VOLUME 22 NUMBER 38
FREE
DECEMBER 31, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
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DeKalb CEO-elect Michael Thurmond invites public to inaugural events
everal inaugural events will be held in January as DeKalb CEO-elect Michael Thurmond takes the helm, ushering in a “New Day” for the county. Thurmond’s “New Day for DeKalb Inaugural Celebration 2017” steering committee, co-chaired by Greg and Betty Levett and Will and Virginia Reece, announced that Thurmond will honor DeKalb’s federal, state and local public servants as part of the celebration. In a joint statement, the co-chairs said, “We are honored and thrilled to lead this celebration of our new CEO and the dedicated men and women who serve our county. CEO-elect Thurmond will provide new leadership, new vision and a new direction for our county. We are convinced that a new day has dawned in DeKalb County.” The events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted below: Reception Honoring CEO-elect Michael Thurmond
Thursday, Jan. 12, 6- 9 p.m. Fernbank Museum of Natural History 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta Ticketed event. More information is available at newdekalb.com. Honorary Swearing-in Ceremony and Reception Friday, Jan.13, 4-6:30 p.m. Manuel Maloof Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur
Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia Benefitting DeKalb’s foster families and children Honoring the DeKalb Legislative Delegation *Ticketed event. A $20 donation benMichael Thurmond efiting DeKalb’s foster children is required to attend. Tickets are available at newdekalb. com.
Ecumenical Prayer Breakfast Saturday, Jan. 14, 8-10 a.m. Honoring the DeKalb CEO, Commissioners, Constitutional Officers and Federal, State and Local Elected Officials Atonement, Healing and Restoration Keynote Speaker: Ambassador Andrew Service Young Sunday, Jan. 15, 10:30 a.m. Marriott Courtyard, Downtown Decatur Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur 1879 Glenwood Ave. SE, Atlanta Honoring DeKalb County Government Inaugural Gala Employees Saturday, Jan. 14, 7-11 p.m.
Rockdale’s newly-elected officials take oaths of office By Valerie J. Morgan
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amilies and friends filled the pews of the Rockdale County Auditorium on Dec. 29 to witness the installation ceremonies for Rockdale’s 11 newly-elected officials, six of whom were incumbents. Oz Nesbitt, who was sworn in to the county’s top position—that of Rockdale Chairman of the Board of Commissioners—was the last official installed last. Nesbitt took the oath of office following a rousing gospel musical performance by Derrick Monk, a vocalist and songwriter who once produced for the late James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul.” Monk brought the house down, turning the program into a revival-style, foot-patting, hand-clapping praise celebration. The program’s emcee, George Lopez, a Rockdale native and former journalist with CBS in Augusta, quipped that it was fitting for the audience to “have church.” After all, he said, the ceremonies were taking place in what used to be a church. He encouraged the audience to celebrate and have some fun, reminding them it was the holiday season. Rockdale County Chief Superior Court Judge David B. Irwin did indeed have some fun of his own as he administered the oaths in alphabetical order. Some of the officials got tongue-tied as they tried to repeat what they thought they heard him say, while others said exactly what he said, even when he didn’t mean to. Judge Irwin allowed each elected official and their family members to stand together for the swearing-in, and gave the army of photographers in attendance time to snap some quick photos. During the program, there was one especially poignant moment when the elderly mother of
Second from left: Oz Nesbitt is sworn in as Rockdale Chairman on Dec. 29. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCG News
Probate Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr., clutching her cane, carefully made her way on to the stage to proudly stand beside him. Cuthpert had motioned for her to keep her seat on the front row, but she insisted and the audience erupted in thunderous applause. Cuthpert was reminded by Judge Irwin that while he may be a judge now, mom still runs the house. Cuthpert, along with Juvenile Court Judge Maureen E. Wood, Post 1 Commissioner Sherri Len Washington and Tax Commissioner Tisa Smart Washington all made history as first-time elected officials. Minutes before the ceremony began, Washington’s husband, David, asked his brother, who
