December 8, 2017
Board of
Commissioners
Crime is Down in the County and Recruitment is Up at the HCPD
Regular Meetings Dec. 19, 6:30 PM - (Cancelled)
Jan. 3, 2018 9:00 AM
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 C o u n t y Deputy Police Chief Mark Amerman gave an update to the Commissioners at the December 5 board meeting, where he detailed recruitment efforts and activities of the Henry County Police Department. In his presentation, Amerman said that according to the GBI Crime Index Report for 2016, there was an 8 percent reduction in crime from the previous year, dropping from 29.3 percent to 26.9 percent. He said the new rate places Henry County with the 3rd lowest county crime index compared to the surrounding/ bordering counties, only behind Newton and Butts counties, both of which have much lower populations than Henry. He also reported that recruitment
efforts have been successful and to date, there are only 14 openings in the police department. “ M y recruiting team has done an awesome job and the best recruitment tool we have is our current officers,” said Amerman. He said that a climate and attitude shift have greatly enhanced recruitment efforts. Amerman also pointed to several PD initiatives and activities such as the Citizens’ Police Academy and the Women’s Self-Defense Class as successful anti-crime tools. He added that the police department has also incorporated drone technology in to their arsenal, which has been particularly helpful in crime and accident scenes. “We have initiated our drone Continued on page 2
1
December 8, 2017 HCPD Continued from page 1
Published by Henry County Communications & Public Information Department Henry County Government
Editor Melissa Robinson
Graphic Designer
academy and met all federal guidelines in being able to effectively use drones,” he said. Commissioners lauded the efforts of the police department and the Sheriff’s Department and their many initiatives to keep citizens safe throughout the county. To see the full update, Commission meetings are available on demand through the county website at www.henrycounty-ga.org.
Meredith Butler
Layout Designer Melissa Robinson Meredith Butler
Contributors Melissa Robinson Erika Richards Kevin Williams
BOC Approves Georgia Emergency Management Agency Grant The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved the Georgia Emergency Management Agency Grant for the Henry County Fire Department at the regular Commission meeting. The amount awarded to the fire department is $92,600. Funds from
henrycounty-ga.org
this grant will purchase hazardous material equipment for the sustainability of Henry County’s Hazardous Material Response Program. For more information on the Henry County Fire Department, please visit henrycounty-ga.com/Fire.aspx
BOC Recognizes Parks and Recreation Department
The Henry County Board of Commissioners recognized the members of Henry County Parks and Recreation Department who were recently honored at both the district and statewide Georgia Recreation and Parks Association’s (GRPA) annual conference. The action came at the December 5 Commission meeting. The four Parks and Recreation staff members were presented certificates from the Board for their outstanding contributions in the field of parks and recreation and also received awards from the GRPA. Those honored included: Michelle Dunn, Accounts Administrator, received the GRPA Administrative Professional Award; Tina Fuss, Summer Camp and After-School Enrichment Program Coordinator received the GRPA 6th District Program Professional Award; Bryan Dixon, Superintendent of Cotton Fields Golf Course,
received the GRPA 6th District Facilities and Grounds Professional Award; and the Therapeutic Recreation Division received the Training for Life Award from Special Olympics of Georgia. District V Commissioner Bruce Holmes shared his gratitude for the Parks and Recreation Department. “I would like to say thank you to all of the Parks and Rec Board members and congratulations today,” said Holmes. “I visit a number of parks on a regular basis and I just want to say that I appreciate your commitment, I appreciate your dedication towards our children and I want to say thank you again for everything.” For more information on the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department, please visit henrycounty-ga.com/ParksandRec.aspx.
3
December 8, 2017 Sheriff’s Office Launches Annual Fresh Fruit Sale Proceeds help fund “Shop with a Deputy” program Pre-orders are now being accepted for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office annual Fresh Fruit Sale and will be taking orders until December 15. Proceeds from this fundraiser will help provide gifts this holiday season to the youth of Henry County who would otherwise not have a Christmas and will also allow the Sheriff’s Office to provide programs to the public that will enhance community awareness and safety. A one pound bag of pecan halves cost $12 each; both a medium and mixed medium size bag of red navel oranges, red grapefruit or tangelos cost $10 each; a large and mixed large size bag of red navel
oranges, red grapefruit or tangelos cost $18 each; a small decorative basket of mixed fruit cost $20 each and a large decorative basket of mixed fruit cost $30 each. Order forms with payments can be dropped off at the Sheriff’s Office no later than Friday, December 15 at 5 p.m. All orders can be picked up between noon and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20 at the Sheriff’s Office located at 120 Henry Parkway in McDonough. For more information on the Sheriff’s Office Fresh Fruit Sale, please call 770-288-7100 and visit www.HenryCountySheriff.net for order forms.
