Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

Good morning, everybody. Welcome to the September 22nd, 2026 Board of Commissioners meeting. I am presiding officer in District 4, Commissioner Shkyra Johnson. Thank you for being with us today. We will start with our inspirational speaker, Chaplain Sergeant Gregory Webb. If you'd like to start making your way to the front, sir. Sergeant Chaplain Gregory Webb, excuse me, has proudly served DeKalb County for 17 years through DeKalb County Police Department and became a volunteer chaplain in 2018. Throughout his service, Chaplain Webb has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to compassionate service, spiritual care, and community support. In his role as volunteer chaplain, Chaplain Webb provides guidance and support during times of crisis, offers care to county employees and residents, and works collaboratively with county leadership and public safety partners to promote wellness, dignity, and respect throughout the community. Chaplain Webb is dedicated to serving individuals of all backgrounds with professionalism, empathy, integrity, and compassion. His continued service reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the well-being of those he serves and supporting a safer, healthier, and more connected DeKalb County community. Good morning, sir.

Good morning, good morning. Good morning to the Board of Commissioners, to our CEO, Madam Lorraine Cochran, Director of Public Safety, Director Fulham, our Chief of Police, Chief Padrick, and to the various dignitaries and officers that are in the room. The Lord God bless you. Let's pray together. Father, thank you for these few precious moments. God, we pray that you'll speak to us and through us, and that all things said and done, you will be glorified. In your son's name we pray and we say, amen. I heard it over here first. I want to, for just a few precious moments, talk to you from the subject of dangers of getting out of position. Dangers of getting out of position. Now, it's my favorite time of the year when we have the NFL, the football. Every Thursday, every Sunday, and every Monday, men running into each other. the interest of sports. But when we look and draw a parallel to the football game, the quarterback drops back to throw a pass. And he's throwing a pass at a receiver, but he's not throwing to the receiver, he's throwing to where he wants the receiver to be. You with me so far? We're still praying for the Falcons. They're just pacing themselves. They're pacing themselves. But he's throwing the pass to where the receiver is supposed to be. Now, if the receiver doesn't get to that point, he can't get the pass. And those of you who follow football, when the receiver comes across the middle of the field, If the quarterback doesn't put the ball on him, then that's a problem for that receiver. It might be his last receipt. But there's dangers in getting out of position. One of my favorite Old Testament biblical characters is King David. One of my favorite... King David and I want to read quickly first Samuel 17 starting there at 32 and I'm just going to grab a couple of passages it's a very popular story and you already know the story but I just want to grab just a little bit and it says David said to Saul let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine your servant will go and fight him Saul replied, you are not able to fight or go against the Philistine to fight because you're just a little boy. The scholars said David was 16 years old, wanting to fight Goliath. But David said to Saul, your servant has been keeping his father's sheep when a lion or a bear came and carried the sheep from the flock. I went after it, struck it, and rescued the sheep from his mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by the hair and struck it and killed it. Can I get an amen? It's exciting to me. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear. This uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them because he had defied the armies of the Lord. And since you already know the story, David was successful in slaying Goliath. But let's bring context. Who was Goliath? For 30 days, Goliath tormented the armies of God. For 30 days, he made a mockery of them. But who was Goliath? Goliath stood over nine feet tall. scholars have estimated that he weighed 600 to 700 pounds. He was a ginormous man. And since his youth, he was trained in the art of war. And now in comes David, a 16-year-old, who had been anointed and appointed by God, and he already slayed a lion, and he already slayed a... Bear, thank you. Y'all didn't know it was going to be a test, did you? So he slayed a lion, he slayed a bear, and he also slayed Goliath. But there's dangers of getting out of position. Long as we're in position, then we can do what God has appointed and anointed us to do. David was 16, and once he became 30, he became the king of Israel. The same David that killed the lion, the same David that killed the bear, the same David that killed Goliath got out of position. And we find here in 2 Samuel, the 11th chapter, that there came a time that the men went out to war, but David was on a rooftop. You know the story. He get... out of position and because David got out of position he saw something and these five things happened to David and all five of them start with the letter D the first thing that happened to David was he became distracted distracted by what he saw and it took his focus off what his mission was his focus now is over here broken focus And because of the distraction, it led to a dislocation. He's no longer in the position that he needs to be in to serve. First D was distraction. The second D is dislocation. Well, what's the third D? Because of his indiscretion, it was disobedience. And he transgressed against God's law. And then the fourth D is deception. Nobody will ever know. I'm not gonna tell you, nobody's going to know. And then the fifth D is destruction. His son died as an infant because of his distraction, because of his dislocation, because of his disobedience, because of the deception, it led to destruction. Don't get out of position. Now I wanna quickly, Tell your story. September the 1st, 1983, a Korean airline 007 left New York en route to Korea and they refueled in Anchorage, Alaska. And something, as they journeyed on the rest of their way, something happened to their navigational system on this Boeing 747, and they veered off course. They went off course, and they went into Russian airspace, and unfortunately, they were shot down. And as a result of that, 246 passengers, in addition to 23 crew members, lost their lives. Don't venture off course. And the FAA deemed that it was a navigational system. They put it on autopilot, and there was a malfunction that took them off course. I want to conclude with this, coming back to David. Stay on your assigned course. There's dangers in deviation. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, of reliance on God, and on staying on task, your assigned task, your assigned course. David came back in Psalms 51 and said, A song of David when Namath the prophet went to him after he had gone astray. And David said, have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving kindness, according to the multitude of your tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquities and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is always before me against you. And you only have our sin. and done this evil in your sight, that you may be found just when you speak, and blameless will you judge. Father, we thank you for these few precious moments with your people. Thank you for reminding us that there's victory lies in you when we follow you and there's dangers when we veer off course. Empower us, enable us, and encourage us to stay on course and fight the battle of faith. Amen and amen.

Thank you, Chaplain Webb. At this time, we'll have the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Bolton, and then we'll go to the floor for three presentations.

Please stand with me for the pledge.

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.

Thank you. If you guys, commissioners will join me on the floor. We have a special recognition, one for National Workforce Development Month and one for Small Business Opportunity Week.

Good morning. Good morning, everyone.

Yeah, every now and then, we have the privilege of standing in the presence of someone whose life has become more than a career. It has become a legacy. And I'll say this, that it is with sincere honor and respect that I have this opportunity to present a proclamation to someone that is so deserving. I've had an opportunity to meet her since we've been at this location, and she has become very special to me. And today, Gail was standing and the presence of that type of legacy. You wanna come on? Come on up. We think about what it means 50 years of getting up and showing up. 50 years of serving when it was easy and serving when it was difficult. 50 years of watching the world change around you while remaining grounded in the values that made you who you are. Give your resilience has taught us that strength does not always have to be loud. Sometimes strength is simply having the courage to come back tomorrow, to keep your heart tender when life gives you reasons to become hardened, to keep serving when no one is applauding, and to keep believing that what you do matters. Somewhere there's a young woman beginning her career who needs to know that she can endure. Somewhere there's a little girl who needs to see a woman who has stood the test of time and understand that there is room in this world for her gifts, her voice, her brilliance, and her dreams. And because women like you kept showing up, the road is a little wider for the woman coming behind you. Gail, one day the desk will belong to someone else. The uniform will belong to someone else. The responsibilities will belong to someone else. But the legacy will always have your name on it. On behalf of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, we are grateful that DeKalb County have you. And I say thank you, we appreciate you, and we love you. OK, the CEO, and then we'll have the chief, and then we'll present.

CEO, would you like to speak?

I was only coming forward to join in the celebration of Gail because walking in each and every day, it's a beautiful thing to have someone who greets you, who's sincere, and also I have a great deal of respect for our public safety officials, and in particular for women who enter service in areas where often we're underrepresented so it's an honor to stand here this morning thank you commissioner davis johnson and the board of commissioners for honoring gail and i wanted to say until chief pedrick came it was all women here this morning so it was very befitting but at this time i'll let him i'll defer to remarks from chief pedrick

Thank you, ma'am. I'm going to fix my hair. In all sincerity, it's an honor and a privilege to serve as the chief, but it's an even bigger privilege to serve with officers like Officer Carabaca. She's been here since I was in diapers, and her example of leadership sets the stage for every officer uh... especially female officers you know we all know that law enforcement has been a male dominated field uh... and i'm i'm sure you've got stories to tell from when you started uh... and we've changed that culture uh... we're all a team but gail is an inspiration to everyone male female black white duty to get up each and every day and serve our community should be commended. And it's an honor to serve with her and the DeKalb County police department. So I echo the sentiments and thank you, Gail.

Okay. Um, I'm going to have Gail come up and say a few words. She says she was nervous and you know, some, I wanted to hug and say I'm nervous, too, every time I get in front of people and speak. But you know you do what you have to do. And so if you speak from the heart, and I know that you will, because that's what I do and don't care what anybody thinks. I speak from the heart. If you speak from your heart, and I know you will, you will be fine. But I want you to know that we love and...

We appreciate you. Thank you. This is a great honor. I really appreciate everyone being here and thank you for all the kind words from everybody. I started 50 years ago and I still enjoy coming to work every single day for the cab county police department. It's a great department and I hope to continue to serve a couple more years. Thank you.

Now, listening to Gail, y'all knew she prepared that speech last night. Come on, let's take pictures.

Come on, all the officers. This is your class.

Hold on, y'all. Can you tell?

Yep.

Okay, you can see that.

Thank you.

Yeah, come on up. Come on up. Yeah, come on. Quickly. Yeah, some of you may want to get on stage.

Can you hear me? Can you hear me?

Let's go on and bunch in. It's not coming through. Let's go on and bunch in. Go on and bunch in. Yeah. Okay, there we go.

Great picture. Thank you everyone.

And now can we have Dorian DeBar and staff to come on up? Mainly I didn't decide to care, folks. Workforce folks. I'm glad you guys came deep this morning, too. Come on. Great morning, everyone. My name is Nicole Messiah. I have the honor to serve as the District 3 County Commissioner. I am proud to recognize September as Workforce Development Month in DeKalb County, and more importantly, to recognize the people and organizations that do this work every single day. When we talk about economic development, we often discuss new businesses, new construction, and new investment. But I believe we must also ask another question. Are the people who live here prepared to benefit from those opportunities? We want the DeKalb residents trained for jobs that are being created here in DeKalb County. We want our young people to see a future for themselves. We want people to see a future for themselves, more importantly here in DeKalb County. And we may need skills or a second chance to have a pathway to a good paying career. And we all deserve and need that, especially to survive here in this day and age. A good job helps the family afford a home, and it builds stability. Economic opportunity allows people to build careers and start businesses, as well as create wealth. That is why the work of the WorkSource DeKalb, DeKalb, WorkSource DeKalb, excuse me, DeKalb, our schools, our colleges, our employers, and our community partners are so very important. And let us remember that workforce development isn't only about a four-year degree. We need electricians, we need plumbers, we need construction workers, healthcare professionals, technicians, and skilled tradespeople. Those are good careers that support families and help us to build the infrastructure that we need here in DeKalb. As we attract new investment, I want to make sure that we are also investing in our people because economic development shouldn't simply happen around our residents. Our residents should have the opportunity to participate in it and, of course, benefit from it. So today, I want to thank everyone who is helping our residents to learn new skills, find meaningful work, and build a better future here in DeKalb. I'm proud to recognize September 2026 as Workforce Development Month here in DeKalb County. Madam Clerk, will you please read the proclamation?

