If you've ever wanted to get involved in your home town, now is the time! October is absolutely packed in Milton, with virtually every weekend full of great opportunities to get out, meet your neighbors and build the type of community everyone can be proud of. 

Let's start with one of the most popular events in Milton, the Crossroads at Crabapple Antique and Art Festival on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Like in previous years, it'll be held in historic downtown Crabapple and feature tons of antiques, art and great food. Plus, this year I'll be one of the judges for a new pumpkin decorating contest featuring work by students from Crabapple Crossing Elementary. It should be a great time.

Just five days later our Disability Awareness Committee will bring their valuable Community Link series back to City Hall. On Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. they'll host two experts in accessible housing and in-home care options for individuals and families with special needs, Realtor Michelle Miralles and Para/Quad Services CEO J.D. Frazier. 

 Read the entire message.

From left, Caleb Racicot of plan partner Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh and Associates, Milton Community Development Director Kathleen Field, Milton City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, Allison Duncan of the Atlanta Regional Commission and Milton planners Michele McIntosh-Ross and Robyn MacDonald.

The City of Milton won the "Outstanding Plan Implementation" award at the Georgia Planning Association Chapter Awards Sept. 28 for its work on the Crabapple Form Based Code and Transfer of Development Rights Ordinance.

After six months of stakeholder meetings and two months of administrative work, the ordinance was adopted June 18 by City Council. The vote capped more than two years of work to create the vision and framework for an ideal Crabapple.
These two zoning tools mean Milton can now create a uniform, community-approved aesthetic in the area while protecting the surrounding open spaces from development. 

Milton is the only jurisdiction to embed the transfer of development rights into a Form Based Code ordinance. Since the successful adoption, the planning team has been asked to speak at the Atlanta Regional Commission and Georgia State University. So far the response has been favorable because of the ordinance's transferability for use by other jurisdictions.

To view new laws, click here.  

For more information on form-based code and transfer of development rights, contact City Planner Robyn MacDonald at 678-242-2540 or robyn.macdonald@cityofmiltonga.us. 

Milton Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Marietta would like to remind the community the state's "burn ban" will be relaxed Monday, Oct. 1.

According to Marietta, through April 30, outdoor burning of small piles of residential debris may be allowed depending on the fire danger rating for the day.
 
That rating is dependent on factors such as the wind and humidity levels for the day. You can call the Milton Fire Department at 678-242-2570 during regular business hours to check if safe burning is permitted or refer to the fire safety rating  at the Georgia Forestry Commission Web site.

Please note that all fires must be out at dark.

Additionally, you can refer to commercial weather Web sites to see if a "Red Flag Warning" is posted for the day (often as a weather alert, much like a tornado watch), which will ensure that you will not be able to burn that day.

These regulations generally address smaller amounts of natural, hand-piled vegetation, to manage:
*    leaf and limb piles
*    grass and shrub clippings
*    vegetative disposal from storm damage
*    weed abatement
*    disease/pest prevention 

Tools needed for a safe burn include:
*    A rake to create a debris free ring around the fire area
*    A charged water hose at the fire
*    A shovel
*    Proper clothing (long pants, long sleeves, boots, gloves) and safety glasses 

The following regulations apply to outdoor burning:
*    Clear 25 feet or more area around debris pile
*    Never use flammable liquids to start fire
*    The resident is responsible for their smoke and embers and is liable for any damages resulting from the burn
*    Never leave the fire unattended
*    Ensure fire is completely extinguished and pile is cool to the touch when the burn is done
*    Cooking fires: Open burning in a reasonable fashion for the purpose of cooking food for immediate human consumption is allowed
*    Burning under hazardous conditions The fire marshal may prohibit any open burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such burning hazardous. Fire crews are designated to stop burns that are deemed unsafe by the company officer
*    Location of the fire: The location for open burning shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure (house, out-building, fence, public utility, etc.) on larger piles, and 25 feet where the pile size is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height
*    Recreational fires: Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure (house, out-building, fence, public utility, etc.)  or combustible material  
*    Remember, smoke and heat from fire rises, so lower-hanging branches and leaves can be considered combustible material and could pose a fire risk as well. Care should be taken to ensure that the flames and heat do not get high enough to damage overhead foliage.    

For more information on the state burn ban, click here or contact Marietta at 678-242-2604 or matthew.marietta@cityofmiltonga.us.

It's that time of year again to stroll through beautiful, historic Crabapple on a cool fall day, taking in the wares of more than 100 antique dealers and artists from six states.

We're talking, of course, about the venerable Crossroads at Crabapple Antiques and Art Festival, held Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in historic downtown Crabapple (for directions, click here).

