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City of Covington Weekly Report Week Ending August 30, 2020

COUNCIL RETREAT

The Mayor, Council and City employees met at the Covington Airport for a two day retreat. The goal of the retreat was to set a vision for the City and for elected officials to receive updates from departments. Everyone involved left the event with renewed energy and a clear vision.

Asher Dozier (Human Resources) and Maddi Powers (ICMA Management Fellow) present during the Human Resources portion of the retreat (top left); Trey Sanders (Community Development) talks about Christmas lights for 2020 (top right); John King (Transportation) speaks about yard waste pickup (middle left); City Attorney Frank Turner was present both days for legal guidance (middle right); and members of council listened and asked questions during and after each presentation.
Hurricane Laura Relief with ECG
In conjunction with Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG), the Electric Department sent six personnel to Welsh, Louisiana to assist with relief efforts. The crew includes (pictured above from middle to right) Jeremy Kitchens, Kahle Mason, Darrell Thompson, Terry "Bubba" Ray, Cameron Rusk and Josh Bennett. They are pictured with a crew from Cartersville, Georgia. The crew has worked long hours without a day off since they left, but power is being restored to the residents of Welsh and surrounding communities. We are proud of these guys!
While some of the crew are in Louisiana, it's business as usual for the rest of the Electric Department! A tractor trailer wiped out a three phase pole on City Pond Road and crews worked quickly to get it replaced.
  • Completed 18 lighting service orders
  • Installed two LED lights
  • Installed fuses in seven lights at Covington Police Department
  • Completed a low line service order
  • Disconnected/reconnected a service for tree removal
  • Disconnected/reconnected a service for maintenance
  • Disconnected a service for non-payment
  • Reconnected a service
  • Completed four temporary and two permanent power service orders
  • Completed an overhead service replacement
  • Installed three underground services
  • Completed six outage/trouble calls
  • Replaced a broken three-phase pole on City Pond Road (pictured)
  • Replaced a broken single phase pole on Muree Drive
  • Continued the Covington Town Center termination of wire
  • Sent four line personnel and two right-of-way (ROW) personnel to Welsh, LA (Hurricane Laura)

TelecommunicaTIONs

  • 12 CCTV advertisements
  • Scheduled local programming
  • Updated the local access channels with COVID-19 information
  • Answered/returned customer calls
  • Performed the monthly billing
  • Replaced equipment for Channel 180
  • Replaced fiber jumpers at City Hall
Question & Answer Luau For C and D Teams
Trudy Henry and Anessa Westmoreland conducted a Luau Themed Question and Answer Session for C and D Team rotation . Special thanks to City of Covington Human Resources, Covington Fire Department, Covington Police Department, Covington Police Officer Matt Cooper and Newton County Sheriff’s Office for donating door prizes for this event. Motorola Solutions donated a Chick-fil-A box meal for all employees on-duty.
Clockwise from Top Left: Chasiti Robinson shows off her door prize, a City of Covington bag chair and Covington Police Challenge Coin; Amanda Leon won a Covington Police Cup and a gift card; Love Frazier's door prize included a Newton County Sherriff’s Office portfolio and a gift card; Nate Stykes won a Longhorn gift card; Ali McDowell scored a massage from Life Dance Wellness Center; and Leanne Moore shows off her door prize, a signed shirt from our hometown hero, Officer Matt Cooper, and a gift card.

Total CAD Calls Received: 1,690

Total Agency Calls Generated: 1,937

Total Law Calls Generated: 1,462 (75.47%)

  • Covington Police Department: 451 (23.28%)
  • Covington Marshal's Office: 0 (0.00%)
  • Newton County Animal Control: 13 (0.67%)
  • Newton County Sheriff's Office: 926 (47.80%)
  • Oxford Police Department: 32 (1.65%)
  • Porterdale Police Department: 40 (2.06%)

Fire Calls Generated: 189 (9.75%)

  • Covington Fire Department: 56 (2.89%)
  • Newton County Fire: 133 (6.86%)

NEWTON EMS CALLS: 286 (14.76%)

CONGRATULATIONS TO AMANDA CUMMINGS ON HER PROMOTION TO TEAM LEADER! SHE WILL BE ASSIGNED TO D-TEAM.

Amanda Cummings, D-Team Leader

BREAKDOWN OF MAJOR INCIDENT TYPES

FIRE MARSHAL

  • FMO Canady finished Inspector 1, waiting on test scores
  • FMO Fuqua working on suppression
  • Working three fires ( 1 car fire, 1 structure fire and 1 commercial fire)
  • All members of Fire Marshal’s office completed defensive driving course
  • Completed two plan reviews
  • Completed one final inspection
  • Completed three compliance inspections

PERSONNEL TRAINING

C-shift conducted elevator rescue training at the Hampton Inn.

