InTucker Magazine

City Council Update – November 2020

Tucker’s Mayor and City Council gathered twice during the month of October, taking on some significant issues that will have short- and long-term term impacts on the City.

At the meeting on October 13, Council voted 6-0 to approve a CARES Act project list to send to DeKalb County, roughly outlining how the $4.1 million in federal money will be spent. The main components of the City’s plan include funding a small business grant program, rent and utility assistance for homeowners and renters, food assistance for those in need, and support for select virtual learning centers in the City. The City faces a December 20 deadline to spend the money.

They also voted 6-0 to approve a resolution to adopt an Urban Redevelopment Plan within the City of Tucker. A 2021 meeting calendar was subsequently adopted by a 6-0 vote. The final action of the night was approval of a resolution by Council to allow the Parks and Recreation Department to pursue a grant through the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program. The grant money would go toward improvements at Johns Homestead.

Earlier in the meeting, Council voted to approve:

• an ordinance for post-construction stormwater management
• an ordinance for litter control
• an ordinance for illicit discharge and illegal connection
• a new set of internal financial policies

On October 26, Council held a work session and brief meeting. The highlight of the work session was a lengthy discussion on the subject of taking over maintenance of streets and sidewalks from DeKalb County. Ultimately, Council decided to leave the issue alone and work with DeKalb County on a new intergovernmental agreement (IGA) that would provide Tucker with an increased level of service.

The meeting saw unanimous approval of a resolution to authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to pursue a $500,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant for improvements at Fitzgerald Park. Council also received a report from the City’s Finance Director on the City’s September finances.

The next meeting of the Mayor and City Council will be November 9 at 7 p.m. at the City Hall Annex (4228 First Avenue).