OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Meeting - August 11, 2026

Board of Commissioners & Committees — Tuesday, August 11, 2026
BodyDekalb County, Georgia
SessionBoard of Commissioners & Committees
DateTuesday, August 11, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:24:56
Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Good morning, everybody, and welcome to the August 11th Board of Commissioners Meeting.

0:06

I am presiding officer in District Commissioner Chicago.

0:10

Welcome back.

0:11

We have been on recess.

0:13

I hope all my fellow commissioners got some time off and got a little refreshed.

0:18

We have a shorter agenda today, so hopefully it won't be too bad.

0:22

Um we will start with our inspirational speaker, Miss Amaria Brown.

0:27

If you'll start making your way to this front podium, and I'll read your introduction.

0:32

Good morning, ma'am.

0:33

I am pleased to introduce Miss Amaria Brown, whom I've had the pleasure of meeting at the DeCab Juvenile Justice Council's a decade of decade dedication, Gayla.

0:43

The event was a wonderful celebration of youth achievement, community impact, and the council's longstanding commitment to creating opportunities for young people across the Cab County.

0:52

It was especially meaningful to see students recognized for their accomplishments and scholarship recipients, celebrated for their dedication and promise.

1:00

Meeting Miss Amaria at this event was an opportunity to connect with one of the young people who represents the potential and future of our community.

1:09

As part of my continued commitment to youth development and positive outcomes for young people, I was proud to commit 10,000 in funding to the CAP Juvenile Justice Council.

1:19

I'm also pleased to welcome Miss Maria Brown before the board today and look forward to recognizing her and the accomplishments that brought her here.

1:27

Good morning, ma'am.

1:30

Good morning, everyone.

1:33

My name is Amaria.

1:35

I am 19 and I'm enrolled at Shears Beauty Institute to be a master cosmetologist, and I'm honored to be here this morning.

1:42

I'll be honest, when they first asked me to speak, I said yes, and then I immediately wondered why I said yes.

1:49

But I'm here, so bear with me as I give a little bit of my story and why the IOP program means so much to young people like me.

1:58

I entered foster care at 16, and I didn't meet my foster parents until I was 17.

2:04

Before that, my life was let's just say unpredictable.

2:09

Growing up, I moved around a lot, and there were times when housing wasn't secure, and I didn't know where I'd be sleeping or when my next meal would be coming.

2:18

And when you grow up like that, you learn to survive.

2:20

But you don't always get the chance to breathe to plan or to imagine a future for yourself.

2:26

Some people grow up planning for college, and I was just trying to plan for tomorrow.

2:32

That started to change when I met my foster parents.

2:34

It felt like for the first time I could breathe.

2:37

They gave me something I wasn't used to.

2:40

Security and clarity.

2:42

And they showed me what a stable home feels like, what support looks like, and what it means to have parents who truly care about you.

2:49

Simple things like asking how my day was became big things.

2:53

And honestly, some of my favorite memories are just us laughing in the kitchen, nothing fancy, just real moments that made me feel like I finally belonged somewhere.

3:04

Then I joined Bill Roots IOP program, and that's when I really started learning how to build a life for myself, not just survive one.

3:12

IOP didn't just hand me resources, it gave me direction and it gave me structure.

3:17

I've learned real life skills like budgeting.

3:20

And let me tell you, that was not a skill I wanted to learn.

3:25

I definitely needed it.

3:44

But don't always know how to navigate.

4:01

Confidence that I can create stability for myself, confidence that my past doesn't define my future, confidence that I am capable of building the life I want.

4:11

And programs like this matter because foster youth don't just need a roof over our head.

4:15

We need guidance, support, and people who believe in us, even when we're still learning to thank you.

4:36

Thank you, Miss Maria.

4:38

If you'll stay, I'll give you a pen a little bit later.

4:41

Such inspiring words.

4:43

Next, we'll have Pledge of Allegiance.

4:45

Um, Commissioner Marita Davis Johnson will be joining us later, sir.

4:48

Dr.

4:49

Bolton has decided.

4:50

Volunteer to step in, and then we'll go to the floor for presentation.

5:00

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

5:12

You'll join me on the floor for some proclamations.

6:00

Good morning, everybody.

6:01

How are you all doing this morning?

6:04

Well, that was a strong good morning.

6:05

Thank you very much for doing that.

6:06

I'm I'm still catching up from our few days off that we've had.

6:09

Um we have uh a couple of important people here today.

6:14

Uh I want to say that my notes are not ready because the internet's not working.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████████22%
Procurement Policy████████████████16%
Data Center Regulation████████████12%
Public Safety███████7%
Public Engagement██████6%
Zoning Regulations█████5%
Youth Programs████4%
Airport Operations████4%
Arts And Culture████4%
Summary of Proceedings

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Meeting - August 11, 2026

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners convened on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM at 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA. The meeting featured an inspirational speaker, presentations, public comments, public hearings, appointments, consent agenda, preliminary items, and items for decision. Key topics included data center opposition, a pension death benefit, adult entertainment regulations, a nondiscrimination ordinance update, park improvement grants, and amendments to board procedural rules.

