And thank you for joining us.

Joining us for our ERPS committee meeting.

This is employee relations and public safety.

I am Ladina Bolton, the chair of the ERPS committee.

Also on this committee is Commissioner Nicole Masaya and Commissioner Marita Davis Johnson, who will not be joining us at this time.

But we also have Commissioner Patrick and Commissioner Terry joining us for today's committee meeting.

All right.

So to get started, we're gonna go ahead and jump into our agenda.

First item is 2026 0803.

These are the minutes from April 21st.

Have committee members had an opportunity to review the minutes?

Yes, madam chair, and I move to approve agenda item ending in 0803.

Second, all in favor?

Aye.

Recommendation for approval carries.

Moving down to our new agenda items on page one, beginning with public safety.

We have 2026 0808, all commissioned districts.

This is FY 2026 FIFA World Cup grant program and amount not to exceed 1 million four hundred and eighty-seven thousand thirty-seven dollars.

Motion to approve agenda item ending in 0808.

Okay, I'll second that, but do we have anyone to speak to this item to share a little bit about what it is?

Good afternoon, Chief Golden, Police Department.

Thank you for having me.

Uh yes, ma'am.

So the the agenda item is basically covering overtime for the officers that'll be used throughout the uh Atlanta metro area and any FIFA event that has been designated and approved.

Uh this will cover overtime for those officers as well as overtime for the administrative purposes to see that we're doing what we need to be doing.

And there's a couple items in there for uh equipment purchases that allow us to be effective and efficient.

Wonderful.

And is this for a specific time period?

Yes, it's only during FIFA, but whatever we have will be able to be used outside of FIFA once FIFA is over.

Okay, you you still reclaim those uh funds.

You don't have to return them.

Correct.

Wonderful.

Any other questions from committee members?

Just briefly, uh Madam Chair, thank you.

Um great afternoon.

Chief Captain.

Gee.

This isn't Chief.

Assistant Chief.

There we go.

That new title.

See, I wanted you to say it because it sounds great.

All right.

So in terms of purchasing of other items, um, have you identified items that you expect uh be able to purchase with it?

Yes.

Uh we do have uh some equipment that we'll be able to use in the event that we have to make an emergency entry depending on what the actions may be coming up coming upon come about.

Uh we also have some repelling gear that if we need to again get into a situation that we have to make an emergency entry into a location that might not be beneficial for us to go on foot.

And then there's some also some other items that we can get that will allow us to be able to, if we have to engage and deal with any threat to be able to minimize the noise and distraction so our officers can be more effective and efficient in dealing with the problem.

Thank you for that.

I appreciate it.

Glad to know, and I'm sure the citizens of DeCap County are as well that we're thinking ahead and planning and will have not just the ability to uh cover overtime administrative costs, but then also we'll have the right equipment ready.

So thank you for that.

I yield back to you, madam chair.

Any questions or comments from commissioners Patrick or Terry?

Mm-hmm.

Yes, thank you, madam chair.

It looks um like there's also some DEMA as well as fire safety in there, Chief Fulham.

Some smaller equipment purchases.

Yes, good afternoon, commissioners.

Um what the assistant chief spoke to was the lion's share of the of the grant, uh, but there are funds in there for DEMA.

That's a little over 100,000 for overtime as well, and then uh 141,000 uh for fire rescue.

Uh that's all equipment, and then uh for the medical examiners, there's 20,070 dollars, that's equipment also.

All the equipment had to be identified at the time of the grant submission, so it's all listed there.

So it's all listed there.

Gotcha.

Okay.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

And I just want to clarify for anyone watching.

This isn't necessarily for any activities surrounding World Cup, but during the duration of World Cup.

Is that correct?

That's correct, Commissioner.

This uh these funds were uh earmarked for FIFA for the event itself and and uh not outside that, even though in the case of the equipment, obviously, we'll be able to maintain that equipment or uh we'll keep that equipment.

Wonderful.

Thank you.

If there are no more questions or comments, we had a motion by Commissioner Masaya.

I seconded that motion to approve.

All in favor, aye.

Motion carries recommendation for approval.

Congratulations, sir.

Next item under police services is 2026-0438, all commissioned districts.

This is surveillance detection equipment, purchasing policy exemption for use by the Department of Police Services, consists of purchasing detection, mapping devices, and training for equipment awarded to Research Electronics International LLC amount not to exceed 122,395.

How are you doing?

I'm doing well.

You want to share with us a little bit more about what this is?

Yes, first of all, uh good afternoon, Commissioners Major Ferrera, DeCab County Police.

So this agenda item is for the uh it's a sole source purchase for surveillance detection equipment that would be used by select police personnel to conduct bug sweeps uh through the Maloof building and this location here at Sam Street.

Any questions from committee members?

No, just a great thank you.

Any questions or comments from commissioners?

No, okay, thank you.

So with that, do we have a motion for this item?

Glad to make a motion to approve agenda item ending in 0438.

Second, all in favor, aye.

Motion carries recommendation for approval.

Thank you, sir.

And we have two more police items.

Item 2026 0650.

All commission districts.

This is a renewal, contract number 13 79950 biohazardous police car cleaning service.

It's an annual contract, second renewal of two options for use by police services.

This contract consists of the cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting of police vehicles as needed.

This request seeks to exercise the second renewal option through June 30th, 2027, awarded to Doken Technologies LLC, amount not to exceed 45,000.

And you want to go ahead and share a little bit more about this one as well.

So this second renewal is needed for uh like you said, the uh cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting of police vehicles as needed.

Um officers uh encounter a variety of biohazard uh situations uh when they transport individuals.

So when that occurs, then this provides a mechanism to safely and effectively um resolve that situation.

And thank you for sharing that.

I think oftentimes uh many folks don't consider who writes in police vehicles.

Uh but because we did mention buyer hazardous, do you have to keep the bio the red or orange biohazard bags in the vehicle in the event maybe um accidents happen in the vehicle?

Uh there are there is PPE provided uh in the vehicle to try to provide a at least a first base layer protection uh for the officers and anyone else that might be uh coming in contact with uh whatever substance it is.

Okay.

Any other questions from committee members or commissioners?

No.

No, just you know, again, the thank you.

I agree with Madam Chair in that, and as this was being read, um you know, also thought that this isn't something that we regularly consider, and so that's something that our um our law enforcement have to deal with.

