Update from Councilman Shortal

The email below is from Dunwoody councilman Denis Shortal.

Fellow citizens of Dunwoody .... the following are a few items of
interest:

1. Correction .... Tree Removal Permits. A couple of updates ago I stated that a permit was required by ordinance anytime you wanted to have a tree removed from your property. That is not a totally correct statement. Chapter 14 does specifically reference the standards for new construction on undeveloped lot. The post construction standards for lot canopy coverage are required to be maintained for a residential lot to be in compliance with the terms of the CH 14. The purpose of our permitting in this case is to aid in the inspection of the property and help insure the property owner is familiar with the requirements of Ch 14. In order to attain "Tree City USA" status (something that we want) there are certain requirements that we must comply with. In summary, we have a policy, NOT an ordinance or code so therefore there in no financial penalty for non-compliance (yet), for the requirement for a tree removal permit and it is a function of our education program geared toward the residents and continuing our goal of the tree care for our environment. How about that, I put the correction on the front page vice the back page.

2. Community Meetings .. On our website .. dunwoodyga.gov on the left side of the home page the first item under "Quick Links" is "Agendas."
Under agendas you will find the agendas for all the upcoming meetings.
These agendas are usually posted approx. six days prior to the meeting. The meeting schedule for all meetings is listed under "Calendar" under "Quick Links."

3. Community Council (CC) Meeting ... Tomorrow night @ 7 PM at City Hall the CC will be meeting and the agenda item is one you have heard a lot about ... whether we should change our ordinance to allow chickens in the city of Dunwoody or leave the ordinance as it currently written which prohibits fowl (chicken, etc.). Regardless which side of the fence you are on you will want to attend to have your opinion heard. These CC meeting are the best venue for you, the citizens, to voice your opinions.

4. Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) Meetings ... The last two meetings have been well attend with spirited debate and input. The next, and last, meeting will be held on Thursday, 21 JAN at the
Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winter Chapel RD at 7 PM. The topic
of discussion will be the Winter Chapel area which should draw a lot of input. See you at the meeting. On a side note there have been a lot of rumors going around that the City Council has signed off on certain CLUP issues ... this is incorrect. To date there has been nothing signed off by the City Council. If you hear a rumor send me an email and I will give you a straight answer.

5. Alert System .... The City has signed on the "missing child call system" that is a type of "robo call" or "reverse 911." If we have a missing child a call automatically goes out. A few citizens have been alarmed excessively by receiving these calls. Anyone can opt to not receive these calls if you wish. Just call our police department @ 678-382-6900 and tell our receptionist your name, phone number and that you want to be removed from the "missing child call list." I would hope that very few folks opt out but I understand that health, etc. could be a good reason to opt out. Concerning a city alert system we are also looking at a system to notify our citizens of emergencies ... for example tornadoes, other severe weather, etc. I favor a siren system because I feel it will cover a larger percentage of the citizens in a rapid manner while others favor a "robo call" system which depends on operative phones. I would like to hear your feedback on this issue.

6. Noise Ordinance .... Some of you have written me requesting Information about when construction/repair noises ... or landscape contracting is prohibited in our City. With the help of our City Attorney I have the answers:
a. Construction or repair noise that uses any equipment (there is a long list) that are attended by loud or unusual noise is prohibited before 7:30 AM or after 8:30 PM on weekdays, and before 8:00 AM or after 8:30 PM on Saturdays, and at any time on Sundays or legal holidays (legal holidays are New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Landscaping equipment - mowers, blowers, etc. - which creates loud and excessive noise are prohibited the same hours/days as construction or repair equipment. The enforcement of the noise ordinance is under the jurisdiction of our Police Department.

7. Security Tip of the Week ... If you purchase a new TV or devise that is highly desired by thieves .... do not put the containers out at the curb on trash day where thieves can see what you just purchased. Instead fold or cut up the containers and put them in trash bags prior to taking them out to the curb.

8. The Polar Plunge is just 38 days away ... I need some warm weather prayers!!! For those of you that don't know the sponsor donation funds I received will go to our Police Department's drive to support Georgia Special Olympics!

9. That's all for now. Again, my sincere thanks for being involved and interested citizens. You continued support is greatly appreciate.

Please pass this update to anyone you feel maybe interested and if you want to be added to my email list just let me know.

Denny Shortal
Dunwoody City Council, District One, Post-1, Mayor Pro-Tem

P.S. It is late and I have to go to Patti Baker's Sustainability Committee meeting at 0745 in the morning so you have to correct the rest of the spelling errors on your own!