October 24, 2019
Board of
Commissioners
Commissioners approve funding and bid award for Panola Mountain Greenway Trail PATH
Regular Meetings November 5th, 9:00 a.m. November 19th, 6:30 p.m.
Meetings held at: Administration Building Community Room 140 Henry Parkway McDonough, GA 30253 Regular Commission meetings air daily on Henry TV Charter Channel 180 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, at 9 a.m. & 7 p.m.
Henry County is a big step closer to moving forward with construction of the Panola Mountain Greenway Trail PATH. The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved an award bid for the trail at the October 15 Commission meeting. The bid was awarded to Lewallen Construction in the amount of $2,724, 673.91 to construct and provide walking trails in District 5. The Board approved funding for phase one of the Panola Mountain Greenway Trail at the October 1 Commission meeting where both Henry County Manager Cheri Hobson-Matthews and District V Commissioner Bruce Holmes lauded staff and Henry County DOT Civil Engineer David Simmons for their contributions. “Thank you for all your efforts David, this is a project that we have been working on for years,” said Holmes at the earlier meeting. Holmes further stated his vision for the trail. “This could be the beginning of a county-wide trail network where people from Locust Grove will be able to travel by bike to the Panola Mountain Trail,” said Holmes. “I think eventually that it will connect into the Beltline. There could be a trail network from Henry County into to the city of Atlanta and possibly to a trail that connects to the Silver Comet Trail that goes all the way to the Alabama state line.” The county will receive more than $2.7 million in federal funding for this project and will provide a 20 percent match in the amount of $544,935. Funding was made possible through a Transportation Enhancement Grant and a Transportation Alternatives Program Grant.
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October 24, 2019 Published by Henry County Communications & Public Information Department Henry County Government
Editor Melissa Robinson
Graphic Designer Meredith Butler
Layout Designer Melissa Robinson Meredith Butler
Contributors Melissa Robinson Erika Richards
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BOC Recognizes Fire Prevention Month The Henry County Board of Commissioners recognized October as Fire Prevention Month with a proclamation at the October 15 Commission meeting. Fire Prevention Month and Week is recognized in Henry County to bring awareness and ensure the safety of residents from home fire situations. The proclamation read in part, “WHEREAS, the 2019 Fire Prevention Week theme, ‘Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!’ effectively serves to remind us that we need to take personal steps to increase our safety from fire.” For more information on Henry County Fire Department Services or fire prevention measures, please visit www.henrycounty-ga.com/fire.
Chair June Wood Addresses Misinformation at BOC Meeting Assures citizens there are no plans for an inland port in Henry County Henry County Commission Chair June Wood addressed what she termed “misinformation” about a proposed inland port during the October 15 Board Meeting during the Commissioner Comments portion of the agenda. “Inaccurate information publicized in both print and social media outlets about an inland port coming to Henry County needs to be addressed,” said Wood. She said that she believed the erroneous information started when she sent out a newsletter last March referencing a conceptual idea to address safety concerns and truck traffic over the next 20 to 30 years. She reiterated that it was a concept, not a plan. Wood shared with commissioners and made public a letter from Stacy B. Watson, Director of Economic and Industrial Development with the Georgia
Ports Authority. In the letter, dated September 30, 2019, Watson identified the three sites that have plans for inland ports. They are identified as the Appalachian Regional Port to be located in the northwest region of Georgia; The NE GA Inland Port planned for property purchased in Hall County and set to be operational around 2023; and the West Central GA Inland Port to be located in west central Georgia with Kia as an anchor tenant. “There are no other plans for additional inland ports in Henry County or any other area in the state… the locations are clearly identified,” read the letter from Watson. Wood stated that she regrets that the concept introduced in March had been misrepresented and “created unnecessary emotions and concerns.” Wood also reaffirmed her resolve to find solutions for traffic issues that plague Henry County. “I will continue to advocate for solutions to our traffic problems, including completing the new proposed I-75 Bethlehem interchange. We must do everything conceivable to keep our citizens safe while improving the flow of traffic in our most congested areas, such as Highway 155. Again, there is no inland port coming to Henry County,” said Wood.
Women’s Self Defense Classes Taking Registrations The Henry County Police Dept. will be offering a Women’s Self Defense class November 21- 22, 2019. This class is a 2-day session, meeting Thursday and Friday from 6-8 pm. For information, applications and background consent forms, visit henrycounty-ga. com/self-defense. Applications must be completed by November 12th for the November class. Please fill out and return to Henry County Police Dept., 108 S. Zack Hinton Pkwy, McDonough, GA 30253. Your application will be processed; then
you will be contacted. If you have questions, please contact jmiller@co.henry.ga.us or 770-288-8285.
