Economy, Milton County on Johns Creek’s mind

2008 may be coming to an end in a few weeks and Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker has 2009 on his mind.

In his final town hall meeting of the year, the mayor discussed several issues and goals that the city is working on and what residents can look forward to in 2009.

City businesses
Bodker discussed how the economy is affecting the city: restaurants and businesses closing their doors. But he suggested that residents do their part in helping the city prosper.

"Please try to use a restaurant in Johns Creek or try to use a local business in Johns Creek," said Bodker. "If you do that, then I think we'll have a better shot at keeping these businesses. We really do need to choose to use Johns Creek."

Referring to initiatives he set as goals for the city early in the year, Bodker said "Choose to Use Johns Creek" is as simple as residents changing their addresses to read Johns Creek, Ga. on mail or calling credit card companies to change their home address to read the city's name.

"We have to build this identity," he said. "It comes one household at a time, one person at a time."

Postal Service
Bodker told attendees that after being denied by the U.S. Postal Service for the city's own zip code and post office, he is working with Rep. Tom Price in meeting with the Post Master General in Washington , D.C. to inquire about the possibilities for both.

Milton County
One resident asked about the status of a future Milton County. Bodker said Rep. Jan Jones and Speaker Pro Tem Mark Burkhalter are introducing a bill in the next legislative session in January regarding Milton County.

"They think they can get (the bill) to the House floor," said Bodker, who added that the bill would require a super majority vote. Georgia has a law restricting the number of counties to 159 and the new bill would support the re-creation of counties in the state.

Public Safety
One resident asked if the city has the technology for traffic lights to automatically turn red at intersections if an ambulance or fire truck is approaching the intersection. Bodker said the city is not equipped with that technology.

He added that the fire department has received more than 200 calls for service since its start-up a month ago. Bodker told attendees that a 911 system is underway – partnering with Sandy Springs – and could be up and running by July 2009.

"We feel good about the decision to move forward with the center and it is a very difficult task to do it right," he said. "I feel like we're going to have a great 911 system."

Love Shack
Like at every town hall meeting, a resident asked the status of the Love Shack, the adult-oriented business that closed its location on State Bridge Road in October.

Bodker said there are two lawsuits pending and the next hearing is scheduled for February.

Road Projects
Some residents praised the recent resurfacing projects such as Medlock Bridge Road during the town hall meeting. Another resident asked about the amount of street lights at various intersections in the city.

Bodker said any concerns and/or comments about what residents would like to see be taken care of regarding city streets can be addressed by the city's Public Works Department at 678-512-3200.
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