Champion FreePress 1-22-16

8/20/2019 Champion FreePress 1-22-16

1/24

CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER CHAMPIONNEWS CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER CHAMPIONNEWS

hechampionnewspaper.com F REE P RESS FRiDaY, JanUaRY 22, 2016 • Vol. 18, no. 42 • FREE

• A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS • Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Tucker and Stone Mountain.

CHAMPION The

See MLK DAY on Page 15A

DeKalb remembers KingFrom left, Commissioner Larry Johnson, Rev. Marlin Harris and interim county CEO LeeMay participate in the county’s annual King Day program.

Hundreds gathered for the county’s 32nd annual King Day celebration. Photos by Andrew Cau-then

by Andrew [email protected]

DeKalb County celebrated thelife and legacy of Martin LutherKing Jr. for the 32nd consecutivetime Jan. 15.

“We have to remember what

he preached and what he taughtus,” said interim DeKalb CountyCEO Lee May . “We’ve got to liveit out.

“We have to remember thestruggles and fights [and] that westill have so far to go. The fight isstill real,” he said.

See Bill on Page 15A

DeKalb representative sponsors anti-gun bill

From left, Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver has introduced a bill that would ban assault weapons in Georgia. Patrick Parsons ofGeorgia Gun Owners spoke out against the proposal while Bishop Robert Wright supported it.

upporters of a proposed assault weapon ban gathered in at the Capitol Jan. 14. Photos by Andrew Cauthen


Six months after Georgia’s so-called “guns ev-erywhere” law went into effect, a group of leg-islators, led by Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver ofDeKalb County, want to ban assault weapons.

If passed in its current form, House Bill 731 wouldban the “sale, distribution, transport, possession and

use of defined assault weapons, large capacity maga-zines and armor-piercing bullets,” according to a sum-mary of the proposed legislation.

The bill would not prohibit law enforcement andmilitary personnel from possessing or transportingthe weapons.

Oliver’s bill would require anyone with an assaultweapon on July 1, 2016, to turn it in to the GeorgiaBureau of Investigation for destruction, or render itinoperable.

“I’m very aware this is a controversial subject butit is my purpose and my intent to have an open andintellectually honest discussion with the state of Geor-gia about gun violence,” said Oliver, the bill’s sponsor,during a Jan. 14 news conference in the state Capitol.“Gun violence kills 30,000 people a year.”

Oliver recalled the August 2013 incident in whichMichael Brandon Hill , armed with approximately500 rounds, a couple of magazines and an AK-47 typerifle entered McNair Discovery Learning Academy inDecatur.

A school bookkeeper was able to convince Hill tosurrender to police.

“No children were hurt in DeKalb County with

LOCAL, 7A LOCAL, 11A SPORTS, 23A

Business ................................22A Sports ......................................23A Opinion ......................................5A Classied ..............................20A

QUICK FINDERBLACKS REMEMBERFIRST DAY OF SCHOOLINTEGRATION

BASEBALL PLAYERS,COACHES PREPARINGFOR 2016 SEASON

JAIL ANGERMANAGEMENTWORKSHOPS ENHANCELIFE SKILLS


2/24

The Champion FREEPRESS, Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 LOCAL Page 2A

See Legislative on Page 10A

NEW CARD!

Information regarding company, school, or university issued cards will be provided at a later date by your company or school.

Questions? Visit www.itsmarta.com or 404-848-5000.

Effective January 9, 2016 MARTA converts to a more secure Breeze Card and the Breeze Ticket returns.

The cost of new silver Breeze Card will be $2 and will be valid for 3 years.SILVER CARDS will be available for FREE with card registration at theRideStores January 2016!* (Mon. the 11 th – Fri. the 29 th , weekdays only )

Breeze Card Changes for Regular Fare Customers

*BLUE CARDS will no longer be usable after July 9 th , 2017*Breeze Tickets Return! The cost of the Breeze Ticket will be $1


DeKalb County officials told theirtate legislative representatives Jan. 14

what the General Assembly can do for

he county during this session.State senators and representativeswith districts in DeKalb County heardhe county’s 2016 legislative priorities

during a joint meeting at the Capitol.

“From a broad perspective, all ofthese items that are before you havebeen put forward by the administra-tion and by the commissioners andthey’ve been duly voted upon,” in-terim DeKalb CEO Lee May told the

legislators.One issue the county wants is“some greater clarification” about in-corporations.

“We believe that there ought to

be a pre-petition process,” May said.“The people in those areas ought tohave a say on the front-end aboutwhether they want it.

“I liken this to our speed bumppetition,” May said. “If you want a

speed bump on your road, there aretwo sets of petitions that you have tomove forward with. We believe that ifyou have to get a petition for a speedbump, there should be a petition pro-

cess for incorporation of a new city aswell.”

May also said official noticeshould be given to the county when-ever there is a proposed incorpora-tion, annexation or deannexation.

Additionally, “referendums shouldbe countywide,” May said. “We believethat when incorporations and majorannexations happen these affect theentire county.”

County officials present legislative wish list to state leaders


3/24


AVONDALEESTATESRibbon-cutting ceremony forbusiness

Members of the Avondale Es-ates Board of Mayor and Com-

missioners and city associates willattend the official ribbon-cuttingceremony for The Purple Corkscrewon Jan. 29 at 11 a.m. The PurpleCorkscrew is a wine shop with aasting room, located at 32 North

Avondale Road. For more informa-ion, visit www.purplecorkscrew.com.

BROOKHAVENCity required to change speedimit on two roads

The speed limits on JohnsonFerry and Ashford Dunwoody roadshave been changed from 35 mph to40 mph.

According to a news releaserom Brookhaven’s government, the

change was necessary to complywith Georgia Department of PublicSafety and Georgia Department ofTransportation requirements for theBrookhaven Police Department tobe able to use speed detection de-vices.

Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura was notified by the twotate departments that Brookhaven’s

“permits to use speed detection de-vices would be pulled for the entirecity if the signs were not in compli-ance,” according to a news release.

City to host Valentine’s daddy/daughter dance

Brookhaven’s Parks and Rec-eation Department will host a

Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s DanceFeb. 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at theLynwood Community Center. Theevent will include music, dancing,giveaways, pictures to take homeand light snacks. The price is $25per family. Online registration isencouraged, but walk-up paymentswill also be accepted the night of thedance. For more information, call404) 637-0512.

Rec center to hold blood driveA winter blood drive will be

held Jan. 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.at Lynwood Park Community Cen-

ter. The center is located at 3360Osborne Road in Brookhaven.For more information, visit www.brookhavenga.gov.

CHAMBLEE

City to host yearlong wellnesschallenge

The city of Chamblee is spon-soring a wellness challenge for 2016.

The challenge, which offersresidents the chance to earn prizeswhile improving their well-being,will begin Jan. 30 with a wellnessfair at the Chamblee Civic Centerfrom 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The wellness fair will highlightChamblee businesses such as gyms,wellness centers and nonprofits. Theevent also will feature activities suchas yoga, workout and food demon-strations.

Organized by Chamblee Parksand Recreation, this inauguralchallenge is “designed to motivateadults and youths to get healthier byengaging in activities that improvewellbeing while providing oppor-

tunities to win prizes,” states an an-nouncement about the event.Participants can earn points

for the challenge by attending theChamblee Wellness Fair, the FamilyField Day in April, submitting proofof a gym membership, participat-ing in organized races or sportingleagues, attending city-hosted well-ness seminars, volunteering withnonprofit organizations, participat-ing in community cleanups, andmore.

The challenge takes place Jan.30 through Nov. 23 and participantswill be eligible for prizes such as aGo Pro, a Fitbit, a VIP table for theChamblee Summer Concert Seriesor a free week at Camp Chamblee.

To register for the event, go tochambleega.gov/wellnesschallenge.

DECATUR

Community Service Board tomeet

The DeKalb Community Ser- vice Board will meet Jan. 28. It isopen to the public for those whoare interested in services for mentalhealth, addiction and developmen-tal disabilities.

The meeting will be held at

3 p.m. at 445 Winn Way, Room 421,Decatur.The advocacy committee meet-

ing will be held in the same roomat 3 p.m. and is also open to thepublic.

The audit, finance and compli-ance meeting will be held in thesame room on Tuesday, Jan. 26, atnoon and is also open to the public.

Those with disabilities in needof assistance or accommodations toparticipate in the meeting, shouldnotify Community Relations at(404) 508-7875.

COUNTYWIDE

Registration open for countyspring soccer, track and eld

Youth spring soccer registrationis under way until Feb. 14.

The program is for ages 4 to 14and includes eight games for theseason. Registration ranges from$45 to $85 per child.

Youth track-and-field registra-tion continues until March 5. The

program is for youth ages 5 to 14and includes four track meets, at acharge of $40 per participant.

To access online registration, visit the DeKalb County Parkswebpage at apm.activecommuni-ties.com/dekalbcountyrecreationor register at any DeKalb Countyrecreation center. Participants mustpresent birth certificates at the timeof registration.

For more information, call thecounty athletics offfice at (770) 414-2111. Practice dates and times willbe determined by individual recre-ation centers.

New American Pathways welcomes new board members

New American Pathways haselected two new members to itsboard of directors: Jodi Rausch , vice president of strategy with rDia-logue, and Fasil Muche , owner/op-erator of Crown Cab Company.

Raush has 20 years of experi-ence in marketing and client rela-tions. Beginning her career withInter-Continental Hotels, Raushworked with General Electric, eS-ecuritel, and Fiserv Inc., beforebeginning with rDialogue in 2013,

according to a news release aboutthe board elections.Raush earned a bachelor’s in in-

ternational studies from The Ameri-cana University in Washington,

D.C., and master’s from Emory Uni- versity’s Goizueta Business School,where she served on the board ofthe Executive Women of GoizuetaAlumni Organization.

