Friday, September 6, 2019



 2019 PROPERTY TAX BILLS CHEROKEE COUNTY (GA)
For most home owners today is a bad day as your tax bill is in your mailbox.

 My own is only $259.53.  My exemptions include homeowners and age.

 The same house without the exemptions I have is $2,071.01.

 This is $1,811.48 more than I pay.

 FYI:  The house I compared it to is the same layout as mine and is owned by a large firm that buys homes and rents them out.  This knocks them out for the homeowner exemption.

 Long term owners in Canton might recall that 3 years ago home owners would get a property tax bill from both the City of Canton and Cherokee County.  This is no longer the case as City tax is now incorporated into the County tax bill.

 If you compare the 2 bills you will see that my bill does not have a line for the City property tax.  This is because there is no City tax for me due to the age exemption.  Even under the older system I did not get a tax bill from City.
In case you wonder what the M&O means on your bills breakdown it is:  'Maintenance and Operations'.
Top:  My Current 2019 Property Tax Bill
Bottom:  Same house but no exemptions
CANTON CITY ELECTIONS 2019

Hard to get real excited about any city election. This year there might be slightly more interest city wide as the Canton mayor's post is up for grabs and there is no incumbent.

But still these off year turnouts are never much when compared to turnouts when the 'real' races are being decided for President, Senate and House. 

My general feeling is to go with new blood as those already in office are probably part of the problem. But it is early and the ink is hardly dry on the applications to run.

In the last Canton election a guy running for Council came to the door and was pleasant and had campaign literature available. We spoke for a bit and I decided that I would cast my vote for Ward 3 for him.

I even made a $200 contribution and let him put up a lawn sign.  When he won the race I was somewhat pleased to have backed a winner.
Over the course of the 2 years I had occasion to contact him about 3 separate issues. Never got a call back or email from him. Yes, I did work into my initial contacts that I had contributed $200 to his campaign.

Not a peep out of him. Clearly a waste of $, plus he just recently got a DUI. I guess that arrest could have been foreseen as he co-owns one of those boutique growler/breweries in downtown Canton.

So this time around I will do my usual absentee voting but I learned my lesson as to giving anyone any money or even putting up a lawn sign. If Mr Nick Estes decided to run for another term in 2021 he won't be getting my vote.


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Martin's Restaurants - 3494 Marietta Hwy

Scheduled to open first week in Nov. Located just North of the McDonalds. See: https://martinsrestaurants.com


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AROUND CANTON MAGAZINE

The September 2019 issue is now out and the 68 pages can be accessed online.
The magazine is part subscription, part free handout and of course available online at the referenced site.
If you are passing the 'Viva Mexico' restaurant in the Publix shopping center on Prominence Point Pky, you can pick up a free copy there.
Also available are issues for 'Around Woodstock' and 'Around Acworth'.
https://issuu.com/aroundaboutcommunitymagazines/docs/9-19_around_canton_webfinal/34?fbclid=IwAR1GQNeB3KFGwgQE5Qb36pF3zN7z5IvZwfHpg-shQdPpkygUQf8QFPyymLM
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TREES REPLACED
For years there was a minor traffic hazard where the Ash St Connector goes into the Prominence Point Pky. Right by the Dollar Store.  Canton had no interest in the matter.
On 7/13/19 at 7:25 pm a driver who was traveling from the direction of the Dollar Tree was driving too fast for conditions, lost control, struck the trees and then another vehicle headed toward the Dollar Tree. 
Instead of a ticket he should have gotten some sort of Civic Award for getting rid of a long standing traffic hazard.
Unfortunately, now a private landscaper associated with that Publix shopping center area has put in 3 replacement trees which will eventually fill out and we will be back at square one with the same traffic issue.

Photos: Top 2017 and Bottom, after accident July 2019.



Martin's Restaurants - Progress Report

The shell of the building is up at the 3494 Marietta Hwy location. This is just North of Ridge Road and a block from the Mc Donalds.

Scheduled to open first week in Nov. More info is at the 8/21/19 post further down this site.



CANTON RESIDENTIAL TRASH PICK-UPS


Advanced Disposal went through a period where they were leaving the trash containers strewn around the gutters and in the street after their crews emptied them. Complaints resulted and for a few months the matter was no longer an issue.

