Chatt Hills News ~ May 2024

CHATT HILLS NEWS

Hello, Chattahoochee Hills! MAYOR TOM REED

Chattahoochee Hills Seeking Public Comment on Universal Access Park Trails

The Chattahoochee Hills Parks Commission, with support of the Mayor & Council, is seeking public comment on its desire to create a universal access trail at our new RiverLands Park, which would provide accessibility whether on foot, in a stroller, or a wheelchair.

The City of Chattahoochee Hills has 1,200 acres of preserved parkland with 22 miles of trails, but no trail that meets the accessibility guidelines of the ADA and ABA. The Wheel Beautiful: RiverLands Scenic Universal Access Trail will invite all residents and visitors in the City, from the very young to the very old, to experience nature in the form of woodlands, meadows, views of the Chattahoochee River, and a pollinator meadow featuring native wildflowers. The site chosen for the approximately mile-long trail has varied habitats

yet level topography, and the only trailhead in the city equipped with accessible parking and accessible restroom facilities. The trail can be easily traversed, whether on foot, with a stroller, or in a wheelchair. It will be 6 feet wide, with a firm, stable surface and have 4 locations with benches for resting and observing nature, along with a picnic area, two viewing platforms, and a footbridge. The trail will also enable users to view the Chattahoochee River from a location well removed from vehicular traffic.

The Wheel Beautiful Trail dovetails nicely with the Camp+Paddle Trail site, also in the City’s RiverLands Park, which is part of the 100-mile long Chattahoochee RiverLands Greenway Study. The Camp+Paddle Trail site is currently under construction, directed by the Trust for Public Land with funding from the Georgia

Outdoor Stewardship Program. Its estimated completion date is summer 2024, and it will provide accessible restrooms and parking at the trailhead for the Wheel Beautiful Trail.

According to the Chairman of the Parks Commission, Diana Wilson, “Building an adaptive trail system isn't just about creating pathways; it's about fostering inclusivity, promoting wellness, and embracing diversity within our community. Let's pave the way for everyone to explore the beauty of our outdoors, regardless of ability,” continued Chairman Wilson. Please send your comments about this project to the city manager, Robbie Rokovitz at robbie.rokovitz@ chatthillsga.us

Serenbe Farmers Market is Going Strong!

Nestled in the heart of Serenbe's Grange hamlet, with views of the iconic stables and grazing horses, is the new location of the Serenbe Farmers Market. Each Saturday from 9am to 1pm through October, friends, neighbors, and visitors can gather and shop for a variety of handcrafted hot & cold foods, beverages, artisanal breads & pastries, Serenbe Farms freshly harvested produce, local meats, wild caught seafood, body care products, fresh flowers, fine arts & crafts, with live music courtesy of Mr. Jeff. Special market days throughout the season include SerenBEE Day on May 11th, The Tournament of Tomatoes (June), Red, White, and Blueberry Day (July), and SerenBOO Day (October).

Located across from the General Store, 10642 Serenbe Lane, Chatt Hills, GA.

A few spaces remain available during the season. If you are interested in joining our family of vendors, email market@serenbefarms.com.

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Grady to Build Freestanding Emergency Department in South Fulton County - the 20,000-square-foot facility will bring emergency care to communities south of I-20

ATLANTA – As part of its ongoing mission to meet the growing need for emergency services in metro Atlanta, Grady Health System will build a freestanding emergency department in south Fulton County. This freestanding emergency department, built in partnership with Fulton County, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and fully staffed by board-certified physicians, nurses, and other clinicians.

Grady’s freestanding emergency department will be south of I-20 in Union City. The community in south Fulton County continues to experience an increased demand for access to health care following the closure of Wellstar’s Atlanta Medical Center South and Atlanta Medical Center. In 2023, Grady treated nearly 138,000 patients in its emergency department at its main campus in downtown Atlanta.

“As metro Atlanta’s population grows, so does the need for medical care, specifically emergency care in South Fulton,” said John Haupert, Grady’s president and CEO. “The freestanding emergency department will allow us to serve this community by bringing exceptional care to patients right where they live. The residents in this area deserve the same level of quality care available in other areas, and Grady is proud to take this major step toward fulfilling that need.”

The 20,000-square-foot emergency department will have 16 bays and provide care to adult and pediatric patients who need emergency care for serious injuries or life-threatening conditions. The facility will include imaging and laboratory services, a pharmacy, and patient and staff support areas. It will also feature a dedicated ambulance entrance for patients brought in by emergency medical services. A helipad will be on-site for flight transfers to area hospitals.

Currently, residents in South Fulton must travel up to 40 minutes to receive emergency care. The freestanding emergency department is Grady’s latest investment in meeting the needs of this community. A new Grady outpatient center opened on Cascade Road in July 2023. Another will open this summer at Lee + White, a mixed-use development in Atlanta’s West End. Both locations are south of I-20.

Funding for the freestanding emergency department is a combination of financial support from Fulton County and federal funding secured by Grady to increase access to health care.

“Everyone in Fulton County deserves access to health care, and no one should die early because of their ZIP code. We are pleased to see Grady is taking action to address the healthcare desert in South Fulton,” said Chairman Robb Pitts, Fulton County Board of Commissioners. “We look forward to seeing this facility get started so it can begin serving the community in the near future.”

Pending certificate of need approval, construction on the freestanding emergency department is expected to begin in the fall of 2024, with a projected opening date in 2026.

For a complete list of Grady’s locations, visit https://www. gradyhealth.org/locations/

About Grady Health System:

Grady Health System is one of the largest safety net health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953bed Grady Memorial Hospital, seven neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center, Correll Pavilion, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate.

With its nationally acclaimed emergency medical services, Grady is Atlanta's only Level I trauma center and serves as the 911 ambulance provider for the city of Atlanta. Grady's Walter L. Ingram Burn Center is the leading burn center in North Georgia. And the Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center is a Joint Commission designated Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Other key services/distinctions include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center with its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Georgia's first Cancer Center for Excellence, The Avon Comprehensive Breast Center, the Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, and the Ponce de Leon Center - one of the top HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country. Grady is one of an elite group of hospitals to earn the Baby-Friendly USA international recognition as a Baby-Friendly Designated birth facility. For more information, visit http://www.gradyhealth.org/.

