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FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 47

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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DeKalb Police Chief James Conroy to retire

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eKalb County is conducting a nationwide search for a new chief of police. Police Chief James Conroy is retiring, effective April 30, after 30 years of service.

Conroy grew up in DeKalb and dedicated his entire career to improving public safety in DeKalb.

“Chief Conroy is an example of the best DeKalb County has to offer,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. “His selfless dedication to public service and commitment to honesty, integrity and professionalism has set an example for all DeKalb employees.”

During his tenure with the DeKalb County Police Department, Chief Conroy worked a wide variety of assignments in the Criminal Investigation and Uniform Divisions and the Homicide and Assault Unit. His career also includes several leadership positions and service as the commander of the North Precinct, Special Victims Section, Information Services Division, and assistant chief of the Support Services Division.

Chief Conroy has served as the DeKalb County

chief of police since December 2013 and under his leadership, the county saw significant reductions in overall crime. He led the effort to increase public trust and overall transparency of the department’s activities by managing the deployment of officer body worn cameras and leading the transition of enhancing public access to crime data through the informative crime reporting system, National Incident-Based Reporting System.

Conroy graduated from Peachtree High School, attended the University of Georgia and received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University. He received a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Waldorf University. He is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville, the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston, the Georgia International Law enforcement Exchange 25th Delegation to Israel, the FBI National Executive Institute and Leadership DeKalb Class of 2015.

Chief James Conroy will retire in April.

DeKalb CEO announces creation of Charter Review Commission Executive order creates 17-member commission to review county charter

D Pictured left to right: 2019 RCPS Spelling Bee winner Kennedy Boothe, General Ray Davis Middle School eighth grader, and runner-up Zaccheus Fairman, C.J. Hicks Elementary fourth grader with their trophies.

General Ray Davis Elementary student named Spelling Bee champ for “conspicuous” Kennedy Boothe, an eighth grader at General Ray Davis Elementary School, is the 2019 Spelling Bee champ for Rockdale County Public Schools.

After many nail-biting rounds eliminating contestants, Boothe correctly spelled "hallucinations" and "conspicuous" to win the district trophy. The 2019 RCPS Spelling Bee was held at Memorial Middle School on Feb. 8, and sponsored by the Rockdale Association of Educators.

The runner-up in the competition was Zaccheus Fairman, a fourth grader at C.J. Hicks Elementary.

Each RCPS elementary and middle school entered the top speller in their school to the district competition. Here are the names of the other contestants: • Kina Weston, Barksdale Elementary • Jahmail Hudson, Conyers Middle • Zaccheus Fairman, C. J. Hicks Elementary • James Nusser, Edwards Middle • Brooke Weston, Flat Shoals Elementary • Jalen Gist, Hightower Trail Elementary • August Haynes, Honey Creek Elementary • Gabrielle Christie, J.H. House Elementary • Cameron Baquet, Lorraine Elementary • Aina Bandele, Memorial Middle • Cadence Carson, Peek’s Chapel Elementary • Traci Rodriguez, Pine Street Elementary • Brennan Speights, Shoal Creek Elementary • Dani Donald, D.L. Sims Elementary

eKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has announced the creation of a DeKalb Charter Review Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of the Organizational Act that established the county’s current Chief Executive Officer and Board of Commissioners form of governance.

“The purpose of this commission is to study DeKalb’s current form of government to ensure the county is responsive to the ever-changing needs and demands of county government,” said CEO Thurmond. “It CEO Michael Thurmond has been 40 years since the Organizational Act was initially passed in a public referendum. Jimmy Carter was president; annual interest rates were more than 18 percent; and Sony launched the Walkman. Now is the time to take stock of changes that are needed to create a 21st-century government that is transparent, efficient, and fiscally sound.”

During the 2018 session of the Georgia General Assembly, leadership in the DeKalb House and Senate delegations collaborated with CEO Thurmond to develop the purpose and framework of the commission.

The Charter Review Commission will be comprised of 17 members as follows: • Three members appointed by the CEO with two members serving as co-chairs • One member appointed by the DeKalb County Board of Education • Seven members, each appointed by a member of the Board of Commissioners • Three members appointed by the DeKalb delegation to the Georgia House of Representatives • Three members appointed by the DeKalb delegation to the Georgia Senate • Two chairs of the DeKalb delegation to the General Assembly who will serve as ex officio members.

• The Charter Review Commission will convene from April 1, 2019, to Dec. 31, 2020. A final report and recommendations will be issued by Dec. 31, 2020.

