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 February 26th. (Paving, Police Staffing, Expanded EMS Funding, 2023 Budget Amendment, expanding a few city boards)

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday February 26, 2024 - 6:00 PM
DUNWOODY CITY HALL - DUNWOODY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Agenda 6 pm w/o Zoom  - City Site Agenda - hopefully with Zoom info on Monday 

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, unfortunately this login information was missing from the published agenda and I have asked that the agenda be updated on Monday, probably will be available here.

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

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of a Contract Extension with Blount Construction for 2024 Pavement Resurfacing

• Authorize the Mayor, City Manager, or designee to execute all documents necessary and proper to extend Blount Construction’s pavement resurfacing contract for 2024 in the amount of $3,838,083 in order to pave 15.6 miles.

Approval of Purchase of Two Surveillance Video Trailers

Approval of Contract Amendment No. 2 with Jacobs for Finance and Administrative Services 

• For financial security and accountability purposes, the City Council converted two Accountants and one Accounts Receivable position to in house city employees.

Funding Authorization Request for Donaldson Bannister Park Stormwater Engineering Analysis

Request for Five Additional Personnel for the Dunwoody Police Department 

• Our current Crime Response Team’s name will be changed to reflect the work they do daily conducting traffic enforcement to improve the safety of our roads. The new Crime Response Team (a Sergeant and three Patrol Officer positions) will be able to focus on important crime reduction strategies that can make Dunwoody a safer place for our citizens. Strategies to address areas like drug trafficking, vice crimes, violent crimes, organized retail theft, gang crimes, entering autos, and other areas as needed.  Police Department has also requested a non-sworn, Fleet Maintenance Coordinator to handle everyday vehicle oversight.
  
  
•  Funding for these position has been identified within the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) II Fund - one time Federal Funds.

2024 Budget Amendment for Additional Police Personnel and EMS Funding

• Funding for these positions & expanded EMS services has been identified within the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) II Fund - one time Federal Funds.

FIRST READ: Text Amendment to Chapter 2, Sec. 2-253 re: Expanding the Board of Ethics

FIRST READ: Text Amendment to Chapter 4, Sec. 4-70 re: Expanding the Alcohol License Review Board

Resolution for Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2023

• previous budgeted use of fund balance of $508,838 will not be needed. Currently budgeted actual expenses are projected to fall into the 97% range after this budget amendment, meaning that unreserved fund balance should grow by $1.6 million bringing the city to 10 months of fund balance

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday October 30, 2023 (Budget, AMR Ambulance Contract, BerryDunn Police Report)

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday October 30, 2023 - 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/82324264973 or  phone +14703812552,,82324264973#

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

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Citizens' Police Academy Class XIII Graduating Class Brief

Administration of Oath of Office to Officer Jakori Edwards

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

Proclamation - "Diwali, the Festival of Lights Day"

Public Hearing & Resolution Adopting Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

On-Call Sidewalk and Small Construction Projects Unit Price Contract

Approval of Contract with DeKalb County and AMR for Additional Ambulance Service

Presentation of BerryDunn Police Department Operations & Management Assessment Final Report

Facility Usage Agreements with Athletic Association Partners

Contract Award for the Installation of a HVAC Control System at City Hall

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday May 22, 2023 (Master Path Plan, 60 Million Dollar Bond Referendum, additional ambulance, Walmart & Total Wine Alcohol Violations)

 

  DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 22, 2023 - 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/82324264973  or  phone +14702509358,,82324264973#

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. 

Georgia GMIS (Government Management Information Systems) "Spirit of GMIS" award presentation

Open Public Hearing on Consideration of Suspension or Revocation of Alcoholic Beverage License for Walmart #2360, 4725 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, Licensee Stefon Damoz Nima, License Number 4327

Open Public Hearing on Consideration of Suspension or Revocation of Alcoholic Beverage License for Total Wine & More, 124 Perimeter Center West, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, Licensee Tabitha Favors, License Number 3751

Consideration of Award of Wrecker Services Contract to Brown and Brown

Consideration of the Path Foundation / Dunwoody Master Plan for Trails

Womack / Chamblee Dunwoody Road Ceramic Mural Funding

Funding Authorization for Autaco Development to Construct Phase I of the Vermack Path Adjacent to Dunwoody High School

