Friday, September 30, 2016

Best GIS Maps of DeKalb and Dunwoody with linked Parcel & Zoning Information.

 Above was once the Best Map of Dunwoody - but much has changed!

Ten years ago when I was on the committee to help form the City of Dunwoody, I created an interactive map of all the County tax parcel maps and had them linked into one easy to find location.   Since then GIS has come a long way and I wanted to share some new tools for you.

I really like the new DeKalb County Map below as it is easy to use and will quickly zoom down to the parcel level to show you the tax information on each house.

http://maps.dekalbcountyga.gov/parcel/


Below is just one of many views within the City of Dunwoody's GIS system as it is very robust with complete Tax Bills linked into every property, flood maps, Council Districts, ect.   For more detailed information I use the Dunwoody site but if I want quick basic information I use the DeKalb site.

http://gis.dunwoodyga.gov/apps/smartmap/


Dunwoody Community Garden & Orchard - Fall Plant Sale the weekend in Brook Run



The Dunwoody Community Garden & Orchard is holding its annual Fall Vegetable & Plant Sale, October 1-2, 9am-5pm each day, at the DCGO greenhouse complex at Brook Run Park. A great selection of organic vegetables for fall planting will be offered, including many varieties of lettuce, arugula, kale, broccoli and greens. Perennials for fall planting include dahlia, ferns, forsythia, hosta, iris and passionflower vine. For a complete list of plants on sale visit www.dcgo.org. The DCGO greenhouse complex is located across from the skate park at Brook Run Park, 4770 No. Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody, 30338.


Video 

Taste of Chamblee on Saturday from 5 to 9 pm




WHAT
The 10th Annual Taste of Chamblee returns with cuisines that range from Mexican to Italian and celebrate the diverse restaurant community in Chamblee. In addition to amazing food, the event will have live music and a family friendly kid zone.

WHEN
Saturday, October 1, 2016
5-9PM

WHERE
Downtown Chamblee, at the corner of Peachtree and Broad

PRICE
Admission to the event is free, and tickets for tastings will be sold for $1. Tickets may be redeemed at participating restaurant booths for a wide selection of tastings that will range from 1 - 5 tickets per sample.
​ ​
PARKING
Parking is available at Chamblee Plaza, with a trolly running from the Plaza to the Festival entrance off of Broad Street. Street parking is also available nearby.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Wanted - Georgia high school student to produce a distracted driving video public service announcement.


How would you like to produce a public service announcement that airs on television? GPB Sports is looking for a Georgia high school student to produce a distracted driving prevention message that will run during their live coverage of GHSA state football championship games in December. Get all the details here: http://www.gpb.org/sports/heads-up-georgia

All Saints Youth Basketball - Dunwoody's competitive youth league


Registration for the All Saints 2016-2017 youth basketball season will end on Friday, October 7, 2016.  When you register, please make sure you indicate which days you cannot practice.  It is very difficult to switch teams once they have been drafted. We cannot guarantee carpool or friend requests.

Important Upcoming 2016/2017 Dates & Deadlines:

  • October 7 – registration closes
  • October 17-20– Evaluations and Drafts beginning at 6pm each night
    • October 17 – 7/8 yr. olds
    • October 18 - 9/10 yr. olds (7/8 yr. draft – coaches only)
    • October 19 – 11/12 yr. olds (9/10 yr. draft – coaches only)
    • October 20 – 13/14 yr. olds  (11/12 yr. draft – coaches only)
  • October 24 – First Week of Practice
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Practices**
Practices are held on Sunday-Friday beginning at 5pm (4pm on Sunday).  Each team will have one practice per week.  Practices for all age groups are one hour and half court.

**Please note that practices are held SUNDAY-FRIDAY.  If there's a particular day that DOES NOT work for you, please include that on your notes when you register.  It is very hard to rearrange teams once they have been drafted.**

Who's Eligible?

Our program is open to boys in our parish and community ages 7-17**.  Age cut-off is September 1.

**This year we are adding a league for boys ages 15-17.  This age group will have 4-6 teams.  There will be no weekly practices.  Games will be played mostly on Friday evenings, with some Sundays.

