Friday, October 11, 2024

Dunwoody City Council meeting analysis by John Heneghan prior to first 2025 budget hearing - Charter changes and future taxation matters.

A couple of young empty-nesters.

Below is a preview or my analysis of the Tuesday City Council Meeting agenda items where I dig a little deeper on a few items to keep you informed of my thinking.  After typing for awhile, I may have buried the most important conversation regarding City Operations at the end of the post but figured I would mention now for those who might only skim this stuff. 

First things First, don't miss the final Groovin on the Green concert of the year this Saturday (tomorrow / tonight) from 6-9 PM. at the Brook Run Park Amphitheater there will be an epic rock night with Corporate Therapy & LANDSLIDE - A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Bring your blankets, appetites (food trucks on site!), and get ready to rock Dunwoody one last time this season. It's free, family-friendly, and guaranteed to have you groovin'!

Monday is a holiday and the City Council meeting is moved to Tuesday night.
 
The City Manager Monthly report to Council has some interesting things... 

Upcoming Events:
  •  October 12: Groovin’ on the Green Series Finale with Corporate Therapy and LANDSLIDE – A TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC
  •  October 24: Truck or Treat
  •  October 27: Howling Halloween Photos & Blessing of the Pets
  •  November 11: Veterans Day Ceremony
  •  November 14: Holiday Family Photos at N. Shallowford Annex
  •  December 1: Holiday Lights Opening Night

  • October 3, 2024: Public Works Director Michael Smith, Deputy Chief Fladrich and Lt. Dove attended a half-day tabletop exercise orchestrated by Dekalb EMA and Dekalb watershed to address the public safety and governmental response to a potential dam collapse to the north (towards Sandy Springs and Gwinnett Co.) and the resulting destruction from such a catastrophic event.   (Because of all the storms, a resident raised this topic just this week as I previously raised concerns on DeKalb Water Works Dam Inspections and the outdated emergency safety policy.  The emergency policy was being updated by DeKalb & Dunwoody last I heard and the Dam was inspected.)

  • Lots of other interesting tidbits in the City Manager Report
A new Starbucks is proposed on Perimeter Center West near the Total Wine, FedEx Office, Havertys Furniture & TJ Max.  I am not allowed to comment pro or con on this matter until the public hearing takes place but when I need a hit of caffeine my go to drink use to be a Quad Long Shot Espresso in a tall cup whereby I would top it off with cream.  It was cheap, tasty & potent but under doctors orders, this night owl has slowed down his caffeine consumption and I haven't ordered it in over a year.

There was a City Council Budget Committee meeting last month but there are no published changes to the proposed 2025 Budget and the first hearing is Tuesday.  Here is my analysis of the proposed 2025 budget that I published several weeks ago whereby I am concerned for the coming years.

The 2025 general fund budget is pretty bare-bones except for cost increases (salary, health insurance, contract escalations, & fully funding the nine police positions we added in 24).  Many of the additional police personnel expenses in 2025 are being paid with ARPA (Federal) Funds that will not be available in the future and with city expenses escalating faster than revenue, I understand that the city is facing an issue in the coming years in order to maintain the same level of service; especially as all city service contracts will be renegotiated with expected large increases. 

Capital funds are special revenue streams that typically can not be used for General Fund (operating) expenses like salaries, so these funds can not be used for those expenses but instead can be used for things and construction.  On the 2025 Capital funds front, we estimate $20 Million will be spent, with street paving & intersection improvements being a big chunk of those funds.  Besides streets, there is $3 Million for path construction, $1.8 Million for a new bridge over 285 at Chamblee Dunwoody, $1.7 Million for new Police Vehicles / Equipment, $1.3 Million for a new Brook Run Maintenance Building, $1 Million for the Dunwoody Nature Center Expansion, $1 Million for the new turf at Peachtree Middle School where the city already has a long term lease, $700K for a new SWAT Storage Building as well as another $1.7 Million for contingency and/or possible other additions like Sand Volleyball courts that were programed for the back of Brook Run near Tree Top Quest.

There is an item in front of Council to fund final design of intersection improvements at Mt. Vernon & Tilly Mill at a cost of $250K and as this includes 12 foot paths in front of single family homes where there is already sidewalk, I am guessing I will vote no.  Reading letters to the editor, and talking to residents; there are those who thing we are going too far on capital improvements and others who think we should stay the course.  I think the 12 foot trails are excessive especially in front of single family homes and I have had that opinion for quite awhile but the bond questions wasn't split into two questions (parks & paths) as I recommended therefore the city continues to move forward on a number of these projects where current finances allow.

There is an item regarding changing the rules on who can place Pole Banners (city event signs on light poles) and as it is odd as to who can and can not use the banners I'm not sure the juice is worth the squeeze, need to hear more from other Council members but leaning no.

