Heneghan's Dunwoody Blog recap of 2009

As I review the 533 blog entries that I have posted in the last 365 days, I can truly say that it has been an interesting year, for both myself and the new City of Dunwoody.  Below are a few of my favorite or still relevant items.  Enjoy.

January
City Signs - redone in the official branding process?
Pot Holes - are being filled, click here to report them.
City Hall & Police Station chosen - where will we be in 9 yrs?
City of Dunwoody website - I've been promised that it will be improved.
Dunwoody Elementary built and I wish more kids walked to school, SRTS Grant.
Dunwoody found & hired the best Police Officers available.

February
School Nurse funding, may be raised again this year?
Speeding in school zones made me want the Radar Speed Limit Signs.
Watch out School Board - Angry Parents
DeKalb Parks Bond funds - Brook Run Park was slated for another $7 Million.
DCSS and the DeKalb County School Watch blog

March
Dunwoody gets late snow.
Chesnut Charter gets a few upgrades.
Murder suspect shown on web turns himself in.
Proud day in an Irish pub.
Host money coming to Dunwoody, though not final yet.
Dunwoody Public School Boundaries
Police cars purchased, lined up ready to roll.

April
Police Swearing in.
Birth of a Police Department, caught on video.
Traffic Calming comes to Dunwoody
13th wedding anniversary
Dunwoody Crime Stats - off line?  Will look to improve.
Farmers Market discussed.

May
Atlanta Colts - many hours here for me.
Radar sign demo was a success but sign was tragically hit by a speeding motorist.
Kristin was named Mother of the Year as this video shows.
Farmers Market Approved
Heart warming story of Dunwoody's Dr. Robert Albin
Put my home on the market.
No Tax increase in Dunwoody.
Julia Denniss goes to the Nationals for Scripts Spelling Bee
Being responsible for the safety and care of Dunwoody Police Officers - this story touched me.
Thank you Mike Jacobs - Town Brookhaven TAD
Welcome to the paradigm shift towards a safer community.
Chickens in Dunwoody?
Zoning Board of Appeals - interesting items where it can be neighbor against neighbor.

June
Lazy is not a Handicap.
Post Office moving out of Dunwoody Village?
Comprehensive Land Use Meetings
Vacation Day for a Dunwoody City Councilman.
Tennis Court Lights @ the Branches approved.
Vanderlyn school upgrades approved.
Heart of Dunwoody started for AED's in police cars.

July
Updated website, still more can be done.
Awesome 4th of July parade.
Police Ride Along Program
Video of Dunwoody Elementary - trying to protect the neighbors.
Dunwoody CRCT Results
DunwoodyNow opinion survey of City Services.
Happy Birthday Kristin
$100 per day per field?
DeKalb Parks Canceled Master Plan
Ashford Dunwoody & Mount Vernon
Dunwoody Police housing incentives highlighted by news.
Dunwoody rated on Transparency and gets a C-.  
Property Density discussed at Comp Land Use Meeting.

August
Unethical scofflaw - Next filing due soon.
AJC moving to Dunwoody
Why is the council is sniffing around the trash can?
Dunwoody Convention and Visitors Bureau
Georgia Perimeter College is going to grow. Huge project, huge impact on traffic. More to follow soon.
Don't Text and Drive
Laser Truck - Worst first.


September
Political Conflict of Interest? Nope
Dunwoody Council intact for another two years.
Sept 11th - Where were you eight years ago today?
A year of good governance in Dunwoody.
Dunwoody proposes 15.5 Million dollar budget for 2010
Heart of Dunwoody provides AED's to Dunwoody Police
DeKalb Falcons in Sembler Stadium?

October
If you have never failed, you have never lived.
Dunwoody Police Semi-Annual Report and Budget Request
Time to Remake MARTA by Representatives Fran Millar & Mike Jacobs
Five Dunwoody Community Meetings - discussing specific areas.
U.S. Census Bureau evaluates Dunwoody

November
No one outgrows recess, they just outgrow the playground.
Revive285
The Chicken Whisperer discusses Back Yard Chickens
Live, Work and Play but where's the Play?
Video of the newly installed Dunwoody Speed Tables
Dear future Dunwoody bank robbers...
Dunwoody HS students only take four classes per day
Is social media a fad?

December
City of Dunwoody celebrates its first year.
Judge Tony DelCampo of Dunwoody encourages future DeKalb leaders.
DeKalb Community Council denies Late Night application at Friday's Plaza
So that all Dunwoody residents may have a Merry Christmas
My goal is to have Dunwoody, GA listed as a Best Place to Live
Historic Sites in Dunwoody, GA
Looking for a house in Dunwoody, there are a few available

Looking for a house in Dunwoody, there are a few available.

