December 2009 Quarterly Update
Quarterly Update
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As 2009 draws to a close, it is fitting to look back on some of the major initiatives and accomplishments that we, throughout District 6, have worked on together during a very difficult year. Seeing where we have been helps us appreciate what we have and sets a course for where we are going. While I have already started to work on the challenges and opportunities of this next year, there will be plenty of time in the coming months to discuss those with you and seek your help. For now please have a safe and happy holiday season.
2009 - Major Initiatives
There have been major initiatives from District 6 on your behalf that specifically address our quality of life, today and for the future.
THE DEKALB COUNTY GREEN COMMISSION kicked off in May. As I met with you in your homes during my 2008 reelection campaign, you told me how important sustainability is to you and that you expected the County to lead by example. With the collaboration of our new CEO Burrell Ellis and 20 volunteers from across the county the Green Commission was born to create a sustainable DeKalb to ensure that we meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their environmental, energy and economic needs.
One of our first goals was to showcase what the County is already doing to be good stewards of our resources for future generations. The May kick off exhibition at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, one of three County buildings built to LEED certification, brought together County Departments and many local entities that embrace green products and practices. It certainly has not hurt the "cause" having our new President and First Lady embrace sustainability for the Country.
The second goal of the Green Commission was Certification as a Green Community. We sponsored the County application for the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) program. CEO Burrell Ellis and I were presented with the Green Communities designation in December. It is the only green certification program for local governments in the country and DeKalb is one of only three counties and six cities in Georgia to earn the designation.
The Green commission also provides workshops and forums for us to learn how we can make small changes in our day to day living, like the water conservation forum "Winning the Water War and having fun while saving $." See the green commission tab on my website for 50 Tips on How to Conserve Water.
In 2010 watch for workshops on how to get involved in community gardening, green product choices and improving energy efficiency.
The Board of Commissioners recently agreed to accept a $6.5 million federal stimulus grant to upgrade county buildings to be more energy efficient and to follow the lead of major cities and universities by developing a Sustainability Plan to identify next steps, measurable goals and cost savings priorities so your future tax dollars are spent in ways that save money over the long-run.
Ordinances
I sponsored the update of the Stream Buffer ordinance to take important steps to safeguard our 75-foot stream buffer that was being compromised by Administrative variances that had no consistent process, public notice or criteria for decision making. All the information on protecting our 75-foot stream buffers is now in one section of the Code (14-44) so it is easy to find.There are new requirements for applying for a stream buffer variance that include posting notices on the property as well as notifying neighbors in writing. There are more narrow criteria for obtaining variances and new standards for review.
The confusion and changing interpretation of our alcohol ordinances have been a concern throughout District 6. I sponsored an ordinance to allow for restaurants that are part of a mixed-use development to serve alcohol up to a 12:30 AM time limit. The ordinance includes minimum distances from churches, schools and new requirement for distance from single-family residences.
We could not muster the political will for a 12:30 AM closing time for bars so I was a key supporter of Commissioner Jeff Rader's (District 2) modification of the alcohol ordinance that created "late night establishments" so that if an establishment wants late night pouring hours it has to go through a special land use permit process so the community can weigh in to address the crime and noise issues that seemed to follow these establishments.
Community Planning
The Bouldercrest, Cedar Grove and Moreland Avenue Community Planning project kicked off in May. Working with District 5 Commissioner Lee May, I am continuing my commitment to bring the community into a process that helps them develop their vision for the future of the Bouldercrest corridor between I-285 and Cedar Grove Road and over to Moreland Avenue.
A stakeholders' group of residents, businesses and property owners was formed to guide the process and follow through toward implementation. Several planning workshops were held to solidify specific ideas for the future of three main areas; I-285 at Bouldercrest Rd., the Bouldercrest and Cedar Grove Road intersection and the Moreland Avenue Corridor. The recommendations were in a report presented to the public in November.
In 2010 we will begin to make the report a reality. The stakeholders will be asked to lead this long-term commitment toward implementation. If you are interested, please step up and let my office know.
A Livable Communities Initiative (LCI) grant from the ARC was awarded to study the North Druid Hills corridor from Buford Highway to Clairmont Road. We have already started meeting to capture the needs, problems and preferences of the communities along this traffic choked corridor. For more information, click here The Atlanta Regional Commission.
Collaboration with the DeKalb County School System is vital to the future planning for the Buford Highway area near Cross Keys High School to the Briarwood Road intersection. Cross Keys is beginning a major renovation to transform into the DeKalb High School of Technology North.
The Buford Highway portion of this area was part of my Safety Task Force in 2005-2006 and some of those recommendations can now be expanded to this larger planning effort. Our Planning Department has developed initial recommendations for the comprehensive land use of this area but the next step needs to be an area specific Buford Highway community planning workshop. We continue to search for financial resources to make this community planning process a reality.
Senior Centers
I am working with fellow commissioners on upgrading several of our senior centers.Unknown to the Commission, the
North Center was demolished in a DeKalb County Housing Authority redevelopment on Johnson Ferry Road leaving the 100+ seniors with no center. Senior Connections came to the rescue with a temporary fix while we find a new location.
The South Center in District 3 has long been in need of an upgrade. The new facility will be at the same location adjacent to the new Candler Rd. Library.
Demographics show us that the largest and fastest growing senior population is in Central DeKalb where a new Center in District 2 will begin to meet the need.
Parks
Kittredge: The master planning process is finally underway. The newly organized Friends of Kittredge Park has been advocating for this Plan and holding monthly Park clean-ups.
The first community input meetings were held in October and December. The consulting firm MACTEC presented two park design options for this primarily passive park, based on community ideas, limitations of topography and Park Department policies.
In 2010 watch for a final design presentation and a phase-in plan for implementation, based on prioritizing our limited funds.
Medlock: District 6 used the remaining 2001 bond funds balance for the playground repairs.But the recent rains did it again! The ballpark flooded. Thanks to hours of hard work by volunteers from Youth Sports, Medlock and Clairmont Heights Associations and the Shepard Nature Preserve much of the cleanup has been completed. Keep in mind that this is a flood plain so that problem is not going away.
Fork Creek Mountain: The contract for master planning of this 102-acre park that abuts the Soapstone Quarry site has gone to the MACTEC firm. Three public input meetings will be held in January, February and March of 2010. Check my website calendar for specific dates and location.
Briarwood: District 6 and 2 used the majority of the remaining 2001 bond fund balances for the new HVAC system and small updates to the recreation building. The HVAC has been installed however the recent storms caused roof damage. Roof repairs are in progress. This is the only Recreation Center in all of District 2. In 2010, watch for small upgrades based on the community's recent planning meetings.
Mason Mill: The master plan has been completed and MACTEC presented schematic designs for the Jamestown, Melton Parks, historic Water Works and Tennis Center areas at a pre-construction information meeting held in November. To view the design, visit the County parks website. In 2010, watch for ground breaking for the day use area.
Bouldercrest: A $56,000 balance in the Bouldercrest 2001 District 6 Bond funds will result in a few upgrades to the Park. A citizens group with the Cedar Grove Community Association that is trying to start a Friends of Bouldercrest Park, vetted the wish list for these small but helpful improvements.
Sugar Creek Golf/Tennis Center: While not a Park per se, District 6 Park Bond funds will go to renovate portions of the Golf Center main building. Community meetings were completed in October and construction bids for the $1.2 million project are scheduled to begin in March 2010.
Public Works and Public Safety
Flooding Update/Public Works
We continue to experience the effects of September's floods in our district. My office has worked hard to keep everyone informed about the recovery efforts. We will continue to provide information about federal, state and county support on our website.
Even though this was a 500-year flood event, we are taking steps to avoid a repeat by allocating $1.3 million in federal stimulus funds to pay for stormwater improvement projects on 103 small drainage projects throughout the County that are "shovel ready." Many of these are in District 6 because we are the older part of the County.
On a positive note, the Drew Valley Drainage Facility, a five year project funded by the County and a federal grant, was a success story during the recent flooding, working exactly as planned with no significant overflow. This area suffered extreme flooding in 2003 and 2004. DeKalb County and the Drew Valley neighborhood were recognized for the detention pond in a "Best Mitigation Practices" article by FEMA titled Reason to Cheer: Detention Pond Offers Neighborhood Relief from Flooding.
Public Safety
Code Red Notification - this is a system used by DeKalb County to notify residents in case of an emergency. If you have not already registered your phone number please visit Code Red and register.
VIP - Volunteers In Patrol is a program run through the DeKalb County Police Department to train volunteers to assist in neighborhood patrols through non-confrontational methods. Please visit the VIP program information site to find out more and how to become a volunteer.
Crimetrac - the website was launched earlier this year to provide citizens access to crime statistics in unincorporated DeKalb County.
New Drivers License - the state of Georgia introduced a new Driver's License in September that will improve security and make it easier to quickly identify "under-21". Your current license is valid and the new license will be issued when you renew.
Additional District 6 Activities in pictures
Briarwood Recreation Center clean up day April 2009
East Lake Terrace Community Vision Day June 2009
National Night Out August 2009
Rain Harvesting at the Winning the Water Wars Workshop September 2009
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As 2009 draws to a close, it is fitting to look back on some of the major initiatives and accomplishments that we, throughout District 6, have worked on together during a very difficult year. Seeing where we have been helps us appreciate what we have and sets a course for where we are going. While I have already started to work on the challenges and opportunities of this next year, there will be plenty of time in the coming months to discuss those with you and seek your help. For now please have a safe and happy holiday season.
2009 - Major Initiatives
There have been major initiatives from District 6 on your behalf that specifically address our quality of life, today and for the future.
THE DEKALB COUNTY GREEN COMMISSION kicked off in May. As I met with you in your homes during my 2008 reelection campaign, you told me how important sustainability is to you and that you expected the County to lead by example. With the collaboration of our new CEO Burrell Ellis and 20 volunteers from across the county the Green Commission was born to create a sustainable DeKalb to ensure that we meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their environmental, energy and economic needs.
One of our first goals was to showcase what the County is already doing to be good stewards of our resources for future generations. The May kick off exhibition at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, one of three County buildings built to LEED certification, brought together County Departments and many local entities that embrace green products and practices. It certainly has not hurt the "cause" having our new President and First Lady embrace sustainability for the Country.
The second goal of the Green Commission was Certification as a Green Community. We sponsored the County application for the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) program. CEO Burrell Ellis and I were presented with the Green Communities designation in December. It is the only green certification program for local governments in the country and DeKalb is one of only three counties and six cities in Georgia to earn the designation.
The Green commission also provides workshops and forums for us to learn how we can make small changes in our day to day living, like the water conservation forum "Winning the Water War and having fun while saving $." See the green commission tab on my website for 50 Tips on How to Conserve Water.
In 2010 watch for workshops on how to get involved in community gardening, green product choices and improving energy efficiency.
The Board of Commissioners recently agreed to accept a $6.5 million federal stimulus grant to upgrade county buildings to be more energy efficient and to follow the lead of major cities and universities by developing a Sustainability Plan to identify next steps, measurable goals and cost savings priorities so your future tax dollars are spent in ways that save money over the long-run.
Ordinances
I sponsored the update of the Stream Buffer ordinance to take important steps to safeguard our 75-foot stream buffer that was being compromised by Administrative variances that had no consistent process, public notice or criteria for decision making. All the information on protecting our 75-foot stream buffers is now in one section of the Code (14-44) so it is easy to find.There are new requirements for applying for a stream buffer variance that include posting notices on the property as well as notifying neighbors in writing. There are more narrow criteria for obtaining variances and new standards for review.
The confusion and changing interpretation of our alcohol ordinances have been a concern throughout District 6. I sponsored an ordinance to allow for restaurants that are part of a mixed-use development to serve alcohol up to a 12:30 AM time limit. The ordinance includes minimum distances from churches, schools and new requirement for distance from single-family residences.
We could not muster the political will for a 12:30 AM closing time for bars so I was a key supporter of Commissioner Jeff Rader's (District 2) modification of the alcohol ordinance that created "late night establishments" so that if an establishment wants late night pouring hours it has to go through a special land use permit process so the community can weigh in to address the crime and noise issues that seemed to follow these establishments.
Community Planning
The Bouldercrest, Cedar Grove and Moreland Avenue Community Planning project kicked off in May. Working with District 5 Commissioner Lee May, I am continuing my commitment to bring the community into a process that helps them develop their vision for the future of the Bouldercrest corridor between I-285 and Cedar Grove Road and over to Moreland Avenue.
A stakeholders' group of residents, businesses and property owners was formed to guide the process and follow through toward implementation. Several planning workshops were held to solidify specific ideas for the future of three main areas; I-285 at Bouldercrest Rd., the Bouldercrest and Cedar Grove Road intersection and the Moreland Avenue Corridor. The recommendations were in a report presented to the public in November.
In 2010 we will begin to make the report a reality. The stakeholders will be asked to lead this long-term commitment toward implementation. If you are interested, please step up and let my office know.
A Livable Communities Initiative (LCI) grant from the ARC was awarded to study the North Druid Hills corridor from Buford Highway to Clairmont Road. We have already started meeting to capture the needs, problems and preferences of the communities along this traffic choked corridor. For more information, click here The Atlanta Regional Commission.
Collaboration with the DeKalb County School System is vital to the future planning for the Buford Highway area near Cross Keys High School to the Briarwood Road intersection. Cross Keys is beginning a major renovation to transform into the DeKalb High School of Technology North.
