CHATT HILLS NEWS - JANUARY 2023 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS CHATT HILLS NEWS Official Publication of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA JANUARY 2023 Issue 1 Volume 4 www.chatthillsga.us Features Our Community Page 3 Events What’s Happening Locally? Page 6 Arts in Chatt Hills Local Artists Page 9 City Government Stay Informed Page 15 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
City of Chattahoochee Hills
I hope you had a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season, and wish you the best for the New Year.
I’d like to take a moment to express my gratefulness once again for so many blessings, and especially for the many amazing people that I work with to make Chattahoochee Hills the best little City in the country!
Our staff is amazing, and the leadership is the best of any city around us, better than many cities much larger than we are. We’ve built an amazing team, and I promise you –we get more done with less money than anyone else could. Just the best people, and we’re lucky to have all of them.
And so, so many volunteers! From all of the City Boards and Commissions, to all of the church and volunteer organizations and solitary do-gooders, those who do the work (clear the trails, clean the cemeteries, review the applications, etc.), and those who support those in need (feed and clothe the hungry, visit the shut-ins, care for the sick, etc.), Chattahoochee Hills has the biggest heart, and it’s always on display. I always feel honored and proud to be included in this crowd of good people.
And we are so, so much more thoughtful than anyone around us. We’re not just reacting to (surprise!) external forces like so many of our peers; we’re talking about and planning on a hundred-year horizon to make sure that the City we pass along to our children’s grandchildren is one that we can be proud of, in the same way a farmer might plant a pecan tree for his heirs. We do this future-facing work while also making sure that today’s needs are met in a thoughtful and cost-effective way.
And the fact that we’ve been doing that planning work is a good thing. As I’ve discussed in recent messages, some of the "future" we’ve been planning for--the real-time management of the inevitable pressure for development that has already surrounded us--appears to be here. Now.
Our thoughtful zoning certainly does put good constraints on what can be done, so developers working here will have to want to participate in our vision. And the zoning does protect both our rural character and community in a
way no one else in the region has managed to do. What it doesn’t do (and can’t do) is stop change altogether. Not that change has ever stopped; when I first moved here, there were still many old-timers alive who talked of childhoods when there were almost no trees in what is now Chatt Hills, only farms and dirt roads. We’ve mapped out a route to manage the coming changes and limit their impact so as to create a much better result than we can now see on every side of our City.
That zoning will likely be put to the test in coming months. Applications we expect to receive will likely begin the process of development of a couple of new parts of town. However, the new development will be guided by our rules, tightly contained, mostly buffered, and high-value. It will create a tax base to fund our services and infrastructure in ways we have not yet been able to for lack of tax income. And probably more importantly, it will fund the permanent preservation of much of our City.
We’ll work hard to make sure that whatever comes creates the fewest negative impacts and the most positive outcomes possible. And your City team will continue to work together to provide the efficient and productive serices you’ve come to expect. I’m optimistic about our City’s future.
The New Year is always full of fresh promise. I hope that your New Year brings you and yours positive changes, great blessings, and much happiness.
Be well, Mayor Tom Reed
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MAYOR TOM REED
Creating a Community Gathering Place at the Blue Eyed Daisy
“See you at the Daisy!” It’s an expression we love to hear our Chatt Hills neighbors say as they pass each other on the road with a friendly wave. The Daisy, as she’s lovingly referred to, has been serving residents and visitors for 17 years. If you’ve visited lately, you may have noticed a few changes.
To start, the guy behind the counter in the red hat is the
new owner and operator, Matt Wachlin. Born in Wisconsin and a Georgia resident since elementary school, he’s the son of a honeybee farmer and special education teacher. Growing up on a farm, his parents instilled a strong work ethic that he’s embraced in running the Daisy since he took over in July 2020. When asked what inspired him to take over operations, Matt replied “The sense of community
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Trending Topic OUR COMMUNITY
was evident from day one. I genuinely enjoyed coming to the Daisy every day and getting to know the residents and visitors. I quickly realized that my vision for a restaurant would succeed here and fit well with the values of the area.”