While surfing the net for all things Dunwoody, I saw a page hosted by my good friend Bob Fiscella which listed all of the available single family homes currently listed in Dunwoody as being for sale.  As someone who sold one house in Dunwoody to buy another one just two blocks away; I believe that the Dunwoody market is holding its value and is a great place to live and raise a family.  Check out the interesting list of houses being offered, research on Zillow.com and then Realtor.com to get an idea of what is available before you contact the Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce at 678-244-9700 to find a local real estate professional for personal assistance.

From Bob's Real Estate Blog; As we close out 2009, the number of houses on the market continues to decline, which is normal for this time of year.  In Dunwoody in the 30338 zip code, there are currently 139 active listings ranging from $150,000 to $1.29 million.  To view all of these listings, click on the Buyer’s Brief link:

Buyer Brief Page

To learn more about any of these listings, give Bob a call at 404.644.5220 or email bobfiscella@kw.com.

Historic Sites in Dunwoody, GA

I found this document written and compiled by Carol Anne Spangler of Girl Scout Troop #21429 for her Gold Award Project 2009.
Historic Sites in Dunwoody Georgia

Cheek-Spruill Farmhouse; New Hope Cemetery; The T. K. Peters House; Larkin Martin House; Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church; Swancy Farmhouse; Railroad Section Gang House; Dunwoody United Methodist Chapel; Stephen Martin Cemetery; Stephen Spruill Home Place; The Norris “Little House”; Donaldson-Bannister Farm and Cemetery; The Eidson Home Place; Warnock Cottage; Cassidy House; The W. N. Ware House; The Wardlaw House

Great Decisions 2010 - Foreign Policy Series given by local area experts

For over 50 years, ‘Great Decisions’, sponsored by the non-partisan Foreign Policy Association, has sponsored local groups to increase citizens’ understanding of world affairs. By bringing important issues to the town meeting level, participants can develop an informed opinion on the role that the United States should play in world affairs.   The eight-week series is based on a briefing book that participants will receive.
Each session will begin with a speaker and conclude with Q & A and discussion.



Great Decisions 2010 - Foreign Policy Lecture Series

• Thursdays, January 28 to March 18, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
• Dunwoody United Methodist Church, 1546 Mt. Vernon Road
• Registration includes briefing book: $25.00, spouse $10.00 if book shared.
• For more information contact Renee Libby 770-399-1821 or rllbol@gmail.com
• You may register by sending in the Registration Form with your payment.

Topics and speakers

1/28 Special Envoys: Dr. Marion Creekmore, Jr. Served as U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and numerous other overseas assignments. Held several policy assignments in the U.S. State Department. Currently visiting professor at Emory.

2/04 Kenya & R2P (Responsibility to Protect Doctrine): Paul Zwier II, Director of Emory's Program for International Advocacy and Dispute Resolution and a professor of law. Has taught advocacy skills to lawyers in numerous countries.

2/11 Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution: Dr. Rashid Naim, Senior Lecturer of Political Science at Georgia State University and member of the Muslim Speakers' Bureau

2/18 U.S.-China Security Relations: Dr. Fei-Ling Wang, Professor, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Tech. Previously taught at the U.S. Military Academy and in Singapore, China, Japan and Korea.

2/25 Global Financial Crisis: Dr. Sheila Tschinkel. Most recently served as resident US Treasury Economic Advisor to the Government of the Ukraine. Previously worked with officials in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

3/04 Russia and its Neighbors: Dr. Thomas Remington, Professor of Political Science, Emory University. Founding director of Emory's Program in Russian and East European Studies. Published numerous books/articles on Russia and USSR.

3/11 The Persian Gulf: Dr. Michael Herb, Associate Professor of Political Science and Acting Director of Middle East Institute, Georgia State University. Research interests focus on Arab monarchies of the Gulf.

3/18 Global Crime: Dr. Justin Hastings, Assistant Professor, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Tech. Has worked for the Department of Defense and West Point's Combating Terrorism Center.

My goal is to have Dunwoody, GA listed as a Best Place to Live.

Watch the video above and ask yourself ...
Why couldn't Dunwoody be listed?

Since we the new City of Dunwoody, Georgia now control our own zoning, our transportation infrastructure, we have our own police force and someday we will have our own park facilities to offer recreation services to our residents; couldn't we be eligible for the Money Magazine Best Places to Live distinction?  Don't we have almost everything that the people shown in this video quote about their own fine cities?  I believe we do.

This may or may not be feaisible, but this is something that I intend to continue working towards.

Stone Mountain walk up trail and other kid friendly finds of 2009

Walking to the top of Stone Mountain has always been a favorite activity of mine when I visit the park.  Over the weekend I took my three boys (ages 10, 8 and 4) and a few of their friends to the park for a hike up the 1.3 mile walk up trail and another 1.3 mile hike back down the mountain.  Taking a young man who turned 4, just two weeks previously for a hike of this magnitude on a day when he hadn't had a nap was a big risk but it worked out.  My son Declan walked all the way up and down while holding my hand.  It was an awesome experience that I thought I would share as this is now a family event that we can do as a group.