The Buford Highway portion of this area was part of my Safety Task Force in 2005-2006 and some of those recommendations can now be expanded to this larger planning effort. Our Planning Department has developed initial recommendations for the comprehensive land use of this area but the next step needs to be an area specific Buford Highway community planning workshop. We continue to search for financial resources to make this community planning process a reality.
Senior Centers
I am working with fellow commissioners on upgrading several of our senior centers.Unknown to the Commission, the
North Center was demolished in a DeKalb County Housing Authority redevelopment on Johnson Ferry Road leaving the 100+ seniors with no center. Senior Connections came to the rescue with a temporary fix while we find a new location.
The South Center in District 3 has long been in need of an upgrade. The new facility will be at the same location adjacent to the new Candler Rd. Library.
Demographics show us that the largest and fastest growing senior population is in Central DeKalb where a new Center in District 2 will begin to meet the need.
Parks
Kittredge: The master planning process is finally underway. The newly organized Friends of Kittredge Park has been advocating for this Plan and holding monthly Park clean-ups.
The first community input meetings were held in October and December. The consulting firm MACTEC presented two park design options for this primarily passive park, based on community ideas, limitations of topography and Park Department policies.
In 2010 watch for a final design presentation and a phase-in plan for implementation, based on prioritizing our limited funds.
Medlock: District 6 used the remaining 2001 bond funds balance for the playground repairs.But the recent rains did it again! The ballpark flooded. Thanks to hours of hard work by volunteers from Youth Sports, Medlock and Clairmont Heights Associations and the Shepard Nature Preserve much of the cleanup has been completed. Keep in mind that this is a flood plain so that problem is not going away.
Fork Creek Mountain: The contract for master planning of this 102-acre park that abuts the Soapstone Quarry site has gone to the MACTEC firm. Three public input meetings will be held in January, February and March of 2010. Check my website calendar for specific dates and location.
Briarwood: District 6 and 2 used the majority of the remaining 2001 bond fund balances for the new HVAC system and small updates to the recreation building. The HVAC has been installed however the recent storms caused roof damage. Roof repairs are in progress. This is the only Recreation Center in all of District 2. In 2010, watch for small upgrades based on the community's recent planning meetings.
Mason Mill: The master plan has been completed and MACTEC presented schematic designs for the Jamestown, Melton Parks, historic Water Works and Tennis Center areas at a pre-construction information meeting held in November. To view the design, visit the County parks website. In 2010, watch for ground breaking for the day use area.
Bouldercrest: A $56,000 balance in the Bouldercrest 2001 District 6 Bond funds will result in a few upgrades to the Park. A citizens group with the Cedar Grove Community Association that is trying to start a Friends of Bouldercrest Park, vetted the wish list for these small but helpful improvements.
Sugar Creek Golf/Tennis Center: While not a Park per se, District 6 Park Bond funds will go to renovate portions of the Golf Center main building. Community meetings were completed in October and construction bids for the $1.2 million project are scheduled to begin in March 2010.
Public Works and Public Safety
Flooding Update/Public Works
We continue to experience the effects of September's floods in our district. My office has worked hard to keep everyone informed about the recovery efforts. We will continue to provide information about federal, state and county support on our website.
Even though this was a 500-year flood event, we are taking steps to avoid a repeat by allocating $1.3 million in federal stimulus funds to pay for stormwater improvement projects on 103 small drainage projects throughout the County that are "shovel ready." Many of these are in District 6 because we are the older part of the County.
On a positive note, the Drew Valley Drainage Facility, a five year project funded by the County and a federal grant, was a success story during the recent flooding, working exactly as planned with no significant overflow. This area suffered extreme flooding in 2003 and 2004. DeKalb County and the Drew Valley neighborhood were recognized for the detention pond in a "Best Mitigation Practices" article by FEMA titled Reason to Cheer: Detention Pond Offers Neighborhood Relief from Flooding.
Public Safety
Code Red Notification - this is a system used by DeKalb County to notify residents in case of an emergency. If you have not already registered your phone number please visit Code Red and register.
VIP - Volunteers In Patrol is a program run through the DeKalb County Police Department to train volunteers to assist in neighborhood patrols through non-confrontational methods. Please visit the VIP program information site to find out more and how to become a volunteer.
Crimetrac - the website was launched earlier this year to provide citizens access to crime statistics in unincorporated DeKalb County.
New Drivers License - the state of Georgia introduced a new Driver's License in September that will improve security and make it easier to quickly identify "under-21". Your current license is valid and the new license will be issued when you renew.
Additional District 6 Activities in pictures
Briarwood Recreation Center clean up day April 2009
East Lake Terrace Community Vision Day June 2009
National Night Out August 2009
Rain Harvesting at the Winning the Water Wars Workshop September 2009
September 2009 Update
Friends and Neighbors,
DeKalb County has been declared, by President Obama, a Federal Disaster Area for personal recovery assistance due to the recent flooding and rain storms. This was an unprecedented Type 1 Disaster so a special Thank You to all of the emergency responding agencies. The recovery will be a long process requiring many partnerships.
If you are a homeowner, renter or business that has been affected by the flood, first and foremost you must apply for aid for personal damage. Register for FEMA assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 or registering on online at www.disasterassistance.gov. No assistance can start until you have applied with FEMA. Once you have applied an inspection to verify the damage will be made and then financial assistance will be determined. As of this date 9/28/09, 7,000 people have been helped and $2.4 million dollars has already been given to assist flood victims. Do not wait for the Disaster Recovery Center to open apply for assistance now.
FEMA can assist with temporary housing, emergency repairs, replacement of essential household items, transportation and other types of aid. This site also has clean up tips.
DEMA, DeKalb Emergency Management Agency will open a Disaster Recovery Center on Wednesday, the location is still being determined.
Please check the County website www.yourdekalb.com for the location and to contact all County Departments.
The following numbers can also assist in providing support or answering questions.
Red Cross – 404-870-4440
United Way and Salvation Army - 211
Governors Office of Consumer Affairs – 404-651-8600
The Office of Consumer Affairs wants people to know the price gouging policy is in effect, if you have concerns please call their office. They are also warning people of charity scams- please only donate to charities you know. If you have lost any paper work, like credit card or mortgage statements, please call the companies directly.
Greater Atlanta Home Builders – 678-775-1424
Please call if you have any concerns about contractors or builders price gouging.
Go to the Greater Atlanta Home Builders website www.atlantahomebuilders.com for referrals to Georgia licensed contractors. Be sure to ask for a copy of the contractor’s State of Georgia Contractors license not a Georgia Business license. Contactors from other states are already calling and getting temporary business licenses. Always get recommendations from neighbors, friends or the Homebuilders Association. Obtain 3 quotes and pay as the repairs are done, not upfront.
National Flood Insurance Program inquires – 678-808-8983
Moving forward it is advisable to contact the program to find out how to obtain flood insurance even if your home is not located in a flood plain.
DeKalb County Cooperative Extension – 404-298-4080
If you have questions related to wells, septic tanks, and mold after a flood.
DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) – 678-406-7850
For general concerns regarding emergency management assistance, this number will be active until the Disaster Recovery Center has opened on Wednesday.
Roads and Drainage – 404-297-3840
Please call for concerns regarding street or yard flooding. You may also contact my office for a Request for Assistance form.
Watershed Management – 770-270-6243
Please call for concerns regarding sewers or water lines.
Sanitation - 404-294-2900
Please continue to follow all garbage collection procedures. Separate all garbage into 3 piles, regular home trash, trees and limbs, and home debris.
Code Red – Please register for this new emergency contact system on the DeKalb County Website. Also provide an alternate number other than your home because in an emergency you may not have access to your land line. This is a secure line and your information will not be shared with anyone.
If Code Red calls the caller ID is 866-419-5000, if you miss the call, you can call the number and the last emergency message will play. This new system will be used to send critical communications to DeKalb County residents from evacuation notices to missing child alerts.
Please continue to check my websit and the DeKalb County website www.yourdekalb.com for current information regarding assistance and the location of the Disaster Recovery Center.
OTHER UPDATES AROUND DISTRICT 6
The Decatur Career Center at Avondale Crossing Plaza,1295 Columbia Drive, Decatur, offers resources, technology and support services to help job seekers and to assist in the development of Micro-Businesses.
For more information contact Dee Dee Bullock at (404) 728-8635.
Family and Health
The DeKalb County Public Library and the Center for Puppetry Arts, in conjunction with the DeKalb County Board of Health, are teaming up on a project aimed at teaching children about a very important topic—health and safety. This fall, the organizations are presenting a special puppet show, called “Captain Healthy and Safety Dog,” that will entertain school-aged children while telling them about things they can do to live a safe and healthy life.
For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.dekalblibrary.org.
Healthy Women
Free Breast Imaging Services, Mammograms, Ultrasounds and MRIs for Underserved Women are now available in five Metro Atlanta counties. Call (404) 605-4427 for additional information. Translation services are available.
Your Money
As many of you may have realized when opening your tax bill, it is higher this year. That’s because the Georgia General Assembly did not fund the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant for 2009. The Homestead Tax Relief Grant (HTRG) program was established through legislation in 1999. In recent years, this program provided homeowners a credit on their property tax bill from the State of Georgia that averaged $200 - $300. Given financial strains on the state budget this year, the General Assembly passed legislation eliminating it and raising your taxes.
To get more information about the Tax Relief Grant, go to the state’s website www.FactsAboutPropertyTax.com
Our condolences
We send our condolences to the family of Charles Denard in the Cedar Grove area, on his recent passing which was much too early. Charles was pictured in my last update, always front and center in helping the Cedar Grove Neighborhood Association. He will be missed.
DeKalb County has been declared, by President Obama, a Federal Disaster Area for personal recovery assistance due to the recent flooding and rain storms. This was an unprecedented Type 1 Disaster so a special Thank You to all of the emergency responding agencies. The recovery will be a long process requiring many partnerships.
If you are a homeowner, renter or business that has been affected by the flood, first and foremost you must apply for aid for personal damage. Register for FEMA assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 or registering on online at www.disasterassistance.gov. No assistance can start until you have applied with FEMA. Once you have applied an inspection to verify the damage will be made and then financial assistance will be determined. As of this date 9/28/09, 7,000 people have been helped and $2.4 million dollars has already been given to assist flood victims. Do not wait for the Disaster Recovery Center to open apply for assistance now.
FEMA can assist with temporary housing, emergency repairs, replacement of essential household items, transportation and other types of aid. This site also has clean up tips.
DEMA, DeKalb Emergency Management Agency will open a Disaster Recovery Center on Wednesday, the location is still being determined.
Please check the County website www.yourdekalb.com for the location and to contact all County Departments.
The following numbers can also assist in providing support or answering questions.
Red Cross – 404-870-4440
United Way and Salvation Army - 211
Governors Office of Consumer Affairs – 404-651-8600
The Office of Consumer Affairs wants people to know the price gouging policy is in effect, if you have concerns please call their office. They are also warning people of charity scams- please only donate to charities you know. If you have lost any paper work, like credit card or mortgage statements, please call the companies directly.
Greater Atlanta Home Builders – 678-775-1424
Please call if you have any concerns about contractors or builders price gouging.
Go to the Greater Atlanta Home Builders website www.atlantahomebuilders.com for referrals to Georgia licensed contractors. Be sure to ask for a copy of the contractor’s State of Georgia Contractors license not a Georgia Business license. Contactors from other states are already calling and getting temporary business licenses. Always get recommendations from neighbors, friends or the Homebuilders Association. Obtain 3 quotes and pay as the repairs are done, not upfront.
National Flood Insurance Program inquires – 678-808-8983
Moving forward it is advisable to contact the program to find out how to obtain flood insurance even if your home is not located in a flood plain.
DeKalb County Cooperative Extension – 404-298-4080
If you have questions related to wells, septic tanks, and mold after a flood.
DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) – 678-406-7850
For general concerns regarding emergency management assistance, this number will be active until the Disaster Recovery Center has opened on Wednesday.
Roads and Drainage – 404-297-3840
Please call for concerns regarding street or yard flooding. You may also contact my office for a Request for Assistance form.
Watershed Management – 770-270-6243
Please call for concerns regarding sewers or water lines.
Sanitation - 404-294-2900
Please continue to follow all garbage collection procedures. Separate all garbage into 3 piles, regular home trash, trees and limbs, and home debris.
Code Red – Please register for this new emergency contact system on the DeKalb County Website. Also provide an alternate number other than your home because in an emergency you may not have access to your land line. This is a secure line and your information will not be shared with anyone.
If Code Red calls the caller ID is 866-419-5000, if you miss the call, you can call the number and the last emergency message will play. This new system will be used to send critical communications to DeKalb County residents from evacuation notices to missing child alerts.
Please continue to check my websit and the DeKalb County website www.yourdekalb.com for current information regarding assistance and the location of the Disaster Recovery Center.
OTHER UPDATES AROUND DISTRICT 6
The Decatur Career Center at Avondale Crossing Plaza,1295 Columbia Drive, Decatur, offers resources, technology and support services to help job seekers and to assist in the development of Micro-Businesses.
For more information contact Dee Dee Bullock at (404) 728-8635.
Family and Health
The DeKalb County Public Library and the Center for Puppetry Arts, in conjunction with the DeKalb County Board of Health, are teaming up on a project aimed at teaching children about a very important topic—health and safety. This fall, the organizations are presenting a special puppet show, called “Captain Healthy and Safety Dog,” that will entertain school-aged children while telling them about things they can do to live a safe and healthy life.