A tradition since 1969, this one day only, rain or shine, outdoor festival features thousands of antiques, accessories, and unique pieces of art in all mediums.

New this year is the "Literary Pumpkin Contest," a partnership with Crabapple Crossing Elementary in which students' decorated pumpkins - inspired by their favorite books - are placed along Birmingham Highway. A team of judges, including Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood, will choose the winner.

As always, rounding out the festival are the always popular roaming musicians, fantastic eats from Atlanta's hottest food trucks, plenty of children's art activities and an easy walk to the free parking areas. Handicap parking is available.

"We get quite a crowd, so shoppers need to come early for the best buys," said festival co-organizer Amanda Quintana of the Crabapple Community Association.

Her fellow organizer, Lisa Renko, agreed.

"We have thousands of antiques -- from vintage to American Country -- pottery, quilts, plus, as always, the perfect find for someone searching out that unique piece of art or jewelry," she said.

The City of Milton is a presenting sponsor of this community event coordinated by the Crabapple Community Association.  

For more information for this event, please visit www.crabapplefestival.com or contact Quintana at 770-241-1125 or by e-mail at crossroadsatcrabapple@gmail.com. 

Milton's firefighters are joining their peers across the nation Oct. 6 through 12 in presenting fire safety education to youth and adults alike as part of Fire Prevention Week 2012.

Activities kick off Saturday, Oct. 6 at 9 a.m. with fire clowns, extinguisher training, a meet and greet and much more at the Home Depot on Windward Parkway in Milton (click here for directions).

Throughout the week, firefighters will also make appearances at local schools and community gatherings promoting safety.

"Although Milton offers year-round fire prevention programs, this week is especially active," said Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Marietta. "We are excited about the numerous school and community programs already planned."   

Of course, the City of Milton Fire-Rescue Department is here for you. To request a visit at your community or event or to inquire about general fire prevention topics, simply stop by a fire station or contact Marietta at 678-242-2570 or matthew.marietta@cityofmiltonga.us.

Two experts in accessible housing and in-home care options for individuals and families with special needs will discuss their work Oct. 11 as part of the Milton Disability Awareness Committee (MDAC) Community Link series.

Realtor Michelle Miralles and Para/Quad Services CEO J.D. Frazier's presentations will take place at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers at Milton's City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107E (click here for directions). Everyone is invited, and there is no RSVP required.

Miralles specializes in finding and selling homes for the physically challenged, the elderly and those with special needs for Keller Williams Realty, said Kennard Woods, MDAC Chairman. Her experience has led to her program "Building Bridges of Accessibility," a program connecting resources to those who need accessible options in the home process.

Frazier, a Shepherd Center Peer Supporter, owns Para/Quad Services, which matches clients with private home care provider staff so that they may live as independently, productively and comfortably as possible. He is also paraplegic, said Woods, offering the kind of reality-based rapport that can come only from talking with a person who has been there.

"There is now a number of accessible housing and in-home care options for the elderly or those with spinal cord injury, brain injury or neurological illness," said Woods. "Freedom and comfort are often within reach in the metro area, and these speakers represent a wealth of knowledge on how to find the gems."   

For more information on this program, contact MDAC at mdac@cityofmiltonga.us or call 678-242-2500.

State Sen. John Albers will speak at the next meeting of the Crabapple Community Association (CCA), 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Broadwell Cottage (click here for directions). 

Light refreshments will be provided by the host.  

For more information on the CCA, click here.

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Community Wildlife Habitat project to certify Milton is gaining momentum!  

There are currently six Milton schools, 88 residences and one business certified. We now have 252 points towards the 450 needed to have the city certified by July 2012.  

Anyone interested in more information on how to certify your yard or business, please contact us at wildlifehabitatproject@cityofmiltonga.us.

The next NWF committee meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 17 from 7 to 8 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public, so we hope to see you there.  

The City of Milton will hold its sixth birthday party Saturday, Oct. 20 at Birmingham United Methodist Church from noon to 6 p.m., and everyone is invited to let loose and have a ball.

For continually updated information about this year's festival, including an event map, volunteer information and a list of entertainment, visit www.cityofmiltonga.us/roundup.

"The Roundup is one of my favorite events all year," said Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood. "I've enjoyed watching it grow and seeing the sense of community and excitement our visitors bring to it every year."

Admission is free, as is on-site parking. Click here for directions to Birmingham United Methodist Church. (Note: If employing a GPS device, use 15770 Birmingham Highway Milton GA 30004).

The first 250 entrants receive a free T-shirt, which will be available at the main information tent. Come early to take advantage of this offer, as supplies will go fast.

