Georgia County Government - May/June 2008 - (Page 33)

a long tradition of Extension use, a strong need, committed leadership, interest at many levels of government in successful development of economic activities, and desire to access university resources beyond those traditionally provided. We are anxious to see what progress we can foster working with Clayton County in a very urban community.” Chairman Bell believes that, like Colquitt County, Clayton County can better leverage many of its unique assets, including economic opportunities, available workforce, commercial growth, and more, assisted by the Archway Program. “We have many similar growth-related challenges here, albeit within an urban setting,” Bell claims. “These include increasing demands for housing, schools, transportation, environmental and other essential services.” Special Innovations Clayton County commissioners, all being among the most dedicated to their community anywhere, have a lot of innovations ongoing, especially those designed to quell the challenges very urban counties face such as litter, the need for environmental stewardship and support for youth. Keep Clayton County Beautiful is an award-winning organization, assisted by scores of volunteers, dedicated to improving the county’s appearance and, in the bargain, the quality of life for all residents. Augmenting this effort, Operation Clean Sweep was begun in 1999, the latest of diligent programs put in place to deal with litter from growing population density, with the assistance of the Refuse Control Department. New leadership within the county commission assumed responsibility for Operation Clean Sweep in 2005, boosting the program’s staff, vehicles and facilities. Chairman Bell expanded the program countywide and conducted “clean sweeps” through each of the four commission districts, clearing litter and disposing of bulky waste, like discarded furniture. It has succeeded, officials believe, because it involved citizens and urged them to take pride in their own communities. “Having begun as a grassroots program to empower citizens to take re- sponsibility for their own communities, Clean Sweep evolved into a countywide effort to change the face of the county, by making sure neighborhoods, streets, and more, remain clean,” Bell asserts. The program also involved children in the process, as the Keep Clayton County Beautiful organization brought the school system in, along with its programs for education already in place. Schools and students got involved in recycling programs and waste reduction. Out of the partnership the fi rst “Kids and the Environment” calendar was produced, which continues to enlist the involvement of schoolchildren in new ways to keep the environment clean. “We believe it will be a legacy they carry forward into adult life,” Bell adds. More plans call for targeting K-12 schoolchildren in environmental education curricula, with the hope that personal commitment to the environment will be elicited in students. In addition, the county has hired additional code enCLAYTON COUNTY continued on page 36 CGL would like to congratulate Clayton County Commissioner Virginia Gray on her election as ACCG President CGL is proud of its 16 year partnership with Clayton County, providing services for flagship County Facilities like the Harold R. Banke Justice Center and the Virginia Gray Recreation Center. CGL appreciates the continued opportunity to provide Facility Planning, Construction Program Management and Facility Maintenance & Engineering Services to Clayton County. Planning Design Management Maintenance (770) 716-0081 www.cartergoblelee.com What all the best-dressed roofs are wearing this year. You can buy an “off the rack” single-ply roof anywhere. But for real longterm value, why not invest in a custom-ﬁt Duro-Last® rooﬁng system? Every Duro-Last rooﬁng system is precision fabricated to ﬁt each building perfectly, and delivered to the job site with up to 85 percent of the seaming already completed in our factory. That means your roof goes on faster, with less disruption, and less chance for future leaks. Best of all, the proven performance of a Duro-Last rooﬁng system means your investment will continue to pay off for years to come, with signiﬁcant energy savings, little to no maintenance, and the best warranties in the business. Invest in the system that will make you – and your roof – look good: the Duro-Last rooﬁng system. To ﬁnd out more, call us or visit www.duro-last.com/value and request our free brochure. 770-457-7136 • www.duro-last.com “Duro-Last” and the “World’s Best Roof” are registered marks owned by Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. MAY/JUNE 2008 www.accg.org 33 http://www.duro-last.com http://www.cartergoblelee.com http://www.accg.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - May 2008

Georgia County Government - May 2008 Contents President’s Message County Matters ACCG 2008 Annual Meeting: Highlights County Focus: Clayton County Negotiating a Professional Service Firm Contract: Part 3 Counties Get Involved in Efforts to End Sexual Abuse of Children Smart Growth Scorecard Gives Communities a Way to Grade New Developments Wireless Technologies Critical for First Responders Research Corner: The ACCG Policy Process RDCs Assist the USS Georgia Flag Project Extension News: Animals Take Spotlight in Disaster Planning Georgia’s Grand Old Courthouses: Grady County NACo News: Green Initiative Launches Searchable Database Insurance News: ACCG Announces New Inmate Medical Savings Program County Parade Index of Advertisers

Georgia County Government - May 2008

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