VERGE Newsletter January 2023

Josette Bailey Elected to Ward B Seat

On December 12, Councilwoman Josette Bailey was officially sworn-in by East Point Municipal Chief Judge Rashida Oliver to serve as the councilmember for Ward B in the City of East Point. She was elected during the December 6th General Election Runoff.

Councilmember Bailey is a native of Georgia, growing up in Bowdon, Georgia. She has lived in Egan Park for four years and in South Fulton for 20 years. She's attended church in East Point for over 30 years. She graduated from Spelman College and Georgia State University, earning a doctorate in special education and leadership. She received training at Cornell University in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her pronouns are she/her/hers.

Her motivation comes from her parents, who did not attend college but always expressed the importance of getting a good education. When her parents did not know how to guide her application process to attend college, her science teacher stepped in to give her the guidance she needed. Josette learned as a young student that it takes a village to raise a child. "We need each other in our community to be successful," said Councilwoman Josette Bailey. "We are better when we work together."

She is the mother of two adult daughters, Camryn and Christen. Bailey is currently a small business owner of a retail store, a college professor, and a former successful administrator in Georgia, having worked in one of the largest school districts in the country (Cobb County) and recently retiring from Atlanta Public Schools. Providing resources to families and helping students is a rewarding experience. Working in the role of the city council will allow her to utilize those skills and talents to help the residents of East Point. Her interests include reading about social justice topics, diversity, equity, and inclusion solutions, and traveling to culturally enriching places. Her hobbies are playing and watching sports, working out, dancing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Bailey replaces former Ward B Councilman Thomas Calloway who resigned in March.

Fulton County Mayors Hold Signing Ceremony Securing LOST

On December 15, several Fulton County Mayors attended a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) signing ceremony at the Central Library in Downtown Atlanta. Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham was one of the mayors in attendance to sign the official agreement to keep the LOST in place for another 10 years. The formalized agreement keeps the LOST- approximately $4 Billion in revenue shared by the governments- in place for the next decade. The LOST is a one percent sales tax placed on the purchase, sale, rental, storage, and use of the personal property and related services as a means to raise funds for county projects.

Short-Term Rental Compliance Program Launched in the City of East Point

The City of East Point officially launched a new compliance program that will streamline the implementation of local rules and regulations for short-term rentals. This program makes enforcement simpler, fairer, and more effective for the entire community.

Under the new program, property owners of short-term rentals, such as those listed on AirBnB and VRBO, will be able to easily apply for a permit, complete required paperwork, and pay taxes and fees. The program will also provide resources for East Point residents to help ensure compliance of the short-term rental properties in their neighborhoods.

"The new compliance program provides resources that allow us to enforce our community's short-term rental ordinances and rules," said Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham. “Our priority is to prioritize the quality of life of our residents as we make the home-sharing economy work for everyone in the City of East Point whether they’re a property owner, manager, neighbor, tourist, or local business owner.”

The new program also provides a hotline neighbors can use to report short-term rentals that may not be compliant with local rules, and file complaints about problematic activities and conditions, such as excessive noise, illegal parking, or overflowing trash.

The new short-term rental program uses Granicus’ govService Host Compliance, a service that helps local governments easily manage short-term rental compliance and enforcement.

To apply for a permit for a short-term rental, confirm compliance for a property, or get answers about short-term rental rules, regulations, and fees, visit the homepage of the City of East Point’s website www.eastpointcity.org, call 404-270-7029 or email epshorttermrental@eastpointcity.org.

To make a complaint about a short-term rental in the City of East Point, visit www.eastpointcity.org or call 1-404-777-4846, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To learn more about Granicus’ Host Compliance, visit granicus.com/solution/govservice/host-compliance/.

Atlanta Community Food Bank Launches Free Grocery Home Delivery Program January 24th

View Flyer in English

View Flyer in Spanish

Water & Sewer Staff Undergo Water Distribution System Training

During the month of December, staff in the Water & Sewer Department participated in water distribution system water valve installation training. This opportunity trained staff to install valves during water emergencies instead of utilizing contractors for this type of installation. This will decrease outage wait times and save money while investing in our staff education and training.