This year's blowout includes the Milton Herald Green Team Children's Activity Tent featuring a host of activities brought to the community by Milton Grows Green and the Milton Neighbor entertainment stage offering live performances throughout the day.

Of course, don't forget about the acres of free activities, including a rock wall, moonwalk, bungee station and, of course, the event's signature mechanical bull. And bring cash for all the great food and additional activities like the helicopter rides, petting zoo and pony carousel.

The 2012 Milton Roundup is sponsored by the Milton Herald, Milton Neighbor, Birmingham United Methodist Church, Fun Fare, Five Star Painting, Quantum National Bank, Dentistry at Milton, Superior Plumbing, AT&T, Blencoe & Co. Photographic Arts, It's My Party Rentals, My North Fulton Monthly, SAFEbuilt, Optech, Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C., Domino's Pizza, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, CPI Security Systems, EverDry Waterproofing, Fontis Mountain Spring Water, Nationwide Insurance, PNC Bank, Prudential Insurance, Travel Leaders, Karate Atlanta and the Butler Swayne Team Real Estate.  

For any information on the festival, please contact Communications Manager Jason Wright at 678-242-2523 or jason.wright@cityofmiltonga.us.

The Milton Friends of Kiddos' Clubhouse Foundation is helping organize the Race to Rally Hope on Sunday, Oct. 21 at the North Point Village Shopping Center.

This is a 5K, 10K and Kids 1K Fun Run with proceeds benefiting Kiddos' Clubhouse Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides scholarships to Georgia families and their children with special needs who cannot afford necessary therapy services or equipment. 

Both the 5K and 10K courses start from the North Point Village Shopping Center off North Point Parkway in Alpharetta (click here for directions). The Race to Rally Hope is a certified Peachtree Road Race Qualifier.

Activities at the "Kids Village" are available following the Fun Run and offer entertainment while the adults are racing. Pre-registration closes at midnight on Oct. 17.

Schedule: 

• 6:45 a.m. Race Day Registration and Pre-Registered Number Pickup
• 8:00 a.m. Kids 1K Fun Run start (children 10 and under)
• 8:30 a.m. 5K/10K Run start
• 9:30 a.m. Presentation of Awards 

For more information about the event, contact Stefanie Baumblatt at 404-472-7198 or visit http://racetorallyhope.com or  http://www.kiddosclubhousefoundation.com.

This year's River's Alive cleanup will be held Saturday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bailey Farms and Gardens, 255 Hickory Flat Road in Milton (click here for directions).

Volunteers will gather at 9 a.m. then clean up identified streams, roadways and school sites to help keep our city and waterways pure and beautiful.

Milton Adopt-a-Road groups are encouraged to have a clean-up during the event and stop by for refreshments and recognition.

For information or to register for the clean-up as a group or individual, please contact Milton Grows Green at mgg@cityofmiltonga.us or e-mail baileyfarmandgardens@mindspring.com. You may also contact Cindy Eade, environmental sustainability coordinator for the City of Milton, at 678-242-2509.

The Milton Friends of Operation Smile is helping organize the Miles for Smiles 5K and 1K Fun Run, to be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at Totally Running in Cumming. 

Click here for directions to the store, located at 405 Peachtree Parkway in Cumming.

The race benefits Operation Smile, a non-profit organization that operates on children with born with cleft lips and palates when they would otherwise not be able to afford to do so.

Registration is $25 for the 5K and $15 for the 1K (add $5 on race day). Technical shirts are guaranteed for 5K runners registered by Oct. 21.

To register or for more information, visit www.fivestarntp.com or call 770-633-5511.

The third annual Carvin' in Crabapple, sponsored by the Crabapple Community Association (CCA), will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Just for Giggles (click here for directions). 

The event is open for kids of all ages to come decorate or carve a pumpkin. All supplies will be provided except for pumpkins.  

Judging will be held at Scoops (click here for directions) immediately following this fun event at 4 p.m.  

For more information on the CCA, click here.

City of Milton property tax bills were Thursday, Sept. 6. Residents have 60 days (due date Nov. 5) to pay the bill without incurring penalties.

Residents have four options available for paying their bill:

Online: Click here to pay your taxes online.

By phone: Call 678-242-2500 and ask for the Revenue Office.

By mail: 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107G, Milton, GA 30004. Please make check(s) payable to City of Milton. Mail both the tax stub and your check or money order.

In person: Finance Office: 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107G, Milton, GA 30004. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Acceptable forms of payment are check, money order, cashier's check, credit card (Visa/MasterCard/American Express and Discover) and cash (exact change only). 

Ad valorem taxes, more commonly known as property taxes, are levied for city operations and maintenance. All real estate and personal property is taxable unless exempted by law.    

