FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 50
MARCH 15, 2019
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DEKALB’S ‘NEW DAY PROJECT’ TO REPLACE 102,000 WATER METERS
B City Councilwoman Diane Adoma
Stonecrest Councilwoman Adoma refutes moratorium vote—despite video
eginning in April, DeKalb County will launch a three-year program to replace 102,000 aging and potentially defective water meters, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond announced. The upgrade will impact a little more than half of DeKalb County’s 194,000 residential water customers. “DeKalb County has worked tirelessly to address the CEO Michael Thurmond long-festering problems in our water and sewer billing and meter reading processes,” said Thurmond. “From this initiative, water customers can expect accurate billing and meter reading, increased customer service and restored trust.”
SEE METERS page 7
By Valerie J. Morgan Stonecrest City Councilwoman Diane Adoma is demanding a correction on her publicized “no” vote to a proposed moratorium on cell phone towers in the city. Despite the city’s video where Adoma is seen and heard voting no on the moratorium at the City Council’s March 11 meeting, Adoma said the video “is not accurate.” The video shows the measure was approved 5-1 with Adoma voting against it. The city released the video to the Atlanta Journal Constitution and On Common Ground News, stating that the acting city clerk accurately recorded Adoma’s no vote. On Common Ground News, which had recorded its own video of the meeting, reviewed it several times. In both, the city’s video and Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary the newspaper’s video, Mayor Jason Lary explains what the council is about to vote on and then calls for the vote. The mayor and all of the council members, except Adoma, raise their hands and say “I” in favor of the moratorium. Adoma, however, hesitates briefly and then states: “Madam Clerk, my vote was no.” Lary said the video speaks for itself. “I am concerned that Councilwoman Adoma doesn’t understand Robert’s Rules of Order. I chair the meeting fairly. I give everyone an equal amount of time and then I call for the vote,” said Lary. “The tape doesn’t lie. She voted no. The city clerk’s recordings and count of the votes are accurate.” Adoma issued the following statement: “In the past I have requested roll call votes because of ongoing mass confusion with some of our official meetings and the inaccuracies in recording both votes and minutes. My motion was denied by executive branch to have all controversial issues recorded by individual roll call in previous meetings. This past Monday was an example attesting to how critical it is to reserve the sanctity of the vote. My undisputed vote for a moratorium was inaccurately recorded or misinterpreted. I will again ask the council to vote via roll call in the future. I have been consistent and unmovable and unapologetic about building a beautiful thriving city and will let my actions speak louder than my words.” What is puzzling about Adoma’s statement regarding the need for a roll call vote, however, is the fact that she made it clear to the city clerk and everyone at the meeting that she cast a no vote on the moratorium. Before the vote, Adoma had argued with City Attorney Winston Denmark and Councilman Jimmy Clanton over the resolution to draft a 60-day moratorium on the construction of cell phone towers in the city. Mayor Lary made the motion for a 60-day moratorium after hearing from several residents who said during public comments that they want the city to force Vertical Bridge to remove a199-foot cell phone tower that was recently constructed off of Evans Mill Road. Councilwoman Adoma, who had initiated putting the moratorium r on the council’s
Mayor Lary: “The tape doesn’t lie. She voted no.” Conyers Police School
SEE STONECREST page 7
Left to right: Officers Troy Quick and Charlene Smith are making a difference in the Conyers community. Photo provided.
