Friday, June 29, 2012

Dunwoody Police are still searching for clues on who killed Roger and Dorothy Abbott.


On July 1, 2010, Roger & Dorothy Abbott were brutally murdered and their home was set on fire. This July 1st will be the second anniversary of their death. The Dunwoody Police Department has produced this video to try and bring attention to their deaths and solicit information that might help us bring their killer to justice.
Please contact Sgt. Cortellino at 678-382-6908 or at gary.cortellino@dunwoodyga.gov or you can anonymously text or email our department. Visit www.dunwoodypolice.com for details.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Video of June 26 Dunwoody City Council Meeting


Kudos to Ms. Courtney Lynch shown above who saved a young boys life.

Recap of the agenda, everything passed as presented except item M4, the MOU for Information Services was pulled as it was not needed. Mayor Davis submitted a last second nomination to serve on the Audit Committee, Dunwoody resident and Certified Financial Planner, Mr. Stuart McLemore was confirmed to serve.

Asbestos debris at Dunwoody High School worries parents


(CBS 46 ATLANTA) - A construction project at a local school has upset neighbors. They said workers at the Dunwoody High School renovation didn't properly dispose of asbestos - and they're worried for their children's health.

The problem is the dumpster. The Environmental Protection Agency told CBS Atlanta News it's supposed to be secured with a fence surrounding it so nobody can gain access to the debris.

"What is it you're doing this afternoon?" asked CBS Atlanta News reporter Steve Kiggins.
"That's none of your business," replied an unidentified contractor.
"It actually is my business," answered Kiggins.

Workers with Kidd and Associates Environmental Contractors dodged Tough Questions after a concerned neighbor said hazardous materials weren't properly handled.  "Obviously they need to get rid of the asbestos from the school and there's OSHA regulations and ways to do it properly," said concerned neighbor Joe Hirsch. "It doesn't appear that's what they're doing."

Hirsch snapped photographs of contractors throwing away construction debris into a dumpster at Dunwoody high in DeKalb County. Renovations at the school are almost complete, but the way asbestos floor tiles are being handled worries Hirsch.  "You can see them just taking shovel-fulls and throwing the debris on top of the dumpster, and it's just blowing around," Hirsch said.

The dumpster sits in the high school parking lot right next to where a school bus drops children off after day camp.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Misc Dunwoody tidbits.

Operation Pear Tree 2012: The Harvest - 628 lbs in 1 hour

Here’s your chance to waive to all 30,000 of your neighbors! The 4th of July parade committee is looking for convertibles with drivers! Please contact Pam Tallmadge at: pam@tallmadgega.us if interested.

Atlanta Wine School, is preparing to open a new concept in Dunwoody’s Georgetown Shopping Center; Vino Venue, will serve as a “wine emporium” for enthusiasts.

The Dunwoody Police Department is investigating a Homicide that occurred at the Peachtree Place Apartments located at 4612-B Peachtree Place Parkway.  The victim, a 28 year old Hispanic male, was shot inside his apartment around 1222 hours this morning.  He was transported to Northside Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Dunwoody Perimeter Coffee Connection will feature a keynote speaker who is a local, regional or national leader in their industry. June 25 features Doug Callaway Executive Director, Georgia Transportation Alliance. 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. at the Ravinia Club and Spa.

A stream buffer educational forum will be held on Thursday, June 28, 2012 from 7-9 p.m. at Dunwoody City Hall, 41 Perimeter Center East Dunwoody, GA 30346 in the Council Chambers. The public is invited to attend.

I haven't attended any of the offerings of Dunwoody Restaurant Week, but I will soon.

Dunwoody Toastmasters Club meets every Friday at 7:30 am at Georgia Power and is looking for new members. Lincoln LOGS Toastmasters also has openings and meets every other Monday from 12 to 1 p.m at the Georgia Medical Care Foundation which is about a block from City Hall near the mall. Finally the Atlanta Language Toastmasters Klub welcomes members who have English as their second language.  This club meets the 2nd & 4th Thursday evenings at 7 pm at Dunwoody Baptist Church.  Any questions please reach out to Annette at annettedjackson@yahoo.com

DeKalb School Budget Approved - There are four furlough days on the current calendar; there will be an additional two furlough days for a total of six furlough days, for Central Office and educators. Additional two students per class, standard and special education classes. A 1-mill tax increase, which is about $80 on a $200,000 house per year. Fernbank's budget has been reduced by $1.9 million from its budget of $5 million. it will remain open as a fully functioning science center.

