Sandy Springs E-Blast

APRIL
2010

Peachtree Dunwoody Bridge Opening

2010 Census

Govenor Candidates Forums

National Telecommunicators Week

Volunteer Appreciation Reception

Sidewalk Updates

Paving Updates

Gymnastics Center Hosts Championships

Recreation News

Storm Drain Marker Program

HOA/Neighborhood Association Presidents' Meeting

Public-Private Partnership Survey

Message from SSPD

Citizen Response Center
770-730-5600
Answering calls 24 hours a day,

seven days a week

Sandy Springs in
the News

4/6	6:00 p.m.
City Council Regular Meeting & Work Session	City Hall

4/8	7:00 p.m.
Board of Appeals Regular Meeting	City Hall

4/13	9:00 a.m.
Design Review Board Regular Meeting	City Hall

4/13	5:00 p.m.
HOA/Neighborhood Presidents Meeting	City Hall

4/15	7:00 p.m.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting	City Hall

4/20	5:00 p.m.
Volunteer Appreceiation Reception	City Hall

4/20	6:00 p.m.
City Council Regular Meeting & Work Session	City Hall

4/27	9:00 a.m.
Design Review Board Regular Meeting	City Hall

4/27	7:00 p.m.
Community Zoning Information Meeting	City Hall

Highlights from March 2010

MARK OUR CALENDAR!

Does your organization have an upcoming event that is free to the public, and you would like to share it on the City's Community Calendar? Use our Comments and Questions form to submit your event. Please include the following with your event submission:

-Date and time of the event

-Location of the event

-Brief description

-Contact Information

-Web site and any other information

Greetings from the City of Sandy Springs!

Welcome to the April 2010 edition of the Sandy Springs E-Blast. The purpose of this newsletter is to provide the residents and visitors of Sandy Springs information regarding the City's accomplishments, current projects and goals for the future. For more information about these and other projects, please visit the City's Web site at www.sandyspringsga.org. You may also address any questions or concerns to our Citizen Response Center at 770-730-5600, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

PEACHTREE-DUNWOODY BRIDGE OPEN TO TRAFFIC

Peachtree-Dunwoody Road is now open. After being closed for six months after floods ravaged the City of Sandy Springs and shut down one of the city's major arteries, the bridge over Nancy Creek is now open. The City received a grant through the Emergency Repair Program of the Federal Highway Administration to fund 100 percent of the replacement cost of the storm-failed bridge. The cost to repair the bridge was $1,009,012.

The City of Sandy Springs Public Works Department worked with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Chief Engineer, Gerald Ross. On October 8, 2009, Ross informed City staff that the bridge would be complete and open for traffic within 180 days, which it was. This was an extremely tight scheduled but GDOT moved forward and met the aggressive time frame. The State Bridge Engineer, Paul Liles, Jr. coordinated this effort. Massana Construction, Inc. was the contractor.

View Video of Bridge Opening

Visit Flickr Photo Gallery

WE NEED YOUR HELP
Only 41% of Sandy Springs Residents Have Responded to Census

Sandy Springs residents can now check in to see the City's latest 2010 Census mail participation rate information. Through May 3, 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau will publish daily mail participation rate data in the form of maps and tables. The data is tabulated based on the number of census questionnaires that are mailed back.
Click here to view the map

The census questionnaire asks only a few simple questions of each person: name, relationship, gender, age, date of birth, race and whether you own or rent your house. The City of Sandy Springs reminds residents to complete and return their census questionnaire as soon as possible.

By completing and returning the census questionnaire, residents can ensure an accurate census count for the City of Sandy Springs.

For more information, visit the 2010 Census Web site.

GOVENOR CANDIDATES FORUMS HELD IN ROSWELL

The North Fulton Mayor's Association will hold two debates, one for the Democratic candidates for governor and the other for the Republican candidates for governor. Both debates will be held at the Roswell United Methodist Church, located at 814 Mimosa Blvd., in Roswell.