Resource Officers lauded nationally for their work
By Valerie J. Morgan The U.S. Department of Justice is spotlighting the Conyers Police Department’s School Resource Officer (SRO) program as one of its grantee success stories. Officers Charlene Smith and Troy Quick have made a positive impact between the community and law enforcement through their full-time assignment within Rockdale County Public Schools, the Conyers Police Department said. Both of the officers spend their time at Rockdale High School and C.J. Hicks Elementary School and Pine Street Elementary as needed. The Police Department used a $125,000 grant from the Community Oriented Policing Program to fund one additional full-time school resource officer for three years in Rockdale’s public school system starting in 2015 but continued the program. “The last three years, we have been grateful to use the COPS grant to enhance our SRO program,” Chief Gene Wilson said. “We have committed to keeping two SROs in our city schools beyond the depletion of these funds.” Rockdale Schools Superintendent Terry Oatts praised the Conyers Police Department for its partnership with the school system. “Rockdale County Public Schools works closely with local law enforcement to provide safe learning environments
SEE OFFICERS page 7
PAGE 2 • MARCH 15, 2019
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Woman sentenced to life for fatally stabbing boyfriend
S
asha McCalop, 40, will spend life in prison. McCalop was convicted on murder charges in the stabbing death of 47-year-old Michael Martin, her boyfriend. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston said jurors returned guilty verdicts on March 11 against McCalop on charges of murder, felony murder and aggravated assault for the stabbing death of Michael Martin, which took place on Jan. 17, 2018. Shortly before the deadly incident, the victim called police to have McCalop removed from his Welland Avenue home in southeast Atlanta following an argument between the couple. While he was on the phone with police, McCalop stabbed the victim in his back and thigh, severing his femoral artery, ultimately causing his death. Officers responding to the scene found McCalop hiding in a nearby shed. She told police she acted in self-defense. Previous arrest reports showed McCalop had a history of violence. She was charged with stabbing the victim on two previous occasions in 2017. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Linda Hunter presided over the trial. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Simone Hylton, assigned to the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit, with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Ashley O’ Neal and DA Investigator Chris Emerson. Detective K.C. Payton of the DeKalb County Police Department led the initial investigation.
Justice for Veterans to host veterans’ assistance fair Staff from the Veteran’s Administration will be on site to assist with benefits and claims adjustments and benefits on Monday, March 25, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Scott Candler Library, 1917 Candler Road, Decatur. Justice for Veterans is hosting the free event. For more information, call 678-698-8753.
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MARCH 15, 2019 • PAGE 3
PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
richardhill@ocgnews.com
STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan
A New Birth for New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
mackenzie@ocgnews.com
Dr. Jamal H. Bryant was installed as pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, March 10, 2019. He became the fourth pastor in the church’s 37-year history succeeding Bishop Kenneth Samuel (1984-1987);
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Rockdale BOC sets remainder of March meetings
No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners will hold the following meetings this month: Work Session: Tuesday, March 19, 7 p.m. – Hightower Trail Elementary School, 2510 Highway 138 NE, Conyers Zoning Public Hearing: Tuesday, March 26, 9 a.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Voting Session: Tuesday, March 26, 10 a.m. – Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers To watch the meetings live on Rockdale 23, visit www.rockdalecountyga.gov (scroll down and click “Watch Live 23,” located on the right side of the screen).
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On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com
Bishop Eddie L. Long (1987-2017); and Bishop Stephen Davis (2017-2018). Photo Essay by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News continues on page 6.
Rockdale voter registration office moves to new location Rockdale Board of Elections & Voter Registration Office has moved to its new location at 1261 Commercial Drive, S.W., Suite B, Conyers. The 14,500-square-foot building, located in the Parker Professional Center, opened on March 14. The Board of Elections & Voter Registration Office, which will be located on the top level, is sharing the building with the Rockdale Cooperative Extension/4-H, which is located on the ground level. Both moved because their former location at Parker Road has been leased to Restoration Storehouse, a nonprofit organization that will provide social services to citizens in need. Elections Supervisor Cynthia Willingham invites the public to drop by to visit the new location. The office telephone number will remain the same: 770278-7333.
DeKalb traffic court offers citation amnesty program
T
he DeKalb County State Court Traffic Division is offering an amnesty program for those with delinquent traffic citations. “The goal of our citation amnesty program is to provide individuals with open or delinquent citations an opportunity to efficiently resolve their matters and restore their driving records,” said Presiding Judge Shondeana Morris. Individuals who previously failed to appear in court, resulting in
Presiding Judge Shondeana Morris
delinquent traffic tickets, will have their failure
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to appear fees waived if they dispose of their cases through this program. The registration period for this program ends on May 17, 2019, and is available to any individual with delinquent citations from January 2010 to December 2018. Court sessions will be held weekdays at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sign-up for the amnesty program is available both in person and online during the registration period. Online registration
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is available at: https:// dekalbstatecourt. net/?s=amnesty. The court will also allow sign-up for available sessions starting at 8:30 a.m. each day for the same service. Citizens can sign up for text or email notifications for their assigned court date for amnesty at www. courtinnovations.com/ GADCSC. Individuals who wish to clear penalties and warrants under this program are encouraged to sign up early. When the time-limited amnesty
period ends, any remaining open cases and outstanding warrants will be rigorously enforced. For information on open citations or warrants issued by the DeKalb County State Court Traffic Division, visit www. dekalbstatecourt.net or call 404-294-2099. Motorists who have recently received a citation in DeKalb County, can visit www.courtinnovations.com/ GADCSC to opt-in for text notices.