DeKalb County Tax Appeal Seminar available on Tuesday evening which is being hosted by my friend Bob Freeman.

Rising 6th Grade Summer Bridge & Registration for Peachtree Charter Middle School - August 2, 2012, from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Uncle Maddio's Pizza & The School Box should be opening soon near Walmart on Ashford Dunwoody.

Georgia Perimeter College lays off 282 employees - video

Keep your wits about you Freaks and Weirdos could be anywhere.

Sandy Springs story in the NYT is very close to our story.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Agenda for Tuesday June 26th Dunwoody City Council Meeting

Tuesday, June 26th
Dunwoody City Hall
41 Perimeter Center East
Dunwoody, GA 30346

6:00 p.m. - Exec Session
Agenda


Administer Oath of Office to Officer Anthony Stallings.


Presentation of Lifesaving Award to Courtney Lynch.


Resolution Adopting a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.


Project Renaissance: Resolution Authorizing John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods to Continue Application for Rezoning of the Recently Purchased Portions of the 19 Acre Property.


Resolution Appointing Robert Miller to Serve on the City of Dunwoody Development Authority.


Approval of Construction Agreement for PCID Area Traffic Signal Optimization.


Public Hearing & 2nd Read: Ordinance to Establish the Ad Valorem Tax Rate for 2012.


Resolution Appointing Outside Legal Counsel to Represent the City of Dunwoody Board of Ethics. (Missing)


Project Renaissance: Resolution Adopting an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Urban Redevelopment Agency.  First meeting - June 28th


Project Renaissance: FIRST READ: Ordinance to Transfer Property.


MOU with DeKalb County for Information Systems Access. (Missing)


Appointment of Member to Serve on the City of Dunwoody Audit Committee. (Missing)

  • The agenda packet for Tuesday's meeting was sent to council and posted to the website with no documentation on the three items above listed as Missing.

Dunwoody soon to welcome Farm Burger and Morelli's Gourmet Ice Cream to Georgetown Shopping Center


Farm Burger is opening adjacent to the UPS Store  in a space most recently home to Garcia's Mexican Restaurant.  The space is roughly 4,000 square-feet, though Farm Burger will occupy only about 2,400.

The balance of the space will be shared with Morelli's Gourmet Ice Cream!  Morelli's, an award winning gourmet ice cream shop with two locations off Moreland Avenue intown will join Farm Burger in bringing their eats to OTP dwellers.  The two will share the space and plan to maintain the same business hours.

H/T Tomorrow's News Today & Eater

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Mr. Noel Maloof named Principal of Dunwoody High School.

Noel Maloof

Mr. Noel Maloof the Principal of Vanderlyn Elementary is moving over to Dunwoody High School where he served as an Assistant Principal earlier in his career.

Maloof's replacement at Vanderlyn is Assistant Principal Tracey Crenshaw.

Jennifer Pittman Sanders (current Dunwoody Elementary Assistant Principal and former Vanderlyn Assistant Principal) is the new Dunwoody Elementary Principal.

I don't know Mr. Maloof very well though we have met professionally several times and seemed very capable and cared immensely for the students under his care therefore I am sure he will do well at Dunwoody High School.  Other community reactions can be found at

Congrats to the new leaders in the community, I look forward to working with you.

Monday, June 18, 2012

O'Brian's Tavern opens and the Dunwoody Bakery next door adds ice cream.






The Dunwoody Tavern Group is please to welcome their newest establishment O'Brian's Tavern opening Monday June 18th at 4 pm.  O'Brian's is located next to the vacant Ace Home Place and across from the vacant Blockbuster at Mount Vernon and Dunwoody Club.


O'Brian's Tavern
2486 Mount Vernon Road,
Dunwoody, GA. 30338




In that same shopping center is the recently rebranded, 100% Gluten Free & Organic Dunwoody Bakery & Ice Cream Shoppe. The Shoppe has recently introduced the award winning, locally manufactured High Road Craft Ice Cream into the establishment to compliment their fine cakes.