The menu has seen a few updates too. The scratchmade kitchen uses locally sourced ingredients to offer a café-style breakfast and lunch, complete with both comfort food and healthy options. The biscuits and gravy, avocado toast, and egg sandwiches are guest favorites from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. each day. Serving lunch until 3 p.m. daily,
Chicken Salad sandwiches, BBQ pork sliders and plentiful salads please hungry diners. There’s also brunch every Sunday and a Monday night dinner menu that features a rotating selection of delicious burgers, salads, and sides. Everything is served with a focus on fast, friendly service.
As the big, rustic sign on the building states, the Blue Eyed Daisy is a bakeshop too. In recent years, they have elevated the quality and variety of baked goods, including custom orders, desserts by the slice, cupcakes and breakfast bread loaves, more gluten-free options and new items. Have you tried a warm duffin? It’s the perfect mix of a doughnut and muffin available in seasonal flavors.
When Matt bought the Daisy, it was 15 years old and needed some TLC. In addition to updating the menu and improving service, the space needed a refresh. Beyond the cleaning, sanding, and painting there was also a concerted effort to improve the ambience. Fresh flowers from Chatt Hills Food Shop were the first addition, but it needed something else. A visit to Chatt Hills Gallery one Saturday afternoon sparked an idea. Showcasing art at the Daisy would be an ideal way for more people to enjoy the work of the amazingly talented artists in our community. Nine artists have displayed to date, with many selling pieces or receiving commissioned art requests. It’s one of the achievements the Daisy team is happiest to share and will strive to continue, “It’s so rewarding to have guests stop in for a sandwich and go home with one-of-a-kind local art.”
Now a full time Chatt Hills resident and small business owner, Matt is proud of the changes he’s brought while staying true to the original intention of providing a community gathering place. He genuinely loves serving his neighbors and talking to them, “At some point every day I learn something new from a guest that I'm in awe of. And they’ve been so kind to notice the changes we are making in the food and hospitality. We've enjoyed lots of little victories in the last two years and look forward to many more. We hope to see you at the Daisy!”
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Innovation and Preservation
Chattahoochee Hills is relatively quiet, which is exactly what draws many to the area. But quiet doesn’t mean inactive. The Serenbe community and surrounding area was a haven for many throughout the pandemic. "When you can work remotely, you begin thinking about where you really want to live,' says Chattahoochee Hills Mayor Tom Reed. “Serenbe has been building like gangbusters,” he says of residential growth. “We have our first big office building in Serenbe that has doctors’ offices and all sorts of healthcare professionals in it. We have our first [veterinary] office. The whole idea is to just have everything that folks need right here.”
Next up for Chattahoochee Hills is a restaurant incubator being developed by Dominique Love, co-founder of Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. While semi-retired and
tossing about ideas of what she might do next, Love began thinking about chefs and how they can be successful in the restaurant world. A restaurant incubator could make the difference between success and failure, she says.
“We could bring them into our program and provide them salary and benefits,” says Love of her proposed 18- to 24-month program. “They can practice, they can serve their food, they can flesh out their concept and really develop it. Then they will have more stability when they go out on their own. And behind the scenes, we can train the chefs on profit and loss management, marketing, building the right staff.”
Following graduation, participants will receive help in getting set up in the area, within about 10 to 15 miles of the incubator, she adds. Love is planning a new community named Ceres to embrace the project and will locate it on property she purchased adjacent to Serenbe. She projects the application process will begin summer 2023, with the first class installed in spring or summer 2024.
To read the entire issue of Georgia Trend Dec. issue, visit: https://cdn.coverstand.com/8924/769390/4a1991ef67feac6452f38b66242e466a33d62ca9.5.pdf
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OUR
Trending Topic
COMMUNITY
Sat & Sun, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Weekend Wine Flights at The Wine Shop at Serenbe 9135 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA
Excited
Sunday, 2-5pm, $30
reservation needed. Stop by
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Trending Topic EVENTS
Fridays,
Farmhouse Fridays: Live Music & Drinks On The Porch
Hutcheson Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Free The Farmhouse invites you to start the weekend with them. Grab a drink from
and enjoy the
and live music
the
Get in Your Creative Flow with Figure Drawing Sessions!