PAGE 4 • MARCH 15, 2019
Mayor Jason Lary at far right is pictured with Attorney Bernard Knight, Julius C. Lee and Charlotte Cain.
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The Mayor stands with Debbie Lary, Michelle Emanuel and Brenda Cornelius.
Valerie Morgan accepts her award from the Mayor.
Citizens honored for leadership in the city of Stonecrest
In February, Mayor Jason Lary honored three citizens for outstanding leadership in the City of Stonecrest. Charlotte Cain was honored as the founder of Stonefest, a celebration she established in 2017 to showcase history, culture, community, education and family fun in the city of Stonecrest. Cain, who served as the entertainment director for the Atlanta Sweet Auburn Festival for 13 years, said she wanted to honor the celebration of the new city with a Fall festival each year. Stonecrest resident Julius C. Lee was honored
as the first and only African American and senior citizen to earn first place as a four-time FitBit worldwide competitor. Lee, known as the “King of Stone Mountain Park” set a record for climbing Stone Mountain 20 times in one day in April 2013 at the age of 67. Attorney Bernard Knight, who is one of the founding members of the Stonecrest City Alliance, was presented the keys to the city. The Alliance’s work led to the city’s incorporation. Knight serves on the East Metro CID Steering Committee.
Third annual “VOICES” Women’s History Month event set March 23
D
eKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry and Sheriff Jeffrey Mann are hosting the Third Annual VOICES, a free Women’s History Month Event on Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The theme is “Champions of Peace & Nonviolence.” The guest speaker will be Attorney Robyn A. Crittenden, former Interim Georgia Secretary of State and current Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHR). Also, U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath will receive the X-Factor Award. This year, a Women’s History Edition of the popular game show, Family Feud, will be incorporated. Contestants will include Chief Sarai Y’hudah-Green, Chief, City of Pine Lake Police Department; Teresa Hardy, president, DeKalb NAACP; Jarmarra Daniels, a senior at Albany State University; Stacey Spears, sergeant, DeKalb Sheriff’s Office; Judge Fatima A. El-Amin, DeKalb Juvenile Court Judge; Robin Morris, Ph.D., Agnes Scott College Assistant Professor of History; Jamida Orange, DeKalb Probate Deputy Clerk III; Macie Lee, DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court Deputy Clerk; and Vickie B. Turner, District 5 DeKalb School Board Member.
Voices of Faith Toastmasters sets open house March 25 Voices of Faith Ministries Toastmasters Club is hosting an open house for those who are interested in learning to be a better speaker and hone communications skills to be better equipped in a professional environment. The open house will be held on Monday, Marc 25, 6:45 to 8 p.m., at the church’s 2500 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain campus. “Voices of Faith Stone Mountain Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive environment where members have the opportunity to develop their communication and leadership skills,” said Lance Hammonds, Club President. Toastmasters Voices of Faith Stone Mountain meets each 2nd and 4th Monday at 6:45 p.m. at Voices of Faith Stone Mountain campus, Room 102. For more information, email (Lance Hammonds) at Lance. Hammonds64@gmail.com.
CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, MARCH 25 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing on the Revised 2038 Comprehensive Plan. Changes have been made to the originally approved plan document.
At the March 11 City Council meeting, Lary honored three women for their leadership, noting Women’s History Month, which is being celebrated nationally throughout March. Michelle Emanuel, Brenda Cornelius and Debbie Lary, the wife of Mayor Lary, were honored as the three founding female board members of the Stonecrest City Alliance. Valerie Morgan, editor of On Common Ground News, also was honored for news coverage of the formation of the city until present day.
38th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival set March 23-24 The arrival of spring means the community is invited to the 38th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival presented by High Priority Plumbing on March 23-24 at the Georgia International Horse Park. This year’s theme is “Tickled Pink.” The annual festival attracts thousands of attendees who come for live entertainment, cultural performances, hundreds of unique art and craft exhibits, multiple food courts, and a children's area that will be filled with moonwalks, rock walls, obstacle courses, and the return of Puppet Master Peter Hart. Main attractions for 2019 include the Lady Houdini Escape Artist, the Ultimate Air Dog Show, and country artists Ashley Walls and Joe Lasher. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 23 and 24. The Georgia International Horse Park is located at 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers. Admission is free with $5 daily parking or an $8 weekend parking pass. For more information: www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com or 770-860-4190.
Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce to present economic development luncheon The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce is hosting its monthly business luncheon on Wednesday, March 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at This Is It! Banquet Hall, 2853 Panola Road, Stonecrest. The meeting will focus on the economy’s impact on small businesses in Southeast DeKalb. Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner will present the Stonecrest Film and Entertainment Commission and its economic impact on the local community. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. Registration is $20 for nonmembers. To register for the luncheon, go to greaterlithoniachamber.com or for more information, contact Kendra Price at 770-482-1808.
CITY OF STONECREST BID REFERENCE NO. 2019-009
The City of Stonecrest is seeking a qualified Contractor/ Vendor to provide Park and Facilities Maintenance Services to the City. The successful respondent will enter into a contract with the City of Stonecrest for the provision of services related to Landscaping, Sports Field Maintenance, Trail and Trailhead maintenance, and Janitorial services. Complete scope and other relevant information for RPF 2019009, Parks & Recreation Landscaping, Maintenance, and Janitorial Services is available for download on the City of Stonecrest website at http://stonecrestga.gov to send request via email to procurement@stonecrestga.gov.
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MARCH 15, 2019 • PAGE 5
Stonecrest mayor, councilman take first steps to halt unwanted gas station
M
ayor Jason Lary and Councilman George Turner are moving to halt the development of a proposed convenience store and gas station at 5987 Salem Road. Mayor Lary vowed to team up with Turner and put a stop to development at the March 11 city council meeting. Lary and Turner met with the city’s land development inspector at the lot, located on the corner of Salem and Evans Mill roads and discovered discrepancies that require closer evaluation by city staff. “The goal is to make it go away because of the desire of the people in the city. We are Left to right: City Councilman George Turner and Mayor listening to our constituents Jason Lary stand at the site of a proposed gas station at and doing the best we can 5987 Salem Road. Several residents spoke against the development at the March 11 City Council meeting. while still abiding by the law,” Lary said. Turner said that he got his start in the community by fighting an unwanted development on the same property approximately 18 years. “This lot needs to be developed but a gas station doesn’t fit the development desires for the area,” Turner said. “We are not antidevelopment. We are looking for a complementary development that fits the community and a convenience store and gas station is simply not a fit.” Lary said he plans to hold his “Straight Talk” meeting on Monday, March 18, to discuss a few available options for the corner lot. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Stonecrest City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Blvd., Stonecrest.
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Please bring the following to see if you qualify for an exemption: Your valid driver’s license Your State & Federal income tax forms.
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PAGE 6 • MARCH 15, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
CITY STONECREST CITY OFOF STONECREST PLANNINGPLANNING COMMISSION,COMMISSION, ND PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, APRIL AT 6:002P.M.2019 AT 6:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, APRIL 2ND 2019 STONECREST CITY3120 HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST CITY HALL, STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 LITHONIA, GA 30038 CITY STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, CITY OFOF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, ND 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, APRIL 22P.M. AT 7:00 PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, APRIL 22ND 2019 CITY STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD CITY OFOF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 STONECREST, GA 30038
The Installation of Dr. Jamal H. Bryant, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Photo Essay By Glenn L. Morgan The celebration at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in the city of Stonecrest began at the March 10, 9:30 a.m. worship service. Family members prayed and laid hands on Dr. Jamal H. Bryant, the church’s new pastor. DeKalb County’s CEO Michael Thurmond and Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary honored Dr. Bryant with proclamations on that historic morning. Congressman Hank Johnson and State Rep. Vernon Jones brought greetings and presented proclamations that evening. A processional kicked off the evening service at 6:45 p.m. with Dr. Bryant and his three daughters making their way to the front of the church to “All Hail the Power” DIADEM. Bishop Neil C. Ellis, presiding Bishop of Global United Fellowship, performed the installation.
The program included several pastors. Among them: Dr. Sherry Gaither of Stronghold Christian Church; Dr. Barbara King of Hillside International Truth Center; Dr. E. Dewey Smith of Atlanta House of Hope Atlanta; Dr. Craig Oliver, Elizabeth Baptist Church; Bishop Reginald Jackson, presiding Prelate 6th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church and Dr. Kerwin B. Lee of Berean Christian Church, who presented Dr. Bryant the Holy Bible, and Dr. I.V. Hilliard of New Light Christian Church,. Bishop Marvin Sapp, recording artist, sang the sermonic song. Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., chairman of New Birth’s Board of directors, presented Dr. Bryant to the congregation after he was installed. Elder Keith Stanback, chairman of the Deacon’s Alliance presented the keys to the church. For more photos, go online to ocgnews.com.
The following petition(s)/amendment(s) within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. The following petition(s)/amendment(s) within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hear LAND USEUSE PETITION: LAND PETITION: LOCATION: LOCATION:
TMOD 19-0001 TMOD Stonecrest 19-0001 Overlay Revision Phase I Overlay Revision Phase I Stonecrest Stonecrest Overlay Stonecrest Overlay
PROPOSED AMENDMENT: Staff is recommending to the Overlay to allow Gas Station By right PROPOSED AMENDMENT: Staff modification is recommending modification to the Overlay to all with specific development standardsdevelopment in Tiers 1, 2, 4, and by SLUP ininTiers 3 and1, 2, 4, and with specific standards Tiers and Minor Auto repair viaand Special Land Use Permit 5. Self-Storage facilities 5. Self-Storage facilities Minor Auto repair via Sp (SLUP) in Tiers (SLUP) 1 through 5.in Tiers 1 through 5.
LAND USEUSE PETITION: RZ-19-001 LAND PETITION: RZ-19-001 PETITIONER: Blue River Development, LLC c/o Battle Law, P.C. LLC c/o Battle Law, P.C. PETITIONER: Blue River Development, LOCATION: 3898-4001 Panola3898-4001 Road LOCATION: Panola Road CURRENT ZONING: R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District CURRENT ZONING: R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: Applicant is requesting to change on 53 acres R-100zoning on 53 acres from PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: Applicant is zoning requesting to from change to R-75 for the development of 115 single family subdivison. to R-75 for the development of 115 single family subdivis
LAND USEUSE PETITION: RZ-19-002 LAND PETITION: RZ-19-002 PETITIONER: Stonecrest Capitial Partners LLCCapitial c/o Battle Law, P.C. LLC c/o Battle Law, P.C. PETITIONER: Stonecrest Partners LOCATION: 3606 Dogwood Pass LOCATION: 3606 Dogwood Pass CURRENT ZONING: Small Lot Residental District CURRENT ZONING: Small Lot Residental District PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: Applicant is requesting to change zoning in Phase 4 of this existing 113 unit PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: Applicant is requesting to change zoning in Phase 4 of thi Parks of Stonecrest subdivision project to from Small Residential Lot (RSM) to Parks of Stonecrest subdivision project to from Small Res Residential Small Lot (R-60) Residential Small Lot (R-60)
LAND USE PETITION: RZ 19-004 Flat Rock Modification LAND USE PETITION: RZ 19-004 Flat Rock Modification LOCATION: 5627 BROWNS MILL ROAD LOCATION: 5627 BROWNS MILL ROAD CURRENT ZONING: R-100 (Reisdenital Med Lot) District CURRENT ZONING: R-100 (Reisdenital Lot) PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: Staff is recommending correcting the zoningMed on Phase 4 ofDistrict this existing PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: Staff is recommending correcting the zoning on Phase 4 o subdivision project from Residential Med Lot to Neighborhood Conservation subdivision project from Residential Med Lot (RNC) to accurately reflect this conservation development that is clustering 110 to Neighbo (RNC) reflect this conservation developmen homes and providing more to openaccurately space. homes and providing more open space.
LAND USE PETITION: SLUP-19-001 LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: Dileane MatthewsSLUP-19-001 PETITIONER: LOCATION: 3317 Panola RoadDileane Matthews LOCATION: 3317 Road CURRENT ZONING: R-100 (Residential Med Panola Lot) District CURRENT ZONING: R-100to (Residential PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: Applicant is requesting a special land use Med permit Lot) for the District operation of personal PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: Applicant is requesting to a special land use permit for the care home for four to six people. care home for four to six people.
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MARCH 15, 2019 • PAGE 7
STONECREST continued from page 1
agenda, suggested that the moratorium could be for “30,60 or 90 days or even sooner, depending on when we flush out the legalities.” However, she voted against the measure, arguing with Councilman Jimmy Clanton, the mayor and City Attorney Winston Denmark when he explained the document for the moratorium must be written before it could take effect. “Surely things can sit in a pending mode until you put that (moratorium) together,” Adoma said. Denmark disagreed. “Legally, a moratorium is only effective once it is reduced to writing,” Denmark said. “No moratorium is effective in the state of Georgia, unless it is reduced to writing. I’m not saying the moratorium is effective until it is reduced to writing, the Georgia Supreme Court is saying that it is not effective until it is reduced to writing.” Denmark said the moratorium would be consistent with federal law. “As you know, we do not have a free hand when it comes to federal law… We have to craft our legislation within a broader federal framework,” Denmark said. Councilman Clanton agreed with Denmark, and a raucous exchange with Adoma ensued. “We can’t have a moratorium until we know what it is. You’re just asking for a blank check,” Clanton shouted. The mayor intervened as Adoma fired back, demanding that she get 10 minutes to speak, citing Robert’s Rules of Order. Lary told the city attorney he could answer one more question. Adoma snapped back, insisting she had the floor and demanding that the city clerk record how much time she had left to make her remarks. The mayor moved forward and the council voted 5-1, authorizing the attorney to draft the moratorium. Denmark said the draft would be prepared well ahead of the next scheduled City Council meeting on March 25 so that the council could review the document and be prepared to vote on it. To view the videos, visit ocgnews.com.
METER continued from page 1 An estimated 54,500 meters are out-of-lifecycle and 47,500 meters have potential defects. In August 2018, the county negotiated a product liability claim with the manufacturer of the potentially defective meters resulting in an approximately $8.64 million settlement in equipment, installation and reprogramming services. The Water Meter Exchange and Upgrade Initiative will be implemented over the next three years, beginning in April 2019 with 30,000 meters scheduled for replacement. The new meters are equipped with technology to transmit consumption data, eliminating the need for manual reading. A robust communications strategy will ensure that all affected customers are contacted at least five times during the water meter replacement process. Customer communications include billing inserts, the county website, Nextdoor and other social media, news media, the weekly county newsletter, DCTV and yard signs where meters are being replaced. Additionally, water customers receiving a new meter will be notified with door hangers on their residences. Upon completion, another door hanger will notify them of the successful installation. Specially trained and identifiable work crews will install the new meters. All DeKalb County residential water customers will receive a letter from CEO Thurmond announcing the initiative and results to date of the New Day Project. The first phase of the New Day Project resulted in approximately 37,000 held water bills being released and all water customers returning to a normal billing cycle. Investments were made in call center and field service staffing that reduced average customer wait times. An independent verification process was implemented to ensure accuracy and reduce inaccurate bills. This resulted in a reduction of disputed bills from more than 4,000 to a few hundred. A new state-of-the-art water billing system is being installed. For more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/newdayproject or call 404-378-4475.
Councilman Jimmy Clanton
City Attorney Winston Denmark
OFFICERS continued from page 1 for all students and staff,” said Oatts. “We are fortunate to have two dedicated Resource Officers from Conyers Police Department at our largest high school. These officers build meaningful relationships with students and truly care about their safety and wellbeing.” Conyers Police first dedicated one full-time school resource officer (SRO) in 1994 at Rockdale County High School. The Police Department said having two assigned school resource officers fully devoted to the schools— one male and one female—has greatly improved law enforcement relationships with students and faculty alike. Crime is down since the SRO program began. Overall assaults at the high school dropped 40 percent and thefts dropped 70 percent comparing
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2016 rates with 2017, the Police Department said. “Officer Quick has been very active in sports programs at the high school, encouraging physical fitness, team building, and other positive interactions rather than merely portraying a law enforcement officer in the school. It is almost as common to see him out of uniform as in his uniform interacting with the students therefore making him more approachable to some people. The female SRO has participated in the RARE Pearls mentoring program. RARE Pearls are high school girls who are at risk of not living up to their full potential because of various challenges,” the Police Department said in a report to the U.S. Department of Justice.
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