Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan explains how important it is to register with Smart911 and National Night Out is Tues Aug 6th - great family event.

Video and please register for Smart911

Several weeks ago Chief Grogan was at a public meeting and he took a question on the problem of cell phone calls to 911 being routed through the wrong 911 center from an adjoining municipality.  More than 80 percent of calls to 911 come from cell phones which are not tied back to a specific address therefore opting in to the Smart911 service by registering your information into the 911 databeses will assist you and the 911 operator in a time of emergency.   Please register.

National Night Out - Tues Aug 6th at Target from 6 to 9 p.m.

Great Family and Kids Event - Come on Out!

On Tuesday, August 6, 2019, the Brookhaven Police Department and the Dunwoody Police Department will co-host the 36th Annual National Night Out (NNO) event. This community event will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Target, located at 100 Perimeter Center Place in Dunwoody.

Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live.

This year, the two hosting Police Departments will have patrol cars, SWAT vehicles and other specialty vehicles on display. The DeKalb County Fire/Rescue Department will also have fire trucks and other pieces of equipment on display. Police Officers, Fire/Rescue personnel and 9-1-1 personnel will be on hand to answer any questions related to vehicles, personnel or public safety operations.
In addition to public safety organizations, many local businesses and community groups will have display booths set up. Music and entertainment will be provided, along with free food and drinks donated by many local stores and members of the community.

For more information about the 2019 National Night Out event, please contact the Dunwoody Police Department’s Community Outreach Officer, Mark Stevens, at 678.382.6917 or at mark.stevens@dunwoodyga.gov.

City of Dunwoody puts Medical Office Building currently used as an Emory Surgical Center up for sale. @colliersatl @emoryhealthcare @AtlBizChron

Full Sale Information and bid package is here

Colliers International (“Colliers”) has been retained on an exclusive basis by The City of Dunwoody (“Owner”) to market for sale of 4555 North Shallowford Road (the “Property”), a suburban medical office building located in the upscale community of Dunwoody, Georgia (Dekalb County). The Property, built in 1972 and fully renovated in 2014, is a two-story, 22,000 square foot Class B medical office building with 102 parking spaces and with easy access to I-285 and surface streets in North Atlanta. It is located less than five miles from Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, a premier 410-bed acute care hospital serving the North Atlanta submarkets. In December 2018, Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital filed plans for a $6 million dollar expansion. The Property is located in the heart of Dunwoody, which is a flourishing market with a strong payer mix. Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital was voted number one hospital in Georgia for the seventh year in a row by U.S. News & World Report. The Property is currently 100% occupied by one tenant: Emory Healthcare. Emory’s lease extends through April 30, 2024.

Several Dunwoody crosswalk improvements are about to enter construction phase (Andover / Dunkerrin & Tilly Mill) and (Mt. Vernon & North Peachtree)

Andover / Dunkerrin & Tilly Mill

The crosswalk upgrade at Andover is in the utility relocation phase. Atlanta Gas Light has completed their relocation and we are waiting on Georgia Power to move a couple of poles. They are in the process of getting an easement from one of the property owners and once they have the easement they will relocate the poles on Tilly Mill and our contractor can start work. I anticipate actual construction will likely start in September.   Michael Smith, Public Works

Mt. Vernon & North Peachtree

This improvement is slated for the fourth quuarter of 2019.

Joe Seconder announces candidacy for Dunwoody City Council to fill vacant seat in District 2 as Lynn Deutsch runs for Mayor.

https://www.bicyclingjoe.info

I officially filed to run for the Dunwoody City Council District Two seat, At Large. I hope to meet with you and as many other Dunwoody residents as possible in the months ahead as I work to serve on City Council, discussing with you ways of “putting Dunwoody first”, creating a better future for our entire community, giving all residents a voice on City issues.  Joe Seconder

• As of right now Terry Nall and Lynn Deutsch have announced they are running for Mayor of Dunwoody.
• Stacey Harris has announced her candidacy for District 1 replacing Terry.
• Joe Seconder has announced his candidacy for District 2 replacing Lynn.
• I have announced my candidacy for re-election in District 3.

DeKalb County School System provides documents on the scope of some open work orders on Dunwoody Schools.