So, you know, thank you for bringing it to our attention.

Thank you.

Yes, ma'am.

Well, with that, do we have a motion for this item?

Motion to approve agenda item ending in 0650.

Second, all in favor.

I congratulation.

Motion carries recommendation for approval.

And the last of the police services is 2026-0682, all commission districts.

All commission districts.

This is also a renewal, contract number two zero zero zero two seven four.

Aviation fuel for police helicopters.

This is the annual contract, first renewal of two options for use by the Department of Police Services.

This contract consists of the purchase of aviation fuel for the county's police helicopters on an as-needed basis.

This request seeks to ratify a previously provided contract term increase.

This request further seeks to exercise the first renewal option through May 13, 2027, awarded to Perry Brothers Aviation Fuels LLC, amount not to exceed $75,000.

Go ahead.

Oh, yes, ma'am.

Um, this is only just because we have two, hopefully two helicopters that will be used.

Uh right now we have an increase in our our flight time due to our increased staffing, but we have two additional pilots that we're training.

And then once the second aircraft has completed and fixed, we will have two aircraft that would be available for use.

Wonderful.

Any other questions?

Commissioner Masaya.

Thank you so much, madam chair, uh, and assistant chief.

I thought we had three total helicopters.

Do we no ma'am?

Just two.

We just have two.

Okay.

And so we're expecting um because I believe that was one that was regularly used, but I thought the others were going under undergoing maintenance and things like that.

Yes, ma'am, one's in maintenance right now.

Okay, fantastic.

And after that, we'll have a fleet of two helicopters, and this um award will actually um resolve the the cost for fuel for both of them.

Correct.

Okay, all right, fantastic.

With that, I yield back to you.

Thank you.

Commissioner Patrick or Terry, did you have any questions or comments?

All right.

So with that, do we have a motion for this item?

Motion to approve agenda item ending in 0682.

Second, all in favor.

Aye.

Congratulations.

Recommendation carries for approval.

Moving down to police services and marshal's office.

Item 2026-0673, all commissioned districts.

This is a change order number one to contract numbers two zero zero zero four eight four, two zero zero zero four eight five, and two zero zero zero four eight six.

It's guns, ammunition, and accessories, an annual contract with five options to renew for use by the departments of police services and the marshal's office.

This contract consists of purchasing through the competitively let statewide contracts for guns, ammunition and accessories.

This request seeks to increase contract funds for police services awarded to Gulf States Distributors Inc., Dana Safety Supply Inc.

and Precision Delta Corporation.

Total amount not to exceed 265,000 dollars.

Okay, go ahead.

Yes, ma'am.

So this allows us the ability to be able to uh completely outfit our officers with uh the ammunition that they may need depending on the weapon type that they use.

As you know, we have a tactical unit that uses different weapons than this standard officer on the street.

So this allows us to be able to use uh these different uh vendors to be able to get the ammunition that we may need depending on the circumstances.

Okay, and you may be able to answer this, otherwise, Director Butler may need to just to clarify.

We're still on the first of five um year one of the five options to renew is just a change order because additional funds are needed.

Is that right?

Okay, I'm getting a hit not, yes.

Any other questions from committee members?

No, madam chair.

Commissioners.

All right, with that, do we have a motion for that item?

Motion to approve agenda item ending in 0673.

Second, all in favor.

Aye, congratulation.

Recommendation for approval carries.

We are now moving into facilities management, recreation, parks and cultural affairs, public works and transportation, roads and drainage, watershed, and planning and sustainability.

So everybody's getting theirs in right here.

On item 2026 0674, this impacts commission district five, change order number three to contract number one two five eight three three four soils and materials testing, surveying services and structural analysis.

This is a multi-year contract for use by the department of facilities and everyone I named previously.

This contract consists of providing geotechnical and geo-environmental evaluations for the engineering constructibility and/or potential environmental risks of multiple sites throughout the county.

This request seeks to increase contract funds to add the Department of Police Services awarded to Acura Engineering and Consulting Services Inc.

Amount not to exceed $37,360.

That was a mouthful.

Can you talk us through that again one more time?

Yes, ma'am.

So this agenda item is related to a previously approved capital improvement project for perimeter fencing for our firing range.

The increased funds are needed in order to conduct a survey of the property prior to initiating work.

Okay, thank you for that.

Any questions from committee members?

So just to understand, um, this is going to be for one facility and just to complete a survey so that we can go ahead and get fencing, additional fencing around okay.

That's correct, yes.

Okay.

Um and uh that's gonna presumably protect the community even more and the the um shooting range in and of itself, so wholeheartedly support and just wanting to make sure I was clear on that.

No further questions, Madam P uh Chair, thank you.

And for clarity, Acura Engineering and Consulting Services, were they already on the contract or they need it to be added as well in order to support police?

I believe that's an existing contract with Acura.

Yes, yes.

Okay, gotcha.

Any other questions from Commissioners?

Okay.

With that, do we have a motion for this item?

Motion to approve agenda item ending in 0674.

Second, all in favor, aye.

Congratulations.

Recommendation for approval carries.

Under fire rescue, we have item 2026 0476, all commission districts.

This is a renewal.

Contract number 137-7595, medical exam services.

This is an annual contract second renewal of four options to renew for use by the Department of Fire Rescue.

This contract consists of medical and mental health screening and evaluations of fire rescue personnel.

This request is to exercise the second renewal option through May 31, 2027, awarded to site Med North America LLC, amount not to exceed 350,000 dollars.

Yes, sir.

Hey, good afternoon.

How are you doing?

Very well.

This uh contract is for our cancer screenings for our firefighters.

Um, as you may know, uh firefighting exposes us to a lot of carcinogens, and what this does is just give us the preliminary tests so that if someone does come down with cancer, we're able to catch it earlier, obviously increasing their odds of surviving.

Wonderful.

And do our firefighters have to opt in to receiving this or is it a part of an annual evaluation?

So we do it annually, but it is not mandatory.

They do have an option to take the test if if they desire.

Any questions?

Just um thankful that we're having the foresight and the presence of mine and Chief Carter to actually um do detection for our um firefighters and fire rescue personnel ahead of time because when you do catch um you know cancer earlier, it increases the likelihood of survival.