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Sen. Ossoff Presses USPS Postmaster General Under Oath Amid Lengthy Delays at Palmetto Distribution Center WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kcza7ra197Q

Press Release from the office of U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff April 16, 2024

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is continuing to press the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to address lengthy delays at the processing and distribution center in Palmetto.

April 16, in a U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, Sen. Ossoff pressed USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy — under oath — for specific answers and solutions to the monthslong delays Georgia families and businesses continue to face getting mail and packages on-time.

“I’ve got constituents with prescriptions that aren’t being delivered. I’ve got constituents who can’t pay their rent and their mortgages. I’ve got businesses who aren’t able to ship products or receive supplies,” Sen. Ossoff said to Postmaster General DeJoy. “Let me be clear: I think postal workers are out there every single day working their hearts out to deliver the mail on time. But if they don’t have the infrastructure and the management competence overhead them to make a transition like this without drastically impairing the core function of the Postal Service, everyone in my state is losing. The amount of distress this is causing my constituents is massive.”

During the hearing, Sen. Ossoff specifically raised that the percentage of inbound mail delivered on time has dropped to only 36 percent in recent months. He also pressed DeJoy for specific answers about what he and USPS will do in the coming weeks to solve these challenges.

“The long run is too long. You’ve got weeks, not months, to fix this,” Sen. Ossoff said.

Last month, Sen. Ossoff launched an inquiry pressing Postmaster General DeJoy to provide detailed answers and explanation amid growing reports. This is an external link of missing and delayed mail processed through the Atlanta Regional Processing and Distribution Center — impacting families’ ability to get life-saving medicine and vital mail services, hurting small businesses, delaying absentee ballots, and more.

Also last month, Sens. Ossoff and Reverend Raphael

Warnock and Congressman Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) launched a bipartisan inquiry with Postmaster General DeJoy to provide a detailed explanation for alleged fraud at the Marietta Post Office last year.

Click here to watch Sen. Ossoff’s questioning https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kcza7ra197Q

Please find a transcript of Sen. Ossoff’s line of questioning below:

SEN. OSSOFF: “Mr. DeJoy, the core job of the Postal Service is to deliver mail and packages on time, correct?”

PG DEJOY: “Yes, sir.”

SEN. OSSOFF: “Are mail and packages being delivered on time in Georgia today?”

PG DEJOY: “No, sir.”

SEN. OSSOFF: “Why not?”

PG DEJOY: “We have had significant issues, in terms of transitioning from 11 plants in the Atlanta area into 3 … we’ve taken on a big … Atlanta has been one of our worst … the Georgia area has been one of our worst served areas over the last 10 years, mostly because we had 10-12 different locations around the Atlanta area.”

SEN. OSSOFF: “Mr. DeJoy, I don’t want to talk about the last 10 years, I want to talk about the last three months. Do you know, since you made the shift to the new Palmetto facility, what percent of outbound first-class mail was delivered on time in Atlanta?”

PG DEJOY: “It’s a significantly lower number.”

SEN. OSSOFF: “Yeah, 66 percent. Do you know what share of inbound mail, first-class mail is delivered on time?”

PG DEJOY: “It’s probably a whole day late.”

SEN. OSSOFF: “Take a guess how much of it’s on time.”

PG DEJOY: “35 percent?”

SEN. OSSOFF: “You’re pretty much there. 36 percent. 36 percent of the mail is being delivered on time to my constituents. What is the specific nature of the operational failure?”

PG DEJOY: “The specific nature they operate, we had to move 2,000 people from all these different plants into one location, we have strict requirements as to when they move. It’s a big facility that we opened up, we have inbound transportation issues.”

SEN. OSSOFF: “But you knew was going to be hard and complicated, right?”

PG DEJOY: “Yeah, and we tried to phase it in over several months, which we did. And we’re gonna fix it, you’re absolutely right.”

SEN. OSSOFF: “When is it going to be fixed?”

PG DEJOY: “You will start seeing service improve, you should see it start now, and I think we’ll get to where we need to be in about 60 days.”

SEN. OSSOFF: “Do you think that one of your private sector competitors would have rolled out … a new system that would reduce on time delivery to 36%, and then say it’s going to take months to fix it? Months?”

PG DEJOY: “Private businesses and taking on operations of this nature with the resources that we have, do in fact have these types of problems.”

SEN. OSSOFF: “You don’t have you don’t have months to fix 36 percent of the mail being delivered on time. I’ve got constituents with prescriptions that aren’t being delivered. I’ve got constituents who can’t pay their rent and their mortgages. I’ve got businesses who aren’t able to ship products or receive supplies. I wrote you on March 14, did you get my letter?”

PG DEJOY: “Uh, My office probably, My office—”

SEN. OSSOFF: “I didn’t write your office, I wrote you. Did you receive my letter?”

PG DEJOY: “I have not read your letter.”

SEN. OSSOFF: “You haven’t read my letter?”

PG DEJOY: “I tried to speak to you Friday or yesterday.”

SEN. OSSOFF: “You haven’t read my letter?”

PG DEJOY: “I have—”

SEN. OSSOFF: “The mail is not on time in Georgia. I’m a member of the Committee of jurisdiction. You haven’t read my letter. Well, that explains why I haven’t received a response to my letter.

“March 14, I wrote you with two specific questions. What update can you provide regarding the aforementioned reported issues at the Atlanta Regional Processing and Distribution Center in Palmetto? Question one. Question two, how is USPS currently communicating with customers in the metro Atlanta area reporting delayed and lost packages? You haven’t read the letter?”

PG DEJOY: “So, letters come in, people put something together to answer it and get us.”

SEN. OSSOFF: “Let me, let me just give you just a friendly piece of advice. You should personally read letters from members of the U.S. Senate Committee that funds and oversees your operations, particularly where you are failing abysmally to fulfill your core mission in my state.

“And let me be clear, I think postal workers are out there every single day working their hearts out to deliver the mail on time. But, if they don’t have the infrastructure, and the management competence overhead them to make a transition like this, without drastically impairing the core function of the Postal Service, everyone in my state is losing.

“The amount of distress this is causing my constituents is massive. And I want to know what you are going to do, what specific steps you are going to take to fix this within two weeks?”