• All meetings will be open to the public, which will be given opportunities to address the commission during the meetings. In addition, a website will be dedicated to the commission’s work and deliberations, and all meetings will be recorded and broadcast on DCTV-23, the county’s official television station.

PAGE 2 • FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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DeKalb CEO proposes two percent cost of living Increase for retirees

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First COLA adjustment in 14 years

eKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has proposed a two percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the county’s retirees and beneficiaries in the FY2019 budget amendment. If approved by the Board of Commissioners, the increase will become effective on July 1. The annualized cost of the adjustment will be $2.1 million.

“I am heartbroken that our 11,000 retirees and beneficiaries have been denied a cost-of-living adjustment since 2005,” said CEO Thurmond. “Eliminating a structural budget deficit and increasing the rainy-day fund have provided the county with the revenue needed to reduce DeKalb’s unfunded pension liabilities and finance a muchneeded COLA.” CEO Thurmond’s FY2019 budget recommendation also includes $9 million in additional contributions to strengthen the DeKalb’s employee pension fund.

The annual contributions will reduce the county’s $1.2 billion unfunded pension liability. The administration’s recommendation is projected to fully fund the employee

pension plan by 2043.

Additionally, the administration’s FY2019 budget recommendation includes funding to pay off a $12 million pension fund loan that was used by the county to finance a controversial early buyout plan for veteran employees in 2010.

The loan indebtedness will be paid off 20 years ahead of schedule, resulting in a savings of $14.7 million in principal and interest payments.

Thurmond has prioritized fiscal integrity and accountability by eliminating a $24.7 million structural deficit, establishing a projected $103 million rainy-day fund and protecting the county’s infrastructure and financial assets.

This proposal will be discussed at the Board of Commissioners’ Finance, Audit & Budget Committee meetings on Friday, Feb. 22, and Monday, Feb. 25, in the conference room on the fifth floor, Maloof Building, 1300 Commerce Dr., Decatur.

The budget will be voted on by the Board of Commissioners no later than Feb. 28.

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PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan

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EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan

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On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019 • PAGE 3

Stonecrest’s comprehensive plan approved by DCA, ARC

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tonecrest’s Comprehensive Plan was recently approved by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Atlanta Regional Commission. The city had an August 2019 deadline to develop an approved 20year Comprehensive Plan.

Labeled Comprehensive Plan 2038, the document Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary guides the city’s look and feel for current and future developments. It is scheduled for a council vote on Feb. 25.

The city will be awarded a Qualified Local Government designation once the council approves the plan. This designation will allow the city to impose development impact-fees, participate in certain DCA Programs like the community development block grants, loan guarantees (Section 108), local development funds, and programs administered by other state departments like the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

“The next step will be for city staff to revise the current zoning ordinances to match the approved comprehensive plan,” said Nicole Dozier, the city’s community development director.

Citizens’ input was an integral part of the plan. A series of vision meetings were held to discuss the city’s needs, opportunities, vision and desired character areas, according to Mary Darby, Director of Planning and Economic Development for the Collaborative Firm, a consultant retained by the city to assist with the plan. The first meeting was held on April 16, 2018, and allowed residents to identify the three greatest assets of the city which included easy access to I-20 and the greenspace offered at Arabia Mountain.

“A city’s comprehensive plan is not a part of an average citizen’s normal conversation. This does not denounce its importance, however. It is paramount to understand what a comprehensive plan is and its significance in the life of everyone within a given city, be they homeowners, lawmakers, business owners, or commuting workers,” said Darby.

“This approval brings the city one step closer to its vision of becoming a world-class city. We have worked on this for years and finally we have a comprehensive plan that will take us from now to 2038. It encompasses a complete economic development plan which included tourism of Arabia Mountain, our commercial and industrial development and the maintenance of highquality homes,” Mayor Jason Lary said.

Victoria Stilwell, star of CBS “Greatest American Dog” and Animal Planet’s “It’s me or the Dog”,) made a surprise visit to present a $1 million check to LifeLine Animal Project.

Lifeline Animal Project receives $1 million donation from Victoria Stilwell LifeLine Animal Project staff had no idea that they’d be receiving a lot more than lunch when Petco Foundation representatives showed up to honor them. However, when longtime LifeLine supporter and celebrity trainer Victoria Stilwell (star of CBS "Greatest American Dog" and Animal Planet's "It's me or the Dog") dropped in to make an announcement, staff began wondering what was really going on.

Stilwell presented LifeLine Animal Project CEO Rebecca Guinn and LifeLine Board Chair David Midler with a giant Valentine Card with messages of support to all of the staff members and volunteers.

