OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Meeting - April 28, 2026

Board of Commissioners & Committees — Tuesday, April 28, 2026
BodyDekalb County, Georgia
SessionBoard of Commissioners & Committees
DateTuesday, April 28, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:11:55

Transcript — Verbatim
0:10

Good morning, everybody, and welcome to the Board of Commissioners meeting for April 28th, 2026.

0:16

I am presiding officer and District 4 Commissioner Shekira Johnson.

0:20

We will get started with our agenda, starting with our inspirational speaker, Reverend Dr.

0:26

Dirley.

0:27

If you'd like to start making your way to this front podium for us, please.

0:34

Reverend Dr.

0:35

Gerald L.

0:36

Dirley is widely recognized as a global ambassador for civil rights, environmental justice, and faith-based leadership with a distinguished career expanding education, psychology, interfaith engagement, and public service.

0:50

Today it is both an honor and a privilege to recognize a national leader and a friend of the Cab County whose life's work has shaped movements, strengthened communities, and challenge all of us to strive for a better, strive for better, a civil rights advocate, a pastor, a bridge builder, and a steadfast champion for both people and the planet.

1:12

Reverend Dr.

1:13

Gerald L.

1:14

Dirley has been a powerful force for change from his service during the civil rights movement to his global work through the Peace Corps and through decades of leadership across Metro Atlanta.

1:25

Throughout it all, he has remained unwavering in his commitment to justice for all.

1:30

As we observe Earth Month and confront the urgent moral imperative of climate change, it is especially fitting to welcome him today to share a message of inspiration, reflection, and hope.

1:42

Good morning, sir.

1:46

No, I'll stand already?

1:52

Good morning.

1:54

Thank you for being with us.

1:55

Good morning.

1:56

Good morning.

1:58

I'm moving a little slow.

2:01

Lee because I just got out of the hospital about eight hours ago.

2:06

Oh.

2:07

And uh because this means so much, I said I would come.

2:12

I had no idea on Friday that I'd be dehydrated and that I would have a blood clot in my left leg go to my lungs.

2:24

And so they released me at uh yesterday around eight o'clock, and I said, No, I'm not coming.

2:31

I don't care if it is the Kelp County or not, I'm not coming.

2:35

But I wanted to come, Terry's such a good friend.

2:38

But let me say good morning, Chair Johnson, Commissioners, friends, distinguished guests, and citizens of DeKelb County.

2:48

It is both an honor and a sacred responsibility to stand before those of you who've been entrusted to shape the direction, the future of this county.

3:00

When I think about it, DeKalb County is more than an infrastructure budgets and policies.

3:05

It is families, it is hope in motion.

3:08

It is prayers whispered in the early morning and dreams carried into long days and hard nights.

3:14

And whether spoken or unspoken, many of those hopes are placed in you.

3:20

The planet is depending on you.

3:23

1970, they came out with Earth Day.

3:27

Fifty-six years ago, they talked about the planet and what it meant and what it means, and how God created something that was so important for all of us.

3:38

Yet we treat it like a rental car.

3:42

And so the pardons of your coming together this morning, and all the policies are so important.

3:50

So I'm glad to be here because leadership at its highest level is not just administration, it's spiritual stewardship.

3:58

I never thought that I would be involved in climate change, global warming, not me.

4:05

Not Mrs.

4:06

Dirley's boy.

4:07

Not a kid in 1960 who started with another kid named John Lewis.

4:13

He was an old man.

4:14

He was 20.

4:15

I was 18.

4:16

Jesse was 18.

4:19

Andy Young was 28.

4:21

This next week I'll be 84 years old.

4:24

So uh with all of all of those times, we never thought when we were fighting for civil and human rights, how important the climate and environmental rights were.

4:36

So what I began to understand was that we must begin to combine our environmental justice with our civil rights and our human rights because everyone has a constitutional right to clean energy, clean water, clean air.

4:54

But what could I care about a polar bear who couldn't make it to the next glacier?

4:58

Mine was about injustice.

5:00

Mine was about situations that destroyed individuals.

5:04

But a young lady came to Atlanta about 20 years ago, and she wanted to work with young teenage black girls.

5:12

And she said, Would you come with me to address a group of people?

5:17

So I said, okay.

5:19

I didn't know the young lady.