For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.dekalblibrary.org.
Healthy Women
Free Breast Imaging Services, Mammograms, Ultrasounds and MRIs for Underserved Women are now available in five Metro Atlanta counties. Call (404) 605-4427 for additional information. Translation services are available.
Your Money
As many of you may have realized when opening your tax bill, it is higher this year. That’s because the Georgia General Assembly did not fund the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant for 2009. The Homestead Tax Relief Grant (HTRG) program was established through legislation in 1999. In recent years, this program provided homeowners a credit on their property tax bill from the State of Georgia that averaged $200 - $300. Given financial strains on the state budget this year, the General Assembly passed legislation eliminating it and raising your taxes.
To get more information about the Tax Relief Grant, go to the state’s website www.FactsAboutPropertyTax.com
Our condolences
We send our condolences to the family of Charles Denard in the Cedar Grove area, on his recent passing which was much too early. Charles was pictured in my last update, always front and center in helping the Cedar Grove Neighborhood Association. He will be missed.
July 2009 Update
Board of Commissioners to Set Millage Rate:
Currently the Board of Commissioners is undergoing mid-year budget meetings. These meetings are to establish the millage rate. The millage rate is used to determine the amount you will pay for your property taxes. There will be public hearings on this proposed tax increase to be held on the following dates:
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at the Maloof Administration Building
Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia; and
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 6:00 P.M. at the Maloof Administration Building Auditorium,
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia; and
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at the Maloof Administration Building
Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia.
The Board of Commissioners plans to vote for the 2009 millage rate by June 23, 2009. My June quarterly update for the website will provide a more in depth explanation of the outside impacts on the County and the impact on your property taxes.
To view more information about the millage rate please click the below link then click on Millage Rate 101. http://www.co.dekalb.ga.us/boc/hot_topics.html
MARTA:
Due to MARTA’s cost containment efforts they are forced to consider proposed changes in MARTA service, fares and parking.
MARTA is proposing to change service routes in DeKalb County in August. Rail Service changes include frequency modifications and the hours of service operation.
MARTA is proposing to change fare and parking rates by October 1, 2009. Single fare rates will increase by twenty-five cents ($0.25), from $1.75 to $2.00
MARTA will be holding Public Hearings to discuss the proposed changes. The Public Hearing for DeKalb will be held at 7:00 pm at the following location:
Wednesday June 17, 2009
Maloof Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive
Decatur, GA 30030
Information on all the changes with detailed list of route changes and fare increase is available at this website. http://www.itsmarta.com/about/MARTA_materials_list.htm
Public comment received during the public hearings will be considered by members of MARTA’s Board of Directors before any final recommendations are considered.
Copies of the proposed budget and bus service modification are available at MARTA’s Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324 during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Patrons may request information in accessible format by calling MARTA’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity at 404.848.5240. For patrons requiring further accommodations, information can be obtained by calling the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 404.848.5665.
A sign language interpreter will be available at all hearings. People unable to attend the hearings can provide comments by: 1) leaving a message at 404.848.5299; 2) write to MARTA’s External Affairs at 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30324; 3) complete an online Comment Card at http://www.itsmarta.com/; or 4) fax your comments to 404.848.4179 no later than June 18, 2009.
Town Brookhaven Tax Abatement:
Being a representative of the area in which Town Brookhaven is located I join Commissioners Jeff Rader and Elaine Boyer in support for a Resolution opposing the proposed tax abatement requested by Sembler. The Development Authority of DeKalb County is currently considering incentives for the Town Brookhaven project, that if implemented would reduce property tax collection by $52 million over a 20 year period. The state created Development Authorities to be independent entities and the Board of Commissioners does not have any say in decisions made be the Development Authority. The non-binding Resolution was meant to express our opinion. The Resolution was deferred to the June 23, 2009 Board of Commissioners meeting by a vote of 4 to 3. The next Development Authority meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 18, 2009 at 8:00 AM. You may learn more about the Development Authority on the DeKalb County website at http://www.yourdekalb.com/ under Departments then Economic Development.
Wii Tournament:
DeKalb County Senior citizens and I found a new way to exercise, have fun and celebrate May as National Senior Citizens Month. Active baby boomers to older seniors with limited mobility took part in a month long Wii Fit bowling tournament sponsored by Super District 6. The bowling tournament was created as a fun opportunity to use the popularity of the Nintendo sports video game to encourage seniors to remain active. Four of the County’s neighborhood based Senior Centers, managed by Senior Connections fielded teams who competed in a play-off on May 20 at the South DeKalb Senior Center on Candler Road. The tournament trophy went to the North DeKalb Senior Center team, Patricia Lawrence and Jose Caramanzana.
Patricia Lawrence, Belinda Goodman (North DeKalb Center Director), Commissioner Kathie Gannon, Jose Caramanzana
New Rule for Water Use:
DeKalb will adopt the non-drought schedule for outdoor water use declared by the Georgia Environmental protection Division on June 10, 2009. Under the non-drought schedule, outdoor water use is allowed three days a week on assigned days using odd and even numbered addresses. Odd-number addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursdays, and Sundays. Even-numbered and unnumbered addresses can water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. There is no watering on Fridays. Even though water use may occur at any time of the day on your assigned days, to be water efficient landscape watering should not occur between 10am and 4pm. We have all been doing our part to conserve water, 5.7 billion gallons since January 2008, please continue to practice conservation.
Currently the Board of Commissioners is undergoing mid-year budget meetings. These meetings are to establish the millage rate. The millage rate is used to determine the amount you will pay for your property taxes. There will be public hearings on this proposed tax increase to be held on the following dates:
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at the Maloof Administration Building
Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia; and
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 6:00 P.M. at the Maloof Administration Building Auditorium,
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia; and
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at the Maloof Administration Building
Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia.
The Board of Commissioners plans to vote for the 2009 millage rate by June 23, 2009. My June quarterly update for the website will provide a more in depth explanation of the outside impacts on the County and the impact on your property taxes.
To view more information about the millage rate please click the below link then click on Millage Rate 101. http://www.co.dekalb.ga.us/boc/hot_topics.html
MARTA:
Due to MARTA’s cost containment efforts they are forced to consider proposed changes in MARTA service, fares and parking.
MARTA is proposing to change service routes in DeKalb County in August. Rail Service changes include frequency modifications and the hours of service operation.
MARTA is proposing to change fare and parking rates by October 1, 2009. Single fare rates will increase by twenty-five cents ($0.25), from $1.75 to $2.00
MARTA will be holding Public Hearings to discuss the proposed changes. The Public Hearing for DeKalb will be held at 7:00 pm at the following location:
Wednesday June 17, 2009
Maloof Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive
Decatur, GA 30030
Information on all the changes with detailed list of route changes and fare increase is available at this website. http://www.itsmarta.com/about/MARTA_materials_list.htm
Public comment received during the public hearings will be considered by members of MARTA’s Board of Directors before any final recommendations are considered.
Copies of the proposed budget and bus service modification are available at MARTA’s Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324 during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Patrons may request information in accessible format by calling MARTA’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity at 404.848.5240. For patrons requiring further accommodations, information can be obtained by calling the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 404.848.5665.
A sign language interpreter will be available at all hearings. People unable to attend the hearings can provide comments by: 1) leaving a message at 404.848.5299; 2) write to MARTA’s External Affairs at 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30324; 3) complete an online Comment Card at http://www.itsmarta.com/; or 4) fax your comments to 404.848.4179 no later than June 18, 2009.
Town Brookhaven Tax Abatement:
Being a representative of the area in which Town Brookhaven is located I join Commissioners Jeff Rader and Elaine Boyer in support for a Resolution opposing the proposed tax abatement requested by Sembler. The Development Authority of DeKalb County is currently considering incentives for the Town Brookhaven project, that if implemented would reduce property tax collection by $52 million over a 20 year period. The state created Development Authorities to be independent entities and the Board of Commissioners does not have any say in decisions made be the Development Authority. The non-binding Resolution was meant to express our opinion. The Resolution was deferred to the June 23, 2009 Board of Commissioners meeting by a vote of 4 to 3. The next Development Authority meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 18, 2009 at 8:00 AM. You may learn more about the Development Authority on the DeKalb County website at http://www.yourdekalb.com/ under Departments then Economic Development.
Wii Tournament:
DeKalb County Senior citizens and I found a new way to exercise, have fun and celebrate May as National Senior Citizens Month. Active baby boomers to older seniors with limited mobility took part in a month long Wii Fit bowling tournament sponsored by Super District 6. The bowling tournament was created as a fun opportunity to use the popularity of the Nintendo sports video game to encourage seniors to remain active. Four of the County’s neighborhood based Senior Centers, managed by Senior Connections fielded teams who competed in a play-off on May 20 at the South DeKalb Senior Center on Candler Road. The tournament trophy went to the North DeKalb Senior Center team, Patricia Lawrence and Jose Caramanzana.
Patricia Lawrence, Belinda Goodman (North DeKalb Center Director), Commissioner Kathie Gannon, Jose Caramanzana
New Rule for Water Use:
DeKalb will adopt the non-drought schedule for outdoor water use declared by the Georgia Environmental protection Division on June 10, 2009. Under the non-drought schedule, outdoor water use is allowed three days a week on assigned days using odd and even numbered addresses. Odd-number addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursdays, and Sundays. Even-numbered and unnumbered addresses can water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. There is no watering on Fridays. Even though water use may occur at any time of the day on your assigned days, to be water efficient landscape watering should not occur between 10am and 4pm. We have all been doing our part to conserve water, 5.7 billion gallons since January 2008, please continue to practice conservation.
June 2009 Update
Green Commission Launched!
Residents, green product exhibitors and future Green Commissioners joined CEO Burrell Ellis and me on a beautiful May morning to kick-off DeKalb County’s new Green Commission. Held at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, the County’s third building to meet LEED certification, attendees were able to learn about sustainable practices including recycling, environmentally sensitive landscaping and second generation re-cycled office products.
For a closer look at the fun, visit the online photo album.
The May launch was just the first step in our new initiative to make DeKalb a Green Community. We’ve applied for Green Community designation from the Atlanta Regional Commission and will soon begin community workshops for residents, business owners and county employees to help them go green. A Green University will offer educational opportunities for students.
Many thanks to all who attended and join our efforts in sustaining DeKalb County for the future.
Community Planning
Several key community planning projects are underway throughout District 6. While the slowdown in building and development has created many challenges for our County, it is also giving our communities a chance to plan for their future so when activity picks up, we are ready with blueprints in hand.
District 5
The Bouldercrest, Cedar Grove and Moreland Avenue Community Planning project kicked off in May and our first community-wide workshop was on July 11. Additional Community Workshops will be held throughout this planning process and participation from all stakeholders is key. Everyone with an interest in the area, from residents to business owners to property owners, is invited to participate by sharing their thoughts about future development.
At the May kick off, we heard about the desire to maintain the character of the residential areas and add greenspace, while also raising standards for retail and adding dining options, reducing crime and traffic. The workshop on July 11 focused on ways to achieve an overall vision and more specific ideas for the future of three main areas; I-285 at Bouldercrest Rd., the Bouldercrest and Cedar Grove Road intersection and the Moreland Avenue Corridor. The next step is a summary report from the consultants about the “visions” created which will be reviewed by the Steering Committee and the Community. Watch for meeting dates on my website.
District 2
Collaboration with the DeKalb County School System is vital to the future planning being proposed for the Buford Highway area near Cross Keys High School. Cross Keys is beginning a major renovation to transform to the DeKalb High School of Technology North. The Buford Highway portion of this area was part of my Safety Task Force in 2005-2006 and some of those recommendations can now be brought forward to this larger planning effort. A proposal for a large mixed use development is also in the mix. Our Planning Department has developed initial recommendations for the comprehensive land use of this area but the next step needs to be an area specific, community planning workshop. We are exploring resources to make this community planning process happen.
The very congested North Druid Hills corridor, from Toco Hills to Buford Highway is also a part of this traffic choking puzzle, with I-85 right in the middle. The Atlanta Regional Commission has awarded a Livable Cities Initiative Grant to study this area. We are looking forward to community and professional recommendations for dealing with transportation and development pressure on this busy stretch of road that is one of the major east-west through traffic arteries in DeKalb County.
Libraries New and Renovated!
The newly renovated Northlake Barbara Loar and Toco Hills – Avis Williams library branches just reopened at the beginning of June. Thank you to the DeKalb County voters who are making our Libraries and County better though the bond proceeds that you voted for in 2005.
Currently closed and under major renovation are the Salem-Panola Branch and Hairston Crossing. These will reopen in 2010. A new library is scheduled to open in 2010 in Ellenwood at the corner of River Road and Linecrest.
The Scott Candler Branch is being replaced with a brand new 12,000 square foot facility. The new building at the corner of Candler Road and Melville Avenue, scheduled to open by the middle of next year, is part of a mixed use development that will incorporate the library, a new Senior Center, and Senior housing. This redevelopment caps off a major County investment in the on-going revitalization of the “mid- section” of the Candler Rd corridor
For more information on the DeKalb Library system, go to www.dekalblibrary.org. There is a wealth of information about special summer activities and resources at every branch.
