Milton councilman and FDA Regional Retail Food Specialist Alan Tart was part of a special FDA team that traveled to Washington D.C. for President Barack Obama's historic inauguration Jan. 20. These are photos from two of the balls he attended, one commemorating Vice President Joe Biden Jan. 19 and The Eastern States Ball Jan. 20. “One word sums up this experience,” said Tart. “Wow.”
Click here to view the rest of the gallery.
Showing posts with label Milton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Milton. Show all posts
Thursday, January 22, 2009
PHOTO GALLERY: Milton councilman Alan Tart at President Obama's Inaugural Ball
Monday, January 19, 2009
Alan Tart: The Presidential taste tester from Milton
In olden days, royalty had what they called food tasters, a seemingly thankless and terrible job whereby someone would taste the lord's food – at considerable personal risk – to stave off the very real threat of poisoning.
Though the availability of poison has not have changed, the methods by which it is detected certainly have. And that's where Councilman Alan Tart comes in.
No, he not really the president's food taster. But close.
Tart, a regional retail food specialist with the FDA since 1999, is part of a specialized, 15-member team that steps in during "high security" events or disasters. It has been called upon for the G-8 summit, hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Rita, the Republican and Democratic national conventions and Sept. 11.
Tart said the Secret Service and FBI will contact the FDA and request the team if they believe food security may be an issue. The official inauguration of the President of the United States of America Jan. 20 fall into that category.
"Food defense has been a major issue for us," said Tart, who will leave Jan. 15 and return a week later. "It has been identified as a major weakness in our fight against terrorism."
But it's just food, right? Wrong, says Tart. The chances of something catastrophic occurring are great in a week where there will be more than 20 inaugural balls, all with extensive menus.
To make sure everything goes smoothly, the team exhaustively reviews all menus, the types of food served, the sources supplying the food and the transportation, distribution and secure preparation of all meals.
Because of the volume of food needed for the crush of people coming to Washington for the historic event, the group must also inspect all refrigeration trucks and off-site facilities. That's not to mention the normal food preparation problems of proper cooking, storage and serving.
"You don't notice all this stuff until you really start looking," said Tart. "Any food served to a dignitary, especially the president, is sampled. After the sample is taken it is held in containment in case of an outbreak."
And lest the effort seem a bit much, Tart relayed the tale of some very real food terrorism.
In The Dalles, Ore. in 1984, the members of the radical Rajneeshee cult contaminated water and the salad bars of 10 local restaurants with salmonella, causing 751 cases of illness. They did it to sway the Wasco County elections, hoping that people would be so sick they couldn't outvote the cult's own candidates. Luckily, it didn't work, and no one died from the attacks.
"It can definitely be done," said Tart.
- www.northfulton.com
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Bring tree to chipper in Milton
City of Milton residents are urged to recycle their Christmas trees through a program brought to the city by the Milton Grows Green committee.
"Bring One for the Chipper," is a statewide program sponsored by the Georgia Forestry Commission. This program has existed across Georgia for several years, but is being brought to Milton for the first time by MGG with the support of Freeman's Tree Care. The mulch will be used in public beautification projects, helping to reduce costs for the City.
Recycling will be available on Saturday, Jan. 3 from 9 am to 4 p.m. at the Birmingham Fire Station, 750 Hickory Flat Road. All trees should be carefully checked to be sure that lights, ornaments, etc., have been removed. Seedlings, including dogwood, green ash and red cedar, will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Volunteers aged 12 to 96 are needed to help unload trees. No machinery contact is involved. Contact miltongrowsgreen@earthlink.net to volunteer, or to request more information.
- www.northfulton.com
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Dreams come true with 'Shop With a Cop' in Milton
Alpharetta's Police Athletic League (PAL) held the 10th annual Shop With a Cop Dec. 10 at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Windward Parkway.
According to PAL CEO Jim Little, 76 children participated in the yearly event, which pairs kids with more than 100 police, firefighter and citizen volunteers to help bring holiday wishes to life.
