Water and sewer rate increase will benefit local creek system

The Champion reports

DeKalb County’s water and sewer rates will increase by 11 percent to help finance more than $1 billion dollars in improvements to the county’s water and sewer system. The rate will also increase in 2013 and 2014 by 11 percent, according to a plan adopted by the Board of Commissioners in December 2010.

... The system is plagued with pipe breaks and sewer spills. As of Dec. 20, there have been 187 county sewer spills, many caused by grease blockages in pipes...

... According to county officials, approximately $20 million-$30 million will be allocated to address requirements of a proposed consent decree in which the county would agree to pay a $453,000 penalty from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for excessive sewage spills. The county also agreed to implement a $600,000 stream cleanup project, focusing on debris removal from parts of the South River, South Fork Peachtree Creek and Snapfinger Creek. 

The South Fork of Peachtree Creek merrily meanders through MANA and Clairmont Heights. It is great to hear some of these taxes will help improve nearby habitats that have been repeatedly affected by spills. Because, hey, thats our creek!

Here she is, seen from the stone bridge at Mason Mill [May 2010 (left) and Feb 2011 (right)].

While on this topic, visit the  South Fork Conservancy's website, which also spells out a wonderful plan to develop connecting trails while restoring and conserving these much-neglected waterways.

Save the Date: Embrace our Green Space Run [March 24]

via CHCA...

Please mark your calendars for the Second Annual Embrace Our Green Space Race. As in the inaugural event this past March, we will again have a variety of events: 2K walk for kids and seniors, 5K run/walk, 10K run, 10K skate and 20K bike ride. There are police escorts and traffic control at major intersections on the 10K and 20K courses. All event courses wind through neighborhood streets and sidewalks with lots of turns. All events are non-competitive. On-site registration begins at 9AM on Saturday, March 24, 2012 in parking lot at Oak Grove United Methodist Church. Post race snacks donated by local restaurants. 

Online registration will be available at www.active.com. Our event will be listed in early January under 'Embrace Our Green Space Race'. Those who sign up by the week before the event will get tee shirts. This year we are also encouraging kids under 12 to participate without their parents and get some fresh air and exercise by having a special entrance fee for them of $10 (includes a tee shirt if registered a week before the event). A regular adult entry fee is $20, and a family entry fee is $50. 

Atlanta Park Pride will again collect and distribute the funds. All proceeds above the cost of the event will be divided equally among the 'friends of' groups that help maintain 4 neighborhood parks: Kittredge, Mary Scott, Clyde Shepherd and the new park on Lavista Road that sits behind the Oak Grove shopping center and Coralwood School. If you haven't visited some of these parks, check them out! 

The 2012 flyer is attached as a PDF with more information and an entry and tee shirt ordering form for those who prefer the US Postal Service. 

Thank you for your participation in our event and support for our local green spaces!
Best Regards,
Ted Daniel
Chair, Embrace Our Green Space Race
tedaniel@mindspring.com
404-315-7833

Lost Dog: Reno the Black Lab [Dec 31]

forwarded from the MANA email list...

Have you seen this dog or know where he might be? His name is Reno. Reno's home is located in the Sargent Hills Neighborhood just South of North Dekalb Mall, by the Quick Trip. Doug - his owner - is really upset about Reno.

RENO is 10yrs old. Weighs 50lbs. Primarily black in color with white on his chest, , toes, muzzle, and tip on his tail. RENO did not have his collar on, but had on a red flea collar. RENO has never wondered any further than to say hello to the neighbor.

On New Year's Eve, Doug - let him out in the fenced yard for a potty break. When Reno didn't want to come back in after his normal time, Doug looked for him and then realized the yard folks left the gate unlatched.

If you see this dog, hear of a dog with similar descriptions, or even THINK you know ANYTHING that may help reunite Doug & RENO, PLEASE CALL DOUG IMMEDIATELY. You may call ANYTIME. Day or Night at ANY hour. Doug's number is 404-839-2136.

Melton's Reopening TODAY [Dec. 30]

As posted in their Facebook page and website, Melton's reopens today.

Their Facebook page features their latest health inspection. It appears the kitchen's definitely ready for food prep, and possibly clean enough for surgery:

Melton's Reopening on December 30

Per Melton's Facebook Page,

Dog Found @ Scott Circle now has new home :)

Thanks to Steiph or Jenna Zargon for hosting this lost doggy, who now has a forever home with Colleen.

 

DeKalb County Requesting Bids for Public Safety Enhanced Video Surveillance System

From The Champion newspaper:

Request for Proposals: DeKalb County Government requests qualified individuals and firms with experience and certified expertise in designing, installing, and maintaining an integrated enhanced video surveillance system to submit proposals for Public Safety Enhanced Video Surveillance System (RFP No. 11-500211).”