I'll say that. I'm still curious if they will be doing any mulching/weeding of beds etc. Does the "contract" call for any work like that?

And regarding the loading of mulch at the recycle center. It is my understanding that it will not be done by the City anymore. Why not have the loader available for a $10 dollar charge (obviously a City Employee would run the loader)? It is my understanding that a City Employee is on site at the Rockaway site. Is this not workable? It would still be very inexpensive and the users of the mulch would be paying the freight so to say.

All the old responsibilities are contracted for.

The scale of landscaping at community entrances has been simplified due to costs. Again, last year.

HOA's and such can, and are encouraged, to take over their own. Then they can conform to their own community aesthetics. Many have done so for years and more are doing so now.

A part time Recycling Center employee is being hired to oversee the center while open.

Once all is settled then full information on how it all will be run will be in place.

For now, email info@peachtree-city.org for where it all stands at this point in time.

Remember, when they redirect Rockaway we will loose that center.

With the economy, issues at State and DC and so forth all is in flux. Going to be a roller coaster ride for some time to come.

Don Haddix
PTC Councilman
Post 1
donhaddix.com

So are we to Assume that the clean-up along the roadways as to down trees and such are being taken care of by the contracting company? If so they have dropped the ball already, there have been three trees down on the parkway north of McIntosh Trail for close to three weeks now. They were down before the cutting started and the contract company cut around them. Also, who is going to clean up the Huge mess made by the 4th of July parade and fireworks (which should be cancel this year due to budgetary constraints). In past years every city employee had to work to clean this mess up.
In loo of the fireworks this year we should have a 50th anniversary party for PTC residents only and not provide entertainment for the surrounding counties residents.

Obama's weapon of Choice!

Your mixing a lot of issues and players now.

Fact is a lot of clean up last year was done by KPTCB as well. Al says he is still finding trash from last year's parade and fireworks related events.

I live where a lot of people come to see the fireworks and have found 4th of July related trash for months after the fact in the surrounding area as well.

Much of this goes to the issues I have related about growing amounts of litter, etc., and its costs.

One Tru-Green worker's sole job is litter pick up all week, every week.

Over the years I have seen trees and such down for longer the 3 weeks before being removed.

Obviously, the grass cutting crew is not equipped to remove a downed tree. Plus, their contract is not 3 weeks old, as well.

The scheduling and supervision you are asking about is handled by Staff, not Council. For exacting details on your questions please email info@peachtree-city.org. Include the downed trees. Betsy will relay to the appropriate parties handling the scheduling to provide you the detailed answers.

Anyone reading this post, if you see downed trees, etc., please report them here.

If it proves service levels are declining, then we will have to review and revise the situation. But the first thing to happen, obviously, is to get the contractors work cycles and jobs up to date following the delays and set backs experienced prior.

Asking a lot to have it all up to 100% after 2 week. Especially when there were more than 2 weeks delays prior.

I am not one bit happy about the delays that happened. I did not cause them, tried to not allow them to happen, but was unable to do so.

As for the fireworks, a lot of people let us know very clearly the fire works go on.

For the 50th, a good number of events will involve teams and such from other areas. Hopefully they will eat, sleep and so forth enough to cover expanses.

Big issues of long standing do not get fixed overnight. I am one of 5 on Council and the City is run by Staff. So many hoops to jump through.

Don Haddix
PTC Councilman
Post 1
donhaddix.com

As always,Thanks for the answers, I know that this can not be fixed overnight, keep up the fight.

Obama's weapon of Choice!

First, the "23" you mention did not have jobs that solely involved landscaping and grass-cutting. That makes it sound like there were quite a lot of city employees with only that job function and that isn't close to the reality.

People are complaining about those issues now because they realize way after the fact that the only way as a city you can outsource grass cutting and landscaping and still save big money is to REDUCE the frequency of grass cutting and landscaping. In other words, cut the level of service previously provided, no pun intended. It's not like PTC dumped a bunch of highly-paid employees to do this...it was more like starting at the bottom of the wage scale and working upwards. I'm sure you're aware of some wage scale issues more closer to the middle up on the food chain that need to be addressed that involve people who are getting paid well above what value they bring to the city. This may involve some inducements that cost the city in the short-term, but the only way to bring the pay back into line with the value received is to get some employees out of the picture and replaced with cheaper and actually more qualified employees. There are opportunities in PTC to do that.

I don't envy you or any other PTC elected official when everyone screams GUT THE BUDGET and doesn't realize that GUTTING THE BUDGET means a reduction in services provided that citizens took for granted before, or raising taxes, which is tantamount to running down Peachtree Parkway naked with a sign stating "HAIL SATAN." People want every amenity and service for free, simply because they "chose" to grace the community with their presence by moving here. Well, good luck.

You are correct they did more. And the outsourcing contract does more than landscaping and contracting as well.

The current focus has been on the grass cutting mainly.

