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City of Covington Weekly Report Week Ending August 23, 2020

BANKS & SHANE DRIVE-IN CONCERT: SEPTEMBER 11 @ LEGION FIELD

Tickets go on sale Monday, September 7, 2020

Event sponsors: Covington Ford, Wagner Staffing, Live Event Solutions

THANK YOU TO GLENN LOVERING FOR 29 YEARS OF SERVICE TO COVINGTON!

Glenn Lovering and his wife Tammie Lovering at the reception
After 29 years of dedicated service to the City of Covington, Glenn Lovering is retiring. City employees, council members, family and friends joined together to wish him well in his retirement and to thank him for his service. His knowledge of the City's electric department and his infectious laugh will be missed! Special thanks to Desiree Bond and Stacy Walden in the Electric Department for organizing his retirement reception.

City Council met in person for the first time in months on August 17, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the meeting was only available to the public via teleconference. Click on the link below to view the video of the August 17th meeting.

City Council met in person on August 17, 2020. Members of the City staff also attended the meeting.

ACCOUNTING

  • Staff entered 318 invoices for payment to vendors
  • The city issued 127 checks for 271 invoices
  • Accounting department entered 78 journal entries to record transactions of the city
  • Staff sent 9 invoices to customers for miscellaneous transactions

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Total Transactions Completed By Customer Service Representatives: 1,456

UTILITY BILLING / METER READERS

  • 4,435 bills
  • 136 work orders completed
  • 180 disconnects for non-pay
  • 159 reconnects
  • Read cycle 8

PURCHASING

• Total purchase orders issued – current month - 271

• Total purchase orders issued – current budget year - 611

*CURRENT/UPCOMING RFP'S/BIDS*

  • LMIG – Under review
  • Three Phase P/M Transformers – Under review
  • SCBA for Fire Dept. – Under review
  • Lawn, Landscape & Ornamentals Maintenance – Under review
  • Puckett Street Water Main Replacement – Out for bid

• OTHER: Sale of surplus vehicles – Auction closes 8/28/2020 on GovDeals

COVINGTON MUNICIPAL COURT

  1. There were no court sessions during the week.
  2. 33 new citations were processed and filed in the court.
  3. A total of $4,470.00 in fines and fees were collected from web & mailed in payments and counter payments.
  4. Two warrant dismissals were verified that warrant removal was completed accurately.
  5. There were two separate open record requests completed and three DDS suspension withdrawals processed.
  6. A total of 136 separate documents for the week that were scanned into Courtware Software.
  7. Disposed of a total of 79 cases.
  8. The office responded to 124+ emails from internal and external customers.
  9. There were 175 calls from telephone customers.
  10. Mailed out 60+ packets with solicitor’s recommendation for entering a plea.
City Clerk Audra Gutierrez (middle) focuses on the meeting

• Attended August 17, 2020 City Council meeting

• Prepared August 17, 2020 meeting summary and minutes

• Fielded 34 phone calls

GREAT JOB!

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GRADUATION CAMERON RUSK!

Cameron Rusk after graduation from ECG's Powerline Workers Apprenticeship Program

Cameron Rusk graduated from the Electric Cities of Georgia's Powerline Workers Apprenticeship Program. The Apprenticeship Program is a 3-year commitment that combines classroom and hands-on training. "ECG’s PowerLine School is the culmination of years of field experience and countless hours of applied classroom training. ECG’s comprehensive training courses incorporate ‘Safety Always’ while challenging and preparing the Electrical Lineworker for advancement." Great job Cameron!

  • Completed seven lighting service orders
  • Installed 18 LED lights
  • Completed five low line service orders
  • Completed one temporary and three permanent power service orders
  • Replaced three blown lightning arresters
  • Completed three overhead service replacements
  • Replaced three single phase primary poles
  • Replaced eight secondary poles
  • Installed a new overhead service
  • Installed an underground service
  • Removed multiple trees (Historic cemetery and Dinah Pace)
  • Completed seven outage/trouble calls
  • Removed the temporary line to Three Ring Studios
  • Continued the Covington Town Center termination of wire
  • Attended Cameron Rusk’s Electric Cities of Georgia apprenticeship graduation in Newnan

