VOLUME 22 NUMBER 25
FREE
SEPTEMBER 24 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
DeKalb School Board urges citizens Atlanta City Council approves rideshare pickup operations to vote ‘No’ to state takeover at Hartsfield Airport
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By Mackenzie N. Morgan
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he DeKalb County School Board joined the growing list of school districts opposing Gov. Nathan Deal’s proposed plan to allow the state to take over “chronically failing schools” in Georgia. In a meeting held Monday, Sept. 19, the DeKalb school board voted against the governor’s plan and issued a statement urging citizens to reject Deal’s plan. “After careful consideration, the DeKalb County Board of Education urges voters to vote NO on proposed Constitutional Amendment #1, the Opportunity School District amendment,” the School Board’s statement says. “Local control of education is a bedrock American principle. We strongly believe citizens whose taxes pay for a majority of the cost of educating our children should exercise control over decisions relating to that education. We believe it is not only wrong but risky to give up local control to a new state bureaucracy.” “The board strongly believes that the
answer to improved academic outcomes and achievement is in the classroom and the schoolhouse, with motivated, well-trained teachers; engaged, challenged students; and involved, supportive parents, caregivers, and communities.” Verdaillia Turner, president of the Georgia Federation of Teachers, said she is pleased the DeKalb Board of Education passed the resolution opposing the governor’s plan. “We have been asking DeKalb to make a symbolic stand by passing a resolution, and yes, I am glad that they passed it,” said Turner. “There are so many crucial issues in DeKalb County. Amendment 1 is just one of them and we must defeat it. We want the DeKalb School Board to thoroughly educate the public. Voters must know that if they pass it, there is no turning back. It won’t make any difference who you elect as your school board member because the governor and his appointees will be running your schools.” Meanwhile, groups are spending big bucks to get their messages out to voters. The Committee to Keep Georgia Schools
See DeKalb School Board page 6
he Atlanta City Council has approved legislation legalizing and regulating pickups by rideshare companies such as Uber X and Lyft at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The measure gives rideshare, taxi and limousine drivers the option of having fingerprint-based background checks or private background checks conducted. Companies that use private background checks would be subject to an additional per-ride security surcharge of $2.35 per ride, for a total surcharge of $3.85. Under the new system, which would take effect Jan. 1, 2017, the airport would charge a $1.50 fee per ride for pickups at the airport by ride-share services — the same fee paid by taxis. Each ride-share company would also pay an annual permit fee of $50 per vehicle, up to $100,000 maximum per year. A ride-share assembly area will be set up for ride-share drivers. Ride-share vehicles and taxis cannot be over 7 years old, must display an airport decal when picking up at Hartsfield-Jackson. The legislation legalizing rideshare operation at the cityowned airport was approved by a vote of 14-1. “I’ve been a longtime supporter of Uber and Lyft since their initial entry into the Atlanta market,” said City Councilmember Kwanza Hall. “I have used the service at airports around the US, in many countries around the world; even mostly recently in South Africa. The ease and efficiency of accessing transportation is something that the world has come to enjoy. I am pleased that we are finally able to offer this wonderfully benefit to travelers and employees at the most traveled airport in the world.” City Councilmember Mary Norwood agreed. “The City Council’s decision to allow Uber and Lyft to meet passengers at our Airport will give our citizens and visitors important transportation choices,” she said. In other action, the Atlanta City Council approved a resolution by City Councilmember Michael Julian Bond requesting organizers of Class “A” Outdoor Festivals have a designated pick up area for taxis on a street adjacent to the festival. The City of Atlanta issues permits for several large events annually that attract thousands of attendees each year. Class “A” outdoor festivals (as defined in the City of Atlanta Code of Ordinances, Section 142-59(a)(l)), typically draw crowds of over 50,000 attendees.
DeKalb issues moratorium on residential water shutoffs
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eKalb County Interim CEO Lee May has issued a moratorium through the end of 2016 on the disconnection of residential water accounts that have been contested through the county’s Utility Customer Operations Center. ICEO Lee May May said he is taking steps in an abundance of caution because of the numerous complaints the county has received concerning the accuracy of water bills. “I have always said that one incorrect water bill is too many, and we have a number of issues that could factor into many errors on bills,” said Interim CEO Lee May. “We must ensure that the process is accurate,
and we have to err on the side of caution until we are confident that it is.” County officials are urging customers who believe their bill is in error to contact the Utility Customer Operations Center at 774 Jordan Lane in Decatur, or call 404-378-4475 to speak with a customer service representative. Those who report a billing error will have their account reviewed by an independent third party. Account holders with disputed balances would be required to pay their average amount due until the case is resolved, with the balance, if any, due at the time the investigation is complete. There will be no water service disconnections for accounts with balances in dispute and those who have paid their average bill through the end of 2016. “I have ordered COO Zach Williams to draft a
comprehensive action plan to vet the details of the review process,” said May. DeKalb has a water meter conversion program underway. Approximately 70,000 water meters have been replaced with new digital units that can be read electronically. Nearly half of the digital meters have transmitters that relay water usage in real time. The remaining 120,000 water meters are expected to be replaced by 2021. DeKalb Commissioners Kathie Gannon, Nancy Jester and Jeff Rader say they will host a community town hall meeting to discuss the water problems on Thursday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m., at the Maloof Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. Gannon said representatives from Watershed Management will be on hand to answer questions.