Chatt Hills News December 2020

Official Publication Issue 10 of the City of Volume 1 Chattahoochee Hills, GA www.chatthillsga.us CHATT HILLS NEWS DECEMBER 2020

Features Events Arts in Chatt Hills City Government

Our Community What’s going on Locally? What are our Artists Stay Informed Page 3 Page 14 up to? Page 22 Page 15

Christmas Came Early for Our Fire Department

HEALTH The State of Georgia has a new COVID-19 CDC hotline. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed Get the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) to the novel coronavirus, please contact your information HERE. primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.

CALL THIS HOTLINE: (844) 442-2681

CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 1 So it’s always rewarding process—combined with their efforts to actualize the when work you’ve started Diana Wilson’s unstoppa- collective vision of preser- (and friends you’ve made) ble energy and the help vation-oriented develop- years and years ago come of literally hundreds of ment here in beautiful Chatt together to produce real like-minded folks—has Hills. results. led to an amazing plan I’m also thankful for so It took me years of for parks and preserves much more. A loving family. work to convince Fulton along the river, the very first A wonderful community County to give us Camp- evidence of which is our full of good volunteers and MAYOR TOM REED bellton Park. Then there own boat ramp! And there great people. Our amazing was the auspicious meet- is so much more good stuff team at City Hall. The brave ing with an unexpected going on! men and women in our There is so much to outcome: I was meeting As you’ll see a little military, public safety, and be thankful for this with some folks from the further in the newsletter, medical teams, who will month that I’m not Trust for Public Land to Laurie wrote a great article be working to keep us safe discuss what an underused detailing the grand opening from harm and from Covid sure where to start! asset the Chattahoochee of the City’s new boat as we’re enjoying family River was, as well as my launch at Campbellton time. Say an extra prayer It’s pretty amazing how thoughts on what could Park, along with the very for those good folks—and much work (and how happen in Chatt Hills, comprehensive list of give your family a big hug many hands) are needed which led to the whole “thank-yous” that I made in as you celebrate what you sometimes to get good RiverLands project. Later, my remarks. I say it often, are thankful for. things done – and how far upon meeting the director and I’ll say it again: I am in advance the work has of that program, I was so very thankful for this God bless, Mayor Tom to start. Patience is not my thrilled to hear him say, community—and for the Reed greatest virtue, but I do “So you’re the reason I amazing people who give love long-range planning. got hired!” That planning so much of themselves in

VOTING INFORMATION CENTER Visit the Georgia Secretary of State – Election page for the latest information listed below: https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/elections

General Election and Special Election Polling place in Chattahoochee Hills is City Hall, 6605 Rico Rd. Don’t forget…Voters in Georgia need to confirm their identity with a photo ID when they vote.

• Runoff date: Jan. 5, 2021 • Registration deadline(s): Dec. 7 U.S. SENATE RUNOFFS • Online registration: Yes • Same-day registration: No IN GEORGIA, 2020 • Early voting starts: Dec. 14 • Absentee/mail voting deadline: Jan. 5 by close of polls (received) • Voter ID: Photo ID • Poll times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

2 CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Trending Topic OUR COMMUNITY

Chattahoochee Hills Celebrates New Fire Truck, With Time-honored Push-In Ceremony

November 10th marked a momentous occasion for the City areas and/or within 1,000 ft of many residential, commer- of Chattahoochee, as residents, city staff, elected officials, cial, and collateral structures. Moreover, the protective and guests gathered at our fire station to celebrate the new class rating for the Fire Department operations is correlated 3,000-gallon Tanker/Pumper fire truck. to the combined capacity of all fire apparatus and their Mayor Tom Reed welcomed guests and thanked Fire ability to generate an uninterrupted required minimum fire Chief Greg Brett and the city’s staff for their efforts in flow of water. purchasing the new fire truck. The City Council voted to approve a lease-purchase Chief Brett welcomed the guests to participate in the program to finance the acquisition of a New-Used Fire time-honored tradition of the “Push-In Ceremony.” He said Tanker/Pumper Truck costing up to $250,000. The new the ceremony dates back more than 100 years to a time truck will benefit all citizens in Chatt Hills and contribute to before fire trucks were motorized and operated with horse their public safety for many years to come. drawn equipment. In those days, firefighters had to actually push their trucks into the station after a call. The event has since become a widely practiced tradition for new fire department vehicles. The celebration began with a “wetdown,” a ceremonial spraying down of the new Tanker/Pumper truck by a neighboring fire engine. Then guests lined up along side the new truck for the ceremonial push-in, while a driver actually backed the truck into the fire station. The new truck replaces the current 1996 fire Tanker/ Pumper truck that ceased to operate on September 9, 2020. Estimates to repair that truck were between $11,000 - $20,000. At the October council meeting, Chief Brett requested that the City Council replace rather repair the truck. His rationale was that a multi-purpose Fire Tanker/ Pumper is a required component of the Chattahoochee Hills Fire Rescue Department because municipal water hydrants are not available within approximately 65% of City

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Chattahoochee Hills Mayor Tom Reed said this new boat ramp is a huge win for the City of Chattahoochee Hills and for the whole region. He acknowledged and gave thanks to the hundreds of people who helped make this Ariel View of the Chatt Hills Boat Ramp in Campbellton Park showing the dedication ceremony happen. and the parking area for the river access.

New Boat Ramp at Campbellton Park – Now Open

By: Laurie Searle parking spaces for trailered vehicles, Chattahoochee Hills Mayor Tom five additional car spaces, an ADA Reed said this boat ramp is the The Dedication Ceremony for the parking area, and a Life Jacket Loaner culmination of many years of dedicat- new boat ramp at Campbellton Park Station. The area will be accessible to ed work by the City of Chattahoochee on November 20, 2020, marked a the public 24 hours a day, seven days Hills and so many others to increase significant milestone for the City of a week. access to the Chattahoochee River Chattahoochee Hills. For the first time on our side of town. He thanked since incorporating in 2007, Chat- A Cooperative Effort towards a Tony Phillips and Dick Anderson from tahoochee Hills has public access Shared Vision Fulton County for helping the City to one of its most precious natural Walter Rabon, Deputy Commissioner initially obtain the park. He then went resources – and its namesake – the of Georgia Department of Natural on to thank others and their efforts, Chattahoochee River. Resources, opened the Dedication including: The Chatt Hills Parks The boat ramp was made Ceremony by thanking the City of Commission, who partnered with possible through a partnership with Chattahoochee Hills and the many Community Brickworks to apply for the Georgia Department of Natural partners who worked on this initiative. and receive a Million Mile Greenway Resources (DNR) and the City of He said that through these strong Grant, which helped create the master Chattahoochee Hills. DNR agreed to relationships, this boat ramp will plan; 150 residents who participated design, engineer, and construct the provide recreational enjoyment for the in the master plan, community input boat ramp at Campbellton Park at no region for years to come. sessions, and surveys and petition cost to the City, utilizing federal Sport Georgia Senator Matt Brass said to bring a boat ramp to the park; and Fish Restoration funds and matching that the Chattahoochee River is the Diana Wilson, chair of the Chatt Hills state funds; and the City of Chatt number one natural resource in the Parks Commission, who initially de- Hills agreed to lease and maintain the state, and with the pandemic driving veloped a grant for the Recreational facility for 25 years. more people to the outdoors, this boat Trail Program to create a boat ramp. The new facility includes an 18- ramp comes at a perfect time to offer While that grant got high scores, it foot wide concrete boat ramp, eight additional recreational opportunities. was not awarded, most likely because

