Andrea Arnold

The meeting included a recap of the City Commission Presentation where the Board's annual work plan and initiatives, including updates on the Intergenerational Reading Program, Connection Café, and dementia-friendly efforts, were discussed. An update on the Charter Review Commission's recommendations was provided, noting major proposed changes regarding the Values Preamble, Mayor Selection & Term, and new responsibilities. The Board received a progress update on finalizing the contract for the Connection Café, which is scheduled for January 20, 2026. New business involved discussing potential speakers for 2026 meetings, including the city's naturalist regarding chat benches, and reviewing the Board Member Handbook and the recommendation to re-establish a co-chair role for continuity. The Board will vote for a Chair and potentially a Co-Chair in January.

Key discussions during the meeting included the reading and adoption of proclamations recognizing a National Day of Racial Healing and Holocaust Remembrance Day. New personnel were introduced, and Parks and Recreation Employee Awards were announced. The Commission approved an alcoholic beverage license for The Spice Table dba Fork and Vine Social. A public hearing was held regarding the City of Decatur's Comprehensive Plan updates, which are required every five years, with a process involving citizen engagement planned through October 2026. The Commission adopted Resolution R-26-02 to update Georgia Fund 1 wiring instructions due to changes at Regions Bank, and authorized the City Attorney and City Manager to negotiate an investment-grade energy audit (IGEA) agreement with Trane U.S. Inc. as part of the energy savings performance contract process. A contract with Jacobs Engineering was approved for MS4 program support, and the application for a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Grant for intersection studies, including West Ponce de Leon Avenue and Nelson Ferry Road, was approved along with a local match. An updated FY 25 Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) street resurfacing program was adopted to prioritize safety goals, and the street list for the 2026 LMIG program was approved. Change Order #1 was approved to extend construction owner's representative services for the Decatur Square Transformation Project due to delays. Several residents spoke in support of historic designation for the property at 346 West Trinity Place. Finally, the City Manager was authorized to enter into a contract for emergency repair services for a sinkhole at 107 Hillcrest Avenue, and the Mayor was appointed to the City of Decatur Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees.

The meeting included a presentation to visiting third-grade students and an introduction of a Decatur Youth Council member. Key actions involved authorizing contracts for services with the DeKalb History Center ($10,000), the Global Growers Network ($15,000), and the Decatur Arts Alliance ($15,000), with detailed updates provided by each organization regarding their planned 2026 programming and recent achievements. The Commission adopted Ordinance O-25-11 for the first reading, amending the City Charter via home rule, which included modernizing language and updating numbering. The Commission also decided, by majority vote, to proceed with amending the charter to establish a directly elected Mayor position, replacing the current commission selection method, while also discussing the compensation structure for the mayoral role. Additionally, Resolution R-25-31 was adopted to amend the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget across several funds, and a contract and project budget were approved for easement acquisition services for the Derrydown Way sidewalk project to provide pedestrian access to Decatur Legacy Park. Updates were provided on the Downtown Residential Parking Permit Program, with a pilot program scheduled for discussion.

The Lifelong Community Advisory Board conducted a virtual meeting. Key discussions included the establishment and election of a Co-Chair position, the postponement of the Connection Café launch until March, progress updates on the Universal Design Award guidelines, and brainstorming ideas for new website resources and *Decatur Focus* articles. The Board also discussed intergenerational programming, community volunteer projects, and upcoming presentations from Legacy Decatur's Executive Director and the City's naturalist.

The meeting addressed the need for a new youth member and the roles for 2026, with Patricia nominated for chair and Tony for vice chair. Key city updates included final approval for speed reductions on state routes with GDOT and tactical projects scheduled before the World Cup, such as cycle track extensions and improvements on Clairemont. Changes to MARTA bus routes effective in April, including increased frequency on the 15 bus and the introduction of MARTA Reach on-demand service, were discussed as potential safe routes projects. Other topics included the status of the pedestrian scramble at Clairemont and Ponce, signage for new speed bumps on Columbia, upcoming events like the Touch-a-truck event and bike rodeo, updates on the Oakhurst master plan, and continued efforts regarding school 'Walk and Roll' days and Friday bike buses. The crosswalks database project requires members to update entries. A resident from Second Avenue voiced concerns about high speed cut-through traffic and advocated for safety improvements like raised crosswalks. Another member announced their departure from the committee.