The holiday program is for children whose families are unable to spend much, if anything, on holiday gifts, said Alpharetta police officer Jennifer Howard.
"The program was initially started as a way for police officers and firefighters to give back to the children in our community. It is exciting to see all the smiles and spend some time with these very special kids," said Little.
Many of the parents whose children participate in the program are single or have been forced to deal with major health issues or lost their jobs, said Howard.
"These are people who, due to life events, are having trouble financially," she said. "The parents I spoke with were so grateful for this program. I saw some of them literally moved to tears."
For the second year in a row, Milton's Public Safety Department pitched in as well.
"I invited them because tonight is about the kids," said Little.
Each child - chosen by police working with school counselors and social workers - was given $100 to buy anything he or she wanted.
PAL spent almost $8,000 to help make this year's holiday dreams come true. The Wal-Mart Foundation donated $2,500 and the Alpharetta Rotary Club donated $2,000. Generous, individual donors from the North Fulton Community made up the rest, said Howard.
All the money raised for event was spent by those children, said Little. And the coolest part, he said, is that most of the children buy gifts for others with their funds.
"A lot of times they're not even thinking about themselves," he said.
Alpharetta firefighter Brad Pryor concurred. He was deeply moved by the children's wishes.
"The first child we had wanted to get something for his brother. He was more concerned about that than himself," said Pryor. "When you see that unselfishness, it's nice. It's just good to see, especially in young kids."
Pryor and several other firefighters helped Christopher Strong, a student who attends Northwood Middle School, pick out a bicycle.
"We asked him, 'If you could have anything in here, what would it be?'" said Alpharetta Fire Captain Wes McCall. "He said, 'I'd like to have a bike to ride with my friends.'"
The bicycle was more than the allotted $100 per child, so several firefighters reached into their pockets and made up the difference.
His mom, a single mother of six, was stunned when she saw her son walk up with a new bicycle, said Howard.
"We are very fortunate," the mother said. "I thank all of you so much."
- www.northfulton.com
Friday, December 12, 2008
Alpha Arts Guild work on display at Milton City Hall
Alpha Arts Guild (AAG) board member Ellen Winsor, herself a landscape painter, is thinking long term in regards to the guild's show at Milton City Hall, which runs through Jan. 5, 2009.
"The only thing we know about Egypt and Rome is from their art," said Winsor to City Council Dec. 1, when the show opened. "So now you guys are on your way."
They all had a good laugh.
The 2-year-old guild, which features artists from Alpharetta, Milton and other surrounding communities, has a number of paintings, drawings, quilts and photographs from its 15 members on display and for sale throughout Milton's City Hall on Deerfield Parkway.
The show is a collaboration between the guild and Milton's own Arts Committee, which has featured local artists in the building before.
Volunteer Patti Silva is the chairwoman of Milton's Arts Committee. She said she was thrilled that the second exhibition - the first featured Milton artist Isabelle Gautier, who donated a painting of the red barn on Redd Road - could feature AAG artists.
She said the idea is to promote "sustainability through art." Thus when AAG contacted her about showing pieces at Milton's City Hall, she jumped at the chance to put on a gallery show with Winsor.
The results are varied and inspiring.
"These artists come from a variety of backgrounds," said Winsor. "It's an interesting mix of people. Some make their living doing this, while for others it's a deep, deep hobby."
AAG president Diana Smeal said that mix is what keeps the group alive. In addition to artists, the group also welcomes supporters who wish to help.
"I think it's very important to support the arts," she said. "We have such an enormous amount of talent [in North Fulton]."
At the opening reception Dec. 1, each of the artists was on hand. They included Floyd Dickens Jr, and his wife, Jacqueline. In addition to having solo pieces - Floyd is a shutterbug, his wife a mixed-media artist - the Dickens collaborate.
The result is Floyd's vibrant nature photography paired with Jacqueline's spiritual poetry.
White Column residents for three years, this is the first time they've been involved in the arts in their community.
"Our son-in-law got a job at Coca-Cola, so we followed him [From Charlotte, N.C.]," said Floyd. "Jackie heard about the arts guild and joined. They invited me in. I didn't think they'd want a photographer."
