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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

If you get time you might also take a look at: http://kennesawupdate.blogspot.com/

FYI:   One updated item and a heads up on another potential issue regarding licensing of a business in Kennesaw and finally a comment on how $15,000 may be wasted by the City of Kennesaw.

 
1) The location of the old Cruchelow Pawn Shop remains empty, there are 4 empty units in that strip mall now. The foolish case being brought by property owner Venturi has been referred by the Court to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program and the parties have until Sept 4th, the opportunity to select either Case Evaluation or Mediation. You can see the case documents at: http://kennesawpawnproblems.blogspot.com/ as well as information and news reports about the entire matter there.

 
The relocated Pawn Shop is now in Marietta and is doing no business. Extensive renovations were done to the stand alone building and it is now open but it has even less business at the new location than it had in Kennesaw. Makes you wonder how they remain open with no business?

 
2) In another potential zoning problem I want to let you know that located downtown just next to the Civil War Museum we now have a Massage Parlor complete with all the tacky advertising that goes with such downmarket enterprises. There is some question as to whether or not this sort of business is actually allowed in the downtown area.

Did the City screw up again on a business license?

Whether or not they did is to be determined but we sure are going downhill in Kennesaw with such cheap and shoddy new businesses, we might as well move to Marietta.

Link at: http://www.jojosmassage.com/KENNESAW-LOCATION.html
Thai Massage, Owner: Yu Qin Guo
(770) 220-1792
Jo Jo's Asian Massage 678-265-8920
2839 Cherokee St Bldg D, Kennesaw, GA, 30144, Asian, Chinese massage
3 locations. Here are the signs:
 

Sept 2nd:  Also for updated Jo Jo Info see this article:  http://thekennesawwatch.com/just-what-have-we-here/
 
Just makes me wonder if the City folks actually speak and understand English.
When Cruchelow Jewelry and Loan came on the scene I looked at the business name and thought: "Pawn Shop".
When I see Jo-Jo's Massage I think: Massage Parlor
What is the matter with the City Council, the Business License people etc. A lack of reading ability or just dumb?
Bill
MINUTES OF MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF KENNESAW
Council Chambers
Monday, June 18, 2012
6:30 p.m.
XVI. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION (Councilmember Bill Thrash)
GINA AULD, Finance Director

A. Consideration for approval for a Massage Therapist license for Yuquin Guo. Ms. Guo is the owner of JoJo's Massage located at 2839 Cherokee Street, Suite D,
Kennesaw, GA 30144. Ms. Guo is also the owner of JoJo's Massage located at
9550 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188. The applicant has submitted the
complete application with the required documentation per Ordinance Sec 22-218
and 22-219: employment history, copy of certificate of schooling, current health
certificate and character references from three registered voters. Fingerprints
and background check investigation results are on file. Finance Director
recommends approval.
 
FUNDING LINE: 100.0000.34.2310 Fingerprints $45.00.

Finance Director Gina Auld presented the application for a Massage Therapist license for Yuquin Guo. Ms. Guo is the owner of JoJo's Massage located at 2839 Cherokee Street, Suite D. The applicant has submitted the complete application with the required documentation per Ordinance Sec 22-218 and 22-219: employment history, copy of certificate of schooling, current health certificate and character references from three registered voters. Fingerprints and background check investigation results are on file.
The applicant was present this evening, but had no further comments.

Mayor Mathews called for a vote on the implied motion to approve the Massage
Therapist license for Yuquin Guo. Ms. Guo is the owner of JoJo's Massage located at 2839 Cherokee Street, Suite D.
 
Vote taken, approved unanimously, 5-0. AYES:
Councilmembers Welsh, Duckett, Jenkins, Killingsworth and Thrash.  Motion carried.
 



3) Just a minor comment and to let you know about the expenditure of funds recently obtained from Coke. That $15,000 grant is going for 7 'exercise stations' in the park.
 

My opinion is that this collection of pipes and triangular billboards is a total boondoggle and the money should have been put into something that more visitors could use, and when the Mayor asked me for a suggestion I said it could be used for more landscaping, trees, shrubs, benches and tables. Seems that isn't a good idea.
 

I then suggested that rather than jumping in for 7 stations, why not get 2-3 initially and see if they were used and then use the remaining funds for other items. I was told that all 7 stations were required in order that a full range of exercises could be provided.
 

I have brought this up with all levels of the City and they are entirely on board with the funds (& perhaps more) going for these exercise stations. Here is the link to the 13 page brochure about the equipment: http://www.rexplayground.com/Websites/rexplayground/Images/LifeTrailAdvanced.pdf

 
What do you think?

If you have opinions on any of these items you can share them with:
City Council Members:
 

Bill Harris
Citizen Journalist


Additional Information:

It seems that the Swift Cantrell Park Foundation Board has some plans for the park which could run up to 50k for 'exercise stations' depending on which is selected and the 15K Coke donation is only a part of the funding, the rest to be raised by unspecified 'fund raising' which could mean private donors or it could mean the City putting up additional funds over the donated 15K or a combination of both.

If the Foundation Board wants to make 50K improvements that is fine with me but that Coke 15K should not be plowed into 'exercise stations' whether they cost 15K, 30K or 50K.

I don't think they add anything to the park except for those folks who want to 'exercise'. They want to do that, again, it is just fine with me, let them exercise all they want, just use the 15K from Coke for something that will benefit 100% of the park users and not 1% who want to exercise using some pipes and billboards.
 

Monday, August 27, 2012

Aug. 20th Minutes

Swift Cantrell Park Foundation
 Board Meeting

City of Kennesaw Training Room

11:30 AM
August 20, 2012
MINUTES

In attendance:
Board members: Ellen Springer, Secretary; Greg Harris, Mike Henderson, Mike Quinlan, Tom Alger, Summer Adams

Absent: RJ Patel, Andy Duncan, Bill Musial

Guests: Ron Stebenne, Tim Killingsworth, Doug Taylor, Mark Mathews, Jeff Drobney

1. Meeting called to order at 11:35am by Greg Harris

Invocation by Ron Stebenne

2. Greg Harris skipped to Agenda Item 5, Health Centers because of the exciting news about the Coca Cola Grant. The City will receive $15,000 from the grant. It was previously discussed and presented to Mayor and Council that the award could possibly go towards the Energi and LifeTrail exercise stations. Discussion ensued about bidding; the Parks Dept. has already researched other systems. Discussion about total cost of systems being approximately $31,000 and possible funding options. Discussion about liability of the foundation which needs to be clarified. The committee can recommend that the Coca Cola Grant money go towards the Energi and LifeTrail systems but the decision rests with the city. Motion made by Mike Quinlan, seconded by Summer to accept the Energi and LifeTrail systems as an official fund raising project for the foundation. Motion passed unanimously.

3. Financial report given by Tom Alger. Tom reviewed Statements of Financial Position and Financial Income and Expense. Tom asked about the $5000 deposit for Kennesaw Dream Foundation. Jeff clarified that needs to be paid out to the Dream Foundation for the Teen Center. Ellen will classify that as "Other"on the statement, it is not an income item. Question about Digital Banner for $256 on Expense report. Jeff will look it up and report back. Tom reported the quote for D & O Insurance is $1,000. Event Insurance would be $500 per event if we use the same underwriter. Motion by Ellen, seconded by Mike Henderson for Tom to purchase D&O Insurance for $1000. Discussion about adding foundation to city’s liability insurance. Jeff will inquire and report back. Ellen made motion to extend Ron Stebenne’s contract as a consultant, seconded by Greg, until the next board meeting and have Ron bring a new contract next month which includes his increased involvement with the Foundation. Motion passes unanimously.

4. Skate Park update given by Ron Stebenne. Ron distributed and reviewed designs by DENYSE Company of options for LED signs that would include places for sponsors and announcements. This is concept only at this point, cost would be based on design. Jeff is working on finding ways to cut costs, seeking additional monies and meeting with potential sponsors. Presentation is ready and available if anyone has potential sponsors.

5. Mother’s Day 5K Race: Summer needs help with sponsors, promoting registrations and team participation, partnerships in the community, help with publicity and general race promotion. Kennesaw First Baptist handled breakfast and that is not a concern. The t-shirt design is already in the works so marketing materials can follow. The goal is to start seeking sponsors in November. Greg recommended that at the next meeting we spend a good bit of time discussing sponsors for this as well as the Skate Park.

6. New Business: No new business

7. Old Business: Ellen asked about the $2000 grant from Nutro mentioned at the last meeting. Ron reported that the grant deadline is in October and he is still gathering a Dog Park group.

8. Ellen made a motion to approve July16 meeting minutes with 2 amendments: Item 6 is corrected to read AAD offers grants for shelters and item 2 corrected to read D & O Insurance. Motion seconded by Greg, motion passes unanimously.

9. Next meeting is September 17, 2012 at 11:30am City Hall Training Room.

10. Adjourned at 12:37pm

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Hobbs




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Link to minutes: 
http://www.kennesaw-ga.gov/form-center/category/65-board-commission-agendas-minutes?download=1023%3Aswift-cantrell-park-foundation-meeting-draft-minutes-8-20-12

Sunday, August 26, 2012

July 16th Minutes




Swift Cantrell Park Foundation
Board Meeting
City of Kennesaw Training Room

11:30 AM
July 16, 2012
MINUTES

In attendance:
Board members: Ellen Springer, Secretary; Greg Harris, Mike Henderson, Mike Quinlan, Tom Alger

Absent: RJ Patel, Andy Duncan, Bill Musial, Summer Adams

Guests: Ron Stebenne, Tim Killingsworth, Doug Taylor, Steve Kennedy, Mark Mathews, Jeff Drobney, Jeff Duckett