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About Campbellton Park Campbellton Park is located near the intersection of GA-154 Cascade Palmetto Hwy and GA-92 Campbell- ton Fairburn Rd, in the City of Chatta- hoochee Hills, Georgia. It features 18 acres of parkland, the historic John F. Beavers House, and 1,920 feet of riverfront on the southern bank of the Chattahoochee River, accessible via the new boat ramp. For directions, use the postal mailing address of the Beaves House: 8655 Cochran Rd SW, Dignitaries prepare for the ceremonial ribbon cutting to dedicate the new boat ramp at Camp- Fairburn, GA 30213. bellton Park in Chattahoochee Hills. This project was coordinated, engineered, and paid for by GA Other boat ramps on either side Department of Natural Resources. of Campbellton Park include: DNR Boat Ramp at Hwy 166, approximate- the City had recently received its new River Park on the south side of ly five miles north and upstream; and second RTP grant for Cochran Mill town, and with the help of our friends, the Moore’s Bridge Park boat ramp, Park. Diana then turned to her other we intend to open more boat ramps off Black Dirt Rd in Carroll County, contacts and was able to bring the in Chattahoochee Hills in the next approximately 20 miles south and DNR opportunity to the City. (See the few years – meaning that people can downstream. Mayor’s long list of those he thanked really access this part of the river for There are 16.5 miles of the at the end of this article.) the first time. Chattahoochee River on the western Mayor Reed went on to say that DNR Fisheries Biologist Jim border of our City. the boat ramp brings new recreational Hakala closed the program by giving opportunities to the City and the thanks to those people and groups Thank You region by opening an almost inacces- who supported the boat ramp, Mayor Tom Reed acknowledged the sible stretch of the Chattahoochee including EMI Engineering, GAC numerous organization and individ- River to anglers, paddlers, and boat- Construction, City of Chattahoochee uals that have helped in our City’s ers. According to the National Park Hills, Diana Wilson, and the Boating effort to gain river access. (Listed in Service, every year almost 3 million Access Program, which maintains 157 alphabetical order.) visitors to Chattahoochee River Na- boating access sites across Georgia. • Atlanta Regional Commission: tional Recreational Area create almost Jim said fishing is big business Byron Rushing, Jim Santo – 2,000 jobs and an economic impact in Georgia, creating 14,000 jobs that Metropolitan River Project Act of over $160 million in communities have a positive economic impact on (MRPA). near the parks. Almost all of that (up our State. It also is a growing tourism • Campbellton Park Master Plan: until now) is in the 48 miles north of draw, which benefits the cities near Writer, Anne Marie Hoffman; Atlanta. the fishing sites, as well as the region Concept Drawing, Roland Alston; In those 48 miles north of Atlanta, and state. He encouraged the guests Graphic Design, Judy Walker. there are 20 boat lunch sites. Until to invite their friends and families to • Chatt Hills City Council: Ruby now, in the 43 miles south of Atlanta, use the boat ramp. He ended the Foster, Richie Schmidt, Laurie there has been only 1 boat launch – ceremony with an enthusiastic call to Searle, Camille Lowe, Troy Bettis, five miles upstream of the new boat “Let’s Go Fish Georgia!” Alan Merrill, Claire Williams, Don ramp. The Mayor said that with our Hayes.

CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 5 Community OUR COMMUNITY

Did you know your fishing license purchase brings federal money to Georgia to improve fishing and boating access? You pay taxes on items like fishing equipment and boat fuel, and those tax dollars get returned to Georgia based, in part, on how many licenses we sell. So, buy a Chatt Hills displays its Fire Rescue boat, donated by a generous license (www.GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com) to make sure your dollars stay resident. in Georgia!

• Chatt Hills Parks Commission: • Georgia Department of Natural • The Million Mile Greenway Grant, Diana Wilson, Roland Alston, Tom Resources: Jeff Bishop, Tim provided mentoring to create Blum, Kay Long, Clifford Blizzard. Scarboro, and their team. a Master Plan for Campbellton • Chatt Hills Staff: Darold Wend- • Georgia River Network, helped Park: Jim Langford, Anne Marie landt, Robbie Rokovits, Greg us plan a water trail: Gwyneth Hoffman, Lisa Frank. Brett, Jim Little, Dana Wicher, Moody. • Trust for Public Land, purchased Mike Morton. • Georgia Tourism: Tracie Sanchez. the land for this park and funded • Chattahoochee Now!: Jodi • Ghosts of Chatt Hills, a theatrical the RiverLands study that has Mansbach, Steve Nygren, Jett play designed to educate and reimagined access to the whole Hattaway, Shannon Kettering. entertain the community about river: George Dusenbury and Walt • Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, historic Campbellton: Adrienne Ray. responsible for cleaning up the and Barry Anbinder wrote and river which makes it possible for directed the play. those of us downstream of Atlanta • Serenbe Institute, wrote letters to enjoy the Chattahoochee: Sally of support for RTP Grant Appli- Bethea, Jason Ulseth, Henry Ja- cations: Dianne Harnell Cohen, cobs, Chris Manganiello, Tammy Doug Cloud, Deb Griffin, Diana. Bates, Juliet Cohen. • Southeastern Engineering, Inc., • Community Brickworks, partnered provided necessary surveys pro with the Parks Commission to bono: Theresa and Chad Epple, apply for a Million Mile Greenway Nathan Adrian. Grant: Judy Henderson and Joe • Steven Nygren, instrumental in Heiberger. providing vision for preservation • Fulton County, helped us get and for the River. the park: Tony Phillips and Dick Anderson.

6 CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS County Denies Quarry Developer Building Permit for Whitesburg Project

By MICHAEL O’HEARN THE TIMES-GEORGIAN On Thursday, Carroll County Community Director Ben Nov 20, 2020 Updated Nov 20, 2020 Skipper wrote a letter to Green Rock’s attorney saying that certificate will not be forthcoming. The county has also denied The developer of a controversial quarry project planned for the developer’s commercial building permit application. Whitesburg received another setback on Thursday when “The property is currently zoned in the ‘agricultural’ county officials denied the company’s building permit. zoning district under Carroll County’s Zoning Ordinance,” Birmingham-based developer Green Rock, LLC, wants Skipper’s letter said, a copy of which was obtained on Fri- to build a rock quarry on approximately 360 acres near day by the Times-Georgian. “As Carroll County’s attorney the intersection of Black Dirt and Hutcheson Roads. The has previously conveyed to the applicant’s counsel, a rock developer estimates the value of the project to be $20 quarry is not listed as a permitted or conditional use under million. the agricultural zoning district in Carroll County’s Zoning But the proposal has received strong pushback from Ordinance.” residents as well as other organizations concerned about Permitted uses on agricultural land used to allow for the quarry’s impact on the area. the development of natural resources — including quarries The Black Dirt Road property is zoned agricultural, — until the county commission changed the zoning ordi- and until August, the development of natural resources nance in August. — including quarries — was allowed on agricultural land. “Rock quarries are expressly listed as a conditional But county commissioners changed the wording of the use in the industrial zoning district under Carroll County’s agriculture zoning classification, moving the development Zoning Ordinance. As such, Green Rock, LLC, would be re- language to the industrial classification. quired to comply with the requirements of Carroll County’s The developer’s plans had been put on hold by the Zoning Ordinance to seek rezoning of the subject property state Environmental Protection Division because Green from agricultural to industrial for the proposed use of a rock Rock did not have a zoning compliance certificate from the quarry.” Carroll County Planning and Zoning office. That certificate The state’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) would say the proposed quarry is compatible with the land must grant Green Rock’s application for a mining permit. use of the surrounding area. However, without a building permit and compliance cer- The building permit would allow the developer to tificate, the agency will not review Green Rock’s proposal continue working on the property. further.

