Community paper shredding event benefiting Malachi’s Storehouse in Dunwoody on Sat October 1st, thanks to Realtor Greg Schlam for hosting.

Greg Schlam, a local Keller Williams agent and Dunwoody resident, is partnering with St. Patrick’s and Malachi’s Storehouse to hold a community paper shredding event between 9am and Noon on Saturday, October 1. The event will be held in our parking lot directly across the street for the main entrance to Brook Run Park.

Saturday October 1st
9 a.m. to Noon
St. Patrick's Episcopal Church
4755 N. Peachtree Rd.
Dunwoody, GA 30338

Community members who wish to shred documents are encouraged to bring a canned protein item (tuna, chicken, peanut butter, ham, etc.) or a monetary gift to be donated to Malachi’s Storehouse.

Side note from John: First, a special thank you to Greg for hosting this event and his generosity towards Malachi's Storehouse. 

Second, many of you may not recognize Greg's name, but I do believe many of you have seen his work or even talked to him in the past.  Greg has a hobby of creating art pieces out of old license plates and is a regular at the Dunwoody Art Festival, so if you are interested in discussing real estate or his creative art, please reach out to him at either of his websites or just pick up the phone and call, 404-272-7608.

https://www.scrapmetalnsuch.com

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday September 19th - very light agenda

 

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 19, 2022 - 6:00 PM
DUNWOODY CITY HALL - DUNWOODY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Agenda 6 pm  - City Site Agenda 

City Council meetings are live-streamed on the City of Dunwoody’s Facebook page. 

They are also available for viewing (no two way communication) on Zoom,
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81524025938  or  phone 14702509358,,81524025938#

You can access the video after the meeting on the City of Dunwoody’s YouTube page.

Invocation

Public comments - in person 3 min each / 30 min max with additional at end of meeting if needed. 

Resolution Appointing a Member of the Citizen Advisory Capital Improvements Committee - Bob Fiscella

Resolution of Approval of EPD Recycling, Waste Reduction, and Diversion Grant Application 

Discussion - Resolution to Declare Obsolete Equipment in the IT Department as Surplus

Discussion - MARTA Parking Deck Mural Project

Discussion - Mission and Vision Statements

Megan Fitzgerald, a Senior at Dunwoody High School earns the Girl Scout Gold Award with her project entitled “Planting Seeds for Life”.

Megan Fitzgerald is a senior at Dunwoody High School and has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten.  She just completed her Girl Scout Gold Award entitled “Planting Seeds for Life”.

During the quarantine, Megan passed time growing plants to liven up her room. To share her love of gardening with other students, she founded a new club at DHS: the Horticulture Club. The club met for educational presentations (thanks to Dunwoody North neighbors Chuck White and neighborhood Certified Georgia Naturalist Sarah Sanke) and worked on projects to beautify the Dunwoody area.

Working with the Donaldson Banister Farm, Megan created a landscape plan for the area around the flagpole, then raised money to purchase plants, and installed them with the help of Horticulture Club members. The club also partnered with the DHS HART Club to decorate and install birdhouses throughout the trail behind the DHS baseball fields, and to install additional plantings in the DHS courtyard.

As these projects grow, and the Horticulture Club continues in the upcoming years, Megan hopes that the seeds she planted will take root to keep Dunwoody growing and to inspire other students to continue learning!

Dunwoody Citizens Advisory Capital Improvements Committee meets tonight at 6 pm - public comment is available.

At our last meeting the City Council created a Citizens Advisory Capital Improvements Committee which shall be a temporary committee, charged with responsibility of reviewing Dunwoody’s capital improvements needs and providing input and recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding capital needs and projects. 

Meetings are scheduled to take place weekly on Wednesday evenings at City Hall from 6 to 7:30 starting September 14 & concluding Wed, December 7th.  

The proposed members as nominated by Council to the Mayor to discuss capital desires of community are as follows: Remi Bullard, Abby Lesorgen, Steve Ellet, Joe Martinez, Su Ellis, Mereca Smith, Brian Gee, and Sarah Smith, as Max Leighman (declined).

The focus of these committee meetings is determining the City's Future Capital Needs (not the funding of the final determined list - that comes later by Council) we welcome community participation in making public comments as to what investments you the community want to see as far as Capital Improvement Needs are desired.  