Muche, a native of Ethiopia, isa graduate of the Atlanta Interna-tional School and worked to pay hisway through college and became aU.S. citizen in the late 1990s.

With a history of volunteerism,Muche has worked extensively withHands on Atlanta.

County ‘jobs bus’ to make stops

DeKalb’s Mobile Career Center,known as the “jobs bus,” will be sta-tioned at various locations duringJanuary.

The mobile unit provides resi-dents with various services, includ-ing job search assistance, adultworkshops and training, resumewriting pointers and interviewingtips. Businesses are also able to usethe mobile unit for recruiting, pre-employment screenings, interview-ing and training. More than 3,000DeKalb residents have used themobile career center’s services sinceits launch in February 2012. Themobile center is funded through theWorkforce Investment Act grantand all services offered are free.

The upcoming schedule is as fol-lows:

• Monday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,Salem- Panola Library, 5137 SalemRoad, Lithonia;

• Tuesday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,West Wood College, 2309 ParkLake Drive, Atlanta;

• Wednesday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. to 4p.m., DeKalb Access & ResourceCenter, 949 North Hairston Road,Stone Mountain; and

• Thursday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. to 4p.m., Gresham Library, 2418Gresham Road SE, Atlanta.

AROUNDDEKALB


4/24

The Champion FREEPRESS, Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 opinion Page 4A

The voters of DeKalbspoke during the last elec-tion and by a majority voteexpressed their desire tochange how members of thecounty ethics board are ap-pointed.

Prior to the vote, mem-bers of the ethics board wereappointed by members ofthe county commission andby the county CEO. Per theterms of House Bill 597, eth-cs board members now are

chosen by DeKalb Bar As-sociation, DeKalb Chamberof Commerce, DeKalb leg-slative delegation, judge of

DeKalb Probate Court, Lead-ership DeKalb, representa-tives of DeKalb colleges anduniversities, and the chief

udge of DeKalb Superior

Court.Under the previous ar-

rangement, there was toomuch potential conflict of in-terest. At different times dur-ing the previous years, every

county commissioner and

the interim CEO had ethicscomplaints filed against himor her; these complaints werebeing investigated and heardby ethics board memberswho had been appointed bythe people they were investi-gating.

Even though the newcomposition of the board is amuch-needed improvement,there are still concerns. Thenew face of the board ofethics is disproportionatelyWhite; and unless the sev-enth member, who will beappointed by the legislationdelegation, is female, will beall-male.

I certainly don’t claim tobe politically correct, nor doI believe in racial or gender

quotas of any kind. I do be-

lieve, however, that the ethicsboard should be representa-tive of the community atlarge.

According to the 2014census, DeKalb County is 29percent “White alone” (notHispanic or Latino) and 52.5percent female. Our eth-ics board members shouldsomewhat reflect thesecharacteristics if for no rea-son other than to avoid yetanother perception of biasedopinions by the ethics board.I have no doubt there will beaccusations of biased deci-sions based on race and/orgender.

I’d like to think, andhope, that each of the newlyappointed ethics board

members is an honest indi-

vidual who will do his or herbest to offer objective opin-ions based on factual infor-mation presented to them.

Like it or not, when anindividual’s ethics are beingquestioned, there will likelybe heated discussions. Thesediscussions more likely thannot, will at some point be-come personal in nature andhave the potential of escalat-ing to a level where somemay play the race or gendercard as a possible defense fortheir actions or as an expla-nation of the findings of theethics board.

As of press time, one sloton the ethics board remainedunfilled; I’m hoping it will befilled by a Black female.

John [email protected]

Chief Operating Officer

DeKalb’s new ethics board members not representative of community


5/24

Let Us Know What You Think!THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS encour-ages opinions from its readers. Pleasewrite to us and express your views. Lettersshould be brief, t ypewritten and containthe writer’s name, address and telephonenumber for verication. All letters will beconsidered for publication.Send Letters To Editor, The Champion Free Press, P.O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Send emailto [email protected] • FAX To: (404)370-3903 Phone: (404) 373-7779 . Deadline for newsreleases and advertising: Thursday, one week priorto publication date.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The opinions written by colum-nists and contributing editors do not necessarilyre ect the opinions of the editor or publishers. ThePublisher reserves the right to reject or cancel anyadvertisement at any time. The Publisher is notresponsible for unsolicited manuscripts.

Publisher: John Hewitt Chief Financial Offi cer:Dr. Earl D. GlennManaging Editor:Andrew CauthenProduction Manager:Kemesha Hunt Photographer:Travis HudgonsStaff Reporters:Carla Parker, Ashley Oglesby

The Champion Free Press is publishedeach Friday by ACE III Communications,Inc., • 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur,GA. 30030 • Phone (404) 373-7779.

www.championnewspaper.com

DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110

F REE P RESS

STATEMENT FROM THEPUBLISHER

We sincerely appreciate thediscussion surrounding this and anyissue of interest to DeKalb County.The Champion was founded in 1991expressly to provide a forum fordiscourse for all community residentson all sides of an issue. We have nodesire to make the news only toreport news and opinions to effect

a more educated citizenry that willultimately move our communityforward. We are happy to presentideas for discussion; however,we make every effort to avoidprinting information submitted tous that is known to be false and/orassumptions penned as fact.

The way government should work

Bill [email protected]

Columnist

ONE MAN’S OPINION

“They’ll be able to fill outa one-page document. They’llhave to satisfy the entry re-quirements for a four-yeardegree, but once they do thatthe process) is very easy,”

Dean Peter Lyons , speakingof the application and transferprocess between Georgia StateUniversity (GSU) institutionsand campuses at the Jan. 13,2016, consolidation ceremony.

What began as a gooddea a year ago on Jan. 6,

2015, has been completed ingrand style and to almost thebenefit of all concerned. Fivemetro Atlanta college cam-puses, all part of GeorgiaPerimeter College (GPC) in

DeKalb, Newton and Fultonounties, have now mergednto the 113-year-old Georgia

State University, overnightreating the state’s largest in-titution of higher learning, inerms of enrollment.

The University of Georgiaemains the nation’s oldestand grant institution, withatellite campuses in Spauld-ngs and Gwinnett coun-ies. Georgia Tech is perhaps

our most educationally chal-enging public institution,

and now Georgia State, oncea modest night school foradults going back to schoolor seeking a second degree, ishe Big Kahuna.

As the costs of higherducation have been soaring,he chancellor of Georgia’suniversity system’s Board ofRegents took note that muchof those higher costs are tiedo skyrocketing college and

university administrationsin terms of head count andsalaries.

The University System of

Georgia employs thousands,but you will most often findthe highest concentration ofsix-figure salaries, not in theclassroom or leading researchor departments, but in insti-tution administrations.

Ringing metro Atlantathere were another five sets ofadministrators running theback offices at Georgia Pe-rimeter. Departments of ad-mission, financial aid, officesof the president, departmentdeans on multiple campuses,etc. That will not and did notdisappear overnight, but theconsolidation of campuseswill significantly streamlinethose operations, personnelcosts and hopefully in thenear term, move more dollarsback into the classrooms.

Perhaps the biggest im-mediate boon is that thethousands of students at-tending three GPC campuses

in Clarkston, Decatur andDunwoody, as well as in Al-pharetta and Covington nowoffer associate degrees witha direct bridge to enrollmentand a much simpler admis-sions process to the four-yearprograms and degrees ofGeorgia State University.

These former GPC in-stitutions will not be raisingtuitions overnight, nor isGSU lowering its admissionstandards, but the former willnow have vastly improvedaccess and transfer-ability tothe latter. Roughly 20 percentof GSU’s current enrollmenthad already come from thesecampuses previously.

“We just want to takesomething that’s worked wellin the past and make it muchmore seamless,” said GSUPresident Mark Becker .

But what Becker andUniversity System of GeorgiaChancellor Hank Huckaby have accomplished is muchmore than that. In much thesame way that the HOPEscholarship raised the admis-sions bar for UGA, and asa result the perceived valueof a University of Georgiadiploma for prior alumni(including the author of thiscolumn). Thousands of as-sociate degree holders nowbecome Georgia State Uni- versity alumni. And the rap-idly expanding GSU Panthersports program also poten-tially picks up several thou-sand new fans in time for thatbaseball stadium conversionof The Ted.

Academic rigor and per-formance will be rewardedwith HOPE and perhaps ZellMiller Scholarships, and po-tentially a more worthwhileand marketable degree. Stu-dents transitioning from highschool within helicopter par-ent households should nowhave a softer landing, perhapscloser to home, before con-sidering the greater freedoms,costs and potential downfallsof a traditional residentialcampus environment.

Lower costs, better re-sults, slower rate of growthin costs, higher performance,shared resources and assets,partnerships, linkage and

pulling forward and up—these again are the perfor-mance and yes, market-basedways in which good govern-ment can function. This willlikely also have a positiveimpact on the diversity of thestudent population at GeorgiaState, though it starts out con-siderably stronger than mostin this area.

Huckaby has been a leg-islator, and formerly budgetdirector for Gov. Zell Miller .He is the kind of public ser- vant very deserving of beingnamed Georgian of the Yearin 2015 by Georgia Trend magazine.

I began my own col-lege education via advancedplacement classes in English,history and pre-calculuson the then-DeKalb Com-munity College campus inClarkston. Those credits eas-ily transferred and saved me

some time and expense dur-ing my freshman and sopho-more years at UGA. I wonderif now I’m also considered analumnus of Georgia State, too,as well as being a proud Bull-dog. I have always liked wear-ing royal blue. Go Panthers!

Bill Crane also serves asa political analyst and com-mentator for Channel 2’s Ac-tion News, WSB-AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5 FM,as well as a columnist for TheChampion, Champion Free

Press and Georgia Trend .Crane is a DeKalb nativeand business owner, living inScottdale. You can reach him

or comment on a column at [email protected].