However, recently they started backsliding and some of the containers were once again out in the street after pickup and not returned to the resident's property.

Today I noted that at least in my area, the trash containers were again being put back on the lawns, driveways etc and not left to obstruct traffic.
Those longer term residents will easily remember that Waste Management picked up the trash for years. With the expiration of their contract the price to City was going up by a significant amount so City shopped around and got a lower bid from Advanced Disposal.
The problem here was that City did not do its homework, yes there would be a savings over the proposed cost increase from WM, BUT what was either not known or was ignored, was that Advanced Disposal has a terrible record, many complaints AND they are uniformly rated as 'F' by the BBB.
Is there any 'good news' here?
To soon to say but recent press reports indicate that in the first quarter of 2020 Waste Management will acquire Advanced Disposal for 3 Billion $'s. So is this 'good' news or 'bad' news? Don't really know.
City had prior complaints with WM although for my own little .18 of an acre home I had no issues with them.
A bit of good news is that when they buy AD the existing contract must be honored until it expires. THEN you can expect they will be asking for more money.
At that time City can hunt for another waste hauler or just pay the higher rate.
But wait!
City could also take over the trash pickups themselves. This is something that needs research to find out if it will save residents any money.
Even if the results are that there is little or no savings, having the trash collection 'in house' would make any collection issues easier to remedy.
No more having to go through several layers of corporate management to get word to the crews to put containers back on residents property.
Anyway, the issue needs a look after the 2020 mayor/council election results are in and we know who is running things for Canton.
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8/27/19
The Smith family reside on Meadow's Lane in the View.  One of 4 subdivisions which compose Holly Mill.  The accident was entirely the fault of Samuel Joshua Kellogg.  He was killed in this accident along with another occupant of the Kellogg auto.  Brandon Smith was very seriously injured, his daughter, 3 yr old Samantha was also hurt but to a lesser degree.

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Tracy Fraley is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Patricia Poff.
Created July 14, 2019 - Accidents & Emergencies

Brandon & Savannah were in a Major auto accident last night. He is critical right now, but stable. He's already received 1 major surgery, and we are expecting 3 more surgeries, and a 1 month stay in ICU, before he can start physical therapy.  

He is in a medical coma for the next week. Little Savannah is having surgery today, and will need to be in a cast from the waist down for at least a month. She will need a special car seat and wheel chair.

Both Brandon & Tricia will be out of work for quite a while during this, and they do not have medical insurance. Every single Donation & Share will be a Huge, most appreciated  help. 

Lets show them the love & support they need  from their Family, Friends, & Community!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/brandon-amp-savannah039s-medical-care?member=2561182&fbclid=IwAR3wiKcTky7ea_eLBbNlfn2s5LrV6KCS_IHZ3JOF_j4NkZ

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From: csoopenrecords@cherokeega.com
To: harris2018@aol.com
Sent: 8/26/2019 1:16:27 PM Eastern Standard Time

Subject: RE: OPEN RECORDS REQUEST - Traffic Accident - 7/13/19 - Samuel Joshua Kellogg
The original incident report for the below referenced case is attached.  This case is still being investigated by the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office.
 
Please be advised Cherokee Sheriff’s Office has recently updated our fees in order to be compliant with regulations set by the State of Georgia.  Motor Vehicle Accident Reports now have a set fee of $5.00 per report, pursuant to §O.C.G.A. 40-9-30, which states the following:
 
“The Department of Transportation, or its third-party designee, shall charge a fee of $5.00 for each copy of any accident report received and maintained by that department or its designee pursuant to Code Section 40-6-273.”
 
Please send cash or check to Cherokee Sheriff’s Office at 498 Chattin Drive, Canton, GA 30115, Attn: Sydney Nix if you would like to proceed.  Accident reports can also be purchased from Buycrash.com.
 
If you need this information immediately, you can pick it up at the above address at your convenience. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM.
 
Respectfully,
 
 
Signature.Sydney







The 4 page Accident Report is now available (9-6-19) and is added below.  The blood tests for alcohol and drugs remain 'pending' for the at fault driver Samuel Joshua Kellogg.