Dunwoody Bakery & Ice Cream Shoppe
2492 Mt. Vernon Road
Dunwoody Georgia 30338


Dunwoody 4th of July Parade is still looking for a couple of Sponsors.

Down below is the list of sponsors for this years 4th of July parade but there is still a little time available if you want to be involved

I understand that Blackhawk helicopters will be doing flybys of Georgia's Largest 4th of July Parade and I think I heard that they will be doing security for the World's Largest Idaho Potato enroute to Village Burger in order to make sure there are enough fries for the holiday.




Thank you to the sponsors of the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade!
Presenting Sponsors
Dunwoody Homeowners Association
Dunwoody Crier Newspaper

Platinum Sponsor
Curry Honda

Silver Sponsors
Kapp Koncepts Web Design & Development - Marketing
Rotary Club of Dunwoody
Reising Orthodontics

Bronze Sponsors
Publix
The Centered Body
John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods
Huntington Your Tutoring Solution
Zurn Plumbing Service
Bug Busters USA 
Marcus Jewish Community Center

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Dunwoody pushes forward with sidewalks and bike paths on major roads.


Short excerpt from Dunwoody Reporter Article

As Dunwoody continues to add bike lanes, a debate has started over whether it’s a good idea to encourage biking on some of the city’s busiest roads.

Dunwoody City Council recently approved a contract to build bike lanes on Mount Vernon Road and is hoping to receive grant funding before it adds bike lanes to Chamblee-Dunwoody Road.

The projects are part of the city’s transportation master plan and fall in line with the Complete Streets Policy, which calls for adding sidewalks and bike paths whenever possible during construction.

“When we do a transportation project, and in some cases regular paving projects, we’ll consider accommodating all users of the public right of way,” said Public Works Director Michael Smith.
Smith said bike lanes have been built on other major Dunwoody roads, like North Shallowford Road and Roberts Drive, as well.

Rezoning Meeting for John Wieland Georgetown Project - June 18, 7 pm at Dunwoody Library


MEMORANDUM

Re: Neighborhood Meeting Regarding Proposed Development near Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. and North Shallowford Rd.

Dear Neighbor:

We represent John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods. We plan to file an application to rezone 35 acres of land to a Planned Development (PD) district.  19 acres located at 4575 Shallowford Road , 2030 Pershonal Court, 0000 Pershonal Court, 4555 Shallowford Road, 4553 Shallowford Road are currently zoned O-I, and 16 acres located at 4000 Dunwoody Park are currently zoned RM-HD. The rezoning to a PD will allow for the development of for sale residential housing, city park space and future commercial uses. We are contacting you as property owners within the immediate area to invite you to attend a community meeting to hear more about the proposed development and offer input.  

The meeting will be held on June, 18 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Dunwoody Public Library – 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Ga.

We look forward to seeing you then.

Thank you,

Bryan Musolf
John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods

Dunwoody Zoning Code Rewrite Meeting - Fri June 22nd

Date: Friday, June 22, 2012
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Location: City Hall
41 Perimeter Center East

In partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the City will present recommendations for sustainable practices to be incorporated in the Zoning Code Rewrite.  This meeting is a result of a technical assistance grant the City received earlier this year for the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program, Green Building Toolkit.

A consultant team led by Code Studio and YR&G is currently working with EPA to assess and make recommendations to the Zoning Code that will be based on sustainable sites, water efficiency, and energy conservation.  This opportunity capitalizes on the rewrite process to advance the incentives and regulations related to sustainable practices to further the City’s sustainability mission.  The presentation is the culmination of assessments made through the EPA Green Building Toolkit, consultant review of existing code, and technical staff input.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend to contribute to the process to ensure a sustainable future for the City of Dunwoody.  The meeting will be streamed and a video posted for members of the public who are unable to attend at the scheduled time.