Photos Courtesy of East Point Water & Sewer Department

East Point Water & Sewer Improvements Underway

Your Storm Water Utility Fees Hard at Work

Chana Smith Graduates from Kennesaw State University at

62-years-old

Chana Smith, Office Manager for East Point's Power Department, is proving that it's never too late to follow your dreams. Smith recently graduated from Kennesaw State University on December 13th with a bachelor's degree in Accounting at age 62. She first started the four-year program in January 2011 but stopped in January 2014 due to her parents becoming ill. She resumed classes again in January 2015, but halted the program again in 2017 after her father passed away and to take care of her mother. Smith was determined to finish the course and resumed classes again in August 2020. Please congratulate her on this important milestone!

East Point PIO Recognized for Excellence in Public Relations

On December 16, MVP TV Network awarded East Point's Public Information Officer (PIO) Shannon Wiggins with the MVP Emerge Award for Excellence in Public Relations. Wiggins is one of 15 black professionals in the Atlanta area to receive an Emerge Award from MVP TV Network that recognizes black professionals for their work in the community. She has served as the City's PIO for five years. MVP TV Network is a full service production company that has covered live news, events and sports in the metro Atlanta area since 2012.

Water Resources Employees for the Month of November 2022

Lexis Cunningham

William Horton

Lexis Cunningham- Lab Analyst

Lexis has obtained her State of Georgia Laboratory Certification. She has learned aspects of operating the water treatment plant beyond her job responsibilities. Her dedication to the City shows through her willingness to help others and work overtime in times of need.

William Horton- Senior Water Mechanic

William is eligible to retire but is dedicated to train all new maintenance techs on how to maintain the water treatment plant before retirement. He is an expert at repairing the city water pumps at Sweetwater and Ben Hill . He's always willing to help and is dependable in water emergencies.

Russ and Avis "Patty" Walters Retire After 32 Years of Service

(L to R) Russ Walters, Deputy Police Chief Russell Popham, and Avis "Patty " Walters

(L to R) Police Chief Shawn Buchanan, Russ Walters, Avis "Patty" Walters, and Deputy Police Chief Russell Popham

Congratulations to the dynamic husband and wife duo Russ and Avis "Patty" Walters on their retirement after 32 years of dedicated service to the East Point Police Department. Russ served as the 911 Communications Director and Patty served as the Terminal Agency Coordinator Operator. The City of East Point thanks them for their long-time dedication and service.

Heating Safety Tips

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East Point Brings in Holiday Spirit at Annual Tree Lighting Event

On December 2, the City of East Point hosted its annual tree lighting ceremony on the front lawn of East Point City Hall. The event featured live performances from the Tri-Cities High School Marching Band, world-renowned violinist Richmond Punch, East Point Gems of Georgia and photos with Santa! The event was organized by the East Point Parks & Recreation Department. East Point’s Mayor and Council led the countdown to light the tree.

The Tri-Cities High School Marching Band performing a medley of holiday hits in front of East Point City Hall

Violinist Richmond Punch shares his violin with the youth.

Deron King (City Manager), Shellord Pinkett (Parks & Recreation Director), Councilmembers Joshua B. Butler, IV, and Sharon Shropshire, Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham, Santa, Councilman Lance Robertson, and officials with Acceptance Insurance in front of East Point’s holiday tree

2022 Tree Lighting Ceremony Video

Santa and Mrs. Claus Join Councilwoman Gordon and East Point Police at Jingle Jam

On December 3, Santa and Mrs. Claus were in East Point at the 2022 Jingle Jam hosted by East Point Councilwoman Stephanie Gordon and the East Point Police Department at the Camp Creek Marketplace in partnership with Crawford Square, Smoothie King and Nothing bundt Cakes. Happy little boys and girls received toys, sweet treats from Ben & Jerry’s Hot Chocolate Party and complimentary photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

A family takes a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Officer Watts handing a young girl a toy at the Jingle Jam

East Point Seniors Celebrated at Silver Foxx Ball

On December 8, East Point's "seasoned residents" dressed to impress and danced the night away at the 2022 Silver Foxx Ball held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. The event was hosted by Councilman Joshua B. Butler, IV. and Gloria Jenkins to celebrate the contributions of seniors in the City of East Point.

