2 THE ALBANY HERALD • KEEP ALBANY DOUGHERTY BEAUTIFUL • Sunday, January 7, 2018 • www.albanyherald.com
What Is Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful? Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful (KADB) is a joint venture of the Albany City Commission and the Dougherty County Commission. KADB is one of more than 700 certified affiliates of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., which is a non-profit public education organization dedicated to environmentally improving communities. KADB works through local businesses and industries and interested civic and governmental groups to identify, develop, and coordinate programs that address relevant community environmental issues. We believe that through education and community involvement we will encourage a sense of pride and responsibility in all citizens, which will promote a cohesive and more environmentally responsible community. KADB special projects include The Great American Cleanup, Duncan D. Trash Litter Containers, Electronic Recycling, Adopt-A-Highway, Clean Business Month, Adopt-A-Road, America Recycles Day, Adopt-A-Spot, Tree Plantings, Arbor Day, Earth Day, Duncan D. Trash, Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, Recycling Drop-Off Sites, Litter Free School Zone, Office Recycling, Make A Difference Day, Rivers Alive, Water Festival, Operation Pill Drop, Call to Service and Graffiti Abatement. Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful can be reached at P. O. Box 4868, 2106 Habersham Road, Albany, Ga. 31706 or by calling (229) 430-5257. Facebook and www.dougherty.ga.us
KADB BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairperson Jeanette Henderson, Vice Chairperson Dennis Barthelemy, Treasurer Virginia Johnson, Secretary Shalonda Heard MEMBERS Jillian Amaya Fran Brown Joanne Conger Lew Culpepper Jackie Dixon Benard Goins Michael Grier Dorea Hardy Melissa Hodges Jon Howard Tim McClelland Michael McCoy Robert Metts Bill Reilly Samuel Sneed Nealy Stapleton Sharon D. Subadan J. D. Sumner Willie Wingfield KADB OFFICE STAFF Executive Director Julia W. Bowles, Project Manager LaVerne Levins,
KADB’s Clean Business of the Year announced In 1990 Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful’s (KADB) Business and Industry Committee developed and implemented a new program called “ The Clean Business Salute”. This committee, made up of local business representatives, realized how important it was for our community to be visually attractive. Today this program continues to be a corner stone in KADB’s environmental structure, which recognizes businesses that understand that the visual appearance of their business has a direct economic developmental impact on our entire
community. All businesses are eligible to be selected as a monthly Clean Business winner and anyone can call the KADB office at 4305257 to submit a recommendation. The business is inspected for the cleanliness of their grounds, including the back of their property, loading dock area and the dumpster area. The property must be clear of litter, well groomed and visually attractive. The Albany Herald has partnered with KADB in this project by announcing the monthly winner with a salute in The Albany Herald.
Congratulations goes to our 2017 Clean Business of the year: P.O. Box 4868 2106 Habersham Rd Albany, GA 31706 (229) 430-5257
DID YOU KNOW ...
It is unlawful to place signs of ANY KIND within the right-of-way of any public street or highway. Signs attached to utility poles, as well as free standing signs placed on public property, are placed there illegally. Citizens can assist by advertising only on their property and/or by using local media outlets.
Businesses can assist by instructing their lawn care employees to remove all illegally placed signs that abut their property.
KADB designed a city sign to remind citizens not to post signs on public right-of-ways.
THE ANDERSON COMPANY 1819 Dawson Rd Their grounds are always immaculate, clean and colorful. They are to be commended for their assistance in keeping our community looking its best.
TREE ORDINANCE It is illegal to remove trees on any COMMERCIAL property without a PERMIT. It is also illegal to remove or alter public trees located on right-of-ways.
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING A PERMIT, CALL THE CITY ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AT: (229) 883-6955
THE ALBANY HERALD • KEEP ALBANY DOUGHERTY BEAUTIFUL • Sunday, January 7, 2018 • www.albanyherald.com 3
Proper Disposal of Paint Household paints and solvents contain chemicals that can endanger our health and the environment around us if they are not disposed of PROPERLY.
kitty litter to absorb the paint. Allow to dry completely, then place it inside your roll out garbage container for disposal.
*ONLY purchase the amount of paint that you need. If you have paint left over, consider applying a second or third coat until all paint is used or use it on closets, the underside of steps, fences, dog houses, attics, etc.
*Paint thinners, mineral spirits, and turpentine CAN BE REUSED. Place a lid on the container that you cleaned your brushes in…let the paint particles settle to the bottom of the container. After several days pour the liquid through a coffee filter into a clean, closeable container for reuse on a future project.
*Donate unused paint to community outreach groups, schools, churches, theatre groups, or local shelters.
*NEVER pour paint on the ground or into a storm drain system because it will contaminate our water supply.