Games
Each team will have one game per week with the possibility of one bye week.  Games will be on Saturdays (beginning at 8AM) or Sundays (beginning at 12PM).  Most games are held on Saturdays.  There will be two weeks during the season where some teams may have a weeknight game, but it is still TBD.

Request Policy

We will take ONE request based on practice conflicts. We cannot take requests based on carpooling, coaches, or friends.  Siblings are the only guarantee to be placed on the same team unless otherwise noted. Also, each team is allowed two official coaches, one head coach, and one assistant coach, who are guaranteed to have their kids on their team. Our goal is to have balance among teams so that each team is competitive.

Evaluation Policy

Mandatory evaluations will be held for all players. Players must be evaluated before they are allowed to participate.  Everyone will be placed on a team. Evaluations are to ensure that teams are as balanced as possible. 

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Need to improve your sports skills? All Around Athletics, led by Stephen Melville is available to train individuals or groups. Contact him steve@a3attack.com.

For additional information please call Danielle Miller at 770-393-3255 ext. 24 or email to activities@allsaints.us.

More information, schedules, and the registration link can be found here:
http://allsaints.us/YouthBasketball  

Only 5 more Dunwoody Food Truck Thursday's this season.



Brook Run Park
4770 North Peachtree Rd
Dunwoody, GA 30338

In 2016, Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays will be held every Thursday (from 5PM until dark) at Brook Run Park from April 7th through October 27th. This week we have another awesome line up for you this week for you Dunwoody!

We want to thank Jim Ellis Volkswagen Atlanta for sponsoring another Thursday and Ralph Roddenberry for providing entertainment for us! We can't wait to see you there!

Blaxican Food Truck
Cousins Maine Lobster
Flatbread Bistro
Grubbin' Out
Speakcheesy
Spiedie Zone
Yumbii
King of Pops
Vintage Frozen Custard

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

DeKalb County School System recommends additions to Dunwoody High & Peachtree Charter Middle School

Click on the following link to view the entire presentation:  http://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/documents/building-spaces/informational-meeting-presentation.pdf

Click the following link to view the Facility Data: http://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/documents/building-spaces/building-spaces-handout.pdf

2 slides that outline the recommended solutions:


The above was obtained by Dunwoody Mom, aka Paula of the Dunwoody School Daze Blog who has been a steadfast supporter of DeKalb Public Schools. "Mom" has been publishing this invaluable blog for many years even though her children are gone away to college, her dedication remains. Mom, in case your other children don't say thank you enough; we your extended children really appreciate all you do for us the community. Thank you.

The "Bases are Juiced" for Tom Bass Indoor Baseball at Dunwoody High School

Tom Bass Indoor Baseball

http://diablosbaseball.net/tom-bass-indoor-baseball/

Take part in the fun and productive way of preparing for the upcoming spring season!
Get 5 or more at bats per game, hit homeruns, and stay sharp even if it’s snowing outside!

— New this Year! —
8 Week FREE Baseball Clinic!
  • Complimentary to every registered player.
  • Coach Bass will instruct after the final indoor game each Sunday for 30 minutes addressing ALL aspects of baseball. (5:00 – 5:30 pm)
  • This $300 value will be free to every athlete in the program.


Indoor Baseball Details
  • Season runs from Sunday, Nov. 6th to Sunday, Jan. 15th.
  • No games played during the holidays.
  • Games begin on the hour on Sundays running from 1:00 pm -5:00 pm.
  • Start times vary from week to week.
  • All games are played at Dunwoody High School in the gym!
  • For ages 6-12+
  • Cost is $175

Sunday, September 25, 2016

DeKalb District Attorney elect Sherry Boston to give update during Dunwoody City Council meeting of Mon Sept 26th.

Monday, September 26, 2016
Dunwoody City Hall

41 Perimeter Center East
Dunwoody, GA 30346
Watch Live at 6:00 p.m.
6 pm Agenda

Update from District Attorney-Elect Sherry Boston.


Administer Oath of Office to Police Officer Megan Norris.

