or Treat. The drive through and socially distanced event flowed smoothly.

 For the month of November, Sandy Creek Nature Center visitation: o Building Numbers: 1,196 o In Person Programs: 33 o Virtual Clarke County School District: 1,082 o Virtual Non Clarke County School District: 6,016

 The Third Thursday talk in October at LHAC featured artists Don Chambers, Alex McClay, and Katherine McCullough with a tour of the galleries with Curator Beth Sale.

 Toni Carlucci has launched her first live online class for youth at LHAC. Backstrap weaving, an enduring form of weaving has been practiced in countries such as Peru, Guatemala, Japan and Mexico. In Guatemala, children learn to weave around age 7. Students in this class received their very own, simplified backstrap loom along with a handcrafted, wooden shuttle. Students will also weave with beads! With fun, brightly colored, shiny beads, students will design and weave armbands or bracelets and a necklace.

 During the past month, LHAC Supervisor Didi Dunphy participated in: o ELGL 2020 Octoberfest Program – Creative Placemaking Summit with four afternoon sessions hosted by ARTPLACE AMERICA. This educational activity was gifted by the Manager’s Office to engage with other government leaders who work within the creative sector for city projects and planning. o Additionally, Didi presented at the Southeastern Museum Conference (SEMC) in the panel: Activating Your Space: Community Engagement & Public Art. This program explored the utility of public art as a means of cultural and economic development, historical identity, and social change. Each panelist discussed their

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 13 OF 66 experience with creating and managing public art program and link their practice to larger artistic and cultural movements within their communities and its impacts. The session addressed the challenges of important policy decisions, partnerships, close cooperation with stakeholders, and audience assessments. This program was presented virtually and was attended by 300 people.

o Piedmont College’s Lillian E. Smith Symposium on Arts & Social Change hosted “Untangling Whiteness: Reflection and Action,” a virtual symposium for reflection on whiteness—its privilege and its construction— and a call to action to lead us to a more equitable society for all.

o The Greater Hudson Heritage Network about enslaved populations in domestic settings in the North Manor Houses.

Upcoming Meetings  Call for Photos: The Stormwater Management Program is starting to put together our 2021 Stormwater Calendar, and we are seeking photo submissions from residents. If you have a water or nature-themed photo from around Athens to submit for consideration, please email it to [email protected] with the name of the photographer, along with a brief description of when, where, and why the photo was taken. It may be featured in our 2021 calendar!

 Flush Away Water Waste Month of November Normal Hardware, 1328 Prince Ave. M-F, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Sat. 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Athens Hardware, 1080 US-29 M-F, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

A leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day! The toilet flapper – the plug that falls against the drain hole inside the tank and holds water in until the toilet is flushed – can become bet or chipped, allowing water – and money! – to flow down the drain. During the month of November, the Water Conservation Office is offering FREE toilet flappers to flush away water waste. Visit Normal Hardware or Athens Hardware to pick up a 2-in. or 3-in. universal flapper.

Be on the lookout in November for upcoming videos about how you can #FlushResponsibly and the debut of our virtual tour of the Water Reclamation Facility.

 Water Book Club Thursday, November 19 at 7:00 Visit www.ThinkAtTheSink.com for details

Join us for a Virtual Book Club as we host author Seth Siegel to discuss his New York Times bestseller, Let There Be Water. The book details how “water-poor Israel used smart policies and technologies to transform itself from one of the driest countries in the world into a water superpower.” A limited number of complimentary books are available through the ACC Regional Library. Participants must register for the event to receive a link. If you don’t have time to finish the book, please join us for the discussion.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 14 OF 66  America Recycles Week November 3 - 24 CHaRM Celebrate America Recycles Day by bringing your inkjet and laser cartridges to help Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful to raise funds for community beautification projects and programs. We collect year-round! Clean out your junk drawer this November to participate with KACCB, but remember you can bring in these items for recycling year round! Or contact our office at 706-424-1310 x7872 or by email at [email protected].

November 15-21 Virtual Facility Tours of ACCGov Solid Waste Department facilities will be shared on social media and the accgov website. Students are encouraged to participate in the K-12 Read For Recycling Program by reading a minimum of five waste reduction/recycling books, record them, and journal what you learned about waste reduction/recycling from the book in your Reading Journal. Visit www.accgov.com/ard to view and download the journal. CHaRM will waive all fees for residential customers on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 17th and 18th, which includes all facility fees and materials fees. Limit 6 passenger tires for amnesty event. Visit www.accgov.com/ARD for more information and detailed schedule as it becomes available.

 SPLOST Meetings: o TSPLOST 2018 & SPLOST 2011 Citizens Oversight Committee will meet virtually on November 16, 2020 at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM respectively.

o TSPLOST 2018 & SPLOST 2011 Citizens Oversight Committee will meet virtually on December 14, 2020 at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM respectively.

o Public input meeting will be held on December 6 for Clayton St Public Art

o Prince Avenue Corridor Improvements monthly User Group virtual meeting will be held on December 9, 2020 at 10:00 AM.

o Lexington Road Corridor Improvements monthly User Group virtual meeting will be held on December 10, 2020 at 10:00 AM.

o Atlanta Highway Corridor Improvements monthly User Group virtual meeting will be held on December 16, 2020 at 9:00 AM

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 15 OF 66

TAX COLLECTION (PROPERTY, SALES, EXCISE AND BUSINESS TAXES)

12-Month Sales Tax Receipts vs. Budget (10/19 - 9/20) YOY Sales Tax Receipts Up $530,270 (12 Months Ended 9/2019 vs 9/2020) 3,700,000

3,200,000

2,700,000

2,200,000

1,700,000

1,200,000 10/19 11/19 12/19 01/20 02/20 03/20 04/20 05/20 06/20 07/20 08/20 09/20

Budget Actual

DEPARTMENTS Leisure Services:  On November 1, the Leisure Services Department launched a new online registration system. The change was promoted in direct emails to past account holders and on social media platforms. The transition has gone very smoothly.

 On November 2, Leisure Services staff Freddy Banks, Jim Ferguson, Terrance Lett, Chad Skelton, Tommy Thurmond, Josh Walden, and Daniel Williams spent the day helping prepare for Election Day. Throughout the day, they moved, transported, and delivered equipment from Board of Election storage to voting locations across the county.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 16 OF 66  The non-profit Morton Theatre Corporation announced in October that it would administer up to 10 grants to area artists in an effort to amplify the Black Lives Matter movement. The Defiance Project Awards will provide cash awards to Black or African-American identifying artists who present short films or studio art created to document and/or explore the Black Lives Matter Movement and/or everyday experience of Blacks in America. Artists are to submit either studio art creations or short narrative or documentary films, filmed poetry readings, music performances, dance performances, or time- lapsed studio art presentations. A jury will select up to 10 projects to each receive a $500 cash award. Films should be no longer than 10 minutes and can be submitted through a downloadable link (YouTube, vimeo, dropbox or wetransfer) to [email protected]. Studio art pieces can be submitted by sending a JPEG photo of the art piece to [email protected]. The Defiance Project Award is open to artists who identify as Black or African-American. Preference will go towards artists living in Athens-Clarke County or bordering counties. All submissions are due by November 30, 2020. For further information please visit www.mortontheatre.com

 The Lyndon House Arts Center’s (LHAC) first fully online exhibition call for artists has launched. Full House 2020 is an invitational exhibition open to members of the groups and guilds that call Lyndon House Arts Center home. The 2020 Full House Exhibition will be virtual accessible on our website and social media. At the time of this document, 49 artists have selected their works from 17 different guilds including the LHAC’s Open Studio members. Full House will go on view November 12, 2020.

 Hallie Ringle, the Hugh Kahul Curator of Contemporary Art at the Birmingham Museum of Art, has been chosen as the Guest Juror for the LHAC’s 46th Juried Exhibition. New this cycle, submissions for the 46th Juried Exhibition will be received online only. The call for art submissions will be live from December 1, 2020 through January 22, 2021. The 46th Juried Exhibition is scheduled to open in the galleries on March 11, 2021 with Preview Days and timed entry tickets.

 As part of an ongoing partnership with Envision Athens, LHAC was been preparing to launch a campaign to support the arts economy during the Holiday Season. Working with the Department of Economic Development and the new Athens Creatives Directory, we are designing a marketing plan Buy Local Buy Art in print and online with the Directory:  Expand your network  Promote your Seasonal Sales  Join the Directory  Submit your Free On-line Listing  AthensCreatives.Directory  Grow the Arts Economy

Creatives based in Athens and the 10 surrounding counties are invited to make a listing for themselves on the site at no cost. To do so, they can simply create a user account on the site and use the "Add Listing" function on the home page. Any questions they may have can be directed to [email protected].

 Art Time Box, the LHAC’s first take away art project curriculum was a sell out! This included tools and materials for six projects inspired by working contemporary artists. The information sheets and instructions were in both English and Spanish. Wonderful projects were created throughout the six weeks.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 17 OF 66

 In November, LHAC welcomed the new Artist in Residence, Andrea Marillo. She graduated from the Lamar Dodd School of Art last year. Marillo has exhibited at ACC Library, ATHICA and in the 44th Juried Exhibit at LHAC. Creating both humorously playful and yet at the same time melancholy ceramic sculptures and woven blankets depicting drooling cats, deflating beach balls and sexy birthday cakes, during this residency, Marillo will be busy making in both the Clay and Fiber Studios.

 David Hale worked in the studio to freshen up the bird from the Bird Song mural in downtown Athens in preparation for the Auction to support Athfest Educates. The auction was a great success raising over $50,000 for the arts and education. The new mural on the original site is completed as well.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 18 OF 66  The Open Studio Membership Program is delighted to highlight a member working in the LHAC’s studios. This month we are spotlighting Linda MacBeth who is working in enamel.

 LHAC was featured on the cover of Flagpole Magazine: https://flagpole.com/topstory/2020/09/23/imagination-squared-the-art-of-jeremy-ayers-and-more-open-at-the- lyndon-house/

 Afterschool program, Fit and Strong, pickleball, and Sportstime filled Lay Park’s calendar.

Public Information Office:  Public Information Office staff assisted the Board of Elections with publishing a variety of important information related to the November 3 General Election on the Board of Election website and accgov.com homepage, as well as to social media and other outlets. Information included key voter registration deadlines, dates and locations of in- person advance voting (Oct. 12-30) and information about slower times, absentee voting drop boxes and information such as deadlines, a composite sample ballot, and links to election results. Staff created a large slideshow animation with links to election results and placed the images prominently on the Board of Elections website and the front page of the website.

 Public Information Office staff continued sending the COVID-19 newsletter with brief updates to email and SMS text subscribers. Updates were sent twice weekly in October to over 1,300 subscriptions. Staff in Transportation and Public Works who assist during the COVID-19 emergency response also assisted with posting COVID-19 data three times a week to social media outlets. The data provides updates on cumulative cases, new cases, and deaths as posted to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Daily Status Update website.

 Public Information Office staff assisted the Leisure Services Department and SPLOST office with coordinating a public ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating the opening of the Winterville section of the Firefly Trail on October 16. PIO staff provided audio/visual and video support for the event held at the Winterville Train Depot.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 19 OF 66

 Public Information Office staff worked with the Courthouse Administrator and staff at Transit to install new publication racks at both the Courthouse and at the Multimodal Transportation Center for additional distribution sites of the popular ACC from A to Z guide to services produced by the PIO. Due to COVID-19, many of the normal in- person methods for distributing hard copies of the guide are not possible now. The guide provides information about all aspects of ACCGov and community services and features cover art by a local artist each year. The 2021 edition of the guide will be produced for distribution in January.