Here’s the link:  ZONING CODE REWRITE PUBLIC MEETING

Dunwoody Restaurant Week - $25 full dinner fare at fine restaurants


 
DUNWOODY GA – JUNE 2012 – Dunwoody is a true dining destination with its wide variety of local favorites and nationally-known chains. Everything from come-as-you-are casual, to trendy and unique, and linen-draped fine dining combine to give Dunwoody’s vivacious restaurant scene its charm and élan. Food lovers are invited to embark into dining nirvana during the first-ever Dunwoody Restaurant Week June 23rd through 30th.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau of Dunwoody invites you to prepare your palate for sixteen of Dunwoody’s favorite eateries, cafés, bistros and fine dining establishments as they offer tasty treats and prix-fixe menus for your dining enjoyment. Throughout the week, attendees will have the opportunity to sample some of these restaurants’ signature dishes as they choose from a $10 lunch that will offer appetizer and lunch entrée options or from a $25 dinner that will offer appetizer, dinner entrée, and dessert options. All participating restaurants’ prix-fixe menus, reservation information, and special regulations can be found at CVBDunwoody.com/RestaurantWeek.

For more information please visit CVBDunwoody.com or call the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Dunwoody at 678.244.9800. When it comes to dining, Dunwoody delivers.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau of Dunwoody is the destination marketing organization for the City of Dunwoody, charged with growing economic development through tourism promotion. The CVBD is located at Two Ravinia Drive, Suite 120 on Ashford-Dunwoody Road. For more information about the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Dunwoody please visit CVBDunwoody.com.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is here in Dunwoody.


500 new jobs to Dunwoody.


Gov. Nathan Deal announced that the state’s largest insurance company, State Farm Insurance, is bringing 500 new jobs to Dunwoody. The new jobs will be located at the recently leased Atlanta Perimeter Operations Center located at 64 Perimeter Center East near Perimeter Mall.

“State Farm’s decision to locate their new facility here makes a compelling statement about our state’s competitive business environment,” said Deal. “In Georgia, State Farm will find a progressive business infrastructure, along with a highly skilled workforce, that will allow for continued success when it comes to providing the highest levels of customer service to their policyholders.”

The office is expected to open for business later this year. While some existing State Farm employees will work at the new facility – it will be staffed by predominantly new hires. The new facility will help the company provide sales, service and claims capabilities to better serve their customers.

State Farm Senior Vice President Tim McFadden said, “This expansion is just another way State Farm continues to adjust to meet the changing needs and preferences of our customers. We will continue to make business decisions focused on how we can best serve our customers.”

I am a big fan of State Farm insurance and have been a personal customer since 1983 when I signed on to have just liability coverage on the 1971 Buick Skylark that I bought for $500 dollars.   A few years later, my brother was in a major car accident and State Farm paid off everything without much hassle therefore based on that one claim, I am probably a customer for life.  My current agent is John Lester in Dunwoody Village and looking back I think my current payment for insurance on my home and two cars is about the same as I paid for just liability coverage on a 16 year old male driver in 1983?

PS: Can I get a Hot Tub ??

700 homes in N. DeKalb will be reassesed lower due to mistake.



Mr. Bob Lundsten, the Chief of Staff for DeKalb Commissioner Elaine Boyer asked me to publish an excel version of the spreadsheet below as well as the related story from the Crier.

Excel Spreadsheet
More than 700 homes in N. DeKalb mistakenly overvalued, see if your home is listed 

If residents of Wynterhall, Mount Vernon Way, Withmere, Sumerset Court as well as dozens other streets in Dunwoody thought their recent tax assessment were too high, they are probably right. The Crier has obtained the list of 722 additional properties the DeKalb Tax Assessor found to be mistakenly overvalued. The overvaluations range from about $50,000 to as much as $250,000. Most of the overvaluations in Dunwoody are six figures.

Residents in Wynterhall had complained and District One Commissioner Elaine Boyer looked into the assessments, which triggered the tax assessor to release a new list totaling $67 million in overvaluations. A previous report had identified some 2,000 properties assessed too high in Decatur and the Emory area.

The tax assessor had previously concluded that the county’s tax digest had dropped 6 percent, but with these mistakes lowering the digest by millions, it is expected the drop will be closer to 8 or 9 percent.

The new list identified 79 homes in Wynterhall that are overvalued from $61,000 to $136,000. Homes on Withmere, Biddle, Reston and Mt Vernon Way are overvalued from $53,000 to $209,000. The list also includes homes in the Tilly Mill, Silver Lake, Henderson Mill, Clairmont Terrace and Mercer University areas.

The tax assessor’s office said that residents would be receiving a new notice with the corrected information and still have 45 days to appeal.