The Champion FREEPRESS, Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 opinion Page 5A


6/24


Brookhaven suspends city manager,defers final action employment

If you would like to nominate someone to be considered as a future Champion of the Week, please contact Andrew Cauthenat [email protected] or at (404) 373-7779, ext. 117.

Sandra Sutton“I’m just a neighbor. I’m just a

oncerned citizen,” said Ellenwoodesident Sandra Sutton , a member

of the planning committee of SouthRiver Water Alliance (SRWA).

Sutton has been a member ofSRWA for three years. Recently shehas worked on an effort to designatehe South River as a water trail.

“Prior to being on the planningommittee, I would help with what-ver projects that were going on, [in-luding] river cleanup,” Sutton said.

One such project focuses on riverane restoration.

“You go out and you pluck theiver hedge because the river willome back if it has a space to grow,”he said.

Sutton said she volunteers withSRWA because she wants to make adifference.

“I’d like to leave a mark,” she said.Nobody will ever know I did these

things but in my mind I’m leaving amark. So that’s very selfish.”

Working with SRWA is good forthe community itself, Sutton said.

“South River can be a viable rec-reation area if it is cleaned up and

handled properly,” she said. “There’salready a walking trail, so having a

water trail just highlights the com-munity itself. It may bring in extrarevenue because we [may need] someplace to rent the canoes.

“It may just be a boost for thecommunity and a source of pride],”Sutton said.

In addition to working withSRWA, Sutton volunteers with Toysfor Tots.

“Between the months of No- vember and December I may putin anywhere from six to 10 days of volunteer work,” she said. “The shiftsgo anywhere from two to four hours.And it’s in a warehouse…which iscold.”

Additionally, Sutton volun-teers with Fairfield Baptist Church’sThanksgiving program called Kids’Corner.

“We basically give out school

supplies to help some of the childrenbecause usually by this time whatever

was bought in September or Octoberhas been used up,” she said. “We givethem a little something to tide themover.”

Sutton said she enjoys helpingothers through her volunteer work.

“I am helping someone else,” shesaid. “I am stepping outside of mycomfort zone and I learn. There areother people that I come into contactwith. I like meeting different peopleand I like being busy.”

Before retiring, Sutton worked29 years in bank finance and thenowned a truck driving business withher husband.

Sutton said everybody should try volunteering.

“There are a lot of different or-ganizations out there,” she said. “You just have to keep trying until youfind one that fits.”

by Carla [email protected]

After a three-hour execu-tive session, the BrookhavenCity Council agreed Jan. 13 toparticipate in mediation beforemaking a decision on City Man-ager Marie Garrett ’s employ-ment status.

“The city seeks, at all times,to honor its obligations, alsothe city council believes inwatching the taxpayers’ money,”Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst said in a statement. “In an effortto reach an understanding andamicable resolution with CityManager Marie Garrett, we have

agreed to participate in media-tion next week. Final action bycouncil will be deferred untilafter the mediation.”

On Jan. 12, Ernst and thecity council unanimously votedto suspend Garrett. Her city hallbuilding access was revoked andshe was escorted from the build-ng.

Police Chief Gary Yandura was appointed interim city man-ager.

“The city honors its obliga-tions,” Ernst said in a Dec. 12statement. “Unfortunately thecontract negotiated by previousadministrations is ambiguousand does not allow the city toknow what its duties are. Whileworking toward an orderly tran-sition we have become mired

in conflict over the terms andconditions of that agreement.The responsible thing to do is tohave a third party resolve thesedisputes. We wish Marie Garrettwell.”

According to Garrett’s 2014employment agreement, her an-nual salary was $214,000.

Garrett was hired as citymanager Feb. 26, 2013, with aninitial salary of $170,000. How-ever, for six months she workedas a consultant and made anadditional $24,700. In March2014, Garrett received a payraise, which brought her salaryto $214,000.

According to a 2015 Mu-nicipal Wage and Salary Survey,

Garrett had the second highestsalary among city managers inthe state. She also received a$600 allowance per month forher car.

Garrett


7/24


Jail anger management workshops enhance life skillsPart 2 of a two-part serieson mental health care at theDeKalb County Jail by John [email protected]

The DeKalb County Jail retainshe services MHM Services Inc., a

mental health services vendor direct-ed by Dr. William Brickhouse . Brick-house manages a staff of 30 licensedproviders who are trained to conductmental health assessments and coun-eling along with three psychiatrists.

Mental health service providers can-not force medications or treatments ofany kind on inmates; they can, how-ever, stabilize an inmate in an emer-gency situation.

A licensed professional counselorwith a calm demeanor led the weeklyanger management sessions.

On the first day of the angermanagement series, after clearing se-

curity on the fifth floor, and signingwaivers regarding behavior and secu-ity, the facilitator, and I were escorted

to a glass-enclosed room furnishedonly with hard plastic chairs wherethe meeting was held. It was eerily

quiet.One by one, six inmates entered

the room, all wearing the standard-

issue orange jumpsuit and flip-flops.After settling in and hearing a briefintroduction and program overview

by the facilitator, the participants wereasked to express their thoughts andfeelings on anger.

Two of the six seemed to be ac-tively engaged and eager to participatein the discussion—a large well-spokenman stated, “I have a paralyzing mind.I get suicidal because of too muchstimulation. I use my mind as a rem-edy and lock myself in.”

A young man who appeared to bein a completely removed mental state

sat in a corner biting his lips, wincingand nervously fidgeting. He was askedto tell the group how he gets angryand to give an example of how hecopes with his anger.

“I yell,” the inmate said. “I had afight with my roommate after askinghim to get quiet. It went from zero to100 in a hurry.” He continued, “WhenI get angry, you are nothing to me.Before I’m angry, I’m respectful. Butthen I get worried and start to panic. Ido understand that others have priori-ties.”

None of the other four partici-pants chose to engage in the discus-sion. Some stared with a look of de-tachment while others shifted in theirseats, tugged at their clothing and oc-casionally mumbled unrecognizable

‘Anger is within itself; it’san inside thing. Angeris inside of me. I can’tblame somebody elsefor what’s inside of me.’

See Anger on Page 8A

-DeKalb County Jail inmate


8/24


County to launch new mentalhealth court

A new county court for felonyoffenders with mental illnesses willaunch this month.

The DeKalb County Felony Men-al Health Court will be funded by

a $119,398 grant from the CriminalJustice Coordinating Committee anda $11,940 match by the county’s Dis-rict Attorney’s Office, according to a

news release.“This is a major step in the right

direction for addressing the growingneed for mental health assistance,curbing recidivism among those whostruggle with mental health disor-ders and connecting individuals andfamilies with critical mental healthresources,” DeKalb County SuperiorCourt Judge Asha F. Jackson , whonitiated the creation of the court,said in a statement.

The court is a two-year judiciallysupervised treatment and alterna-ive sentencing program in which

participants must attend counseling,submit to random drug screens andregularly appear in court, accordingo the news release.

The program also includes psy-chiatric support services, groupreatment sessions and medication

maintenance compliance sessions.To be eligible for the mental

health court, a defendant must becharged with a felony in which thecause of the criminal behavior is re-lated to a mental health disorder, thenews release stated.

“Defendants with borderlinepersonality disorder or individualscharged with murder, rape, aggravat-ed child molestation, aggravated sod-omy, kidnapping with bodily injury,armed robbery, aggravated sexualbattery, felony sexual battery or anysex crime requiring the defendant toregister as a sex offender would notbe eligible” for the program, accord-ing to the news release.

“This grant from the CriminalJustice Coordinating Committee wasimperative for us to begin addressingour high-risk and high-need men-tally ill population here in DeKalb

County,” DA Robert James said in astatement. “There tends to be a re- volving door in the criminal justicesystem for individuals who sufferfrom untreated or unmanaged men-tal health issues. This court encom-passes accountability and assistanceto help break recidivism among thispopulation.”

The Criminal Justice Coordinat-ing Committee recently provided$28,000 in additional grant fundingto assist with housing, transporta-tion and medication needs for par-ticipants in the program, the news

release stated.Fredericka Dent will serve as

executive director for the court.

Applications being accepted forhealthcare scholarship

The DeKalb Medical Foundationis accepting applications for the Dr.Gulshan S. Harjee Scholarship Pro-gram through April 30.

To apply for the scholarship, stu-dents must compete an application,submit an essay addressing the fourpoints listed in the application andbe accepted into an approved pro-gram.

This scholarship can be awardedcontingent on the student’s accep-tance into the college program ofchoice. It can be used for students

interested in becoming patient caretechs, licensed practical nurse cer-tification, registered nurses, healthcare social workers, pharmacy techsor any other designation that offersan education enabling the student towork in healthcare.

The program provides scholar-ships up to $1,500 payable to theschool of the recipient’s choice.

The DeKalb Medical Foundationhas provided more than 44 HarjeeScholarships totaling more than$59,000 since 1993.

Applications can be obtained

online at www.dekalbmedical.org/foundation/scholarships or by calling(404) 501-1344.

Commissioners approve newanimal shelter

The new DeKalb County AnimalShelter received a nod from countycommissioners Jan. 13.

The commissioners approved theconstruction of a new 33,440-square-foot structure near DeKalb PeachtreeAirport. In addition to the building,the $8.66 million price tag includesparking lots, erosion and sedimentcontrol, grading, a bioretention area,sidewalks, paving on Reeves Streetand a stormwater pond.

The construction contract goesto the lowest bidder, Reeves YoungLLC of Suwanee.Commissioners decided to deter-mine the funding for the shelter later.

Commissioners are “currentlyreviewing the 2016 budget and willmake a determination about themost appropriate source of fundingas we review and finalize the budget,”DeKalb Commissioner Nancy Jester said in a statement. “We are work-ing to best determine whether to useaccumulated cash reserves or certifi-cates of participation.”