 Public Information Office staff ordered and installed eight A-frame signs for use in the new College Square plaza. The closure is part of a six-month pilot project to close this block to vehicle traffic and temporarily convert the area to a pedestrian and dining plaza. The signage contains a QR code that directs smartphone and tablet users to the public feedback form. The signs also remind plaza visitors that alcohol is prohibited and encourages people to clean up after themselves and use the provided hand sanitizer stations. For more information on the pilot project, visit www.accgov.com/collegesquare.

 Public Information Office staff successfully completed a pilot project to stream ACTV, the government access channel, through the ACCGov computer network to four TVs at the Transit Multimodal Transportation Center. While the TVs had previously shown ACTV, they had done so through Spectrum cable’s standard definition signal with low quality. The new pilot project allows for an upgraded picture quality and for PIO staff to move forward with providing ACTV at some other public spaces that serve customers such as the Tag Office that do not have cable service.

 Website Initiatives o Public Information Office staff placed news notices with graphics on the front page of the Athens-Clarke County website (www.accgov.com) for: . Early Processing of Absentee Ballots Cast in the November 3 General Election . Six Secure Drop Boxes for Absentee Ballots . ACCGov Launches Athens Community Corps (A-Corps) Program for Workforce Development . Athens-Clarke County Real Estate & Personal Property 2020 Tax Bills Due Oct. 20 . Athens Cultural Affairs Commission Call for Public Art - Greenway Network Connectors . Athens-Clarke County Wins WaterSense Sustained Excellence Award . GDOT Seeks Public Input for Bridge Replacement on SR 15/SR 10 Loop at SR 8/US 29 Until Nov. 16 . Assistant Manager Deborah Lonon Accepts Position of Commissioner of Grants Management for Atlanta . ACCGov Seeks Community Christmas Tree by Nov. 25 . WATCH: Solid Waste Employees Featured on Good Morning America . Public Notice: Request of Release of Funds for Hale Drive Project

o Public Information Office staff hosted a web training on October 22. Staff trained users from ACC Extension and Transit. This training focuses on overall aspects of the ACC website and includes specific instruction on page editing as well as certain website modules for storing and publishing information. The Public Information Office acts as a primarily administrator for internal users, offering training, support, and site development for internal users, while departments themselves are largely responsible for publishing website content for their respective areas.

o Public Information Office staff assisted Superior Court Judge Norris’ staff with setting up a daily calendar area on the website and training staff on its use. The location allows staff to post Judge Norris’ daily calendar for the public.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 20 OF 66 o Public Information Office staff assisted the Finance Department with creating a unique, app-like button on the department’s home page to direct visitors to information related to short-term rentals in Athens-Clarke County. Short-term rentals, such as homes listed on sites like Airbnb or VRBO, are considered “hotels” as defined by the ACCGov Code of Ordinances Section 2-3-1. Operators of short-term rentals in Athens-Clarke County are required to have a Business Tax Occupation Certificate and to collect and pay the local 7% hotel motel excise tax to the ACCGov Finance Department each month. For more information, visit www.accgov.com/shorttermrentals.

 Video Production Initiatives Most videos air on ACTV (Charter Cable Channel 180) and are available online through www.accgov.com/videos as well as on the Athens-Clarke County main Facebook page (www.facebook.com/accgov), YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/accgov), and Vimeo channel (www.vimeo.com/accgov), among other outlets depending on the video length.

o Public Information Office staff produced a video featuring Mayor Kelly Girtz providing an update on local responses during the COVID-19 crisis and other timely information. PIO staff generally produce one or two updates each month. The process involves filming, editing, captioning, and distributing the video.

o Public Information Office staff facilitated YouTube and/or ACTV broadcasts and streams of 32 meetings this past month for public viewing access, not including regularly scheduled Mayor & Commission meeting broadcasts or Community Conversations. The broadcasts used WebEx in order to host and stream the virtual meetings, as needed to keep in line with proper physical distancing of participants. These meetings included (hh:mm): Athens in Motion (0:21, 1:00, 2:11), Community Tree Council (1:20, 3:18), Athens Cultural Affairs Commission (1:49), Police Advisory Board Development Task Force (0:41, 0:49, 1:08), Audit Committee (1:45), HCD FY22 CDBG Application Release Meeting (0:44), Legislative Review Committee (0:47), Athens Downtown Development Authority (0:26), Overview Commission (0:45), Early Voting Tabulation (5:50, 6:02, 6:18, 4:25), Athens Justice & Memory (1:02), Historic Preservation Commission Hearing (1:19), Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission (1:06), Board of Elections (2:19, 0:42), Clean & Renewable (1:48, 1:18), Airport Authority (2:03), Corridor Policy Committee (1:06), ACCGOV & Winterville Joint Development Authority (0:37, 0:15), Government Operations Committee (1:19), Planning Commission (2:10), Board of Elections Provisional Ballot & Election Certification (2:42)

o Public Information Office staff continued the regularly scheduled broadcast called “Community Conversations.” The program now airs monthly on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. For the October broadcast, the Mayor hosted a virtual meeting and discussion about the Wild Rumpus with organizer Timi Conley and a discussion on the November 3 election with Elections Office Director Charlotte Sosebee and Poll Worker Alice Eaves.

o Public Information Office staff worked with Information Technology and Leisure Services on a pilot project for a partially in-person Mayor and Commission Work Session held outside in October. As part of the pilot project, most of the Mayor and Commission and some staff came to the Bishop Park covered tennis pavilion to hold a Work Session in a socially-distanced fashion. Staff presented items both in person and through a Webex setup to Commissioners at Bishop Park and those joining remotely. The meeting was also broadcast and streamed live to the public. Although the meeting was delayed and ended

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 21 OF 66 earlier than anticipated due to some technology challenges, it also provided valuable insight for future endeavors to hold in-person meetings.

 Media Releases The following media releases were recently distributed through the website’s ACCGOV Public Information Office News notification system, as well as posted on the front page of www.accgov.com and sent through social media. Anyone can sign up to receive these releases directly through email or text message at www.accgov.com/notifications or the NotifyMe area of the website.

o ACCGov Launches Athens Community Corps (A-Corps) Program for Workforce Development o Athens-Clarke County Real Estate & Personal Property 2020 Tax Bills Due Oct. 20 o GDOT Seeks Public Input for Bridge Replacement on SR 15/SR 10 Loop at SR 8/US 29 Until Nov. 16 o Assistant Manager Deborah Lonon Accepts Position of Commissioner of Grants Management for Atlanta o ACCGov Seeks Community Christmas Tree by Nov. 25

 Meeting Broadcasts The Public Information Office broadcast the Work Session on October 13 (1 hour 40 minutes), Special Called & Agenda Setting Session on October 20 (4 hours 27 minutes), Special Called Session on October 27 (1 hour 9 minutes), and Regular Session on November 4 (2 hours 20 minutes) live on ACTV Cable Channel 180. The meetings were also streamed online at www.accgov.com/videos, www.youtube.com/accgov, and www.facebook.com/accgov. The meetings are also rebroadcast on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. on ACTV, as well as available on- demand online through the website and YouTube.

Public Utilities:  Get WaterSmart! Learn more & Register your water account: www.accgov.com/WaterSmart

NEW FEATURE: Click on “Pay Bill” to be taken to the new payment processor. Here a customer must create a bill pay account. Once the account is verified and the account is added, a customer can:  Pay water bill online using a credit card with no fee  Set up auto-pay  Start new service

 Looking for online water education materials? The Water Conservation Office offers NEW video lessons, printable coloring pages, conservation pledges, sequencing cards, Jeopardy style games, and online resources for K-12. All activities are correlated with the Georgia Standards of Excellence. Please visit www.ThinkAtTheSink.com and look for Education, Events, & Tours tab on the menu bar.

Solid Waste:  The KACCB board recognized Leon Farmer & Company as a distinguished supporter of Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful projects.

 The KACCB board funded a $500 grant to Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle school to provide planting materials to agriscience students as a part of the “Growing Together While Apart” Project. KACCB staff also supported the project by arranging a donation of ACC compost, provided seed packets, delivered the donation of 101 buckets from the Teacher Reuse Store, securing the donation of fertilizer from Cofer’s Home & Garden, and arranging a volunteer workday pack up take-home planting kits for students.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 22 OF 66

 On October 15, Recycling Division staff participated in a live on-air telephone interview with WXAG radio, discussion the CHaRM operations.

Transportation & Public Works:  2021 Stormwater Calendars: 2021 Stormwater Calendars are nearly ready, and we want to get them into YOUR hands! Please visit www.accgov.com/stormwater to request a copy (or two) of the calendar. Once the calendars are printed, they can be picked up in-person from the Department of Transportation and Public Works (120 W. Dougherty Street) or mailed. Copies of the calendar are free and available on a first come, first served basis.

 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Call for Projects: The Athens MLK Jr. Day of Service Steering Committee is seeking project sites for the 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, which will take place on Monday, January 18, 2021. Any public/private nonprofit organization, healthcare organization, school, religious entity, neighborhood group, or other public organization in the Athens-Clarke County area is eligible to host a volunteer project site for the 2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. More information, along with the link to the application, is available at www.accgov.com/mlkday. Applications are due on Wednesday, November 18 at 5:00 p.m. Email [email protected] if you have any questions.

PROJECTS OF NOTE Envision Athens  Envision Athens is a community-wide effort to develop a common vision for the future of the Athens-Clarke County community. This process produced a visionary, yet achievable multi-dimensional strategy to guide community and economic development for the next 20 years.

 A 38-member citizen steering committee helped to guide the public process and the plan’s recommendations. The draft Action Agenda is the product of more 8,500 comments collect from 1,229 participants. Through a large and small in-person meetings, online feedback and more targeted focus group and stakeholder sessions, the Steering Committee developed of actions to move Athens-Clarke County forward. These 100+ actions are divided into five major chapters: Place, Prosperity, People, Vitality, and Foundations

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 23 OF 66  The Oversight Committee is a group composed of major community stakeholders: Unified Government of Athens- Clarke County, Clarke County School District, the University of Georgia, Athens Housing Authority, Athens Technical College, Georgia Power, Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, United Way of Northeast Georgia, the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, the Development Authority of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County and the City of Winterville. Each has made funding contributions to support the Project Manager and the implementation of the Action Agenda.

 Envision Athens was created, not only to move forward on the 103 priority actions of the Action Agenda, but also to inspire you to love where you live along the way. We believe there is no better pathway to placemaking and belonging than investing in your neighbors and your town. We are proud to release the new Envision Athens Engagement Guide and welcome you to find your own place to invest by clicking on the links provided in this interactive pdf.

 Are you interested in learning more about Trauma Informed Care? We have good news: Together, Athens Area Community Foundation, Athens Wellbeing Project and Envision Athens are pleased to share a multitude of trauma informed care trainings with our northeast Georgia neighbors, made possible through a pilot grant from the Pittulloch Foundation and Resilient Georgia. Check out this channel of trainings to become more trauma informed, and more!

To learn more about any of these opportunities or to get involved, please contact Erin Barger at [email protected].