Since it is a time of year for lists; here is Field Trips with Sue's list of her favorite finds for kids in 2009, in no particular order. Number 1 on the list has a Dunwoody connection that I will have to check out some time.

1. Free observatories and star gazing nights – this would actually make a good date night (in Dunwoody).
   
2. Target Free Day at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
3. Free Admission to Callaway Gardens in Jan. and Feb.
4. Discovery Backpacks at the High Museum
5. Dauset Trail Nature Preserve
6. Oakland Cemetery’s Sunday in the Park
7. Tellus, Northeast Georgia Science and Technology Museum
8. Holi Hoi Day Celebration
9. Tree Climbing at Panola State Park
10. Free Swim at Chastain Park Pool and Piedmont Park Pool
11. Boneyard Beach on Jekyll Island
12. Center for Puppetry Arts Museum
13. The National Museum of Patriotism

So that all Dunwoody residents may have a Merry Christmas... thank you.

Click for Video

From my family to yours, I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

The Christmas for Kids event was organized by the Dunwoody Police Department to ensure that every Dunwoody child was able to celebrate the season.  The celebration touched my heart and I wanted to share the video above and the recap below was taken from the January edition of the "On the Beat" police newsletter written by Dunwoody Police Explorer, Sgt. Kelly Harrison.  I am so very proud to be a part of this fine community, thank you for your generosity.

On December 17th the Dunwoody Police Department held the first annual Christmas For Kids Party at North Peachtree Baptist Church. When the kids entered the church, the festive atmosphere consumed them and their faces lit up. First, dinner was served as elves danced around the room spreading Christmas cheer. Then, the children listened to Dr. Tony Romans, the senior pastor, as he explained the true meaning of Christmas. Next, Officer Fidel Espinoza, who was a key contributor to making the night a success, welcomed all of the children and had an amazing surprise to share. The excitement of the kids went through the roof when Officer Espinoza announced that Santa Clause himself was on his way. The children ran to the window to watch Santa’s arrival. Santa walked through the door and immediately was greeted with many hugs. Each child sat in Santa’s lap and received five presents. The joy and appreciation on both the children’s and the parents’ faces were clear to see.

Officer Espinoza sums up the night as “an absolute success”, but this did not come easily. The night was a long time in the making. Over Officer Espinoza’s 14 years of being a police officer he has never seen “such a supportive and appreciative community as Dunwoody”. However, he realized that there are two distinct sides of Dunwoody: a wealthier side and a less privileged side. He wanted to bring all sides of Dunwoody together to help make everybody’s Christmas special. So, Officer Espinoza had the idea of throwing this party both to help others, but also to get all of Dunwoody aware and involved. It was important to Officer Espinoza that this party not solely be an officer event. After all, one of the Dunwoody Police mission statements is to engage the public to do good things for the entire community. So, a developed committee made up of police officers, civilians, city employees, and business owners was formed to help make the party a success. They reached out to the community by asking for help and support. Immediately hundreds of volunteers responded and helped in one way or another. Thanks to the great effort from so many generous people, over 100 children were able to attend the party. The children were hand picked by officers. Through coming into contact with the children and the community’s guidance, officers were able to pick families that really needed help.

Thanks to the communities overwhelming desire to help, there are many presents left over. Of the remaining gifts, 300-500 will be donated to Scottish Rite Hospital and many other charities. Also, officers on duty Christmas Day will load up their patrol cars with presents in case they run into any children in need. The first ever Christmas For Kids party was an unbelievable event, which could not have happened without the community’s effort. Officer Espinoza remarks, “I can’t wait for next year. It will be even bigger and better”.

What future safety improvements should the city be investing in? Do you have suggestions?

Now that we have all of the radar speed limit signs installed near our schools, what are your suggestions for future safety improvements that can be implemented sooner rather then later. Sidewalk and street improvement dollars will be coming but what else can we do now to make the city safer?

Improved cross walks, bike & pedestrian safety training for our children, police enforcement, reflective lane markers, improved street lighting standards?  These items will probably be discussed in the Transportation master plan but I figured there was no reason to wait. 

Thoughts?

SRTS Traffic Safety First Report Final

The Heart of Dunwoody successfully places an AED in every Police Car.

Click for Video

By: Bob Lundsten

About 6 months ago, after attending a City Council meeting and hearing a story of a gentleman saved by an AED in Chamblee, I decided to see if I could raise the money to place AED in every Dunwoody Police car in the City. The Heart of Dunwoody was started.