Perhaps Councilman Alan Tart summed it up best as he strolled around council chambers, studying each piece before the 6 p.m. meeting started.
"I am so glad this all worked out," he said.
- www.northfulton.com
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
PHOTO GALLERY: 'Shop With a Cop' in Alpharetta
Alpharetta's Police Athletic League held the 10th annual Shop With a Cop Dec. 10 at the Wal-Mart on Windward Parkway. According to PAL CEO Jim Little, 76 children participated in the yearly event, which pairs kids with more than 100 police, firefighter and citizen volunteers to help bring holiday wishes to life. For the second year in a row, Milton's Public Safety department pitched in as well. “I invited them because tonight is about the kids,” said Little. Each child -- chosen by police working with school counselors and social workers -- was given $100 to buy anything he or she wanted. All the money raised for event was spent by those children, said Little. And the coolest part, said Little, is that most of the children buy gifts for others with their funds. “A lot of times they're not even thinking about themselves.”
- www.northfulton.com
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
PHOTO GALLERY: Christmas in Crabapple begins new tradition
Hundreds of families braved the cold weather Dec. 6 and enjoyed an old-fashioned Christmas celebration in Crabapple. The event featured bonfires, a performance by the Milton Choir (who also sold s’mores) horse drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa (including a toy) and shopping. A number of Crabapple businesses, including Millie Huckaby’s American Country Antiques, Bead Bug, The Broadwell Cottage, Classic Expressions, Crabapple Tea Room, Crabapple Vineyard, Flowers From Us, The Garden Within, Goddard School, Only Ewe & Cotton Too, Sip Wine and Strawberry Fields participated. Click here to view the rest of the gallery.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Milton defers noise ordinance discussion
City Council apparently will take personal field trips to the Bethany Creek subdivision to determine if changing the city's noise ordinance will do anything to quell the battle that's been brewing over music bleeding from Montana's Bar and Grill into homes in the area.
Montana's has been cited just once for violating Milton's nighttime 60 decibel cap. Residents in Bethany Creek, which backs up to the popular restaurant, routinely call police to complain about the noise.
To try and fix the problem, Public Safety Director Chris Lagerbloom and City Attorney Ken Jarrard proposed in October lowering the allowable night time decibels from 60 to 55, which Lagerbloom said would match several local municipalities' laws. Montana's owner Cary Eubanks said publicly he believes changing the ordinance constitutes his business being "railroaded."
At its meeting Nov. 17, City Council heard from Eubanks, Bethany Creek residents and a number of business owners and homeowners from all over Milton, each with an opinion on changing the city's standing noise ordinance by five decibels.
"We have done everything possible, and we have been within the ordinance," said Eubanks. "I just don't know what else to do. I just don't think it's fair."
He implored council to visit Montana's and listen for themselves before voting on a law change that could potentially put him and his 25 employees out of business.
Board of Zoning Appeals chairwoman Sandy Jones — speaking simply as a citizen — is a Bethany Creek resident. She said there wasn't a problem in the area until Montana's opened its former greenhouse venue. Jones said the change to the law doesn't keep Montana's from playing live music, it simply "alleviates the intrusion our families experience." She also invited council to her living room so they could feel the vibrations at 11 p.m.
Mayor Joe Lockwood was skeptical a five decibel change could be decided without real world experience.
"As I listen through, I'm not really sure what five decibels does, and as I listen to residents, I hear about vibrations. I wonder if that's just the type of tone," said Lockwood. "Before we make a decision that affects our whole city, I want to see if it makes any difference or not."
Lockwood asked if council would defer the decision, and Councilwoman Karen Thurman put forth the motion to postpone the decision until Dec. 15.
"I would like to see for myself what it is like from the property line," she said. "I value my sleep tremendously, and I'm sure other people do, too."
Councilman Bill Lusk agreed.
"I don't see how we could sit up here and objectively evaluate a five decibel differential out there," he said.
The vote to defer the decision was unanimous.