PG DEJOY: “So we have engaged over 50 different management executives on site. We’re finishing up our staffing at all look at the remaining three locations. We are looking at our truck schedules, revamping our truck schedules. We are stabilizing the operation in terms of our machinery that we have deployed there, we are working better on, we have special teams down on site on working on our docks, and we’re working the rest of the transportation aspects of this that have been causing a significant amount of problems and the two plants where we did a lot of transfers within the next 10 days, we should have them fully staffed. We had issues in terms of those transfers. So, the team is working, working very hard, and I can assure you that in the long in the long run that you will have the probably the best service in the country.”

SEN. OSSOFF: “The long run is too long. You’ve got weeks, not months to fix this. And if you don’t fix it, 36 percent on-time delivery, I don’t think you’re fit for this job. I yield to Senator Butler.”

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Third Annual Movie in the Park — A Fanciful Evening under the Stars, By Laurie Searle

Hutcheson Ferry Park, with its sprawling pasture-like lawn fringed by tall trees in every shade of green, and its discrete trails well-hidden from view, offers a quiet respite most days of the year.

But on the rare occasion when the City hosts special events there, this sleepy park sparks with excitement to showcase the best of Chatt Hills.

April 13 was such a day, as more than 100 residents gathered at Hutcheson Ferry Park for the third annual Chatt Hills Movie Night hosted by Chatt Hills Community Outreach in partnership with the City of Chattahoochee Hills and the Art Farm at Serenbe.

Popular Cupcake Concert Returns

Before the movie started, Art Farm at Serenbe led a spring Cupcake Concert and gave out fifty free ukuleles for kids to bring home with them! Professional musician and educator Cain Oscar-Bergeron taught the children a fun crash course in the ukelele, focusing on skills such as tuning and basic scales, and participants walked away with several tunes to master on their new instrument.

"Art Farm and our guest educator Cain had the best time leading our spring Cupcake Concerts!" said Madalyn Mentor, Art Farm's Executive Director. "Educational

programming is core to Art Farm's mission, and pop-up events like the Cupcake Concerts are a way to make it fun and accessible for the community. We loved seeing the joy and excitement on kids' faces as they learned how to make their very own music on the ukulele!"

Art Farm at Serenbe organizes multiple Cupcake Concerts annually as part of its educational and outreach initiatives. These events are open to everyone and free of charge. Stay updated by checking Art Farm's website (www.artfarmatserenbe.org) and social media channels (www.instagram.com/artfarmserenbe) so you don't miss any upcoming events!

Featured Film – WONKA

As Mother Nature dimmed the spring-time sky, Councilmembers Ruby Foster and Camille Lowe greeted residents, thanked and acknowledged the many staff and volunteers who helped with the event, and introduced the feature film.

Wonka is a 2023 musical fantasy comedy film that tells the origin story of Willy Wonka, an aspiring magician, inventor, and chocolatier, who arrives in Europe to establish his chocolate shop at The Galéries Gourmet. The story was light-hearted, fanciful, and the perfect choice for family

The community gathered at Hutcheson Ferry Park for the third annual Movie Night hosted by Chatt Hills Community Outreach in partnership with the City of Chattahoochee Hills and the Art Farm at Serenbe.

The Cupcake Concert by Art Farm at Serenbe is enjoyed by children of all ages (including their parents)

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entertainment. To add to the enjoyment, Wonka balloons, candy, and popcorn were offered to the guests, free of charge.

The evening became even more magical once the iconic Chatt Hills dark skies appeared. Adding to the twinkling of star lights from above, guests randomly tossed their glow sticks in the air throughout the movie, creating a low-budget specular light show as if to say, “Yeah! This is why we love Chatt Hills!”

Acknowledgements

Chattahoochee Hills thanks and acknowledges the following people and organizations who supported this event:

• Chatt Hills Community Outreach: Councilmembers

Ruby Foster and Camille Lowe, event coordination; Parks Commission member Roland Alston, guest parking; Maria Hanson, event banner and signs; Nan McGuffey and Catherine Huston, freebee table passing out WONKA Candy and Lollipop balloons; Laurie Searle, newsletter and website story.

• City Staff: City Manager Robbie Rokovitz, procured the movie rights, negotiated additional fees with a recent movie production company to help cover costs and make this a free event; Public Works Darold and his team prepared the park; Fire Chief Greg Brett and his team provided public safety; Police Chief Kevin Digou and his team assisted with traffic.

• Chatt Hills Convention and Visitors Bureau: Janice Barton and Joyce Wood offered Chatt Hills t-shirts and hats for sale and free giveaways.

• Art Farm at Serenbe: Executive Director Madalyn Mentor, Marketing Coordinator Georgia Smith, and Educator Cain Oscar-Bergeron – cupcake concert.

• Vendors: FunFlicks provided outdoor movie projector

and screen rental; Snack on the Go- Jane Danko

For more information about Chatt Hills Community Outreach and its events, visit: www.chatthillscommunityoutreach.com

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The iconic Serenbe Wildflower Meadow, located at the crossroads of Selborne Lane just outside of the historic Inn at Serenbe in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, has undergone an extraordinary transformation as a coalition of partners led by the Art Farm Environmental Council created this large-scale restoration project. The meadow, which holds deep historical significance within the Serenbe community, will be revitalized into a vibrant and sustainable habitat for native pollinators and wildlife.

The Serenbe Wildflower Meadow has played a pivotal role in the history of the Serenbe community, serving as both inspiration and catalyst for its creation. Founder Steve Nygren's initial concern about sprawl in the area led to the preservation of this meadow, which has since become a cherished open space with a soft trail system and several sculptures, enjoyed by Serenbe residents and the broader Chattahoochee Hills community.

Now, 20 years later, a diverse coalition of partners has come together to restore the Serenbe Wildflower Meadow to native form. The project is a collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeastern Grasslands Institute, State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Serenbe Town

Association, Serenbe Land Company, Quail Forever, and the Bobwhite Quail Initiative. This collective effort is transforming a 13-acre section of the meadow into a permanent community of native plants that will serve as a protected pollinator and wildlife habitat.