Good News for Gardeners
Our wet spring and summer recharged our water sources so both the state and DeKalb County have lifted the majority of our water restrictions. However, I encourage you to still be conservative in water use and abide by the watering rules still in place. Residents with odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday while those with even numbered addresses can water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The most efficient time to water is before 10 am. For more information about watering and the drought, go to www.gaepd.org, the site of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
Reminder: The toilet retrofit rebate is also still available through our County Watershed Dept. Find out how to get money back for upgrading to low-flow toilets.
Fun!
Family Night at Decatur Chick-fil-A
Monday nights
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
There is face painting, balloons animals, buy one Kid's Meal get a Kid's Meal free and free Ice cream for the kids!
ALSO
Check out the DeKalb Parks and Recreation website at http://www.co.dekalb.ga.us/parks/ for lots of terrific ideas for fun, cool, close-by and inexpensive activities. Movies in the park, pools and waterparks, hiking and camps are all available.
Residents, green product exhibitors and future Green Commissioners joined CEO Burrell Ellis and me on a beautiful May morning to kick-off DeKalb County’s new Green Commission. Held at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, the County’s third building to meet LEED certification, attendees were able to learn about sustainable practices including recycling, environmentally sensitive landscaping and second generation re-cycled office products.
For a closer look at the fun, visit the online photo album.
The May launch was just the first step in our new initiative to make DeKalb a Green Community. We’ve applied for Green Community designation from the Atlanta Regional Commission and will soon begin community workshops for residents, business owners and county employees to help them go green. A Green University will offer educational opportunities for students.
Many thanks to all who attended and join our efforts in sustaining DeKalb County for the future.
Community Planning
Several key community planning projects are underway throughout District 6. While the slowdown in building and development has created many challenges for our County, it is also giving our communities a chance to plan for their future so when activity picks up, we are ready with blueprints in hand.
District 5
The Bouldercrest, Cedar Grove and Moreland Avenue Community Planning project kicked off in May and our first community-wide workshop was on July 11. Additional Community Workshops will be held throughout this planning process and participation from all stakeholders is key. Everyone with an interest in the area, from residents to business owners to property owners, is invited to participate by sharing their thoughts about future development.
At the May kick off, we heard about the desire to maintain the character of the residential areas and add greenspace, while also raising standards for retail and adding dining options, reducing crime and traffic. The workshop on July 11 focused on ways to achieve an overall vision and more specific ideas for the future of three main areas; I-285 at Bouldercrest Rd., the Bouldercrest and Cedar Grove Road intersection and the Moreland Avenue Corridor. The next step is a summary report from the consultants about the “visions” created which will be reviewed by the Steering Committee and the Community. Watch for meeting dates on my website.
District 2
Collaboration with the DeKalb County School System is vital to the future planning being proposed for the Buford Highway area near Cross Keys High School. Cross Keys is beginning a major renovation to transform to the DeKalb High School of Technology North. The Buford Highway portion of this area was part of my Safety Task Force in 2005-2006 and some of those recommendations can now be brought forward to this larger planning effort. A proposal for a large mixed use development is also in the mix. Our Planning Department has developed initial recommendations for the comprehensive land use of this area but the next step needs to be an area specific, community planning workshop. We are exploring resources to make this community planning process happen.
The very congested North Druid Hills corridor, from Toco Hills to Buford Highway is also a part of this traffic choking puzzle, with I-85 right in the middle. The Atlanta Regional Commission has awarded a Livable Cities Initiative Grant to study this area. We are looking forward to community and professional recommendations for dealing with transportation and development pressure on this busy stretch of road that is one of the major east-west through traffic arteries in DeKalb County.
Libraries New and Renovated!
The newly renovated Northlake Barbara Loar and Toco Hills – Avis Williams library branches just reopened at the beginning of June. Thank you to the DeKalb County voters who are making our Libraries and County better though the bond proceeds that you voted for in 2005.
Currently closed and under major renovation are the Salem-Panola Branch and Hairston Crossing. These will reopen in 2010. A new library is scheduled to open in 2010 in Ellenwood at the corner of River Road and Linecrest.
The Scott Candler Branch is being replaced with a brand new 12,000 square foot facility. The new building at the corner of Candler Road and Melville Avenue, scheduled to open by the middle of next year, is part of a mixed use development that will incorporate the library, a new Senior Center, and Senior housing. This redevelopment caps off a major County investment in the on-going revitalization of the “mid- section” of the Candler Rd corridor
For more information on the DeKalb Library system, go to www.dekalblibrary.org. There is a wealth of information about special summer activities and resources at every branch.
Good News for Gardeners
Our wet spring and summer recharged our water sources so both the state and DeKalb County have lifted the majority of our water restrictions. However, I encourage you to still be conservative in water use and abide by the watering rules still in place. Residents with odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday while those with even numbered addresses can water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The most efficient time to water is before 10 am. For more information about watering and the drought, go to www.gaepd.org, the site of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
Reminder: The toilet retrofit rebate is also still available through our County Watershed Dept. Find out how to get money back for upgrading to low-flow toilets.
Fun!
Family Night at Decatur Chick-fil-A
Monday nights
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
There is face painting, balloons animals, buy one Kid's Meal get a Kid's Meal free and free Ice cream for the kids!
ALSO
Check out the DeKalb Parks and Recreation website at http://www.co.dekalb.ga.us/parks/ for lots of terrific ideas for fun, cool, close-by and inexpensive activities. Movies in the park, pools and waterparks, hiking and camps are all available.
May 3, 2009 Update
Dear Neighbors,
DeKalb County is going Green and so can you!
May 3 – 9, 2009 DeKalb County celebrates Greening Our Future, National County Government Week and the launch of Commissioner Gannon’s Green Commission for DeKalb County. Under the sponsorship of CEO Burrell Ellis, events will be held throughout the week to raise awareness of the County’s responsibility to protect the environment and use our natural resources wisely. The week culminates with the Green Commission Kick –Off event on Saturday, May 9 from 9:30 am to 12:00 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, the County’s newest building that was built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards and has certification pending.
Many of our efforts to become an environmentally responsible county will be coordinated under our new Green Commission that I am working on with CEO Burrell Ellis. Our initial project is to become one of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s “Green Communities” and we are well on our way to achieving that goal. The Green Commission’s ongoing mission is to provide guidance and resources to the county and its citizens to create active and sustainable communities, enhance our economic viability and improve our quality of life.
On May 9, CEO Ellis and I will officially launch the DeKalb County Green Commission highlighting the successful initiatives already underway such as recycling, composting, green energy. This open house will feature exhibits and demonstrations by green businesses and programs, tours of Wonderland Gardens, great food and giveaways. Learn how to make a rain barrel, secrets for great compost, and ways to save money while saving the environment. If you haven’t signed up yet, this is a good day to pick up your DeKalb County curbside recycling bins and bags. This very successful program continues to grow by almost 100 new participants a week and diverts more than 1.5 million pounds of trash from our landfills every month.
Join us at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30034 from 9:30 to noon. All are welcome!
Our latest Green accomplishment
In February, the Board of Commissioners passed a new Stream Buffer Protection Ordinance that I have been championing for the past two years. (The wheels of government turn slowly.) Thank you to the Soil and Water Conservation District, environmental groups and neighborhood associations for the many reviews and comments which helped us reach consensus on a long overdue ordinance that increases the protection of the many streams that crisscross our county.
The updated ordinance puts all the information on protecting our 75-foot stream buffers into one section of the Code (14-44) so it is easy to find. There are new requirements for notice of an application for a stream buffer variance that include posting on the property as well as notifying neighbors in writing. The criteria for obtaining a variance has been narrowed and standards for review improved.
Seniors Bowling Tournament
May is Senior Month so in keeping with our “green” theme, we are working on sustaining activity and improving quality of life in our senior community by teaming with our area Senior Centers to sponsor a Wii bowling tournament on May 20. As many of you know, Wii is an interactive video game and a wonderful, inexpensive and fun way to exercise through video experience. Each Senior Neighborhood Center will field bowling teams to earn bragging rights as top Senior Bowlers for DeKalb and a prize for their Center.
Food Drive Success
Many thanks to all who supported our February Food Drive. We received more than 500 pounds of food that will feed 335 clients through the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Decatur Cooperative Ministries.
Community Planning Update
The long awaited planning initiative for the Cedar Grove/ Bouldercrest community will officially kick off on May 7th with a Stakeholders Group Meeting. The Collaborative Firm will be facilitating the community meetings. Watch for additional information.
District 2 Commissioner Jeff Radar and I have initiated a collaborative planning effort with the DeKalb County School District for the district along Buford Highway that includes Cross Keys High School and Woodward Elementary School.
Other Green Activities
Commissioner Kathie Gannon would like you to be aware of additional Green activities celebrating National County Government Week - Greening Our Future, the week of May 3-9, 2009.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 - Joint Press Conference (CEO Ellis and Commissioner Gannon) Green Commission Announcement and Tree Planting. Decatur Square (Gazebo), Decatur, GA 1:30 p.m.– 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009 - The Heart of DeKalb – “Building a Sustainable Future and a Green
Workforce” at Towers High School (CEO Ellis, faculty, students and members of the Towers community to discuss STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and tour the indoor gardens. 3919 Brookcrest Circle Decatur, Georgia 30032, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Lunch – N – Learn “Where Do Recyclables Go?”- DeKalb County Transfer Station 3700 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA, 12:00 pm
CEO Ellis Wonderland Gardens Tour - Wonderland Gardens 3145 Rainbow Drive Decatur, Georgia 30034, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.(To schedule a tour please call (404) 286-6163- Walk-ins are welcome)
Thursday, May 7, 2009 - Central Transfer Station Recycling Tours -3720 Leroy Scott Drive 8:00a.m.4:00 p.m.(To schedule a tour please call (404) 297-4434 - Walk-ins are welcome)
Friday, May 8, 2009 - Employee Green Day in DeKalb County - DeKalb County employees are
encouraged to wear green to show their support for NCGW. Various businesses will offer a discount to county employees if you wear green and show your county ID.
Saturday, May 9, 2009 - Green Commission Kick-Off and Exhibition Event Porter Sanford Performing Arts Building, 3181 Rainbow Dr., Decatur, GA, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Compost Demonstration Event - Your DeKalb Farmer’s Market 3000 East Ponce De Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Reminder: May is Clean Air Month
DeKalb County is going Green and so can you!
May 3 – 9, 2009 DeKalb County celebrates Greening Our Future, National County Government Week and the launch of Commissioner Gannon’s Green Commission for DeKalb County. Under the sponsorship of CEO Burrell Ellis, events will be held throughout the week to raise awareness of the County’s responsibility to protect the environment and use our natural resources wisely. The week culminates with the Green Commission Kick –Off event on Saturday, May 9 from 9:30 am to 12:00 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, the County’s newest building that was built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards and has certification pending.
Many of our efforts to become an environmentally responsible county will be coordinated under our new Green Commission that I am working on with CEO Burrell Ellis. Our initial project is to become one of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s “Green Communities” and we are well on our way to achieving that goal. The Green Commission’s ongoing mission is to provide guidance and resources to the county and its citizens to create active and sustainable communities, enhance our economic viability and improve our quality of life.
On May 9, CEO Ellis and I will officially launch the DeKalb County Green Commission highlighting the successful initiatives already underway such as recycling, composting, green energy. This open house will feature exhibits and demonstrations by green businesses and programs, tours of Wonderland Gardens, great food and giveaways. Learn how to make a rain barrel, secrets for great compost, and ways to save money while saving the environment. If you haven’t signed up yet, this is a good day to pick up your DeKalb County curbside recycling bins and bags. This very successful program continues to grow by almost 100 new participants a week and diverts more than 1.5 million pounds of trash from our landfills every month.
Join us at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30034 from 9:30 to noon. All are welcome!
Our latest Green accomplishment
In February, the Board of Commissioners passed a new Stream Buffer Protection Ordinance that I have been championing for the past two years. (The wheels of government turn slowly.) Thank you to the Soil and Water Conservation District, environmental groups and neighborhood associations for the many reviews and comments which helped us reach consensus on a long overdue ordinance that increases the protection of the many streams that crisscross our county.
The updated ordinance puts all the information on protecting our 75-foot stream buffers into one section of the Code (14-44) so it is easy to find. There are new requirements for notice of an application for a stream buffer variance that include posting on the property as well as notifying neighbors in writing. The criteria for obtaining a variance has been narrowed and standards for review improved.
Seniors Bowling Tournament
May is Senior Month so in keeping with our “green” theme, we are working on sustaining activity and improving quality of life in our senior community by teaming with our area Senior Centers to sponsor a Wii bowling tournament on May 20. As many of you know, Wii is an interactive video game and a wonderful, inexpensive and fun way to exercise through video experience. Each Senior Neighborhood Center will field bowling teams to earn bragging rights as top Senior Bowlers for DeKalb and a prize for their Center.
Food Drive Success
Many thanks to all who supported our February Food Drive. We received more than 500 pounds of food that will feed 335 clients through the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Decatur Cooperative Ministries.
Community Planning Update
The long awaited planning initiative for the Cedar Grove/ Bouldercrest community will officially kick off on May 7th with a Stakeholders Group Meeting. The Collaborative Firm will be facilitating the community meetings. Watch for additional information.
District 2 Commissioner Jeff Radar and I have initiated a collaborative planning effort with the DeKalb County School District for the district along Buford Highway that includes Cross Keys High School and Woodward Elementary School.
