Fulton County Office of Vital Records Relocates to Fulton Government Center

The Fulton County Vital Records Office currently located at the Aldredge Health Center, 99 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr. S.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30303, will close on March 30 in order to relocate to the Fulton County Government Center, less than a mile away.

The newly renovated and technologically updated Fulton County Vital Records Office will re-open on Friday, April 7, 2017, in a spacious office on the first floor, suite 1029A of the Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor St. S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30303.  The hours of operation will remain Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“Our residents can expect state-of-the-art technology and more efficient and friendly service -- all delivered in a comfortable and more accommodating customer service waiting area,” said Dr. Kathleen Toomey, District Health Director for Fulton County.

The new Fulton County Vital Records Office will feature:

• Expanded customer service waiting room that can comfortably seat 52 people and is ADA accessible 
• State-of-the art touch screen kiosks for faster self-check-in and shorter wait times 
• Four customer service counters/cashier windows 
• On-demand printing of birth and death certificates 
• Designated personnel and service area for funeral homes

The Fulton County Vital Records Office registers records for deaths that occurred in Fulton County, however, the Office has the ability to issue certificates for any birth or death that occurred anywhere in Georgia.


                                                                                                  

Fulton County to Name Pavilion in Memory of Commissioner Bob Fulton

A pavilion on the Johns Creek Environmental Campus (JCEC) will be dedicated in memory of the late Dr. Robert E. “Bob” Fulton, former Fulton County Commissioner on Friday, March 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., located at Johns Creek Environmental Campus (JCEC), 8100 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30022. Dr. Fulton also served as an engineering professor and researcher at Georgia Tech.  Recognizing the need for a new facility, Fulton helped develop the concept of the JCEC, a wastewater treatment facility that also serves as
an educational tool and an asset to the neighboring community.  The event will also feature an official ribbon cutting for trails in the area. As Commissioner representing several North Fulton County communities, Dr. Fulton worked to bring several major improvements to his district including the construction of two regional libraries, Spruill Oaks and Ocee, transportation improvements, the acquisition of park land, funding for Johns Creek Greenway Park, and Newtown Park.  The JCEC serves Fulton County water customers in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, and Roswell. The pavilion and the plaque honoring the late Commissioner were made possible by a donation from Veolia Water in partnership with Fulton County.

Fulton County to Break Ground on Old National Highway Sidewalk Improvement Project

Fulton County Public Works will break ground on new sidewalk improvements on Old National Highway on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.  The groundbreaking will take place in Parking Lot “A” at World Changers Ministries; 2500 Burdett Road College Park, GA 30349.

The project includes 5 to 6 feet of sidewalks on both sides of Old National Highway, from just north of Flat Shoals Road to Sullivan Road.  It will connect pedestrians to three planned activity centers, schools, parks and homes.  The project includes installation of curbs and gutters (where needed), drainage structures and pipes, concrete sidewalks, signing and marking, mast arms, landscaping and all associated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements.

"The Old National Phase I Sidewalk Project is a promise made and promise kept,” said Commissioner Emma I. Darnell.  “We appreciate all that staff has done with the County’s stakeholders to make this beginning a reality.”

The project budget totaled approximately $4.3 million.  The Georgia Department of Transportation provided $3,206,750.00. The City of College Park and Fulton County collaborated to provide a total of $1,126,478.00.

Construction on the project begins March 2017 and is expected to be completed by April 2018.

For additional information please contact the Fulton County Public Works Department or Antonio Valenzuela at (404) 612-0520 or email at Antonio.Valenzuela@fultoncountyga.gov.

Calling Candidates for CASA—Court Appointed Special Advocates for Kids

The Fulton CASA program is looking for a few good men!  And women!  The only requirement—that responsible adults have a sincere desire to protect the well-being of children.  The program recruits, screens, trains and supervises adult community members who volunteer their time to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs).  Fulton CASA is holding two information sessions at the Oak Hill Child, Adolescent and Family Center—March 29th and April14th—to provide the details to any interested candidates. 

Fulton CASA is a volunteer-powered program which provides representation in juvenile court for child victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. The juvenile justice system relies on these advocates to be there for these kids.  The CASA program says its role is “society’s most fundamental obligation to children.”  That’s to fight for and protect every child’s right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect and to learn and grow in the security of a loving family.

Register to attend an information session by emailing contactus@fultoncountycasa.org.  You may call 404-612-4726 if you have questions or stop by the Oak Hill Center during normal business hours to sign up.

CASA Information Sessions @ Oak Hill
Oak Hill Child, Adolescent and Family Center
2805 Metropolitan Parkway
Atlanta, GA  30315


WEDNESDAY
March 29, 2017
11:00am – 12:00 noon


FRIDAY
April 14, 2017
6:30pm - 7:30pm

Fulton County PICH Program Supports Georgia Safe Routes to School Palooza

The Fulton County Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program will participate in the Georgia Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Palooza on March 31, 2017 at Morehouse School of Medicine to encourage development of more SRTS programs in the Metro Atlanta and Fulton County area.

 

During March, in celebration of Walk to School Days, schools across Georgia are launching or showcasing existing SRTS programs. The commemoration also is an opportunity to enlist families and community groups in the effort to provide secure pathways for youngsters to walk and bike to and from school. The Atlanta Palooza is a half-day conference sponsored by the Georgia SRTS Resource Center that brings together school officials, community leaders, citizens, policymakers and government agencies to discuss the benefits of SRTS programs and to share ideas for successfully organizing and sustaining them. The event will feature an address from a keynote speaker, local SRTS success stories, a panel discussion and networking opportunities.

 

PICH’s participation in the event aligns with its mission to support strategies and initiatives that encourage active lifestyles and increase access to physical activity.

 

Please register here and see pertinent details below:

 

WHAT: Spring 2017 Metro Atlanta-North Georgia SRTS Palooza
WHEN: March 31, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA 30310    
WHO: Parents, School Administrators, Community Leaders and Government Officials

About PICH: The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program is working with community partners to develop strategies and implement programs to promote healthier lifestyles and to reduce both health disparities and the incidence of chronic disease among County residents. The PICH Program is made possible by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under cooperative agreement #IU58DP005568-01. For more information, please visit www.fultoncountyga.gov/partnership-to-improve-community-health. To learn more about Fulton County Health and Wellness, please visit www.fultoncountygahealth.org.

Fulton County Publishes Annual Action Plan Amendment for Citizen Review

Fulton County has published an amendment to the Fulton County 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan and 2016 Action Plan Amendment. Citizens are encouraged to attend and participate in the public hearings to assist the County in finalizing its Action Plan Amendments.

Two public meetings are scheduled to allow citizen participation.

Date and Time: Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 11 a.m.
Location: South Fulton County Service Center
5710 Stonewall Tell Rd., College Park, GA

Date and Time: Monday, March 20, 2017 at 11 a.m.
Location: North Fulton County Service Center
7741 Roswell Rd., Atlanta, GA

Comments will be provided to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, who will consider the adoption of the Action Plan Amendments at its scheduled meeting on April 12, 2017. Comments will also be submitted to HUD.

For citizens unable to attend and participate in the public hearings, written comments on the Fulton County proposed Amendment must be submitted to the address below. However, written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m., April 7, 2017.

Fulton County Government
Department of Housing and Community Development
137 Peachtree Street, S.W.
Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30303
Atlanta, GA 30303Attention:
Jenise Jefferson Phone: 404-612-8063 [Call: 404-612-8063]

Email: jenise.jefferson@fultoncountyga.gov

Citizens in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability including communications in an alternative format should contact the Disability Services Liaison in the Housing and Community Development Department at (404) 613-7944 [Call: (404) 613-7944] five days in advance of the public hearing. To obtain Georgia Relay Access, citizens should dial 711.

Fulton County, Juma Ventures and JPMorgan Chase & Co. Celebrate Donation to Support Youth Employment

Fulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves hosted a news conference Thursday, March 2, 2017 in Assembly Hall to celebrate a grant by JPMorgan Chase & Co. to Juma Ventures. The $200,000 grant will support the non-profit’s efforts to promote employment of low-income and at-risk youth, ages 16 to 21 in metro Atlanta, who want successful futures.  Fulton County’s My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) program and Juma initiated a partnership in 2016 to provide training and job opportunities for at-risk youth. Chairman Eaves thanked JPMorgan Chase for its commitment to help keep kids out of the prison pipeline. Juma, in partnership with MBK hired 250 young people last year with collective salaries of $500,000.

Santonio Knighton and Ladell Hassell expressed their appreciation for the donation, which will help to change other young lives and place them on a track toward success.   Santonio worked for Juma as a food runner while Ladell served as a concession stand manager.  Santonio is now working as a sous-chef at the Atlanta Sheraton Hotel.  Ladell is working at UPS and is now up for promotion after only a few months on the job.

For more information about My Brother’s Keeper Fulton County and the Juma Ventures partnership, contact Ladisa Onyiliogwu at Ladisa.Onyiliogwu@fultoncountyga.gov or call 404-612-9558.

Citizens in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability including communications in an alternative format should contact the Disability Services Liaison in the Aging and Youth Services Department at (404) 613-7944. To obtain Georgia Relay Access, citizens should dial 711.

Fulton County Commissioners Support Crackdown on Human Trafficking

At their March 1, 2017 meeting, Fulton County Commissioners voted 5-0, with one abstention, to amend the Fulton County Code to give police additional criteria to investigate a suspect for suspicion of soliciting prostitution or participating in human trafficking.   The code amendments detail what behaviors can lead to additional police investigation for these crimes including ways to identify those “cruising” for sex. The resolution, co-sponsored by Chairman John H. Eaves and District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis amends an ordinance that will make it easier to charge individuals who seek to buy sex services. 

"The stories I've heard are horrifying and saddening," said Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John Eaves.  "Few people realize how many innocent young girls are being forced to sell themselves for sex. Our action today makes it clear that something as simple as loitering can be a red flag that someone is a potential predator and we won't tolerate it."

“In bringing this forward, it was my intent to address the power imbalance that currently exists between those seeking to purchase sexual services and those being exploited to perform the acts,” stated District 2 Commissioner, Bob Ellis.  “I believe this is a model ordinance that can be replicated across the Metro Atlanta area, and I will be reaching out to other jurisdictions to ask them to join Fulton County in the effort to end commercial sexual exploitation.”

 In areas that are known to authorities for frequent prostitution arrests, officers would be given additional latitude to investigate a loitering suspect who engages in several suspicious behaviors including repeatedly circling the block in a car, stopping a motor vehicle in a county road to beckon to or engage with others on the side of the road, repeatedly stopping or attempting to stop drivers by hailing them down, and remaining in a vehicle in parking lot or vacant area for extended periods of time. The Fulton County Police Department worked with the nonprofit group YouthSpark to develop the ordinance amendments, which recognize that the most effective way to address sexual trafficking is to more effectively prosecute people seeking to purchase sex. 

“This local legislation is a necessary step to curtail sex trafficking,” says Fulton County Police Chief Gary Stiles. “For much too long the "customers" of this ugly business have been able to avoid being charged with a crime as they cruise areas for purposes of paying strangers for sex acts.”

“We are proud of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners for recognizing that the illegal sex trade is driven by "buyers" whose actions exploit others, particularly vulnerable young people,” said Dr. Alex Trouteaud, Executive Director of youthSpark.  “We hope other counties and cities across metro Atlanta will consider adopting similar approaches to Fulton County in their anti-trafficking ordinances.  No buyers, no business...no trafficking.”

On October 7, 2015, the Board of Commissioners, led by Chairman John Eaves and Commissioner Bob Ellis, unanimously adopted a resolution creating and establishing the Fulton County Commercial Sexual Exploitation Prevention Coalition, a multidisciplinary coalition to prevent commercial sexual exploitation. That coalition brings together individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including law enforcement, criminal justice, nonprofit, and civic organizations, committed to ending sexual exploitation within Fulton County.

TSPLOST Starts April 1

TSPLOST is Coming!

Following the passage of the TSPLOST referendum in November, the Fulton County sales tax rate outside the City of Atlanta will change from 7 percent to 7.75 percent beginning April 1, 2017.

The TSPLOST will apply to most taxable products and services.  Merchants in Fulton County outside the city of Atlanta should begin collection of the sales tax in compliance with Georgia Department of Revenue guidelines. 

Businesses will begin reporting and remitting the Fulton TSPLOST to the Department of Revenue on May 20, 2017. Because TSPLOST is a fractional tax, note that statute requires rounding to the third decimal point.

 The Fulton County TSPLOST will fund more than $570 million in transportation investments for Fulton County outside Atlanta over the next 5 years.  Construction for some Phase I projects will begin later this summer.

Within the city of Atlanta, the sales tax will also change, following passage of the City of Atlanta’s TSPLOST and MARTA Referenda in November.  The total sales tax rate inside the City of Atlanta will change from 8 percent to 8.5 percent beginning March 1, 2017 when collection of the Atlanta MARTA Sales Tax begins. The total sales tax rate will increase again on April 1, 2017, rising from 8.5 percent to 8.9 percent, when the Atlanta TSPLOST begins.

Learn more from the Department of Revenue Policy Bulletinregarding New Atlanta and Fulton County Local Sales Taxes.

Fulton Magistrate Court to Receive Grant In Support of New Pilot Project

Fulton County Chief Magistrate and Court Administrator, The Honorable Cassandra Kirk (Atlanta Judicial Circuit), proudly announces a grant that has been awarded to the County’s Magistrate Court which will aid in a new pilot project aimed at improving the efficiency of its high volume civil case load.

The National Center for State Courts (NCSC), on February 15, 2017, notified Kirk that its Civil Justice Initiative Implementation Steering Committee had approved a grant to the Fulton Magistrate Court supporting a demonstration pilot project to implement the recommendations of the Civil Justice Improvements Committee.” The project, High Volume Court Simplified, will be directed by Judge Kirk and is designed to build a more user friendly pro se litigant court, using local legal and community resources and media support. The overall strategy of the pilot will be to restore public trust and confidence in a fast-paced legal process which requires litigants to address and resolve civil issues in a timely manner. The budding initiative is also a product of Cathelene “Tina” Robinson, Superior and Magistrate Court Clerk and her support staff.

Kirk states, “I am extremely honored that the NCSC and the Civil Justice Initiative Implementation steering committee saw our vision and have agreed to support Magistrate Court’s new pilot project. Our civil case load continues to grow and it is extremely important that our methods of rendering efficient and effective services evolves as well; High Volume Court Simplified is our first step in doing so. I am also thankful for the support of Clerk Robinson. From the project’s inception, she has been engaged and I value her greatly, because without the staff, we wouldn’t be able to move this project forward. In addition, I am honored by the support of the Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, AVLF (Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation), The Chief Magistrate of Chatham County, the Landlord Tenant Mediation Project, the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Answer Clinic and Tyler Technologies.”

The grant, effective March 1, 2017 through February 28, 2018, will be accompanied by additional technical support for the project. Last year, Magistrate Court saw approximately 73,000 civil pro se litigant filings.