Chatt Hills News ~ June 2024

CHATT HILLS NEWS

Hello, Chattahoochee Hills! MAYOR TOM REED

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend over the Memorial Day holiday, and that you had a moment to reflect on Memorial Day itself to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country—including many from what is now Chattahoochee Hills. Those sacrifices secured the freedoms we enjoy every day, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude for their profound contribution to our nation.  Their legacy lives on in the values we uphold and the community spirit we cherish in our little town. May we always strive to be worthy of their sacrifice.

In keeping with the community-oriented values our city holds, I wanted to share my excitement at the delivery of our new (well, at least new to us!) ladder truck!  Chief Brett and Deputy Chief McCarragher have been looking for this piece of equipment for months now since a severe home fire in the city last year pointed out our need for the truck. While we were assisted in that fire by the ladder truck from Palmetto (an automatic aid partner), that truck is now out of service for several months for repairs, confirming Chief Brett’s judgement that the city should have one of its own. The truck comes from Madison, Georgia, where it was well loved and maintained, and has some features that make it perfect for our narrow roads (including an impressive rear-wheel steering capacity that allows it to take corners in a way that is frankly shocking to watch).

The continued improvement in our Public Safety capacity is one of the achievements I’m proudest of. With our new(ish) ladder truck, our new Engine, the Medical Response Unit, and the other trucks we have, all of which are geared to our specific needs, we’re capable of handling pretty much any emergency that might arise in the city. We’re also adding additional police officers and cars, all with the goal of keeping us the safest city in the Atlanta region.

We’ve also started our road maintenance projects for the year—by far our most ambitious yet—with the

micro-surfacing of over half of Hutcheson Ferry Road, as well as large sections of Rivertown and other places around the city. This process uses a mixture of water, asphalt emulsion, aggregate (very small, crushed rock), and chemicals additives over an existing asphalt concrete pavement surface to fill cracks and prevent them from spreading, and to provide a cleaner, smoother surface for restriping. It’s the most cost-effective method for extending the life of a roadbed that is in decent shape mechanically, adding many years of life to our roads. We’ll be starting a mill-and-pave operation on the southern half of Rico Road soon; its roadbed is in worse shape and needs the rebuilding that this deep reclamation process allows. As always, the decisions on what gets paved (and how) in Chattahoochee Hills are made by our engineers, calculated according to the roads’ traffic loads and physical conditions so that the most heavily trafficked roads in the worst shape get done first, while more lightly travelled roads have to wait for now. That said, we’re doing far more roadwork this year than we ever have, and we have more planned for next year—a far cry from the first few years of the city, when we couldn’t afford to do any paving!

And all of this without raising taxes, a result of the success of our light-impact, conservation-oriented development and the unique quality of life engendered by our zoning model. Huge thanks to the team that’s making all of this possible: a supportive community, the City Council who supports the budgets the City Administration puts forward, City Manager Robbie Rockovitz, Darold, Greg, Kevin and the rest of the team that implements our plans in such a thoughtful and parsimonious way. I’m always so grateful for the whole group.

Here’s to this pretty weather holding as spring turns to summer, and that you and yours are safe and well.

Mayor Tom Reed

A Closer Look at the Working Farms Fund

By Laurie Searle, Chatt Hills News Contributor

In the spring editions of Chatt Hills News, Mayor Tom Reed reported on the success of The Conservation Fund to acquire farmland in Chattahoochee Hills and cultivate farm ownership here through its Working Farms Fund program. In this story, I share the benefits that both of these funds have brought to Chatt Hills.

About the Conservative Fund

The Conservation Fund was founded in 1985, when Patrick Noonan created a nonprofit organization that would bring environmental protection and economic vitality together as a mutually-reinforcing, necessary path forward for America.

The Fund provides the capital to finance conservation, and ensures that the economic fabrics of communities are thoroughly woven into the process by forging strong partnerships with nonprofits, corporations and government. Using a variety of transactions and continually reinvesting its funds into new conservation projects, The Conservation Fund has helped permanently preserve nearly 9 million acres of land in all 50 states.

Here in Chatt Hills, The Conservation Fund was instru-

mental in creating Hutcheson Ferry Park. It purchased the property in 2003 from its revolving fund as its first investment in Fulton County. The Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance then negotiated with Fulton County for the land to become a passive recreational park owned and maintained by the County. In 2010, the city of Chattahoochee Hills acquired Hutcheson Ferry Park and its other parklands from Fulton County.

About the Working Farms Fund

This new program launched in 2021 addresses a national challenge – food security. The demand for local food is growing, while the average American farmer is getting older. Farms are being lost to development, and the next generation of farmers can’t afford the remaining farmland while expanding their production.

The Working Farms Fund aims to address these challenges through a four-step approach:

1. Acquire small- to mid-sized farms (20 to 500 acres) facing development threat.

2. Match that farmland with the next generation of diverse and ambitious farmers who need a pathway to land access and the support to grow their markets and businesses.

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3. Permanently conserve the farmland with public funding through the purchase of a conservation easement. 4. Sell the protected and more affordable farmland to the farmer.

Cultivating Farm Ownership in Chatt Hills

Here in Chatt Hills, three new farms have reaped the benefits of the Working Farms Fund. Krisztian Varsa, director of the Working Farms Fund, shares the first part of this success story in his blog story, “One Thousand Reasons to Celebrate Our Farms Fund.”

“It all began in the Atlanta metro region, where our latest acquisition in Fulton County, Georgia is a great example of all this program has to offer. Fulton County is located in the north-central part of the state in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Anchored by the state capital of Atlanta, it is within the most populated region in Georgia, with more than 6 million people calling metro Atlanta home. It is where Many Fold Farm operated organically as a sheep farm and creamery for over a decade, improving soil and increasing wildlife and ecological function during that time. Along with grazing pastures and room to expand, this 154-acre property has areas of mixed hardwood and

pine forest, wetlands, streams, lakes, and floodplain. These habitats are important to hosting a very wide biodiversity of plants and animals native to the region and contribute to a healthy watershed.

Many Fold Farm was an ideal property for the Farms Fund to acquire because of its proximity to both local and Atlanta markets. It clearly met the needs of several of our growing pipeline of farmers seeking to be part of our program, with specific features like abundant pastures and processing, cold storage, and commercial facilities already in place on the farm. Going forward, the property will be split roughly in half and operated independently by two next-generation farmers — Hillery Goodgame of Blue Heron Urban Farm and Sanctuary; and Michael Gault of Smyly Farms — who will lease to own their land in the long run. Additionally, The Conservation Fund is partnering with Rodale Institute’s Southeast Organic Center to provide critical organic and regenerative farming research for southeastern farmers on 9 acres of the farm.”

For the second part of this success story, Krisztian shares the story of the Barnes Farm and Deer Creek Farm, which illustrates the Working Farm Fund’s four-step approach.

Hillery Goodgame of Blue Heron Urban Farm and Sanctuary. Photo by Allison Hill Photography

Merlon Harper of Deer Creek Farm. Photo from https://thedeercreekfarm.com

Michael Gault of Smyly Farm. Photo by Allison Hill Photography

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“The Barnes Farm is 64 acres (on Hutcheson Ferry Road in Chatt Hills). It’s in the sweet spot between 30-70 acres, where it is large enough to scale up operations and have multiple enterprises contributing to its operation but small enough for farmers to secure a loan. It’s also one of the most beautiful and viable farms in the metro Atlanta area.

Deer Creek Farm is a small family-owned blueberry and vegetable farm established on land it had leased in Covington, Georgia. Like so many small- to mid-sized farmers, they had little capital to invest in scaling-up their farm, and without increasing their productivity, they had little hope in purchasing more farmland.

When the Barnes property came up for sale, the Working Farm Fund worked to secure the property. Thanks to the Barnes family and their patience and willingness to work with us and be good community stewards, and thanks to Renee Chastain who stuck with us and was a true advocate for making sure this would happen in the community, we were able to purchase the property to make available to Deer Creek Farm through our lease-to-own program. Deer Creek plans to lease the property for four years, scale-up their farm to include other vegetables and on-farm agritourism, and then purchase the land, which will be protected with a permanent conservation easement at that time.”