Large Document 12 MB - 112 Pages

On Monday I submitted an Open Records Request on a small handful of open work orders within the Dunwoody cluster where the work was identified as Electrical, Fire Safety or deemed by their own staff as Hazardous.  This evening I was provided an overview of the records and requested to pay $310.50 for the remainder of the documents which I will happily do.  The preliminary documentation returned by DeKalb including the documents I provided in my request totals 112 page which I am providing to you today.  Seeing that it will take the school system another 6 days to pull the rest of the documents, I am guessing their final return will be quite extensive and I will post those as well when I receive them.

Looking quickly at the information I'm not sure it is all there as it looks like the Bad Odors work item may be missing?  There may be others?  I had also requested that this information be forwarded to the school principals but it was sent to only me.  I also copied the DeKalb Fire Marshal in my initial request and I am interested in knowing their inspections of these repairs especially.

Comparing my abbreviated list to the full gamut of open work orders, I now wish I requested more documentation on the HVAC issues to see how long they have been going on and when they are scheduled to be repaired.

It's late and I haven't reviewed every detail of the documents I am attaching but I wanted to share these documents ASAP as school starts soon and hopefully these work orders are knocked out before the first day of school.   I will be paying DeKalb for the rest of the documents and maybe expanding my request for the HVAC repairs as no child nor teacher should be forced to work in the August heat.  Thanks,  John

Lynn Deutsch becomes a candidate for Dunwoody Mayor

https://lynn4dunwoody.com

Freshman Dunwoody High School Dad's wanted for initiation into select group known as the "The Dunwoody Dad's"

The DHS Dad's group is an informal bunch of guys who get together to be informed on Dunwoody High School and parental issues, we have short gatherings to listen to speakers throughout the year, we fundraise a bit for student and school causes that might get overlooked if we weren't around, we work around the school on special projects that our wives think we can handle and once in a while we socialize at the Dunwoody Tavern.  Overall it is a win, win, and win situation.

The following message was sent out to the Dad's but those incoming Freshman Dad's need to be indoctrinated into our little group and that is easiest done by going to Google Groups, and searching DHS DADS and ask to be added to our mail list.  If you miss out on the email group, please come to the workday on Saturday, August 3rd and we will try to add you then.

I highly recommend that all Dunwoody High School Dad's join!  Thanks,  John

Hi Guys,

Hope everyone is having a great summer and ready to be of no help to your kids with homework that you don't understand!

The beginning of a new school year means the continuation of another great DHS DADS tradition: Exterior Work Party - Saturday, Aug 3 @ 9am

However, unlike years past, we will NOT be spreading mulch! Great news for everyone who are still nursing sore backs, respiratory ailments and hacking up wood chips.

You will notice that more trailers than weeds have grown over the summer, so we will not be doing any landscaping. Our mission is to repair/replace the picnic tables that are so well used by the kids. (Anyone found jotting down phone numbers from the graffiti, or leaving new ones, will be asked to leave).  Eating lunch outside in the picnic area is a beloved activity, so let's get these tables in shape.

Below is a note from fellow DHS DAD and the Supreme Commander of the Exterior Beautification Committee, Captain Green Thumb himself, Scott Ackaway. Scott has put in a ton of work with the grounds and has done a great job organizing what is needed to get the grounds "school ready." 

Calling all DHS Dads, Exterior annual work party is scheduled for Saturday Aug 3^rd (9AM to Noon) and we need VOLUNTEERS.

PTSO asked if we could fix up the picnic table area which ALL of our students use thorough out the year.  We are going to be replacing wood on picnic tables and benches, and also staining some of the current picnic tables.  If you have an hour or more please come volunteer and help us with this effort.

We do have money left over from last year’s Exterior Budget and will be buying 8 new picnic tables.  Our student body continues to grow so we need to accommodate by adding new tables and fixing some of the old ones. 

ITEMS to bring

• Cordless Drills
• Circular Saw
• Socket Set
• Hammers
• Paint Rollers

 Thank you for your time, look forward to seeing you on the 3^rd.

  

Thank you,

Scott Ackaway
dunwoodyhighdads@gmail.com

Dunwoody City Council election qualification opens Monday August 19th - three city wide seats up for election.

