Thursday, April 30, 2020

Giving Grace - something we can all do to assist others in need. Kudos to Dunwoody Resident, Christy Carr Betz

https://www.facebook.com/groups/753366974750959/
Please join Giving Grace as an opportunity to directly serve others in their time of need.

This morning a photo of my friend and neighbor Christy Betz jumped into my electronic news feed with an AJC article highlighting the charity she runs assisting those in need. 

After a year of volunteering in Atlanta's Church on the Street, getting to know some of the homeless folks better, Betz realized that some of them were homeless because they could not afford to save for a deposit and first month’s rent while paying for hotels; and that the needs went beyond that. Many of the families she encounters just needed — indeed deserved — a little bit of grace to improve their situations.

On Facebook, she created a private group of mostly affluent residents who lived north of the city of Atlanta called Giving Grace.

With their help, she intended to quickly raise on a case-by-case basis enough funds to help meet the needs of metro Atlantans who were either homeless or on the verge of becoming homeless.


Christy's little Facebook fundraising page has 5,649 followers and as Christy is a Dunwoody mom, many of her helpers come from the Dunwoody and surrounding areas.


AJC Article
AJC

Everyone needs a little Grace, the bestowal of blessings, from time to time and when I am able to personally able assist; I too am blessed.  

Please check out and assist the great work of Giving Grace.

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Dunwoody City Council Meeting, Monday April 27, 2020 - 6:00 pm

 DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 27, 2020 6:00 PM

Please click this url to join the meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/92833683480

or join by phone dial:
+1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 253 215 8782 or 
+1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 928 3368 3480

Agenda & City Agenda Notice

PUBLIC COMMENT
To take part in public comment, please send an email to publiccomment@dunwoodyga.gov. Include your name, your email address and phone number. You will will be placed on a first-come, first-served list for public comment. The first public comment section has a 30-minute time limit. Each speaker is allowed up to three minutes. If time runs out, pre-registered speakers will be called on during the second public comment section toward the end of the meeting. If you don't pre-register, you can use the "raise hand" feature on zoom during the meeting to be added to the public comment list.

Peeler Road Sidewalk Project Update (Michael Smith)

2020 Budget Update (Jay Vinicki)

Update Regarding State Emergency Regulations (Cecil McLendon, City Attorney)

Brook Run Park Improvements Update (Eric Johnson)

Contract Award for the City of Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Signage (Brent Walker)

Contract Award for the Demolition of Facilities at 50 Perimeter Center East and 4565 Delrose Court (Brent Walker)

Contract Award for Park Design at Perimeter Center East (Brent Walker)

Approval of Travelers Insurance Invoice (Linda Nabers)

Consideration of Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement for 4553 and 4555 North Shallowford Road (Cecil McLendon, City Attorney)
PUBLIC COMMENT To take part in public comment, please send an email to publiccomment@dunwoodyga.gov. Include your name, your email address and phone number. You will will be placed on a first-come, first-served list for public comment. The first public comment section has a 30-minute time limit. Each speaker is allowed up to three minutes. If time runs out, pre-registered speakers will be called on during the second public comment section toward the end of the meeting. If you don't pre-register, you can use the "raise hand" feature on zoom during the meeting to be added to the public comment list.

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Dunwoody City Council Budget Committee proposes to reduce the City 2020 budget by 3 million dollars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ9J19zuJZE

The Dunwoody City Council Budget Committee (comprising of Heneghan, Riticher & Tallmadge) reviewed staff proposals for reducing the Dunwoody 2020 Budget.  The committee reviewed three main funds (SPLOST, Hotel/Motel & General Fund), and the committee recommended a reduction of the budget by about 3 Million dollars. The main reductions come from delaying the intersection improvement at Chamblee Dunwoody & Spalding, reducing the scope of the Winters Chapel Multiuse Path, and a small reduction to the proposed road repaving.  On the Hotel/Motel fund, we removed the construction of Perimeter Center East Park (shown on the slide as undesignated) but provided funds needed to prepare that land for park construction in 2021.  We also agreed to move the funding of the PCMS / Brook Run football field lighting from the general fund into the hotel/motel fund.  The movement of those funds allowed the committee to move forward with basic improvements to the new Waterford park property.  The General Operating Fund will be reduced by at least $849K, and the full Council will vote on all these proposed changes at an upcoming City Council meeting.