Email
to announce Weekend Wine Flights at the wine shop! Each week 3 new wines will be featured and paired with light bites. Served Saturday and
per person, no ticket or
and see us! Saturdays, 4:00pm Wine Tastings at the General Store 10642 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 Cochran Mill Brews are now at the General Store. Join Nadine to taste wines from around the globe every Saturday $35/person with tasting notes and small bites. Please email nadine@generalstoreatserenbe.com with any questions.
5:30-8:30pm
10950
The Farmhouse Bar
ambiance of warm weather
on
wraparound porch. Every Wednesday, 7-9:00pm
StudioSwan llc | 6401 Campbellton Redwine Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
you are coming to: info@studioswan.com
Trending Topic EVENTS
JAN 21, 6:30-8:00 pm
Voice: A Night of Spoken Word
Lakeside Pavilion 10950 Hutcheson Ferry Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Tickets $50: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/voice-a-night-of-spoken-word-tickets-488637607237
Join us at the Lakeside Pavilion for a cozy fireside evening of spoken word featuring some of the Southeast’s most inspiring storytellers and poets. Our host is our good friend Jon Goode, the Emmy-nominated author, poet, and playwright. Also featured are: Ashlee Haze, one of the most accomplished poets in the sport of poetry slam who recently appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk series alongside Queen & Slim composer Blood Orange; Adan Bean, a 2019 TEDx speaker and 2017 National Poetry Slam song winner; and Renita Walls, poet, storyteller, and nurse.
**Please note the Lakeside Pavilion will be enclosed and heated.
JAN 21, 7:30 pm
Ben Rosenblum Trio
Private Home / Public Concert In Serenbe 8390 Hearn Rd 8390 Hearn Road Palmetto, GA 30268 Tickets $30: https://bit.ly/3hlvYsp
Worldclass Jazz in the Country Award-winning New York City jazz pianist and accordionist Ben Rosenblum has been described as “mature beyond his years,” (Sea of Tranquility), an “impressive talent” (All About Jazz), who “caresses [the music] with the reverence it merits” (Downbeat Magazine). Since the release of his debut trio album, Instead (4 stars, Downbeat), Rosenblum has toured extensively with his trio and sextet throughout the United States, including multiple trips to the Northeast, Midwest, South, and West Coast, as well as internationally in Canada, Europe, and Japan.
Chatt Hills Music is the longest tenured Arts organization in Serenbe. We are proud to begin our 16th year providing the community with the best music available.
Check out www.chatthillsmusic.com for the rest of our Spring lineup.
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Trending
Feb
Registration Starts in January!
The Chatt Hills T-ball and Coach Pitch Registration for the Chatt Hills T-ball and Coach Pitch 2023 Spring Season will begin in January. Check communitybrickworks.org for registration details and updates. Ages 3-14. Season begins Saturday, March 25 at Rico Park. For more information or if you would like to volunteer, contact Lila Rhyne at jlrhyne@bellsouth.net
10, 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Valentines with Joe Gransden
Lakeside Pavilion 10950 Hutcheson Ferry Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Tickets $50: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/valentines-with-joe-gransden-tickets-488674999077
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Joe Gransden returns to Serenbe with his quintet and all the sultry and romantic songs we love to hear. Avoid the crowds and book an early dinner reservation, and then join us in an intimate fireside setting at the Lakeside Pavilion. Bring your special Valentine and enjoy the classic sounds of Sinatra, Bennett, Connick, and Cole as you warm up for this special holiday. This night of amazing music and drinks will get you in the Valentines spirit.
Complete with pre-purchase champagne option, this is an event that you and the special people in your life should not miss. This event will feature cabaret seating. Grab your spot before it is too late.**Please note the Lakeside Pavilion will be enclosed and heated.