Recommendation:
*Once the steel paint can is EMPTY AND DRY, you may reuse it…place it inside your roll out garbage container for disposal…or if it has NO paint residue you can RECYCLE IT. *An alternative for the disposal of LATEX PAINT…remove the paint lid, or leave the lid on and punch holes in it, let the paint sit for two weeks in a dry area to allow the liquid to evaporate. The remaining dry pigments are now solid and ready for disposal. (This process will NOT work with oil base paint.) *You can mix LATEX or OIL BASE paints with
Illegal Dumping Prevention Illegal dumping is the unlawful disposal of everything from household trash, yard waste, furniture, junk, construction/demolition materials, and tires in any area other than an approved disposal site. ILLEGAL DUMPING IS A CRIMINAL ACT. Illegal dumping is not only unsightly, but it's a serious environmental problem that creates health hazards. Public awareness, education, and enforcement are the key to addressing this growing problem. It will take a concerted effort on the part of individuals, businesses, and government working together at the grassroots level to effectively deal with illegal dumping. To report information on illegal waste hauling or dumping call the code enforcement department at 438-3913. To assist you in describing the incident you witnessed, the following details outline the type of information that code enforcement officials need.
1. What happened? 2. Where did the activity take place? (Name the highway, road, street or nearest intersection) 3. When did the activity occur? (Time and Date) 4. What kind of vehicle was involved? (A pickup, dump truck, van, make and model of vehicle, color, license number) 5. How many people were in the vehicle? Describe them. (Race, sex, approximate age) 6. Describe the person who physically did the illegal dumping. (Race, sex, age, weight, height, hair, etc.) You should NEVER approach anyone you suspect of a criminal act. It is more important for you to provide accurate details of the offense to enforcement officials.
4 THE ALBANY HERALD • KEEP ALBANY DOUGHERTY BEAUTIFUL • Sunday, January 7, 2018 • www.albanyherald.com
PAPER/DOCUMENT SHREDDING
May 12, 2018 • September 15, 2018 9:00 am til 1:00 pm Civic Center Back Parking Lot
M a yo r H u bba r d’s “ Ca l l to Se rvic e” Pro jec t The “Call to Service” initiative is an agreement between the adopter and the Mayor of Albany in a joint effort to make our community a cleaner, safer and more beautiful place to live, work and play.
Ca l l 3 11 to Reg is ter
Sponsored by Mayor Dorothy Hubbard Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful River Mill Data Management
What Is Litter? Litter is misplaced, improperly handled, uncontainerized solid waste. When it’s bagged and placed in closed receptacles, waste cannot become litter!
Where Does Litter Come From? The seven main sources of litter are: 1. Household trash 2. Commercial and business trash 3. Loading dock refuse 4. Construction site material 5. Uncovered trucks hauling loose materials 6. Motorists 7. Pedestrians From these sources, litter is carried in every direction by wind, water, and traffic. It moves until trapped by a curb, wall, fence, a row of trees, a building, or other stationary object. Once trapped, litter becomes not only an eyesore, but an invitation for people to add more.
Why Do People Litter? Research has shown the main factor attributed to littering is attitude. People feel that it’s okay to litter in certain situations. • Where litter is cleaned up periodically (Shopping center parking lots or theatres, for example)
• Where they feel no sense of ownership (As in public parks, on city streets, or rented homes) • Where there is already an accumulation of litter (At illegal “dumps” or where litter is trapped)
Ways You Can Help: • Report problem areas that need to be cleaned up. • Involve your business or organization in a clean-up project. • Organize a neighborhood clean-up. Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful will help you with the planning. • Containerize all Waste Making sure your outdoor receptacles are securely closed will prevent spillage and spreading. Work with city collection agencies when handling large items, brush, leaves and other special materials. • Don’t add to the problem Remember, keeping our community beautiful is a job for each of us. No matter where you are, please put waste material in proper trash receptacles, or carry it with you until you find a container. • Join Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful for the city’s annual community-wide litter cleanup event held on the THIRD SATURDAY in April. Participants receive a FREE t-shirt, gloves and trash bags. Call 430-5257 to register.
THE ALBANY HERALD • KEEP ALBANY DOUGHERTY BEAUTIFUL • Sunday, January 7, 2018 • www.albanyherald.com 5
What you can do to reduce waste in the office? You can reduce the amount of waste generated in your office by following these guidelines for reusing and recycling. Not only will you be helping the environment, you’ll be saving your company money! Actions speak louder • Make double-sided copies and set the copier to duplex as the default. • Use e-mail for correspondence. • Print drafts in a lighter font. • Use reusable envelopes for internal mail. • Use a reusable mug for coffee. • Purchase condiments such as sugar and creamer in bulk instead of individual serving packages. • Post personnel or human resource information (e.g. phone directory and annual benefit packages) electronically. • Provide a short lesson on how to use various pieces of office equipment to avoid excess waste generated by trial and error. • Use the least toxic correction fluid or correction tape. • Reduce the image so that two pages can be copied on one page, often called “image combination.” • Use Post-it fax notes instead of a fax cover sheet. • Copy-on-demand instead of mass copying. • Circulate one copy of a document or memo rather than making multiple copies. Donate or Reuse? Before you recycle or throw away an item, check to see if it can be reused.
