The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners met on August 25, 2026, to address a lengthy agenda including proclamations, public comments, a public hearing on a pension death benefit ordinance, a special land use permit for a daycare, and numerous contracts and policy items. Key discussions centered on a proposed urban camping ordinance, data center health study, Flock surveillance contract, blasting regulations, and board procedural rule changes. The meeting featured Hispanic Heritage Month and Black Business Month proclamations, extended public comment, and votes on a wide range of operational and legislative items.
Good morning, everybody, and welcome to the August 25th, 2026 Board of Commissioners meeting. I'm your District Four Commissioner and Presiding Officer Shekyra Johnson. Thank you for being here with us today. We do have a long agenda, so please bear with us. If we are running out of printed agendas, there are there is a QR code outside that front door that you can scan and get the agenda on your phone. Before we move into the inspirational, I did want to take a moment to have actually have a moment of silence. For them, and then we're coming. Let's take that moment now. Thank you. So now we will move into our normal agenda. With and we will start with our inspirational speaker, Miss Lauren Faison, who is the district three intern. If you will come to this front podium, there she is, ma'am, and I'll read an introduction for you. Miss Faison serves as Commissioner Nicole Messiah's District Three intern. She is a driven professional, passionate about project management, leadership service, and personal growth. She holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and is pursuing a master's degree in project management with experience in administration, project coordination, and government operations. She is committed to excellence and continuous development. Lauren began singing at the age of five with the encouragement of her parents. Her gift has allowed her to sing Gaylas and alongside artists, including the Anointed Paced Sisters and Kiara Sharard. Through both her career and music, Lauren strives to inspire others, serve with purpose, and become the person God has called her to be. Good morning. First, I would like to take the time to thank Commissioner Messiah and the Board of Commissioners for allowing me the opportunity to stand before you all. Typically, you all will have an inspirational speaker, but this morning I will be rendering you all a short inspirational song. Thank you. Thank you. I don't know about y'all, but I needed that this morning. Amen. So now we will have our pledge of allegiance led by Commissioner Ted Terry, and then we will go to the floor for our presentations and proclamations. 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. Commissioners, if you'll join me on the floor. So I will be presenting the Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation on behalf of Madam CEO, and I believe we have our deputy director from the Mexican council here. So if everyone who was here for this Hispanic Heritage Month would like to start making your way forward, I will start our remarks. Good morning, everybody. On behalf of DeCab County CEO Lorraine Cochrane Johnson, welcome and thank you for joining us as we recognize the extraordinary contributions of the Cap County's Hispanic and Latino communities. Although National Hispanic Heritage Month officially begins September 15th, Madam CEO wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate a little early and recognize the community leaders and partners who helped make DeCab County such a bright, vibrant and welcoming place. Today we also honor Mexican Council Rafael La Vega for his outstanding leadership and partnership with the Cab County. I know I messed that one up. I'm sorry. Hilda Abbott Alberto Sorto Erica Loosa representing Gabriel Matude. Eli Velez representing Santiago Marquez and Stephanie Correz of Los Vecinos, the Buford Highway. CEO Cochrane Johnson extends her sincere appreciation for your work to support families, create opportunity, strengthen local businesses, and build meaningful connections across our communities. On her behalf, it is my privilege to present this proclamation recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month and the invaluable contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Madam Clerk, if you will read the proclamation. Whereas Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Hispanic and Latino communities. Hispanic Heritage Month 2026 is observed from Tuesday, September 15th through Thursday, October 15th. This event commemorates the ways these communities have influenced and contributed to society at large. Whereas DeCab County is home to a vibrant and diverse Hispanic and Latino community whose rich cultures, traditions, languages, and histories have strengthened the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our county. And whereas residents of Mexican origin constitute one of the most significant and long-standing Hispanic and Latino communities in DeCab County, contributing to the county's cultural vibrancy, entrepreneurial landscape, and economic growth for a thriving community of Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses throughout the county. And whereas DeCab County proudly recognizes the leadership and diplomatic service of Mexico Mexican Council, Rafael La Vega, whose work strengthens cultural exchange, community trust, economic development, and access to counselor services, along with collaboration, collaboration between DeCab County and the Council of Mexico in Atlanta. And whereas the Mexican Consulate has consistently partnered with DeCab County to enhance cultural programming, advance Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurship, and broaden community engagement, thereby demonstrating a shared commitment to the well-being and prosperity of DeCab's daughter's population.