Economic development and public safety were highlighted as priority areas during the State of the City address given by the Conyers City Council on Wednesday evening.

The annual address was originally scheduled for Jan. 13 at the renovated Cherokee Run clubhouse but due to last week’s ice was postponed to Jan. 19 in place of the regular city council meeting.

Mayor Randy Mills opened the address emphasizing that the city was on “firm and solid ground” especially in its finances and infrastructure.

“This council’s emphasis this year is going to be for job creation here and capital investment here. And to convince the Conyers-Rockdale families to shop here and keep their tax dollars.”

He outlined the donation more than 50,000 square feet of office and warehouse space from Acuity Lighting to form an economic development center, educational program and business incubator which would be “another tool in our toolbox” for economic development.

Mills also addressed public safety. “We must draw the line in the sand and never tolerate – or worse, accept – the crime and criminal element as a part of the norm or growth in metro Atlanta,” he said.

He listed some efforts this coming year by the Conyers Police Department, including more than 100 hours of in-service training, looking at the use of technology and more community outreach efforts such as coordination with the school system’s STARS program and citizen volunteers and reserve officers. Mills pointed out the CPD turnover rate was at its lowest in the last six years.

Councilman Gerald Hinesley, who chairs the Finance and Community Development committees, said the city’s finance department ad been recognized by the Government Finance Officer’s Association for its budget presentation for the last 20 consecutive years and received a certificate of excellence for the last 17. He added that auditors had reported no findings for the past two years.

“That would be like an NFL team going with consecutive wins for two years,” said Hinesly.

The city continued to work on its urban redevelopment plan, said Hinesly, including the LCI overlay district that was made part of the 2008 comprehensive land use plan.

Other achievements that were highlighted included the ongoing draw of tourist dollars to events at the Georgia International Horse Park, expanding RV parking spaces, establishing wireless service to some areas of Olde Town and the GIHP.

Also during the address, four local residents were recognized for their service to the community with the Spirit of Conyers award: Benny Atkins, National EMS COO and founder and president of the Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation for breast cancer, Charlotte Gellert, member of the Conyers-Rockdale Library Board and chair of the Conyers-Rockdale Complete Count committee for the 2010 Census, Mike Houchard and Fred Straub, active members and subcommittee chairs of recent SPLOST Citizens Oversight Committees.

Conyers 911 Center Communications Manager Kelly Honea was honored as the city's employee of the year and recipient of the 2010 Dee Buggay Award of Excellence.

“I’m very honored,” said Honea. “I’m very, very proud. The first time I saw an employee getting this, I thought, ‘Wow, what a recognition.’”

 =================================================

(Jan. 19, 8:50 p.m.) Economic development and public safety were highlighted as priority areas during the State of the City address given by the Conyers City Council on Wednesday evening.

Also during the address, four local residents were recognized for their service to the community: Benny Atkins, National EMS COO and president of the Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation for breast cancer, Charlotte Gellert, member of the Conyers-Rockdale Library Board and chair of the Conyers-Rockdale Complete Count committee for the 2010 Census, Mike Houchard and Fred Straub, active members and subcommittee chairs of recent SPLOST Citizens Oversight Committees.

Conyers 911 Center Communications Manager Kelly Honea was honored as the city's employee of the year and recipient of the 2010 Dee Buggay Award of Excellence.

Check back later to www.rockdalenews.com for the full story.