Board Approves SeeClickFix Software
The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to implement an internal communication tool called SeeClickFix. The action came at the December 5 Commission meeting. SeeClickFix software is a work management, citizen engagement and request management
henrycounty-ga.org
application that individuals can utilize from a smart phone. Those using the app will be notified after submitting a request and a tracking system will give updated information on the process and who is assigned to the project. County Manager Cheri Hobson-Matthews described how useful SeeClickFix can be. “This app will be very beneficial not only to you, the Board of Commissioners, but to the residents as well in terms of follow up and making sure that we are providing a high level of service,” said Matthews. The Commissioners also approved a budget amendment in the amount of $18,880 from the Unallocated Contingency Fund in order to enter into an agreement with SeeClickFix to start this project by the beginning of 2018.
BOC Approves Additional Meetings for 2018 Calendar Year The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved the meeting dates for the 2018 calendar year. The action came at the November 21 Commission meeting. Commission meetings will take place every first and third Tuesday of each month with exceptions of those days being legal holidays, in which case those regular meetings will be cancelled or rescheduled. In addition to holding regular meetings, the Board of Commissioners approved workshop meetings at the end of each month. The completed list of meeting dates are as follows:
March 6, 2018 – 9 a.m. March 20, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. March 27, 2018 – 9 a.m. (Workshop Meeting)
January 3, 2018 – 9 a.m. (Note: date change due to holiday) January 16, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. January 23, 2018 – 9 a.m. (Workshop Meeting)
October 2, 2018 – 9 a.m. October 16, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. October 23, 2018 – 9 a.m. (Workshop Meeting)
February 6, 2018 – 9 a.m. February 20, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. February 27, 2018 – 9 a.m. (Workshop Meeting)
April 3, 2018 – 9 a.m. April 17, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. April 24, 2018 – 9 a.m. (Workshop Meeting) May 1, 2018 – 9 a.m. May 15, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. May 22, 2018 – 9 a.m. (Workshop Meeting) June 5, 2018 – 9 a.m. June 19, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. June 26, 2018 – 9 a.m. (Workshop Meeting) July 3, 2018 – 9 a.m. July 17, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. July 24, 2018 – 9 a.m. (Workshop Meeting) August 7, 2018 – 9 a.m. August 21, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. August 28, 2018 – 9 a.m. (Workshop Meeting) September 5, 2018 – 9 a.m. September 18, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. September 25, 2018 9 a.m. (Workshop Meeting)
November 6, 2018 – 9 a.m. November 20, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. November 27, 2018 – 9 a.m. (Workshop Meeting) December 4, 2018 – 9 a.m. December 18, 2018 – 6:30 p.m. (Meeting Cancelled)
5
December 8, 2017 BOC Approves Licensing and Implementation of ERP Software for the County The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution at the December 5, 2017 Commission meeting, regarding the licensing and implementation of Tyler MUNIS Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software and Tyler New World Public Safety Software. The new software will aid in efficiency and decision making, providing benefits for both employees and citizens of the county. Employees will be able to log onto an employee portal to update personal information, view check stubs, and elect benefit packages and insurance. Citizens will be able to interact with county officials and departments on a citizens’ self-service module, where they can give feedback and suggestions on things that are happening in the county. This system will offer support to Henry County’s Public Safety Departments as well. It will aid in collaboration between jurisdictions and provide a central source in a common database that other municipalities can utilize, and will be compatible with all the national crime data formats. Citizens will also
henrycounty-ga.org
have ready access on crime and accident information, and jail inmate status. Henry County Deputy County Manager Brad Johnson shared his remarks regarding the software update. “This is a game-changer. To place mobile data terminals in all public safety apparatus to have that specific information is important,” said Johnson. “We are 10 to 12 years behind the curve already [with not having this technology] so this is a game-changer for our Public Safety and for citizens in Henry County.” The project cost is approximately $3.9 million with an annual maintenance fee of approximately $242,000 and $189,500 respectively beginning in year two of the contract. Commissioners approved a budget amendment in the amount of $4,020,678 from the cash on hand in the Capital Assets Fund to the Technology Services Computers Capital fund for the project. The implementation process of the new ERP and Public Safety systems is expected to take approximately two years.
