DeKalb FreePress: 6-3-16

8/15/2019 DeKalb FreePress: 6-3-16

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C HA MP IO NN EW SPA PE R C HA MP IO NN EW S CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER CHAMPIONNEWS

F REE P RESS FRiDAY, JUnE 3, 2016 • VoL. 19, no. 8 • 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.

the DeKalb

www.thechampionnewspaper.comGET MORE LOCAL NEWS Subscribe to The Champion

Producer/director bigfan of Decatur venue

Curtain keepsrising at PorterSanford Center

See Story on Page 5A


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LOCAL June 3, 2016 • Page 2A

Tucker finds temporary cityhall, approves new sealby Carla Parker [email protected]

Tucker city ofcials have founda temporary home for city staff and

have begun negotiations to nalizea lease.

Tucker City Council voted at itsMay 23 special call meeting to startnegotiations with the owners of 4119Adrian Street for a short-term lease forhe temporary city hall space.

The council also unanimously approved that Councilman BillRosenfeld, along with city staff, will start negotiations with theowners of 4228 First Avenue for a long term “solution” for city hall.

The city council also approved the city’s ofcial seal.The navy blue and gold seal features the historic BrowningCourthouse with a train rolling by. During the Civil War, Unionoldiers camped at the Browning Courthouse before ghting inhe Battle of Atlanta.

According to the Tucker Historical Society, Georgia, Carolinaand Northern Railway built the railroad in 1892 through the centerof what is now called Tucker. The Tucker area had been knownas Browning’s District until 1907 when the Seaboard Line Railwayacquired the railroad, surveyed the unincorporated town andnamed the town after an ofcer of the company, Capt. Tucker.

The seal says Tucker was established in 1892 andncorporated in 2016.

NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

The Mayor and City Council of the City of Lithonia has tentavely

adopted a millage rate which will require an increase in property

taxes by 4.64%. The increase will enable the City to improve the

level of services provided to residents.All concerned cizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax

increase to be held at City Hall, 6920 Main Street on Monday,

June 6, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. A third public hearing

will be held at City Hall, 6920 Main Street on Monday, June 20,

2016 at 6:30 p.m.

This tentave increase will result in a millage rate of 16.500, an

increase of 0.732 mills. Without this tentave tax increase, the

millage rate will be no more than 15.768 mills.

This proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value

of $44,202 is approximately $13.00. The proposed increase onnon-homestead property with a fair market value of $76,926 is

approximately $23.00.

NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX

INCREASE

The City of Brookhaven has tentativelyadopted a millage rate for the GeneralFund which will require an increase inproperty taxes by 13.64 percent over

the Rollback Millage rate. This increaseis due solely to the revaluation ofreal property tax assessments. Allconcerned citizens are invited to thepublic hearings on this tax increaseto be held at Brookhaven City Hall at4362 Peachtree Road, Brookhaven,GA 30319. The rst public hearing

will be held at 7:00 p.m. on June 7,2016. The second public hearing willbe at special called meeting on June

21, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:01 p.m.After the nal public hearing, themillage rate will be formally adopted.The tentative increase will result in amillage rate of 2.74 mills, a millagerate equivalent increase of .329 mills.Without this tentative tax increase,the millage rate will be no more than2.411 mills. The proposed tax increasefor a home with a fair market value of$410,915 is approximately $44.20 andthe proposed tax increase for non-

homestead property with a fair marketvalue of $1,097,088 is approximately$144.38.

In the annual Georgia Press Association advertising contest, The Champion won atotal of 12 awards recognizing excellence in design by staff members Kemesha Hunt,Travis Hudgons and John Hewitt

First-place awards were given in the categories of:• Home Furnishings: Finders Keepers• Online Banner Ad: Can Hunger food drive sponsored by The Champion, DeKalb

County Sheriff’s Department, Junior League of DeKalb County and SauersCommunications

• Miscellaneous: DeKalb County School District• Signature Page: DeKalb Parks Photo Contest sponsored by DeKalb County Parks,

Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Southern Airways Express, and Discover DeKalbConvention and Visitors Bureau

• Full Color Advertising: DeKalb Parks Photo Contest• Classied Advertising

Second-place awards were given in the categories of:• Institutional Advertising: DeKalb Chamber of Commerce• Newspaper Promotion: International DeKalb• Small Space Ad: DeKalb County School District

• Home Furnishings: Finders Keepers• Online Advertising: DeKalb Parks Photo Contest• Advertising Campaign: Pet of the Week/DeKalb County Animal Services

Carolyn Glenn, publisher of The Champion, said she is proud of her staff andtheir abilities to create results-producing, award-wining advertising messages for thebusinesses of DeKalb County.

The Champion recognizedfor advertising excellence


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INCORPORATED 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Real & Personal 20,765,829$ 19,375,805$ 17,690,700$ 20,095,784$ 22,214,312$ 26,633,658$

Motor Vehicles 1,615,590$ 1,690,000$ 1,853,380$ 1,554,440$ 981,640$ 794,580$

Mobile Homes 176,149$ 117,094$ 117,094$ 93,990$ 93,990$ 93,990$

Timber - 100%

Heavy Duty Equipment

Gross Digest 22,557,568$ 21,182,899$ 19,661,174$ 21,744,214$ 23,289,942$ 27,522,228$

Less M& O Exemptions 545,059$ 562,008$ 552,462$ 526,915$ 536,850$ 550,863$

Net M & O Digest 22,012,509$ 20,620,891$ 19,108,712$ 21,217,299$ 22,753,092$ 26,971,365$tate orest an ss stance

Grant Value -$

Adjusted Net M&O Digest 22,012,509$ 20,620,891$ 19,108,712$ 21,217,299$ 22,753,092$ 26,971,365$

Gross M&O Millage 15.205 16.552 17.869 17.869 17.000 16.500

Net M&O Millage 15.205 16.552 17.869 17.869 17.000 16.500

Total City Taxes Levied 334,700$ 341,317$ 341,454$ 379,132$ 386,803$ 445,028$

Net Taxes $ Increase #VALUE! 6,617$ 137$ 37,678$ 7,671$ 58,225$Net Taxes % Increase #VALUE! 1.98% 0.04% 9.94% 1.98% 13.08%

48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax

CURRENT 2016 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEV

The City of Lithonia does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the Lithonia City Hall,

digest and levy for the past five years.

NOTICE

6920 Main Street on Monday, June 20, 2016 at 7:00 PM and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section

GDOT, Brookhavenpartner on Buford

Hwy lighting projectby Carla Parker [email protected]

The Brookhaven sectionof Buford Highway will soonhave new lighting alongsidewalks.

The Brookhaven citycouncil approved May 24an agreement betweenhe Georgia Department of

Transportation and the cityor a sidewalk lighting project.

Lights will be installed alongBuford Highway as part of thenext phase of the sidewalk/streetscape project currentlyunder design by GeorgiaDOT, according to the city.

GDOT will constructsidewalks on both sides ofBuford Highway from AftonLane to Shallowford Terracen Chamblee, according to the

agreement.Sidewalks will be on both

sides of Buford Highwaythrough the city limits ofBrookhaven.

According to theagreement, the city will beresponsible for the powerand maintenance of the lightsinside the city limits. Thecity will enter into a separateagreement with GeorgiaPower and/or a private

contractor for the costs of thepower and maintenance.

The detail design ofthe lighting has not beencompleted, but the plan isto install the same type oflighting as was installed inthe rst phase of the sidewalkproject, according to the city.

Construction is expectedto be completed in 2019.


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Brookhaven City 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Real & Personal 2,261,071,691 2,691,060,034 3,163,935,872 3,494,756,627

Motor Vehicles 82,633,320 67,891,300 47,578,450

Mobile Homes

Timber - 100%

Heavy Duty EquipmentGross Digest 0 0 2,261,071,691 2,773,693,354 3,231,827,172 3,542,335,077

Less M& O Exemptions 254,997,596 437,879,638 646,602,506 668,938,974

Net M & O Digest 0 0 2,006,074,095 2,335,813,716 2,585,224,666 2,873,396,103

State Forest Land Assistance

Grant Value

Adjusted Net M&O Digest 0 0 2,006,074,095 2,335,813,716 2,585,224,666 2,873,396,103

Gross M&O Millage 2.850 2.850 2.795 2.740

Less Rollbacks 0.055 0.055 0.000

Net M&O Millage 0.000 0.000 2.850 2.795 2.740 2.740

Net Taxes Levied $0 $0 $5,717,311 $6,528,599 $7,083,516 $7,873,105

Net Taxes $ Increase #REF! #REF! $811,288.00 $554,916.00 $789,590.00

Net Taxes % Increase #REF! #REF! 14.19% 8.50% 11.15%

The City of Brookhaven City Council does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be

held at the Brookhaven City Hall on on June 21, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax


CURRENT 2016 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY

NOTICE

by Carla Parker [email protected]

Christian Sigman isofcially Brookhaven’s newcity manager.