5:21

You never know where you're put in a certain situation at a certain time to make a difference in people's lives.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Homelessness████████████12%
Environmental Protection███████████11%
Procedural███████████11%
Public Engagement█████████9%
Procurement Policy█████████9%
Data Center Regulation███████7%
Ethics And Governance█████5%
Public Safety████4%
Transportation Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Meeting - April 28, 2026

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on April 28, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM. The meeting featured an inspirational address by Reverend Dr. Gerald L. Durley, proclamations recognizing Earth Month and the late Kathy Register, public comments on data centers, homelessness, and infrastructure, and a lengthy agenda of consent items, discussion items, and votes. The board approved the 2026 tax anticipation notes, a resolution on the unhoused support plan, and numerous funding allocations, while deferring several data center-related items and other ordinances.

Consent Calendar

  • Traffic calming petition (Item 2026-0522) on Post Road Pass between Martin Road and Lost Creek Circle East: approved with 68.75% property owner support, cost to county $15,100.
  • Standardized T-hanger lease termination (Item 2026-0664) with Bruce Bryce Angle at no cost: approved.
  • Approval of minutes (Item 2026-0763) of the April 12, 2026 Committee of the Whole: approved.
  • District 1 event management (Item 2026-0746): $125,000 appropriation approved.
  • District 2 reserve (Item 2026-0721): $10,000 to Compassionate Atlanta for Creature Corner at Compassion Con: approved.
  • District 5 ARP interest (Item 2026-0727): $50,000 (substitute from $100,000) to Decatur Legacy Project Inc. for Phase 2 of the John Lewis memorial: approved.
  • District 5 beautification (Item 2026-0749): $50,000 from ARP interest for mini-grant program: approved.
  • District 6 reserves (Items 2026-0686, 2026-0743): $10,000 to NIA's Place supervised visitation center and $5,000 to Divine Georgia for invasive species removal at Anderson Family Cemetery: approved.
  • CEO intern position (Item 2026-0706): $50,000 grant from ACCG-Civic Affairs Foundation: approved.
  • Minutes of April 14, 2026 BOC meeting (Item 2026-0688): approved.
  • Juvenile court grants (Items 2026-0645, 2026-0648): $6,000 and $28,080 from Criminal Justice Coordinating Council: approved.
  • Victims of Crime Act grant (Item 2026-0695): $122,528 from Prosecuting Attorneys Council: approved.
  • Superior court drug court grant (Item 2026-0660): $16,200 from CJCC: approved.
  • Calendar modification (Item 2026-0633): Public hearing date for July BOC zoning meeting changed from July 23 to August 13, 2026: approved.
  • Committee areas of responsibility (Item 2026-0729): Updated to move animal services to ERPS and fleet to PWI: approved.
  • Pet shop ordinance (Item 2026-0728): Deferred two weeks to May 12 BOC.
  • Tire tip fees (Item 2026-0744): Resolution to adjust to $1 deferred two weeks.
  • 2026 Summer Food Service Program (Item 2026-0602): Substitute deferred to May 12.
  • Watershed sewer upgrades (Items 2026-0661, 2026-0662): Approved with contributions from Wesley Woods Senior Living ($591,500) and Reldan Development LLC ($922,500).
  • Scrap tire littering resolution (Item 2025-0683): Deferred two weeks.
  • BOC standing rules review (Item 2024-0842): Deferred to May 26.
  • Animal restraint ordinance (Item 2026-0596): Deferred two weeks.
  • Public safety vagrancy ordinance (Item 2026-0550): Deferred to May 12.
  • Judge benefits resolution (Item 2025-1506): Deferred to May 26 pending state legislation.
  • AI Tech Dividend Fund (Item 2026-0158): Deferred to May 26, vote 5-1.