More About Farmland Protection Tools

In additional to our Chatt Hills zoning that preserves 70% of our area in an undeveloped state and our TDR program, landowners can voluntarily protect farmland in Georgia through purchased conservation easements and donated conservation easements, which are permanent protection tools, and through the Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA), a ten-year temporary protection tool. Here are overviews of these options:

Purchased Conservation Easements: A land trust or local or state government can purchase the development rights to your farmland, ensuring the farmer can continue production while the land stays in farming forever. The Conservation Fund is a land trust that has been awarded renewed accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission since 2014.

Donated Conservation Easements: A landowner can voluntarily donate a conservation easement to a land trust

or municipality, giving up the right to development on their land.

Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA):

Owners of agricultural land, timberland, and environmentally sensitive land may qualify for conservation use assessment under O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-7.4. The Georgia Revenue Commissioner has the responsibility of annually determining the values for ad valorem tax purposes of this type of land and publishing rules and regulations to help county tax assessors determine the values of property that qualify for conservation use assessment. Conservation use property is assessed at 40% of current use value which gives a reduced assessment to the owner of this type of property when compared to other property assessed at 40% of fair market value.

Want to Support the Working Farms Fund?

The Conservation Fund website lists some ways you can contribute to a more sustainable food future:

• Donate to The Conservation Fund (write “Working Farms Fund” in your donation). A gift to the Working Farms Fund will help us buy and protect more working farmland, and invest in sustainable farm practices for our farmers.

• Become a corporate partner. Are you a business that is looking for food-related partnerships? Reach out to kvarsa@conservationfund.org to inquire.

• Meet our farmers, and support their farms directly. Or shop local and support your local farmers.

• Partner with us. We are interested in new models of collaboration, particularly with institutional and other market outlets.

For more information visit: https://www.conservationfund.org/our-work/working-farms-fund

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Fulton County Sewage System Update

By Laurie Searle, Chatt Hills News Contributor

Construction of the Fulton County Sewage System in Chatt Hills is now complete, according to the Fulton County project team.

During the groundbreaking ceremony held on September 13, 2022, Fulton County officials estimated the project completion date would be December 6, 2023. However, due to the large amount of granite along the route, which required blasting for its removal, that timeline was extended into this year.

As previously reported, the $22,578,835 investment in sewer infrastructure in South Fulton will ensure continued sewer capacity to serve a growing residential and business community. Through collaboration with the Reeves Young & GMC design team, the project will consist of two new pump stations, and approximately 46,000 linear feet of force main. The additions will serve existing Serenbe development, Cedar Creek sewer basin, and surrounding areas. The Little Bear Pump Station will serve the existing Crossroads development and surrounding areas. This project will remove the existing Little Bear Water Reclamation Facility adjacent to the existing subdivision after acceptance and placing into service a new Little Bear Pump Station.

Fulton County Update

Chatt Hills Mayor Tom Reed received the following update from the Fulton County project team:

The entire line to the Atlanta

Newnan Road Pump Station is now complete, including the connection to the Wilkerson Mill Road lift station (where we did the ribbon-cutting) and on to the Ono Road Lift Station that pre-existed this work, and which carries the effluent on to the Camp Creek Sewer Plant.

All of the construction equipment has been removed except for some silt fence along Atlanta Newnan Road at Hutchinson Ferry Road just before 8295 Atlanta Newnan Road.

There is no remaining construction equipment at Wilkerson Mill Road (other than the actual lift station equipment that stays there). All of the silt fences have been removed along Wilkerson Mill Road.

Due to some supply chain delays, there is some remaining electrical equipment needed to get the Atlanta Newnan Road lift station running; that delivery is scheduled at the end of June, with the pump station expected to be fully operational in early August 2024.

Buffer Status at the Atlanta Newnan Road Lift Station

Dominique Love, Founder & CEO of

Lift Station in Progress - February

Fulton County Sewage Project Map, presented at the September 13, 2022, Groundbreaking Ceremony

the CERES Community (on Atlanta Newnan Road across from Serenbe) shared the following update on the buffers that will screen the lift station near her community:

As mentioned in a post ages ago, this pump station is a part of a $500M South Fulton County infrastructure initiative.  The placement of the station was transacted well before I acquired the surrounding land that will soon become the CERES community. To confirm, the pump station is 100% a Fulton County initiative; it is not a Chatt Hills or a CERES project.

In that initial Facebook post, someone made a key observation that Fulton County would be tearing down the buffer for the project, and I shared that CERES would make sure it was replaced, even at our own cost.

USPS

Pausing Plans to Make Changes

WASHINGTON — The United States Postal Service is pausing its plans to make changes at mail delivery processes amid an ongoing review of performance issues and widespread delays in delivery.

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told members of Congress that USPS will not consolidate mail centers at nearly 60 locations until at least 2025.

Delays in the metro Atlanta area were among many highlighted as problems during a recent congressional hearing with DeJoy. Channel 2 Action News has reported for months on the mail delivery issues after a new distribution center opened in Palmetto.

DeJoy’s announcement that the operations changes would be put on hiatus came in response to a letter from more than 20 members of the U.S. Senate regarding potential impacts to deliveries due to the processing and

Cryptomeria Trees to be installed by Fulton County

That time has now come, and I wanted to share what we have proposed to Fulton County and they have approved with a few modifications: no privacy gate and some trees moved for equipment access purposes.

It is an expensive endeavor, so please bear with us as we work with our partners to allocate the necessary resources and determine the best time to install the many trees.  Just know we will get it done as quickly as possible.

Fulton County will also be adding 8-10 fast-growing, Yoshino Japanese Cryptomeria (see image below) along Atlanta Newnan as well.  These will likely be planted before we install the trees in our plan, so if you only see a few trees going in and then the work stops, please know these are only the first set.

delivery network adjustments.

The postmaster general’s letter also acknowledged the months of tense backand-forth with members of the Senate regarding inefficiencies and delays impacting Americans.

“In response to the concern you and your colleagues have expressed, I will commit to pause any implementation of these moves at least until after Jan. 1, 2025,” DeJoy said in a response to members of Congress. “Even then, we will not advance these efforts without advising you of our plans to do so, and then only at a moderated pace of implementation.”

CERES' Plan for Filling in Buffer

The Birds, the Bees, and More By Pat Lesko

Photos courtesy of Laurie Searle and Giff Beaton

Late April is primetime for birdwatching in our area as the northward migration of neo-tropical song birds is at its peak. In addition to local year round favorites such as Cardinals, Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Towhees, and Georgia’s state bird, the Brown Thrasher, we have the opportunity to see, hear, and try to identify such showy species as the Indigo Bunting, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, and Summer Tanager.

This year, on Saturday, April 28th, the Chatt Hills Parks Commission and Chatt Hills Community Outreach offered a bird walk led by local resident Giff Beaton. The site selected for the walk, Campbellton Park at the northernmost tip of the City, lies along the Chattahoochee River and contains a variety of habitats: meadow, forest, and riparian.

Charles Seabrook, Atlanta Journal-Constitution environmental columnist, describes Giff Beaton as follows: “He has been called Georgia’s Dean of Birding because of his unsurpassed knowledge of the state’s birds and the several books he has authored or co-authored on the feathered creatures.” With Giff leading our group we spotted and/or heard 57 species of birds, and in addition saw dragonflies, a bee-mimic robber fly, and a hatch of perhaps 100 teeny-weeny orange spiderlings on a bit of spider web about three inches in diameter. (Looking at the spiderlings through borrowed binoculars finally spurred me to buy a pair of these often recommended Nikon Monarch M5 10 x 42 binoculars for myself. The detail I could see without having to get too close was amazing.)

Some of the birds that I especially enjoyed:

• A flock of about two dozen Double-crested Cormorants flying north in a V formation. These birds are not uncommon, but it was the first time I had seen birds other than ducks and geese in a V formation.

• An extremely patient (or possibly vain) immature Blue

Grosbeak, who posed on a stem of grass in the meadow until we had all had a really good look at him and his oversized bill that is perfectly suited for the seeds he eats. The name grosbeak comes from the French “gros” for large and “bec” for beak.