The restoration project will serve as a safeguarding site for the endangered Georgia Aster and will include host species for the threatened Monarch Butterfly. The transformation will unfold over the next 18-24 months and involve phases such as early remediation and invasive vegetation removal beginning in fall 2023, planting native grasses and pollinator-friendly plants, and the installation of interpretative signage and educational infrastructure.

Despite the occasional fallow appearance of the meadow, including periods after prescribed burns, the restoration project is following best practices guided by a team of conservationists and botanists. This approach recognizes that these intervals of succession are necessary to establish a healthy permanent ecology.

Community involvement is an integral part of this project, with volunteers participating in significant ways, including the installation of 1,500 bales of native grass hay which happened in late April. This hay, full of seed heads, will form the foundation of the native plant community and will be supplemented with more sensitive species like native milkweeds in future plantings.

Upon completion, the Serenbe Wildflower Meadow will stand as the largest pollinator restoration project in Chattahoochee Hills and the surrounding area, further supporting the Chattahoochee Hills Bee City designation – also catalyzed by the Art Farm Environmental Council.

Wildflower Meadow Restoration Project By the Art Farm at Serenbe

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The meadow partnership envisions expanding its efforts into other restoration projects throughout Chattahoochee Hills, including discussions with the Parks Commission regarding the city's parks and potential collaboration with other private landowners.

This ambitious restoration project not only preserves the natural beauty of the Serenbe Wildflower Meadow but also enhances its role as a symbol of positive change and environmental stewardship. It demonstrates what can be achieved when communities come together to protect and promote their shared values and spaces.

Follow Art Farm on social media and visit our website for updates as we begin making progress on this exciting project. https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org/press/art-farm-announces-serenbe-wildflower-meadow-restoration-project

cities across Georgia.

Thomas Peters, and Shep & Elaine McCandlish.

Janice Barton

Thomas Peters & Morgan Boszilkov

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Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail ~ Studio Swan

By Laurie Searle

Announcing the 50th addition to the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail featuring “Thistle Bloom” at StudioSwan, located at 6401 Campbellton Redwine Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268

Celebrating the Creative Life

Tom Swanston and Gail Foster moved to Chattahoochee Hills in 2005 and were among the first artists to develop a live-work building in the Serenbe Community, becoming its first "unofficial" artists-in-residence.

They enjoyed their idyllic lives here until two unexpected events led them away. They moved back in 2017 and two years later purchased a historic lodge, which they artfully repurposed into studios, exhibit areas, workshop spaces, and offices for their StudioSwan.

When selecting a pattern for their barn quilt, they chose the Thistle Bloom (by Wendy Russell) as a nod to Tom's Scottish heritage.

About the Artists

Gail is a painter, photographer, and mixed media visual artist who focuses her attention on the issues of the feminine and women in today’s culture -- always from an optimistic perspective of overcoming and succeeding.

Tom’s focus is on raising awareness of cranes and their beauty – their long-term conservation and strategy for actions for their major threats, such as habitat loss.

As a company and couple, they give back; they donate each year a

significant amount of artwork to nonprofit auctions that are close to their missions: Community Brickworks, Chattahoochee River Keepers, Captain Planet, Audubon Society and a host of visual cultural institutions. For more information, visit StudioSwan https://studioswan.com.

For more photos and the hosts’ heritage story, visit: www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail.com/studioswan.html

Chatt Hills Been Club (CHBC) member Paul Gibson recently captured two swarms of honeybees in his fruit tree orchard this spring.

Learning About Honeybee Swarms — Chatt Hills Bee Club

By Laurie Searle

Honeybee swarms. These huge clouds of bees performing a ritual dance before congregating en masse on a nearby structure can be quite alarming to the untrained eye. But to experienced beekeepers, honeybee swarms create an opportunity to augment their bee supply, free for the taking.

What Is a Honeybee Swarm?

(source learnbees.com)

A honeybee swarm is when one colony splits into two colonies. Basically, half the colony “moves out” and finds a new home. This can happen for two reasons: either the honeybee colony has become too congested with too many bees, or the colony wants to split so it can reproduce.

Swarming typically happens in the peak spring or summer months; however, the swarm preparation begins weeks before it happens. Special “queen cells” are created once the colony decides it needs to swarm. Queen cells are made to hatch a new

queen. The old queen leaves during the swarm and takes half the colony with her. Meanwhile, a new queen hatches and stays with the colony left behind.

But the honeybees can’t leave empty-handed. So, the swarming bees gorge themselves on honey to take with them to their new home. Swarms typically land on something close to their original hive – a tree, bush, or sometimes a man-made structure. Meanwhile, the colony sends out special "scout bees" to search for a new nesting location. Once the new hive location is picked, the swarm moves in and starts building comb, laying eggs, and collecting food. Honeybees typically nest above ground in places such as empty tree cavities.

How Long Do Bees Stay in Swarms?

Swarms may stay in place for anywhere between 15 minutes to several days. It just depends on how long the scout bees take to find a new home

for the colony. But before a beehive settles into a swarm, it’ll first start as a cloud of buzzing bees. From there, it usually takes the bees about 15 minutes to settle down into a swarm cluster on a branch or other steady surface. This is where they’ll wait until the scout bees find a new nesting spot.

What Do You Do if You See a Bee Swarm?

Nothing. Swarming is the natural process honeybees use to reproduce. And despite popular belief, honeybee swarms don’t want to sting you. They’re not in defense mode because they don’t have a hive, eggs, or honey to protect. Instead, they’re in a limbo stage, trying to find a new home. So don’t panic.

That said, you want to give the bees some space so they don’t feel like you’re trying to hurt them. Besides that, the bees simply need time to find a new place to live. If the bees are still there after a few days, you can call a local beekeeper to help relocate the swarm. Beekeepers love swarms because they’re essentially free bees.

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Chatt Hills Bee Club Members Share their Experiences

At the April meeting of the Chatt Hills Bee Club, members learned from one another as they shared their experiences with honeybee swarms.

Victoria Reece illustrated what the cloud of buzzing bees looks like before settling down to into a swarm cluster. With her arms waving like an inflatable advertising wind puppet, participants could easily imagine the dancing bees.

Paul Gibson recently captured two swarms without much effort. He said the swarms are attracted to his fruit trees and cluster near the top of the trees. He simply bends the branch over, gives it a good shake, and the bees land in a hive he’s prepared below the branch.

