[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6557397,"mediaKeyId","3295774-de7592f51858f60003ae5adcb3c473aa","parentId",3295774,"title","Votes at a glance: key DeKalb Commission actions, May 13, 2025","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",7380000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295774-de7592f51858f60003ae5adcb3c473aa&start=7380&end=7380","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295774-de7592f51858f60003ae5adcb3c473aa/thumbnail_7380000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6557397/DeKalb-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-key-DeKalb-Commission-actions-May-13-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557397-fb3a739584092b3d6e5781e5e5d2ba44/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436586&Signature=ElEIa1GBTKMflnuoO~NkmygxLdP1zFZ78vQdkDy3Ff8zlzE3~jrh9JCiryXUqDA0v-fJhFnbkVjTf7Rn7e9hQwf5FA-Vued1QVEhUqtypB9gl1IrQt62FdwioVnx72oCdUOQfZbJGeE2oIpq66gcZUmXBJTL5aMGvFqSwFlYe50MZrU3ldXuj4QMFuXxjzj71GwXIDC9q5vLEo3K9GTpmsZ3hse9IlZ85K7pD~sJEkYjzkrcCeXOGObTrznRD9wiUKPjM-QwWOTSkC7o7HFPWvP7L~S5wuW8SfcJERNJ3r-KDhYLEl0cQlp7QpiMtfHKIdUWu2h1HwI9GcqlT~OjPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","DeKalb County","date","2025-05-13T00:00:00Z","article","The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners took the following notable actions at its May 13, 2025 business meeting. This list summarizes formal items discussed and the board’s recorded or announced outcomes during the public meeting.

• Ordinance adopted — Companion animal litter permit and sale/transfer rules (agenda item 2024‑0190): Board voted to adopt a substitute ordinance requiring litter permits and basic health checks with a six‑month warning period before enforcement. Outcome: approved.

• Right of way declared — Glenwood Road sidewalk improvements (agenda item 2025‑0550): Board approved a resolution and declaration of taking to clear title so the Columbia Drive–to–Covington Highway sidewalk project can proceed. Outcome: approved.

• Traffic calming approved — Terry Mill Road petition (agenda item 2025‑0566): Board approved a traffic‑calming plan and establishment of a special tax district (65.42% support in the affected area). County estimated initial cost: $39,580. Outcome: approved.

• Traffic calming approved — Radcliffe Boulevard petition (agenda item 2025‑0567): Board approved establishment of a special tax district for traffic‑calming measures (66.67% support in the affected area). County estimated cost: $29,810. Outcome: approved.

• Urban redevelopment items deferred — 4380 Memorial Drive URA designation and URA plan (agenda items 2025‑0654 and 2025‑0655): Staff asked the board to declare a redevelopment area and adopt a redevelopment plan to enable URA bond financing for an anticipated purchase. Commissioners deferred both items to FAB and to a special‑called meeting for additional committee review and clearer agenda materials. Outcome: postponed for committee review.

• Other items: Multiple routine appointments, consent items and contract amendments were approved or deferred on the consent calendar; several agenda items were sent for committee review or deferred to the May 29 or June meetings as recorded.

Notes on voting and procedure: Several votes were voice votes or taken with standard roll‑call machines; where tallies were not recorded in the public transcript, the outcome is recorded as announced on the floor. Commissioners directed staff to provide more complete agenda language and finance details for items that involve substantial fiscal commitments (notably the URA financing).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","DeKalb County - Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting - May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary list of notable formal actions taken (and deferred) by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners at the May 13 business meeting, including ordinance adoption, ROW declaration, traffic‑calming petitions and deferrals on urban redevelopment financing.","taxTitle","DeKalb County, Georgia","taxId",3571,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6557402,"Commissioners OK Glenwood ROW and multiple neighborhood traffic‑calming petitions",128,2590000,2718000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295774-de7592f51858f60003ae5adcb3c473aa&start=2590&end=2718","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295774-de7592f51858f60003ae5adcb3c473aa/thumbnail_2590000.jpg","/articles/6557402/DeKalb-County/Georgia/Commissioners-OK-Glenwood-ROW-and-multiple-neighborhood-trafficcalming-petitions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557402-75c3ab0c566097f345a04e71e3226043/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436586&Signature=YhDxvH~6KPs-j3ez6SkI9~8FM1NLuYp1uAl0xAhv1PImpg0PF~APCI45bZNHxeC-zl7DzG3~qCpdNv4kZ6EQCuVtlu8dq3c1GnoLpECqS0S3Yf8gM9BCYaYwPr4i~OlB9dTprJrnyhBaBRqRAWp~DR4LAa~vxo-iTJmeUlojD3~GjMp1Q9JhdU3mGyclDYIUtxkwiH0BfdrNq1kXmUXMY1SdOIB8PDR4BHJjLiLCjPBS6fy95od0fjMZ8kw~actjt7Mh2cMQEUr2BkHskTCyfhs-gE7WGOF2xmlSCOsEcE2xL00fBs8ad39xcsqMaepn56ylEbJ8UH6Gatoo9GUvuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DeKalb County commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the acquisition of right of way needed for Glenwood Road sidewalk improvements and approved two neighborhood traffic‑calming petitions Tuesday, actions county staff said were aimed at improving pedestrian safety and reducing speeding.