- www.northfulton.com
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Milton weighs CPI frozen tax exemption
At its work session Nov. 10, Milton's City Council weighed its options in regards to possibly greenlighting a tax exemption previously only offered through Fulton County.
Called CPI frozen, it is part of a 2004 state Senate bill that says a residential property reassessment cannot go up more than the Consumer Price Index (CPI) - the main gauge of inflation - or 3 percent. The law applies only to Fulton County property taxes, so when the city incorporated in 2006, the exemption went away for Milton residents. No other city in Fulton offers the exemption.
Crooked Creek resident Mark Hanley was the main proponent of getting the issue before council after bringing it up at an Oct. 16 citizens meeting at City Hall. He said he feels it is a secret tax increase.
"I feel pretty strongly on this," he said. "I believe one of the main principles when founding the city was transparency in this type of thing. I feel that tax increases should be voted on by you and me."
He said instituting the exemption "would send a strong message to the citizens."
Finance Director Stacey Inglis said if Milton had offered the exemption to homeowners in 2008, its revenues would have decreased some $200,000. Plus, she said, she's not even sure Fulton County could provide Milton the information it needs to extend the exemption to city homeowners.
"It might be so complicated that we would have to ask Fulton County to bill our taxes for us," she said.
Mayor Joe Lockwood said this issue was one that "fell between the cracks" and was not anticipated.
"It's sort of a double edged sword," said Mayor Joe Lockwood. "We certainly don't want to raise taxes on our citizens, and we understand that everyone's having to tighten their belts, and the same thing goes for the city."
Councilwoman Tina D'Aversa said when the issue came before council early in the city's life, the view was that it did not constitute a tax increase. At the time, she said, it was clear no other cities – including recent start ups Sandy Springs and Johns Creek - gave the exemption.
"We were not looking to go against what we had professed to the community as 'no tax increases,'" she said.
Councilwoman Karen Thurman said before she even thought about the issue, she wanted to know if Fulton County could provide the needed information to pass the exemption on to residents.
"I need to know the exact total impact this will have on us and all the residents of Milton," she said.
Inglis said the city has until February to make a decision. Staff was instructed to do more research and report their findings in January.
- www.northfulton.com
Friday, November 21, 2008
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.
- www.northfulton.com
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Local resident reflects on Obama's historic win
Local resident Bettye Maye, who grew up in Phenix City, Ala., Barack Obama being elected as the nation's first African-American president has special meaning, but she thinks it has that importance for the entire country and the world.
Maye, who works for Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia, reflected on the election as she watched returns with her husband and daughter, who had come to visit on election night.
"The very first thing I went to think about was my mom and dad. This is something they tried to instill in my brothers and me - you can achieve anything you want. Did we believe that a black man would achieve the presidency in my lifetime?"
No, she said.
"Of course, we would have loved to have had our parents to see that," she said.
She also remembered some of the things that occurred to her family growing up in Alabama and the racism they endured.
"I truly hope what we can do behind his presidency, realize that if you put God first, all other things will be added. I truly believe that," she said.
"I hope we don't place unrealistic expectations on this presidency. But I also know we as a people have to do our share and then we can hold each other accountable.
I just feel like our country can only go forward," she said.
Maye said she knows it sounds naive, but she hopes politics doesn't get in the way.
Isakson says Americaa work in progress
The election of the first African-American to the presidency is a testament to the strength of the country and its Constitution, said Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.
"You know, America has been a work in progress since the Revolutionary War," he said.
The Constitution written by the Founding Fathers had many problems, including race and the right to vote.
"Over time, we fought a civil war, we amended our Constitution a number of times," Isakson said. "We righted the ship and America continues to be a country of opportunity."
Because of the U.S. Constitution, he said the nation has a chance to move forward.
- www.northfulton.com
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Montana’s owner feels ‘railroaded’ in Milton
Montana's Bar and Grill owner Cary Eubanks says he's being singled-out and "railroaded" by city staff and residents in Bethany Creek over noise coming from his establishment into the neighborhood.
The City Council is poised to enact a new noise ordinance that Eubanks says is aimed directly at curtailing his business.