Material that can be recycled in Albany • mixed paper • plastic bottles • aluminum cans • newspaper • magazines • toner cartridges • printer cartridges • corrugated cardboard • glass • batteries • paper board Donate: • furniture, computers, binders, and styrofoam peanuts to a non-profit or school. • Attach a piece of clear tape before you place a label on a file folder - when you want to use the folder again, simply remove the old label and replace it with a new one. Reuse: • “half-used” paper (or paper that has information on only one side and is blank on the other side) to print drafts. • Store excess office supplies in a central location. • Check to see if the item you are throwing away can be recycled. Many items commonly found in an office are recyclable. Buying recycled Close the loop by purchasing recycled content products. There are thousands of products made with recycled content including: clothing, soda bottles, pencils, insulation, index cards, mouse pads, mulch, playground equipment, steel appliances, carpet and paper.
Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful (KADB) coordinates an office recycling program for the Albany-Dougherty business community. Participants receive a Business Recycling Salute magnetic window decal to place on their front door and a KADB Business Recycling certificate. Participants are also publicly acknowledged in The Albany
Herald in January and offered free desk recycling containers for each desk in their office. Participation in this environmental project says to your employees and your customers that you are committed to improving the environment in OUR community. Call 430-5257 for sign-up information.
OUTDOOR WATER USE INFORMATION The Georgia Water Stewardship Act went into effect statewide on June 2, 2010. It allows daily outdoor watering for purposes of planting, growing, managing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants only between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. by anyone whose water is supplied by a water system permitted by the Environmental Protection Division. Outdoor water use for any purpose other
than watering of plants, such as power washing or washing cars, is still restricted to the current odd / even watering schedule. Odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Even-numbered and unnumbered addresses are allowed to water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For additional information go to www.georgiaepd.org.
HOW TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF OUTDATED/UNWANTED MEDICATIONS NEVER FLUSH MEDICATION
Medications thrown in the trash can leach into the environment, flushed drugs can kill bacteria that break down waste in our waste water treatment plant, medications can damage septic systems, and can contaminate nearby waterways and harm aquatic wildlife. The Albany Dougherty Drug Unit partners with KADB every September to host “Operation Pill Drop”. The event gives citizens an opportunity to properly dispose of unwanted/outdated medications. The 2018 event will take place on September 15th from 9:00 til 1:00 in the back parking lot of the Civic Center. A permanent medication drop off box is located on the first floor of the Judicial building at 225 Pine Avenue.
6 THE ALBANY HERALD • KEEP ALBANY DOUGHERTY BEAUTIFUL • Sunday, January 7, 2018 • www.albanyherald.com
City of Albany Storm Water Pollution Prevention Used Oil Recycling by Robert Griffin, Assistant Engineering Director
Used motor oil dripped onto driveways and lawns can be picked up by rain and irrigation water and swept into the City of Albany storm drain system. This polluted water flows untreated into the ditches, canals and storm structures and eventually into the Flint River, contaminating our waterways, and making them unsafe for people and wildlife. Follow these simple tips to help prevent pollution and protect the health of your family and community.
Did you know that used motor oil never wears out? It just gets dirty and can be recycled, cleaned, and used again. Recycling used motor oil conserves a natural resource (oil) and is good for the environment too! Motor oil poured onto the ground or into storm drains, or tossed into trash cans (even in a sealed container) can contaminate and pollute the soil, groundwater, streams, and rivers. Recycling your used motor oil reduces this pollution threat.
Albany residents can take up to five gallons of uncontaminated used oil in secured, non-leaking containers to one of the following six certified Used Oil Collection Centers in Albany (Please call ahead for hours of operation. Used oil and filters can only be dropped off during working hours): AutoZone, 2536 Dawson Rd. (229) 518-5552 O’Reilly Auto Parts, 1501 N. Slappey Dr. (229) 436-6902 AutoZone, 209 S. Slappey Dr. (229) 888-9595 O’Reilly Auto Parts, 1704 E. Oglethorpe (229) 432-1097 Advance Auto 108 S. Slappey (229) 436-6138 Advance Auto 2001 E. Oglethorpe (229) 883-6640
Used Motor Oil must be stored, transported and delivered to the Collection Centers in secured, non-leaking containers. Used oil may only be dropped off during normal hours of operation. It is not permitted to leave used oil at any Collection Center if the facility is closed. Do not risk contaminating the oil by storing it in a container formerly used for other products such as anti-freeze or paint.