Envision Athens continues to work throughout the community to address priority actions across Place, Prosperity, and People. Members of the Athens community can get engaged by sharing with others about Envision Athens, attending Envision Athens community events, and/or following the Action Agenda progress at www.envisionathens.com or on their Facebook page.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 24 OF 66

DEPARTMENTS Animal Services:  Total Foster animals: 60 . Dogs: 17 . Cats and Kittens: 43  Several small groups of volunteers from UGA for 2 hours, twice a week to help with cleaning and organizational tasks. The groups were: o Serve UGA o UGA Rescue Paws o UGA Pre-Vet Club  Shelter volunteers that assisted with facility and play yard maintenance Total hours for volunteers was 234

Central Services:  Community Forester: The Georgia Forestry Commission has awarded a $10,000 matching funds grant to have an iTree Eco statistical analysis conducted to gather scientific data on Athens’ urban and community forests. This study will be completed by October 2021 and helps ACCGov better understand the structure, function, and composition of the community forests. This information will help facilitate strategies to increase tree benefits and reduce associated costs over time. Creating a GIS-based map of shape files to identify publicly owned lands with full or partial tree cover, can help ACCGov staff quickly identify areas of responsibility and the planning of inspections and maintenance of publicly owned trees on a countywide scale. Also during the month of October, the Forester provided over 24 arboricultural tree evaluations to Athens residents.

 Landscape Management Roadside Litter Collection: In the month of October, crews picked up 710 bags of trash, 22 bags of recycling, 41 tires, and 7 dumpsites along roadsides.

 Landscape Management Right-of-way: As temperatures cooled and grass growth slowed, crews started the final rotation of their routes in mid-October. For the final cutting of the season, teams are cutting the entire ROW for the winter. Due to COVID-19 staffing reductions, ROW crews performed reduced services single passes on roadways and sidewalks during this year's seasonal operation. In addition to regular routes, the team responded to 30 fallen trees from storms resulting in 125 staff-hours of clean up time: 41 various citizens' requests for sidewalk clearances, sightline obstructions, litter, and one commissioner request for signage clearance.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 25 OF 66

 Landscape Management Parks: Crews continue to work modified services due to staffing shortages. Holland Park staff provided a quick cleaning of dugouts and fields in preparation for the baseball leagues to start inter-league scrimmages and practice. Late season hurricane Zeta remnants downed five trees in parks and on the greenway. All park sites required a full day of leaf and debris clean up resulting from the storm. Staff applied fire ant control to all Level 1 and 2 areas at all parks and athletic fields. At Holland Youth Sports Complex, staff used four tons of turface topdressing material on low areas that are staying wet when it rains on Field #5 and Field #6.

 Landscape Management Buildings: Buildings cost center staff continued with routine maintenance, and as temperatures cooled crews started on winter pruning of shrubs in high profile locations. October also started the annual preparation for annual tree lighting on Clayton and Broad Streets.

Cooperative Extension Service:  ACC 4-H High School Team (Sammy David, Molly Gershon and Davis Slate) won 2nd place at the Virtual Consumer Judging Competition and will compete at the State Contest in December. Davis Slate won 1st place Presentation and was 2nd place Overall Winner. Cate DeMaria also competed at the Middle School level. There were 129 students from Northeast Georgia who competed in this contest held online this year. In Consumer Judging, students learn to compare the quality and price of items to make a wise consumer choice for a given situation.

 ACC Extension reminder to view our website for ongoing virtual classes. https://www.accgov.com/146/Athens- Clarke-County-Extension

Leisure Services:  The Leisure Services Department’s maintenance staff received 160 new work orders and completed 183 orders.

 In October, Leisure Services Department Trails and Open Space Staff completed 138 work orders, including 70 trail inspections, 14 property inspections, and various other trail maintenance work orders. Staff blew leaf debris off of more than 90 bridges and boardwalks with our new electric/battery powered leaf blower we bought to increase our operational efficiencies and reduce air pollution. All the 11 signs and 4 waste receptacles along Trail Creek Trail were cleaned by staff as part of our regular cleaning efforts and to enhance our pride in what we are responsible for maintaining for our guests.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 26 OF 66

Public Utilities:  Water Business Office: o Now offering online credit card payments, auto-pay, and bill reminders. o Pay your bill over the phone with a credit card by calling the Water Business Office, 706-613-3500.

 Water & Sewer: o The PUD Water & Sewer Division conducted smoke tests at the North Oconee, Middle Oconee, and Cedar Creek Water Reclamation Facilities. The tests collected performance data for the on-site stormwater management/collection system at the three locations. The process uses high-capacity blowers to pump smoke into a manhole cover, and crews look to see where smoke emerges. When smoke testing a stormwater collection system, the test reveals the condition of the collection pipes. The process also identifies any connections to the system that are not for stormwater collection. If any defects in the line or non-stormwater connections are present, the smoke escapes into the atmosphere through this point. Crews observe and flag the places smoke escapes along the smoke test area. o Repaired 2 water main breaks under pressure to avoid disrupting service to customers. o Made three large development taps for new construction. o Performed routine maintenance of water and sewer line fixtures and fire hydrants

 Water Conservation Office: o WaterSmart Enrollment: 4093 new registrations in October. There are now almost 7,000 water customers enrolled in WaterSmart, providing 18% of water customers the ability to take control of their water use and bills. o The AMI technology pointed to 475 suspected leaks in October. Only 73 of these customers are signed up for WaterSmart and received leak alerts. The leak notification takes customers to a helpful module that walks a customer through checking for leaks. Don’t have your WaterSmart account yet? Learn more at accgov.com/WaterSmart.

 Drinking Water Treatment: In the month of October, the J.G Beacham Drinking Water Treatment Plant (DWTP) treated 387.22 million gallons of water. Athens-Clarke County had 3.24 inches of rain.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 27 OF 66 Solid Waste:  SW COVID Response: Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM):  Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) – opened by appointment only each Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Credit cards and Checks only.  Commercial or Government Deliveries by appointment.  Compost Roll-Carts outside CHaRM gate for continued use. Recovered Material Processing Facility (RMPF):  Operating normal hours 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM, M-F  Staff is in communication daily with Republic, private company that operates the facility. Landfill  Landfill Hours this week: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM, M-F and Saturday 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM.  Landfill residential customers by appointment only. Credit cards, checks and account holders only. Collections:  Staggered work groups with the idea they arrive, perform the pre-trip and get out on the road prior to the next work group’s arrival. Limit exposure between work crews. 1. Litter Technicians (CBD) – 5:00 AM 2. Front-End Load – 6:30 AM 3. Roll-off – 7:00 AM 4. Leaf and Limb, Compost and Mechanic – 7:30 AM 5. Automated, Mini-packers, Sway Cars, Admin Staff – 8:00 AM 6. CBD (second shift) – 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM 7. CBD (night shift) – 10:30 PM – 7:30 AM Admin Staff: All administrative staff are staggering schedules weekly while some are still working remotely.

Field Customer Service Staff:  Working in separate trucks and normal hours.

 General Information:

Number of Customers in each billing category and the revenue received for the month of September 2020 Total Revenue Residential $216,733.95 Commercial $51,056.09 $267,790.04

For Snapshot Total Residential Customers: 10,413 Total Commercial Curbside Customers 465 Total Commercial Dumpster Customers 212 11,090

Work Order Type(s) #s for September 2020 CHaRM and/or Teacher Reuse Store Pickups 1 Check Drop-Off Sites 5 Check Inventory 1 Check level, audit or customer visit 27

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 28 OF 66 Deliver ACC Commercial Bags to customers 17 Deliver Trash and/or Recycling Dumpster 4 Pick up Trash and/or recycling dumpster 2 Deliver trash and/or recycling roll carts 192 Repair Assets (Trash and/or Recycling Rollcarts or Dumpsters) 23 Pick up trash and/or recycling roll carts 85 Special Detail 6

 Collections: o Commercial Trash tonnage includes: Front Load and Special Roll Offs - 327.17 tons/654,340 lbs- Daily avg. 10.55 tons o Front Loader Recycling tonnage – 89.02 tons/178,040 lbs. – Daily average 2.87 tons o Roll Off Recycling tonnage – 139.49 tons/278,980 lbs. – Daily average 4.50 tons o CBD trash tonnage – 98.18 tons/196,360 lbs. Daily avg. –3.17 tons o CBD recycle tonnage – 54.82 tons/109,640 lbs. – Daily Average 1.77 tons o Residential trash tonnage – 501.71 tons/1,003,420 lbs. Daily avg. – 16.18 tons o Residential recycling tonnage – 205.26 tons/410,520 lbs. Daily Average – 6.62 tons o Leaf & Limb tonnage – 502.77 tons/1,005,540 lbs. Daily avg. – 16.22 tons o Recycling trash tonnage – 28.92 tons/57,840 lbs. Daily avg. – 0.93 tons o Compost Food Waste tonnage – 10.51 tons/21,020 lbs. Daily avg. 0.34 tons o Auburn Game 10/2-10/3/2020 . Trash tonnages 7.71 tons, 15,420 lbs. . Recycle tonnages 9.72 tons, 19,440 lbs . We had ten extra people working along with three regular night shift driver o Tennessee Game 10/9-101/2020 . Trash tonnages 9.89 tons, 19,780 lbs. . Recycle tonnages 7.15 tons, 14,300 lbs . We had nine extra people working along with three regular night shift drivers

 Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful: o Adopt-A-Highway Litter Cleanups: 12 cleanups, 56 bags of trash, 17 bags of recycling, 97 Volunteers o Down and Dirty Litter Cleanups: 5 cleanups, 28 bags of trash, 9 bags of recycling, 29 Volunteers o Community Tool Shed: 14 projects, 203 Volunteers, 490.5 Volunteer Hours o Inkjet Recycling Program: 917 Inkjet Cartridges Sent to Planet Green o KACCB staff attended the Pollinator Symposium at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia presented by the Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia (Virtual Event), October 3 and 4. o KACCB staff attended the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation’s Greening Youth Foundation webinar o KACCB staff scouted crape myrtle locations for this year’s Olympic Drive planting of 35 trees. This project is in partnership with the GA DOT and ACC Landscape Management. o KACCB partnered with traffic engineering to install “No Dumping” signage on Bailey Street and at a triangle-shaped lot on 1st and 3rd Streets. These signs are a part of a monitored pilot program to test the effectiveness of signage on littering behavior.

 Landfill Division: o Trash tonnage: 7,560.61 tons/15,121,220 lbs., averaging 280.02 tons/day o Recycling tonnage: 1,170.16 tons/2,340,320 lbs., averaging 43.34 tons/day o Leaf & Limb tonnage: 642.73 tons/1,285,460 lbs., averaging 23.80 tons per day o October tonnage continues to increase: . 2018: 7,221.55 . 2019: 7,407.98

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 29 OF 66 . 2020: 7,560.61 o Compost customers purchased 168 yards of compost resulting in $3,288.13 in revenue. o Mattress Diversion: Furniture Bank performed several trailer swaps in October, but numbers were not forthcoming due to warehouse backlogs. o The Landfill is still using the “Appointment Only” system to control residential traffic for disposal. A random polling of customers throughout October revealed that most customers like the Appointment Only system.

