OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

DeKalb County CEO Town Hall and Community Meeting - August 3, 2026

Board of Commissioners & Committees — Monday, August 3, 2026
BodyDekalb County, Georgia
SessionBoard of Commissioners & Committees
DateMonday, August 3, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 50:52
Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Fluids that are leaking are tailgate seals that aren't sealed properly, and then you know things leak out.

0:05

But then they may have hydraulic leak engine oil leaks that aren't reported.

0:09

Sometimes we get in the posture of just want to go get the truck and get out there, but it causes havoc in the neighborhoods.

0:15

But I will say, rest assured that if there's a leak and if something going on, reach out to us, and if it's so um to the point where it's massive severe, we want to be able to respond.

0:25

We have a team that comes out with some oil dry, and if needed, we bring a pre um uh portable pressure washer to kind of get those clean those spills up.

0:34

But we want to do some avoidance, right?

0:36

We want to do some avoidance so we don't have to take those actions.

0:39

So again, being mindful of what we put in, and a lot of the times that stuff comes from you know commercial businesses, and then on the residential side, we see like oils.

0:48

We'll put it in the bag and just put an oil in the trash can, but when that load gets to be at capacity and that blade is compacting everything, remember the blade inside the hop the body of that truck has a three to one compaction ratio.

1:01

Three to one.

1:02

So that blade hits it, and everything that was a large size is gonna get compressed.

1:06

And if there's any orifice in the body of that truck, it's gonna come out.

1:11

It's gonna come out.

1:12

So it's twofold.

1:13

So let's partner, right?

1:14

Let's partner together, be mindful of what we put in the trash, and then we'll be mindful of that making sure our trucks aren't leaking, you know, fluids, the the necessary fluids that keep the trucks running.

1:24

But again, if you see something, say something.

1:27

Absolutely.

1:28

And let me say also that uh half of this, because oftentimes this can become a hazardous waste issue.

1:35

Um we really need you to be mindful of what's placed in those in our trash cans.

1:40

And also um I think it's important to address this because every day I listen, I get about 150 to 200 emails each and every day.

1:50

And I will have community members say, you need to send them back out here.

1:54

They left trash in front of my yard.

1:57

Well, that's because your trash was not properly disposed of because it should be in a bag.

2:04

So if you have coke cans and a McDonald's thing, they'll send me photos and say you need to send your people back.

2:13

Help me help you.

2:16

Because if you did the right thing, it wouldn't be there.

2:19

And this is not to be scolding, but again, this is a teachable moment because we just went over the amount of personnel we have.

2:25

We can't do that.

2:27

So we need everyone to be responsible and help us because it's a lot of work to be done here.

2:32

Um next question to say, Madam CEO.

2:34

If I just I can I add one tidbit on that?

2:37

The number one, the number one reason industry wide for the longest that we lose garbage trucks is because of chemicals that we put in the household chemicals we use and we put them in, and then once again, that compression ratio, the compaction, once it gets packed up, there's a combustible event that happens.

2:55

Next thing you know, a truck is on fire, we can't discharge the load fast enough, and then we lose right now.

3:00

The average market, the market on the for front loader, uh automated side loader, it's about a half million dollars a truck.

3:07

So just keep that in mind.

3:09

Thank you.

3:10

Because this is a teachable moment.

3:12

Next, uh, we have uh you replace sewer and water lines in the Glendale Drive and Green Forest area about three to four years ago, leaving the roads very rough.

3:24

When do you plan to pave the area?

3:27

Again, if you will reach out to us uh and and if anyone has any more information because I don't manufacture responses on site, then feel free to answer.

3:37

If not, if you'll call our office, we can check on on this road.

3:41

And COO Williams has taken that card, so please reach out, just call the CEO's office to CEO or Jacob Valow.

3:49

What are you doing to bring more viable um businesses into the community regarding Redan Road and South Harrison Road businesses are the deteriorating?

4:02

Okay, that's the word.

4:03

Uh the Mexican restaurant out of business, a seafood restaurant across the street is a haven for loitering and homeless.

4:13

Uh, and then it has Waffle House.

4:16

Um I will allow our chief development officer to answer.

4:26

It's a tough issue, right?

4:27

Where you've got uh crime insurance rate issues, you've got um low sales, so folks are closing their doors because they've got low sales.

4:38

Uh we've got uh a couple of different broker relationships that uh we've created.

4:43

So we have folks are actually actively working on bringing new businesses uh into the cab, and then we're also working on um financing tools because in many cases there's a there's a big spread between uh the ability for people to make money in these locations, and so we've got to subsidize that.

5:04

So we're working with our partner and decide to cab and trying to figure out a what's called a revolving loan fund.

5:11

Um we do have five tax allocation districts which uh take applications from business owners and and property owners to uh and it's typically grant money, and that grant money is used to plug the gap in the you know economics to make it work, but it's not easy, not at all.

5:31

So and also I would say opportunity zones we strongly encourage because there's added incentives, and those are areas because of shall I say uh that are in need of the revitalization of local business, uh we strongly support those.