Inspirational & Presentations

  • Amariah Brown, a 19-year-old foster care alumna and scholarship recipient of the DeKalb Juvenile Justice Council, shared her personal story and the impact of the IOP program on her life.
  • Commissioner Robert Patrick presented a proclamation to Sarv Shailesh Dharavane, a 12-year-old Scripps National Spelling Bee contestant who placed third nationally in 2025 and 2026.
  • Commissioner Patrick also presented a proclamation and a championship belt to Larry Schleifung, honoring his 21 years of service on the PDK Airport Advisory Board.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public comment focused overwhelmingly on opposition to large-scale AI data centers, particularly the proposed Shadow Box facility in South DeKalb. Multiple speakers called for a fully funded, independent health and environmental impact study before any further data center text amendments are considered. Specific concerns included water and sewer capacity, toxic wastewater discharge, negative impacts on property values, and a lack of transparency from county officials and developers. Speakers also criticized the board for denying a text amendment in June 2023 without public review and noted the county is now facing a $30 million lawsuit from Shadow Box. Other topics included concerns about the Flock surveillance system, with one speaker presenting data from FOIA requests showing over 17 million searches and misuse by officers; and a senior safety advocate reporting that multiple county departments had failed to respond to Open Records Act requests regarding pedestrian accidents on Candler Road.

Public Hearings

Pension Death Benefit (2026-0941) – Staff presented a home rule ordinance to add a line‑of‑duty death benefit for county employees and to clarify beneficiary rules. One speaker questioned a provision regarding post‑retirement beneficiary changes. The board voted to adopt the ordinance on first reading and defer second reading to August 25, 2026. Motion carried.

Adult Entertainment Regulations (2026-0885 & 2026-0886) – Staff presented companion items to update definitions and modernize regulations for adult establishments, clarifying business license and zoning provisions. No public speakers. The board approved both items separately. Motions carried.

Moratorium on Adult Entertainment (2026-1184) – Staff recommended withdrawal because the newly approved regulations would take effect before the moratorium expires. One speaker opposed. The board voted to withdraw the item. Motion carried.

Street Light Special Tax District (2026-1147) – Staff recommended approval for a special tax district on Rogers Lake Road/Lithonia Industrial Blvd. No public speakers. Motion carried.

Appointments

  • Boniface G. Echols for MARTA Board (2026-1196) – Deferred to August 25 with a stop in PWI.
  • Three appointments to the Region 3 EMS Advisory Council (2026-1150, 1151, 1152) – All deferred to September 15 via substitute motions. Motions carried.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda (items 2026-1193, 1199, 0703, 1200, 1201, 1210, 1212, 1213, 1217, 1202) was approved with the exception of item 2026-1212 (QuickTrip donation), which was pulled for discussion. That item was discussed (donation for police recruitment) and subsequently approved. Motion carried.

Preliminary Items

  • Non‑Discrimination Ordinance Update (2026-1218) – Commissioner Long Spears presented a substitute to amend Chapter 15 to add housing protections. Deferred for 30 days with a stop in ERPS committee. Motion carried.
  • Sugar Creek Tennis & Golf and Porter Sanford Center Budget Amendments (2026-1216 & 1219) – Deferred to August 25 with stops in PECS and FAB. Motion carried.
  • Callanwolde Amphitheater Naming (2026-1215) – Resolution to name the amphitheater in honor of Andrew Keenan. Deferred to September 15 with a stop in PECS. Motion carried.
  • Housing Investment Bond Program (2026-1214) – Deferred to August 25 with a stop in FAB. Motion carried.
  • Urban League Contract Renewal (2026-1224) – Deferred to August 25 with stops in PWI and FAB. Motion carried.
  • Service Delivery Strategy Renewal (2026-1190) – Deferred to August 25 with a stop in PECS. Motion carried.
  • Purchasing Change Orders (2026-1144, 1121, 1125) – Deferred to August 25 with stops in FAB and OPS. Motions carried.
  • Park Improvement Grants (2026-1175 & 1179) – Resolutions to apply for LWCF and ORLP grants for multiple parks. Deferred to August 25 with a stop in PECS. Motion carried.
  • Solicitor’s Office Lease (2026-1211) – Deferred to August 25 with a stop in FAB. Motion carried.
  • Sewer Upgrade Agreement (2026-1180) – Deferred to August 25 with a stop in PWI. Motion carried.
  • WIOA Grants (2026-1134) – Approved. Motion carried.