Other Green Activities
Commissioner Kathie Gannon would like you to be aware of additional Green activities celebrating National County Government Week - Greening Our Future, the week of May 3-9, 2009.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 - Joint Press Conference (CEO Ellis and Commissioner Gannon) Green Commission Announcement and Tree Planting. Decatur Square (Gazebo), Decatur, GA 1:30 p.m.– 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009 - The Heart of DeKalb – “Building a Sustainable Future and a Green
Workforce” at Towers High School (CEO Ellis, faculty, students and members of the Towers community to discuss STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and tour the indoor gardens. 3919 Brookcrest Circle Decatur, Georgia 30032, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Lunch – N – Learn “Where Do Recyclables Go?”- DeKalb County Transfer Station 3700 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA, 12:00 pm
CEO Ellis Wonderland Gardens Tour - Wonderland Gardens 3145 Rainbow Drive Decatur, Georgia 30034, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.(To schedule a tour please call (404) 286-6163- Walk-ins are welcome)
Thursday, May 7, 2009 - Central Transfer Station Recycling Tours -3720 Leroy Scott Drive 8:00a.m.4:00 p.m.(To schedule a tour please call (404) 297-4434 - Walk-ins are welcome)
Friday, May 8, 2009 - Employee Green Day in DeKalb County - DeKalb County employees are
encouraged to wear green to show their support for NCGW. Various businesses will offer a discount to county employees if you wear green and show your county ID.
Saturday, May 9, 2009 - Green Commission Kick-Off and Exhibition Event Porter Sanford Performing Arts Building, 3181 Rainbow Dr., Decatur, GA, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Compost Demonstration Event - Your DeKalb Farmer’s Market 3000 East Ponce De Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Reminder: May is Clean Air Month
February 2009 Update
Update from Commission District 6 - First Quarter 2009
The new year is well underway and I am busy focusing on what you have told me are your priorities. We as a County are facing the same issues you face: to do more with less. I hope you were able to attend one of the many Budget meetings to better understand the financial challenges and decisions we are facing this year. I have attended meetings from one end of the county to the other to listen to your suggestions. Based on your concerns and comments, I voted to adopt the CEO’s budget as recommended by the Commission's budget committee. This motion failed by a vote of 4 to 3 and an amended budget was passed, again by a 4 to 3 vote. I think it is important to share with you the reasons for my vote. Please see http://www.kathiegannon.com/news/news98.html.
Commissioner Gannon celebrating the Chinese New Year with (from left to right) Mr. Charles K.Y. Liu Deputy Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta, Commissioner Jeff Rader, Doraville City Councilman Bob Roche and Ms. Lorri Christopher, Director Institutional Advancement from Gwinnett Tech.
GREEN COMMISSION
A major initiative I am working on is the establishment of a Green Commission. As I met with you during the campaign, you told me how important sustainability is to you and the future of our County. One of the goals will be for DeKalb County to be recognized as a Certified Green Community by the Atlanta Regional Commission by adopting specific policies and practices that contribute to overall sustainability. This designation is good for our community and gives us an edge in recruiting green companies, jobs and development.
I am looking for people with experience and interest in environmental issues to participate on the Stakeholders Advisory Committee for the Green Commission. Please contact my office for an application if you are interested! We are planning a meeting in the next few weeks and will have a Community kick-off Workshop in April in conjunction with Earth Day.
An example of green development in District 6, recently recognized by the Atlanta Regional Commission as a Development of Excellence for Neighborhood Infill and Sustainable Site and Infrastructure Design, is Davis Oaks, a townhome community at the corner of LaVista and Oak Grove Roads. I worked on this rezoning in 2005 and have supported the developers, a DeKalb County business for more than 30 years, as they worked with neighbors and County staff because our codes do not make it easy to exceed County environmental and tree save requirements. The community preserves 34 per cent of the property’s greenspace, is a certified National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat, manages its water run off through on-site design of greenspace and plant material and provides residents and neighbors access to nearby restaurants and businesses on its walking trail.
NEW COMMUNITY PLANNING INITIATIVE
As you know, I am a long time advocate of community based planning. Neighborhoods are encouraged to take the lead, teaming with professional planners, to create a vision for their future development. I have brought several communities into this type of planning process using grants and contributions. The most recent project culminated in 2008 with the adoption by the Board of Commissioners of an Overlay Zoning District for Scottdale. The process started in 2005, with residents looking for ways to encourage development that was in keeping with the unique character of the area. The formal process took two years with residents, business owners, and county representatives meeting with professional planners to develop a comprehensive plan. The result is specific regulations for distinct types of development: a mixed use corridor, a historic neighborhood, and neighborhoods along the perimeter boundaries. The residents of Scottdale now have a shared vision with adopted plans that they can use to recruit commercial and residential development that maintains the Scottdale character.
Our next big project, which we expect to kick off very soon, is in the Bouldercrest/Conley area. Working with District 5 Commissioner Lee May, I am bringing the same type of comprehensive planning and vision to the Bouldercrest corridor between I-285 and Cedar Grove Road and over to Moreland Avenue. A stakeholders’ group of residents and property owners is forming to guide the process and follow through toward implementation. This is a long-term commitment and if you are interested, please let my office know. There will also be many opportunities for community input along the way. We will be scheduling public meetings very soon. Everyone is invited to participate in developing a vision for the future of this area.
In other planning news, the Toco Hills neighborhood was chosen to participate in a special planning study that the ARC is conducting on aging and the changes needed within a community so that residents can age in place. The needs of our seniors will continue to be a high priority in District 6.
SENIOR NEWS
Work is almost ready to begin on a much needed new facility for the south neighborhood senior center on Candler Road. We continue to search for a home for our north center, which is in temporary quarters at the Senior Connections complex in Chamblee. In a joint project between the County, MARTA and Senior Connections, we are working to identify a new location that will offer the opportunity for intergenerational activities and pedestrian access to transit and other services. If you haven’t visited Senior Connections, you might want to stop in for a reasonably priced, nutritious and delicious lunch at the recently opened Connections Cafe.
FRIENDS OF KITTREDGE PARK
The latest of several District 6 “Friends of The Park” groups has started in a very big way!
More than 70 men, women and children from five neighborhood and resident associations and several DeKalb County departments participated in the first Friends of Kittredge Park clean up day in December. Volunteers spent the afternoon picking up trash and working with a DeKalb Master Gardner to identify and remove invasive plants. It was a brisk winter day and I enjoyed being part of their community effort and discussing how the County and surrounding communities can work together to rehabilitate this beautiful property. The money for a master plan for this park was set aside from the 2001 Park Bond and we are now able to move this initiative forward with the Friends group acting in an Advisory capacity.
The founding of Friends of Kittredge Park is another example of County-community cooperation. This group talked to other neighborhood organizations on how to organize community support and work with the various County departments. If you are interested in creating a Friends of Your Park, please contact my office. My goal is to find ways to Connect neighborhoods so they can learn from each other.
NEW LINK
Crimetrac is a new service of the DeKalb County Police Dept. allowing you to search for crime statistics and obtain a report for you or your neighborhood watch program. http://www.dekalbpolice.com/crimetrac.html
The new year is well underway and I am busy focusing on what you have told me are your priorities. We as a County are facing the same issues you face: to do more with less. I hope you were able to attend one of the many Budget meetings to better understand the financial challenges and decisions we are facing this year. I have attended meetings from one end of the county to the other to listen to your suggestions. Based on your concerns and comments, I voted to adopt the CEO’s budget as recommended by the Commission's budget committee. This motion failed by a vote of 4 to 3 and an amended budget was passed, again by a 4 to 3 vote. I think it is important to share with you the reasons for my vote. Please see http://www.kathiegannon.com/news/news98.html.
Commissioner Gannon celebrating the Chinese New Year with (from left to right) Mr. Charles K.Y. Liu Deputy Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta, Commissioner Jeff Rader, Doraville City Councilman Bob Roche and Ms. Lorri Christopher, Director Institutional Advancement from Gwinnett Tech.
GREEN COMMISSION
A major initiative I am working on is the establishment of a Green Commission. As I met with you during the campaign, you told me how important sustainability is to you and the future of our County. One of the goals will be for DeKalb County to be recognized as a Certified Green Community by the Atlanta Regional Commission by adopting specific policies and practices that contribute to overall sustainability. This designation is good for our community and gives us an edge in recruiting green companies, jobs and development.
I am looking for people with experience and interest in environmental issues to participate on the Stakeholders Advisory Committee for the Green Commission. Please contact my office for an application if you are interested! We are planning a meeting in the next few weeks and will have a Community kick-off Workshop in April in conjunction with Earth Day.
An example of green development in District 6, recently recognized by the Atlanta Regional Commission as a Development of Excellence for Neighborhood Infill and Sustainable Site and Infrastructure Design, is Davis Oaks, a townhome community at the corner of LaVista and Oak Grove Roads. I worked on this rezoning in 2005 and have supported the developers, a DeKalb County business for more than 30 years, as they worked with neighbors and County staff because our codes do not make it easy to exceed County environmental and tree save requirements. The community preserves 34 per cent of the property’s greenspace, is a certified National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat, manages its water run off through on-site design of greenspace and plant material and provides residents and neighbors access to nearby restaurants and businesses on its walking trail.
NEW COMMUNITY PLANNING INITIATIVE
As you know, I am a long time advocate of community based planning. Neighborhoods are encouraged to take the lead, teaming with professional planners, to create a vision for their future development. I have brought several communities into this type of planning process using grants and contributions. The most recent project culminated in 2008 with the adoption by the Board of Commissioners of an Overlay Zoning District for Scottdale. The process started in 2005, with residents looking for ways to encourage development that was in keeping with the unique character of the area. The formal process took two years with residents, business owners, and county representatives meeting with professional planners to develop a comprehensive plan. The result is specific regulations for distinct types of development: a mixed use corridor, a historic neighborhood, and neighborhoods along the perimeter boundaries. The residents of Scottdale now have a shared vision with adopted plans that they can use to recruit commercial and residential development that maintains the Scottdale character.
Our next big project, which we expect to kick off very soon, is in the Bouldercrest/Conley area. Working with District 5 Commissioner Lee May, I am bringing the same type of comprehensive planning and vision to the Bouldercrest corridor between I-285 and Cedar Grove Road and over to Moreland Avenue. A stakeholders’ group of residents and property owners is forming to guide the process and follow through toward implementation. This is a long-term commitment and if you are interested, please let my office know. There will also be many opportunities for community input along the way. We will be scheduling public meetings very soon. Everyone is invited to participate in developing a vision for the future of this area.
In other planning news, the Toco Hills neighborhood was chosen to participate in a special planning study that the ARC is conducting on aging and the changes needed within a community so that residents can age in place. The needs of our seniors will continue to be a high priority in District 6.
SENIOR NEWS
Work is almost ready to begin on a much needed new facility for the south neighborhood senior center on Candler Road. We continue to search for a home for our north center, which is in temporary quarters at the Senior Connections complex in Chamblee. In a joint project between the County, MARTA and Senior Connections, we are working to identify a new location that will offer the opportunity for intergenerational activities and pedestrian access to transit and other services. If you haven’t visited Senior Connections, you might want to stop in for a reasonably priced, nutritious and delicious lunch at the recently opened Connections Cafe.
FRIENDS OF KITTREDGE PARK
The latest of several District 6 “Friends of The Park” groups has started in a very big way!
More than 70 men, women and children from five neighborhood and resident associations and several DeKalb County departments participated in the first Friends of Kittredge Park clean up day in December. Volunteers spent the afternoon picking up trash and working with a DeKalb Master Gardner to identify and remove invasive plants. It was a brisk winter day and I enjoyed being part of their community effort and discussing how the County and surrounding communities can work together to rehabilitate this beautiful property. The money for a master plan for this park was set aside from the 2001 Park Bond and we are now able to move this initiative forward with the Friends group acting in an Advisory capacity.
The founding of Friends of Kittredge Park is another example of County-community cooperation. This group talked to other neighborhood organizations on how to organize community support and work with the various County departments. If you are interested in creating a Friends of Your Park, please contact my office. My goal is to find ways to Connect neighborhoods so they can learn from each other.
NEW LINK
Crimetrac is a new service of the DeKalb County Police Dept. allowing you to search for crime statistics and obtain a report for you or your neighborhood watch program. http://www.dekalbpolice.com/crimetrac.html
March 2008 Update
Dear Friends and Neighbors of District 6,
How the County spends YOUR tax dollars has been the focus of attention these past two weeks. The recommendation of the Board of Commissioner’s Budget Review Committee, which was adopted on 2/26/08, was based on weeks of review, economic forecasts, staffing and retention studies and a finding that huge financial commitments were being pushed by the administration into 2009. (We do not yet know the extent of this looming problem.)
My position was also influenced by personal experience. Like many of you, the impact of the economy is starting to hit very close to home. One of my friends who lives in district 5 just lost her home to foreclosure and that part of the county is leading the state in foreclosures.
The Board of Commissioner’s Budget Committee recommendation was clear; it addressed the priorities, and did so in a fiscally responsible way with NO tax increase for YOU. It received the vote of 4 commissioners. Three commissioners voted NO. Here is what we passed:
Increase the police on the street to 127 officers.
Maintain the 50 new officers as the CEO recommended.
Restore 77 positions that the CEO froze, that would have resulted in 27 fewer officers on the street.
Adopt a retention pay incentive for mid level sworn officers.
Provide for a 4% merit pay increase opportunity.
Restore funding for the domestic violence and abuse programs that were de-funded by the administration.
NO property tax increase to our residents and our businesses.
Last fall, the Board of Commissioners at their budget retreat agreed about the need to improve public safety with no tax increase. Some commissioners kept that commitment.