So just thankful that you guys are thinking that far ahead for our folks.

So with that, I yield back to you, madam chair.

Any other questions or comments?

Commissioner Patrick or Terry.

Nope.

Okay, with that, do we have a motion for this item?

Motion to approve agenda item ending in 0476.

Second, all in favor, aye.

Congratulations.

Motion carries.

You're welcome.

Recommendation for approval.

Under fire rescue, fleet management and marshals office.

We have item two zero two six zero five two five.

This is also a change order number one two contract change order number one to contract number one three four two nine two seven.

These are decals for county vehicles.

It's an annual contract, second renewal of two options to renew or use by the department of police services, animal enforcement services, fire rescue, fleet management, and marshals office.

This contract consists of providing the production and installation of vinyl decals for county vehicles.

This request seeks to increase the contract term and funds through March 31st, 2027, awarded to AKO Signs Inc.

Amount not to exceed 137,500.

Go ahead, sir.

So yes, Commissioners.

This agenda item is directly related to the growth that we are experiencing.

In 2025, uh the DeCab County Police Department experienced a 9% net growth.

In addition to that, we experienced a 90% retention rate.

When you put both of those together, um, that's a positive sign for the growth of the department.

And it additionally, in 2026, we are seeing a similar trend uh through the the first quarter of the year, and our projections remain um consistent with that throughout the remainder of 2026.

So because of the additional uh personnel that we're adding and the need for vehicles for each one of them, uh that is the reason for this request.

Thank you, sir, and congratulations to the department on your 90 percent retention, 9% net growth.

Wonderful.

Uh and we just I recall we approved a contract to purchase a bunch of vehicles recently, so this was anticipated.

So I don't have any questions.

Does any other commissioner have questions?

Nope, no questions or comments.

Do we have a motion for this item?

Motion to approve agenda item ending in 0525 second.

All in favor, aye.

Motion carries recommendation for approval.

Thank you.

You're welcome, sir.

We will now let me see that if that's all the contracts.

Okay, we're gonna do switch to page four and go to fire rescue.

We have one more contract here before we get into uh the legislative items that require a little bit more discussion.

So under fire rescue, we have item 2026 0532.

This is for commission districts one, three, five, and seven.

It's an RFP request for proposals number two zero two five-142.

Fire station five, sixteen, and twenty-seven, a multi-year contract for use by the department of fire rescue to complete the construction of a new fire station in Tucker, Decatur, and Lithonia.

Recommend award to the highest scoring proposer, which is Cooper and Company General Constructors Inc.

Amount not to exceed 26,000.

Um 26 million 588,000 dollars.

Has this come back from audit?

Yes, we got a yes.

My apologies.

My apologies.

Yes, ma'am, it has come back from audit and it's been fully supported.

Okay, and I see we have a substitute.

The amount is the same on the substitute.

Um, can you just describe what the difference is?

Yes, uh, commissioners.

Um, we noted some typographical errors, so we wanted to make sure you had accurate information.

Those errors did not change the recommended awardee or any of the costs.

So the changes were correcting the errors noted with the LSBE.

So it was one of those was mentioned by Commissioner Terry.

Um, so we corrected that so everyone could see.

Um, the numbers are correct in the actual scoring process.

It just wasn't conveyed correctly on the documents that you have.

So we've fixed that problem.

Okay.

And while we have you, you I know you may need to run to your computer.

We have the total for all three.

Can we have the breakdown for each one?

The I'm sorry, when you say the total for all three, 26 million as the total for all three fire stations.

Oh, okay.

Individual stations of that one.

Yes, ma'am.

So all stations, they are roughly about the same right at 7 million is what they all came in at.

There are also some contingencies built into each one of those bills, but right at 7 million.

Okay, that's reassuring.

And the contingencies, is that based on location or specific requests?

No, ma'am, though those contingencies are for just those unforeseen things that could come up during construction, whether that be rising cost, whether that be we hit just some problems with uh just the construction itself, whether we hit rock and just more things that may need to be done.

And and that is something that is consistent with the majority of our splotch projects that we do.

Okay.

All right.

Any other questions regarding the substitute for this item?

I'm just understanding that you know sometimes you start getting into construction that you know the costs raised, and thankful of that uh station 16 that's coming at 4242 East Side Drive.

But at this point, it's not East Side Drive, it's author of Queen.

Gotta update it.

Author author clean drive.

So that is something that I suggest that we um make a change to.

But outside of that, I'm thankful that we got more fire stations coming to serve our community.

Thank you, Chief Carter.

Thank you.

I yield back to you, Madam Chair.

Yes, ma'am.

Uh Commissioner Terry.

Yes, thank you, Madam Chair.

Um chief, and these are basically the same template fire stations as the one on the Columbia Drive space to say.

It is controlled sign.

Yes, Ms.

Farrison.

Great, thank you.

Okay.

And we can go ahead and move on a motion for did you I'm sorry, Commissioner Patrick.

Uh yeah, thank you, Madam Chair.

Um, and with uh station five and Tucker, you guys are working with the city of Tucker.

I know they have some plans for trails in the area.

That's also part of uh you guys are ready for that.

So it's coming.

Okay, perfect.

Thank you, madam chair.

Okay.

All right.

So we we can move on this, but um, whenever you're ready, Director Butler, you can just come let us know what those numbers are.

I don't think that's okay.

That's fine, don't worry about it.

So we'll just go with approximately seven million a piece.

Go ahead.

Fantastic.

Yes.

Um motion to approve that friendly amendment to make sure that it um it reflects the accurate um name of the street, which is um author Queen Drive, um would be helpful.

But my motion is to approve the agenda item ending in 0532.

Second, all in favor, aye.

Motion carries recommendation for approval.

A lot of folks are gonna be really happy about this.

Thank you.

Thank you.

All right.

So we have our two district two items.

I know we are not gonna have discussion on those today.

We're waiting on some information to come back from legal, so I will read through them, but if we could um make the motion for attention, make the motion for uh deferral thereafter.

But item 2026 0596, all commission districts.

This is an ordinance to regulate the restraint and transportation of animals and for other purposes.

Okay do we have a motion for this item?

Motion to defer for 60 days.

Can I recommend a friendly amendment for 30?

Six.

Yes, sir.

He wants some help.

I do.