• An Indigo Bunting was not so bold. He perched high up on a branch, but was equally willing to let everyone have a good look before he flew off.

• The Wood Thrush was shy and remained hidden in the woods, but its melodic call was a delight to hear.

The bee-mimic robber fly was completely unknown to most of the group. It looks like a bee and buzzes loudly when flying but the similarity ends there. Rather than dining on nectar and pollen, the adult fly eats bees and beetles which it captures in flight. It has a sharp proboscis to pierce and inject enzymes into its prey, and through which it sucks out the liquefied organs that result.

The weather cooperated fully and as the group meandered about two miles through the meadow in Campbellton Park and along Cochran Road and the river to the alpaca farm and a bit beyond, the three hours allotted for the nature walk flew by. Thank you, Giff Beaton, for sharing your incredible ability to spot the wide variety of birds and insects we encountered and your knowledge about their characteristics and interesting features.

From left, Bruce Nelson, Diana Wilson, Birgit Bolton, Giff Beaton, Pat Lesko and Steve Mapel on the April bird walk in Campbellton Park.

Top row, left to right: Bee-mimic robber fly Laphria thoracica, Campbellton Park; 2. Blue Grosbeak; 3. Brown Thrasher; 4. Double-crested Cormorant; 5. Eastern Towhee. Bottom row: 6. Indigo Bunting; 7. Rose-breasted Grosbeak; 8. Spiderlings, Campbellton Park; 9. Summer Tanager; 10. Wood Thrush. Bird Images from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s ebird.org

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CRK Concerned about Chattahoochee River Water Bacteria

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Update April 26, 2024

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) remains concerned about potentially dangerous bacteria levels in the Chattahoochee River downstream of the City of Atlanta’s R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Center. Water samples collected by CRK at the plant’s outfall and downstream in March and April have detected spikes in E. coli bacteria levels, which can pose serious health risks for the young, elderly, and immunocompromised. Due to the elevated risk of E. coli exposure while the plant is not functioning properly, CRK advises that river recreators exercise caution for a 60-mile stretch of the river from the plant’s outfall in Atlanta to Franklin, GA.

CRK continues to regularly monitor bacteria and nutrient levels at R.M. Clayton’s outfall and downstream. We always advise people to avoid river recreation for 72 hours after it rains when the river is high and muddy. CRK publishes water quality data from throughout the Chattahoochee River watershed online here.

Water quality is generally very good in metro Atlanta and the Chattahoochee River. However, this was the second failure at a major wastewater treatment plant in metro Atlanta in less than a year. In the summer of 2023, a failure at the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility in Fulton County sent millions of gallons of undertreated sewage into the river upstream of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area every day for weeks, resulting in a threeweek closure of the river park to protect public health.

What is causing the elevated bacteria levels?

During routine river monitoring, CRK detected high bacteria levels in the Chattahoochee in metro Atlanta and tracked the source to the City of Atlanta’s R.M. Clayton plant. Daily testing between March 4 and March 15 showed dangerously high levels of E. coli bacteria in the Chattahoochee River at the plant’s outfall, immediately downstream of the Marietta Boulevard/Atlanta Road bridge. During this period, tests indicated that E. coli levels were an average of 340 times higher than the amount recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for safe water recreation. On March 5, CRK notified the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) about our results.

We corresponded with the City of Atlanta DWM and they indicated that equipment failures at the plant were likely the cause. As a result, the city expedited equipment repair and leased temporary equipment to improve the quality of the discharge.

Georgia EPD also conducted an inspection of the plant. While the City of Atlanta attributed the issues to secondary clarifier failures, the inspection report revealed issues at all stages of treatment. EPD photos reveal disrepair at the site, including trash, tire tracks, caution tape, and broken equipment.

On March 16, the City of Atlanta DWM notified CRK that they were beginning to see improvements in the R.M. Clayton WRC discharge. Initial samples collected by CRK the week of March 18 indicated a reduction in bacteria levels, but results from CRK’s continuous monitoring have indicated inconsistent spikes in bacteria at the plant’s outfall. CRK recommends that river recreators exercise caution for 60 miles from the plant’s outfall to Franklin, GA while there is an elevated risk of high bacteria levels. You can view water quality data from more than 200 sites throughout the watershed on our website.

What caused the R.M. Clayton plant to fail?

We do not know exactly what caused the R.M. Clayton WRC failure. The City of Atlanta DWM has cited heavy rain events in January and February, which caused the secondary clarifiers at the plant to stop functioning properly, but EPD’s inspection report indicates larger operational and maintenance issues at the plant.

This problem is unlike other issues we often see during heavy rains, where water seeps into cracks in the sewer pipes (that run from homes and businesses to wastewater treatment plants) and causes them to overflow into nearby streams. This event is different because the failure happened at the plant where the treatment should occur.

Do undertreated wastewater discharges pose a risk to public health?

Yes. Water quality testing conducted daily by CRK from the R.M. Clayton WRC outfall at the Chattahoochee River between March 4 and March 15 showed E. coli bacteria

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levels an average of 340 times higher (ranging from 40 to 500 times higher) than the amount recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for safe water recreation. While bacteria levels dropped at the end of March, CRK monitoring has continued to detect dangerous spikes at the plant’s outfall.

High bacteria levels pose serious risks to public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. CRK urges river recreators to be careful when paddling or fishing on the river. To be on the safe side, avoid fully submerging underwater, wash your hands after contacting the water or use hand sanitizer, and exercise particular caution with young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.

How many miles downstream of the wastewater outfall are impacted?

The greatest impact is immediately downstream of the R.M. Clayton WRC outfall at the Chattahoochee River, at the Marietta Boulevard/Atlanta Road bridge. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases water from Buford Dam upstream, which helps to dilute E. coli contamination further downstream.

While issues at the plant are ongoing, CRK recommends that river users exercise caution on the river downstream of the Marietta Boulevard/Atlanta Road for 60 miles to Franklin, Georgia.

Water quality is not impacted in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area upstream of the plant. Water quality is generally very good in the Chattahoochee River. In general, avoid river recreation for 72 hours after it rains when the river is high and muddy. CRK publishes water quality data from throughout the Chattahoochee River watershed online here.

How does this affect West Point Lake?

The main body of West Point Lake remains swimmable at this time. We do encourage caution in the upper headwaters of the lake upstream and directly downstream of Franklin.

The river is diluting the random releases of undertreated sewage from R.M. Clayton WRC. By the time the river flows through Franklin, Georgia, which we consider the upper headwaters of West Point Lake, we’re seeing dimin-

ished E. coli test results.

One thing to be mindful of this summer are algae blooms in the lake. Click here to learn more https://nww. chattahoochee.org/DataPage

Related to the long-term health of West Point Lake, click here to see results from our monitoring published earlier this year https://chattahoochee.org/press-releases/westpoint-lake-exceeds-chlorophyll-a-standards-in-2023/

Is drinking water affected by the undertreated wastewater discharge?

Drinking water in Fulton County and the metro Atlanta region is not affected by the plant failure. All source water is treated to meet drinking water standards.

What is the impact of the discharge on wildlife?

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper is monitoring the impact of the discharge on wildlife at the R.M. Clayton WRC outfall and downstream. There are no indications of a fish kill as a result of the discharge.

Please reach out to Sara Lips sara.lips@dnr.ga.gov

Subject line: Comment on Enforcement Order EPDWP-9485

Dear Ms. Lips,

The Chattahoochee River is very important to me and my community.

I think the Fulton County draft consent order (EPDWP-9485) inadequately addresses the threat that last summer’s Big Creek wastewater treatment plant failure had on public health. The current minimal fine encourages wastewater treatment plants to keep polluting, rather than commit to plant improvements that would protect our communities now and in the future.

Please hold Fulton County and all other local jurisdictions responsible in the future by fully enforcing the Clean Water Act and state clean water requirements.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Real Stories with Problems

• Improperly treated wastewater can cause bacterial outbreaks.

• In June – July 2023, a section of the Chattahoochee River in metro Atlanta was closed off due to the delivery of high levels of the bacterial E. coli into the river because of a broken Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility in Fulton County, Georgia.

• ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - An environmental group that monitors the Chattahoochee River says it detected “dangerously high levels” of E. coli downstream from an Atlanta wastewater treatment plant. Clayton Water Reclamation Center is the source of the issue. Mar. 17, 2024.

PBS: https://www.wabe.org/part-of-chattahoocheeriver-remains-closed-after-sewage-treatment-plantspill/

Parker Durance carries his kayak into the Chattahoochee River at Don White Memorial Park in Roswell on Monday, July 3, 2023. An eleven-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River suffered a sewage spill from Fulton County’s Big Creek Water Reclamation over the weekend. (Natrice Miller/ Natrice.miller@ajc.com)

City of Chattahoochee Hills Response to Recent Events

The City of Chattahoochee Hills has sponsored a Partnership for Inclusive Innovation grant application for Kennesaw State University’s Computer Science Department. The grant originated through the Georgia Foundation for Public Education – a thinktank associated with the Georgia Institute of Technology. The research program supported by the city and endorsed by a multitude of community partners, aims to integrate AI technologies with remote water quality testing to monitor bacterial contamination and turbidity at three sites in Chattahoochee Hills – Campbelton Park and Riverlands Park on the Chattahoochee River and another location on Cedar Creek close to Serenbe. This research proposal has not yet been selected for funding, but one that Chris Montesinos, the city’s Economic

Development Director, worked on diligently for a month with the understanding of its importance to the community considering recent E.coli spills upstream from the city and the adverse impact it has caused to our water recreation ambitions.

The partners in support of this grant application include, House of Representative Lydia Glaize, House District 67, Carroll County Board of Commissioners, Trust for Public Land, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Aerotropolis Atlanta, Alliance, Inc., and numerous city officials. Grants project submitted for funding through the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation will be announced in the summer of 2024 with work starting shortly afterwards.

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Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail Wrap-Up

Public art project shares gifts of the heart

By Laurie Searle

Ask any craft hobbyist what goes through their mind when creating a gift of the heart and they’ll likely say, “How can I make the gift meaningful?”

That thought crossed my mind when I painted my first barn quilt for my husband Sam in 2020. He suggested I paint a quilt on our new garden shed to “pretty it up.” Knowing his second love is orienteering – a map and compass navigation sport – I chose a brightly colored compass and added orienteering flags in each corner. Four years later, that barn quilt still makes him smile.

Little did we know back then that our barn quilt would inspire us to create a barn quilt trail as the first public art project for the City of Chattahoochee Hills.

Today, the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail is now the largest in Georgia, featuring more than 50 barn quilts and heritage stories about the hosts.

As the project’s sponsorship comes to an end, I want to share the heritage story of the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail, and thank the City of Chattahoochee Hills, barn quilt trail hosts, and volunteers for sharing their gifts of the heart.

Creating the Barn Quilt Trail

Perched on top a 10-foot ladder, sweat trickling down my face, I wondered why in the heck I chose to paint my first barn quilt in August. I had been at it for about a week, drawing the pattern on the garden shed, taping off one section at a time, applying a coat of paint, and sweltering between coats. Yet still, I wore a smile on my paintsmudged face.

After finishing my labor of love, Sam said, “Why don’t you make a barn quilt trail for Chatt Hills?” It was as if he poked a hornet’s nest; my insides buzzed with excitement at the thought.

The first time we saw a barn quilt was years earlier while on a vacation road trip to Maine. We were out in farm country driving along a state road when he said, “Hey, isn’t that a quilt on that barn?” I made him slow down for a closer look and sure enough, we were amazed to see someone had painted a quilt on the side of their barn.

Soon after, I learned that barn quilt trails were an actual thing. As the story goes, the first official quilt trail began in

The barn quilt I painted on our new shed became the inspiration for the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail.

2001 in Adams County, Ohio. Donna Sue Groves wanted to honor her mother, Maxine, a noted quilter, with a painted quilt square on the family's barn. Her friends asked, “Why paint one when we can help paint 20 and make a driving tour to help spur economic development in our county?” Their first quilt trail lay the foundation for all those that followed.

The thought of creating a barn quilt trail made me wonder if we could use it to attract low-impact tourism and promote our city’s rural heritage. I met with our city manager, and after receiving additional advice from our city’s attorney, we came up with a viable plan that would allow sponsorship from the city. I presented a proposal to our city council, requesting the city fund 10 barn quilts. The city would pay for the barn quilts and lease them to resident hosts who agreed to display the barn quilt on an accessory structure visible from the public road for a period of two years. After the lease, the host had the option of purchasing the barn quilt at a reduced cost or having it removed. The city council unanimously passed the proposal.

Next, I sought advice on how to create barn quilts and a trail. I discovered the Alabama Barn Quilt Trail, whose members graciously shared their experience and became my early mentors. I also took painting classes from several barn quilt artists to learn the tricks of the trade. Armed with this basic knowledge, I recruited a few residents to form a committee. Artist Tom Swanston of StudioSwan shared his experience creating large-scale exhibits and helped review barn quilt applications. Amber Lightsey helped brainstorm the initial barn quilt trail concept.

OUR COMMUNITY

To kick-off the trail, we invited Kenny Smith to host the first barn quilt in honor of his family’s heritage owning and operating Smith’s Grocery Store for over 100 years. Sam and I painted and installed the barn quilt as a gift, and on September 29, 2020, we announced the grand opening of the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail.

Expanding the Barn Quilt Trail

After the grand opening, we hosted a community meeting and a barn quilt painting class in the hopes of sparking enthusiasm and recruiting volunteers. While each participant enthusiastically painted a small barn quilt of their own, only two volunteered to help with the trail – our neighbors Buddy and Janice Garner painted a barn quilt for their property and also one for the Bear Creek Nature Center. Sam and I decided we would volunteer to paint and install the barn quilts as our gift to the city. As a result, only a small fraction of the sponsorship funds was spent to create 10 barn quilts. Unsure where we should stop or continue,

we checked with the city and were delighted to receive its support to expand the trail.

Wrapping up the project

With 51 barn quilts, 1,000 volunteer hours, and the generous sponsorship of the city, it’s now time to put a bow on it and wrap up the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail. It’s been a “gift of the heart” to be sure, not only in the beautiful barn quilts that now showcase our rural city, but in each story shared by the 51 hosts that illustrate what’s special about living here. It is our hope that as more visitors come to visit the quilt trail, they may also return one day to make Chatt Hills their home.

While the sponsorship of this program has ended, residents may still join the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail. To participate, check the website for the barn quilt requirements and a list of artists who sell or offer barn quilts on commission. See “Join the Trail” at: www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail.com

The barn quilt I painted on our new shed became the inspiration for the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail.

Birgit Bolton painted a barn quilt after touring the trail and moving nearby.

The Harrison Family helped paint their Tree of Life barn quilt.

Tourists visiting Laurie & Sam's property received a free Welcome Barn Quilt.

Sam Smith installed the barn quilts at Three Silos Farm -- our most ambitious project.

StudioSwan received the 50th barn quilt on the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail in 2024.

OUR COMMUNITY

Bianca

& Sean Cavandi are Winners of the Snail of Approval by

Slow Food Atlanta

We're excited to announce that we've been awarded the Snail of Approval by Slow Food Atlanta! We've been recognized for our commitment to make good, clean and fair food for all alongside farms, restaurants and other food businesses around the world.

We were chosen for the Snail of Approval award because we source our organic ingredients as locally as possible, we are working with simple ingredients and provide, clean, long fermented and delicious baked goods to our community, we stay true to our heritage and share the German bread culture with our customers. We are resourceful, avoid waste and compost. We live and breathe the Slow Food principles, which we love to share with you. Last but not least we feel that we have been able to create a strong bond with our local community.

Thank you to Slow Food Atlanta and @SlowFoodUSA for recognizing our commitment to better food systems and a world where we all can access food that is good, clean and fair. Click here https://slowfoodusa.org/snail-of-approval/ to learn more about the Snail of Approval program and find other businesses that have received this award.