In the seven weeks that your Board of Commissioners held weekly budget review meetings, the CEO/Police Chief/Commissioner Johnson did not present a plan to fund across the board pay raises for sworn police offices or for a tax increase. A “plan” was talked about at the 2/26 public meeting but not presented for a vote. It was presented at the 3/11 meeting following a “get out the community” campaign. The main difference from the adopted budget was an additional 4% pay increase for some sworn officers and an increase to YOUR taxes.
Commissioner Ellis proposed a substitute plan for a 4% pay increase for ALL of our public safety “sworn” officers and to do it by cutting the budget by 1.25%. Given the amount of waste that we NOW know about from the independent audit that we demanded, this small cut will not bring gloom and doom unless the administration deems to administer in that manner.
We know that crime is increasing in our country and our county. We know our police department has been decimated by the instability that has reigned since 2004. We know we do NOT have the lowest pay in the metro area as some suggest, but even so we should systematically improve public safety pay. We know the Courts and all of us need to be a part of the solution. And NOW we also know that this administration has wasted millions of your tax dollars in unauthorized or in excess payments on various vendor contracts. This finding is now public information.
I will not make decisions based on what I read in flyers and blogs. Politics has no business intruding here. I will continue to listen and I will continue to make responsible decisions.
Some communities have offered public safety suggestions to augment the reality that no matter how many police we put on the street, we have to assist their effort. Perhaps those suggestions should be published instead of all the “he said, she said.” We learned, for example, from neighborhood leaders who reported on the success of their neighborhood watch programs to reduce crime: hard work but worth the effort. We all want to feel safe and to be safe. Government cannot just raise taxes and make things better. We have to work at this together.
Respectfully,
Kathie
How the County spends YOUR tax dollars has been the focus of attention these past two weeks. The recommendation of the Board of Commissioner’s Budget Review Committee, which was adopted on 2/26/08, was based on weeks of review, economic forecasts, staffing and retention studies and a finding that huge financial commitments were being pushed by the administration into 2009. (We do not yet know the extent of this looming problem.)
My position was also influenced by personal experience. Like many of you, the impact of the economy is starting to hit very close to home. One of my friends who lives in district 5 just lost her home to foreclosure and that part of the county is leading the state in foreclosures.
The Board of Commissioner’s Budget Committee recommendation was clear; it addressed the priorities, and did so in a fiscally responsible way with NO tax increase for YOU. It received the vote of 4 commissioners. Three commissioners voted NO. Here is what we passed:
Increase the police on the street to 127 officers.
Maintain the 50 new officers as the CEO recommended.
Restore 77 positions that the CEO froze, that would have resulted in 27 fewer officers on the street.
Adopt a retention pay incentive for mid level sworn officers.
Provide for a 4% merit pay increase opportunity.
Restore funding for the domestic violence and abuse programs that were de-funded by the administration.
NO property tax increase to our residents and our businesses.
Last fall, the Board of Commissioners at their budget retreat agreed about the need to improve public safety with no tax increase. Some commissioners kept that commitment.
In the seven weeks that your Board of Commissioners held weekly budget review meetings, the CEO/Police Chief/Commissioner Johnson did not present a plan to fund across the board pay raises for sworn police offices or for a tax increase. A “plan” was talked about at the 2/26 public meeting but not presented for a vote. It was presented at the 3/11 meeting following a “get out the community” campaign. The main difference from the adopted budget was an additional 4% pay increase for some sworn officers and an increase to YOUR taxes.
Commissioner Ellis proposed a substitute plan for a 4% pay increase for ALL of our public safety “sworn” officers and to do it by cutting the budget by 1.25%. Given the amount of waste that we NOW know about from the independent audit that we demanded, this small cut will not bring gloom and doom unless the administration deems to administer in that manner.
We know that crime is increasing in our country and our county. We know our police department has been decimated by the instability that has reigned since 2004. We know we do NOT have the lowest pay in the metro area as some suggest, but even so we should systematically improve public safety pay. We know the Courts and all of us need to be a part of the solution. And NOW we also know that this administration has wasted millions of your tax dollars in unauthorized or in excess payments on various vendor contracts. This finding is now public information.
I will not make decisions based on what I read in flyers and blogs. Politics has no business intruding here. I will continue to listen and I will continue to make responsible decisions.
Some communities have offered public safety suggestions to augment the reality that no matter how many police we put on the street, we have to assist their effort. Perhaps those suggestions should be published instead of all the “he said, she said.” We learned, for example, from neighborhood leaders who reported on the success of their neighborhood watch programs to reduce crime: hard work but worth the effort. We all want to feel safe and to be safe. Government cannot just raise taxes and make things better. We have to work at this together.
Respectfully,
Kathie
February 2008 Update
Dear Neighbors,
If the current economic slump hasn't yet caused you to make some tough choices, I'm sure you've heard and read about families that are losing their home or worrying about how to make ends meet. It is during this economic climate that we on the DeKalb County Commission have to approve the County's annual budget. As Budget Committee Chair I can tell you that while we will make ends meet, we will also face some tough choices. Sales taxes in the HOST program declined last year and the property tax assessment freeze has kicked in. Meanwhile the county's population continues to grow by 10,000 residents a year. That means more demand for all the services the county provides. County budget hearings do not typically pack auditoriums, but this year your input is needed more than ever. I'll note some of my top concerns below and please check http://www.kathiegannon.com/ for upcoming community budget hearings:
Top 2008 Budget Issues for DeKalb County:
Police - Everyone agrees we should strengthen our public safety commitment. We will focus on recruiting and training new officers to increase public safety in DeKalb County. The proposed budget also anticipates longevity pay increases to help retain Master Police Officers. The CEO's recommendation is for 50 new officers by year end but also to freeze (not fill) 70 police officer positions.
Libraries - The good news is DeKalb County expects to cut ribbons to open three new libraries in late 2008 and early 2009. The qualifier is that, so far, there is no money in the budget to staff those new facilities and $2 million has been cut from their operating budget.
Fire and Rescue - These first responders do a valiant job under less-than-ideal conditions. We keep up with equipment needs for the most part, but some stations need updating. Next time you're on Clarendon Avenue in Avondale Estates, take a look at Station No. 3, circa 1947. We may not be able to give these dedicated employees better pay raises but we cannot allow them to "live" in substandard conditions.
Ongoing Maintenance - DeKalb County owns office buildings, park and recreation centers, a new juvenile justice center and an out-of-date animal control shelter, just to name a few of the facilities that provide services to taxpayers. We continue to build new park and library facilities all over the county using BOND proceeds. We need to consider a plan to fund ongoing maintenance of our facilities because now we are left in the position of putting Band-Aids on problems that need more permanent solutions.
Looming Dilemmas - Other funding challenges include the fluid situation at Grady Memorial Hospital and DeKalb County's funding commitment and the lack of infrastructure dollars for the older areas of the county. We also have an additional pay period that occurs in 2010 and we can either begin to budget for some of that now or face a $14 million expense that year.
Just to get to this point, departments throughout the county cut expenses and requests for new positions and equipment are on the backburner. Now we're asking for your help to establish priorities for county government in the coming year. Should we cut deeper? Should we put off the most difficult decisions until 2009, keeping our fingers crossed that the economy rebounds by then? Please try to attend one of the community hearings. Or send me your ideas via this website. Your opinion counts.
Streamlining Your County Government
Recently my commission colleagues selected me to serve as Presiding Officer, where I will continue my efforts to help the commission become more efficient and responsive to constituents. I worked closely with former Presiding Officer, Commissioner Burrell Ellis, on the commission's organizational issues, and I want to build on that momentum to strengthen the county's legislative branch. As you probably know, DeKalb County has a strong CEO form of government and there is not a system of checks and balances between the executive and legislative branches comparable to the state and federal models. The Commission sets broad policy, but until our recent internal reorganization we did so without policy or financial staff support. To improve our work product and services to you, we reorganized adding a chief of staff and financial and policy research staff. 2008 will be the first full year that the Commission will benefit from this advice and assistance. It's an important step to help seven part-time commissioners provide the professional level of constituent service you deserve.
Preparing for Community Improvement
One of my passions in public office is to help communities create a plan to improve their quality of life, including development, transportation and recreation. Since I joined the Commission in 2005 I have helped facilitate the grassroots planning process throughout Super District 6, including the Buford Highway Corridor, Scottdale Community, La Vista Road Corridor and The Quad area at Briarcliff and North Druid Hills Roads. In 2008, I will work with the community on a similar effort in the Bouldercrest Corridor, from inside I-285 through the crossroads at River, Cedar Grove and Panthersville Roads. Moreland Avenue will also be addressed. The initial planning meetings are the first step in what is typically a long journey. Once an initial vision is sketched, we establish the appropriate zoning and then we can try to match local, regional and federal resources to help make the vision a reality.
North Druid Hills/Briarcliff Quad Meetings in February
The proposed redevelopment of this area and the recommended transportation improvements are the subject of much public debate. Not all of the debate has been based on the facts; indeed some involved have speculated - without foundation and quite erroneously - about my motives for voting with the Board of Commissioners to approve a TAD (tax allocation district). The reason I support the TAD boils down to one word TRAFFIC. If you would like more information about the reason I support a Tax Allocation District for transportation improvements in this area, please see my position statement at http://www.kathiegannon.com/news/news52.html.
If you are interested in the future of this neighborhood, I urge you to continue your involvement. Three upcoming meetings will give nearby residents and others interested in the proposed redevelopment of the quadrant an opportunity to interact in small groups. All meetings are from 7-9 p.m. and the discussion will be the same, covering the Garvin plan, land use and principles to guide funding for the tax allocation district.
February 6, 2008 - La Vista Park, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1438 Sheridan Road.
February 21, 2008 - Merry Hills, Post Briarcliff Community Room, 500 Briarvista Way.
February 28, 2008 - North Druid Hills Resident Association at Executive Park, #4 Executive Park Drive, suite 1408.
Board of Commission and Board of Education - We serve the same constituents.
The proposed redevelopment of the property near Briarcliff and North Druid Hills Roads demonstrates yet again the need for the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and the DeKalb County Board of Education to work on improved communication and cooperation. Both boards are made up of people who typically volunteered in their communities and then were urged to run for elected office to continue doing good work for a larger constituency. The Commission and the Board of Education represent the same constituents. I will restart the process, in my capacity as presiding officer, to work with the new Board of Education chair to determine how we can work together to rebuild trust and communication.
Conserve Water - The crisis continues.
I initiated the toilet retrofit rebate program recently adopted by the Commission. Learn more about it in the News section of this website.
Thank you for your support.
If the current economic slump hasn't yet caused you to make some tough choices, I'm sure you've heard and read about families that are losing their home or worrying about how to make ends meet. It is during this economic climate that we on the DeKalb County Commission have to approve the County's annual budget. As Budget Committee Chair I can tell you that while we will make ends meet, we will also face some tough choices. Sales taxes in the HOST program declined last year and the property tax assessment freeze has kicked in. Meanwhile the county's population continues to grow by 10,000 residents a year. That means more demand for all the services the county provides. County budget hearings do not typically pack auditoriums, but this year your input is needed more than ever. I'll note some of my top concerns below and please check http://www.kathiegannon.com/ for upcoming community budget hearings:
Top 2008 Budget Issues for DeKalb County:
Police - Everyone agrees we should strengthen our public safety commitment. We will focus on recruiting and training new officers to increase public safety in DeKalb County. The proposed budget also anticipates longevity pay increases to help retain Master Police Officers. The CEO's recommendation is for 50 new officers by year end but also to freeze (not fill) 70 police officer positions.
Libraries - The good news is DeKalb County expects to cut ribbons to open three new libraries in late 2008 and early 2009. The qualifier is that, so far, there is no money in the budget to staff those new facilities and $2 million has been cut from their operating budget.
Fire and Rescue - These first responders do a valiant job under less-than-ideal conditions. We keep up with equipment needs for the most part, but some stations need updating. Next time you're on Clarendon Avenue in Avondale Estates, take a look at Station No. 3, circa 1947. We may not be able to give these dedicated employees better pay raises but we cannot allow them to "live" in substandard conditions.
Ongoing Maintenance - DeKalb County owns office buildings, park and recreation centers, a new juvenile justice center and an out-of-date animal control shelter, just to name a few of the facilities that provide services to taxpayers. We continue to build new park and library facilities all over the county using BOND proceeds. We need to consider a plan to fund ongoing maintenance of our facilities because now we are left in the position of putting Band-Aids on problems that need more permanent solutions.
Looming Dilemmas - Other funding challenges include the fluid situation at Grady Memorial Hospital and DeKalb County's funding commitment and the lack of infrastructure dollars for the older areas of the county. We also have an additional pay period that occurs in 2010 and we can either begin to budget for some of that now or face a $14 million expense that year.
Just to get to this point, departments throughout the county cut expenses and requests for new positions and equipment are on the backburner. Now we're asking for your help to establish priorities for county government in the coming year. Should we cut deeper? Should we put off the most difficult decisions until 2009, keeping our fingers crossed that the economy rebounds by then? Please try to attend one of the community hearings. Or send me your ideas via this website. Your opinion counts.