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The developer’s attorneys were notified by the EPD Director of Mining Operations David Grayson told last month their application would be “incomplete” without the Times-Georgian on Wednesday that “nothing has these items from Carroll County officials. changed” despite the setbacks. He added the developer According to the Carroll County zoning ordinances in is not interested in finding another piece of property in an effect when the quarry was proposed, the development of industrial area of the county. natural resources — including quarries — was permitted on He said there would be a 1,000-foot buffer between the land with the “agricultural” designation. Because quarries Black Dirt Road site and the Chattahoochee River, as well were a permitted use, the developer did not need approval as a 400-foot buffer around the rest of the property to the from the Board of Commissioners for the project. northeast and to the south. The county and state require In August, however, county commissioners changed that the buffer around the property be 200 feet — and 50 the agricultural and industrial sections of the county’s feet from any streams. zoning ordinance at the request of District 5 Commissioner However, he said the buffer was extended to 400 feet Ernest Reynolds and Skipper. That change was unani- after hearing the concerns of homeowners near the prop- mously approved by the county commission on Aug. 4. erty entrance. He also increased the buffer from the stream The developer submitted his commercial building to 100 feet. permit package on Nov. 10 to the county’s Department of “Nothing has changed, and we feel like we had a legal Community Development, according to Skipper’s letter. right under the current zoning at the time that we drilled That was three months after the changes had been made the property and spent a bunch of money on the property,” to the zoning ordinance. Grayson said on Wednesday. The quarry has been met with criticism and opposition But Grayson said the developer could try to appeal the from many, including a citizen’s group in Whitesburg, county’s decision through the Planning and Zoning Com- current Whitesburg mayor Amy Williford, Reynolds, former mission, or the Board of Commissioners. District 5 Commissioner Kevin Jackson, and the Chatta- “We are now going to move forward in the process, hoochee Riverkeeper, an environmental group that protects and the most likely process is that we will seek legal the Chattahoochee River, which flows near the site. recourse. We feel clearly that we have the legal right to do Now the developer is planning legal action unless it. They are not going to leave us any angle here really to county officials sign off on the building permit package, move forward.” which includes the zoning compliance certificate.

8 CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Wetlands located along the Chattahoochee River would be impacted by a proposed rock quarry, according to an application filed by the developer. Volunteer environmentalists are trying to halt the quarry. File/Credit: Brian and Shanda Cook

Volunteer Environmental Groups: Formidable Force for Chattahoochee, South Rivers

By David Pendered to dig for rock in Carroll County, across the river from south Fulton County. Three creeks flow across the property and Volunteer environmentalists are fighting two separate bat- into the river. Spinks wrote Monday in an email: tles to keep pollution out of the Chattahoochee River and • “The proposed rock quarry along the banks of the South River, the two biggest waterways in metro Atlanta. beautiful Chattahoochee River would be detrimental to The two rivers are at a crucial moment because of our community, which is a quiet agricultural area. This looming decisions that could affect, for generations, the quarry simply is not appropriate where it is proposed. It rivers and those who rely on them. will result in the possible loss of wetlands, pollution to The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule this Chattahoochee River, damaged air quality, decrease of session on the lawsuit filed by Florida to compel Georgia property values, as well as many other concerns. The to alter its use of waters of the Chattahoochee River. A citizens in this community chose to live in this quiet U.S. District Court judge in Atlanta is reviewing a pending area along the river. The noise, pollution, additional federal consent decree that spells out state and federal traffic on our two-lane roads, and all the industrial requirements for DeKalb County to fix its broken and activities that come from a quarry would be devastat- leaking sewer system, which flows into the South River. ing to our community. This is the political and environmental arena in which • “We want to maintain our rural way of living.” concerned citizens have come together to further their efforts to protect the rivers. Neither group has deep pockets, Jackie Echols serves as president of South River nor the tools to wage a high profile persuasion campaign. Watershed Alliance. The alliance was formed in 1999 and They do have passion. has a shoestring budget for efforts that include compelling “They are the first responders,” Rena Peck, executive director of the Georgia River Network, said Monday. “They David Pendered are the eyewitnesses that see the signs of a quarry that David Pendered, Managing Editor, is an Atlanta journalist might go in, and the tires paving the bottom of the South with more than 30 years experience reporting on the River. When they see something going on, it strikes fear – region’s urban affairs, from Atlanta City Hall to the state as well it should. When you’re worried about something, Capitol. Since 2008, he has written for print and digital you call in friends to help.” publications, and advised on media and governmental Tonya Spinks volunteers with Citizens Opposed to affairs. Previously, he spent more than 26 years with The Carroll County Rock Quarry, a group that formed in July to Atlanta Journal-Constitution and won awards for his cov- oppose a proposed rock quarry on a site next to the Chat- erage of schools and urban development. David graduated tahoochee River. This matter is not related to the Florida from North Carolina State University and was a Western lawsuit. The quarry owners seek state and local approval Knight Center Fellow.

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GARRETTS FERRY BRIDGE UPDATE The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) approved the Garretts Ferry Bridge last month for its GDOT Local Bridge Replacement Program. Repairs made through this program are done at no cost to our city. GDOT is expected to begin the process with a survey, followed by 18-24 months of design work, and 3 months of construction to repair the bridge. The Garretts Ferry Bridge has been closed for repairs since February 10, 2017, after receiving notice from GDOT that the bridge must be closed until it was repaired. The City spent several years looking for an affordable option to repair the bridge, before submitting the application to the GDOT program this year.

RICO CROSSROADS COMMUNITY APPROVED FOR mTAP PROGRAM The Center for Leadership, a program of the Urban Land Institute’s Atlanta District Council (ULI Atlanta), selected Chat- tahoochee Hills for the 2020-2021 Center for Leadership mTAP program. The program offers free technical assistance to public agencies and nonprofit organizations on a variety of land use issues. During the “Mini-TAP” (or “mTAP”) component of the Center for Leadership, mTAP teams assist their clients with a specific land use or real estate problem within ULI’s mission of providing leadership in the responsible land use and in creating and sustaining thriving communities. The mTAP program awarded to Chatt Hills will focus on the Rico Historic Crossroads Community.