General Election Qualifying Information

A General Election for the City Dunwoody will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 for the purpose of electing a Mayor and three (3) members of City Council.

The City of Dunwody will conduct a General Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 for the purpose of electing a Mayor and three (3) members of City Council.  The position of Mayor is currently held by Denis Shortal.  The City Council posts to be voted on are City Council Post 4 (District 1 at Large), currently held by Terry Nall, City Council Post 5 (District 2 at Large), curently held by Lynn Deutsch, and City Council Post 6 (District 3 at Large), currently held by John Heneghan.  

All persons desiring to run for the Office of Mayor or City Council shall qualify at City Hall, 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, in the office of the City Clerk, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, August 19, 2019 and ending at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 (Georgia Code 21-2-132.)  The qualifying fee for the office of Mayor is $480.00 (3% of the total gross salary of the preceding year) and the qualifying fee for the office of City Council is $360.00  (3% of the total gross salary of the preceding year.)  All qualifying fees shall be paid at the time of qualifying (Georgia Election Code 21-2-131.)

If a runoff election is necessary, the runoff election will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2019.    

The qualifications to run for office include: candidate must be a resident of the City of Dunwoody for a continuous period of at least 12 months immediately prior to the date of the election; candidate must continue to reside in the City of Dunwoody during their period of service; candidate must continue to be registered and qualified to vote in the municipal elections of the City of Dunwoody.  In addition, no person will be eligible to serve as a council member representing a council district unless that person has been a resident of the district they seek to represent for a continuous period of at least six months immediately prior to the date of the election and continues to reside in their district during their period of service.

For questions or for more information please contact Sharon Lowery, City Clerk, at 678-382-6711 or sharon.lowery@dunwoodyga.gov.

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday July 22, 2019

Monday, July 22nd, 2019
Dunwoody City Hall
4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd

Dunwoody, GA 30338

6:00 p.m. - Watch Live

Agenda

School Construction Update (Jay Vinicki, Asst. City Manager)

SECOND READ: Review and Consideration of Text Amendments Regarding the Zoning Code (Chapter 27) 

Approval of a Contract Amendment with Blount Construction for 2019 Pavement Resurfacing

Approval of a Contract Amendment with AECOM to Provide Final Design Revisions and Construction Support for the Georgetown Gateway Project

Presentation and Legal Services Agreement for Opioid Multi-District Litigation

FIRST READ: Ordinance Amending Chapter 26 of the City of Dunwoody Code of Ordinances by Revising Underground Utility Marking Regulations

Talking to your middle school son about suicide is not easy, explaining that everyone is special therefore deserving of respect and love was much easier. #hugs

Video - Councilman Heneghan was giving away free hugs at Dunwoody High

 
I'm a Dad.     As the father of three boys ages 19, 17 & 13, I am well aware that the life of a teenager is tough.  My boys are all very different from each other with various skills, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Parenting didn't come with a manual for each child, therefore, Kristin & I do the best we can with discipline, advice, love, structure, and guidance.   Sometimes we think we get it right, and sometimes we change our tact the next time or maybe with child number two. In the end, parenting for us is all about love and our children knowing that they are loved.

This week I needed to sit down with the 13-year-old to discuss the suicide of a classmate from Peachtree Charter Middle School. (Just typing those words is shocking to me.)

It wasn't an easy discussion for either of us; my son didn't personally know the boy, but the conversation about why someone would kill themselves was heartbreaking as my son talked about bullying, rejection, being made fun by your peers because you are not like them. He talked from personal experience about how it felt to be called out as different, how dumb rumors were being spread on social media and hateful comments were being shared.

He then talked (actually beamed from ear to ear) about those friends on his football team who stood up to the negative commenter on social media on my son's behalf. They supported him and empowered him, as my son was now part of a team.  My son and I talked about how these events made him feel, what lessons he learned from them, and how these lessons are related to how he treats others. It was a great conversation, and in the end, he knows he is special, he is loved, and everyone he meets is just as special and should be loved just the same.   My kind soul of a 13-year-old now has this character strength of empathy that is wise beyond his years.

