Since a few folks have voiced concern about the completion of Decatur’s city-wide wi-fi, I asked the city for a status update. Asst. City Manager Andrea Arnold was good enough to write up a response within a few hours…how’s that for service!

The City rolled out the network service in phases with the core downtown and Agnes Scott College being in phase I and the Ponce de Leon corridor being phase II. The remaining areas fall into phase III which is much more difficult to service than phases I and II due to foliage, topography and a general lack of tall facilities on which to place the wireless radios.

In fact, due to the challenges we encountered in phase III, Cisco engineers have been in the city for the past few weeks making adjustments to the wireless radios and the related software. This work has been pretty disruptive to the overall network and has resulted in service outages and intermittant signals. The bottom line is that there are about 12 more wireless radios that need to be installed, additional antennae need to be installed to cover deadspots where possible, and testing needs to be performed.

Barring any unforeseen problems, the network should be operational by early October, if not sooner. This is later than anticipated, but considering this network is the first of its kind in the State, the delays are understandable in hindsight. The City approached this project as ‘wireless pioneers’ with the intent to serve as a model for other communities that are interested in implementing wireless networks. We certainly have a long list of lessons learned and advice for other communities across the country who may be embarking on similar projects.

…the signal will not be broadcasting consistently until the whole network is up and running in early October. So, folks will want to wait a few weeks before running outside with their laptops.

If people would like more information on the network, there is information on the website at www.wirelessdecaturga.com or they may email me directly at .

[Decatur Metro doesn't condone running with laptops. Please exercise responsibly.]

Many have wondered when/if the city of Decatur would officially join the online discussion, allowing for public input outside the commission room.  Well that time is nigh upon us my overly vocal contemporaries.

The city is currently working on a 3-month pilot project with Peak Democracy through the Alliance for Innovation to bring Decatur civic issues online sometime next month.  (Apparently, we were one of ten cities picked nationwide because we’re so civic-ly inclined.  So be proud. )

But this isn’t a traditional blog, thankfully.

Instead, here’s the way it will work.  The city will post an issue on the Peak Democracy site, with potential “pros” and “cons”.  Then each resident will have the opportunity to vote “yes” or “no” on the issue and attach a comment.  But you only get to comment once.  So its a lot more difficult for things to get out of hand…though I have to assume that if you started dropping f-bombs regarding your dislike of artificial turf at DHS or the heartless cyclist that made you late for pilates class, your comment would be deleted or blocked.  Also, I believe (though not confirmed) that residents will have to use their real names, which might restrain comments a bit.

As Linda Harris noted in an email about the program, the city doesn’t see this form of feedback ever taking the place of public participation, but hopefully will enhance it.  Also, those afraid to speak amidst their rabid neighbors (I know people often mistake my salivary gland problem for uncontrollable anger) might be more willing to voice their opinion.

Personally, I believe this is a smart compromise for the city.  They are able to get the issues out there and gauge opinion, but don’t have to do much moderating.  They can happily leave that fun to me and other Decatur bloggers.

This will be a three month test initially.  After that, the city will provide feedback to Peak Democracy about the site, since it sounds like its still in a beta-phase.  In turn, Peak Democracy will provide the city with a report about residents’ comments.  (Perhaps this is something that can be submitted during city commission meetings?) Then we’ll see where it goes.

I’ll let everyone know once the first questions are posted.

In a post over on the Wordsmiths blog, Zach announces the success of their fund-raising campaign, which will help keep the bookstore open through the fall.

In a rather measured celebratory statement to his readers, Zach writes…

There is still much for us yet to do.  We have operating expenses caught up and have made some traction into tomorrow, but we will still be working on paying down our debts for the foreseeable future.  I would be remiss to state that all is well and that we are completely in the clear, though we are at least now in a position to address our concerns.  I am still working to secure the long-term future of the bookstore and will be open to investment of any level up to that of a partnership in the business.  I would like to have investment in the business secured sometime in the coming 90 days, so if you are interested, please email me or call the store to discuss the prospect.

Since there is no mention about hitting 100% of the funds needed, we’ll have to assume they didn’t quite make up the 40% needed over the two-day fundraiser.

And while some may question the action of a for-profit business asking for donations, you have to be impressed by the response they’ve received.  Early on, someone questioned the focus Wordsmiths placed on PR…well, when push came to shove, the huge network they had created after only a year in operation saved them from some bad decisions and ultimately closing…for now.

But now the pressure is on.  Over the next few months we’ll just have to wait and see how things play out.

DHS Teacher, Chris Billingsley, writes in about a DHS fundraiser at Maddy’s tomorrow night that will help raise money for the Close Up Club’s trip to D.C. for the ’09 inauguration.

The Decatur High School Close Up Club is hosting a “DHS Close Up Night At Maddys” on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 5:00 to 8:00.  Maddys (1479 Scott Blvd, Decatur, GA 30030 ) will donate a portion of the receipts to help 18 DHS students pay (really parents) for a week of citizenship and government study in Washington, D.C. during the 09 inauguration.  Students have completed two service projects in Decatur at the Glenn Creek Nature Preserve and the Decatur Cemetery and plan on doing other service projects to help raise money for the trip.  Come to Maddys to enjoy some great barbeque, good friends, and help a great group of kids.

Sounds like a once in a lifetime week in D.C. for the students…plus you know you were already thinking about Maddy’s anyway.  Why not just give in to the inevitable?