Please do not dispose of your used oil by pouring it into the gutter or onto the ground. It is not only Illegal, it is a major source of water contamination. Street gutters drain directly into our local canals and river, and fluid dumped on the ground can seep into rivers and ground water. So if you don’t want your children to drink it, eat it or swim in it, don’t pour it out!
THE ALBANY HERALD • KEEP ALBANY DOUGHERTY BEAUTIFUL • Sunday, January 7, 2018 • www.albanyherald.com 7
Dougherty County Landfill
The Benefits of Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Runoff and Water Quality
Scott Addison Landfill Director
By Jillian Amaya, Dougherty County Public Works
The Dougherty County-Fleming/Gaissert Road Municipal Solid Waste Landfill is located approximately four miles southeast of Albany, Georgia. The Landfill is located on Gaissert Road and is bounded to the North by Fleming Road and the United States Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB). The Landfill property consists of approximately 600 acres with approximately 200 acres adjoining for soil borrow material for landfill operations. The first load of waste was received at the site in February 1983. The site consists of a closed Sanitary Landfill, an operational “Subtitle D” Municipal Solid Waste Landfill, a Construction/Demolition Waste Landfill, a solidification operation, a recycling station, a convenience center for public drop off of garbage and white goods and administrative offices. The Landfill also has an active gas extraction system. The landfill gas fuels a cogeneration plant that generates electricity and steam for MCLB operations. The green energy project has been operational since 2011 and allows MCLB to produce approximately 20% renewable energy, which helps the base meet congressionally mandated goals for renewable energy. As a result, the project has won multiple awards including EPA’s 2013 Energy Star Award. The Landfill is open Monday through
Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm and on Saturday from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm. The Landfill accepts waste generated in Dougherty County as well as out of county waste. Homeowners residing in Dougherty County can bring up to 250 pounds of garbage per day at no cost. Any additional garbage will be prorated up to the gate rate of $38.97 per ton. Credit cards, checks and cash are all acceptable methods of payment. White goods such as stoves, refrigerators and freezers may be brought to the Landfill at no charge. All coolant must be removed from refrigerators and freezers before delivery. Please solidify paint using absorbent (e.g., kitty litter) or sand prior to transporting to the Landfill. Tires cannot be commingled with solid waste and should be brought separately to the Landfill. There is a designated tire disposal area onsite that customers will be directed to place tires. A fee of $1.00 per tire, $4.00 per truck off-road tire and $40.00 per farm tractor tire will be charged. The Landfill does not accept lead acid batteries. Only non-hazardous waste may be disposed of at the Landfill. Any liquid waste or special waste must be approved prior to shipment to the Landfill. For questions, please call (229) 4201050.
Due to the increase of impervious surfaces in our urbanized environment, stormwater runoff has become a major cause of water pollution. Stormwater runoff occurs when water from rain or snow melt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent water from naturally soaking into the ground, which causes an excess of runoff. As the stormwater runoff flows over the impervious surfaces, it can pick up pollutants on the ground, such as oils, dirt, grease, and litter. It then flows directly into storm drainage systems like storm drains, holding ponds, and canals, and eventually into the Flint River, completely untreated. So what can we do to mitigate the problem? One way is to introduce green infrastructure methods when designing stormwater systems. Green infrastructure is a cost-effective approach to managing the impacts of stormwater runoff. It is designed to mimic the natural, undeveloped environment and to reduce stormwater runoff (and therefore pollution) by treating it at the source. One example of green infrastructure that can help water quality is a bioswale. Bioswales are landscaped, linear conveyance systems that are designed to concentrate and then remove pollution from stormwater runoff before it enters the drainage system. Bioswales utilizes thick, native vegetation in order to better filter out the pollutants in the water. The thicker the vegetation, the better the bioswale can filter the pollutants. Many bioswales also contain gravel or riprap, which can capture pollutants as the water filters
through the gravel. Another example of green infrastructure that helps protect water quality would be a rain garden. A rain garden is a specially designed low-area where stormwater runoff can pool and eventually infiltrate into the ground. Rain gardens require a soil mixture of sand, gravel, compost or biochar, and topsoil and plants that are native to the area that can handle wet weather and drought conditions. The soil mixture is particularly important because, much like bioswales, as the runoff percolates through the ground; the roots and sand remove the pollutants. Rain gardens are especially popular in neighborhoods, parks, and schools because less space is required. Green roofs are another green infrastructure method that is very popular around the country. Green roofs have a layer of plant material that can absorb rainfall that eventually dissipates through plant use and evaporation. It can significantly decrease the amount of stormwater runoff in an area, provided that the building is able to support the load of green roof after it is fully saturated. Green infrastructure is a great way to manage the issues of stormwater runoff, prevent flooding, and protect the water quality of aquifers, rivers, streams, and oceans. These green infrastructure methods are becoming increasingly popular in Georgia and across the country, due in large part to their ability to be woven seamlessly into the landscape while benefitting the community and the environment.