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Topic EVENTS
Arts Section
January Selections from Hills & Hamlets Bookshop and Underground Books:
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a charming neighborhood bookstore in the Serenbe development of Chattahoochee Hills and was founded by the couple behind Underground Books in Carrollton.
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is open Thursdays through Sundays from 11am to 5pm, and we’re open 24/7 online at www.bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and www. bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and info@hillsandhamlets.com
New in Nonfiction: Love and Justice: A Story of Triumph on Two Different Courts by Maya Moore Irons and Jonathan Irons
In the tradition of Just Mercy, this memoir by WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Maya Moore Irons and her husband, Jonathan Irons, chronicles not only their journey for justice, but their unique love story: one of the WNBA's brightest stars married the man she helped free from prison. In this inspiring memoir, the couple explores their unwavering faith, their deep connection, and how Maya stepped away from basketball to pursue justice both to prove Jonathan's innocence and inspire activism in others. Just like Maya and Jonathan asked themselves, readers will ask themselves one of the most important questions they can after reading this book: "Am I living out my purpose?" Out January 17th, signed copies expected in-store only!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781368081177
New in Fantasy: Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
A curmudgeonly professor journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore and discovers dark fae magic, friendship, and love in the start of a heartwarming and enchanting new fantasy series. "So endlessly enchanting, so rich and complete and wise that you'll walk away half ensorcelled."—Melissa Albert, author of The Hazel Wood Out January 10th!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593500132
New in Children’s Books: Little Owl's Love by Divya Srinivasan
The star of Little Owl's Night returns to find love in his beloved nighttime forest. Gliding along on a quiet night, Little Owl looks for the things that make him happy—shimmering stars, winking fireflies, listening to the cricket song, and most of all, spending time with his good friends. Lyrical and deeply heartfelt, Little Owl's Love is a love letter to the natural world on a child's level. Out now! For ages 3-5 years.
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593204047
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Arts Section
"As long as I can remember I have been creating in one capacity or another. More recently, I have been painting large-scale abstract pieces with bold color and transparent color layering. My newest collection is called The Sacred Series. These mixed-media paintings depict mystical flying creatures that symbolize an escape from chaos into a land of light and well-being."
Julie Genda McKinney, juliemckinney49@gmail.com, 770-301-1906 @mckinney_julie
Julie Genda McKinney is a mixed media artist working just south of Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from Florida State University with a graphic arts degree, she went on to run her own design firm whose clients included several high-profile companies such as Coca-Cola, milliken and Mead Paper to name a few. She is a founding member of The Chatt Hills Gallery at Serenbe located in Chatt Hills, Georgia where she shows her work. Her paintings can also be seen at the Dogwood Gallery in Tyrone, Georgia and Sarah’s Home Design in Peachtree City, Georgia.
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Featured Artist Julie Genda McKinney
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Adrienne Anbinder, Malinda Lively-Arnold, Greg Blount, Morgan Boszilkov, Logynn B Ferrall, Gail Foster, BJ Glick, Vinayak Godbole, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Mary H Johnson, Robert Lederman, Julie McKinney, Brandon Murphy, Ken Shepard, Karin Slaton, Lea Ann Slotkin, Tom Swanston, Judy Walker, Renae “R.D. Simmons” Walker, and Eileen Wilson 9057 Selborne Lane & Paint Space, 10625 Serenbe Lane Unit A www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com
Arts Section
There is an Art Scene South of ATL!
By Judy Walker
Something unique is happening in the art scene south of Atlanta. There is a convergence of like-minded gallery owners who go the distance to promote and encourage local art and artists. Greg Blair, owner of Dogwood Gallery and Framer in Tyrone, with Judy Walker, director of The Chatt Hills Artist Co-op, in Chattahoochee Hills, and Logynn B Ferrall, corporate art consultant in Trilith. Together they have formed The Curator Group to collaborate and promote their artists. They have their second exhibit going up January 9th in the hot new Enzo Steakhouse and Bar that opened in October of 2022 in Trilith, Fayetteville.