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

  • Placed ten CCTV advertisements
  • Scheduled local programming
  • Set up equipment for the City Council retreat
  • Updated the local access channels with COVID-19 information
  • Answered/returned customer calls
  • Completed the defensive driving re-certification
  • Responded to three emergency leak calls.
  • Completed one check meter requests.
  • Completed inspections on ten cathodic protection rectifiers.
  • Repaired two rectifiers damaged by lightning
  • Completed routine maintenance of two district regulator stations, Peak Plant and CNG Facility.
  • Completed four bridge crossing inspections.
  • Assisted with over twenty over-writes at the CNG facility. Lightning has damaged the card reader system and vendor is working with IT department on repairs.
  • Repaired one rectifier from lightning damage.
  • Completed two measure for service requests.
  • Welding re-certification completed by Dalton Chappelear. Welder’s are continuing their certification and re-certification process.
  • Contractor is continuing main and service installation at Three Ring Studios.
  • Mike Jewell attended a virtual GMA Legislative Policy Council, Environmental Resources committee meeting.
  • Mike Jewell attended a Board of Directors meeting for H.E.A.T. Inc. at their office in Smyrna.

Pictured: Darryl Bailey and crew preparing to install gas service line

LAND APPLICATION SYSTEMS

Land App has a new piece of equipment: Limb Saw 2.0! The new and improved version used at the LAS is used to trim encroaching limbs and trees. With over 100 miles of irrigation right-of-way, this saw ensures better irrigation coverage and improves access for inspections and maintenance.

  • Five orders to check water leak
  • One order to unstop service in manhole
  • Two orders to check ERT water meter wiring
  • Three orders to locate meter
  • 11 orders to change out water meter
  • Seven orders to change out meter register
  • Two orders to install new water meter
  • One order to install new water tap and meter
  • One order to bushhog sewer easement (pictured)
  • One order to check manhole
  • One order to check sewer main problem

WELL DONE TIFFANY COOK!

Tiffany Cook completed the Leadership Newton County (LNC) program. The key objectives of LNC are "To identify potential leaders: To educate participants about community needs and leadership opportunities; To improve management and leadership skills; To develop relationships of value when working together on community projects; To create rapport among participants and community leaders; and To assist in matching talents of selected participants with leadership needs." LNC requires a one-year commitment.

TREE OF LIFE

The 911 Center has created a Tree of Life to recognize employees that have provided lifesaving instructions over the phone for cardiac saves and baby deliveries. The tree of life was drawn and painted by Allison Rogers Quinlan. Allison was a Covington Police Explorer from 2013 to 2019 and is a student at the University of Georgia. Allison donated the materials and her time for this project. We are honored that she took the time to do this for our 911 Center!
The progression of the painting of the 911 Center's "Tree of LIfe" by Allison Rogers Quinlan.

Total CAD Calls Received: 1,872

IT Specialist Teresa Cleary (pictured), 911 Director Trudy Henry and 911 Operations Manager Anessa Westmoreland met with Newton County Fire Department to discuss Spillman response plans.

Total Agency Calls Generated: 1,941

Total Law Calls Generated: 1,463 (75.37%)

  • Covington Police Department: 376 (19.37%)
  • Covington Marshal's Office: 0 (0.00%)
  • Newton County Animal Control: 8 (0.41%)
  • Newton County Sheriff's Office: 1,021 (52.60%)
  • Oxford Police Department: 19 (0.97%)
  • Porterdale Police Department: 39 (2.00%)

Fire Calls Generated: 178 (9.17%)

  • Covington Fire Department: 53 (2.73%)
  • Newton County Fire: 125 (6.43%)

NEWTON EMS CALLS: 251 (13.96%)

Covington firefighters packing up after extinguishing a house fire on Harmony Place.

BREAKDOWN OF MAJOR INCIDENT TYPES

FIRE MARSHAL

  • FMO Canady finished Week One of Inspector 1 and completed 40 hours of training
  • FMO Canady attending Inspector 1, Week Two
  • FMO Fuqua working on suppression
  • Finished two plan reviews
  • Completed three annual inspections
  • Completed three compliance inspections
  • Completed one fire protection system inspection
  • Completed two plan reviews
  • Completed one ceiling cover inspection
  • Working three fires (one car fire, one structure fire and one commercial fire)

ACCREDITATION

  • Transposed Categories 3 and 4 to 10th edition FESSAM accreditation manual
  • W.E. L.E.A.D. planning event for August meeting
  • Participated in milk giveaway with Kiwanis and Salvation Army
  • Compiled and submitted weekly report information
  • Completed Sessions 5 and 6 of defensive driving training
  • Processed and mailed firefighter pension fund check
  • Reviewed and updated forms in the ERS library
The lovely Ms. Jalisa stopped by the CPD and presented officers a treat from Donut King. Thank you!