The Republican debate will take place on Thursday, April 22, 2010. Confirmed candidates include: Karen Handel, Scott Austin, Eric Johnson, Jeff Chapman, Nathan Deal, and Ray McBerry.

The Democratic debate will take place Thursday, April 29, 2010, and confirmed candidates include: Thurbert Baker, Carl Camon and DuBose Porter and David Poythress..

The event is sponsored by Mayors Mike Bodker, Eva Galambos, Arthur Letchas, Joe Lockwood, Jim Still and Jere Wood. The moderators are the mayors or North Fulton County.

CHATCOMM 911 OPEN HOUSE

The second week of April is designated as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This week is recognized nationwide by public safety agencies, and is dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators. This year Chatcomm 911 will celebrate National Telecommunicators Week in honor of the communications officers. Since the inception of the new communications center last September, Chatcomm dispatchers have answered approximately 68,000 calls. They average 600 calls on a daily basis, with Wednesday being the busiest day of the week, and 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. being the busiest time of the day. The center dispatches for the Police and Fire Departments for the cities of Johns Creek and Sandy Springs. In addition, they also dispatch Rural Metro Ambulance services for the City of Sandy Springs. The dispatchers at Chatcomm are highly trained and dedicated, responding to the needs of the public in emergency and non-emergency situations. By obtaining important information, they ensure the safety of all police officers and fire fighters.

ChatComm911

During National Telecommunicators Week, Chatcomm will be hosting an open house for the public. Citizens can get a behind the scenes look at how important the communication service is and what is needed to better serve communities. We encourage the public to visit the center during this time and honor the public safety dispatchers for their excellence! We'll be offering tours of the center, serving light refreshments.

Open House at Chatcomm will be held on Wednesday, April 14th, between the hours of 10:00 a.m.-Noon, and 7:00-9:00 p.m.

You are invited to attend the annual City of Sandy Springs VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION RECEPTION on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers.

The annual event celebrates the hundreds of volunteers who help the City accomplish its goals throughout the year. Join us whether you have worked to improve your neighborhood or planted trees at a fire station or served on a board or have been a part of the Police Department's Citizen Academy.

SIDEWALK PROGRAM UPDATE

Lake Forest Elementary School Sidewalk Design

The construction contract has been awarded and utility relocations are underway to build a sidewalk on Lake Forrest Drive from the I-285 underpass to Hammond Drive, providing improved pedestrian access within the neighborhood. The project includes improvements to the intersection of Lake Forrest Drive and Hammond Drive. Final right of way acquisition and utility coordination are also underway.

Ridgeview Middle School (Peachtree-Dunwoody Road)
Sidewalk Design

The project is being awarded to construct a sidewalk system along Peachtree-Dunwoody Road in the vicinity of the school. Right-of-way acquisition is complete and utility relocation is underway.

Spalding Charter Elementary School
(Brandon Mill/Dalrymple) Sidewalk Design
Plans are complete and right of way coordination is nearing completion to construct sidewalks on Brandon Mill and Dalrymple near the school. Bidding is planned for April.

Community Development Block Grant Sidewalk
Infrastructure Design

A design contract is underway to develop a complete sidewalk system along Roswell Road from Dalrymple north to Roberts Drive. Most of the areas eligible for this Community Development Block Grant funded project are on the eastern (northbound) side of Roswell Road with some segments on the west side of Roswell Road. Survey work is complete.

FY 10-2 Sidewalk Program Design: Pitts Road; Dalrymple; Tennis Center; Library; and Mt.Vernon Highway at Hammond
A project to design sidewalks at the above locations has been awarded to a design consultant. Survey work begins this month. Construction is planned for later this year.

FY 10-3 Sidewalk Program Design: Glenridge-Hammond to Johnson Ferry and Mt. Vernon Highway to Abernathy; Spalding Drive-Mt. Vernon Highway to Nesbitt Ferry
A project to design sidewalks at the above locations has been awarded to a design consultant. Survey work is underway. Construction is planned for later this year.