During its May 24 regular

meeting, the BrookhavenCity Council unanimouslyapproved Mayor JohnErnst’s recommendation ofSigman as the city’s secondcity manager.

“I have the distinct honorand pleasure to put forth amotion that will take this cityo the next level and we’re

extremely excited about thisopportunity,” CouncilmanJoe Gebbia said beforemaking the motion to approveSigman’s appointment.

Signman was sworn in byErnst after the vote.

“We did a national searchor this position,” Ernst said.It’s the most important

position of this city andwe’re honored that he hasaccepted.”

Sigman will succeedMarie Garrett, whoesigned the city manager

position in January and

reached a settlement withthe city. Sigman, who hasworked in local governmentadministration for more than20 years, will be responsiblefor the day-to-day operationof the city and themanagement and direction ofits 150 employees.

Sigman said in astatement that he is “veryexcited” to serve as the nextcity manager for Brookhaven.

“Brookhaven enjoysa high quality of life and Ilook forward to embracing

the vision for Brookhavenas a premier community inthe Atlanta metro region,”he said. “I am particularlyinterested in executing thecity’s high-quality planningefforts related to expanding

and protecting park spaceas well as managingdevelopment activities tomitigate trafc congestion.I look forward to being anactive participant in thecommunity.”

Ernst also thankedpolice chief and interim citymanager Gary Yandura forhis service.

“[Thank you] for steppingin and handling this interimposition with the class andthe expertise that is required,”Ernst said. “I’m so glad thatwe were able to move thistransition in a very smoothway. In fact I don’t feel like wemissed too many beats. Weseemingly actually got morethings done during this time.”

Later in the meeting,the city council approvedSigman’s agreement, whichincludes a base salary of$180,000.

Christian Sigman was sworn inas Brookhaven’s city manager.

Brookhaven new city manager sworn in


5/20

by Gale Horton Gay

Stepp Stewart’s passion for live theaters undeniable. Just get him talking about anyaspect of it and not only does his face light upbut his body becomes energized, animated, onre.

Stewart’s theatrical talents lie in dance, song,writing and birthing an idea and shepherdingt into a fully realized theatrical production.He’s been on Broadway, Off Broadway and onstages across the country, but one of his favoriteplaces to stage a play is the Porter SanfordII Performing Arts and Community Center in

Decatur.The producer, director, writer and

choreographer has put on ve shows insix years at the center including A SoulfulChristmas, Cindy the Musical and Red HotBroadway in 2015 and 2016.

Stewart, who calls the Porter Sanford “agem,” said he’s enamored with many aspects ofthe center, including the 500-seat theater anda stage that “has everything I need.” He alsogives kudos to the facility’s crew, whom he said“understands me” and “go above and beyond.”

Stewart added that he wants to see thePorter Sanford center get the attention andrespect it deserves.

“We have to treat this theater like otherstreat the Fox [Theatre in Atlanta]. We don’t haveFox prices. We don’t have Fox parking,” saidStewart.

Stewart uses Porter Sanford as a provingground for some of his shows before takingthem on the road. A Soulful Christmas is nowheaded to Dallas, Texas, and Cindy is going toan Off Broadway stage, according to Stewart.

An Emmy-nominated songwriter, Stewartappears regularly on The Dr. Oz Show as adance and tness instructor. He is the founderand CEO of Dynamite Productions and alsos involved in talent competitions and danceconventions. He has appeared in CATS,Jelly’s Last Jam, Hot Mikado, Dream Girls,

Sophisticated Ladies, Applause, and BubblingBrown Sugar.

Stewart’s newest show Show-n-Tell is amusical about a young girl who is poor andthinks she doesn’t have anything to presentat show and tell at school. She discovers thather voice is what she possesses and is unlike

anything that anyone else has.Though it is a musical with 26 musical

numbers and a myriad of dance numbers, theplay also deals with bullying, economics, socialacceptance and self-esteem. The message,Stewart said is “You don’t need material thingsto be who you are, to be accepted.”

Stewart speaks proudly of the diversecharacters he created in the show, including onewho is in a wheelchair.

And he’s relying on his Broadwayconnections to help with a few key elementsof the Show-n-Tell . Stewart’s nephew SethStewart, who is currently in the cast of the hotBroadway hit Hamilton, is co-producer of Show-n-Tell . The production also will features wigsdesigned by Karen Dickerson who’s donework for Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray andMadame Secretary.

He said the show is directed at children inelementary and middle school as well as seniorcitizens.

Show-n-Tell runs June 8-10. Tickets for the10 a.m. show are $10. Call (407) 917-7685 or goto www.steppstewart.com for more information.

Stewart also is planning to hold a camp thissummer at the center. Scheduled for July 5-22,Camp Spotlight, for ages 7 to 17, is described as“a professional introduction to the world of showbusiness” and will focus on acting, dancing,singing and costumes.

“I get to share the knowledge with the kids,”said Stewart.

For more information on the camp, send anemail to [email protected].

The Champion FREE PRESS, Friday, June 3, 2016 LoCAL Page 5A

On the Cover:

Stepp Stewart is such a big fan of the PorterSanford III Performing Arts and CommunityCenter that he’s staged five theatrical pro-ductions in six years at the venue. Photo byGale Horton Gay

Three of the actors starring inShow-n-

Tell at Porter Sanford III Performing Artsand Community Center.

Stepp Stewart is a Emmy-nominated songwriter who alsoacts, dances, writes and directs.

Producer/director big fan of Decatur venue

Curtain keeps rising at Porter Sanford Center


6/20

Falls from grace aredifcult to watch.

Family, friends, co-workers who stumble dueo poor judgment, addiction

and criminal activity, forexample, ruin lives andeave others wonderingwhy they’ve descendeddown such a dark path.

Individuals in the publiceye who fall from gracehave the added burdenof having their actionswatched, reported on,discussed, criticized andanalyzed by those theyknow and a vast sea ofstrangers. Speculation andgossip about what’s “really”going on with them runsampant.

That’s why I applaudthe actions of TV anchorAmanda Davis. Sherecently made a seriesof appearances onCBS afliate WGLC-

TV speaking about heralcoholism. Davis, whohad been involved in ahead-on collision and wasarrested for driving underthe inuence, provideda revealing and detailedaccount of feelings ofunhappiness, loneliness,lack of self-worth anddepression that resultedin her drinking too much.She talked about a brokenengagement and feelingrejected. She shared thatshe felt her career wascoming to an end becausethe TV news industry isn’tkind to aging women. Itwas raw and painful towatch and listen to but alsoinsightful and educational.

I believe Davisconnected with viewerswhen she talked aboutthinking alcoholics werepeople who drank frommorning to night andwere down and out onthe streets; therefore, shewasn’t one. She said shethought of herself as asocial drinker except thatonce she had one drink shecouldn’t stop.

She didn’t try tosugarcoat her behaviorand said getting behind thewheel after drinking wasinexcusable.

“I am responsible forwhat happened to me andI offer no excuses,” saidDavis in the broadcast.

The road to recovery,she said, is long and hardbut one can nd hope andbrighter days along theway.

She said she decidedto speak out about hersituation to help others.

No doubt Davis mademany viewers thinkdifferently about their ownfeelings, self-perception,drinking habits and whetherthey might be headed downthe same path. The wayin which Amanda Davislaid bare her life and awsis the best kind of publicservice announcement. Iapplaud her for it and wishher well.

The Champion FREE PRESS, Friday, June 3, 2016 opinion Page 6A

Familiar face reveals all to help others

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS encourages opinionsfrom its readers. Please write to us and express yourviews. Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain

the writer’s name, address and telephone number forverification. All letters will be considered for publication.

STATEMENT FROM THE

PUBLISHERWe 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.