PATROL

Officer Stacy Cosby, an almost 30-year veteran of the CPD, was all smiles upon receipt of her new unit. Photo by Officer John Seabolt
  1. August 17: Officers responded to a shoplifting at Kroger by four subjects. When the subjects were approached by Kroger staff, they left the items they had taken and left the area. Officer Holbrook initiated a traffic stop and the vehicle pulled into US Auto Sales. A male got out and ran. After a short 10-80 (chase in progress) on foot, the male identified as Markel Porter was arrested and charged with obstruction. He had a warrant out of Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office. The other subjects were advised that shoplifting charges were possible after the video was able to be viewed. This case was turned over to CID.
  2. August 19: Officers responded to Spillers Drive in reference to a domestic violence call. The female complainant stated that her boyfriend slapped her across the face. Later, the boyfriend’s father showed up and began to argue with him and it became physical. The boyfriend was charged with Battery (FVA) for striking the female and leaving visible markings. The boyfriend’s father was charged with Battery (FVA) for becoming physical with his son resulting in the visible cut above his eye.
  3. August 20: Officers responded to the Travelodge on Hwy. 142. They met with a female who stated that she and her boyfriend were drinking heavily and got into an argument. She stated her boyfriend then pushed her onto the bed and began punching her in the left side of the face three to seven times with a closed fist. She also stated that he hit her in the left ribs and left lower leg. The female did have a visible mark on her upper left cheek but no other markings. Warrant will be obtained for the boyfriend who was not on location when officers arrived for battery FVA (Family Violence Act).
  4. August 21: Officers responded to Industrial Drive in front of McDonald’s to a report of a male pushing a buggy overloaded with items down the middle of the road. Officers spoke to Mr. Lee Peters, who is homeless, and he said he wanted to go as far away from Atlanta as he could possibly make it. Mr. Peters had the funds and officers arranged to have a taxi take him to Augusta.
  5. August 22: CPD officers responded to a fight at The Depot on Emory Street. Two males got into a fight with each other and subsequently the primary aggressor was arrested and trespassed from the business.
  6. August 22: CPD officers responded to a penetrating trauma at 7191 Pineview where a male sustained a gunshot wound to his left hand and claimed that someone in a white vehicle shot him. Officer Nichols was patrolling the area at the time and heard the shot but did not see any cars leaving. She was on scene within twenty seconds. This incident was initially thought to have been caused by two females, over food stamps, in the street. CID was called and worked the scene. Subsequently, the male with the gunshot wound was transported to Atlanta Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. The females involved in the altercation will both have warrants taken on them for battery. All the subjects at 7191 Pineview were very uncooperative and it is believed that the injured male possibly shot himself in the hand.
  7. August 23: Shortly after 1:00 a.m., a seventeen-year-old female was picked up by an acquaintance whom she only met through social media. The female told the male that she did not want to have sex with him and he produced a hand gun and threatened to kill her. The female also told the male several times to let her out of the vehicle and he would not. Officers pulled over the vehicle driven by the male for driving with no lights. The officers were not aware of the situation and the female did not indicate to the officers that there was an issue. She exited the vehicle and did not get back in the car. After the male was released and left, the female told officers what had happened and the case was turned over to CID.