FY 10-4 Sidewalk Program Design: Glenridge-Roswell Road to Northland and Royervista to Highpoint; Mt. Paran-Long Island to Powers Ferry; and Long Island-Roswell Road to Mt. Paran
A project to design sidewalks at the above locations has been awarded and survey work is underway.

Windsor Parkway Sidewalks
The construction contract has been awarded for the project to construct sidewalks on the north side of Windsor Parkway from Roswell Road to High Point. Utility relocation is underway and construction is planned to begin soon.

PAVING UPDATES

Phase II of the 2010 Capital Paving will begin in mid-April. Below is a list of the streets scheduled to be paved:

Ison Road (Roswell Road to Grogan's Ferry Road)
Hammond Drive (Mt. Vernon to Sandy Springs Circle)
Roberts Drive (Spalding to City Limits)
Windsor Parkway (Peachtree Dunwoody to City Limits)
Powers Ferry Road (Northside to City Limits)
Northland Drive (Windsor Parkway to GA 400)
Spalding Stables Subdivision
Long Island Way

Public Works will also be working on the following roads through the 2009-2 LARP (Local Assistance Roads Program):

Mabry Road (Spalding Drive to Glenridge Drive)
Hightower Trail (Roswell Road to Dunwoody Pl)
Kenbrook Drive (London Drive to NW End)
Wing Street (Hightower Trail to North End)
Auden Trail (Spalding Drive to NW End)
Rivertrail Court (Brandon Hall Drive to NE End)
Towergate Place (Hightower Trail to End)
Scott Valley Road (Colebridge Road to Burdett Drive)
West Northway Lane (High Point Road to East End)

Please visit the City's Web site for updates and scheduling information.

HAMMOND PARK GYMNASTICS CENTER TO HOST RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

On April 17-18 over 150 participants will compete at the Hammond Park Gymnastics Center in individual and group rhythmic events which include rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. Gymnasts from Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina will also participate as guests to gain experience for the upcoming regional and national events. The gymnastics center is located at Hammond Park, 705 Hammond Drive. Competitions will begin on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. The public is invited and the admission for adults and children over 12 is $5.00. For additional information contact Marina Davidovich at marina.davidovich@sandyspringsga.org or call 404-705-9742.

SANDY SPRINGS OFFERS DANCE AND THEATRE RESIDENCIES FOR STUDENTS

Sandy Springs is offering high school students a chance for theater and dance residencies this summer through its parks and recreation department. The 5-day programs are part of the Kids and Arts program funded by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and give students a chance for hands-on artistic experiences.

The residencies will be held at Sandy Springs Charter Middle School and include mime theater, mask making, dance and choreography. The residencies are free and open to all Fulton high school students.

For information or to register, visit www.activenet.active.com/sandyspringsga or call 404-252-6310.

SPRING BREAK AND SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS

SPRING BREAK GYMNASTICS CAMPS FOR AGES 5 1/2-15

Learn new skills on the tumble track, bars, beam, floor and vault. Camp activities will include arts and crafts, group games, obstacle courses, gym "free time" and wrap up the week with an awesome group exhibition. The Spring Break gymnastics camp for youth (ages 5 1/2-15) will be held April 5-9. Camp hours are 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and the fee is $130 or $30/day.

REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY FOR SUMMER CAMPS & RECREATION CLASSES
Sun

Registration for the Recreation and Parks Department's summer recreation programs and camps is underway and available ONLINE 24 hours a day! Hours for walk-in or phone registration are Monday through Friday between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm or 1:30 pm and 5:00 pm. There are summer fun opportunities for all ages ~ preschool, youth, teens and adults!
Download the Summer 2010 Summer Camp Brochure (pdf).

To register online and for a complete schedule of summer programs and camps, visit www.activenet.active.com/sandyspringsga or call 404-252-6310 for additional information.