 Recycling: o Staff continued managing the appointment calendar for CHaRM customers. CHaRM customers made 540 reservations in October, and paid $5,087.06 to offset processing costs. During October CHaRM staff shipped out: . 20,908 pounds of electronics . 9,300 pounds of scrap metal . 2,720 pounds of confidential documents to be shredded. o The Recovered Materials Processing Facility received 1,074.1 tons of material in October, down from last October’s 1,166.97 tons. Residue rate, including both incoming contamination and potentially recyclable material that was not recovered, was 20.2%. o In October, the Teacher Reuse store diverted 3,011 pounds of material away from the ACC landfill, and to 59 area teachers. This month volunteers spent 42 combined hours, helping organize the store, including consolidating binders and sorting and labeling our poster collection. Staff gave these volunteers a tour of the CHaRM and Teacher Reuse Store. o In October, staff received and very quickly gave away a pallet of printers that were 10 years old but otherwise “new” in their boxes. Monitors also continued to be a popular item, and teachers needed a lot of binders for sending home materials to virtual learners. We received donations of more narrow and lightweight desks that have been popular. Madison County Middle School made some lovely/funny “thank you” posters for us that are now hanging in the store. o Staff set up a pumpkin compost collection program in coordination with the Milledge Avenue Baptist Church pumpkin sale. The month-long project diverted unsaleable pumpkins and packing hay to the composting operations at the ACC Landfill. o On October 22, staff participated in the Georgia Recycling Coalition (GRC) state-wide #RecycleRightGA campaign focus group o Staff received 35 applications for the Glass Bottle Reduction Program and approved 32 of them for a reduction in their Class E Beer License. This program was put in place to reduce the amount of glass in the recycling stream and especially downtown. Glass is a safety hazard for residents and solid waste workers. If restaurant and bar owners could show they had 50% or more of their top selling beers as being sold in aluminum or by draft they were eligible for this discount. o Staff received 9 Commercial Recycling Plans and approved 13 plans. o Staff reviewed 24 commercial development plans on behalf of Planning Department. Recycling Division reviews these plans to ensure compliance with the commercial recycling ordinance, and adequate dumpster enclosures. o Staff distributed an additional 212 reusable recycling bags. o Staff presented to the Kiwanis Club of Madison to assist their members with recycling correctly and understanding recycling markets and contamination difficulties.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 30 OF 66 CAPITAL PROJECTS – YOUTH AND COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT FACILITY PARTNERSHIP Funding Source: SPLOST 2011, Project #22 Project Budget: $2,854,000 Status: Planning

Project Details: The project will provide a new facility in partnership with one or more organizations for youth development and family educational programs in Athens-Clarke County. It is expected the partner(s) will provide capital funds to the project to support SPLOST funding. The project is envisioned to include components such as computer lab and technology center, classrooms and conference space, game room, teen center, half gymnasium, associated administrative and operational areas, and exterior stage area and sports field. Partnership contract was awarded to Athens Land Trust by M&C at the December 2018 voting meeting.

Project Update: In the midst of the Pandemic, the Athens Land Trust is evaluating the needs for the program and is looking for available sites in the W. Broad area. User Group has been reestablished and a new kick-off meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 20, 2020 at 2:30 PM.

CAPITAL PROJECTS – ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM – PROJECT 23, SUB-PROJECT #7 – SOLAR FOR FIRE STATION No. 4 Funding Source: SPLOST 2011, Project 23 Total Project Budget: $919,500 Sub-Project Budget $100,000 Status: Bid and Award

Sub-Project Details: Solar Energy Panels to be installed on the roof of Fire Station No. 4. Work will be funded by Georgia Solar Program Rebates.

Sub-Project Update: The construction contract was awarded to Solar Sun World and Notice to Proceed has been issued. The contractor mobilized on-site on September 14, 2020 and project permits have been approved. All materials have been installed which includes the exterior transformer, solar panel converters, interior disconnect switch, all conductors, and the system was placed in service on 11/5/2020. Contractor is expected to finish commissioning and inspections by 11/13/2020.

Internal Isolation Switch External Solar Control Panel

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 31 OF 66 CAPITAL PROJECTS – LEISURE SERVICES Sandy Creek Park Renovations – Project #14, Sub-Project #6 – Beach Renovations Total Project Budget: $1,935,000 Sub-Project Budget: $154,470 Status: Phase I work is Complete

Project Details: This sub-project is to provide rehabilitation of the beach area including re-grading the area and relocation of the beach showers and drains and installation of a new drainage system to alleviate erosion issues.

Project Update: Phase I - Construction for the beach renovation components such as the showers and stormwater drainage corrections were completed prior to opening for the summer 2020 swim season. Phase II will take place in fall 2020. Phase II work includes dredging the swim area to provide more swim depth and new sand will be installed on the beach prior to swim season in the summer of 2021. This is in the permit review phase with anticipated start date of late November 2020 and completion prior to swim season 2021.

Sandy Creek Park Renovations – Project #14, Sub-Project #7 – Playground Replacement and Park Facilities Improvements – Project #16, Sub-Project #16 – Sandy Creek Park – Playground Replacement Total Project Budget: $1,935,000 Sub-Project Budget: Project #14 $128,700 & Project #16 $125,000 Status: On-hold

Project Details: This project is for the replacement of the tot lot playground at Sandy Creek Park. The playground is approximately 26 years old and is the oldest in the system. This project is being supplemented with $125,000 funding from SPLOST 2011, Project #16.

Project Update: The playground replacement project is on hold pending completion of the beach work.

Park Facilities Improvements – Project #16, Sub-Project #14 – Memorial Park – Small Mammal Exhibit Funding Source: SPLOST 2011 Total Project Budget: $5,051,608 Sub-Project Budget: $76,290 Status: Design

Project Details: This project is for the construction of a new small mammal exhibit for Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail in Memorial Park. Citizens have donated approximately $34,000 to the project. This sub-project will fund the balance. The estimated SPLOST portion of the budget for Sub-Project #14 is $80,000, in addition to the $34,000 in donations.

Project Update: Design is underway.

Park Facilities Improvements – Project #16 Sub-Project #18 – Ben Burton Park – Pavilion Construction Funding Source: 2011 SPLOST, Project #16, Sub-Project #18 Total Project Budget: $5,051,638 Sub-Project Budget: $245,000 Status: Permitting

Project Details: The pavilion will accommodate 30-40 patrons and have unisex restroom facilities. Design is underway.

Project Update: Design-Build approach with the local on-call contractor is underway. Preliminary Design documents reviewed and final design documents have been resubmitted to Planning for Plans Review. Anticipate permit issuance, early November 2020 with completion in early 2021.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 32 OF 66 Park Facilities Improvements – Dudley Park Improvements Funding Source SPLOST 2011 Project #17 Project Budget: $1,210,000 Status: Final Design

Project Details: The project will provide for improvements in accordance with the revisions to the Master Plan and Project Concept that were approved by M&C on June 5, 2018.

Project Update: Schematic Design was approved by Mayor & Commission on February 4, 2020. Final Design and construction documents are underway and near completion. Preliminary Pricing by the on-call contractor has been received with Construction anticipated to begin the first week of November. The permits were approved on November 5, 2020. M&C awarded the selection of artist & art for Dudley Park to Krysia Ara – “Heron Sighting.”

CAPITAL PROJECTS – SOLID WASTE Phase V Landfill Construction Project Funding: Bank Loan Project Budget: ~ $5,000,000 (construction and consultation)

Project Status: Ongoing punch-list completion. A punch-list was made in January (still working the list) for outstanding tasks as follows: fence along Dawson Road needs erected, sampling Phase V wells for N=4, piping to recirculate leachate from Phase V, completion of expanded leachate loading area for additional volume of leachate from Phase V, shelter to protect new pump station from birds, and establish grass in disturbed area along with silt fence.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 33 OF 66 CAPITAL PROJECTS – SUSTAINABILITY OFFICE Solarize Athens 2.0 The Solarize Athens 2.0 program is a community solar campaign where residents and business receive significant discounts on solar installations through a bulk buying program. As each new customer agrees to participate in the program, the more the price of installed solar decreases for all participates. Athens-Clarke County has enrolled the Fire Station 2 and Cooperative Extension projects in this program.

# of Interested Participants: 206 Residential Solar Procured: 101 kW Commercial Solar Procured: 103 kW Battery Storage Procured: 67.5 kWh CO2 Savings: 191.6 tons

Hybrid Vehicle Replacement Program Funding Source: SPLOST 2011, Project #23, Sub-Project #4 Status: In Progress Equipment Budget Amount: $150,000

Project Details: This project uses funding from the SPLOST 2011 Energy Sustainability Program to fund the difference in price between a hybrid or electric vehicle and the standard gas engine vehicle it is replacing. Fleet Management and the Sustainability Office work with host departments to review upcoming fleet replacements and evaluate if there is a suitable hybrid that meets their operational needs. At a cost of $2.75/gallon, this program has an average ROI of 5.2 years; the intended lifecycle for these vehicles is 15 years.

Annual Annual Annual Fuel CO2 Fuel Planned/Purchased Displaced Replacement Savings Savings Savings Hybrid Vehicle Department (gallons) (tons) ($) 2018 Rav4 Chevy Colorado 4X4 Crew TPW 209 2.0 $575 Cab 2018 Prius Two Ford F150 Solid Waste 252 2.4 $693 2018 Prius Two Ford Taurus Attorney’s Office 296 2.8 $815 2018 Rav4 Ford Taurus Corrections 209 2.0 $575 2018 Rav4 Ford F150 4X4 Crew Cab TPW 209 2.0 $575 2018 Rav4 Ford Taurus TPW 209 2.0 $575 2018 Rav4 Ford F150 Public Utilities 157 1.5 $431 2018 Rav4 Ford Taurus Leisure Services 209 2.0 $575 2018 Rav4 Ford Escape Tax Assessor 146 1.4 $401 2019 Ford Responder Ford Interceptor Police 507 4.8 $1,395 2019 Ford Fusion Ford Taurus Building Inspections 258 2.4 $711 2019 Rav4 Ford F150 Building Inspections 209 2.0 $575 2020 Ford Interceptor 2020 Ford Interceptor Sheriff’s Office 401 3.8 $1,104 Hybrid Gas Engine 2020 Ford Interceptor 2020 Ford Interceptor Gas District Attorney’s 230 2.2 $633 Hybrid Engine Office 2019 Rav4 Chevy Colorado Building Inspections 205 1.9 $563 2019 Rav4 Chevy Colorado Building Inspections 205 1.9 $563 2019 Rav4 Ford Escape Public Utilities 186 1.8 $511 2019 Rav4 Ford Explorer Airport 205 1.9 $563

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 34 OF 66 2019 Ford Responder Chevy Impala Police 414 3.9 $1,140 2019 Ford Responder Chevy Impala Police 414 3.9 $1,140 Totals 5,130 8.6 $14,113

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 35 OF 66

DEPARTMENTS Transit:  Ridership And Revenue For October, 2020 o Athens-Clarke County Transit Department provided 59,552 passenger trips in October 2020, a 14.07% (8,376 passenger trip) increase from September 2020 (51,176 passenger trips). ACCTD provided 50,133 weekday passenger trips during October 2020, an increase of 12% (6,020 passenger trips) from September 2020. ACCTD provided a weekday average of 2,387 trips for October 2020.

o ACCTD provided 9,419 passenger trips on weekends during October 2020, a 25.01% (2,356 trips) increase from September 2020 7,063). ACCTD averaged 1,046 passenger trips each weekend service day.

o Although month to month ridership is improving, overall ridership for the FY21 year is down approximately 70% and UGA ridership is down by 95%, over the same timeframe in FY20. Federal Transit Administration and national Transit associations are predicting Transit ridership may not return to the pre COVID-19 levels for 24–36 months.

 Token Transit: Online Bus Pass Sales o ACCGov Transit is currently offering fare-free service, resulting in $0 revenue from Token Transit.