Today I watched a video recommended by education writer, Maureen Downey of the AJC Get Schooled column, which shows a high school girl explaining the challenges of going to high school with disabilities and chronic illness. High school is typically hard or challenging for most, but for this young lady faces challenges that many of us couldn't imagine and she does it with grace and pure strength.  I recommend it to all, but parents you may want to share it with your teenagers.

Back in 2015, the City Council held a City Town Hall meeting at Dunwoody High School; therefore knowing how rough some high school students had it with various pressures, I wanted to find a way to let them know that I care. I wanted to personally connect with them and in turn, have them connect with one another on a level that social media just doesn't work.

I offered them a simple gesture of kindness, I looked them in the eye, asked for their name, and offered a hug. I told them that we as human beings are all equals, that they are important and that they matter.

As a Dunwoody City Councilman, I treated those many high school students as one of my sons and in retrospect, it may have been the most important lesson those Dunwoody High students learned all year.

Looking back on the subject of hugs - I still remember a hug someone offered me on the Peachtree Center MARTA platform.   It was wonderful.

Hugs to all those in need and I will happily dispense if one is desired - just reach out.   Thanks

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) needs numerous volunteers and athlete host families to assist with the Maccabi Games. @ATLMaccabi2019

Atlanta is the Host City for the 2019 JCC Maccabi Games® July 28 - August 2, 2019! The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is thrilled that the JCC Maccabi Games will call Atlanta home for just the second time in the history of the competition, with more than 1,600 participants, ranging from 12 to 16 years old, to compete in a field of 14 sports. To learn more, visit atlmaccabi2019.org.

 

“Atlanta is the place to be when it comes to marquee sporting events sure to cement lifelong memories – including the 2018 Major League Soccer All-Star Game, the 2019 Super Bowl, and the 2020 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four,” says MJCCA CEO Jared Powers. “Adding to that list of sporting spectacles, in July, the 2019 JCC Maccabi Games® will return to Atlanta for the first time since 2001.”

 

What are the JCC Maccabi Games?

The JCC Maccabi Games are an Olympic-style sporting competition that brings teen-athletes from around the globe to compete in sporting competitions, perform community service, and above all have an amazing time meeting new people, and forming bonds that will last a lifetime.

 

Started in 1982, The JCC Maccabi Games have grown exponentially over the years, and this year is no different. Team Atlanta is now one of largest ever delegations in Maccabi history. Over 1,000 visiting athletes from over 35 visiting delegations will be joining the almost 600 Team Atlanta athletes to compete in a week of tournaments. Every athlete, coach, and delegation head in attendance is proud to have earned the privilege of representing their community at The Games.

 

Hosted by the MJCCA, the 2019 JCC Maccabi Games will include a full range of events, including Olympic-style opening ceremonies and a community service day. These events each aim to bring the Atlanta Jewish community together for a week of spirit, friendship, and celebration.

 

“This summer, the JCC Maccabi Games® will require the helping hands of nearly 1,500 volunteers,” explains MJCCA Maccabi Games Director Stacie Francombe. “Whether you have a few hours or a few days to help, there are opportunities that match your interests – everything from arrivals and departures to athletics and hydration, from medical and hospitality to food service, and so much more. We hope you’ll join us by becoming a part of this exciting community event. Can’t make it to the MJCCA? We are utilizing venues all over Atlanta and need volunteers at every location.”

 

Interested in volunteering? All volunteers must be 18-years-old or older as of July 28, 2019 for daytime shifts and 21-years-old or older to volunteer for evening events.

Go to www.atlmaccabi2019.org/signup/ to register as a volunteer.

Ways to Get Involved in atlmaccabi2019.org:

Attend Opening Ceremonies

Opening Ceremonies of the 2019 JCC Maccabi Games will take place on July 28, 2019 at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre (2200 Encore Pkwy, Alpharetta), and will include entertainment, a parade of athletes, a Munich 11 memorial tribute and more. Come cheer on Team Atlanta and the 35 visiting delegations for a night of fun and entertainment.

Time: Athlete drop off 5:45 pm / Doors open at 6:00 pm / Parade of Athletes starts at 7:00 pm.

