COBB
Submit nominations for community awards
Cobb County commissioners and the Community Relations Council are seeking nominations for individuals, teams or organizations eligible for the 2012 Creating Community Awards.
The awards recognize those who have made unique, positive contributions to the inclusion of diverse communities in the county. Each commissioner will receive nominations from his or her district, and a committee will choose each recipient.
Nominations are due Jan. 12. The awards ceremony is set for March 15.
Information: www.ccrc.cobb countyga.gov. Janel Davis
GWINNETT
Norcross efforts earn green certification
Norcross has earned Green Communities certification for its efforts in promoting efficient and sustainable use of resources.
The Atlanta Regional Commission said Norcross earned its top Gold certification with help from the Sustainable Norcross Commission, which is “transforming its practices across all departments.” That includes requiring new city-owned buildings to earn LEED certification and deconstructing three properties and salvaging the items instead of dumping them in a landfill.
Norcross is now one of 16 Gold certified-cities. Joel Anderson
NORTHSIDE
Sandy Springs rates high in fire protection
Sandy Springs officials learned this week that the Insurance Services Office has awarded the city’s fire department a Class 3 rating, placing it among the top 5 percent in the country.
The ISO rating plays a key role in the underwriting process and pricing structure used by insurance companies. The last time the Sandy Springs area was evaluated was in 1988 when it received a 3 as part of unincorporated Fulton County.
City officials said the updated rating will result in substantial cost savings in insurance premiums for property owners. Patrick Fox
ATLANTA
Owners required to register vacant property
Atlanta’s City Council passed an ordinance this week requiring owners of vacant properties to register them with the city’s Office of Code Enforcement by April 1. The changes to Atlanta’s housing code were spearheaded by Councilwoman Joyce M. Sheperd, who said vacant properties can be unsafe and cause neighborhoods to deteriorate and become unstable.
“This is a great step in the right direction for the city’s code enforcement process,” Sheperd said.
“We will be able to hold everyone more accountable.” Jeremiah McWilliams
DEKALB
Decatur hires manager for new visitors center
The Decatur Tourism Bureau has hired a city resident with two decades of tourism experience as the manager of a new visitors center set to open early next year.
Sherry Jackman will earn $30,000 a year in the part-time role. Jackman co-founded Conyers Travel in 1995 and grew the business to handling accounts for the American Basketball League, American Heart Association and others.
Jackman will set up the center and organize volunteers.
Information about volunteering or the center: 678-615-0915 or sherry.jackman@decaturga .com. April Hunt
