Sunday, March 29, 2020

Please utilize Dunwoody Urgent Care for non-life threatening situations and to reduce the stress on area Emergency Rooms.

 770-353-2001


Dunwoody Urgent Care on Mt. Veron near Dunwoody Village Parkway is remaining open to treat any and all NON-RESPIRATORY illnesses and injuries. They are unable to test for or treat COVID-19 illness, but they are happy to answer questions and provide guidance over the phone.

Dr. Casey Locarnini and his well-qualified staff are there to care for your non-life threatening situations and all non-respiratory illnesses.  The office accepts most major insurance plans.

Though they are not testing for, evaluating or treating suspected COVID-19 patients, Dunwoody Urgent Care is also pleased to announce new Telemedicine services, allowing most patients to receive complete care from the comfort and safety of their own home! Please call them at (770) 353-2001 for details.

To make things even safer for those visiting in person, they have instituted the following procedures:
  • Maintaining an EMPTY waiting room
  • Checking in all patients in individual treatment rooms
  • Triaging non-COVID-19 respiratory patients by phone, or performing triage outdoors
  • Frequent decontamination of all surfaces
  • Eliminating front office iPad check-in
  • Providing surgical masks, hand sanitizer and single-use pens to ALL patients, and providing masks to family members and friends
ALL patients, regardless of symptoms, MUST call them from their car at 770-353-2001 before entering the clinic, and all patients are provided with masks and hand sanitizer. If you have a sore throat, please call the office from your home before visiting the office to discuss the best options.
Dr. Casey and his staff are proud to continue a 15-year history of caring for our community in the safest way possible!

Please their website, Dunwoodyurgentcare.com, for hours of operation and information on how they are caring for you during this time.

Dunwoody City Council Meeting - Monday 5:30 to ratify City Wide Shelter in Place.

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL
EMERGENCY SPECIAL CALLED MEETING

MARCH 30, 2020
5:30 PM

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/904310931

Phone: 19292056099, 904310931#

Agenda

Fourth Restatement and Amendment of the Emergency Ordinance, Under Section 1.03 of the Charter of the City of Dunwoody, Georgia, Declaring Local Emergency of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 Global Pandemic - Shelter in Place.

Saturday, March 28, 2020

City of Dunwoody orders Shelter in Place for city residents.


This afternoon Mayor Lynn Deutsch initiated an executive order for the City of Dunwoody to Shelter in Place effective 12:01 a.m., Sunday, March 29, 2020.  Dunwoody City Council will next meet Monday at 5:30 pm

Mayor's Order


SECTION 5.               Shelter in Place; Essential Activities.

            5.1       Residents Ordered to Remain at Home or Place of Residence. All individuals currently living within the city limits of the City Dunwoody, Georgia (the “City”) shall remain at their place of residence. To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces, they must at all times as reasonably possible maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person when they are outside their residence; provided, however, the 6 foot restriction shall not apply between members of a household or living unit who are involved in joint activities.  All individuals may leave their residences only for:

Essential Activities
Essential Governmental Functions

Individuals experiencing homelessness are exempt from this Section, but are strongly urged to obtain shelter, and all entities are strongly urged to make such shelter available as soon as possible and to the maximum extent practicable (and to utilize Social Distancing Requirements in their operation).

            5.2       Essential Activities: For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following “Essential Activities.” But people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and people who are sick are urged to stay in their residence to the extent possible except as necessary to seek medical care.  In addition, individuals who have  tested positive for COVID-19, who are suspected to have COVID-19 based on symptoms and a known exposure to a person with COVID-19 or who have been in close contact with a  person with known or suspected COVID-19 are required by the  Georgia Department of Public Health to isolate or quarantine themselves at home.
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 5.2(a)   To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members or partners or significant others (including, but not limited to, pets), such as, by way of example only and without limitation, obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home.

            5.2(b)   To obtain necessary services, supplies or food for themselves and their family or household members, or to deliver those services or supplies to others, such as, by way of example only and without limitation, canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supplies, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other household consumer products, and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.

            5.2(c) To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals take steps to reduce in person contact and maintain a distance of 6 feet between individuals, such as, by way of example and without limitation, walking, hiking, running, or bicycling; provided, however, the 6 foot restriction shall not apply between members of a household or living unit who are involved in joint activities.