Greg Blair has been influencing and connecting artists in his Gallery in Tyrone since opening in 2006. He represents an eclectic body of art by local and national artists who work in painting, photography, clay sculpture, and wood carving. His Gallery has been a gathering spot of art eduction and comradery for the public to meet and enjoy local artists. His framing is widely known and used by a community of artists and local residents.
The Chatt Hills Artist Co-op with a Gallery and Paint Space, is located in Serenbe, a premier sustainable community based around the arts. The Co-op is a 501c3 non-profit that has 20 artist members who have been working together since 2016. Their mission is to encourage appreciation and understanding of art and its role in society through the direct engagement with original works of art. The Co-op stimulates active learning and exploration about art and the creative process through exibition, teaching, and dialogue between the member artists and the public. The Co-op also has the Paint Space which is a wonderful relaxing spot to learn painting from Malinda Lively and Vinayak Godbole, collage from Eileen Wilson, and gelli printing.
Logynn B Ferrall lives in and enjoys the Trilith Community in Fayetteville. Logynn is an active member in the Art Community, making, showing and finding opportunities for artists in Atlanta and the communities nestled south of Atlanta. She is a founding member of the Chatt Hills Artist Co-op and is represented by Greg Blair at Dogwood Gallery. She works with both Galleries to expand the reach of artists and to encouraging art collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The artists in the second exhibit at Enzo are: Adrienne Anbinder, Greg Blair, Courtney Eidson, Brenda Erickson, Logynn B Ferrall, Hannah Harris, Ann Jackson, Robert Lederman, Jason McGrady, Julie Genda McKinney, Brandon Murphy, Martin Pate, Vanessa Snyder, Amber Stidham, Judy Walker, and Jane Whitehurst. These two galleries work to develop local artists, their work, and professionalism along with educating the viewing public and collectors to what is unique about each artist's work. So if you want to see some fantastic local art, check out the galleries listed below, and of course, go to Enzo Steakhouse and Bar for amazing food and ambiance!
Enzo Steakhouse & Bar
105 Iver Place in Trillith, Fayetteville, GA 30214 https://enzo-itl.com
Chatt Hills Artist Co-op 9133 Selborne Lane, Chatt Hills GA 30268 www.chatthillsgallery.com
Dogwood Gallery & Framer 105 St. Stephens Court, Suite E, Tyrone, GA 30290 https://www.dogwoodgallery.net
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Community OUR CHURCHES
Campbellton Baptist Church 8660 Campbellton Fairburn Rd
Friendship Baptist Church 6090 Cochran Mill Rd www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com
Interfaith Fellowship at Serenbe www.facebook.com/groups/1964824926878340/
New Hope United Methodist Church 7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd
Providence Baptist Church 6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd., www.pbcrico.org
Rico United Methodist Church 6475 Rico Rd
Rivertown United Methodist Church 9325 Rivertown Rd
Sardis Baptist Church 8400 Sardis Rd., www.sardisbaptistch.com
Southside at Serenbe 915AM & 11AM at One Mado. We'd love for you to join us and invite your friends and family! for more info contact Cathy Gailey at cgailey@remax.net or 404-456-6347.
Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/
Vernon Grove Baptist Church 8440 Vernon Grove Rd.
Fire Chief Greg Brett Stays On Top of It!
Chief Brett received Chattahoochee Hill’s allocation of Narcan from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). The Narcan is provided through a $2 million opioid abatement (initiative) allocated by Gov. Kemp. Narcan purchased by Chattahoochee Hills Fire Department typically costs an average of $200 per .1 milliliter application.
Narcan can be used to reverse effects of “overdose” in persons using opioid medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl.
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Brickworks
January Updates
December was a huge month at Community Brickworks!
We made Christmas special for 93 kids by pairing them with sponsors. The sponsors shopped for them and provided them with both toys and clothing under the tree Christmas Day. Many thanks to our Brickwork elves for collecting and distributing all of the gifts. We were even able to give adults items thanks to the generous contributions of area churches and residents. THANK YOU!