There were also discussions on the level of minimum fund balance or reserves to always have on hand and there was no movement by the committee to lower or change the conservative stance the city has taken over the last eleven years.  Staff was explaining the possible need for a Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) if drastic cash flow issues were experienced by the DeKalb County Tax Collector on the property taxes that are usually paid to the city in August.  The committee understood the issue but reiterated the need to manage cash flow around that anticipated low period of the year to alleviate risk.  I take for granted that this item will be raised again during the full council vote along with better staff feedback, and depending on that feedback, there is a chance that there will be other cuts to the Dunwoody budget.

Please watch the video and follow along on the slides.    Thanks.

http://jkheneghan.com/city/meetings/2020/Apr/COVID-19_Budget_Update_20200421.pdf

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Order on-line today for Dunwoody Farmers Market pickup on Saturday at Dunwoody United Methodist Church

https://www.dunwoodyfarmersmkt.com/covid19

3rd Annual Dunwoody Farmers Market!

Our vibrant farmers market will contribute to the success of local farmers and businesses while serving as a gathering place for the Dunwoody community. With more than 20 vendors signed up for the 2020 season, this is North Atlanta's preeminent market.

PREORDER FROM THESE VENDORS FOR PICKUP ON APRIL 25TH

April 25th - The Dunwoody Farmers Market will be open to pre-orders and pick-ups only. Place your orders directly with the below participating vendors. Pick-up your orders from our market manager on Saturday between 10am and 12pm at the new temporary market location:

Dunwoody United Methodist Church
1548 Mount Vernon Rd, Atlanta, GA 30338
Participating Vendors:
Beech Creek Orchard - order apples & apple cider by Friday at 12pm - https://squareup.com/store/beechcreekorchards
Deb-Bees Honey- check out the website www.deb-Bees.comto see all the local honey and honey products. Then text Deb at 770-241-2853 with your order. 
Ecosystem Collective - Order fresh, local produce by Friday at 12pm - bit.ly/field2yourfork
Great Harvest - Purchase breads & goodies online by 2pm Thursday. At checkout, choose a pick up location of Dunwoody Farmers Market. Ordering link is:  https://www.getfreshbread.com/shop
Grow With The Flow - Local, certified naturally grown produce, including lettuces, spinach, greens, squash, onions, beans, peas, and more...Place your orders by Tuesday at 9pm-  https://www.growwiththeflowllc.com/shop
Nonna’s Family Kitchen- taste some of the freshest most authentic sauces and entrees from Nonna Anna. Bringing the taste of Italy from their table to yours www.nonnasfamilykitchen.com/store
Jason’s Deli - All orders placed online at www.jasonsdeli.com and select pickup as the option. Select Atlanta Perimeter location 4705 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. In pick up notes specify the order will be for Dunwoody Farmers Market. All orders placed online must be paid with credit card when placing order. You may also call 770-671-1555 and place the order using same information. Please specify that the order is for Dunwoody Farmers Market drop off. Deadline for orders is Friday at 12 noon. 
JavaGenesis Coffee Roasting - Place your order online by Friday at noon at https://javagenesiscoffeeroasting.com/ choose ‘pick up your order’ and leave a note in the comments that you will pick up at the Dunwoody market. Call or text 678-773-0932 with any questions. 
Lola’s Sugar Pie Bakery - Order from the website www.lolassugarpiebakery.com by Wednesday. Select the shop tab at the top of the web page to locate the items you would like to order. If you cannot find what you are looking for or have questions, call Lola at: 678-743-1456.
Lalos Sauce- Local sauce producer, using fresh and all natural ingredientsOrder cutoff is Saturday at 6am-  lalossauce.com 
Marlee Street Eatz - Order Chicken Salad (Traditional or Curry), Samosas (Spinach & Feta, Potato, Curry), Jamaican Patties frozen only (Beef, Chicken, Veggie), Potpies ( Chicken, Chicken & Sausage Gumbo), Coconut Rum Cake from Facebook ww.facebook.com/Marleestreeteatz or text Marlene at 954-895-7763
Pastry Shells - Order fresh cookies by Wednesday at Midnight
Pet Wants Sandy Springs- Orders can be placed on the website, email, text or call.  
Cut off for ordering will be the Friday prior to market @ 4pm.  
Tru Blue Pound Cake - Order by Tuesday by going to the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TruBluePoundCakes/ (where the flavor and price list is pinned to the top of the page) and send an email using the  'send email' button OR email directly at trubluepoundcakes@gmail.comYou must specify you are a Dunwoody Farmers Market customer.
Watsonia Organic Farms- Order organic asparagus & strawberries by Friday at 12pm, https://squareup.com/store/watsoniafarms