To see the list as a pdf, click here.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Detailed invoices document the Dunwoody Ethics investigation as well as $50,000.00 in expenses.


After numerous news stories regarding the investigation into the breach of executive session, a resident asked me if the details of the billing would ever become public therefore I took the liberty of filing an open records request on the residents behalf.  This afternoon the City Clerk fulfilled the request within the allotted time and sent three documents both to me and the resident via email.  I have taken the liberty of combining all three documents into the one linked above.

The invoices provide names and dates which gives insight into the investigation and the preparation of what is now the final ethics report written by Wilson, Morton & Downs

The Ethics Board has been given the complaint which references the Wilson report and soon Councilwoman Adrian Bonser will be able to officially give her rebuttal to the Wilson accusations.

A little light reading - Dunwoody related.



Johnathan Clark of Dunwoody Elementary is moving on.  Link - Dunwoody School Daze

Sen. Fran Millar Criticizes DeKalb Schools Link - DeKalb School Watch

DeKalb School System and AdvancED and Texas Education Agency  Link - Dunwoody Talk

Dunwoody Restaurant Week, June 23 to 30 offers some great deals.  Link - CVB

Dunwoody Swim Teams - Week 3    Link - Dunwoody Talk

Tax Assessments Still To Be Sorted Out   Link - Dunwoody Patch

So, you want to appeal your DeKalb Co. Property Appraisal?    Link - I'm Just Saying

Bike lanes spark dissent in Dunwoody Link - AJC

Dog parks (Brook Run) require a dose of caution  Link - AJC

Fran Millar is part of the Ethics Pledge discussion whereby I also know that he has no problem with the $100 gift limitation but states that a lot more than this one item will be in the final bill and it will need to be reviewed in its entirety before saying yes or no.    I enjoyed this presentation on the subject.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Challenge to find and spread innovative local solutions to national problems.


New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is posting a nationwide challenge to city mayors in order to find and reward ideas that improve city life by addressing a major social or economic issue, improving the customer service experience for citizens or businesses, increasing government efficiency, and/or enhancing accountability, transparency, and public engagement.

The City of Dunwoody, GA started from scratch several years ago and our service delivery motto is really to put proven best practices and the latest technological innovations into place in order best serve the citizens and the businesses within our jurisdiction at the lowest possible cost without jeopardizing the overall level of service.

I can think of so many things that we as a city have done right...
  • Breaking apart our service contracts to various vendors in order to maximize service and minimize price was a risky way to start a city but it worked well and has now been copied by others.
  • We hired and equipped a top notch police force in 90 days.
  • We hire the best and brightest employees and hopefully then get out of their way to do the job.  Along with that goes the responsibility of making sure that that the employees are well served, cared for, compensated and appreciated for the quality service they are expected to provide.
  • As there were no legacy computer systems in place, we decided to invest in a cutting edge back end computer infrastructure that integrates everything from accounting, community development, public works and GIS; whereby man hours are cut and efficiency improved.
  • Having a paperless police and court system where traffic tickets can be uploaded to the servers via a wireless transfer and then be able to be paid online just hours after being issued, 
  • Transparency has been pushed from the city's infancy whereby financial reports with the check register are now published monthly, crime and police calls are published daily, and we have a police department that is pushing more information to social networks than most teenagers with an unlimited data plan would ever dream of doing
We are by no means perfect but I believe we have done many things right, and it is through introspective reflection by always looking to see what could be improved is what I now strive for the City of Dunwoody.  It is  by applying to opportunities like this or the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge or even the Google Fiber Contest that we can stretch our minds to find ways to better serve you the citizens. 

I am not sure if the City will actually take the time to complete the application but it will be reviewed by staff for consideration and then we should circle back in October when the winners are announced to see what best practices others have come up with.  It appears by this job announcement that the City of Atlanta has already focused their efforts in data collection and analysis in order to reduce homelessness and improve employment. 

What could the City of Dunwoody offer up that we have done that others should replicate on a national scale?
Washington Post - New York City’s billionaire mayor is using his personal fortune to try to spark innovation in the nation’s cities — inviting 1,300 mayors to compete for millions of dollars in funding for new programs meant to solve urban challenges and enhance city life.