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8/23/19

Waste Management to buy Advanced Disposal for about $3 billion in cash








Reuters
KEY POINTS
  • Waste Management on Monday announced plans to acquire smaller rival Advanced Disposal Services for about $3 billion in cash.
  • Waste Management would pay $33.15 per share in cash for Advanced Disposal.
  • The deal could be worth about $5 billion, including debt, the Journal reported.


GP: Waste Management recycling 180628
Workers sort recycling material at the Waste Management Material Recovery Facility in Elkridge, Maryland, June 28, 2018. 
Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images
Waste Management said on Monday it would buy smaller rival Advanced Disposal Services for about $3 billion, as the top waste management services provider looks to expand its footprint in the eastern United States.
The offer of $33.15 represents a premium of about 22 percent to Advanced Disposal’s closing price of $27.14 on Friday and would be Waste Management’s biggest acquisition in more than nine years.
The acquisition is expected to generate more than $100 million in savings and capital expenditures annually after close, which is expected by the first quarter of 2020.
Houston-based Waste Management provides waste management environmental services, and owned or operated 247 solid waste landfills and five secure hazardous waste landfills as of December 2018.
Advanced Disposal, based in Ponte Vedra, Florida, is the fourth-largest solid waste company in the United States and provides non-hazardous solid waste collection, transfer, recycling and disposal services in 16 states and the Bahamas.
Advanced Disposal had a net debt of about $1.9 billion, Waste Management said.
The Wall Street Journal was the first to report that the companies were in deal talks.
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From:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/292181898137856/ 

ADVANCED DISPOSAL - Backsliding

2 months ago these 2nd rate trash haulers were getting raked over the coals for leaving the trash containers all over the streets and causing traffic issues on our too small roadways.

It seemed to have gotten sorted out and the empty containers were being returned to the customers property and not left in the gutter/street.

Unfortunately it was a bit too soon to display the "Mission Accomplished" banner. This Friday 'some' containers are again left in the gutter. I guess one (or more) of the pick up crew in the Holly Mill area is of the opinion that if we don't like where he/they leave the containers that we can just 'F Off' because he/they are gonna put them where ever they damn well please.

You might recall that this firm is rated as 'F' by the Better Business Bureau. I often refer to the BBB as the Better Cover-up Bureau for their lack of taking to task businesses. If Saddam Hussein was still running Iraq the BBB would give him at least a C+.

So when the BCB/BBB hands out an F grade you know that the firm is pretty awful.

With elections coming for Mayor and half the Council why isn't there an up-swell of interest in finding out if Canton should be taking over the trash hauling business?

Now keep in mind I didn't say Canton SHOULD do this, just that the City should look into it and see if some taxpayer $ can be saved by doing it 'in house'.

Also dumping Advanced Disposal gets rid of an entire layer of bureaucracy and there would be no need to complain to a private firm who then would have to pass it down the food chain to the local supervisors to get something corrected.

In the short term some AD rear ends need to be kicked to get the containers returned to the residents property and not left higgly piggily out in the streets.

Mid term/Long term, perhaps taking over collections by the City might be worth doing some work to find out if it will save some money.

Bill Harris, Citizen Journalist, Canton, Ga
Image may contain: tree, plant and outdoor

See also:  http://s2.q4cdn.com/222406865/files/doc_news/2019/06/News-Release-Advanced-Disposal-Stockholders-Approve-Acquisition-by-Waste-Management-Inc.-062819-FINAL.pdf  


From: joellenbwilson@outlook.com
To: harris2018@aol.com
Cc: nathan.ingram@cantonga.gov
Sent: 8/23/2019 5:20:49 PM 
Subject: Re: ADVANCED DISPOSAL
Mr. Harris, Sorry to hear you’re having problems again with Advanced Disposal. I copied Nathan Ingram, the City’s point person for addressing issues.  
You may know that Waste Management bought out Advanced and will become the default Sanitation Company as soon as all negotiations are settled.  
Not sure if things will get better, but hoping they will. WM must honor the cost contract with Advance. 
Your idea of City Sanitation is certainly something we can ponder.Thanks for getting in touch and for your idea. 
JoEllen.