Publisher: John Hewitt

Chief Financial Officer:Dr. Earl D. Gle

Production Manager:Kemesha Hut

Photographer: Travs Hudgs

Staff Reporters:Carla parkerR. Sctt Belzer

The Champion Free Press is published each Friday

by ACE III Communications, Inc.,114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030Phone (404) 373-7779.www.championnewspaper.com

DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110

EDiToR’S noTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reflect the opinionsof the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. ThePublisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.

Let Us Kw What Yu Thk!

SEnD LETTERS To EDiToR,The DeKalb Free Press,P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347;Send email to J [email protected] To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779.

Deadline for news releases and advertising:Thursday, one week prior to publication date.

F REE P RESS the DeKalb

Gale Horton Gay

[email protected]

Lifestyle Editor


7/20

Though the GeorgiaPrimary elections are justpast, and fall 2016 Gen-eral Election looms justahead; you can alreadysee tent stakes going upor the Georgia gover-

nor’s race of 2018. Among the likeliest

candidates is Georgia’snow three-term Lieuten-ant Governor CaseyCagle. Cagle has beenheard to sound particu-arly progressive on theneed for expansion ofransportation and transit

options and even utteredkind words toward MAR-TA, regarding the poten-ial for eventual and regu-ar state funding supportied to a reconguration

or tweaking of MARTA’sgovernance structure.

Though MARTA’s GMKeith Parker continueso work wonders withhe long-troubled transit

agency, and has beenbuilding relationships un-der the Gold Dome, he

understands that theres no free lunch. MARTAmay likely see regularstate contributions oneday, as our alternateransportation options

expand across thestate. But as we moveorward and make theseransit mode selections,t is critically important todraw distinction betweensmart choices and thegrandiose and potentialeconomic boon from

boondoggle. Atlanta’s Beltline is re-

purposing a 22-mile loopof abandoned rail bedonce run by three differ-ent railroads and encir-cling our capital city. But,the Beltline (boon) hasdone something verybasic that all transporta-tion planners and electedofcials should keep inmind—it connects peoplewho want to get some-where with places theyalready want to go, andgive them a very conve-

nient way to get there.Contrast that with thebeautiful, modern, sleekand often empty Atlantastreetcars, gliding alonga 2.7 mile loop from theSweet Auburn neighbor-hood and King Center,to Centennial OlympicPark. Critics were quickto point out that with re-duced frequency–onlytwo trains in opera-tion and multiple stopsalong the route–most

folks walking at a steadyclip can easily outpacethe streetcar. The mostregular riders are often

Atlanta’s homeless enjoying the air condition-ing and view. Ridershiphas dropped signicantlysince a fare was imple-mented in January. Rev-enue is far from coveringoperating costs, muchless recovering capitaloutlays exceeding $100million.

Yet talk is again oat-ing of high-speed rail,

connecting Atlanta toChattanooga and beyondto Charlotte. I’m a hugefan of passenger rail and

Amtrak and travel thatway whenever I have thetime.

During the 1860’s andagainst the backdropof the Civil War, threeprivate rail companiescompleted work on North America’s rst transcon-tinental railroad. Thatrail line, laid primarily by

hand labor (admittedlywith thousands of slavesand indentured laborers)completed 1,907 miles ofcontinuous track in justover six years, tunnel-ing through mountainsand constructing somebreath-taking wooden railbridges (including onewith a span of 700 feet).Boon.

Meanwhile, back atthe boondoggle ranch,among the rst stimulus

package projects an-nounced by the Obama

Administration was theCalifornia Bullet Train,high-speed rail with aninitial leg of 119 miles oftrack connecting Madera,Calif., (population 63,105)with Shafter, Calif., asmall town north of Ba-kerseld. The originalplan was to connect SanDiego to San Franciscoby 2018.

As of now, that rst legrunning primarily throughdesert will be completed

by 2025. The CaliforniaHigh Speed Rail Authorityhas not yet laid a singleline of track, though thisproject and stretch weredeemed among the most“shovel ready” projectsin the nation back in2008. Current cost esti-mates due to delays andchallenges with right-of-way acquisition and costoverruns exceed $400million on the rst 29miles. The original plan

called for 800 miles ofhigh-speed rail, opera-tional by 2020.

Current cost estimatesput the California BulletTrain’s completion in theneighborhood of $64 bil-lion, during a time wheneven most California tour-ism enthusiasts note thattravel frequency from SanDiego to San Franciscoor Los Angeles to Sacra-mento or northern Califor-nia, in-state, is generally

dropping.Without question,

Georgia needs to contin-ue to make investmentsin its transportation infra-structure, but resourcesand land will never beunlimited. Choices needto be studied, and inputshould be sought fromprospective riders andaudiences for the projectsbeing considered. Re-storing passenger railservice between Athensand Atlanta, the “braintrain,” seems a low-cost

option for ferrying thou-sands of Dawg fans andUGA students to and fro(boon)...but a massivetunnel underneath down-town Atlanta to reroutecar trafc, a la Boston’sBig Dig sounds more likea “doggle.”

Listen and learn totell the difference, as thetalkin’ and squawkin’ toget your attention will bestarting even sooner thanyou think.

Bill Crane also servesas a political analyst andcommentator for Channel2’s Action News, WSB-AMNews/Talk 750 and now95.5 FM, as well as a col-umnist for The Champion,Champion Free Press andGeorgia Trend. Crane isa DeKalb native and busi-ness owner, living in Scott-dale. You can reach him orcomment on a column [email protected].

Bill Crane

[email protected]

Columnist

ONE MAN’S OPINION

The Champion FREE PRESS, Friday, June 3, 2016 opinion Page 7A

The difference between boon and boondoggle


8/20


Spec Tax Dist #1 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Real & Personal 59,127,532 68,176,991

Motor Vehicles

Mobile Homes

Timber - 100%


Gross Digest 0 0 0 0 59,127,532 68,176,991

Less M& O Exemptions

Net M & O Digest 0 0 0 0 59,127,532 68,176,991


Grant Value

Adjusted Net M&O Digest 0 0 0 0 59,127,532 68,176,991

Gross M&O Millage 1.500 6.450

Less Rollbacks 0.000

Net M&O Millage 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.500 6.450

Total County Taxes Levied $0 $0 $0 $0 $88,691 $439,742

Net Taxes $ Increase $0 $0 $0 $88,691 $351,050

Net Taxes % Increase #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 395.81%

held at the Brookhaven City Hall on on June 21, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax



NOTICE

The City of Brookhaven City Council does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be

AROUNDDEKALBAVONDALE ESTATESGirl Scouts troop to hold meeting

Girl Scouts Troop 3647 will hold a meeting June 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.The meeting will be held at Avondale Pattillo United Methodist Churchlocated at 3260 Covington Highway. For more information or to join thetroop, call Bonny Wilder at (770) 469-9032.

BROOKHAVEN

City to host dog event

Brookhaven’s second annual “Bark in the Park” will be held June 4,10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookhaven Park. The event will feature music, dogtrick demonstrations, dog-related vendors, pet adoptions, food trucksand beverages. All dogs will receive a gift. All dogs must be on a leash.

Admission is free. The park is located at 4158 Peachtree Road. Call(404) 637-0518 for more information.

CHAMBLEECity voices support for Doraville TAD

One of Doraville’s neighboring cities voiced its support inestablishing a tax allocation district (TAD) on May 17.Chamblee mayor Eric Clarkson and city council members John

Mesa, Leslie Robson, Thomas Hogan, Brian Mock and Darron Kusman passed a resolution supporting the Doraville TAD and urgingthe DeKalb County School District’s favorable consideration.”

According to the resolution, Chamblee ofcials cite Doraville’s legalauthority, support from Doraville’s council and DeKalb County as well asChamblee’s belief “[the TAD] is in the best interest of the two cities andthe region,” as reasons to adopt the resolution.

The document also stated Doraville’s use of a TAD was therecommended option following “numerous Doraville studies for theformer General Motors site in addition to the DeKalb County StrategicEconomic Development Plan.”

The resolution was originally drafted by councilman Mock on May 13.

STONE MOUNTAINCity to host garden eventStone Mountain will host Community Garden Work Day June 11, from

8 to 11 a.m. Master Gardener Talk at 9:30 will be by Juliamma Pierre onberries. For more information, email Columbus Brown at [email protected].


