Board of Commissioners
178 Sam's Street, Decatur, GA 30030 (Multipurpose Room A1201)
Agenda — 84 items
- A. INSPIRATIONAL
- 2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
- 2 Administration: Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, CEO, Zachary Williams, Executive Assistant/ Chief Operating Officer, Barbara Sanders-Norwood, County Clerk, Terry G. Phillips, Interim County Attorney
- B. PRESENTATIONS
- C. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
- 5 The purpose of public comment is to allow the public to voice county-related requests, concerns or opinions during the Commission meeting. Speakers will only have the opportunity for one public comment per meeting. Each speaker must complete a speaker card and present it to the clerk before the beginning of the public comment portion of the meeting. Cards turned in to the clerk from the time the general meeting is convened (generally 9 A.M.) and by the beginning of public comment portion generally following presentations on the agenda. The clerk will accept cards on a first-come, first-served basis. Prior to the clerk’s call for public comment, speakers who are residents of DeKalb County shall be allowed to speak before residents of other counties are allowed to speak. Once the public comment portion of the meeting begins, speaker cards will no longer be accepted.
- 6 Speakers will be allowed to speak for three minutes each and public comment shall not exceed 30 minutes in length. When the buzzer sounds to indicate that time has run out, the speaker will be expected to immediately cease speaking and to yield the podium. Those who submitted speaker cards but did not speak because of the time allotment will be allowed to speak first at the next regularly scheduled Commission meeting without regard to residence. Speakers should always talk directly into the microphone and begin by stating their name, full address and the name of any organization they represent. Abusive, profane or derogatory language, holding up signs, clapping, yelling, standing or laying in the aisles to show support for or opposition to a speaker will not be permitted, but a show of hands or quietly standing in place will be permitted to show support for or opposition to a speaker's position.
- D. 10:00 A.M. PUBLIC HEARING
- 8 Citizens may speak for or against an item that is considered by law to be a zoning ordinance and each side will have ten minutes to present its case. Citizens may also speak for or against an item that is placed on the public hearing agenda but is not a zoning ordinance. In that case, each side will have five minutes to present its case. In the event there is more than one speaker per side, speakers must divide their time in order to complete their full presentation within the ten-minute time allotment, or the five minute time allotment. When the buzzer sounds to indicate that time has run out, the speaker will be expected to immediately cease speaking and to leave the podium area. Prior to speaking, a speaker shall complete a speaker card and present it when approaching the podium. If a speaker has any documents for the commissioners, the speaker shall provide 10 copies when approaching the podium. Seven copies are for the commissioners and the remaining copies are for the planning director, the county attorney and the clerk. In all zoning ordinance and traffic calming cases, staff shall make their recommendation for action to the Commission first followed by applicants or citizens speaking in favor of the item. Applicants in zoning ordinance cases shall have the right to reserve time for rebuttal. Opponents of a zoning ordinance item shall have no right of rebuttal. For all other items placed on the public hearing agenda, applicants or citizens speaking in favor of the item shall speak first followed by opponents of the item. Once the citizens have finished speaking, staff shall make a recommendation for action to the Commission. At this point, citizens are no longer allowed to speak unless called to the podium by an individual commissioner to answer questions or provide information. Speakers should always talk directly into the microphone and begin by stating their name, address and the name of any organization they represent. Abusive, profane or derogatory language will not be permitted. Holding up signs, clapping, yelling, standing or laying in the aisles to show support for or opposition to a speaker will not be permitted, but a show of hands or quietly standing in place will be permitted to show support for or opposition to a speaker's position.
- 9 Finance
- 9 Stephen Binney-1080 Seville Drive Clarkston, GA; Gina S. Mangham- 8179 Pleasant Hill Road Lithonia, GA 30058; Maliya Beleford- 872 Memorial Drive SE B720, Atlanta, GA 30310; Soyini Coke-1415 Constitution Road, Atlanta, GA 30316; Rylee Glover- 4493 Flakes Mill Road, Ellenwood, GA 30294; Jan Dunaway- 4672 Fellswood Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083;Austin Kral- 2622 Miriam Lane, Decatur, GA 30032;Anne Mellinger-Birdsong- 934 Artwood Road, Atlanta, GA 30307; Hannah Davis- 1171 Lorch Lane, Decatur, GA 30033; Jordan Moses- 2858 Catalina Drive, Decatur, GA 30032; Regenia Roberts- 1896 Cedar Walk Lane, Conley, GA 30288; PJ Lemuel- 4365 Wesley Way, Decatur, GA 30034; Pat Culp 3577 Bouldercrest Road, Ellenwood, GA 30294; Brenda Pace- 2727 Glenralley Drive, Decatur, GA 30032; Debough Sanders- 2504 Melbriele Street.
- 10 Commission District(s): All Home Rule Ordinance to amend the Pension Code of DeKalb County, Georgia, 1962 Ga. Laws 3088, as amended, to add a death benefit for beneficiaries of certain plan participants who die in the line of duty as officers, employees or deputies of DeKalb County on or after October 1, 2026; to confirm that no participant can add, replace, or remove a designated joint annuitant after payment of pension benefits begins; and to provide for compliance with certain updates to federal tax law.
