[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6631611,"mediaKeyId","2679729-63e9b757752627e0a631d7a095015cb1","parentId",2679729,"title","Facilities team presents library landscape transition plan emphasizing sustainability, education and cost savings","audioSeconds",713,"startMs",5195000,"endMs",5908000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679729-63e9b757752627e0a631d7a095015cb1&start=5195&end=5908","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679729-63e9b757752627e0a631d7a095015cb1/thumbnail_5195000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6631611/DeKalb-County/Georgia/Facilities-team-presents-library-landscape-transition-plan-emphasizing-sustainability-education-and-cost-savings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631611-bc45cc6e398798955718b058e0261c00/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135105&Signature=UuHoUwmb~2mPUva5HSU33FK9VzHQa7tg3BUmZobtEmavwqHl78NCp4dRipIU8gm4O8uTZiwZQZw6S94LixGm~7PX-G1hUPggZcDn6hsA7z6dt3kKJkWgZP4Nd6MZ~cYLMFICwrSKz6C76PV-uN0mcjjFMDRWkQgZTzgJq6huMOTxfzbHkyr68am8ws~Xg4HtTouBoAWcVfzZCcCXi3tAh7o7mi5Wct4F24sQjT4A29liOT0ScFqo~RCkGoH5zPrv5Wn-VPibw5luxAWWWCoJbZo~-Mg0X7s4ecrN6qpi~yCB9dKbKEJKcCdtnf8AYd5O755hozGZLnJXlhI~9or0NQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","DeKalb County","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","DeKalb County Facilities Management presented a Library Landscape Transition Plan to the Operations Committee that seeks to modernize and sustain landscapes at the county’s libraries, prioritize native plantings, reduce chemical use, and expand outdoor education programming.

Rodney Rees, of the county’s Architectural and Engineering Division, and Jamie Rosenthal and Tim Rosenthal described the plan as a phased program that begins with updated RFP language, vendor training, and pilot projects at Chamblee and Clarkston libraries. Staff said many library landscapes were installed 25–30 years ago with only minimal updates and that modernized, sustainable landscapes could reduce maintenance costs and improve water quality and biodiversity.

Facilities staff described environmental and fiscal benefits: reduced chemical and water use, less frequent plant replacement, and opportunities to secure grants and outside funding to offset county costs. Staff noted $250,000 set aside from a previously passed “Fruitful Library” resolution had not been spent and could support initial work. They estimated phased improvements would cost roughly $30,000–$70,000 per library, including education and transition costs.

Committee members welcomed the focus on soil health, native plants and electric landscaping tools and asked for further details on budget and implementation sequencing. Facilities staff said two pilot installations are underway and that educational signage and community engagement materials are part of the plan. No formal committee vote was taken on the plan itself; staff will return with transition details for committee consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","DeKalb County - OPS Committee Meeting - Mar 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","DeKalb County Facilities Management presented a Library Landscape Transition Plan to the Operations Committee that seeks to modernize and sustain landscapes at the county’s libraries, prioritize native plantings, reduce chemical use, and expand outdoor education programming.","taxTitle","DeKalb County, Georgia","taxId",3571,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631616,"Southface presents clean energy transition plan; recommends sustainability officer and energy manager",703,4195000,4898000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679729-63e9b757752627e0a631d7a095015cb1&start=4195&end=4898","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679729-63e9b757752627e0a631d7a095015cb1/thumbnail_4195000.jpg","/articles/6631616/DeKalb-County/Georgia/Southface-presents-clean-energy-transition-plan-recommends-sustainability-officer-and-energy-manager","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631616-99b5ebad4330b7abdb6ff9e57702dd3f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135105&Signature=dxuus4ods1~QVavnGVBO9BEfpG2GPDxugIIN7etvYD5OWt8V55j-3lJ1m9ng4D30hVEifzZMSWjMdfyCVnMcZ2mZ92GY3cv3-0Ba3Bs1YotSPywFztrXYctlFmI0QJl5WN~H~3Q295PVjpzUkfG6YmhFq9zxeWXr6IpJIumWtOFThroP5Fl11iqQJ1SpelM2jAf7hsz0-0Zk5ra-5qhuPEsHg~OVVTMYErpSav7rAqKavnMKqWeMvx-EWhteR1guAKDdSE-k8c~g7tvjzIhwlvv-HKJRH6hiAbcFXEkOyqEqSjVFQqjnk6-EyKIRrBCdvRz28dJjt7Yr3nrtJYHN9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Southface, an Atlanta-based sustainability nonprofit, presented its Clean Energy Transition Plan to the DeKalb County Operations Committee, outlining recommendations for staffing, governance and investments to reduce the county’s building energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Spencer Clifford, project manager at Southface, and advisor Robert Reed told the committee the plan’s pillars include centering equity, sustaining sustainability through institutional changes, investing in community energy programs and improving data systems. Key near-term recommendations include creating a sustainability officer position at the deputy chief operating officer level and hiring an energy manager to track live energy usage across county facilities.