Whereas Commissioner Nicole Masalia and the DeKalb County Governing Authority recognize that a skilled, prepared, and adaptable workforce is essential to the economic vitality of DeKalb County, supporting local businesses, attracting new investment, strengthening communities and creating pathways to economic opportunity for residents. And whereas workforce development connects residents with the education, training, resources, and support needed to pursue meaningful careers while helping employers identify and develop the talent necessary to grow and compete in an evolving economy. And whereas DeKalb County recognizes the importance of preparing residents for career across a broad range of industries and occupations, including emerging opportunities as well as the skill, hands-on professions that help keep our communities and economy moving forward. And whereas WorkSource DeKalb serves as a vital workforce development partner in DeKalb County, connecting job seekers with career services, training opportunities, employment resources, and supportive services, while working with employers to address workforce needs and strengthening the local talent pipeline. And, whereas, Decide to Cap, WorkSource to Cap, educational institutions, employers, community organizations, workforce partners, and other stakeholders work collaboratively to expand access to career pathways, strengthen connections between education and industry, and help ensure that DeKalb County residents are prepared for the opportunities of today and tomorrow. Now, therefore, be it resolved that Commissioner Nicole Messiah and the DeKalb County Governing Authority do hereby proclaim September 2026 as Workforce Development Month in DeKalb County, Georgia, and encourage residents, businesses, education, educators, and community partners to recognize the importance of workforce development and support efforts that connect DeKalb County residents with the skills, training, resource, and opportunities they need to thrive. Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, CEO.

President DeBar, you want to come up and say some things here?

I want to present this to you as well.

Good morning, DeKalb County.

Good morning.

First and foremost, I want to thank you, Commissioner Nicole Messiah, as well as the entire Board of Commissioners, and you as well, Madam CEO. And a special call out to Madam Presiding Officer, who also serves on the Board of Directors for DeKalb. So as we celebrate National Workforce Development Month, I want to make this clear. Workforce development in DeKalb County is thriving and progressing at a tremendous rate. From training, to upskilling, to pre-apprenticeship programs, to apprenticeship programs, and so much more. Decide DeKalb, in collaboration with our tremendous partner, WorkSource DeKalb, is on the forefront to ensure our residents and businesses have access to talent and a pipeline that is not only educated, but is ready and willing to work. So on behalf of the thousands of partners, co-collaborators, we are all grateful for all you do to train our workforce, employ, and create opportunities for those they call DeKalb County home. Thank you.

Thank you so much. Picture time, of course.

Okay.

Everybody here on three. One, two, three.

Hold it.

Three, two, one.

Good morning. I will try to move quickly this morning. Uh, but before I can go forward, uh, I have to say to chaplain Webb, thank you for the encouraging words. Uh, being a Southern Baptist, I tend to take notes when there is a sermon. And I'm going to go back before I go forward to there's dangers in getting out of position. I think for those of us who are elected and those of us who serve, those words rang especially in a different way. And I was reminded this morning that we should all, as servants, seek first the wisdom of Solomon, the courage of David, The conviction of John the Baptist and the faith of Job. So I just want to say once again, thank you. And also to Officer Gale, congratulations. This morning, I'm here to celebrate Small Business Opportunity Week. And in particular, if these individuals are present, please come forward. I know that Stacy Keys could not be with us, who is the President and CEO of the Georgia Business Council. But we have Veronica Maldonado and the team from that office. And everyone that I'm calling forward today are partners of DeKalb who work with us in development. Dorian DeBar and Decide DeKalb Development Authority, please return. And last but not least, I'm not sure if Mr. Frankie Atwater is joining us today from the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce. But these are the agencies that primarily work with DeKalb County on small business advancement. And for anyone who may not know, for a decade now, for ten years in a row, the state of Georgia has been the number one state in the United States to do business. Not only that, I think it's very important, yes, we should clap. Number one state to do business for ten years in a row. But also, I think it's important, a lot of people often feel that it's Fortune 500 companies on which America was built. But actually, America was built on the backbone of small businesses. 97% of all businesses in the United States are classified as small businesses. So it's small businesses that really fuel our economy. Also, I have to acknowledge that in DeKalb County, on last count, we have over 6,500 small businesses that have an active business license. And it's really important that we do celebrate them, because it is upon them that our communities are built, that people are employed, and that we have opportunity. For those who may not be aware, if you receive our newsletter, you know we have approaching a small business summit that has a pitch competition. So there's still time to participate. Please make sure you register. But today, more than anything, I'm here to say thank you to all of our small business partners. And since we've already had the sermon coming from the Southern Baptist Church, I'm going to leave with the benediction. And I have a call to people across DeKalb County and even beyond to do business in DeKalb. Because there are economic corridors across DeKalb County that suffer from a lack of investment. People from the community often reach out because we want better. But the truth of the matter is, even when it comes to franchising, someone has to qualify, someone has to own that business, and someone has to make a financial investment. And if you have an interest in owning a business in DeKalb County, please reach out to us. Decide DeKalb Development Authority is here to help you. Our Chamber of Commerce is here to work with you. We want to see you do business and we're prepared to help you get across the finish line in doing so. Because too often we sit on the sideline and wait for people to bring us what we could do for ourselves. I'm going to take a point of privilege and say to you that I believe it was around 2022. Many of you may be familiar when we received our first Chipotle on the south side. And I can remember sitting across from the gentleman that morning who said, well, we're interested in bringing a restaurant to DeKalb. And without equivocation, I said to him, we welcome that. However, if it sells fried rice, fried chicken, or burgers, we don't want it. And that morning, he left. And there's a lesson here, because we have to tell people who we are. And when he came back, he had Chipotle. I also said to him, if you give us new and improved food options, I promise it will be one of your top producing restaurants. After the first quarter of operation, it was ranked within the top 10 in the state of Georgia. Now I say that to say, this is important. I support local small business enterprises. I support anyone who wants to do business in DeKalb. But I take a keen and peculiar interest in us. This was a corporation outside DeKalb, outside the state of Georgia. Those dollars often go where the business comes from. It doesn't turn over in the community. So I urge those of you who live here to help us. I enlist you today to be a part of the solution. And with that, if you will please read into the record, the proclamation.

Whereas the state of Georgia is proud to be recognized as the number one state for business supported by a competitive business climate and thriving community of small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state. Whereas small businesses are the backbone of Georgia's economy. representing more than 1.2 million businesses and employing more than 1.7 million Georgians across diverse industries and communities. And whereas Georgia's small businesses drive innovation, create jobs, strengthen local communities, and contribute to the state's long-term economic growth, resilience, and prosperity. And whereas organizations like the Georgia Business Council work to develop, convene, and advocate for small businesses by helping companies build capacity, strengthen supply chain readiness, expand connections, and access opportunities throughout Georgia. And whereas the collaboration between small businesses, corporate partners, government agencies, and community organizations help strengthen Georgia's business ecosystem, support workforce development, and create pathways for success. And whereas Small Business Opportunity Week serves as a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements, resilience, and economic contributions of Georgia's small businesses while encouraging continued investment in entrepreneurship, innovation, and business growth across the state. Now, therefore, I, Lorraine Cochran Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County, Georgia, On behalf of its nearly 780,000 residents, do hereby proclaim September 21st through the 25th, 2026 as Small Business Opportunity Week in DeKalb County. Proclaim this 22nd day of September 2026. Lorraine Cochran Johnson, Chief Executive Officer.

Thank you so much. And also, before we take photos, you know I love a video. Let's watch the monitors.

This is Governor Brian Kemp. I'm proud to join you in recognizing Small Business Opportunity Week and celebrating the hardworking small business owners who helped make Georgia the number one state for business. Across every corner of our state, small businesses are creating jobs, serving their communities, driving innovation, and strengthening Georgia's economy. They represent the determination and entrepreneurial spirit that define our state and also help keep moving us forward. Marty and I know firsthand that starting and growing a business is never easy. It requires long hours, tough decisions, and a real commitment to the people you serve. Every day, small businesses across Georgia meet those challenges head on and our state continues to grow stronger because of it. I'd also like to thank the Georgia Business Council for its ongoing commitment to helping small businesses connect, grow, and compete. Keep up the great work and God bless.

And at this time, I'd like to offer the Georgia Business Council to come forward with any comments, followed by, if you'd like, Mr. Dorian DeBar, the CEO of Decide DeKalb Development Authority.

Well, I didn't know I was coming to church this morning. But after hearing all of that, I know I'm in the right position. Yes, sir. Good morning. I'm Monica Maldonado, President and CEO of IPCOM, a creative print and digital marketing agency. I'm especially proud to be here today, not only as a business owner, but as a DeKalb County business owner. Unfortunately, Stacey Key, President and CEO of the Georgia Business Council, could not be here with us today, but she sends her thanks and appreciation to DeKalb County. IPICOM was founded in 1984, so for more than four decades, I've had experience firsthand the opportunities and the challenges that come with building, growing, and sustaining a small business. And if there is one thing that I have learned over those years, is this, small business don't just need recognition. We need access. We need opportunity. And sometimes we simply need someone to open the door and give us the chance to compete. This is why Small Business Opportunity Week is so important. It celebrates the tremendous contribution that small business makes to their economy. But it also brings attention to the programs, resources, and relationships that make and help businesses grow. For six years, DeKalb County has supported Small Business Opportunity Week while also creating opportunities for local businesses through county procurement and the LSB program, which I'm happily part of. As a business owner, I can tell you that these opportunities matter. When a small business receives a contract, The impact goes far beyond that one company. We create jobs. We hire other small businesses. We invest in our communities. And we help build stronger economy. I especially want to recognize the small business owners who are here in this room. I know the long hours, the sacrifices, the risks, and also the tremendous pride that comes with building something of your own. Thank you for what you do every day. And thank you to CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners for this recognition and for continuing to create opportunities for businesses throughout the community. After more than 40 years in business, I still believe that opportunity can change the trajectory of a company. I am proud that IPCOM calls DeKalb County home, and I look forward to what we can continue to accomplish together. Thank you very much.

So good morning again. And I will be brief. Thank you, madam CEO for this opportunity. Um, as president and CEO of decided to cab development authority, I have the honor and pleasure of serving the cab County. And one of the principal reasons that the cab County is successful is because of our small businesses. Um, there's a stat that says more than 90% of our workforce are employed by small businesses. And that is tremendous. And here in the cab kind of, we have a tremendous group, small business owners and folks that wake up each and every single day to not only grow their business but also grow their communities. And so because of those efforts and because of the responsibility of deciding to get a development authority, I'm happy to announce that we have always been really keen on this. And so last month we hosted the small business pop-up incubator on Candler road, October, 2020. I mean, October 21st of this year, we'll be hosting our first ever small business pop-up incubator on Beaufort highway. And please check our website for more information. Why is this important? The small business pop-up incubators represent all of our partners coming together under one roof, one day providing all the resources that businesses need to thrive for free. There's no cost. Everyone shows up. Partnership, collaboration. So we will continue to do that. And before I get off this mic, I do have to recognize why this happens. So my tremendous team from this side, the Cal Development Authority, please step forward and just be recognized. Every single day we will continue to work for DeKalb County. So again, thank you, Madam CEO. Thank you, Board of Commissioners, for your tremendous partnership. And let's continue to make DeKalb County thriving, girl.

Thank you to everyone, and thank you to Monica Maldonado for being here to represent Ms. Gwen Keyes. And the last thing I'll say is that in DeKalb County, we have an entire toolbox of resources. So please reach out to us whether you are in need of identification of locations based upon opportunity zones, empowerment zones, our tax allocation districts, our community improvement districts. We are here to help you. We have everything from ACE small business loans, which are low dollar loans, low interest rates, to 108 revolving loans that are available, as well as SBA loans. And we will work with you on the development of your business plan so that we can get you across the hurdle. So don't say why. Ask why not. There's tons of opportunities here in DeKalb, but we just need you all to walk forward, work with us, and we'll help you across the finish line. So at this time, I guess let's take photos.