1. Meeting called to order at 11:37 am by Greg Harris

Invocation by Ron Stebenne

Minutes of the June 8th Special Call meeting were reviewed. Motion to approve made by Ellen, seconded by Greg. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Financial report given by Tom Alger. Race fee for Swift Cantrell Classic was not included; Jeff Drobney will get that information to Ellen and Tom. Ellen motioned to accept financial report, Mike H. seconded, motion passed unanimously. Ellen made motion for Tom to be Treasurer, Mike H. seconded, motion passed unanimously. Ellen made motion to give Tom the ability to be one of the 2 signatures on checks for the BB&T account for the foundation. Mike H. seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

3. Website update tabled until next month, Bill Musial and Summer Adams absent.

4. Mother’s Day 5K Race: Summer was absent, the group discussed ways to give more assistance next year, help line up sponsorships earlier in the year. Greg suggested having a dedicated time at the next meeting to create a strategy for next year’s race.

5. Skate Park Update: Ron reported that the Go Skate Day was successful, had approximately 75 participants. Many stayed and voted for park in the America’s Favorite Park contest as well. Ron and Jeff Drobney will have a conference call on Thursday with the Dyrdek Foundation regarding sponsors. A copy of the sponsorship presentation for corporate sponsors and sponsor branding opportunities were distributed for comment. Ron would like to add the CD of the fly over to the package. Jeff said the sponsorship presentation shows more of a skateboarder perspective than the economic benefit to corporate sponsors. Greg suggested adding a folder with benefits. It was also suggested that a $100 brick or tile for the community to purchase be added. Email Ron with any community businesses or organizations that might sponsor or donate basics like cement, landscape materials, etc.

6. Health Centers at the park: Ron presented two possibilities. LifeTrail ($50,000) would be individual fitness stations around the park along the path. Energi ($30,000 with a 20% discount until the end of July) would have all of the fitness stations in a single area that could be covered. Either could be paid for by sponsors. ADA offers grants for shelters to help with the cost. Motion by Ellen, seconded by Mike to approve concept, approach City Council regarding the allocation of space, prepare a sponsor package and negotiate price. Motion passed unanimously.
7. America’s Favorite Park Contest: Doug Taylor reported that the contest has ended. We came in 5th place and we did the best we could. He thanked everyone who helped out. There is a 2 week process of auditing to ensure nothing was automated. Foursquare caused flaws in the voting process, we will try again next year.

8. New Business: Jeff had information about a $2000 grant from Nutro. It will be looked into for the dog park for dog bag stations.

9. Next meeting is August 20, 2012 at 11:30 am City Hall Training Room.
10. Adjourned at 12:35pm

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Hobbs


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Link to minutes:  http://www.kennesaw-ga.gov/form-center/category/65-board-commission-agendas-minutes?download=981%3Aswift-cantrell-park-foundation-draft-minutes-7-16-12

Friday, August 24, 2012

June 8th Minutes

Swift Cantrell Park Foundation
Special Called Board Meeting


City of Kennesaw Training Room
11:00 AM
June 8, 2012
MINUTES

In attendance:
Board members: RJ Patel, President; Ellen Springer, Secretary; Mike Henderson,

Bill Musial

Absent: Andy Duncan, Greg Harris, Summer Adams

Guests: Ron Stebenne, Mike Quinlan, Tom Alger, David Pies, Doug Taylor, Steve Kennedy, Mark Mathews, Jeff Drobney

1. Meeting called to order at 11:37 am by President RJ Patel.

Invocation by Ron Stebenne

2. Motion by Ellen Springer to accept new board members Mike Quinlan and Tom Alger. Seconded by Mike Henderson. Vote taken and passed with quorum of 4:RJ Patel, Ellen Springer, Bill Musial and Mike Henderson. Absent: Andy Duncan, Greg Harris and Summer Adams. Welcome new members.

3. Skate Park update:

Announcement and unveiling of final design was made Saturday June 2nd at the park’s showing of the Muppet Movie. Approximately 1,000 people attended.

A video was shown, and is available through RJ or online.

4. America’s Favorite Park Grant Contest:

David Pies updated the board on the Coca Cola contest with prizes of up to $100,000 and a chance for the title of "America’s Favorite Park". The title would be very helpful for the fundraising efforts for the Skate Park. Voting can be done online at livepositively.com/parks or by registering and checking in using foursquare. The contest started May 23rd and runs through July 15th. Parks & Recreation Dept is heavily promoting this through presence at upcoming events, social media, website, etc. Ellen asked about any matching grants, Steve will follow up. RJ will send weekly updates to SCP Foundation members. If Swift Cantrell Park wins the contest, the foundation will make final determination of how the money will be spent.
5. Next meeting is July 16
th, 2012 at 11:30am City Hall Training Room.

6. Adjourned at 12:35pm

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Hobbs



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Link to above is:  http://kennesaw-ga.gov/form-center/category/62-board-and-commission-agendas?download=907%3Aswift-cantrell-park-foundation-special-call-draft-minutes-6-8-12