5 Things To Know From April 5 Decatur City Commission Meeting

DECATUR, GA — Alcohol awareness, monarch butterflies, Truckin' Tuesdays, an inclusive playground and a strategic plan were all among the varying topics of discussion at the April 5 Decatur City Commission meeting.

Here's what you need to know:

1. An accessible, inclusive playground is in the plans for Legacy Park

The Decatur City Commission approved a request to ask DeKalb County for a Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG, for the installation of an accessible and inclusive playground at Legacy Park.

While the city has installed inclusive playground equipment at several city parks, this will be the city's first playground totally dedicated to children with disabilities and their caregivers, regardless of physical and mental ability. The city would contribute $112,000 for site work, shipping and installation, and is requesting an additional $145,000 in the CDBG for playground equipment costs.

2. Truckin' Tuesdays is making a comeback

Decatur City Commission members unanimously approved a temporary beverage license for Legacy Decatur to serve beer and wine at Truckin' Tuesdays this year.

Read more: Decatur City Commission OKs Truckin' Tuesdays Return In May

3. Destination: 2030 strategic plan update

The city of Decatur is undergoing its strategic planning process, which provides a framework for how the city will plan its next 10 years, from racial equity and public transportation to affordable housing and climate change.

The city asked for public input on the strategic plan vision and mission statements via a survey, which ended April 4. City staff will gather the results and present draft ideas at a future city commission work session, officials said Monday.

Residents can still participate in virtual forums and provide input for the strategic plan online here.

4. Monarch Butterfly Day is on the April calendar

Mayor Patti Garrett designated April 24 as Monarch Butterfly Day, and signed the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge. The NWF's monarch butterfly pledge for mayors across the U.S. is designed to help get cities to prioritize saving the monarchs as their populations decline.

The city will launch a Milkweeds for Monarchs program and has already established a pollinator garden on Willow Lane for butterflies and bees to use.

5. April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Garrett acknowledged April as Alcohol Awareness Month, and focused specifically on the concerns of youth alcohol consumption in Decatur. About 42 percent of high school-aged youth in Decatur reported drinking alcohol in the last 30 days, per the 2020 Georgia Student Health Survey, which Garrett cited as one of her points of concern.