You may want to squeeze in. Yeah, maybe some people can get on the stage. Okay, very good. Squeeze in.

Thank you.

Chaplain Webb, if you'd like to come up, I'd love to give you a pen real quick. Wow.

Thank you. On three. One, two, three. Okay, this is .

If I can get my commissioners back on stage so we can continue the meeting.

Madam clerk, if you will read in the instructions for comments from the public, 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 please complete a speaker card and present it to the clerk before the beginning of the public comment portion of the meeting. Cards turn into 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 should be allowed to speak before residents of other counties are allowed to speak. 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 residents. 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.

Thank you, ma'am.

And we have some citizens from our last meeting. Yes, ma'am. And I'd like to read those. Ronnie Meyer.

Mr. Meyer, do not, Mayor. Mayor, Ronnie Mayor. I do not see him.

You don't, okay. Steven Benny.

Mr. Benny. Good morning, sir.

Good morning, commissioners. Where were we? Oh, yes. Who lives at 335 Eppington Drive Northwest? Currently, two people are listed as either owners or residents at that address. One is a Miss Julia Criswell, who made a $3,300 payment to Robert Patrick's campaign fund in July of 2023. The other listed as either an owner or resident at this address is a Mr. Jonathan Wilson-Benn. This gentleman is hard to follow because he uses at least eight aliases. Some of these have been used on various campaign forms submitted by DeKalb County commissioners. Jonathan Ben, John Bean, John W. Ben, etc. Last month I reported that Robert Patrick received $10,900 in campaign contributions from Shadowbox Studios, Mr. Ben, and Ms. Criswell, all listing an address at 335 Eppington Drive NW during the time period between 2023 and 2025. Marita Davis Johnson reported receiving $3,600 in campaign contributions during 2024. Nicole Messiah reported receiving $5,100 in campaign contributions also in 2024. To be fair, I have now looked over other commissioners' campaign finance forms. I am happy to tell you that commissioners Jakira Johnson, Dr. Ladina Bolton, and Michelle Long-Spears did not have any listing of campaign contributions from John Benn or any of his aliases between the years 2023 through 2025. However, Commissioner Ted Terry listed the campaign contribution of $3,000 from a Mr. John Benn on February 15th, 2023, a contribution of $3,300 from a Mr. Benn on 9-5-24, and a final contribution of $1,000 on 4-26-25 for a total of $7,300. It is hard to tell exactly what Mr. Ben's job is on the campaign finance forms. I have not seen the same occupation listed twice, and often the occupation box is left empty. As a side note, I noticed that Mr. Terry also reported two campaign contributions for a total of $2,800 from my favorite racist con man, Ryan Millsap, on July 14th, 2020. about three months before the original land swap deal was made that turned into the seed that made the Shadow Box monster. All told, $27,000 was directed to DeKalb County Commissioner's campaign funds over a three year period by Shadow Box and its representatives. A representative from Henrico LLC was sent to Texas to lobby two of our commissioners about building a data center on the property owned by Shadow Box Studios. Was Shadow Box looking for a denial of the data center regulations and a long extension of the moratorium to help their $30 million lawsuit against the county so they can get their data center bill?

Thank you very much. Rosalind McIntyre. Ms. McIntyre.

Good morning, ma'am. Good morning.

Good morning. Commissioners, your persistence in chasing the data center boom raises serious questions about your judgment and priorities. It appears you are ignoring critical warnings, cherry picking data, and acting more like corporate lobbyists rather than representatives of the people. Believing you can beat the odds of this data center obsession where so many other localities have failed. You are barreling ahead even as residents in other counties are suing their commissioners for the very same actions. Data centers are now described as no-win industry for community quality of life because they create a sharp mismatch between net losses and gains for community. Let's talk about gains and losses. Closed-loop cooling. DeKalb PWI representatives reporting having a process for assessing water capacity and use in proposed data center build-outs. But the reality is DeKalb PWI doesn't know how much water will be consumed because data center NDAs and bad faith operators Like the data center in Fayette County that used nearly 30 million gallons of unbilled water before it was caught. Not self-reported are examples of an uncertain strain on water systems. Closed loop cooling systems use less water on site, but Georgia Power will use up to 12 times more water to provide the increased power to operate the closed loop system. Water that will be evaporated and forever lost in the water cycle, net loss. Data centers received billions in tax breaks and abatements. In 2025, at least 10 states lost more than $10 million. Texas lost over a billion. Georgia is projected to lose 2.5 billion in 2026 and 3 billion by 2027. Net loss. Home ownership. Analysis notes 70% of grid connection requests may be speculative and never actually will be built. However, Georgia Power is legally forced to plan and upgrade grid infrastructure using eminent domain and displacement. Home owners report being pressured and provided with ultimatums to sell their land or face property seizure to accommodate grid expansions. And those who live near data centers report severely decreased property values, net loss. Clean air. Air contamination due to gas turbines and diesel engine and generators emitting VOCs and nitrogen oxide, net loss. More than a decade of fact-based data, economic reports, and anecdotal experiences show that hyperscale data centers operate as corporate explorers delivering unfulfilled pledges, bad faith actors, and worthless guarantees resulting in huge economic and environmental losses in local communities. We want a text amendment with a clear and legal regulatory framework. If a citizens council is convened to write this text amendment, please count me in.

Thank you, ma'am.

Our next person is Jason, and I'm going to spell this. I'm not clear on this. It's B-L-U-N-Y-A-R, I think.

Jason, are you here today?

I do not see them. You don't see them. Okay. Patricia Davidson. It's Davidson. Do not see them. Okay. Joanna Pressure. Joanna? No, ma'am. I don't see them. Jocelyn O'Neil. Miss O'Neil. Do not see her. Jackie Malcolm. Good morning, ma'am.

Oh my goodness. Grand rising commissioners. I would like to mention we need more transparency from all of you. If any of you explain any issues to your constituents and they are not in agreement of minds, then you have failed as an agreement of understanding. As we all know now, Shadow Box Studios is suing the county, which means they're suing us, the residents. I would say the county should fight this lawsuit. Why? I believe, not sure, Shadow Box probably has not followed all of the procedures. After a long break, I hope y'all been working on a very needed citizen friendly, environmental friendly, pollution friendly, less water consumption, less energy consumption data center text amendment. The last text amendment was written with no safe rails, no safeguards to protect the people. It seemed like it was written for shadow box. We need some type of tax amendment in place. As commissioners, you all are supposed to protect us In the Cedar Grove area, we have small to mid-sized industrial businesses, landfills, small airplanes flying two to three days a week, emitting toxins of chemtrails in the atmosphere. We have the Hartsville-Jackson Airport planes flying over our neighborhoods, dumping fuel that leaves smut. on our driveways. All of these things along with others contribute heavy pollutions like the, um, we have, we have this area, we have this business that have satellite dishes that admits just radiation. We have the rail Norfolk Southern railway that meets all types of toxins in the air. All this contribute to heavy pollution. These are some of the issues. In our area, that's why we would like a health environmental impact study to be funded. On the paper that was shown that we got this morning, it's all types of studies that's been doing that y'all approving, studies for this, studies for that. And we've been asking for a health environmental study for us because we are impacted. If you can do and approve studies for all these types of other different things, what about the people? What about us? Please care for the people. People over profit. Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am. Don Rush. Thank you. And remember, we can snap but not loud clapping. Thank you. Ms. Don Rush, are you here today? I do not see them.

Carolyn Coe. Carolyn Coe. Do not see them.

Renee Kale. Renee Kale. Good morning, ma'am.

Good morning, everyone. Thank you for the opportunity to speak this morning. My grandmother used to say, Renee?

Can we get her clock up so she knows her time?

Can you hear me? I just wanted to make sure you had your time up. Go ahead, ma'am. OK. Nana used to say, what is done in the dark comes to light. The lack of transparency when analyzing data centers, NDAs, hide quite a bit of pertinent information that the community needs to know. And a lot of what they're hiding, we already know. Please ban data centers. Do not allow them to come to DeKalb County. We need our green space. We need stable, vibrant, economic development, not development that will ultimately destroy us. Please complete the environmental impact study and extend the moratorium beyond March 27, 2026. I'm very excited about DeKalb Decide. I never heard about this program, and I will tell people about starting new businesses. The other thing is please understand that the community needs your protection. We need your honesty. And we need you to ban data centers because they're trying to put them in neighborhoods that are African-American neighborhoods, poor neighborhoods, all races that are struggling. So please ban them. We'd appreciate it. And I want you to hear what they sound like. I'm a very light sleeper. So if one comes to my neighborhood, I'll never have any sleep. And I'm a terrible photographer. I know my time is running out. This is what generators sound like. I hate the noise. Noise pollution is very destructive. So please ban them. I'd appreciate it. Thank you so much.

Thank you, ma'am. Leanne Rubenstein. Leanne Rubenstein. Do not see her. Jan Dunaway. Good morning, Ms. Dunaway.

Sorry about that. Jan Dunaway, District 4 and a DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor. I watched the PWI committee live on 910, which included a presentation by the Watershed Department. Interesting that this presentation has taken a year of public concern to have. This presentation still left a lot of questions for me. Data centers are a new type of industrial user that requires special consideration, not grouped with other industrial users. You are dependent upon the data center to provide water and sewer needs. This group of users are known for signing NDAs and using proprietary cooling chemicals, which they will not disclose. How can you model accurately when you may not know the needed information? Example, I attended the Shadow Box community meeting, my invitation only, on August 27th. During this meeting, they gave the amounts of water that would be used. Although the conceptual drawing showed five multi-story buildings, However, they actually said it would be seven to eight multi-story buildings. How can you model what you do not know? They had joined the South River and many beautiful wetlands that must be protected. Watching a long-legged wading bird fly from the South River as we left the bus was breathtaking. This bird and others most likely would not return to this area, changing the entire ecosystem forever. Glycol is known to kill the microorganisms needed in the water treatment plants. Immersion cooling liquids should not be discharged into the sanitary sewers due to their tendency to take oxygen from the water it enters, therefore killing not only fish, but microorganisms and biotics in the waterways. Watershed and their industrial pretreatment permit are heavily regulated. That's true. It's been that way since 2011. However, it hasn't prevented the sanitary sewer overflows from occurring, resulting in state and federal funds at an enormous cost to Cabin County water users. Review of the DeKalb County pretreatment application does not include the chemicals known to be used by data centers. Furthermore, watershed compliance plans rely too heavily on self-reporting. This does not give us a level of confidence that you have it under control. There's been a lot of discussion about misinformation and the need for better communications related to data centers by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Council for Quality Growth, other than a few meetings throughout the last year, mostly to talk at us rather than listening to us, then it is your responsibility to communicate with us, not at us. We need a data center tax amendment that protects citizens and is not written for the to protect the data center developers. Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am. Deborah Wallace. Miss Wallace. Good morning.