Approval of an Amendment to the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB) Agreement for the Grant Awarded to the Westside Connector Project

Consideration of the Intent to participate with U.S. HUD & DeKalb County CDBG program

Call for an Election for $60 Million General Obligation Debt for Parks & Paths

Vietnam War Memorial Donation - Brook Run Veteran Memorial

Drive Lane Paving for Two Bridges Park

North Shallowford Road Path Project Design Contract

Edge City 2.0 Update May vs Edge City 2.0 Update January

Articles below related to Edge City by Atlanta Business Chronicle, - I have been arguing condos over apartments for years and these articles finally lean that way.

How Dunwoody is plotting sustainable growth, with empty-nesters in mind

Shape our future:' Dunwoody to craft plan for reenergizing Perimeter Center

Approval of $600K Contract with American Medical Response (AMR) for Additional ALS Ambulance Services for one year.

Dunwoody Councilman John Heneghan questions DeKalb County on Fire / EMS and Sanitation Services - August 8, 2022 @DCFRpubaffairs @AMR_Social

The August 8th Dunwoody City Council Meeting lasted over 6 hours, starting at 5:30 and ending near 11:30 pm and that was only after we deferred a number of item to the next meeting, therefore let me highlight several issues that were discussed last Monday as I believe they are important.  The first item I will report on is our meeting with DeKalb County, in the next post I will discuss our meeting with the Path Foundation.

DeKalb County needed to get us to sign off on a form reaffirming our Service Delivery Strategy which delineates which governmental entity provides which service.  For example for Police - the City handles the task, for Fire & Sanitation the City of Dunwoody could legally do those services but we contract out with the County to provide those services for us.  At the start of city hood 13 years ago, DeKalb provided what I considered a Gold Level - outstanding services at a fair rate therefore the original Council decided to stick with them.  When it comes to EMS Ambulance Services, the City wanted to take those over a few years ago as the DeKalb Contractor AMR was having issues on response timeliness but the City was told by the State that only DeKalb can provide or contract for those services in DeKalb County; therefore we are stuck with DeKalb overseeing that service.

With DeKalb needing our approval of this form, we requested updates from the County on a number of services, namely Sanitation & Fire / EMS and they provided detailed overview of the services and the issues they have been facing on manpower and hospital hold times for EMS.  I would like to thank Commissioner Robert Patrick, Chief Operating Officer of DeKalb County, Mr. Zach Williams, Director of DeKalb Sanitation, Ms. Tracy Hutchinson and DeKalb Fire Rescue Chief, Mr. Darnell Fullum for the informative presentations.

For sanitation the manpower shortage issues were negatively affecting services therefore the County Commission put out an RFP and hired a contractor to supplement sanitation collection.  This solution has seemed to fill the void as the resident complaints of missed collections have dropped to almost zero.

On EMS, DeKalb Fire Rescue does a fine job getting a local fire truck with a paramedic to the scene to save your life, do CPR, stabilize the injury but the ambulance service has been not only spotty but at times almost delinquent.  Mayor Shortal and DeKalb Fire Chief put an MOU into place a few years ago to increase services for EMS but a number of the items in the agreement have never come to fruition.  Mayor Deutsch specifically asked Fire Chief Darnell Fullum at the Monday meeting for an update on that agreement.  I questioned why hasn't DeKalb contracted away or supplemented ambulance services the way they have done for sanitation?  DeKalb County raised the tax rate on Fire Rescue and by not providing adequate life safety services by increasing the number of ambulances, I see this as a deficiency of the County's oversight.  In my remarks I asked for better as we are at their mercy as the State won't allow us to handle.  The Mayor has a few ideas and there is a new SPLOST vote happening in the near year whereby maybe that penny sales tax funding stream could be used to solve this problem.

As an FYI, I also see that AMR is now in the news for the cost of their services and them not taking most insurance.