For more information, visit the Finance Department's Tax FAQ page here or download the 2012 Property Tax Guide.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Nov. 10 from 8 a.m. to noon and gather your large items for disposal at our bi-annual bulky trash event for Milton and Roswell residents.

The event is sponsored by the cities of Milton and Roswell, along with Milton Grows Green and Keep Roswell Beautiful.

Drop off is at the Roswell Public Works facility, 1810 Hembree Road in Roswell (click here for directions). Proof of residency will be required (utility bills preferred).

For more information and a list of acceptable items, check the flyer or e-mail mgg@cityofmiltonga.us.

The City of Milton will once again display commemorative markers for the two weeks surrounding Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11, and in preparation is adding veterans into the city's registry of service men and women.

Through four years of hard work and the generosity of residents, Milton has amassed a list of 463 living and fallen veterans, 261 of whom are memorialized with markers placed on Deerfield Parkway from Nov. 4 through Nov. 18. Any deceased veteran of a Milton family is qualified to be honored with a marker. Information on living veterans will be used for recognition purposes. Living veterans DO NOT receive markers.

Each year residents ask how their family members may be added to the registry. The city does not have access to a government database revealing who served in the military. Instead, we need you to tell us.

If you, a friend or someone in your family is or was a veteran, please fill out the attached form below. You may drop it off at City Hall, fax it to 678-242-2499 or mail it to:

Milton City Hall
13000 Deerfield Parkway
Suite 107A
Milton, GA 30004
Attn: Jason Wright

There is also an online form available anytime at the City of Milton Web site. You may either click here or go to www.cityofmiltonga.us. To access the form, click on the "Find a Form or Permit" tab at the top of the page and choose "Register military veterans' information" from the "Online Forms" section at the top of the page.

Once you give the City of Milton the information, it will be placed in a secure database. The names will then be sent to City Councilman Bill Lusk, who for four years has personally built, painted, engraved and placed the markers at his own expense.

The names will then also be used in the City of Milton's yearly Memorial Day service. 

Please note: Only veterans who have passed away receive markers. Living veterans will have their service recognized with inclusion in lists printed for Memorial and Veterans day. 

For more information, contact Tom Gilliam at 678-242-2519 or tom.gilliam@cityofmiltonga.us.

The Milton Public Safety Fund (MPSF), a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit corporation providing support to the Milton Police and Fire Departments, has begun a new fundraising effort: selling flower bulbs perfect for fall planting.  

For every purchase made on the Flower Power Fundraising site, the group will give 50 percent back to Milton Public Safety Fund.  

To place an order, visit the MPSF's Web site.

Milton resident Steve Quintana won the gold medal in the 50 meter sprint Sept. 19 at the Golden Olympics, held in Warner Robbins. 

The win came just two years after beating prostate cancer. 

Because of the win, Quintana qualified for the national Golden Olympics held in Ohio during summer, 2013. Great job!   

The City of Milton has partnered with The Clean Air Campaign to help improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. Through this partnership the city's administration has helped employees save time, money and stress on their commutes to and from work.

The Clean Air Campaign assisted with formalizing the city's telework program and establishing a carpool ride-matching data base, transit route assistance and incentive programs.

 "We also have received assistance from the Clean Air Campaign in developing an anti-idle policy for city vehicles," said Cindy Eade, sustainability coordinator. "They have been a tremendous help in meeting some of the goals of the ARC Green Communities Certification for the city."

The Clean Air Campaign is a not-for-profit organization that offers all of their programs and services free to Georgia employers. No company is too large or too small -- they tailor fit the commute options program to each employer's needs.

If your employer is not offering a commute options program, contact the Clean Air Campaign to get started today. Individuals can also benefit from all the Clean Air Program options by logging on to www.logyourcommute.org and learning more.

Make sure to stop by the Milton Roundup "Green Team Tent" on Saturday, Oct.20 and learn more about the Clean Air Campaign and other environmental initiatives!   

Milton's City Council voted unanimously Sept. 17 to approve the fiscal year 2013 budget, allowing city staff to move forward with a number of vital and popular projects aligning with the city's Strategic Plan.

The $20.5 million budget is designed to guide the City of Milton through the realities of the new economy while fulfilling community desires. 