Good morning. My name is Debra Wallace. I live in the North Shore subdivision and I'm part of the Rock Breach Coalition. I'm with them all the time. So I hear them and please hear them too, what they're saying. I'm here for a small thing, paving of the roads in my area. Now, you know the Amazon trucks come through. I still see them come through. Asphalt's falling on the sides, literally breaking apart the road. And that road on Rockbridge Road between 124 and South Deshaun is getting skinnier and skinnier. And we don't want those big trucks running into the trees and then into somebody's house. Please take a look at it. Please take a look at it. Those trucks are too big. They should go up 124 to Anistown Road and hit Gwinnett County. The other part is the paving of my subdivision, which is over 40 years old. Not one street has been repaved since I've lived there other than mine because I did a lot of complaining. But my complaint was to pave the entire subdivision, yet I have seen other subdivisions in my neighborhood who were younger get their main roads paved. I don't know what the problem is, but can we fix it? Second last 911. We have got to fix 911 putting people on hold when they're in their most panicked position. I don't need to see a text coming through my phone when I can't breathe. I don't need to see a text coming through my phone if a burglar is in my house. I don't need to see a text when I got smoke in my house. I need to see somebody answer that phone and get me the help that I need. That's what 911 is. If I wanted 411 or 311, I'd dial those. But 911 is critical to the safety of your constituents. I've had a child with lupus that has used it. I have had a son with asthma that has used it. And my house just recently had smoke and it took a long while. So please understand, 911, we need to fix people being put on hold when they can't breathe. I think you want a brief too, and you don't have three minutes to worry about what I'm going to text in on the phone, and who's looking at your phone after you made the call? Your phone's here, or maybe on speaker, but trying to text, I don't think that's going to happen. Please, paving of the road, don't let the big trucks through, fix 911, and please do the correct studies for these data centers. They are needed. I have grandchildren, you have grandchildren, we have children. We need to preserve the future for our children. Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am. Cheryl Dudley. Good morning, Ms. Dudley.

Wow, it's going to be hard to follow.

Very good. All right. Cheryl Dudley, voter activist, Stone Mountain, Georgia. I come this morning, good morning everyone, to say that I hope the Board of Commissioners will follow what the DeKalb County Board of Education did last week, which adopted the safe space to learn policy. which restricts U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, generally known as ICE, and other outside law enforcement agencies from accessing student or non-public areas without proper legal documentation, i.e. warrants. I want the DeKalb Commission to do the same thing for these upcoming elections. Early voting is 22 days from now, and again, in six weeks or five weeks it'll be the general election. Going back, which I said here once before, the Enforcement Acts, which were the against anti-KKK acts, were passed and are still on the books from the 1800s. That enforcement is to prevent violence, making it a federal offense to use violence and threats to prevent people from voting and intimidation. I also went back and looked at the beginning of the formation of ICE, which of course, unfortunately, was almost 25 years ago. after 9-11 to combat terrorism from the outside, not to be escorting people who other people might think don't belong here outside the door and put them in prisons. And that is getting worse and worse. Nothing in ISIS creation says anything about them being at election facilities. Free and fair elections is the most important thing to continue to have a democratic country, whether it's a big D or a small d. We cannot depend on... definitely cannot depend on the state election board, which has been nicknamed Trump's Bulldogs, which is full out there, so I'm not, you know, fake news or whatnot. And we can't honestly almost depend upon the federal government. We have to depend on local government. Folks, as I always say, and we certainly can't depend on the current Department of Injustice. So... Please, please have a resolution of some sort so that people are not afraid to vote, they can get to voting, and we will not be happy living in a dictatorship.

Brenda Pace.

Ms. Pace. Good morning, ma'am.

Good morning everyone and everyone, okay. After a beautiful morning this morning here and watching all the awards and so-called wonderful things that are happening in DeKalb, I am here today to speak to something that is not so beautiful that's taking place in DeKalb in this particular environment and it is racism and that ugly word being used In this environment, right here, this is the third time someone has brought this to my attention. If it doesn't stop and I give one more about any one of you, I'm going to the media and I'll drop names. Okay, so you better hope. Bottoms, get it. Because if not, I will bring Jackson in here on it. And then you can partner with him with your racism in your office and in the words. You better stop. And I mean every bit of it. Because there's very little you guys do that I don't know about. And it's been going on for 50 years that I've always been. And I've been the one that has exposed more corruption than anybody else in this entire county. And I'll get right back on that case. Watch yourself. That's all I'm gonna say. Secondly, because there's no room for it. I come from diversity and a lot of other people in here come from diversity. And this is a very diverse county. That's one reason why and the only reason why I stay in it. Not because it's all that great because so many of the black leaders have failed. So clean it up, even in your staff. If you don't want somebody working for you, get off the commission. Secondly, I want to know why is it Maynard Jackson turned Atlanta into what he did by telling contractors that they had to hire businesses and subcontract out to black businesses. But when I bought it up here in DeKalb, I'm told, oh, when I said how come we can't help our young youth here in DeKalb make these contractors hire some of them, I'm told, no, we can't make them do what they hire who we want them to. Well, that's not true. Maynard's dead and gone. He's still better than half of what's happening here.

Thank you, ma'am.

Marcus Lamar.

Good morning, Mr. Lamar.

Increase that by one minute, please. Can you stop that and start it over? I'll wait until you took that took four minutes. Thank you. For years, people like me lived in the consequences of governments mistakes that no one would acknowledge. We were told that police could not be held accountable. We were told that harm caused by their action or their failures was simply the cost of doing business. We were told that immunity was absolute and that suffering was unavailable. But on September the 9th, 2026, the Georgia Supreme Court finally said that many of us have known all along that there is no blanket immunity for government agency when their actions damage their lives and properties or the people that they serve or sworn to serve. We often talk about law enforcement and what they're supposed to be, but we rarely confront what happens when they fail. Police officers are sworn to protect and serve, not to decide legal outcomes, not to ignore statutory duties, not to leave citizens exposed to harm because the situation seems inconvenient or complicated. President Jimmy Carter once said, the measure of society is found in how it treats its weakest and most helpless citizens. You allowed for someone in my face to take my identity for years, and you did nothing about it. My credit was ruined. I lost your opportunities because of your police staff and your corrupt black rent commission. imagine waking up and you cannot afford to buy a house this old buddy buddy black system that y'all running that this wonderful woman talked about this this race system that you talked about I pumped $17 million a year into this county. And to allow for a police officers, to allow for someone to take not only my property, but my identity, Imagine if a signal is sent to each of your bank account and it's right and clean. Imagine if your credit is destroyed, your fancy suits, your nice computers. We worked hard to get that. But however, we did not come together for you guys to come to get a Buddy Systems and you wonder why your people are suffering. You shall be held accountable for your actions. Every police officer, every corrupt government official, you've been put on notice. You do corrupt things. You use your position to abuse a citizen. You will be held accountable, and your bank account will be drawn down. Play with me if you want to. I'm back, and I want my money, and I want my life back. You heard me.

So thank you, sir. I will know. I was not going to make a big deal about this, but this gentleman came to us before the meeting and said he had an issue with his speaking and asked for additional time. We accommodated that. That is why he was given the four minutes so that everyone is clear on what, why he had an extra minute. We were trying to make sure we're accommodating everybody today. Is there any other speakers?

Austin Carl.

First, I want to say every environmental and infrastructural concern that we've brought before you over and over again with regards to data centers is backed up by ample research alongside the county's history and geography of unequal development. And I second all of those concerns. But today I wanted to take a different tact and ask you to imagine that there's a weightless data center, a data center that doesn't use any water, any electricity, that doesn't produce any heat, or at least any toxic emissions into the atmosphere that doesn't accelerate the death of an already burning planet. And I would still not want it. And most I think most everyone here would agree. Why is that? Because we seem to understand better than all of you that data centers are not solely an economic project, a false one at that. They aren't solely an attempt to consolidate more land, more water, more power, more infrastructure in the hands of a few AI billionaires. They're also a political project, one that depends on the violent repression of political opposition of us to be realized in direct opposition to democracy. For those of us who have been coming to these meetings since November, we'll remember clear as day the sight of three armed police officers forcing a gentleman from the podium for speaking 30 seconds overtime. This is an image I've seen replayed across the country in Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, and elsewhere. What this moment has made clear is that police exist to force on us a future not chosen by us, but chosen by you all on behalf of developers and economic interests that you serve. This is why, despite numerous of your residents not having access to clean running water, you can still find $20 million to spend on a real-time crime center to supercharge the police department's ability to surveil and repress citizens. This is also why, at the federal level, we never have enough money for health care, but we can always find another $30 million to bomb Iran or supply Israel with more weapons to carry out genocide. And what does this violence represent to the AI billionaires that you are serving by entertaining the data center development that promises economic development that will never be realized? What does this promise to surveillance vendors, to finance capital? All of this violence just represents a market to them. It's just a market. If these people could buy up your last breath and rent it back to you, they would. We have said no data centers for 13 months in solidarity with millions of people across the country, and we'll say no to data centers for the next 13 months because we know better than you. We know better than the AI billionaires whose hope for profit is to pawn off their debt on taxpayers and leave out the back door, who are too ashamed to publicize their earnings reports that they have to manufacture spectacular narratives about superintelligence to justify delaying their IPOs without tanking their valuations. And you all, either bought off or foolish, continue to deny these realities, meeting after meeting. You continue to deny the people's expertise, the people's authority, which is here to stay. Approve the environmental review we have asked you for for the last time.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you. That completes our... All right. Public comment.

Thank you, ma'am. So now we'll move into two items that we have. They're listed under public hearing, but they are for decision only. They were misprinted. They were not advertised for public hearing. They were advertised for decision only. So now we're on top of page three. Item 2026-0709, Commission Districts 2 and 6, application of Muhammad Awaneh to rezone property from OI Office Institution Zoning District to C1 Local Commercial Zoning District to allow salon suites at 3040 Briarcliff Road.

Motion to defer item 2026-0709 for 30 days with public hearing. With public hearing.

Yes, ma'am.

Second.

Thank you, Commissioner Bolton. If you'll hit your button. And I see no one requesting to speak, so please open the machine for that. I'm sorry, sir. Since this is decision only, the applicant does not get an opportunity to speak, but we are deferring it so you can have an opportunity to speak with the planning department. Motion to defer carries. Thank you. All right, our next item is an appeal item, and we're just being handed a substitute. This is item 2026-1185, Commission District 2 and 6, Super District 6, appeal of a decision by the Historic Preservation Commission concerning property located at 1080 Clifton Road.

You're being handed the substitute for the August 20th substitute that was emailed out to you at that time.

Okay.

Thank you, ma'am.

All right. Thank you so much. I move that the board find, based upon its review of the record, that the Historic Preservation Commission did not abuse its discretion in its decision concerning the Certificate of Appropriateness for 1080 Clifton Road, HPC application number HPC-2627. dash 1248160, that the commission's decision was based upon the applicable factors and historic preservation guidelines and was supported by evidence in the record, including the planning department staff report and structural assessment, and that the decision of the Historic Preservation Commission, therefore, be affirmed. So motion to affirm the substitute. Second.

Thank you.

It's a little bit confused by the substitute because that is not what y'all had provided to me here.

We'll let Attorney Phillips come forward.

I was going to just do a substitute motion to table this item.

Yes, let's table. Is there a second to table and we'll come back to this?

Sure, second.

We'll come back. It looks like there's still. Yes, can I get the open machine for the motion to table? So that was Commissioner Messiah made the motion. Commissioner Longsfears, you seconded? Yep. Motion to table that item, carries. We will revisit it. Thank you. Table to substitute, yes ma'am. All right. Moving along, middle of page three. Appointments not requiring board action for information only. District 4, item 2026-1304, record the appointment of Andrea Greco to Environmental Justice and Sustainability, excuse me, Resident Review Group as the District 4 Commissioner Appointee. I really appreciate her. I have known Ms. Greco for over 20 years. Now we're on to appointments needing decision under a chief executive office item 2026-0924. All commission districts appoint Dr. Lynette Wilson-Phillips, MD, to post five of the DeKalb County Community Service Board. And this was in PECS.

Motion to approve as approved out of the PECS committee.

Thank you. Second. Thank you, Commissioner McSpeers. Please open the sheet. Motion to approve carries. Top of page four. Item 2026-0925, all commission districts appoint Ms. Kendra Price to post four of the DeKalb County Community Service Board.

Move for action.

Thank you, ma'am. Item 2026-1130, all commission districts appoint Ronald Mangum to post seven of the DeKalb County Board of Family and Children's Services.