SECOND READ: An Ordinance to Grant Permanent Stormwater Drainage Maintenance Easements to Atlanta Office Investment.

SECOND READ: An Ordinance to Amend the Pedestrian Bridge Easement Agreement with Atlanta Office Investment.

SECOND READ: An Ordinance to Grant a Temporary Construction Easement for RoadwayConstruction to Atlanta Office Investment.

Amendment of Contract 16-03 With Diversified Construction - Donaldson Restroom.

SECOND READ: SLUP 16-091: David Blumenthal, on behalf of Dirk Laukien, owner of
5490 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338, seeks a Special Land Use Permitfrom Chapter 27-97(g)(1) to exceed the maximum allowed parking in the Dunwoody Village Overlay District. The tax parcel number is 18 366 01 013.

SECOND READ: SLUP 16-092: Transwestern, applicant of a portion of 1134 HammondRoad and 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Drive, Dunwoody, GA 30346, by Jessica Hill, attorneyfor the applicant, seeks Special Land Use Permit from Chapter 27, Section 27-73(b)(1) toincrease the building height in a C-1 (Commercial) District from 2 stories/35 feet to 20 stories/300 feet. The tax parcel numbers are 18 348 01 020 and 18 348 01 006.

Approve Purchase of Furniture and Equipment from Bank of the Ozarks

Saturday, September 24, 2016

4th Annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Competition is THIS SUNDAY September 25, 2016 at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, GA


Brook Run Park
Sunday Afternoon

The 4th Annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Competition is THIS SUNDAY September 25, 2016 at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, GA on Sunday 11 AM to 3:30 PM

Bring the family and join us for some amazing Brisket BBQ cooked by Pit Master Keith, Jason and David

Lots of kids activities at the Sunburst Kids Zone and outstanding music provided by the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival.

• Free Admission;
• 28 BBQ Teams Competing for bragging rights on Best Brisket, Ribs, Chicken & Beans;
• Tastings (for purchase) at Team Booths;
• Free Kids Activities;
• Free Live Music Entertainment;
• Food Demos by The Big Green Egg company;
•• Lots of fun for everyone in the family;
• Local Charities will benefit from event proceeds.

Tasting times for our SMOKIN competition entries:
11:00 – Beans
11:30 –Chicken
12:00 – Ribs
12:30 – Brisket

We will be serving AKC Kosher BBQ Brisket Sandwiches, Hamburgers and Hot Dogs during the entire event as well. The folks from the Big Green Egg will be cooking and selling amazing CHICKEN THIGHS AND ROASTED CORN that will blow you away.

All Saints Fall Festival in Dunwoody on Saturday is open to the entire community.


I'm told they sold out the Artist Market spaces as they ran out of places to put tents to handle the merchandise.  It should be a good time.

Saturday 10 am to 3 pm

All Saints Catholic Church
2443 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338

Monday, September 19, 2016

Dunwoody Mayor Shortal will host a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday at Dunwoody Baptist.


  Dunwoody Baptist Church
1445 Mt. Vernon Road
Dunwoody, Georgia
Tuesday September 20th
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

What topics would you like to hear discussed at the 2016 Town Hall meeting on September 20?



Below are selected questions and some answers from my personal perspective; staff and others will be on hand to correct me if my links were off base (I do this late at night).  I am sure the staff is researching each question raised in advance and the Mayor will have more complete information on Tuesday Night.  Please raise your questions on the www.connectdunwoody.com website and then come out to the town hall on Tuesday to share your priorities with the Mayor and other elected officials.



Thank you for continuing to add sidewalks and bike lanes giving us options other than driving. What is being done to police our cross walks (particularly Mt Vernon @ Stratham) , add additional crosswalks, and keep drivers out of bike lanes? Enforcement, driver education efforts, and additional signage (stop for pedestrians, bike lane, etc.) are needed. Also, what is the final plan for bike lanes on Tilly Mill just North of North Peachtree. It would be significant missed opportunity not to include them as we redo that section.