• Opening Ceremonies Highlights:
• Angelica Hale, America’s Got Talent 2017 finalist and recording artist;
• Adam Rippon, 2017 Olympic bronze medalist in ice skating; LGBTQ activist; Judge on Dancing with the Stars Junior;
• Joe Castillo, Sand Artist, Seen on America’s Got Talent 2012;
• Atlanta Drumline Academy, local drum core team with choreographed show, Seen on Steve Harvey’s Little Big Shots.

• Opening Ceremonies Tickets: Reserve HERE and pickup at the MJCCA’s Maccabi Central or at Ameris Bank will call on July 28.

“We invite the community to come out to Opening Ceremonies and be a part of one of the largest gatherings in the history of Jewish Atlanta,” said MJCCA Maccabi Games co-chair Amy Rubin.

 

JCC Cares (Community Service Projects)

Since 1982, the JCC Maccabi Games have always been more than an athletic competition. An important component of the Games, JCC Cares, provides an opportunity for teens to embrace their experiences at the Games by taking time out of their competition schedule to participate in a community service project.

The basic American concept of community service is closely tied to the basic Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, which urges us to make a difference in the lives of others who may be less fortunate than ourselves. All athletes, coaches, and chaperones will participate in JCC Cares as part of their Maccabi experience. Also, to make an even greater impact and connection, each participant has asked to bring supplies or goods that would benefit the local community.

The 2019 Atlanta JCC Cares initiative will include three components:

• Disabled Athlete Exhibition - During the 2019 JCC Maccabi Games in Atlanta, the MJCCA will partner with the Israel Sports Center for the Disabled (ISCD), one of the world pioneers in the field of sport rehabilitation; as well as the Shepherd Center, a local nonprofit hospital devoted to the medical treatment, research, and rehabilitation for people with neuromuscular problems such as spinal cord injury and disease, acquired brain injury, and multiple sclerosis. These two organizations will provide a disabled athlete exhibition for the Maccabi teen athletes. The goal of this initiative is for Maccabi athletes to see all people for their abilities and not just their disabilities.

• From Art Project to Art Therapy – The Maccabi athletes will also participate in an art project lead by two local professional artists and learn how art therapy is used to help rehabilitate people with physical injuries. The athletes will walk on bubble wrap covered in paint, which will splatter the paint onto two canvases. The professional artists will then transform the canvas into two art pieces, which will be revealed at the closing party and permanently displayed at the ISCD and Shepherd Center.

 

• Community Service – In order to reinforce the Jewish value of giving charity (Tzedakah), the Maccabi athletes have been asked to contribute an item requested by the Shepherd Center and placed on an Amazon registry. Whether it’s shirts or hats, a movie DVD, or rehabilitation supplies, these items will be used to directly benefit patients staying at the Shepherd Center. Throughout the Games, the Maccabi athletes will help package these items, which will be delivered to the Shepherd Center after the Games conclude.

Star Reporter

You don’t have to be an athlete to be a part of Maccabi. Star Reporters will document the Games in real-time through photography, videography, interview, blogging, and other modes of social media. This team is also being coached by VOX ATL. As Star Reporters develop new skills through hands-on reporting and exposure to state-of-the-art technologies and tools, they also will receive mentoring in photography, videography, the art of the interview, and more. Star Reporter coaches, provided by Team Atlanta, will be experienced professionals in the fields of journalism, photography, videography, social media, and marketing.

 

Inclusion Opportunities

The 2019 Atlanta Maccabi Games will be an inclusive program. The games intend to welcome athletes with developmental, physical and/or neurological differences who may require support, to participate in various Maccabi programs. Accommodations and funded support will be determined on an individual basis.

 

Host a Visiting Athlete

During the week of The Games, athletes will be fully immersed into the Atlanta Jewish Community. We will be utilizing the kindness of over 500 host families to house all our visitors. These hosts are surrogate parents to these athletes for a week. They will feed and take care of every visiting athlete that will come to Atlanta. It is through the generosity of our community that we can host all these athletes, and make sure they are comfortable and cared for. Each host family will be asked to host at least 2 athletes. The requirements are simple, for each athlete you host, they must have a bed or air mattress to sleep on and a seatbelt in the car. All Host Families must be 21-years-old or older to volunteer. If you would like to become a host family, you must REGISTER.

