Heneghan’s Dunwoody Blog

Dunwoody City Council agenda for Tuesday, May 26, 2026 (notes on what John Heneghan would not approve as he is away celebrating 30 years with his bride).

John@JKHeneghan.com (John Heneghan) — Fri, 22 May 2026 18:09:22 -0400

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
6:00 PM
DUNWOODY CITY HALL - DUNWOODY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Award Presentation: Officer & Employee of the 1st Quarter 2026 (Chief Carlson)

PUBLIC COMMENTS - Public Comment allows the City Council the opportunity to listen to the public (3 minutes per speaker / 30 minutes total).

LifeLine Animal Showcase

Agreement with the Federal Highway Administration for a Safe Streets for All Grant

Spruill Center for the Arts Window Replacement

Dunwoody Trailway Retaining Wall Repair in Brook Run Park

Resolution Appointing Members to Serve on the Urban Redevelopment Agency - Carol Allen, Robert Buckley & Suzanne Melan.

Windwood Hollow Playground Resurfacing

Amendment to the City's Compensation Chart

Agreement with Georgia Department of Transportation for the North Peachtree Road Path

Allocation of Local Road Assistance Funds

Household Hazardous Waste Contract

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I will be missing this City Council meeting on Tuesday as my bride and I are taking a few days away to celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary but that being said I figured I would add my spin on a few topics that are up for possible approval.

Tax funds are limited but Council is still chasing the dream to shoehorn 10 to 12 foot trails on every major road even if there are already sidewalks installed and there doesn't seem to be any concern that these overpriced, new paths will eat in the single family front yards with trail lighting shining into their homes.
Tuesday there are three path / trail items on the agenda, I agree with the maintenance of the Brook Run Trail as that 12 foot path through the trees serves hundreds of walkers every day and needs regular maintenance.

The North Peachtree path that is up for GDOT agreement is only .75 of a mile going from Cotillion to Barclay on the West Side of the street where there are already wide sidewalks in front of Chesnut & Peachtree Middle; yet if City Council approves the GDOT agreement we are on the hook for $600K for preliminary engineering and possibly up to $14 million for construction with the dreams that we can get some Federal funds to help us with that?

The sad part is that many on Council know that 90% of the walkers to Chesnut & Peachtree, walk on the East side of the street with a very tiny sidewalk that really needs an improvement. This is the priority need on this section of North Peachtree but if we are going to chase Federal Funds, this application for the West side needs to be submitted ASAP and is therefore on the agenda now. Maybe if we hurry up and approve this we can then spend big money to put a huge trail where it is not needed? I would have voted no. Staff is looking at options on the East side but nothing has been released as of yet.

Related to the North Peachtree Path is the fact that GDOT wants us to sign an agreement on a path going under 285 at North Peachtree but remove the dedicated turn around lane. Staff and GDOT are discussing but as someone who drives this intersection daily, the dedicated turn around lane is needed, even if an additional lane of right of way is obtained to make it happen. I am hopeful GDOT will see it our way in the next draft back to the city. Click here for those details.

The final Path / Trail item is hidden in the Additional Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant Funds item that awards the City $600K for road maintenance. This is extra unplanned funds granted by the State to improve roads and requires that the money be spent rather quickly. Dunwoody already has funded paving for next year therefore it was decided at the last meeting to put the $600 of State money into paving and then to pull $600K out of that fund and transfer it to the the Mt. Vernon / Tilly Mill project that includes a 12 foot trail on the North side of the street. This is just moving money to a project that is already in the works & though I do not like some aspects of the plan, I understand the banking of money where we will have the need but by doing so we are not doing other things that could be done instead.

Another item I don't understand is us again chasing Federal Funds, approving the Safe Streets Grant from the Federal Highway Administration whereby we pay $50K to get $200K of effort from the Feds for road safety audits whereby those audits were already completed. In November of 2023 we finalized the Road Safety Action Plan and now we don't need more study, audits or planning - we need to do projects. Take this proposed $50K and spend it on safety projects in Dunwoody and not put it in the pockets of another consultant. Just my 2 cents.

Council needs to set appropriate priorities and as I said back in October, we need to have a nest egg of cash saved up in case we can buy & develop the Dunwoody Post Office into a Community Amenity & Gathering space.

Another priority of the City is to appropriately support & fund community events run by outside vendors like the Dunwoody Homeowners Association Fourth of July Parade but that conversation will need to wait for another day.

Final thing, Dunwoody’s Memorial Day Ceremony has been moved indoors to Dunwoody City Hall due to the forecast. 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25, as we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday May 11, 2026 (City Mgr Report, Salary Increases, Stormwater, More Signs, Vaping Stores, park repairs)

John@JKHeneghan.com (John Heneghan) — Fri, 8 May 2026 00:27:53 -0400

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, May 11, 2026
6:00 PM
DUNWOODY CITY HALL - DUNWOODY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Agenda 6 pm - City Site Agenda

City Council meetings are live-streamed on the City of Dunwoody’s Facebook page.

They are also available for viewing (no two way communication) on Zoom,
https://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/86452715091 or phone +14703812552,,86452715091#

You can access the video after the meeting on the City of Dunwoody’s YouTube page.

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Recognition of Citizens' Police Academy Class XVIII Graduates (Officer Hernandez/Deputy Chief Fladrich)

MLK Jr. Day of Service 10-Year Proclamation

City Manager's Report

CONSENT AGENDA (ACTION)

Funding for 5038 Lakeside Drive Storm Repairs

Funding for 4861 Hidden Branches Drive Storm Repairs

Funding for 1026 Layfield Court Storm Repairs

BUSINESS ITEMS (ACTION)

Agreement with Dunwoody Development Authority Regarding Economic Development Sign Program

Approval to Purchase Ballistic Panels for Sworn Personnel (Deputy Chief Fladrich)

SECOND READ: Ordinance to Amend Chapter 27 of the Code of Ordinances to Define and Provide Use Regulations for Vape Shops

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Amendment to the City's Compensation Chart (Nicole Stojka)

Allocation of Local Road Assistance Funds (Michael Smith)

Agreement with the Federal Highway Administration for a Safe Streets for All Grant (Michael Smith)

Dunwoody Trailway Retaining Wall Repair (Rachel Waldron)

Windwood Hollow Park Playground Resurfacing (Rachel Waldron)

Spruill Center for the Arts Window Replacements (Rachel Waldron)

Dunwoody City Council Meeting Agenda for Monday April 27, 2026 (Youth Council, Vape Shops?, Malte Weiland, Charter Changes including tax rate, GIRMA insurance, North Peachtree Path on West side for $12M)

John@JKHeneghan.com (John Heneghan) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 01:08:17 -0400

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, April 27, 2026
6:00 PM
DUNWOODY CITY HALL - DUNWOODY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Agenda 6 pm - City Site Agenda

City Council meetings are live-streamed on the City of Dunwoody’s Facebook page.

They are also available for viewing (no two way communication) on Zoom,
https://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/83080467641 or phone +14703812552,,83080467641#

As an FYI - The agenda published by the City was missing the Zoom link but I believe the link above is accurate, in case it is not, the final agenda will be updated on the City site on Monday.

You can access the video after the meeting on the City of Dunwoody’s YouTube page.

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC COMMENTS - Public Comment allows the City Council the opportunity to listen to the public (3 minutes per speaker / 30 minutes total).

Proclamation - Stroke Awareness Day (Cam Stinson)

Sustainability Hero Awards to Malte Weiland & Dunwoody United Methodist Church, and a Sustainability Committee Update

LifeLine Animal Showcase

Youth City Council Recognition

FIRST READ: Ordinance to Amend Chapter 27 of the Code of Ordinances to Define and Provide Use Regulations for Vape Shops

Funding Authorization for Sidewalk and Road Improvements on Ridgeview Road

Rooftop Solar Systems

Homecoming Park Program Management Services

Homecoming Park Design Professional Services

Resolution Authorizing Participation in an Amicas Brief in the Chang v. City Milton (Legal)
Repeat of November 14, 2024.

SECOND READ: Proposed Charter Amendment Article IV, Sec. 4.01; Article IV, Sec. 4.02.(c) and Article IV, Sec. 4.03 related to Municipal Court

SECOND READ: Proposed Charter Amendment Article II, Section 2.09.(a) January Post Election Meeting Date

SECOND READ:Proposed Charter Amendment Article I, Sec. 1.03.(b)(36) and (37)(A) related to special districts, bonds and intergovernmental contracts

SECOND READ: Proposed Charter Amendment Article V, Section 5.03.(a) and Section 5.04.(b) Amend Budget Submission and Adoption Dates

Renewal of Property & Liability Insurance with GIRMA (John Gates)

Discussion - Agreement with GDOT for the West side of North Peachtree Road Path - .75 of a mile.
GDOT Site for Project shows $12 Million construction but City report fails to mention that cost.

Agreement with Dunwoody Development Authority Regarding Economic Development Sign Program

GDOT proposes change to North Peachtree Road on 285 Express Lane plans that are not in the best interest of Dunwoody or Chamblee Citizens @GDOTATL

John@JKHeneghan.com (John Heneghan) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:11:00 -0400

Intergovernmental agreement between GDOT & Dunwoody for Express Lanes

Monday Night the Dunwoody City Council Meeting was filled with heavy / controversial conversations regarding Flock License Plate Readers, City Charter Changes, including an item on taxation, Google Fiber infrastructure construction, Rooftop Solar on city buildings, Homecoming Park development plans, sidewalk construction, and then towards the very end of the evening was a discussion on an "Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation for Top End 285 East Express Lanes Enhancements".

We the City and your elected representatives have been worried about the negative impacts that the Top End 285 Express Lanes will have on our city therefore we have been heavily involved from day one, studied various proposals, made suggestions and met with GDOT representatives in person in order to stress what we believe would be best for our community.

Six years ago, Mayor Deutsch and I wrote separate suggestions to GDOT regarding the project, requesting turn around lanes at both North Peachtree & Chamblee Dunwoody. Then two years later in 2022, Public Works Director Michael Smith, Councilman Tom Lambert and myself met with the GDOT management team that is overseeing the Top End I-285 Express Lane project, they answered our questions during our conversation and then they followed up with a detailed reply. In the letter from Mr. Tim Matthews, the Express Lane Administrator for GDOT, copying Mr. Kevin Abel, State Transportation Board Vice Chairman and Mr. Russell McMurry, GDOT Commissioner, the GDOT letter stated that the current project scope includes a return access lane from Savoy to Cotillion at North Peachtree Road.

Buried in the 134 page IGA document we discussed on Monday, on page 91 were three statements from GDOT that the City of Dunwoody is suppose to agree to in order to get specific concessions or "enhancements" as part of the express lane project. In case you are not aware, as part of the express lane project there is also a State plan to one way both Cotillion (west bound) and Savoy (east bound) as both streets are State Maintained (outside Dunwoody & Chamblee's control) to improve traffic efficiency. Changing the streets to one way will completely change the dynamics of traffic flow forcing everyone to go to one side or the other depending on direction, increasing traffic and therefore putting a big strain on the intersections operational through put. We thought we had infrastructure improvements where needed but it appears that the GDOT has changed their mind.

The photo at the top of this post clearly shows GDOT will be building us a 10 foot wide trail along Cotillion. They will also be building shared paths meeting Federal AASHTO standards (10 foot wide) under 285 at both North Peachtree & North Shallowford. Unfortunately in order to get these trail perks we have to be willing to forgo the dedicated vehicle return access lane between Savoy & Cotillion. This is not Dunwoody's best interest in my opinion because without that lane the current infrastructure will not be able to handle the additional traffic. We need GDOT to stick with the original plans even if other "enhancements" are deleted.

Inside 285 along Savoy, the City of Chamblee has plans for large scale mixed use that could add 100's of apartments, office and retail spaces on what is now vacant and under utilized land. Here is a link to the planned express lanes which details the local improvements and with close examination you can see that the express lane plans look to have both entrance and exit ramps along Cotillion and Savoy which will add numerous vehicles to the crowded streets as drivers from near and far will be using these entrances and exits. Not having a dedicated vehicle return lane from Savoy to Cotillion at North Peachtree is very short sighted and if not returned it will negatively both the cities of Dunwoody & Chamblee.

The Chamblee Dunwoody Bridge over 285 is going to replaced as part of the express lane project, it will be widened, improved for pedestrians and will include a dedicated return access lane for vehicles to travel from Cotillion to Savoy without stopping. Looking at the photo below you can see Cotillion and the top going Westbound and there is a return lane on the far right side returning to Savoy, this is still in the current plan.

Unfortunately the latest proposed IGA deletes the plans for a dedicated vehicle return lane at North Peachtree in order to replace that needed traffic lane with a 10 foot pedestrian trail. I would much rather have the originally proposed vehicle return lane at North Peachtree with a small sidewalk and allow the larger path elsewhere. Looking below you can see the return lane on North Peachtree (left side of street) taking cars from Westbound Savoy to Eastbound Cotillion.

Not having a dedicated vehicle return lane from Savoy to Cotillion at North Peachtree is very short sighted as the lights and stacking are barely adequate today and if the dedicated turn lane is not returned I believe it will negatively impact both the cities of Dunwoody & Chamblee because of the one way reconfiguration and higher vehicle traffic numbers.

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday April 13, 2026 (Updated Flock Agreement, Charter changes including work around for Millage Tax Cap, 285 Express Lanes, Solar, Homecoming Park)

John@JKHeneghan.com (John Heneghan) — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:54:00 -0400

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, April 13, 2026
6:00 PM
DUNWOODY CITY HALL - DUNWOODY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338

Agenda 6 pm - City Site Agenda

City Council meetings are live-streamed on the City of Dunwoody’s Facebook page.

They are also available for viewing (no two way communication) on Zoom,
https://dunwoodyga-gov.zoom.us/j/86452715091 or phone +14703812552,,86452715091#

You can access the video after the meeting on the City of Dunwoody’s YouTube page.

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Administration of the Oath of Office for Officers Jonathan Coachman and Jaimeson M. Pollen

Recognition of 2025 Volunteer Hours for Citizens on Patrol & Bailiffs

City Manager's Report

2026-03-25 City Council 2026 Strategic Planning Retreat Meeting Minutes

Resolution Appointing Members Jensen Elwell and Ava Schmidt to Serve on the Dunwoody Sustainability Committee

Microsoft 365 Renewal

Reimbursement Agreement for Google Fiber to Fund a Permit Coordinator

Contract Amendment with Lowe Engineers for a Google Fiber Permit Coordinator

Flock Master Services Agreement (Jill Dunn)

Approve Flock OS 911 Contract Subject to Approval and Full Execution of the Flock Master Services Agreement

Approval of Flock Drone First Responder Expansion Agreement and Renewal of PCID’s Technology Partnership Commitment Subject to Approval and Full Execution of the Flock Master Services Agreement

FIRST READ: Proposed Charter Amendment Article IV, Sec. 4.01; Article IV, Sec. 4.02.(c) and Article IV, Sec. 4.03 related to Municipal Court.

FIRST READ: Proposed Charter Amendment Article II, Section 2.09.(a) January Post Election Meeting Date.

FIRST READ:Proposed Charter Amendment Article I, Sec. 1.03.(b)(36) and (37)(A) related to special districts, bonds and intergovernmental contracts.

FIRST READ: Proposed Charter Amendment Article V, Section 5.03.(a) and Section 5.04.(b) Amend Budget Submission and Adoption Dates

Homecoming Park Design Professional Services

Homecoming Park Program Management Services

Rooftop Solar Systems

Project Agreement with the Perimeter CID for Bridge Enhancements on I-285

Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation for Top End 285 East Express Lanes Enhancements

Funding Authorization for Sidewalk and Road Improvements on Ridgeview Road