9/20


DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

1st PUBLIC

MILLAGE RATE HEARING

Monday, June 6, 2016

TIME LOCATION6:15 p.m. J. David Williamson Board Room

Administrative & Instructional Complex

1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd.

Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Citizens interested in reviewing a detailed copy of the program

based budget may do so by visiting the DeKalb County School

District website at www.dekalb.k12.ga.us.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL THE OFFICE OF THE

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AT 678-676-0069.

Notice of Property Tax Increase

The Governing Authority of the City of AvondaleEstates has tentatively adopted a millage rate whichwill require an increase in property taxes by 16.26percent. All concerned citizens are invited to the publichearings on this tax increase to be held at City Hall, 21North Avondale Plaza, Avondale Estates, GA 30002on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at 5:30 P.M., Monday,June 20, 2016, at 7:30 P.M., and Wednesday, June 29,2016, at 6:00 P.M. This tentative increase will resultin a millage rate of 10.957 mills, an increase of 1.572mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millagerate will be no more than 9.385 mills. This proposedtax increase for a home with a fair market value of

$275,000 is approximately $173. The proposed taxincrease for a non-homestead property with a fairmarket value of $225,000 is approximately $141.

by R. Scott Belzer [email protected]

No matter what timeof day, commuterstraveling in andaround Dunwoody

are sure to see miles ofbrake lights, frequent stopsand gridlock. While I-285offers higher speeds andocal streets offer potentialshortcuts, the sheer densityof Dunwoody guarantees aslower commute.

On May 23, city ofcialsmade a $2.9 millionnvestment to ensure roadquality does not slow downcommuters more as Mayor

Denis Shortal and the citycouncil approved a bid forasphalt resurfacing andsealing on 32 roads.

The resurfacing willake place over a ve-yearperiod and include suchheavily traveled roads asDunwoody Club Drive,North Shallowford Road,North Peachtree Road, TillyMill Road and PerimeterCenter North. Repairs on 16miles of Dunwoody streets,nclude reconstruction of six

speed humps, 102 manholelevelings, 32 repaved roads,and nine “crack sealed”

roads.Public Works DirectorMichael Smith presentedthe item to council forclarication on May 23.The director said work onDunwoody streets couldbegin as early as May 31.

Dunwoody resident andself-proclaimed cyclist BillBlack commended the city’sinitiative in helping non-traditional commuters.

“I ride my bike all overthis town,” Black said.“There is certainly room forimprovement.”

Black said Dunwoodyhas done a “great job” inaccommodating bicyclesand setting space aside fordedicated bike lanes onheavily traveled roads. Herecommended the sameconsideration be givenwhen moving forward withDunwoody Club Drive.

Black said that makingthe city a better placein which to ride wouldultimately make it a betterplace in which to live.

“When going on thatuphill [near Mount Vernon]there are turnouts and

driveways,” Black said. “Atmy size, I do not zoom uphills. It would be very helpfulto have a dedicated bikelane; if the road width doesnot accommodate that, I’d atleast like to see a climbingside bike lane.”

Smith said the largehill approaching MountVernon Road referenced byBlack offers the city a lot ofpavement to work with. Hesaid Sandy Springs wouldhave to ultimately approveof the proposed bike laneas it is on that city’s side of

Dunwoody Club Drive.“There’s an opportunity

there,” Smith said. “Wecould easily put in a climbing

lane for bicycles going inthat direction.”

Councilman Tom

Heneghan showed concernthat more crack sealingis not taking place onresidential roads throughoutthe city.

Crack sealing involvesscanning already pavedroads for cracks and llingthem with tar to preventwater damage. The processis not only faster and lesscostly than resurfacing, butallows a road to get moreuse before being repaved.

“We’ve paved a lot ofstreets. Is there a reasonwe’re not crack sealing

more?” Heneghan asked.Smith said neighborhood

streets have not been cracksealed in city limits because

of negative responses fromresidents.

“The concern there is

that it looks like a spider webon the street,” Smith said.“Some people don’t like theaesthetics. It’s something wecould look at but I think we’dhave to educate residents.”

At the same meeting,Dunwoody ofcials signedan intergovernmentalagreement with SandySprings for paving repairsand stormwater repairsalong Dunwoody Club Drive.

The street serves asa border between the twocities, which makes logisticsbehind road repairs tricky.

Smith said the agreementwould not be ofcial untilapproved by Sandy Spring’smayor and city council.

Dunwoody recently approved a ve-year initiative ridding Dunwoody streets of cracks andunsatisfactory paving. Photo by R. Scott Belzer

Paving

the wayDunwoody to spend $2.9million on road repairs,enter agreement withSandy Springs


10/20


Food on-the-go in Doraville

2016 Mobile Market StopsCASH, CREDIT, AND SNAP/EBT CARDS ACCEPTED

Tuesdays 9AM-11AM Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Dr., Decatur 12PM-2PM South DeKalb YMCA, 2565 Snapnger Rd., Decatur 5PM-7PM Mainstreet Community Assoc., 5001 Mainstreet Park Dr., Stone Mountain

Wednesdays 9AM-11AM Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur 12PM-2PM Austin Drive Community at Bethesda Cathedral, 1989 Austin Dr., Decatur 5PM-7PM Tadda’s Fitness Center, 2615 Park Central Blvd., Decatur

Thursdays 9AM-11AM Spring Chase II Apartments, 4947 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain 12PM-2PM Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Rd., Lithonia

5PM-7PM New Life Community Ministries, 3592 Flat Shoals Rd., Decatur

Fridays 11AM-1PM DeKalb County Extension, 4380 Memorial Dr., Ste 200, Decatur 2PM-4PM June 17 & Aug. 19 only @ Candler Library, 1917 Candler Rd., Decatur July 15 & Sept. 16 only @ Clarkston Library, 951 N. Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston

Call (404) 298-4080 for more information

DEKALB COUNTY


“It’s just a little bitoutside of normal; it has a

bit of a bite to it.”“This is for the residents

so they can see what thecity has to offer.”

“I grew up here rightacross the street; this feelske coming home.”

These were a few ofmany positive statementsegarding Doraville’s

second Food Truck Rallyof the summer season onhe evening of May 26.

Held every second andourth Thursday from Mayhrough October, the Food

Truck Rally offers a widevariety of food, music, kids’entertainment and otheractivities.

While Doraville isknown for Buford Highway’sood scene, it has yet to

emerge as a city offering itsown food-oriented event.The Food Truck Rally onThursday is an effort tochange that perception.

“We have a lot of greatood here, a lot of citizens

and non-citizens; it’s a greatway to bring the communityogether,” said Mayor

Donna Pittman. “We’vewanted to have moreactivities and this is a greatway to bring people out–everyone likes to eat. Ourcity is a very cultural cityand we have a lot of diverseood trucks.”

Pittman said other citiesn the Atlanta area haveood truck events and it was

Doraville’s time to join theun last year.

Brandy Blaylock,an eight-year Doravilleesident, said the rally was

a great way for membersof the community to getout and get to know oneanother while enjoyingsome great food.

“We know each other inour neighborhoods and thiss a nice way for us to getogether [because] it brings

everyone in,” Blaylock said.We’ve tried different trucksast year. It’s interesting.The pies are always good,he desserts are always

good, but it’s trying theoutside the box’ trucks thathas been fun.”

Blaylock said heravorite food truck of the

night was Meatballerz,which offers meatballsprepared in the “old

world method” in avariety of ways, includingsandwiches. On May 26,Blaylock was enjoying theMeatballerz “Pompeii,”

which is an Italian sausagechuck mix.

“It’s just a little bitoutside normal,” Blaylocksaid. “It’s not a burger and ithas a bit of a bite to it.”

Blaylock said sheenjoys how the city ismoving forward in hostingevents such as the DoravilleFood Truck Rally. She saidDoraville offers the charmsof living inside the Atlantaperimeter without losing asmall-town feel.

Rick Dalton and Tina

Pisaniello, who make upthe rock band Rockin’ Rickand Sweet “T”, said playingin Doraville is alwaysgoing to be an enjoyableexperience. While Pisaniellois a New York transplant,she’s called the area homefor the past 20 years. ForDalton, playing in Doravillewas a homecoming.

“We play all around Atlanta, but I love playingDoraville because it’s likecoming home,” Dalton said.“I grew up across the streetand went to Sequoyah

Middle School.”The duo said they love

playing for families, evento the extent of cleaningup certain rock-n-roll lyrics,and that Doraville servesas an excellent exampleof hosting family-friendlyevents.