HCPD Holds Annual Christmas Ceremony
Unit of the Year: Crime Scene Unit- Award presented by Deputy Chief Amerman. Pictured l. to r. Deputy Chief Mark Amerman, CST. Michelle Johnson, CST. Lori Johnson, CST. Jennifer Green, CST. Lavetta Oliver, CST. Teresa Nelson and Sergeant Robert Godsey (Unit Supervisor) not pictured: CST. Kathryn Brown.
The Henry County Police Department celebrated their officers at their annual Christmas Celebration and Departmental Awards Ceremony on Friday, December 1, 2017 at Heritage Park in McDonough. This year, the Henry County Code Enforcement joined in the celebration after recently being restructured and assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division. Sheriff Keith McBrayer and Deputy Chief Mark Amerman started the event by welcoming several local officials and thanking the employees for the amazing job each individual has done throughout the year. County Manager Cheri Hobson-Matthews and Deputy County Manager Brad Johnson were also in attendance. The following Henry County Police Department employees were recognized with awards during the celebration: • Unit of the Year: Crime Scene Unit- CST. Michelle Johnson, CST. Lori Johnson, CST. Jennifer Green, CST. Lavetta Oliver, CST. Teresa Nelson, CST. Kathryn Brown and Unit Supervisor, Sergeant Robert Godsey
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Officer of the Year: Officer Yusuf Saadiq Supervisor of the Year: Sergeant Broc Johnson Rookie of the Year: Officer Stephen Smith Chaplain of the Year: Pastor Ralph Easterwood Reserve Officer of the Year: Officer Al Harmon Code Enforcement Officer of the Year: Coleen McBrayer Leadership Award: Lieutenant Randy Lee Top Gun: Officer Kyle Ramsey Civilian Employee of the Year: Kristy Nix Detective of the Year: Detective David LeCroy Support Employee of the Year: Jennifer Green SWAT Operator of the Year: Sergeant Erin Combs SOD Officer of the Year: Officer Kenneth Palmer
Chief’s Choice Awards: Barbara Dribnak Detective Joseph Maher Elizabeth Cole Officer Justin Northcutt
7
December 8, 2017
henrycounty-ga.org
County Seeks to Add Interchange
Proposed interchange expected to address congestion, growth and safety Henry County officials are looking to add a new interchange at I-75 and Bethlehem Rd., to alleviate traffic congestion and address growth. County officials, representatives from GDOT, and officials from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) were in attendance for a BOC called meeting on December 4 to hear details of the Interchange Justification Report (IJR) presented by Pat Smeeton with Pond and Company. The IJR highlights several key factors in justifying the need for an additional interchange. The consultants report that by 2040, the county expects to see a 61 percent increase in population and a 46 percent increase in employment growth. The report says that the ARC predicts a 56 percent increase in freight traffic by the year 2040, driven by the expansion of the Port of Savannah and the Panama Canal. A study of the area’s industrial development shows there is an existing 25 million square feet of industrial space with an additional 15 million square feet planned. The new interchange has been in the plans
for several years and the project is listed in the Henry County Joint County/Cities 2016 Comprehensive Transportation Plan. The IJR comes on the heels of a 2015 I-75 Interchange Feasibility Study that has been documented and accepted by GDOT. According to the report, the project is aimed at addressing congestion, growth and safety and if approved could be implemented by 2025. The location for the interchange was selected in part because of the heavy truck traffic and warehouse industry along that corridor. The county currently has $5.5 million set aside for the project, which will address design and some right-of-way acquisition costs. The entire project is expected to cost approximately $47 million. According to SPLOST Transportation Director Roque Romero, once the IJR is approved by the Federal Highway Administration, the county will request funding through both the state and federal government to complete the project.