NEWSBRIEFS

words and sounds.Participants were given

handouts to complete andbring back when they re-urned the following week.

They were instructed to writedown situations that angeredhem and how they reacted sohey could be shared with the

group at the next session.One week later at the

ame time and in the sameglass-enclosed room, wegathered for session two ofhe four-week workshop. Theopic focused on how the

participants coped with situ-ations in the previous weekhat made them feel angry.

There were only four partici-pants this week and the samewo who were engaged and

participated in the previousmeeting were quick to speak.

The younger guy raisedhis hand and said, “I gotangry watching TV. I waswatching wrestling, but theyhanged the TV. I was angry,

but I let it go.” The facilita-tor affirmed to him that hisdecision to not react was ap-propriate and explained thatin normal day-to-day interac-tions with others we often arein situations that may botherus a bit but that we have tolearn to not allow our angerto get out of control.

The larger guy seemedeager to share his experiencefrom the last week after hear-ing reassuring words fromthe facilitator. “Somebodytook something from me andI got angry. But, I calmeddown,” he said. “I’m gettingout of here soon and I want tocontinue anger managementclasses. I want to get a job andreturn back to normal life.I’ve been here two monthsand am ready to get out.”

For the third session,there were also four inmateparticipants. Each to sharewith the group any eventsfrom the previous week that

may have caused them to ex-perience anger. The usual twoplus one more raised theirhands to share their thoughts.One inmate said, “I felt impa-tient. Lunch was served lateone day.” The second inmateadded with a grin “I was incontrol all week with my an-ger.”

“I get disappointed whenI get angry,” the third onestated.The facilitator thenbegan discussing the topicof criticism and the impor-tance of being able to copewith it. “Certain criticism isgood criticism…but in somecases it can be infringing,”she stated. She then asked theparticipants to write how theyusually handle criticism.

There was a long periodof silence from the partici-pants. It appeared that theparticipants were strugglingwith how to express their feel-ings.

Suddenly the large gentle-man who had been activein each of the prior sessionsraised his hand to announcethat he was ready to share histhoughts.

“Anger is within itself;it’s an inside thing. Anger isinside of me. I can’t blamesomebody else for what’s in-side of me.

“Mine is inherited like

Jacob in the Bible who tookland from his brother [Esau].It’s [anger] a disability likeit was with Cain and Abel.”He continued, “I have a 24-hour mind facility—we’rerehabilitated to do good,” heconcluded.

In the last session, the fa-cilitator reviewed anger cop-ing and relaxation skills alongwith 12 anger managementtechniques with the groupprior to giving those who at-tended all sessions a certifica-tion of workshop completion.

The facilitator said, “I

hope whatever they learnedin the group sessions, [can be]utilized in society and carriedinto the workplace and thehome.”

Brickhouse said the ulti-mate goal of the workshopsand training sessions offeredby his staff is the “enhance-ment of life skills”.

Brickhouse further com-mented that in comparison

to the general inmate popula-tion of the jail, whose averagestay is 30 days, inmates in themental health division havean average stay of 90 days.The additional time can be at-tributed to a combination of alack of community resourcessuch as family support andhousing options as well asa more complicated legalsituation due to the inmates’mental state, according toBrickhouse.

ANGER Continued From Page 7A


9/24


Tucker Arts Guild shows members’ work at library by Kathy Mitchell

Visitors to a Tucker library thisyear will have the opportunity to seewhat their neighbors have been upto artistically. The Tucker Arts Guildstarted in November 2015 displayingmembers’ work in the Northlake-Barbara Loar Library meeting room.The exhibits will continue throughthe end of 2016.

The work of two artists is dis-played for two months then removedand another two artists’ work is puton exhibit.

“This is a way of bringing morepeople into the library as well as

strengthening our relationship withthe community,” said Mary AnnDodd of Friends of Northlake-Barbara Loar Library, sponsor of theexhibit.

The January-February exhibitfeatures the work of Tucker ArtsGuild president John Gronwall ,whose specialty is mixed medianature photography. “I print photo-graphs I’ve taken on special paper,giving them the textured look of apainting,” Gronwall explained. Pre-senting with him is Kathy Powell ,who works in various media and spe-cializes in fabric art.

The artists select the work theywould like to display and library of-ficials approve it before it’s presentedto the public. “We can’t display any-thing that might be offensive sincethis is a public space used by any

area residents, including children,who care to come here,” Gronwallsaid. “Other than that, we can displaywhatever we like.”

The Tucker Arts Guild describesitself on its website as “an organiza-tion of artists interested in high-lighting and promoting the artisticaspects of the community” andstates that its purpose is to “createan environment which is conduciveto the growth and development ofindividual artists in the Tucker areathrough interaction, inspiration and

education.”The Tucker area, Gronwall said,includes more than the city itself.“We have people from Stone Moun-tain, Lawrenceville, Decatur and

other areas. We welcome anyone in-terested in art.“There are a lot of very good art-ists in Tucker,” he continued. “I’mnot sure why, but we have more re-ally talented artists than you mightexpect in a city of our population.”

The guild, he said, started witha group of neighbors who sharedan interest in art. “As I understandit, four households who all lived onthe same cul-de-sac started gettingtogether to talk about art and in timethat became the Tucker Arts Guild.”

Describing the membership as “afun group,” Gronwall said the guildwelcomes artists at all skill levels

and all genres. “Over the years we’veseen just about every media—pencil,charcoal, pottery, oils, photography,sculpture, even jewelry making.”

Gronwall, who has been presi-dent for seven years, said one of thethings he likes about the guild is thatit does not critique the work of itsmember artists. “There are arts or-ganizations that have their memberspresent their work and other mem-bers criticize it. Those sessions tendto be negative and often are discour-aging for the aspiring artist.”

His view of what an arts organi-zation should be echoes the philoso-phy expressed on the Tucker ArtsGuild website: “Tucker Arts Guildbelieves artists are real people andreal people are artists. We believeall people are artists in some way,whether they paint a beautiful por-

trait, plant a luscious garden, buildfurniture, play piano, sew, quilt,write, act or raise wonderful chil-dren. There is artistry in all of life.We are inclusive. Art is subjective.We don’t allow art critics to dictatewhat is ‘good.’”

Most members of the guild arenot full-time professionals, Gronwallnoted. “For some it’s a hobby. Someare students just starting out as art-ists.”

Gronwall said he has been inter-ested in photography for many yearsand started spending more time withit after retiring from a banking job.“My wife was working on an advance

degree and she needed me to get outof the house so she could study inpeace,” he said with a smile.

Some meetings feature guest art-ists; at some, members talk to thegroup about their work. “Many ofthem are shy and an organizationlike this gives them an opportunityto present in front of a small, sup-portive group. It helps them to bemore confident when they are calledon to present in front of a largergroup of people they don’t know,” hecommented.

Northlake-Barbara Loar Libraryis located at 3772 LaVista Road,Tucker. Visitors may view the art ex-hibits during normal library hours,10 a.m.—5 p.m., except when themeeting room is in use. The phonenumber is (404) 679-4408.

Kathy Powell’s work is currently on display at the Northlake-Barbara Loar Library.

Nature is a favorite photography theme for John Gronwall. Tucker Arts Guild President John Gronwall shows a photo he printed on special paper that’s among those he’s displaying atthe library.

Fabric art is Kathy Powell’s specialty.


10/24


LEGISLATION Continued From Page 2A

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Mayor and City Council of the City of Chamblee, Georgia will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 11, 2016, at the Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad Street, Chamblee, GA 30341 at 6:00 p.m. to receive public comments regarding the following matters: Steven Ellis of Pro Building Systems requests variances of the following provisions of the City of Chamblee Ordinances, Appendix A, Unified Development

Ordinance with respect to a lot consisting of 11.1171 acres zoned Corridor Commercial located at 5625 and 5665 New Peachtree Road, Chamblee, GA beingparcels 18-309-05-001 and 18-309-05-005:1. Relief from the provisions of Sec. 230-5 Street Dimensions Table to eliminate the landscape zone and sidewalk requirements leaving the existing

sidewalk in place.2. Relief from Sec. 230-33(a)(1)c. that requires buildings over 50 ft. in height to step back the upper portion of the façade by ten feet from the portion of the

façade located below the transitional height plane;3. Relief from Sec. 240-13(h)(1)d. that requires a 5 ft. wide lighted pedestrian entrance and walkway passing through a parking structures that is longer

than 250 ft.4. Relief from Sec. 240-13(h)(1)f. that requires that a multi-story parking structure open to the sky shall be landscaped to provide adequate shade cover for

a minimum of 40 percent of the upper surface.5. Relief from Sec. 320-21(a)(1) that requires landscape islands in parking lots for every ten parking spaces and at the terminus of all rows of parking.6. Relief from Sec. 320-21(a)(4) that requires 5 ft. wide grass strip in parking lots separating the wheel bumpers of head-to-head rows of parking.7. Relief from Sec 350-25 that requires utilities in public or private rights-of-way to be placed underground for new developments of 20,000 sq. ft. or more.

Charles Medlin of Locomotion Brewing Company requests a variance from City of Chamblee Ordinances, Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance, topermit a craft brewery containing 20,900 sq. ft. in the Village Commercial Zoning District whereas Section 240-13(g)(2)a. limits the maximum permitted size ofa craft brewery to 15,000 sq. ft. Variance is requested for property located at 3880 Broad Street, Chamblee, GA being DeKalb County Tax parcel 18-308-15-014.