10 CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Trending Topic LOCAL BUSINESSES

of Gillard Farms in Brunswick, host of the podcast Jupiter’s Almanac, author of the forthcoming cookbook, Bress ‘n’ Nyam, and an Atlanta Foodcast co-host! Finally, we caught up with Zac Harrison of Fresh Harvest about how their operations have weathered the pandemic year and why it’s more important than ever to be supporting Georgia farmers as directly as possible. We discuss how crucial it is that consumers who have shopped from farmers during the pandemic continue to do so to provide ongoing stability to Georgia’s small farmers who are planning their crops with these new customers in mind. To learn more about Fresh Harvest and to become a member, visit freshharvestga.com/. Curious about our Stay Local campaign? Through the end of the year, we’re asking Georgians to STAY LOCAL by Rodale Southeast doing two things: & Fresh Harvest First, consider keeping your charitable dollars in The Atlanta Foodcast: Georgia with a year-end contribution to Georgia Organics, which will go toward supporting local and organic farmers A Food Podcast working to feed their individual communities across our As Georgia Organics launches our state. end-of-year fundraising campaign, Second, please buy from those farmers directly where Stay Local, we’re focusing on why possible. Consistently shop at your local farmers market, it’s so important that Georgians continue to support Geor- and visit gfg.georgiaorganics.org to browse a selection of gia farmers by shopping as directly as possible from them. our farmer members who offer direct purchasing options In this episode, we’re discussing the environmental and through CSA subscriptions and online purchasing. economic significance of supporting small farmers—and Visit georgiaorganics.org/staylocal to learn more. why it’s so vital to support Georgia farmers in and beyond this pandemic year. To learn more about Georgia Organics’ Stay Local campaign, visit georgiaorganics.org/staylocal. First up, we’re talking to Georgia Organics board member Rebecca Williams with Rodale Institute Southeast Organic Center at Many Fold Farm in Chattahoochee Hills. Rodale Institute’s Southeast Organic Center is opening soon, and we caught up about the work they’ll be doing to support research and policy-making in organic agriculture in Georgia and beyond. To learn more about the Rodale Institute Southeast Organic Center, visit RodaleInstitute.org and follow them on social media. Rodale Institute Southeast Organic Center held a virtual open house on November 17; to see this, visit https:// rodaleinstitute.org/education/webinars/. In the Gardening with Farmers, CheFarmer Matthew Raiford shared his tips for the fall vegetable and fruit garden. Matthew is the sixth generation owner and farmer

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Now serving Chattahoochee Hills weekly!

HyperBox Fresh was born during a time of uncertainty as the pandemic took full hold of our lives, turning everything upside down. Toilet paper was—and still is—a hot com- modity. But one thing remains: we still need food! There is fantastic food being grown by enthusiastic farmers all around us, and the team at HyperBox Fresh feels passion- ate that now more than ever, quality, nutrient-dense food should be accessible and delivered right to your doorstep. Our mission is to partner with local farmers and arti- sans to bring their fresh or unique (organic, local, sustain- able, non-GMO, certified naturally grown, etc.—essentially non-yucky) products to consumers, at home, quickly and safely. We are excited to partner with White Oak pastures from Bluffton, GA. Their unique style of regenerative farming and care for the whole animal is unparalleled. The multi-generation Harris family that runs this farm has not only invested in clean farming techniques, they have Right in our backyard of Peachtree City, there is a new invested in the growth and wellbeing of their small town. way of farming! Aquaponic grower Alo Farms is shattering White Oak Pastures sets the bar high, and they are often the mold with nearly full circle sustainability and amazing the trailblazers of their industry. flavor. Serving up greens like never tasted before, we are Dayspring Farms from Danielsville, GA, produce a vari- excited to share their product for the first time in a delivery ety of fresh, stone-milled grains and flours. From heirloom model! varieties like Rouge de Bordeaux to everyday grits, their HyperBox Fresh, 404.394.1920 two-generation family operation provides unique offerings Chattahoochee Hills - Peachtree City - Atlanta, not available in a conventional grocery store. hyperboxfresh.com

12 CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Trending Topic LOCAL BUSINESSES

Chef Sidney Corum is partnering with Valero in downtown Palmetto.

Replenish Community BBQ & Grill coming to downtown Palmetto

Opening in Palmetto this coming spring, Replenish Com- munity BBQ & Grill is set to be a casual garden-dining Chef Sidney Corum venue featuring southern-style smoked BBQ and a number of specialty vegan and vegetarian offerings. In a move wel- summer camp program called ChefTech at Auburn Univer- come to locals who appreciate farm-to-table style dining, sity, training young people interested in restaurant cooking dishes will feature provisions from farmers and growers in and kitchens, with an emphasis on academic achievement. the local area, including grass-fed beef and lamb from Your Ryan also runs a design-build business Called Greek Life Faith Farms, vegetables and fruits from Serenbe Farms and Kitchens, geared toward providing university fraternal other local growers, and breads and desserts baked right organizations with kitchens, meal plans, and staffing. on the premises. Despite staying very busy in the restaurant industry, they Chattahoochee Hills resident and restaurant entrepre- plan for construction of the new restaurant to begin in neur Sidney Corum and his son Ryan, of Douglasville, have December, with a Grand Opening slated for April of 2021. decades of experience in the food services industry and However, look for them in the meantime, because during plan to open their slow-cooked barbeque garden restau- the intervening months the Replenish crew will host pop- rant at 204 Fayetteville Road, just under the picturesque up events featuring several selections from their amazing Tombs Street train bridge in downtown Palmetto. Sidney menu. Chattahoochee Hills will no doubt welcome this new looked at the local restaurant options around Palmetto addition to the dining options landscape. and Chattahoochee Hills and decided to open their first For more information, contact Sidney Corum at 404- location in partnership with the owners of the Valero station 287-7323. just past the 1918 train bridge, anchoring what they intend to be a 9-restaurant group. Sidney and his family run Chef Ago Go, a business catering to the film and arts industries, and they also run a

CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 13 Trending Topic DECEMBER EVENTS Breakfast with Santa 5 Saturday, December 5th, 9 to 11 am

Enjoy a FREE pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa and/or his reindeer ponies, arts and crafts! Sardis Baptist Church Pavillion, 8400 Sardis Rd. www.sardisbaptistch.com, Event: 404.877.8571

13 18 Holiday Concert with Terminus Holiday Deb Bowman Premiere December 13, 4:00pm Join us for a live streamed Terminus Modern Ballet Holiday concert with vocal Theatre is excited to performer Deb Bowman! present a festive holiday Praised as “hypnotic and premiere on film inspired unforgettable,” Dynamo by Charles Dickens’ “A Deb Bowman’s perfor- Christmas Carol”. The mances “are cut from one work will feature an original rare thread” and “must be score created by Atlanta seen.” Her vocal versatil- native Jacob Ryan Smith ity and unmatched acting and choreography by have thrilled audiences of TMBT Co-Founder Heath all ages worldwide. Wheth- Gill. This storytelling duo is er belting out Broadway sure to set the spirit of the and big band ballads or season! softly seducing you with sultry standards, she For more information visit always delivers memorable serenbeinstitute.org/events musical moments that keep people coming back for more. For more information visit serenbeinstitute.org/events

14 CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS www.studioswan.com 6401 Campbellton Redwine Road Arts Section Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Artists of The First 7: Morgan Boszilkov, Gail Foster, Thomas Swanston, Jennifer Cantley & Ren Dillard. Not pictured, Mary Hollis & Rachel K. Garceau.

The First 7, the inaugural exhibition at Center which opened Nov. 21

Studio Swan opens gallery at CENTER with their first exhibit. Tom Swanston and Gail Foster are at it again, bringing more art to Chatt Hills.