The meeting with DeKalb was fruitful as I asked a bunch of other questions and I am truly thankful for the partnership we have built with DeKalb County.  The video below is just 12 mins and it really just gives you a small flavor of the 6 hour council meeting.

https://youtu.be/keYef3zOrj8

Emergency Medical Services & Sanitation provided by DeKalb County in Dunwoody under a Service Delivery Stategy @ItsInDeKalb @DCFRpubaffairs @CommissPatrick @tedterry1

Promises Made

On Facebook, there is a thread of a scary medical situation where there was a delay in medical and ambulance services (luckily the child will be OK) and there are numerous comments as to needed service improvements.  The City will be making inquiries to the County for specifics from the 911 data, DeKalb Fire Rescue data and also from AMR, the ambulance service contracted with the County.  The initial fire truck should be providing immediate advanced medical attention enough to stabilize the injured and the ambulance then transports you to the hospital.  When a loved one is in pain, every minute counts!

Questions were raised in the Facebook thread if the City Council was aware of issues and we keenly are, we even questioned a DeKalb County representative who presented to the City Council just last week, asking him to bring the issue back to the CEO as the citizens of the county are not adequately being served. It is my hope that the DeKalb CEO and Board of Commissioners improves the services county wide on this topic as it is becoming life and death situation.  Below is my comment on the Facebook thread as well as the video from the last meeting.

As Mayor Lynn Deutsch stated, EMS (and Sanitation) are County Services that are constantly on the mind of the Dunwoody City Council. If DeKalb is not providing adequate services on Sanitation, we have the power to either start providing our own services (like Chamblee) or contract out to a private contractor but until then we hope that DeKalb Sanitation improves the services to meet expectations. Unlike Sanitation, we can not pull away from DeKalb County for EMS services and are at the mercy of DeKalb County to step up with adequate coverage. Dunwoody could "supplement" coverage with our own via a special service tax district but DeKalb would scale back services even more which would then double tax Dunwoody citizens. This is a possibility moving forward but we expect DeKalb County to modify the upcoming County budget or modify the SPLOST funding to improve this necessary service.

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond signed an MOU with Mayor Shortal improving the EMS services but there needs to be adequate funding and staffing levels as well as contractual compliance by the sub-contractor (AMR) to make the system work.

https://jkheneghan.com/city/meetings/2022/Jun/EMS_MOU%20with%20signatures.pdf

https://jkheneghan.com/city/meetings/2022/Jun/DeKalb%20County%20Fire%20Info%20to%20EMS%20Council%20111419.pdf

At our last City Council meeting, there was a DeKalb representative there to chat about our Service Delivery Agreement, and if you watch the meeting video at the 1-hour, 11-minute start point you can hear me question EMS services and the lack of DeKalb County funding/staffing to properly serve the community.

Here is the most recent Service Delivery Strategy which identified DeKalb for EMS & Sanitation.

https://jkheneghan.com/city/meetings/2022/Jun/01142019_Service_Delivery_Adding_Stonecrest-2.pdf

Here is the link to the video from June 13, 2022, where I question the DeKalb representative on EMS Funding.

https://youtu.be/rbOcDIT88Lc?t=4276

Dunwoody City Council Meeting for Mon April 12 at 6 pm, Fire/EMS Update, Sustainability Award to @pattiebaker, parks bond, Woman's Club donation, Mt. Vernon Rd changes, Georgetown Gateway, fence heights.

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 12, 2021
6:00 PM – DUNWOODY CITY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Zoom    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84187825123

Or join by phone: +1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799   Webinar ID: 841 8782 5123

Agenda - City Site Agenda

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 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.

Administration of Oath of Office to Officers Alec Brown and Matthew Hansen

Sustainability Hero Awards - Pattie Baker & Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

DeKalb County Fire & EMS Update (Chief Fullum)

Presentation of Award in Financial Reporting from Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (Linda Nabers)

FIRST READ: Review and Consideration of a Text Amendment to Amend Standards for the PD, Planned Development, District (Paul Leonhardt)

FIRST READ: Review and Consideration of a Text Amendment to Amend Fence Height Requirements in Single-Family Residential Districts (Paul Leonhardt)

Funding Authorization for Chamblee Dunwoody Bridge Enhancement Design (Michael Smith)

Funding Authorization for 1751 Ball Mill Court Stormwater Repairs (Carl Thomas)

Resolution Appointing Dunwoody High School Student Seamus Stephenson to Serve on the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee

Approval of Contract Amendment with iCare Atlanta

CARES - Small Business Grant Fund (Michael Starling)

Resolution Approving (1) the Form of Bond Resolution Approved by the City of Dunwoody Public Facilities Authorizing the Issuance of the City of Dunwoody Public Facilities Authority Revenue Bond (City of Dunwoody Project), Series 2021 Within Certain Parameters as Described Therein for the Acquisition of Certain Land for Parks and Recreation and (2) the Entering into of an Intergovernmental Lease Agreement with the City of Dunwoody Public Facilities Authority to Provide Security for Such Bond.