Would the city council be interested in having a Statement of Purpose, similar to what most organizations and businesses have? Something like: "The purpose of the City Council of Dunwoody is to preserve and improve the property value of the residents of the City of Dunwoody" If every decision the Council had to make were subject to this or a similar statement of purpose the Council would be fulfilling their obligation to the voting citizenry, but maybe not to the Chamber of Commerce.
  The city of Peachtree Corners, very quickly after incorporation, invested in their land closest to District 3 along Winters Chapel Road. This area has a lot of pedestrian activity, yet has very few pedestrian amenities such as protected crosswalks and signals, bike lanes, benches, parks and landscaping.   What plans does the city have to either partner with Peachtree Corners or to independently improve "our side" of Winters Chapel Road in terms of aesthetics and safety?

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Dunwoody High & Peachtree Middle School boards agree that Option B with an addition at PCMS would be best to keep community together.



Dunwoody Friends and Neighbors,

There has been a lot of discussion in recent weeks about three options that have been presented by DeKalb County School System to deal with the growing student population in our middle and high schools. A recommendation has been requested from the school councils at Dunwoody High and Peachtree Middle. If you are busy and don't want to read the full justification, please click the link below to an online survey and select Option B.

https://goo.gl/forms/kSFTQLhRzoTUObSr2

(Note there are links within the survey with lots of specific information about each option.)

Why Option B?

1. When representatives from Peachtree Charter Middle School, Dunwoody High School, and elementary schools throughout our cluster met to discuss these options, we were all still learning about the options, but there was a unifying ideal of keeping our Dunwoody kids at Dunwoody High School. Options A & C send roughly 30% of the kids currently zoned to DHS to either a new Sequoyah High School in Doraville or to Chamblee HS. No decisions have been made at this time as to where those kids will come from, but the process would surely not be a fun one for our community. Option B keeps our attendance zone intact.

2. Option B comes with a $23,000,000 investment in Dunwoody High School. Options A & C come with $0 for schools in the Dunwoody cluster. (Note that there are other pockets of eSPLOST money that could go to our schools, but this is the only category being discussed by the school system at this time.) DHS is full of amazing teachers, kids, and parents who make the DHS community great, but aspects of the facility are limiting. As a Council last year we realized the toil involved in getting even small investments in our school. Throughout the year we pushed to get an adequate supply of functioning lockers for the kids, signage on the front of the school with our name on it, and more than one functioning copier in the school for teachers. Progress was made, but the journey shed light on the difficulty involved in getting things done. This option presents a unique opportunity for a significant portion of eSPLOST money to be dedicated to our cluster. This investment will be a long term improvement to DHS, helping our growing student population for years to come.

3. Does this mean 600 more kids at DHS? NO, it does not. The projection is that in 2022, with the increasing student population in our attendance zone, DHS population will be 2,093 students. Today there are 1,826 students. The problem is that our capacity is only about 1,500 students. The improvements will increase the school capacity to 2,100 students, eliminating the need for trailers, floating teachers, and addressing long-standing facility limitations.

4. What about parking? The open retention pond in the parking area can be buried and paved over, substantially improving the parking situation, even with more kids. We are pushing for this to be a priority.

5. What is the proposed variation that impacts PCMS? The problem with all of the options presented is that they send a significant number of middle school kids out of Dunwoody. The variation proposes that PCMS also receive an addition to handle the extra capacity there, taking the same approach as the high school.

6. What about the budget? Option B is $7,000,000 under budget. Option A is $77,000,000 over budget. Option C is $54,000,000 over budget. The school system seems confident that they can find more money for other options but ultimately that is going to take from other things in the school system.

A summarized list of pros/cons from a Dunwoody perspective (along with room for comment) has been posted here:

http://dunwoodyschooldaze.blogspot.com/2016/09/pros-and-cons-of-dekalb-school.html

Stepping back from the details of this issue for a moment, all of these options have some good aspects for Dunwoody and the impact for Dunwoody is less with any of them than what much DeKalb County Schools will see. We are also ultimately at the hands of the final superintendent recommendation and School Board approval. Our community will continue to make our schools great regardless of the option selected, but it is the opinion of the DHS and PCMS School Councils that the benefits of this modified Option B far outweigh those of the other options.