- 11 Planning & Sustainability
- 12 Commission District(s): All Districts Application of the Director of Planning & Sustainability for the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners to Hold a Public Hearing to Amend Chapter 15, Article XII of the Code of DeKalb County, Georgia.
- 13 Commission District(s): All Districts Application of Director of Planning and Sustainability to Amend Applicable Sections in Chapter 27 of the Zoning Ordinance of DeKalb County to Reflect the Updates of Chapter 15, Article XII, Adult Entertainment Establishments.
- 14 Commission District(s): All Districts Application of the Director of Planning & Sustainability for the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners to Hold a Public Hearing to Consider and Review Whether to Extend a Moratorium on Adult Entertainment Establishments/Sexual Devices.
- 15 Public Works - Transportation
- 15 Commission District(s): All Districts Application of the Director of Planning & Sustainability for the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners to Hold a Public Hearing to Amend Chapter 15, Article XII of the Code of DeKalb County, Georgia.
- 16 Commission District(s): 5&7 Street Light Special Tax District-Rogers Lake Road, Lithonia Industrial Blvd
- 16 Commission District(s): All Districts Application of Director of Planning and Sustainability to Amend Applicable Sections in Chapter 27 of the Zoning Ordinance of DeKalb County to Reflect the Updates of Chapter 15, Article XII, Adult Entertainment Establishments.
- E. APPEALS
- 18 Planning and Sustainability
- 19 COMMISSION DISTRICT(S): 2 & 6 Appeal of a Decision by the Historic Preservation Commission Concerning Property Located at 1080 Clifton Road.
- F. APPOINTMENTS
- 21 Chief Executive Office
- 22 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts Appoint Boniface G. Echols, Esq. to Post 4 of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors.
- 23 Fire & Rescue Services
- 24 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts Appointment Interim Deputy Fire Chief Winfred O. Smith II to DeKalb Post 4 of the Region 3 Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council
- 25 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts Reappoint Dr. Michael Carr to DeKalb Post 3 of the Region 3 Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.
- 26 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts Appointment Samuel Shartar to DeKalb Post 2 of the Region 3 Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council
- G. CONSENT AGENDA
- 28 Board of Commissioners - District 2
- 29 Commission District(s): Commission District 2 Allocation of $25,000 from District 2 Reserve for Appropriation to DeKalb Schools Foundation to Support Educational Field Trips
- 30 Commission District(s): Commission District 2 Allocation of $25,000 of District 2 ARP Interest Funds to Women’s Resource Center to Support Nia’s Place
- 31 Clerk to the Board of Commissioners and CEO
- 32 Commission District(s): All Approval of the Minutes of the Board of Commissioners Meeting of July 14, 2026
- 33 Police Services
- 34 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts Acceptance of State Forfeiture Property - Police Services
- 35 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts Grant Acceptance - GY2024 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Program Grant Not to Exceed $132,750.00.
- 36 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts Grant Acceptance - FY26 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Grant, $276,156.00.
- 37 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts Donation Acceptance - QuikTrip Corporation, Not to Exceed $300,000.
- 38 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts Canine Retirement - Official Retirement of K-9 Fire to His Handler.
- 39 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts Canine Retirement - Official Retirement of K-9 Fury to His Handler.
- 40 Public Safety
- 40 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts Donation Acceptance - QuikTrip Corporation, Not to Exceed $300,000.
- 41 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts Grant Acceptance - GY2024 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grant in Amounts Not to Exceed $435,827.59.
- 42 The Board may take a 1-Hour Break at 12:00PM
- H. PRELIMINARY ITEMS
- 44 Board of Commissioners - District 2
- 45 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts An Ordinance to Amend the Code of DeKalb County, Georgia, Chapter 15- Licenses, Permits, and Miscellaneous Regulations, Article XV. Non-Discrimination
- 46 Board of Commissioners - District 3
- 47 Commission District(s): District 3 Budget Amendment to Increase the General Fund for Recreation Parks & Cultural Affairs - Sugar Creek Tennis & Golf to Address the Lighting and Retention Wall for the 3rd Tennis Court. An Amount not to exceed $800,000.00
- 48 Commission District(s): District 3 Budget Amendment to increase the General Fund for Recreation Parks & Cultural Affairs - Porter Sanford Performing Arts & Community Center to Address Required Equipment Improvements. An Amount not to exceed $79,000.00.
- 49 Board of Commissioners - District 6
- 50 Commission District(s): Super District 6 and District 2 A Resolution of the DeKalb County Board of Commission to Name the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Amphitheater in Honor of Andrew Keenan
- 51 Chief Executive Office
- 52 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts A supplemental resolution (i) approving the issuance of the “Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb, Georgia Taxable Revenue Bonds (Housing Investment Bond Program) Series 2026” in the aggregate principal amount of $[________], for the purpose of funding the Housing Investment Bond Program and (ii) authorizing the execution and delivery of an Intergovernmental Housing Cooperation Agreement between the County and the Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb, Georgia.