City of Dunwoody Budget Committee - Tuesday April 21st at 9 am

https://zoom.us/j/91530402606

Agenda - 2020 Budget Review (Jay Vinicki, Linda Nabers) - no documents to review

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +13126266799, 91530402606#  or +19292056099, 91530402606#

Monday, April 20, 2020

Gov Brian Kemp of Georgia signs executive order allowing gyms, hair & nail salons, as well as other businesses to open as early as Friday.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=227207972035099

Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order on Friday ininiating the first steps in reopening Georgia, allowing certain businesses like gyms, hair salons and massage therapy to resume operations on Friday April 24 by following certain restrictions.  The executive order preempts or ties the hands of local municipalities who might want to put into place or enforce different restrictions.   In a verbal statement, Governor Kemp also said that movie theaters and restaurants, which were previously banned from in-person dining, would be allowed to reopen on Monday, April 27 with certain restrictions to be announced later this week. Bars, nightclubs, and amusement parks would remain closed until further notice, the governor said.

The governor also urged religious institutions to continue to help with social distancing. He asked faith leaders to heed the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and continue drive-in and online services to help with those guidelines.

Kemp said with the reopenings he expected cases of the virus to increase but believed that the state would be able to stay on top of it with increased hospital capacity.

 Executive Order by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp

Ordered that all gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios permitted pursuant to Code Section 31-40-2, businesses registered pursuant to Code Sections 43-10-11 and 43-10-18, estheticians as defined by Code Section 43-10-1(8), hair designers as defined by Code Section 43-10-1(9), and persons licensed to practice massage therapy pursuant to Code Section 43-24A-8, may begin in-person Minimum Basic Operations on Friday, April 24, 2020. All such businesses shall implement measures that mitigate the exposure and spread of COVID-19. Such measures shall include:

1. Screening and evaluating workers who exhibit signs of illness,
such as a fever over 100-4 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, or
shortness of breath;
2. Requiring workers who exhibit signs of illness to not report to
work or to seek medical attention;
3. Enhancing sanitation of the workplace as appropriate;
4. Requiring hand washing or sanitation by workers at
appropriate places within the business location;
5. Providing personal protective equipment as available and
appropriate to the function and location of the worker within
the business location;
6. Prohibiting gatherings of workers during working hours;
7. Permitting workers to take breaks and meals outside, in their
office or personal workspace, or in such other areas where
proper social distancing is attainable;
8. Implementing teleworking for all possible workers;
9. Implementing staggered shifts for all possible workers;
10. Holding all meetings and conferences virtually, wherever
possible;
11. Delivering intangible services remotely wherever possible;
12. Discouraging workers from using other workers' phones,
desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment;
13. Prohibiting handshaking and other unnecessary person-to-person
contact in the workplace;
14. Placing notices that encourage hand hygiene at the entrance
to the workplace and in other workplace areas where they are
likely to be seen;
15. Suspending the use of Personal Identification Number
("PIN") pads, PIN entry devices, electronic signature capture,
and any other credit card receipt signature requirements to
the extent such suspension is permitted by agreements with
credit card companies and credit agencies;
16. Enforcing social distancing of non-cohabitating persons while
present on such entity's leased or owned property;
17. For retailers and service providers, providing for alternative
points of sale outside of buildings, including curbside pickup
or delivery of products and/ or services if an alternative point
of sale is permitted under Georgia law;
18. Increasing physical space between workers and customers;
19. Providing disinfectant and sanitation products for workers to
clean their workspace, equipment, and tools;
20.Increasing physical space between workers' worksites to at
least six (6) feet.