5:48

And to be honest, we have to be a part of the change that we desire.

5:52

So along uh Candler Road, uh that's why we have been strategic, because we do believe that with the recruitment of the publics and the build-out of the new retail center, it will begin to spur additional investments because businesses are seeing the revitalization take place.

6:13

We also believe that moving forward, uh South DeCab Mall, once there is an announcement there that the revitalization is underway, it will excite more people to come into the area.

6:28

4380 Memorial Drive was a huge investment for us.

6:32

Um we had rented that location for 28 years and spent over 28 million dollars.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety████████████████████20%
Parks and Recreation███████████████████19%
Public Works Maintenance████████████████16%
Economic Development████████████████16%
Solid Waste Management██████6%
Property Maintenance██████6%
Zoning And Land Use████4%
Public Health████4%
Election Administration███3%
Summary of Proceedings

DeKalb County CEO Town Hall and Community Meeting - August 3, 2026

CEO Lorraine Cochrane Johnson and county department heads held a community meeting at the Maloof Auditorium to address resident questions on sanitation, infrastructure, economic development, public safety, and more. The evening also included a ribbon-cutting for park improvements at Zona Light Park and a street naming ceremony for Arthur J. Queen Street.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Trash and recycling issues: Residents expressed concerns about leaking garbage trucks and improper disposal. CEO Johnson noted she receives 150–200 emails daily about trash left in yards, urging residents to bag trash properly. Staff explained that chemicals in household trash cause combustible events leading to truck fires; each truck costs about $500,000.
  • Road paving: A resident asked about repaving on Glendale Drive and Green Forest area after sewer/water line replacements three–four years ago. COO Williams took the card for follow-up.
  • Economic development on Redan and South Harrison roads: A resident cited closed businesses and loitering. Chief Development Officer described a revolving loan fund in partnership with Decide DeKalb and five Tax Allocation Districts providing gap financing. Opportunity zones and the 4380 Memorial Drive purchase were mentioned as catalysts.
  • Senior housing repairs for condo owners: Dr. Ferguson confirmed a new program contemplating interior repairs for condo units, pending condo association cooperation.
  • Senior tax break at age 65: CEO Johnson deferred to the Tax Commissioner, not manufacturing a reply on site.
  • Glass recycling curbside: COO McKinney explained that glass is abrasive to truck floors and contaminates the recycling stream; Pratt Industries does not accept glass. CEO Johnson noted China no longer takes plastics, and the county must pay to dispose of recyclables.
  • Revitalization plan for Memorial Drive: Asked about a retired plan on the county website. COO Williams said rebranding (signs, banners) is still moving forward; an update will be provided.
  • Data centers: CEO Johnson stated the Board of Commissioners is working on an ordinance and there is a current moratorium.
  • Road conditions in Chapel Hill community: A resident called roads deplorable. CEO Johnson directed them to call 311 for potholes; Director Allen will follow up.
  • Water main breaks: CEO Johnson explained the county is under a consent decree for infrastructure upgrades. Priority sewer areas responsible for 70% of leaks have been rehabilitated, and breaks are diminishing.
  • Senior property tax help: Deferred to Tax Commissioner.
  • Safety in Stonecrest: CEO Johnson said police increase patrols if notified of specific areas.
  • Wesley Chapel revitalization: A resident asked about county property on East Side Drive south of I-20. COO confirmed it is the future site of Fire Station 16.
  • Voting access for seniors without transportation: CEO Johnson said there are no voting sites in senior facilities, but the county provides transportation for seniors to vote; they will advertise phone numbers for future elections.
  • Abandoned condos at Young Road and Covington Highway: CEO Johnson said that property is in Stonecrest city limits but pledged to push for code compliance and blight removal within 90 days.
  • Sidewalks in South DeKalb: Director Kingsbury described a gap rating process prioritizing routes to schools, parks, and transit. Two projects (Glenwood and Snapfinger Road) are moving forward. Director Allen mentioned a $3 million GDOT grant application for sidewalk repairs.
  • E911 system delays: COO Williams said the new system was implemented months ago, but some features (like texting back) caused confusion; an education campaign will precede re-deployment.
  • Brandon Hills, Walden Pond, Whitehall Forest condos: CEO Johnson stated the county is taking legal action against these properties for both substandard conditions and unpaid water revenue. She emphasized the need for payment on water as a commodity.
  • Gratitude: Miss Brenda Pace submitted a card thanking the CEO and staff for taking DeKalb to the next level.