(Photo: Gloria Jenkins and Councilman Joshua B. Butler, IV.)

Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham, Councilmembers Josette Bailey, Stephanie Gordon, T. Starr Cummings and Joshua B. Butler, IV.

2022 Silver Foxx Ball Video

East Point City Leaders meet with State and Federal Leaders During Legislative Roundtable

On December 13, East Point City leaders hosted the annual Hometown Connection Legislative Roundtable in the City Hall Council Chambers to meet with state and federal legislators before the Legislative Session in January to discuss issues affecting the City of East Point. The discussion was facilitated by Jim Thornton, Director of Governmental Relations for the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). Attendees included State Senator Sonya Halpern (SD39), representatives from GMA, East Point Police, Congresswoman Nikema Williams' Office, U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock's Office and U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff's Office. The topics discussed were infrastructure, Public Safety, the closing of the hospital, the Local Option Sales Tax and more. Click the button below to watch the livestream of the Legislative Roundtable.

Watch Legislative Roundtable

Tri-Cities High School Opens Unidos (S.A.F.E.) Center

On December 14, Tri-Cities High School hosted the grand opening of The Unidos (S.A.F.E.) Center. The Student and Family Engagement (S.A.F.E) Center provides essential services for students, parents, staff and the community. Services include groceries, clothing, shoes, laundry services, hygiene items, mentoring and more. For more information, contact Coordinator Shondra Evans at evanss1@fultonschools.org or (470) 254-3132.

East Point Councilmembers Gordon and Butler Show Appreciation to East Point Businesses

On December 15, East Point Councilmembers Stephanie Gordon and Joshua B. Butler, IV. hosted a wonderful evening of networking among business owners, City staff and residents at the 2022 Holiday Business Networking Event at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. The night included remarks from former Councilwoman Nanette Saucier, Economic Development Director Maceo Rogers, Public Art Coordinator Christopher Swain and Police Chief Shawn Buchanan. Entertainment was provided by The Tufton Tet under the leadership of Christopher Mosely and Amari the harpist.

2022 Holiday Business Networking Video

East Point Police Help Youth Shop for Toys

On December 16, 11 children and their families took photos with Santa and went shopping with the East Point Police Department during the "Shop With A Cop" annual event at the Walmart on Cleveland Avenue.

Santa with East Point Police Chief Shawn Buchanan

East Point Fire Hosts Annual Santa Ride Along

On December 17, the East Point Fire Department continued their annual tradition of spreading holiday cheer to East Point families during their Santa Ride Along. Santa along with Fire Officials delivered toys at the following stops: Sumner Park, Wayfield Plaza, Rantin Park, Lexington Apartments, Brookfield Apartments and Martel Homes.

Santa Ride Along Video

Councilman Lance Robertson Hosts Ward A Ugly Sweater Mixer

On December 20, residents in Ward A brought out their fashions at the Ward A Ugly Sweater Mixer at Chairs Upstairs Bar and Restaurant hosted by Councilman Lance Robertson. Some of the guests included actor T.C. Carson, from the hit show "Living Single," who is an East Point resident and lives in Ward A!

Shaq-A-Claus and East Point City Leaders Provide $20K Worth of Toys to East Point Youth

On December 21, East Point City Councilmembers Lance Robertson and Joshua B. Butler, IV., partnered with NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal for his 30^th annual Shaq-A-Claus Pop-Up Toy Giveaway. This was the third year that O’Neal has partnered with the City of East Point for this event. O’Neal along with East Point City leaders and volunteers provided over $20,000 worth of toys to 500 East Point families. Youth ages 15 and under also received clothes, food and free haircuts.