 

“What I am most looking forward to is introducing the Jewish teens in our community to the international Maccabi Movement, which presents athletic, cultural, and social opportunities with Jews from around the world,” said MJCCA Maccabi Games co-chair Libby Hertz.

“There truly is a way for everyone to share in the excitement and get involved in the 2019 JCC Maccabi Games®,” said Francombe. “Opportunities are now available for every member of the community – from athletes and coaches, to volunteers, sponsors, and host families.”

Dunwoody community rallies to assist the family of 11 year old PCMS student - donations appreciated.

Donations to the Family are appreciated.

Gerardo Garcia was an amazing 11-year-old, who loved to play soccer with his friends in his neighborhood and at school. He was a very happy kid loved by everyone. Unfortunately, Gerardo committed suicide in his home where his brother found him. He’s touched everyone’s heart in some way in our neighborhood. We’re a family neighborhood where everyone knows everyone and Gerardo was very known and loved. My family and I are trying to do something more for the family that’ll help in these hard times. It's not easy to go through a loss, especially it being someone close. This family is going through enough as if with the loss of there son, brother and cousin. His brothers have it the hardest emotionally and mentally with this tragedy. All I want to ask from the public is for anything that could help this family with the funeral expenses. The Garcia family will forever be thankful for the help. My family and I as neighbors of the family were thanking you all. It’s tough times for the Garcia family. - Lizbeth Reyna

The Dunwoody Police Department highly recommends that all residents register their phone numbers on the Smart 911 website.

Video

https://www.smart911.com

Monday evening the Dunwoody City Council had a very busy night covering numerous topics but a routine budget item for 911 services quickly turned to a conversation on the modern day problem of calling 911 from a cell phone.    Did you know if you call 9-1-1 from your cell phone, emergency responders are not always able to track your location?

Dunwoody Police Chief, Billy Grogan explained how the 911 call is sometimes routed to a call center based on the tower handling the call being located just outside the city limits.  Other times, cell phones may actually be calling over Wi-Fi or VOIP which also confuses the address location, therefore, the City of Dunwoody's 911 provider Chatcomm subscribes to and accesses a secured nationwide Smart 911 database for all incoming 911 calls.

Chief Grogan stated that 80% of all calls into 911 are now coming from cell phones and only a very small number of these phones have opted in to register on the Smart 911 system.

Smart 911 registration is highly recommended as creates a safety profile for each phone within your home, it provides information on the user and even provide and medical or special notes that you would want 911 to be aware of when a call comes in. 

Today almost everyone carries a cell phone and for that one time that you may need to call 911; wouldn't you want them to know more about you or the caller if you were able to do so?  If it was my teenage son or an elderly parent, having important information on the caller and their possible special needs could be life-saving.

The conversation with Chief Grogan also shifted to the policies and procedures of 911 operators asking the same questions over and over on location whereby we discovered that this is a national standard when the call comes in from an unknown cell phone with limited information or location tied to it.   Smart 911 registration assists with this and may speed emergency services to where they are needed.

The video from last night's conversation on 911 call routing between Chief Grogan and the City Council can be found here at the 2 hour and 22 minute time mark (2:22:00)

I highly suggest you build your family’s Safety Profile with Smart911 as it could save you frustrations during a time of high anxiety and it may just save your life.

 https://www.smart911.com

 Thanks,

John Heneghan

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday July 8, 2019 - CAFR, Tax Rate, parking, DeKalb / AMR EMS breach, Motorola Radios, medical building for sale.

