Dunwoody City Council election qualifying period closes Wednesday with only one contested race identified on opening day of registration. Lautenbacher, Price, Ziskind & Lambert have tossed thier hat into the ring.

Today was the first day of a three day registration period for candidates to declare their candidacy for the three Dunwoody City Council positions that will up for election this November.  Today as detailed on the City Website, four candidates successfully completed the registration process and paid the $360 registration fee, they are ...

Catherine Lautenbacher - District 1, Post 1 

Rob Price - District 2, Post 2
David "DZ" Ziskind - District 2, Post 2

Tom Lambert - District 3, Post 3

As you see above, there is only one contested race with District two incumbent Rob Price being challenged by Mr. David Ziskind.

  
David Ziskind 

 

Catherine, Rob & Tom

 Is anyone else going to run?   Salary is $12K per year and health insurance.

The window closes Wednesday afternoon and more information can be found here.

Dunwoody & Brookhaven were hoping for better news from State @GaDPH Region 3 EMS Advisory Council on splitting the County into several response zones. It didn't happen, so still waiting on long term solution. @AMR_Social @DCFRpubaffairs @ItsInDeKalb @BrookhavenGaGov

 No Good News for Dunwoody from the EMS Council meeting of August 14th.

The sub-committee looking at the DeKalb zone did NOT recommend opening the zone to other providers (other than DeKalb Fire, which holds the entire zone certificate).  The sub-committee cited a modest amount of improvement in response times from the proposal of DeKalb/AMR into three DeKalb response areas.  That said, the sub-committee also said more substantial improvement is still needed, despite their recommendation to NOT open the zone to other providers.

Then the full EMS Council voted 18-1 to approve the sub-committee's recommendation to NOT open the DeKalb zone or split it.  Another 10 members voted to abstain (such as DeKalb Fire and other ambulance providers - all who have a vested interest in the motion outcome).  

Then the Region 3 EMS Council voted to disband the DeKalb zone sub-committee altogether.  This means Dunwoody, Brookhaven, etc. are back to the current status quo and not without an appointed sub-committee of the Region 3 EMS Council to investigate or monitor further.

Bottom line is our current EMS response times issue will continue.  In Dunwoody, we will see more of the same and we may need to continue paying a $600K per year supplement for an extra ambulance to stay close to Dunwoody, otherwise the pool of ambulances may be pulled to travel deep into DeKalb County making a return trip North problematic during rush hour.

Chief Fullum of DeKalb Fire then updated the full Region 3 EMS Council that AMR is now operating under an 18-month extension contract that only runs from January 2025 to June 2026.  A DeKalb Fire RFP for the DeKalb ambulance services contract is in the review stage.

Guess we need to wait to see what will be proposed next?

Video from Brookhaven last year asking for EMS changes needed.

Will good news be coming out of the @GaDPH Region 3 EMS Advisory Council Meeting to improve EMS Services in Dunwoody & Brookhaven? @AMR_Social @DCFRpubaffairs @ItsInDeKalb @BrookhavenGaGov

The Georgia Region 3 EMS Advisory Council Meeting is Thursday at 10 am

Will an EMS Solution for slow ambulance services for Nothern DeKalb County be proposed? 

City of Dunwoody is already paying for extra ambulances to solve DeKalb / AMR Shortfalls.  Brookhaven is now looking for solutions to issues as well.

The City of Dunwoody has raised numerous issues regarding ambulance availability with DeKalb Fire Rescue, their contractor AMR as well as the State EMS Advisory Council.  Our only solution was to provide additional ambulance services was for the City to pay for additional ambulance coverage that DeKalb should be providing.

There is a public meeting taking place tomorrow where Chief Mike Carlson (and maybe others) will be representing Dunwoody. I am hopeful that tomorrow both the Dunwoody Residents and those of Brookhaven will hear about proposed service improvements in the County EMS services.

What: Region 03 EMS Advisory Council Meeting

When: Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 10:00 am-12:00 noon

Where: DeKalb County Fire Rescue Services Headquarters 1950 W. Exchange Place, 5th Floor, Tucker Ga, 30084.

How to Connect Virtually: https://gapublichealth.webex.com/gapublichealth/j.php?MTID=m2fc2ec1e89bda8d9de9ca17f18db1999 

Thursday, August 14, 2025 10:00 AM | 2 hours | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada). Meeting number: 2537 811 8743.  Password: 9h3xBSPRFm6

Join by video system

Dial 25378118743@gapublichealth.webex.com

You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.

Join by phone

+1-415-655-0001 US Toll

Access code: 253 781 18743

The purpose and objective of the Region 03 EMS Advisory Council is to serve as a liaison between the Department (State of Office of EMS and Trauma) and the regional EMS system; serve as the local coordinating entity for Emergency Response Zones in Region 03; coordinate, facilitate the improvement of, and maintain a quality EMS system in the following eight (8) counties comprising EMS Region 03 (Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale); promote public education and knowledge of Emergency Medical Services; promote training programs at the local and regional levels to personnel involved with the delivery of EMS; establish a forum where the concerns of public and private organizations related to the Regional EMS system can be voiced; recommend to the Board of Public Health or its designee the designation of one or more 911 Zone providers for each Emergency Response Zone within the EMS Region, subject to approval or modification by the Board or its designee in accordance with the procedures set forth in O.C.G.A. 31-11-3 and 31-1104 and under the circumstances outlined in DHR Rule 511-9-3-.04, based primarily on the consideration of economy, efficiency and the benefit to public welfare.