We set a goal of 47 AEDs with an approximate cost of $75,000 and a deadline to deliver the AEDs to the City at the kick off of our Holiday Season, “Light up Dunwoody”

On September 15th the Heart of Dunwoody delivered all the AEDs to the City. Within a month, the Chief and his fine staff had all the police officers trained and the AEDs were fully deployed in every patrol car. This was a whole month ahead of the schedule that we had set for ourselves.

Last Thursday, December 17th, my wife Kathy and the Chief of Police received a donation of $3,000 from The Dunwoody Women’s Club that completed the financial campaign. I am happy to announce that every AED is in the field, officers are all trained and ALL the AEDs are fully paid for.

People have been extremely kind to Kathy and me, saying how grateful they were for us undertaking this endeavor and how important these devices are for the protection of all the citizens of Dunwoody. However it is the City of Dunwoody and all of its residents that deserve the thanks.

So while not a complete list, I would like to thank a few groups and individuals for making this a reality:

• The DHA for its contribution that kicked us off to a great start.
• The PCID for kicking in, in a big way for all the people at Perimeter Center and Perimeter Mall
• The Dunwoody United Methodist Church for their ongoing support of the Dunwoody Community and generous financial contribution
• The Dunwoody City Council for their support and individual contributions
• The GID Group and Dillard and Galloway, for contributing to a cause that their future tenants and clients will be protect by.
• The Boy Scout Troop from St. Lukes, who decided to make the Heart of Dunwoody one of its charitable causes
• The Marcus Center and Michael Wise for his continued support of the entire Dunwoody Community
• To the Cunnold family, who allowed me to use the story of the untimely passing of Derek Cunnold to illustrate the desperate need for AEDs throughout Dunwoody. While the void in their lives can never be filled, dozens of friends who donated in his memory, helped us reach this goal

Most of all I would like to thank the hundreds of individual contributors, tennis clubs and service organizations who donated amounts from $18 to $1500, allowing us to raise this money faster than even I imagined we could. It was the Dunwoody Community that did this. It was the caring about one another that truly made this a wonderful Holiday gift from the Community to the Community.

It is what the Heart of Dunwoody was all about.

Thank you all so much. Have a Happy Holiday, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Bob and Kathy Lundsten

Marist expansion application gets tough scrutiny by the neighbors at the DeKalb Community Council.

Click for video

Den Webb of Smith Gambrell & Russell presents the SLUP on the Marist School expansion to the DeKalb Community Council which after listening to neighbors recommended a full cycle deferral.

The final decision is now in the hands of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners.

Marist Expansion - DeKalb Community Council 12222009 from John Heneghan on Vimeo.

DeKalb Community Council denies Late Night application at Friday's Plaza - DeKalb BOC has final say.

Doraville Council Member, Pam Fleming - Video

The DeKalb Community Council met Tuesday night at the Chamblee Library to discuss proposed land use changes proposed for action by the DeKalb Planning Commission and the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners. There were two items on the agenda, first was the Marist expansion and the second, that I was specifically there to see was the presentation on the late night El Reventon Restaurant and Bar proposed in the Friday's Plaza which is an unincorporated island of DeKalb County which currently sits between the Cities of Dunwoody & Doraville.

City of Doraville Council Members were in attendance (Pittman, Roche & Fleming) with a city resolution in hand opposing the measure as were myself and Ms. Gerri Penn the President of the Dunwoody North Civic Association.

After the presentations, the Community Council voted to DENY the late night SLUP application and their recommentation will be referred to the DeKalb Planning Commission as well as the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners who has the final decision.

The Marist item was recommended for a full cycle deferral and I will probably post the video of that discussion tomorrow for my good friends over at the Ashford Alliance. (Personal note to Jeff, click here.)


El Reventon @ DeKalb Community Council 122209 from John Heneghan on Vimeo.

Peachtree Industrial Blvd access road is once again Peachtree Industrial Blvd access road.

The Dunwoody City Council meeting took about 15 minutes to rename an unnamed existing section of Peachtree Industrial Blvd access road to Peachtree Industrial Blvd access road. Watch the exciting action here.

Chief Grogan announced that Officer Ronny Delima and his wife welcomed their son Max into the world on Monday. Congratulations to both Ms. Delima and the proud Papa.

The City of Dunwoody offices are closed Dec 24th & 25th and will reopen on the 28th.

The December 28th, Dunwoody City Council meeting has been canceled.

Dunwoody Shoplifting Suspect Dies - Fox5 and Dunwoody PD press release

Fox5 news

Incident: Person Deceased
Location: Wal-Mart- 4725 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, GA.
Date: 121909

The Dunwoody Police are investigating a death that occurred at the Wal-Mart, 4725 Ashford Dunwoody Road. Officers were dispatched at 1246 P.M. to assist the loss prevention department with a shoplifting suspect. The suspect was attempting to flee from the loss prevention officers when an altercation began. A bystander also assisted in detaining the suspect. During this altercation, the suspect lost consciousness. Upon our arrival, two bystanders were administering CPR. The suspect was transported by Dekalb EMS to Northside Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The suspect involved was 38 year old Marty Bridges. This case is still under investigation by the Dunwoody Police.