Discussion Items

  • Sanitation and waste management: Staff detailed causes of truck leaks (tailgate seals, hydraulic leaks) and urged residents to avoid putting oils and chemicals in trash. A 3:1 compaction ratio forces liquids out.
  • Economic development strategies: The CEO explained that walkable communities require density and higher median household incomes to attract businesses like Whole Foods. She urged residents to be specific about what they want and to say yes to development.
  • Infrastructure consent decree: CEO Johnson highlighted that for 60 years the county lacked capital improvements for water/sewer; they faced over $100 million in fines. Priority sewer assessment and rehabilitation (PSARP/OSARP) programs are ongoing.
  • Park improvements at Zona Light Park: The meeting transitioned to a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Speakers included LaShonda from RPCA, Commissioner Spears' office, Sally Sears (South Fork Conservancy), and Stephen Cosby (Park Pride). The park was originally a brownfield contaminated with Zonolite (asbestos). A $2.5 million settlement from WR Grace funded removal of 27,000 tons of contaminated soil. Trees Atlanta, Park Pride, volunteers, and community partners transformed it into a passive park with a natural playground, signage, and trail improvements. The Friends of Zona Light Park played a key role.
  • Street naming for Arthur J. Queen: A ceremony was held to rename a street after Arthur J. Queen, founder of a glass company that operated for over 40 years in DeKalb County. The street naming occurred on his heavenly birthday. His wife Sandra and daughter Kelsey were present.
  • Public safety alert system: CEO Johnson and Dr. CJ Avery (DeKalb EMA) announced DeKalb Alert, an emergency notification system. Residents can sign up by texting "DeKalbAlert" to 67283 to receive alerts for severe weather, public safety incidents, and health advisories.

Key Outcomes

  • Several resident questions were taken on cards for follow-up via the county newsletter. The presentation will be shared in the newsletter, and responses to unanswered questions will be provided.
  • CEO Johnson pledged to address the abandoned condos at Young Road and Covington Highway within 90 days, including code compliance and potential demolition.
  • The county will research senior tax breaks and condo owner repair programs internally.
  • Park improvements at Zona Light Park are complete; the new natural playground and signs are open to the public.
  • Street renaming to Arthur J. Queen Street is official.
  • The DeKalb Alert system is active; residents are encouraged to sign up.

Meeting Transcript

Fluids that are leaking are tailgate seals that aren't sealed properly, and then you know things leak out. But then they may have hydraulic leak engine oil leaks that aren't reported. Sometimes we get in the posture of just want to go get the truck and get out there, but it causes havoc in the neighborhoods. But I will say, rest assured that if there's a leak and if something going on, reach out to us, and if it's so um to the point where it's massive severe, we want to be able to respond. We have a team that comes out with some oil dry, and if needed, we bring a pre um uh portable pressure washer to kind of get those clean those spills up. But we want to do some avoidance, right? We want to do some avoidance so we don't have to take those actions. So again, being mindful of what we put in, and a lot of the times that stuff comes from you know commercial businesses, and then on the residential side, we see like oils. We'll put it in the bag and just put an oil in the trash can, but when that load gets to be at capacity and that blade is compacting everything, remember the blade inside the hop the body of that truck has a three to one compaction ratio. Three to one. So that blade hits it, and everything that was a large size is gonna get compressed. And if there's any orifice in the body of that truck, it's gonna come out. It's gonna come out. So it's twofold. So let's partner, right? Let's partner together, be mindful of what we put in the trash, and then we'll be mindful of that making sure our trucks aren't leaking, you know, fluids, the the necessary fluids that keep the trucks running. But again, if you see something, say something. Absolutely. And let me say also that uh half of this, because oftentimes this can become a hazardous waste issue. Um we really need you to be mindful of what's placed in those in our trash cans. And also um I think it's important to address this because every day I listen, I get about 150 to 200 emails each and every day. And I will have community members say, you need to send them back out here. They left trash in front of my yard. Well, that's because your trash was not properly disposed of because it should be in a bag. So if you have coke cans and a McDonald's thing, they'll send me photos and say you need to send your people back. Help me help you. Because if you did the right thing, it wouldn't be there. And this is not to be scolding, but again, this is a teachable moment because we just went over the amount of personnel we have. We can't do that. So we need everyone to be responsible and help us because it's a lot of work to be done here. Um next question to say, Madam CEO. If I just I can I add one tidbit on that? The number one, the number one reason industry wide for the longest that we lose garbage trucks is because of chemicals that we put in the household chemicals we use and we put them in, and then once again, that compression ratio, the compaction, once it gets packed up, there's a combustible event that happens. Next thing you know, a truck is on fire, we can't discharge the load fast enough, and then we lose right now. The average market, the market on the for front loader, uh automated side loader, it's about a half million dollars a truck. So just keep that in mind. Thank you. Because this is a teachable moment. Next, uh, we have uh you replace sewer and water lines in the Glendale Drive and Green Forest area about three to four years ago, leaving the roads very rough. When do you plan to pave the area? Again, if you will reach out to us uh and and if anyone has any more information because I don't manufacture responses on site, then feel free to answer. If not, if you'll call our office, we can check on on this road. And COO Williams has taken that card, so please reach out, just call the CEO's office to CEO or Jacob Valow. What are you doing to bring more viable um businesses into the community regarding Redan Road and South Harrison Road businesses are the deteriorating? Okay, that's the word. Uh the Mexican restaurant out of business, a seafood restaurant across the street is a haven for loitering and homeless. Uh, and then it has Waffle House. Um I will allow our chief development officer to answer. It's a tough issue, right? Where you've got uh crime insurance rate issues, you've got um low sales, so folks are closing their doors because they've got low sales.

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