No services have been cut in the contract.

As for the frequency of cutting, etc., that was reduced last year under the 23. It did not begin with the 23.

With the additional rain the frequency of cutting may well need to increase. Not known yet.

If you play with plants, etc., at all, you know the drought years took their toll and have no resemblance to how plants perform, etc. in even a normal rain year.

I know my side yard shrubs already have as much growth on them as they did all last year.

As for cost scale, you are correct. The difference is $940,000, however than combines, on equipment, pay, benefits and other related expenses. That translates to a touch over .5 mils of property tax.

Some other positions are gone, such as the Asst. City Manager. That saves a ton. Again with a reorganization that didn't loose any services.

So far no service loss. Sadly the issues around the 23 caused delays in time that set back the mowing cycle. A frustration for me because the citizen survey should have gone out in December, which would have allowed the rest of the process to have completed before the mowing season began.

As things have worked out, it is looking like, if we get the management changes in the Tennis Center and Kedron Center, to along with The Fred changes, we may end up with about a .25 to .375 mil increase with hopefully no dip into the reserves.

52% said combo cuts and tax increase to balance the budget. That is reasonable.

About 25% said just tax increases, which is too much when looking at 1.5 mils for 2010 increasing to a total of over 8 mils by 2013.

The last 23% wanted all cuts in services and personnel. That would be too damaging to what PTC is.

No good choices but changing nothing cannot be, since we have to balance our budget, legally, and taking close to 3 million out of the reserves for just one year is irresponsible.

You hear some say we should have done it another way. Trouble is they have no ideas for what else we could have been done or suggest things that cannot be done and would not balance the budget anyway.

I am trying to do the right thing. Differences on Council can make that task even harder.

It is hard to accomplish in one cycle what should have started years before.

Don Haddix
PTC Councilman
Post 1
donhaddix.com

I am all for saving some money and making the city budget work but when will you and the rest of the city council do something about the Tourism Association and its incompetent staff.
They killed both the Fred and the Tennis Center with some very poor decisions or lack of any decisions.
What happens with the Hotel Motel Tax portion that goes to the Tourism Association? Why can they not hire a qualified person that knows how to promote our city?

Last year I found a new legal format for handling the Hotel/Motel Tax that is superior to what is currently in use. It took to recently to move it forward for implementation. It takes action by the legislature to allow and will be moved upon the next session.

State law requires certain percentages of the Hotel/Motel must be used for Tourism via a legal non profit. Tourism Authorities are the common mechanism. Uses are narrowly defined.

Email info@peachtree-city.org and ask where to get a copy of their budget. I have a hard copy from late last year. Not sure if it is online or not.

For those who follow it, changes in The Fred and Tennis Center have been agenda items of mine since before I was elected. I have been pushing. Finally got changes at The Fred and now moving forward on the Tennis Center after the actual financial numbers became public.

There may need to be more tweaks, but at least it is movement in the right direction.

As for Tourism itself, it has not been a topic brought up in Council discussions unless by Sturbuam or myself. This year Logsdon is the voting member from Council. Prior was Plunkett. Some serious changes have been needed, some of which are occurring but a long way to go as far as I am concerned.

I have some ideas and am pursuing them.

But remember it is difficult to act upon Authorities. They are created by State Law, enacted by cities via the legislature and are difficult to regulate since they are independent to quasi independent legal entities. That means we cannot simply give an order and they jump.

The Tourism Board hires their own personnel. Neither Council or Staff has a say.

Another issue that should have been moved upon in prior years.

Don Haddix
PTC Councilman
Post 1
donhaddix.com

Other than to raise taxes. I agree they need to be held accountable, but it's beyond silly to think Code Enforcement should issue fines.

Well you didn't mention fines, but I hope you get the picture.

Look, Haddix himself has come on here and said everything is fine. No complaints ever with the new grass cutting crew. He seems to be the chosen one of this crowd, why can't you just take him at his word?

They don't care. However, we are paying Tru Green to do mowing and who do you think mowed all the grass at City Hall the Friday before Easter. City employees (mostly from the REC Dept.) How screwed up is that??? If you want excuses on why things around the city are not getting done, call or e-mail city hall. It is as if they get paid by the excuse.

According to Haddix..he's said so right here on these very blogs.

He will lose his credibility if he keeps up that story. There were two complaints in the free speech section just this week alone. Plus the several posts on this site from people claiming to have called in complaints to city hall.

This just isn't a lie that Mr. Haddix can get away with. So my next question is; What else is he lying about?

And I still plan to vote for him. A rock is better than Logsdon.

This is a cut and paste of an e-mail that was forwarded to me that was also sent to Logston, Boone, Plunkett, Haddix, Sturabaum, and Bernie...