Event organizer JimSchumake with AtlantaCreative Events has hostedfood truck events in placessuch as Buckhead, Athens,Macon, Grant Park andCandler Park. He said

Doraville’s growth as a cityshows it is ready to host afood truck gathering andoffer a food truck market.

“People from outsideDoraville will come toDoraville for BufordHighway, but there haven’treally been any food eventsshowing what the city hasto offer; it has a place inmy heart,” Schumake said.“It’s great to see so manymillennials in Doravilleand making their way toDoraville. It really is takingoff.”

For more informationon the Doraville Food TruckRally, visit www.doravillega.us.

The Doraville Food Truck Rally offered half a dozen vendors and food trucks on May 26 and willcontinue to do so every second and fourth Thursday until October. Photos by R. Scott Belzer

Doraville resident Brandy Blaylock said she loves food trucks that offer “outside the box” cuisine.


11/20


PHOTOS BROUGHT TO YOU BY DCTV

WEEK inPICTURES

DeKalb County implements changes to garbage and recycling container requirements and collection

procedures April 18, 2016.

Only county-provided garbage and recycling containers are approved for sanitation collection service.

For more info, call or visit:

(404) 294-2900

www.rollingforwardtoone.com

Ted Meinhardt with the DeKalb County Board of Health sets out fresh fruits and vegetables at theDeKalb Mobile Farmer’s Market held May 26. Photos by R. Scott Belzer

Crosses bearing the names of veterans and several American flagsned the streets of downtown Doraville in observance of Memorial

Day. The crosses named those who have served in the armedorces as well as the war in which they served.Photos by R. Scott

Belzer DeKalb County reghters respond to re at an automotive repair shop on E Ponce De Leon Avenuenear North Decatur Road. Photo by Travis Hudgons

The DeKalb County Board of Health, in partnership with theUniversity of Georgia Extension Ofce, will host a mobileFarmer’s Market on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays andFridays now through Oct. 23. For specic times and locations,visit www.dekalbmobilemarket.com.


12/20


DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Real & Personal 19,310,211,337 17,578,034,324 17,512,942,085 18,945,661,424 21,114,929,747 22,804,313,854

Motor Vehicles 1,225,978,410 1,265,293,750 1,359,311,440 1,135,212,830 781,124,040 568,562,240

Mobile Homes 510,171 440,056 396,572 355,333 358,733 769,100

Timber - 100% 0 0 0 0 0 0

Heavy Duty Equipment 82,712 77,829 34,308 57,864 2,208 76,000

Gross Digest 20,536,782,630 18,843,845,959 18,872,684,405 20,081,287,451 21,896,414,728 23,373,721,194

Less M& O Exemptions 2,913,503,127 2,847,239,428 2,826,254,552 2,923,178,437 3,144,309,260 3,206,942,856

Net M & O Digest 17,623,279,503 15,996,606,531 16,046,429,853 17,158,109,014 18,752,105,468 20,166,778,338


Grant Value 0 0 0 0 0 0

Adjusted Net M&O Digest 17,623,279,503 15,996,606,531 16,046,429,853 17,158,109,014 18,752,105,468 20,166,778,338

Gross M&O Millage 22.98 23.98 23.98 23.98 23.98 23.73

Less Rollbacks 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.25 0.00

Net M&O Millage 22.98 23.98 23.98 23.98 23.73 23.73

Total School Taxes Levied $404,982,963 $383,598,625 $384,793,388 $411,451,454 $444,987,463 $478,557,650

Net Taxes $ Increase ($63,803,371) ($21,384,338) $1,194,763 $26,658,066 $33,536,009 $33,570,187

Net Taxes % Increase -13.61% -5.28% 0.31% 6.93% 8.15% 7.54%

NOTES:1. THE NET LEVY DOES NOT REFLECT ACTUAL REVENUE RECEIVED OR AVAILABLE DUE TO VALUE ADJUSTMENTS RESULTING FROM APPEALS, DELINQUENT TAXES,

COLLECTIONS FROM PRIOR YEARS, AND A FEE OF 1.25% PAID TO THE COUNTY FOR BILLING AND COLLECTIONS.

2. THE 2016 MILLAGE RATE IS THE PROPOSED RATE. THE PROPOSED SCHOOL OPERATIONS MILLAGE IS 23.73 MILLS.

3. 2016 DIGEST FIGURES ARE AN ESTIMATE.


The DeKalb County Board of Education does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the

DeKalb County School District Administrative & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Georgia

on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 7:00 p.m., and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. 48-5-32, does hereby publish

the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy

for the past five years.

CITY OF DORAVILLEPUBLIC NOTICE

Fiscal Year 2017 BudgetNoce is hereby given that the proposed budget for the City of Doraville shall be avail-able for public inspecon beginning June 3, 2016, in the City Clerk’s oce from 8:30 to4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at City Hall, 3725 Park Avenue, Doraville, GA.

A Public Hearing shall be held on the 13th day of June at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3725Park Avenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the City of Doraville atwhich me public comment pertaining to the Fiscal Year 2017 (July 1, 2016 throughJune 30, 2017) budget shall be sounded. All cizens of Doraville are invited to aend.

A Public Hearing shall be held on the 20th day of June at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3725Park Avenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the City of Doraville atwhich me public comment pertaining to the Fiscal Year 2017 (July 1, 2016 throughJune 30, 2017) budget shall be sounded. All cizens of Doraville are invited to aend.

A Regular Meetng shall be held on the 20th day of June at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3725Park Avenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the City of Doraville atwhich me the Fiscal Year 2017 (July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017) budget shall beapproved and the budget ordinance adopted in accordance with O.C.G.A. 36-81-5. Allcizens of Doraville are invited to aend.

Public Meetng Notce

You are invited to aend an informaonalmeeng and presentaon about a newworkforce housing development beingconsidered for funding in your area. AbbingtonPerimeter Apartments would consist of 72

market-rate and below-market apartments(aordable to working families at 60% to 50%of area median incomes) to be located atapproximately 3250 Panthersville Road, Decatur,Georgia 30034.

The informaonal meeng will be held onTuesday, June 7, 2016 at 6:30 PM at NewLife Church, Building 3 (3592 Flat ShoalsRoad, Decatur, GA 30034). If you have anyquesons, feel free to contact Sean Brady, VPof Development at Rea Ventures Group, [email protected] or(404) 250-4093, ext. 704.

The DeKalb SymphonyOrchestra will present their annualree community concert at 8 p.m.

on June 7 at First Baptist Churchof Decatur. The concert willeature guitarist Rene Izquierdo

performing Rodrigo’s Concierto

de Aranjuez. The program alsoncludes Mendelssohn ’s TheHebrides Overture and selectionsrom Bizet’s L’Arlesienne.

Izquierdo, a native of Cuba,graduated from the GuillermoTomas, Amadeo Roldan

Conservatory and SuperiorInstitute of Art in Havana. He alsoholds a master of music and anartist diploma from Yale UniversitySchool of Music. He has appearedas a guest soloist and in chambermusic concerts throughout

the United States, Cuba andEurope. Izquierdo is currently aprofessor of classical guitar atthe Wisconsin State Universityand an active solo performer andchamber musician.

The concert is presented as

a gift to the community throughthe Decatur Tourism Bureau,Clairmont Oaks, Inc., PersonalCare, Inc., other friends ofDecatur sponsors and FirstBaptist Church Decatur. TheChampion Newspaper is media

sponsor and no tickets arerequired for admission.First Baptist of Decatur

is located at 308 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur. For additionalinformation call (678) 891-3565 orvisit www.dekalbsymphony.org.