Taylor Smith of Terminus Rusted, LLC requests variances of the following provisions of the City of Chamblee Ordinances, Appendix A, Unified DevelopmentOrdinance with respect to a lot consisting of 0.516 acres zoned Village Commercial located at 5486 Peachtree Road, Chamblee, GA being DeKalb Countytax parcel 18-309-11-068:1. Sec. 250-2(a) to reduce the minimum number of required parking spaces from 53 to 21.2. Sec. 230-2(a) to reduce the minimum required corner side yard from 10 ft. to 6.5 ft. on Broad Street.3. Sec 230-2(a) to reduce the minimum required rear yard from 20 ft. to 4.5 ft.4. Sec. 230-2(a) that requires the maximum impervious surface on a lot to be 80 percent.5. Sec. 230-2(a) that requires the minimum open space on a lot to be 20 percent.6. Sec. 230-5, Street Dimensions Table, to reduce the landscape zone and sidewalk requirements leaving the existing sidewalk in place on Peachtree

Road and Broad St.7. Sec. 230-27(c) regarding the design of streetscapes along Peachtree Road and Broad St. including sidewalk zone, landscape zone, street trees and

streetlights.8. Sec. 320-21(a)(1) that requires landscape islands in parking lots for every ten parking spaces and at the terminus of all rows of parking.9. Sec. 230-30(b)(1) that requires 18 ft. interior floor-to-ceiling height for ground floor of buildings located on storefront streets10. Sec. 240-13(c) that requires restaurants with outdoor seating to locate such seating in the front or side yard and abutting a sidewalk.11. Sec. 230-6(a)(2) and 250-7(a)(1) to allow parking in front of the building.12. Sec. 250-5(b) that requires at least 3 bicycle parking spaces to be located within the landscape zone a maximum distance of 100 feet from the building

entrance, or shall be located at least as close as the closest automobile space.13. Sec. 350-2(a)(1)d. that prohibits access from Broad Street when access can be achieved via a street with a lesser classification (Peachtree Road)14. Section 350-2(a)(1)e. that prohibits driveways located between the sidewalk and a building, and requires that they be perpendicular to any adjacent

street (Peachtree Road).15. Section 320-20(a) that requires a 10 ft. wide landscape strip for front yards and street side corner yards along the street frontage (Peachtree Road and

Broad Street).

Andy Lasky, of Blue Top, LLC requests variances of the following provisions of the City of Chamblee Ordinances, Appendix A, Unified DevelopmentOrdinance with respect to a lot consisting of 0.273 acres zoned Village Commercial located at 5362 Peachtree Road, Chamblee, GA being DeKalb Countytax parcel 18-299-16-006:1. Sec. 250-2(a) to reduce the minimum number of required parking spaces from 20 to 10.2. Sec. 230-2(a) to reduce the minimum required front yard from 15 ft. to 13.5 ft. on Peachtree Road.3. Sec 250-22(b) to reduce the minimum required setback for a dumpster in the rear yard from 5 ft. to 0 ft.4. Sec. 230-30(b)(1) that requires 18 ft. interior floor-to-ceiling height for ground floor of buildings located on storefront streets5. Sec. 240-13(c) that requires restaurants with outdoor seating to locate such seating in the front or side yard and abutting a sidewalk.6. Sec. 250-5(b) that requires at least 3 bicycle parking spaces to be located within the landscape zone a maximum distance of 100 feet from the building

entrance, or shall be located at least as close as the closest automobile space.

Michael Fletcher of Ecologics Design requests variances of the following provisions of the City of Chamblee Ordinances, Appendix A, Unified DevelopmentOrdinance with respect to a lot consisting of 0.66 acres zoned Neighborhood Residential -1 (NR-1) located at 4118 West Johnson Circle, Chamblee, GAbeing DeKalb County tax parcel 18-334-01-050:

o Sec. 350.2(a)(1)c. that limits the width of a one-way drive to 12 ft. The applicant proposes a 20 ft. wide driveway.

Leonard Meltz of Parkside Development Group, LLC requests approval of a Development of Community Impact in accordance with City of ChambleeOrdinances, Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance, Section 280-6 for the purpose of constructing a mixed-use development consisting of 189 multi-family dwelling units, 6,900 sq. ft. of non-residential space and a parking structure for 354 cars on 2.99 acres of property located at 5251 Peachtreeboulevard, Chamblee, GA, being DeKalb County Tax parcel 18-299-14-005.

County officials wantproposed cities to providea study of the impact of thencorporation on county ser-vices and finances.

Legislators “have a rule…hat there has to be a feasibil-ty study, but that’s for theproposals for incorporations.But that didn’t have anythingo do with the impact that it

will have on the county,” Mayaid.

The county also wantsules about “how boundaries

are settled so that boundariesare not drawn based upon thevalue of the property, but theyare drawn based upon someensible geographical…mea-ures,” May said.

Commissioner SharonBarnes Sutton told the leg-

slators about the county’sdesire for the establishment ofa charter review commissiono look comprehensively athe county’s OrganizationalAct to address, among othertmes, the delineation of pow-rs and determine whetherhe county’s CEO positionhould be changed to a hiredounty manager.

“This is really important,we believe, so that there won’tbe changes that cause unin-ended consequences that

are really detrimental to theounty and sometimes to thentire state,” Sutton said.

“As we look at changingour organizational structuren DeKalb County, we wanto make sure that it’s changedor the better…so we can bet-er meet the needs of our con-tituents,” Sutton said.

“We need a clear roadmap. We want to make surehat the powers are balanced,”he said.

“It’s very dangerous togo in and make piecemealhanges,” Sutton said. “Weook to you to treat our Orga-

nizational Act as an ecosys-em. Anything you do in oneection is going to affect way

on down the line.”Commissioner Kathie

Gannon presented a list oftems in the current Or-

ganizational Act that wereinadvertently changed overhe course of changing some

other things and some thingshat we would almost con-ider to the level of a typo that

we would like you to look at.”For example in one sec-

ion, the Super District com-missioners are referred toas “at large commissioners,”aid Gannon, a Super Districtommissioner.

This “makes a differ-nce when it comes to such

things as zoning and otherthings,” she said. “It gives theimpression that we repre-sent the whole county, so wewould just like that languagechanged.”

Additionally, under theOrganizational Act, the coun-ty is required to complete anoutside audit in 90 days, whilea new state law allows for 180days.

“We are closer to the 180days than the 90 because weare a very big county—it takesa long time,” Gannon said.

“We would just like to be thesame as the rest of the state onthis particular issue.”

Another item the countywants legislators to address ishow code violators are served

notice.“We need to go back to

the rules that had under Re-corders Court…to be ableto serve people that are hardto find with a tack-and-mail

situation,” said Commissioner Nancy Jester . “It will enableus to be more assertive andsuccessful in enforcing thecodes.”

State legislators representing DeKalb met to hear what county leaders want from the General Assembly. Photoby Andrew Cauthen


11/24


Discover DeKalb’s Reunion Specialistwill teach you everything you need to

know to plan the perfectFamily Reunion in DeKalb County!

Workshop - 10 a.m. to Noon

Showcase - Noon to 2 p.m.

Saturday, February 20th Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort4021 Lakeview Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Family Reunion Capital of the South

Pre-registration is requiredCall 770-492-5018

Register online at AtlantasDeKalb.com

FREE Family Reunion PlanningWorkshop & Sh owcase

Pre-registration is requiredCall 770-492-5014

Register online at AtlantasDeKalb.com

Professional trainer, Donna Satchellof STARR Consulting & Training,

will teach you the importance of providingoutstanding service and help you enhance

your service skills in this motivating andinvigorating free class.

FREE Customer ServiceTra in ing C la s s

Tuesday, February 9thDiscover DeKalb Conference Room

1957 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 510Tucker, GA 30084

MOVE IN/OUT CLEANNG

CleaningByMarines.com

(404) 975-9002


In 1965, the lives ofBlacks students at LynwoodPark Elementary and HighSchool were changed forev-r—some would say for the

better, but majority may feelotherwise.

When the DeKalb Coun-y School District integratedchools, it closed Lynwood

Park Elementary and High

chool—an all-Black schooln the Brookhaven area—orcing the children to attend

neighboring White schools,ncluding Cross Keys and

Chamblee high schools.“We weren’t given any

ay-so initially as to whatwe were going to do,” saidRonald McClendon , whontegrated Chamblee. “We

were just gathered in a groupn the gym in 1965 and toldhat’s what was going to hap-

pen and we were going tohave to make a transition.”

What some thought tobe a historic moment and aprogressive step was a fright-ning experience for sometudents. They say they wentrom a loving and nurturingducational environment to

a horrific and hostile envi-onment.

“We had some bad expe-iences at Cross Keys,” said J.

Eldredge Jackson .“When I first came in

t was mostly bullies andpolicemen with dogs, therewere students blocking usrom going to class,” said

Betty Hill .“On our first day we hado fight,” said Cassandra

Bryant . “When we arrivedat the school, there were

students standing outsidethe school lined up acrossthe entrance. When we gotoff the school bus we had tofight our way in. They wouldstand out there with pythonsnakes around their necksand things like that. It wasrough.”

These were a few ofmany stories that wereshared Jan. 18 duringBrookhaven’s MLK Day“Lynwood Integrators” eventat the Lynwood Community

Center. The event was heldto honor the Black studentsfrom Lynwood Park Elemen-tary and High School whointegrated the White schools.The city dubbed them the“Lynwood Integrators.”

Although the U.S. Su-preme Court ruled in 1954that racial segregation ofpublic schools was illegal,DeKalb County did not offi-cial integrate until 1966.

“That wasn’t really in-tegration because all theschools weren’t integratedwith all different kinds ofchildren,” Brookhaven Coun-cilwoman Linley Jones saidduring the ceremony. “Thechildren from this schoolwere removed and sent into

all-White institutions overthe course of the years from1966 to 1968. Those childrenare the Lynwood Integrators,

who we are here to honorand thank for their role inthe civil rights of the state ofGeorgia and DeKalb County.It is our story and we aregrateful to y’all for makinghistory, for making this dif-ference.”

The event included a dis-cussion panel, songs and sto-ries from the integrators oftheir own experiences. At theend of the event, BrookhavenMayor John Ernst presented

a city proclamation. Ernstsaid what the Integratorswent through should nothave occurred.