 Transit Administration Information: o On October 20, Assistant Transit Director, Pat Hale participated in CTAA’s (Community Transportation Association of America) COVID Conversations, which were designed to assist Transit agencies across the US with resources and innovative ideas during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Athens Clarke-County Transit was presented the Toyota Award in response to her hard work and dedication.

o On November 9–10, Athens-Clarke County Transit staff will attend the CTAA: 2020 FIT for Success - Fundamental Intensive Training seminar. This first-of-its kind event is dedicated to transit professionals in order to best assist in their training and certification goals. FIT 2020 is a mix of one-day and two-day sessions that offer content or certification needs for everyone.

 Maintenance And Custodial: o Maintenance Staff has completed the Comprehensive Position Questionnaire, a required element for the requested increase in wages for the Transit Maintenance Workers.

o Maintenance Staff has completed a facility upgrade at the Multimodal Transportation Center’s passenger lounge. All wooden benches now sport a fresh coat of stain.

o Facility upgrades at Pound Street are underway. Partitions are being installed for operator privacy while changing into or out of Transit Uniforms.

o The parking lot at the Transit Operations location at 325 Pound Street is scheduled for restriping in November.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 36 OF 66 o Preparations are being made for the delivery of two hybrid electric buses that will replace two conventional diesel-powered buses (due February 2021).

o Three Ford T-350 vans are on order to replace three existing demand response vans.

 Marketing and Public Outreach: o Electronic Wayfinding: . Installation of 30 in-vehicle infotainment systems have been completed on all active Athens-Clarke buses. Public information announcements, ACCGov Transit route, schedule and trip planning information, paid advertising, current weather, security camera footage, and more are included in the broadcast. . All of the components for a new PA System have arrived with installation scheduled to be complete in November. The system will improve communication between the information desk and passengers as well as provide facility-wide arrival and departure announcements at the Multimodal Transportation Center. . Nine of 15 solar powered e-ink wayfinding displays have been installed at select locations around Athens. Criteria for site selection included high usage, multiple route stops with adequate sun exposure to maintain the solar powered display. Final installations are expected to conclude next week.

o ACCGov Transit Bus Stop Sign Redesign: . Approximately 400 out of 500 new, color-coded, site-specific Transit bus stop signs have been installed throughout Clarke County. . Updated system maps and “How To” instructions for the myStop Transit app are being installed in conjunction with the bus stop signs. . Transit Routes to the Polls information dissemination continued through October. Marketing Coordinator, Rachel Hopkins distributed information to early voters outside of City Hall, where nine transit routes have the potential to alleviate the reported parking shortages.

o acc.gov/transit website updates are underway in order to improve user experience while utilizing hand-held devices. This is the primary way users are accessing route information from the website.

CAPITAL PROJECTS – LEISURE SERVICES Park Facilities Improvements – Rails-to-Trails Network Program Sub-Project #2 - Firefly Trail – Old Winterville Road to Hancock Road Public Utilities Department Joint Sub-Project – 16-inch Recycled Water main Funding Source: TSPLOST 2018, Project 06/Public Utilities Enterprise Fund Total Project Budget: $16,166,455 Sub-Project Budget: $3,400,000 Trail Sub-Project Budget: $1,400,000 Recycled Water main Status: Construction

Project Details: The sub-project 2 consists of approximately 1.8 miles of multi-use concrete trail with necessary appurtenances. The trail will begin at the intersection of Old Winterville Road and proceed east generally following the abandoned rail line and ending at Hancock Road. This section includes a bridge over GDOT’s proposed Loop 10 on-ramp. In conjunction to trail construction, Public Utilities Department is planning to install a 16-inch recycled watermain to support future recycled/reuse water to industrial area.

Project Update: On May 5, 2020 M&C awarded the construction contract to Georgia Development Partners. Notice to Proceed was issued July 16, 2020. Substantial completion date has been established as October 8, 2021. Contractor has completed erosion control, project staking, clearing, grubbing, and construction fencing is installed along the trail. Contractor has started the installation of storm drain piping and manholes near Spring Valley Rd. On-going installation of structural fill for the pedestrian bridge is making great progress which is expected to finish early. Foundation installation

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 37 OF 66 for the pedestrian bridge should begin early December 2020. Purple pipe, for the recycled water main sections being built simultaneously, has been ordered.

Installing fill dirt for pedestrian bridge Installing storm drain basins

Park Facilities Improvements – Rails-to-Trails Network Program Sub-Project #3 - Firefly Trail – Hancock Road - Winterville Funding Source: TSPLOST 2018, Project 06 Total Project Budget: $16,166,455 Sub-Project Budget: $3,500,000 Trail Status: Preliminary Design

Project Details: This section of trail consists of approximately 3.5 miles of trail. The surface of the trail will depend on funding availability. Its pathway is from the end of Sub-Project #2 at Hancock Road and originally planned to run all the way to the Athens-Clarke County/Oglethorpe County line. However, the Winterville Section (Sub-Project #3.1) was requested early in the TSPLOST tier schedule and separated out. The proposed trail alignment generally follows the abandoned Georgia Railway rail bed and is approximately 3.5 miles in length.

Project Update: The Preliminary Plans for the first portion of Sub-Project #3 were approved by M&C on October 6, 2020. Final Design is proceeding on this portion of the trail.

Park Facilities Improvements – Rails-to-Trails Network Program Sub-Project #3.1 - Firefly Trail – Winterville Section Funding Source: TSPLOST 2018, Project 06 Total Project Budget: $16,166,455 Sub-Project Budget: $1,996,288 Status: Construction

Project Details: The sub-project 3.1 consists of approximately 1.2 miles of multi-use concrete trail with necessary appurtenances. The trail will begin at the intersection of Winterville Road and Cherokee Road and proceed east generally following the abandoned rail line and ending near the Clarke/Oglethorpe County line.

Project Update: Construction is substantially complete. Dedication was held on October 16 at 4:30 PM at the Winterville Train Depot.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 38 OF 66

Sub-Project #4 – Firefly Trail – Trail Creek Crossing Funding Source: TSPLOST 2018, Project 06 Total Project Budget: $16,166,455 Sub-Project Budget: $3,964,755 Status: Final Design

Project Details: Sub-project 4 consists of design and ultimately constructing a structure to span Trail Creek inside Dudley Park and over Poplar Street to complete an at-grade level pathway providing a continuous trail on the previously complete Firefly Trail sections.

Project Update: Final design is substantially complete, as well as the construction permitting process. General Contractor Pre-qualification is complete. The project was released for bid on August 24, 2020. A Pre-bid conference was held electronically on September 2, 2020. Bids were received from the Contractors on September 24, 2020. The bids are being evaluated and will be presented to M&C for consideration at an upcoming meeting.

CAPITAL PROJECTS – Transit Department Bus Stop Improvement Program (BSIP) Funding Source: SPLOST 2011, Project #7 and Grants Project Budgets: $3,967,645 for BSIP Status: Construction

Project Details: ACCGov was awarded a Transit grant of $2.5 million for Transit System Improvements. This grant will allow Athens Transit to upgrade the level and quantity of amenities that are offered. The SPLOST dollars will be used as the required $500,000 local matching funds for the grant. The use of the project funds as matching funds has increased the project budget to a total of $2,704,398. Solar lighting has already been installed at a majority of locations around Athens-Clarke County. M&C approved the selected Art Shelters at the October 2, 2018 voting meeting.

Project Update: Construction Services is being provided by Structural Resources, Inc. All bus stop improvements are complete with the exception of one additional shelter on Prince Avenue. The permits and easements have been obtained and the work should be completed by December 2020. New bus stop signage install is underway beginning on West Broad Street.

Transit Vehicle Expansion & Replacement Project Funding Source: TSPLOST 2018, Project #02, and Grants Project Budget: $7,952,708 Status: Construction

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 39 OF 66 Project Details: Project 2 will purchase up to 16 buses to replace existing vehicles that have reached the end of useful life. The funding may be used to purchase revenue vehicles and/or support vehicles and/or used to match funding for state and/or federal grants to acquire additional transit vehicles, as required.

Project Update: Two 40’ Hybrid heavy duty were put into service in on March 2019, two more in February 2020, and two 35’ Hybrid heavy duty buses were put into service in September 2020. All of these buses were paid with 90% matching grant administered by GDOT.

CAPITAL PROJECTS – TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS Sidewalk Gap Program – FY17 Projects Group 1 – N Chase Street, Baxter Street and Southview Drive Funding Source: General Capital, SPLOST Project Budget: $1,198,500 Status: Construction

Project Description: The project includes design of three segments of gap sidewalks on N. Chase Street, Baxter Street, and Southview Drive. Sol Construction was awarded the contract for this project for the construction on Southview Drive and Baxter Street. The project will include update and addition to existing sidewalks, accessibility ramps, and signal improvements, as necessary.

Project Update: Baxter Street: Sol Construction completed all underground work including the installation of the new mast arm foundations. Due to unforeseen impacts of the continuing pandemic in the Minnesota fabrication plant, delivery of the new mast arms was delayed and are tentatively scheduled for delivery at the end of November.

Southview Drive: The contractor has completed all work associated with this sidewalk segment.

N. Chase Street: The contractor is scheduled to complete the final pavement marking upon completion of the intersection signal upgrade at South Milledge Avenue and Baxter Street.

Sidewalk Gap Program – FY17 Projects Group 2 – Holman Avenue and Magnolia Street Funding Source: General Capital, SPLOST Project Budget: $457,600 Status: Construction

Project Description: The project includes design and construction of sidewalk gaps on Holman Avenue and Magnolia Street including: 1. 600 linear-feet of 5’ sidewalk network on Holman Ave between King Avenue and Old West Broad Street providing pedestrian access to the surrounding neighborhood, area businesses, and transit facilities. 2. 1360 linear-feet of 5’ sidewalk network on Magnolia Street between West Broad Street, Rose Street and Baxter Street, providing pedestrian access to the surrounding neighborhoods, Rocksprings Park & Community Center, multiple businesses, HT Edwards Teaching and Learning Center, and transit facilities.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 40 OF 66 Construction activities are expected to begin in October 2020, with expected completion by August 2021.

Project Update: Contracts have been executed and a Pre-Construction Conference is scheduled to be held on Thursday, November 5th on site near the new construction on Magnolia Street.

Holman Ave Sidewalk Gap Magnolia Street Sidewalk Gap

West Broad Street Sidewalk Gap Funding Source: TSPLOST, GDOT MMSAG Project Budget: $210,000 Status: Construction

Project Description: The project includes design and construction of a 5-foot sidewalk gap on the northern side of West Broad Street (from 2310 W. Broad St to 2434 W Broad St). The sidewalk closes and existing sidewalk gap and connects businesses with multiple apartment complexes and transit stops. The project consists of building approximately 1,100 feet of sidewalk, accessibility ramps, and minor intersection improvements at Camellia Drive. The construction phase is partially funded by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) through the Multi Model Safety Access Grant. Construction activities are scheduled to begin in August 2020 with final completion in December 2020.

Project Update: Tri Scapes, Inc. completed all work associated with grading, installation of sidewalk, and installation of sod. Wilburn Engineering is scheduled to begin work on the pedestrian signal installation during the first week of November with completion by November 6th. Highway Services is currently scheduled to perform final striping during the second week of November with completion by November 13th, weather permitting.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 41 OF 66

2020 Pavement Maintenance Project Funding Source: General Fund, SPLOST, TSPLOST, and GDOT Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) Project Budget: $6,600,000 Status: Construction

Project Description: The CY20 PMP will include resurfacing and preventative maintenance of multiple roads throughout ACC, selected from the remaining deficit list for poor and failed roadway segments identified from ratings performed by staff in 2015 and updated in 2019 using a new automated rating system. Paving operations are expected to commence in May and end in November 2020.

