VERGE Newsletter November 2020

October 2020

East Point Selected to Receive Housing Designation

Five Georgia communities have been newly selected to receive assistance with their housing needs through the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH), a public-private program that helps communities strategically grow their economies through housing-related solutions. The cities of Blakely, Jonesboro, East Point, Covington and the Calhoun Housing Authority will begin the three-year program in February 2021. The communities were recognized at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) virtual fall conference on October 5. To learn more about this program click here.

USDA Awards $250,000 Grant for City Agriculture Planning Pilot with City of East Point and Atlanta Regional Commission

Atlanta nonprofit Food Well Alliance (FWA) announced it is one of 23 organizations across the nation – and the only organization in Georgia – receiving a brand-new grant awarded by the Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The new Regional Food System Partnerships grant program joins the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion grant programs authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill. The $250,000 grant awarded to FWA will advance implementation of the Atlanta region’s first-ever City Agriculture Plan being piloted in the City of East Point and guided by FWA and city planning experts from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC).

In May 2020, the draft urban agriculture plan was presented to stakeholders. East Point City Council is expected to review and approve the final plan next month, at which point implementation can begin. “We are excited about the new heights that this grant will take us during our implementation of the first-ever City Agriculture Plan in the metro area,” said Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham. “This funding will help us form strategic partnerships to systemically and equitably address our food access challenges and, most importantly, enable us to continue to improve the health and quality of life of our residents.”

To read more on this grant click here.

East Point Urban Agriculture Steering Committee Hosts Bucket Garden Giveaway

The East Point Urban Agriculture Steering Committee in partnership with the East Point Farmers Market, Food Well Alliance and the City of East Point hosted a Bucket Garden Giveaway on October 7th in the Downtown Commons. 150 bucket gardens were given away with edible plants such as kale and collards to residents who pre-registered to attend the event. The bucket gardens also included instructions on how to properly grow and care for the plants.

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East Point Keeps Its Aa3 Bond Rating

The Moody's 2020 Credit Rating Report announced that the City of East Point is keeping its Aa3 Bond Rating. The report states that the City of East Point has a strong credit position and that its Aa3 bond rating matches the median rating of Aa3 for cities nationwide. Key credit factors include a robust financial position, a manageable debt burden, a somewhat elevated pension liability, and a sizable tax base.

"Thanks to the finance staff and its leadership for continuing the financial stewardship that has gotten us to this point," said City Manager Frederick Gardiner. "It is my sincere hope that we will one day make that next step to a AAA bond rating."

East Point Announces New Online Permitting Portal

The Planning and Community Development Department is now accepting online applications through the City's new Online Permitting Portal. The Permitting Portal allows users to apply, track progress, and even print approved permits online for both homeowners and contractors. Visit www.eastpointcity.org to apply.

2020-2021 Leaf Vacuum Collection Program Underway

The 2020-2021 leaf vacuum collection program started on October 1, 2020 and will end on March 5, 2021. Loose leaves may be placed at the curb to be collected Monday-Friday in conjunction with the regular sanitation collection schedule. Bagging is recommended, but not required during this period. For questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 404-270-7116. Click here for more information.

Cooking Safety Fact Sheet

Home Fire Escape Plan

East Point Fire Provides Tips During National Fire Prevention Week

Fire Chief Corey Thornton and the East Point Fire Department reminded residents about the importance of fire safety during National Fire Prevention Week which was held October 4-10. With the Coronavirus causing individuals and families to spend more time at home, the National Fire Protection Agency appropriately made the focus of this year’s Fire Prevention Week on the topic of kitchen safety.

Attached are tip sheets on Cooking Safety and steps to creating a Home Fire Escape Plan. The East Point Fire Department also provided a link to the Sparky Firehouse Website which is packed with videos, games and activities to teach children about Fire Safety while having fun. Click here to view the videos.

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East Point Customer Care Team Recognized During National Customer Service Week

East Point's Customer Care team was "pretty in pink" for National Customer Service Week and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Customer Service Week is October 5th-9th and it celebrates the importance of customer service and the people who support customers on a daily basis. The City of East Point appreciates our Customer Care team because they are always ready to serve!

