2025 Dunwoody City Council Retreat Agenda, live streamed on Zoom. On going financial stability is the huge topic to be discussed.

The agenda for the 2025 Dunwoody City Council Retreat has been released and there are many of the same topics up for discussion as in previous years.  The big one on the table for me is financial planning, as personnel & public safety costs have increased greater than our current revenue streams in order to provide the same level of service.  I'm not going to say everything else on the two day agenda is fluff but without wrapping our hands around the financial stability of the city, other services will need to be re-evaluated. 

I just published a recap of the 2024 Retreat including all documents therefore I highly recommend you review those to become become familiar with city issues we are facing.  I have also been raising concerns regarding financial stability for years and will post a few items below.

• Dunwoody Councilman John Heneghan answers "re-election" questions by Dunwoody Reporter / Rough Draft Atlanta
  
  
• Dunwoody City Council Meeting Video - 2024 Budget & Beyond Conversation

Large investments in police services & EMS has happened in 2024 and by 2026 some of the Federal Funds we received for covid will not be there to fund these services.  I am of the opinion that cutting the police budget will not happen and in fact will only rise as payroll raises are also due.  The city is enjoying the city's investment in EMS services as we are paying for an additional ambulance (over what DeKalb County provides) to lower response times; that should also stay.  

How do we pay for these huge public safety costs is the main issue, do we ask for a tax increase per a referendum as stated in our charter, find a creative way to raise taxes outside our charter as is allowed by State law or do we cut other municipal services that have grown since the start of the city?  Municipal cuts can happen but is it what the community wants?  Guessing long term, not paving our streets nor maintaining the parks we have would not be a wise move. 

A year ago, my friend and former Dunwoody City Councilman Robert Wittenstein penned an op-ed piece in Rough Draft Atlanta (Dunwoody Reporter) discussing city finances titled by the newspaper "The city of Dunwoody is headed for a slow-motion train wreck" and we are still a year later moving down those tracks today with no decision on how to correct course.

The huge unknown in our 2026 budget planning is our rebidding of municipal contracts as in 2020 we got a pretty good deal on a five year contract and it is now time to renegotiate. (For historical perspective I have included some links down below.)

The 2025 retreat agenda is below and I am very happy to see that it will be live streamed via ZOOM and hopefully pushed to Facebook at the same time?  The recording should also be saved so that residents can watch later at a time that suits them?  Please note there are no attachments available to the Wednesday & Thursday agenda announcements on the city site and on top of that please note that there are different Zoom links for each day. 

The meeting open to the public, please feel free to join us in person.

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL
2025 STRATEGIC PLANNING RETREAT
Day One
Wednesday - MARCH 12, 2025 - 9:30 AM
GLEN-ELLA SPRINGS INN & RESTAURANT
1789 BEAR GAP ROAD
CLARKESVILLE, GA 30523

https://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/84486061059

Phone one-tap: +14703812552,,84486061059# 

CALL TO ORDER
9:30 am – 10:00 am - INTRODUCTION

• Set Ground Rules and Goals With Facilitator

10:00 am – 11:30 am - REVIEWING DUNWOODY

• Recapping 2024 Retreat Direction and Deliverables
• Council SWOT Analysis/Setting 2025 Retreat Direction
• Additional Topics/Discussion

11:30 am – 12:00 pm – POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – LUNCH

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm - BUILDING DUNWOODY

• Streetlights
• Mt. Vernon/Ashford Dunwoody Corridors
• Concrete and Steel in Construction
• Federal Funding Update
• Additional Topics/Discussion

3:15 pm – 5:00 pm - ELEVATING DUNWOODY - WHAT DO WE NEED TO STAY RELEVANT?