Project Update: This year’s paving project has a substantial completion date of November 30, 2020. Paving operations will stop for the year and resume in early spring 2021.

Carriage Lane Culvert Replacement Project & Barnett Shoals Sidewalk Gap Project Funding Source: Stormwater Utility Enterprise Fund, General Capital, SPLOST Project Budget: $1,584,797 Status: Construction

Project Description: Carriage Lane is a dead-end road and the culvert under Carriage Lane has an extensive and non- reparable buckling due to excessive rust and loss of soils that TPW repaired multiple times. The project includes replacing the failed 12X9 elliptical corrugated metal plate pipe carrying a live stream, with a double 10X8 concrete box culvert with headwalls. Barnett Shoals Road Sidewalk Gap project includes completion of a sidewalk gap. The proposed improvement incorporates relocation of one bus stop, installation of a new controlled midblock crosswalk, and installation of accessibility ramps.

Project Update: Georgia Development Partners has completed the installation of the culvert as well as the headwalls and gabion walls. The installation of GAB on the new roadway is complete and the paving subcontractor is tentatively scheduled to begin the installation of a new asphalt on Wednesday, November 4th. Upon completion of the asphalt installation, the contractor will remove the detour road and begin final grading on-site in preparation for final stabilization. Completion of the Carriage Lane project is anticipated for mid- to late November, weather permitting.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 42 OF 66

Tallassee Road Bridge over CSX Railroad Replacement Funding Source: General Fund, SPLOST, and TSPLOST Project Budget: $6,000,000 Status: Bid & Award

Project Description: The project includes the replacement of Tallassee Road Bridge over the CSX Railroad southwest of the existing alignment, building new approaches to the structure, and rebuilding the traffic signal at Tallassee Road and Westchester Drive. The new bridge is proposed to consist of two 12-foot travel lanes, a 5-foot sidewalk, and a 10-foot multi-use trail.

Project Update: Coordination with CSX is complete. Final relocation plans are in progress with Georgia Power, Southern Gas, and Public Utilities. The project award by M&C and work commencement is expected in early 2021.

Lexington Highway Corridor Improvements Funding Source: TSPLOST 2018, Project 14 Project Budget: $3,860,191 Status: Planning

Project Details: Lexington Highway Corridor Improvements Project, includes funding for specific improvements to the Lexington Highway Corridor that are to be approved by Mayor and Commission. Improvements eligible for the funding include, but are not limited to: landscaped/concrete median(S), additional sidewalks, multi-use trail, separated bike lanes, and improvements of intersections at Winterville Rd, Gaines School Road, and Whit Davis Road.

Project Update: From May 28, 2020 to June 28, 2020, ACCGov received online public input. On July 7, 2020, M&C approved the proposed project list, authorized the Project list for prioritization into the Project Concept Phase, and authorized the implementation of the “Immediate Impact Project” of airport wayfinding signage. Project information and studies can be found at the following location: https://www.accgov.com/lexingtonhighway. Project Concept materials for each of the proposed projects on the list is being developed for presentation to M&C at the January 12, 2021 work session and immediately followed by additional public input. The public input will be taken to help the User Group develop a draft and ultimately to assist M&C with deciding on the priority order for the various projects that are on the list.

Atlanta Highway Corridor Improvements Funding Source: TSPLOST 2018, Project 15 Project Budget: $3,860,191 Status: Planning

Project Details: Atlanta Highway Corridor Improvements Project, includes funding for specific improvements to the Atlanta Highway Corridor that are to be approved by Mayor and Commission. Improvements eligible for the funding include, but are not limited to, landscaped/concrete median(s), interconnecting parcel additional sidewalks, multi-use trail, separated bike lanes, and potential intersection improvements.

Project Update: From May 28, 2020 to June 28, 2020, ACCGov received online public input. On July 7, 2020, M&C approved the proposed project list, authorized the Project list for prioritization into the Project Concept Phase, and authorized the implementation of the “Immediate Impact Projects” of intersection improvements (signal modification – flashing yellow at Target), landscape improvements (Corridor plantings master plan), and Land adjustments/restriction (restripe/sign outer westbound lane from bypass to GA Square Mall Dr for better advance warning lane ends). Project

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 43 OF 66 information and studies can be found at the following location: https://www.accgov.com/atlantahighway. Project Concept materials for each of the proposed projects on the list is being developed for presentation to M&C at the January 12, 2021 work session and immediately followed by additional public input. The public input will be taken to help the User Group develop a draft and ultimately to recommend to M&C on deciding the priority order for the various projects that are on the list.

Clayton Street Infrastructure and Transportation Improvements Funding Source: SPLOST 2005 Project 10 & TSPLOST 2018 Project 09 Project Budget: $8,376,121 Status: Construction

Project Details: Project includes improvements to Clayton Street and connecting side streets for the completion of the 2005 SPLOST project for new sidewalks, streetscape, new paving, associated storm drainage, pedestrian safety improvements, operational and traffic flow improvements, and bicycle improvements between Pulaski Street and N. Thomas Street.

Project Update: ACCGov’s Construction Management Firm for the project, Astra Group, has mobilized to the site and has a temporary office on Clayton Street. Work on the Clayton Street Improvements Project continues with the installation of new electrical conduit duct banks in the corridor. These conduits will be used for wiring for street lighting, fiber optic cabling, downtown cameras, traffic and pedestrian signals, and other data & electrical needs. Spare conduits are also being installed for future needs as they may arise.

Progression of the duct banks along the southside of Clayton Street has been slightly slower than anticipated due to required rock removal and addressing abandoned utilities when encountered. The duct bank installation will continue along Clayton Street from Lumpkin down to Thomas Street. Astra, will continue to keep the work area foot print to a minimum, thus reducing interruption to normal business activities as much as possible.

In an effort to provide a touch of Holiday Season opportunities, only selected trees were removed as needed to facilitate the immediate construction needs, thereby allowing the yearly Christmas lights to be part of this Holiday season where possible. Completing the tree removal and installation of electrical conduit along the entire project length will run concurrent with the streetscape portion schedule to begin after the Holiday season.

Work during the holiday season, November and December, by Astra is currently planned for areas in the street or adjacent parking areas to maintain sidewalk access and reduce impact to downtown establishments.

The streetscape portion of the work is scheduled to begin in January 2021 and will take place on smaller sections of the corridor at a time. More details and timeframes will be available at a later time related to the streetscape segments.

The improvements will include better stormwater management and standing water removal, wider sidewalks with fewer pedestrian conflicts, new streetlights, new traffic signals on fewer poles, public art, wider travel lanes for vehicles, changes to metered spaces’ angles to improve safety when reversing out, larger areas for pedestrians to wait for crossing streets, and more trees and landscaping areas.

The Mayor and Commission approved the streetscape design and the public art component in 2019. The full project is expected to be completed in early 2022.

For more information about the East Clayton Street Improvements Project, visit www.accgov.com/clayton.

The temporary closure of College Avenue, between Clayton Street and W. Broad Street, creating an outdoor dining and gathering area has been completed. The closure is scheduled for a six month pilot program at which time it will be re- evaluated by M&C to determine if it will continue.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 44 OF 66

Excavation for duct bank/rock removal/existing utilities Investigation unknown/abandoned pipe structure

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 45 OF 66

DEPARTMENTS/AGENCIES Animal Services:

Animal Dispositions for 10-01-2020 through 10-31-2020 All Dispositions animals Canine Feline Other Adopted 61 14 43 4 DAK 5 0 5 0 DOA 1 1 0 0 Escaped 0 0 0 0 Euthanized 5 3 2 0 Reclaimed 21 20 1 0 RTO 0 0 0 0 RTW 0 0 0 0 Stolen 0 0 0 0 Turned Over 92 41 49 2

Service Calls by Type for 10-01-2020 through 10-31-2020 District District District District District District District District District District SERVICE CALL TYPES TOTAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Running at large 67 11 9 3 2 10 13 6 2 10 1 Animal Neglect/ Cruelty/Abandonment 24 2 7 1 0 3 4 0 1 4 2 Nuisance Complaints 7 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 Sick/Injured Animal 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 Hot Car 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wildlife 20 1 2 1 4 7 1 2 0 0 2 Livestock at Large 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Menacing 6 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 1 Bite: Animal VS Animal 5 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 Bite: Animal VS Person 22 1 6 3 1 4 4 0 1 2 0 Bite: Wildlife VS Animal/Person 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Contained Feral Cat 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 156 17 25 10 10 27 25 10 5 20 7

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 46 OF 66 Central Services:  800 MHz Radio System: In October 2020, the 800 MHz radio system processed 150,235 total calls for a total of 594 hours of airtime. 0.00% of total calls were redirected or failed because the system was overloaded. For FY21 to date, approximately 555,688 total calls for a total of 2,205 hours of airtime have been processed with a 100% success rate. In FY19, 2,159,112 total calls were processed with 8,389 hours of airtime. In FY20, 1,845,179 total calls were processed with 7,233 hours of airtime. The total call volume for the fiscal year can be found in the table below. Note the slight decrease from September of 2020. ACC and UGA remain in the lower call volume category as we continue to be impacted by COVID-19.

800 MHz Radio System Calls By Month

250000

200000

150000

100000

50000

0 July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

FY19 FY20 FY21

Code Enforcement:  Code Enforcement Violations COMMON CODE VIOLATIONS Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec JANUARY 2020 Signs in Right of Way 925 1255 1845 1875 1945 3585 3975 5465 6575 7080 Front Yard Parking 31 59 71 77 83 90 102 139 156 190 Junk Vehicles 58 83 93 98 118 130 139 151 161 169 Trash Rollcarts 30 157 208 216 266 313 346 402 456 531 TOTAL 1044 1554 2217 2266 2412 4118 4562 6157 7348 7970

Fire and Emergency Services:  Athens-Clarke County Fire & Emergency Services would like to congratulate some of the members of our department on being added to our Special Reaction Team (SRT). These members will work alongside law enforcement in special situations in which there is an anticipated possibility of the need for rapid medical care. Our newest members are Anthony Arndt, Duff Phinney, Troy Gossard, Ben Cunningham, and Matthew Schmitz.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 47 OF 66

Participants in Special Reaction Team (SRT) training.

 On October 14, our department had the privilege to host newly elected commissioners Carol Myers and Jesse Houle. They were given a quick presentation about our department followed by a great question and answer session. They were then taken on a tour around our training center and were shown some of the apparatus and equipment used in the performance of our duties. We would like to thank Barrett's Towing for donating a car for the demonstration. And we really wish to express our thanks to the commissioners and the Athens-Clarke County, GA Unified Government Manager’s Office for making this possible. We are happy to see the interest in our department and in the welfare and safety of our community.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 48 OF 66  October 16, crews responded to the Tate Student Center on UGA campus after a small fire occurred on the roof. Our crews acted quickly and the fire was extinguished. There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. It is apparent fireworks from the graduation ceremony were likely the cause of the fire.

 October 21, ACCFES participated in a helicopter crash rescue drill at Athens Ben Epps Airport with the Georgia Army National Guard Company C 1-106 Army Air Assault Helicopter Battalion. It was exciting to have an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and its highly trained crew to simulate an emergency situation. Our crews are now more prepared for this type of emergency.

Participants in the Helicopter Crash Training.

 October 23, Governor Brian Kemp visited a fire station. We appreciate the honor of your visit and your continued support of our firefighters. In fact, we can’t fully express the gratitude that we have for all of our supporters within our community.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 49 OF 66

Governor Brian Kemp (center) pictured with station crew and friends.