Please don't forget to click here or go back to the link at the top and complete the survey.

Chad Griffith, DHS Council Chair
On behalf of DHS Council

Allegra Johnson, PCMS Foundation Chair
On behalf of PCMS Foundation

City of Dunwoody Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Sunday but pre-registration is due today!


The City of Dunwoody is once again proud to offer Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Sunday but pre-registration is due by cob Friday.

Georgia State University - Dunwoody Campus
2101 Womack Road
Dunwoody, Georgia

WHO: Dunwoody residents only

WHEN: Sunday, September 18, 2016 (1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.) Event is rain or shine.

WHERE: Georgia State University -Dunwoody Campus (2101 Womack Road)

UNLOADING: Follow signs—enter from western entrance on Womack--the one without the brick monument sign.

CONTACT: Pre-Registration required on or by Friday, September 16th email andrew.russell@dunwoodyga.gov

Items Accepted
· Aerosols · Adhesives, resins, and epoxies · Mercury debris/articles/devices · Lawn care products · Automotive products · Fluorescent bulbs · Pharmaceuticals · Photo chemicals · Hobby and artist supplies · Paints and paint-related products · Cleaners and swimming pool chemicals · Poisons (rat, rodent, and insect repellents) · Pesticides

 Items Not Accepted
· Agricultural wastes · Ammunition · Bio-hazardous/bio-medical waste · Explosives · Radioactive materials

Important Additional Information · Disposal is limited to Dunwoody residents ONLY

 · To be served, please bring your driver’s license or other proof of residency. Other documents may be accepted at the discretion of on-site City staff · Acceptance of materials is at the discretion of on-site associates · Event is rain or shine · No commercial disposal · We reserve the right to charge for materials that appear to exceed customary residential quantities, at the discretion of on-site City staff · Paint disposal is limited to the equivalent of 20 gallons per household

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday Sep 12th

Monday, September 12, 2016
Dunwoody City Hall

41 Perimeter Center East
Dunwoody, GA 30346
Watch Live at 6:00 p.m.
6 pm Agenda

Presentation of Officer of the Year Award. (by VFW Post 10822 Commander Loren Cook)

Presentation by Abbott Hayes of Hulsey, Oliver & Mahar, L.L.P on "Questions from City of Dunwoody re conflicts of interest".

Update on DeKalb Sewer System lack of capacity.

FIRST READ: SLUP 16-091: David Blumenthal, on behalf of Dirk Laukien, owner of 5490 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338, seeks a Special Land Use Permit from Chapter 27-97(g)(1) to exceed the maximum allowed parking in the Dunwoody Village Overlay District. The tax parcel number is 18 366 01 013.

FIRST READ: SLUP 16-092: Transwestern, applicant of a portion of 1134 Hammond Road and 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Drive, Dunwoody, GA 30346, by Jessica Hill, attorney for the applicant, seeks  a.) Special Land Use Permit from Chapter 27, Section 27-73(b)(1) to increase the building height in a C-1 (Commercial) District from 2 stories/35 feet to 20 stories/300 feet. The tax parcel numbers are 18 348 01 020 and 18 348 01 006.

Award of a Contract for the Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update.

Approval of a Grant Agreement with the Georgia State Road and Toll Authority for the Westside Connector.

2017 City Council, Planning Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Schedules.

Contract Amendment for Clark Patterson Lee - tax certificate life safety.

Resolution Adopting Revised Community Development Fee Schedule.

Award of Contract for the Demolition of the Theater at Brook Run ParkBid-Packet.

Approval of Phase II Program Management Services Fee Schedule for New City Hall.

Resolution to Approve the Service Delivery Strategy with DeKalb County.

Resolution to Enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with DeKalb County for Solid Waste Management Services.

Resolution to Enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with DeKalb County Fire and Rescue Services.

Resolution Amending the Rules and Procedures for City Council Meetings - Exec Session.

FIRST READ: An Ordinance to Grant a Permanent Stormwater Drainage Maintenance Easements to Atlanta Office Investment.