Discussion Items

  • Board Procedural Rules (2024-0842) – A resolution to amend the standing procedural rules was approved on first reading and deferred for second reading to August 25. Discussion included concerns over a new requirement for three commissioner sponsors to place legislation on the agenda, which some argued could suppress minority viewpoints. The chair of the OPS committee noted the substitute was developed over many committee meetings with input from all commissioners. The county attorney confirmed that two commissioners on the same committee cannot meet privately. Several commissioners expressed interest in retaining a “work group” option. Motion to approve and defer carried.
  • Racial Equity Study Recommendations (2026-0982) – A resolution urging implementation of the 2025 Racial Equity Study recommendations was deferred to August 25 with a stop in PECS. Commissioner Massiah noted that administration had already reported progress. Motion carried.

Key Outcomes

  • Pension death benefit: Approved first reading; second reading set for August 25, 2026.
  • Adult entertainment regulations: Approved as presented (two items).
  • Adult entertainment moratorium: Withdrawn.
  • Street light tax district: Approved.
  • Appointments: All deferred (MARTA to 8/25; EMS council to 9/15).
  • Consent agenda: Approved except QuickTrip donation, which was later approved individually.
  • Non‑discrimination ordinance: Deferred 30 days to ERPS.
  • Park budgets (Sugar Creek, Porter Sanford): Deferred to 8/25 via PECS and FAB.
  • Callanwolde naming: Deferred to 9/15 via PECS.
  • Housing bonds, Urban League contract, service strategy, purchasing change orders, park grants, solicitor lease, sewer upgrade: All deferred to 8/25 with appropriate committee stops.
  • WIOA grants: Approved.
  • Procedural rules: Approved on first reading, deferred for second to 8/25.
  • Racial equity resolution: Deferred to 8/25 via PECS.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning, everybody, and welcome to the August 11th Board of Commissioners Meeting. I am presiding officer in District Commissioner Chicago. Welcome back. We have been on recess. I hope all my fellow commissioners got some time off and got a little refreshed. We have a shorter agenda today, so hopefully it won't be too bad. Um we will start with our inspirational speaker, Miss Amaria Brown. If you'll start making your way to this front podium, and I'll read your introduction. Good morning, ma'am. I am pleased to introduce Miss Amaria Brown, whom I've had the pleasure of meeting at the DeCab Juvenile Justice Council's a decade of decade dedication, Gayla. The event was a wonderful celebration of youth achievement, community impact, and the council's longstanding commitment to creating opportunities for young people across the Cab County. It was especially meaningful to see students recognized for their accomplishments and scholarship recipients, celebrated for their dedication and promise. Meeting Miss Amaria at this event was an opportunity to connect with one of the young people who represents the potential and future of our community. As part of my continued commitment to youth development and positive outcomes for young people, I was proud to commit 10,000 in funding to the CAP Juvenile Justice Council. I'm also pleased to welcome Miss Maria Brown before the board today and look forward to recognizing her and the accomplishments that brought her here. Good morning, ma'am. Good morning, everyone. My name is Amaria. I am 19 and I'm enrolled at Shears Beauty Institute to be a master cosmetologist, and I'm honored to be here this morning. I'll be honest, when they first asked me to speak, I said yes, and then I immediately wondered why I said yes. But I'm here, so bear with me as I give a little bit of my story and why the IOP program means so much to young people like me. I entered foster care at 16, and I didn't meet my foster parents until I was 17. Before that, my life was let's just say unpredictable. Growing up, I moved around a lot, and there were times when housing wasn't secure, and I didn't know where I'd be sleeping or when my next meal would be coming. And when you grow up like that, you learn to survive. But you don't always get the chance to breathe to plan or to imagine a future for yourself. Some people grow up planning for college, and I was just trying to plan for tomorrow. That started to change when I met my foster parents. It felt like for the first time I could breathe. They gave me something I wasn't used to. Security and clarity. And they showed me what a stable home feels like, what support looks like, and what it means to have parents who truly care about you. Simple things like asking how my day was became big things. And honestly, some of my favorite memories are just us laughing in the kitchen, nothing fancy, just real moments that made me feel like I finally belonged somewhere. Then I joined Bill Roots IOP program, and that's when I really started learning how to build a life for myself, not just survive one. IOP didn't just hand me resources, it gave me direction and it gave me structure. I've learned real life skills like budgeting. And let me tell you, that was not a skill I wanted to learn. I definitely needed it. But don't always know how to navigate. Confidence that I can create stability for myself, confidence that my past doesn't define my future, confidence that I am capable of building the life I want. And programs like this matter because foster youth don't just need a roof over our head. We need guidance, support, and people who believe in us, even when we're still learning to thank you. Thank you, Miss Maria. If you'll stay, I'll give you a pen a little bit later. Such inspiring words. Next, we'll have Pledge of Allegiance. Um, Commissioner Marita Davis Johnson will be joining us later, sir. Dr. Bolton has decided.

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