Our food bank numbers are steadily increasing. We have served 45 families in the first two weeks of December with more to come. January is always a difficult time for people, so we plan on serving even more during that month.
Our tutoring services will continue with the new year on Tuesdays from 4-5:30 pm. Sign your elementary age child up by contacting Amber Lightsey at (404) 731–3621 or amber. Steele.71@gmail.com
Acton Academy in Serenbe is providing coats, hats, mittens, and blankets for our food bank clients. We will be giving them out in January to those in need.
Our library is in full swing with two new computers being ordered for patron use. Thanks to this generous donation from Southside Chatt Hills church, we will also be updating our cataloging system.
Look for new classes on our website communitybrickworks.org in January.
Many thanks to those who have donated to Community Brickworks with an end-of-year donation! We wouldn’t be here without your help.
Your Community Brickworks Team
Neighbors Helping Neighbors!
Lisa Remley Community Brickworks CommunityBrickworks.org
Registration Starts in Jan! The Chatt Hills T-ball and Coach Pitch
Registration for the Chatt Hills T-ball and Coach Pitch 2023 Spring Season will begin in January. Check communitybrickworks.org for registration details and updates. Ages 3-14. Season begins Saturday, March 25 at Rico Park. For more information or if you would like to volunteer, contact Lila Rhyne at jlrhyne@bellsouth.net
Tutoring: Does your elementary age child need a little help with their homework? Reading? Math? Community Brickworks has tutors available every Tuesday from 4-5:30 to help! We offer free tutoring, free smiles, free healthy snacks, and a free library book to check out and take home. What could be better? Contact Amber Lightsey at (404) 731-3621 to sign up.
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BRICKWORKS REPORT
6505 Rico Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268, 770-463-6600
Community
Community Brickworks
City Government
Project Rosebud has Now Entered the DRI Stage of the Proposed Project
Under the Georgia Planning Act of 1989, any large-scale development, or one that is likely to impact neighboring jurisdictions, is subject to review as a Development of Regional Impact (DRI). ARC is responsible for conducting these reviews in the 11-county metro Atlanta area.
A DRI review is intended to foster communication and coordination between local governments and other relevant agencies and to provide a means of identifying and assessing potential impacts before conflicts arise.
Project Information/Location: The development is a mixed-use project with 3,200,000 SF of film studio, office, storage, residential, hotel, and retail space on a site in the City of Chattahoochee Hills roughly bounded by the Chattahoochee River, Jones Ferry Road, and Campbellton Redwine Road. Development will be analyzed under 2
phases. Phase 1 is to be completed by the year 2026 and Phase 2 by 2030. Land-use details by each phase are shown in the table below:
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City Government
What would you like to do differently, or how could you improve upon what you are already doing? Maybe you want to exercise more, read more books, spend more time with family and less on social media, eat better, travel more, adopt a dog, or even binge watch something mindless. In case you do not have a resolution or want to add to a long list you have already created, I have a great suggestion –become more engaged with your local government.
Chattahoochee Hills stands as a new model of sustainable rural living, agricultural stewardship, and responsible development. A model that preserves the best of the past, expands inclusion, and builds a collective future celebrating nature along with convenient urban vitality forever free from suburban sprawl.
Your municipal government has an elected body made up of a Mayor and five Councilmembers. The Mayor is elected at large and each Council member represents a district. Each month, they hold a Work Session which is typically the last Thursday of the month and a Business Meeting on the First Tuesday following that Thursday. Of course, there are some exceptions such as days when the meeting falls on a holiday or if there is a special called meeting needed. This schedule for the 2023 City Council meetings is posted on the City’s web site at www.chatthillsga.us.