“History and God put

‘Lynwood Integrators’ remembers first day of school integrationyou in this spot,” Ernst said.“So tonight we celebrate whatoccurred 50 years ago—somecall it progress, obviouslyfor others it was just theway it was. But the fact ofthe matter is as a society westill struggle with educationequality.”

Gary McDaniel , who

See Integration on Page 21A

Gary McDaniel (center) was one of the rst 17 Black students who integrated Cross Keys. Photos by Carla Parker

Mark Winne of WSB TV was the

Master of Ceremonies for the event.

District 1 Councilwoman LinleyJones represents the Lynwood area.


12/24


Volunteers clean park for MLK Day

Year Police From Page 24A


Stone Mountain city officials, residents andvolunteers gathered again for the city’s annualKing National Day of Service project at LeilaMason Park Jan. 18.

The volunteers honored Dr. Martin LutherKing Jr. ’s legacy by cleaning Leila Mason Parkin Shermantown. Councilman Steve Wells , whoco-organized the event, said the service projectis a way to bring the community together andhonor King’s message.

“[We] have this day of service where we canreally give back to the surrounding community,come together as a group and get to know ourneighbors while improving the area,” Wells said.

Some groups picked up trash in the areawhile others cut weeds and blew away deadleaves from the nearby Shermantown Cemetery.

Shermantown is a historically Black area inStone Mountain. After speaking with residentsof the area, Wells said the city promoted theservice project was a good opportunity for allresidents to get to know one another.

“It’s an opportunity for groups of people thatmaybe don’t interact every day, to come togetherand get to know each other better,” Wells said. “Ithink that is the best way to foster a relationshipand build relationships and get together withpeople to accomplish great things. Being thatMartin Luther King was the greatest advocate ofcivil rights, we wanted to come together with theAfrican-American area to improve that part oftown. We do other things throughout the year atother parks around the city, and just feel like it’sappropriate to be here and do a lot of good workin this area.”

Travarius Thomas , 11, was one of the vol-unteers who spent his day off from school serv-ing the community.

“I wanted to help Mr. Steve and clean up allof the trash,” he said.

Although Thomas was not alive during thecivil rights period, he understands that Kingfought for equal rights and unity among allAmericans.

“I know that he helped us and he foughtfor civil rights, he fought for us to vote and hefought [to end] segregation,” Thomas said.

DeKalb police investigatingmultiple crimesby Carla [email protected]

DeKalb County police areworking to solve three crimes thatoccurred in one day.

The first incident occurredhe morning of Jan. 13 in Lithonia

on Willowick Drive, where policeesponded to a domestic disputehat turned into a standoff. Peter

Thompson , 42, was arrested andcharged with false imprisonmentand aggravated assault for hold-ng a woman at knifepoint.

According to the police re-

port, when the responding officergot to the scene, the victim’s sistersaid the woman was “hiding inthe closet because she was afraidthat she was going to get stabbedwith a knife by Peter, a relative ofthe family.”

The officer called the victim’scell phone, and the victim saidthe suspect told her if the policeattempted to come in the househe would “stab her with a knifebefore he goes back to jail,” thereport stated.

Hours later, Thompson cameoutside of the home to smoke a

DeKalb Police investigate a crime scene at Zaxby’s on Memorial Drive on Jan. 13. Photo by AndrewCauthen

Stone Mountain Councilman Steve Wells and 11-year-old Travarius Thomas picks up trash around Leila Mason Park. Photos by Carla Parker

A volunteer cuts weeds at Leila Mason Park Jan. 18.


13/24


See Year on Page 13A

Photo by Andrew Cauthen

23DCTV Channel 23

@DCTVChannel23

DeKalb County GovUstream.tv/channle/DCTV-Channel-23

VISIT US AT WWW.DCTVChannel23.tv E-mail us at [email protected]

Get your front row seat to all things DeKalb Countythrough your EMMY Award-winning station

2323

WEEKPICTURESIn

PHOTOS BROUGHT TO YOU BY DCTV

Those seeking justice in the death of unarmed Anthony Hill camped the night of Jan. 18 in subfreezing temperatures on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse. Photos by John Hewitt


14/24

The Champion FREEPRESS, Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 BUSINESS Page 14A

Subscribe now for only

$25• Excellent local news coverage• Investment opportunities• New business listings• Tax sales• Foreclosure listings

and get 52weeks of:

For this special limited time offer, visitTheChampionNewspaper.Com and clickon the subscription special button or call404.373.7779 X 0. Offer expires Jan. 31.Print edition only.

TheChampionNewspaper.Com


15/24

LAWSUIT Continued From Page 1A

The Champion FREEPRESS, Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 local Page 15A

DeKalb’s annual MLK Day employee-plannedprogram featured songs by a county employee choirand praise dancing by Starla Martyn .

The keynote address was delivered by Rev.Marlin D. Harris , the founding pastor of New LifeChurch in Decatur.

“Dr. King spoke about today before today wasver possible,” Harris said. “It’s a dream that saw

beyond the conditions of his commonplace circum-tances and he dreamed of a world where we would

be able to do exactly what we’re doing right now:Blacks and Whites, Jews and gentiles, Protestantand Catholic, sitting together in one common unity

or one common purpose.”Speaking on the program’s theme of “CivilRights to Human Rights: The Courage to Lead,”Harris said, “Human rights are basic to all humanbeings. Civil rights, on the other hand, arise only

out of the virtue of legal grant, such as the rightsimparted in the American Constitution.

“We know, that in the grim reality of the Afri-can-American lives,…[Blacks were] categoricallyand systematically denied those basic human rightsand civil rights and it was not even a discussion ifthey would be considered a citizen of our country,”Harris said.

“We know that you can write it on paper, butuntil it gets lived out in the fabric of our everydayexistence in our country, it is not a reality for any-one if it is not a reality for everyone,” Harris said.

“Today after civil rights, today in the 21st cen-

tury, today after the marches on Washington, todayafter marching in Selma…, today after integrationand segregation,…even today we are still raciallyprofiled,” Harris said. “Today we still struggle toget the same opportunities. Even today a Trayvon

Martin can be shot down just because he is walkinghome.”

Harris said, “The condition of any [people] canalways be related to their common heritage andtheir common experiences.”

The struggle of Blacks has left a “psychologi-cal imprint” on them, he said. “That psychologicalimprint…is easily seen in our modern and com-mon culture today. We no longer have chains…thatshackle our legs down. We no longer have whipsand stripes on our backs.

“We’re not slaves in the natural sense, but somany of us are still plagued with psychological en-

slavement,” Harris said. “Too many of us have beenleft behind.“Last time we could blame somebody else,” he

said. “This time it’s up to us to change our own psy-chological condition.”

MLK DAY Continued From Page 1A

Volunteers from Lou Walker Senior Center ushered at the county’sKing Day celebration.

Starla Martyn performed a praise dance while the county’s choirsang. From left, Commissioners Kathie Gannon, Jeff Rader and Stan Watson attended the King Day program. Photos by

Andrew Cauthen

he use of an assault weapon,” Oliveraid. “We in Georgia were lucky, but

many, many other citizens across thisnation simply have not been lucky.”

Patrick Parsons , executive direc-or of Georgia Gun Owners, the state’sargest gun rights organization with

more than 12,000 members, said,Any legislator who supports gun con-rol or this bill will be held account-

able during the legislative session andwill be held accountable at the pollson Election Day.

“Legislators out there, if you sup-port this, you will be exposed,” Par-ons told reporters after Oliver’s newsonference. “Gun owners will know

about it. Voters will hold you account-able at the polls.”

Parsons said his organization op-poses the confiscation of guns.

“If you look at her bill there areiterally hundreds of guns that they

want us to come and turn in,” he said.No compromise. Not going to hap-

pen.“There’s no compromise on our

ights,” Parsons said. “The SecondAmendment is the Second Amend-ment. You do not need a permit. Youdon’t need a weapons license.”

Bishop Robert Wright of theEpiscopal Diocese of Atlanta said,“We need to have a conversation—areal conversation—and we need topass some legislation about assaultweapons.

“When I think about these very

extreme and extraordinary weaponsin the hands of people who have nobusiness having these types of weap-ons in their hands, it makes me fearfor our men and women in law en-forcement,” Wright said.

He urged the audience to help“law enforcement officials to continueto have the upper hand as they goabout their work doing the businessof protecting and serving us,” Wrightsaid.

“This kind of assault weapon,these extraordinary magazines andthese armor-piercing bullets are justbeyond” necessary, Wright said. “Noone needs this. For what reason doyou need this? The hunter doesn’tneed this. The sportsman doesn’t needthis.

“I understand the damage thatthis kind of weapon can do,” saidWright, a Navy veteran. “I see abso-lutely no need for these to be available

to the average citizen.”Rev. David Lewicki , co-pastor of

North Decatur Presbyterian Churchand chairman of Presbyterians for aBetter Georgia, said, “Weapons arenot the source of our power. Weaponslead to death. They are a source of our

sickness and our disease.”Weapons are “created for one pur-pose: to kill, to maim, to disfigure andto terrorize,” Lewicki said. “For thesake of peace, these do not belong inour homes and in our communities.”

Rev. Gary Charles , senior pastorof Central Presbyterian Church, said“more guns do not equal more safety.”

Gun owners should be requiredto undergo training and backgroundchecks “before having the privilege ofowning a deadly weapon like a car ora gun,” Charles said.

“It does not infringe on my rightsthat I have had to register my car...andI have had to pass a driving proficien-cy class before I could operate thatdeadly weapon—a car,” he said.

“As a pastor, I am here to resistthe fearmongering of the gun lobbyin America that makes no distinctionabout guns and which guns should bereadily available for sale,” Charles said.

“Everyday citizens do not need to ownmilitary assault weapons in order tohunt quail.”