C-Shift pictured with Hampton Inn manager Jason Norton

ACCREDITATION

April Draper (pictured left) leads a W.E. L.E.A.D. Zoom meeting
  • Compiled and submitted info for CFD weekly report
  • Approved invoices and purchase orders in BSA
  • Continued working remotely
  • Logged confined space notifications in ERS daily log
  • Completed defensive driving training
  • Facilitated August “We Lead” event via Zoom – Topic: Leading in Place (pictured above)
The Fuzz Run will be virtual this year due to COVID-19. It's not too late to register! Register by September 10 at covingtonfuzzrun.com and secure your Fuzz Run PPE Swag along with a 2020 Fuzz Run t-shirt! Then run any time between Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. and Saturday, September 19, 2020 at noon. Take pictures and make sure to share with the hashtag #fuzzrun or #covingtonfuzzrun.

PATROL

  1. On August 24, a female who was reported missing from Covington and Gwinnett County was located at Cititrends/3205 Elm Street. The complainant was concerned about her well being and safety. The missing person was Shaunya Cornett. She is fine and staying at an address on Clark Street at the moment.
  2. On August 24, a Flock alert was dispatched to CPD officers on a stolen vehicle out of Tennessee at 10300 Industrial Blvd / Walmart. The vehicle was recovered and two subjects were arrested for theft by receiving and drug charges.
  3. On August 24, CPD officers responded to an address on Avery Street for an unresponsive person. The male was found by family members and had a history of heart issues. He had also just recovered from COVID-19. Coroner Tommy Davis responded and pronounced the male deceased. Coroner Davis ruled it to be the result of natural causes.
  4. On August 24, a worker at L&B Recycling on Washington Street saw a suspicious male running along the back area of the fenced in lot and away from the main business. Officer Aaron Malcolm responded and noticed a shoe print near a tractor trailer truck. Officer Malcolm then saw a male slumped over in the cab of the truck. The male had taken the console of the truck apart. The male was intoxicated and stated he made payments on the truck and was fixing the brakes. The business owner was unaware who the male was and subsequently warrants for the male were taken out for entering auto and criminal trespass.
  5. On August 24, officers responded to a shoplifting call at Boost Mobile. The male suspect was observed taking items from the store. The store owner said that the male was observed via security cameras removing a phone display and stereo speaker, which was valued at approximately $138.00. The male was still on location attempting to gather several bags he had with him. The male had an arrest warrant on him with an alert for violent tendencies. A search of his person incident to arrest revealed a pipe containing suspected methamphetamine. The male was arrested for shoplifting, possession of schedule II and possession of drug related items.
  6. On August 26, CPD officers responded to Jefferson Village Drive in reference to an entering auto. The female complainant reported that she left her vehicle unlocked, someone went into it and took an iPad and her wallet. She stated that the subjects who entered her vehicle were still standing in the street in front of her house. Officers were on the scene quickly and spoke with the subjects. They were not the alleged perpetrators and a report was made.
  7. On August 27, officers and Detective Jeff Bruno responded to a missing person and fraud call to an address on Kirk Street. Officers received inconsistent and conflicting information from the person’s caretaker. The case was turned over to Detective Bruno and is under investigation.
  8. On August 30, officers responded to Piedmont Newton for a self-inflicted gunshot wound. At the hospital, officers spoke with the victim who stated she had been in Shots Fired with her boyfriend. The boyfriend had purchased a gun and the two walked outside. The female walked to her vehicle and while she was getting in, she sat down on her purse which contained her .380 pistol causing the gun to fire one round into the back of her right thigh. She was then transported to the hospital by her boyfriend. Video footage from Shots Fired corroborates the story.

CID

CID Sgt. Allan Seebaran examined Person Crimes and Property Crimes CID detectives worked for August 24, 2020 to August 30, 2020, and compared them with the previous two years. He found the following results:

  • PERSON CRIMES: From August 24 – August 30, 2018, there were 11 reported person crimes; from August 24 – August 30, 2019, there were seven reported person crimes; and from August 24 – August 30, 2020, there were 14 reported person crimes.