The Mayor and Council held thirty meetings in 2022 and have at least twenty-four scheduled in 2023. While the agenda varies from meeting to meeting depending on what action may be needed by the Council, there is a public comment period where citizens can speak about anything as well as offer comments on specific agenda items. The agendas for the meetings are posted on our website in advance of the meetings. The minutes are published after
Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM
the Mayor and Council approve those minutes. However, these meetings are recorded using audio and video. The videos are posted on YouTube usually the day after the meeting. So if you cannot make a meeting, you can still find out what was discussed and what action, if any, was taken.
In addition to City Council meetings, citizens can also stay engaged by subscribing to the City’s newsletter, checking the City’s website, or reading my weekly newsletter that I send out on Fridays and post to our website under the “Document Center” section as well. And all this information is archived so citizens can review previous discussion items, newsletters, and more. If you have any trouble finding this information or other government services related topics, call City Hall or come on by to meet with me and I will be happy to assist.
It is our job to provide all the information needed for the Mayor and Council to make informed decisions. While you may disagree with some of their decisions, please know that they work hard to consider the totality of the circumstances and the big picture before voting in favor or opposition of what is before them. It is also our job to share information with you because we want an informed citizenry. The more you know, the better you will understand and appreciate what your elected leaders and staff at City Hall do on your behalf.
We all hear how governments boast about being transparent. Some do better than others. Well, Chattahoochee Hills epitomizes transparency. Unless the information being sought is protected, as is the case with litigation, real estate matters, or personnel issues, it is available to citizens on many platforms. We look forward to serving you even better in 2023.
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Do You Have a New Year’s Resolution?
City Government
Call to Order Members present: Reed, Foster, Searle, Lowe; Member(s) absent: Schmidt, Bettis
Review and Approval of Agenda
Amended as follows:
1. Add Agenda Item No. 22-080, Consideration of a request from Yumi Sushi, Inc. d/b/a Yumiko that the Alcohol Beverage License fees previously paid be applied to the 2023 Alcohol Beverage License renewal. Item to be added after Agenda Item No. 22-070. Passed 3-0
Approval of Minutes
1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 1, 2022
2. Minutes of the Special Called Meeting of November 17, 2022 Passed 3-0
Presentations / Proclamations
1. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day December 7th
Staff Reports
Financial Update: Robbie Rokovitz Fire Department Report: Greg Brett Police Department Report: Jim Little Public Works/Parks Report: Darold Wendlandt Community Development Report: Mike Morton
Public Hearing
1. Item 22-069: Public Hearing and Approval of a Resolution Allowing a Certificate of Compliance with the Metropolitan River Protection Act for property located at 8450 Cochran Road. Passed 3-0
Unfinished Business (None)
New Business
1. Item 22-070: Consideration to issue a refund to Home Vacation Rental/Russ Kiefer in the amount of $8,809.49 for hotel motel taxes that were paid by the business and by Airbnb. Passed 3-0
2. Item 22-080: Consideration of a request from Yumi Sushi, Inc. d/b/a Yumiko that the Alcohol Beverage License fees previously paid be applied to the 2023 Alcohol Beverage License renewal. Passed 3-0
Action Minutes ~ Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council City of Chatt Hills
December 1, 2022 / 6:30
p.m.
3. Item 22-071: Consideration to enter a contract with Integrated Science & Engineering of Newnan, GA for the purposes of updating and managing the city’s GIS database at a cost no to exceed $25,000. Passed 3-0
4. Item 22-072: Ordinance to Adopt new Transferable Development Rights Regulations, Standards, and Approval Procedure for the City of Chattahoochee Hills and for all other purposes related thereto. (First Read only. No action will be taken.)
5. Item 22-073: Consideration of an IGA with Fulton County for 911 Communication Services. Passed 3-0
6. Item 22-074: Consideration of an IGA with Fulton County for 800mhz Radio Services. Passed 3-0
7. Item 22-075: Consideration of a First Extension to the IGA with Fulton County for the Provision of Animal Control Services. Passed 3-0
8. Item 22-076: Ratify Resolution No. 22-11-338, A Resolution to Approve Distribution of Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) Proceeds, Authorize the Mayor and/ or Council to Execute a Certificate of Distribution for Submission to the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue, to Preserve Rights, and for other purposes –authority for Mayor to sign a join LOST agreement was approved at the November 1, 2022 meeting. Passed 3-0
9. Item 22-077: Approval of a Mediation Agreement between Coweta County , the City of Newnan, and Michael D. McRae (Mediator) with respect to the distribution of Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) proceeds within Coweta County for the period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2032. Passed 3-0
10. Item 22-078: Ordinance to Adopt an Amended Bond and Fine Schedule for the City of Chattahoochee Hills Municipal Court. Passed 3-0
11. Item 22-079: Approval of purchasing one (1) Ford F150 SSV patrol vehicle not to exceed $33,593 from Aikens Ford. Passed 3-0
Adjourn Meeting
The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
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City Government
The Community Is Helping Lost Dogs in Chatt Hills!
1. 1 in 3 pets will go missing in their lifetime.
2. Call Chatt Hills Police 911 or the police non-emergency number 404-730-7911 to have an Officer dispatched to your location if you find a dog or see a lost dog and can’t locate the owner.
3. Chatt Hills Police have a microchip reader to help reunite dogs with Owners.
4. The City has a partnership with the volunteers at Coco’s Cupboard pet rescue to provide a professional, animal- loving shelter (more like a pet hotel!) until the owner can be located or the dog can be rehomed.
5. City Hall has a new kennel donated by Coco’s and outfitted by Brickworks that allows for a safe, short stay while the owner is located or the dog is triaged at Coco’s Cupboard.
6. Coco’s Cupboard has helped with over 10 lost dogs in our City since September!
7. There is a green “Animal Services” button on the City website home page which provides Lost & Found pet information.
8. Please remember to tag and microchip your pets!
Spread the word: call Chatt Hills Police if you find or lose a dog. We want to help get these pets back home!
Friendly reminder: Tag and microchip your Pets!
Call 911 or the Police non-emergency number 404-730-7911
CHATT HILLS NEWS - JANUARY 2023 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 18
City Government
City Hall Art Room Renovation Update
Our community has stepped up to the plate. We are thankful to so many people for their donations and to volunteer time to create a spectacular room for all of us to use. Thank you!!
The Chatt Hills Artists Group is a registered 501(c)(3) charity, so we can receive qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from an IRA.
Your tax-deductible financial contribution has made all the difference. The completed renovation will provide an artistic space that will offer a variety of art classes and workshops for artists, Community Brickworks and Chattahoochee Hills residents.
Looking for donations for art classes. Planning the unveiling now! https://donorbox.org/chattahoochee-hills-city-art-room-renovation
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Our volunteers: Peter Clemens, George Danusis, Jonathan Greenfield, Scott Grey,Yolanda Grey, Lynn Hayes, Ishmael Holoman, Mary H. Johnson, Chris Jones, Malinda Lively, Ken McNeese, Joey Mitchell, Lynn Noda, Ken Shepard, Greg Sudmeier, Judy Walker, and Ted & Maribeth Wansley.
Trending Topic
Community & City City of Chattahoochee Hills, City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, 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 meetings as dictated by circumstances. These will be virtual and open to the public.
The City will take the following safety precautions:
• The City Council room will be set up so that the council and staff are all at least 6’ apart.
• Any citizen attendees who want to attend in person will also be separated by at least 6’; capacity will be limited to the number of seats that can fit in the room under those conditions.
• The meeting will be streamed live. Check details on the City’s website.
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
City Council Work Session - Thurs., Jan., 5, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
City Council Meeting - Tues., Jan., 10, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Parks Commission Meeting - Tues., Jan., 17, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Planning Comission Meeting - Thurs., Jan, 19, 6:30 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
by the 15th of every month for publication on the 1st of the month to: chatthillsnews@chatthillsga.us
2023 PARKING PASSES NOW AVAILABLE
The parking passes for Cochran Mill Park are now available. Visit City Hall for your application. The fees are as follows:
• Residents – free
• Annual car/truck - $25
• Annual 3+ axels - $35
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