• Defining Downtown Dunwoody (What, Where, Why)
• Additional Topics/Discussion

EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURN

Day Two Agenda

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL
2025 STRATEGIC PLANNING RETREAT
Day Two
Thursday - MARCH 13, 2025 - 8:00 AM
GLEN-ELLA SPRINGS INN & RESTAURANT
1789 BEAR GAP ROAD
CLARKESVILLE, GA 30523

https://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/88127860771

Phone one-tap: +14703812552,,88127860771#

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. - BREAKFAST

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - RECAP DAY ONE, QUESTIONS/ANSWERS

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - INVESTING DUNWOODY

• Public Investments to Improve Commercial Areas
• Veterans Memorial - Funding
• Homecoming/Wildcat Parks
• Peachtree Middle School Turf
• Additional Topics/Discussion

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - PROTECTING DUNWOODY

• Drones/Flock
• EMS Service
• Staffing/Technology
• Speed Limits
• Additional Topics/Discussion

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. - LUNCH

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - OPERATING DUNWOODY

• Boards and Commissions
• Municipal Service Rebidding
• City Needs
• Additional Topics/Discussion

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – List of Deliverables/Prioritization/Recap of Retreat
Wrap Up – Anything Missing?

EXECUTIVE SESSION

ADJOURN

____________

Documents related to City Services outside Police

Rebidding of Municipal Contracts - City Manager Analysis

Approval of Municipal Contract for Parks and Public Works - Lowe

Approval of Municipal Contract for Information Technology - Interdev

Approval of Municipal Contract for Finance and Administration - CH2M Hill / Jacobs

Approval of Municipal Contract for Community Development - The Collaborative Inc.

AMR Additional Ambulance Service - May 2023

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday November 25, 2024

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday November 25, 2024 - 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/86390235645 or  phone +14703812552,86390235645#

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

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Presentation of Oath of Office to Dunwoody Police Officers Collice Acoff, James Harding, Jason Holcombe and Jahron Mendoza

Presentation of Officer of the 3rd Quarter to Ofc Will Smith and Employee of the 3rd Quarter to Crime Analyst Kayce Lowe

Resolution Re-Appointing Members to Serve on the Dunwoody Art Commission

Resolution Appointing Member to Serve on the Discover Dunwoody Board - Stephanie Cantwell

Resolution Re-Appointing Members to Serve on the Dunwoody Development Authority

Construction Manager at Risk Contract for the Brook Run Maintenance Facility

SECOND READ:Charter Amendment Article, Section 2.13(a)(4) & (e) - Prohibitions

FIRST READ: Review and Consideration of a Text Amendment to Amend Chapter 6 of the City of Dunwoody Code of Ordinances to Restrict the Unlicensed Sale of Dogs, Cats, or Domestic Rabbits

Resolution in Support of City of Milton Amicus Brief

Approval of Supplemental Benefit Program for First Responders Diagnosed with PTSD

Project Agreement with the Perimeter CID for Ashford Dunwoody Path Phase 2

Approval of Renewal for ESRI (GIS Mapping Application Suite)

Migration of Police Applications to Central Square Cloud

Dunwoody City Council Meeting Agenda for Tuesday November 12, 2024

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday November 12, 2024 - 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/84919972403 or  phone +14703812552,,84919972403#

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

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Recognition of Citizens' Police Academy Class XV Graduates

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

City Manager's Monthly Report

Dunwoody Community Garden & Orchard Annual Presentation

Stage Door Players Legal Entity Change

Skate Park Mural Surplus

On-Call Contract for Materials Testing, Geotechnical and Environmental Services

Funding Authorization for 4525 Sudbury Road Stormwater Repairs

Treetop Quest Dunwoody Renewal Agreement

SECOND READ: SLUP 24-01, 140 Perimeter Center W: The applicant, Starbucks Coffee Company c/o Gaskins + LeCraw, requests a Special Land Use Permit to Allow a Drive-Through Facility.

FIRST READ: Charter Amendment Article, Section 2.13(a)(4) - Prohibitions - Donations

City seeks to amend the charter prohibitions by permitting certain gifts or donations without limitations from individuals, charities, and benevolent or philanthropic organizations: (1) to provide aid and support of law enforcement; or (2) to provide aid and support of city personnel facing hardships due to a serious health condition of the employee (or immediate family member defined as spouse, child, or parent).

FIRST READ: Charter Amendment Article II, Section 2.13(e) - Prohibitions - Employment

City seeks to amend the charter prohibitions by permitting members of the city council to be employed by other governmental entities except Dunwoody, Georgia or DeKalb County, Georgia.