There was a 36% decrease (from 11 to seven) in reported person crimes from August 24 – August 30, 2018 to August 24 – August 30, 2019. There was a 100% increase (from seven to 14) in reported person crimes from August 24 – August 30, 2019 to August 24 – August 30, 2020. There was a 27% increase (from 11 to 14) in reported person crimes from August 24 – August 30, 2018 to August 24 – August 30, 2020.

  • PROPERTY CRIMES: From August 24 – August 30, 2018, there were 22 reported property crimes; from August 24 – August 30, 2019, there were 13 reported property crimes; and from August 24 – August 30, 2020, there were 18 reported property crimes.

There was a 41% decrease (from 22 to 13) in reported property crimes from August 24 – August 30, 2018 to August 24 – August 30, 2019. There was a 38% increase (from 13 to 18) in reported property crimes from August 24 – August 30, 2019 to August 24 – August 30, 2020. There was a 18% decrease (from 22 to 18) in reported property crimes from August 24 – August 30, 2018, to August 24 – August 30, 2020.

Very rarely will you see a picture of a toilet in the Weekly Report, but this new addition to the CNG Station is a must feature. The CNG station's restroom is near completion.

  • Completed one check meter request.
  • Completed three inspections and unlock requests.
  • Completed 36 cathodic protection readings.
  • Assisted with ten over-writes at the CNG facility and card reader issues are still in process of repairs.
  • Final inspections completed on the restroom at the CNG facility.
  • 36 meters were painted.
  • Seasonal maintenance was completed on three district regulator stations.
  • One new service was installed.
  • Three measure for service requests completed.
  • Seven regulator stations were painted and two new protection barriers installed.
  • Installed remote pressure recorder on Hwy 36.
  • Jeremy Roden designed and implemented four new mobile apps and web maps.
  • Defensive driving course completed by gas personnel.
  • Mike Jewell attended a Government Policy Committee tele-meeting of the GMA Legislative Policy Council.
  • Mike Jewell attended APGA Operations and Safety Committee virtual meeting.
  • Eight orders to check water leak
  • One order for new cutoff
  • One order to locate water valve
  • Two orders to check water meter
  • One order to turn off water main for contractor
  • One order to check pipe leaking
  • Two orders to fix meter box lid

Pictured: Water leak repair by Darrin DeLamar (on equipment), Wade Batson and Mark Mealor

  • Two orders to read county meters
  • One order to change out water meter
  • One order to repair service line
  • One order to check sink hole near meter box
  • One order for general machine maintenance
  • One order to TV service line
  • One order to check clean out

Pictured: Dustin Nichols at the installation of water fountains at Legion Field

Ashlan Webb (Assistant Finance Director) and Tiffany Johnston (Customer Service Manager/Deputy City Clerk) attend the Council Retreat.

ACCOUNTING

  • Staff entered 194 invoices for payment to vendors
  • The city issued 128 checks for 248 invoices
  • Accounting department entered 50 journal entries to record transactions of the city
  • Staff sent six invoices to customers for miscellaneous transactions
  • The city issued 313 payroll checks to employees for the bi-weekly payroll

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Total transactions completed by Customer Service Representatives: 1,829

Utility billing/meter reading

  • 4,352 cycle/final bills
  • 4,548 stormwater bills
  • 121 work orders
  • Three meter/ert changes
  • 134 non-pay disconnects
  • 123 reconnects
  • Read cycles 1, 2, and 10

Purchasing

  • Total purchase orders issued – current month - 37
  • Total purchase orders issued – current budget year - 681

Current/Upcoming Bids/RFP's

  • Puckett Street Water Main Replacement – Out for bid

Municipal Court

  1. There were no court sessions during the week.
  2. 12 new citations were processed and filed in the court.
  3. A total of $3,666.00 in fines and fees were collected from web and mailed in payments and counter payments.
  4. Two warrant dismissals were verified that warrant removal was completed accurately.
  5. There were two open record requests, 64 disposition requests and two DDS suspension withdrawals processed.
  6. A total of 70 separate documents for the week were scanned into Courtware Software.
  7. A total of 108 cases were disposed of.
  8. The office has received 215 emails/responded to 88+ emails from internal and external customers.
  9. There were 161 calls from telephone customers.
  10. Mailed out 60+ packets with solicitor’s recommendation for entering a plea.
  • Replaced electronics at CNG station due to lightning damage
  • Worked on RFP for new copiers
  • Worked on employee interface for NOVATime
  • Updated employees info in Payroll Module to match items in NOVATime
  • Begin building interface between Hyperweb and BS&A
  • Resolved issues with phone system PRIs
  • Ordered new NVR for security cameras
  • Updated virtual servers and virtual environment
  • Resolved issues with Point and Pay credit card interface
  • Assisted remote users
Assistant Human Resources Director Asher Dozier prepares to present to Council at the Council Retreat

tasks & Events

  • Presented city wide org chart, vacation buy policy, holiday options and Broker RFP presentations at Council retreat.
  • Audited pay data submitted for pension.
  • Reviewed benefit bills and invoices
  • Dealt with many questions/concerns regarding quarantine and isolation due to differing degrees of possible COVID exposure.