FIRST READ: An Ordinance to Amend the Pedestrian Bridge Easement Agreement with Atlanta Office Investment.

FIRST READ: An Ordinance to Grant a Temporary Construction Easement for Roadway Construction to Atlanta Office Investment.

Approval to Add Additional Paving Funds for 2016. Contracted supplemental streets have a set price of approx $500 K from back in May.

Discussion of Special Event Alcohol Licenses.

Monday, September 5, 2016

Pebble Tossers RIPPLE RUN 5K/1M & Nonprofit Expo in Dunwoody's Brook Run Park - Sat Septemer 10th


Saturday September 10th at 8 am

Brook Run Park
4770 N. Peachtree Road
Dunwoody GA, 30338

The 2nd Annual Pebble Tossers RIPPLE RUN 5K/1M & Nonprofit Expo is a highly motivational, action packed, and FUN Service Event where children and families learn how to become active participants in our community. Through engaging hands-on activities, kids are given the exposure to new organizations so they can make a difference in our community. The event will be a meaningful way to celebrate the National Day of Service & Remembrance in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of  9/11 with community service, family togetherness, and healthy living.
The 5K run will be a Peachtree Road Race qualifier and the 1 mile fun run/walk will be stroller & dog friendly. The race will be the first on a new route that starts in Brook Run Park and continues around Pernoshal Park ending back in Brook Run Park. This will be the first race on this USATF certified route.

The Nonprofit Expo at the end of the race will feature nonprofits hosting their own mini-service projects related to their missions. Held in the City of Dunwoody’s Brook Run Park, this exciting, family experience is like none other.

Entry fees: $30/adults, $20/kids 12 & under, $20/charity “runner”  Discounts for youth groups or school teams! Email Jen at jguynn@pebbletossers.org for details.

Click here to register to Run/Walk

Your help is needed!  Join our Race Committee to help solicit sponsors, promote the event, form a team to race, work the morning of the event and much more! Contact Jennifer Guynn at jguynn@pebbletossers.org.

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE 2016 RIPPLE RUN 5K + Nonprofit Expo.

Sign Up Now!

Sponsors Needed

Sponsoring the Ripple Run means supporting our community in a meaningful way. Your company will reach our 16,000 members through recognition in our eNewsletters, on our website, posters and banners. Click this link to learn about the many opportunities to sponsor the Ripple Run:

PT 5K Sponsor Packet 2016


Nonprofit Expo

Select nonprofits will participate in the Expo after the race. Each nonprofit will host a mini-service project or educational activity to promote your own mission and engage event-goers. Vendors are invited to participate as well. Click this link for more details:

 PT 5K Nonprofit and Vendor Application 2016


Pebble Tossers is partnering with Youth Service America, 9/11 Day and Save the Children at our booth to assemble Disaster Preparedness Kits during the Nonprofit Expo.
Helpful resources:
911daycncslogoWeStandStrongsmall-300x155  ysa-logo-large-no-tagline nineeleven

Thursday, September 1, 2016

City of Dunwoody releases proposed 2017 budget showing $32 Million in revenues.

http://dunwoodyga.gov/ckeditorfiles/files/Budgets_and_Financial_Reports/2017%20Proposed%20City%20of%20Dunwoody%20Budget%209-1-2016.pdf

Excerpt below - click here for full document.

The list of enhancements to the 2017 budget and their costs can be found on page 37 of the document and I recommend that this be reviewed for both what is there and what is not, what staff requested vs what the Mayor removed. This budget will first be discussed by the budget committee on September 8th at 9:30 am and then it needs to be ratified by the full City Council in October.   It is this list of new items being proposed that the budget committee will need to be determining if appropriate or if other items are missing.  The budget committee this year is Lynn Deutsch, Pam Tallmadge and Jim Riticher.  