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October 24, 2019 Fire Department to Receive $1.3 Million Grant The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to accept the Assistance to Firefighter Grant from the Department of Homeland Security for the Henry County Fire Department in the amount of $1,268,818. The action came at the October 15 Commission meeting. The grant will be used to purchase, install and maintain 20 power stretchers, 15 stair chairs and 22 power load systems for the fire department’s ambulances. With this new equipment, fire personnel can transport injured citizens to and from ground level into ambulances safely as well as provided safety enhancements for employees. “We have spoken to several surrounding departments that utilize this technology and they have
all seen a decrease in back injuries and other muscular skeletal injuries in transportation of patients,” said Henry County Fire Department Chief Luther Phillips. Phillips further stated that the department received a congratulatory letter from Congressman David Scott who pledged his full support for any future grant endeavors HCFD plans to take on. Phillips also reminded the Board that the fire department will continue to find and use grants to fund programs, projects and initiatives. For more information on Henry County Fire Department, visit henrycounty-ga.com/Fire.
BOC Approves Grants for HCPD The Henry County Police Department will be receiving two grants after the approval from the Henry County Board of Commissioners at the scheduled Commission meeting, which was held October 15. The HCPD will be accepting the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grant in the amount $304,938 for the Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) program. The HEAT program enforces DUI, traffic and occupant safety laws and the grant will fund salaries for a sergeant and three officers, regular operating expenses, travel and equipment purchases for the officers, including vehicles. Disbursement of the grant has started and will
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close on September 30, 2020. The Bureau of Justice Assistance also awarded the police department $30,467 in grant funding. The grant will aid in the enhancement of HCPD’s Criminal Intelligence Unit, providing technological advancement that will efficiently produce data and protect against critical information loss as well as provide specialized professional training programs for personnel advancement. The process of grant disbursement has begun and will close September 30, 2022. For more information on the Henry County Police Department, please visit henrycountypolicedepartment.com.
Henry’s Night Out Set for October 24 The Henry County Police Department, along with the Henry County Sheriff, Henry County Fire, and Henry County E-911 Departments are hosting the annual Henry’s Night Out event on Thursday, October 24 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Henry Town Center in McDonough. Henry County’s National Night Out is a free event for the whole family where parents and kids alike will have an opportunity to meet and speak with various public safety professionals. Attendees will take part in free food, fun activities, trunk or treating and live music for everyone to enjoy. Henry’s Night Out is modeled after National Night Out, traditionally held in August, however with the extreme Georgia heat, public safety officers scheduled
the event to October for the cooler temperatures. National Night Out is a unique crime and drug prevention event that involves citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials coming together in a show of solidarity against crime. The community event is observed in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases. Last year’s event brought out hundreds of attendees, parents and children alike who enjoyed meeting Henry County public safety personnel, county and city officials. Henry Night Out will take place in front of the Target Department Store located at 1850 Jonesboro Rd., in McDonough. The event is free and open to the public.
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October 24, 2019 BOC Recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month The Henry County Board of Commissioners recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a proclamation at the October 15 Commission meeting. The proclamation reaffirmed Henry County’s commitment to spreading awareness of the disease and providing support for those affected. District V Commissioner Bruce Holmes and Building and Plan Review Director George Patterson accepted the proclamation and were also recognized as ambassadors for Piedmont Henry Hospital’s Real Mean Wear Pink Campaign.
“Commissioner Holmes and Mr. Patterson have compelling personal stories that have fueled their passion to educate others and they are joined by other influential men in the community to help spread awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early intervention,” said Public Information Director Melissa Robinson, after the proclamation was read. Commissioners and several staff members who wore pink in support of breast cancer awareness joined together for a photo following the presentation.
The Henry County Board of Commissioners recognized October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a proclamation. Pictured (l. to r.) District II Commissioner Dee Clemmons; Chair June Wood; Building and Plan Review Director George Patterson; District V Commissioner Bruce Holmes; Financial Services Director David Smith; District IV Commissioner Vivian Thomas; and District III Commissioner Gary Barham. Second row (l. to r.) Public Works Director Ronald Burckhalter; Deputy County Manager Brad Johnson; District I Commissioner Johnny Wilson; and County Manager Cheri Hobson-Matthews.
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Rodeo and Multicultural Festival Coming to Nash Farm Park Daylong celebration of food, fun and entertainment The 100 Percent Mexicano Rodeo is coming to Nash Farm Park as part of a multicultural festival that will feature food trucks, authentic Mexican cuisine, vendors, a farmers market, and a rodeo, complete with bull riding, roping and racing. The rodeo and festival will take place on Sunday, October 27 from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. and the farmers market will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. District II Commissioner Dee Clemmons invites everyone out to enjoy delicious food, family
entertainment and various bands playing the most popular Latin music. Scheduled entertainment includes La Energia Nortena, La Fiera De Ojinaga, Los Compos SN and Sexto Grado. Festivities run from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. and tickets may be purchased at www.Lulutickets.com or www. Ticketon.com. Tickets are $25 and parking is $5. For more information, contact 770-491-8005. Nash Farm Park is located at 100 Babbs Mill Rd. in Hampton, GA.