Ordered that pursuant to Executive Order 04.02.20.01 and Code Section 38-3-51, enforcement of any county or municipal ordinance or order that is more or less restrictive than this Order is hereby suspended.

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday April 13, 2020 - 6 p.m. via the web.


DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 13, 2020 6:00 PM

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/945836143

iPhone one-tap :
US: +19292056099,,945836143#
Agenda

Invocation - “At this Council Meeting, help us to make decisions which keep us faithful to our mission and reflect our values. Give us strength to hold to our purpose; wisdom to guide us; and a keen perception to lead us. And above all, keep us charitable as we deliberate.”

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (Marina von Behren)

PUBLIC COMMENT
To take part in public comment, please send an email to publiccomment@dunwoodyga.gov. Include your name, your email address and phone number. You will will be placed on a first-come, first-served list for public comment. The first public comment section has a 30-minute time limit. Each speaker is allowed up to three minutes. If time runs out, pre-registered speakers will be called on during the second public comment section toward the end of the meeting. If you don't pre-register, you can use the "raise hand" feature on zoom during the meeting to be added to the public comment list.

CONSENT AGENDA - Approval of minutes of prior emergency meetings.

Resolution to Surplus Items at Perimeter Center East Park Storage Building  (Stained Glass)

Resolution to Surplus Items From the IT Department

Resolution to Amend the 2019 Budget

Resolution to Waive Penalties and Interest for 2020 Occupational Tax Payments Received After April 15, 2020 

Intergovernmental Agreement for the Distribution of EHOST Proceeds

Ratification of IT Purchase

Status Report on North Shallowford Road Property Sale

PUBLIC COMMENT
To take part in public comment, please send an email to publiccomment@dunwoodyga.gov. Include your name, your email address and phone number. You will will be placed on a first-come, first-served list for public comment. The first public comment section has a 30-minute time limit. Each speaker is allowed up to three minutes. If time runs out, pre-registered speakers will be called on during the second public comment section toward the end of the meeting. If you don't pre-register, you can use the "raise hand" feature on zoom during the meeting to be added to the public comment list.

Monday, April 6, 2020

Malachi's Storehouse Food Pantry at Dunwoody's St. Patrick's Episcopal Church is in need of donations.


 Donations needed - food collection Tuesday 4 - 6 PM
MALACHI'S STOREHOUSE
4755 North Peachtree Rd,
Dunwoody, Georgia 30338

When you live a block or two away from Brook Run Park, you pass by St. Patrick's Episcopal Church regularly, and on Wednesday's you know that there is something special going on over there.  Malachi's Storehouse is the local food pantry that operates out of St. Patrick's, where they distribute food, dignity, and large heepings of love to anyone who comes through the door.

COVID-19 has caught most of us completely off guard. With the drastic change in the economy, there are so many people out of work, and with the children being home from school where many of the kids are regularly fed, the need for food donations has drastically risen.

Two weeks ago 150 families received assistance, last week, the number shot up to 250 families, and on Wednesday, the guess is that the need will even be higher.  Some Dunwoody families are going through rough times therefore they need a little assistance, and if you can, please do.

Your financial donation will go further than food donations, as they are able to purchase food from the Atlanta Community Food Bank for a much cheaper rate than you can purchase food at a grocery store or on-line. If you would like to make a financial contribution, you can donate via http://malachisstorehouse.org/donate/

If you have gone shopping lately and you would like to make food donation, there will be a team of people collecting food on Tuesday Afternoon from 4 - 6 pm.  You don't even need to get out of the car, just drive around to the South Side of the building a team of people will meet you there to assist.

Donation suggestions:
canned fruits / vegetables / beans
canned tuna/chicken
peanut butter/jelly
pasta
cereal / oatmeal / grits

We as a community are all in this together. Anything helps. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Dunwoody Newsletter for April 2, 2020

masthead for midweek Dnews edition


City News & Events
details of shelter in place order
Dunwoody issues
shelter-in-place order

Residents in the City of Dunwoody are under a shelter-in-place order to help protect against COVID-19. It includes exceptions for essential activities listed below. The order will be in effect through April 15, or until it is rescinded or amended by the Dunwoody City Council.

