New fire station alerting system should improve response time in emergencies

News

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – At the start of Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners work session, Assistant County Manager Brandon Kenney presented the results of a customer service survey that focused on three departments that frequently interact with the public – Business License, Community Development and Business and Economic Development.

“Most of the respondents were very happy with the service they received,” Kenney said. “Overall, the satisfaction levels are excellent. Kenney added that department leaders are looking at the survey to determine where improvements can be made.

County Manager Kevin Tanner congratulated Building Inspector Donnie Whitmire on his retirement which will be effective on Monday. Tanner said Whitmire conducted 29,000 inspections during his tenure with the county.

Tanner also awarded the quarterly Customer Service Award to the Business License Department.

Commissioners approved the purchase of a new Fire Station Alerting Solution to replace a 30-year-old system from Purvis Systems Inc. Fire Chief Barry Head said the system will improve response time by an average of 46 seconds, which is critical.

The Board unanimously approved the following:

  • The award of RFP 21-146-2410 for a Fire Station Alerting Solution for the Fire Department to Purvis Systems, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $1,033,609.69 with permission to continue the annual software licensing and maintenance renewals (based upon business need) for the life of the software;
  • Authorization for the Chairman to sign the annual Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification;
  • Acceptance of the Georgia Public Defender Council funding by ARPA in the amount of $83,334.00 with no County match;
  • A list of items as surplus with authorization for the Department of Procurement to dispose of accordingly
  • A Hardware Warranty Agreement by and between Dominion Voting Systems, Inc. and Forsyth County in the not to exceed amount of $105,743 for voting machines for the Department of Voter Registrations and Elections;
  • The award of RFP 21-195-3401 for Acceptance of Recycled Material for the Department of Recycling and Solid Waste to Advanced Disposal Recycling Services Atlanta, LLC;
  • A Construction Services Agreement with Delta Municipal Supply Company in the amount of $18,986,926.00 for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Meters and System Installation for the Department of Water and Sewer;
  • Approval of a Master Services Agreement with Delta Municipal Supply Company in the not to exceed amount of $12,936,562.30 for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Ongoing Operations and Maintenance – Network-as-a-Service and Software-as-a-Service Agreements;
  • The award of RFP 21-201-3300 for annual Sanitary Sewer Flow Monitoring Services to CSL Services, Inc. in the amount of $163,528;
  • A Change Order with K-Team Engineering and Construction for installation and connection of water and sewer utilities for the Matt Schoolhouse Phase 1 Renovation in the amount of $46,300;
  • A Second Amendment to the Lease Agreement between Bennett Capital Partners LLC and Forsyth County to extend the term of the lease for 327 Dahlonega Street, Suite 601b, Cumming, (Tanyard Oaks Office Park) from May 1, 2022 to August 31, 2022;
  • A Change Order with Gaskins Surveying Company in the amount of $6,000 for Survey Services to cover the additional adjacent northern property of the Freedom Parkway Tract;
  • The award of RFQ 21-182-1510 to provide all labor, materials, and equipment for Engineering and Design Services for the Forsyth County Whole Health Center to Jericho Design Group in the amount of $1,667,250;
  • A Task Order with Hayes, James & Associates Inc. to provide Architectural and Engineering Services for the Water and Sewer Maintenance Warehouse Project in the amount of $249,550.00; Department of Capital Projects 2022 Budget;
  • A Task Order 23-Amendment 1 with CH2M Hill, Inc. regarding Lake Lanier Water Quality Sampling;
  • A Temporary Construction Easement and a Permanent Easement with Orchards of Central Park, LLP for the Central Park Recreation Center gravity sewer connection to the adjacent residential development’s sewer infrastructure;
  • A County-Initiated Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to conduct around the clock business on property currently zoned Restricted Industrial District (M1) with a variance to reduce the number of parking spaces – Parcel 140-072;
  • A County-Initiated Amendment of Zoning Conditions on ZA1421 (Technology Park/Atlanta, Inc.) to reduce the 50 ft. planted exterior buffer on the northern property boundary only – Parcel 140-072;
  • A County-Initiated rezoning from A1, CBD, and HB to M1 with conditional use permits (CUPs) and variances for parcels 235-045, 235-056, 235-036, and 235-218;
  • A resolution to the local delegation to the General Assembly voicing opposition to HB1093 and SB494; bills aimed at preempting local governments from regulating Build to Rent Communities;
  • Approval of a resolution declaring surplus and authorizing disposal of an air monitoring station that has been operating at or near Eagle’s Beak Park in accord with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Environmental Protection Division;
  • The appointment of Maria Villalon to the Administrative Committee. Said appointment is for the Employee At-Large Member position that was vacated due to retirement and is for a four-year term or until employment with the County terminates;
  • A resolution requesting that the Forsyth local delegation to the General Assembly sponsor local legislation increasing the County’s Hotel/Motel Excise Tax from 5% to 8%;
  • A Purchase Agreement for Permanent Construction and Maintenance Easement in the amount of $22,706.75 needed for Parcel 151 of the McGinnis Ferry Road Widening Project;
  • A resolution to condemn property interest in Tax Parcel 090-010 (Parcel #96 of the McGinnis Ferry Road Widening Project. Owners: Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Alpharetta, Inc. with authorization for the Chair to execute documents in furtherance of same; estimated just and adequate compensation: $51,100;
  • A resolution to condemn property interest in Tax Parcel 090-172 (Parcel #97 of the McGinnis Ferry Road Widening Project. Owners: Oaktree Land Investments, LLC with authorization for the Chair to execute documents in furtherance of same; estimated just and adequate compensation: $272,600.
  • A resolution to condemn property interest in Tax Parcel 090-174 (Parcel #104 of the McGinnis Ferry Road Widening Project. Owners: BME McGinnis Ferry, LLC with authorization for the Chair to execute documents in furtherance of same; estimated just and adequate compensation: $420,500.
  • A resolution to condemn property interest in Tax Parcel 090-022 (Parcel #115 of the McGinnis Ferry Road Widening. Owners: Husson Properties, LLC with authorization for the Chair to execute documents in furtherance of same; estimated just and adequate compensation: $25,600;
  • A resolution to condemn property interest in Tax Parcel 090-045 (Parcel #118 of the McGinnis Ferry Road Widening Project. Owners: Jered Byars Brown with authorization for the Chair to execute documents in furtherance of same; estimated just and adequate compensation: $332,200;
  • A resolution to condemn property interest in Tax Parcel 090-103 (Parcel #133 of the McGinnis Ferry Road Widening Project. Owners: Gregory A. Maze and Diane K. Maze with authorization for the Chair to execute documents in furtherance of same; estimated just and adequate compensation: $58,000;
  • A resolution to condemn property interest in Tax Parcel 113-427 (Parcel #150 of the McGinnis Ferry Road Widening Project. Owners: Kevin Kotellos and Theresa Dawn Schmitz-Kotellos with authorization for the Chair to execute documents in furtherance of same; estimated just and adequate compensation: $15,000;
  • A resolution to condemn property interest in Tax Parcel 114-065 (Parcel #155 of the McGinnis Ferry Road Widening Project. Owners: Mark Loftus and Renee Loftus with authorization for the Chair to execute documents in furtherance of same; estimated just and adequate compensation: $20,900;
  • Ratification of Right-of-Way Settlement Authorization executed by the Forsyth County Attorney, Forsyth County Capital Projects Director, and the Forsyth County Manager for Parcel 156 of the McGinnis Ferry Road Widening Project. Owners: Brian A. Brooks and Dianna V. Brooks;
  • Board ratification of Right-of-Way Settlement Authorization executed by the Forsyth County Attorney, Forsyth County Capital Projects Director, and the Forsyth County Manager for Parcel 118 of the McGinnis Ferry Road Widening Project. Owner: Jered Byars Brown.

Following and executive session the Board approved a fourth addendum to the Right-of-Entry Agreement for Ronald Reagan Extension (PI #PEN 12) Parcel 7 and a Settlement Agreement & Release between Hanover Community Association, Inc. and Forsyth County  in the amount of $66,000 to settle the dispute and claims by Hanover against the County pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement & Release; Union Hill Road Expansion Project.

 

Fire Dept. honors and promotes personnel at annual award ceremony

Press Release

FORSYTH COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT PROMOTES AND PROVIDES AWARDS TO PERSONNEL DURING ANNUAL CEREMONY

PRESS RELEASE

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – In a ceremony held Saturday, Nov. 20, the Forsyth County Fire Department presented various awards and promoted 34 personnel during the department’s annual recognition ceremony. Family, friends and Fire Department staff attended the ceremony held at North Forsyth High School.

Awards were presented to personnel in the first portion of the ceremony. Life-Saved Awards were presented to Fire Department personnel in recognition of their outstanding actions when a lifethreatening situation occurred. Other awards included Unit Citation and Central EMS Employee Awards.

In the promotional portion of the event, 34 members of the department were formally promoted to their new positions of battalion chief, captain, lieutenant or fire apparatus operator.

Below are the names of all that received promotions along with their new title.

Battalion Chief Jay Davis Captain/Fire Instructor Sam Adams

Captain Josh Brown

Captain Brian DeStefano

Captain Amanda Gardner

Captain Brian Gary

Captain Jarrett Jenkins

Captain/Fire Instructor Jason Keyman

Captain Jon McPherson

Captain Jason Porter

Captain Todd Sliger

Lieutenant Billy Bean

Lieutenant Ryan Bramblett

Lieutenant Casey Cannon

Lieutenant James Cook

Lieutenant Shawn Corrigan

Lieutenant Chris Estrada

Lieutenant Colin Halligan

Lieutenant Jason Kinsey

Lieutenant Mathew Lilley

Lieutenant Clint Lively

Lieutenant Dawson Padgett

Lieutenant Chris Robert

Fire Apparatus Operator Drew Allingham

Fire Apparatus Operator Howie Barrett

Fire Apparatus Operator Anthony DiMercurio

Fire Apparatus Operator Tony Harris

Fire Apparatus Operator Tony Moore

Fire Apparatus Operator Jonathan Phan

Fire Apparatus Operator Ruben Ponce

Fire Apparatus Operator Nicholas Provost

Fire Apparatus Operator John Stancel

Fire Apparatus Operator Dylan Stow

Fire Apparatus Operator Bradley Williams

Lt. Kevin O’Connell,

Volunteer Firefighter Tim Greaves and Volunteer Firefighter Joe McNamara were also recognized for their recent retirements. “It is truly an honor to be able to recognize our personnel for a job well done,” said Fire Chief Barry Head. “I am proud to be able to work beside all of the men and women that serve in the Forsyth County Fire Department, and I appreciate all that they do for our community.”

Board of Commissioners delays decision on Hindu Center of Atlanta

News

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners voted to postpone a proposal to revoke a request by the Hindu Center of Atlanta for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to construct a worship center and priest’s residence on 6.85 acres located at Kelly Mill Road until Oct. 7.

As an alternative to revocation, the Board proposed adding more than 20 restrictive conditions. But attorney Ethan Underwood said neither he nor his client had been made aware of the proposed conditions prior to the meeting. He also said his client had not received a citation although he acknowledged the client had been issued a warning for occupying a building that “suspiciously” burned to the ground without a certificate of occupancy.

Fire Chief Barry Head and Investigator and Scott Anderson said the fire was not suspicious but was the result of an overhead electrical failure. Several people who live near the property said they had called numerous times to complain about noise and lighting but never received a response.

Commissioners agreed to move the agenda item until later in the meeting to give Underwood time to review the proposed conditions. He returned near the end of the meeting to state his client could not agree to several conditions and commissioners then voted to postpone the hearing for two weeks.

In other decisions, the Board:

  • Voted unanimously to revoke an existing CUP in accordance with UDC Section 8-5.5(I) – Parcel 043-077;
  • Approved an Alternate Design for McFarland Road Associates, LLC and a variance to UDC 21-6.5 and to rezone from Commercial Business District (CBD) and Restricted Industrial District (M1) to Commercial Business District (CBD) on 17.582 acres with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a 44,050 sq. ft. expansion of a Mercedes vehicle sales dealership in addition to existing buildings totaling 81,231 sq. ft. with 397 parking spaces with four;
  • Approved a Sketch Plat for KC Property Holdings LLC and variances to UDC 18-11.2(A), UDC 18-11.2(B), UDC Table 14.2, UDC Table 21.6, UDC 21-6.5(A)(2), UDC 21-6.5(D)(1), and UDC 14-4.13;
  • Approved amendments to the Alcohol Ordinance to include allowances for delivery of alcohol, to-go packaged alcohol, mixed drinks to-go, manufacture increased production and sales limits, renewal of conditional license and to repeal conflicting Ordinances.

Under Old Business, the Board approved WP South Acquisitions, L.L.C. to rezone from Multi Family Residential District (RES6) and Commercial Business District (CBD) to Master Planned District (MPD) on 51.72 acres for 310 attached residential units with a density of 6 units per acre and commercial buildings totaling 39,100 sq. ft. with 172 parking spaces with variances.

Under New Business, the Board:

  • Approved Matt Sosebee’s request to rezone from Agricultural District (A1) and Neighborhood Shopping District (NS) to Agricultural District (A1) with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for an open storage yard with 276 parking spaces on 9.673 acres with the following variances to reduce the zoning buffer adjacent to tax map/parcels 291-028 and 291-173 from 25 ft. to 0 ft. (UDC Table 15.2); and the zoning buffer adjacent to tax map/parcel 291-027 from 25 ft. to 0 ft. (UDC Table 15.2) – Parcels 291-025 and 291-045;
  • Approved a request by Nitsye LLC to rezone from Agricultural District (A1) to Commercial Business District (CBD) on 1.719 acres for an 8,732 sq. ft. r retail/office/veterinary clinic without outdoor facilities with 35 parking spaces with a variance to eliminate the 5,000 ft. sewer distance requirement to facilitate the use of an on-site septic disposal system (UDC 18-5.18) – Parcel 202-016;
  • Approved sending a County-Initiated Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for agritourism – Parcels 221-705, 221-754, 221-535, and 221-777 to a future public hearing;
  • Approved sending a County-Initiated Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for agritourism regarding Bottoms Tree Farm to a future public hearing;
  • Approved an amendment to the Accountability Court Defender Agreement to become effective Oct. 1;
  • Approved an agreement regarding Exchange of Right-of-Way or Interests in Land between Forsyth County and Brookview, LLC and associated Quit Claim Deed.

The Board also conducted an Administrative Hearing during which it issued a warning to VL Business, Inc. and named licensee Vasudev Patel for a violation of the alcohol ordinance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fire Department graduates latest recruit class

Press Release

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. –In a ceremony held Saturday, June 19, the Forsyth County Fire
Department graduated its newest recruit class. Family, friends and Fire Department staff attended the ceremony held at Local Church Forsyth.

During the ceremony, 11 recruits officially became Forsyth County firefighters while one Johns Creek Fire Department recruit also completed training. The recruits completed 18 weeks of intense firefighter training which included instruction on structural fire control, interior search and rescue, flammable and combustible liquids fire control, pressurized container fire control, fire hose testing, truck and engine company operations, hazardous materials awareness and operations, vehicle extrication, public utilities gas/electric safety and terrorism awareness.

In total, each recruit completed more than 640 hours of certified fire training. Following the fire school portion of their training, the recruits then completed 18 weeks of emergency medical technician, or EMT, training. During the EMT school portion, each recruit completed a total of 720 hours of EMT classroom and clinical instruction. All became certified as nationally registered EMTs. Those graduates
were:
• Eric Bizzell, Jr.
• Jeremiah Chapman
• Cole Dudley
• Daniel Gartavel
• Jordan Hardee
• Zachary Junkin
• Adam Martin
• Madelyn Martin
• Erik Prieto
• Andrew Pulliam
• Stephen Pulliam
• Yaakov Baum (Johns Creek Fire Department)

“We are pleased to welcome these new members of the Forsyth County Fire Department family,” said Fire Chief Barry Head. “Each graduation ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to spotlight the brave men and women who are entering the profession of serving our communities.”

New fire station opens Monday

News, Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County Fire Department’s new Fire Station 11 (4655 Pittman Road) will officially open on Monday, (Sept. 28), to improve service and reduce response times in the west central portion of Forsyth County.

Construction of the new station is funded by the voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) VI program and by Impact Fees.

“Fire Station 11 will proudly serve the residents of west Forsyth County and provide enhanced coverage for our customers in this area,” said Forsyth County Fire Chief Barry Head. “We are very thankful of the voters’ continued passage of the Forsyth County SPLOST program and eternally grateful to the Board of Commissioners for their unwavering support of the fire department.”

Fire Station 11 is a 12,000 square foot, four-stall station, designed to accommodate the personnel and equipment that will operate out of the facility and to allow for future growth.

In Sept. 2018, the Forsyth County Fire Department was awarded a grant from the Department of Homeland Security/FEMA to support the staff cost at Fire Station 11. The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant funded the hiring of 12 new firefighters for the new station. The grant provided funding for 2019, 2020 and 2021 that was not otherwise fully funded in the Fire Department’s budget.

Construction of new Fire Station 11 was awarded to Cooper & Co. General Contractors, Inc. of Cumming in the amount of $4,261,607. The architect for the project is Croft and Associates.

 

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