East Point Customer Care Team

East Point Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In the month of October, the City of East Point supported Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Staff turned the fountain in front of City Hall pink and they also wore pink on Fridays to honor and remember those who are fighting and have been affected by this disease.

The fountain in front of City Hall lights up pink at night.

East Point Police supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

(L to R) Lt. Penny Cavin, Selena Andrews (East Point Police Administrative Assistant) and Sgt. Kim Davis wear their pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The East Point Police Department decorated one of their boards in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

East Point Employees Thomas and Shannon Wiggins proudly wear their pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

East Point Recognizes Lights On Afterschool Day

On October 22, the City of East Point recognized Lights On Afterschool Day by lighting City Hall and Old City Hall in the colors of blue and yellow. This day highlights expanded learning opportunities across the nation and the important role that afterschool programs play in the lives of families and communities. The City of East Point greatly appreciates all of the amazing Afterschool Professionals who keep #LightsOnAfterschool.

Top Photo: City Hall

Bottom Photo: Old City Hall

Law Enforcement Officials and Religious Leaders Unite for National Faith & Blue Weekend

October 9th, was a day of fellowship between East Point faith-based leaders and law enforcement officials at the Blue Fall Festival at New Grant Chapel AME Church. This event was hosted by the East Point Police Department, local officials, the New Grant Chapel YPD and Open Hands Open Hearts. October 9th-12th was the first 2020 National Faith & Blue Weekend to build bridges and improve relationships between law enforcement and the communities that they are sworn to protect.

Slutty Vegan Partners with the City of East Point for

"Get Out The Vote" Initiative

On October 20th and October 22nd, Slutty Vegan, a popular vegan restaurant in the Atlanta area, partnered with the City of East Point for the City's "Get Out The Vote" initiative. They parked their famous food truck in the Downtown Commons next to the East Point Library to serve residents their popular burgers while also encouraging them to vote next door at the library which is a Fulton County early voting location. This partnership was made possible through the City's GIS Coordinator, Dominic Maldonado, who was awarded a $20,000 grant to focus on Census and voting outreach efforts.

Photo (L to R) Dominic Maldonado (East Point's GIS Coordinator), Shannon Wiggins (East Point's Public Information Officer) and Alex Lima (East Point Resident and Voting Outreach Coordinator).

East Point Residents Turn in their Unused or Expired Medication to Police

On October 24th, East Point residents properly disposed their unused or expired medication to the East Point Police Department for the annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. The East Point Police Department collected 225 lbs of unused or expired medication.

Amazing Stories Foundation Returns to East Point to Host 2nd Season of Film and TV Apprenticeship Program

On October 26th, the Amazing Stories Foundation (ASF) returned to the City of East Point to host the second season of their Film and TV Apprenticeship Program in the City Annex. ASF was founded in 2019 by Rob Hardy, producer, director and owner of Rainforest Entertainment, as a way to train diverse emerging talent. This year ASF partnered with WarnerMedia to give ASF apprentices training and placement through WarnerMedia’s Access to Action, a program that provides opportunities to those who haven't traditionally had pathways into the entertainment industry. It was designed to foster a more creative and inclusive workforce through production assistant jobs on television and film productions. The apprenticeship program is paid training for adult career seekers looking for full-time opportunities in Georgia's film and television workforce for adults ages 24 and up.

Billy Priest Retires after 30 Years of Service

Billy Priest holds his plaque presented to him from Water & Sewer Director Melissa Echevarria on his 30 years of service with the City of East Point.

Billy Priest, Water & Sewer Foreman for the City of East Point, is retiring after 30 years of service. Mr. Priest began his employment with the City in 1990 as a Laborer. Through his hard work and dedication he was promoted to Foreman in 2006. Thank you Mr. Priest for your service!

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Jacory Wilson Named Water & Sewer Employee of the Month

Jacory Wilson holds his Employee of the Month certificate and Chick-fil-A gift card presented to him from Water & Sewer Director Melissa Echevarria.

Jacory Wilson has been named East Point Water & Sewer Department's Employee of the Month. Mr. Wilson has excelled in the Meter Services Division. His great customer service skills are recognized by residents and the Water & Sewer Department team. Continue to keep up the great work, Jacory!

East Point IT Department Receives "Smart Cities" Award

Farhad Islam (IT Director) and Dominic Maldonado (GIS Coordinator) holding their Smart 50 Award.

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The East Point IT Department recently received their 2020 Smart 50 Award. The Smart 50 Awards annually recognizes global projects to honor the most innovative and influential work. Dominic Maldonado, East Point's GIS Coordinator, and Farhad Islam, East Point's IT Director, were finalists earlier this year in the Digital Transformation category for their project titled 2020: A Spatial Odyssey. The fun concept uses gamification to explore the understanding of how East Point Government works while creating transparency for both staff and the public. It uses multimedia and augmented reality such as Torch, 8^th Wall, Esri Geographic Information Systems, various game engines (Unreal, Unity, Lumberyard) and Ethereum Blockchain as a new way to tell East Point’s story. Congrats to our IT Team for winning this prestigious award!

The community voted on these designs created by Art in the Paint Corporation. Design A is the mural that was selected to go on the basketball court at Brookdale Park.

Painters at work on the Brookdale Park basketball court.

Mural Painted on

Brookdale Park

Basketball Court

The East Point Parks & Recreation Department is working with Artist Arelious Cooper of Art in the Paint Corporation to paint a mural on the basketball court at Brookdale Park. Art in the Paint is an Atlanta based nonprofit organization focused on meshing together art, sports, and community access to necessary resources. They are working in partnership with multiple communities in metro Atlanta to revitalize public outdoor basketball courts and install murals on the courts. The goal of the project is to create a community center without walls that sparks conversations about change and provides the neighborhoods with access to resources and programming.

Surveys were sent out to residents for them to vote on the design of their choice. Parks & Rec Director Shellord Pinkett also spoke at various neighborhood meetings to inform the community of the project. Over 2,000 votes were cast and design A received the most votes. The mural is expected to be complete in early November.

Painters at work on the Brookdale Park basketball court.

East Point City Council Hosts Halloween Drive-Thru

Trick or Treat

On October 29th, the East Point City Council hosted their annual Halloween event at City Hall. Due to the pandemic, Councilwoman Sharon Shropshire came up with the idea to host a Halloween Drive-Thru Trick or Treat that was both fun, safe and socially distant. East Point youth dressed up in their best Halloween costumes to receive candy from Mayor, Council, Parks & Rec Staff, East Point Police and staff from Sims Funeral Home. The City of East Point would also like to thank JenCare Senior Medical Center, WellStar and the Atlanta NAACP for sponsoring this event.

(L to R) Nia Ingraham, Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham, Councilwoman Sharon Shropshire

Halloween Drive-Thru Trick or Treat at City Hall

Sgt. Donna Bridges passing out candy.

Councilman Lance Robertson passing out candy.

East Point Parks & Rec staff member passing out candy.

Sims Funeral Home

East Point residents dressed up in their Halloween Costumes at the Drive-Thru Trick or Treat.

East Point Parks & Rec Offers Virtual Tutoring Service for Students

A Message from the East Point Parks and Recreation Department

We are excited about the opportunity to work with our students to bridge the educational gap during this time in a pandemic. At the City of East Point Parks and Recreation Department along with Differentiating Minds Tutoring Service we strive for academic excellence. We have a long track record of success. We have taken our time to put together a program that we are proud of. We will reach our students where they are and work with them to get them where they desire to be.

Academic Solutions was designed to assist our parents with the educational support they need to ensure our students are understanding and learning during their virtual studies. These are untraditional times in education, so we wanted to create a program that identifies with the needs in our community. We have certified teachers to work with our students' in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades in the areas of reading, writing, and math. We also work with our 6th, 7th , and 9th graders with math.

All of our classes are virtual with small groups to ensure each student receives the attention needed. Our teachers have accessed each child in the program and uses our curriculum to enhance their strengths while improving their weaknesses. Our classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday evening depending on the subject area. We currently have over 100 students enrolled in our program. We look forward to each of our students addressing their needs and achieving their academic goals and desires.