Move for action. Madam PO, I have a motion to defer agenda items ending in 0925 and 1130 to the October 27th BOC with a stop in text pending scheduling from the potential appointees.

Second.

Thank you.

Please open that machine for the vote. Motion to defer carries bottom of page four item 2026 dash one one five zero. All commission districts appoint interim deputy fire chief Renford. Oh, Smith, the second to the cab post for the region three emergency medical services advisory council. Move for action. Yes, ma'am. Top of page five item 2026 dash one one five one. All commission districts reappoint Dr. Michael Carr to the cab post three of the region three emergency medical services advisory council. Move for action. Item 2026-1152. All commission districts appoint Samuel Shattar to the cab post two of the region three emergency medical services advisory council.

Move for action. And with that, Madam Presiding Officer, I move to approve items 2026, 1150, 1151, and 1152. Second.

If you hit your buttons again. Thank you so much. Motion to approve carries. Thank you. Now we are on consent agenda. Are you ready, Deputy PO? Yes, ma'am.

All right.

Board of Commissioners, item 2026-1259, approval of minutes for the September 10th, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting. Move for action. District 5 item, item 2026-1278, an item to allocate $80,000 from the District 5 Reserve for Appropriation Account for the District 5 Holiday Health and Wellness Initiatives. Move for action. Top of page 6, item 2026-1279, District 5, an item to allocate an amount not to exceed $5,000 each for a total of $25,000 to the District 5 marching bands at Arabia Mountain High School, Lithonia High School, Miller Grove High School, Martin Luther King Jr. High School, and Redan High School from the District 5 Reserve for Appropriations Funds for Youth Safety and Violence Prevention Programs.

Move for action.

Item 2026-1280, also District 5, an item to allocate $25,000 to DeKalb County PALS Plus from a District 5 reserve for appropriation funds for youth safety and violence prevention programs for DeKalb County youth. Move for action. From the Chief Executive Office, item 2026-1288, all commission districts, healthcare access expansion and community-based health services purchasing policy exemption consists of the provision of healthcare expansion and community-based health services to expand access to quality healthcare for uninsured and underinsured residents. including in-home primary care, dental and behavioral health services, community outreach, wellness services, immunization expansion, remote patient monitoring, and other initiatives to strengthen the DeKalb County healthcare ecosystem, a contract will be developed and executed in a form acceptable to the county attorney or his designee, awarded to a Mosaic Health Center Incorporated amount not to exceed $1.5 million. Move for action. Top of page seven, item 2026-1289, all commission districts, preventative healthcare expansion and community healthcare access services purchasing policy exemption consists of the provision of healthcare services and initiatives to expand preventative healthcare access throughout DeKalb County, including the deployment and operation of a countywide mobile healthcare unit, expansion of maternal and prenatal healthcare services, and development of an additional community healthcare access site. A contract will be developed and executed in a form acceptable to the county attorney or his designee, awarded to MedCure Health Inc., amount not to exceed $1.4 million. Move for action. Thank you. From the clerk to the board of commissioners and CEO, item 2026-0705, approval of the minutes of the board of commissioners meeting of August 25th. Move for action. Item 2026-1075, approval of minutes of the special call meeting of August 18th, 2026. Move for action. And under finance risk management, item 2026-1281, safe driver championship.

Move for action. And with that, I move to approve items 2 0 2 6 1 2 5 9 1 2 7 8 1 2 7 9 1 2 8 0 1 2 8 8 1 2 8 9 0 7 0 5 1 0 7 5 and 1 2 8 1. Second. Thank you. Meet your button commissioners. I am machine for the vote.

Commissioner David Johnson beat you to it. Thank you. Quick on the draw today. Motion to approve. The consent agenda is carried. Thank you. We are now on the bottom of page 7. We're moving to the top of page 8. Preliminary items under District 5. Item 2026-1306, District 5 and Super District 7, a resolution of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners to rename the DeKalb County Police Department East Precinct in honor of Chief Eddie Moody.

Motion to approve as approved in.

It's okay. This was your item. I'll second it. Go ahead.

As approved in the Employee Relations Public Safety Commission.

Second. Did you hit your button, Commissioner Davis-Johnson? Okay. Thank you. I see no one requesting to speak. Please open the machine for the vote.

You don't want to speak on this?

No, I've already spoken on it. Yeah, I mean, I'll briefly just say that, yeah, I've already spoken on it in the Ops Committee. But as we all know that Chief Eddie Moody, first African American to serve as police chief in DeKalb County, and I could go on and on, but he is much deserving of this honor. and it is my honor and privilege to have brought it before the commission, so I look forward to being there for the renaming.

Thank you. Thank you. I think we all look forward to that, ma'am. Thank you for bringing that forward. That motion to approve carries. Under Chief Executive Office, item 2026-1166, all commission districts, establishment of the DeKalb Farm Fresh mobile market, Purchasing policy exemption and ratification of purchase order number 5080905 consists of the provision of services to establish and operate the DeKalb Farm Fresh mobile market to make locally sourced food more accessible and affordable for residents to DeKalb County, Georgia. A contract will be developed and executed in a form acceptable to the county attorney or his designee. Awarded to Ritaza, LLC amount not to exceed $378,000. Move for action. Thank you. Item 2026-1315, all commission districts approval of amendment number two to contract number 2000186. Operational and Performance Assessment Services purchasing policy exemption awarded to Malden and Jenkins LLC amount not to exceed $182,420. Vote for action. Top of page nine. Item 2026-1320, All Commissioned Districts Recycle to Cab Compost Beta Community Education Program consists of the provision of weekly food scrap collection services and community education to 500 unincorporated cab households over a 40-week beta term in 2027. The program will provide branded seven-gallon containers to participating households at no cost to residents. and is intended to educate residents on proper organics division while collecting participation data and measured behavior. A contract will be developed and executed in a form acceptable to the county attorney or his designee. Awarded to compost cowboys LLC amount not to exceed $325,000.

Move for action. And Madam PO, I have a motion to defer items ending in 1166, 1315, and 1320 to, I'm sorry, and 1255 to. I haven't read 1255 yet. All right, then we'll stop there. 1166, 1315, 1320 to the October 13 BOC meeting with the stop and pecks.

Second.

That one says 1320. Yeah. So hit your buttons. And I do have a question. 1320.

So for 1320, was that going to PECS and PWI? Because we heard it in PWI. I just want to make sure.

No.

OK.

Commissioners.

At the cow that this was assigned to, it was deferred to both PWI and PECS. Thank you.

I was like, I thought we talked about this in PWI. All right. Thank you, ma'am. Yes.

Are we good to open? Do they need to hit the buttons again? I'm sorry. Hit the buttons.

Go ahead.

no all right there we go there we go motion carries thank you under extension service item 2026-1255 all commission districts annual financial agreement between the board of regents of the university system of georgia by and on behalf of the university of georgia Cooperative Extension Service and DeKalb County compensation of personnel in the amount of $154,373 for the contribution toward the compensation of county extension personnel January 1, 2027 to December 31st, 2027.

Motion to defer to the October 13th BOC with a stop in PEX on September 29th. Second.

Thank you. Please open machine. Motion to defer carries. We're now moving to the top of page 10. This is purchasing and contracting for the IRPS committee. Item 2026-1154, change order number three to purchase order number 1360924, budget rental agreement of undercover vehicles with the Cab County emergency for use by Public Works Fleet Management to be used by police services. To obtain rental services of undercover vehicles utilized for special operations throughout the county. Seeking renewal of the rental agreement and increase in funds through November 23rd, 2027, awarded to budget car and truck rental of Atlanta, amount not to exceed $76,641.60. Move for action. Yes, ma'am. Item 2026-1209, change order number one to CPA 1309868, risk and claims processing for use by finance risk management to obtain services to fully manage all accident related claims. This request seeks approval to ratify previously provided contract term increase. This request also seeks approval to increase the contract amount and contract term through December 31st, 2029, to establish a multi-year contract awarded to Alternative Claims Management, LLC, amount not to exceed $30,000.

Move for action. And with that, I move to approve items 2026, 1154, and 1209 as approved in the IRPS Committee.

Thank you, ma'am. Can I get a second?

Second.

Thank you. We will open the machine for the vote. Motion to approve carries. Next we are purchasing and contracting to the FAB committee. Item 2026-1226, ratification of change order numbers 5, 6, and 7 to contract 1341558 networking equipment for use by the Department of Finance to obtain support services for Swamp Fox first in line and custom water sewer application and additional phone lines. used by finance utility customer operations for intelligent callback and call management system, ratifying previously issued purchase order for additional phone lines 2025 through 2026 and 2026 through 2027 services. Awarded to Avea Inc, amount not to exceed $67,873.46.

Thank you, Madam Presiding Officer. In the absence of the FAB Chair, Commissioner Ted Terry, I am recommending this item for approval out of the FAB Committee.

Second. Thank you.

If we can open machine for that vote. Motion to approve carries. Now on to top of page 11. These are purchasing and contracting for the Ops Committee. Item 2026-1149, Commission District 3, Change Order Number 1 of Contract Numbers 2000310 and 2000312. on-call pressure washing for county parks, fees by Recreation Parks and Cultural Affairs, Facilities Management, Fire Rescue, and the Department of Watershed Management to obtain on-call painting and pressure washing services seeking increase in contract funds. Awarded to A&D Painting Inc. and Facility Maintenance and Services Group, LLC, total amount not to exceed $1,850,000.

Move for action.

Thank you, ma'am. Item 2026-1198, change order number one to contract number 2000149, field master software and hardware upgrade for use by the Department of Innovation and Technology to attain maintenance services to the existing field master system seeking increase in contract funds in turn through December 31st, 2030. awarded to Syntec Systems Inc. amount not to exceed $266,286.00. Move for action. Item 2026-1238, invitation 2026-065-ITB ballot printing and absentee ballot printing and mailing services for use by voter registration and elections to obtain emergency and provisional ballot printing and absentee by mail ballot services. Recommend award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidders. The Tattnall Journal, Inc., doing business as Tattnall Ballot Solutions. And Fort Orange Press, Inc., total amount not to exceed $121,297.50. Move for action. Top of page 12, item 2026-1323, change order number six to contract number 1297570, on-call plumbing services for use by the Department of Facilities Management, Recreation, Parks, Cultural Affairs, Fire Rescue, Watershed Management, and Community Development to obtain the repair, replacement, maintenance, and installation of plumbing fixtures at county-owned facilities. Seeking increase in contract funds and scope of work to provide building performance assessment audits awarded to J2 Connect Inc. amount not to exceed $1,269,307. Move for action. Madame Zidane, officer, I make a motion to approve 261149, 261198, 261238,

And 26, 13, 23, as all was approved in the Ops Committee.

Thank you. If you'll hit your button. Second. Attorney Phillips, you need us?

I would respectfully request that you take item 1185 off the table. If you could get a motion, second, and affirmative vote, we're ready to proceed.

Thanks. As soon as we finish this vote, we'll take it off the table. Oh, okay. So we can open the machines. Motion to approve those carries. So we'll go back. If someone can make a motion to take item 2026. So moved. 1185 off the two. Second. So moved. Thank you. Oh, hit the button again.

Sure.

And we're back on, that's on page three.

On page?

Three.

Three.

Any one more? Commissioner Davis-Johnson, if you'll hit your button.

Oh, okay.

All right. Attorney Phillips.

I trust you may want a motion before you start, but I'll just offer this item has the full record. It's approximately 600 pages or so. So if you have questions about any of that, would like to speak offline, it'd be really difficult to go through the whole thing.