Our commitment to the Slow Food Movement is not a recent development. It's a journey that began long before we launched our bakery. I was a Slow Food member in Germany for many years. Along the way, I have met so many amazing like-minded people, learned about businesses, who are committed to the Slow Food principles, the food system and the impact on communities. I have attended numerous small and big Slow Food events in Germany with producers from all over Europe.

When we started our bakery it was crystal clear to us that the Slow Food principles will be our North Star. To date, we have consistently stayed the course that and we intend to expand on obtaining even more local supplies for our ingredients, especially the seasonal ones.

What is Slow Food?

In 1986, when McDonald's announced plans to open a store at the historic Spanish Steps of Rome, Italy, it sparked a public outcry and mass protests. In response, the Italian Author Carlo Petrini decided that carrying signs wouldn't be enough. So Mr. Petrini took the lead in launch-

ing the Slow Food Movement. This movement advocates for Food that is good for both the people who consume it and those who produce it, and good for the planet. In the meantime Slow Food became a global movement, including local chapters in many US cities Find out more about Slow Food Atlanta and the Chapters activities.

The forecast looks great and we're bringing the following baked goods as well as one or two surprises: Baguettes the Rustic Italian the Rustic Sesame Bread the Rye Mix Bread some German seeded Breads Bavarian Pretzels Apfelstrudel

Swedish Cardamom Buns Sean's Favorite Cookies and more

If you want to reserve something, please use the Bianca Cavandi Online Store wwww.biancacavandi.com/shop. This way we have your favorites ready for pickup. I hope to see you at the Bread Mobile.

OUR COMMUNITY

Radical Dough Opens in Serenbe Mado

By Joel Crovella

Our shop Radical Dough opened on May 21, 2024 in Mado at 11105 Serenbe lane.

As we ramp-up our operation and staffing, we will start with a shorter day and limited offerings. We will be serving Portait Coffee, and freshly baked bagels and pizzas from morning to early afternoon.

As we train our staff and perfect our processes we will be able to add take away dinners to our offering soon. We are excited to offer job opportunities to neurodiverse personnel, and as such we kindly ask for your

Chatt Hills Unveiled Its Second Historic Marker

On March 5, 2024, The Chattahoochee Hills Historic Commission was honored to document and memorialize the history of the Beavers-Lee-Fountain House, located within Campbellton Park. The damp and cool weather did not curb the enthusiasm of unveiling the latest addition to the Historic Marker Program. Those in attendance included members from the Historic Commission, Parks Commission, city staff, elected officials, community, and two sisters from the Lee family.  Irene (Lee) Sauls and Mary Lynn (Lee) Oxford were born and raised in this historic home.  They were grateful for the recognition and commented how they felt like the “stars” on this memorable occasion.  The first marker for Cochran Mill Park was unveiled in October 2023 and additional markers are currently in development.

(Historic Commission members not present:  Amber Lightsey, Sarah Love, and HC Advisor Allison Duncan.)

Photos Courtesy of Chip Denton, Parks Commission

Mary Lynn (Lee) Oxford, Irene (Lee) Sauls

patience while they are training. We are so grateful for all the well wishes and couldn’t be more excited to become a staple here in Serenbe.

Left to right: Nathin Wendlandt, Public Works; Robbie Rokovitz, City Manager; Ruby Foster Councilmember (D1); Mary Lynn Oxford, Lee family; Irene Sauls, Lee family; Camille Lowe, Councilmember (D4); Gene Griffith, Historic Commission; Brian Gross, Historic Commission; Darold Wendlandt, Public Works & Parks Director; Tom Reed, Mayor; Shane Harman, Public Works; Lila Rhyne, Historic Commission; Rodney Peek, Councilmember (D5); Diana Wilson, Parks Commission

Left to right:

Saturdays, 12:00pm Weekly

Wine Tastings at the General Store 10642 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268

Join Nadine to taste wines from around the globe every Saturday; $35/person with tasting notes and small bites. Email nadine@generalstoreatserenbe.com with questions.

Farmhouse Fridays, 5:30-8:30pm Weekly

Music on the Porch

10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills

Live on the Farmhouse porch from 5:30pm-8:30pm.

Sat. & Sun. 1:30 & 3:30pm Weekly

Wine Flights 9135 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA

Each week new wines will be featured and paired with light snacks. $40 per person, reserve a seat today for our 1:30 or 3:30 seating. https://serenbewineshop.com

June 22, 4-6pm

Wine Sparkler Tasting, The Wine Shop

Bipoc Retreat

Serenbe, GA

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm

Monday - Friday Camp Serenbe

10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills

The Inn (starts June 10th and we have opened up to the public for registration)

Sat. 10:00 am

Goat Yoga at the Inn

10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills

$40 Book Class Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/goatsyoga-nature-pure-joy-tickets-517885909697

June 7-9, See hours below

Art & Company Serenbe Opening Weekend

9057 Selborne Lane, Chatt Hills, 30268

Friday, June 7th, 7pm-9pm, Saturday, June 8th, 3pm-5pm

“Live Art Demo”. Featuring artists Dean Beresford and Garret Low. Sunday, June 9th, Open Gallery Viewing, 11am-7pm

“Art & Company Serenbe” Opening Night. Featuring artists Amy Rader and DL Warfield, live music, and complimentary refreshments.

Wed. 10:00 am - 2:00pm Weekly

Serenbe Farms Volunteer Day

8715 Atlanta Newnan Road Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Sat. 3:00pm Weekly

Serenbe Farm tour

8715 Atlanta Newnan Road Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Hamlin Big Wheels Coming June 1!

This will be our 4th Adult Big Wheel Race, but the most exciting part this year is that we have caught the attention of ESPN. We are currently working to produce and film the relay on June 1st which will broadcast sometime this August on ESPN The Ocho.

This is a huge endeavor we are taking on, but we are thrilled to earn this amazing worldwide spotlight. For the first time ever we are offering sponsorship opportunities due to the new elevated details required for the event by ESPN.

Hamlin Adult Big Wheel Relay Race

Where: Hamlin, 9131 Selborne Lane, Chatt Hills

• 9:00 Welcome and rules briefing / First checkered flag waves at 9:30am

• The relay race happens on part of Selborne lane in front of Hamlin

• Adult Size Big Wheels are provided by Hamlin

• FREE Entry for Spectators

• Free Coffee and donuts sponsored by Hamlin from our favorite donut truck for spectators and participants (while supplies last) Here are some more of the event’s details /links:

For Race participant inquiries or sponsorship inquires: Call/text 770.756.0587 or Email Stacy+Jason Simmonds. hey@hamlinshop.com. To sign up, visit: https://hamlinshop. com/hamlin-big-wheels-2024-registration/

June 6-7, 11:00am - 2:00pm and June 2021, 11 AM - 2 PM

Open Studio Hours with Artist-in-Residence Douriean Fletcher

Check location here: https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org/ events

Stop by acclaimed jewelry designer Douriean Fletcher’s pop-up studio to view her work, which has been featured in films including Black Panther.

https://www.boszilkov.com

Sat. June 8, 1-3pm

Lil' Chefs Farm-Fresh Cooking Class

Ages 3 - 8 Years Old

We are thrilled to offer this class at our introductory rate of $65/child + a complimentary parents salad & beverage.

Bring your little ones to experience the local harvest with instruction from Chef Dee of The Cooking Collaborative along with our farmers to lead a delicious, hands-on cooking class.

During this class, we will be making a farm-fresh salad with various in-season veggies topped with allergen-free ranch dressing. Little chefs will learn how to use child-safe lettuce knives to slice, chop, and mix farm-fresh veggies in an exciting & healthy recipe. Students will be exposed to different produce growing on the farm, harvesting produce, kitchen safety + cleaning guidelines, culinary tips and tricks, as well as basic nutrition.

Following the salad course, students will be introduced to fruits growing during the month of June in both Georgia & Florida to close out the class.

https://serenbefarms.com/eventscalendar/2024/6/8/ lilchefsfarmfreshcookingclass

Sat. June 15, 9 - 11am

Demo Day and Donuts Amplify Your Ride

June 16, 12-6pm

Father’s Day Lunch

The Farmhouse & The Hill

June 15, 10am - 12pm KSU + Art Farm at Serenbe Town Hall

Gainey Hall, 10640 Serenbe Ln, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Learn more about KSU School of Architecture and Construction Management's designs for Art Farm at Serenbe's future campus expansion as they present their semester projects. Feel free to drop in between 10 AM and 12 PM! Register HERE.