Download the Spring 2010 Recreation and Parks brochure (pdf)

ARE YOU A RESIDENT WHO WANTS TO GIVE SANDY SPRINGS' STREAMS A HELPING HAND?

Help spread the word about water pollution prevention by signing up for our Storm Drain Marker Program. Storm drain markers are small, colorful signs that are attached to the top of storm drains. They are very important because they educate and remind people that anything dumped into the storm drains will flow straight into our local streams and creeks. The City will provide all the materials you need, all you need to supply are the volunteers and your time! In just a couple of hours, you can safeguard your neighborhood from illegal dumping.

Please join us in this effort to raise awareness about stormwater and the simple things that residents can do to help prevent nonpoint source pollution from entering our waterways.

If you wish to sign up, or have any questions about the Storm Drain Marker Program, please contact Brittney Thropp at 770.730.5600 or brittney.thropp@sandyspringsga.org.

HOA/NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
PRESIDENTS' MEETING

HOA/Neighborhood Associations WHEN: Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m., Reception
(Light refreshments will be served)
5:30-8:00 p.m., Program

WHERE: Sandy Springs City Hall, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500, Sandy Springs, Ga., 30350

WHY: The meeting will focus on neighborhood-related issues such as traffic calming, code enforcement, disaster preparedness, neighborhood watch, vacant properties and other interesting topics. Opportunities to network and build relationships with other neighborhood representatives will also be provided.

WHO CAN ATTEND? The meeting is open to all City of Sandy Springs homeowner association and neighborhood group presidents. If the president is unable to attend, an alternate board member may be registered.

REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is required and is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the event is full or until April 7, 2010. To register, please complete the online registration form. For more information, please contact Dan Coffer, Community Services Coordinator.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP SURVEY

The City of Sandy Springs provides general government services to its residents and businesses in a unique manner. Through a $26 million annual contract with a private company, Sandy Springs provides public works, community development, code enforcement, recreation and parks, court services, administrative services, information technology and communications. In addition, the City maintains smaller contracts for the provision of both ambulance and emergency 911 services.

The City's initial contract with its current general services contractor will expire soon. The City is seeking input from residents and businesses related to how we can best serve the public in the future. The City leadership still envisions a model based on a public-private partnership; however, the scope of the model has yet to be determined.

Please take five minutes to share your thoughts and views by answering several questions related to this topic. Click HERE to participate in the survey. Alternatively, or in addition, you can send feedback to sandyspringslistens@gmail.com.

In addition, the Mayor and Council will hold two public input sessions. The first meeting was held on March 16. The next public input session will be on April 20 during the regular council meeting beginning at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500 in Sandy Springs.

NEWS FORM THE SANDY SPRINGS
POLICE DEPARTMENT

EE DRIVER'S EDUCATION
The Sandy Springs Police Department is offering P.R.I.D.E. (Parents Reducing Injury and Driver Error) classes to residents.The classes are offered the fourth Wednesday of every month to 14 1/2- to 16-year-olds and their parents.The next class will be held April 28, 2010 at the Sandy Springs Police Department's headquarters at 5995 Barfield Road. Registration for the April 28 class is required and must be done by April 16. To register or for more information, contact Sgt. Dan Nable at raymond.nable@sandyspringsga.org or 770.551.6900.

SAFETY TIPS FROM SSPD

Watch Out for Con Artists

Don't fall for anything that sounds too good to be true - a free vacation; sweepstakes prizes; cures for cancer and arthritis; a low-risk, high-yield investment scheme.
Never give your credit card, phone card, Social Security or bank account number to anyone over the phone. It's illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verify a prize or gift.
Don't let anyone rush you into signing anything - an insurance policy; a sales agreement; a contract. Read it carefully and have someone you trust check it over.
Beware of individuals claiming to represent companies, consumer organizations or government agencies that offer to recover lost money from fraudulent telemarketers for a fee.

Have a question or comment? Click here.