The mayors of U.S. municipalities with at least 30,000 residents will be asked to join the Mayors Challenge, being launched Wednesday by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which is offering a grand prize of $5 million and four smaller prizes of $1 million. The foundation is asking the mayors to focus on initiatives that could be replicated elsewhere if successful.

Bloomberg, who has said that he plans to focus full-time on his philanthropy after his third term ends in 2013, argued that mayors are better positioned than community organizations, governors and even presidents to make a difference when it comes to delivering services.
“Governors and presidents redistribute and work at a different level, a policy level. Mayors have to get stuff done,” Bloomberg said. “Organizations tend to talk a lot, and some do some things. Mayors don’t have that option. Mayors, if you don’t deliver something, you are out of office pretty quickly.”

The challenge is part of the philanthropy’s Mayors Project, which has already paid to install teams in Atlanta, Chicago, Louisville, Memphis and New Orleans to work on initiatives in areas including small-business growth and crime reduction. Under the $24 million initiative, the teams report directly to the mayors of those cities.

Applications for the Mayors Challenge will be due Sept. 14, and winners will be announced in May after teams from finalist cities attend an “Ideas Camp” at which they can refine their proposals.

Under the contest rules, cities must propose ideas that improve “city life by addressing a major social or economic issue, improving the customer service experience for citizens or businesses, increasing government efficiency, and/or enhancing accountability, transparency, and public engagement,” according to the foundation.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Video of the June 11th Dunwoody City Council Meeting


Agenda Recap: The development agreement with John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods was approved unanimously by the entire council.

I had concerns on the next item which was the purchase of several parcels of the land (including the possible future city hall location) because the city memos and documentation failed to even note that there was a ground lease on one of the buildings whereby we could not develop that specific piece of property for the next ten years.  This item passed 6 to 1 with me voting against as I couldn't in good conscience vote for this item after discovering that this encumberment was treated as trivial and not part of the informational packet.

We approved a small state grant to fund several roads to be repaved and did a first read on holding the tax rate the same from the day the city was incorporated.

There were a number of other discussion items on the agenda where no votes were cast but lines were definitely drawn in the sand.  Expect four additional officers to be offered up in the 2013 police budget for a specialized Crime Response Team and the proposed change to the definition of "what is a Stream" to be moved back into the full zoning rewrite vs. being done separately. 

The discussion of who should be named to the Audit Committee was "deferred" by the Mayor as he didn't have a name ready but Councilman Shortal quickly stated that it should not be a Council Member. 

I had questions regarding the request by the Ethics committee for outside legal council when the proven need, as per our ordinance (the conflict of interest by our City Attorney to handle the case) was not clearly stated.  The other discussion items on the agenda had little meat to the subject matters therefore look for consent agenda items on them in two weeks.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Dunwoody Speed Camp trains young athletes - group and individual sessions available.


My oldest son Riley attended the June 3rd session of  Dunwoody Speed Camp with a bunch of other middle school boys and really got something out of the drills presented.  Riley also enjoyed the overall instruction by two graduating high school athlete standouts, Jake Hudgins of Dunwoody and Chris Varalla of Marist.

The next large scale, one day camp is taking place on Sunday June 24th, 2012 and Riley has already signed up.  In fact we have been impressed enough to try to attend at least one of the many group (or individual) sessions every week in order to add variety to his physical fitness training.
  • Running Technique & Form Improvement
  • Increased Leg Strength & Flexibility 
  • Over-speed, Resistance, & Cardiovascular Conditioning 
  • Increased Quickness & Reaction Time 
  • Explosion Resistance Training  
  • Top Speed & Acceleration Training 
  • Development of Mental Toughness & Confidence 
  • Development of Strong Student Athlete Characteristics
  • Advice & Education on Good Nutritional Habits
  • Fun & Competitive Drills
Camp flyer Available. Resumes.  

Dunwoody High School teacher looking to revive school newspaper - needs a few more students.