Monday, July 8th, 2019
Dunwoody City Hall
4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd

Dunwoody, GA 30338

6:00 p.m. - Watch Live

Agenda 8 am - public hearing on 2019 Ad Valorem Tax Rate

Agenda 6 pm

Administration of Oath of Office to Officers Dylan Cavin, Felipe Moreno, Erick Reynolds and Eric Haviland

Award Presentation for Officer of the First Quarter, Officer Slade Mehas, and Employee of the First Quarter, PSR Dolores Rivera

Recognition of Educational Degrees earned: Officer Austin Handle, Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology and Sergeant Robert Parsons, Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology, Summa Cum Laude

Recognition of International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors, IALEFI "Top Gun" Award received by Dunwoody Police Training Officer Jeffrey Leach

Presentation of the Annual Audit results and 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)

Distinguished Budget Award

SECOND READ: Ordinance to Establish the 2019 Ad Valorem Tax Rate

FIRST READ: Review and Consideration of Text Amendments Regarding the Zoning Code  - minimum parking (Chapter 27)

First Read: Permanent Easement Agreement for Georgia Power Company at Brook Run Park

Award of Contract - Facility Assessment Services

Funding Authorization for 1708 Houghton Ct N Stormwater Repairs

Funding Authorization for 5252 Redfield Court Stormwater Repairs

SECOND READ: RZ19-01: J. Ethan Underwood, Attorney for RRR 2018, LLC, owner of 5318 and 5328 Roberts Drive, Seeks to Rezone the property from its current R-100 (Single-dwelling Residential) District Zoning Classification to an R-50 (Single-dwelling Residential) District (Applicant Requests to Defer)

Resolution to Declare DeKalb County in Breach of its Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Dunwoody, Georgia Related to The Administration of Emergency Medical Services and to Reaffirm Its Request to the State of Georgia to Open a New Ambulance Zone for the City of Dunwoody

Approval of Purchase of Motorola Mobile & Portable Radios Replacing Old System

Authorization For the City Manager to Dispose of Property located at 4555 North Shallowford Road to be Declared Surplus

Approval of Second Amendment to Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Dunwoody, Georgia and the Chattahoochee River 911 Authority

Dunwoody Homeowners Association hosts Georgia's Largest 4th of July Parade - kicking off Thursday at 9 a.m.

On Thursday, July 4, 2019 at 9:00 a.m., the Dunwoody Homeowners Association and the Dunwoody Reporter newspaper will host the annual Fourth of July Parade featuring marching bands, floats, clowns, animal units and local celebrities. Last year the parade attracted over 2,500 participants and 32,000 spectators!

This year's theme: HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUNWOODY!
2019 Parade Grand Marshal: Dunwoody Police Department with Chief Billy Grogan riding in a Rolls Royce.

The parade route is two (2) miles, starting at the intersection of Mount Vernon Road and Jett Ferry Road at 9:00 a.m., proceeds west on Mount Vernon Road to Dunwoody Village, turns right onto Dunwoody Village Parkway.

Viewing Information: Parade spectators are encouraged to setup chairs along Mount Vernon Road and Dunwoody Village Parkway (up to the shops on the right and the parade entrance into Dunwoody Village.) Spectators will be blocked from viewing the parade on the east side of Jett Ferry Road on Mount Vernon Road due to the staging and setup for parade participants. Viewing will start on the west side of Jett Ferry Road on Mount Vernon Road.

SPECIAL FLOATS AND MUSIC

Special floats and vehicles this year include: Oscar Meyer Weinermobile and the Nocturnal Pirates of Atlanta.  Marching bands and musicians in the parade include: Atholl Highlanders Bagpipes; Atlanta Drum Academy; Dunwoody High School Marching Band; Georgia Sensation Chorus; Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps.

Donations being collected at the parade.
Eyeglasses collection
Bring your used eyeglasses to the parade for recycling! Fifteen international youth ambassadors attending the Georgia Lions Youth Exchange Camp will march in with the Atlanta Lions Club. Look for the colorful flags of the world as the students will be parading with their national flags, along with eyeglass collection boxes. If you’d like us to pick up your eyeglasses, contact Becky Jarrell at beckyjarrell@gmail.com or 770-355-7726. You can also find Lions Eyeglass Collection Boxes at Dunwoody businesses and pools in July.

Food pantry collection
Dunwoody Boy Scout Troop 764 will be pushing shopping carts along the parade route, collecting food donations for the Community Assistance Center Food Pantry. Most-need items include canned meats and fish; canned pasta; canned vegetables; canned or packaged fruits; and cereal.

Adoptable dogs & photo booth
LifeLine Animal Project is the beneficiary of an event organized by local Girl Scout Sophia Sparks, who will have adoptable dogs in the parade, and an informational tent and a portrait photo booth for attendees and their dogs at the festival. Photos will be $15. Monetary donations for the DeKalb County Animal Shelter also will be accepted.