Dear Sir's and Madam;

I am writing to you regarding the state of the landscaping in the city. My understanding is that it is not a violation until the grass or weeds reaches a height of twelve inches. This is just not acceptable. Many lower class neighborhoods (such as The City of Forest Park in Clayton county) only allow for 6 inches of growth of accumulate. The current state of the landscaping of Peachtree Parkway, 74, and 54 are deplorable.

I read in the paper that it was said by Mr. McMullen that he knows that the city will not get this right the first time. What a way to set yourself up for failure. At that you have succeeded. I know that it has rained a lot, and that would have prevented mowing. However, on the days that there is no rain, I and other citizens expect to see activity on the mowing front. But we see nothing!

I ask of each and everyone of you to give us an answer as to when we will see our community cleaned up and looking better than this? How may tries will it take to get a simple mowing contract right. I know that you went with the lowest bidder. Did it not ever occur to any of you that like with all purchases, you will get what you pay for?

was not nearly as nice.

But according to Haddix, no complaints EVER. And to think, folks continue to fall for his game.

Usually he has chimed in by now. Wonder if he is in a coma or what? Who knows...

DarkMadam, You seem to have an opinion about everything Haddix does/says, I have to ask just who would you vote for in the Mayor's race.

Obama's weapon of Choice!

I am really hoping that more people step up. I think that we need a wide array or people with different views to run. What we have in Council now just is not working. I don't know what the solution is but if we stay with the same ole same ole, Peachtree City will soon be the next Riverdale. Some of the folks running have gotten my attention, but I am reserving judgment until I see all that want to run.

I would never do THAT!
But the motion passed 5-0. All the idiots agreed! Imagine that, not a 3-2 vote.

Who else is going to step forward and fill Haddix's seat and replace the other 2?
We have an opportunity to replace 3 people on council - that's a huge opportunity for change.

Imker is the guy that won't actively campaign - like that's going to work. And the little Realtor who is running against Cindy. But who else. I know it is early but more than just these 2 should be interested - otherwise we may be left with a second term for the incumbents. Not good.

Not making an endorsement either way, but in truth, there is the potential to change 4 seats. Harold, Steve and Cindy are all up on term. Don would have to resign and there is no 100% guarantee of his election. Just saying.

And I think Scott Bradshaw is going to run after Haddix formally announces and resigns his seat. One of the guys on the Planning Commission has been testing the waters - Mark something, but other than that, there is not much going on. That famous Peachtree City apathy is going to be the big winner in November. We can have another 9% turnout and get what we deserve.

Shelby "Christian Values" Barker is running for Haddix' open seat. Not sure if he is running as a Republican candidate or a Christian Nation candidate.

If we think the council is dysfunctional now, imagine if Barker gets elected and begins his jihad to purge homos, Jews and Muslims from PTC government, and he'll only have one term to do it, because he's got his eye on the county commission...

Homos, Jews and Muslims from PTC government?
Get real, homos and muslims are the new entitled class, Jews have had their special place in the sun for years. Why would Mr. or Ms. Barker want to purge them? Besides, I don't know any of them types in PTC government.

Slowly back away from the AM dial.

If you've been reading these blogs, you would realize that Christianity is UNDER ASSAULT from all sides nowadays, particularly the GOVERNMENT. It's a well known FACT that JEWS, HOMOSEXUALS, and MUSLIMS have risen to positions of power at nearly all levels of government. Even cults like the MASONS and MORMONS have managed to infiltrate lower levels (one of the reasons the medians have not been mowed in Peachtree City is because the grass is primarily "red clover", which is sacred and in many FOUL MORMON RITES...that is the REAL REASON that PTC had to outsource the mowing jobs....no real MORMON will touch their sacred "red clover")

So who will save us?

SHELBY BARKER!

Mr. Barker is on a mission from GOD to re-instill CHRISTIAN VALUES into our government! If Mr. Barker is elected, he will purge the Godless hordes from our local government...and you won't see any women dressed in slacks any longer, either! NO! Shelby will re-aquaint them with their CHRISTIAN HERITAGE and make them wear dresses....as GOD intended women to be dressed!

Shelby is particularly enamored of the most important verse in the BIBLE: MATTHEW 22:21 ("Render unto Caesar...."). As such he will raise taxes to the maximum feasible extent to insure a comfortable existence for his developer patrons ("Caesars").

Shelby Barker is a man in a hurry. I suspect we'll only have his wise counsel for just a few years here locally, as he is destined for bigger things...the statehouse, certainly, and perhaps even the national stage, GOD willing!!

Thanks for my morning laugh! I needed that!

About Shelby Barker. Sounds like he would be lots of fun on council. We know Haddix will be mayor for sure now that Harold has gone on to an election he can't win -BTW, this is a good lesson in how to quit your job without actually quitting. Like that judge who beat Cynthia McKinney then went on to run against Johhny Isakson after only one term.

Anyway, we get Haddix as mayor and he can control Boone, Barker and Brown (Steve that is).

Hey we can monogram the towels in the men's room "SB""