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 serv

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.

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.

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

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...

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

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 m

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

Thank you so much. Picture time, of course.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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?

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.

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 l

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

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?

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

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.

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.

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 p

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.

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,

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, dent

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.

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.

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 acceptabl

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.

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.

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

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 an

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

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

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.

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

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 pr

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?

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.

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

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

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 t

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

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

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?

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

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

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.

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.

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?

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

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 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. 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.

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

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.

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

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? 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.

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 Commission

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

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?

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

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 stil

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 i

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 que

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?

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. 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 t

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? 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 excee

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 a

We never voted on the motion to approve.

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 $4,4

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 awa

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 t

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

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

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?

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

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.

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.

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

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

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, 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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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