OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

DeKalb County Public Works and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - June 2, 2026

Board of Commissioners & Committees — Tuesday, June 2, 2026
BodyDekalb County, Georgia
SessionBoard of Commissioners & Committees
DateTuesday, June 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 59:43

Transcript — Verbatim
0:14

So please be sure to join us there live and in person or on uh Zoom if you'd like.

0:20

Uh with that said, we have I believe a nine-page agenda this morning.

0:27

And um we have quite a few items to get through.

0:29

So with that being said, let's get started.

0:30

Uh Commissioner, if you're comfortable.

0:32

Uh agenda item 2026-0991.

0:37

This is for all commission districts.

0:38

Minutes for the May 22nd, 2026 special called public works and infrastructure committee meeting.

0:45

Move to approve.

0:46

All right, I'll go ahead and second all those in favor.

0:48

Raise your hand and say aye.

0:49

Aye.

0:50

All right.

0:50

If you'll give me one second.

1:06

Even Captain Kirk had to wear glasses, so I apologize for the question.

1:09

Just the switching of the glasses.

1:11

Switching.

1:11

You know, hey, bones will make it, right?

1:14

Um all right, Commissioners.

1:15

We're gonna start off with uh items previously heard.

1:18

We have public works sanitation, agenda item 2026-0930.

1:23

This is for all commission districts.

1:25

Sanitation department increase of commercial and residential service fees, landfill and transfer tipping fees.

1:31

Uh Zach.

1:34

Thank you, Mr.

1:37

Microphone.

1:38

Yep.

1:38

Thank you, Mr.

1:39

Chair.

1:39

Uh this item I believe we would hold in committee until after the uh town hall.

1:45

Uh and I believe we have the town hall scheduled for June 10th.

1:49

That's correct.

1:49

Uh and the location will be here.

1:51

Here.

1:52

Yes, and the time is six.

1:54

I believe it was 6 30, and that gives folks certainly times to um six come home, do what they gotta do, and then come on down.

2:00

So on June 10th at 6 30, we will be presenting um the update on this item 0930 sanitation department increased commercial and residential service fees.

2:10

Um of the homework that we're working on now is uh seeing if there is a possibility for a smoothing um because the original proposal uh starts off with about a 25% increase, uh which equates to I believe a hundred dollars or so approximately on an annual basis.

2:30

But what we will do is see if there's if it's possible to reduce the first year and go out over uh multiple years up to 10 years.

2:38

Right.

2:39

Um so uh but at this point we would just ask that this items held in committee.

2:43

Okay.

2:44

Uh Commissioner Johnson, any comments?

2:46

I do have one question.

2:47

Do we know what a potential rate increase will do to municipalities that contract with us for the sanitation services?

2:55

I I do believe we have the the number or the cost, and I know we have begun having conversations with those cities who uh would see an increase in their tipping fees.

3:05

Okay, and I believe that would be Avondel Estate Chambly Indicator.

3:09

Okay, and if we could have that ready for the June 20 discussion.

3:14

Perfect, thank you.

3:14

Perfect.

3:15

Okay.

3:16

All right.

3:16

Um we're just gonna leave this one in committee.

3:19

So let's move on to the next item.

3:23

Uh we have agenda item 2026-047.

3:27

This is for all commission districts.

3:29

Low bid invitation number 25-123-itb right of way mowing and maintenance services.

3:36

Annual contract with two options to renew for use by public works sanitation and beautification to obtain mowing and lawn maintenance services at various rights of way locations.

3:46

Seeks to reserve the right to transfer funds between contracts based on the needs of the county.

3:51

Recommend awards to the lowest responsive and responsible bidders.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Works Maintenance█████████████████████████████████████37%
Solid Waste Management████████████████████████████28%
Water And Wastewater Management████████████████████████24%
Procedural████4%
Transportation Safety██2%
Parks and Recreation██2%
Multifamily Housing Development██2%
Environmental Protection█1%
Summary of Proceedings

DeKalb County Public Works and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - June 2, 2026

The DeKalb County Public Works and Infrastructure (PWI) Committee met on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 1:30 PM (scheduled special called meeting noted) to consider a nine-page agenda covering sanitation, transportation, stormwater, watershed management, and fleet maintenance items. Several major proposals were deferred to a town hall meeting on June 10, 2026, while numerous routine contracts and change orders were approved, often with pending substitutes or pending audit.

Consent Calendar

  • Agenda Item 2026-0991: Approved minutes from the May 22, 2026 special called public works and infrastructure committee meeting. (Unanimous voice vote)

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No public comments were recorded during the meeting.

