A Report from Terry Nall
Dunwoody City Council (At Large) 

August 4, 2019
School Traffic Safety

DeKalb County Schools open for students on Monday, August 5.

Our morning commuter traffic pattern is always substantially different than the summer. Due to the staggered start times for elementary, middle, and high school, commuter traffic may start earlier and last longer. Plan ahead and expect delays as this first week back (week of August 5) is usually busier.

Please be alert to students waiting streetside for the bus and give wide clearance to them. Stop both ways for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and stop arm extended.

Dunwoody's school zone speed limit signs were activated this weekend, so look for the flashing lights. If you spot one that is not working correctly, please let me know.

Dunwoody Police will have a heavy presence this week, especially in the school zones to help ensure safety. School crossing guards will be back on-site near elementary schools, so keep an eye open for their commands to stop. Similarly, be alert to pedestrians at crosswalks not staffed by a crossing guard.

Be aware that school carpool lines may extend into the public street until parents adjust to new carpool lane operations.

Wishing everyone a safe back to school week.
School Trailer Classrooms Update

In last week's Councilman Update, I noted the late arrival of new school trailer classrooms at Dunwoody High School and Dunwoody Elementary School during the holiday week of July 4. We saw  poor installation and a limited time to remedy considerable problems with these facilities. 

The school district advised City Council that some of the new trailer classrooms will not be ready for students on Monday, August 5. 

Current Status

As of Friday, August 2 at 5:00 pm,  City of Dunwoody Community Development Director Richard McLeod reported issuing just 1 Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for  Dunwoody  High and 2 COs for Dunwoody Elementary after receiving the inspection report and fire marshal report. There are several others that will be brought in this coming week, as the school district planned to work on the trailers over this weekend. A CO requires proper inspection to ensure Codes are met, as well as a fire marshal's report. 

I followed up with staff to ensure non-CO'd trailers are not used on Monday when students arrive. 
Action Plan Proposed for Dunwoody's School Issues
 
The school district's update to City Council on July 22 made it clear to me the DeKalb County School District did not follow Dunwoody's process with respect to the new trailer classrooms. Inexplicably, the very first required step was missed. 

The City of Dunwoody did immediately issue a "stop work" order, but the missed requirement by the school district was troubling and I believe significant leadership steps are needed.

Early last week, I requested an agenda addition for City Council's August 12 meeting to introduce a 5-part action plan for the DeKalb County School District, its construction and maintenance activities, and the issues we face with limited code enforcement ability against the school district.  

The action plan on August 12 will introduce:

1) Strengthening the permitting/inspections process for the school district; 

2) Strengthening our recourse for failure of the school district to act; 

3) Obtaining a formal second opinion from outside counsel on the limited enforcement issue; 

4) Establishing a city policy of pursuing code enforcement to the fullest extent wherever permitted; and 

5) Setting a legislative priority for the General Assembly to enact clarifying statutes as it relates to enforcement powers by cities and counties over a school district entity.

What Else?  State School Superintendent Invitation

City Council invited the State School Superintendent to attend an upcoming Council meeting. Our local school district must follow guidelines of the Georgia DOE. We have many questions about how and why our local school district is in this situation under the GA DOE oversight and the DeKalb County Board of Education control.  

We await word of the State Superintendent's availability, which can also be a Special Called Meeting of City Council to accomodate his schedule.
Dunwoody Police Community Events
 
National Night Out

This Tuesday, August 6, Dunwoody Police co-hosts its annual National Night Out (NNO) in tandem with Brookhaven Police.  This is a free community event at the Target parking lot, located at 100 Perimeter Center Place in Dunwoody. It is very family-friendly and a wonderful time to see our police officers and equipment up close.
Civilian Police Academy

The  Dunwoody Citizens' Police Academy  is now accepting applications. Residents of Dunwoody, along with Dunwoody business owners, are invited to attend this free program to learn about police work through classroom lectures, training scenarios and tours of partner locations, such as ChatComm 911. The academy begins on September 3  and ends November 12. Graduation will take place on November 18. Classes will be held every Tuesday night from 6 to 9 p.m.

Link to video:  http://ow.ly/yOWD30phYPo

Link to application:   http://ow.ly/As9A30phYQl
Upcoming City Council Meetings 
 
Monday, August 12 at 6:00 p.m.
Monday, August 26 at 6:00 p.m.
Monday, September 9 at 6:00 p.m.
Monday, September 23 at 6:00 p.m.

Unless noted otherwise, City Council meetings begin at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall,  4800 Ashford-Dunwoody Road. 

Agendas for City Council and all city boards & commissions are posted online for public viewing.  Link:  http://ow.ly/Gcty30oz79u

All meetings are open to the public.  Come see your government in action.
Thank you! 
 
If you have input or suggestions on these or other city topics, please contact me.
 
I am available and delighted to present to organizations, church groups, neighborhood associations, etc. - please contact me anytime to schedule.  
 
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Terry  Nall
Dunwoody City Council (At Large)
Cell:  (404) 915-6693

Social Media
Facebook:  @ TerryNallforDunwoody

Terry Nall, Dunwoody City Council (At Large), 1344 Vernon North Drive, Dunwoody, GA 30338
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