Ongoing Events

  • Providing quality customer care to our employees & retirees
  • Reviewing applications for vacant positions
  • Scanning of HR files by our temporary employee
  • Monitoring the coronavirus pandemic and listening to professionals about proper return to work protocols
  • Carl Vinson Operations Study – ongoing
  • Archer Salary Study – Completed, awaiting presentation to City Council
  • Preparing a new policy for review by Council (Shared Leave Bank)
  • Personnel matters
  • Biannual defensive driver training which is due by August 31

CURRENT JOB POSTINGS

  • Police Officer
  • Assistant City Manager
Clockwise from top left: Nic Matthews (Downtown Coordinator), DJ Waller (Tourism Coordinator) and Trey Sanders (Community Development Director) were part of the Community Development team that presented at the Council Retreat. William Smith (Economic Development Manager), Randy Conner (Special Projects Coordinator) and Ron Carter (Welcome Center Coordinator) also presented.
  • Attended Leadership Team Meeting
  • Created PowerPoint and materials for Council Retreat
  • Presented at Council Retreat on various initiatives and projects
  • Received approval for Christmas Lights display
  • Instituted new film guidelines for production companies after Council approval
  • Compiled and created Weekly Report
  • Updated social media for City and Discover Covington
  • Updated website with job openings and events on the calendar

Welcome Center

  1. Discussion/initial plans for Welcome Center façade including planters, landscaping, signage and benches
  2. Continued work displaying film/television items for museum in Welcome Center.
  3. Discussion with local artist to create mural in atrium.
  4. Discussion with Georgia GeoCaching to have new cache placed at Welcome Center. Also trying to incorporate caches with recreational venues in Covington, i.e. Chimney Park, Cricket Frog Trail, Baker Field, etc.
  5. Continued discussion and finalization of several Covington brochures, updating material and contact info.
  6. Received majority of film posters that had been ordered. These will line the Welcome Center entry hall.
  7. Ordered/received state welcome mats for Welcome Center.
  8. Working with Historical Society President to coordinate transfer of items from their archives to Welcome Center. Begin installation on September 9.

Economic Development

Economic Development Manager William Smith is out and about in the City of Covington visiting different businesses. Can you guess where he is in this Weekly Report?!?

William visited Chef Alain's upscale American cuisine restaurant. Open since 1988, this business crafts a specific atmosphere. The restaurant inspires similar developments throughout Covington and creates a unique experience. Where's William?
Answer in the next Weekly Report!

COVID-19 Update Call from September 4, 2020

During the weekly call with Piedmont Newton and the Gwinnet Newton and Rockdale (GNR) County Health Departments, the following information about COVID-19 was discussed:

Worldwide
  • Over 26 million cases worldwide with 800,000 deaths
  • 6.3 million cases in United States with 191,000 deaths
Newton County
  • 2,372 cases in Newton County; up 11 from 9/3/20
  • 63 deaths in Newton County, up one from 9/3/20
14-day trends
  • State wide 324 cases per 100,000 population. Down from 362
  • Overall positivity is 8.6 percent in Georgia
  • Newton County positivity rate is 268 per 100,000, which is down from 305
  • Highest incident rate in Georgia is in the 18 to 22-year-old range: attributed to college students
  • In Newton County, highest incident rate is age range 23 and older
Stats from GNR County Health Dept.
  • GNRDPH has completed 72,000 tests. Currently completing 3,000 each week. Demand has decreased from 5,000 a week.
  • Median age for positive individuals is 44 years-old in Newton County
  • Median age for COVID related death is 88 in Newton County
  • Hospitalization rate at Piedmont Newton Hospital is stable.

Newton County's COVID-19 overall statistics are trending in the right direction but it's not time to put away our masks and huddle up in crowded areas. Please continue follow state and public health guidelines including Governor Kemp's Four Things for Fall list:

😷 Wear your mask

↔️ Socially distance

🧼 Wash your hands regularly

📖 Follow the guidance

Please continue to help #StopTheSpread!

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City of Covington
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