Follow the link to see The First 7 virtual tour! https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=GMwUQz5iWMS

Thomas Swanston’s Artist Interview: https://youtu.be/5vSLZuOGYbg

Gail Foster’s Artist Interview: https://youtu.be/BXT_EDVENm8

CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 15 Kristin Genet, 323-497-8979, [email protected] Instagram @kristingenetdesign, Arts Section https://www.kristingenetdesign.com/

“Beauty & Bones” Exhibit Kristin Genet Kristin Genet was born in a small Opening is Dec. 12, the show village in the former East Germany. will run through Jan. 2021. At a very young age she learned to find creative ways to make the most Kristin Genet is the first featured out of living in a spare, socialist state. artist with 20 big scale works (big- Since early childhood she showed an gest one 10’x10’). In collaboration interest in design, spending most of with Bobo Intriguing Objects, her time outside in the woods planning in their first retail space in upper and building forts. During her high westside Atlanta: school years she fell in love with both THE WORKS the performing and fine arts. She was 1295 Chattahoochee Ave NW, one of her school theater’s founding Atlanta GA 30318 members, and self-produced every Wednesday-Sunday 9am-5pm aspect of each play from writing https://theworksatl.com/ the script, composing the music, to designing the sets and acting. Air Serenbe Interview https://www. Genet studied Architecture in airserenbe.com/2020/sita-profiles/ Dresden, one of Germany’s most kristin-genet history-laden cities. With the opportunity to travel after the Berlin wall came down, she followed her love of A movie project brought her started her own event business. Her adventure and lived in Granada, Spain to Los Angeles, CA, and then to work is deeply inspired by her love of where her passion for set design grew, Georgia, where now she lives with nature, her European background, and and she enrolled in film school in Berlin her three children south of Atlanta in her desire for creating transformative Potsdam Babelsberg, Germany. a progressive community where she experiences.

16 CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Arts Section

Amy Peterson

Wanda Hughes

Ann Jackson Judy Walker

Malinda Lively-Arnold

Karin Slaton Logynn Ferrall

Robert Lederman

Todd Terranova Adrienne Anbinder

Co-op members are: Adrienne Anbinder, Malinda Lively-Arnold, Janice Barton, Morgan Boszilkov, Logynn B Ferrall, GW Harper, Gail Foster, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Robert Lederman, Julie McKinney, Amy Peterson, Karin Slaton, Tom Swanston, Todd Terranova, and Judy Walker. www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com 9057 Selborne Lane & Paint Space, 10625 Serenbe Lane Unit A. Open by appointment: 818.434.5436

CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 17 Book Section

December Selections from Hills & Hamlets Bookshop and Underground Books:

Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a charming neighborhood bookstore in the Serenbe development of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, created by Josh Niesse and Megan Bell, the couple behind Underground Books in nearby Carrollton. Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 to 4, and we’re open 24/7 online at www.bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and at info@ hillsandhamlets.com.

New in Coffee Table: The Architecture of Trees by Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi “This book could be considered the Bible for tree lovers.”—Western Art & Architecture. This gorgeous, large format volume shows each hand-drawn illustration in stunning detail. The Architecture of Trees is the result of over twenty years of dedicated study by landscape architects Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi and features more than 550 exquisite quill-pen drawings. Each of the 212 tree species are drawn to a scale of 1:100, with and without foliage. Complete with tables of seasonal color variation and projections of shadows cast during the hours of daylight and season by season, no other book contains such detailed and scientific drawings of trees. This legendary and unsurpassed botanical masterwork will captivate anyone interested in nature and trees. Buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781616898069

New in Giftable: The Antiquarian Sticker Book: Over 1,000 Exquisite Victorian Stickers The Antiquarian Sticker Book is a beautiful collection of sticker ephemera for the modern-day crafter, scrapbooker, art lover, or for anyone who just loves stickers. With thousands of gorgeous stickers, this is the perfect present for sticker lovers of all ages! Peel and decorate or browse and feast on the beauty of this lush sticker book unlike any other. A treasure trove of authentic historical prints from the ornate Victorian era to the early twentieth century can live on its own, be used on stationery and wrapping, or create an amazing collage. We’re personally using our Antiquarian Sticker Book to decorate all the book packages we’re sending out this holiday season! Buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781250208149

New in Advent Calendars: Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Christmas Pop-Up Celebrate the holidays at Hogwarts with this interactive pop-up book and advent calendar. Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Christmas Pop-Up is a one-of-a-kind book that re-creates the iconic Great Hall as seen in the Harry Potter books and films, complete with a 13” pop-up Christmas tree at the center. The book is filled with 25 keepsakes of iconic magical artifacts and other elements from the series, which can be used as ornaments to decorate the pop-up tree, including Hermione’s Time-Turner, the Monster Book of Monsters, Hogwarts house crests, and more. Buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781683839002

18 CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Trending Topic LOCAL

Autumn Fruit and Cheese Torte Serves 10

Crust: 2 cups flour 2/3 cup sugar 1 cup cold butter, cut in pieces 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Filling: Submitted by Mary Collins Shephard 16 oz. cream cheese 1 teaspoon vanilla Ginger-Carrot Bisque Serves 10 2/3 cup sugar This creamy, mildly spicy soup is perfect as a first course 2 eggs for a festive fall or winter supper or an elegant Christmas dinner. It’s quite rich so small servings are in order. Those Topping: china tea cups that you seldom use are just the right size. 5-6 apples and/or pears, peeled and thinly sliced 1/3 cup dried cranberries 6 tablespoons unsalted butter ¼ cup sugar 2 pounds carrots, peeled and thinly sliced 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 large onions, chopped 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and minced ¼ to ½ cup slivered almonds, walnuts, or pecans 2 teaspoons grated orange zest Juice from 1 orange Preparation ½ teaspoon coriander ground For the crust: 5 cups chicken stock, homemade or canned Place flour and sugar in the bowl of a food processor; 1 cup half-and-half pulse to combine. Add butter and vanilla and pulse until ½ cup fresh parsley, minced dough comes together. Press mixture evenly into bottom and up sides of a 9’’or 10’’ springform pan. Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add carrots and onions. Cover saucepan and cook until For the filling: vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally, about 15 In a large sauté pan, precook sliced apples and/or pears minutes. Mix in ginger, orange peel, and coriander. Add 2 until some of the liquid has been release, 8 to 10 minutes. cups stock. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover pan and Drain and place in a large bowl. Add cranberries, sugar, simmer soup until carrots are very tender, 25 to 30 minutes. cinnamon and lemon juice. Puree soup in batches in processor or blender. Return to the pan and add remaining 3 cups stock and half and In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and half. Cook over medium-low heat until heated through. egg together. Pour into crust. Place fruit mixture over the Season with salt and pepper. Serve with a sprinkle of cheese layer. (It will sink in a bit.)Top with nuts. Bake at parsley. 400° until cheese layer is set, about 45 to 60 minutes. COOK’S NOTES: Bisque can be prepared one day ahead. Cover and refrig- NOTE: erate. Reheat over medium heat until warm. Warning— This crust has a LOT of butter, and it has a tendency to Whenever blending hot liquids, make sure your blender top seep out the bottom of the springform pan during baking. is vented. Remove the plug and cover with a paper towel. Wrap foil around the bottom of the pan or place on a Otherwise, you’ll be redecorating your kitchen! rimmed baking sheet.

CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 19 Logynn Ferrall HEALTHY

“In this time-is-of-the-essence pandemic context, the results of this dual-histamine receptor blockade treatment compares favorably to current SOC protocols. We have demonstrated reductions in ven- tilator dependence and in-patient fatality rates relative to other published studies using two safe OTC medications. This dual drug approach is consistent with the historic axiom in medicine: 'first do no harm' by utilizing historically well-tolerated OTC medications.”