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October 24, 2019 What is SPLOST? SPLOST stands for Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. SPLOST is an optional one percent County sales tax, which the State of Georgia allows counties to collect to fund specific improvement projects. SPLOST must be approved by voters in a general referendum in order to be enacted. SPLOST 5 Information
• Election Day is November 5, 2019 and a SPLOST 5 Referendum will be on the November ballot for voters to decide whether to continue the penny sales tax.
• SPLOST 5 is expected to collect $204,000,000 to fund transportation and capital projects.
precincts, a police station, two fire stations and rebuilds of Fire Stations 5 and 6.
• Early voting began on October 14, 2019. Voters may check their voter registration at mvp.sos. ga.gov.
• The current SPLOST (SPLOST 4) collected approximately $190 and funded three new fire stations, a replacement fire station, new public safety vehicles, ambulances, a new 911 communications system, the Bear Creek Senior Center/Recreation Center in Hampton, a new kitchen for the Senior Center in Locust Grove, new ball fields in Locust Grove, new ball fields and park expansion in Ola, and the construction of Village Park in North Henry and Bud Kelley Park in Kelleytown.
• The SPLOST 5 project list designates more than $46 million in major transportation projects.
• The list also includes seed money funding in the amount of $2 million for recreation facilities (two Boys and Girls Clubs facilities with one to be located on the west side of the county and one to be located on the east side of the county.)
• $22 million for construction of an aquatic center. • Public Safety upgrades and enhancements, including a fleet replacement program, three police
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• SPLOST 4 also included eight major transportation projects totaling more than $15.2 million, 16 intersection improvement projects at a cost of $11.8 million and 17 bridge improvements at a cost pf approximately $2.6 million and 56 resurfacing, widening or surface treatment projects costing over $14.4 million. For more SPLOST
information
visit
henrycounty-ga.com/
Connecting Henry Maintenance Employee Program Graduation Twelve young adults graduated from Connecting Henry’s S.W.A.G. Certified Maintenance Employee Program yesterday, surrounded by family and friends. A special thank you to the work experience
partners who provided hands on training to the graduates and the supporters, businesses and trainers from our community who helped to make this program a success. Congratulations graduates!
SEE CLICK FIX henrycounty-ga.com/SeeClickFix
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October 24, 2019 November 5th Early Voting in Progress Notice of advanced voting for the November 5, 2019 Municipal General Election/Referendums/ Special Elections. Voting will be conducted at the following locations and times listed below. Last day to register to be eligible to vote in the November 5, 2019 Municipal General Election/ Referendums/ Special Elections is October 7, 2019. Voters may check their voter registration at mvp.sos.ga.gov For further information or to request an absentee ballot call 770-288-6448.
Vote October 21st through October 25th Monday through Friday at these locations:
Elections & Voter Registration (Main Office) 40 Atlanta St. McDonough 8am – 5pm Stockbridge Municipal Court Building 4602 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge 8am – 5pm
Vote Saturday, October 26th at these five (5) locations:
Elections & Voter Registration (Main Office) 8am – 5pm 40 Atlanta St. McDonough Fairview Recreation Center 35 Austin Rd Stockbridge, GA 30281 8am – 5pm Fortson Library 61 McDonough St. Hampton, GA 30228 8am – 5pm Locust Grove Library 115 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. henrycounty-ga.org
Locust Grove, GA 30248 8am – 5pm Stockbridge Municipal Court Building 8am – 5pm
Vote October 28th through November 1st Monday through Friday at these five (5) locations:
Elections & Voter Registration (Main Office) 7am – 7pm Fairview Recreation Center 7am – 7pm Fortson Library 7am – 7pm Locust Grove Library 7am – 7pm Stockbridge Municipal Court Building 7am – 7pm Municipal polls will be open in each city on Election Day from 7:00am to 7:00pm for municipal voters to vote their city ballot. County polls will be open on Election Day from 7:00am to 7:00pm for voters to vote their county ballot. For information or to request an absentee ballot call 770-288-6448.
Parks and Rec to Host Trunk or Treat at Nash Farm Park Bring the family out to Nash Farm Park on October 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for a family-friendly, free Trunk or Treat celebration.. Join District II Commissioner Dee Clemmons and your favorite superheroes and princesses for a fun
evening full of prizes, plenty of candy, hayrides and photo ops with your favorite characters. Nash Farm Park is located at 4361 Jonesboro Road in Hampton. The event is free and open to the public.
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October 24, 2019
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