Dixie Langley said she looks forward to capturing her first swarm as she would like to add a variety of natural bees to those she purchased for her hives.

Shawna Godfrey described flow hives that have a window for viewing inside the hive and enable harvesting honey directly from the hive.

Brian Wagner share information he has learned while going through the Certified Beekeeper course offered through University of Georgia. UGA offers four levels of certification including: certified beekeeper, journeyman beekeeper, master beekeeper, and master craftsman beekeeper.

Roland Alson asked if the dozen of dead bees he found in his basement might be a sign of a swarm. The group didn’t think so, but suggested those may be “scout bees” looking for a new nesting location. They didn’t suggest any action unless he started seeing bees inside his house.

Birgit Bolton shared her experience with her hives. She started with two last year, but both fizzled out. She was so discouraged she was ready to give up until receiving encouragement from members who shared similar experiences with bees that have come and gone over the years. She worked with Tom Bonnell, who came to her property to help her install a new packet of bees last month, and they seem to be doing well.

Don Barnes shared his experience with mite traps. Mites

can infect a hive so he tried a method of detecting mites by filling a container with rubbing alcohol, adding a handful of bees, shaking it up, and seeing if any mites float to the bottom. However, this method kills the bees, so he asked for other suggestions. One member suggested putting a white board in the bottom of the hive, and then as the bees come in the hive and shake their wings, any mites they have would be visible on the white bottom. In that way, mites can be detected then prevented without killing the bees.

Laurie Searle said she was initially interested in creating a pollinator garden and finding a natural way to treat for Japanese Beetles and deer without harming bees.

The Bee Club meeting ended with a trivia quiz, door prices, and announcements of the following events:

• May 11 – SerenBEE Day at the Farmers Market (Bee Club is seeking volunteers)

• May 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. – Pollinator Path at Bear Creek Nature Center (www.bearcreeknaturecenter.org)

• May 20, 6:30 p.m. – Next Chatt Hills Bee Club meeting at City Hall

About the Chatt Hills Bee Club.

Chatt Hills Bee Club (CHBC) is a community-based club that meets monthly to share our experiences and be active in supporting honeybees and pollinator gardens. We proudly support the City of Chattahoochee Hills and its “Bee City USA” designation. For more information visit us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/580817064096899

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Health and Wellness Chef Lisa Washington Inspires Change Through Her Personal Journey

Chef Lisa Washington offers delicous food and inspiration in local gatherings in Chatt Hills. She has done several pop ups at the Farmers Market with Pure Chilean and private dinners for Mindful Living Day retreats in Serenbe. Washington can provide a very special evening for your event or private dinner.

Washington is the CEO of B'Tyli Wellness and Beauty Co. She is a mindful living author and holistic wellness advocate has been a pioneering force in health and nutrition for over two decades. Washington's journey is not only professional but deeply personal, having overcome her health challenges as a kidney transplant recipient with support from her husband and donor, Joseph.

Washington's contributions to wellness are captured in her three books, including the popular Set the Table with Love and two meditation guides, Living With The Silver Lining and Whispers of Silence. These works underscore her philosophy of balance and inner peace, reinforcing her impact in holistic health circles.

A familiar face in media, Washington has appeared on the Food Network, 11 Alive’s Atlanta and Company, and regularly contributes to Fox 5’s Good Day Atlanta and 104.7 The Fish. Her recognitions include being featured on the cover of Best Self Atlanta Magazine as "Over 40 and Fabulous" and being named one of Atlanta’s Dynamic

Women by The Atlantan Magazine in 2021.

A devoted family woman, Washington's personal mantra, "No matter what life brings, live your dreams" is a testament to her resilience and dedication to spreading wellness.

For more information, interviews, speaking engagements, or mindfulness retreat inquiries please contact: Phone: 770-598-6493, Email: jlwashington9995@ymail.com Website: www.setthetablewithlove.com

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80th Anniversary of D-Day

By Fran Divino

This is the 80th Anniversary of D-DAY. It will be the last big Anniversary with WWII veterans present because of their age.

I have been taking groups of WWII veterans and their families to Normandy for 25 years. I organize the whole trip from the daily schedule and meals and hotels and ceremonies with active duty Military Participation.

I work hard to get specific places and events that are meaningful to each family in place. For instance, in June 2024, I am working now with a Ranger Battalion to escort the grandson of a famous general on a walk in his grandfather’s footsteps off of Omaha Beach.

I try to include the people on the tour in the ceremonies either with a small speech about their relative or to lay flowers at a monument.

I work with the Mayors in the liberated towns to organize ceremonies to honor events that happened in 1944.

I also work with locals and invite them to events, and even plan a barbecue at a private Norman home. It is really takes a group effort to coordinate everything, including hotels and restaurants, cemetery personnel, Military soldiers, Mayors and, the Embassey Consulate.

By the end of the trip, we become family, and it is something I am proud to do.

History

Normandy will forever be marked by the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy that led to the liberation of

France and Europe. 2024 will mark the 80th Anniversary of this historic event, and with it, a momentous occasion to celebrate peace, liberty, and reconciliation. A rich and unprecedented program of events will be put together to bring the memory of this tragic period of world history to life, all while emphasizing the spirit of hope.

THE MEMORY LIVES ON

On the 6th June 1944, and during the long summer which followed, soldiers from the world over came to fight in Normandy to defeat Nazism and to re-establish freedom. Normandy will bear the scars of the moment in history forever, and every year we remember and pay tribute to the veterans from America, Britain, Canada, Belgium, Denmark, Holland, Norway, Poland, Australia, France, and their brothers in arms, to those many heroes who lost their lives here during that summer, and are at rest in the cemeteries to be found throughout the area. It is often forgotten that the people of Normandy also paid a heavy price in those terrible battles. Each anniversary year is the occasion to pay tribute to the fallen and to the veterans who will come to attend the commemorative events and celebrations organized in Normandy. Lest we forget.