How will I feel if I have COVID-19? In some people, COVID-19 can start out The coronavirus affects people differently. mild and become serious quickly. If you Some people have no symptoms at all experience shortness of breath or diffi- and may not even know they are ill, even culty breathing, call 911 immediately or though they can transmit the coronavirus go to an emergency department. to others. Most people with a mild case of If you have any of the following COVID-19 can rest at home and self-iso- symptoms, call your doctor. He or she late. will indicate if you need a test and will If you feel like your symptoms are recommend what you should do. increasing a bit, well, there is good news • Cough about a couple of over-the-counter • Fever or chills medications that might give you some • Shortness of breath or difficulty relief: Claritin and Pepcid. I personally breathing have been told by a mother that her • Muscle or body aches daughter used this combo, and it worked • Sore throat to reduce her symptoms of Covid to a • New loss of taste or smell more manageable level. I have included a • Diarrhea research paper on this duo! Logynn Ferrall, 281 658 5036 • Headache https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti- [email protected] • New fatigue cles/PMC7455799/ my.doterra.com/logynnbferrall • Nausea or vomiting Logynn Ferrall teaches healthy, natural • Congestion or runny nose ways to improve the quality of your life.

20 CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Community OUR CHURCHES

Campbellton Baptist Church Providence Baptist Church Southern Crescent Unitarian 8660 Campbellton Fairburn Rd 6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd Universalist Fellowship www.pbcrico.org www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentU- Friendship Baptist Church UFellowship/ 6090 Cochran Mill Rd Rico United Methodist Church www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com 6475 Rico Rd Vernon Grove Baptist Church 8440 Vernon Grove Rd Interfaith Fellowship at Serenbe Rivertown United Methodist Church www.facebook.com/ 9325 Rivertown Rd OTHER CHURCHES IN CHATT HILLS Many groups/1964824926878340/ churches have suspended services and Sardis Baptist Church activities due to the COVID-19 precau- New Hope United Methodist 8400 Sardis Rd tions. Please check with the individual Church www.sardisbaptistch.com churches to get an update on their 7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd schedules.

Community FOOD PANTRY REPORT

Community Brickworks – Holiday and Year-End Giving

The Brickworks Food Pantry served in first three Wednesdays in November 222 Children and Adults

Community Brickworks has been busy preparing for its Hol- iday giving events. As it does every year, this local nonprofit Carla Carrabino prepares the The Giving Tree offers another is helping families in our area during the Christmas season Christmas gift list/ opportunity to sponsor a gift for with gifts for children in need. families in need. The team of Christmas elves at Community Brickworks is preparing a list of holiday gifts for the children of the food November 20, with gift tags that list a child’s age and gift. If pantry clients. Carla Carrabino keeps track of the master you would like to participate, select a gift tag, purchase the list, while Nan McGuffy works with churches in the area, and gift, then return the unwrapped gift and tag in a bag to the Lisa Remley works with Serenbe residents to pair the list Community Brickwork Library. with sponsors who will purchase the gifts for the children. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Community If you would like to sponsor a gift for a child, please Brickworks receives monetary donations as well as food, look for information coming soon to the church bulletins and books, and school supplies all through the year. We are Serenbe Facebook. Or you may call Community Brickworks managed completely by volunteers with no paid staff. 100% at 770-463-6600 and leave your number to receive more of your donation is used in your community to help your information. neighbors.

The Giving Tree Community Brickworks, 6505 Rico Rd., Chatt Hills, Community Brickworks will also host the Giving Tree again GA 30268, 770-463-6600 this year. Volunteers will decorate the tree inside city hall on

CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 21 Robert T. Rokovitz, City Government MPA, ICMA-CM

City Council Updates nity for input; gives the Mayor the power to activate the local NOVEMBER 5 – CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION emergency operations plan REPORT and shall be authority for the 1. Historic Commission (HC) Update –Allison Duncan deployment of personnel and The HC will tour the following city-owned properties during use of any forces to which the its Nov. 14 meeting: Beavers House, Varner House, Scout plan applies, but council has not seen the “plan”; gives Hut, and Wilkerson Mill. The HC is working on the mitiga- the City Manager the power to execute a right of entry tion plan for interpretive signage that is required for the to use any property, and no person shall refuse entry or Cochran Mill Park Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant. access. The HC will be setting goals during its Dec meeting, with Councilmember Troy Bettis said he understands discussions about archaeology joint projects with Parks that the Mayor (or some designated official) needs the Commission, public art on historic structures, and periods authority to act immediately, but he would like the City of significance. Council to have an opportunity to convene (if possible) to discuss as soon as possible after the initial act. 2. Council Meeting Agenda Review Attorney Rick Lindsey suggested that this ordi- Item 20-038: Request from The Inn at Serenbe, The nance be removed from the council meeting agenda Farmhouse at Serenbe, The Hill, and Halsa to waive late so as to give the council more time to review and send penalties for hotel/motel and alcohol tax during COVID-19 him their suggestions. pandemic. Item 20-040: Agreement with Providence Baptist Church Discussion: Mayor Reed said that due to COVID, these to use property at 6405 Campbellton Redwine Road as an businesses had notified the City they would be working emergency shelter. hard to make up their late tax payments. Their taxes Fire Chief Greg Brett said this church has been utilized are now up-to-date, but have requested that the late in the past and has offered its large fellowship building fees be waived. for the use of its kitchen, restroom, and show facilities, Item 20-039: Ordinance to Add a New Chapter 13, and large meeting space. Emergency Management, to the Code of Ordinances. Item 20-041: Resolution declaring three (3) Mossberg Discussion: Fire Chief Greg Brett said that similar 12-gauge pump shotguns as surplus property. emergency management ordinances have already been Police Chief Jim Little said these shotguns have adopted by other cities, and/or are being considered exceeded their useful life and are no longer operable now. The value of the ordinance is that it gives detailed towards serving the needs of Chatt Hills. authority and instructions to provide for the health and Item 20-042: Resolution declaring one (1) 1996 Internation- safety of persons and property during an emergency al E-One fire tanker/pumper engine as surplus property. or disaster in Chatt Hills resulting from manmade or Fire Chief Greg Brett said this was to follow up on natural causes. previous discussions. The 1996 fire tanker/pumper was Councilmember Laurie Searle asked why this in need of expensive repairs and due also to its age, ordinance was needed now, when our city charter council approved the purchase of a new tanker/pumper already gives the City the basic authority, and the City truck. With this new resolution, the 1996 tanker/pumper has not had this ordinance for the past 12 years. Chief truck may be declared surplus property and either Brett said one reason is that additional funding may sold for parts or traded in for payment on an existing be available to cities that have emergency ordinances. repair bill. Searle said she thinks this ordinance gives the City too Item 20-043: Resolution for a Capital Lease Purchase much authority and takes away civil liberties, such as: Agreement with the Georgia Municipal Association – gives the Mayor the power to make immediate deci- proceeds of the lease purchase financing to be used to sions, but does not give the city council (later) opportu- reimburse the purchase price of Fouts/Kenworth

22 CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS City Government

3,000-gallon Tanker-Pumper. City Manager Robbie Rokovitz reviewed the lease 3. Sunday Alcohol Sales Hours – Rick Lindsey purchase agreement for the new tanker pumper truck, Rick Lindsey talked about Sunday Alcohol Sales hours and which will be $ 53,115.33/per year, paid for 5 years. the option to allow home delivery of alcohol. He said this Item 20-044: Approve the purchase of a Ford F150 SSV could be added to as a referendum vote next year. Police Vehicle for an amount not to exceed $32,300. Police Chief Little said this is part of their fleet replace- 4. Serenbe Conservation Review – Mike Morton ment program, to keep adequate and operational In prior council work sessions and meetings, council asked vehicles in their fleet. Currently they have 12 police for clarification on the status of Serenbe placing land into vehicles, nine of which are considered in “good” conservation, as required by our city’s zoning. Community condition. There are days when they do not have Development Director Mike Morton presented the two enough vehicles to support their department. Adding maps of the Conservation Easements and Existing Open this new vehicle continues their best practice of fleet Space in Serenbe, available on the City’s website. The replacement. Conservation Parcel Map legend below, shows the total acreage per phased area and the conservation areas.

CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 23 City Government

5. Community Outreach – Councilmember Foster suggests if there is any doubt, councilmembers contact Councilmember Ruby Foster mentioned several outreach him for guidance. programs that have already taken place, such as the townhall meetings, and several Census Day outreach programs 8. Chatt Hills News – Councilmember Schmidt that gave away food and assisted residents in completing Councilmember Richie Schmidt continued his on-going their census. She presented a list of additional outreach discussion about the municipal newsletter, Chatt Hills suggestions that would allow citizens to get involved in our News. He said no councilmember should be allowed to edit city in ways they believe are fulfilling to themselves and their another councilmember’s news story, as it was a conflict of neighborhood. For the upcoming holidays, she is coordinat- interest. ing volunteer opportunities for a Christmas & Toys and Coat Mayor Reed asked Councilmember Searle if she had Giveaway, and a day to decorate City Hall for the holidays. edited his story. Councilmember Searle said she was a part of 6. Barn Quilt for the Beavers House – the writing and editing team on the newsletter. When Councilmember Searle Schmidt submitted a story about the Coweta County Councilmember Laurie Searle presented a proposed barn Boundary Change that held his personal opinion, she quilt design for placement on the Beavers House property. forwarded it to the City Manager and Attorney for their The design was created based on a quilt the Lee Family’s consideration because it violated the newsletter stan- mother made while they lived in the Beavers House. Searle dards of not submitting a political story. Both agreed and suggested the barn quilt be placed on the garage, since the story was not printed. it is not a historical structure. The council liked this idea. City Manager Rokovitz gave the council copies of She then asked the council what their preference was for the municipal newsletter guidelines. future proposed barn quilts on city-owned property – did Schmidt said councilmembers need a way of sharing the council want the designs to go before the Historic and their news with the citizens. Parks Commission, did the council want to review every Rokovitz said everyone is welcome to submit stories design, or did they prefer the City Manager review. Council to the newsletter; however, stories cannot have a political said they would prefer to review each proposed design for opinion as defined in the newsletter guidelines. He said city-owned property. the newsletter is funded by hotel/motel funds which are designated for tourism. If council members have political 7. Guidelines for City Council stipend – opinion pieces to share, they are welcome to do that with Councilmember Schmidt their own personal funds. Councilmember Richie Schmidt said when the idea of Searle said she emailed Schmidt a quote to print and a stipend came up several months ago, it was because mail 1,000 newsletters of about the same size as what is council was told there were no funds in the budget targeted currently produced. The totally monthly estimated cost towards outreach events in their districts. Since the $2,000 was around $6,361/month or $76,332/year. She also has been approved for each councilmember, Schmidt gave him a printed copy of the quote during the work wanted clarification on what that could be spent on. session. Attorney Rick Lindsey said that taxpayer money Comment: After Searle notified Schmidt that his cannot be used for political purposes, such as advocat- article did not meet the newsletter policy and therefore ing for or against a bond referendum or to alert citizens could not be printed, she offered Schmidt the opportunity about a disagreement you might have on political issues. to print his story in her district newsletter, which she pays Nor can taxpayers’ money be used to improve some- for with her personal funds, and she also offered him the one’s property if it is not a part of an overall improvement opportunity speak at her district 3 townhall meeting. He project. He said funds could be used to communicate declined both. She has since notified the city that she is generally about issues facing the citizens or information resigning her volunteer work as writer and editor on the that might prove helpful for the citizens. However, he city’s newsletter.

24 CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS City Government

9. Signs – Councilmember Schmidt NOVEMBER 10 – CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Councilmember Richie Schmidt inquired about the status REPORT of the (Coweta County Bound) signs placed along the road Presentations / Proclamations side. (1) Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Risk Reduction City Manager Rokovitz said the public works crew Certificate presentation. wents out of their way to be helpful to the citizen’s Stoney Mathis, 4th V.P. (and Chief of Police, Fairburn, committee to legally place those signs. GA) presented the certificate to Police Chief Jim Little Mayor Reed said all signs must meet the legal for his department’s accomplishment of completing 10 requirements specified by the City. of the standards. Chief Little said it has been his goal since joining Chatt Hills two years ago to complete the 10. Scout Hut Inspection Report – Robbie Rokovitz Risk Reduction Certificate program. City Manager Robbie Rokovitz presented the results of (2) Proclamation recognizing Dr. Gene “Doc” and Margaret the recent structural assessment done on the Scout Hut Tyre for their 60 years in Christian ministry, and their by West Georgia Home Inspection & Renovation Ser- service at Providence Baptist Church in Chattahoochee vices, LLC. He said the inspector called the building’s Hills. overall condition “Fairly Poor” and said he did not think (3) Proclamation recognizing Linda Bryant for 27 Years it was safe for public use. Several items of concern of Service on the Fulton County School Board. Linda include: Bryant was recognized by Chatt Hills, and by the other • Water Damage – The landscape slopes toward the cities that she served in her position on the Fulton left side of the house allowing rain water to flow County School Board. into the house and foundation and rot the boards. (4) Recognition Awarding Tom Blum for his years of vol- Rain water falls from the roof to the ground and unteer service to Chattahoochee Hills. Resident Tom runs towards the foundation, because there are Blum was recognized for his many years serving as a no gutters. Holes in the porch roof have allowed volunteer in Chatt Hills, most notably for his long-term rain to damage the porch and some of the roof’s efforts in trash pick-up, and also for his years serving interior. on the Parks Commission. • Termite Damage – In Foundation beams and interior exterior walls. Public Comment • Electric System – panel is improperly wired, lower Amber Lightsey, 11750 Upper Wooten Road – expressed level has outlets incorrectly wired, upper level concerns about the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail, that it seems mostly ok. is moving too quickly, not growing organically, and has • Lead-based paint on the exterior. potential to spoil the scenic quality of our city if too many • No water, septic, or HVAC. barn quilts are installed. Rokovitz said the city could take some measures now to prevent on-going damage, such as creating Staff Reports a berm to channel water away from the building, and Fire Chief Greg Brett, honored firefighter Brad Wilson with possibly treating for termites. a ceremony in honor of his promotion to Lieutenant. Councilmember Searle asked if additional grants would be available if the structure were to placed on the New Business National Register of Historic Places. Item 20-038: Request from The Inn at Serenbe, The HC Commission Chair Duncan said grants are few Farmhouse at Serenbe, The Hill, and Halsa to waive late and far between now due to COVID, but also that the penalties for hotel/motel and alcohol tax during COVID-19 purpose of the building needs to be defined before pandemic. grants can be submitted. The motion passed unanimously.

CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 25 City Government

Item 20-040: Agreement with Providence Baptist Church Councilmember Schmidt thanked Chief Little for the to use property at 6405 Campbellton Redwine Road as an greater presence on Wilkerson Mill Road. He also said that emergency shelter. the newsletter guidelines will be discussed at the planning The motion passed unanimously. retreat. Until then, it will stay in place in its current form, and he encouraged the Council and citizens to submit arti- Item 20-041: Resolution declaring three (3) Mossberg cles. He also said he supports the Barn Quilt Trail but said 12-gauge pump shotguns as surplus property. it should be brought before the Council before proceeding The motion passed unanimously. any further.

