City Council on Wednesday recognized the men and women of the Milton Fire-Rescue Department for their round-the-clock, difference-making service to our community.

Milton firefighters train extensively to fight fires and address other crises. They’re also uniquely qualified to help with medical emergencies, with every firefighter being an EMT (or emergency medical technician, many at the paramedic level) who can provide Advanced Life Support from any Milton apparatus. One shift is on the job every hour of every day, year-round, so they can respond to 911 calls and provide other valuable services. 

As a proclamation read at Wednesday’s meeting stated, “Their commitment is evident in all they do, including their participation in rigorous training, engagement with citizens, and long track record of going above-and-beyond to help and support others.” 

This special recognition was prompted by Georgia’s Firefighter Recognition Day, which took place earlier this month. 

Councilmember Doug Hene, who served as Mayor Pro Tem in Mayor Peyton Jamison’s absence for Wednesday’s meeting, expressed thanks while recalling how firefighters swiftly, effectively responded to a fire at his own residence just over a decade ago. 

“It is an honor to recognize the courageous men and women of our fire department with this proclamation… and to extend our gratitude,” he said.

ARBOR DAY ON FEBRUARY 20 OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED

Right after firefighters posed with Councilmembers for a photo, Hene read out another proclamation – this one celebrating trees and their vital importance to our community and our Earth as a whole.

Earlier this month, the Arbor Day Foundation recognized Milton as a Tree City USA for the 17^th consecutive year. This reflects our community’s commitment to trees, including by having a full-time City Arborist, tree conservation ordinance, and investment of at least $2 per capita on forestry investments. 

Another reason for its inclusion is the City’s annual Arbor Day Celebration, which this year will start at 10 a.m. this Friday in the Mark Law Arboretum at Bell Memorial Park. Among other things, Wednesday’s proclamation formally recognized February 20, 2026, as Arbor Day in Milton. 

Four new trees are being put in the ground in conjunction with the Arbor Day event, which is timed to the end of prime tree-planting season in Georgia. They are a Sweetbay Magnolia, a Smoketree, and a Witchhazel tree, as well as a Persimmon tree graciously provided by Tri Scapes.  A limited number of free Persimmon tree seedlings will be distributed at Friday’s event to citizens. For more about Milton’s 2026 Arbor Day celebration, visit https://www.miltonga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3339/1351/. 

On Wednesday, Sandra Dewitt – the City’s longtime Arborist who has transitioned to a new role as Land Development Administrator – referenced the latest Tree City USA honors while thanking the City Council for their support of all things trees in Milton. She also introduced new City Arborist Shannon Fitzgerald, who worked for the State of Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division and Department of Agriculture as well as serving as County Arborist for Cherokee County. 

“Sandra has left big shoes to fill, but I’m really happy to be here,” Fitzgerald told Council. “And I’m looking forward to my role as City Arborist.”

CONTRACT APPROVED TO REDESIGN CITY’S WEBSITE

Wednesday’s proceedings began with one general public comment and the City Council’s unanimous approved the meeting’s Consent Agenda. This included agreements between the City and: 

• Revize to improve the design, functionality, and features of the City of Milton’s website, in addition to providing an upgraded Content Management System for updating those pages
• LaDreena Walton of DreenaDances to lead a youth cheer program as well as energizing adult hip-hop fitness classes out of Milton facilities as a Parks and Recreation program provider
• Milton-based Mighty Hands Foundation to become another official City program provider offering monthly self-defense classes for citizens age 12 and older 

Property lines between two existing lots off Dorris Road (not far from New Providence Road) were also revised as part of the same Consent Agenda.

The meeting concluded with the Council’s approval of a pair of “Final Plats” for in-the-works subdivisions.

The Blakely Manor neighborhood, off Freemanville Road, consists of 36 single-family lots spread across 50.08 acres. Brooke Hall is a new 7-lot neighborhood accessible via Francis Road.

The City Council is next scheduled to convene for a Regular Meeting on March 2.