was sitting on the pew with him, if he was supposed to lay his hands on the bible during the oath. “I don’t want to touch it, if I’m not supposed to,” he whispered. “Don’t worry about it. They’ll tell you what to do,” his brother reassured him. Incumbents who were sworn in include: Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten; Sheriff Eric Levett; Coroner George Levett, Jr., Superior Court Judge Robert Mumford, all elected to second terms; and State Court Judge Nancy Bills and Clerk of Courts Ruth A. Wilson, who were both elected to their third term in office. See More Photos page 10
PAGE 2 •DECEMBER 31, 2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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DECEMBER 31, 2016 • PAGE 3
Plez Joyner to run for Stonecrest City Council, District 2
Entrepreneur and longtime South DeKalb County resident Plez A. Joyner has announced that he plans to run for the Stonecrest City Council District 2 seat. A member of the team who helped to make the idea of Stonecrest a reality, Joyner wants to continue the work to see the new city grow. He said his goal is to establish and maintain an accessible and responsive city government, develop a civic identity that fosters community pride, and cultivate a unified City of Stonecrest culture through annual events that bring everyone together. “This is our chance to build a thriving city from the ground up that enhances the standard of living for its residents and creates economic op-
portunity for businesses,” Joyner said. “I want to help build a community with civic pride that allows citizens access to City leaders, so that change can be made closer to home.” Joyner has lived in the Lionshead community for 16 years. He served as vice president and president of the homeowners association. Joyner, who owns a management consulting firm, has more than 25 years of experience in project management, business process engineering and corporate training. During his business career, he developed global strategy for Fortune 100 companies. The Georgia Institute of Technology grad currently serves on the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Board of Trustees, which oversees the
management of a budget of more than $1.5 billion. He has chaired the Endowment Committee of the Georgia Tech Black Alumni Organization, which provides Plez A. Joyner scholarships to deserving underrepresented students. “I intend to work diligently to address the needs of our City just as I did to help make Stonecrest a city,” Joyner said. “A vote for me on March 21, 2017 is a commitment to the best that the City of Stonecrest can offer.”
Diane Adoma to run for Stonecrest City Council, District 5 Diane Daniels Adoma has announced she will run for the Stonecrest City Council District 5 seat. A veteran business woman and community leader, Adoma holds a doctorate degree in Leadership and Organization Management with an emphasis in Human Resource Management from Capella University in Minneapolis, MN. She received her master’s degree in business administration from Phoenix University and her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Kennesaw State University. With over 20 years of business experience, Dr. Adoma said she plans to use her background in marketing and sales to help foster economic development, jobs, and environmental efforts in the city. Diane Daniels Adoma “I would like to develop green, safe, walkable, healthy communities with an emphasis on establishing a robust tourism and convention center to increase property values in Stonecrest District 5,” said Adoma. “I have seen the challenges presented to this district and how political decisions impact the citizens who call Stonecrest home. The good people of District 5 deserve a great and a positive future. The right leader will not be afraid to make the hard decision, even when it is not popular or politically feasible. I am that leader. I am the right choice for a better community.” Adoma has served on several nonprofit boards and volunteered with Rotary International, the United Way of Greater Atlanta and the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest. Adoma says she plans to host her campaign kickoff on Jan. 15, 5 to 7 p.m., at Arizona’s restaurant, 2940 Stonecrest Circle, Lithonia.
Rockdale’s new Chairman Oz Nesbitt applauds transition team
By Valerie J. Morgan
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ockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt commended the work of his transition team, which included 30 citizens who spent several weeks interviewing county department heads and key administrators to develop strategies and goals to move the county forward under a new administration. Nesbitt takes the helm as the county’s top leader and will hold his first Board of Commissioners’ meeting on Jan. 3, 10 a.m., in the Rockdale Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers. By Valerie J. Morgan Nesbitt said Corey Hambrick, who served as chief of the transition team, set the tone for a cohesive group focused on collaboration. “I want to personally thank each member of our transition team for their time, talent, and resources in assisting with moving Rockdale County forward,” Nesbitt said. “The 2016 Transition Readiness Team (TRT) represented a broad spectrum of our community including all demographics. Their work confirmed the actual size of the mountain we must climb and depth of how deep we must dig in order to stabilize the foundation of our local county government from the inside out,” said Nesbitt. “Communications, human resources, and overall employee morale were the top three concerns across all county departments.” Hambrick said Nesbitt plans to share the transition team’s findings with Commissioners Doreen Williams and Sherri Washington. “The teams and coordinators worked extremely hard and took time out of their personal schedules to conduct these interviews, structure their data, and develop layouts for presentation to the chairman-elect,” said Hambrick. Below are the names of each transition team member and his or her area of profession: Melissa T. Mims The Event Professionals, Inc. Executive Associate Ahmad Muddessar Ahmadiyya Community CEO Tanya Cobb Georgia Cyber Academy District Guidance Director
Dan Ray Georgia Association of Tax Officials Executive Director and Retired Tax Commissioner of Rockdale County Jamaal Wesley Emergency Service Estimating and Consulting, LLC Owner/Property Loss Estimator Anika Inman Inman Consulting Group CEO William Campbell Impact Counseling and Consulting, LLC Owner/ CFO A.Nicholas Brown, Jr. Internal Revenue Service Revenue Agent Sonya Travis IDLife Area Director Katie Vaughn Arts Association of Newton County Finance Director Tommy Morgan Retired from Rockdale County Fire Dept. Retired Chief Fred Straub Straub and Associates, Inc. Owner Jason Witcher Edward Jones Financial Advisor Ronnie Godwin Retired from Conyers Police Department Retired Lieutenant Eric L. Jackson First Responder Fire Captain John McDonald Delta Airlines Inc. New Hire Facilitator Julie Mills Hospital Authority of Rockdale County Executive Director Dewey Blaise Focus Receivables Management VP of Information Technology Celina Hutchinson Knoblock Translator & Interpreter Tina Ulmer Keller Williams, Atlanta Metro East Realtor Jay Grover Corey Companies V.P. Special Projects Derwin Davis Davis Law LLC CEO Jason Witcher Edward Jones Financial Advisor Terry Moore Barloworld V.P. (Retired) Additional members of the team included Lee Carter, Kenneth Walker, Willie Taylor, Gayle L. Salam, and Karen James.
PAGE 4 •DECEMBER 31, 2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Coming Up
STEMFest 2017 set for the new year Compiled by Mackenzie N. Morgan.
The Stone Mountain - Lithonia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is planning a STEM fair Saturday, Jan. 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Redan High School, 5247 Redan Road, Stone Mountain. In partnership with Georgia Piedmont Technical College and the United Way of Greater Atlanta, SM-LAC has a day planned for workshops, activities and hands-on demonstrations in science, technology, engineering and math. At this year’s event, Georgia Tech Students will be on hand, eager to show middle and high school students the exciting world of STEM. The event is open to students in grades six through 12, parents, and teachers. For more information, visit smlacdst.org.
GWINNETT
Gwinnett Public Library partner with rec center to offer story hour at the pool
Kwanzaa Ujamaafest set at Porter Sanford
P
eople who are new to Kwanzaa or who have celebrated Kwanzaa since its inception are invited to attend the sixth annual Ujamaafest Saturday, Dec. 31, 12 to 7 p.m., at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, culture and African American heritage and is observed Dec. 26 – Jan. 1. The event will showcase various cultural performances such as African drumming, storytelling and will feature the Kuumba Marketplace, a ‘Black Money Matters’ financial literacy workshop, healthy cooking demonstrations, science/STEM and art activities in the Kijana Zone for children and a Kwanzaa candle lighting ceremony. Admission is free, but reservations are required for each adult. Only one name per RSVP will be admitted. For more information, visit www.ujamaafest.com.
ATLANTA
Get fit for free Come get a healthy dose of free fitness on the Atlanta BeltLine Jan. 7, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., 828 Ralph McGill Boulevard, Suite W4, Atlanta. FitWit boot camp is a free 60-minute workout geared to get your heart pumping. Classes are designed for all fitness levels, combining fitness equipment and natural landscapes when weather permits. The program is open to those ages 18 and over. For more information, visit beltline.org
Venkman’s offers princess brunch series Dust off your crown and jewels and head over to Venkman’s Restaurant for sing-a-long party at Venkman’s, 740 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta. This musical experience invites audiences of all ages to sit back, “Let it Go,” and sing along with a special interactive screening of Disney’s “Frozen.” Advance reservations are encouraged for this royal event for mothers and daughters, grandmas and granddaughters, sisters and BFFs. The kitchen will be offering a royal brunch feast including princess flapjacks for the little ones. Tickets are free, but guests must make reservations at www.venkmans. com (see “Reservations”) or by calling 470-225-6162. .DEKALB
National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees hosts info session The DeKalb Chapter of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), will hold its next meeting Tuesday, Jan. 10, 1 p.m., at Piccadilly Restaurant, Galleria at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. All active and retired federal employees, their spouses, and surviving spouses who are not currently a member of NARFE are welcome to attend this free meeting to learn more about the benefits of NARFE. For more information, visit ganarfe.org or contact Chapter President Calvin Stevens, 404-288-3604.
Join the Gwinnett County Public Library for poolside story time Friday, Jan. 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Bethesda Park Aquatic Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville. The featured book to be read is “How I Became a Pirate” by Melinda Long. Children are welcome to swim and participate in other fun book-related activities. All ages are welcomed. Pre-registration is required. The cost to attend is $6 per person (ages 3 and under are free). For more information or to register, call 678-277-0880.
Gwinnett Parks and Recreation to host line dance party for residents The 2017 East Metro Atlanta Health and Fitness Expo will be held Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers. Admission to the health expo is free and offers attendees access to health experts and physical activities for every level. There will be a 5K run/walk, a rock climbing wall and golfing. If you are interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor, visit emetrohealth. com
ROCKDALE
East Metro Atlanta Health & Fitness Expo seeking exhibitors The 2017 East Metro Atlanta Health and Fitness Expo will be held Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers. Admission to the health expo is free and offers attendees access to health experts and physical activities for every level. There will be a 5K run/walk, a rock climbing wall and golfing. If you are interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor, visit emetrohealth. com
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DECEMBER 31, 2016 • PAGE 5
19 arrested in DeKalb’s “Deadbeat Parents” sweep Rep. Kendrick presents National Popular Vote discussion
DeKalb County Sheriff’s deputies made 19 arrests in a county-wide operation four days before Christmas aimed at men and women who were wanted for failure to meet court-ordered financial obligations to their children and some who are accused of cruelty to children. The operation to find “deadbeat” parents involved a day-long sweep of the county that executed 174 warrants. While warrants are endeavored yearround for these misdemeanors, a special effort is frequently made during the holiday season. “The offending parent is already aware of the obligation and is rarely surprised when we show up with an arrest warrant,” says Sheriff Jeff Mann. “When the custodial parent who has been granted support by the courts is unable to obtain that support, it causes a financial hardship that becomes more pronounced this time of the year because of holiday expectations. We hope this extra effort helps families collect at least some of what they are owed.” Sheriff’s deputies were able to serve 99 of the outstanding child support warrants, which amounted to $139,566.15 in uncollected court-ordered child support payments.
DeKalb to offer fire safety forum for clergy, houses of worship leaders
Church fires are a serious problem in America. There are measures that can be taken to prevent fires in places of worship. When churches burn, the contents and valuables that are lost are priceless articles that cannot be replaced. Reducing a church vulnerability to arson or fire is important. The DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department is hosting “Faith in Fire Safety: Preventing Fires in Church and Worship Centers Forum” on Jan. 24, 10 am – 3 p.m., at the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Headquarters, 5th floor Conference Room, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker. Fire rescue personnel will provide information on the following: • Fire safety • Arson prevention • Fire marshal inspections • Fire safety requirements for properties that operate childcare programs The forum is free and open to clergy, leadership members, church administrators and maintenance personnel, and child care administrators. Lunch, sponsored by SafeKids of DeKalb County, will be provided to attendees. To register for the forum, contact Kristi Hill at 770-414-2124 or e-mail kdhill@dekalbcountyga.gov. The deadline is Jan. 23.
Henry County NAACP announces 2017 MLK Day activities The Henry County NAACP is sponsoring its 4th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m., Shiloh Baptist Church Education Center, 253 Macon Street, McDonough. The guest speaker will be the Rev.. William E. Flippin, Sr., senior pastor of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church, Atlanta. Tickets and information on all events are available at henrycountyganaacp.com. The MLK Parade/Peace March will be held on Monday, Jan. 16. The parade will start at 10 a.m. at the Henry County Performing Arts Center, 37 Lemon Street and travel through historic downtown McDonough. The event is free and open to the public. .Immediately following the parade, at 11 a.m., the celebration will continue at the Performing Arts Center. The keynote speaker will be Pastor T.J. McBride of Tabernacle of Praise Church International, McDonough. The program is free and open to the public.
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State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia), along with Rep. Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain) and the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will co-sponsor a discussion concerning the national popular vote on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville. State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick Kendrick will moderate as Rep. Brad Raffensperger (R-Johns Creek) and national expert Scott Drexel discuss the national popular vote effort and Georgia’s involvement in the movement. The objectives of this discussion are: • To learn what the Electoral College is and dispel myths • To learn how the interstate compact will help with the national popular vote movement • To learn why states are considering changing from the “winner takes all” statues to populist vote statutes • To learn how the state legislative process would work to make this happen • To learn who to contact to learn more about the subject and read for yourself • To learn where you can get involved to lobby for change
DeKalb House Delegation to hold Pre-Legislative Town Hall meeting A Pre-Legislative Town Hall Meeting will be held on Jan. 5, 6:30 p.m., at the Doraville Civic Center, 3770 Central Ave. Doraville The purpose of the meeting is to give constituents an opportunity to meet their representatives and to voice their concerns about their communities and the state prior to the beginning of the 2017 Legislative Session. No sign-up is necessary. For more information, constituents can contact the office of Rep. Karen Bennett, District 94, at 404-6560202.
State Rep. Karen Bennett
DeKalb Watershed Management identify sewer line repairs, prepare to build new pump station The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management recently completed 400 miles of sewer pipe smoke testing, and identified public and private lines in need of repair. The smoke testing of sewer lines is one type of required assessment outlined in DeKalb County’s 2011 federal Consent Decree. In this test, a nontoxic smoke is inserted in section of sewer pipe. If smoke escapes through the ground, it indicates a breach in the sewer pipe. In addition, the test also detects breaches in private laterals, stormwater tie-ins, and any other situation that allows either stormwater to get into the system or wastewater to leak out of the system. As county officials continue testing and identifying repairs needed, they are also preparing to host a community open house to announce construction for the Honey Creek Pump Station and Force Main in the Stonecrest area. The open house will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 6 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. The construction is a new phase of capital improvement projects under the federal consent decree. The sanitary sewer collection system in the Stonecrest and Lithonia areas is designed to move wastewater through a sewer pipe from a higher elevation to a lower elevation, increasing sewer capacity and reducing sanitary sewer overflows in the area. Construction will take place throughout 2017 and will require intermittent traffic detours in the area as work progresses. Notices about traffic flow will be posted, advising residents and motorists of construction work and traffic restrictions. Flaggers will be present during single-lane closures. For more information on the project status, contact projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 1-800-986-1108.
PAGE 6 •DECEMBER 31, 2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Open Letter from DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis: Water bills will be handled fairly
technology. In many instances, the data which was supposed to identify newer technology meters was lost, causing the billing software to “misread” information from the traditional meter. Before August 2016, our staff had been making thousands of manual adjustments in every billing cycle to restore statement accuracy. By August 2016, the number of accounts with data issues exceeded the ability Dekalb CEO Burrell Ellis of staff to correct them in time for billing. As a result, DeKalb County My Fellow Citizens, began withholding all statements that may have had data issues. The root Thank you for welcoming me back causes of those data issues have now to office as your CEO. As I complete been identified, and those previously my term, which ends on Dec. 31 at withheld bills will now be mailed out. midnight, I have pledged to continue Customers who have been affected to make your priorities the priority of will be treated fairly. The majority of your county government, and to keep water billing accounts will be unafyou informed of those critical issues fected as they have received timely which impact your quality of life. and accurate statements. However, Upon returning to office, I immewe recognize that for those customers diately began working on a resolution whose statements have been withheld, to our water billing crisis. Some of this creates a hardship. Therefore, you have received inordinately high the bills of those customers whose water bills, and others have received statements were withheld, or accounts no bills for several months. There are that have been otherwise identified as a number of reasons we have idencontaining questionable information, tified for these problems, which are will be released to these customers summarized in this letter. beginning Friday, Dec. 30. These bills DeKalb County has some inaccuwill include an estimate based upon rate data in our billing software. The the average usage over the past 12 inaccurate data stems from our tranbilling cycles (discarding the highest sition from outdated meters to newer and lowest statements in this period).
During this period of estimated bills, customers will not be back-billed if the actual usage amount exceeds the estimated amount. Customers will also be given 12 months to pay any bill that was withheld from a normal statement mailing by DeKalb County from September-December 2016. (This does not include any outstanding balance that was billed prior to September, or any bill that was mailed as scheduled). Also, there are approximately 5,700 customers who are self-enrolled in the Dispute Resolution process. Of these, 1,300 customers who have been identified as containing questionable information will receive statements as explained above, and move into that program. The remaining customers will continue to be serviced via Dispute Resolution, and will not deviate from that process. The county has implemented a verification process to ensure future accuracy. All accounts that have been identified as questionable are being verified by field technicians. Field technicians will prioritize the accounts with questionable data first, before eventually verifying every water meter. A team of auditors are being trained to monitor irregularities in accounts and begin corrective actions immediately and autonomously. All 184,000 accounts will be visited and verified within a year.
In addition, a water and sewer billing advisory committee of DeKalb County citizens will be empaneled. This committee will receive regular updates on the progress of the field verification process and provide insight and guidance with customer engagement moving forward. The Board of Commissioners is expected to advance this issue in January 2017. All high water bills are not the result of county error. Aside from inaccurate data, a high water reading may be the result of a leakage on your property, higher consumption due to irrigation (particularly during the ongoing drought), or because of our higher water rates which were mandated by a federal consent decree. Also, as we replace older meters with newer technology, we can expect more accurate meter readings. Any of these could result in higher water bills. In conclusion, DeKalb County is committed to providing the best possible customer service to our citizens. We apologize for any inconvenience and hardship this issue has caused and we appreciate your patience, understanding, ideas and support as we work through this challenging issue. Sincerely, Burrell Ellis DeKalb County CEO
DeKalb CEO Ellis discusses transition, updates during final days in office
Photos by Sharon Dowdell DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis says his staff has been working to transition to the county’s new administration under Michael Thurmond, who will be sworn in as the new CEO on Jan. 13. “We have made ourselves readily available and provided information as requested. Our staff is putting briefing materials together for that team,” Ellis said during a meeting with the press on Dec. 29. Ellis met with reporters to field questions and provide updates as he
prepares to exit office. Ellis returned in December with only about two weeks left to serve after the Georgia Supreme Court overturned his attempted extortion conviction and spending time incarcerated. Ellis said his last days in office have included making budget recommendations, including about $1 million to address blight; $793,000 for the county’s ethics board and auditor; and a raise of $6,000 in base pay for sanitation workers.
“Our frontline employees in the sanitation department, we believe, are deserving of a raise,” Ellis said Ellis said he has been meeting with employees and commissioners, re-engaging with the community through his Holiday Open House and visiting senior centers. Ellis honored 25 community heroes on Dec. 27 and thanked them for their volunteer work and service. Ellis didn’t discuss his court battles much, saying he couldn’t go into detail.
“I have always maintained my integrity throughout this process. That’s the kind of person I am and that’s the kind of public servant I am,” Ellis said. “I feel good that justice has finally been served in that situation.” The case against Ellis is still pending until District Attorney Sherry Boston, who takes office in January, makes a decision on whether to attempt to retry Ellis.
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DECEMBER 31,2016 • PAGE 7
DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis honors Community Heroes
DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis honored 25 individuals and organizations during his fifth CEO’s Community Hero Awards on Dec. 27 at the DeKalb History Center. “Thank you for the time you take away from your other responsibilities in life to volunteer with organizations in DeKalb County,” CEO Ellis said. “Thank you for your work to improve the quality of life for our citizens. And most importantly, thank you for the gift of service that you have unselfishly given to our county.” Hosted in partnership with The Champion Newspaper, the CEO’s Community Hero Awards recognized outstanding individuals and organizations making a significant impact in DeKalb County. “You are truly heroes,” CEO Ellis told the recipients. The awards and their recipients include: Community Champion Award: This award acknowledges individuals and nonprofit organizations that have had a positive impact in strengthening communities and improving the lives of others in DeKalb County. Individuals • Alice White–Bussey, County Line/Ellenwood Community • John Evans, Operation Lead • Marcia Glenn Hunter, DeKalb for Seniors Inc. • Ronnie Mayer, Ashford Park Civic Association • Gilbert “Gil” Turman, South DeKalb Neighborhood Coalition • Verdaillia Turner, Georgia Federation of Teachers • Honey Van De Kreke, Tucker City Council District-1, Post-1 Organizations • Be Someone Inc., Orrin Hudson • Wesley Chapel Curb Appeal Task Force, Kevin Chapman, Jr. • Asian American Resource Center, Connie Jee Environmental Change Award: This award honors community members who work to preserve, protect and raise awareness about the environment.
• Linda Cotten Taylor, Friends of Chapel Hill Park • John Miller II, CIP Citizen Advisory Committee • Tom Smith, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve Youth Volunteer Award: This award recognizes DeKalb County youth who exemplify volunteerism and community service. • Justin LeGrand, Boy Scout Troop 106, sponsored by Greenforest Community Baptist Church • Marcus Jerome Johnson Jr., Boy Scout Troop 1996 at Fairfield Baptist Church • Gillum Owen, DeKalb County Youth Commission Neighborhood Empowerment Award: This award recognizes individuals and organizations that fosters civic engagement and promotes community involvement. Individuals • Jan R. Costello, Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation • Joel Edwards, Restore DeKalb • Vivian Moore, NAACP Georgia Political Action Committee • Charles Peagler, community activist • Opal Ware, community activist Organization • Columbia Alliance Sustainable Neighborhoods Initiative, Eunice Wight The Vanguard Award: This award recognizes individuals whose contributions most exemplify the National County Government Month theme as established by National Association of Counties each year. This year’s theme is “Safe and Secure Counties.” • Jacqueline Davis, DeKalb County Board of Health • Jacqueline M. Echols, South River Watershed Alliance • Charles Maxwell, Lindmoor Woods Neighborhood Watch, Lindmoor Woods Civic Association
PAGE 8•DECEMBER 31,2016
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2016 Rockdale County
The Honorable Phinia Aten Chief Magistrate Judge
The Honorable Eric Levett Sheriff
The Honorable Nancy Bills State Court Judge
The Honorable George Levett Coroner
The Honorable Clarence Cuthpert Jr. Probate Court Judge
The Honorable Robert Mumford Superior Court Judge
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Istallation Ceremony
DECEMBER 31, 2016 • PAGE 9
The Honorable Sherri Len Washington County Commissioner, Post 1
The Honorable Ruth A. Wilson Clerk of Courts
The Honorable Tisa Smart- Washington Tax Commissioner
The Honorable Maureen E. Wood Juvenile Court
PAGE 10 •DECEMBER 31, 2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Business News Atlanta’s 725 Ponce development expected to create over 3,500 jobs Atlanta city officials say over 3,500 jobs will be created as a result of the mixed-use development called 725 Ponce. . The Kroger is being demolished to make way for the $188 million development, located along the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail. The project will bring an urban and modern 60,000-square-foot Kroger store and approximately 360,000 square feet of mixed-use development to fruition. “We are proud to break ground on 725 Ponce, a development which promises to have a valuable and significant impact on the quality of life in this thriving neighborhood,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “This new development will bring more than 2,000 construction jobs and approx-
imately 1,550 permanent office and retail jobs, welcoming a new, diverse population who can enjoy all what the community has to offer. I’m certain 725 Ponce will create the same kind of inclusive, urban energy we see every day on the Atlanta BeltLne and at Ponce City Market. I would like to thank Jim Irwin of New City for his company’s investments in 725 Ponce and commitment to Atlanta.” The 725 Ponce tower includes approximately 350,000 square feet of office space and 10,000 square feet of retail space. In addition, the tower and new Kroger will be constructed on top of a three-story underground parking deck, which will fill a need for additional public parking near the Atlanta BeltLine, Ponce City Market
and Old Fourth Ward Park. Atlanta development firm New City Properties and The Kroger Co. reached an agreement to close the Kroger store in October 2016, following New City’s purchase of the last 5.5 acres of land needed to build the development. The property is expected to yield an estimated total economic development impact of $268 million. New City was founded by Irwin, who previously served as a Senior Vice President at Jamestown Properties and led the redevelopment of Ponce City Market. “The 725 Ponce project is the largest investment in new construction on the Atlanta BeltLine to date and would not have happened without the vision of Mayor Kasim
Reed,” said Irwin, Founder and President of New City Properties. “I am incredibly grateful for his support and leadership.” In 2011, the City of Atlanta sold the former City Hall East to Jamestown Properties for $27 million. Jamestown Properties invested more than $300 million into the 2 million square-foot building, transforming the property into Ponce City Market, a mixed-used development with national and local retail anchors, restaurants, offices and residential units. Since that time, the area surrounding Ponce City Market and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail continues to experience economic development and revitalization.
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce honors R.L. Brown
R.L. Brown
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Decide DeKalb Development Authority recognized R.L. Brown, Founder and CEO of R.L. Brown and Associates, for his recent appointment as Chair of the State Transportation Board. More than 100 members of the business community were in attendance at the Chamber’s holiday recep-
tion at Parkers on Ponce to recognize Brown. Sponsors included AT&T, Georgia Power, Citizens Trust Bank, CH2M, CERM, Council for Quality Growth, Gude Management Group, Pendleton Group, Grice Consulting Group and Silverman Construction Program Management, Inc. “We applaud and support Mr. R.L. Brown for his
recent appointment. As an active business and community leader, we know this appointment will positively impact DeKalb County and the communities he serve,” said Katerina Taylor, president & CEO of DeKalb Chamber. Brown has served the 4th Congressional District of the State Transportation Board since 2005. The State
Transportation Board governs the Georgia Department of Transportation, and is responsible for naming the Commissioner; designating which public roads are encompassed within the state highway system; approving long-range transportation plans; overseeing the administration of construction contracts; and authorizing lease agreements.
Conyers DDA presents Outstanding Achievement Award to Attorney Jorge Flores
The Conyers Downtown Development Authority (DDA) presented its second annual Outstanding Achievement Award to Jorge Flores of the Law Office of Jorge Luis Flores for his efforts in preserving and beautifying his new office located at 951 Railroad Street in Olde Town, Conyers. The building, initially a residence built in the late 1800s and since then utilized for a myriad of commercial uses including a funeral home, restaurant and antique store, was recently renovated by Attorney Flores. An Olde Town business owner since 2002, Flores said the building had extensive water damage when he purchased it and needed a new roof, painting, new siding, HVAC systems, a fire escape for second floor access, signage and lighting. “The Conyers Downtown
Development Authority Board wanted to recognize the attention to detail and restoration efforts of Mr. Flores and his contractors to renovate 951 Railroad Street. The new paint, trim, landscaping and signage are welcome improvements. Mr. Flores gave us a tour of the office and it was amazing the
work and creativity that went into creating such a warm, inviting and contemporary feel to what was once an iconic Conyers restaurant, among other uses,” said Conyers Downtown Development Authority Chairman Daniel S. Digby. This is the second year the DDA has presented the Outstand-
ing Achievement Award to a business in Olde Town Conyers that has taken great care and consideration with beautification and preservation of buildings in the historic district. The inaugural awards honored the preservation efforts of the former Coca-Cola building at 882 Main Street. In addition, in 2016, the DDA awarded $6,000 in façade grant reimbursements to qualifying businesses in Olde Town Conyers, sponsored the e-station Conyers, Inc. co-working initiative and several events including the Olde Town Summer Film Series. The Conyers DDA Board of Directors consists of Chairman Daniel S. Digby; Vice Chairman Brandon Mitchell; Vince Evans; Ronald Godwin; George Levett; Renee Marrett; and Keish Momin. The DDA meets the second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m., in the city manager’s office at Conyers City Hall. The public is invited to attend.
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