I know legals um working through it and helping.

My motion is my motion's for 60 days.

Thank you.

Uh understood.

I I understood the chair to ask if you would accept the friendly amendment to 30.

I read your silence is no.

So we're at 60, unless someone on the committee wants to make a substitute motion for 30.

We're the only two that are here.

You're not gonna come to a consensus then you don't have to have a recommendation.

Um the issue is how long your deferral is, you're between 30 and 60.

Okay.

So we so how and it it's gonna be deferred.

It has to be the deferred.

The proposal requested it, so we just don't put a just hold it in committee.

Okay, just hold it.

Then you don't have a time plan.

Okay.

Okay.

But we still have to vote to hold it in committee or correct.

Okay.

You can't agree to the time.

Can you agree to hold it in committee?

Nothing, excuse me.

Yeah.

If you can't agree, madam chair, then it'll just sit to your next meeting.

Okay, well, I will I'll go ahead and second the motion.

We we can wait 60 days.

I know she wants to bring in some guests anyway, and that'll give us time to reconvene and get our discussions ready for that time.

All in favor, uh.

All right, so item 2026 0728, all commissioned districts and ordinance to amend the code of DeCab County, Georgia, Georgia, chapter 5, to regulate the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops.

And this, we're not ready to have a discussion about this one either.

Do you have a motion?

Motion to defer for 60 days.

Second, all in favor.

Aye.

Aye.

Both items will be deferred until we are ready for those discussions.

Remaining, we do have two more items.

I'm going to go ahead and start with the district one item that has been lingering for some time.

This is also on page four.

Um 2025 0683, all commission districts to approve a resolution to address egregious littering and the illegal dumping of scrap tires.

Mr.

Allen, what you got for us.

Good afternoon, committee members, good afternoon, commissioners.

Thank you for your time today to briefly discuss.

I know we got about 30 minutes left in our program today and a couple other uh aspects.

You know, one presentation as well.

Uh but considering the legislation in front of us, uh sponsored by Commissioner Patrick.

Um, what staff has done has provided several documents in front of you.

So a presentation that I am prepared to present to you today, as well as a substitute document information that outlines some of the substantial recommendate recommended changes that staff has gone through with county administration as well as uh our law department, as well as uh some input from the district attorney's office.

Um so these documents in front of you are a packet.

The first page is the title page of your substitute, um, an ordinance to amend the code of DeCab County, Georgia, Chapter 22, Article 4 to address legal scrap tire dumping by revising sections 22-63, 66, 67, 68, 69, and for other purposes.

You also have a red line version of the proposed ordinance revisions, a clean version of the proposed ordinance revisions, followed by a physical copy of the actual presentation.

All right.

Notwithstanding any more preamble, let's get into it.

Um, I want to first of all thank um commissioners Patrick and Davis Johnson, also the co-sponsor on this legislation for uh their trust, their you know, um input, their feedback, as well as all commissioners in this process.

We've had several of the red lines incorporated that you'll see in front of you are from direct discussions that all commissioners have been given the opportunity to provide, um, and we've done our best to not only implement what you know commissioners are asking for, but also what can be done from an administrative level.

I will say there are still a couple more tweaks that need to be made from an administrative side, not from a legal side.

Um we're good there, um, but we want to make sure that all aspects from the code uh work well with the day-to-day implementation and processes involved, right?

So as we go into it, page one.

I'll go over the purpose of the legislation, notable administrative milestones is another aspect of this uh information.

Recent state legislation that has been put in place at the at the gold dome, followed by the actual proposed code amendments.

What I would propose that when we do have the discussion on code amendments, you will keep an eye on one, the presentation in front of you, either in front of your screen or physical hand, as well as the red line versions, because I'm gonna speak to both.

Your presentation is gonna give the layman's terms of what each individual change is, and the red line has the exact language involved.

So the purpose of this legislation is that you know, first of all, illegal scrap tire dumping is of course plaguing residential neighborhoods and business districts across the county and causing environmental public health and public safety challenges.

These proposed amendments strengthen regulations for scrap tire enforcement and establish updated penalties for unlawful dumping in unincorporated cab county.

Now, this legislation considers revisions within chapter 22, Article 4 of the County's code.

Now, while we are looking at some of the uh legislative aspects that can be uh considered by the board, I want to highlight the great work that our DeCab County administration has done, CEO Cochrane Johnson, County staff, um, county leadership, and partner and partnership with the Board of Commissioners for the funding of these uh notable initiatives as well.

But a few key uh highlights include the Digital Shield Initiative.

So since late 2025, uh the county has been using utilizing you know technology to track um you know certain vehicles.

Uh we've seen some vehicles frequently used in the dumping in hot spots, moving in and out of 42 identified uh hot spots within the county.

So DKPD has done a great job uh you know leveraging the technology in front of them to have you know we've we've seen at least 10 arrests in early 2026 alone as a result of this technology, and these things are put in place to deter crime.

We've also seen coordinated tire cleanups across DeCab County.

So in 2025 alone, the county removed over 37,000 tires at designated hot spots.

That's a stat that I'm sure you all are more than aware of, but just re reiterating here the the work that's already been done and is being done on a daily basis.

The appointment of a quote unquote tire czar, Commissioner Patrick, at the beginning of last year, uh you had in you know one of your goals was to ask the county to work on implementing a tire czar, and that has been accomplished.

Proud to say that public works director uh Robert Gordon is the uh point of contact when it comes to some of the coordination, some of the coordination that is being done and the uh the aspects of of working with internally with county departments county leadership to um have the code in force, as well as scrap tire amnesty days.

This past month, uh the county successfully held amnesty events, allowing residents to dispose of up to 10 tires for free at the tax commissioner's office.

So there were two specific events for that.

So just wanted to highlight those.

Job well done, the job is continuing.

On the state side, Senate resolution 610 was passed at the end of the legislative session, so adopted on March 31st, 2026.

SR 610 creates the Senate Study Committee on Improv and Increasing Recycling throughout the state.

There will be a heavy focus on uh key commodities, key commodities, including scrap tire legislation.

So from a DECAP standpoint, this will be a great opportunity for elected officials, key staff, and stakeholders to testify and advocate for enhanced state level funding to support our local enforcement efforts.

So more to come with that.