An indoor Water Park in the Winter can't be beat for a change of pace.

In order to reintroduce my 4 yr old to a pool so that he is semi prepared for his first official swimming lesson (at Dunwoody Baptist), I gave my wife a number of prime shopping hours by herself on Sunday as I treated my three boys to the Bethesda Park Aquatic Center in Gwinnett County. The facilities are fantastic for a wide variety of children's ages. My 10 yr old loved the big slide, the 8 yr old enjoyed the river and whirlpool and my 4 yr old enjoyed the water playground made for little tikes. The indoor leisure play pool is normally open from 3 pm to 8:30 pm Monday through Thursday though they are closed for a few days starting this Thursday the 24th. Weekend hours are earlier opening at 11 on Saturday and 1 on Sunday.  Check this website for full dates and times.

Where: 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville 678-924-6334

Cost:
Under 3 is $2
4 - 10 is $4
11 - 49 is $5
50 + is $2
Lockers are free but bring a few quarters to obtain the key as they don't carry much change on site. 


Watch Video

Dunwoody Street Naming on Monday's City Council agenda.

My guess is that Monday night's Dunwoody City Council meeting will last less than half an hour even if we receive 25 minutes of public comment since there is only one item on the agenda and it will immediately be referred to the Planning Commission for action.

It turns out that Dunwoody needs to name the Peachtree Industrial Blvd access road that has been un-named for many years and for safety reasons the Dunwoody Police Department would like this corrected.  The work session agenda and the one action item is attached for your review prior to the Monday evening meeting.

Though I do not think that the situation above will match my concerns on this topic, please allow me to get up on my soap box for one second.   Politician's naming public facilities after political cronies for political gain turns my stomach and I am of the opinion that the City of Dunwoody should have a strict policy in place of not naming any public facility after any person until after that person has been dead for at least two years.  Maybe my views are a little too extreme on the subject but I know of various examples of this happening in bad taste and I would prefer to just outlaw or strictly restrict the practice.  Ok, I have just stepped off my soapbox.  Thank you for allowing me to vent.

Will DeKalb County appove another 4 am nightclub in our backyard?

The El Reventon @ Fridays Plaza is a nightclub restaurant establishment requesting extended hours of operation (until 4 am) to serve alcoholic beverages.  This unincorporated island of DeKalb County between the cities of Dunwoody & Doraville directly affect our property values and quality of life.  Both cities wish they could do more in the area as far as Community Development and Police Enforcement but this area is completely controlled by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and the DeKalb PD.

The next public hearings for consideration of this Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) will be December 22nd 6:30pm at the Chamblee Library, January 5th Dekalb Planning Commission 6:30pm 1300 Commerce Dr. Decatur in the auditorium and lastly it will come before the Board of Commissioners on January 26th 10:00am 1300 Commerce Dr. Decatur.  The public is invited and encouraged to attend to oppose this SLUP.

12222009_Fridays_Plaza_Nightclub_SLUP2009.pdf

 

Dunwoody Police, position announcement

The City of Dunwoody Police Department is currently accepting applications for one (1) open Police Officer position.

This is the first rank of the Dunwoody Police force that includes certified officers. Certified officers are expected to demonstrate competency in law enforcement procedures. Police Officers work under the general supervision of an assigned Sergeant. They perform a wide range of law enforcement functions including making arrests, issuing traffic tickets, crowd control and investigative work to promote public safety and security, crime prevention and general enforcement of the law.
Minimum Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must be a current Georgia certified police officer through P.O.S.T.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Must possess a valid Georgia Class C driver’s license
• Must be 21 years of age
• No felony convictions during your lifetime
• No discharge from any military organization less than honorable
• No termination for cause from a local, state or federal civil service or merit system job

The above requirements are not all-inclusive.

Salary:
DPD Police Officer Pay Scales

Benefits:

• Vacation Leave
• Holidays
• Sick Leave
• 100% City-Paid Employee Medical Insurance
• 100% City-Paid Employee Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 100% City-Paid Employee Life/AD&D Insurance
• 100% City-Paid Employee Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% City-Paid Employee Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Retirement Savings Plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Education Assistance
• Housing Reimbursement
• Fitness Center Memberships
• Take Home Car Program

For consideration, please send your completed application and consent form to jobs@dunwoodyga.gov or mail them to: Dunwoody Police Department
Background/Recruitment
41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 100
Dunwoody, GA 30346

Dunwoody Police Department Application

Dunwoody Police Department Authorization for Release

Only candidates that meet all the minimum requirements above will be considered.

