In it’s own narrative section (pages 16-18), Decatur’s Active Living division discusses ways it will be cutting back (aka identifying “cost savings”) in the coming year, including finding more efficient options for large program registration events, reducing the use of paper and office supplies, and looking for more partner opportunities to share costs.

For the 09-10 budget year, the Active Living Division’s four budget priorities focus mainly on maintenance and repairs, along with a new storage building.  Here’s the quick rundown.  Full descriptions for each priority can be found after the jump.

1. Priority One: Storage building with restroom for Ebster Field.
2. Priority Two:Fencing for the small softball field at Oakhurst Park and a bin for special infield dirt material for both Oakhurst softball fields.
3. Priority Three:Re‐paint and fix cracks at the heavily used basketball courts at Oakhurst Park, Ebster Park, and Mead Road Park.
4. Priority Four: New fencing at the McKoy Skate Park.

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Asst. Superintendent Thomas Van Soelen forwards another note from the superintendent.  This one seems to leave the door a bit more open for potential furlough days later in the school year.

We are reviewing the situation. While we do not wish to cut short the work of our teachers and staff, the serious nature of the economic picture may require that we take this step. We are exploring the options. At this time, should we consider the reduction of work calendars, as suggested by the Governor, we will plan forward so the days in question can take place the latter part of the year.

Lynne writes in with details about a new annual Decatur/DeKalb YMCA 5k run/walk in Oakhurst, branded the “Fall Five”, which will help provide funding for College Heights’ after-school and camp scholarships.  Here are many of the details, straight off the website.

The Decatur-DeKalb YMCA will host its first ever Fall Five, a 5K and Tot Trot on September 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. to benefit it’s Partner With Youth program with proceeds going directly to College Height’s Early Childhood Learning Center in Oakhurst.

The YMCA Fall Five will provide partial funding for College Heights’ after school programs and scholarships for sending children to camps.

Race route begins and ends at Harmony Park at the intersection of East Lake Drive and Oakview Road in Oakhurst. The route runs through residental streets in Oakhurst and is mainly flat with rolling hills. Water stations are located along the route.

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After the jump, you’ll find details on the top four budget priorities for Decatur’s Community & Economic Development Department (pages 10-15 of the Budget Narrative doc).  Here’s a top level summary…

1. Priority One: Complete the Update of the City’s Website.
2. Priority Two: Partner with the Tourism Bureau and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority to target advertising and marketing to attract visitors, support programs to retain existing retail and restaurant businesses and maintain clean, attractive and inviting commercial districts
3. Priority  Three: Develop A Community Arts Master Plan.
4. Priority Four: Purchase new, [small electric truck] for Parking Enforcement.

The Arts Master Plan description sounds especially intriguing.  It specifically mentions the new, centrally located auditorium at DHS and Agnes Scott’s desire to “make certain” that in expanding and improving their own arts facilities, they incorporate the community’s arts needs and identify “possible opportunities for developing joint-use off-campus facilities”.

The mind tingles with anticipation to know what these potential “off-campus facilities” could be.

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Steve at Taste writes in…

I was always a fan of Button Cakes Cupcakes and when I heard about Viola closing I had an idea. Now that idea has come true.

Taste in Decatur now has a full cupcake case. Holly, the baker, brings them in fresh every morning. The waste is donated to a homeless shelter. So far we have sold out almost everyday by 3 or 4 pm. We up upping our quotas to meet demand. These cupcakes are fantastic. There are very few baked goods in Atlanta that will call your name in the middle of the night. These will.

One Decaturite helping another. Holly is thrilled to have her case in our store and so are we. Her website lists the flavors available theoretically but anyone can call us for a daily flavor list @ 404 370 1863.

You can also purchase Button Cakes Cupcakes at Cafe Cliche on West Ponce.

Just in…

On Monday, July 27, 2009, two burglaries occurred at Talley Street Lofts. After receiving tips from a resident, Decatur Police officers arrested three suspects who are allegedly responsible for the burglaries. All items stolen in the burglary were recovered.

The suspects are not Decatur residents.

This case is still under active investigation.

…you dream about it.  Paula writes in…

HI DM –

I just had to tell you about this funny dream I had last night. In it, I went outside to discover that both our cars had been stolen, with one being driven off as I walked outside. I went back into the house to try and call the police, and I kept getting transfered, disconnected, put on hold, etc. I was getting really upset with the delay, especially considering that the perpetrators had just driven off, and I said to my husband in the dream: “Just wait till I tell Decatur Metro about this!!”