SUBSTITUTE
Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 6
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
To Appropriate $10,000 from the 2024 District 6 Reserves for Appropriations to Farmer D. Consulting to extend the existing contract for the DeKalb Village Conservation Districts Phase III - Part 1 Study
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Edward C. “Ted” Terry
Phone Number: 404-371-4909
PURPOSE:
To Appropriate $10,000 from the 2024 District 6 Reserves for Appropriations to Farmer D. Consulting for DeKalb Village Conservation to begin work on the Phase III - Part 1 Study Village Conservation Community Strategic Plan that has been working in conjunction with stakeholders to strengthen previous studies outlined in the DeKalb Unified Plan and the continued focus on integrating strategies to address the complex and interconnected community needs along with an ever-developing approach to sustainability. The remaining funding commitment of $52,128.44 will be requested for Board of Commission approval in 2025.
NEED/IMPACT:
A Conservation Village and Hamlet approach to development offers a good balance to both developers and neighborhoods in DeKalb - providing a bonus development yield for the developer while offering additional green space, healthy walkable destinations, and additional missing middle housing for neighborhoods - a much needed win/win. Our DeKalb County deserves opportunities and spaces to live healthier, happier, and more fulfilled lives. This concept's objective is to inspire, educate and empower people to grow healthy food, enjoy thriving communities and give back to the earth.
In 2022, District 6 funding was appropriated for Phase I-to promote DeKalb County Pedestrian Neighborhood. The previously approved scope of work has also helped inform certain aspects of the Dekalb Unified Plan. In 2023, agenda item 2023-0653 for District 6 funding was appropriated for Phase II for an overall County-wide assessment to Phase II which will focus on the areas identified to set up active development opportunities and partnerships.
In Phase III the team will focus on creating presentations of Conservation Village Criteria, neighborhood equity menus, and host several workshops and presentations to advocate and educate on the benefits, mechanisms, and application of Village Conservation Districts (VCD) as well as engage community members and gather critical feedback. The team will also highlight existing initiatives and future opportunities for VCD pilot projects and Citizen Farmer activation sites.
The proposal is attached.
FISCAL IMPACT:
FY 2024: Increase appropriations for the following account by the amount indicated below: District 6 Reserves Non-Departmental - Unincorporated Fund - Other Miscellaneous Payments (09130.573099.272.0000.0000) -
$10,000.00
Decrease appropriations for the following account by the amount indicated below:
Non-Departmental - Unincorporated Fund - Reserve for Appropriation (09130.579002.272.0000.0000) -
$10,000.00
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the 2024 allocation of $10,000.00 from the D6 Reserve for Appropriations for the retainer to begin work on the Phase III - Part 1 Study Village Conservation Community Strategic Plan and authorize the Chief Executive Officer or his designee to execute all necessary documents.