Um the Lieutenant Governor will be in the process of appointing the membership of that committee, and we hope to have some next steps and the hopeful start date by the summer of this year.

All right.

Next slide.

Here we are.

So in front of you, again, you have a couple of documents that we'll work through.

The physical copy of your presentation, followed by the actual red line versions.

So on page one, we can start with section 22-63, and really it's just adding a couple of definitions, adding the definition of a commercial purpose, which is outlined already in state law.

We're just bringing that into this county code, means for the purpose of economic gain, and then again uh on page two tire dumping hotspot.

We've added a specific definition for that for section 22-66 regarding accumulation.

So your reference sheet is what's going to be used again to outlay what is happening in the code.

But this amendment aligns with state code title 12 for the personal storage of scrap tires within any county, but for sp for the cab county specifically, we're aligning our ordinance with state code which recent which uh previously had that no person from a personal standpoint may store more than used to be 100.

We're reducing that to 25 scrap tires anywhere in the county.

And any person storing in excess of taking from 100 into 25, 25 scrap tires shall be deemed in violation of this part.

And the following exclusions apply regarding retail establishments, etc.

So we're just simply removing or adjusting the 100 aspect down to 25 for personal storage to align with state code.

So updating our our our code.

And as a side note, our code, I believe this is the first time we're doing a major update of this specific section in at least a couple of decades.

So there's been quite a few aspects to work through when it comes to what the previous process was to where we currently are.

So that's where that's why you see the red lines in front of you.

Section 22-67 under compliance.

This falls under page four of your red line into page five.

So subsection C8, that revision is that digital upload is now the primary method for submitting quarterly transport reports for uh scrap tire handlers, scrap tire handling businesses in the CAB County.

Um so your previous language did state a physical mailing address, which that mailing address has adjusted.

Um but the county will of course maintain not only a physical address, which is listed on page six that the count to the DeCab County Director of Public Works Beautification Unit Sanitation Division Administration Building on Leroy Scott Drive, but you also have the option of submitting quarterly transport reports through a dedicated county portal.

We have actually listed the online submission uh link, so you can actually click on that and uh be directly uh sent to that, and we'll discuss further online about um some of the some of the uh department feedback on that new subsection D, which is scrap tire generators in unincorporated CAP must show that they have an active relationship with the state permitted scrap tire processor and submit all previous quarterly reports as a mandatory condition for renewing their business license.

So we're cleaning up the code to ensure that uh prior to the renewal of any business license, they go through a specific process that um that you know coincides with the actual submission of transport reports.

So we have everything online.

All right, so that's in section D on page six of your red line.

Is this link that's here?

This form is already active.

The form is active and is being utilized currently.

Okay.

However, I will say one of the feedback that we received from county departments is that it may be best to keep this broad so that if the form does change from a leak link perspective, we're not hamstring to change the code every time that we're you know utilizing that.

So that's one of the the minor tweaks that we'll be making we'll be looking to make.

And we'll definitely have that ready as soon as possible.

So yeah, by the next time we discuss.

Thank you, sir.

Well, since we've um started discussing, are there any questions so far?

Okay.

Didn't you have anything?

No.

Okay, go ahead.

Okay.

Section 22 67 is what we've been discussing as we go forward into 22 68 enforcement.

Subsection A, which is on page six of your red line under enforcement.

Subsection A, there's there's been a revision.

This language clarifies that while the director of public works manages administrative enforcement, the county's constitutional arms, i.e.

the solicitor general and district attorney retain full authority to pursue criminal charges for severe violations.

So no change in the process, but this is just reiterating the levels of legality that will um that will be you know dispersed when there are certain enforcement mechanisms that preclude that.

That was a direct recommendation from Madam DA's office as well for that language.

Second new subsection C has been added that states the county shall maintain appropriate surveillance at strategic locations designated by the county is high frequency tire dumping hotspots to monitor vehicular traffic for illegal disposal activity.

So that has been added to ensure that for all hot spots that are identified, we keep a you know adequate amount of surveillance.

That was a specific recommendation from Commissioner Long Spears.

So if she's listening, we're listening to.

And that's being coordinated with police.

Yes, ma'am.

Well, with DKPD.

Okay.

Next section under 22-69, violations and penalties.

So that starts at the bottom of page six into page seven, and this is where the majority of the red lines exist, and we've essentially uh revamped this specific section itself.

And this section uh does have a couple of tweaks that um a couple of departments want to review further, and we'll discuss early.

I have a meeting early next week with uh some key stakeholders to ensure that we uh you know we align this well enough so that you know they can administer the notable changes.

So we'll begin with the violations and penalties.

These draft changes update the penalty structure for tire dumping.

The code will distinguish between minor personal disposal issues and more serious offenses to allow for educational enforcement where appropriate.

That is the um the crux of what has been requested by commissioners and what we're looking to accomplish as well.

So under number one, tire dumping for personal purposes, and there's a delay delineation between personal and commercial.

Subsection one includes a warning reviv provision that was uh recommended specifically from Commissioner Patrick.

So for a first violation of this article involving the dumping of two or fewer scrap tires, the enforcement officer may issue a written warning in lieu of a citation or fine, provided the violator removes the tires immediately or within a time frame specified by the county.

Right.

So that's one of the aspects we're actually gonna go back and review whether or not the specific number of tires need to be included.

Um but we'll be prepared to bring you all some updated language from a warning perspective.

Um but that's just some of the feedback that that we've gotten from that, just so you're aware.

Next red line number two.

For any violation of this article involving more than two scrap tires, the violator shall be subject to a penalty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine not to exceed 1,000 dollars or up to six months' imprisonment or both.

So where any offense or violation continues from day to day, each day's continuance thereof shall be deemed a separate offense.

The only change from uh current county code that has been made here is updating from uh was previously from 30 days of imprisonment up to six months imprisonment.

Uh we received a request, I believe, from Commissioner Davis Johnson to enhance that to ensure that you know we have the proper deterrence mechanisms in place wherever applicable, and state code allows counties to ensure that violations are punishable of the county code or punishable up to six months imprisonment or up to you know one thousand dollars per offense.

So that's the the extent of the law as currently stipulated.

Commissioner Terry.

Oh well, Commissioner Patrick.

Uh thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, thank you, Ted.

Uh, just to just for clarification, if someone drops a hundred or up, if someone drops more than two tires, that's a thousand dollar per tire.