  • Data center baseline assessment (Items 2026-0244 and 2026-0245): Deferred to May 12.
  • Data center text amendment update (Item 2026-0341): Deferred to May 12.
  • Blasting operations ordinance (Item 2026-0218): Deferred two weeks.
  • 100 Black Men of DeKalb County (Item 2026-0551): Substitute approved allocating $15,000 (increased from $2,000) for legacy event.
  • Trade review commission report (Item 2025-1577): Deferred two weeks.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Christina Roberts (Camp Jewel House Academy, K-12 performing arts school) requested $90,000 to fund 100 of 200 students for a summer camp providing academic instruction, performing arts, and field trips, serving youth from Districts 3, 5, and Super District 7.
  • Lance Robertson (Natson Hotel Group, Director of Government Affairs) reintroduced his company, affirmed support for hotel-motel tax, education on human trafficking, and offered to partner on housing solutions via voucher programs for the unhoused.
  • Jan Dunaway (DeKalb Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor) criticized the data center text amendment, arguing closed-loop cooling still uses ~100,000 gallons of drinking water daily for blowdown/leaks; expressed concern about hazardous chemicals, drought conditions (Level 1 restrictions), and the consent decree extension not meeting 2027 deadline. Called for public disclosure and accountability.
  • Gina Mangum questioned how hyperscale data centers contribute to the environment and raised transparency concerns about the Shadow Box development, alleging it was presented as a done deal at a Metro CID luncheon. She noted a $1,000 contribution to Robert Patrick while on the Decide DeKalb board and demanded clear industry terminology and a proper public hearing timeline.
  • Jackie Malcolm (District 3, near Cedar Grove) opposed three proposed data campuses within a 3–5 mile radius, stating community meetings showed no support. She questioned whether Shadow Box and Black Hall Studios are separate projects and demanded transparency on approvals.
  • Larry Foster (48-year resident, civic activist) criticized Commissioner Robert Patrick for supporting PDK Airport expansion, referencing a 2019 crash and a 2021 master plan vote. He accused Patrick of ignoring resident concerns and called for accountability.
  • Mr. Benny criticized commissioner behavior, citing unprofessional conduct, use of call-to-vote mechanisms, and delays on subpoena power requests. He urged maturity and progress on long-pending agenda items.
  • Miss O'Neill (Larksburg Terrace) reported a fatal USPS truck crash at a dangerous intersection, requested speed humps, noted difficulty obtaining signatures due to high renter population, and asked for sidewalks on La Mesa to Glenmar. She thanked the CEO and police for closing Glenwood Nightmare Day and criticized the court system for dismissing code enforcement fines.
  • Sue Sullivan (Director, Park 500 transitional housing) and Sherry McCoy (Blessing Bags of Warm) supported the Unhoused Plan, urged faster implementation, and noted a day center needs discussion.
  • Maryl Siddley praised the Unhoused Plan but warned against delays from incorporating it into the comprehensive plan; she also noted difficulty finding parking at the meeting.
  • Shelley Fine (Home for Everyone in DeKalb) advocated for a non-congregate shelter for families, emphasizing the need for stability and the cycle of homelessness.
  • Judy Kelly (37-year resident, District 3) described a long-standing water drainage issue from a 1996 agreement with the county, claiming the county failed to maintain drainage infrastructure, causing flooding and property damage. She expressed frustration after years of unreturned calls and lack of action, and symbolically offered to return the pipe.