"Live music is important to us staying alive and being successful," he said. "If I can't do bands on the weekend, I'm losing a lot of volume. We're all in a down economy right now. I don't want to say this will bury us, but it's certainly not going to help us."
Eubanks has been in a fight with neighboring homeowners in Bethany Creek for years over music coming from his converted Ace Hardware greenhouse. Formerly Mike Ken's Rafters, the late-night eatery was there before the subdivisions in the area.
Many thought the issue would be resolved when the city passed its decibel-based noise ordinance in April 2007, but that was just the beginning.
Though Eubanks has been fined just once for actually exceeding Milton's established 60 decibel maximum, residents continue to call police every weekend and most Tuesdays.
At its Oct. 13 work session, City Council again heard from angry homeowners and tenants in the area. Eubanks was not invited to attend and only found out about the meeting afterward.
He said had no idea about the meeting or the push to change the ordinance, which was attended by Bethany Creek residents. Thus, he was absent during the discussion to change the noise ordinance.
Public Safety Driector Chris Lagerbloom, who was acting City Manager at the time, said the meeting was clearly advertised on the city's Web site.
"I guess the people in the neighborhood heard about it that way," he said.
At the meeting Lagerbloom told council he believed one solution was to drop the allowable level at night by 10 decibels, to 50. He also told council Milton's existing noise ordinance was "conservative," and more restrictive than others in the area. At that meeting, Lagerbloom said Eubanks "must have tape on the amplifier" because he's always just on the threshold for allowable noise when officers take readings.
"Of course we use tape," said Eubanks. "We use it to stay within the ordinance – that's why there's numbers on your speedometer. Am I happy with 60 decibels? No. Have I stayed under it? Yes.
"Why do they continue to screw with me if I'm not outside the law?"
The new ordinance is set to be read for the first time Nov. 3. Council will officially discuss it two weeks later, and Lagerbloom said Eubanks has ample time to speak his peace.
"Council might hear what he has to say and may not change the ordinance," he said.
Eubanks is skeptical. He refuted claims he hadn't been cooperative, citing an Aug. 5 letter sent to City Manager Billy Beckett regarding a meeting with a sound engineer picked by a Bethany Creek resident. The letter was never passed on to Lagerbloom or council as promised when Beckett resigned, he said.
Lagerbloom would not comment on the letter, saying he hadn't seen it. He did note, however, that Eubanks hadn't carried out the all recommendations of the engineer, which included shield trees and other sound muffling measures.
"They [Bethany Creek residents] haven't spent one dime," said Eubanks. "I've spent $80,000. I'm the one person they're adjusting the ordinance to. If they change the decibel reading to anything under what they've got now, it'll be against the law to sit on your back deck and carry on a conversation."
Lagerbloom said that's simply not true. The Public Safety Director said the city is choosing a citywide approach as opposed to a "city versus Montana's one." At the work session, he warned council about changing a law to solve one problem – though Montana's and to a much lesser extent Milton High School, which is exempt for games and other events, were the only noise violators, he said.
"Frankly, if we wanted to go after him, we would go after the noise he's producing, amplified musical noise," said Lagerbloom.
But he noted city attorney Ken Jarrard recommended against an ordinance that singled out a generator of noise, this case amplified music, rather for an ordinance not concerning what's making the noise.
Eubanks said that was immaterial.
"I took a noise reading one night after the band had played. The crickets were 65 decibels," he said.
- www.northfulton.com
Monday, November 3, 2008
Milton beats Pope 26 - 21
The Milton Eagles traveled to Marietta tonight taking on Pope High School bringing home a win and securing their spot in the Region 6 5-AAAAA playoffs.
Toney Williams clinched the victory for the eagles with a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Milton won 26 - 21.
- www.northfulton.com
Monday, October 27, 2008
PHOTO GALLERY: Milton vs. Roswell
Milton: 20, Roswell: 19; Click here to view the entire gallery.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Milton council looks at noise ordinance
The cries of Bethany Creek residents sick of noise coming from nearby Montana's Bar and Grill on Ga. 9 reached City Council again Oct. 13.