Consideration and Acceptance of a One-time Financial Donation From Dunwoody Woman's Club

Approval of a Construction Contract with Lewallen Contracting for the Georgetown Gateway Project

Approval of a Construction Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation for the Georgetown Gateway Project

Resolution to Surplus Two Vehicles for Public Works and Machinery and Equipment for Information Technology Department

Resolution to Surplus Vehicle and Donate to the Fulton County Public Safety Training Center

Art Easement - 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road (Michael Starling)

Discussion of a Revised Conceptual Design for Mount Vernon Road between Corners Drive and Mount Vernon Place (Michael Smith)

City of Dunwoody Guide for Non-Profit Partners (Brent Walker)

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 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.

Dunwoody City Council Meeting Agenda for Monday October 14th

Monday, October 14, 2019
Dunwoody City Hall
4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd

Dunwoody, GA 30338

6:00 p.m. - Watch Live

 Agenda 5 p.m. - Special called meeting for personnel discussion (annual performance reviews?)

Agenda 6 p.m.

Administration of Oath of Office to Officers Alexander Cheung and Braden Johnson

Presentation of Awards to Officer of the Quarter, Kasey Martin and employee of the Quarter, Natasha Clark

Nomination and Approval of Candiss Howard as Associate Municipal Court Judge

Administration of Oath of Office to Associate Municipal Court Judge Candiss Howard (Justice David E. Nahmias)

2020 Operating and Capital Budgets

Funding Authorization for 1370 Center Drive Stormwater Repairs

Resolution of Commitment to Provide Local Matching Funds for Federal Funding Awarded to Transportation Projects

Approval of a Paving Contract for the Roberts Drive Corridor Improvements Project / North Peachtree Crosswalk on Mt. Vernon

Resolution Appointing the Sounding Board Members for the Comprehensive Plan 5-year Update

Adoption of Holiday Display Policy

SECOND READ: Adoption of Vulnerable Road User Ordinance

FIRST READ: Ordinance Authorizing Right of Way Adjustments on Perimeter Center Parkway and Hammond Drive and Right of Way Dedication for the Springwood Connector Constructed as Part of the StateFarm Park Center Development

FIRST READ: Ordinance Granting Permanent Sewer Easements for DeKalb County on City Property at 249 Perimeter Center Parkway

Discussion - DeKalb County Ambulance Service Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Discussion of Public Art

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

Huge Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday, includes Village Overlay Changes, Condo proposal, Arts Master Plan, New Trail, Brook Run Construction Plan

Monday, December 10, 2018
Dunwoody City Hall
4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd

Dunwoody, GA 30338

6:00 p.m. - Watch Live

Agenda

Administration of Oath of Office to Officers Anthony Alexander and Matthew Carley

Recognition of Dunwoody Police Department Officer and Employee of the 3rd Quarter

Dunwoody Presentation on Motorized Scooters
    Bird Invasion: Atlanta’s electric scooters are fun, dangerous, exciting, annoying, and unstoppable
    Decatur considers response to ‘Bird’ swarm
    As regulation looms, Atlanta’s shareable scooters are becoming more accessible

Presentation of 3rd Quarter Internal Audit Report

Program Manager Update- Brook Run Park/ Shallowford Annex

Approval of a Contract for Design of Ashford Dunwoody Commuter Trail Phase II
     PCID Trail Master Plan

Resolution Authorizing a 9-1-1 Charge on Postpaid Wireline, Wireless, and Voice Over Internet Protocol (“V.O.I.P.”) Telephone Service

Amendment to Contract 15-13, Parks and Right of Way Maintenance

Resolution Appointing Members to Serve on the Dunwoody Development Authority

Resolution Appointing Members to Serve on the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee

Resolution Appointing a Member to Serve on the Dunwoody Volunteer Coordinating Committee

Resolution for Approval of 2019 Legislative Priorities

Amendment to Reeves and Young Contract for Brook Run Park Construction Management Services

CVBD 2019 Budget and Business Plan.