OUR COMMUNITY

Spring into wellness at Creek Retreat in Serenbe

By Greg Kasparian

It’s time to spring into wellness - experience rejuvenation and vitality to promote both beauty and wellness. Our services are meticulously curated and designed to deliver visible and lasting results. We invite you to transcend the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary potential of your mind and body. Here are a few ways you can be your best self this spring and beyond.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Through this treatment, your body can heal inside and out. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) aids in healing wounds and illnesses as well as being a preventative treatment. By breathing in the air inside our hyperbaric oxygen chamber, your lungs absorb 2-3 times more air.

Platinum Hydrafacial

This elevated Platinum HydraFacial will leave you feeling confident and ready to face life face-first. This 45-minute facial experience will reduce visible signs of aging through lymphatic drainage and light therapy. We will work with you to target specific skin concerns and guide you for continued at-home treatment.

BioCharger

Revitalize your mind and body with our BioCharger. Combining modern technology with ancient energy principles, you experience rejeuvination that can help restore

balance to your body. Our BioCharger uses a special blend of light and frequencies that stimulates your cells, improves circulation, and releases toxins.

Cryotherapy

Experience the ultimate form of full-body recovery.

Cryotherapy at Creek Retreat can go below minus 200 degrees Fahrenheit, activating several natural defense mechanisms on a cellular level. This can aid in alleviating pain, boost energy and metabolism, increase the body’s natural healing abilities, and so much more.

Body Contouring

Body contouring at Creek Retreat is a non-invasive, all-natural approach to body contouring. Warm and cold are modulated at varying times and temperatures according to the desired outcome. So, if you want to remove unwanted fat or cellulite, reinvigorate loose aging skin, or turn back the clock on your face, neck, and décolleté, we can help. We offer a wide array of pre-programmed protocols, so all you do is sit back and let one of our wellness therapists do the work. It's safe, painless, and stimulating.

Seize the opportunity to prioritize your well-being inside and out at Creek Retreat. From the refreshing depths of our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to the rejuvenating embrace of our Platinum Hydrofacial, every experience is crafted to elevate your vitality and restore harmony to your body and soul.

Let Creek Retreat be your sanctuary. Call us at 404907-1914 to book or email for more information: hello@ creekretreat.com - we are here to support your wellness - from beauty to biohacking. Visit: https://creekretreat.com, 11134 Serenbe Lane, Suite 100 Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268, Mon - Fri, 10am - 5pm and Sat, 10am - 3pm.

At Creek Retreat, wellness is not just a destination but a transformative experience.

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. Email nadine@generalstoreatserenbe.com with questions.

Fridays at the Farmhouse, 5:30-8:30pm

Music on the Porch

10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills

Live Music Fridays at The Farmhouse! Live on the Farmhouse porch from 5:30pm-8:30pm. We have the flame heaters pumpin' and the beats are a bumpin'.

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

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

May 4

Zorro's Crossing 8655 Sardis Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Read to Rescues with a Beach Theme, contact for time: https://www.zorroscrossing.org

10, 5-7pm

We are filling the gallery with art of all kinds, and giving great discounts for our last weekend prior to closing the gallery permanently.

Sat., May 18, 4:00pm

The Annual Spring Fundraiser for Community Brickworks

Four Sevens Farmette in Serenbe Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brickworks-backyard-bash-tickets-858279827067

The annual Brickworks Backyard Bash will be held May 18 at 4 Sevens Farmette. Tickets are on sale now and sponsorship opportunities are available. Please join us in support of this organization that does so much to help so many in the Chatt Hills community.

This year we will have music by Grateful to ‘Be, a special performance by the Serenbe Singers, drinks from Horsebar, a Low Country boil with Chef Sidney and live paella cooking by the one and only Paella Queen from 30A. There will be an exciting auction. Bring the kids, we will have lots of fun activities for them! Hope to see you there!

June and July from 9am–3pm, Monday through Friday

Camp Serenbe

Serenbe, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

In addition to our Traditional Camp, we offer Enrichment Camps for ages 5-12 with a new addition this year of Sewing & Yarn Art Camp for 8-12 year olds. Enrollment for Traditional and Enrichment are filling up fast, so reserve your child's spot today! Enrollment is currently only open to Serenbe Residents, Inn + Serenbe Property Management guests, and Terra School families. If you have any friends or family outside the community you want to join your child at Camp this summer, please email kara@campserenbe. com https://serenbe.campintouch.com/.../application/camper/ App

Hamlin Big Wheels Coming June 1!

This will be our 4th Adult Big Wheel Relay Race—and the most exciting news of all 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/

Arts Section

April 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 Nonfiction: Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees by

Aimee Nezhukumatathil

From the New York Times bestselling author of World of Wonders, this lyrical book of short essays about food offers a banquet of tastes, smells, memories, associations, and marvelous curiosities from nature, drawn together by intimate and humorous personal reflections, with Fumi Nakamura's gorgeous imagery and illustration throughout. Out now!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780063282261

New in Romance: Funny Story by Emily Henry

Jilted opposites attract in this steamy fake dating story from fan favorite Emily Henry! H&H bookseller Sandra recommends: “Anyone who can relate to the song ‘The Archer’ by Taylor Swift will adore this contemporary romance. It’s funny, witty, and sarcastic. This will be a book I plan to reread multiple times!” Out now!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593441282

New in Middle Grades: Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol

A “plain Jane” must venture to a world underwater to rescue her maybe-fiancé from kidnapping via mermaid. From Anya's Ghost and Be Prepared author Vera Brosgol comes an instant classic graphic novel that flips every fairy-tale you know on its head and shows one girl's crusade for the only thing that matters—her own independence. Out May 7th, for ages 10 and up. Signed copies expected in-store only!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781250314857

THRU MAY 12

Join us Friday May 10, from 5-7pm for wine, nosh, and hanging with the artists. May 12 will be the final day to purchase art from the Chatt Hills Art Gallery at 10-20% OFF. Our beloved gallery will be permanently closing.

Support local art: https://donorbox.org/chatthillsartistco-op 9057 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 www.artchatthill.com SHOP GREAT ART WITH

Adrienne Anbinder, Anne Beidler, Logynn B Ferrall, Gail Foster, BJ Glick, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Mary H Johnson, Pamela Kamor, Robert Lederman, Julie McKinney, Mary Collins-Shepard, Tom Swanston, and Judy Walker

Featured Artist Arts Section

Kristin Genet

Kristin Genet was born and raised in former East Germany, in a small village surrounded by woods and sunflower fields. At a very young age she was exposed to finding creative ways to make the most out of living in a socialist state. Since early childhood she showed an interest in designing by spending most of her time outside in the woods building forts. During her high school years she fell in love with both the performing and fine arts.