Montana's, which hosts live music and karaoke in a converted Ace Hardware greenhouse, backs up to the neighborhood. Residents have routinely complained to council about the noise. They've called Fulton and Milton police regularly every weekend for nearly four years, and Montana's was fined for the first time in July.
Despite meetings between residents and Montana's owner Cary Eubanks, the situation continues. At the work session, acting City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, who helped craft the city's noise law in his capacity as Public Safety director last April, brought up the possibility of tweaking portions pertaining to amplified music to try and appease citizens.
He also mentioned there have been complaints about Milton High School's noise during football season. The school is exempt from the ordinance for games. Those calls and e-mails have gone down, though, he said — it's now just one consistent complainer.
"However, I want to caution us that we don't change a law just to deal with one issue," said Lagerbloom.
Lagerbloom said in discussions with City Attorney Ken Jarrard it became clear restricting certain types of amplified noises wasn't the best way to fix the problem. Instead, it was a better plan to simply change the decibel levels allowable at certain times.
As it stands now, Milton's ordinance states that noise cannot exceed 65 decibels in a person's property before 10 p.m. After then until to 7:30 a.m., that level drops to 60, about the level of common speech from a foot away.
It's a conservative law, said Lagerbloom.
"Our decibels are lower than any of the cities that surround us," he said.
Councilwoman Karen Thurman asked how much over the ordinance Montana's Bar and Grill was during all these calls from residents.
"I can tell you he's right on the line," said Lagerbloom. "There must be a tape mark on the amplifier. It is consistently at the highest allowable decibel level for that particular time of day."
Lagerbloom said he and former City Manager Billy Beckett had a meeting with Eubanks, but the mediation was not successful.
Councilwoman Tina D'Aversa said she thought since the complaints were limited to basically two buildings, figuring out a solution to those problems without changing the city-wide noise ordinance was a better idea. She proposed looking at zoning ordinances to catch the problem before it became protracted and creating a new set of rules for "outdoor entertainment."
"There's got to be a point where we put pressure that there will be a solution here," said Mayor Joe Lockwood.
Councilman Burt Hewitt suggested taking the fact that Milton was looking at changing the ordinance to something "he wouldn't be able to do business with" back to Eubanks for that pressure.
Councilwoman Julie Zahner Bailey wanted to know if the law could be tweaked simply because Montana's is so close to residences. In other parts of the city that's not a problem, she said.
The spectre of uncertainty that looms over the issue, said Jarrard, is the "law of unintended consequences."
"Do we know the outcome of lowering the ordinance 10 or 15 decibels?" he asked. "I'll tell you right here I do not. I'm not used to a restaurant playing a game of chicken with the local jurisdiction to see who blinks first."
Lagerbloom said he would bring forward the same ordinance with a new drop of ten decibels for night time noise.
- www.northfulton.com
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Milton appoints Smedley interim city manager
By a unanimous vote Oct. 20 Milton's City Council appointed 31-year government veteran Mortimer Smedley its interim City Manager.
After the vote, Mayor Joe Lockwood said he was confident Smedley could handle Milton's notoriously tough political climate.
"I was speaking with Mort earlier and he said 'Growing up with a name like Mortimer made me tough and ready to handle anything,'" he said.
The semi-retired Smedley comes to Milton from the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution in Ft. Pierce, Fla., where he has spent the past two years as 2nd mate on a research vessel.
Prior to that, though, Smedley spent 18 years as municipal manager of the borough of Lehighton, Pa., then nine as county administrator for Carbon County, which is also in Pennsylvania. He finished his career with a two-year stint in Maryland as county administrator for St. Mary's County, where he oversaw a more than $100 million budget and oversaw more than 600 employees.
He spent three years in the Navy and more than 30 in the Army Reserves. Smedley replaces acting City Manger Chris Lagerbloom, the city's Public Safety Director. Previous City Manger Billy Beckett left in mid-September citing tensions with council members.
- www.northfulton.com
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