Adoption of Create Dunwoody Arts and Culture Master Plan

SECOND READ: RZ18-02: SLUP 18-02 David C. Kirk of Troutman Sanders LLP, Attorney for the Owner, on Behalf of Grubb Properties, Owner of a Portion of 41, 47, 53 Perimeter Center East, Dunwoody, GA 30346, Seeks to Rezone the Property Currently Zoned O-I (Office-Institution) District to a PC-2 (Perimeter Center) District.  Seeks a Special Land Use Permit to: A) Section 27-104(f)(2) to Permit a Development of Regional Impact; and B) Section 27-105b to Modify the Build-to-Zone of a General Building.

SECOND READ: Review and Consideration of Text Amendments Regarding the Dunwoody Village Overlay (Chapter 27)

Award RFP for Dunwoody Village Overlay Master Plan and Zoning

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday Nov 5th - Condos, Dunwoody Village & EMS

Monday, November 5, 2018
Dunwoody City Hall
4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd

Dunwoody, GA 30338

6:00 p.m. - Watch Live

Agenda

Proclamation - "World Diabetes Day"

Presentation of Finance Report for the YTD Through 9/30/2018

Administration of Oath of Office to Officer Dorothy Davis

FIRST READ: RZ18-02 & SLUP 18-02:David C. Kirk of Troutman Sanders LLP, Attorney for the Owner, on Behalf of Grubb Properties, Owner of a Portion of 41, 47, 53 Perimeter Center East, Dunwoody, GA 30346, Seeks to Rezone the Property Currently Zoned O-I (Office-Institution) District to a PC-2 (Perimeter Center) District and to Permit a Development of Regional Impact; and B) Section 27-105b to Modify the Build-to-Zone of a General Building.

FIRST READ: Review and Consideration of Text Amendments Regarding the Dunwoody Village Overlay (Chapter 27)

Approval of a Property Appraisal and Specialty Report Contract with Carr, Rahn & Associates for the Georgetown Gateway Project

Resolution Appointing New Member to Volunteer Coordinating Committee

Memorandum of Understanding Between DeKalb County and City of Dunwoody Related to the Administration of Emergency Medical Services

City of Dunwoody and DeKalb County Reach EMS Service Agreement. @AMR_Social @DCFRpubaffairs @ItsInDeKalb

Proposed MOU for Dunwoody City Council Approval & AJC Article

The City of Dunwoody has been working with CEO Michael Thurmond to improve countywide emergency ambulance service by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with DeKalb County.

“My main objective is to get Dunwoody citizens to the hospital on time and to make sure they receive an enhanced level of Emergency Medical Services. I have worked closely with DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to come up with an agreement, and I look forward to presenting it to the City Council,” states Dunwoody Mayor Denis Shortal.

“The lives and safety of our citizens are our number one priority,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “Mayor Denis Shortal and I have worked cooperatively to ensure the highest level of countywide emergency ambulance service.”

The agreement contains the following key provisions:

•            Defined response times: Defined response times for Advance Life Support calls will include a nine-minute or less, 90 percent response time for critical life threating calls and 15 minute or less, 90 percent response time for basic life support calls.

•            Dedicated ambulances: Two ambulances are already stationed at Fire Stations 18 and 21 in the City of Dunwoody. A third will be posted at Fire Station 12. These units will be dedicated to the service areas of those fire stations which include Dunwoody and parts of Brookhaven, Chamblee and Doraville. The county will also add one additional ambulance unit during the peak hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday-Friday, to meet the needs required by the increased daytime population in the Perimeter Center area. The ambulances serving Dunwoody will be advanced life support units with at least one paramedic onboard.

•            Technology upgrades: Ambulances stationed in Dunwoody will be equipped with upgraded technology, including: GPS capabilities, radio-frequency identification gate access and traffic signal preemption devices. The costs for the upgrades will be shared equally between the City of Dunwoody and DeKalb County.