            5.2(d) To perform work providing products and services at any business allowed to remain open pursuant to the terms of Section 4 above, or the rules, regulations or laws of any other jurisdiction.

            5.2(e) To care for a family member or pet in another household.

            5.2(f) to engage in commerce with any business allowed to remain open pursuant to the term of Section 4 above, or the rules, regulations or laws of any other jurisdiction, subject to all laws, orders, rules and regulations of the federal, state or local governments and agencies.



            5.3       (a) For purposes of this Order, all first responders, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, court personnel, law enforcement personnel, and Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, and others who need to perform essential services are categorically exempt from this Order. Further, nothing in this Order shall prohibit any individual from performing or accessing “Essential Governmental Functions,” as determined by the governmental entity performing those function.

Q&A: Shelter in Place

  • What does it mean to “shelter in place?”
    The term “shelter in place” means to stay in your home and not leave unless necessary.
  • Should I stock up on food, necessities like toilet paper, and on medicines?No. You will continue to be able to purchase these items. Stores selling necessary items like grocery stores, pharmacies, and hardware stores will remain open. Please continue to buy normal quantities of these items on the same schedule you normally follow.
  • Can I leave home to care for my elderly parents or friends who require assistance to care for themselves? Or a friend or family member who has disabilities?Yes. Be extremely cautious when providing care to vulnerable people and ensure that you protect them and yourself by following social distancing guidelines such as washing hands before and after, using hand sanitizer, maintaining at least 6 feet of distance when possible, and coughing or sneezing into a tissue.
  • Can I leave home to visit friends or family members if there is no urgent need or I am not performing an essential activity?No. For your safety as well as their safety, we need to help each other fight the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home.
  • Can I go to a restaurant, café, coffee or tea shop, ice cream shop, or other foodservice location?Yes, but only to pick up food. You cannot dine, eat, or drink in or around the facility.
  • What if I need to get healthcare from my medical provider?You can still get your health needs addressed. Contact your health care provider to see if they are providing regular services. If you are feeling sick, please first call your doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center before visiting. Do not go to the emergency room of a hospital unless you are having an actual emergency.
  • Can I get my prescriptions or other health care needs? Can I leave home to go to the pharmacy to get my prescription filled?Yes. Drug stores and other medical supply stores are allowed to remain open.
  • Am I allowed to go to a park or on a hike?
    Yes. Be sure that you distance yourself at least six feet from others who are not part of your household.
  • Can I walk my dog/pet?Yes. Be sure that you distance yourself at least six feet from others who are not part of your household.
  • Can I still get my mail and deliveries?Yes. You will still be able to get mail and other deliveries at your home.
  • Can I still order the things I need online and have them delivered to my residence?Yes. Businesses that deliver goods or services directly to residences are “essential businesses” that may continue to operate.
  • Can I go out to do laundry or have my laundry done?Yes. Maintain social distancing.


COVID-19 has arrived in Dunwoody with evidence that Social Distancing is not being taken seriously by some in our community.

Expect that more restrictions will be brought forward by the City of Dunwoody.


I am expecting a City Council Meeting on Monday with possible actions being taken before that date.

Friday, March 27, 2020

GDOT answers City of Dunwoody's questions on top end express lanes.

Mayor Deutsch and I put forward questions to GDOT on the proposed top end express lanes and recieved a joint answer.   Here it is.

Monday, February 24, 2020

Tim, Eric & Commissioner McMurry,

I understand that the top end express lanes are needed prior to mass transit being added and based on the drawings I have three requests / comments. I have posted these to the web but figured I would follow up via email.

Top End Express needs access to & from PIB otherwise Shallowford and Dunwoody streets will be filled with cars coming from or going to PIB - these drivers want to be on PIB please keep them there. Without PIB access next WB exit is North Peachtree forcing drivers through my Dunwoody North side streets with single family homes to get back to PIB. SB PIB drivers will get off at NB Tilly Mill, turn Left onto Stonington and snake way over to Shallowford entrance.

North Peachtree Rd needs a dedicated return lane from Savoy to Cotillion just like Chamblee Dunwoody

Sound walls need to be up before construction to protect single family homes.