Are there specific intersections that need to be redesigned? Do we need pocket parks deep in neighborhoods?  Should we be focusing more money towards intersection and crosswalk safety?  Do we want more sidewalks or maybe Paths though our community? Is Green or Public Spaces missing in our community and if so where? Is public art worth a public investment?  Should we four lane Mount Vernon into a true highway or maybe we need to invest in a Dunwoody Space Port to reduce congestion?  Do we need a natatorium, a gymnasium and a velodrome all in one specific park, or maybe you just want to say we need none of these things.  We welcome those comments too!

I am excited to have this committee meet to have these important discussions as I believe there is a diverse mix of young faces along with a few more established members of our community.  As a person who gets to weigh in and set priorities after hearing the outcomes of these meetings, I personally don't want to overly influence the discussions of the members of this committee in any way as my list above was intended as being thought provoking and not my personal desires.  But that being said, you may want to lend your voice as to what you believe the capital priorities of this city should be.

As an example, I have a true story.   Many years ago, an organized group of skateboarders from all around Atlanta once attended a public meeting held by DeKalb County at Brook Run Park and at this meeting everyone received three post-it notes to use as votes of what amenity they wanted constructed at the new Brook Run Park.  Most attendees spread their three votes around, but the hundred skaters all voted for only a skate park therefore with 300 votes a skate park was installed along with a playground that I believe came in second place.  I guess what I am saying is sometimes you are governed by those who vote, those who speak up or make their desires heard.

As your City Councilman, I am always listening be it one on one conversations, reading social media comments, seeing email campaigns, reading newspaper articles, etc but I will also be interested in the final results of this committees work in order to assist me in setting capital improvements as desired by the community.

Based on the published agenda, there is no live stream of the meeting nor remote public comment available, but the meetings are open and public comment is available both before and after the main discussion.  You will need to show up in person to participate.

Early Voting for the November 8th election starts October 17th thru November 4th at the Dunwoody Library

The Dunwoody Library will be available for early voting beginning Oct. 17. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. 

 

Dunwoody 2023 Budget Committee Meeting, Wednesday September 7, 2022 - Noon in the City Manager Conference Room

2023 Proposed Budget

This Budget Committee Meeting is scheduled to discuss the Mayor's Budget for two days but it will likely only take the afternoon of the 7th.  This meeting is open to the public and the three committee members (Tom Lambert, Joe Seconder & Stacey Harris)  will go line by line of the Mayor's plan asking questions and possibly tweaking here and there.  Even with the 2022 raise to the maximum millage (tax) rate which went mostly for police raises and increased health care costs; the city will be operating with thin margins because of continued rising expenses.

The Mayor's budget message expresses this same concern in her closing statement as follows ...

During incorporation, models were designed with a service level that is not the service level expected by the current citizens. The revenue side of the equation has only recently changed in an effort to match these expectations. However, more revenue will be needed to continue to continue matching in the future. On top of that, the idea of devaluation of the commercial tax digest on which the City was based is not that much of a stretch to think about.

When those factors are combined, the City has some critical thinking ahead.

The City of Dunwoody's financial (revenue) structure is very different then other neighboring municipalities because in our Charter we have frozen residential assessed values and a one mil reduction given to all homesteaded properties as part of our city charter; our tax base doesn't rise like our neighbors who do not have that assessment freeze. Our maximum ad valorem tax rate on real property is now in place and any general increase in those taxes would need to go in front of the citizens as a referendum.

Sec. 5.08. - Homestead exemption; freeze.

Sec. 5.12. - Homestead exemption; one mill equivalent.

Sec. 28-20. - Maximum rate.

Short term, we are ok as we have built up some reserves but long term tough decisions will need to be made.  We can no longer easily raise the general tax rate to meet expenses, therefore we need to either start scaling back capital expenditures, reduce operating expenses, or find ways to increase revenues to match the amenities desired by the community. 

Does that mean attempting to change the charter, eliminating the assessment freeze, the one mil rollback and/or removing the maximum tax cap?  I believe these are decisions for the state legislature (with possible referendum of the city citizens) as I do not believe that the City Council can take unilateral actions to change the charter. 

As an aside, the One Mill rollback is the one item that may make sense to remove because it was placed in the charter to equal / take place of another tax break that is no longer in use or was already given back to the citizens, thereby the intention of the legislature who decided this tax reduction has already been fulfilled therefore this one mill rollback is really a double dip of what was corrected by other means.  (If I am wrong, I am sure I will be corrected by those who were involved during incorporation.)  