DeKalb Symphony Orchestra presents guitarist Rene Izquierdo at free community concert


13/20


City of Avondale Estates 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Real & Personal 158,471,976 133,021,745 141,146,248 148,072,403 178,050,508 189,773,876

Motor Vehicles 7,854,350 8,014,980 8,451,460 7,456,190 5,564,760 4,306,900

Mobile Homes

Timber - 100%


Gross Digest 166,326,326 141,036,725 149,597,708 155,528,593 183,615,268 194,080,776

Less M&O Exemptions 102,456 231,089 138,061 268,311 371,490 488,920

Net M&O Digest 166,223,870 140,805,636 149,459,647 155,260,282 183,243,778 193,591,856

State Forest Land Assistance Grant Value

Adjusted Net M&O Digest 166,223,870 140,805,636 149,459,647 155,260,282 183,243,778 193,591,856

Gross M&O Millage 10.957 10.957 10.957 10.957 9.957 10.957

Less Rollbacks

Net M&O Millage 10.957 10.957 10.957 10.957 9.957 10.957

Total City Taxes Levied $1,821,315 $1,542,807 $1,637,629 $1,701,187 $1,824,558 $2,121,186

Net Taxes $ Increase -$278,508 $94,822 $63,535 $123,371 $296,628

Net Taxes % Increase -15.29% 6.15% 3.88% 7.25% 16.26%

Current 2016 Tax Digest and 5-Year History of LevyThe Governing Authority of the City of Avondale Estates does hereby announce that the milage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at City Hall, 21 North AvondalePlaza, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at 6:00 P.M. There will be public hearings on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at 5:30 P.M., Monday, June20, 2016, at 7:30 P.M., and Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at 6:00 P.M.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to O.C.G.A.§ 36-35-4(a)(3), that the Board of Mayor andCommissioners of the City of Avondale Estates isconsidering an ordinance to provide compensation tothe members of said municipal governing authority.The ordinance under consideration would provide astipend of $600 per month for the Mayor and $400per month for Commissioners. Such ordinance maybe adopted by the BOMC at its regular meeting to beheld Monday, June 20th, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at CityHall, 21 N. Avondale Plaza, Avondale Estates, GA

30002.

The Housing Authority of DeKalbCounty and the Housing DevelopmentCorporation of DeKalb (HDC) celebratedhe grand opening of The View on June. An 80-unit new construction mixed-

ncome senior community, The View wascompleted in the fall of 2015 as one ofhe rst Rental Assistance Demonstration RAD) new construction projects in the

country.The project utilized the U.S.

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment’s (HUD) RAD programwhich is designed to preserve federallysubsidized affordable housing for seniors.

The DeKalb Housing Authority hasaised more than $50 million to convert

public housing units to RAD units in sevendevelopments, including The View andportions of The Village at Mills Creekon the former Tobie Grant Manor publichousing site in Scottdale.

The View is a three-story, mixed-ncome development located on 10.2 acresof land that was the former location of The

DeKalb County Children’s Shelter. The

apartment complex has 50 voucher units,25 RAD units and ve market rate units fora total of 80 apartments.

Designed for independent seniors,The View has four different oor plans ofone-bedroom, one-bath and two-bedroom,two-bath apartments ranging from 778 to1,046 square feet in size. Units feature 9foot ceilings, fully equipped kitchens withpantries and walk-in closets. Communityamenities include a computer/businesscenter, exercise and tness center, covereddrop-off area, community room, communitygarden, picnic area and walking path,theater room, arts and crafts/activity room,and covered outdoor terraces.

Speaking about HADC’s developmentefforts, HADC’s President and CEO, E.P.“Pete” Walker , said, “ Development of TheView was made possible through supportfrom HUD, DeKalb County, and the Cityof Stone Mountain–all of which played amajor role in the success.”

For additional informationabout the community, visit www.

housingdevelopmentcorp.org/the-view.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONDEPARTMENT5839 Memorial DriveStone Mountain, GA

30038678-676-1800

DID YOU KNOW...

Parents and grandparentsare often the rst tonotice a child has

difculties with learning anddeveloping likeother children?

Children with learning

difculties benet mostfrom early detection of

problems?

More boys than girlsare diagnosed wiht

learning disabilities?

The DeKalb CountySchool District offers a

full continuum of services for eligible

students withdisabilities?

CHILD FINDDo you know a child whoresides in DeKalb County whomay have a developmentaldelay or other disabilities suchas problems with learning,communication, vision, hearing,or other physical or healthimpairments? Do you suspectthis child may need specialeducation services?

The DeKalb County SchoolDistrict offers comprehensivespecial education services toeligible students ages threethrough 21 years. Contact

678-676-1800 for moreinformation or visit our websiteat www.dekalb.k12.ga.us

New senior residences open in Stone Mountain


14/20

EDUCATION June 3, 2016 • Page 14A

DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

2nd PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING

FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2017

Monday, June 6, 2016

TIME LOCATION5:45 p.m. J. David Williamson Board Room

Administrative & Instructional Complex

1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd.

Stone Mountain, GA 30083

The DeKalb County Board of Education will hold a public budget

hearing to solicit feedback from the public regarding the 2016-

2017 school system’s budget.

FOR INFORMATION, CALL THE OFFICE OF THE

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AT 678-676-0069.


The DeKalb County School District has tentavely adopted a millage rate whichwill require an increase in property taxes by 8.71 percent.

All concerned cizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increaseto be held at 6:15 p.m. June 6, 2016, DeKalb County School District J. DavidWilliamson Board Room, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain,Georgia

Times and places of addional public hearings on this tax increase are at:11:30 a.m. June 21, 2016, DeKalb County School District J. DavidWilliamson Board Room, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., StoneMountain, Georgia

6:15 p.m. June 21, 2016, DeKalb County School District J. DavidWilliamson Board Room, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., StoneMountain, Georgia

This tentave increase will result in a millage rate of 23.73 mills, an increaseof 1.901 mills. Without this tentave tax increase, the millage rate will be

no more than 21.829 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fairmarket value of $200,000 is approximately $128.32 and the proposed taxincrease for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $325,000 isapproximately $247.13.


Redistricting, onlinemiddle schoolcourses, literacy.teacher pay,

school improvements,bilingual students, the

Doraville tax allocationdistrict–these were justa few topics discussedamong a group of parentsand DeKalb CountySchool District (DCSD)superintendent StephenGreen on April 26 atClarkston High School

The group of parents,Parent Councils Unitedof DeKalb (PCU), hasheld similar events inprior school years tokeep parents informed

about the school district’sgoals. The exchangehas become known asthe State of the District

Address.The State of the

District falls in line withother communicationefforts being put forth

by Green and his team.Throughout the 2015-2016 school year, Greenheld forum-like Q&Astitled “On the Scene withDr. Green” at campusesthroughout the district toopen discussions with thepublic.

The April 26 event wasno different.

While the State ofthe District took placemore than a month ago,DCSD did not publish

Parents’ concerns published by school districta written version of theconversation until recently.

Specifics involvingClarkston High School’sfacilities, online coursesdistrict wide and outsideprograms from universitieswere discussed butconversations involving

school funds, politicalstances and classroomovercrowding took centerstage.

One of the morecontroversial questionsinvolved the Doraville

tax allocation district(TAD), which has beena battle of words, claimsand editorials betweenDoraville and DCSDleadership for months.DCSD’s reluctance insupporting the initiativeto redevelop a former

General Motors plantsite, now known as The Assembly, has dividedresidents throughout theregion.

“I’m disappointed ourdistrict is not supporting

The Assembly,” reads thebeginning of the questionsubmitted by a memberof PCU. “I understandyour wariness, seeingthe trouble Atlanta PublicSchools has had with theBeltline development.However, I see opportunity

with The Assembly. Pleasereconsider? Perhapsrenegotiate?”

Green answered byreferencing a recent

A group of concerned parents, known as Parent Councils United (PCU), unites parents from

hroughout the DeKalb County School District to advocate, inform and discuss school-elated issues on behalf of the public.

Superintendent Stephen Green engaged with Parents Councils

United in the 2016 State of the District Address in April and thedistrict has recently published a written account of the event.