Later on she studied Architecture in Dresden, one of Germany’s most history-laden cities. After the wall came down, with the opportunity to travel, she followed her love of adventure and moved to Granada, Spain for one year. During that time her passion for set design grew and she enrolled in film school in Berlin, Germany. A movie project brought her to Los Angeles, California, where she lived for seven years. She now lives with her three children south of Atlanta, in Serenbe.

Her work is deeply inspired by her love of nature, her European background, and her desire for creating transformative experiences and art work.

To contact Kristin Genet, visit: kristin@kristingenetdesign.com, or call 323-497-8979.

Photo by Michael Greto

Photo by Michael Greto

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: Scott Areman, David Boyd Jr., Morgan Boszilkov, Logynn B Ferrall, and Judy Walker. For inquiries and purchase, contact Logynn Ferrall at (281) 658-5036, or logynnbferrall@mac.com.

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.

Memorials

Obituary for George Emmett Flowers

George Emmett Flowers lost his courageous battle with cancer and went to be with his Lord on April 7, 2024, at 4:25 p.m. George was born on June 14, 1952, in Daytona Beach, Florida and adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Flowers as an infant. George began his life-long connection to Fairburn when his family moved to their new home on Rivertown Road in 1958. George graduated from Campbell High School in 1970. Following high school, George attended Georgia Tech, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management in 1974. George was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity (Alpha Gamma Chapter at Georgia Tech).

George was preceded in death by his father, Charles Prescott Flowers, Sr; mother, Evelyn Lyle Ledbetter Flowers; brother, Charles “Chip” Prescott Flowers, Jr. and a very special person in his life, Pattie Lynch.

He is survived by nephew, Kenon (Joyann) Flowers, Peachtree City; great-nephew, Wren Flowers; and greatniece, Annabelle Flowers. George is also survived by friends and caregivers, Perry Crawford and Brian Gross; long-time friend, Tommy Thompson; his Friendship Baptist

Obituary for Faye Hunnicutt Thompson

Faye Hunnicutt Thompson, born on November 10, 1944, in Augusta, GA, peacefully passed away on March 11, 2024, in Newnan, GA. She was 79 years old.

Faye dedicated many years of her life as a secretary at Newnan Christian School, and retired from Fulton County Board of Education, where she touched the lives of many with her kindness and dedication. In her free time, she

Church family, and special friends Lee Anne Watson, Marvin Brock, Larry Tiernan, and Preston “Skip” Morrison. George accepted the Lord as his personal Savior and joined Friendship Baptist Church in Chattahoochee Hills in April 1963. Using the baptistry at Fairburn First Baptist Church, George was baptized by Friendship Pastor, Rev. Carl J. Mowell, Sr.

He enjoyed a career as an independent financial agent and cherished the relationships he developed with his clients. He was a gifted pianist who could play by ear. In recent years, George served as pianist for Friendship Baptist Church and displayed his creative talents weekly with the special offertory musical selections. George enjoyed a variety of music, however during his illness, he especially gravitated to the calming effects of classical music.

In his last weeks, George resided and received exceptional care at Brightmoor Nursing Center and Hospice in Griffin, Georgia. During his final hours and immediately after his passing, the heartfelt outpouring of love and compassion by the staff was surreal and spiritual. Special thanks to Taylor, Faye, Emily, Holly, Jena, and Haley, who are truly heavenly angels on earth.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to assist with funeral and final expenses. Please send donations to Friendship Baptist Church, 6090 Cochran Mill Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268. Please mark donations for “George Flowers Funeral Expense.”

found joy in collecting angels and creating beautiful crochet pieces.

She is survived by her loving husband, Bruce Thompson, her daughter Deborah White (Allen), her son, Robert Thompson (Elizabeth), and her grandchildren Abigail and her children, Chase, Hollie Rae and Waylon; Rachel (Adam) and their son, Murphy; Mark (Lexie); Erin and Tye. She also leaves behind her special friend, Penny Peppers.

Faye is preceded in death by her parents, James and Aileen Hunnicutt, her daughter Denise Thompson, and her sisters, Ann Turner and Jimmie Aldredge.

Connecting our unserved and underserved members to affordable, high-speed internet and helping bridge the digital divide in Georgia is the mission of GreyStone Connect. We've now proudly opened our first three zones, each representing a leap forward in connectivity.

From our very first connection to now serving over 100 satisfied customers with fiber-fast internet, every milestone marks a step towards a more connected future

Community BRICKWORKS REPORT

Food Pantry

In March, we served 61 families (117 adults and 65 children) and added 9 new families.

We get lots of donations, both monetary and in kind, large and small. All are appreciated and being put to good use! Thank you!

Library News

We had a great turn out for the March Madness Book Challenge

Ms. Brenda drew the names of the winners: Isaac Rodriquez and Sara Hollander. Thank you to all those who participated in this challenge. Keep checking Community Brickworks Facebook page for upcoming challenges. May Challenge: What do these books have in common? Figure out the common theme in a group of books. Enter your guess for a chance to win a prize. Ages PK-8th grade. Chair Caning was a great success. Everyone really enjoyed learning this craft. Keep an eye out for the next session and come join us.

Toddler Tuesday, every Tuesday at 9:30, is going strong. We are so excited to have Ms. Catherine Huston and Ms. Brenda Hayes on board so this group can meet every week. Ages Birth-4 years old

Save the Date:

The Annual Spring Fundraiser for Community Brickworks May 18th, 2024 - 4 PM at Four Sevens Farmette in Serenbe

There will be a live auction. All proceeds will benefit Community Brickworks. For more information and tickets, please visit our website.

Read Between the Lines Book Club met for our first book discussion on April 9th. A spirited discussion revealed great insights. Our next book is The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig. We will have our discussion on this book on May 14th at 4:00. Come join us.