Hello Mr. Heneghan,

I'm re-starting the DHS newspaper, formerly known as The Dunwoody Express and now re-named Wildcats Today.  I need more students to sign up for the 3rd period class (unfortunately several students have transferred or dropped and I'm afraid the class will be cut for the second year in a row), in addition to raising money for printing the newspaper and sending students to conferences.  Would you post this website on your blog, in addition to forwarding it to parents and community members who may be interested?  I appreciate your assistance!  Here is the address:


Best,
Desiree Tabor Carter

_____
Desiree Tabor Carter
English Teacher and Newspaper Adviser
Dunwooody High School
5035 Vermack Road, Dunwoody, GA  30338

Friday, June 8, 2012

Saturday - Alex's Lemonade Stand hosted by Dunwoody children on Mt. Vernon Way.


Saturday 11 - 3 pm
5141 Mt. Vernon Way


Summer time rule - don't drive past a children's neighborhood lemonade stand without stopping.  Especially when it is a group of neighborhood children raising funds for charity.

Refreshing lemonade will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5141 Mt. Vernon Way. These Dunwoody children have raised more than $1,500 for the foundation in the first three years’ events and look forward to community support for this year’s event on Saturday.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient, Alexandra "Alex" Scott (1996-2004). At the age of 4, Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of volunteers across the country carrying on her legacy. To date, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $30 million towards fulfilling Alex's dream of finding a cure, funding over 80 research projects nationally.

Whistle-blowers are needed in DeKalb County

Whistleblowers needed?

The DeKalb School Watch posted a blog a while back looking for WhistleBlowers or retirees from the DeKalb County School System which had information that could  be used to improve the efficiency of the system. I was reminded of this post after I watched the speech below given by a Chicago reporter by the name of Mike Volpe.

Mike caught my eye a number of years ago with interesting articles on Vernon Jones, Derwin Brown and Grady Hospital.  Mike hasn't reported Atlanta issues in awhile but in case he sees this and is looking for a new subject, DeKalb County and the DeKalb School System could sure use some "sunshine".

I have been a fan of this man's work, I enjoyed his keynote speech on reporting / whistle blowers and figured I would share.


Interested in talking about the school board?

Meet Nancy Jester of the DeKalb School Board.

Friday, June 8th at 730pm - 9pm
Starbucks in Dunwoody Village
5561 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road
Dunwoody, GA 30338

Dunwoody Council Agenda - Renaissance, Police Staffing, Tax Rate, Stream Definition, Ethics Board Attorney

Monday, June 11th
Dunwoody City Hall
41 Perimeter Center East
Dunwoody, GA 30346
Agenda

PUBLIC HEARING and ACTION ITEM: Project Renaissance: Approval of the Development Agreement with John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods.

PUBLIC HEARING and ACTION ITEM: Resolution to Authorize the City Manager to Purchase the first 3 Parcels of the 19 Acre Property

Discussion of 5-Year Staffing Plan for Police Department.

Discussion of Construction Agreement for PCID Area Traffic Signal Optimization.

ACTION ITEM: Discussion/Approval of Contract for Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant.

Discussion of the Mutual Aid Agreement with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.

FIRST READ: Ordinance to Establish the Ad Valorem Tax Rate for 2012.

Discussion of a Resolution Appointing Robert Miller to Serve on the City of Dunwoody Development Authority.

Discussion of Appointment of Member to Serve on the City of Dunwoody Audit Committee.

Discussion of Appointment of Outside Legal Counsel to Represent the City of Dunwoody Board of Ethics.

Discussion of Definition of Stream.

City of Dunwoody Ethics Board - do they need thier own legal councel?


I have been busy on a business trip therefore have stepped away from Dunwoody business & related blogging for a bit and therefore didn't know until after the fact that this meeting was called.

After checking city agenda listings, it appears that the Dunwoody Board of Ethics were called together on Thursday night at 5 pm to request the appointment of Outside Legal Counsel.  I don't know the outcome of this meeting (maybe the video will be up soon), but I do see it listed as a discussion item on my Monday Night City Council agenda therefore I look forward to the discussion.

I know for a fact that an ethics charge was filed and that the Ethics Board will be called upon soon to hear its first case but I don't understand why the hiring of an outside attorney is needed prior to knowing the specifics of the complaint, the City Attorney's written analysis, nor a determination that the City Attorney (now the Lawfirm of Riley McLendon) would be in conflict because they would be representing the City, Mayor or a member of Council?

I have copied a few of the pertinent sections of Dunwoody code on the issue below but please feel free to do your own reading of the ethics sections on Municode.