See PCU on Page 15A


15/20

EDUCATION June 3, 2016 • Page 15A

City of Decatur Georgia Ad Valorem Tax Digest History

Decatur - Digest2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 (est)

Assessment Ratio 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50%

Real Property 1,149,844,600$ 1,137,427,809$ 1,168,516,500$ 1,326,596,200$ 1,594,612,800$ 1,701,465,200$Personal Property 21,146,700$ 22,174,136$ 23,211,680$ 22,248,300$ 22,322,600$ 22,192,600$Public Utilities 18,933,750$ 14,297,200$ 14,639,953$ 15,152,700$ 17,209,600$ 15,658,700$Motor Vehicle 46,119,000$ 49,311,000$ 52,979,900$ 47,331,600$ 35,521,587$ 26,623,700$

Total Digest $1,236,044,050 $1,223,210,145 $1,259,348,033 $1,411,328,800 $1,669,666,587 $1,765,940,200

City Operations

General Fund Exemptions 125,075,000$ 126,914,000$ 126,332,000$ 125,393,000$ 130,639,000$ 128,646,080$

Net City Operat ions Digest $1,110,969,050 $1,096,296,145 $1,133,016,033 $1,285,935,800 $1,539,027,587 $1,637,294,120

City Operations Millage 11.595 11.680 11.580 11.580 11.080 10.680

City Operations Levy $12,881,686 $12,804,739 $13,120,326 $14,891,137 $17,052,426 $17,486,301

Percent Change -0.20 -0.60 2.46 13.50 14.51 2.54Dollar Amount Change ($25,488) ($76,947) $315,587 $1,770,811 $2,161,289 $433,876

The Decatur City Commission announces that the 2016 tentative millage rate was adopted at their meeting on Monday, May 16, 2016. Hearings onthe budget and millage rate will be held on:Monday, June 6, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.Monday, June 13, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.Monday, June 20, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.The hearings will be held at Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough Street, Decatur , GA. Final adoption of the 2016 millage rate and fiscal year 2016-2017 budget is scheduled for consideration at the Decatur City Commission meeting on Monday, June 20, 2016. The above table is presentedpursuant to O.C.G.A. 48-5-32 showing the estimated current year's digest and proposed millage rates along with a five-year history of the tax digest

editorial titled “Thettle engine that does”n addition to stating[DCSD’s] position onhe Doraville TAD results

rom the determinationhat TAD support does notadvance the educationalpolicies of the district.”

Another potentiallycontroversial questionnvolved funding goingoward schools affected

by the Cross Keyscluster’s redistricting plan,which will move more than

,700 students to newschools. The questionwas asked to address howschools would be “ableo adequately serve the

needs of extra students.”

“Qualified staff fromour Department ofAllo tments has met withall schools involved inhe Cross Keys clusternitiative,” respondedGreen. “Our team gavea detailed description ofallotted resources eachschool will be receiving tosupport any changes inenrollments and requiredservices.”

Green also addressedmaintaining his leadershipole for longer than the

national average of threeo five years to move thedistrict forward. He saidDCSD has reached apoint of stability followingallegations of corruption,he district’s near loss

of accreditation and thedistrict’s financial stabilityollowing the recession.

“Stability andcontinuity in leadershipmatter very much in anyorganization as complexand complicated as aschool district,” Greensaid. “It has taken three

years just to get backo this point. To sue a

health metaphor, we areat full strength again afteryears of illness. The hardwork really starts now,n the classroom wherenstruction and learningakes place.”

PCU is made up ofboard members from theDunwoody-ChambleeParent Council, the EmoryLaVista Parent Council,he South DeKalb Parent

Council, the Cross Keys

Cluster Parent Counciland the Charter SchoolsParent Council.

The group statesheir mission is to inform,

discuss and advocateon behalf of schools,students and theirrespective communities.

PCU members saidthey were pleased to

have the conversationwith Green as well as seeit published.

“Thank you tosuperintendent Green foranswering our questions

twice–once in person andnow in writing,” it said.

To view the State ofthe District Address in itsentirety, visit

http://www.dekalb.

k12.ga.us/www/news-and-events/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2016/05/PCU.-State-of-Dsrt-Clarkston-HS.-5.13.16-FINAL.pdf

PCUContinued From Page 14A


16/20

CLASSIFIED June 3, 2016 • Page 16A

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17/20

BUSINESS June 3, 2016 • Page 17A

by Kathy Mitchell

Attendees to theDeKalb Chamberof Commerce 2016

Apex BusinessAwards and LuncheonCeremony on May 25 athe Marriott Century Center

heard from the owner of abusiness that for many is asmuch a DeKalb County iconas the carving on StoneMountain.

Robert Blazer ,ounder and owner of Your

DeKalb Farmers Market,said he is proud of thebusiness he has operatedsince 1977, starting witha 7,500-square-footgreenhouse on Decatur’sMedlock Road.

“We bring the best foodrom all over the world tohe market. We are known

all over the world,” saidBlazer, who added thathe is prouder still of theelationships Your DeKalb

Farmers Market, now on amore than 140,000-square-oot site on East Ponce

de Leon, has built in the

neighborhood. Employeesat the market representmore than 50 countries.Many are from Clarkston’sefugee community.

“When we set outo put a farmers marketn Decatur, there wassome opposition. Theone commissioner whosupported us from thebeginning was ManuelMaloof . He was a businessowner himself and his fatherhad owned a market. Heknew what a business likehat means to a community.Commissioner Maloof said,You need to give the kid achance,’” Blazer recalled.

Within two years the

farmers market received

a level of support from thecommunity that astonishedeven Blazer. “There was anice storm in 1979. We lost abuilding. It was completelydestroyed. Then we learnedthat our insurance didn’tcover ice storms. Peoplefrom the neighborhood—many of them people Ididn’t even know—steppedup to help us rebuild,” hesaid. “Customers gaveus money and we gavethem coupons that theycould use once we wereoperating again. With thehelp of our neighbors wewere able to keep going.”

Balzer said helpingpeople learn to live andwork together is hispersonal mission in life. “Ibelieve that human beingsare designed to work welltogether. When they don’t itmeans something is wrong.It’s like an airplane—it’sdesigned to y but it willy only if you know how tooperate it.”

While working in hisfather’s store in Rhode

Island as a young man,Blazer decided he wantedhis own business one day.“I liked the idea of operatinga market because I wasattracted to the relationshipbetween fresh food and thewellbeing of people. I felt Iwanted to work with people,to make their lives betterin some way. I wanted tosupport others in businessinstead of competing withthem. I could not nd abusiness school where thatwas the focus,” he said,explaining that he hadto work out much of hisapproach on his own.

Blazer, who said thattime did not allow him to

explain his philosophy fully,

said he and his wife hostperiodic discussion groups.He also has written a book,Our World Market: The Generational Distinction,which he said “providesa new understanding ofourselves, our families andthe world we live in.”

The chamber eventincluded the presentationof six Apex Awards.The Emerging Business

Award went to Doraville-based PawStand, whichprovides products andservices for cats anddogs, including tness andrehabilitation. The Business

Advocacy Award went to theUniversity of Georgia Small

Business Development

Center, which, according toits website “provides tools,training and resources tohelp small businesses growand succeed.”

The CommunityWorkforce Award, whichrecognizes a businessthat hires under-employedand unemployed membersof the workforce, hasincreased training for under-employed individuals andoffers such candidatesa salary range aboveminimum wage, waspresented to Goodwill ofNorth Georgia.

Three Business of theYear awards were givenin size categories. The

award in the $1 million to

$5 million annual revenuescategory went to InterprintCommunications, aDecatur-based marketingand communicationscompany. ReliableRestoration LLC, a disasterrecovery company, wasthe winner of the award inthe $5 million to $10 millionannual revenues category.The award in the $10million to $20 million annualrevenues category went toCATMEDIA, a Tucker-basedcompany that specializesin creative services/mediaproduction, programmanagement, trainingand human resourcemanagement.


The Decatur City Commission has tentavely adopted a combined millage rate

of 10.68 mills for maintenance and operaons which will require an increase

in property taxes of 1.61% for scal year 2016-2017. This is a reducon from

the millage rate of 11.08 mills that was adopted for the current scal year

2015-2016 which generates revenue necessary to fund the City of Decatur’s

general operaons, downtown development authority and capital improve-

ments.

All concerned cizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase

to be held at the City Commission Meeng Room, Decatur City Hall, 509 N.

McDonough Street, Decatur, on Monday, June 13, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Time

and place of an addional public hearing on this tax increase is at Decatur

City Hall on June 20, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. This tentave increase will result in a

millage rate of 10.68 mills, an increase of 0.169 mills over the rollback mill-

age rate. Without this tentave tax increase, the millage rate will be no more

than 10.511 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market

value of $400,000 is approximately $30.42 and the proposed tax increase for a

nonhomestead property with a fair market value of $475,000 is approximately

$40.14.

Farmers market owner: It’s as much about people as foodRobert Blazer, founder and owner of Your DeKalb Farmers Market.


18/20

SPORTS June 3, 2016 • Page 18A

ITP sweeps DeKalb all-star soccer classicsby Mark Brock

The Inside the Perimeter (ITP)All-Stars cruised to a sweep overthe Outside the Perimeter (OTP)All-Stars in the All-Star SoccerClassics at Avondale Stadium onMay 19.

The boys’ game was a 5-0shutout and the girls’ game endedwith a 4-1 score.

The ITP girls’ continued theirmastery of the OTP improvingtheir series lead to 5-0-1 to remainundefeated in the six years of thecontest. The only tie was a 2-2decision in the 2013 classic.

Druid Hills senior striker AlisonRugel got the ITP squad on theboard as she hit a shot from theeft side just over the goalie’sreach and into the right corner ofthe net with 25:19 left in the rsthalf.

The score remained 1-0 untilthe 7:57 mark when Rugel struckagain, this time on a penalty kickoff the foot of Towers forward MiaCarradine to make it 2-0.

The OTP answered just morethan a minute later (6:46 left in thehalf) as DeKalb County leading

scorer Jasmine Mathis of MartinLuther King put a rebound off agoalie save into the net to cut thelead to 2-1 at the half.

The two teams battled withthe lead holding at 2-1 for the ITPearly in the second half.

The OTP got an opportunitywith 18:50 to play, but a shot ongoal was just wide right to keep thescore at 2-1.

Chamblee junior strikerKamilah Mustafa widened thelead to 3-1 with 12:50 to play andDruid Hills’ junior midelder IndigoChilds got free down the middlefor a game-clinching fourth goalwith 11:30 remaining.

Rugel was named the ITP MostValuable Player with her two goalsand leadership on the eld.

Mathis earned the OTP MVPaward by her play, includingscoring the team’s only goal.

Boys’ game

The OTP won the past twogames in the series in penaltykicks by sending the game into

overtime, but the ITP made surethere would be no overtime thisyear with a 5-0 shutout.

The victory gave the ITP a3-2-1 lead in the series, which hadbeen highly contested each of theprevious ve years.

Lakeside senior SeanMcDaniel gave ITP an early 1-0lead as he put a penalty kick justunder the bar 6:23 into the game.

Four minutes later Druid Hills junior Luke Narker lofted a pass toClarkston junior Lionel Touroudo,who went into the air and nudgedthe ball into the goal to make it 2-0in favor of the ITP.

The clock was ticking downless than 19 minutes remainingin the half when Lakeside’s MaxWieder found an open OyengaAbdufatai of Cedar Grove, whoscored to give the ITP a 3-0 lead.

Trailing 3-0, OTP’s OkeviousHawkins of Miller Grove got afree kick following an offsidescall on the ITP. Hawkins loftedthe ball to the goal and in for anapparent goal to cut the lead to3-1. The goal was disallowed as adirect kick that was not touched byanother player.

The ITP took the 3-0 lead intothe half.The OTP came out with

pressure to open the second halfand an opportunity to trim the leadto 3-1 bounced off the right goalpost and back into play.

The two teams would go thenext 17 minutes without manyopportunities until McDaniel foundWieder on a give and go to make it4-0 with 21:13 to play in the game.

A breakaway by Towers’Kanghi Bavon with 14:50 was theicing for the ITP to make the nalof 5-0.

McDaniel who had a goal andan assist in the game as well assome nice passes for scoringopportunities by his teammateswas named the ITP MVP.

Hawkins, who had a goaldisallowed and played most of thegame with an injured (hand/wrist),was named the OTP MVP for hisdefensive play and courage.

The win sent Lakeside coachBen Smith out on a winning notein his nal game as the headcoach. The Vikings nished 20-1-0this season under Smith losing 1-0in the Class AAAAAA quarternal

game to Milton after running off 20consecutive wins.

Tucker’s Autumn Carter, left, runs up eld as Druid Hills’ Alison Rugel defends. Druid Hills’ Luke Narker, left, passes the ball as Miller Grove’s Okevious Hawkinsdefends. Photos by Mark Brock


19/20

SPORTS June 3, 2016 • Page 19A

Carla’s Corner:

Winning has become more important than doing the right thing

For years, baseball hasbeen known as America’spastime.

In some parts of thenation it still is, but in other

parts, particularly the south,ootball has surpassed

baseball as the sport ofchoice. One may say formany that football is secondbehind God for those whove in the Bible belt states.

Football is an enjoyablesport to watch. Despite theegal violence displayed ona football eld, fans will dropeverything they’re doing towatch their favorite teamwin, and that has becomebenecial for NFL owners,colleges and universities,

and grade-level schools thathave football programs.The more fans who pay

o watch football, the moremoney goes in the pocketsof team owners, coaches,athletic directors, etc.

Winning equals moneyn sports, especially collegeootball. Some athletic

departments depend on theootball team to bring in theop dollars. The more wins aootball team accumulates,he more money the athletic

department takes in.During 2014-15, 28

athletic departments listedat least $100 million inevenue, according to a

CBS Sports analysis ofeleased gures reported

to the U.S. Departmentof Education’s Ofce ofPostsecondary Education.

The top ve athleticdepartments on that listare Texas ($179.6 million),Ohio State ($170.9 million),

Alabama ($150.6 million),LSU ($138.9 million) andOklahoma ($135.7 million).

Alabama won the nationalchampionship in January,and Ohio State won the titlein 2015.

LSU, Oklahoma andTexas are traditionallywinning programs, althoughTexas has struggled towin at least nine gamesa season since winningthe national title in 2009.But it’s Texas, where

football reigns, and footballprograms in Texas andacross the nation will doanything to win.

Sometimes,

unfortunately, that includesignoring the safety ofhuman beings to protect thefootball program.

On May 26, Baylor

University announced thatfootball coach Art Briles has been suspended withthe intent to terminatefollowing an independentreport revealing theimproper handling of sexualassault allegations madeagainst several footballplayers.

Baylor presidentKenneth Starr wasdemoted to chancellor andathletic director Ian McCaw was reprimanded.

“We were horried by

the extent of these actsof sexual violence on ourcampus,” Baylor Board ofRegents chairman RichardWillis said in a statement.“This investigation revealedthe University’s mishandlingof reports in what shouldhave been a supportive,responsive and caringenvironment for students.The depth to which theseacts occurred shocked andoutraged us.”

According to the reportfrom Pepper Hamilton, anoutside law rm hired by

Baylor last fall, Hamiltonfound the school “failed totake appropriate action torespond to reports of sexualassault and dating violence

reportedly committedby football players.The choices made byfootball staff and athleticsleadership, in some

instances, posed a riskto campus safety and theintegrity of the University.”

The report also foundmembers of the Baylorfootball staff repeatedly andactively refused to reportsexual assault allegationsto the proper administrators.In some cases, footballstaff members met directlywith accusers or parents ofthe accusers, and still didnot report the allegations.Football staff membersconducted their own

improper investigationsinto sexual assault reports,according to the report.

The report also founduniversity administratorsdiscouraged complainantsfrom reporting orparticipating in the studentconduct process.

Briles came under reafter two players in theprogram were convicted ofsexual assault and anotherwas under investigation. In2014, defensive end TevinElliott was sentenced to20 years in prison for two

counts of sexual assaultagainst a former Baylorstudent in 2012. Defensiveend Sam Ukwuachu was convicted of sexually

assaulting a woman lastyear. Defensive end ShawnOakman is currently underinvestigation for allegedlysexually assaulting a

woman earlier this year.Baylor has gone 50-15

during the past ve seasonsunder Briles, winning twoof Big 12 Conferencechampionships on its way tobecoming a powerhouse incollege football. The Baylorathletic department accrued$106.1 million in revenue in2014-15.

However, all of this tookplace at the expense ofwomen and other students’safety.

I enjoy watching college

football as much as anyother fan and I want tosee my favorite team win.But I will not accept someof the routes that collegeprograms take—such aswhat Baylor did—to winfootball games, and otherfans should not as well.

Baylor and any otherprograms (cough, coughTennessee) that sweepssexual assault allegationsor any other crimes underthe rug should receive thedeath penalty from theNCAA.

This is bigger thanplayers receiving moneyand gifts from boosters, andshould be treated as suchby the NCAA.

@CarlaChampNews

Carla Parker

[email protected]

Sports Editor

Baylor president Kenneth Starr was demoted to chancellor


20/20


Photos by Travis HudgonsDecatur Arts Festival

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