There is an item on Tuesday to fund $1.2 million of stream, wetland & boardwalk restoration at the Dunwoody Nature Center and as I do know the boardwalk is dangerous therefore I am in favor of doing the repairs, especially as there is a State grant and we can use storm water funds.  Besides this project we have also promised an additional $1 million of city funds in 2025 for DNC Expansion.

Tuesday we are discussing the renewal of the 10 year contract with the Tree Top Quest, zip lining attraction in Brook Run with almost no modifications on the terms after 10 years.  Besides no real escalation to the rental funds received, I am interested more in the quality and safety upgrades that have been made.  I haven't been on the attraction in many years, maybe I need to go prior to approval of the contract at the next meeting; does anyone have feedback on this matter for Council?

Another Council discussion on Tuesday is reviewing a staff request to add another road / storm water maintenance crew (3 people) to the City Contracted staff for two years, at the additional annual cost of $325K.  Staff says it is needed and I trust that statement as well as the statement that we can "afford" it for the next two years; unfortunately this ties directly into my budget observations above whereby cost escalations are not sustainable with the current revenue stream.  Residents wants, needs and expectations have risen over the last 15 years and at some point we need to cut services or raise revenue.  Hard conversations regarding taxation and service levels are coming soon to this community.

City Charter changes as related to future taxation.

The final two discussion items are both mundane and extremely important because on the surface tweaking our City Charter on minor items does make sense to me but it also sets a precedent for future changes that may not have been intended 15 years ago when the citizens voted to allow incorporation under a limited governmental authority.  The changes presented at this time are regarding allowing public donations to city staff (Police) who may need the community support in times of need whereby the Charter may not currently allow organizations like the Dunwoody Police Foundation to do so.  The other proposed change opens the door for City Council employment to other cities and counties outside Dunwoody & DeKalb; I am fine with this change too.  

Here is the kicker, we have been a City in excess of 15 years and have never changed our Charter, even though we have held at least two "Charter Commission" exercises that have made numerous recommendations for changes.  Here are the 2021 recommended Charter changes and here are 2013 proposed changes. Those Charter recommendations were sent to the State Legislature where they were not acted upon.  If you review the State Legislature website, cities go to the Capital to change their charter on a regular basis, but there are provisions of State Law that do allow charter changes under the "Home Rule" doctrine.

State law clearly states that the City can change it's charter and operating procedures in O.C.G.A. § 36-35-3 but in O.C.G.A. § 36-35-6 it also sets limitations and exclusions on doing so, one of these exclusions is based on taxes. Council may have received legal opinions that we can raise funds (taxes) based on "Home Rule" and "Special Taxation Districts".  Though allowing the City Council to make unilateral Charter changes regarding raising taxes may be legally acceptable through a Special Taxation District, I question weather it is ethically acceptable to those residents who approved our incorporation based on a maximum level of taxation, whereby the Charter states there will be a referendum in order to do so?  As the last original member of the City Council, I feel compelled to lobby for a referendum if additional taxes are needed as those were the terms in which we started this City. 

On the flip side, 15 years is a long time and a majority of current residents didn't vote for incorporation and these new residents are now accustomed to the City services being provided and therefore don't want reductions but instead trust the City Council to set tax policy to protect the safety, viability and atmosphere currently provided, if not add more services; and are willing to pay to maintain values.

As I said above, hard conversations regarding taxation and service levels are coming soon to this community.

Dunwoody City Council Meeting Agenda for Tuesday October 15, 2024 (Charter changes, Budget Hearing, Starbucks, Nature Center Stream)

 DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday October 15, 2024 - 6:00 PM
DUNWOODY CITY HALL - DUNWOODY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Agenda 6 pm  - City Site Agenda

City Council meetings are live-streamed on the City of Dunwoody’s Facebook page.

They are also available for viewing (no two way communication) on Zoom,
https://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/84919972403 or  phone +14703812552,,84919972403#

You can access the video after the meeting on the City of Dunwoody’s YouTube page.

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Administration of Oath of Office to Police Officer Conner Wood

PUBLIC COMMENTS - Public Comment allows the City Council the opportunity to listen to the public (3 minutes per speaker / 30 minutes total).

City Manager's Monthly Report

FIRST READ: SLUP 24-01, 140 Perimeter Center W: The applicant, Starbucks Coffee Company c/o Gaskins + LeCraw, requests a Special Land Use Permit to Allow a Drive-through Facility.

Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Presentation

Approval of 2025 City Council, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Planning Commission Meeting Schedule

Approval of Playground Resurfacing Repairs at Brook Run Park

Approval of the Mount Vernon Road at Tilly Road Contract Amendment

SECOND READ: Review and Consideration of a Text Amendment to Amend Chapter 26 to Update Pole Banners Regulations

Construction of the Dunwoody Nature Center Stream and Wetland Improvements

Treetop Quest Dunwoody, LLC Renewal Agreement

Contract Amendment with Triscapes for Road and Stormwater Maintenance

Proposed Charter Amendment Article, Section 2.13(a)(4) - Prohibition - Charity to Employees

Proposed Charter Amendment Article II, Section 2.13(e) - Prohibition - Council Employment

Friday, September 20, 2024

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday September 23, 2024

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday September 23, 2024 - 6:00 PM

DUNWOODY CITY HALL - DUNWOODY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Agenda 6 pm  - City Site Agenda 

City Council meetings are live-streamed on the City of Dunwoody’s Facebook page

They are also available for viewing (no two way communication) on Zoom,
https://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/86390235645 or  phone +14703812552,86390235645#

You can access the video after the meeting on the City of Dunwoody’s YouTube page.

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC COMMENTS - Public Comment allows the City Council the opportunity to listen to the public (3 minutes per speaker / 30 minutes total).

Presentation of Safety Action Plan Funding by the Georgia Department of Transportation

Spruill Center for the Arts Annual Presentation

Stage Door Theater Annual Presentation

SPLOST Funding Authorization for Traffic Camera Repairs

FIRST READ: Review and Consideration of a Text Amendment to Amend Chapter 26 to Update Pole Banner Regulations

Contract Amendment with Southeastern Engineering for Final Design Revisions on the Mount Vernon at Tilly Mill Intersection Project - 12 foot path in front of single family homes.

Playground Resurfacing Repairs at Brook Run Park

An Update on Public Input for the Comprehensive Plan and UDO

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Dunwoody Food Trucks is this Thursday, September 19th, at Brook Run Park, starting at 5:00 PM! Full Band offering entertainment!


Beautiful evening on store Thursday, bring your chairs, a cooler and the family to Brook Run.  The kids can run around, use the playground while Dad supervises and Mom can kick back sipping wine with friends while listening to tunes. ;-)

Get ready, City of Dunwoody! Our monthly Dunwoody Food Trucks Thursdays event is happening this week, Thursday, September 19th, at Brook Run Park, starting at 5:00 PM!  With the reduction of dates, the music offering has been upgraded from a sole musician to now offering a full band.  The evening will feature music from Used Groove, sponsored by City of Dunwoody Parks & Recreation, to keep the good vibes flowing all night long!

This month’s lineup is packed with delicious options! Enjoy savory bites from:
Cousins Maine Lobster - Atlanta, GA
Myvietnamesefoodmobile2020
Gyro Chef Food Truck
Tres Jardines Food Truck
Love At Wurst Sight
And don’t forget to treat yourself to something sweet from
King of Pops & Snowie Atlanta Creations

Bring your friends and family out Brook Run Park this Thursday at 5:00 PM for an evening of fantastic food, live music, and community fun! 🚚🍴

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

LifeVac device used in Dunwoody, GA to save a young child from choking, Officer honored.

RoughDraft Article
https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2024/09/10/dunwoody-police-officer-saves-child/

Ms. Cathy Cobbs of Rough Draft Atlanta wrote an overview of of a City Council meeting presentation explained how this new safety device, LifeVac, saved a young child here in Dunwoody.  It is my hope that this item becomes common place in the various mounted "safety boxes" in public places where the AED, Narcan, the LifeVac and maybe other emergency medications like epi-pen's & albuterol could be stored?

Parents, the cost of this device might be a great investment for your home as it is a proven life saving tool in the time of emergency.  Literally 1,000's of lives have been saved and the link is below so you can do your own research. 

PTA / School Parents, please ask your school lunch room if this investment would make sense to them?   

https://lifevac.net/

YouTube videos about the device.

PS: related subject - does everyone know you can walk into CVS and buy Narcan without a prescription?

 

Girl Scout Troop 16434 received Silver Award for installing a STEAM Lab at Kingswood Preschool in Dunwoody.


FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR KINGSWOOD PRESCHOOLERS  
THANKS TO GIRL SCOUT TROOP 16434’S NEWLY CREATED STEAM LAB

Girl Scout Troop 16434, formed nine years ago as kindergarten students at Chesnut Elementary School, has announced today the completion of their Silver Award project, a  STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Lab, which will benefit the students a Kingswood United Methodist Church Preschool now and in the future.

The Silver Award is the second highest award of the Girl Scouts and one of the highest awards that a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. The four 14-year-old Cadettes in Troop 16434 strategized and created the preschool’s new STEAM Lab by researching what they would like the lab to include, and then meeting with church and school leadership before implementing their plan. Troop 16434 raised funds for the project to come to fruition through a homemade dog treat bake sale and by soliciting community donations. As a result of the diligent and dedicated work of Troop 16434, The Kingswood Preschool students will benefit from weekly STEAM-related lessons in the STEAM Lab.

Congratulations Ladies, great job !!!