Construction Manager at Risk Contract for the Brook Run Maintenance Facility

2025 Athletic Association Agreements

Our Athletic Associations provide beneficial recreation services within the City. The City first partnered with Dunwoody Senior Baseball in 2012, followed by Rush Union Soccer (then Chiefs Futbol Club) in 2019; DHS Boys Soccer Booster Club, Dunwoody High Stix Club, and Dunwoody Wildcats Soccer in 2022; and Dunwoody High School Softball Booster Club and Atlanta MABL in 2023.

Dunwoody City Council meeting analysis by John Heneghan prior to first 2025 budget hearing - Charter changes and future taxation matters.

A couple of young empty-nesters.

Below is a preview or my analysis of the Tuesday City Council Meeting agenda items where I dig a little deeper on a few items to keep you informed of my thinking.  After typing for awhile, I may have buried the most important conversation regarding City Operations at the end of the post but figured I would mention now for those who might only skim this stuff. 

First things First, don't miss the final Groovin on the Green concert of the year this Saturday (tomorrow / tonight) from 6-9 PM. at the Brook Run Park Amphitheater there will be an epic rock night with Corporate Therapy & LANDSLIDE - A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Bring your blankets, appetites (food trucks on site!), and get ready to rock Dunwoody one last time this season. It's free, family-friendly, and guaranteed to have you groovin'!

Monday is a holiday and the City Council meeting is moved to Tuesday night.

 

The City Manager Monthly report to Council has some interesting things... 

Upcoming Events:

•  October 12: Groovin’ on the Green Series Finale with Corporate Therapy and LANDSLIDE – A TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC
•  October 24: Truck or Treat
•  October 27: Howling Halloween Photos & Blessing of the Pets
•  November 11: Veterans Day Ceremony
•  November 14: Holiday Family Photos at N. Shallowford Annex
•  December 1: Holiday Lights Opening Night
  
  

• October 3, 2024: Public Works Director Michael Smith, Deputy Chief Fladrich and Lt. Dove attended a half-day tabletop exercise orchestrated by Dekalb EMA and Dekalb watershed to address the public safety and governmental response to a potential dam collapse to the north (towards Sandy Springs and Gwinnett Co.) and the resulting destruction from such a catastrophic event.   (Because of all the storms, a resident raised this topic just this week as I previously raised concerns on DeKalb Water Works Dam Inspections and the outdated emergency safety policy.  The emergency policy was being updated by DeKalb & Dunwoody last I heard and the Dam was inspected.)
  
  
• Lots of other interesting tidbits in the City Manager Report

A new Starbucks is proposed on Perimeter Center West near the Total Wine, FedEx Office, Havertys Furniture & TJ Max.  I am not allowed to comment pro or con on this matter until the public hearing takes place but when I need a hit of caffeine my go to drink use to be a Quad Long Shot Espresso in a tall cup whereby I would top it off with cream.  It was cheap, tasty & potent but under doctors orders, this night owl has slowed down his caffeine consumption and I haven't ordered it in over a year.

There was a City Council Budget Committee meeting last month but there are no published changes to the proposed 2025 Budget and the first hearing is Tuesday.  Here is my analysis of the proposed 2025 budget that I published several weeks ago whereby I am concerned for the coming years.

The 2025 general fund budget is pretty bare-bones except for cost increases (salary, health insurance, contract escalations, & fully funding the nine police positions we added in 24).  Many of the additional police personnel expenses in 2025 are being paid with ARPA (Federal) Funds that will not be available in the future and with city expenses escalating faster than revenue, I understand that the city is facing an issue in the coming years in order to maintain the same level of service; especially as all city service contracts will be renegotiated with expected large increases. 

Capital funds are special revenue streams that typically can not be used for General Fund (operating) expenses like salaries, so these funds can not be used for those expenses but instead can be used for things and construction.  On the 2025 Capital funds front, we estimate $20 Million will be spent, with street paving & intersection improvements being a big chunk of those funds.  Besides streets, there is $3 Million for path construction, $1.8 Million for a new bridge over 285 at Chamblee Dunwoody, $1.7 Million for new Police Vehicles / Equipment, $1.3 Million for a new Brook Run Maintenance Building, $1 Million for the Dunwoody Nature Center Expansion, $1 Million for the new turf at Peachtree Middle School where the city already has a long term lease, $700K for a new SWAT Storage Building as well as another $1.7 Million for contingency and/or possible other additions like Sand Volleyball courts that were programed for the back of Brook Run near Tree Top Quest.