8 THE ALBANY HERALD • KEEP ALBANY DOUGHERTY BEAUTIFUL • Sunday, January 7, 2018 • www.albanyherald.com
The City of Albany’s Tree Ordinance: The Basics By Ili Si Malone, ISA Certified Arborist SO-5772A, GA Registered Landscape Architect LA 546, GA Commercial Pesticide Applicator License #10076, City Arborist, Engineering Department, City of Albany.
The City of Albany has had a Tree Ordinance in place for over 25 years. The ordinance was first adopted on May 12, 1992. It was revised on May 26, 2015. The ordinance is located on the City of Albany’s website: www.albany.ga.us under ‘City Government City of Albany Code of Ordinances Chapter 62-VEGETATION’ tab. A tree ordinance is important for protecting the community forest and public safety. This municipal regulation reflects community values by guiding the actions of government, staff, citizens, businesses, builders, site design professionals, and developers toward the achievement of community tree management objectives. A few of these objectives are “to encourage the conservation, preservation, and protection of trees and prevent damage to the city’s existing tree canopy”. Another objective is “to promote and enhance the natural value of trees which contribute to the enhancement of public and private property values, contribute to air purification, oxygen regeneration, groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff control, noise abatement, the reduction of energy for heating and cooling, and glare”. The ordinance includes several additional pertinent goals. The tree ordinance provides authority over trees, establishes the Albany Tree Board along with the City Arborist, defines responsibilities, offers guidance to the public and establishes minimum standards for Albany’s tree program.
Public and Private Property The public property portion of the tree ordinance establishes protection of trees along the public street and alley rights-of-way, parks, and other city-owned property. Only city forces are permitted to remove public trees. The private property portion of the tree ordinance regulates the conservation, protection, and replacement of trees on private property. Most often these private properties are new development sites but also can be existing commercial, industrial/ manufacturing sites and residential lots except single family and duplex.
Tree Management Standards An essential part of the tree ordinance, for both public and private property, is the adoption of standards for tree care. Professional standards have been developed by the arboricultural community and adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for many tree care operations, including tree pruning, planting, fertilization, tree support systems, and lightning protection systems. Adherence to basic standards for tree conservation, tree protection, tree and site selection, soil quality, planting, mulching, fertilization, irrigation, pruning, and any other tree care activity will result in better tree survival and growth, improved tree health, reduced long-term tree maintenance and replacement costs, and greater benefits to be enjoyed by the community as a whole. More information on these standards can be found on the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) website at www.isa-arbor.com.
Tree Ordinance Enforcement For the tree ordinance to be effective it must not only be welldesigned and well-written, it must be enforced. Consistent enforcement demands substantial time from the city arborist and code enforcer who must constantly monitor the activities that take place around public trees and regularly inspect development sites for compliance with ordinance requirements. Because violation of
the tree ordinance may result in fines and costs of restoration, it is important to understand the ordinance before you start cutting. By contacting city officials prior to commencing your development or tree removal, you may avoid costly mistakes.
Partners in Tree Management Successful community tree management does not depend solely on the adoption and enforcement of a comprehensive community tree ordinance, and government employees are not solely responsible for maintaining a healthy community forest. Many community partners, including Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful, Grow Albany, residents, business owners, non-governmental agencies, and even visitors to Albany can contribute greatly to the success of the city’s tree management program. When provided with information on the benefits and value of trees, the city’s tree management goals, tree ordinance requirements, and basic tree care and protection techniques, all tree care partners can work together to create a healthy and beautiful community forest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Where may I access the City of Albany’s Tree Ordinance online? www.albany.ga.us/filestorage/1798/2879/2953/ 2010_Tree_Ordinance.pdf/or
cost of replacement of said tree or trees. Fines shall be in addition to the cost of replacement of said tree or trees in accordance with the civil penalty as set out in section 62-47 of the Tree Ordinance. The replacement value of trees shall be determined in accordance with the latest version of ‘Guide for Plant Appraisal’ as published by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
7. Other than removal, will the city do anything else to my street tree? City staff can and will limb-up trees for unobstructed maintenance of streets and alleys. The City of Albany’s Vegetation Management Division of Albany Utilities Department performs tree removal and pruning of public trees. Contact the 311 call center for pruning requests at 229.878.3111. The call is free. The call center is open weekdays from 8:00 am-5:00 pm. except holidays. If you prefer, service requests may be submitted online at www.311answers.com.