Judge Tony DelCampo of Dunwoody encourages future DeKalb leaders.

The City of Dunwoody is honored to have some of the best Judges in the Atlanta metropolitan area sitting on our municipal bench. Watch the video of Judge Tony DelCampo shown above to see for yourself what a class act he truly is.

Happy Holidays and other tidbits of news

Last night was the Dunwoody Police, Christmas for Kids event which touched my heart by seeing the smiles on so many young faces. Thank you to those who donated toys and food for the event, to those who made elf costumes, decorated cookies and served food. I am so proud of the Dunwoody Police Department for organizing and hosting this event for our community, I am sure it will be the first for many years to follow.

Kudos to a young man by the name Rishi Gowda who donated all of his birthday gifts to help other kids this Christmas. To see Rishi and to get a feel for the evenings activities, please watch the video here.

Happy Hanukkah to my Jewish friends on this eighth night of the holiday.

Believe! Macy’s Santa Tour at Perimeter Mall on Dec. 18

Other tidbits of interest

Georgia Perimeter gets $500,000-plus grant to help Latino students


DeKalb CEO proposes tax increase and job cuts

Schools “Transparency” Bill Offered After School System’s Year from Hell

Council Meeting Recap from Dunwoody Talk

Video of Monday Dec 14th - Dunwoody City Council

Video of December 14, 2009 - City Council Meeting

Dunwoody City Council Agenda - Mon Dec 14th

Monday, December 14th
Dunwoody City Hall
41 Perimeter Center East
Dunwoody, GA 30346
7:00 p.m. - Watch Live

Agenda

• “Christmas for Kids” fundraiser sponsored by the Dunwoody PD
• Introduction of North Metro SWAT Team
• Resolution authorizing payment of bonus to City Manager. 
• Resolution authorizing payment of bonus to City Clerk.
• Approval of Systemic Alien Verification Entitlements (SAVE) Program Intergovernmental Agreement.
• SECOND READ: Ordinance to amend Chapter 27: Zoning, Personal Care Homes.
• Award of contract for Dunwoody Village TE design.
• Resolution to approve and authorize an IGA between the City of Dunwoody and North Fulton Municipalities for Aerial Imagery. 
• Approval of Mutual Aid Agreement between Dunwoody Police Department and Georgia Perimeter College.
• A Child is Missing Call Alert Program.
• Award of Municipal Court Management Software Contract.
• Resolution to reappoint City Attorney.
  

While I was away ...

I'm happy to be back home after a week long business trip.  First the important thing, the Heneghan Boys are all having birthdays with Gavin who just turned eight, Declan turning four today & Riley turning ten tomorrow.  Look out Chuck E. Cheese, here we come.  (For those of you who can count backward, yes St. Patrick's Day is my wife's favorite holiday.)

Has anyone noticed the radar equipped speed limit signs near Dunwoody schools?  Well let me fill you in on a little secret, they are currently recording the "normal pre-sign" data and they will be lit up in coming weeks when the data collection is over.

If you are looking for something to do on a rainy Saturday, check out the Holiday Artists Market at the Spruill Gallery. Jewelry Trunk Show from 11 - 2 pm at 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Rd.

The Georgia House of Representatives has been in a bit of turmoil this week but our representative, Mr. Fran Miller appears to stepping up to show the Republican Caucus what leadership means.  First he set a legislative agenda for his party and then he threw his hat into the ring for Speaker Pro Tem. 

Dunwoody ethics rules state that whenever four or more City Council members meet to discuss city business it has to be considered an official, advertised meeting of the council.  Monday morning at 10 am is an example one such event since we were all invited to hear a presentation regarding document management software that could push everything to the web.  I'm interested in hearing the proposal for this transparency software and I guess at least three other council members will be attending as well.

This caught my eye and I thought I would share, the DeKalb County School Superintendent claims to be under paid at $229,000.00

Is this the Dunwoody Bank Robber?

I don't recognize him without his hat.

Police have arrested the man believed to be responsible for a string of bank robberies in the north metro Atlanta area.

www.cobbsheriff.org/Inmate/InmDetails.asp?soid=000789888

Stephen James Bowen, 35, dubbed the lunchtime bandit, was arrested by Cobb County police around 7:15 p.m. Friday.

The arrest was made by S.W.A.T. personnel from the Johns Creek Police Department, Sandy Springs Police Department, and Dunwoody Police Department, in conjunction with Cobb County police. Bowen was arrested at an apartment complex State Bridge Road in Johns Creek. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also participated in the investigation.

“According to investigators, information was obtained [Thursday] which led the Cobb County Police Department’s Robbery Squad to obtain arrest warrants for Bowen,” said Cobb County police spokesman, Joseph Hernandez in a statement.