"This is just to say thank you for your work," Stilwell said. And then she surprised everyone when she handed Guinn and Midler a giant envelope, revealing a check made out to LifeLine Animal Project for $1 million.

“We’re really proud to be saving lives,” said LifeLine Animal Project CEO Rebecca Guinn, who unwrapped the enormous Valentine along with board chair David Midler.

“We’ve had the honor of being able to transform Atlanta into a lifesaving community. We could not do that without the support of the Petco Foundation.”

LifeLine Animal Project has been managing DeKalb County Animal Services and Fulton County Animal Services since 2013 where they’ve increased adoptions by 300 percent. In 2018 alone, the organization saved 14,057 lives and cared for over 39,000 animals in their clinics, shelter and community. They also operate two low-cost spay/ neuter clinics that have provided Atlanta's animals with over 126,000 free or low-cost spay/neuters and provide free vaccines and veterinary services to thousands of pets annually. To learn more about LifeLine Animal Project, view adoptable animals or sign up to volunteer, please visit LifeLineAnimal.org.

CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25 2018 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 This will be the second read and final adoption of the City of Stonecrest Comprehensive Plan 2038

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Applications for DeKalb Mobile Farmers Market stops now open

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eKalb County Cooperative Extension is seeking locations for its Fresh on DeK Mobile Farmers Market.

Communities, businesses or organizations can apply to be a Fresh on DeK stop. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 1.The proposed location must be able to provide a liaison to organize the site. The site must also have a street-level parking area that is highly visible, large enough to safely park a 60-foot bus and easy for customers to access and park without hazard.

Launched in May 2015, Fresh on DeK has raised awareness about the importance of fruit and vegetable consumption for healthy living by providing fresh, affordable produce and food demonstrations to county residents.

Communities, businesses or organizations can apply to be a Fresh on DeK stop. The proposed location must be able to provide a liaison to organize the site. The site must also have a street-level parking area that is highly visible, large enough to safely park a 60-foot bus and easy for customers to access and park without hazard.

The market visits areas around the county each week, beginning in the spring and running 16 weeks. To apply to be a Fresh on DeK stop, visit www.freshondek.com and click “2019 Season Application.”

The DeKalb Mobile Farmers Market is a program of DeKalb County The DeKalb Mobile Farmers Market is a program of DeKalb County Extension with support from the DeKalb County Board of Health. The program is made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For information regarding the application process or other Extension programs, contact DeKalb County Extension at 404-298-4080, freshondek@dekalbcountyga.gov or visit www.freshondek.com.

Neon Fun Run” registration deadline March 4 DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host its 4th annual Neon Fun Run 5K on Saturday, March 9, 6:30 p.m., at Sugar Creek Golf Course, 2706 Bouldercrest Road SE, Atlanta.

Runners of all ages are welcome and may register as a team of 10 for $100; a team of 5 for $40; or $15 for an individual. Ages 10 and under are free and must be accompanied by an adult.

Packets may be picked up on March 8 from noon to 4 p.m. at Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis Center.

The event will include free refreshments, music and a shirt for each registered participant. Registration is open until March 4.

To access online registration, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks.

For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Parks public education specialist, at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary addresses the Citizens SPLOST Committee at its Feb. 19 meeting.

Stonecrest City Council to vote on controversial SPLOST management contract

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he Stonecrest City Council is scheduled to vote on the city’s controversial SPLOST management contact on Monday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m.

The upcoming vote follows the council’s 4-2 approval on Feb. 11 to award a $3.3 million contract to Grice Consulting Group, LLC. That decision follows infighting among council members that has persisted for more than a year and a half after city officials questioned invoices ($162,000 worth) that Grice submitted for pre-SPLOST work.

The city settled and paid Grice $40,000.

With the council’s recent vote to move ahead, council members instructed city attorneys to have drafts of the contract ready by Feb. 18, ahead of the scheduled council meeting.

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary has opposed the measure, saying the council cannot legally award a “sole source” contract. Councilman Jimmy Clanton has supported the mayor in his efforts to have the contract go out for bid.

Lary addressed concerns about the process of awarding contracts at the Citizens’ SPLOST Oversight Committee meeting on Feb. 19.

Council members have bickered over whether or not Grice had an “enforceable” contract at the time the council agreed to retain him on Aug. 21, 2017 to perform the pre-SPLOST work.

Decatur-DeKalb 100 Black Women set health education events

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he National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Decatur-DeKalb, Inc. will host two educational workshops on Saturday, March 16.