•            Greater collaboration: The cities within the DeKalb Municipal Association will have an opportunity to give input and review the county’s 2019 request for proposals for a new ambulance transport contract.

•            Monthly reporting: DeKalb County will provide monthly reports to the City of Dunwoody that track ambulance response times.

The agreement will be effective for a one-year term and will automatically renew until a contract with a new ambulance provider containing the material terms of the agreement is signed. The Dunwoody City Council is scheduled to review and vote on the Memorandum of Understanding at the Monday, November 5th, City Council meeting. 

In an article in the AJC, Councilman Terry Nall who has been the champion of this issue looking for improvements stated that this agreement was a step in the right direction. However, “we still await implementation and have accountability and monitoring tasks we require of DeKalb County.”

Dunwoody Police / Chatcomm 911 is looking to fill Telecommunicator position in local 911 Center. @IXPCorp

To pre-register and for more information, please email Jill Brown at jbrown@chatcomm.org

This same position also looks to be advertised on the parent company website here.

Telecommunicator
in Sandy Springs, GA

Position Overview
Full-Time / Part-Time - This position is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for service over the telephone and by other means, employing appropriate call screening protocols, and responding to those calls by dispatching the appropriate public safety resources.  This position is responsible for interaction with other public safety dispatch centers in the answering and transferring of calls and incident information, and for maintaining communications with field personnel in law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies.  This position is required to respond appropriately to requests for services and information from field personnel. The Telecommunicator will report directly to the Shift Supervisor.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Processes incoming and outgoing emergency and non-emergency telephone calls, ensuring agency policy, procedures and goals are met.
• Dispatches and communicates with law enforcement, fire and EMS units, ensuring agency policy, procedures and goals are met.
• Provides Supervisor with input regarding policies and procedures pertaining to the operation of the communications center.
• Coordinates with Supervisor to implement changes in Center procedures.
• Speaks English clearly and verbally communicates effectively.
• Works effectively and calmly in a high stress environment.
• Maintains familiarity with the general geography of the communities served.
• Meets all training requirements of the Center.
• Participates in available professional development for center staff.
• Communicates in a positive manner with Supervisor and other center staff.
• Reports commendable performance or deficiencies or liability issues to Supervisor in a timely manner.

Required knowledge/skills

• Knowledge of accepted call handling practices for public safety call takers with an emphasis on professionalism and high level of customer service.
• Familiarity with principles and practices of radio communications as well as the proper policies and procedures used in public safety dispatching with an emphasis on professionalism and high level of customer service.
• Knowledge of all aspects of operations of a public safety communications center.
• Communication facilities, equipment and management practices as they pertain to the operation of a public safety communications center.
• Technology systems utilized by a public safety communications center.
• Operational needs of public safety responders for law enforcement, fire and EMS.
• Agency’s geographical service areas and relationship/location of public safety responders.
• Practical working knowledge in public safety communications.

Requirements

• Successfully complete a myriad of training initiatives and certifications for call receiving and dispatching.
• Learn to operate a variety of technology including contemporary computer, radio and telephone systems.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Work in an environment where multiple activities are routinely underway that influence the performance of the duties assigned.
• Coordinate multiple priorities and competing demands on time and multi-tasking.
• Simultaneously process information from multiple sources (verbal, text, and video) and keep information clear.
• Quickly and accurately recall information, specifically names, numbers and details.
• Make appropriate decisions based on minimal information.
• Deal with sensitive information in a discreet and professional manner.
• Follow prescribed rules, regulations and procedures.
• Recall details and record information/numbers quickly and correctly.
• Communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively with co-workers and personnel from customer agencies.
• Be able to work in a shift-work environment with variable hours of work and schedule over the course of typical work year.
• Present ideas and recommendations in a clear and concise manner.
• Be reliable, and highly dependable in reporting for work on time and as scheduled, on a consistent basis.
• Be available for overtime as needed.