Sec. 2-253. - Creation; membership; term; compensation Ethics Board

(i) Staff support. The city council shall provide such staff support for the board as the city council determines to be necessary for the board to fulfill its duties and responsibilities. The city attorney is designated to be the legal advisor for the board, except that the city attorney is not authorized to represent the board in any legal action if doing so would create a conflict which would prevent the city attorney from also representing the mayor, the city manager, or city council. The city clerk shall serve as recording secretary to the board.


Sec. 2-258. - Procedures for hearing complaints.
(f)  The city attorney shall provide the board with a preliminary written analysis of the complaint no later than 30 days from the date the complaint is filed with the city clerk.

Sec. 2-254. - Duties and powers of Ethics Board
(8) When necessary, retain outside legal counsel and other experts as needed after solicitation of recommendations from the city attorney (unless the need to retain outside counsel is caused by a conflict involving the city attorney's office), and upon approval by the city council of a contract for services approved as to form by the city attorney.

(Note to news media, blogs and anyone interested in Dunwoody business: view the City Meeting Agenda page on a daily basis as meeting items are sometimes added with limited (24 hour notice).  Note to self, see if City website RSS feed for agenda updates or additions can be fixed and then verify that the public.govdelivery system is properly sending emails as it is suppose to on meeting agenda updates.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

RIP Barbara Dodds, Matriarch of Dunwoody North

Barbara Dodds

I along with many people in Dunwoody lost a good friend on Saturday when we heard the news that Ms. Barbara Dodds passed away.  Many years ago Barbara was impressed with the community directory and newsletters I published as a board member of the Dunwoody North Driving Club.  Once my time was up serving the swim / tennis association she quickly encouraged me to switch over from the social to the civic side of the house to serve the Dunwoody North Civic Association.  Barbara was President of the DNCA at the time and she enjoyed being the Master of Ceremonies at the annual meeting where she would bring in Politicians or the Chief of Police for a little heart to heart with the community.

Barbara and I worked closely on many issues but it was our time piecing together the neighborhood directory for over 1,000 houses where we really bonded.  (I think she even let me pick the color of the binding once?) After a few years of me hanging around, she asked me take to take over her position of leading the largest neighborhood civic association in Dunwoody.  Needless to say from neighborhood civic association, to the creation of the City of Dunwoody where I currently sit as a member of the City Council; Barbara Dodds gave me my start in politics and I will miss her very much.  Below are the details for the visitation.
Barbara Ann Medlen Dodds, 74, of Dunwoody, GA passed away peacefully on June 2, 2012 in Atlanta. She was born in Bonham, Texas on September 18, 1937. Barbara graduated from Orleans American High School in Orleans, France. She was married to Ralph A. Dodds, Jr. on September 1, 1956.

Loved by all who knew her, Barbara was an expert seamstress who passed on her love of sewing and other crafts to her children and grandchildren. She was a long-time officer in the Dunwoody North Civic Association, Dunwoody North Homeowners Association and was well known for her community service.

She is survived by her beloved and loving husband of 56 years, Ralph; children Al Dodds, Patti Soderberg, Cathleen Nodzak; her grandchildren Andrew, Julianne, Melissa, Emily, Rachel, Kelly, Casi, Joshua, Christine, Nicholas, and Samantha; sister Nadine Spelde; and several nieces and nephews.

Those wishing, may make memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to The Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM on Monday, June 4, 2012 at Fisher Funeral Home 3742 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd Atlanta GA 30341.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA at a time to be determined. To confirm service time and sign online guestbook please visit www.fischerfuneralcare.com Arrangements by Fischer Funeral Care, Atlanta, 678-514-1000.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Village Mill Strawberry Festival, Saturday, June 2 from 10 am -1 pm


Village Mill Neighborhood Association is hosting its annual Strawberry Festival for members and guests on Saturday, June 2 , 2012 from 10 am -1 pm in the parking lot of the Village Mill Pool (4726 Olde Village Lane, Dunwoody 30338).

Fun for all ages, it will feature a silent auction and raffle, Kid's Market, bake and book sales, game truck (12 pm), dunk tank, kids' activities, food booths, Bruster's ice cream, and much more!

Free admission & Open to the Public, nominal charges for food and activities.

For more information, contact simmons_jb@yahoo.com or hydikalmin@gmail.com.