Earlier this month, the Decatur City Commission approved an artistic painting of ‘Black Lives Matter’ on North McDonough Street. Three Black artists have committed to developing designs, one artist per word, and to oversee the painting by community members. The artists are: George F. Baker III, Petie Parker, and Sharanda Wilburn.
The painting is scheduled to occur Saturday, August 22 on North McDonough between Trinity Place and Howard Avenue. We’re inviting the community to sign up for volunteer shifts to paint each letter here.
The number of volunteers per shift will be limited and there will be strict safety protocols in place including requirements for physical distancing of non-household members, mask use and disinfecting of supplies.
We are at a moment in time when numerous conversations around racial injustice in our nation and in our community are happening. Many have acknowledged this is a time for listening, while others have focused on the need for action. Toward both of those ends, the Better Together Advisory Board is soliciting feedback from the Decatur community to better inform city officials about what is needed to improve racial equity in Decatur. We would appreciate if you would answer the survey questions and complete the demographic information.
The deadline to submit feedback is Monday, Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/49/Issue_9218
We are at a moment in time when numerous conversations around racial injustice in our nation and in our community are happening. Many have acknowledged this is a time for listening, while others have focused on the need for action. Toward both of those ends, the Better Together Advisory Board is soliciting feedback from the Decatur community to better inform city officials about what is needed to improve racial equity in Decatur. We would appreciate if you would answer the survey questions and complete the demographic information.
Decatur outdoor pools will open for daily swim Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Oakhurst indoor pool will remain closed at this time. McKoy and Ebster will close for weekday swimming on August 1 and will remain open on weekends through Labor Day. Glenlake Pool will remain open daily through Labor Day as well as the weekend following Labor Day.
Admission is $5 for each person older than 2. Resident Season Pool Passes are available for purchase at Webtrac.decaturga.com for $125. Individual passes are $45.
Total occupancy at each pool has been reduced to the following bather loads: 53 people at Glenlake Pool, 31 people at Ebster Pool, and 25 people at McKoy Pool. The new occupancy numbers allow for each person to have 160 square feet of clear space around themselves. Social distancing guidelines require 6ft of space in each direction, which would equal 144 square feet of space for each person. Bathrooms will be limited to 2 people at a time or immediate family members. Patrons should plan to limit visits to 2 hours in order to allow others to use the facilities. Patrons will be asked to exit the facility after 2 hours when others are waiting in line to enter the pool. Pool rentals are suspended until further notice.
For the safety of the community and staff the following guidelines are in place:
• Due to the reduction in pool occupancy, the pool admission fee will guarantee patrons a maximum of two hours at the pool. Patrons will record the time that they arrived at the pool on the sign in sheet. This policy will be enforced when there are patrons in line waiting to enter the pool.
• Maintain a distance of 6 ft. from others at all times. Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children are adhering to social distancing guidelines.
• All patrons must wear a mask while not in the pool or able to remain 6 ft. from others.
• Adult Swim is 20 minutes to allow lifeguards to wipe down high touch surfaces. All patrons younger than 18 will exit the pool at this time.
• Patrons are responsible for disinfecting pool furniture prior to use. Disinfectant will not be provided.
• Showers and changing rooms are closed. Restrooms are limited to two people at a time.
• Toys and balls are not allowed in the pool.
• Wearable flotation devices will be allowed in the pool, subject to the discretion of the lifeguards.
• No snack or food service. Patrons may bring their own food and drink to the pool. No glass.
As we prepare to observe Independence Day on Monday, July 6 this is a friendly neighborhood reminder of the holiday scheduling for City of Decatur Solid Waste and Recycling Services: Regular services for Monday will be on Tuesday, July 7 and regular services for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, July 8.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is rapidly increasing in DeKalb and across Georgia. Protect yourself and others by wearing a mask when you go outside, practice social distancing, stay home when possible and wash or sanitize your hands often. Testing is available and encouraged. For testing locations go to www.dekalbcountyga.gov/coronavirus.
Decatur City Buildings Remain Closed to Public Until Further Notice
In order to continue to protect the health and safety of our employees and community, City of Decatur office buildings will remain closed to the public until further notice.
Sanitation
Trash and recycling pickup remains curbside only during this time. Please call 404-377-5571 if you are unable to bring your trash to the curb.
Municipal Court
Municipal court sessions are canceled through mid-August. All court sessions have been rescheduled for at least 60-90 days out. Court staff will contact defendants via mail with new court dates. Defendants for court sessions related to the School Bus Crossing Arm will be contacted by American Traffic Solutions via mail with new hearing dates. However, the ability to pay a citation online remains available in most cases. Continue to check the city’s website for updated and on-going information regarding court operations. You may also contact the court at 678-553-6655.
Visitors Center
Decatur Visitors Center is closed until further notice.
Ebster Recreation Center, Decatur Recreation Center, McKoy Skate Park, Legacy Park gym and Decatur pools (including Oakhurst Indoor pool) remain closed until further notice.
The City of Decatur is gathering information to determine if and how we can open the pools this summer and still provide a safe environment for swimmers and employees. We are looking at ways we may need to make adjustments such as the number of people in and around the pools and necessary cleaning procedures. At the same time, we are paying close attention to the rate of new infections as a result of the new guidelines around the revised Stay At Home Order before making a determination.
City of Decatur public parks (including dog parks) are open, however, all playgrounds remain closed until further notice. Adherence to the following guidelines is imperative to protect the safety and health of our community:
If you are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, stay home, and avoid public parks and other public spaces.
Adhere to social distancing requirements and remain 6 feet away from others or you may be asked to leave the park.
Do not engage in contact sports or games, such as playground soccer, basketball, etc.
Bring hand sanitizer as bathrooms are closed.
Bring water as water fountains are temporarily unavailable.
Pavilions are open but large group gatherings are prohibited.
Tennis courts reopened Monday, June 15. You must call 404-377-7231 to make a reservation. Tennis Center hours are as follows:
Masks will be required to enter Glenlake Tennis Center.
Virtual activities are available through the Virtual Rec Center. Virtual classes for adults and youth will begin in July. Click here to access these activities.
Five of the 7 polling locations in the City of Decatur are unavailable for the June 9th Primary Election. If you plan to vote in person on Primary Election Day, please review the temporary locations.
The Clairemont West and Decatur polling locations have not changed. Voters will still go to the Church at Decatur Heights (Clairemont West) or Evergreen Baptist Church (Decatur) to cast their ballots.
To confirm your poll’s location, check out the My Voter Page on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do
If you have questions, contact DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections at voterreg@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-298-4020.
Are you interested in learning about the City’s FY20-21 budget and 2020 millage rates? There are a few ways for you to get involved between now and adoption day on June 15, 2020.
1. Take some time to read through the budget document.
2. Spend some time with the City Manager and the City Clerk while enjoying your favorite beverage or snack at the virtual Budget Happy Hour on Monday, June 8th from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Click here to register.
3. Attend a public hearing and let the City Commission know your thoughts on the budget and the 2020 millage rates. There are three public hearings scheduled in the coming weeks. One is Monday, June 8th at 6:00 p.m. and the others are Monday, June 15th at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. All meetings will be held in via Zoom. Check out the schedule for the registration links.
4. Let us know your thoughts via the Open City Hall forum. Since City Hall is closed to the public right now, you can still let the City Commission know your thoughts by sharing them here.
5. Watch the archived video of the City Commission work session focused on the FY19-20 revised budget and the FY20-21 proposed budget. An archived video of the session is now available on the City’s website.
6. Send your questions &/or comments to City Manager Andrea Arnold (andrea.arnold@decaturga.com) and City Clerk Meredith Roark (meredith.roark@decaturga.com).