There is an item in front of Council to fund final design of intersection improvements at Mt. Vernon & Tilly Mill at a cost of $250K and as this includes 12 foot paths in front of single family homes where there is already sidewalk, I am guessing I will vote no.  Reading letters to the editor, and talking to residents; there are those who thing we are going too far on capital improvements and others who think we should stay the course.  I think the 12 foot trails are excessive especially in front of single family homes and I have had that opinion for quite awhile but the bond questions wasn't split into two questions (parks & paths) as I recommended therefore the city continues to move forward on a number of these projects where current finances allow.

There is an item regarding changing the rules on who can place Pole Banners (city event signs on light poles) and as it is odd as to who can and can not use the banners I'm not sure the juice is worth the squeeze, need to hear more from other Council members but leaning no.

There is an item on Tuesday to fund $1.2 million of stream, wetland & boardwalk restoration at the Dunwoody Nature Center and as I do know the boardwalk is dangerous therefore I am in favor of doing the repairs, especially as there is a State grant and we can use storm water funds.  Besides this project we have also promised an additional $1 million of city funds in 2025 for DNC Expansion.

Tuesday we are discussing the renewal of the 10 year contract with the Tree Top Quest, zip lining attraction in Brook Run with almost no modifications on the terms after 10 years.  Besides no real escalation to the rental funds received, I am interested more in the quality and safety upgrades that have been made.  I haven't been on the attraction in many years, maybe I need to go prior to approval of the contract at the next meeting; does anyone have feedback on this matter for Council?

Another Council discussion on Tuesday is reviewing a staff request to add another road / storm water maintenance crew (3 people) to the City Contracted staff for two years, at the additional annual cost of $325K.  Staff says it is needed and I trust that statement as well as the statement that we can "afford" it for the next two years; unfortunately this ties directly into my budget observations above whereby cost escalations are not sustainable with the current revenue stream.  Residents wants, needs and expectations have risen over the last 15 years and at some point we need to cut services or raise revenue.  Hard conversations regarding taxation and service levels are coming soon to this community.

City Charter changes as related to future taxation.

The final two discussion items are both mundane and extremely important because on the surface tweaking our City Charter on minor items does make sense to me but it also sets a precedent for future changes that may not have been intended 15 years ago when the citizens voted to allow incorporation under a limited governmental authority.  The changes presented at this time are regarding allowing public donations to city staff (Police) who may need the community support in times of need whereby the Charter may not currently allow organizations like the Dunwoody Police Foundation to do so.  The other proposed change opens the door for City Council employment to other cities and counties outside Dunwoody & DeKalb; I am fine with this change too.  

Here is the kicker, we have been a City in excess of 15 years and have never changed our Charter, even though we have held at least two "Charter Commission" exercises that have made numerous recommendations for changes.  Here are the 2021 recommended Charter changes and here are 2013 proposed changes. Those Charter recommendations were sent to the State Legislature where they were not acted upon.  If you review the State Legislature website, cities go to the Capital to change their charter on a regular basis, but there are provisions of State Law that do allow charter changes under the "Home Rule" doctrine.

State law clearly states that the City can change it's charter and operating procedures in O.C.G.A. § 36-35-3 but in O.C.G.A. § 36-35-6 it also sets limitations and exclusions on doing so, one of these exclusions is based on taxes. Council may have received legal opinions that we can raise funds (taxes) based on "Home Rule" and "Special Taxation Districts".  Though allowing the City Council to make unilateral Charter changes regarding raising taxes may be legally acceptable through a Special Taxation District, I question weather it is ethically acceptable to those residents who approved our incorporation based on a maximum level of taxation, whereby the Charter states there will be a referendum in order to do so?  As the last original member of the City Council, I feel compelled to lobby for a referendum if additional taxes are needed as those were the terms in which we started this City. 

On the flip side, 15 years is a long time and a majority of current residents didn't vote for incorporation and these new residents are now accustomed to the City services being provided and therefore don't want reductions but instead trust the City Council to set tax policy to protect the safety, viability and atmosphere currently provided, if not add more services; and are willing to pay to maintain values.

As I said above, hard conversations regarding taxation and service levels are coming soon to this community.