City approves more police officers

The Forest Park City Council recently approved an ordinance increasing the number of sworn police officers by four and authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement with the Department of Justice for a 2016 Cops Hiring Program Grant in the amount of $500,000 to be added into the budget of the police department.

The council also gave the nod for an ordinance establishing the budgets for the 2008 and 2015 SPLOST capital project funds for the fiscal year 20162017; and a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute the contract with Four Points Construction for HVAC renovation improvements at city hall.

Rezoning approved for new veterinary hospital

A former childcare center in Fayetteville will be renovated to become an animal hospital, now that the Fayetteville City Council has approved the necessary rezoning. The 2.39-acre site at the corner of Jimmie Mayfield Boulevard and Bradley Drive was previously zoned Office & Institutional and includes a 10,000-squarefoot building.

The new owner of the property, Dr. Sherri Ray of the Fayetteville Animal Hospital, plans to convert the existing building for veterinary use but without outdoor runs or kennels. Dogs will be outside on leashes only.

The council approved the rezoning 4-0-1 on Dec. 15, with council member Harlan Shirley absent.