Streamlining Your County Government
Recently my commission colleagues selected me to serve as Presiding Officer, where I will continue my efforts to help the commission become more efficient and responsive to constituents. I worked closely with former Presiding Officer, Commissioner Burrell Ellis, on the commission's organizational issues, and I want to build on that momentum to strengthen the county's legislative branch. As you probably know, DeKalb County has a strong CEO form of government and there is not a system of checks and balances between the executive and legislative branches comparable to the state and federal models. The Commission sets broad policy, but until our recent internal reorganization we did so without policy or financial staff support. To improve our work product and services to you, we reorganized adding a chief of staff and financial and policy research staff. 2008 will be the first full year that the Commission will benefit from this advice and assistance. It's an important step to help seven part-time commissioners provide the professional level of constituent service you deserve.
Preparing for Community Improvement
One of my passions in public office is to help communities create a plan to improve their quality of life, including development, transportation and recreation. Since I joined the Commission in 2005 I have helped facilitate the grassroots planning process throughout Super District 6, including the Buford Highway Corridor, Scottdale Community, La Vista Road Corridor and The Quad area at Briarcliff and North Druid Hills Roads. In 2008, I will work with the community on a similar effort in the Bouldercrest Corridor, from inside I-285 through the crossroads at River, Cedar Grove and Panthersville Roads. Moreland Avenue will also be addressed. The initial planning meetings are the first step in what is typically a long journey. Once an initial vision is sketched, we establish the appropriate zoning and then we can try to match local, regional and federal resources to help make the vision a reality.
North Druid Hills/Briarcliff Quad Meetings in February
The proposed redevelopment of this area and the recommended transportation improvements are the subject of much public debate. Not all of the debate has been based on the facts; indeed some involved have speculated - without foundation and quite erroneously - about my motives for voting with the Board of Commissioners to approve a TAD (tax allocation district). The reason I support the TAD boils down to one word TRAFFIC. If you would like more information about the reason I support a Tax Allocation District for transportation improvements in this area, please see my position statement at http://www.kathiegannon.com/news/news52.html.
If you are interested in the future of this neighborhood, I urge you to continue your involvement. Three upcoming meetings will give nearby residents and others interested in the proposed redevelopment of the quadrant an opportunity to interact in small groups. All meetings are from 7-9 p.m. and the discussion will be the same, covering the Garvin plan, land use and principles to guide funding for the tax allocation district.
February 6, 2008 - La Vista Park, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1438 Sheridan Road.
February 21, 2008 - Merry Hills, Post Briarcliff Community Room, 500 Briarvista Way.
February 28, 2008 - North Druid Hills Resident Association at Executive Park, #4 Executive Park Drive, suite 1408.
Board of Commission and Board of Education - We serve the same constituents.
The proposed redevelopment of the property near Briarcliff and North Druid Hills Roads demonstrates yet again the need for the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and the DeKalb County Board of Education to work on improved communication and cooperation. Both boards are made up of people who typically volunteered in their communities and then were urged to run for elected office to continue doing good work for a larger constituency. The Commission and the Board of Education represent the same constituents. I will restart the process, in my capacity as presiding officer, to work with the new Board of Education chair to determine how we can work together to rebuild trust and communication.
Conserve Water - The crisis continues.
I initiated the toilet retrofit rebate program recently adopted by the Commission. Learn more about it in the News section of this website.
Thank you for your support.
August 2007 Update
Dear Friends and neighbors:
The second half of 2007 promises to be an eventful time for DeKalb County. Here are some highlights for Super District 6:
BUFORD HIGHWAY:
Buford Highway, with its own special demographics and characteristics, is one of the most dangerous corridors in the country for pedestrians. I will continue to work with a task force to find ways to change Buford Highway that offer the potential to save lives. The task force includes the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Georgia Tech, community representatives and DeKalb County transportation and planning officials. You have probably noticed the already completed streetscape project in Doraville. Additional steps under consideration to improve upon the "standard" plan as seen in Doraville include adding eight-foot sidewalks, adding more mid-block crossing signals using the new full stop crosswalk lights that are improving safety in other states. Also, planned are additional traffic signals, the first of which has been installed near the Latin American Association. WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO ADDRESS VEHICLE SPEED, which is the largest contributor to pedestrian injuries and fatalities - but it is hard to change limits under GDOT rules. If the speed on Buford Highway were lowered to 35 mph, wider sidewalks, additional traffic calming and landscaping would be allowed. Also, Georgia Tech is proposing to work with DeKalb County to develop design alternatives and zoning changes to encourage pedestrian safety, decrease driveways and interconnect parcels. This type of overlay zoning district would also help pedestrian oriented redevelopment along similar corridors such as Memorial Drive.
TAXES/PUBLIC SAFETY:
The most important job of a DeKalb Commissioner is balancing the needs of residents with the cost of providing services. The county's budget was set to keep the tax rate at 14.17 mills, the same as the year before. (Keep in mind that the Board of Education sets the school taxes shown separately on your tax bill, with a millage rate at 22.98). HOST this year will reduce the county government property tax by 60 percent. However, because sales tax revenue is declining and tax appraisals are frozen, it will mean some belt-tightening within the DeKalb County government operations. Probably the toughest part of the balancing act this year will be trying to accommodate the desire to increase funding for public safety. Lost in the recent discussion about increasing the number of new positions in the county's police department was the fact that there were 50-plus positions that remained vacant. I joined fellow commissioners to vote against adding new positions until already approved positions were filled. The department is now working to fill all authorized positions. Meanwhile, you may have read recently of a proposal to beef up our police department with another $25 million in spending. I look forward to studying the details of this proposal, and promise to maintain my solid support for public safety while also upholding my responsibility to ensure your tax money is spent in the most cost effective way.
MARTA/GRADY:
Fulton and DeKalb Counties have formed joint Grady and Marta task forces. I will be serving on the MARTA task group.
DEKALB EMS:
Despite the Board of Commissioners Resolution, letter writing and other efforts, the DeKalb Medical Center's contract with the state trauma network is not being renewed as of July. That means that DeKalb EMS will now take trauma patients from central and east DeKalb to hospitals in other counties, including Grady, Atlanta Medical Center and Gwinnett Medical Center.
COMMUNITY PLANNING - NORTH DRUID HILLS AND BRIARCLIFF:
District 2 Commissioner Jeff Rader and I continue to facilitate DeKalb County's first large-scale community based planning process with the advice of Alex Garvin, a highly qualified urban planner. Most of you have probably heard by now of a proposal to bring a mixed-use development to the intersection of North Druid Hills and Briarcliff roads. Florida-based Sembler Co. is proposing a project nearly as big as Atlantic Station in Midtown. The third community meeting in late June was the first opportunity for Sembler to present its vision to the public. Although Sembler is furthest along in generating a plan, other landowners in the area discussed the redevelopment potential of their properties as well. It is apparent that public input is influencing the design ideas. NEXT STEP - An interdisciplinary group of professionals who live in the area will join the community leadership group to provide technical assistance as we analyze the proposals and their impact on the community and the public realm. Previous meetings have addressed needed improvements related to congestion, connectivity, need for additional modes of transportation, and increasing the amount of accessible greenspace. The future of the school and its contribution to a complete community remains an unknown. It is notable that Sembler's negotiations with the DeKalb School System have resumed.
DROUGHT:
One issue that touches all DeKalb residents is the ongoing drought in our region. In DeKalb County, we are under the level two drought declaration, which means odd-numbered addresses may water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, from midnight to 10 a.m. and even-numbered and unnumbered addresses may water only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, from midnight to 10 a.m. In addition we should each do something to conserve water - shower faster, let the car go longer before washing, save the tap water running down the drain to water house plants. Send me your ideas and I will post them.
The second half of 2007 promises to be an eventful time for DeKalb County. Here are some highlights for Super District 6:
BUFORD HIGHWAY:
Buford Highway, with its own special demographics and characteristics, is one of the most dangerous corridors in the country for pedestrians. I will continue to work with a task force to find ways to change Buford Highway that offer the potential to save lives. The task force includes the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Georgia Tech, community representatives and DeKalb County transportation and planning officials. You have probably noticed the already completed streetscape project in Doraville. Additional steps under consideration to improve upon the "standard" plan as seen in Doraville include adding eight-foot sidewalks, adding more mid-block crossing signals using the new full stop crosswalk lights that are improving safety in other states. Also, planned are additional traffic signals, the first of which has been installed near the Latin American Association. WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO ADDRESS VEHICLE SPEED, which is the largest contributor to pedestrian injuries and fatalities - but it is hard to change limits under GDOT rules. If the speed on Buford Highway were lowered to 35 mph, wider sidewalks, additional traffic calming and landscaping would be allowed. Also, Georgia Tech is proposing to work with DeKalb County to develop design alternatives and zoning changes to encourage pedestrian safety, decrease driveways and interconnect parcels. This type of overlay zoning district would also help pedestrian oriented redevelopment along similar corridors such as Memorial Drive.
TAXES/PUBLIC SAFETY:
The most important job of a DeKalb Commissioner is balancing the needs of residents with the cost of providing services. The county's budget was set to keep the tax rate at 14.17 mills, the same as the year before. (Keep in mind that the Board of Education sets the school taxes shown separately on your tax bill, with a millage rate at 22.98). HOST this year will reduce the county government property tax by 60 percent. However, because sales tax revenue is declining and tax appraisals are frozen, it will mean some belt-tightening within the DeKalb County government operations. Probably the toughest part of the balancing act this year will be trying to accommodate the desire to increase funding for public safety. Lost in the recent discussion about increasing the number of new positions in the county's police department was the fact that there were 50-plus positions that remained vacant. I joined fellow commissioners to vote against adding new positions until already approved positions were filled. The department is now working to fill all authorized positions. Meanwhile, you may have read recently of a proposal to beef up our police department with another $25 million in spending. I look forward to studying the details of this proposal, and promise to maintain my solid support for public safety while also upholding my responsibility to ensure your tax money is spent in the most cost effective way.
MARTA/GRADY:
Fulton and DeKalb Counties have formed joint Grady and Marta task forces. I will be serving on the MARTA task group.
DEKALB EMS:
Despite the Board of Commissioners Resolution, letter writing and other efforts, the DeKalb Medical Center's contract with the state trauma network is not being renewed as of July. That means that DeKalb EMS will now take trauma patients from central and east DeKalb to hospitals in other counties, including Grady, Atlanta Medical Center and Gwinnett Medical Center.
COMMUNITY PLANNING - NORTH DRUID HILLS AND BRIARCLIFF:
District 2 Commissioner Jeff Rader and I continue to facilitate DeKalb County's first large-scale community based planning process with the advice of Alex Garvin, a highly qualified urban planner. Most of you have probably heard by now of a proposal to bring a mixed-use development to the intersection of North Druid Hills and Briarcliff roads. Florida-based Sembler Co. is proposing a project nearly as big as Atlantic Station in Midtown. The third community meeting in late June was the first opportunity for Sembler to present its vision to the public. Although Sembler is furthest along in generating a plan, other landowners in the area discussed the redevelopment potential of their properties as well. It is apparent that public input is influencing the design ideas. NEXT STEP - An interdisciplinary group of professionals who live in the area will join the community leadership group to provide technical assistance as we analyze the proposals and their impact on the community and the public realm. Previous meetings have addressed needed improvements related to congestion, connectivity, need for additional modes of transportation, and increasing the amount of accessible greenspace. The future of the school and its contribution to a complete community remains an unknown. It is notable that Sembler's negotiations with the DeKalb School System have resumed.
DROUGHT:
One issue that touches all DeKalb residents is the ongoing drought in our region. In DeKalb County, we are under the level two drought declaration, which means odd-numbered addresses may water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, from midnight to 10 a.m. and even-numbered and unnumbered addresses may water only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, from midnight to 10 a.m. In addition we should each do something to conserve water - shower faster, let the car go longer before washing, save the tap water running down the drain to water house plants. Send me your ideas and I will post them.
March 2007 Update
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The new year is still young, but we have lots of news of interest to the people of DeKalb's Super District 6. Big issues include delivering a budget, reviewing our government operations and continuing the collaborative planning process for communities across our district. I now serve as Chair of the Commission's Budget Committee and one of my top goals for 2007 is to find ways to help citizens digest this extremely complex document. Newly re-elected as Deputy Presiding Officer for the Commission, I will continue to focus on implementation of strategies to make your legislative branch of county government more effective. I no longer chair the Planning Committee but I am still a member and will continue an emphasis on working with communities to help ensure DeKalb grows in all the right ways. I welcome our newest member of the Commission, District 2 Commissioner Jeff Rader who brings a strong planning background to the board and he will be a tremendous asset to the county.
BUDGET: By the time this gets to you, three of our seven Districts, 3, 5 and 7 will have held Budget meetings for constituents. To continue that focus on public information for all citizens there will be additional Budget meetings in the remaining Districts for you to learn more about how this process works and for commissioners to learn your priorities and questions. I will not be holding a separate District 6 meeting as I am attending all of the public Budget meetings. Taxpayers are asking many questions and I propose a deliberate and responsive process to seek answers to your questions. The CEO is proposing a 2007 Tax Funds Budget of $625.3 million. $17 million is for commitments made in 2006, so this proposal is an increase of 7.6% or $44.4 million.
PROGRESS REPORT: Since elected in 2005, one of my key interests has been planning for development in DeKalb. Last year's passage of the Residential Infill Overlay Zoning law is helping preserve some of DeKalb's older communities. Working with other commissioners and members of the community, I helped give homeowners a tool to protect the integrity of established neighborhoods from out-of-scale houses that overwhelm a community. In 2006 I worked with District 1 Commissioner Elaine Boyer to close a zoning law loophole that allowed owners of office property to convert to five-story apartment or condo buildings with no public process, which was a growing problem especially in the Dunwoody area. I also developed a leasing policy for the Peachtree DeKalb Airport where no policies existed before.
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS: During the past year I encouraged the collaborative work of DeKalb's communities to get local projects moving. Although planning is just the first step when a group is trying to give its neighborhood a makeover or determine how to protect those things that are important to their future, it is a big first step on the way to implementation. Among the planning success stories of 2006 are Scottdale's progress toward preserving its history; the residents of the LaVista Road corridor creating a vision for their neighborhood's future; and an ongoing effort to make the Buford Highway corridor safer for pedestrians. Also in the works is a collaborative planning effort involving South DeKalb's Conley Area Business Association. Large tracts of land will soon be in play near the intersection of North Druid Hills and Briarcliff Roads, following last year's announcement of big development plans in the area. Count on a collaborative planning process for this area and please watch this Web site for meeting announcements.
SENIOR YEAR: According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, the 65-plus population in DeKalb County grew 16 percent faster than the population overall during the last 10 years. This trend is projected to accelerate until residents over 65 will make up 20 percent of the population, compared to about 11 percent today. This demographic trend means we need to do a better job making services accessible, whether that means more transportation options or building communities in ways that allow our residents to age in place. And it means we need to support our existing services for seniors. To that end I have been working to help the Mountain View Personal Care Home transition from a reliance on the county to a free-standing assisted living facility. Mountain View has a long history dating to just after the Civil War, when DeKalb officials created it to help serve those who couldn't afford to care for themselves. Over its more than a century of existence, it has been known as the "Pauper's Farm," the "Almshouse," and the "County Home." The county owes Mountain View residents assistance in the transition and I intend to help.
STILL KEEPING IT GREEN: If you're not part of DeKalb's growing recycling program, what are you waiting for?
The new year is still young, but we have lots of news of interest to the people of DeKalb's Super District 6. Big issues include delivering a budget, reviewing our government operations and continuing the collaborative planning process for communities across our district. I now serve as Chair of the Commission's Budget Committee and one of my top goals for 2007 is to find ways to help citizens digest this extremely complex document. Newly re-elected as Deputy Presiding Officer for the Commission, I will continue to focus on implementation of strategies to make your legislative branch of county government more effective. I no longer chair the Planning Committee but I am still a member and will continue an emphasis on working with communities to help ensure DeKalb grows in all the right ways. I welcome our newest member of the Commission, District 2 Commissioner Jeff Rader who brings a strong planning background to the board and he will be a tremendous asset to the county.
BUDGET: By the time this gets to you, three of our seven Districts, 3, 5 and 7 will have held Budget meetings for constituents. To continue that focus on public information for all citizens there will be additional Budget meetings in the remaining Districts for you to learn more about how this process works and for commissioners to learn your priorities and questions. I will not be holding a separate District 6 meeting as I am attending all of the public Budget meetings. Taxpayers are asking many questions and I propose a deliberate and responsive process to seek answers to your questions. The CEO is proposing a 2007 Tax Funds Budget of $625.3 million. $17 million is for commitments made in 2006, so this proposal is an increase of 7.6% or $44.4 million.
PROGRESS REPORT: Since elected in 2005, one of my key interests has been planning for development in DeKalb. Last year's passage of the Residential Infill Overlay Zoning law is helping preserve some of DeKalb's older communities. Working with other commissioners and members of the community, I helped give homeowners a tool to protect the integrity of established neighborhoods from out-of-scale houses that overwhelm a community. In 2006 I worked with District 1 Commissioner Elaine Boyer to close a zoning law loophole that allowed owners of office property to convert to five-story apartment or condo buildings with no public process, which was a growing problem especially in the Dunwoody area. I also developed a leasing policy for the Peachtree DeKalb Airport where no policies existed before.
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS: During the past year I encouraged the collaborative work of DeKalb's communities to get local projects moving. Although planning is just the first step when a group is trying to give its neighborhood a makeover or determine how to protect those things that are important to their future, it is a big first step on the way to implementation. Among the planning success stories of 2006 are Scottdale's progress toward preserving its history; the residents of the LaVista Road corridor creating a vision for their neighborhood's future; and an ongoing effort to make the Buford Highway corridor safer for pedestrians. Also in the works is a collaborative planning effort involving South DeKalb's Conley Area Business Association. Large tracts of land will soon be in play near the intersection of North Druid Hills and Briarcliff Roads, following last year's announcement of big development plans in the area. Count on a collaborative planning process for this area and please watch this Web site for meeting announcements.
SENIOR YEAR: According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, the 65-plus population in DeKalb County grew 16 percent faster than the population overall during the last 10 years. This trend is projected to accelerate until residents over 65 will make up 20 percent of the population, compared to about 11 percent today. This demographic trend means we need to do a better job making services accessible, whether that means more transportation options or building communities in ways that allow our residents to age in place. And it means we need to support our existing services for seniors. To that end I have been working to help the Mountain View Personal Care Home transition from a reliance on the county to a free-standing assisted living facility. Mountain View has a long history dating to just after the Civil War, when DeKalb officials created it to help serve those who couldn't afford to care for themselves. Over its more than a century of existence, it has been known as the "Pauper's Farm," the "Almshouse," and the "County Home." The county owes Mountain View residents assistance in the transition and I intend to help.
STILL KEEPING IT GREEN: If you're not part of DeKalb's growing recycling program, what are you waiting for?
First Quarter 2007 Update
Welcome to the Super District 6 website!
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The new year is still young, but we have lots of news of interest to the people of DeKalb's Super District 6. Big issues include delivering a budget, reviewing our government operations and continuing the collaborative planning process for communities across our district. I now serve as Chair of the Commission's Budget Committee and one of my top goals for 2007 is to find ways to help citizens digest this extremely complex document. Newly re-elected as Deputy Presiding Officer for the Commission, I will continue to focus on implementation of strategies to make your legislative branch of county government more effective. I no longer chair the Planning Committee but I am still a member and will continue an emphasis on working with communities to help ensure DeKalb grows in all the right ways. I welcome our newest member of the Commission, District 2 Commissioner Jeff Rader who brings a strong planning background to the board and he will be a tremendous asset to the county.
BUDGET: By the time this gets to you, three of our seven Districts, 3, 5 and 7 will have held Budget meetings for constituents. To continue that focus on public information for all citizens there will be additional Budget meetings in the remaining Districts for you to learn more about how this process works and for commissioners to learn your priorities and questions. I will not be holding a separate District 6 meeting as I am attending all of the public Budget meetings. Taxpayers are asking many questions and I propose a deliberate and responsive process to seek answers to your questions. The CEO is proposing a 2007 Tax Funds Budget of $625.3 million. $17 million is for commitments made in 2006, so this proposal is an increase of 7.6% or $44.4 million.
The remaining Budget meetings will be:
District 4 - 2/20, Tuesday, 6:30 PM, Redan-Trotti Library, 1569 Wellborn Rd.
District 2 and 6 - 2/21, Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Greek Orthodox Cathedral Community Center, 2550 Clairmont Rd.
District 1 - 2/26, Monday, 7PM, Tucker Middle School, 2160 Idlewood Rd.
If you cannot attend a meeting, please send me your questions and budget priorities.
PROGRESS REPORT: Since elected in 2005, one of my key interests has been planning for development in DeKalb. Last year's passage of the Residential Infill Overlay Zoning law is helping preserve some of DeKalb's older communities. Working with other commissioners and members of the community, I helped give homeowners a tool to protect the integrity of established neighborhoods from out-of-scale houses that overwhelm a community. In 2006 I worked with District 1 Commissioner Elaine Boyer to close a zoning law loophole that allowed owners of office property to convert to five-story apartment or condo buildings with no public process, which was a growing problem especially in the Dunwoody area. I also developed a leasing policy for the Peachtree DeKalb Airport where no policies existed before.
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS: During the past year I encouraged the collaborative work of DeKalb's communities to get local projects moving. Although planning is just the first step when a group is trying to give its neighborhood a makeover or determine how to protect those things that are important to their future, it is a big first step on the way to implementation. Among the planning success stories of 2006 are Scottdale's progress toward preserving its history; the residents of the LaVista Road corridor creating a vision for their neighborhood's future; and an ongoing effort to make the Buford Highway corridor safer for pedestrians. Also in the works is a collaborative planning effort involving South DeKalb's Conley Area Business Association. Large tracts of land will soon be in play near the intersection of North Druid Hills and Briarcliff Roads, following last year's announcement of big development plans in the area. Count on a collaborative planning process for this area and please watch this Web site for meeting announcements.
SENIOR YEAR: According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, the 65-plus population in DeKalb County grew 16 percent faster than the population overall during the last 10 years. This trend is projected to accelerate until residents over 65 will make up 20 percent of the population, compared to about 11 percent today. This demographic trend means we need to do a better job making services accessible, whether that means more transportation options or building communities in ways that allow our residents to age in place. And it means we need to support our existing services for seniors. To that end I have been working to help the Mountain View Personal Care Home transition from a reliance on the county to a free-standing assisted living facility. Mountain View has a long history dating to just after the Civil War, when DeKalb officials created it to help serve those who couldn't afford to care for themselves. Over its more than a century of existence, it has been known as the "Pauper's Farm," the "Almshouse," and the "County Home." The county owes Mountain View residents assistance in the transition and I intend to help.
STILL KEEPING IT GREEN: If you're not part of DeKalb's growing recycling program, what are you waiting for? Please click here
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The new year is still young, but we have lots of news of interest to the people of DeKalb's Super District 6. Big issues include delivering a budget, reviewing our government operations and continuing the collaborative planning process for communities across our district. I now serve as Chair of the Commission's Budget Committee and one of my top goals for 2007 is to find ways to help citizens digest this extremely complex document. Newly re-elected as Deputy Presiding Officer for the Commission, I will continue to focus on implementation of strategies to make your legislative branch of county government more effective. I no longer chair the Planning Committee but I am still a member and will continue an emphasis on working with communities to help ensure DeKalb grows in all the right ways. I welcome our newest member of the Commission, District 2 Commissioner Jeff Rader who brings a strong planning background to the board and he will be a tremendous asset to the county.
BUDGET: By the time this gets to you, three of our seven Districts, 3, 5 and 7 will have held Budget meetings for constituents. To continue that focus on public information for all citizens there will be additional Budget meetings in the remaining Districts for you to learn more about how this process works and for commissioners to learn your priorities and questions. I will not be holding a separate District 6 meeting as I am attending all of the public Budget meetings. Taxpayers are asking many questions and I propose a deliberate and responsive process to seek answers to your questions. The CEO is proposing a 2007 Tax Funds Budget of $625.3 million. $17 million is for commitments made in 2006, so this proposal is an increase of 7.6% or $44.4 million.
The remaining Budget meetings will be:
District 4 - 2/20, Tuesday, 6:30 PM, Redan-Trotti Library, 1569 Wellborn Rd.
District 2 and 6 - 2/21, Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Greek Orthodox Cathedral Community Center, 2550 Clairmont Rd.
District 1 - 2/26, Monday, 7PM, Tucker Middle School, 2160 Idlewood Rd.
If you cannot attend a meeting, please send me your questions and budget priorities.
PROGRESS REPORT: Since elected in 2005, one of my key interests has been planning for development in DeKalb. Last year's passage of the Residential Infill Overlay Zoning law is helping preserve some of DeKalb's older communities. Working with other commissioners and members of the community, I helped give homeowners a tool to protect the integrity of established neighborhoods from out-of-scale houses that overwhelm a community. In 2006 I worked with District 1 Commissioner Elaine Boyer to close a zoning law loophole that allowed owners of office property to convert to five-story apartment or condo buildings with no public process, which was a growing problem especially in the Dunwoody area. I also developed a leasing policy for the Peachtree DeKalb Airport where no policies existed before.
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS: During the past year I encouraged the collaborative work of DeKalb's communities to get local projects moving. Although planning is just the first step when a group is trying to give its neighborhood a makeover or determine how to protect those things that are important to their future, it is a big first step on the way to implementation. Among the planning success stories of 2006 are Scottdale's progress toward preserving its history; the residents of the LaVista Road corridor creating a vision for their neighborhood's future; and an ongoing effort to make the Buford Highway corridor safer for pedestrians. Also in the works is a collaborative planning effort involving South DeKalb's Conley Area Business Association. Large tracts of land will soon be in play near the intersection of North Druid Hills and Briarcliff Roads, following last year's announcement of big development plans in the area. Count on a collaborative planning process for this area and please watch this Web site for meeting announcements.
SENIOR YEAR: According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, the 65-plus population in DeKalb County grew 16 percent faster than the population overall during the last 10 years. This trend is projected to accelerate until residents over 65 will make up 20 percent of the population, compared to about 11 percent today. This demographic trend means we need to do a better job making services accessible, whether that means more transportation options or building communities in ways that allow our residents to age in place. And it means we need to support our existing services for seniors. To that end I have been working to help the Mountain View Personal Care Home transition from a reliance on the county to a free-standing assisted living facility. Mountain View has a long history dating to just after the Civil War, when DeKalb officials created it to help serve those who couldn't afford to care for themselves. Over its more than a century of existence, it has been known as the "Pauper's Farm," the "Almshouse," and the "County Home." The county owes Mountain View residents assistance in the transition and I intend to help.
STILL KEEPING IT GREEN: If you're not part of DeKalb's growing recycling program, what are you waiting for? Please click here