The fiscal year 2013 budget includes: 

• More than $500,000 in new sidewalks to connect schools, businesses and residences in the Cogburn/Hopewell/Webb roads corridor
• $1.4 million in park and trail development funds
• $2.29 million (plus $4.9 million in state and federal grant funding) for planning and execution of new road and bridge construction projects, including work on the intersections of: 
• Hopewell, Francis and Cogburn roads
• Birmingham and Hopewell roads
• Ga. 140 and New Providence Road
• Ga. 372 and Providence and New Providence roads
• Bethany Bend, Hopewell and Bethany roads 
• Mayfield Road and Ga. 372
• Deerfield Parkway and Morris Road
• More than $2 million for paving and road improvement at locations across the city as prescribed by the Pavement Management Plan
• $35,000 for a newly created economic development coordinator position
• $132,500 for tornado sirens
• $12,000 for a hazardous waste collection day so residents can dispose of paints and other liquids barred from existing bulky trash collection events 

Please note, not all of these listed projects will be completed in fiscal year 2013 (Oct. 1, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2013); however, money in this budget will go to their completion.   

To view the full approved Fiscal Year 2013 budget, click here. It is also available at the City of Milton's Web site, www.cityofmiltonga.us, under Your Government > Finance > Budget.

Milton's fall paving schedule will continue through the month of October, with work finishing Nov. 19.

The general access roads to be paved or improved include:  

• Haygood Road
• Bethany Road from Bethany Way to Providence Road
• Batesville Road from Ga. 372 to the Cherokee County line
• Cowart Road (patching) 

Residential roads to be paved or improved include: 

• Gunston Hall Circle
• Gunston Hall Drive
• Old North Park Lane
• Providence Farms Lane
• Stonebrook Farms Road
• Orchard Bend Trail
• Beringer Court
• South Vineyard Way 

Roads will remain open during the paving, but will be reduced to one travel lane. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes if possible during the construction period.

These roads were identified as being the most in need of repair in the city's pavement management plan approved in 2009 by City Council. The $1.7 million contract for the projects is to be carried out by Blount Construction Company.

For more information, call Angie Kapijimpanga, Public Works Department Citizen Responder, at 678-242-2562 or e-mail angie.kapijimpanga@cityofmiltonga.us.

The City of Milton has contracted with Emergency Communications Network to license its CodeRED high-speed notification system.

The system, which allows Milton to quickly deliver messages in emergency situations to targeted areas or the entire city, comes stocked with all listed phone numbers existing within the last year.

However, businesses and residents must input numbers if they: 

• have unlisted phone numbers,
• changed their phone number or address within the past year
• use a cellular or VoIP phone as their primary number 

Required information includes first and last name, street address, city, state, zip code and primary phone number. Additional phone numbers can be entered, as well. All information is secure and will not be used for anything but emergency alerts.

To sign up, click here. You may also visit the City of Milton's Web site, www.cityofmiltonga.us, and click on the CodeRED logo.

If you would prefer to sign up over the phone, simply call 678-242-2500 and say you would like to register. We'll take care of the rest.

This system will replace the current free Nixle emergency alert system that texts residents.  Unfortunately, because of privacy laws, the City of Milton cannot see the 500-plus people currently using Nixle. So if you've previously signed up for Nixle alerts, you'll have to register with CodeRED. 

For more information on the CodeRED emergency alert system, contact Marietta at 678-242-2570 or matthew.marietta@cityofmiltonga.us.

This list is compiled from business license records kept by the city's Community Development Department. If a new business receives a license within the month proceeding the newsletter, it will be listed.

The appearance of a business on this page is not intended, nor should it be construed, as the City of Milton's or Milton City Council's endorsement, sanction, promotion or advertisement of any particular business. Identification of businesses on this list is for informational purposes only. Citizens interested in retaining or conducting business with any of the companies or agencies listed in this item should conduct their own review and investigation of that business.

Mayor Joe Lockwood helps cut the ribbon at the new ERA Sunrise Realty office at the Marketplace at Birmingham Village Sept. 13.

Wardle Educational Services: 13680 Ga. 9 Suite G200 

Around the Town Professional Movers: 22112 Deer Trail 

Jordan Media Consulting, LLC: 615 Glendalough Court 

J. Harold Phillips: 12600 Deerfield Parkway Suite 100

CSR Electronics: 12600 Deerfield Parkway Suite 2034

The Pilates Edge, LLC: 15800 Birmingham Highway Suite 601 

AFC Physicians of Georgia, P.C.: 12994 Ga. 9

Big peach Design: 723 Sandringham Drive

Therapeutic Edge: 12635 Crabapple Road Suite 130

Ridgeland Group, LLC: 2345 Bethany Bend   

Warm Regards Gift Company: 3529 Peacock Road

Renaldo Design Studio: 90 Gladwyne Ridge Drive

My Pet's Mobile Vet: 880 Owens Lake Road 

For a continually updated list of current businesses in Milton via the city's Web site, click here.