Discussion Items

  • Sanitation Fee Increase (Agenda Item 2026-0930): Staff recommended holding the item in committee pending a town hall meeting scheduled for June 10, 2026, at 6:30 PM at 178 Sam Street. The original proposal included a 25% increase (approximately $100/year). Staff are exploring a multi-year smoothing option up to 10 years. Commissioner Johnson inquired about impacts on municipalities (Avondale Estates, Chamblee, Decatur) contracting for sanitation; staff confirmed conversations have begun and will provide details at the June 10 discussion.
  • Stormwater Utility Fee Increase (Agenda Item 2026-0587): Also deferred to the June 10 town hall meeting, as confirmed by Director Allen.
  • Tire Tip Fee Resolution (Agenda Item 2026-0744): A resolution to adjust all DeKalb County tire tip fees to $1, proposed to reduce illegal dumping of tires. Deferred to the June 10 town hall.
  • Environmental Equity Resolution (Agenda Item 2025-1787): A resolution to enhance environmental equity and sanitation practices, including a staggered rebate program for property owners near the Seminal Road landfill. Deferred to the June 10 town hall.
  • Right-of-Way Mowing and Litter Removal Contracts (Items 2026-0477 and 2026-0655): Both approved pending substitutes to incorporate map updates and added roads. Directors confirmed new maps were distributed; Commissioner Terry added items to her district. Substitutes will be brought to the regular meeting.
  • Roundabout Support Resolutions (Items 2026-0891 and 2026-0895): Approved indication of support for two roundabout projects: at SR 8/Ponce de Leon Avenue and East Lake Road, and at SR 155/Claremont Road and Rose Cliff Drive. Future agreements for maintenance and landscaping will be negotiated.
  • Dump Truck Purchase (Agenda Item 2026-0679): Approved award to Rush Truck Centers for 20 new 2027 International dump trucks ($3,328,370). Audit had been completed.
  • Professional Engineering Services for Stormwater (Agenda Item 2026-0495): Approved change order ratifying $185,274 in previously issued POs and increasing total to $1,650,000 for engineering and design services for drainage and bridge repair.
  • Stormwater Inspection Contracts (Agenda Item 2026-0669): Approved change order extending contracts through May 31, 2027, and adding $300,000. Director noted the inspection inventory includes 514 miles of pipe, 22,449 catch basins, 938 detention ponds, and 200+ bridges; 20% of inventory must be inspected annually.
  • Ready Mixed Concrete (Agenda Item 2026-0684): Approved term extension only (no funds increase) for minor concrete repair projects.
  • Pond Maintenance Services (Agenda Item 2025-1800): Approved change order increasing term and funds ($2,900,000) for maintenance of 938 detention ponds.
  • Sanitary Sewer Easement Cleaning (Agenda Item 2026-0455): Approved adding $1,800,000 to the contract while it is being rebid. Deputy Director Lockett confirmed the timeline for rebid will be provided to commissioners.
  • Electrical Switchgear Inspections (Agenda Item 2026-0317): Approved first renewal and ratification of 60-day term increase ($300,000) for services at water and wastewater treatment plants.
  • Engine/Generator Maintenance (Agenda Item 2026-0423): Approved renewal of contracts totaling $1,400,000 for maintenance of 66 generators at lift stations and treatment plants. Commissioner Terry suggested exploring cleaner generators and solar+battery backup options.
  • Heavy Equipment Rental (Agenda Item 2026-0456): Approved $900,000 increase for bypass pumps and emergency equipment.
  • Safety Shoes (Agenda Item 2026-0584): Approved change order adding Facilities Management and increasing funds by $50,000. Employees receive shoes twice a year.
  • Landscape Maintenance for Public Grounds (Agenda Item 2026-0691): Approved change order extending landscape maintenance contracts through December 31, 2026, totaling $867,010. Commissioner Terry inquired about landscaping for the library transition plan; staff confirmed it is separate.
  • Roll-off/Compactor Repair (Agenda Item 2026-0837): Approved adding $200,000 for repair services. Discussion included enforcing dumpster enclosures, dumpster placement, and potential smart sensor technology for dynamic servicing. Staff will audit current conditions and frequency.
  • Tire Purchase and Repair (Agenda Item 2026-0838): Held in committee pending audit. Commissioners asked about disposal of used tires; staff confirmed a vendor collects them. Total amount: $3,640,000.
  • Vehicle Repair Contract (Agenda Item 2026-0863): Held in committee pending audit. Total amount: $7,550,000.
  • Water/Sewer Infrastructure Multi-Year Contract (Agenda Item 2026-0927): Held in committee pending audit by Mr. Campbell. Total amount: $325,572,028.52. Staff explained economy of scale and multiple vendors (6-7 awards) for better pricing.
  • Sanitary Sewer Stream Crossing Inspections (Agenda Item 2026-0119): Approved award to RK Reeves and Associates ($697,000). This is the rebid for the previous inspection contract.
  • Renovations at Roadhaven Warehouse and Scott Candler Plant (Agenda Item 2026-0312): Approved award to Home Depot for $1,166,690.27 for mezzanine, shelving, and pallet racking.
  • Flow Monitoring Equipment (Agenda Item 2026-0799): Held in committee pending audit. Sole source change order for Teledyne ISCO equipment ($3,000,000).
  • CM Services for Snapfinger Wastewater Treatment Expansion (Agenda Item 2026-0822): Held in committee pending audit. Amount: $20,583,045.01.
  • City of Atlanta CIP Payment (Agenda Item 2026-0867): Held in committee pending audit. Amount: $29,800,874.87.
  • Disaster Recovery/Sewage Cleaning (Agenda Item 2026-0902): Approved change order adding $1,100,000 for restoration services when sewer/water failures occur in customer homes.