I am sure Council will be discussing our Legislative agenda for the State Legislature soon and I wouldn't be surprised if our charter was discussed.  As an fyi, the Charter Commission discussed some of these items and their final recommendations were approved by Council in March of 2021 and pushed forward to the DeKalb Delegation for consideration.  I don't believe any actions were taken as they were working COVID priorities?

Looking back at our proposed budget, I see paving funds are on track or similar to previous years.  The last couple of years (this one included) a small portion of the planned street paving funds were moved over to pedestrian projects, many of which are listed on page 46 of the budget. 

I see a good chunk of money going to Path development that I am not sure we are handling correctly or is the wisest use of funds therefore I will continue questioning what we are doing trying to obtain win / win situations for all involved including the resident that might be forced to have a 12 foot sidewalk in front of their home. Wide sidewalks without shade and beauty, is not what I believe this community wants and I will continue raising the question.  The paths on Ashford Dunwoody will connect all the way to Mount Vernon and the Old Spring House path may be looking along the highway or completing though the business zone (I will need to explore that one more as to residential impacts).

The $500K for Vermack is for ADA work & a 12 foot Path (sidewalk) in front of Dunwoody High School whereby some parking will be removed and unsure of other tree loss as this area is tight for 12 feet of concrete.  I voiced concerns and am looking forward to final design prior to final approval.

I see $600K for matching funds to look at possible changes to the Dunwoody Village Shopping Center owned and operated by Regency.  These funds are an enticement to bring Regency to the table to invest in the center, to imagine changes, new streets, new buildings, new public spaces and hopefully this investment in an updated street grid will effect change.

Finally let's see what is not listed in the budget and namely it is the construction of our two newest parks on Vermack & Roberts, sidewalk completions, new restrooms at Brook Run, and everything else that the capital committee was looking at previously.  

One item missing from the budget has been discussed for years and that is installing turf on the Peachtree Middle School football field - Dunwoody has a 20 lease on the football field at PCMS and the field is in really bad shape to where we can not maintain it to our standards, therefore since we have already invested in the lease, the lights, a storage facility that it would make financial sense to turf that field so that the usable playable hours greatly increases and the field could be used for Lacrosse and Football as those spaces are also in high demand.  This idea is not applicable for a bond because first an IGA modification would be needed with DeKalb Schools and there is an argument that we don't own the land therefore it should not be completed with bond funds.  But to me, putting a twenty year turf on land with a twenty year lease sounds acceptable to me as a win / win situation for all involved.  This project can be done with city funds outside a bond and if I was on the budget committee I would argue to fund a portion of the expense in 2023, complete it in 2024 and the rental charges would defray the ongoing expenses.  The IGA could be updated this year, and once the updated field was built it could assist numerous children and area sports teams for both Lacrosse, Football and Soccer for many years, because right now the City of Dunwoody has the responsibility to maintain the turf and it is very hard to do with constant use.

On Monday the Council is creating a Citizens Advisory Capital Improvements Committee which  shall be a temporary committee, charged with responsibility of reviewing Dunwoody’s capital improvements needs and providing input and recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding capital needs and projects. Meetings are scheduled to take place weekly on Wednesday evenings at City Hall from 6 to 7:30 starting September 14 & concluding Wed, December 7th.   The proposed members as nominated by Council to the Mayor to discuss capital desires of community are as follows: Remi Bullard, Abby Lesorgen, Steve Ellet, Joe Martinez, Su Ellis, Mereca Smith, Brian Gee, Sarah Smith, and Max Leighman

FYI - As we have no funding source currently for these capital projects, I am guessing a conversation on a possible bond referendum will then follow at some time in the future after the Citizens list is finalized. As new capital improvements sometimes cause new expenses, we will need to consider the added expenses from everyday revenue as bond referendums can not be used, therefore as the Mayor says, the City has some critical thinking ahead.

Once the Budget Committee approves / tweaks the Mayor's Budget, there will be numerous public hearings and scheduled sessions for feedback prior to full Council approval.

Dunwoody City Council Agenda, Tuesday September 6th, 6 pm - (New Park Name in Perimeter, New Park Ideas for Roberts & Vermack, Path Foundation for Trails, Citizen Capital Improvement Committee, Holiday Lights, new Police Officers)

 DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, September 6, 2022 - 6:00 PM
DUNWOODY CITY HALL - DUNWOODY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Agenda 6 pm  - City Site Agenda 

City Council meetings are live-streamed on the City of Dunwoody’s Facebook page. 