I believe that there will also be a 2016 budget amendment coming to Council in September to take into consideration of HOST funds, determine additional paving that can be completed this year from our supplemental list and to do other budgetary clean ups prior to moving on to 2017 numbers.  I have expressed my desires to the Mayor, the budget committee and to Council that based on the HOST revenues and the fact that we did not have a tax mileage rate roll back that we need to push forward with the paving expenditure for the streets below in this budget year.
http://www.jkheneghan.com/city/meetings/2015/Dec/12142015_2016_Paving_Plan.pdf


The primary points of emphasis of the FY 2017 Budget include continued efforts to promote and sustain public safety and administer to the vital infrastructure needs and requirements of our City. The FY 2017 Budget includes an opportunity to implement improvements to city roads, intersections and parks which are based on Park and Transportation Master Plan updates as influenced and driven by the community. These plans help provide Dunwoody with a path forward for the next five-plus years.

The FY 2017 Budget totals approximately $32.4 million in revenues for all appropriated funds. Key elements of the FY 2017 Budget include an allocation of more than $5 million for paving, intersection and sidewalk improvements and specific allocations for long-term enhancements such as the Mount Vernon Road and Vermack Road intersection improvement project and the extension of the Dunwoody Trailway connecting Georgetown are with the Perimeter.

Approximately $35.9 million in revenue is budgeted for operations and cash reserves. Based on Council policy, the FY 2017 Budget anticipates maintaining a reserve sufficient to cover government operations for four months and upholds the City’s original 2.74 millage rate and does not anticipate an increase in that rate. As operational levels and residents’ expectations for services gradually rise on an annual basis, along with added facilities and services not originally part of the City’s assets or functions when incorporated, maintaining the 2.74 millage rate remains both practical and pragmatic.
The FY 2017 Budget includes a $778,000 transfer in General Fund dollars to pay debt associated with Project Renaissance land purchases. These debt payments will be offset with revenue generated from the sale of lots related to Project Renaissance. The City anticipates paying off all variable debt for the Project Renaissance land purchases by the end of 2017.

The FY 2017 Budget also includes $2.1 million in General Fund transfers and $5 million in HOST Fund transfers to our Capital Projects program for the development of critical City assets, infrastructure projects, and public safety enhancements. The Capital Projects list for 2016 includes street resurfacing, sidewalk construction, intersection improvements, trailway connections, park improvements, and public safety equipment.

By taking a judicious approach to the $3 million stormwater fund reserve for catastrophic stormwater events, the FY 2017 Budget utilizes approximately $104,000 of reserves in the Stormwater Utility Fund to speed up the timing of significant improvements to stormwater infrastructure. The City has also allotted for an increase in street cleaning efforts in 2017 to alleviate the burden on our storm drains and gutters.

FY 2017 Expenditure Highlights
The FY 2017 Budget places an emphasis on investments in key infrastructure, paving and parks and is a direct response to community-identified needs and requests. The City has created a FY 2017 Budget list of key expenditures and improvements which focus on taking care of critical community assets and safety essentials as a means of delivering for the future. This commitment can be found within the following overview of project and initiative disbursements:

Paving / Infrastructure
2017 Road Resurfacing & Paving ($3.6 Million)
Mt. Vernon at Vermack Intersection Improvement ($1.25 million)
Tilly Mill Sidewalk, Womack to North Peachtree - Phase I ($500,000)
Perimeter traffic Management System Construction Management ($35,000)
Chamblee Dunwoody Improvements ($50,000)
North Peachtree Traffic Calming ($100,000)
MARTA Bus Shelter Replacement at Brook Run Park ($25,000)
Right Of Way (ROW) acquisition for Cotillion Drive Multi-Use path ($200,000)

Parks
Park Improvements based on Master Plan ($3.5 million)
Dunwoody Trailway – Georgetown to Perimeter Connection ($1.5 million)
Recreation Programs Supervisor ($45,000)

Police Department/Public Safety
One Sworn Officer, One Prisoner transport Officer and two Police Service Representatives ($274,000)

Community Development
LCI with Peachtree Corners for Winters Chapel area ($30,000)

Stormwater Utility
Utility and Right of Way Coordinator ($90,000) [Expense will be offset by permit fees paid by the utilities or other businesses seeking right of way access.]