About Dunwoody reporter. (Sandy Springs, GA) 20??-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 4, 2013)
City Currents articles are prepared by the city of Dunwoody and published I II 1 each month by the Dunwoody 1 I W V4 V Reporter as a community * Smart people - Smart city# service. They are intended to offer insight into the workings of Dunwoody city government. This installment focuses on the city's Economic Development Department. The life cycle of a city project The city of Dunwoody undertakes many projects each year, from highly com plex infrastructure projects to building playgrounds and retiming traffic signals. Oftentimes, residents ask how projects are chosen, what the project process entails and how project timing is determined. A straightforward way to explain the life cycle of a city project would be to com pare it to an average home renovation or addition project. For example, a homeowner might want to improve the appeal and functionality of their home through the addition of a new deck. It could provide a new area for so cial gatherings, quiet escape and a space for outdoor relaxation. With the family in agreement on the goals and objectives of the project, the general planning process begins. Each family member weighs in on what the per fect deck will include and how it will look. However, the reality of a new deck weighed against the wants, needs and bud get may alter the final outcome. To meet everyone’s expectations, the family re searches contractors, attains cost estimates, selects a contractor and deck design, agrees on materials, sets a schedule, obtains per mits, and undertakes construction. And with a little luck, and no change to the con struction schedule, great weather and appropriate code compliance inspec tions, the new deck is built and comes in right on bud get. Now let’s compare that process to what the city would need to go about building a new city park. We’ll first assume the need and idea for the new park was identified through a community-driven master plan ning process. Once the need for the project has been identified, the City Council appropriates initial funding for projects through the city’s annual budget process which typ ically occurs in September and October of each year. During budget discussions, the project is vetted against other priorities and budgets. Larger capital projects are ofi ten funded in phases over multiple years, which means the project is reviewed and discussed in multiple budget cycles. After funding a project, the city then seeks proposals for the design of the new park along with associated planning costs. Proposal requests typically explain the vi sion for the new park including its loca tion, potential amenities, special features, and other aspects identified by the com munity-based plan. Once design proposals come in, city staff reviews each, and a consultant is se lected. The consultant then goes to the drawing board to create a few conceptu al designs for the city to review. These can include storyboards, artist renderings or computer drawings. Michael Smith Public Works Director After staff has poured over the ideas, presentations and renderings, the city hosts public meetings to solicit citizen feedback on the conceptual design. Public input and guidance from City Council are sent back to the consultant to complete a final design. During this time, city staff works with the contractor to flesh out the details of the design, including sur veying the property and gathering infor mation about the area where the new park will be placed. There may arise a need for soil samples, hydrology and stormwater studies, realignment of sewer pipes, etc. Upon completion of the final design, the con struction plans are sub mitted for permitting through appropriate agencies. Depending on the park project complex ity and timing, as well as the proper approvals and permitting from the county and various state agencies, it could be several months to more than a year before park construction can begin. Following final review and approvals, city staff will then advertise a bid for the con struction of the new park. After receiving competitive bids, the fi nal approval of the project by the coun cil occurs when they vote to award a con struction contract. As detailed through this comparison to homeowner additions, municipal projects can appear daunting and complex. In ad dition, large projects undertaken by the city are multi-year in total lifespan, and typically involve a minimum of four (of ten more) opportunities to discuss or ex amine the project with citizens in a public meeting. The public process needs to be transparent so at each step along the way citizens can engage with council members and involve themselves to help guide the project to best meet the needs and desires of the community. Residents are urged to learn more about various city projects and programs by attending the twice-monthly City Council meetings and specific project in formation meetings. To find out more vis it www.dunwoodyga.gov or give us a call at 678-382-6700. City Currents SIGNUP! with Angie! 5840 Pine Brook Rd. SOLD! 590 River Valley Under Contract! 593 Amberidge Trail Under Contract! 5815 Riverwood Drive Under Contract! Call me if you want to sell your home! I have a waiting list of buyers/agents looking in Sandy Springs! Angle PonSELL, SANDY SPRINGS 404-226-2002 | www.isellsandysprings.com FISH HOUSE I II f 1C! & OYSTER BAR Join the celebRcitions foR our Sunday OctobeR 20th - ipm onwaRds! Real SoutheRn Fish FRy - catfish, ffcies, caeslaw and hushpuppies $10 Low Down CountRy boil $10 I Lb Alaskan Snow CRab Leas, Potatoes, CoRn - $16 FResh OusteRS on the Half Shell $5 a DOZEN! (usually $13) Domestic beeR buckets - 5 foR $10 Mimosas & bloodu MaRy's $H V View our Digital Editions on your smartphone or tablet ReporterNewspapers.net DUN www.ReporterNewspapers.netl OCT.4 —OCT. 17,2013 | 5