The warrant was for three bank robberies in Cobb County at the Riverwood Parkway Wachovia bank on Nov. 13, the Chastain Road BB&T Bank on Nov. 19, and the Powers Ferry Road Bank of North Georgia on Dec. 2.

Wachovia Bank on Tuesday doubled a reward for information leading to the man's capture, offering up to $10,000 due to him robbing four of their branches.

Since late October, he's robbed banks in Sandy Springs, Roswell, Dunwoody, Buckhead, and northwest Atlanta near Cumberland mall.   http://georgiabankrobbery.com has good history of the robberies.

Dunwoody December E-Newsletter

Dunwoody December E-Newsletter

Kingsley Used Book Sale is looking for donations to assist the school.

 Kingsley Elem Used Book Sale

Attention All Dunwoody Readers:

How many books do you have in your closet? 5, 10 or 100 or more? Can you find stacks of books on your dresser next to your bed? How many books do your children or grandchildren have lying around their bedrooms?

Do you want to start your spring cleaning early? Do you absolutely love to buying books? How crazy are you about buying books at a great price?

Do you believe in helping the elementary school classrooms expand their own classroom library?

Do you support local community events when you know they will directly benefit Dunwoody?

Here is your chance: Kingsley Elementary School (2051 Brendon Dr, Dunwoody) will be hosting its first Used Book Bonanza Sale in January 2010.

Book Donations December 7 - 11th

Kingsley will be collecting adult and children gently used books during the week of December 7th- December 11th.

Kingsley students that donate books will receive credit for their classroom. The classroom that donates the most books, will receive books for their classroom library from the Book Sale.

The Dunwoody Community is also welcome to drop off books at the Parent Headquarter office (across from the administration office in the foyer).

Book Sale - January 13 & 14th

All donated, gently used books will be sold during the First Annual Book Bonanza Sale, January 13 & 14th (which also is Kingsley Student Honor’s Day)

Sales prices : Soft cover $1.00 & Hard cover $2.00

100% of proceeds will benefit Kingsley Charter School – a Dunwoody Community School!

Please stop by (sign in at the front office) to pick up a book or two for your own personal library.

Georgia Tech students provide a vision on Dunwoody Village Redevelopment

Dunwoody Village by Georgia Tech

Dunwoody passed a no-idling policy for city vehicles. Are you aware of the issue? UPS clearly is.

YouTube Video

Back in October, Dunwoody put a no idling policy into place for city vehicles and today I read on "Upside", the UPS blog about a DeKalb County school parent who is bringing the No-Idling issue curbside to her school.  Are you aware of the issue?  Check out the article.

Kudos to the UPS Foundation for funding the Clean Air Campaign’s No-Idling initiative nationwide.

SEC Championship Pep Rally / Tailgate Party for Univ of Alabama at Guthries of Dunwoody on Friday Night

Locally Owned and Operated

Guthrie's of Dunwoody
4474 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd
(Georgetown Shop Ctr - just outside 285)
770-817-0182

Friday December 4th
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Spreading the word on the scheduled Georgetown land use meeting - Tuesday January 5th

I received the following message from Ms. Susan Harper, a resident of the Georgetown area informing her neighbors of the importance of the upcoming Georgetown planning meeting on Jan 5th.  I thought Susan's concise and clearly written message which gets the point across that the residents of the area need to be involved; needed to be shared as wide as possible.  Please mark your calenders today.

Dear neighbors,

There will be an important meeting about future land-use decisions in the Georgetown area.

On Tuesday, January 5, at 7pm, a meeting will be held at the Atrium in Georgetown Park--4355 Georgetown Square. At that meeting, Dunwoody residents will be given time to voice their opinions and suggestions as to the future of the Dunwoody/Shallowford/North Peachtree corridor.

If you are concerned about future zoning decisions in this area, you should make every effort to be present at this meeting. A comprehensive land-use plan is being developed that will dictate what type of development--residential? commercial? institutional? industrial?--can be built throughout the city. The Georgetown area has been identified by city officials as an area ripe for redevelopment. What type of redevelopment, however, has not been completely defined.

To be clear about the purpose of this meeting...we can't go in and request specific businesses to occupy specific spaces. For example, suggesting a Whole Foods to replace a Kroger is not within the scope of a land-use plan. However, suggesting that zoning be amended to allow a 10-story office building to replace the Williamsburg office buildings surrounding the Atrium, would be a possibility. (No, that would MOST CERTAINLY not be a suggestion of mine!)