The sorority will present “A Lunch and Learn Workshop” on metabolic syndrome and the risk factors of heart disease and stroke from noon to 2 p.m., at the Lithonia Davidson Library, 6821 Church Street, Lithonia. A medical doctor will lead the workshop and will be available to answer questions. The event is free and open to the public.

The sorority is partnering with the DeKalb County Health Department to host “A Free HIV/AIDs Screening and Education event,”1 to 4 p.m., at the Mall at Stonecrest. The location for the HIV van will be on the upper level parking/plaza area on the movie theater side - near the MARTA bus stop. Screenings are confidential and results are fast.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019 • PAGE 5

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG NEWS

Judge Phinia Aten hosts 4th Annual Youth Law Camp Instead of sleeping in late, watching television or cruising the internet, a group of students from Rockdale and Newton counties spent Presidents’ Day learning about the judicial system.

The students, who are in grades 8-12, were participants in the Fourth Annual Youth Law Camp founded by Rockdale Chief

Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten.

The free, daylong camp offered students a chance to hear from guest speakers who are involved in the judicial system and participate in interactive activities including a mock trial. Judge Aten said the goal of the program is to expose students who might have an interest in pursuing a career in the judicial

system.

“It was a phenomenal success and I couldn’t be happier with the enthusiasm and high engagement of the student campers, the great generosity and wisdom of our faculty of speakers, rousing keynote address by Probate Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. and invaluable community partners,

sponsors and volunteers,” said Judge Aten.” “There were so many moments that were incredibly heartwarming, encouraging and hilarious for all present and hopefully, planted fertile seeds for further exploration in and affinity for law and justice.”

More photos at www.ocgnews. com.

The Museum School of Avondale Estates named Georgia’s Academic Charter School of the Year For the second consecutive year, the Museum School of Avondale Estates has been named the Georgia Charter Schools Association’s 2019 Academic Charter School of the Year. The award recognizes charter schools who demonstrate academic excellence; score high on College & Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI) tests; and remain autonomous in its governance.

As the recipient of the 2019 award, The Museum School of Avondale Estates will receive $25,000 from the GCSA to aid its mission of educating DeKalb County students. According to a statement from the school, the funds will be used to purchase sets of Google Expedition Kits to take students’ learning worldwide.

“We are extremely proud of Principal Katherine Kelbaugh and

The Museum School’s board for providing a beacon for education in DeKalb County and metro Atlanta. Successes like this one motivate schools throughout the district to raise the bar on behalf of our students,” said Schools Superintendent R. Stephen Green.

The Museum School of Avondale Estates is a public charter school founded in 2010.

The Museum School promotes personal exploration and hands-on experience for education, partnering with such institutions as Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta History Center, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum, the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, Zoo Atlanta and others to inform a curriculum integrated with a robust program of expeditions outside of the school.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized as the GCSA Academic Charter School of the Year,” said Principal Katherine Kelbaugh. “There are so many innovative, successful charter schools in the state and we are so proud to be among them. Our learning

SEE SCHOOL page 6

Principal Katherine Kelba

PAGE 6 • FEBRUARY 22, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

ROOTS AND RESILIENCE: Discover the History of Flat Rock Flat Rock, one of the oldest African-American communities in the state of Georgia and a part of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, is the subject of a new exhibit created by the DeKalb History Center and the Flat Rock Archives.

The exhibit, Deep Roots in DeKalb: The Flat Rock Story of Resilience, opens in Decatur on Feb. 28. As visitors learn about the people of Flat Rock and DeKalb County, they will discover a story of strength, ingenuity and resilience that continues to this day.

From the days of enslavement to its rise as a close-knit agricultural community, Flat Rock thrived because of the selflessness of its leaders and the communal bond of its citizens.

The community was founded in 1822 with the birth of DeKalb County. The first post office was built in 1837; the area became Lithonia, Georgia in 1856. Following the Civil War, some African-American families remained in the community of Flat Rock, working together to ensure success and safety in rural Georgia, according to historians. One of the local leaders, T. A. Bryant, Sr., was pivotal in ensuring the successful development of this African-American community, purchasing and providing land to local families. Though dogged by marginalization and animosity, the people of Flat Rock flourished.

The new exhibit at the DeKalb History Center was developed in partnership with the Flat Rock Archives, an organization dedicated to preserving Flat Rock and DeKalb County’s history and cultural legacy.

“We are looking forward to the number of people that will learn about DeKalb County’s African-American history,” said Johnny Waits, president and co-founder of the Archives. “The exhibit will be up for two years, and we hope that we can draw more interest in black history in DeKalb County.”

Visitors can learn more about the Archives, and plan a visit, at http://www.flatrockarchives.com/. More information about the exhibit can be found at the DeKalb History Center’s website.

The DeKalb History center will host an opening reception on Thursday, Feb. 28, 6-8 p.m. at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 East Court Square, Decatur. The reception is free and open to the public.

Flat Rock Archives President and Co-Founder Johnny Waits gives a tour of the Archives. Photos provided.

The historic T. A. Bryant, Sr., house and homestead in Stonecrest, GA, now home to the Flat Rock Archives.

One of the oldest homesteads in the area, Flat Rock also is the site where some founders and citizens were enslaved. A tombstone is visible in the historic Flat Rock cemetery.

AKAs sign partnership with Fairview Elementary School During its monthly visit to Fairview Elementary School, the Chi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. officially became Partners in Education with the Newton County school.

The Partner in Education contract was signed by Principal LaMoyne Brunson and the Melva Henderson, president of the Chi Tau Omega Chapter AKA. The sorority serves schools in Newton and Rockdale counties.

Decatur Delta Sigma Theta to host “Spring Into Reading” event

Rockdale Sheriff’s Office launches Mobile Command Vehicle for community outreach The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office announced in a news release that it has launched a new initiative this year to suppress, deter, and thwart street level crime in affected areas. The Deployment of the MCV (Mobile Command Vehicle) has been planned for different locations throughout Rockdale during the year. The MCV is currently located at GA Hwy 138 and East Fairview Road.

Officials say the objective of the initiative is community outreach, educating the public with local crime trends and preventative practices, and building a solid infrastructure between residents of Rockdale County and local Law Enforcement. Every Division at the Sheriff’s Office will assist in this Street Level Crime Operation.

This operation will utilize intelligence led policing to ensure our efforts are placed in

the areas most in need. Traffic checkpoints, warrant service, eviction setouts, and foot patrol are just some of the enforcement methods that will be used.

Sheriff Eric J. Levett said education will be a key component to this initiative, which includes promoting the “Lock it or Lose it” campaign, preventing “Gangs and Gang Violence,” and reporting suspicious activity through the “See Something, Say Something” app, just to name a few. The goal, he said, is to reach out to business owners, home owners associations and local residents with tactics to protect their property. Each new area of deployment will allow RCSO to coordinate with local schools concerning issues with truancy, gang activity, and promoting our explorer program.

The Decatur Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host “Spring Into Reading,” a free event that will offer reading activities, entertainment, arts and crafts, a guest author and other surprises.

The event, open to K-12 students, will be held on Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two locations: the Gallery at South DeKalb, 2801 Candler Rd. Decatur, and Northlake Mall, 4800 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta.

Every student will get to select a free new book. There also will be a children’s storytime for younger students.

SCHOOL continued from page 5 model is preparing our students for real world success and we are so grateful for the support of our parents, teachers, staff and local community, without which we would not be receiving this award.”

In 2018, Kelbaugh earned the Georgia Charter School Principal of the Year Award, also known as the “Shoot for the Moon Award.” The same year, DeKalb PATH Academy was named the Charter School of the Year by the Georgia Charter School Association.

The Museum School of Avondale Estates was honored at the 2019 Georgia Charter School Association conference held Feb. 13-5.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019 • PAGE 7

Microblading by Sheyla, 936 Green Street S.W., Suite 500, Conyers, held its ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Sept. 26. Microblading can be reached by calling 787-400-6172.

Dernier Cri Gowns, 1765 Parker Road S.E., Suite B140, Conyers, held its ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 10. Dernier Cri Gowns can be reached by calling 770-648-6953 or visiting their website at www.dcgowns.com.

Honesti & Associates, LLC, 1701-B Ellington Road, Conyers held its ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 24. The company can be reached by calling 678-481-0566, or visiting www.honestiinsurance.com.

High Priority Plumbing and Services, Inc., 1070 Culpepper Drive, S.W., Suite 300, Conyers, held its ribbon cutting on Thursday, Oct. 25. High Priority can be reached by calling 770-860-8110, or visiting www. highpriorityplumbing.com.

Purpose In My Bag Boutique, 2170-A Salem Road, Conyers, held its ribbon cutting on Thursday, Nov. 1. The boutique can be reached by calling 678-683-7624, or visiting www.purposeinmybagboutique.com.

Atlanta Redemption Ink, Inc. held its ribbon cutting on Thursday, Dec. 6, Atlanta Redemption Ink can be reached by calling 678-926-9946, or visiting www.AtlantaRedemptionInk.com.

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PAGE 8 • FEBRUARY 22, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

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