Police Services:  On October 1, a silver Ford F-150 was stolen from MLK Parkway and the victim informed dispatch the vehicle was unlocked, the keys were inside as well as firearms were left inside the vehicle. As officers were canvassing the area, it was observed on a traffic camera. Officers converged into the area and spotted the suspect, who was detained and arrested. The stolen vehicle was found abandoned and the weapons were located inside.

 On October 5, Officers came across a disabled vehicle and stopped to help change a Flat Tire on Winterville Road near Indian Hills Drive. Thanks to our School Resource Officers T. Clark, Claude Johnson, and Jesse Marsden who assisted the driver.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 50 OF 66  On October 11, a suspect approached a victim near Willow Street and College Avenue and demanded the victim’s belongings. The suspect had a handgun and pointed it at the victim’s head. The victim complied with the suspect’s demands. Afterwards, the suspect fled towards downtown. Our K-9 unit was called and while the dogs did not locate the suspect, they did locate some of the victim’s stolen items.

 Even during a pandemic, essential training must continue. Crisis Intervention Training has shifted to the virtual realm. This week-long class is a requirement for all new hires prior to them being released to the road. ACCPD partnered with Advantage to bring this training to Clarke County several times each year. Our Mental Health Responders, Advantage and many community connections work together to help our officers develop knowledge and skills to better interact with people in crisis. Masks are being worn, and social distancing is in practice.

 On October 27, ACCPD Officers showed support for Red Ribbon Week and Youth Substance Abuse Prevention by wearing red.

Public Utilities: Water Reclamation: Our North Oconee & Middle Oconee Water Reclamation Facilities play an important role in efforts to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in Athens, GA. We are providing access to sewage samples from our water reclamation facilities and have now moved along the trunk line to collect additional samples. Erin Lipp, a professor of environmental health science in UGA’s College of Public Health and principal investigator, then extracts the virus RNA from filtered raw sewage samples to understand the prevalence of COVID-19 in our area.

The findings are shared and updated Thursdays on the Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases website. At the end of October, the findings reported, “Concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in Athens-Clarke County wastewater SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 51 OF 66 are comparable to those reported during the previous week (October 20, 2020). Concentrations are also similar between the two plants. These data suggest that there may be persistent viral shedding throughout the community. Reported cases in Athens-Clarke County have been stable over the past three weeks, with a 7-day running averages of 20-24 cases per day.”

Our facilities fight pathogens and viruses like coronavirus through our treatment processes. This type of virus is very susceptible to our disinfection. The Public Utilities Department is committed to protecting public and environmental health in the Athens community. We welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important work being conducted by UGA.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 52 OF 66

DEPARTMENTS Building & Planning Activity:

2017 2018 2019 2020 Calendar Yr Calendar Yr YTD YTD

Building Permits Issued 946 1,098 1,283 1,076

Building Permit 169,552,191 192,373,544 267,870,892 177,830,536 Valuations ($)

Building Inspections 4,290 4,559 5,153 5,494 Performed

Planning & Zoning Applications: The graph below depicts the total amount of applications received each month in 2020 compared to 2019. Applications in 2020 are divided by application type and are represented by the bars, total applications for 2019 are depicted by the blue trend line.

2020 Permit Applications by Month Compared to 2019 300

250

200

150

100

50

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov. Dec

Certificate of Appropriateness Demolition Review Environmental Areas Home Occupation Planning Commission Plans Review Plats Signs Variance Zoning Permit Zoning Verification Total Applications in 2019

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 53 OF 66

Central Services:  Central Services staff developed a policy to establish an Outdoor Retail Area (ORA) Pilot Program for weekends during the Covid-19 pandemic. The program established the framework for the temporary use of public right-of-way to support socially distanced outdoor retail, dining, and alcohol consumption. The first phase of the pilot occurred for three consecutive weekends on the south side of W. Washington Street between Pulaski and N. Hull Street, closing one lane of traffic and the parking on the south side. Three businesses participated during these weekends and staff received positive feedback from each business.

 The Central Services Department assisted with the closure of College Avenue between East Clayton Street and East Broad Street, commonly known as College Square, to vehicles as of Thursday, October 8. The closure is part of a six- month pilot project to close this block to vehicle traffic and temporarily convert the area to a pedestrian and dining plaza which helps with social distancing during the pandemic. As part of the project, the ACCGov Landscape Management Division assembled tables and installed concrete planters with landscaping at both ends of the block to prevent vehicular traffic from entering and to create open space and dining areas. Facilities Management Division staff are cleaning the area on a daily basis which includes cleaning tables, picking up trash, opening umbrellas, and refilling hand sanitizing stations.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 54 OF 66

DEPARTMENTS Central Services:  Facilities Management staff are working on or have completed the following:

o Renovating Public Utilities Administration/Water Business Office to create additional office space. o Winterizing all outdoor plumbing fixtures at ACCGov facilities. o Installing new bathroom partitions at the Transit Bus Shop. o Transferring all testing, maintenance, and monitoring of fire alarms, security alarms, and other security related equipment to a new vendor which will save ACCGov approximately $30,000 per year. o Checking all secondary agencies on a daily basis for homeless encampments and cleaning up after them, which includes cleaning up and disposing of human waste, trash, needles, and other hazardous materials. o Coordinating the installation of UVC lighting in the HVAC system at the Library. o Working with the Library on a renovation project which includes flooring, a media room and a training room. o Repairing the fence across the street from Transit Multi-Modal Transportation Center and installing “Caution DO NOT ENTER” signs. This space was being used as an “unofficial” dog park. o Delivered and picked up all voting equipment and supplies for Board of Elections. This included early voting and Election Day. Staff also replaced the absentee ballot box in Winterville & installed early voting signs at several locations. o Inspected all ACCGov generators. o Repaired the fire sprinkler system at the Mental Health Building. o Installed Plexiglas in the courtroom for State Court to protect the court reporter and witnesses. o Installed and provided the necessary equipment at the Bishop Park Covered Tennis Courts to enable the use of computers and presentation equipment by Mayor& Commission for a work session.

 Internal Support: Sold 8 vehicles for $51,891 and 6 guns for $5,797 by online auction.

Public Information Office: Public Information Office staff and entomologist Dr. Elmer Gray from the University of Georgia visited a residential location in October to investigate mosquito issues reported to the PIO. Identified potential sources for mosquitoes in this area included standing water in trash or containers such as an old pool that created breeding areas adjacent to the property. The visit allowed staff to provide information about mosquito control tips to the property owner and discuss some additional education opportunities with Code Enforcement. Peak mosquito season for some of the more aggressive mosquitoes in the area is generally in August and September, although mosquitoes can occur later into the fall until cold weather appears.

Public Utilities:  The Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense Program presented the Water Conservation Office (WCO) with their fourth Sustained Excellence Award. The WCO understands the simple installation of WaterSense labeled products saves PUD customers water and money. The WCO developed creative promotions of the WaterSense label, including a WaterSense category in the Ripple Effect Film Project, the building of a WaterSense gingerbread home, and the distribution of fortune cookies with water-efficient fortunes.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 55 OF 66

 Sheridan Soileau, the Planning, Budget & Research Coordinator for the PUD, recently had an article published on the Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) website. Sheridan wrote The Future of Water Depends on Looking Back at History Today: Six Steps to Your Utility’s First Strategic Plan as part of a six-week water cohort program with ELGL. It's a small result of what unfolded during that program. Sheridan credits “the amazing team we have working for ACC, and across the country for water and wastewater. When you stop and think about those entrusted with keeping your water clean, and your wastewater conveyance safe, there are extraordinary people that work on this 24/7. So many remarkable folks are working together to do this for ACC. They are our local superheroes.”

 In recognition of the 10 year anniversary of important legislation, Laurie Loftin, the Water Conservation Coordinator contributed an article to the Georgia Operator Magazine Fall 2020 issue. Celebrating 10 Years of the Georgia Water Stewardship Act covers several of the key components within the GWSA that affect Athenians today. Our outdoor watering schedule, sub- metering on multi-building/multi-residence developments, and high-efficiency plumbing standards are a direct result of this ACT, which positioned Georgia as a leader in water conservation.

 The Water Business Office is pleased to offer customers the ability to use a credit card online to pay for water, sewer, and refuse bills. Since opening the fee-free service to customers, the WBO processed 3,056 payments through Click2Gov in October. The system allows customers to see their payments in real-time, set up auto- pay, set bill reminders, and sign up for water service. Register for the WaterSmart AMI Portal, click on “Pay Your Bill,” then follow the prompts to set up bill payments. You will need your account number the first time you set-up payments. Visit www.accgov.com/WaterSmart to learn more and get started.

Solid Waste: Ten members of Solid Waste staff voluntarily formed an Inclusion Team and together worked through the three modules of an Anti-Racism Training offered through The Diversity and Resiliency Institute of El Paso. The team is currently working on revising the Department’s core values and will be starting an after-hours book club in the next month.

CAPITAL PROJECTS Middle Oconee Water Reclamation Facility Maintenance Building Project Funding Source: Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund Project Budget: $1,345,000 Status: Complete

Project Details:  Due to new phosphorous regulations being implemented by the Georgia EPD, the Middle Oconee WRF is in need of an effluent filtration system.  The maintenance shop has been relocated on site to place new filtration system within the hydraulic profile of the facility.

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 56 OF 66

Middle Oconee Water Reclamation Facility (MOWRF) Centrifuge Replacement Funding Source: Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund Project Budget: $1,283,000 Status: In-progress

Project Details:  The Middle Oconee WRF replaced two inefficient dewatering centrifuges with one unit which will process the same amount of biosolids.  The new centrifuge will reduce amount of water hauled to the composting facility and improve overall efficiency of this process.

Project History and Projection:

Old Dewatering Centrifuge Configuration New Dewatering Centrifuge Configuration

Brooklyn Creek Interceptor Project Phase 1 Location: Traverses along tributary from Middle Oconee River to Baxter Street Same trench replacement Easement acquisitions underway Estimated Project Bid Date: May 2020 Estimated Project Cost: $6.5 Million

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 57 OF 66 Brooklyn Creek Interceptor Project Phase 2 Location: Traverses along tributary from Baxter Street to King Avenue Predominantly same trench replacement Easement acquisitions underway Estimated Project Bid Date: August 2020 Estimated Project Cost: $4.5 Million

Upper North Oconee Interceptor Phase 2B Project Bid Date: August 1, 2019 Project Cost: Mayor and Commission approved construction contract award on November 5, 2019 in the amount of $10,722,722. Notice to Proceed: February 2020 Estimated Date of Project Completion: January 2021

Tanyard Creek Interceptor Improvements Phase 2 Bid Date: November 7, 2019 Project Cost: Mayor and Commission approved construction contract award on January 7, 2020 in the amount of $9,259,479.90. Notice to Proceed: March 2020 Estimated Date of Project Completion: July 31, 2020

Current Audits Being Conducted by the Office of Operational Analysis:  Central Services Fleet Management  Public Utilities Water Business Office  Animal Services Department

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 58 OF 66

Central Services: Received the following “thank you” from Travis Cooper, IT Director – This work was performed by Keith Lunsford. “I want to thank you and your department in helping us get the wireless access points installed at the county parks. Keith Lunsford was a major help and he should be commended for his efforts.”