CANTON CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL

Mayoral Candidates:
Bill Grant - bill@grantcollaborative.com
Dwight Pullen - dwight@pullenforcanton.com

Ward 1 Candidates:
JoEllen Wilson - joellenbwilson@outlook.com
Bob Reilly - reilly00@yahoo.com
Kathy Strom - stromk528@aol.com

Ward 2 Candidate:
Shawn Tolan - shawn@tolansearch.com

Ward 3 Candidates:
Farris Yawn - farris@yawnforcanton.com
Brooke Schmidt - votebrookeschmidt@gmail.com


Infor per:  Annie Fortner, City Clerk

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KENNESAW CANDIDATES:
Two hopefuls challenge incumbent on council

For Kennesaw City Council, At Large, Post 1, three candidates have qualified for the Nov. 5 general election, including the incumbent.

Councilman James W. Eaton, a chiropractor, a professor at Life University in Marietta and a U.S. Army veteran, is opposed by Karen Gitau, a senior accountant, and Antonio Jones, a smallbusiness owner.

Unopposed are Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling and incumbent Tracey Viars for Council, At Large, Post 2.

Information:  CobbElections. org, kennesaw-ga.gov 
CAROLYN CUNNINGHAM FOR THE AJC

https://epaper.ajc.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=425ac1fe-0cb1-4485-9d8d-923751bbc6f9&pbid=8e0858ee-1443-484d-9e94-f8b8a1eaaaff&utm_source=app.pagesuite&utm_medium=app-interaction&utm_campaign=pagesuite-epaper-html5_share-article

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Holly Mill shared a link.
5 hrstagAdd Topics  8/21/19

Martin's Restaurants - In 2 months McDonald's will have some competition a block North from a new restaurant. The lot is being cleared off now, you may have driven by and wondered what was going in at 3494 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114.

https://martinsrestaurants.com/menu/
From their Facebook site: August 19 at 12:53 PM ·
We are opening our Canton location the 1st week in November and now hiring for full time and part time crew members! Apply online today at https://martinsrestaurants.com/employment

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EMPLOYMENT INFO: If you are interested in joining our company beginning in a Crew position, you may complete an application online, print an application to fill out later or visit one of our many locations and complete an application on site, whichever is most convenient for you!
Our Full Time and Part Time crew members are given hands-on, paid training and are cross trained in several positions making you a critical part of our team and enhancing your job skills to be continually improved along your own personal career path with us.
All of our Crew members are eligible for year round performance awards, various bonus programs, employee meal discounts, paid vacations, our annual “Martin’s Family Picnic” at Six Flags Amusement Park, as well as long term career advancement opportunities and much more.



MARTINSRESTAURANTS.COM
Menu – Martin's Restaurants
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  • FYI: Here is a customer comment out of one of their locations in Powder Springs and note that they are only open until 3 PM. "3.0 star rating 1/9/2019

  • After living in metro Atlanta for more than 22 years - I FINALLY tried Martin's. I'm not really a breakfast person - so I went at 2:45pm (15 minutes before they close) and I ordered a chicken sandwich.

    The chicken sandwich was pretty tasty. You could tell it was real breast meat that had been cut, pounded and breaded. Whoever assembled the sandwich was super heavy handed with the mayo though. I had to take a napkin and wipe huge globs of the mayo off.
  • To the folks that keep saying this place is cheap - maybe the breakfast options are cheap - but lunch is NOT. At least not when compared to other fast food lunch spots. For instance, I ordered a chicken sandwich combo. The combo was $6.99 to begin with. That seemed to be on par with other places . . . BUT . . . unlike most spots, the sandwich only comes with pickles and mayo. 
  • They charged me 35 cents to add lettuce AND another 35 cents to add tomato. And I told them to hold the pickles (where's my 35 cent credit for that? Lol). Sidenote - they do the same thing with burgers too. And all the pricing is for HAMburgers, not CHEESEburgers. So when you look at the menu and think the prices are typical - remember that you'll be paying to add cheese, paying to add lettuce, paying to add tomato, etc.

    With tax - my food was around $8.70. Once I removed the 1/2 cup of mayo, the sandwich was good, but it was on the small side. And the drink was not your typical massive fast food drink.

    For less than $8.70 at ChickFila or even Zaxby's you'd get a much larger, heartier sandwich, more fries and a bigger drink. I might stop back in another time to try the burgers, but sadly - based on the fact that they nickel and dime you for standard produce, this will never become a regular spot for me. Glad to have marked it off my food bucket list though!"
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