Atlanta Hits December Water Conservation Mark
Even with December holiday parties and family visits, Atlanta water customers rose to the water conservation challenge by meeting the 10 percent reduction mark set by the State Environmental Protection Division (EPD).
With lake levels continuing to fall, in November Mayor Shirley Franklin asked that all Atlanta water customers cut their water usage by 10 percent each month from December 2007 through March 2008, and the City has responded. (Figures for December are through December 27.)
Atlanta’s baseline production – the number the City must hit during the baseline months of December ’06 through March ’07 – is 90.52 million gallons a day (mgd), according to the EPD. That means the City’s target is 81.47 mgd.
Total production for the City’s two water treatment plants was 79.07 million gallons a day for the month of December. That contrasts with a production of 89.68 mgd in December 2006. Consequently, we are currently almost 3 percent under our target.
Atlanta’s figures also show a significant decline in usage among the top commercial/industrial customers, as well, indicating that the conservation message is being received and appreciated.
For more information on water conservation and the drought, visit www.atlantawatershed.org.
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New Public Safety Radio System Will Provide Better Security for Atlanta
The City of Atlanta is preparing to integrate a new state-of-the-art digital radio communications system which will provide an additional layer of security for public safety officials.
In November 2007, the City contracted Motorola, Inc. to provide the digital Astro P25 system to replace the City’s analog system, which has been in place for more than a decade. The new system is designed to enhance inter-operable communications between the City’s mutual aid partners, and promote regional cooperation in public safety.
City officials have been engaged in a thorough factory test process to determine the integrity of the new equipment. In December, Deputy Chief Operating Officer Luz Borrero and representatives from the Atlanta Police and Fire Rescue Departments returned from the system factory where they satisfactorily tested over 732 of its key components.
Equipment will be delivered to the City for field tests and installation can begin as early as this month. The new system implementation will take place over 14 months, with a proposed operational start date of February 2009.
City officials from the Chief Operating Office and the Atlanta Police and Fire Rescue Departments visited the Motorola factory in Illinois, where they tested the City’s new public safety digital radio communications system. |
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Bring One for the Chipper! Recycle Your Christmas Tree
On Saturday January 5 from 9 am – 4 pm, the City of Atlanta, Keep Atlanta Beautiful and the Davey Tree Expert Company will be accepting Christmas trees at two Home Depot locations for the 18th Annual “Bring One for the Chipper” recycling initiative.
Trees will be accepted at the following Home Depot locations:
- Home Depot (Across from City Hall East)
650 Ponce de Leon
Atlanta, GA 30308
404.892.8402
- Home Depot (At corner of Sydney Marcus Boulevard and Piedmont Rd)
2525 Piedmont Road
Atlanta, GA 30324
404.841.5608
“Bring One for the Chipper” annual events have recycled over 4 million trees, eliminating an enormous burden from Atlanta’s over-burdened landfills. Mulch from recycled trees is used for City playgrounds, local government beautification projects and residential yards. This year, tree seedlings will be given out, as long as supplies last.
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Artists Needed for “Opportunity Percent-for-Art” Projects
The City of Atlanta Public Art Program needs artists for its 2008 Opportunity Percent-for-Art projects.
The 2008 Opportunity Percent-for-Art projects are the result of a municipal bond issued for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (DPRCA). The bond provides for new temporary art, gateways, murals and conservation projects in several City parks over the next year.
See below for projects, deadlines and more. The Public Art Program, a division of the Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) will administer the projects. For more information, call Eddie Granderson, 404.871.6819, or visit www.ocaatlanta.com.
2008 Opportunity Percent-for-Art Projects:
- A (NEW) GENRE LANDSCAPE (Temporary art projects)
Submission deadline: January 11, 2008
Twelve Atlanta artists are needed to create multi-disciplined contemporary public artworks in twelve City parks. Sculpture, performance, and innovative approaches to painting, drawing and printmaking are encouraged.
- Community Gateway Projects
Submission deadline: January 18, 2008
Proposals for free-standing sculptures or art integrated into the exterior of the current building structures are sought.
- The Gateway Project at Cleopas R. Johnson Park
Submission deadline: January 25, 2008
It is anticipated that The Gateway at Cleopas R. Johnson Park will create a highly visible portal into a historically significant neighborhood. As the first public art project to anchor the front end of the park, the Gateway Project will be the entrance into a growing urban center.
- The Mural Project at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Natatorium
Submission deadline: February 1, 2008
The project is proposed for a 200’w x 17’h wall visible to visitors to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. Professional artists’ proposals will be considered and presented to a stakeholders committee for review and selection. Three finalists will be awarded $500 each for the preparation of a comprehensive proposal.
- Conserving in a Changing Environment - OCA Public Art Conservation Projects
Submission deadline: February 1, 2008
The OCA Public Art Program plans to create a laboratory for public participation in the conservation of public art. Residents will be encouraged to participate in developing projects with the aim of stimulating community and cultural pride in the revitalization of Public Art. Project proposals will be considered for specified parks. Winning proposals will receive funds to develop and conduct projects.
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The City of Atlanta recently hosted a retirement ceremony to recognize City and Atlanta Public Schools employees who retired in 2007. Mayor Shirley Franklin thanked the employees for their years of dedicated service. Click here to watch the ceremony.
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Rave Reviews!
- The Department of Public Works (DPW) recently completed pavement improvements along the Niskey Lake Road corridor as part of the $150 Million Quality of Life Bond Program. Niskey Lake Road – located in District 11 – was a previously unpaved corridor. In August 2007, DPW began installing roadway improvements along Niskey Lake Road from Butner Road to the dead end. The project included grading, base preparation for the road, paving with asphalt, manhole adjustment, miscellaneous demolition and removals, earthwork, storm sewer systems, curb and gutter, striping and signage and landscaping.
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Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunties
- Beginning January 17 thru February 17, 7 Stages Theatre will present “A Song for Coretta” - a new play by author Pearl Cleage. Show Synopsis: Five women, at the end of the line to see Coretta Scott King lay in state, find laughter and hope in this moving and unexpectedly funny new play. For show times and ticket prices, visit www.7stages.org.
“A Song for Coretta” will play at 7 Stages Theatre from January 17 thru February 17. |
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Job Announcements
With the City of Atlanta’s online application system, you are able to create an account and select a Username and Password and then log in to your account.
After your account has been established, you can create an application by clicking on the “Build Job Application” link. Once your application is completed, it will be stored in the system and can be used to apply for future job openings. To get started by viewing current open positions, click here.
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Weekly Features
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