Thank you. I will reread the item. Item 2026-1185, Commission Districts 2 and 6, appeal of decision by the Historic Preservation Commission concerning property located at 1080 Clifton Road.

for the substitute motion to reverse and remand with direction. And I'm going to read the statement that was prepared. And also if County Attorney Phillips would come up and just briefly explain what happened earlier. So, Madam PO, I move to affirm the Historic Preservation Commission's decision regarding the application to remove the non-historic garage 2. Reverse and remand the Historic Preservation Commission's decision regarding the application to remove the existing historic residential structure with direction that the Commission, before rehearing the application, the Commission ensure that the administrative record is complete and includes all materials submitted for its consideration. b. Reconsider the application under the pre-December 2025 guidelines that were in effect when the applicant first indicated to county staff an intent to apply for permission to demolish the subject residential structure. And C, for the commission to issue a written decision that expressly identifies by number and quotes and substance the pre-December 2025 guidelines upon which its decision relies. And three, reverse and remand the Historic Preservation Commission's decision regarding the application for the proposed replacement residential structure with direction that the commission consider this application separately from the application to demolish the existing residence as the pre-December 2025 guidelines applicable to this matter did not require that replacement renderings accompany and be approved in conjunction with a proposed demolition or demotion. Okay. Nor did the relevant pre-December 2025 guidelines contemplate that a demolition application be dependent upon the appropriateness of the replacement construction plans. The Historic Preservation Commission shall rehear and decide the application at its next regularly scheduled meeting for which all legally required notice can be provided.

Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Attorney Phillips.

And pursuant to direction from Commissioner Spears, I'll just explain. We always provide all of the options to commissioners and we provided them all and the substitute was just making sure that everything was clear for the clerk's records. And the confusion was because we did not talk through all of that this morning. So I apologize, and I'll take responsibility for it with Ms. Bragg. I should have talked to Ms. Bragg about that differently. In any event, we would ask that you move forward unless you have any questions for counsel or Ms. Bragg.

All right. Thank you. Commissioner Davis-Johnson, you're requesting to speak.

Yes, I have a question.

Ma'am. As I understood it, the motion was to affirm and then the motion was to remand back. So was it to affirm, was it to remand?

The motion that's been made at this juncture was to remand with the instructions read by Commissioner Spears. I will just, again, reiterate that we provided all options, one of which was a firm, and we were not clear, and the one that was selected in our discussions was to remand. Remand, okay, I got it. We hand all the options to the commissioners, and that was my fault for not clarifying. Okay, thank you.

All right. Thank you, Commissioner Davis-Johnson. Commissioner Longsby.

Thank you. And just for clarification, only one option was provided to me this morning.

Right. And the email had all three, and I didn't bring them all to you. Understood. And I'm sorry.

Yes, that's okay. Thank you. So, Commissioner Davis-Johnson, yeah, the motion is to reverse and remand with direction the substitute that was distributed earlier. Thank you, and I yield back.

Thank you so much. If we can please open the chamber to vote.

That motion carries. Thank you.

All right. We're now back to middle of page 12. Excuse me. Purchasing and contracting to the PICS committee. Item 2026-1231. Renewal of contract number 1373363, restoration and maintenance of athletic fields for use by recreation parks and cultural affairs. Ratifying term increase and exercising second renewal option through August 31st, 2027 awarded to JMB Landscaping Inc. Amount not to exceed $65,000.

Motion to defer to the October 13th BOC with a stop in PEX on September 29th.

Thank you. Second. Thank you. Please open the machine for the vote. Motion to defer carries. Purchasing and contracting for the PWI Committee. Item 2026-0952, Districts 2 and 6, Request for Vendor Qualifications 22-500624, Design Services for North Red Hills Road Bridge at CSX PI number 0017991, For use by Public Works Transportation to obtain design services for the replacement of the North River Hills Road Bridge at CSX, recommend award to the highest scoring proposer, AECOM Technical Services, Inc. Amount not to exceed $951,005.02. Move for action. Thank you. Top of page 13, item 2026-1250. Multiple commission districts, truck scale maintenance and repair services for use by public works, solid waste management, detain maintenance and repair services of truck scales at various facilities operated by the county on an as-needed basis, awarded to Fairbanks Scales, Inc., amount not to exceed $380,000. Move for action. Thank you. Item 2026-1244, all commission districts who propose acceptance of Georgia Environmental Finance Authority Loan CW2025020 in the amount of $17,887,000 and to authorize the CEO to execute all necessary documents, GFA approved our loan application for the funding of the Shoal Creek Trunk Sewer Improvement Project on May 12th, 2026.

Move for action. And with that, Madam Presiding Officer, on behalf of the Chair of PWI and all of its committee members, I move to approve items 20260952, 1250, and 1244.

Thank you. You'll get your button. And can someone second that for me, please?

Second.

Commissioner Davis-Johnson, she's quick on it today. Please open the machine for the vote. And thank you, Commissioner Bolton, for stepping in for PWI since I could not make those motions. Now we're on towards the bottom of page 13, items for decision by the board under the District 2. It is item 2026-0596, all commission districts in ordinance to regulate the restraint and transportation of animals and for other purposes. This is an IRPS item. Move for action. Excuse me. Bottom of page 14, item 2026-0728, an ordinance to amend the code of DeKalb County, Georgia, Chapter 5 to regulate the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits, and pet shops.

Move for action. And... With that, I move to defer items 0596 and 0728 to the October 13th meeting with a prior stop in ERPS. Second.

If you guys can hit your button. Commissioner Long-Spears has requested to speak.

Thank you very much. Okay, so Commissioner Bolton, so both items 0596 and 0728, you have motion to defer to the October 13th business meeting. Is that correct?

Yes, ma'am.

Okay, and then I believe both are on the agenda today for IRPS? Yes. Okay, fantastic. It looks like kind of a busy agenda, so I hope we'll get to it, but this will give us time if we don't get to both of those items today. Very good. Thank you.

No problem. Thank you, Commissioner Long-Spears. If we can open the machine for the vote. Motion to defer carries. Now moving middle of page 15, and we were handed a substitute for this, item 2026-1216, appropriation not to exceed $800,000 for Recreation Parks and Cultural Affairs, Sugar Creek Tennis and Golf to address the lighting and retention wall for the third tennis court.

Motion to approve the substitute.

Thank you. Second. And there is a second, and Commissioner Masai has requested to speak.

Just appreciative of all of the work that Director Bass and his team has been putting forth. I think this is something that's long time coming in terms of some of the needs for Sugar Creek Tennis and Golf Center. We actually had District 3, our Match Set Glow event just over the last few days, and it was an amazing opportunity for in the community, not just the youth, to participate in a clinic for golf and tennis. And then afterwards, show their stuff, if you will, in the bright of the glowing night. And they had a field day. We had a great time and appreciative of all of the money that we're going to put in to improve this center. Because you could see it firsthand, just the need that exists, so thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner Messiah. Please open the machine for the vote. Motion to approve. The substitute carries. Top of page 16, we also have a substitute for this item. Item 2026-1218, Districts 2, 1, and 6. An ordinance to amend the Code of DeKalb County, Georgia, Chapter 15, Licenses, Permits, and Miscellaneous Regulations, Article 15, non-discrimination. And this is, again, a District 2 is inadvertently put under District 3.

Thank you very much. Go ahead. Madam Representative, do you want to make the motion?

Yes, and so we have received the substitute for this item, so I move to defer the substitute to the October 13 BOC with a prior stop in ERPS. Second.

Thank you so much. And actually, just a quick comment on that, please. Go ahead. thank you very much um so for item 1218 it is while you can't figure that out from what's printed on our agenda this is actually the um attempt that myself commissioner patrick and commissioner terry have all partnered up on and updating and strengthening the ndo and so we look forward to continued conversations about this in committee thank you yieldback thank you so much

I have a question. Commissioner Davis-Johnson.

So, there's It covers districts two, one, and six.

I think it's more of a reflection of the three commissioners signing on with our new rules. Okay, with the new rules, okay. Is that correct, Commissioner Long-Spears?

Yes, ma'am, and that's actually the reason for the substitute was to add Commissioner Patrick and Commissioner Terry as co-sponsors.

Okay, but it covers the entire-

Yes, and we'll probably- Yes, absolutely.

Yes, it's the three sponsor rule deal. To get better at how I say that, move me forward. Because we are learning how to manage with the new rules we have adopted.

Okay, I'm good.

Thank you. All right. If we can open the machine for the vote. All right, that motion to defer the substitute carries. 1219, right? Right. Yes, so we have a substitute for 2026-1219. Appropriation not to exceed $79,000 for recreation, parks, and cultural affairs. Board of Sanford Performing Arts and Community Center to address required equipment improvements, excuse me.

Thank you very much. So I received the recommendation, I believe, from FAB. Give me one quick second.

Page 16.

Okay. 1219. Okay. So thank you, Jessica, for providing the recommended FAB items. 1219, at least it was heard in the FAB committee, and it's recommended for approval out of FAB. Thank you.

And that is your motion?

That is my motion. And again, in the absence of Commissioner Terry, I'm just bringing this forward.

Thank you. For the substitute? Yes, the substitute. Yes, thank you. Can someone second for me, please?

Second, but for purposes of discussion, because this is actually also in PECS. This is a PECS item, and it's a District 3 item. So coming out of District 3, and a District 3 initiative. So I would respectfully ask that you withdraw your approval, and I'm happy to approve my own item that not only was put forth by District 3, but that also comes out of my committee, which is the PECS committee.

As both a PECS and a FAB committee member, I'm comfortable just maintaining my motion to approve for now. And I just want to point out that the previous items, both of the animal items, were also my items, and Madam Earp's chair actually did the approval, and I just seconded.

If we could continue, I think either way it is to approve. You did bring it forward.

The substitute.

We approved it out of FAB, so it was to approve. It was approved out of FAB. No, ma'am, it was to approve.

Well, again, thank you for moving forward my item, if that's the spirit of how we're going to operate. It is something I specifically drafted and put forth as the District 3 Commissioner, hence Board of Commissioners District 3 up there. But then also, like I said, I am the chair of PECS, and it came out of PECS. So in absence, as you mentioned, of the FAB which case I'm glad that it was discussed in FAB, but in absence of it, I'm thankful that you jumped on my item. Since that is the way that you think it's best to proceed, I will note that accordingly and enjoy the rest of your day.

Commissioner Bolton, you requested to speak.

I just wanted to clarify because in our agenda versus what the substitute reads, the language is a little different. The agenda says this is a budget amendment. I'm assuming this discussion was had for the mid-year, but the substitute says it's an appropriation. So it doesn't indicate that this is a budget adjustment. It kind of reads as if it's coming out of the District 3's discretionary. And I just need a little bit of clarity. Is this a budget amendment or is this District 3 funds?

Yeah, if we can get clarification because this was heard in FAB because I thought it was coming out of general funds.

Right, this is coming out of general fund. This is a new appropriation for this purpose.

Okay, can we have the agenda item just reflect that this is coming out of the budget, the general budget?

I'm sorry, say that again.

It doesn't reflect that the funds are coming out of the budget. That language was removed, that's why I'm asking. It's in our agenda, it says budget amendment, but it was removed in the substitute budget amendment.

Right, and the funds would be coming out of the hotel motel, I think was the discussion.

Yeah, and I saw that email, but it's not reflected in the substitute.

We can clean it up. Okay. If that's necessary, yeah.

So I think I heard a friendly amendment from Commissioner Bolton. To clarify. Yes, to clarify with, yes. Okay, yes, friendly amendment accepted.

Commissioner Masaya, so this is our understanding, and please correct us if we're not understanding this, because I'm on the FAB committee. We heard this item. We approved it out of FAB because it was a budget amendment out of the general fund to do repairs at Port of Sanford. You brought it forward, but it was still out of general fund dollars. So this is why, in the absence of the FAB chair, committee member Spears was making the motion. Is that not correct?

That is correct.

Well, actually...

I'm sorry. For me. Right. I think I'm trying to make sure Commissioner Masai has the same understanding of where the funding is coming from and the steps that we're taking.

I appreciate that. And again, it was actually in PECS and in FAB just as an FYI since this was dealing with the Porter Sanford. So it was not only, like I mentioned, something like that was brought forth by District 3 Commissioner. It was also discussed in PECS as it's dealing with a facility, a performing arts center. But the funding is accurate in terms of where the anticipation is for the budget. Thank you.

All right, thank you. I think we're clear now. If we can open the machine for the vote. Mm-hm. Motion to approve carries. Bottom of page 16.

Yeah, I have a question. I mean, I have a comment on 1218. I didn't get to.

On 1218? Yeah. Do I need a motion to reconsider or you just want to comment?

No, no. Real briefly, please. Just a comment on it.

Okay, go ahead.

Yeah, I had a question if this item was applicable to all of DeKalb County, and it was. And this item's impact was to propose revisions are needed to strengthen DeKalb County's protection against discrimination and ensure equal access to employment, housing, accommodation by clearly defining prohibited discriminatory practices and providing a local process for addressing violations. And of course, this is shown that it was brought by District 2, Commissioner Michelle Lone Spears, District 1, Commissioner Ted Terry, and I mean, I'm sorry, Commissioner Six, Commissioner Ted Terry, and Commissioner One, Robert Patrick. And I just want to note that this item was not presented to District 5 as a co-sponsor on it. So I just wanted to be clear to the cab and District 5 that I strongly support this. It was not presented to me as a district five commissioner to co-sponsor it. If it had been presented to me, I would have co-sponsored it along with district two, district six. And district ones. I just want the cab to know that.

Thank you. So thank you. And I do recognize that two other commissioners would like to speak, but we are out of order at this moment. This, this, the new rules to get an item on the agenda is to have the sponsoring committee met commissioner and two other commissioners. She did that so that we could start the discussion. That is the first time we're seeing this and we're starting discussions. So I think let's, not have this debate right now when we're already beyond this item. Let's make sure we have this debate in committee. And if more commissioners, when we all vote on it, we will all show that we support it. So I'm respectfully requesting, if that was where your comments were headed, that we continue through our agenda because we're out of order at this time.

And this was not for debate. It was for clarification. Thank you. Because the three commissioners that brought this forward was not from my district. And I just wanted my district to understand that I was not. And so it's not for debate. I'm not upset or mad. I'm just wanting my commissioners, I mean my constituents.

I understand what you're trying to say. I'm just saying this without the time to say it. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. If we will continue, bottom of page 16, item 2025-0015, all commission districts, an ordinance to amend the Code of DeKalb County, Georgia, Chapter 16, pertaining to regulation of sound and for other purposes. This is a PECS item.

Motion to withdraw. And that's out of the record? Yes, based on what came out of EPEC's committee. Thank you. Is there a second?

Second. Thank you so much. I see no requests to speak. And this item, what item are we on? Bottom of page 16, 2025-0015. Are you requesting to speak, Commissioner Long-Spear?

Yes, ma'am, just briefly.

Go ahead.

Thank you for the opportunity just to address this item. So this is an item that has been active since December of 2024. We're in September of 2026. And my understanding from the My understanding from the sponsor of this item, and just to note, I am a co-sponsor on this item, is that while we both really deeply believe in this regulation of sound, we also recognize that there needs to be some more work done on it. so i do want to thank everybody that has provided their input and opinions feedback data and all of the above all of blood sweat tears that i've gone into it but just thank everybody for their time and we look forward to revisiting this in the future thank you and i yield back thank you were you requesting to speak miss commissioner messiah thank you can the votes are open if you please would like to vote all right that motion to withdraw carries

We're now skipping to page 19 because that cleared up three pages of our agenda. Item 2025-0017, all commission districts, a resolution to create an electric landscape maintenance device rebate program to encourage switching from gas-powered landscape maintenance devices and other lawful purposes. Thank you.

I have a motion to defer this item similar to the previous item that was brought by my colleagues. It needed a whole lot more work. There are a lot of questions that needed to be answered that had not been answered, and it was difficult trying to come to a consensus. In the effort of trying to see if we could address some of the concerns that were not put forth in a resolution that we could actually approve, we were trying to still give this agenda item life to see if it may be better suited for a pilot program and to go forth in that way. So at this point, similar to the last item, It is still presently on our agenda and my motion is to defer it to the October 27th BOC as it remains and has been impacts.

Thank you. Second. Thank you. Commissioners, okay. We are down two commissioners today. We already have one commissioner off the stage. I have to have at least four of us up here to continue the meeting. Thank you. Four at all times. We need to make sure we count. Commissioner Long-Spears, you have the floor.

Thank you, ma'am. It looks like our fifth is coming up right now, so we should be in good shape if someone needs to knock off. Okay. Thank you very much. I did just want to, again, point out that item 0017 is an item that is sponsored by Commissioner Ted Terry. I am the co-sponsor for this item. And essentially, this is really our attempt to get folks to transition from gas powered to electric leaf blowers is a big part of this. And it is a program to financially incentivize through a rebate. for folks to make that switch. And so thank you again to everyone who has provided their feedback on it. I am comfortable with the deferral for this item and look forward to continued conversation. I yield back.

Thank you, Commissioner Long-Spears. Commissioner Masaya.

Thank you so much, Madam PO. Again, with this particular item, it was not completely, had not been thought out to the point where we weren't certain of what that dollar figure was going to be for the electric. landscape maintenance devices. Additionally, we had a number of our commercial residents, to be quite frank, that have small businesses that do landscaping and lawn care that were concerned about the potential costs. I could not articulate what that cost would be because the sponsors had not provided that and we didn't know what the cost was going to be to the county i hope those are questions that will be worked out and finally being provided by the sponsor i yield thank you please open the machine for the vote

Motion to defer carries. Now we're all the way to page 22. Top of page 22, item 2026-0158, Commission Super District 6, a resolution to establish the DeKalb for the People Dividend Fund and Fiscal Stability Policy.

This is a FAB item. Thank you, Madam Presiding Officer. In the absence of the sponsor, Commissioner Terry, and the FAB chair, also Commissioner Terry, he has requested a deferral of 30 days and stated that the substitute, so deferral of the substitute, will be heard in FAB on 9-29, which is next week, right here, one week from today. And I yield back. Thank you.

And to make sure I heard, was this deferral for the substitute?

Yes, ma'am.

Okay, thank you.

Referred to- 30 days.

I don't have the calendar, I don't know actually what that date might be. The second biz meeting in October. No, the first biz meeting in October, please forgive me. October 13th. October 13th, it is. With the prior stock in FAB.

That's not 30 days.

In FAB. Yeah, that's not 30 days. Well, let me explain why it's not 30 days, because this should have been heard at the business meeting last week, but there was an error in noticing the agenda, the BOC business meeting agenda, so we had to cancel the cow today in order to have the business meeting today. So we have a business meeting today, the 22nd and the 29th.

So not 30 days, but till October 13th, that clears it up. Right. Thank you. All right, and can I get a second? Thank you, Commissioner Davis-Johnson. Commissioner Masari, you've requested to speak.

Thank you so much. I appreciate it, Madam PO. I see that this has gone through several iterations. I'll tell you that my initial challenge with this, and this had been shared by Commissioner Terry, that the intent was to use monies and be able to fund This based on data center dollars and taxes, yet we don't have a data center and it is currently been very clear by the residents of the cab county that they have no interest in a data center. So my. inherent challenge with this is that we're proposing to fund based on taxes from a data center and we don't know whether or not one will exist and the whole point is to really consider whether or not we need to have one here in dekalb county where the residents say no but thank you so much for your motion with that i yield

Thank you. Commissioner Longspheres, you requested a speech.

Yes, thank you so much. Again, just in the absence of the sponsor, Commissioner Ted Terry, I was simply just making the deferral on his behalf and stating when we will hear this item in the FAB committee. Thank you. Thank you so much.

All right, please open the chamber for the vote. Motion to defer carries. Now, top of page 23, substitute for item 2026-0244, a resolution requiring an independent third party health and environmental study of data centers and their possible impact on DeKalb County and Board of Commissioners review of the study before DeKalb County's data center moratorium can be lifted.

Again, similar idea in dealing with this issue. Motion to defer to the October 13th BOC with a stop in PECS on September 29th.

Thank you. Commissioner Long-Spears, you second that?

Yes, I believe it's a deferral of the substitute. Is that correct?

The substitute, yes.

Okay, so the deferral of the substitute to the October 13th meeting? Correct. Okay, great. Thank you. All right, my second stands.

Thank you so much. Please open the machine for the vote. Motion to defer carries. We're now on page 24.

Madam Presiding Officer, due to serving on the Kallenwald Fine Arts Board of Directors, I must recuse myself. You could please pause while I exit the dais. Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am. All right, item 2026-1215, Super District 6 and District 2, a resolution of the DeKalb County Board of Commission to name the Collinwall Fine Arts Center Amphitheater in honor of Andrew Keenan. This is a PECS item. Motion to approve. Thank you. Can I get a second? Seconded by Commissioner Davis-Johnson. Seeing no requests to speak, please open the machine for the vote. Thank you.

I see motion to defer. Is that defer or approve?

It was to approve. Okay. Motion to approve carries. If someone would like to let Commissioner Long-Spears know, she can come back in, please. Thank you. Item 2026-0218, All Commissioned Districts, a Super District 7 item, to establish regulatory oversight of blasting operations in DeKalb County through the adoption of a controlled blasting safety ordinance to promote public safety, environmental protection, and community stability, and for other purposes. Thank you.

Yes, ma'am. And we do have a substitute for this item. So I'm going to a motion to defer the substitute for item 0218 until the next BOC.

Referral of the substitute, please.

Just to be crystal clear, we have provided, we have prepared a substitute. It has not yet been finalized for distribution. I'd like to discuss that with commissioner Bolton. So there will be a substitute, but I see all the staff looking. Where's the sub we've prepared it. We need to discuss it with commissioner Bolton. That's fine.

So the motion just needs to be to defer. Yes, ma'am.

Thank you.

Thank you. Motion to defer two zero two six zero two one eight.

Thank you.

Second.

I just read out item 2026-0218. Commissioner Davis-Johnson has requested to speak.

Yeah, I would like that discussion as well, Matthew, because I'm a co-sponsor.

Okay, thank you. Thank you, ma'am. Commissioner Long-Spears.

Do you want a second? Oh, I did, but I'll take it on. Yeah, I mean, that's fine. She knows.

All right. Thank you very much. I just want to point out that to Madam Clerk, what I'm reading on the screen right now is the previous item, 1215. And so before I can vote on the item, thank you very much for correcting that. I appreciate that. All right, yield back.

I'm going to hit our buttons again, please. Thank you. Please open the machine for the vote. Motion to defer carries. Bottom of page 25, item 2026-0731. This is from Clerk to the Board of Commissioners and CEO. Approval of minutes of the Board of Commissioners zoning meeting of August 13, 2026. Motion to approve item 0731.

Thank you.

And can I get a second? Thank you, Commissioner Davis-Johnson. Please open the machine for the vote.

Motion to approve carries. Top of page 26.

Item 2025-1577, All Commission Districts Resolution of the DeKalb County Governing Authority Regarding the Charter Review Commission's Report and Recommended Changes to the Organizational Act.

Motion to defer this item. Motion to defer this item to the 10-27-26 with a stop in ops, and we'll be discussing child review today in ops. Thank you.

Second. Thank you, Commissioner Long-Spears. You have also requested to speak here before.

