Editor’s note: We first reported the 2024 stormwater projects would cost $1 million. The correct number is $11 million.
Brookhaven City Council held an off-site meeting on Jan. 27 to set the year’s agenda, focusing on stormwater management, city communications, and other city amenities.
Deputy City Manager Steve Chapman explained the 2024 stormwater goals include returning the street sweeping service to local roads and the completion of the Murphey Candler Lake dam repair and rehabilitation projects.
Every five years Brookhaven examines all of the pipes, stormwater structures, outfalls where water discharges into streams, and stormwater ponds – whether or not they’re maintained by Brookhaven or DeKalb County.
Tom Roberts, deputy director of public works, said a list of 26 projects totals an estimated $11 million, making a case for the city to go out for a bond or increase fees.
A discussion on city communication led to City Councilmember John Funny’s take: Brookhaven has been “communicating, but not connecting.”
In 2023, the city issued 140 press releases resulting in 556 news stories. Nearly 3,000 social media posts brought exposure to city meetings, city hall construction, events, and road closures. Still, constituents made it clear during municipal election season that the city is not effectively communicating about programs, projects, and planning.
“We have a real opportunity to build a stronger house, inviting people in, and feeling pride in being a part of the city of Brookhaven,” said City Councilmember Jennifer Owens.
In other city business, staff and elected officials are proposing more frequent communication, individualized communication plans for each district or council member, and a proactive, user-friendly approach.
The city’s communications department is expanding in 2024, having been approved to bring two more staff members on board.
“This was a great opportunity for the administration and the mayor council to look at things that we can do to enhance the transition of our new mayor and council members. The advance provided them with a wealth of information about the city,” said Funny.
Held at the Hyatt Regency Perimeter Atlanta, the meeting was open to the public. Several key city staff members, the entire city council, and one member of the public were in attendance.
In other news:
- Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Department will be repairing Murphey Candler Park pool, and hopes to open before swim team season begins.
- Owens said traffic has increased in the Dresden corridor, and needs to be addressed. Councilmember Madeleine Simmons said cut-thru traffic in Brookhaven Heights and Historic Brookhaven has also been an issue.
- Funny said neighbors in Lavista Park are excited that the city is investing in a master plan for a pocket park because the area was not a part of the city when the parks bond was in effect.
This article has been updated.