June 10-14 and June 17-21, 9 am - 3 pm

Art Farm Improv Camp for Kids

At Terra School, and in collaboration with Dad's Garage, students will learn the basics of improv, the power of “Yes, and,” how to collaboratively tell stories, and most of all, they will have fun! Classes will be taught by actress, comedian, and educator Gina Rickicki. More details to come soon, checck: https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events

City Hall, 6505 Rico Road

Family Community Day and Health Fair

https://bouckaertfarm.com/equestrian/ For more information, please contact our office. Call: 770.892.2117

Under the Tent 2024 Performances Include:

Jazz Night at Serenbe (September 13)

Voice: A Night of Spoken Word (September 14) Little Shop of Horrors (September 20-29) Les Farfadais' Celestial (October 3-6)

ArtFarm at Serenbe

We are so excited to share that the Under the Tent series is back this year with four exciting shows, and this year you have a chance to save on tickets by prepurchasing a pass to all four shows in the series! We have four separate ticket packages available, including a Friends + Family Pass which covers admission for four people for all four shows, and saves over $200! Grab your friends and split a pass together to get the most out of the Under the Tent series! Only a select number of passes are available: https:// www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events

Please note the Under the Tent Series Pass does not cover admission to the 2024 Art Farm Soirée at Serenbe, and select dates for Little Shop of Horrors will be subject to availability.

November 16, 2024

Fast Bananas Trail Race

Serenbe, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

REGISTER TODAY https://raceroster.com/ events/2024/83412/fast-bananas-trail-race-at-serenbe

Come run the beautiful Serenbe trails at the Fast Bananas Trail Race at Serenbe on November 16, 2024! There will be fun, banana-gins, nature, community, and trails.

The race distances are 5k, 10k, and a Mado 1-mile fun run for kids ages 5-12. Parents have the option to accompany their child during the Mado Mile if they would like, but will not receive a medal. There will be age-group prizes for the 5k and 10k, and participation medals and t-shirts for all events.

Old Campbell County Historical Society

“The only thing new in the world is the history you don’t know ”

-Harry S Truman

Arts Section

Art at ENZO May - August

300 Trilith Parkway, Suite 230, Fayetteville, GA 30214

View Art for Sale Here: https://enzo-itl.com/product-category/artwork/

Camara Alston • Leticia Andrade • David Boyd Jr • O.V. Brantley

Brenda Erickson • Laura Gfelner • Emil Holder • Jenni Horne • Pamela Kamor

Robert Lederman • Julie McKinney • Jessica McPherson • Olga Mosina Van Nguyen • Dale Niles • Rod Parker • Malin Roghelia • Valerie Dumas Karen Thompson • Judy Walker • Jane Whitehurst

To purchase art contact: Greg Blair at Dogwood, 770-774-3524, gblairpaintings@yahoo.com

Southern Crescent Gallery Exhibit in Trilith Guesthouse Hotel

350 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville, GA 30214, 866-791-7417

The newest gallery south of Atlanta is the Southern Crescent Gallery. Exhibition includes the work of the following artists: David Boyd Jr., Logynn B Ferrall, and Judy Walker. For inquiries and purchase, contact Logynn Ferrall at (281) 658-5036, or logynnbferrall@mac.com.

Featured Artist Arts Section

Tim Mosby

I have always been a builder, an assembler. As such, sculpture has been my harbor and painting an exploration of sculptural themes in color and form.

In the mid-80s, after years of working and traveling, I settled in Athens, Georgia. I found a barn studio a few miles out of town and began what has become a lifelong process of collecting and assembling metal, splintered wood, glass, and wire. A group of sculptural portraits was created. Paintings reflected the farms and warehouses across my landscape.

A move to Atlanta saw landscapes and cityscapes emerge. The tedium of assembly (I didn’t use adhesives or screws) gave way to simpler forms, and color became more imperative to success. Painted sculptures and reliefs found a swift transition to canvas and the challenge of two-dimensional expression.

A 2002 move to Chattahoochee Hills brought an expanse of land and a new studio. Subjects and themes began to overseed and blossom. Collaborative projects would provide me with new energy and alternate studios with new perceptions in painting. Classical themes – the figure, allegory and still life – are dominant for me today.

A move to Texas Hill country in the Summer of 2011 brought new color, forms and focus to my life and painting. Short stints to Marfa proved soul-filling and transformational. Austin’s reception to my work was strong and work bubbled out of me. Commissions and yearly exhibitions flourished.

In 2015, long-time friend and painter, Garrett Speirs, concepted Plein Aire Tuscany, and we began biannual trips to Italy with small groups of painters. Working alongside Speirs has always inspired and invigorated me. Our collaboration feeds my art education and practice to this day.

2020 took my family to Amsterdam. We arrived as the pandemic took hold and that global downshift, alongside my cultural immersion into Europe, created an extremely

active, though quiet, two years of studio work. The city, normally buzzing with so much activity, was stifled and, quite frankly, beautifully stilled. Even so, the architecture, the art, and particularly the Dutch people, provided me with a wellspring of creativity. Three-dimensional work and allegory have become my new comfort.

2024 has me back home, to Georgia. My studio is filled with new life. Inspiration continues to cross between materials. Three-dimensional work, figurative, landscape, abstract and allegory all bring me challenge and comfort. Most importantly, art is my ongoing narrative with this life.

For info: +1 512 956.2576 / timbomosby@gmail.com

Malin Roghelia featured artist at Dogwood Gallery

As an abstract expressionist artist, I am deeply fascinated by the interplay between chaos and control, movement and stillness, and the fleeting nature of time. My work is an exploration of the dynamic relationship between the conscious and the unconscious, the visible and the invisible, and the constant ebb and flow of energy that surrounds us.

105 St. Stephens Ct. Suite E Tyrone GA 30290, 770-774-3524 dogwoodgallery@mac.com

Kristin Genet is at ADAC - Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. Michael and his team @habachydesigns masterfully crafted a beautiful showroom that showcases many new European furniture brands, his own one-of-akind creations, innovative artists, and craftsmanship. I feel so honored to be part of this high-design experience with my latest creations. ADAC, 351 Peachtree Hills Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. https://www.kristingenetdesign.com

Paintings by Tim Mosby

Arts Section

June Selections from Hills & Hamlets Bookshop and Underground Books

Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a beautiful, warm, and welcoming neighborhood bookstore in Serenbe’s Grange Hamlet. All titles are lovingly curated with an emphasis on books about nature, wellness, and the arts. A great children's section adds fun along with fiction, food, history, science, architecture, travel, gift books, and more!

Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is now open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm every week, 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 Romance: The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

H&H bookseller Sandra recommends this laugh out loud, feel good rom-com about writing your own story: “The best romantic comedy I have ever read! I give it 25 stars! I was invested from page one and cried like a baby at the end. I LOVED the authentic and relatable main characters, sweet, down-to-earth Emma and kind, endearing Charlie. I will never forget this book; I was truly sad it ended, and I will definitely be reading it again!” Out June 11th!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781250283801

New in Literary Fiction: The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden

H&H bookseller Patience recommends this brilliantly plotted and provocative debut novel: “I enjoyed it very much and found it full of heart with suspenseful relationship dynamics. Set in Holland in 1961, its themes revolve around cultural loss and forgiveness post WWII and about the universal meaning of home, family, and identity. I thought I was reading one book and then it suddenly and amazingly turned into an even more original book halfway through!” Out now!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781668034347

New in Young Adult: Lady of Steel and Straw by Erica Ivy Rodgers

A tenacious heroine with a dark gift must defend her family's legacy and faith from a handsome enemy, in this young adult fantasy debut full of nature-based magic, necromancy, and swordplay. H&H bookseller Sandra recommends: “I’ve never read anything like this unique, suspenseful fantasy! This 5-star read is going right on my favorites shelf, and I can’t wait for the sequel!” Out June 4th, for ages 14 and up. Author event details coming soon!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781682636657

Memorials

Obituary for James Robert Shell

Mr. James Robert Shell, age 79, of Palmetto, Ga. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 8, after experiencing long-term health issues.