9
December 8, 2017 BOC Approves Purchase of Items for HCPD The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of 14 in-car camera systems, surveillance system equipment and installation, two vehicles for the Flint Circuit Drug Task Force and an interviewing techniques course for the Henry County Police Department at the regular Commission meeting. The 14 WatchGuard in-car cameras will cost approximately $79,000; the ComTech Surveillance System equipment and installation will cost approximately $26,000; the two undercover vehicles will cost $40,000 and the Kinesic Interviewing Techniques course from Holland and Associates will cost $7,500. All these items will be purchased through the Federal Asset Forfeiture and Seized funds. District II Commissioner Dee Clemmons lauded
the department for wanting to enhance the safety of citizens in the county. “Anytime the police department is coming to us about technology upgrades, training and transparency, I think that is good,” said Clemmons. “I just want to commend the department for that and I know technology is a big issue. We need to upgrade our technology so that you can keep our communities safer.” The Board also approved a donation of $2,356.77 from Get Set Grow, an organization of runners dedicated to raising funds through race events in Henry County. The donation will be divided equally for the Fire, Police and Sheriff’s Departments. For more information on Henry County Public Safety, please visit henrycounty.ga.org.
Board Adopts Firefighters Cancer Coverage The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved and adopted Firefighters Required Cancer Coverage at the December 5 regular Commission meeting. The Georgia House passed House Bill 146 which requires monetary benefits to firefighters in the event they are diagnosed with cancer. The Required
Cancer Coverage is to be provided to all covered firefighters employed as of January 1, 2018. ACCG will be the cancer coverage provider and the three-year renewable rate will cost $59,296 annually. Funding for this project is available within the Fire Department budget for year one.
Board Awards Bid for North Ola Park Expansion The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution awarding Sports Turf of Whitesburg, Georgia the contract to design and build the North Ola Park Expansion project. The action came at the December 5 Commission meeting. The project’s budget is $2,103,167. The expansion will include two baseball fields, a concession and restroom building and parking. henrycounty-ga.org
The project cost is $2,103,167 and will be funded through SPLOST IV which was approved by voters in 2013. Commissioners also approved a budget amendment in the amount of $1,401,201 from the SPLOST IV Jason T. Harper Arena Improvements account. For more information on any SPLOST project, visit henrycounty-ga.com/SPLOST.aspx.
Keep Your Holidays From Going Up in Flames
The Henry County Fire Department Offers Fire Prevention Tips for a Safe and Festive Holiday Season For most of us, the holiday season represents a time for family festivities and good cheer. What few of us consider is that the holiday season is a time when there is an increased risk of home fires. According to the Henry County Fire Department, many households engage in holiday activities that serve as some of the leading causes of U.S. home fires, including cooking. Christmas trees, candle usage and holiday decorations also significantly contribute to the seasonal causes of home fires. Add to that the hectic nature of the holidays, when people are trying to accomplish multiple tasks at one time, and the chance for home fires grows even more. “As everyone gets busier during the holidays, we often become rushed, distracted or tired,” said Captain Michael Black of the Henry County Fire Department. “That’s when home fires are more likely to occur.” Fortunately, with a little added awareness and some minor adjustments to holiday cooking and decorating, the season can remain festive and safe for everybody. “By taking some preventive steps and following simple rules of thumb, most home fires can be prevented,” said Black. With unattended cooking as the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries, Black says to stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food. Most cooking fires involve the stovetop, so keep anything that can catch fire away from it, and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time. If you’re simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking. The Henry County Fire Department also suggests creating a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried. Candles are widely used in homes throughout
the holidays, and December is the peak month for home candle fires. The nonprofit National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) statistics show that two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles. The fire department encourages Henry County residents to consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. However, if you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12” away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed. Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in areas where people may fall asleep or in the bedroom where more than one-third of U.S. candle fires begin. Lastly, never leave a child or pet alone in a room with a burning candle. According to NFPA, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 210 home structure fires caused by Christmas trees per year. Three of every
Continued on page 12
11
December 8, 2017 Safety Tips Continued from page 11 ten of them is caused by electrical problems, and one in four result from a heat source that’s too close to the tree. The Henry County Fire Department offers the following advice for picking, placing and lighting the tree: • If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fireretardant. • If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily. • Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights. • Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Read
henrycounty-ga.org
manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect. • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed. • After Christmas, dispose of fresh trees. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home. • Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer. By following these fire prevention tips and measures, the Henry County Fire Department says you can greatly reduce the risk of fire in your home, and enjoy a safe holiday season. “The holidays can quickly turn from joyful to tragic when a fire occurs,” says Black. “By taking simple precautions, people can avoid potential fire hazards, and make this time of year a healthy and happy one.” Visit www.nfpa.org/holiday for more information and safety tips.
13
December 8, 2017
henrycounty-ga.org