Education Focus Sponsored section ►►PAGE 16
Ashley Madison hackers worry local couples? Extra-marital dating service popular, especially in Alpharetta ►►PAGE 2
Arts grants safe for now
Council OKs grants but next year in doubt ►►PAGE 5
Local WWII hero leads parade Old Soldier’s Day grand marshal former Ranger ►►PAGE 7
July 30, 2015 | johnscreekherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 19, No. 31
City sets same millage rate Council splits in 3-2 vote By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com
Johns Creek plans looks on expanding its parks over the next ten years. Some of the current city parks and attractions include, pictured from top, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center, Newtown Park Ampitheater and Shakerag Park (photo courtsey johnscreekga.gov).
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – In a 3-2 vote, the Johns Creek City Council voted July 27 to maintain the same millage rate the city has always had of 4.614 mills despite the slight rise in assessed revenue this year, which means the city will have to advertise it as a tax increase. An earlier motion by “virtual” Councilman Bob Gray to lower the millage 0.319 mllls and seconded by Councilman Lenny Zaprowski
had failed. They said the city could more than make up the difference by becoming more efficient. Mayor Mike Bodker, Councilman Steve Broadbent and Councilwoman Cori Davenport voted to keep the millage the same because the rise in revenue only brings the city back to the 2008 level. “I have voted for the same millage rate every year of the city’s existence. When property values were falling, I didn’t support a raise, and
See MILLAGE, Page 9
City hears parks plan options ‘Virtual’ Bob Gray draws council’s ire for 10-year strategic plan By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – The public got their first look at ideas and suggestions for the city’s 10-year recreation and parks department master plan, but the consultants could not answer how much residents are willing to pay and for what kinds of services. What city consultants Mack Cain, a registered landscape architect of 40 years, and Robert G. Betz, AICP, have done is to first aggregate the wants and desires made known by a
citizen questionnaire generated by the city. Topping that list are: 1. Acquiring more parkland 2. Creating a wider range of facilities 3. Expanding existing programs 4. Creating a citywide recreational greenway 5. Improving existing parks and rec fields 6. Increasing staffing 7. Identifying some permanent recreation funding sources, such as: monthly property
assessments, a recreation bond, a dedicated millage recreation fund, increased participation fees and/or non-resident fees. Also suggested were building revenue-generating sports facilities and sponsoring tournaments. The city had two informational meetings July 21 to hear feedback so far. Taking the thorniest issue first, Cain, who led the dis-
See PARKS, Page 10
Use of electronic attendance breaks ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ By HATCHER HURD hatcher@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – When Councilman Bob Gray used Skype to electronically attend the July 27 council workshop and City Council meeting, his fellow council
See VIRTUAL, Page 6
HATCHER HURD/STAFF
Councilman Bob Gray attended the July 27 City Council meeting by Skype, but still was chastised by fellow councilmembers for not attending in person.
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