“The Second Amendment is notabout quail hunting,” Parsons said.“The Second Amendment is aboutdefending our families and defending

ourselves against a tyrannical govern-ment.“We don’t believe there should be

any government restrictions on ourSecond Amendment rights,” he said.

What some call “assault weapons”are “self defense rifles,” Parsons said.“They are not intended for hunting.They are intended to defend our fami-lies and defend our state and defendour country.”

Passage of Oliver’s bill would bea “tyrannical attack on our SecondAmendment rights and a less safeGeorgia,” Parsons said.

Shortly after the news conference,House Speaker David Ralston toldreporters, “As long as I am speaker ofthis House, I will not use any of our valuable time taking away the consti-tutional rights of our citizens.”


16/24

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will hold Public Hearings on the 2016 Proposed Budgetat the times and places listed below:

Tuesday February 9, 2016 10:00AM Maloof Center Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur

Tuesday February 23, 2016 10:00AM Maloof Center Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur

All interested citizens are invited to attend these hearings and have the right to present comments pertainingto the proposed budget.

The recommended budget is available for public inspection in the Office of Management & Budgeting, 6thFloor, Maloof Center, at all DeKalb County Libraries during normal business hours, and electronicallyat www.dekalbcountyga.gov.

DeKalb County, Georgia FY16 Proposed Budget Resolution

FY15 Current FY16 ProposedTax Funds

General Fund (100) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 25,284,897 $ 40,786,157

Taxes 208,194,645 187,367,438HOST Sales Taxes 51,575,201 57,665,379Licenses & Permits 4,500 0Intergovernmental 1,480,002 1,391,090Charges for Services 43,260,153 51,950,857Fines & Forfeitures 9,009,256 9,300,350Miscellaneous 2,617,597 3,906,200Other Financing Sources 3,421,435 4,775,429Total Revenue $ 319,562,789 $ 316,356,743

Animal Control 0 4,086,738Board of Commissioners 3,365,687 3,388,295Budget, Office of Management and 762,870 1,250,612Chief Executive Officer (4) 1,349,339 987,254Child Advocate 2,355,103 2,532,649Citizen Help Center a.k.a. 311 0 157,243Clerk of Superior Court 7,743,424 7,932,058Communications (4) (3) 0 1,061,567Community Service Board 1,984,057 1,984,057Contributions 5,500,000 4,891,824Cooperative Extension 640,910 846,823Debt 2,704,715 5,149,258

DEMA - Dekalb Emerg Mgt Agy (1) 0 270,212DFACS 1,278,220 1,278,220District Attorney 13,807,764 14,564,144Economic Development 1,372,001 1,250,000Elections 2,105,610 4,210,994Ethics Board 215,242 215,242Executive Assistant 1,378,904 1,482,381Facilities 17,306,390 17,696,728Finance 7,853,070 8,762,221Fire (General Fund) 9,031,360 8,688,330Geographic Information Systems 2,428,232 2,506,758Health, Board of 4,155,634 4,155,634Human Resources 3,959,044 3,973,364Human Services 4,811,844 4,945,477Internal Audit 0 1,000,000IT 23,221,604 23,745,677Juvenile Court 6,874,983 6,899,419Law 5,007,169 4,443,629Library 14,350,336 15,200,186Magistrate Court 3,158,077 3,401,470Medical Examiner 2,455,589 2,638,889Non-Departmental 17,761,825 13,275,126Planning & Development 1,743,767 1,829,802Police (General Fund) (1) (3) 8,104,637 9,249,374Probate Court 1,630,384 1,729,566Property Appraisal 4,724,449 5,419,273Public Defender 8,702,932 9,007,435Public Works Director 493,341 844,638Purchasing 3,046,834 3,238,621Sheriff 79,331,355 80,991,570Solicitor 7,168,342 7,429,835State Court 14,191,251 15,106 ,322Superior Court 9,241,027 9,490,053Tax Commissioner 7,313,935 7,863,895Total Expenses $ 314,631,257 $ 331,072,863Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 30,216,429 $ 26,070,037

Fire Fund (270)Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 2,450,723 $ 909,793

Taxes 44,971,724 45,447,513HOST Sales Taxes 13,087,455 12,560,529Charges for Services 630,654 674,883Miscellaneous 33,049 91,572Total Revenue $ 58,722,882 $ 58,774,497

Debt 0 0Fire 50,508,616 51,850,632Non-Departmental 7,303,670 6,836,118Total Expenses $ 57,812,286 $ 58,686,750Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 3,361,319 $ 997,540

Designated Fund (271)Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 1,440,572 $ 2,350,780

Taxes 15,011,268 20,928,214HOST Sales Tax 4,134,303 4,264,147Anticipated Tucker Revenue 0 3,177,994Charges for Services 624,476 603,204Miscellaneous 345,914 266,093Other Finance Sources 15,384,696 11,320,399Total Revenue $ 35,500,657 $ 40,560,051

Debt 0 0Non-Departmental 6,437,210 4,680,052Parks 12,065,863 12,508,694Roads And Drainage (Pub Wrks) 12,371,650 17,353,889Transportation (Public Wrks) 3,213,105 6,582,847Total Expenses $ 34,087,828 $ 41,125,482Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 2,853,401 $ 1,785,349

Unincorporated Fund (272) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 491,509 $ (8,034,327) Taxes 32,427,944 27,651,044Licenses and Permits 20,300,760 15,750,798Fines and Forfeitures 17,594,547 10,260,211Miscellaneous 0 (4,363)Other Financing Sources (57,809,865) (32,593,462)Total Revenue $ 12,513,386 $ 21,064,228

Chief Executive Officer (DCTV) (2) 562,462 0Planning & Sustainability 5,221,292 5,576,910Recorders Court (1) 2,152,415 0Traffic Court 2,657,969 4,385,301Non-Departmental 1,919,764 2,539,533Total Expenses $ 12,513,902 $ 12,501,744

Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 490,993 $ 528,157

Hospital Fund (273)Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ (559,125) $ 2,336,449

Taxes 15,946,333 12,858,681HOST Sales Taxes 4,350,475 4,781,698Total Revenue $ 20,296,808 $ 17,640,379

Subsidy to Grady Hospital 12,429,986 12,443,936Grady Bond Payments 6,114,938 7,476,750Total Expenses $ 18,544,924 $ 19,920,686Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 1,192,759 $ 56,142

Police Fund (274)Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 8,891,699 $ 932,312

Taxes 48,091,590 59,988,853HOST Sales Tax 16,924,520 13,440,344Licenses and Permits 593,182 520,000Anticipated Tucker Revenue 0 12,196,663

Charges for Services 385,314 369,703Miscellaneous 87,366 89,000Other Financing Sources 46,154,090 26,163,947Total Revenue $ 112,236,062 $ 112,768,510

Debt (was in Non-Departmental) 0 0Non-Departmental 14,141,270 12,386,448Police 97,292,352 97,823,553Total Expenses $ 111,433,622 $ 110,210,001Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 9,694,139 $ 3,490,821

Countywide Bond Fund (410)Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 3,827,767 $ 1,619,158

Taxes 643,911 10,634,145Total Revenue $ 643,911 $ 10,634,145

Debt Service 2,328,500 11,625,700Total Expenses $ 2,328,500 $ 11,625,700Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 2,143,178 $ 627,603

Unincorporated Debt Svc (411) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 7,336,113 $ 2,905,906

Taxes 11,679,580 14,575,688Miscellaneous 10,000,000 0Total Revenue $ 21,679,580 $ 14,575,688

Debt Service 27,540,219 15,667,469Total Expenses $ 27,540,219 $ 15,667,469Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 1,475,474 $ 1,814,125

Tax Funds Summary

Starting Fund Balance $ 49,164,155 $ 43,806,228Revenues 581,156,075 592,374,241Expenses 578,892,538 600,810,695Ending Fund Balance $ 51,427,692 $ 35,369,774

Non-Tax Funds

Airport Fund (551) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 8,257,413 $ 6,101,901

Miscellaneous (Airport) 4,768,750 5,021,000Total Revenue $ 4,768,750 $ 5,021,000

Airport 2,919,262 2,723,693Transfer to Capital Improvements 4,005,000 4,500,000Total Expenses $ 6,924,262 $ 7,223,693Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 6,101,901 $ 3,899,208

Bldg Auth Debt Svc Fund (412) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 175,059 $ 1,345,409

Misc: Rental of Real Estate 2,704,715 2,381,285Total Revenue $ 2,704,715 $ 2,381,285

Debt Service 1,550,053 3,726,694Total Expenses $ 1,550,053 $ 3,726,694Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 1,329,721 $ 0

County Jail Fund (204) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 0 $ 166,456

Intergovernmental 110,000 100,000Fines & Forfeitures 1,057,500 1,175,000Other Financing Sources 0 0Total Revenue $ 1,167,500 $ 1,275,000

County Jail 1,149,110 1,441,456Total Expenses $ 1,149,110 $ 1,441,456Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 18,390 $ 0

DCTV (PEG) Fund (203) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 1,733,933 $ 1,207,710

Investment Income 1,000 1,500Miscellaneous (PEG Fund) 80,000 85,000Total Revenue $ 81,000 $ 86,500

PEG Fund (Less Reserve) 1,047,428 1,047,427Total Expenses $ 1,047,428 $ 1,047,427Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 767,505 $ 246,783

Development Fund (201) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 2,078,234 $ 4,268,964

Licenses and Permits 6,132,000 5,317,000Charges for Services 20,000 20,000Investment Income 2,500 2,500Miscellaneous (Development Fund) (1,850) (2,000)Total Revenue $ 6,152,650 $ 5,337,500

Plan. & Sustain. (less Reserves) 5,660,999 7,168,336Total Expenses $ 5,660,999 $ 7,168,336Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 2,569,885 $ 2,438,128

Drug Abuse Tre/Ed Fund (209)Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 219,847 $ 119,102