8. Who do I contact at the city with concerns about my street tree? Contact the City Arborist, Ms. Ili Si Malone, at the Engineering Department at 229.883.6955. You may contact the 311 call center for non-emergency issues or questions about city trees. Contact 229.878.3111. The call is free. It is open weekdays from 8:00 am5:00 pm except holidays. Also, you may go online at www.311answers.com. Click on the ‘Grass, Bushes, Trees and Environment’ tab and follow the prompts.
2. Do I need a permit to remove a tree(s) on my property?
9.
It will depend on the zoning of your private property. It your property is zoned single-family or duplex (2-unit building), a Tree Removal Application Permit is not required. If the property is zoned triplex, apartments, commercial, industrial or manufacturing, a Tree Removal Application permit is required. If you do not know your property’s current zoning, you may contact the Planning & Zoning Division of the Planning, Development Services & Code Enforcement Department at 229.438.3901. Their hours are 8:00 am-5:00 pm weekdays except holidays.
10. Why do I need a permit?
3. Is there a fee for a tree removal application/ permit? Yes. The fee for a tree removal application/permit for private property for triplex and above, apartments, commercial, industrial or manufacturing is Thirty-Five Dollars ($35.00) payable to the ‘City of Albany’.
What is diameter at breast height (DBH)?
Diameter at breast height is a forestry measurement that is taken at fifty-four inches (54”) or 4.5’ from the soil grade. Diameter can be determined by measuring the circumference of the tree with a tape measure and dividing by 3.14.
The city manages the natural resource of the urban forest (defined as trees growing throughout Albany). To obtain the minimal loss of tree canopy the city requires a permit for removal. The Tree Ordinance requires a minimum of fifteen (15) tree density units (TDUs) per acre on new development and existing private property zoned triplex and above, multi-family apartments, commercial, and industrial/manufacturing.
11. How do I obtain a Tree Removal Application/Permit form?
Funds received from application fees, fines, and payments to meet tree density requirements are paid into the dedicated tree account. These monies are to be spent for the purchase of new trees and all materials necessary to properly install the trees.
The form may be obtained online at www.cityofalbany.ga.us. Click on the city departments tab. Click on ‘Engineering Department’. Scroll down the page and click on ‘TREE PERMIT APPLICATION’. Open the file. You may then print the application form. You may request a form by contacting the Engineering Department at 229.883.6955. Their hours are from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM weekdays except holidays.
5.
12.
4.
Where does the fee money go?
May I remove a tree on city property?
No. You are prohibited from removing a public tree, i.e. located on the city’s rights-of-way including alleys, parks, and property owned by the City of Albany. Permitting of trees for removal on City of Albany property is the jurisdiction of the Engineering Department.
6. Is there a fine for removing a tree on city property? Yes. Any person who damages public trees shall be charged the
Can you recommend a tree service for me?
The City of Albany does not endorse any particular tree service; however, we do recommend that you consider using a Certified Arborist for work on living trees. Check out the ISA website www.isa-arbor.com to find a Certified Arborist in our area. All tree service companies doing work within the city limits of Albany are required to have a current Occupational Tax Certificate, a.k.a. a ‘business license’. Contact the License & Business Support Department, Treasurer’s Division, at 229.431.2118 or online at www.cityofalbany.ga.us/OTC to obtain an OTC. Their hours are from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM weekdays except holidays.
THE ALBANY HERALD • KEEP ALBANY DOUGHERTY BEAUTIFUL • Sunday, January 7, 2018 • www.albanyherald.com 9
GRAFFITI
Go Green! at your festival or event Bring RECYCLING to a higher level. It’s easy: CALL Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful @ 229-430-5257 to reserve the FREE Away From Home Recycling Trailer PICK UP the trailer the day before your event SET UP the recycle and trash bins COLLECT the materials DELIVER the recyclables to a city recycle drop off site RETURN the trailer
C i g a re t t e B u t t s ar e L i t t e r! and they are toxic The visual appearance of our community could literally change overnight. Between dusk and dawn on any given day a neighborhood, business, or residence could undergo a transformation which, if no immediate action is taken, can ultimately have a profound impact on our entire community.
WHAT IS GRAFFITI? Graffiti is not a victimless crime, nor is it a form of art. Graffiti is the deliberate defacing of public and private property without the owner's permission. GRAFFITI HURTS • Graffiti hurts every child, parent, business owner and taxpayer. • Merchants lose business because customers feel the neighborhood is no longer safe. • Graffiti vandals are at an increased
risk of becoming involved in shoplifting or other criminal activities. • When left untouched, graffiti sends the wrong message: We are no longer in control. We can’t keep order in our community. • Graffiti that is tolerated invites more of the same. WHAT CAN YOU DO? • Remove graffiti immediately from your property. • Keep your property well lit, clean, and landscaped. • Plant shrubs with prickly or thorny foliage near walls and fences. • Join and/or organize a neighborhood watch. • Discuss respecting public and private property with your children. • Report all graffiti to the Albany Police Department at 431-3288 or to Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful at 430-5257 or call 311.