Thank you for the consideration,

John Heneghan
Dunwoody City Council



Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Good afternoon!

A couple of new concerns that I wanted to get to you before tonight’s deadline. I know that our dialogue will continue through the design and construction of the lanes but I wanted to raise a couple of issues. My priority is to minimize the impacts of construction and the actual lanes on the residents of my community.

In this light, it would be great if the “loop” that will connect Savoy and Cotillion at Chamblee-Dunwoody Road could either be incorporated into the new Chamblee-Dunwoody Bridge or be built simultaneously. This would minimize the disruption to residents, businesses and commuters in the area.

Also, I am sure you are aware of the 100s of residents in the Madison Condominiums. Please let know if the city can be of any assistance as you continue your studies and planning.

Not so new requests—noise walls up first, additional space on the Chamblee Dunwoody bridge for wide sidewalk/trail and greenery, and space left for a multi-purpose trail that will connect the top end cities.

Thanks for your hard work.

Lynn Deutsch
Mayor, City of Dunwoody
Mayor Lynn Deutsch
Councilman John Heneghan
City of Dunwoody
4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road
Dunwoody, GA 30338

Mayor Deutsch and Councilman Heneghan,

Thank you for reaching out about the I-285 Top End Express Lanes Project. Feedback or inquiries received during the Public Information Open House (PIOH) public comment period (January 21 – February 25, 2020) for the public meeting series will be considered part of Georgia DOT’s official record of the PIOHs. A full comment response letter will be developed by the project team, usually within 60 days of the close of the comment period, responding to comments received during the PIOHs.

We will include your comments in the full comment response letter, but have addressed some of your specific comments below:

 • Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Access
Existing general purpose (GP) interchanges are not generally considered for arterial access ramps to and from express lanes (EL) in order to avoid potential operational impacts of combining GP and EL traffic into a single location. Under the build condition, drivers would use the direct merge on I-285 at North Shallowford Road to move from the GP lanes to the EL system in order to reach destinations west of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, such as the Perimeter area and Cobb County. Essentially, drivers could still use northbound or southbound Peachtree Industrial Boulevard as they do today, merge onto I-285 heading west, and then almost immediately enter the EL system at the direct merge to travel westward without using local streets. The reverse commute would be similar for drivers traveling northbound or southbound on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard wanting to go in the eastbound direction of I-285.

 • New Chamblee Dunwoody Bridge/Savoy-Cotillion “Loop”
The replacement of the Chamblee Dunwoody bridge is part of GDOT PI 0017125, an Advanced Improvement Project (AIP) that includes operational improvements between Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Ashford Dunwoody Road. The conversion of Savoy Drive and Cotillion Drive to a one-way pair is proposed under the I-285 Top End Express Lanes project (PI 0001758) and is not part of PI 0017125. Traffic studies are ongoing to help determine future conditions in this area resulting from implementation of each project, and this comment will be considered as design progresses.

• Madison Square at Dunwoody Community
 Nearly 70 residents attended an HOA meeting on February 18, 2020 and shared their input with project team representatives. Councilman Jim Riticher also attended, and we have received comments from residents as well that will be incorporated into the comment response as part of Georgia DOT’s official record of the PIOHs. We plan to engage this community in the coming months as the design progresses and will notify you when a meeting is scheduled. We appreciate the offer to assist with this outreach.

 • Noise/Sound Walls
While Georgia DOT does not typically dictate construction sequencing and phasing in Design-Build contracts, the Department encourages progressing construction in such a way that priority is placed on installing noise barriers as early as practical. There may be some design and/or constructability conflicts in areas along the project corridor which prevent Georgia DOT or the Developer from physically constructing a noise barrier early in the construction phase. The decision to provide permanent sound walls is determined once the final noise study is complete and public input on the proposed noise wall is received. Please note that any existing noise barriers may have to be temporarily removed to facilitate construction.

We appreciate your feedback and interest in the project. Please let us know of any additional questions.

Sincerely,

Tim Matthews, P.E.
Program Manager
Major Mobility Investment Program

Proposal Idea - not final

http://www.jkheneghan.com/city/meetings/2020/Jan/AshfordDunwoody%20I-285_Topend_Concept_Layout.pdf
Link - 400 to Ashford Dunwoody

http://www.jkheneghan.com/city/meetings/2020/Jan/ChambleeDunwoody%20NPeachtree%20Dunwoody%20I-285_Topend_Concept_Layout.pdf
Link - Chamblee Dunwoody to North Peachtree

http://www.jkheneghan.com/city/meetings/2020/Jan/Peachtree%20Industrial%20Flowers%20Dunwoody%20I-285_Topend_Concept_Layout.pdf
Link - PIB to Flowers

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Dunwoody City Council Meeting, today Thursday March 26 at 11 am & other COVID 19 tidbits of information.

AGENDA

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL
EMERGENCY SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
MARCH 26, 2020
11:00 AM

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +13126266799,,592660638#  or +16465588656,,592660638#

Yesterday's meeting was canceled and rescheduled for today at 11 am as a virtual meeting with council members live streaming from their desks.  Please join us.

Looking at the agenda that was just posted, I see one main addition and that is that ...

All public or private assemblages, events and gatherings in excess of ten (10) persons shall be prohibited within the City limits of the City of Dunwoody. This includes, but is not limited to, weddings, religious gatherings, parties, funerals, sporting events, social events, conferences and other gatherings.

Yesterday Mayor Lynn Deutsch posted a public letter to the community about what we have done in response to the COVID-19 crisis and our recommendations to stay safe and sane, I recomend that you read it here.

In the letter Lynn stated, "One element we added to the emergency ordinance on Monday applies to all businesses in Dunwoody. It reads, “All employers and businesses which remain open for use by the public must take the necessary steps to reduce in person contact and maintain a distance of 6 feet between individuals while in the establishment and on their property.” This is serious. Please take it to heart.   Know that your health, well-being and safety are our top priorities. We will continue to communicate with our partners at the county, state and federal levels as we navigate this crisis."

In other COVID-19 news that you can use below are a few tidbits of information.

News media outlets are holding a COVID Town Hall tonight at 8:00 PM that will include updates from the Governor and Corona Virus Task Force members. 


Governor’s Press Releases - https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases

COVID-19 Hotline: 1-844- 442-2681

This SBA Disaster Loan Program outlines who is eligible, for how much they are eligible, and the process and requirements to receive the loan.

Georgia Department of Labor
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) is beginning to see an increase in the number of partial claims filed as a result of businesses reducing work hours or temporarily closing their doors as a result of recent developments of COVID-19.  As of an emergency ruling this week by the Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler, employers are mandated to electronically file partial claims on behalf of their employees whenever it is necessary to temporarily lay workers off.  All Georgia employers will share in the cost of unemployment benefits paid to employees temporarily displaced due to COVID-19 easing the stress on business owners during this health crisis. These emergency rulings will help to simplify the process and get workers paid. All career centers are closed to the public, but employees are still working to process claims. Additional information can be found on the following link


Department of Driver Services
DDS has issued a 120-day extension for drivers 60 years old and older in driver license renewals. The following link has details of the extension and other related information. https://dds.georgia.gov/coronavirus-covid-19

Apply for a grant from Georgia Power

Georgia Power is dedicated to giving back to the communities they serve.  Preference is given to Georgia-based organizations with goals to improve the quality of life of Georgia residents.  Non-profits are encouraged to apply.  Visit this link to find out if you qualify.

State tax deadline extended
On March 23, Gov. Kemp announced he would be extending the tax deadline in Georgia to July 15, in accordance with the new federal tax filing deadline announced by President Trump last week.
Specifics on the plan, however, have not been released, though Kemp said that guidance on the move will be released in the days ahead. The deadlines to FILE and PAY federal income taxes are extended to July 15, 2020. Learn more here.

Finally, we as a community need to Reduce the stress on all area Emergency Rooms therefore if you are sick or injured for non-life threatening illnesses; I recommend that you think about visiting of our our local urgent care facilities. 

 770-353-2001

Dunwoody Urgent Care on Mt. Veron near Dunwoody Village Parkway is remaining open to treat any and all NON-RESPIRATORY illnesses and injuries. They are unable to test for or treat COVID-19 illness, but they are happy to answer questions and provide guidance over the phone. ALL patients, regardless of symptoms, MUST call them from their car at 770-353-2001 prior to entering the clinic, and all patients are provided with masks and hand sanitizer.