Family Festival
Make sure attending our Family Festival is part of your July 4th plans! After the Parade, join us in Dunwoody Village for food and drinks including hot dogs and brats prepared by Rotary Club of Dunwoody, barbecue prepared by our local Boy Scouts, cold beer from Moondog Growlers, pops from Steel City Pops, Little Hilton's Snow Cones, FunnelTown Funnel Cakes, Kids Zone activities, the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile, and patriotic music from 116th United States Army Band and Georgia Sensation Chorus along with giveaways from our sponsors!

The ceremonies begin at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Kid Zone - 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
National Anthem - sung by Jessica Iovanella - 10:30 a.m.
116h National Army Guard Marching Band - 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Victoria Hill, Miss Georgia 2019 - 11:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Georgia Sensation Chorus - 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Parade Winners announced after last entry - approximately at 11:45 a.m.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite @childrensatl from an Orange wristband Dad.

A week ago, my 13 yr. old son Declan came home from a trip and wasn’t feeling well, the next day there was fever and coughing followed by a trip to the pediatrician who put him on Amoxicillin and bed rest. After several days with limited improvement we brought him back to the pediatrician, I guess it was Thursday afternoon, which led us to the Emergency Room at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, two nights in the Pediatric Intensive Care followed by one night in a regular room.

It is now Sunday and my boy is home, completely on the mend, therefore, his Mom and I couldn’t be happier over his fast recovery.

After 19 years of parenthood with three rough and tumble boys, this was my first overnight experience (truly blessed) at Children’s and I couldn’t have been happier with the experience. The emergency room staff and nurses were amazing, handling injured and hurting children while still comforting and explaining every detail to the parents who were just as afraid as the children. The technology used was top notch and was made especially for children, whereby I watched as the special intravenous ultrasound team was called in to assist with placing my son’s IV.

About 11:30 p.m. I hit the late-night cafeteria as I hadn’t eaten dinner with all the excitement and my son’s emergency room nurse came over to me during her down time to ask how I was doing. I said I was fine but honestly, I was more worried about her.  That fact was confirmed when from the next table over I heard her tell her husband that she had been running from one case to another non-stop for four plus hours and that this was the reason why sometimes after a difficult night she has a hard time getting to sleep when she finally gets back home. Her team's service was impeccable as far as I was concerned, she just had a lot on her plate, and she juggled it wonderfully with skill, love, and compassion.

The next several days were a blur with antibiotics, breathing treatments, oxygen and respiratory gizmos to speed his healing. There was peeing in a cup for the boy because he had enough wires on his chest to jump-start a car but the chocolate milkshakes for dessert for lunch and dinner made up for the minor inconveniences. When my son was finally moved into a normal room, we were able to have visitors where there were epic battles of Super Smash Brothers Bawl happening on the bed (Switch Gaming System) while the parents chatted on the couch over current events happening within our daily lives. During one parental conversation, we looked out the window and noticed there was a helipad without a helicopter. Unfortunately, much later that evening I can confirm that I witnessed an emergency helicopter land and it just made me worried for the occupant, the family, as well as the emergency room staff and all others that were about to be involved.

By day three the security guards at the front desk seemed to know me as I was wearing an Orange wristband (it identifies the person as a parent of a sick child) they always smiled and made me feel welcome, even walking around at odd hours. Knowing that my son was on the mend and was going to be going home, made me extremely thankful for our health. When I saw another orange wristband walking towards me, it made me want to comfort them, to nod or smile, to hold that elevator for them a little longer then I usually would for another human being because I know that they might be going through something much larger and more difficult than my short stay, watching my son whom I knew would be just fine. Some of those Orange wristband parents are not so blessed.

Long story short, I’ve spent the last three days in a small room bonding with my son while he received top-notch care.  I told corny Dad jokes in order to make him laugh and cough which would assist in clearing his lungs. The nurses, doctors and respiratory specialists were all great, the facilities were wonderful, and I hope I never have to return.

If I ever do, I’m just very thankful Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with their skillful and caring staff is just down the road.