DID YOU KNOW ... • Smokers discard BILLIONS of cigarette butts each year. • A large percentage of cigarette butts are “tossed” directly into the environment. • Cigarette butts accumulate outside of buildings, in parking lots and on streets where they can be transported through our storm drains into our streams and rivers. • Cigarette filters look like cotton, but are made of cellulose acetate, a plastic that is slow to degrade in the environment. • A pack and a half a day equals more than 10,000 cigarettes a year. 10,000 cigarette butts are equivalent, in volume, to five liters. • Nicotine is a powerful insecticide and, in its pure form, among the deadliest of all plants products. • Tobacco residue, along with the toxic chemicals left in cigarette filters that are tossed as butts, quickly leach into our water supply. *Cigarette butts are the most common type of litter on earth. *Cigarette butts harm our environment. PLEASE DISPOSE OF CIGARETTE BUTTS PROPERLY
Albany Dougherty Beautiful. Dougherty County and the City of Albany. Grow Albany will plant and distribute trees to our public parks, businesses and homes through a multi-year, multi-phase initiative.
GROW ALBANY The mission of Grow Albany is to replant the trees lost during the storm of 2017. Through the work of volunteers and partnerships with Keep
DONATE. SPONSOR. VOLUNTEER. Contact Judy Bowles with Keep Albany Dougherty Beautiful at 229-430-5757 or jbowles@dougherty.ga.us.
MAKE A DONATION Make checks payable to Keep Albany Dougherty Beautiful with “Grow Albany” in the memo and mail to: Keep Albany Dougherty Beautiful P.O. Box 4868 Albany, GA 31706
2018 FREE ELECTRONIC RECYCLING COLLECTION DAY
10 THE ALBANY HERALD • KEEP ALBANY DOUGHERTY BEAUTIFUL • Sunday, January 7, 2018 • www.albanyherald.com
Our growing dependence on electronic products both at home and in the workplace has given rise to a new environmental challenge: electronic waste. Research indicates that electronic waste is growing at three times the rate of other municipal waste. Electronic equipment contains metals and other materials that can become hazardous to human health and the environment if they are not properly managed. • Cadmium: The largest source of cadmium in municipal landfills is rechargeable nickel-cadmium (NiCd batteries, commonly found in laptop computers). • Lead: Monitors and televisions contain a picture tube known as a cathode ray tube (CRT). The CRTs contain leaded glass, and are the largest source of lead in municipal landfills. • Mercury: Electronic waste is a leading source of mercury in municipal landfills. Additionally, discarded electronic equipment is a concern because electronics are made with valuable resources such as precious metals, engineered plastics, glass and other materials, all of which require energy to manufacture. When equipment is thrown away, these resources cannot be
recovered and additional pollution will be generated to manufacture new products out of virgin materials. Electronics account for 2 percent to 5 percent of landfill volume, but it contributes up to 70 percent of the toxins found in landfills. A FREE e-recycling collection day will be held Sept. 15, 2018 to promote the proper disposal of unwanted electronic equipment. Rain or shine, the electronics recycling collection will take place in the parking lot behind the James H. Gray Sr. Civic Center at the corner of Front Street and Mercer Avenue in downtown Albany from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. There will be a $20 FEE for each television set at the September 15 event. The average TV set contains 4 pounds of lead, which must be removed and disposed of properly. These will also be a $10 FEE for all computer CRTs. Items not accepted include vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers, gas-powered equipment and all non-electronic equipment. Business, industry, schools, hospitals and government offices can call (229) 430-5257 to schedule a pick-up of large quantities of electronics.
The following electronic items will be accepted at the events: Test & Network Equipment Stereos Computer Monitors Copiers Computer CPU’s Video Machines Laptops VCR’s Printers Camcorders Disk Drives
311 Non-Emergency Call Center Mary Petty, 311 Director The 311 Call center was created for the public to have one central point of contact for all local government services and general information for the City of Albany, Dougherty County and Albany Utilities departments. Our Mission is to provide the public with this free service allowing quick, easy access to all City of Albany, Dougherty County, and Albany Utilities government services and information while maintaining the highest level of customer service by dialing one easy number 311. The 311 Call Center is proud to participate in assisting citizens in striving to make our community a great place to live, work and play. The 311 Call center encourages all citizens to report issues requiring city or county action, reporting criminal activity such as unsightly graffiti or illegal dumping. Call 311 to find out what environmental events, educa-
tion and programs will be offered for citizens to make a difference and encourage community pride. Call 311 to find out about Albany Utility’s Commercial Internet and Commercial Garbage Services. The 311 service prides itself on maintaining the highest level of customer service. We are always trying to let everyone in the community learn more about our services. So, if your organization/community group would like to schedule a 311 speaker, please call 311. Common 311 citizen calls include: Where do I? Report a Code Violation? Go to pay a ticket? Get an Albany Transit Schedule? Report a Pothole? Report a burned out street or traffic light? How Do I? Obtain a birth certificate or marriage license? Request yard debris removal?
Keyboards Cameras (digital, too) Scanners Record Players Electrical Panels CB Radios Circuit Boards Speakers Fax Machines CD Players Typewriters
UPS/Battery Backup Cables Portable Radios CD ROMS Projectors Cell Phones Computer Mouse *Televisions Telephone Modems
STORM DRAIN ALERT Albany’s storm drainage system is experiencing a major problem. The catch basins located throughout our city blocks are meant to capture water ONLY. When leaves and other debris are placed in the system, they clog up our only means of diverting rain water from our roadways. Please assist by not blocking the drainage system with leaves or other debris and by not disposing of ANYTHING in the system. All materials collected in the drainage system return to OUR water system...untreated. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in a monetary penalty. Call Center: Calls are answered by a live operators Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by dialing either 311 or 8783111. Website & New Mobile Application: The 311 website at www.311answer.com is available 24/7 as well as our mobile application. If you
would like assistance in navigating through the web portion, or downloading the mobile application albanyga311, please call 311 and we’ll give you a guided tour through our software.
THE ALBANY HERALD • KEEP ALBANY DOUGHERTY BEAUTIFUL • Sunday, January 7, 2018 • www.albanyherald.com 11
RECYCLE ALBANY Each One Of Us Makes A Difference!
MAGAZINES - GLOSSY MAGAZINES AND CATALOGS ONLY. CARDBOARD - PLEASE BREAK DOWN BOXES. DO NOT MIX WITH CEREAL BOXES, CRACKER BOXES, ETC. PAPERBOARD - BOX PACKAGING THAT IS FOUND ON A GROCERY STORE SHELF, SUCH AS A CEREAL BOX, A CAKE MIX BOX, A BEVERAGE PAPERBOARD BOX, ETC.
GLASS FOOD AND BEVERAGE CONTAINERS. DO NOT RECYCLE LIGHT BULBS, PLATE GLASS, AUTO GLASS, MIRRORS, CERAMICS, OR DISHES. MEREDYTH SITE ONLY - SHREDDED & NONSHREDDED OFFICE PAPER. Ni-Cd (RECHARGABLE BATTERIES) - NI-CD’S ARE THE POWER SOURCE IN POWER TOOLS, CELLULAR PHONES, ETC.
GLASS - PLEASE RINSE AND REMOVE LIDS AND NECK ALUMINUM CANS - PLEASE RINSE. RECYCLE SCRAP METAL, PAINT CANS, AUTOMOTIVE RINGS. YOU NEED NOT REMOVE PAPER LABELS. PRODUCT CANS OR DISPOSABLE ALUMINUM PIE PLEASE SEPARATE GREEN, BROWN, AND CLEAR PLATES, PIE TINS OR ALUMINUM FOIL. NO TIN OR STEEL CANS.
WEST ALBANY 2521 Meredyth Drive At Fire Station #6 (Behind TCBY) HOURS: Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 11:30 AM & 12:30 - 5:30 PM & Saturday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM DOWNTOWN ALBANY at the intersection of Front Street & Mercer Ave. (Behind The James H. Gray, Sr. Civic Center) HOURS: Tuesday - Thursday, 8:30 - 11:30 AM & 12:30 - 5:30 PM & Saturday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
NEWSPAPERS - ANY INSERT THAT COMES IN YOUR NEWSPAPER IS RECYCLABLE WITH YOUR NEWSPAPER AND SO ARE YOUR PHONE BOOKS. DO NOT RECYCLE JUNK MAIL OR PAPER PRODUCTS OTHER THAN NEWSPAPERS. PLEASE KEEP DRY. PLASTIC - PLEASE RINSE THE CONTAINERS AND REMOVE THE LIDS. ONLY PLASTIC SODA BOTTLES AND CLEAR MILK JUGS MAY BE RECYCLED. RECYCLE PLASTIC WRAP, PLASTIC BAGS, STYROFOAM OR OTHER KINDS OF PLASTIC BOTTLES.
12 THE ALBANY HERALD • KEEP ALBANY DOUGHERTY BEAUTIFUL • Sunday, January 7, 2018 • www.albanyherald.com
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING RECYCLING, PLEASE CALL 430-5257 FOR MORE INFORMATION.