What type of development would you like to see over the next 20 years in this corridor--more live/work/play space? Are you comfortable with the idea of much higher density living spaces along the I-285 access roads? Would you prefer that heights of buildings be capped at 3 stories? 5 stories? 10 stories?  Or more R-100 (single family housing) residential designations? Do we need more greenspace designations in these areas? How about transportation--more pedestrian friendly? More bike lanes in this area? Or should there be more direct access to the Perimeter Mall area? These are the questions that we as residents need to consider and respond to at this meeting.

***As far as the "Revive I-285" issues are concerned...I believe that future zoning plans can be made with or without definite decisions on those I-285 plans. In any case, I would not plan on DOT representatives being present at this meeting to answer questions. The focus of this particular meeting is on future zoning designations for the city of Dunwoody rather than on interstate improvements for the top-end as a whole.

Please join me to listen and offer suggestions to our city officials!


Tuesday, January 5th at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Atrium at Georgetown Park,  4355 Georgetown Square

Best regards,
Susan Harper

ps...please pass this along to other neighbors both in and out of the Georgetown/Chateau Woods/North Springs/Heathwood/Village Springs areas...Thanks!

Misc Dunwoody items in no particular order.

The Dunwoody Sustainability Commission is working towards this endeavor which is highlighted in a recent AJC article.

Federal Flood Insurance is now Available in Dunwoody as per this press release.

Childhood Cancer research has been a cause that is dear to me and I am starting to think about this years St. Baldricks fund raising drive but before this happens, I wanted to tell you about a Dunwoody Charity that I came across by the name Just Heart Foundation which helps families with children going though medical crisis.  If you know of a family that needs help or you are in a position to help this foundation financially, please do get in touch with them.

I have played with Google Maps in the past but really liked what it can do with election results.  I'll have to try this in 2011 for the city wide Dunwoody election.

Kingsley Elementary held a Safe Routes to Schools meeting this morning inviting representatives from all of the Dunwoody schools as well as the City Public Works Department to talk to Ms. Abby Mattera, the Georgia SRTS Outreach Coordinator. I heard the meeting went very well with the city's new Public Works Director, Mr. Michael Smith answering many questions. For those interested there is a webinar entitled Safe Routes to School: Schools and Local Government Working Together which will be highlighting the City of Decatur on Mon Dec 7th at 2pm that looks interesting. I was also told that because of today's meeting, a full day training course is already being scheduled at Kingsley on Feb 4th aimed at educating public officials, school administrators, engineers and interested citizens.

DeKalb County officials will update the public about the county greenspace program at a forum next week. The county has used bond money to buy and improve land for parks and recreation, acquiring more than 3,000 acres since 2001, according to the office of county CEO Burrell Ellis. Officials will discuss the program at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Dr. in Decatur. For more information, call the county Parks Bond and Greenspace Office at 404-371-2082.

Mr. Bob Fiscella, writer of the Springfield in Dunwoody Blog praised and thanked the City Council on our first year but raises a number of concerns and mentions several things he would have done differently. He and I disagree on the parks and police funding but maybe his opinions will spark some conversations on the topics raised.

Thursday night at 5:30 there is a special called meeting of the City Council to listen to a presentation by the Georgia Tech College of Architecture on their Redevelopment Project of the Dunwoody Village area and related discussion. All are invited.

Following the Georgia Tech presentation is the Zoning Board of Appeals which takes place at 7:00 pm and their meetings are always interesting.

Gwinnett County just raised their property taxes by 21 percent. Ouch.

Today the City of Dunwoody celebrates its first year.

And they said it couldn't be done?

On July 15th, 2008 a referendum took place asking if the citizens wanted to create the City of Dunwoody.  10,506 registered voters cast 8,534 ballots (81%) voting to create the city but 1,972 people voted against the creation of the city.  As soon as the Council was elected in September we started to lay the groundwork for the city.   On December 1, 2008 the city was officially created and as the video shows after a few minutes of reflection we were back at work. 

I hope the city government has served all of the residents of Dunwoody well in the last year but I especially hope that myself, the other members of City Council and wonderful members of the City staff has convinced those who voted NO that a government closer to the people is more responsive to the needs of the citizens.

As a council we had a number of tough decisions early on but if I had to pick my proudest personal accomplishment in the last year, it would have to be my commitment to transparency and open government.  Early on I posted every electronic document that I had to this blog and my personal servers; then I stressed that full agenda packets be placed by the City to the web.  I have recorded and posted to the web almost every word of every official meeting that I attended so that you can listen at your leisure.  Recently I have started posting live web broadcasts of City Council meetings so that you can participate in the process from the comfort of your own home.  I anticipate that in the coming year that the City of Dunwoody will take over and improve on these public information items and only when fully implemented will I be able to fully step back to reflect on those accomplishments.  Until that happens I will continue to do my best to keep you well informed by engaging all forms of communication and media.

Thank you for allowing me to have the privilege to serve all 40,000 residents of the City of Dunwoody as it has truely been my honor.

John