So unless we can track those tires individually, and I know that's something that we've discussed as well.

If you can track the tires individually that says you have dumped those specific two tires, then that could be put in place.

But until until we get that technology in place, there's different RFID technology that we've discussed as well, where we can individually track those tires.

Um we'll look at that when when it is time.

But thank you.

That's the that's to come in the future.

So, Madam Chair.

Commissioner Terry.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Um yes, I'm good with the uh the first provision where the first violation of us, you know, two tires or less is a warrant a warning.

I think that's reasonable.

Um I might suggest maybe more of a step-up approach on the incarceration.

And the main concern is that if someone dumps three tires, they get, I guess, caught, they're arrested, they can't pay the thousand dollar fine.

Now they're in jail for six months.

And so the the unintended consequences of forcing someone to be in jail for six months, no income, losing their house, their job, and we basically have you know created another criminal justice, you know, injustice um in our county.

And so I'm wondering, Commissioner Patrick, if there's kind of a a step up where we stick for the first violation of you know, a significant tire dump.

We focus on what's allowable under state law.

Um, I think it was 30 days was the original yes.

So I might suggest keep that 30 days, and then there might be an escalator um for repeated violation.

I'm just concerned that we might arrest someone, and I guess at the end of the day, it's a solicitor that decides and the judge decides all that.

Um however, if we I believe within in the code, we can cap the punishment in terms of incarceration.

The county attorney does the discussion you're having should fit the context as I read the presentation of having a maximum fine of a thousand dollars and or up to six months of imprisonment.

Or both.

And or so and would be both, Commissioner.

Incorrect.

It could be both.

So the judge would determine punishment if there's a guilty ruling, whatever that punishment would be, would be up to the judge.

But what I understand you to now be suggesting at the end of this exchange with Mr.

Allen is perhaps the commission should consider a smaller punishment as a step before you get to the maximum possible.

For imprisonment.

I would keep the $1,000.

I think that's give the solicitor and judge that ability, but then maybe a second repeat violation within 12 months then escalates the imprisonment.

I interjected to make sure we had clarity on how the punishment works.

When you when you write the legislation and you have the maximum allowed, the judge has the discretion to slide.

If you're trying to lower the cap, that's a different discussion.

Okay.

I guess I would say uh as I recall, Commissioner Davis Johnson was was uh someone who liked this language here that was put in.

Um so perhaps I know this is coming back anyway.

Perhaps we have a conversation with uh Commissioner Davis Johnson and uh take her take on it.

Um I I I I see what you're saying.

I I uh I suspect I'm not sure the judges that we have here would necessarily do all of the potential uh punishments at one time.

Um but that's a conversation, Ruth.

I don't speak for judges.

I know.

I will confess I served as a judge in the former recorders court of the Cab County, a pro hack judge.

Okay.

And one of the things judges will look at is the totality of circumstances to impose what's an appropriate punishment.

That may be a fine that may be jail for six months, that may be both, I just want to be clear with all due respect to all four of you sitting on the dais right now.

A judge could look at this and for a defendant who could not pay the thousand dollars, there could be other considerations given for the judge to determine what would be appropriate to avoid what may be an excessive punishment in the judge's view.

Okay.

So it may be a lesser dollar amount.

It could be any number of things.

Okay.

I would just like to say to that if it were someone who were hungry and still in food or they needed diapers or formula for their child, I would understand wanting that sort of restorative justice pathway, but knowingly dumping, I I would like to leave that to the judges to determine based on the totality of the situation as opposed to us pre-determining what that is, because it says up to, and they may decide to do a day.

Um but I know Commissioner Massia wanted to make a comment as well.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair, and um very much appreciate the dialogue because again, with any ordinance is only as good as its enforcement or any policy, it's enforcement.

And so um I do share some of Commissioner Terry's concerns and um also recognize and appreciate Commissioner Davis Johnson's um desire to ensure how serious we are about tire dumping in DeCab County and how serious it has been.

It's not a victimless crime, if you will, and we've got to stop it.

It's costing us a lot of money to continue to clean up.

So I could appreciate that as well.

Um my thought would be that again, as commit as um I keep wanting commissioner instead of interim county attorney or county attorney.

Maybe you're gonna be a paper for us, it's all over with, but uh interim county attorney.

Hi, I'm Terry Phillips, I'm the interim county attorney.

Interim County Attorney Phillips.

Um, we identify what the maximum is.

And so that would be the um thousand dollars and I support and or up to um the six months of imprisonment, and obviously leave the discretion up to the judges.

Uh the other thing I would suggest we maybe consider, and I think this is going in line with maybe the um the step approach that um my colleague here to left suggested is that we um take into consideration whether someone is not that either is okay just dumping you know um uh a tire, you know, um on the side of the road, like say if they um actually repaired a tire and left that tire on the side of the road versus someone that is repeatedly um dumping tires to uh obscure from the cost and expense and the responsibility to properly dispose of multiple um tires, like if they're servicing uh customers, for instance.

So in terms of one, uh instead of involving two or fewer tires, my suggestion would be that we actually give a specific number and say, you know, um for the first violation involving one to six tires, right?

Or one to four.

Um six if someone I guess has a a truck or something like that, or you know, we could say one to four and to differentiate between someone that just you know jumped it that incense versus someone that's loading up a U-Haul track and dumping a bunch of um of tires, so that we change the subsection one, and then the same thing for two, and that um, you know, maybe it's based on the number of times of the violation, but still uh differentiates how many tires again to distinguish from somebody who may be um leaving a tire or two, not that it's okay, versus actually having um, you know, a tire shop or something like that and just not um properly disposing of them.

Um whatever that's worth.

And with that, I yield back to you, um, Madam Chair, and I know you had some comments.

Go ahead, Commissioner McThier.

Yes, thank you, madam chair.

Yeah, so I mean, I think I feel like we're on the same page here.

Uh I I I do think that because we are changing the law from 30 days to six months, basically what that is indicating, whether to judges or prosecutors or the public, is that we are putting forward a um a more punitive punishment in terms of incarceration.

Um I was on the board and supported the um the countywide equity plan, which was specifically about racial equity.

And I'm very aware that the gentleman who was arrested uh dumping tires on Proctor Avenue behind my house was caught by a flock camera.