Moms and Munchies—May 9th from 3:00-5:00. Bring the kids and enjoy a Mother’s Day craft and cookie decorating. Introduction to Genealogy —May 21st from 1:00-3:00. Ms. Judy Wilson will be guiding this beginner class for those of you who would like to learn the history of your family. There currently is room for only 2 people so register as soon as possible.

Author of the Month—Janet Evanovich

Thank you to those who have donated books. We are thrilled to be adding more current titles to the shelves. If you have any questions about donations, contact us at 770-463-6606 and we will get back to you.

All events will be available for registration through Eventbrite. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Neighbors Helping Neighbors! CommunityBrickworks.org

City Government

Fulton County Elections is gearing up for the May 21, 2024, General Primary Elections

This primary election will determine who will be on the ballot in November for the election of United States Representatives, Georgia House and Senate Representatives, Fulton County Commissioners, Sheriff, District Attorney State Judges, Probate Court Judges, and School Board members, among others.

Find attached the Early Voting Schedule, key dates, Fulton Votes App, and the "my voter" page information. Because redistricting has recently taken place, voters will need to check this page prior to voting to confirm which districts they are in.

There is also a copy of the "head of the household" mailer that will go out to the homes of all registered Fulton County Voters.

Please reach out to Fulton County Elections at https:// www.fultoncountyga.gov/news/2024/04/22/preparationsunderway-for-the-start-of-advance-voting-in-fulton-county if you have any questions or if you need help in any way!

City Government

Call to Order All members present.

Review and Approval of Agenda: Passed 5-0

Approval of Minutes

1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 5, 2024 Passed 5-0

Presentations / Proclamations None

1. Community Brickworks Update – Lisa Remley

2. Volunteer Appreciation Month Proclamation

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

Action Minutes ~ Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council City of Chatt Hills April 2, 2024 / 6:00 p.m.

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. Motion to defer passed 5-0

2. Item 24-006: Ordinance to approve a Special Use Permit for a Country Inn in the RL (Rural) District and for all other purposes related thereto – property is located at 8735 Wilkerson Mill Road. Motion to deny passed 5-0

New Business

1. Item 24-020: Ordinance to adopt a local amendment to Plumbing Code for water efficiency, and for other purposes. Passed 5-0

2. Item 24-021: Resolution recognizing Georgia Cities Week, April 21-27, 2024, and encouraging all citizens to support the celebration and corresponding activities. Passed 5-0

1. Item 24-022: Approval of the 2024 Parks Commission meeting schedule. Passed 5-0

Mayor and Council Comments

Executive Session (None)

Adjourn Meeting The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

City Government

Your TSPLOST Dollars at Work

I know everyone has been wondering when the $3.1M paving project will commence. Unfortunately, the contractors were unable to begin last year in order to finish before the weather turned. By the time you read this, the chip seal will be complete. They will begin microsurfacing Tuesday, April 30th and finish Friday May 3rd.

Microsurfacing is similar to slurry seal. Microsurfacing consists of the application of a mixture of water, asphalt emulsion, aggregate, and chemical additives to an existing asphalt concrete paving surface. Polymer is commonly added to the asphalt emulsion to provide better mixture properties. The roads that have been approved for microsurfacing include Hutcheson Ferry Road from the city limits at Palmetto to Sardis Road, Rivertown Road from Campbellton Redwine Rd to Cochran Mill Road, Cedar Grove Road from 100’ E of SS Cochran Mill to Cochran Mill, and Cochran Mill Road from Crosswalk Signal N to City Limits [Crk]. Allow me to share the details of this project as a refresher.

On August 1st, 2023, the Mayor and Council awarded a contract to Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc, in the amount of $1,012,340.50 for the 2023 TSPLOST (FY2024 Budget) and authorized the city manager to negotiate the terms as recommended by the Mayor and Council and execute all necessary contracts. On September 7th, the Mayor and Council approved additional funding in the amount of $201,447.00 (approx. 19.5%) to the project cost. This yielded a revised project cost of $1,213,787.50.

Concurrently with this project, we released a second RFP for the TSPLOST Phase II consisting of deep patching on Rico Road (SFP to Hutcheson Ferry Road) utilizing 19mm asphalt, a 4” wide milling head at a depth of 4”, as well as 4” paint to repair existing striping damaged during construction.

The sealed bid process closed at 2:00 PM on September 21st. The lowest most responsive and responsible bidder being recommended for Phase II was Piedmont Paving and Grading in the amount of $391,510.00.

After further review and analysis by our staff, engineers, and contractors, it has been determined that Rico Road needs more than just deep patching. It needs full depth reclamation. We reached out to the awardee, Piedmont Paving, and requested a change order for this

Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM

maintenance requirement. The change order came back with an increase of $1,377,670.14 in addition to the $391,510 for a total of $1,769,180.14 to fulfill the requirements to successfully complete this project.

Over the life of the TSPLOST, which is its separate fund with a separate bank account that is not comingled with the General Fund, we have a balance of $1,471,970 through the end of February.  If collections are exactly as they were this time last year, we will generate an additional $420,000 through the end of this fiscal year.  I chose the end of this fiscal year since that is when we will likely be invoiced for the work.  So that is a total of $1,780,822.  This does not include capital being budgeted for roads, which is $1,500,000. This allocates a total projected revenue of $3,280,822. P.E. (Professional Engineer) is estimated at 5% of the project total or $149,148.38. So, the best-case scenario for funding the 2023 TSPLOST is having $3,132,125.02 to spend.

In March, the Mayor and Council voted to spend $1,769,180.14 instead of $391,510.00 for TSPLOST Phase II Rico Road from South Fulton Parkway to Hutcheson Ferry Road. This will make the new total for the 2024 TSPLOST project $2,982,976.64. We estimate $149,148.38 (5% of project total) for professional engineering for a total of $3,132,125.02 for TSPLOST Phase I and II.

Thank you for your patience and support.

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. May 7, 4:30-6:00 pm

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

City Council Meeting - Tues. May 7, 6:00 pm

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

Convention & Visitors Meeting - Wed. May 8, 4:00-5 pm

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

Historic Comission Meeting - Mon. May 13, 6:30-8 pm

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

Parks Commission - Tues. May 16, 6:30 pm

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

Planning Commission Meeting - Thurs. May 16, 6:30 pm

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

Memorial Day City Hall Closed - Mon. May 27

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.

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