They are also available for viewing (no two way communication) on Zoom,
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87083218993  or  14703812552,87083218993#

You can access the video after the meeting on the City of Dunwoody’s YouTube page.

Invocation

Presentation of Oaths of Office to Police Officers Darryl Moses and Jessica Preston

Public comments - in person 3 min each / 30 min max with additional at end of meeting if needed. 

City Manager's Report

Resolution Appointing the Dunwoody District 2 Representative to Serve on the Discover Dunwoody Board - Ms. Stephanie Cantwell

Resolution for Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2022

Contract Award for Installation of Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park

Resolution to Name Perimeter Center East Property - Top Three Names

• Two Bridges Park
• Iron Bridge Park
• Creekside Park
  

Resolution Creating a Citizens Advisory Capital Improvements Committee shall be a temporary committee, charged with responsibility of reviewing Dunwoody’s capital improvements needs and providing input and recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding capital needs and projects. Meetings are scheduled to take place weekly on Wednesday evenings at City Hall from 6 to 7:30 starting September 14 & concluding Wed, December 7th.   The proposed members as nominated by Council to the Mayor are as follows:

• Remi Bullard
• Abby Lesorgen
• Steve Ellet
• Joe Martinez
• Su Ellis
• Mereca Smith
• Brian Gee
• Sarah Smith
• Max Leighman

Approval of Master Services Agreement with the PATH Foundation for a Trail Master Plan

Funding Authorization for 2531 Cherry Hill Lane Storm Repairs

Discussion of Approval of EPD Recycling, Waste Reduction, and Diversion Grant Application

Discussion of Park Master Plans for 5435 Roberts Dr. and 4809/4819 Vermack Rd

Dragoncon Parade is this Saturday 10 am - this is a don't miss event for Children of All Ages!

 

For many years I have escorted my sons and their friends downtown on Marta to watch the Dragon*Con Parade. If you are not aware of Dragon*Con it is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the US.   In the past, 65,000 people were expected to attend - this year I have no clue but it will be big.

Here is a link to some video I shot of the parade back in 2009 which will only give you a small taste of what we have experienced. Trust me that this is quite an experience and my kids would enjoy it every year.

Saturday, September 3rd @ 10 am

Peachtree Rd downtown
directly above the Peachtree Center Marta Station

The AJC wrote a nice generic article giving tips on how to attend, but as a parade regular I am about to share my closely held secret location and directions of attending the Dragoncon Parade in style...

Take Marta to Peachtree Center, exit at the south side of the station (towards the back of the train) and then once through the fare gates head to the right towards escalators heading towards the Peachtree Center Food Court.  At this point you can go directly up to Peachtree Rd and it will be mobbed with people (whereby if you get good seats you'll have a good time) - if this is your plan, get there early.  Instead of fighting the crowds, I follow a different path to a parade location I consider a hidden gem. Let me share.

Once you come up the escalators from Marta, don't go to the street level, instead walk into and though the food court walking past Farmers Basket, Caribou Coffee and then finally straight past Aviva by Kameel.    Note there are public bathrooms across from Aviva on your right and then there is a set of steps past Aviva to the left that will take you down to the corner of Peachtree Center and Harris (now called John Portman).

Once you have made it down to Peachtree Center street, I recommend turning right and setting up your chairs in the driveway to the building and under the walkway overhead as the driveway will be closed once the parade starts and the walkway provides a little cover if it is sunny or drizzling.  This location is the end of the parade route and the first walkers should be showing up about 10:30 but I recommend getting there by 9:30 or 10 at the latest to set up your chairs as the crowds on Peachtree Road will be heavy and they may spill over to this hidden location a half block away.

This location has easy access to both public bathrooms and decent coffee!  After the parade, the food court will be packed and the kids may be hungry therefore instead of Chick-fil-A; I highly recommend the chicken fingers at Farmers Basket (near Marta entrance) and top it off with a little mac & cheese as both are little kids favorites.  The line there will be almost non-existent compared to Chick-fil-A and your kids will be eating 3 minutes later.  As far as a place to have the kids eat, take your food upstairs and outside near CVS as there are tables there reserved for outdoor dining of the restaurants below. After a quick meal, back on the train as I believe there may be some football to watch.

Honestly this is a fun family excursion, especially for the kids but even my wife enjoyed it.

I highly recommend this event, it an Atlanta right of passage for every little kid to see their favorite super hero up close and personal.