The order requires people to “remain at their place of residence” but allows for outdoor activity, like walking, running and bicycling, as long as they “maintain social distancing of at least six feet” from those outside of their family or household.

Individuals may also leave their residence for the following essential activities:
  • To go to work at any business allowed to remain open.
  • To engage in activities 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). This includes obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home.
  • To obtain necessary services, supplies or food for themselves and their family or household members, or to deliver those services or supplies to others. This includes groceries, pet supplies, household products and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.
  • To care for a family member or pet in another household.

dog park closed sign on gate
To help prevent the gathering of groups of 10 people or more, Brook Run Dog Park is temporarily closed. This is another step by the City of Dunwoody to help protect against COVID-19. Please note that the Brook Run trail remains open, but please keep a safe distance from others using the trail.
close up of a notary stamp
At this time, the city is waiving the requirement for a notary on renewal applications for occupational tax and business licenses. Business owners will need to follow up with a notarized application after the emergency has lapsed.

The Dunwoody Police Department wants to share this alert from the FCC:
Scammers are constantly adapting and the recent COVID-19 national emergency is no exception.The FCC has learned of a number of ways fraudsters are seeking to take advantage of consumers.

From fake testing kits and unproven cures to government imposter scams and work-from-home schemes, robocall scams are being updated to reflect the current crisis. These scams prey on our most vulnerable community members and result in financial loss or worse, the use of potentially dangerous “treatments”.

The FCC has developed a COVID-19 scams page that includes tips to assist consumers with protecting themselves and their loved ones. The guide includes scam audio and a sample text hoax that was circulating.
We've developed a list of frequently-asked questions to help you navigate the City of Dunwoody's response to COVID-19. Click here to look through the list.
Dunwoody City Hall (4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road) is closed to the public until April 13, but police and city operations continue. Dunwoody Municipal Court will be closed until April 20. Click here to learn more.
logo for the economic development department

The  Paycheck Protection Program  prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.
Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.
Under this program:
  • Eligible recipients may qualify for a loan up to $10 million determined by 8 weeks of prior average payroll plus an additional 25% of that amount.
  • Loan payments will be deferred for six months.
  • If you maintain your workforce, SBA will forgive the portion of the loan proceeds that are used to cover the first 8 weeks of payroll and certain other expenses following loan origination.

Find more information about tax deadlines, Georgia Power grants, and restaurant lists on the City of Dunwoody's Economic Development web page.
food in togo boxes
Looking to support Dunwoody businesses during these trying times? The shelter-in-place order does allow for delivery and takeout. Discover Dunwoody is keeping a list of restaurants, retailers and attractions that have modified their operations.
ways to shop safelty to avoid covid19
coronavirus 2019 with cell images
4 ways to stay connected to COVID-19 news, updates and alerts in Dunwoody

  1. Make sure you’re registered for Dunwoody’s emergency alert system, called NIXLE, using this link.
  2. Subscribe to the City’s e-newsletter database, (D-news): .
  3. Bookmark Dunwoody's COVID-19 page and/or check back regularly.
  4. Download the City of Dunwoody app and *turn on* notifications.
Parks & Art
Community
ad for putting bears in your windows for kids
The Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber presents #BearHuntDunwoody !

Throughout the week, residents and businesses are encouraged to put a teddy bear in your window, on your porch, in a tree, or anywhere for kids to see. Go to the Chamber's Facebook page , and post your street or business after you select "going." Then look for the bears while on a social distancing stroll!
Helping the Hurting

If you need help getting through this uncertain time - or if you're able to support those who do - here are two important resources in our community that are working to address food insecurity. Click below to learn more.
Additional COVID-19 Resources
blue telephone
The State of Georgia has a new COVID-19 hotline. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor, an urgent care clinic, or your local federally qualified healthcare center. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility. Hotline:  (844) 442-2681
words say smile don't shake stay healthy
For information on the coronavirus and best practices to limit the spread of germs, please refer to the following sites:  


Here's a link to the Georgia Department of Health’s COVID-19 case count map, which is updated each day at noon: