August 2025 Council Meeting Recap

Jimmy Furst
Aug 26
5 min read

Below is my recap of the latest Council Meeting with my thoughts, which don't represent the Mayor or the rest of the Council.

Click HERE for the agendas and videos for this month's Council meetings.

ONE BIG THING:

Bond Sale Update (Trails and Parks Bond) and 2025 GO BOND Resolution

Background / Overview

In 2023, the City Council began discussions on the issuance of General Obligation Bonds.
The Plan of Finance for the potential GO Bonds was explored in the first half of 2024.
In June 2024, the City Council approved a resolution calling for the election to authorize $30 million of General Obligation Bonds.
On November 5, 2024, Chamblee voters were asked to vote on whether to approve bonds to improve its

parks, trails, and outdoor recreational areas.

With an overwhelming 81% of residents voting "yes", the City was granted authorization to issue up to $30 million in general obligation bonds for financing design, acquisition, construction, equipping, and/or improvement of parks, trails, and outdoor recreation areas.
In February 2025, the City Council approved a resolution certifying the election results, which enabled the bonds to be validated in the court system.
Moody's affirmed our ratings at Aa2 ranking, and the S&P at an AA+ rating.
The bid results were HIGHLY competitive. FHN Financial was the winning bidder at 4.0112% and the top bids were all within 1 basis point of each other.
The bonds will close on September 4.
Council APPROVED the 2025 General GO Bond resolution.

Fantastic news, and we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome with this rating! So, what does it mean? First, it confirms that our city is in strong financial health. Second, it means real dollars are on the way to fund the park projects we’ve planned, with construction beginning in 2026! Stay tuned for a big announcement soon where we’ll share which parks are getting upgrades, how the Rail Trail will expand, and what the timelines look like.

Announcements and Presentations

Council Dog of the Month

National Recovery Month

The Council APPROVED a proclamation in recognition of National Recovery Month.

Staff Action Items

2750 Meadow Mere East

A fence variance for a condo. Council APPROVED this variance. Not much to this or the following variance.

1955 Harts Mill Road Fence Variance

Another fence variance, and the Council APPROVED this variance.

New Business

DeKalb Animal Shelter IGA

The City Council APPROVED an amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with DeKalb County regarding the animal shelter expansion. The original IGA, approved in June 2025, allowed for certain zoning waivers since the project serves a government purpose. The County requested additional exemptions from specific building architecture requirements in the City’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). With this amendment, the project can move forward while recognizing the unique needs of the shelter’s construction.

1st Reads

Text Amendment to the UDO-Smoke/Vape Shops

At the last meeting, the City Council heard the first reading of a proposed text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The amendment would update the definition of a “Smoke/Vape Products Shop” and establish new limitations on their operations within certain distances of schools. Since neither the County nor the State currently has an ordinance in place to prohibit these businesses near schools, this step ensures that a vape shop cannot open close to a school in the future, further protecting community health and safety.

Alcohol Ordinance Amendment

The City Council heard the first reading of proposed amendments to Chapter 6 of the Chamblee Code of Ordinances (Alcoholic Beverages). The amendments would create a new license type for “Complimentary Beer/Wine Establishments,” allowing approved Grooming Service businesses to offer limited complimentary pours to their patrons. Under the proposal, service would be restricted to no more than 12 ounces of beer or 6 ounces of wine per person within 24 hours.

Dealer of Precious Metals and Gems Ordinance Amendment

We heard the first reading of proposed amendments to Chapter 22 – Article IX of the Chamblee Code of Ordinances (Businesses). The amendments would update fingerprinting provisions for Precious Metals and Gems dealers, allowing the City to meet the requirements set by the Georgia Crime Information Center and the FBI for conducting state and national background checks on permit applicants.

Booting of Vehicles on Private Property Ordinance

The City Council heard the first reading of proposed amendments to Chapter 86 – Article IV of the Chamblee Code of Ordinances (Booting of Vehicles on Private Property). The amendments would update fingerprinting provisions for Vehicle Immobilization Service Permits and Operators of a Vehicle Immobilization Device Permits, allowing the City to meet Georgia Crime Information Center and FBI requirements for conducting state and national background checks on applicants.

Staff Action Items

Discover Chamblee Appointment

We’ll be welcoming a new face to the Discover Chamblee Advisory Committee! I’ve made a motion to appoint - since I sit on this committee - Cyndi Willis from the Marriott Northeast/Emory Area to serve on the committee through February 2026. She’ll be filling the seat previously held by another hotel representative who has since moved on. We’re excited to have Cyndi bring her perspective and experience to the table! Council APPROVED this appointment.

Renewal of the Speed Detection Permit

Good news for safer streets! Council APPROVED renewing the Chamblee Police Department’s speed detection permit, which is required by the Georgia Department of Public Safety. This permit, which was set to expire at the end of 2025, allows our officers to continue using speed detection devices on approved city streets and state highways.

It’s a small but important step to keep traffic safe and consistent across Chamblee.

Guardrail Repair Contract Award

Council APPROVED moving forward with repairs to damaged guardrails across Chamblee. The City will be working with Gracie Gray Contractors, Inc. on this project, with the contract not to exceed $220,140.75.

Keeping our guardrails in good condition is an important part of making sure our roads stay safe for everyone who drives, bikes, or walks through our community.

On-Call Planning Services Contract

Council APPROVED bringing in extra planning support to help manage Chamblee’s growth. The City will be working with Plan Dev Consultants, LLC on an as-needed basis to assist with more complex planning and development reviews.

This agreement is short-term (up to six months) and limited to no more than 20 hours per week, ensuring we keep projects moving while maintaining quality and efficiency in the review process.

Please send me your questions, comments, or concerns.

Email: Jfurst@chambleega.gov

Mobile: 770-901-1121

The legal stuff: The views expressed represent the views of the author and may not reflect the views of the Chamblee City Council. Comments posted in response to a Councilmember-initiated communication may be subject to public disclosure under the Open Records Act. If you are a resident of Chamblee and would like to discuss city business, please go to chambleega.gov or contact me at the email above.