He was almost 65 years old, an older African-American gentleman, someone who grew up during segregation.

So we cannot have a conversation about incarceration and expanding incarceration laws in DeCab County without first understanding the racial history behind how individuals got to that point in the first place.

So I would just say that if we're going to make a punishment that puts someone in jail for a longer period of time, we have to buttress it with restorative justice and a racial justice component.

I'm a progressive democrat.

I would like to remake DeCab County into a progressive enclave that respects racial justice and racial equity and recognizes that you send someone to jail, we're paying for it.

And in fact, actually we're making the criminal and crime problem more extensive.

Last point I'll make is we should interview the 13 individuals that were arrested for tire dumping and ask, why did you do it?

Is it because you had a criminal record you couldn't get a job and do anything else?

Do I really believe that someone dumping tires is an evil environmental terrorist?

Do I really think that someone is doing this kind of job because they want to dump tires?

They're doing it because they have no other option.

And we should be providing a pathway and recognition that individuals in that situation did not get there just because they felt like it was a good idea or because they're bad people.

They got there because of all of the decades and decades of injustices before that point.

So my simple compromise is to add a third section, make it make the six-month imprisonment, but keep the 30 days.

Understood.

Point well see, uh Commissioner.

Allen.

Real quick, to Commissioner Masaya's point, um, we may want to caution ourselves against putting a specific number on the dumping for the for the sacred purpose of in it in the administrative enforcement aspects of this.

Many times folks are not just dumping a tire.

There may be other types of solid waste that may be dumped from a truck.

There may be a couple of tires or a couch, refrigerator, other types of egregious waste that are involved.

Um this legislation seeks to tackle the tires issues specifically, and I think frankly, we've seen the majority of the issues when it comes to mass dumping sites.

And the crux of the legislation speaks toward that, especially in the next section when we get into commercial uh dumping for commercial purposes that speaks to the original point that Commissioner Patrick had was to, you know, have some increased um penalties as such.

But what we can do is find a middle ground that doesn't necessarily include the number of tires, but does provide for a discretion of the enforcement officer aspect so that you know it can be delineated.

Oh, this person was changing a tire on the side of the road and forgot to put it back in their vehicle or left it versus this person or violator has you know dump these tires for additional purposes.

Um, you know, so keeping the legislation broad enough is one of the um pieces of feedback that has been received from department heads who have to go in and actually implement it.

And again, we'll be prepared to discuss that specific aspect when we come back.

So I wanted to get the most recent version in front of you all so that we all have eyes on it.

We know what the tracking process is.

Um but May 21, next ERPS meeting, um, I'll be prepared to speak toward that aspect.

And I just briefly wanted to add that there is where I was going with not just a delineation between someone that um mistakenly leaves a tire, but specifically someone that has the attempt to actually um be egregious with it, right?

Not just through the multiple of times, but the amount that they're doing at any specific point, like for instance, from you know, when it comes to drug sales, there's a difference between or possession, there's a difference between simple possession and um intent to distribute, right?

And so there's a difference between someone who you know maybe making obviously making the mistake to dispose or improperly dispose of tires versus someone who is not just doing it um from a pattern perspective and the number of times, but even in that one instance is just intending to commit, you know, um this crime on a larger or in violation of the um disposal of tires on a larger level.

So wanting to be able to account for those individuals as well.

104.

And I want to reiterate the purpose of the consequences, not punishment.

It it's not to punish, it's to deter.

So we're not trying to make it easy for folks to make a decision to say, hey, it's not so bad.

So I could do this every now and again.

We want them to think twice and always decide not to do it, or find a dumpster as opposed to uh the side of the road or in the woods or behind someone's house.

So these are deterrents and not punishments.

We've had the same laws on the books for decades.

They obviously have not been working, so it's a new day to try something different.

Right.

All right.

And the next section as we close delineates tire dumping for commercial purposes.

So this language has received some uh input from our legal departments as well as uh Madam District Attorney's Office.

So under subsection three, this is a proposed revision.

So in accordance, essentially in accordance with state code, any person or business.

Sorry, where did you say you were right under subsection three tire dumping for commercial purposes?

Yep.

So I just updated the screen as well.

So under subsection three, uh, in accordance with state code, any person or business entity dumping scrap tires for commercial purposes will be referred to the district attorney for felony prosecution.

Um this is to align with I would believe would be Commissioner Patrick's original intent when it comes to egregious uh dumping when we see mass dumping sites.

Uh they reached a certain threshold that you know it's passed where the county, you know, of course, we can take action through a variety of means, but from an enforcement or um fines perspective as well as punishment, um, the state would be the next level of that.

I believe in state code it delineates 500 pounds or more would be referred up as opposed to you know staying at the county level for anything below that.

And just a reminder, you know, the items that were dumped uh in district one, literally on the county uh Doorville uh uh uh boundary, uh those are about 45,000 worth.

45,000 tires that were dropped.

It was a total of four, I think 53 foot um uh semi-trailers that were necessary to clean that out.

Um and that's not right.

The potential if those had caught fire, that would have potentially rendered a neighborhood uninhabitable with rain with all the other weather that's out there, that becomes a phenomenal mosquito breeding ground.

So, you know, I I I know there's lots of considerations, but we also have to understand the reason why we would want to have a law like this in place to begin with is to make sure that these instances do not happen again.

And and frankly, if you're gonna be jumping 45,000 tires in any one of our districts, you should go to jail.

I don't have another way to put that, plain and simple.

Thank you.

Next section 3A.

Oh, just uh question.

So on Wait a minute now.

Oh, okay.

You're responding to what he's saying or the presentation.

Yeah, we're just we're talking about the commercial section, right?

Did you want to finish that?

Sure.

I can finish and then we can go to QA after that.

So just a couple more aspects, uh, subsection 3A revision under um under 3A, any business occupation tax certificate, i.e.

business license issued to a tire handling business, retailer or tire retreater in the cab shall be subject to uh revocation upon determination that the holder of the business occupation tax transferred scrap tires to a scrap tire carrier not authorized by the state.

So such revocation shall comply with provisions already set in the code, and any business occupation tax holder uh whose certificate is revoked may not apply for a new certificate within 365 days of the director's decision, or if appealed within 365 days of the hearing officer's decision to affirm the revocation.

So any business found transferring tires to an unauthorized carrier per state law per the EPD's uh specifications for a tire carrier uh faces the immediate revocation of their license for one year.

So that's a deterrent mechanism that's been put in place.

The vast majority of our tire handling businesses, I don't want to paint the wrong picture.

The vast majority, 99%, go through the right process, but for the one percent, even you know, some violators are outside of Cab County who are coming to the county to dump.

And this is a organized aspect where they find different spots.

Um, you know, this helps to get a handle on that.

All right.

And we are just time check.

We are over time, and I know commissioners do still have questions.

We have a few more bulleted items if we could.

And then the last, yes, ma'am.

The last items are under section four, sections four and five under liability and jurisdiction.

Um so convicted violators are financially responsible for all cleanup costs, environmental remediation, and any civil damages sought by the private property owners.

And then lastly, the county does reserve the right to allow state or federal agencies to file separate charges, ensuring that a violator can be held accountable across multiple levels of government.

All right.

So, Commissioner Terry, you had something?

Oh, you want to go first?

Yeah.

As a committee, that'd be great.

Oh, yeah.

Okay, appreciate it.

And I'll start from the back um for from section five, allow the state or federal agency.

I'm I'm not sure how necessary that statement is because if the state or the um federal agency decides that they want to file separate charges, what are we doing to even stop them?

So to allow them to um file separate charges, I think we should um revisit that to see whether or not um that's um a section that we should even um be including.

But then going back to three, I think it may behoove us to um and and that's I think the previous slide behoove us to make sure that we're clearer on what commercial um purpose means.

And so um, based on the um the article four, it was saying that the definition that it means for economic gain is how it's simply defined.

But does economic gain mean that they're paid um to dump the titers?

Does it mean that they're saving just money by doing it?

Is it mean that there's the it's that their specific business purpose?

Does it mean you know, in terms of they're doing it as a business?

So I think we should be more clear as to what an economic gain is, but then also just the um it was saying in con in accordance with OCGA and let me just go back to what it uh the actual section says OCGA 16753, but just in reading that um in terms of a felony which is punishable um by up to five years and 25,000 dollars, it is speaks specifically to the number of pounds um for the tire dumping, but then also um if it's an excessive in excess of a hundred cubic feet, then it could um arise at the level of being a felony.

So I think we just specifically as we're talking about um felony charges.

I think we should be you know a lot more clear as to what exactly that we're trying to convey and the potential consequences of what we're doing here.

With that, I yield back to you, Madam Chair.

Thank you.

Did you want to speak to her comments on economic gain or what you guys were considering?

That definition just copies state law.

Um so it we can we can discuss offline further.

Yep.

Commissioner Terry.

Yes, thank you, madam chair.

Um so Marcus, I think this is really this is to me, this is the most important part of the ordinance because what I'm sensing is that there are that one percent that should be you know taking care of the tires the right way, but are just you know hiring a guy to take care of it or a couple of guys.

I don't know if it's organized, but there could be an organized crime element.

I don't know.

There is um absolutely you have evidence, okay.

All right, we'll keep that on the download.

Um let the police do their investigatory work.

Um wanna break the case.

Um but I mean if the if the businesses are not going through the process and we simply say we're gonna run the tire manifest, we're gonna ask for your proof, and if you can't prove that you're taking the tires and giving them to the right person, then you lose your business license.

That to me is the greatest deterrent.

Um, because we have to get to the source.

Um and then I I do agree with what Commissioner Patrick was saying.

I want to be clear, Commissioner Patrick.

You know, I was really speaking about just in the context of the misdemeanor.

When you get to like 40,000 tires, I mean it's a felony, and honestly, at that point, someone might go be going to jail.

Yeah.

So I don't want to get in the way of sort of the felony stuff, and we can't control that.

Um I just think that a misdemeanor, you know, by definition is a smaller crime.

And so maybe there's a way to kind of further delineate what an egregious amount of a misdemeanor tire dump is.

Um I wouldn't want someone to go to jail for three three tires.

I don't think the judges will send someone to jail for three tires, to be clear.

Um, but because we are creating a law, I think this is our moment to say here's what we think is the acceptable punishment.

Um thing I did propose that we can you know talk about later is just in that context of individuals that might be arrested under the misdemeanor, and you know, maybe ask the question of if there was a program maybe through workforce development, workforce to cab that trained people to get their state certified tire scrap license, then we would be helping someone who is doing an illegal tire pickup and dump and turning them into a legitimate business.

That would be the the very definition of restorative justice.

Hey, you can go to jail, you can pay a fine, or you can go in this program, and we'll help you get a certification of the state, and you can be a legitimate scrap tire hauler, and then now you've got a source of income and maybe a business.

Okay.

Did you want to respond to that?

Who's gonna pay for it?

I heard you.

Right.

And so it also has identified in terms of felonies.

It says, I mean, speaking of that code section you mentioned, Marcus, it says if it's in excess uh if it's 500 pounds or in excess of a hundred cubic feet.

So that's how that law is um identifies with whether or not it is egregious enough and arises to uh actually being a felony.

So that's we can pattern it from there in terms of the uh the weight and the cubic feet, similar to what's happening on a understanding of the yeah.

And it would be up to our higher offices to prosecute based off that.

Yep.

Yep.

And that's that's what the intent of the code is.

Um, but again, like I said, we'll we'll discuss offline.

Okay, and at this point, we're nine minutes over, had really good conversation about this today.

Um, I'm going to ask what the request is for deferring or holding this item.

I believe we do need a little more time to address some of the things that were raised.

Um can we do two weeks, bring it back in two weeks?

Uh love to have Commissioner uh Davis Johnson here, who's my co-author, uh, also be uh adding into the conversation uh as well.

Motion to defer for two weeks.

Second, all in favor, aye.

Motion carries deferral recommended.

Um and with that, we only had oh, we had a discussion.

You gonna come back?

Oh man, and we were looking forward to it too.

We had E911 services were gonna give us an update.

All right, well, so we'll have to postpone that discussion for a later meeting as well as 20260769.

Um, that item will be held as well.

It's uh item that we had not had a chance to discuss yet.

And with that, do we have a motion to adjourn the meeting?

So moved.

Second, all in favor, aye.

Uh PWI will start in five minutes.

Thank you.