Key Outcomes

  • Deferred to June 10, 2026 Town Hall (6:30 PM, 178 Sam Street): Sanitation fee increase, stormwater fee increase, tire tip fee resolution, environmental equity resolution.
  • Approved with Pending Substitutes: Right-of-way mowing (Item 0477) and litter removal (Item 0655). Substitutes to be brought to the regular meeting.
  • Held in Committee Pending Audit: Tire purchase (0838), vehicle repair (0863), water/sewer multi-year (0927), flow monitoring equipment (0799), Snapfinger CM (0822), City of Atlanta CIP payment (0867).
  • Approved (Various Vote Results): All remaining items were approved by voice vote with a second, no recorded dissents. Specific vote tallies were not called; all appeared unanimous.
  • Directives: Staff to provide timeline for easement cleaning rebid (Item 0455), explore cleaner generators and solar+battery options (Item 0423), and review ordinance enforcement for dumpster enclosures and private haulers (Item 0837). Staff to coordinate with Marcus for a follow-up on dumpster issues.
  • Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after completing all agenda items; a previously scheduled special called PWI meeting for June 8 was cancelled.

Meeting Transcript

So please be sure to join us there live and in person or on uh Zoom if you'd like. Uh with that said, we have I believe a nine-page agenda this morning. And um we have quite a few items to get through. So with that being said, let's get started. Uh Commissioner, if you're comfortable. Uh agenda item 2026-0991. This is for all commission districts. Minutes for the May 22nd, 2026 special called public works and infrastructure committee meeting. Move to approve. All right, I'll go ahead and second all those in favor. Raise your hand and say aye. Aye. All right. If you'll give me one second. Even Captain Kirk had to wear glasses, so I apologize for the question. Just the switching of the glasses. Switching. You know, hey, bones will make it, right? Um all right, Commissioners. We're gonna start off with uh items previously heard. We have public works sanitation, agenda item 2026-0930. This is for all commission districts. Sanitation department increase of commercial and residential service fees, landfill and transfer tipping fees. Uh Zach. Thank you, Mr. Microphone. Yep. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh this item I believe we would hold in committee until after the uh town hall. Uh and I believe we have the town hall scheduled for June 10th. That's correct. Uh and the location will be here. Here. Yes, and the time is six. I believe it was 6 30, and that gives folks certainly times to um six come home, do what they gotta do, and then come on down. So on June 10th at 6 30, we will be presenting um the update on this item 0930 sanitation department increased commercial and residential service fees. Um of the homework that we're working on now is uh seeing if there is a possibility for a smoothing um because the original proposal uh starts off with about a 25% increase, uh which equates to I believe a hundred dollars or so approximately on an annual basis. But what we will do is see if there's if it's possible to reduce the first year and go out over uh multiple years up to 10 years. Right. Um so uh but at this point we would just ask that this items held in committee. Okay. Uh Commissioner Johnson, any comments? I do have one question. Do we know what a potential rate increase will do to municipalities that contract with us for the sanitation services? I I do believe we have the the number or the cost, and I know we have begun having conversations with those cities who uh would see an increase in their tipping fees. Okay, and I believe that would be Avondel Estate Chambly Indicator. Okay, and if we could have that ready for the June 20 discussion. Perfect, thank you. Perfect.

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