James was born on October 19, 1944 to parents Loy Quillian and Polly Spivey Shell.

He graduated from Campbell High School in Fairburn, and then went on to attend Reinhardt College in Waleska, Ga. where he received an Associate Degree.

In 1964, James became an employee of Delta Air Lines where he worked as a material planner. He retired in June of 2000, after 35 years with the company. After retirement, James lived a quiet country life at his home in Goodes, where he enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and neighbors. His hobbies included watching football games, Nascar racing, and working outdoors, especially on his John Deere Tractor.

James is preceded in death by his first-born daughter Polly Georgina. He is survived by his beloved wife Harriet, his three children; Robert Jason, his wife Amy, and their God-daughter Shae Williams; Daphne Gowen and her husband Rick; Stephanie Shell and her partner Luke Oakley; his brother, Joseph P. Shell and his wife Brenda, as well as many loving neices and nephews. A Memorial Service and Tribute is to be held at New Hope United Methodist Church in Palmetto.

Campbellton Baptist Church, 8660 Church Street

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

Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/

Southside at Serenbe, 9:15 & 11:00am, 10640 Serenbe Ln, Chatt Hills, GA 30268, southside.org.

Vernon Grove Baptist Church, 8440 Vernon Grove Rd. Community

Community BRICKWORKS REPORT

Food Pantry

In April we served 58 families (103 adults and 70 children), and 12 new families were added. Your donations, both monetary and in kind, are appreciated and being put to good use! Thank you!

Library Update

Summer Program at the Library: Inventions Inspired by Animals

1st - 5th graders, join us every Tuesday in June from 10:00am - 12noon. We will learn how some animals have inspired inventions along with crafts, stories, science projects, and a few animal visitors. This is NOT a drop off program, parents/guardians must stay for each session. The cost is $10 per child for all four sessions. For more information and to register, please visit Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-program-at-the-library-inventions-inspired-by-animals-tickets-910836345027?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Bird Scavenger Hunt - All month during operating hours. Join in the fun and maybe win a prize.

Read Between the Lines Book Club - Tuesday, June 11 at 4pm. We will be discussing Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.

Watercolor Class (Birds) - June 11 from 6 - 8pm

Watercolor Class (Flags) - June 12 from 6 - 8pm

Twined Basket Weaving - June 18th & 20th from 1:004:00.

Flag Day - June 14th

Dads and Donuts Father’s Day Crafting - June 14th - Drop in from 3:00 - 5:00

Brickworks Backyard Bash

Our community of supporters came together on May 18th at our 3rd annual Brickworks Backyard Bash! Despite a little rain (a good downpour) the event was a huge success. We are grateful to our friends and neighbors who donated art, services, vacation getaways, dinners, and generous gift cards to our auction and raffle. Special thanks go to our host, Kelli Castille, and to our many volunteers (singers, band, MC, auctioneer, shleppers, chefs, kid wranglers - and the list goes on and on), as well as our sponsors, donors, and, of course, our guests. Chattachoochee Hills is a special place with neighbors who care about each other! That’s what stood out the most at this year’s bash - Neighbors Helping Neighbors!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram Neighbors Helping Neighbors! CommunityBrickworks.org

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High-speed internet makes it easier for small businesses to thrive, allows entrepreneurs to launch startups from anywhere, and attracts remote workers looking for a change of scenery

By providing access to social media, video conferencing, and online communities, fiber internet allows residents to stay connected with friends and family, even if they're miles apart

City Government

Georgia Cities Week

In May we wrapped up Georgia Cities Week where we set up a display at City Hall showcasing many projects and community assets, including Development Concentration, Historic Resources, Points of Interest, Transportation Alternates, and Public Art, and Wayfinding. The intent was to highlight the diverse community resources that add to the city’s uniqueness in the region and help contribute to the city’s growing tourism industry. The storyboards created offered opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, scenic tours, arts and cultural landmarks, scenic vistas, Civil War-era homes, and crossroad communities, and so much more. “Chattahoochee Hills is not just Cochran Mill Park and Serenbe, though we love those, too”, says Chris Montesinos, the city’s Economic Development Director. There is so much more to see and experience in Chatt Hills, and we are developing a tourism and

marketing strategy to get the word out to draw in visitors and future residents to the area. “The community is full of wonderful experiences waiting to be discovered, many of which may be unknown to our local citizens”, Montesinos says. The Community Asset maps can be found on the city’s website under the Economic Development Department page - Economic Development (chatthillsga.us).

Chris Montesinos, AICP

Economic Development Director

City of Chattahoochee Hills

6505 Rico Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268

Direct (770) 463-6575

City Government

The City says farewell and best wishes to our long-time professional traffic engineer, Wayne Smith, who is retiring to spend more time with with family. He has been a great friend to the city.

Diane White was sworn in Tuesday night at the Council Meeting by city attorney Tom Lacey. She is taking over the position that was vacated by Dana Wicher who is now serving as the city's Finance Director.

Dana Wicher, who has been the city clerk since May of 2015, is passing the torch to Diane White. Dana will continue to serve the city as the finance director.

Susan Calderon presented the city with an award from the Red cross for the 2024 Sponsorship Group of the Year - Government sector. We hold at least four blood drives a year in the Council Chambers, which are publicized in this newsletter as well as the website and city's monthly newsletter. The next Blood Drive will be July 10th.

City Government

Call to Order Councilmember Richard Schmidt absent.

Review and Approval of Agenda: Passed 5-0

Approval of Minutes

Mayor Reed wanted to add the American Red Cross to the Presentations section.

It was moved by Councilmember Peek and seconded by Councilmember Foster to add the American Red Cross to the Presentations section of the agenda. Motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Resolution of Appointment & Oath of Office for City Clerk

1. Item 24-023 - Council Approval of Resolution of Appointment for new City Clerk and Administer the Oath of Office

It was moved by Councilmember Foster and seconded by Councilmember Lowe to approve Item 24-023. Motion passed unanimously. The Oath of Office was administered by City Attorney, Tom Lacey.

Approval of Minutes:

1. Council Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 2, 2024

It was moved by Councilmember Lowe and seconded by Councilmember Peek to approve the April 2, 2024, Council Meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.

Presentations / Proclamations None

1. American Red Cross

2. Recognition of Retirement for Wayne Smith, Engineer

3. Proclamation Recognizing May 5th – 11th as Municipal City Clerk’s Week

Public Comments: There were three (3) Public Comment

Speakers: Janice Barton, Jenifer Cahyono, Renee Prince Staff Reports

Financial Update: Robbie Rokovitz

Fire Department Report: Greg Brett

Police Department Report: Kevin Digou

Public Works/Parks Report: Darold Wendlandt

Community Development Report: Mike Morton

Economic Development Report: Chris Montesinos

Public Hearing (None)

Unfinished Business

1. Item 23-044: Ordinance to amend the Official Zoning Map to Rezone 526 acres from the RL (Rural) District to the VL (Village) District – property is 526 acres on seven parcels located at all four corners of Cochran Mill Road and South Fulton Parkway.

It was moved by Councilmember Lowe and

Action Minutes ~ Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council City of Chatt Hills DRAFT Tuesday, May 7, 2024

seconded by Councilmember Foster to Defer Item 23044 until the July 2, 2024, Council meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

New Business

1. Item 24-024 – Council Approval of Election of GMA District 3 Southwest Officers

It was moved by Councilmember Lightsey and seconded by Councilmember Peek to approve Item 24-024. Motion passed unanimously.

2. Item 24-025 – Council Approval of Public Works Building Change Order Request in the amount of $21,569. It was moved by Councilmember Peek and seconded by Councilmember Foster to approve Item 24-025. Motion passed unanimously.

3. Item 24-026 – Council Consideration of Support of the Regional Trails Program Grant Resolution and Matching Funds in Amount Not to Exceed $57,000

It was moved by Councilmember Foster and seconded by Councilmember Peek to approve Item 24-026. Motion passed unanimously.

4. Item 24-027 - 1st Reading of Stream Buffer Variance in Serenbe

Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 14, Article 6, Section 5(a) To Reduce the Stream Buffer and Impervious Surface Setback Requirements to Allow Construction of a Wellness Center This was the 1st Read Only

5. Item 24-028 - Council Approval of Purchasing a Used Ladder Truck

Staff is recommending Council’s Approval of an Emergency Purchase of a Used 2003 Pierce Dash Ladder Truck from the City of Madison, GA in an amount not exceed $250,000 and an additional estimated $15,000 for Initial Maintenance and Upfit.

It was moved by Councilmember Lowe and seconded by Councilmember Foster to approve the authorization to bid Item 24-024. Motion passed unanimously.

6. Item 24-029 – Council Approval of a Resolution to Change Administrators of the Employer Provided Retirement Plan

It was moved by Councilmember Lightsey and seconded by Councilmembers Lowe and Peek to approve Item 24-029. Motion passed unanimously.

Mayor and Council Comments

Executive Session (None)

Adjourned Meeting at 7:45 p.m.

City Government

FY2024 Budget Public Hearings in June

I am pleased to present the first DRAFT of Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, which runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The revenues and expenditures you are seeing now will change between now and the end of the fiscal year. However, we feel confident that what we are presenting is within our usual conservative projections. The Budget Documents such as the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures, Revenue Sources, and Capital Budget will be made available on the City’s website under the Finance Department tab.

The City of Chattahoochee Hills initiates its formal budget process in mid-February to ensure time for an inclusive and transparent process while allowing the governing body the time to review projected revenues and anticipated expenditures prior to adopting the annual budget. That adoption takes place before the beginning of the fiscal year, July 1. Public meetings are also held to inform the citizenry, and to provide opportunities for public input.

Each department director met with the City Manager to review their respective budget requests. Each request was evaluated by the City Manager according to the priority specified by the department director and available funding.

The Mayor and I have held meetings with those elected officials who were interested in reviewing the projected revenues and anticipated expenditures making sure each member of the governing body has access to the same information and discussion items during this process. The first reading and public hearing on the FY2025 Budget will be held on June 4th. The second reading and budget adoption has not been scheduled at this time. But it will be before June 30, 2024.

The FY2025 Budget reflects a decrease from FY2024 Amended from $11,824,390 to $10,822,836 (-8.5%). This is due to spending the TSPLOST fund balance on road projects in the current fiscal year.

The General Fund is increasing from $5,225,653 to $5,322,573 (1.9%). This is primarily attributed to a higher anticipation in property taxes as well as sales (L.O.S.T.) and use taxes.

The Debt Service Fund will decrease 28% from $275,923 to $198,127 because we have com-

Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM

pleted the payments for the public works equipment purchased six years ago.

The Hotel Motel Fund is showing a 5% decrease from $422,092 to $400,911. Of this amount, $93,573 is unrestricted and projected to transfer to the General Fund. 43.75% of all collections is allocated to our Convention and Visitors Bureau (CHCVB). This decrease is due to the proper spending of the fund balance that is not supposed to exist in this fund as well as the audited requirement to transfer funds to the General Fund. I have an itemized spreadsheet of where all these monies are allocated.

The Grants Fund is decreasing 42% from $1,048,582 to $606,502 as we have been spending the State and Local Federal Relief Funds (SLFRF) funded through ARPA. We received a total of $1,239,062 from the Federal government and have spent $435,4077 on employee recruitment and retention bonuses as well as capital improvement projects at city hall. We estimated the expenditure for bonuses to be around $324,400. We were right at $323,400 with these bonuses ending April 2023. We have also spent $503,698 for the new Public Works facility and $124,692 on other capital expenditures. These funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and spent by December 31, 2025.

The Capital Fund is increasing 44% from $1,797,818 to $2,600,004 as we allocated more of our reserves to pay for capital equipment and roadway repair and maintenance. We programmed $650,000 for a fire apparatus; but there is an ongoing effort to make this procurement without using these funds.

The TSPLOST Fund decreased 58% from $1,723,865 to $720,000. This decrease is associated with the spending of all the TSPLOST fund balance as well as Capital reserves on a $3M road paving project this current fiscal year.

Lastly, the reserve for contingency is being reduced 24% from $1,371,473 to $1,048,292 to compensate for the allocated funds to the aforementioned TSPLOST project.

The table below illustrates increases and decreases in each fund category. (article continues bottom of next page)

City Government

2024 Burn Ban Started May First

By Chief Greg Brett

Open burning is banned from May 1 to September 30. Properties/persons who do not meet EPD-defined exceptions may not conduct burning. Properties/Persons who meet EPD-defined exceptions must always pre-notify the Chattahoochee Hills Fire Department, per city ordinance.

GEORGIA ENVIRONMENTAL

PROTECTION DIVISION: “Summer Burn Ban” (May 1 – September 30) 54 counties

Air quality can deteriorate in the summer due to the formation of ground-level ozone. The Summer Burn Ban reduces ozone by prohibiting certain “open burning” activities from May 1 through September 30 in specific counties. During this period, the open burning activities are

Greg Brett, Chief of Fire, EMS & Emergency

prohibited in 54 Georgia Counties. Prescribed burning is also prohibited in 19 counties that include Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Spalding, and Walton.

EPD-permitted burning activities during the summer ban include: Campfires and Cooking

WHEN THE BURN BAN IS LIFTED

(after Oct. 1 lasting until April 30), these “open burning” activities are allowed as defined by Georgia EPD and the Georgis Forestry Commission:

• reduction of leaf piles, yard debris, or hand-piled natural vegetation on premises

• agricultural procedures for production or harvesting of crops (if land tract is 5 acres or less)

• burning vegetative material for

The chart below provides a visual of the fund comparison between FY2024 and FY2025.

This budget includes funding made available to maintain city services while continuing to make strategic reinvestments in our infrastructure. Over the next year, we will

agricultural operations (if land tract is greater than 5 acres)

• prescribed burning

• recreational purposes and cooking

• fire-fighting training

• acquired structure burns

• vegetative debris from storms

• weed abatement, disease, and pest prevention

• open flame devices

• land clearing, construction, and right-of-way maintenance

• disposal of packaging materials for explosives

• land clearing with an air curtain destructor

Additional burning restrictions may apply based on the county or local ordinances. It is unlawful in Georgia to burn man-made materials such as tires, shingles, plastics, lumber, or household garbage, even in a burn barrel.

continue to monitor expenditures and revenues to ensure we are in line with or better than the forecasted path for the City. Preparation of the budget is an extensive and calculated task. We would like to thank all of the employees who make the budgeting process and resulting budget document as meaningful for the public as possible, and their commitment to public service is evident through the hard work they put into the budget process and into the services they provide the residents every day.

We extend our special thanks and gratitude to our elected officials for their detailed and passionate involvement in the budgetary process. We are confident that the Council and staff will be able to meet the challenges that will face us in the next fiscal year and beyond.

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

Terra School at Serenbe: https://www.terraatserenbe.org

These will be virtual and open to the public. Meetings will be streamed live. Check details on the City’s website.

City Council Work Session - Tues. June 4, 4:30-6:00 pm

City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

City Council Meeting - Tues. June 4, 6:00 pm

City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Historic Comission Meeting - Mon. June 10, 6:30 pm

City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Parks Commission - Tues.June 11, 6:00 pm

City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Planning Commission Meeting - Thurs. June 13, 6:30 pm

City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Chatt Hills News 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 by the 15th of every month for publication on the 1st of the month to: chatthillsnews@chatthillsga.us

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.

On May 21st, Chief Digou swore in our newest officer, Terry Giese. Officer Giese brings a wealth of experience and leadership to our department as a Drug Recognition expert, DUI expert, and Traffic Enforcement expert; he also has Gang Task Force experience. Please welcome Officer Giese to our department.

Email Subscriptions: To subscribe via email visit: www. chatthillsga.us, Or subscribe directly at this link: https:// lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/w9cGwxA

About Chatt Hills News Print Copies:

Residents of Chatt Hills who do not have internet may request mailed copies by calling City Hall: (770) 463-8881.

2024 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