Leisure Services:  Email regarding art time box: I met you last week when I picked up my daughter’s box. Thank you so much for the work and creativity you put into these boxes!! It was so fun to open the box and see all the projects waiting to be made!! We’re going to learn so much!! Thank you for making art tangible and accessible even in the time of a pandemic! - Brandy Holloway

 Thank you so much for opening your doors for a preview of Boundless and the Imagination Squared! The Lyndon House is central in my love of Athens. -Landon Bubb

 Email regarding Athens Creative Theatre programming: So, my 11 year old Lucca who is on zoom ALL day for classes and constantly telling me she is zoomed out told me today she is so sad that her acting workshop online class only has one more class left. Wow, what is your secret to engaging them in these times? Thank you! - Christine Graziano

 Email regarding the Movies by Moonlight Drive in Movie: Hello! I just wanted to send a huge thank you to everyone who put together tonight’s movie night! I also wanted to apologize because we left our pizza on the top of our car and didn’t realize it until we were down the road. We turned around and went back but someone had already picked it up. If there is anything I can do to make up for this, please let me know. I’m so sorry and thank you again! We had such a wonderful time. - Lacie Dooley

 Good afternoon Mr. Kilpatrick! I just wanted to take a sec to let you know what a great resource your virtual leisure services web page https://accgov.com/9337/Virtual-Leisure-Services has been for me and my family... My mother moved in with us just before the pandemic hit and with twin 11 year olds we definitely had our hands full LOL. But I was able to find some AWESOME resources to use while everyone was at home thanks to your links...especially the fitness resources! Our school district is doing remote learning right no w and my daughters have been really bummed about missing out on PE and sports in person so we started exercising together at home..hopefully we can continue through the school year! Great granddaughter/grandma bonding time too. My girls suggested that we should send a thank-you note...or e-mail haha. But it definitely does feel like a good time to show gratitude and spread some positivity so here we are =) Thank you! - Elizabeth Manning

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 59 OF 66 



SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 60 OF 66



 Virtual Programs continue under the School Services Contract for Clarke County School District. Staff are providing virtual Habitats & Weather Field Study programs. Here are some teacher comments below.

“This field trip was engaging, the kids really enjoyed learning about the weather instruments and guessing the weather event culprits.”

“The students really enjoyed watching the experiments Michelle showed us.”

“Thank you so much for all you've done for our students today. I would have never known you had only been teaching for 2 days. My class LOVED the material. Digitally, there were no obvious issues on my end. Overall, your presentation was great, and you utilized the Zoom features well. Thank you so much again for your time!”

Police Services:  Received the following letter from a citizen: "Athens-Clarke Co. Police Department, One night back in 2009, I was arrested for a DUI in your county. At the time, I was a student at UGA, about to graduate. When I was arrested, I was not a nice person to the folks I came in contact with; and for being a jerk, I sincerely apologize. Now I am sober & working through the 12 steps of AA. As part of those steps, I want to make amends for causing trouble. From now on, I will try to be the best citizen, as well as being extra kind to law enforcement I may come in contact with. I hope you will accept my apology. Thank you for taking the time to read this. God Bless You."

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 61 OF 66 

Public Utilities:  An email received by Water & Sewer: “Dear Managers and Superintendent, I am an Athens resident, Mr. Williams knows me from running the partnered ACC/DPH/UGA Mobile COVID-19 testing unit. I am writing to praise the timely work by your on-call sewer crew last night. We discovered that we had waste water in our sinks, toilets and showers yesterday at about 8pm. After getting advice from a plumber friend, we were able to let off some pressure but realized quickly that the problem was at the street end of our drain line, so my husband called the ACC water/sewer emergency line. The on-call crew arrived in under an hour, and had cleared the blockage so we could flush and rinse all of our fixtures by about 9:15. They stayed late to flush the sewer line in both directions after removing the obstruction at the junction of our line and the city line. They were absolutely lovely, made us laugh, and gave us advice on how not to contribute to the issue in the future. I know these days praise is hard to come by, but these essential workers did an outstanding job for us, and I cannot thank them enough. We felt that we could at the least, let you know how great they are.”

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 62 OF 66  A messaged received on Facebook about the Water & Sewer Division:

And the response from Water & Sewer Division:

 Phone call from customer with WaterSmart account: “I got an “Unusual Water Use” alert. It said I had used 402 gallons of water since the day before. I started thinking about what it might be, then remembered my son had washed the dog outside of the house on Sunday. I called my daughter to go check on the hose. Sure enough it was still running. This is a great service.”

 Feedback from the Athens Water Festival in A Box

○ “He was enthused about the whole event. It was great! A fun thing to do on a Saturday morning stuck in the house.” ○ “It is impossible to pick a favorite item because we were fascinated by everything (age 2 and 4.5)! The toilet! The pen! The ball! Cool experiments! The color changing pencil! We are planning our scavenger hunt this weekend and we will also plant our seeds. This has been such an informative, educational and FUN experience! Thank you so much!” ○ “Everything was amazing!! Thank you! We can’t wait to finish our scavenger hunt! We waited to open our boxes which was absolute torture (but like an exciting Christmas morning kind of torture). It was worth it. We have had so much fun learning!” ○ “I had ZERO idea what to expect for the unboxing party and the kids were watching really early due to excitement. Once it was time to open the boxes, it was VERY hard to get them to pay attention to the computer. We tried to listen and we heard a lot of valuable information but we faded towards the end of the meeting. Don’t stop doing what you do” ○ “Thank you for all the new and different things you are doing to serve families this year. Having this virtual event was exciting for my daughter, and having LilliAn Phibian visit to relive the box was such a fun surprise for her.” ○ “I totally loved it. Thank you so much for the time and effort put into it.” ○ “It was super fun- she had been looking at the box in anticipation, so it was fun to go through and have an explanation of everything- and I also think it made it more meaningful because she went through each item as the panel was explaining them instead of just tearing through it.” ○ “Thank you Jackie, and everyone, for our fun Water Festivals in a box! Great thinking ‘outside the box‘ this year!! We don’t do social media nowadays, but here are some pics of our fun (if ya use, for personal safety reasons, please do not include our name). Thank you ACC Water Conservation folks! Keep up the good work!” ○ “Thank you! We love our boxes! Mia started coloring right away and we can’t wait to do all the activities.”

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 63 OF 66

Solid Waste Department: KACCB:  “Hi Stacee- I can’t speak to our effectiveness in comparison to other years but no matter that we pulled literally tons of garbage from local waterways and improved habitat across our community. You all handled it beautifully and deserve huge kudos for navigating the additional hurdles (practical, legal, coordination, etc) thrown at you this year. Thank you for your amazing work. And thank everyone else for me as well. All the best” - Krisztian Varga

 Email to Carlos Pinto and Joe Dunlap: “Our organization would like to give a huge Thank You for coming out to our Phase 1, Community Cleanup. October 17th, 2020, Mykeisha Ross founder of Youth Is Life-Athens invited the Stonehenge Community and Stonehenge Youth Association to come out and participate in the cleanup of their Community Center. No residents of Stonehenge showed. However, that didn’t stop the show! Mykeisha and Youth Is Life-Athens Board of Directors came together. We were able to collaborate with James Johnson Coach at Athens Christian, James Brown and daughter Felicia, Local Black Entrepreneur, Love & Service, an all Black Local organization, with one of the founder Quez Cooper. Fearless Queenz and Strong Beautiful Godly Girls was in attendance. Deborah Gonzalez was a huge part. She also sponsored the T- shirts for Youth Is Life-Athens. Commissioner Jesse Houle was a very valuable player. Brittni Johnson Founder of In Christ We Play was in attendance with her Teammates Jasmine Grier and Katja Sonkeng. Youth Is Life-Athens would like to show gratitude to ACC Solid Waste, and Keep Athens- Clarke County Beautiful. Thank you so much for all the equipment and supplies that was donated. Also Thank you Panera Bread for donating the treats. Thank you so much everyone for all your dedication and community. The purpose of this project, is to provide Gang violence, kids off the streets and give the community a safe haven for children to connect and build their own world. What I would like for the community to take from this event. Athens-Clarke County is in need of Unity. So what does Youth Is Life- Athens bring to the table. We strive to bring Unity back into the community. In order to do that we must have heart, passion and Love for ourselves and others.” - Mykeisha Ross

 Email to Carlos Pinto re: 2020 AAH Group Activity Summary - End of Quarter #3: “Done! I also like the database improvements you made on this form. I’ll make sure to tell volunteers to take pictures of Stranger Things. The creativity of ACC government never ceases to amaze me and thankful every day I grew up in ACC!” - Kent Person

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 64 OF 66  Email to Carlos Pinto and Stacy Smith re: 9/28/2020 - trash bag and tire hauling request “Great job by this clean up group on Riverbend. Really good haul including this mossy shoe!” - Jon Pierson

 Email to Stacee Farrell re: special request “Hi Stacee, I'm glad you reached back out. I read your email on vacation and completely forgot! Next week is great for me and I'd love to meet you. Everyone here really enjoys the daffodils every spring on the loop near our office... thank you so much for everything you and your team do!” - Kathleen Adams

Collections Feedback:  This compliment is for Steve Coleman from Laura of Athens Health Home, at 1510 Prince Ave on Friday October 9th, 2020 “called to ask about their pickup days. She said the person who picks up the rollcarts is so nice, and will even come to the side to pick up the rollcarts if they have not been placed curbside like they are supposed to.”

 This compliment is for Rickey Bonds & Rodney Moss. Dave Nowakowski from 1960 Timothy Road emailed on Tuesday October 20th, 2020. “By the way, our curbside leaf/limb pickup came today. We're new residents (1960 Timothy RD) so this was our first pickup. Have to say the service was excellent. The curb was left very clean, and they were safe, quick, and quiet. Nice work. “

 This compliment is for Antonio Hull, Nancy Flowers, & Willie Brown from Anne Burns in Graystone. On Friday October 30th, 2020. The pile was located at 100 Rockford Drive. Wanted to tell me thank you for working with them to have their bush pile picked up. She thanked the drivers in person.

 This compliment is for Stanley Johnson, Nancy Flowers & Philigon Mosley. Susan Pike at 205 Milledge Heights called on Wednesday October 7th. Wanted to thank them so much for picking up her blocked trash and recycling. And wanted to thank me for having them do it

Recycling Division Feedback:  (Denise Plemmons) “Thank you so much for your presentation to the Kiwanis club in Madison! You provided information that our folks obviously found very interesting and you did it in an excellent way!” - Charlie Webster, Madison Ga. Kiwanis Club

 In reference to the Glass Bottle Reduction Program “Thank you so much for helping Ciné achieve this cost reduction! You were a pleasure to work with Denise! I especially appreciate your extra effort in working through my technological challenges. Thank you for all you do for Athens-Clarke citizens and our world!” - Vicki Connell, Accounting Department

 (To the Teacher Reuse Store, from Madison County Middle School students)

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 65 OF 66 Landfill Feedback:  Email to Suki Janssen re. Landfill at Lexington “My name is Bob Pelon. I have been an Athens resident for over five years and recently purchased a three acre lot I have been cleaning the leaves, trees and brush and bring to the landfill on Lexington Drive. I am so glad I was able to contact you because I wanted to express my thanks and admiration to the staff at the landfill. I have been bringing leaf and limb material frequently for over five years and every time I have been welcomed with courtesy and respect. You have reason to be proud of their professionalism they show. The recent changes because of the pandemic were necessary and the way the team handled it showed they had customer service in mind. They made a point of notifying me of upcoming changes, they were flexible and had an attitude of we will adapt and overcome. I personally liked being able to put my landfill charge on my water bill. I thought it was a great idea and significantly reduced administrative cost. The web site improved and it is convenient to use. Thank you for what you and your team are doing.” - R. L. Pelon

SNAPSHOT :: PAGE 66 OF 66