Yes, ma'am. Thank you very much, Madam Presiding Officer. So to Madam Presiding Officer, to Commissioner Davis-Johnson, as Chair of the Ops Committee, I've just received a couple of questions about when this will be at the point you think that we'll take a vote up here on the Org Act revisions. Mm-hmm. I know you're shooting prior to session, is that right? No. Okay, so like by December. So when I get the question, I just want to be able to respond. Right.

I mean, it just depends upon what the committee- Sure, but you're shooting as the office chair? Yeah, I mean, I'm going to present it, but of course, just like the rules committee. I mean, just like the rules discussion. Sure. It depends upon the discussion- Up here. By the committee and the commissioners, but I'm shooting for that. And since we've gotten portions of the rules done, we're concentrating on the charter review now. Excellent. And it's my hope that we can get it done, but it depends upon the committee and the commissioners.

All right. So I'm just going to restate so that I am crystal clear when I respond back to some e-mails. is that we still have to, of course, honor our legislative process and continued conversation and ops committee, but you're shooting, hopefully, to have this thing approved by the end of year so we can start out session with it in their hands. Okay, fantastic.

And then we will show today exactly where we are and what we have left to discuss. So John will present that today. So if they follow, I... Ops Committee, then they should know how we're progressing on it.

Okay. I thought I had seconded this item. Did it somehow disappear? I think it did, ma'am. Okay.

I think she reached to the punch. Okay.

She might have. No, that's fine. I just thought I remembered seeing something different. All right. Well, I go ahead and yield back. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Please open the machine for the vote.

Motion to defer carries. Thank you. All right, we are now on top of page 28. OK. We were just handed a substitute for item 2026-1049, ratification of purchase order number 5080248, FIFA 26, hardline USAR kits, Omnia Partners contract for use by Fire Rescue to obtain multi-user hardline communication system, handheld gas detector, and portable air distribution box awarded to Safe Wear Inc. amount not to exceed $114,566.45. I move to approve the substitute for item 1049, 20261049. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Davis-Johnson, and I will note the change in the substitute is a decrease in the dollar amount. That's what it looks like. Commissioner Longsberry, you've requested to speak. Go ahead.

Yep. Just for clarification, so I believe Marcus just came up. Because it says here, recommended for approval upon receipt of additional information to the Board of Commissioners was the only additional information that was required related to the reduction in amount? Yes.

Whenever staff inputs substitutes from the committee.

Sure, I'm just confirming. Yes, ma'am, it's a substitute.

It said changes, additional information. Okay, yep, I just want to make sure that was it. Thank you so much, yield back.

Thank you, please open machine for the vote. Motion to approve carries. We're now purchasing and contracting for the FAB Committee, middle bottom of page 28, item 2026-1195, change order number 1 to contract number 2000413, augmented procurement staffing services for use by purchasing and contracting to attain augmented procurement staff. Seeking increase in contract funds and ratification of consent to assignment of contract to National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Incorporated. Effective July 1st, 2026, awarded to National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Inc. amount not to exceed $800,384.00.

As this item was heard in the fab committee, it is, was recommended for approval. So my motion is to approve item 20 26 1 1 9 5.

Thank you. Can someone second for me? Thank you. Seeing no requests to speak, please open machine for the vote. Motion carries. We are now top of page 29, item 2026-1197, renewal of contract numbers 1386107 and 1386108. Uniforms for DeKalb County Marshal's Office for use by the Marshal's Office to obtain uniforms for personnel, exercising second renewal option with price increases through August 31st, 2027, and ratifying term increase awarded to Galls LLC and Dana Safety Supply Incorporated, total amount not to exceed $340,000.

Thank you very much, Madam Presiding Officer. This was heard in the FAB Committee and recommended for approval. Therefore, I motion to approve item 2026-1197.

Thank you. Can someone second for me? Thank you, ma'am. Please open the machine for the vote. Motion to approve carries. Now purchasing and contracting for the PECS committee. Item 2026-0915, cooperative agreement, open air structures with related equipment and services for use by recreation parks and cultural affairs to attain a viewing platform pavilion awarded to ROM Tech Inc. amount not to exceed $178,450. And this is a PECS item. Motion to approve. Thank you, ma'am. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Second. Seeing no requests to speak, please open the machine for the vote. Motion to approve carries. There should have been a motion to approve. We will reflect that that was a motion to approve on item 0915. Moving to 2026-1058.

We never voted on the motion to approve.

It still said deferred.

No, we never voted on the motion to approve.

So she's saying she did fix it in the computer on her side. Item 2026-1058, invitation number 2026-042, ITB, nuisance abatement and remediation services for use by the Department of Code Compliance and Enforcement to attain services to reduce blight in the county, including abatement of vacant and abandoned properties, houses, and lots. Recommend award to the overall lowest responsive and responsible bidders, Cascade Services Inc. and Executive Realty Solutions Inc. amount not to exceed $450,000.

Motion to defer to the October 13 BOC with the stop and pecks on the 29th. Second. Thank you so much. Please open the machine for the vote.

Motion to defer carries. Moving to page 30. And we have a substitute. Thank you. Item 2026-0949, and this is a purchasing and contracting for the PWI committee. Request for qualifications 2025-039, RFQ Design Services for Michelle Obama Trail Extension from South River Trail to Flakes Mill Road, PI number 0019888 for use by Public Works Transportation to obtain design services. for North Fork Peachtree Creek Trail at Waldrop Road to Flakes Mill Road near Narvey Harris Elementary School. Recommend award to the highest scoring proposer, Kimberly Horn and Associates Inc. Amount not to exceed $4,402,022.02. Pleasure to approve. All right, thank you. Second. The substitute. Commissioner Davis-Johnson hit the second button first.

Sure, that's fine.

So let's open the machine for the vote. You're fine. Motion to approve the substitute carries. Page 31, item 2026, and we're still purchasing contracting for PWI. Item 2026-1066. Request for qualifications 2025-113RFQ. Design services for Flat Shoals Parkway SR 155. Sidewalk from Columbia Drive to Wesley Chapel Road. PI 0019622 for use by Public Works Transportation to obtain design services for addition of 2.1 miles of new sidewalks on both sides of Flat Shoals Parkway to create continuous sidewalks. Meet current ADA standards and installation of a protected pedestrian crossing. Recommend award to the highest scoring proposer, Atkins Realist USA, Inc. Amount not to exceed $3,210,410.84. Okay. Is there a motion?

On behalf of the PWI committee, I move to defer item 20261066 to the September 29th BOC with a prior stop in PWI. Second.

Well, does someone from PWI want to do it?

I'm the only other member from PWI here, so please hit it. Thank you. Please open the machine for the vote. Motion to defer carries. I was told this is our last substitute for the day. I'm holding you to it. Item 2026-1165, invitation number 2026-004, Asphaltic Concrete Pavement Repair for use by departments of Watershed Management, Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs. Facilities Management and Public Works Roads and Drainage recommend award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidders, ANS Paving Inc and Autoco Development Inc. Total amount not to exceed $23,470,616.75. On behalf of the PWI committee, I move to approve the substitute for item 1165.

And if we can have someone come and talk through what that change is in the substitute.

Yes.

And if I can get a second, please. Thank you, Commissioner Davis-Johnson. Good morning, Director Butler.

Good morning, commissioners. So after OIA performed their review, they determined that there was a little more need for at least two of the user departments. So those requests were increased for watershed as well as public works and roads and drainage to complete the work that they do. So that increased the total value to $23 million to $470,616. Originally, it was around $18 million. And those user department documents, you were provided just for those who were changed. The others did not change.

And my follow-up may be a question for legal. Because that increase was more than $3 million, would it need to go back to audit?

No, it came out of audit. Audit actually made that recommendation.

Oh, for the increase? Yes. I got you. I missed that part. Thank you. I yield back.

We asked a lot of questions about that in PWI as well. Yes, thank you. Thank you. Seeing no other requests to speak, please open the machine for the vote. Motion to approve the substitute carries. Page 32. Recreation Parks and Cultural Affairs, item 2026-1228. All commissioned districts to approve the 2026-2027 agreement with DeKalb County School Nutrition Services for $76,140 to furnish after school snacks for the Department of Recreation Parks and Cultural Affairs, and this is in PECS. Motion to approve. Second. Seconded by Commissioner Longspares. Thank you, ladies. Please open the machine for the vote. And that's a motion to approve, thank you. Motion to, there we go, thank you. Motion to approve carries. We are now at item, watershed management item 2026-1183, all commission districts, United States Geological Survey, USGS five-year agreement, and this is a PWI item.

On behalf of the PWI committee, I move to approve 1183.

And if someone can second for me, please. Thank you, ma'am. Please open the machine for the vote. Motion to approve carries. So we do have one additional piece of items that I need to add on. Attorney Phillips.

Madam Presiding Officer, you should ask for a motion to add items, get a second and affirmative vote, and then we can talk about what those items are.

Thank you. Can I get a motion to add? Motion to add. Second. Thank you. I wish we can vote on that motion to add. Hit the buttons again. If you guys can hit your motion again. There you go. All right.

Thank you.

Commissioner Long-Spears. Oh, my bad. Sorry. Thank you. Attorney Phillips.

So in an abundance of caution, we're asking that you add the items scheduled to be discussed in ops today because you changed to a voting action meeting. There was no cow to add these items. So by adding them now, there'll be available for discussion. I think the appropriate way to do this is to add them, defer them to next week and with the stop in ops this afternoon. And then you would read the items. I'm sorry.

Right, so some of the items on the ops agenda today had not actually been in a meeting yet. The first time the public would have heard it would have been in your committee. So we're going to add them on and immediately defer them to the ops committee. Okay, just a little bit of housekeeping. So I have the agenda items. I can read them or I can hand them to- You want me to read them? All right. So the items that we are requesting to add, and is it okay if I just read out the agenda item numbers? Madam Clerk's. Okay. Item 2026-0375. Item 2026-1230. 2026-1311. 2026-1245. 2026-1299, 2026-1359. And 2020s, no, we should have already had 2025-1577. Could you repeat those last two numbers? 2026-1299 and 2026-1359.

Five zero.

Five nine.

Five nine.

Thank you. So if I can get that motion to add those.

I make a motion to add those items that the presiding officer just read out.

Second. Okay, I'm sorry. It's a motion to defer those items to the October 13th meeting or October. September 29th, with a prior stop in office.

On today.

On today, thank you. And if I can get a second. Second. Thank you. If we can open the machine for the vote, and thank you for leading us through that housekeeping. What kind of items are they? Thank you. Operations items. Are we having executive session, sir?

Yes, it'll be very brief. I want to give you a status update on litigation.

If I can get a motion to go into recess for executive session.

Motion to go into recess for executive session.

Second. Please open the machine for the vote.

Motion carries.

Thank you.

And I just want to point out, with all women here today, we actually got through the entire agenda before noon and added seven items.

Yeah.

You're welcome.

Are you going to adjourn us?

We're in recess for a second.

Okay.

All right. Thank you.

Did you want to tell folks?

Madam Presiding Officer, if I may, I really do anticipate a very brief executive session, so I don't think it needs to be a working one. We'll have a chance to come down for lunch.

Yes, sir. Thank you. Well, now I have a 1 o'clock.

And so what we think.

We will be fine for 1 o'clock.

Yeah.

Thank you. And just to know if anyone was staying for PWI. PWI is canceled.

Can we bring a line if we want to bring a line to the stand? Yes, if you'd like to. Because we don't ever know.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Good afternoon, everybody. If I can get a motion to come out of recess. So moved. Second. Motion and seconded. Motion by Commissioner Bolton, seconded by Commissioner Messiah. All in favor say aye. Aye. That is unanimous. There was no action to be taken out of the executive session, so if I can now get a motion to adjourn.

So moved. Second.

We have a motion and second. All in favor? Aye. Thank you.

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