- 53 Finance
- 54 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts The renewal of a contract with The Urban League of Greater Atlanta for the operation of the DeKalb County water and sewer customer assistance programs.
- 55 Planning and Sustainability
- 56 Commission District(s): All Districts Application of the Director of Planning & Sustainability to Request that the Board of Commissioners Approve a Resolution for Renewal of the Service Delivery Strategy for DeKalb County, Georgia.
- 57 Purchasing & Contracting
- 58 Purchasing & Contracting - to FAB Committee
- 59 Commission District(s): ALL CO - Change Order No. 2 to Contract No. 2000521 Upfitting of Government-owned Emergency Response Vehicles [Multiple Award Schedule, General Service Administration (GSA Contract No. GS-07F-0512T)] (Cooperative Agreement). For use by the Marshal’s Office to outfit ten (10) new vehicles. Seeking increase in contract funds. Awarded to Dana Safety Supply Inc.: Amount Not To Exceed: $302,400.34.
- 60 Purchasing & Contracting - to OPS Committee
- 61 Commission District(s): All CO - Change Order No. 1 to Contract No. 1367915 Light Bulbs, Fixtures, Lamps and Ballasts (Annual Contract with 2 Options to Renew). For use by the Department of Facilities Management (FM) to obtain light bulbs, fixtures, lamps, and ballasts for upgrades under Health Centers project. Seeking increase in contract funds. Awarded to Summit Lighting Solutions: Amount Not To Exceed: $1,111,163.00.
- 62 Commission District(s): All CO - Change Order No. 15 to Contract No. 1147259 Elevator, Escalator and Walkway Maintenance and Modernization Services and Related Solutions (Cooperative Agreement). For use by the Department of Facilities Management (FM) to obtain monthly preventative maintenance, inspections, testing and modernization of the County’s elevators and associated equipment at Richardson Health Center and West DeKalb Mental Health Center. Seeking increase in contract funds. Awarded to: KONE, Inc.: Amount Not To Exceed: $1,248,462.64.
- 63 Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs
- 64 Commission District(s): Districts 1,3,5,6 and 7 A Resolution to Commit to the Implementation of Park Improvement Projects for the Purpose of , and to Authorize Submission of, Applications for Grant Funds to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and for the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (GOSP); Lake and Dam Renovation Projects at Exchange Park located at 2775 Columbia Drive, Decatur, Ga 30034, parcel 15 103 01 001, Chapel Hill Park located at 4002 Lehigh Boulevard, Decatur, GA 30034, parcel 15 035 08 005, and Davidson Arabia Nature Preserve located at 7162 South Goddard Road, Stonecrest, GA 30038, parcel 16 143 01 004 and Pleasantdale Park Improvement Project located at 3650 Pleasantdale Road, Doraville, GA 30340, parcel 16,143 01 013.
- 65 Commission District(s): Districts 4 & 6 A Resolution to Commit to the Implementation of an Outdoor Recreation Project for the Purpose of, and to Authorize the Submission of an Application for an Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grant through the Land and Water Conservation Fund for Improvements to Tobie Grant Park Located at 593 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale, GA 30079, parcel 18 046 01 049.
- 66 Solicitor - State Court
- 67 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts Will Be Impacted The Solicitor-General’s Office Request to Assume the Lease for the Vacant Office Space at 160 Clairemont from the District Attorney’s Office as of September 1, 2026. the Cost will be Approximately $106,000 for the Remainder of 2026.
- 68 Watershed Management
- 69 Commission District(s): 2 & 6 Agreement for the Construction and Financing of Sewer Upgrades with PPF AMLI 750 Commerce Drive, LLC with a Contribution of $168,500.
- 70 WorkSource DeKalb
- 71 Commission District(s): ALL DISTRICTS Acceptance of Multiple Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grants - Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth for Program Year 2026 from the Technical College System of Georgia, not to exceed $2,863,013.
- I. ITEMS FOR DECISION BY THE BOARD
- 73 Board of Commissioners - District 2
- 74 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts A Resolution to Amend the Board of Commissioners Standing Procedural Rules
- 75 Board of Commissioners - District 6
- 76 Commission District(s): All Commission Districts A Resolution Urging The Administration Implement The Specific Recommendations Outlined In The DeKalb County Racial Equity Study As Adopted In 2025.
- J. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- 78 POLICY OF NON-DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN COUNTY SERVICES.
- 79 DeKalb County Government does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities or exclude them from participating in or receiving benefits of its services, programs, or activities, based on disability. Janet Essix, DeKalb County Government’s Employee Relations Manager and ADA Coordinator, is designated to coordinate the County’s compliance with Part 35 of the Department of Justice regulations regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act. Janet Essix may be contacted at 1300 Commerce Drive, 1st Floor, Decatur, GA 30030, 404.371.2309, to request information about access for persons with disabilities to County services, programs and activities, or to discuss a grievance regarding an impediment to such access. Ten days’ notice is requested for special accommodations.