Glenwood Road: Staff told the board that clear‑title issues — property owners of record were deceased and estates unprobated — required the board to proceed with a declaration of taking to clear title for the Columbia Drive to Covington Highway sidewalk project. Staff recommended approval; a motion to approve passed and the item was recorded as agenda item 2025‑0550.

Traffic calming petitions: The board approved two traffic‑calming petitions that will establish special tax districts to fund installation and ongoing maintenance of traffic‑calming measures.

- Terry Mill Road (agenda item 2025‑0566): A petition for traffic calming between Glenwood Avenue and Fayetteville Road was approved. Staff reported 65.42% of affected parcels voted in favor; the county’s estimated cost is $39,580. Neighbors described speed‑related crashes and near misses; petition organizers said they had to track down absentee owners, rentals and overseas owners to secure signatures.

- Radcliffe Boulevard (agenda item 2025‑0567): A petition to install measures between Radcliffe Court and Lehigh Boulevard passed with 66.67% positive support in the affected area; staff estimated the county’s cost at $29,810. Speakers from Chapel Hill Neighborhood Association and neighbors near Chapel Hill Elementary described repeated speeding and previous crash damage to yards and called the project a needed safety improvement.

Board and staff discussion touched on program funding and equity. Commissioners asked how the traffic‑calming fund is replenished and how resurfacing work affects lifetime maintenance costs. Staff said the county’s traffic‑calming fee per parcel ($25) has not changed in many years and that replacement costs can outpace annual special‑tax receipts; multiple commissioners asked for a review of funding and a traffic‑calming policy update.

What happens next: For both petitions, staff will move forward with installation work and administrative steps to establish the special tax districts; the county will cover initial installation and levy the special tax district for long‑term maintenance. The Glenwood ROW item moves forward to clear title so sidewalk construction can proceed.","The board approved a resolution to acquire right of way for Glenwood Road sidewalk work and approved traffic‑calming special tax districts for Terry Mill Road and Radcliffe Boulevard after public testimony from neighborhood residents.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6557406,"Commissioners defer URA steps to buy 4380 Memorial Drive after public questions about notice and use",1578,5820000,7398000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295774-de7592f51858f60003ae5adcb3c473aa&start=5820&end=7398","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295774-de7592f51858f60003ae5adcb3c473aa/thumbnail_5820000.jpg","/articles/6557406/DeKalb-County/Georgia/Commissioners-defer-URA-steps-to-buy-4380-Memorial-Drive-after-public-questions-about-notice-and-use","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557406-5e4fabf297cb29ee13509025c6d5115c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436586&Signature=eCbCsOib5P4HM5J9Sn2ITZ3UemWaa5rd7Z1ibdZGvuIwuH-vBZZiH~DSHb4pDnfzgejvdKPyYq7BAz8xdTlFWw3dl7nr0~tmMGGq4hhgychCi8iNWDuGwhCCYuLdmwWjwEwbbFkc9AVqjqOJGZl8ucBz49KLwutBa9upy9Bnw3QlWRTHg0ApNqmiXCRaAEVJm8nU9lIw7EBu3-iaDVdKvrnMe7RR~d0G3kQkFsiiu~YbXBg3b2UblXdIpTHshQ5Jm8KdgLBihPr-7ZqqlygUJTnLWtLFmYb4SyoCBVYSJfqSNpVM~x~91KfIfwnLFu1ZGNsnldOu1xxSHGQk18pmyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday deferred two items that would have designated an area around 4380 Memorial Drive as an urban redevelopment area and adopted an associated urban redevelopment plan that would enable the county’s purchase of the property.

Administration staff said the measures were prerequisites to financing the $17 million purchase through bonds issued by the county’s Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA). At the meeting, county staff said the URA would issue bonds in a not-to-exceed principal amount of about $19 million and the county would enter an intergovernmental agreement to pay debt service.

Board members and public speakers raised procedural and transparency concerns. A member of the public questioned whether published notice met statutory timing requirements, and several commissioners said the agenda language lacked detail on the county’s intended future uses for the 26-acre site.

Commissioner Robert Patrick moved to send the two items to the Finance, Audit and Budget (FAB) committee and to defer final action to a special-called meeting next Tuesday; the motion passed. Commissioners said FAB would review the plan of finance in a public committee meeting and that the URA itself would have to convene and vote before the purchase could close.

Why it mattered: County officials said the site currently houses Treasury and registration operations and that the county is paying approximately $1 million per year in rent for some operations on the property. Purchasing the property would give the county control over long-term use and possible future master planning of the 26-acre site; administration officials described potential public‑safety or other government uses but said no redevelopment plan had been finalized.

Price and timing: County staff said the purchase-and-sale agreement lists an approximate purchase price of $17 million and that the bond authorization would not exceed $19 million. Staff told the board bids for tax‑anticipation notes and other financing tools were being solicited and would be presented next week; the board deferred the URA items to allow a committee review of the plan of finance.

Public comment and board concerns: Steve Benny and other residents asked for clearer public notice and said they did not understand the scope of the proposed purchase and financing. Several commissioners asked staff to include clearer agenda language and to brief committees on the financing and planned uses before the board recorded a final vote. Commissioner Marita Davis Johnson said the county has significant existing operations at Memorial Drive and suggested ownership may be prudent; other commissioners stressed a need for earlier disclosure and more complete agenda materials.

Next steps: Staff said the URA will need to convene and that final bond documents and the agency resolution would be brought back for approval. The board set the items for committee review and for potential board action at a special-called meeting scheduled for next week.","The board postponed action on two companion urban redevelopment items tied to the county's planned purchase of 4380 Memorial Drive for further review after members and public speakers asked for more details about notice, price and future use.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6557411,"DeKalb adopts litter-permit law aimed at curbing pet overpopulation",6845,560000,7405000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295774-de7592f51858f60003ae5adcb3c473aa&start=560&end=7405","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295774-de7592f51858f60003ae5adcb3c473aa/thumbnail_560000.jpg","/articles/6557411/DeKalb-County/Georgia/DeKalb-adopts-litter-permit-law-aimed-at-curbing-pet-overpopulation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557411-4df4a553f2579fa51dd1c8b4343befa9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436586&Signature=nVNaaKdbnUnn8mTJ1M51DLvZNSMUuJpjBDY9V4QwubZrQtNLXBa2H9xTRa3TdAEKlSySN5SdMBEs4AC72uOY~n4ywL3bq06DCtp0jlznPXxSnXkgWFoHCQsIDepWsYN-gnykwVC8~vVEALGtIzUxbD7pZXGQbeIdHYXg5FeB6Cqu3wfa~ios-MAiMkvcT6Ovs1iMBRuZ1PK8hsoXpUewxaxg7z7LH1o87LC2jm0F~~lmE~eoWmI7qn4ITrDzx74tyseGmDKXMN727zop2IxpJ2m2sauWxPehhY02ebJU59vlIjnbGB90fjtRjBhbJfW8G6vVBcljDeAC5HtrlTYB8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DeKalb County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously adopted an ordinance requiring a companion-animal litter permit and minimum health checks before transfers or sales of dogs, cats and domestic rabbits, part of a multi-pronged effort county leaders said is intended to reduce shelter overcrowding and unnecessary euthanasia.

The measure, filed as ordinance 2024-0190, requires sellers to register litters with the county and to ensure vaccinations and microchipping before an animal is transferred to a new owner. The board approved a short implementation window: the ordinance’s enforcement will begin with a six-month warning period to allow residents and sellers to comply.

Why it matters: County officials and animal advocates said the ordinance is designed to address what they described as a pandemic-era surge in unregulated breeding and a resulting increase in animals entering DeKalb County Animal Services. Supporters emphasized the ordinance complements investments in shelter capacity, spay/neuter access and community outreach.

Commissioner Michelle Long Spears (District 2) — who sponsored the effort and leads the Save Our DeKalb Animals initiative, known as SOTA — framed the vote as part of broader shelter reform. “Not having enough space, dogs are being killed. Let's be clear,” she told the board during the presentations announcing the initiative earlier in the meeting. Spears also highlighted SOTA’s five-point plan calling for expanded facilities, staffing and partnerships with rescue groups.

Advocates who spoke during the public-comment period urged the board to adopt the measure. Dana Davis, a member of the SOTA steering committee, told commissioners the permit would “regulate unethical breeding practices, significantly lessen suffering and euthanasia, save taxpayers money, as well as decrease the number of attacks by roaming dogs.”

Other public speakers described conditions at the county shelter. Andrea Sedell said the shelter was holding more animals than it was designed for and recounted cases of puppies and adult dogs found abandoned or suffering medical problems she attributed to irresponsible breeding.

Administration and enforcement: County officials told the board the program will rely on existing enforcement staff and administrative partners. DeKalb’s animal-services director asked the board to allow code-enforcement and other administrative offices to share responsibilities for permitting and recordkeeping while field enforcement remains the responsibility of animal-control staff. The adopted substitute adds a six-month post‑effective-date grace period during which violations result in warnings rather than immediate penalties.

Next steps: The board did not attach fiscal appropriations to the ordinance on Tuesday. Commissioners and staff discussed follow-up measures — including continued investments in spay/neuter programs and shelter capacity — that advocates say are needed to make the ordinance effective over time.

The ordinance passed on a voice vote with no dissent recorded.","The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance requiring permits and basic health checks for litters of dogs, cats and domestic rabbits, part of a broader county effort to reduce shelter overcrowding and euthanasia.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: key DeKalb Commission actions, May 13, 2025

Commissioners OK Glenwood ROW and multiple neighborhood traffic‑calming petitions

Commissioners defer URA steps to buy 4380 Memorial Drive after public questions about notice and use

DeKalb adopts litter-permit law aimed at curbing pet overpopulation