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Council backs steps to establish 'Keep Mableton Beautiful' affiliate; application fee budgeted
Summary
Council heard a briefing June 11 on forming a Keep America Beautiful affiliate for Mableton, including an application, two-tier training, a potential 501(c)(3) arm and the use of $25,000 previously budgeted for beautification work.
Mableton — The council received an introductory presentation June 11 on forming a Keep America Beautiful affiliate, "Keep Mableton Beautiful," that would organize volunteer cleanups, recycling events and beautification projects and create access to affiliate grants and training.
Sustainability and Beautification Director Emily Croft described steps to affiliate with Keep America Beautiful, including a letter of support from the mayor or council, a one-time application fee (budgeted to start as early as July 1), council representation on the affiliate board, affiliate and community training and bylaws. "One of the more exciting pieces is that this group can also file for a nonprofit," Croft said, adding that a separate 501(c)(3) would enable fundraising beyond the Keep America Beautiful affiliation.
Why it matters: An affiliate would centralize volunteer cleanups, create a predictable calendar for recycling and hazardous-waste events, and make Mableton eligible for small grants and in-kind support from the national nonprofit and its statewide network.
Council and staff context: Mayor Owens said $25,000 was previously allocated to beautification programs and that staff paused the effort until a director was in place. Council discussion clarified two training tracks: an open community training for larger volunteer committees and a smaller affiliate training for the formal seven-member board required by Keep America Beautiful. Croft and the mayor said staff will submit the letter of support and bring formalization options (resolution or ordinance) to the city attorney for review.
Program items mentioned: an Adopt-a-Road (city limits) program, an America Recycles Day calendar, a Great American Cleanup event, a possible household hazardous-waste event for the summer and existing drop-off locations for composting and small electronics at 6116 Mableton Parkway.
Ending: Council members indicated support to proceed with the application and to engage the 23 community volunteers who previously signed up to help launch the program.