Qualifications and Skills

• High School Diploma (or equivalent).
• Two (2) years of proven paid experience in public safety communications (preferred).
• Three (3) years general work experience.​

Must complete/have completed:

• Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Terminal Operator Certification
• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED).
• Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) Certification through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED).
• Emergency Telecommunicator Certification (ETC) through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED).
• General police, fire and EMS operations training.
• Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Work Environment

• Shift work environment where hours of work will be driven by the call volume demands of the agency rather than convenience of the staff.
• Breaks and meals scheduled by Supervisors rather than individual desire.
• Call back and overtime required.
• 24/7 operations with work scheduled on days others consider holidays.
• Work performed at a stationary work station.
• Occasionally will need to handle hostile or abusive callers in a professional manner.
• Must be able to perform under pressure and in a stressful environment.

Physical Demands

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate personal computers.
• Sitting for extended periods of time working at computer keyboards, monitoring a variety of public safety communications systems, completing documentation required of operations.
• Vision, specifically to include up close, distance, color and peripheral; depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information with emergency callers and public safety personnel.

How to Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to ixphr@ixpcorp.com
This position will remain open until filled.

Dunwoody City Council Meeting for Monday August 27th

Monday, August 27th
Dunwoody City Hall
4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd

Dunwoody, GA 30338

6:00 p.m. - Watch Live

Agenda

Administration of Oath of Office to Officer Matthew Webb

Proclamation - Dunwoody Fine Art Month

Presentation by Dunwoody Senior Baseball   (Is over scheduling limiting local use?)

Update on the delay of Austin Elementary School (Daniel Drake)

Resolution Authorizing 9-1-1 Charge on Prepaid Wireless Telephone Service

Approval of an Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation for Design of a Multiuse Path on Ashford Dunwoody Road

Updated City Event Co-Sponsorship Rules and Guidelines

FIRST READ: Ordinance to Amend the Purchasing Policy

Apple to add life-saving new GIS feature for 911 but how will it improve services on the Dunwoody borders with other 911 jurisdictions?

As a member of the Dunwoody City Council, one of the most aggravating subjects to cross my desk is hearing that a resident called 911 and it was answered by Gwinnett County, transferred to Doraville and finally routed to ChatComm which services the City of Dunwoody.  The latest problematic call was made in the City about a half mile way from Gwinnett by an iPhone with Wi-Fi calling activated on the phone and the call was routed to the wrong 911 Center.  Technology is wonderful but when it comes to safety every little glitch is problematic and hopefully this upgrade will be incorporated by all area 911 centers. 

I have an email into Chief Grogan and ChatComm looking for more information but I am hoping for better service as technology improves.

Apple is rolling out a new feature in its next iPhone software update to send emergency responders instant, precise location information in the US. The update, coming in iOS 12 later this year, calculates a caller's location based on data collected from WiFi access points, nearby cellular towers, and GPS.

The tricky part isn't finding out where a caller is — Apple has been using its hybrid location technology since 2015 — but relaying that information to a fragmented and aging 911 system built for landlines.

Of the 240 million calls made to 911 each year, more than 80% are from mobile devices, according to NEMA.

Apple is working with a startup called RapidSOS, which specializes in sharing a cell phone's location information to the major programs used by the 6,300 emergency response departments across the US. RapidSOS offers its integration as a free software update to existing 911 dispatch systems.

 https://money.cnn.com/2018/06/18/technology/apple-911-location/index.html

 https://mashable.com/2018/06/18/apple-911-location-sharing/#ya_m9gTFHSqX

Chatcomm's Smart 911 Service is something every Dunwoody resident should sign up for!

Are you aware of limitations 911 service over VOIP? - FCC.gov

Portable interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services can be used from virtually any Internet connection anywhere, which raises challenges for the emergency services community in determining the location from which a 911 call has originated.
You should be aware that:

• VoIP 911 calls may not connect to the PSAP, or may improperly ring to the administrative line of the PSAP, which may not be staffed after hours, or by trained 911 operators.
• VoIP 911 calls may correctly connect to the PSAP, but not automatically transmit the user's phone number and/or location information.
• VoIP customers may need to provide location or other information to their VoIP providers, and update this information if they change locations, for their VoIP 911 service to function properly.
• VoIP service may not work during a power outage, or when the Internet connection fails or becomes overloaded.

Chatcomm's Smart 911 Service is something every Dunwoody resident should sign up for!

Video

https://www.smart911.com

The City of Dunwoody & Chatcomm 911 offers you the opportunity to register your household information in advance of you needing the service with Smart911. Here is another video link that better explains the service.

At Monday nights city council meeting I questioned the Chatcomm Director on the problematic use of cell phones used near other city borders.  These emergency calls are sometimes redirected to a 911 center that is not Dunwoody and I reminded everyone there that one way to slightly increase the level of service for all residents was to preregister all important information on your family, including all telephone numbers with the service.  This doesn't correct the routing is the other agency doesn't use Smart911 but it will assist once the transfer is made to the correct 911 Center.

I just updated my family information in Smart911 and I highly recommend that do so too!

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Mon December 12th

Monday, December 12, 2016
Dunwoody City Hall
41 Perimeter Center East
Dunwoody, GA 30346
Watch Live at 6:00 p.m.

6 pm Agenda

Proclamation in Memory of DeKalb County Police Officer Thomas S. Atkisson.

Proclamation Recognizing Ken Anderson.

Proclamation Recognizing Bill Grossman.

Presentation on Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority - is DeKalb next? (Glenn Page, General Manager)

Introduction of Dunwoody High School Mock City Council.

Presentation of PlanFirst Community Award. (Adriane Wood)

City Hall Update. (Fred Sheats)

DeKalb Fire and AMR Service Update - 2013 update. (DeKalb County Fire Chief Darnell Fullum and Ken Simpson, AMR Regional Director, Georgia.)

Report on 2017 Legislative Issues. (State Representative Tom Taylor)

Update on Peeler/Tilly Mill/North Peachtree Road Project. (Michael Smith)

Presentation on Perimeter Last Mile Connectivity.

Presentation on Artificial Turf vs Natural Turf for Athletic Fields. (Brent Walker)

Approval of RFP 16-06 Professional Construction Manager-at-Risk Services for City Halland Police Headquarters. (Eric Johnson)

Adoption of Updates to the Traffic Calming Policy. (Michael Smith)

Reappointment of the Dunwoody Internal Auditor. (Chris Pike)

Resolution to Amend the Dunwoody Green Streetlight District.

Resolution to Adopt Georgetown/ North Shallowford LCI 5-Year Update.

City of Brookhaven MOU - CAD to CAD Interface. (Chief Grogan)

Update to DeKalb County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. (Chief Grogan)

Approval of a Design Contract for the Westside Connector (Michael Smith)

Resolution Appointing a Member to the Design Review Advisory Committee.

Resolution Appointing Members to the Development Authority.

Resolution to Adopt Updates to the Sustainability Plan - Short Term Work Plan

Contract Award for Fully Adhered Twenty Year Roof System at 4470 North Shallowford Rd.

Resolution to Adopt Priorities for 2017 Legislative Session.

SECOND READ: SLUP 16-101: Crim & Associates, c/o Laurel David, Esq., The GallowayLaw Group, LLC., on Behalf of Petroleum Realty I, LLC, Owner of 5419 ChambleeDunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338, Seeks the Following Special Land Use Permits from Chapter 27: a.) Section 27(g)(1) to Exceed the Maximum Number of Allowed Parking Spaces in the Dunwoody Village Overlay District; b.) Section 27-97(e)(3)(e) to Construct a Building With a non-90 Degree Corner; c.) Section 27-97(i)(1) to Vary Width of Public Improvements Below the Required Minimum; d.) Section 27-97(e)(3)(c) to Increase the 12 Foot Maximum Floor Height to 14 Feet, for a One-story Retail/Restaurant Building. The Tax Parcel Number is 18 366 05 009.

Contract Award for the Design and Permitting of Baseball Facilities at Peachtree CharterMiddle School. (Brent Walker)

FIRST READ: Ordinance to Convey Real Estate - Dunwoody Park to new Austin.

FIRST READ: Ordinance To Amend Chapter 2 re: Adoption of Fingerprint BackgroundCheck Process.

FIRST READ - Ordinance to Amend Chapter 4 re: Alcohol Special Event Permits.

City of Brookhaven requests to use Dunwoody Cad 2 Cad 911 police dispatch system.

Agenda item.

The City of Dunwoody worked diligently on this project for more than a year in order to have a state of the art dispatch system for emergency services and the results were worth the work put forward.   Glad that our neighbor the City of Brookhaven will be joining us on the same system as it will be beneficial of both departments.