The Board of Commissioners from each County within the Region shall make at least one appointment to the Council in compliance with the Bylaws.  County/allotted appointments: Clayton/2; Cobb/4; DeKalb/4; Douglas/1; Fulton/6; Gwinnett/5; Newton/1; Rockdale/1.

All meetings of the Council are subject to and in accordance with the Georgia Open Meetings Act.  Council meeting written minutes and audio recording are available through an Open Records Request directed to the Georgia Department of Public Health/Office of EMS and Trauma.  https://gadph.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest

https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/02/27/dekalb-county-develops-plan-addressing-slow-ambulance-response-times/

Dunwoody City Council agenda for Monday August 11, 2025 (Group home living, Rasing Cane's, Dominium, Condo conversion on Perimeter Center East, Oil Change, Municipal Contracts)

 

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday August 11, 2025
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://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/82303246254 or  phone +14703812552,,82303246254#

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

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Award presentation to Officer of the Second Quarter, Elvin Arias and Employee of the Second Quarter, Paul Chastain

PUBLIC COMMENTS - Public Comment allows the City Council the opportunity to listen to the public (3 minutes per speaker / 30 minutes total).

PUBLIC HEARING & FIRST READ: Review and consideration a text amendment to the Code of
the City of Dunwoody for Chapter 27, including Sec. 27-112, Sec. 27-135.1, Sec. 27-146.1, and other sections, the general purpose of which is to create zoning regulations and procedures for group living uses,
including, but not limited to assisted living, independent living, community residences, recovery communities, and for other purposes. 

PUBLIC HEARING & FIRST READ:: RZ 25-02, 4570 Ashford Dunwoody Road: Request to
rezone from O-I (Office-Institution) to PC-1 (Perimeter Center)  No Drive Through at this time.

PUBLIC HEARING & FIRST READ: RZ 25-03, 4981 Ashford Dunwoody Road: Request to
rezone from O-I (Office Institution) to PD (Planned Development) to allow the construction of an age-restricted multi-unit rental building.

PUBLIC HEARING & FIRST READ:RZ 25-04, 64 & 66 Perimeter Center E: Request to rezone
from O-I (Office Institution) to PD (Planned Development) to allow the conversion of 64 Perimeter Center E into residential condominiums and 66 Perimeter Center E into an age-restricted rental residential use, and develop additional for-sale residences on the properties.

PUBLIC HEARING & FIRST READ: SLUP 25-03, 4515 Chamblee Dunwoody Road: Request for
a Special Land Use Permit for a drive-through to allow the construction of a drive-through oil change facility and two concurrent variances to allow relief from the building setback requirements and the stacking lane setback requirements.

Dunwoody Cultural Arts Center Enclosed Wheelchair Lift Modernization

FY2025 Mid-Year Budget Amendment

2025 Brook Run Park Holiday Lights Display

Rebidding of Major Municipal Services Contracts. - 12 staff members being brought in house?

PUBLIC COMMENTS - Public Comment allows the City Council the opportunity to listen to the public (3 minutes per speaker / 30 minutes total).

Funeral for Dunwoody Detective Jordan Laverty, age 35 is Monday and Dunwoody Police Foundation is collecting funds for the family.

Donations requested by the community to support Detective Laverty's Family

It is with a heavy heart that the City of Dunwoody shares the devastating news of the unexpected loss of Dunwoody Police Detective Jordan Laverty (Badge #1514).

Jordan faithfully served the citizens of Dunwoody for 8 years, and previously DeKalb County for 3, as well as serving in the US Army for four years, dedicating his life to service. His absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all. We are heartbroken for his family and offer our full love and support.

Jordan leaves behind a wife and four children. Please keep his family, friends, and the Dunwoody Police Department in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. 

Funeral services will be held Monday August 4th, 2 pm at Woodstock City Church, 150 Ridgewalk Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30188 with family visitation immediately before starting at 1 pm.

If you have the ability to donate a bit of financial support to the Laverty Family, honoring an officer who served our community; it would be appreciated by myself and the rest of the Dunwoody Police Department who are also shocked and suffering this great loss.  Rest in peace, Jordan.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-the-life-and-service-of-detective-jordan-laverty

Thank you. 

Detective Jordan Laverty - public obituary
June 13, 1990 — July 29, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Detective Jordan S. Laverty on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the age of 35. Born on June 13, 1990, in Austell, Georgia, Jordan leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jordan married his beloved wife, Brittney Laverty, on April 13th, 2013, and was a loving father to their four children: Emory, Harper, Ivey, and Quinn. He is also survived by his mother, Victoria Laverty, his brothers Chris Hollingsworth (Jenni), Christopher Knollin (Jen), and Scottie Knollin, and his grandparents, Jack and Virginia Duff, in-laws Dana and Carlton Tucker, and Greg and Traci Howard. The warmth of his smile and the kindness of his heart will forever live on in their memories.

A proud Army veteran, Jordan served his country honorably before embarking on an 11-year career in law enforcement. As a detective with the Dunwoody Police Department, he consistently demonstrated his commitment to serving and protecting his community. His dedication to his work was matched only by his passion for life, which included being a steadfast fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and cherishing time spent with his family and friends.

Jordan's funeral service will take place at Woodstock City Church on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., providing an opportunity for family and friends to come together to honor his life and legacy. Before the service, a visitation will be held starting at 1:00 p.m. Jordan will be remembered not just as a remarkable law enforcement officer and veteran but also as a great father and friend who touched the lives of many.

In this difficult time, may we all find comfort in sharing our memories of him and supporting one another as we remember the joy he brought into our lives.

Rest in peace, dear Jordan. Your light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Detective Jordan S. Laverty's memorial fund at https://tinyurl.com/Laverty-Family-Fund