Discussion Items

  • Inspirational Address & Proclamations: Rev. Dr. Gerald L. Durley spoke on purpose, pressure, and power, urging commissioners to lead with integrity. The board declared April 28, 2026 as DeKalb County Climate Champion Day and presented Dr. Durley with the inaugural Climate Champion Award. They also proclaimed April 28, 2026 as Kathy Holt Register Day, honoring the late district director for Congressman Hank Johnson, who secured over $100 million in relief for constituents.
  • Unhoused Support and Services Plan Resolution (Item 2026-0385): Commissioner Long Spears introduced a substitute resolution urging consideration of eight recommendations from the unhoused support plan as part of the broader housing plan. The resolution reaffirms current housing strategies and establishes implementation expectations. Dr. Ferguson, Chief Housing Officer, outlined a scope of work for two interagency work sessions to assess feasibility, legal permissibility, and financial viability. The board adopted several friendly amendments, including clarifying that the governing authority developed the comprehensive plan, correcting a funding reference to 2025, and renaming the behavioral health work group to stakeholder group. The resolution passed.
  • Tax Anticipation Notes (TAN 2026) (Item 2026-0668): The board approved a substitute resolution authorizing the issuance of $142,300,000 in TANs due December 15, 2026, to PNC Bank at a net interest cost of 3.10% (all-in true interest cost 3.16%). The treasurer noted that five banks bid, with rates ranging from 3.10% to 3.42%, reflecting lower interest rates compared to the previous year.
  • Data Center Regulations: Multiple items related to data center regulations were deferred to the May 12 BOC meeting, including a baseline assessment (Items 2026-0244, 0245) and a request for a planning department update (Item 2026-0341). Commissioner Terry expressed openness to amendments. Commissioner Bolton called for stipulations on reputable references for any third-party analysis.
  • On-Call HVAC Contract (Item 2026-0278): The board approved a substitute increasing contract funds from $300,000 to $1,458,437 to support HVAC repairs at health facilities, using previously allocated SPLOST funds. The CEO noted that multiple contractors (B&W Mechanical, Galgan HVAC, Man Mechanical) were added to expedite work.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved the Unhoused Support and Services Plan resolution (Item 2026-0385) with amendments.
  • Approved the Tax Anticipation Notes (Item 2026-0668) for $142,300,000 to PNC Bank at 3.10%.
  • Approved the traffic calming petition (Item 2026-0522) on Post Road Pass.
  • Approved numerous consent agenda items, including funding allocations for summer camp, NGO support, and infrastructure contracts.
  • Deferred multiple data center-related items (2026-0244, 0245, 0341) to the May 12 BOC meeting for further committee discussion.
  • Deferred the blasting operations ordinance (Item 2026-0218) and the animal restraint ordinance (Item 2026-0596) for two weeks.
  • Deferred the public safety vagrancy ordinance (Item 2026-0550) to May 12.
  • Deferred the judge benefits resolution (Item 2025-1506) and the AI Tech Dividend Fund (Item 2026-0158) to May 26.
  • Approved a substitute for Item 2026-0551, allocating $15,000 to 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.
  • Deferred the trade review commission report (Item 2025-1577) to the next meeting.
  • Noted that the board will address rule changes regarding time limits at the next meeting.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning, everybody, and welcome to the Board of Commissioners meeting for April 28th, 2026. I am presiding officer and District 4 Commissioner Shekira Johnson. We will get started with our agenda, starting with our inspirational speaker, Reverend Dr. Dirley. If you'd like to start making your way to this front podium for us, please. Reverend Dr. Gerald L. Dirley is widely recognized as a global ambassador for civil rights, environmental justice, and faith-based leadership with a distinguished career expanding education, psychology, interfaith engagement, and public service. Today it is both an honor and a privilege to recognize a national leader and a friend of the Cab County whose life's work has shaped movements, strengthened communities, and challenge all of us to strive for a better, strive for better, a civil rights advocate, a pastor, a bridge builder, and a steadfast champion for both people and the planet. Reverend Dr. Gerald L. Dirley has been a powerful force for change from his service during the civil rights movement to his global work through the Peace Corps and through decades of leadership across Metro Atlanta. Throughout it all, he has remained unwavering in his commitment to justice for all. As we observe Earth Month and confront the urgent moral imperative of climate change, it is especially fitting to welcome him today to share a message of inspiration, reflection, and hope. Good morning, sir. No, I'll stand already? Good morning. Thank you for being with us. Good morning. Good morning. I'm moving a little slow. Lee because I just got out of the hospital about eight hours ago. Oh. And uh because this means so much, I said I would come. I had no idea on Friday that I'd be dehydrated and that I would have a blood clot in my left leg go to my lungs. And so they released me at uh yesterday around eight o'clock, and I said, No, I'm not coming. I don't care if it is the Kelp County or not, I'm not coming. But I wanted to come, Terry's such a good friend. But let me say good morning, Chair Johnson, Commissioners, friends, distinguished guests, and citizens of DeKelb County. It is both an honor and a sacred responsibility to stand before those of you who've been entrusted to shape the direction, the future of this county. When I think about it, DeKalb County is more than an infrastructure budgets and policies. It is families, it is hope in motion. It is prayers whispered in the early morning and dreams carried into long days and hard nights. And whether spoken or unspoken, many of those hopes are placed in you. The planet is depending on you. 1970, they came out with Earth Day. Fifty-six years ago, they talked about the planet and what it meant and what it means, and how God created something that was so important for all of us. Yet we treat it like a rental car. And so the pardons of your coming together this morning, and all the policies are so important. So I'm glad to be here because leadership at its highest level is not just administration, it's spiritual stewardship. I never thought that I would be involved in climate change, global warming, not me. Not Mrs. Dirley's boy. Not a kid in 1960 who started with another kid named John Lewis. He was an old man. He was 20. I was 18. Jesse was 18. Andy Young was 28. This next week I'll be 84 years old.

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