Below is my recap and thoughts on the latest City Council meeting.
Announcements and Presentations
2024 Mid-Year Budget Review
The good news is that the presentation was brief because there were no issues with the adopted and amended budgets. A longer presentation would have indicated some problems. Our adopted budget was $60,986,820, and our amended budget was $64,660,543. The temporary difference is due to two building purchases. The debt will shift to the URA and Public Facilities Authority (PFA), bringing the two budgets into line.
Public Hearings
Dresden Elementary Development of Community Impact
A new, three-story building is replacing Dresden Elementary. The new school is sorely needed, as the current one was built in 1963 and is severely dated. The staff recommended approval with certain conditions.
Development of Community Impact (DCI) projects are reviewed by the Design Review Board (DRB). The DRB comprises at least six members appointed by the mayor and city council. Members serve two-year terms. The DRB is responsible for reviewing architecture and site design and making recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on all DCI applications.
3300 Burk Drive
This pertains to a mixed-use property called The Hawkins, off Chamblee Tucker. The applicant built a parking garage that requires a sunshade on the top level to mitigate the heat. The applicant claims the garage cannot hold the structure for engineering reasons and has requested a reflective coating as an alternative. We are considering other options, as the reflective coating will wear over time. I prefer a green roof, but we are exploring all possibilities. Staff did recommend approval with conditions.
1888 Keswick Lane
The applicant requested adding a pergola to their backyard, encroaching into property setbacks. They asked for a variance, but the staff recommended denial as no real hardships existed. I also tend to agree, especially since the affected neighbor has not signed off on the project for several reasons.
2840 NE EXPRESSWAY
Another dumpster variance. Enough said.
Staff Action Items
Resolution Appointing Public Facilities Authority (PFA) Members and Establishing Initial Terms of Office
The purpose of the PFA is to create a governmental entity that allows a municipality to lease space for terms over one year, using the Authority as a financing and ownership partner. We created this to finance the new Public Works building and other future Public Works initiatives through bonds.
Mayor and Council Items
Dresden Special Services District
An SSD is a tax district where property owners in the designated area pay slightly more property taxes to fund specific projects. This includes but is not limited to, security, beautification, and pedestrian connectivity. Creating an SSD in this area will allow us to provide elevated services for an area that sorely needs work. The area around Dresden Park is one of the densest in Chamblee and has heavy pedestrian traffic. Moreover, the city has invested significant sums in revitalizing Dresden Park, and the SSD will help Parks and Rec keep it in the best possible shape.
Follow this link for the Live Stream and agenda: https://chambleega.new.swagit.com/videos/310048
Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Email: Jfurst@chambleega.gov
Mobile: 770-901-1121
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