CID

CID Sgt. Allan Seebaran examined Person Crimes and Property Crimes CID detectives worked for August 17, 2020 to August 23, 2020 and compared them with the previous two years. He found the following results:

i. PERSON CRIMES: From August 17 – August 23, 2018, there were eight reported person crimes; from August 17 – August 23, 2019, there were 11 reported person crimes; and from August 17 – August 23, 2020, there were seven reported person crimes. There was a 37% increase (from eight to 11) in reported person crimes from August 17 – August 23, 2018 to August 17 – August 23, 2019. There was a 36% decrease (from 11 to seven) in reported person crimes from August 17 – August 23, 2019 to August 17 – August 23, 2020. There was a 12% decrease (from eight to seven) in reported person crimes from August 17 – August 23, 2018 to August 17 – August 23, 2020.

ii. PROPERTY CRIMES: From August 17 – August 23, 2018, there were 12 reported property crimes; from August 17 – August 23, 2019, there were 16 reported property crimes; and from August 17 – August 23, 2020, there were 22 reported property crimes. There was a 33% increase (from 12 to 16) in reported property crimes from August 17 – August 23, 2018 to August 17 – August 23, 2019. There was a 37% increase (from 16 to 22) in reported property crimes from August 17 – August 23, 2019 to August 17 – August 23, 2020. There was a 83% increase (from 12 to 22) in reported property crimes from August 17 – August 23, 2018 to August 17 – August 23, 2020.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Wesley Couch, Kacie Fincher and Alec Flowers

The CPD Support Services started four new hires. Welcome to (L-R) Wesley Couch, Kacie Fincher, Alec Flowers and David Long (not pictured).

Rainy day geese crossing the runway
Airport Operations Supervisor Rusty Anglin trains new hire Zachary Spencer on fueling planes. Photos by Kristy Young.

Other Events for Planning and Zoning

• Prepared for City Council Retreat

• Notified of being a Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) Finalist

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Council Retreat – August 26-27 – HR Staff and Vendors

LAST WEEK'S TASKS AND EVENTS

Safety Risk Technician David Powell hangs a mandatory employment law poster
  • GLGPA Board Retreat – August 19-21
  • Prepared for city wide organizational chart, vacation buy policy, holiday options and Broker RFP presentations for 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-19 exposure.
  • Updated employment law posters where needed (pictured)

ONGOING EVENTS

  • Providing quality customer care to our employees and 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 August 31

CURRENT JOB POSTINGS

Currently, there is a job opening for the position of Police Officer at the Covington Police Department.

WELCOME CENTER PARK

Landscaping and upgrades continue to take place at the park next to the Welcome Center. Multiple departments from the City of Covington have worked together to make the park and community garden come together including landscaping, adding grills, picnic tables and hammock posts and constructing and adding raised garden beds for the community garden.

Darrin Smith (Land App), John Cox (Street Dept.) and John Hendrix (Engineering Dept.) work together in the park and community garden next to the Welcome Center.
Display cases and door signage were installed at the Welcome Center
  • Preparation for City Council Retreat
  • Meeting with potential muralist to design piece for atrium. Discussion of implementing outdoor kids game/play are for Conyers Street side of building.
  • Met with Historical Society. Arranging meeting to view allocated space for display in Center.
  • Display cases arrived (pictured). These are being assembled and positioned in Center.
  • Continued discussion of updating brochures
  • Door and restroom signage has been completed (pictured)
  • Soap dispensers/sanitizer stations installed
  • Continued display work
  • Compiled weekly report
  • Edited August 17 City Council meeting and added it to website. Made copy to add to CCTV.

Each week the City participates in a conference call with with Dr. Little, Chief Medical Officer for Piedmont Newton Hospital, and Dr. Audrey Arona, Director of the Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale Department of Public Health. The call from August 28 showed COVID-19 cases trending in the right direction for Newton County. Fortunately, the COVID-19 caseload at the hospital is 25% of where it was at its peak. They currently have no issues with ventilators or PPE. Both doctors attribute this trend to the growing number of people wearing masks.

The current COVID-19 statistics for Georgia are 265,000 total cases and over 5,000 deaths.

Newton County has had over 2,500 positive COVID-19 cases and 51 deaths. However, there has been a significant decrease in the past 14-days and the overall positive test rate has significantly decreased in the last week. All the statistics point towards an overall decrease in our county, and Dr. Arona is optimistic that it will continue to trend in the right direction.

One key reminder to address is misinformation going around that is not true about recent CDC statements. Please note that close contact with someone who tests positive still necessitates 14-day quarantine.

To continue this downward trend of COVID-19 cases in Newton County, please continue to:

֎ Wear A Mask

֎ Social Distance

֎ Wash Your Hands

֎ Follow Public Health and State guidelines

#stopthespread

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