Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is scheduled to reopen all facilities and amenities for public usage, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond announced today. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines will be observed during nature programs and activities to ensure protocols are being practiced. “I know everyone is eager to get back to participating in recreational activities, so we are thrilled to provide these services,” said Thurmond. “The parks department is looking forward to providing opportunities for the public to explore, engage and connect with our nationally accredited park system once again.” Park users will be able to utilize…

Virtual public meetings May 17, 19 & 20           DeKalb County has launched an effort to develop its 2050 Unified Plan. This plan will combine two long-range strategic documents into one: a Comprehensive Transportation Plan which identifies priority transportation projects and policy recommendations, and a Comprehensive Land Use Plan which establishes the framework for future growth and development. The combined plan will create a more consistent, unified strategy for the county and also will address arts and culture, housing, health and wellness, public safety, sustainability, retail, and annexation policies. The planning process began in March 2021 with…

The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct a board meeting on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/88137432677. Join by phone at 602-333-0032 or 888-270-9936 and use conference code 171493. Agenda Adoption of Agenda Administrative Items Approval of Minutes of April 15, 2021 Approval of Minutes of May 3, 2021, Special Called Meeting Approval of Board Rule 4.4.1 III.         Ethics Cases Discussion of Complaints against Sharon Barnes Sutton.  Viola Davis and Joel Edwards v. Sharon Barnes-Sutton (2014) Rhea Johnson v. Sharon Barnes-Sutton (2015) William Perry v. Sharon Barnes-Sutton (2016-2) Request…

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) has appointed Lisa Chester as its Constituent Services liaison. The constituent services liaison reports directly to the Chief of Staff and handles initiatives and tasks affiliated/related to Post 1 and Post 2 Commissioners. Chester has served as a community and business development leader with expertise in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, business strategy and integrated marketing communications. She champions innovation, mentoring, and initiatives that improve the lives of those in need. Chester has served as a director of operations as well as a corporate development and partnerships director. Her professional experience spans over 15 years…

Three candidates are in the upcoming special election for Rockdale County Probate Court Judge. When the three-day qualifying period ended at noon on Friday, May 14, the race included Democratic incumbent Gary Washington; Kathy Harvey, a counselor, and Justin Kenney, a Conyers attorney. Neither Harvey nor Kenney listed their party affiliations on qualifying papers. Washington became the judge in the Probate Court on March 1 after then Probate Court Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. was appointed to the State Court. Washington previously served as the first ever Associate Judge of the Probate Court and has more than 30 years of experience as…

DECATUR–The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) DeKalb County Branch is continuing to push its “Ask 400 Membership Campaign” through the end of the year. “We want NAACP DeKalb County Branch to be the leader for the state of Georgia in getting the most memberships for the largest civil rights organization in the world,” said DeKalb NAACP Branch President Teresa Hardy. Thele Moore, membership chair, said the campaign will mobilize the DeKalb community to advocate for social justice initiatives. Moore said active and new members will have a chance to win prizes and membership perks during…

Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner Tiffany P. Porter announces that Gwinnett residents now have the option to set appointments for in-person visits at all tag offices.   “Customers no longer have to wait in line when they need to visit a tag office,” Porter said. “They can use our website to set an in-person appointment at the office most convenient for them and avoid the wait entirely.”    The ability to make an appointment has been the most-requested service over the past few years. The tax commissioner tested this feature during the past month and launched it gradually before making a…

–The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a virtual community meeting to discuss the expansion of the Zonolite property, located at 1634 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA 30306. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 26, at 6 p.m. The meeting to discuss current park improvements and connectivity will be conducted via  https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/82515879827. To join the meeting by phone, dial 888-270-9936, and use conference code 399422. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, public relations specialist, at 404-710-6331 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.

ATLANTA – Gov.Brian P. Kemp on May 14 issued a new Executive Order extending the State of Emergency for Petroleum Shortage until Saturday, May 22, 2021. On Monday, May 10, Kemp temporarily suspended the gas tax in Georgia in light of the Colonial Pipeline cyber attack. The Governor also announced that Georgia would increase the weight limits for trucks transporting fuel, providing more supply for stations as they received deliveries. The order further prohibited price gouging by bad actors looking to exploit the fuel shortage. “While Colonial Pipeline is now operational, the company has informed the public that it will be…