Item 20-042: Resolution declaring one (1) 1996 Internation- Councilmember Searle thanked the Mayor for putting al E-One fire tanker/pumper engine as surplus property. out updates during the power outage. She also said she Discussion: Councilmember Troy Bettis asked the appreciated Amber Lightsey’s comments and said the Barn weight of the new truck. Fire Chief Brett gave the Quilt Trail project had been discussed by the Council twice. weight and said that there were some bridges in our city that would not support the truck, but alternative Councilmember Lowe asked Chief Brett to clarify the routes have been mapped. new mobile alerts. Chief Brett said it is taking some time The motion passed unanimously. to clean up the data that was brought over from the old system. She also asked for an update on the proposed Item 20-043: Resolution for a Capital Lease Purchase rock quarry in Carroll County. Mayor Reed answered that Agreement with the Georgia Municipal Association – the proposal is still working its way through the process at proceeds of the lease purchase financing to be used the county level. to reimburse the purchase price of Fouts/Kenworth 3,000-gallon Tanker-Pumper. Councilmember Bettis thanked the crews that were The motion passed unanimously. working on storm clean up. He also said he is excited that the newsletter will be changing format. Most of his Item 20-044: Approve the purchase of a Ford F150 SSV constituents do not have internet and the newsletter needs Police Vehicle for an amount not to exceed $32,300. to be informative. He asked if all the bridges in the city The motion passed unanimously. would support the weight of the new Tanker. Chief Brett answered that department training includes appropriate Item 20-045: Resolution adopting 2021 Council meeting routes. schedule. City Clerk Dana Wicher made a recommendation to change Mayor Reed said that he was impressed with Greystone’s the December 2020 meeting schedule, moving the response during the recent storm and power outage. He Dec. 1st 4:00 pm Work Session and 6:00 pm Council was receiving updates from the Director of Operations, Meeting to December 3rd, as Fulton County requires who was working in the field running lines with his guys at the large room on Dec. 1st for its voting machines. 2:00 a.m. He also was getting updates from Chief Brett as The motion passed unanimously. city crews were out clearing trees in the early hours. We now have the automatic aid with the City of South Fulton Mayor and Council Comments and are continuing to work the other south Fulton cities on Councilmember Foster thanked staff for all their hard work, the EMS issues. Our little city gets a huge benefit from the especially with the recent storm and in dealing with COVID level of working relationships with surrounding entities. He over the last several months. She also announced that also reminded everyone of the Boat Ramp Ribbon Cutting decorating of city hall for Christmas would take place on ceremony on November 20th at 10:00 a.m. November 20th at 3:00 p.m.

26 CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Greg Brett, Chief of Fire, EMS & Emergency Management City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA City Government [email protected]

Department Operations & Response widespread across the city and lasted for three days in some Tanker 51 vital to fire service delivery. Chattahoochee areas. Greystone Power reported Hills is unique in many ways, but one major difference is 50,000+ customers without power, the lack of hydrants in approximately 60% of the city. Your although power was reinstated for fire department offsets that disadvantage by utilizing a most residents within 48 hours. special fire apparatus known as the “Fire Tender/Tanker” National Weather Service reports which carries 2,000 gals of water. Currently, CHFD is utiliz- of 50 mph wind gusts were con- ing a task force approach with support from Palmetto and firmed by CHEMA weather instru- Coweta fire departments to shuttle water to fires scenes ments. Rain-heavy tree canopies while our own “Tanker 51” is out of service. Update: The and strong winds brought many City Council approved the lease of a new 3,000-gallon pines down; our Public works taker truck at its Oct. 6 council meeting. removed these trees from roadways and right-of-ways.

Tanker 51 “In the house!” CHFD’s new Fouts Pumper/ Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Class. Tender was received on Friday, November 6th. The new Chatt Hills Emergency Management is registering persons unit carries 3,000 gallons of water and can serve as a to participate and receive certification as members of the “front-line” fire engine thus earning the City and depart- Community Emergency Response Team. CERT is national ment additional credits for its ISO rating. program initiative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and an important resource for rural areas when Fireworks law clarified. Georgia residents must request problems arise in the form of weather-related damage, a permit any time fireworks of consumer or commercial pandemic/epidemic biological threats, and other natural grade are displayed “before a proximate audience.” This disasters. Email your interest in participating in November clarification comes from the Georgia Commissioner’s Office classes/training to: [email protected]. of Insurance and Safety Fire. Generally speaking, public firework exhibitions require permits and special approvals from Fulton County’s Probate Court and the City of Chatta- hoochee Hills. Contact the Office of the Fire Chief for more information.

Automatic Aid with City of South Fulton finally a reality. All automatic aid agreements between Chattahoochee Hills Register for CHATT HILLS ALERTS and City of South Fulton have been signed and recorded. free emergency notification Dispatching protocols for the two fire departments will be SEVERE WEATHER • POLICE UPDATES set in motion on January 1, 2021. For more information ROAD CONDITIONS/CLOSURES • AREA NOTICES or a copy of these documents for insurance purposes, contact the Office of the Fire Chief (Greg.Brett@chatthills- Registration form located at: ga.us). https://www.chatthillsga.us/CHATT%20HILLS%20 ALERTS%20EverBridge%20enrollment%20form.pdf Disaster Management. Hurricane Zeta came through Chattahoochee Hills quickly and caused damage to power EMAIL THE COMPLETED FORM TO: lines and roadways but generally spared us of significant [email protected] structural damage. Public Safety crews including Fire, Public Works, and Police responded to 36 incidents from 4 AM until 4 PM on October 29th. Power outages were

CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 27 Trending Topic City of Chattahoochee Hills, City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, Community & City GA 30268, Phone: (770) 463-8881, www.chatthillsga.us

City of Chatt Hills: www.chatthillsga.us Chatt Hills Charter School: http://www.chatthillscharter.org/calendar Community Brickworks: www.communitybrickworks.org Serenbe Community: www.serenbe.com Acton Academy at Serenbe: http://actonacademyatserenbe.com/#ourstory

Event

We will be scheduling Special Called City Council City Council Work Session - Thurs., Dec. 3, 4:00 pm meetings as dictated by circumstances. These will City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 be virtual and open to the public. City Council Meeting - Thurs., Dec. 3, 6:00 pm The City will take the following safety precau- City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 tions: • The City Council room will be set up so that the Parks Commission Meeting - Tues., Dec. 6, 6:00pm council and staff are all at least 6’ apart. City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 • Any citizen attendees that want to attend in person will also be separated by at least 6’; Planning Comission Meeting - Thurs., Dec. 10, 6:30 pm capacity will be limited to the number of seats City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 that can fit in the room under those conditions. • The meeting will be streamed live. Check Historic Commission Meeting - Mon. Dec. 14, 6:30pm details on the City’s website. City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

About Chatt Hills News The official newsletter of the City of Chattahoochee Hills,Chatt Hills News, is published monthly. This publication is compiled from submissions from the community and is available in public locations around the City, at City Hall, or via email subscriptions.

Email Subscriptions: To subscribe via email, visit the City’s Website: www.chatthillsga.us Or subscribe directly at this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/w9cGwxA

Print Copies: Residents of Chatt Hills who do not have Internet may request mailed copies by calling City Hall (770) 463-8881.

Article / Event Submissions: If you have a story, event, or suggestion for future articles, we’d like to hear from you. Please submit your information by the 15th of every month for publication on the 1st of the month to: [email protected]

28 CHATT HILLS NEWS - DECEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS