The City of Johns Creek is in the process of establishing its 2011 millage rate and plans to vote on it during its July 25 meeting. The proposed millage rate for the city is 4.614, the same rate since 2007. Under Georgia law the city is required to hold three public hearings to allow residents an opportunity to voice their opinion on the proposed rate. The public hearings will be held at City Hall today, July 11, at 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the final hearing scheduled for July 25 at 7 p.m. The council will adopt the final millage rate at the July 25 meeting. So, what is a millage rate? …

The arts community has the opportunity to get a financial boost from the city. The Johns Creek City Council has designated $30,000 for the fiscal year 2011 budget to be set aside for grant funding to not-for-profits for advancing arts in the community. The intent of the grant is to encourage Johns Creek residents to participate in arts programs in the city while supporting the growth of other programs. John Kachmar, city manager, said the money would go toward arts-affiliated programs and that there is some latitude with the type of uses for the money. For example, if a not-for-profit wants …

While Fulton County will continue to oversee Johns Creek's municipal elections this year, the city is looking at alternatives due to the high cost of paying for the county's service. Municipal elections are slated for Nov. 8, and the city of Johns Creek is studying its intergovernmental agreement with Fulton County to run its elections.  The Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections administers the voter registration and elections process for residents of Fulton County and its 14 municipalities, including Johns Creek. The department oversees every facet of the election process, …

A rise in requests for more commercial building and new housing permits could be pointing to the start of an economic turnaround for the city of Johns Creek. The number of commercial building permit requests in the city has jumped to more than 70, dramatically up from last year at the same time when there were only two. The number of permits granted by the city has also risen from 14 in 2008 to 109 in 2010. In 2009, 83 commercial building permits were granted, and in the first quarter of 2011, there were 25 new commercial permits issued. That’s more than the 21 issued in the first quarter of …

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve may have the chance to better compete in becoming a destination for events if the Johns Creek City Council approves a measure to allow alcohol on certain areas of the grounds during those events. The City Council discussed at its May 9 work session the implementation of an alcohol policy for the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, and an ordinance may be voted on at its June 6 regular meeting. Joan Compton, president of the not-for-profit Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Association, said the effort behind a new policy at Autrey Mill is two-fold: It would bring in income for …

The City of Johns Creek is exploring the possibility of having a farmers market at the Newtown Park area on Saturday mornings during the summer. That would be a welcome addition to the city and add to its allure as a great place to work, live and play. The Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee discussed a Newtown Park farmers market at its May 3 meeting. The proposed location for the farmers market would be in the parking lot and small lawn area adjacent to the future senior center (the old Newtown School) and community garden. Kirk Franz, Recreation and Parks manager, said the discussions …

In an attempt to relieve traffic congestion, the city of Johns Creek and the Georgia Department of Transportation will build a roundabout at the intersection of Bell and Boles roads. In recent years, traffic congestion has worsened in the northeastern corner of the city, creating frustration due to long wait times for motorists, as well as increased traffic accidents. The roundabout, which is a circular intersection where drivers travel counterclockwise around a center island, should improve traffic safety and is an alternative to stop lights and stop signs, besides giving the area a modern …

Many parks and recreation programs across the United States are struggling due to the recession that has taken a toll on their budgets. Some are exploring cuts, while others have managed to keep the fees stable or not charged fees to non-residents at all, like Johns Creek. Interestingly, while officials in some cities across the country are seeking to increase recreational fees for non-residents to bridge growing budgetary gaps, Johns Creek’s interest in introducing such fees isn’t so much about bringing in more money; rather, residents are being edged out by people in surrounding cities for …

The year is off to a fascinating start in Johns Creek as the city unveiled Rave Mobile Safety’s Smart911 on Jan. 14 to put more information in the hands of the Chattahoochee River 9-1-1 Authority, or ChatComm 911 Center. This system should greatly increase response times of the police and emergency medical technicians answering calls from residents who have subscribed to the service. Smart911 gives Johns Creek residents the capability of entering important information on a private and secure website.  Joe Estey, director of operations at ChatComm, said Smart911 is a resource the city can …

Below-freezing temperatures kept metro-Atlanta drivers crawling on the city’s major roads after a historic snowstorm hit the Southeast Sunday night into Monday. Many people are understandably frustrated with the Georgia Department of Transportation and its response to clearing major roads and highways quickly. Wednesday, GDOT officials, who have come under blistering criticism, said 99 percent of all state roads were passable, with at least one lane open on every interstate route, but the outrage by many is still being heard. On Day 4 of what many are calling a "Snowmageddon," many metro-…

A new year brings new resolutions, including a desire to become more physically active, eat right, and to dedicate more time to family and leave the old habits behind. Well, Johns Creek has just what you need in your quest to lead a healthier lifestyle and explore the great outdoors – a developing greenway and trail system. Mayor Bodker said in his “Looking Ahead to 2011” letter to Johns Creek residents that the city will continue to develop programs for all ages in its parks and recreation area. A new active senior center, located in the old Newtown School on Old Alabama Road, will open. The…

Greenways and trails are vogue in major cities and are a way of helping the residents stay active and spend time with family and friends, as well as connect with nature. The trail system is also a boon for hikers, bikers and runners. Having lived in New York City for decades, where one was surrounded by a myriad of buildings, I embraced the great outdoors when my family and I relocated here 10 years ago. Naturally, I am elated that Johns Creek has big plans for its trails and greenways, which are corridors of protected open spaces managed for conservation and recreational purposes, starting …

Would a bond referendum be the right fix for the city of Johns Creek? That depends on who you ask. Before the bond referendum can happen, the city council must approve such a measure. Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker said "the city council won't move the issue forward if they don't feel that's what the citizens want." Further, a strong case must be made to the citizens and business leaders in the community for the benefits of such a move since it would mean incurring debt. I recently read coverage of the "Conversations with the Community" town hall meeting Bodker held on Dec. 16 at Perimeter …

Johns Creek voters sent a message with their election of Kelly Stewart as their new city council member to fill the Post 5 vacancy.  She defeated former City Planning Commissioner Tim Jennette in a Nov.30 runoff 58 to 41 percent and carried every Johns Creek precinct except two. Stewart, who many considered a political outsider, hopes to change the landscape of the city council and Johns Creek. Since the city incorporated in 2006, its municipal elections have mostly seen candidates run with no serious competition. In fact, last year's election was canceled as a result of Mayor Mike Bodker and…