Charges for ServicesFines & Forfeitures 225,000 225,000

Investment Income 150 150Total Revenue $ 225,150 $ 225,150

Drug Abuse Treatment & Education 444,997 344,252Total Expenses $ 444,997 $ 344,252Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 0 $ 0

See 2016 Budget Resolution on Page 17


17/24

E911 Fund (215) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 3,027,777 $ 3,815,890

Charges for Services 0 0Investment Income 6,500 5,500Miscellaneous (911 fees) 9,851,580 9,800,000Total Revenue $ 9,858,080 $ 9,805,500

E911 12,885,857 13,539,484Total Expenses $ 12,885,857 $ 13,539,484Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 0 $ 81,906

Foreclosure Reg. Fund (205) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) 677,030 437,524

Charges for Services $ 186,500 $ 195,000Fines & Forfeitures 0Other Financing Sources 0 0 Vacant PropertyTotal Revenue $ 186,500 $ 195,000

Foreclosure Registry 437,001 503,871Total Expenses $ 437,001 $ 503,871Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 426,529 $ 128,653

Hotel/Motel Fund (275) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 1,867,042 $ 1,867,042

Taxes 5,000,000 5,000,000Total Revenue $ 5,000,000 $ 5,000,000

DeKalb Covention & Visitors Bur 2,187,500 3,004,331Tourism Product Development 937,500 1,287,570Transfer to Unincorporated Fund 1,875,000 2,575,141Total Expenses $ 5,000,000 $ 6,867,042Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 1,867,042 $ 0

Juvenile Services Fund (208) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 115,729 $ 53,979

Charges for ServicesCharges for Services 28,001 26,000Investment Income 200 150

Total Revenue $ 28,201 $ 26,150Juvenile Court (Juvenile Services) 143,930 80,129Total Expenses $ 143,930 $ 80,129Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 0 $ 0

Law Enf. Conf. Mon. Fund (210)Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 6,523,948 $ 0

Intergovernmental 540,304 6,468,237Total Revenue $ 540,304 $ 6,468,237

Police 5,636,399 5,422,846District Attorney 195,250 230,762Sheriff 1,232,603 814,629Total Expenses $ 7,064,252 $ 6,468,237Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 0 $ 0

Pub Saf Jud Ath Debt Fund (413)Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 3,177,963 $ 2,252,862

Misc: Rental of Real Estate 0 0Total Revenue $ 0 $ 0

Other Professional Services 13,000Lease Purchase of Juv Court Bldg 925,101 1,607,297Total Expenses $ 925,101 $ 1,620,297Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 2,252,862 $ 632,565

Recreation Fund (207) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ (42,349) $ 93,989

Charges for Services 880,580 632,082Total Revenue $ 880,580 $ 632,082

Recreation Services 838,231 726,071Total Expenses $ 838,231 $ 726,071Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 0 $ 0

Rental Motor Vehicle (280) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 678,874 $ 524,956

Taxes 477,285 504,469Total Revenue $ 477,285 $ 504,469

Rental of Porter Sanford Center 708,375 712,625Total Expenses $ 708,375 $ 712,625Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 447,784 $ 316,800

Risk Management Fund (631) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 14,444,864 $ 6,850,781

Charges for ServicesCharges for Services 8,400,000 9,254,226Investment Income 0 0Payroll Deductions and Matches 95,550,000 97,200,000Total Revenue $ 103,950,000 $ 106,454,226

Risk Management 118,394,864 106,649,667Total Expenses $ 118,394,864 $ 106,649,667Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 0 $ 6,655,340

Sanitation Fund (541) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 8,882,972 $ (189,257) Charges for Services 63,682,000 63,682,000Miscellaneous 181,000 181,000Transfer from Vehicle Fund 0 1,970,000Other Financing Sources 1,052,857 2,147,143Total Revenue $ 64,915,857 $ 67,980,143

Finance 223,722 223,700Transfer to Sanitation CIP 1,225,177 0Sanitation (Less Reserves & Tran) 72,349,930 67,567,186Total Expenses $ 73,798,829 $ 67,790,886Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 0 $ 0

Speed Humps Maint Fund (212)Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 1,399,729 $ 1,399,729Charges for Services 290,000 275,000Investment Income 3,000 1,000Other Financing Sources 0 0Total Revenue $ 293,000 $ 276,000

Speed Humps 379,272 385,545Total Expenses 379,272 385,545

Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 1,313,457 $ 1,290,184

Stormwater Ops Fund (581) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 14,757,932 $ 9,390,945

Charges for Services 14,769,000 13,059,749Investment Income 12,000 10,521Total Revenue $ 14,781,000 $ 13,070,270

Stormwater (Less Rerv & Trans) 23,277,936 22,252,267Total Expenses $ 23,277,936 $ 22,252,267Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 6,260,996 $ 208,948

Street Light Fund (211) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 2,038,673 $ 1,347,642

Charges for Services 4,450,000 4,350,000Investment Income 0 300Other Financing Sources 0 0Total Revenue $ 4,450,000 $ 4,350,300

Street Lights (Less Reserves & Transfers) 4,898,880 5,697,942Total Expenses 4,898,880 5,697,942

Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 1,589,793 $ 0

Urban Redev. Agency (414) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 84,936 $ 84,936

Rental of Real Estate 0 563,710Other Misc Revenue (IRS Subsidy) 748,178 174,034Total Revenue $ 748,178 $ 737,744

Debt Service 748,178 737,744Total Expenses $ 748,178 $ 737,744Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 84,936 $ 84,936

Vehicle Maintenance Fund (611) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 130,789 $ 0

Intergovernmental 245,889 165,000Charges for Services 30,103,385 32,573,331Miscellaneous 80,000 50,000

Total Revenue $ 30,429,274 $ 32,788,331Fleet Management 30,560,063 32,788,331Total Expenses $ 30,560,063 $ 32,788,331Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 0 $ 0

Vehicle Replace. Fund (621)Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 50,728,126 $ 14,117,995

Charges for Services 25,893,974 24,128,000Investment Income 10,000 20,000Miscellaneous Income 15,000,000Other Financing Sources 900,000 900,000Total Revenue $ 41,803,974 $ 25,048,000

Vehicle Replacement 80,841,592 35,461,500Total Expenses $ 80,841,592 $ 35,461,500

Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 11,690,508 $ 3,704,495

Victim Assistance Fund (206) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 49,999 $ 50,000

Charges for ServicesFines & Forfeitures 350,001 500,000Intergovernmental 450,000 400,000Total Revenue $ 800,001 $ 900,000

Victim Assistance 850,000 950,000Total Expenses $ 850,000 $ 950,000Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 0 $ 0

Water & Sewer Op Fund (511) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 50,882,981 $ 60,103,368

Charges for Services 257,602,240 261,402,469Investment Income 600,054 200,000Transfer from Gen & San Fund 0 429,197Other Financing Sources 116,315 112,112Total Revenue $ 258,318,609 $ 262,143,778

Finance 8,334,055 9,903,847Transfer to R&E 106,544,371 115,068,638Transfer to Sinking Fund 51,728,420 48,137,294Watershed (less Resv/Tran) 8 141,597,674Total Expenses $ 166,606,854 $ 314,707,453Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 142,594,736 $ 7,539,693

W&S Debt Svc Bond Fund (514) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ 14,493,638 $ 14,713,635

Miscellaneous 541,498 250,000Other Financing Sources 51,728,420 48,137,294Total Revenue $ 52,269,918 $ 48,387,294

Debt Service 66,763,556 63,100,929Total Expenses $ 66,763,556 $ 63,100,929Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 0 $ 0

Workers Comp Fund (632) Starting Fund Balance (Jan 1st) $ (6,327,365) $ 0

Charges for ServicesCharges for Services 18,386,466 6,500,000Investment Income 0 0Total Revenue $ 18,386,466 $ 6,500,000

Workers Comp 12,059,101 6,500,000Total Expenses $ 12,059,101 $ 6,500,000Ending Fund Balance (Dec 31st) $ 0 $ 0

Non-Tax Funds Summary

Starting Fund Balance $ 180,057,774 $ 130,125,558Revenues 623,216,992 605,593,959Expenses 623,958,721 708,491,878Ending Fund Balance $ 179,316,045 $ 27,227,639

All Operating Funds Summary

Starting Fund Balance $ 229,221,929 $ 173,931,786Revenues 1,204,373,067 1,197,968,200Expenses 1,202,851,259 1,309,302,573Ending Fund Balance $ 230,743,737 $ 62,597,413

016 Budget Resolution Continued From Page 16


18/24


19/24


20/24


AUCTIONSADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in over00 newspapers for only $350. Your 25-

word classi ed ad will reach more than1million readers. Call Melissa Pearson athe Georgia Newspaper Service, 770-

454-6776.

DRIVERSDRIVER TRAINEES – PAID CDL TRAIN-NG. Stevens Transport will cover allost! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Earn800 per week! Local CDL Training!-888-749-2302. Drive4stevens.com

Driver – CDL/A. $3000 Sign On Bo -nus for Experienced Drivers. Paid outwithin 30 days of 1st dispatch! HOMEWEEKLY. NEW Southeast Regional. Payncrease! Company & Independent

Contractors Needed. 6 Day RefresherCourse avail. In Business over 50 years!55-378-9335 EOE KLLM.com

Attn: Drivers – 2K Sign-On Bonus. Loveyour $55K Job! We put drivers first!Avg $1100 Weekly + newer KWs. CDL-A Req. (877) 258-8782. Drive4melton.om

EDUCATIONALTRAININGNew Year, New Career – AVIATIONGrads work JetBlue, Boeing, Delta andothers – Get hands on training for FGAAcerti cation. Financial aid if quali ed.Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance(866) 564-9634 www.FixJets.com

Can You Dig IT? Heavy Equipment Op -erator Career!

Date post:	07-Aug-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	champion-newspaper
View:	218 times
Download:	0 times

Champion FreePress 1-22-16

Documents