Southface presented a modeled pathway to achieve a 30% reduction in county building energy consumption by 2030. The firm estimated the county would need roughly $41 million in upfront investment to achieve the 30% reduction and projected annual savings of about $5.2 million thereafter—a simple payback period of about eight years under the plan’s assumptions. Southface also provided regional salary benchmarks and recommended a salary range of $140,000–$160,000 for the sustainability officer and $80,000–$100,000 for an energy manager.

Committee members asked questions about recommended financing mechanisms, including residential and commercial PACE programs and federal and state funding availability. Southface warned that PACE financing has risks when poorly structured and advised careful program design. The presenters also emphasized the need for central data management and a governance structure that includes a bicameral Environmental Justice and Sustainability Board with a sustainability subcommittee and an environmental-justice subcommittee to advise and oversee implementation.

The committee did not take a formal vote on adoption; staff said a resolution to adopt the plan would be returned in a future meeting after further discussion of transition plan details.","Southface, an Atlanta-based sustainability nonprofit, presented its Clean Energy Transition Plan to the DeKalb County Operations Committee, outlining recommendations for staffing, governance and investments to reduce the county’s building energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631620,"Operations committee approves short-term extension for animal shelter contract with Lifeline Grama Project Inc.",295,649000,944000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679729-63e9b757752627e0a631d7a095015cb1&start=649&end=944","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679729-63e9b757752627e0a631d7a095015cb1/thumbnail_649000.jpg","/articles/6631620/DeKalb-County/Georgia/Operations-committee-approves-short-term-extension-for-animal-shelter-contract-with-Lifeline-Grama-Project-Inc","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631620-d1ee6ef2ecbf6132b5ab1ad010f5078f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135105&Signature=P~k9NoCkthP09CFQ0FCtpDlny0DW9cBKLOaAfIIkOFHUzVfBnnWc8gaZY49ZZA7AFuRC6bmUq~y7tJII-8nsqYSygN6EggsgxpaxLT6j5SXYWGn0TUkMl6sAUen0DWFOW5yVa5KnNMNpcKSQlyrYsy-5Z4wdTQpxCrhV7jqO3CAlF3I4KazYH8zEqTZKfYMd3XV9ymRbTrHVq4ymcPfdDhORsOBJXUI~zAjuwtWcfjw5MXgVQLlVoZ-Z1qot9TeEGdOnuMW~xkxiQln~n0X181p1oUk~nGeNu1g~VxBrUVjJTvRnvy8at34kG-2RH1iPDaFPVaQFuyPWOxWg3BCU2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The DeKalb County Operations Committee voted to approve a change order extending the county’s contract with Lifeline Grama Project Inc. for animal shelter operations through June 30, 2025, with a not-to-exceed amount of $2,182,500.

County staff told the committee they had received a report from the National Center for Animal Shelter Evaluations and Lifeline’s response and that a management response would be submitted to the auditor’s office within the week to document the current status of the shelter. Staff described operational challenges: the shelter handles approximately 1,700 animals at a facility designed for 350–400, and managers have had to rely on additional systems for fostering and adoption to address capacity.

A county official said the requested increase and extension cover March through June 30, 2025, and that a 12-month extension would be requested only after the committee had reviewed the management response and the evaluations. Committee members asked whether the requested not-to-exceed amount represented a full-year projection; staff responded that the $2,182,500 figure represents the extension through June 30 and is approximately one quarter of the full annual cost.

The committee approved the change order by voice vote. Staff will return with the management response and, if requested, a proposal for a 12-month contract after committee review of the audit and evaluations.","The Operations Committee approved a change order extending Lifeline Grama Project Inc.'s contract for animal shelter operations through June 30, 2025, with the not-to-exceed amount reported as $2,182,500 for the extended term.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631625,"Operations committee defers consideration of child care reimbursement pilot for four weeks",920,911000,1831000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679729-63e9b757752627e0a631d7a095015cb1&start=911&end=1831","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679729-63e9b757752627e0a631d7a095015cb1/thumbnail_911000.jpg","/articles/6631625/DeKalb-County/Georgia/Operations-committee-defers-consideration-of-child-care-reimbursement-pilot-for-four-weeks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631625-cf9fa1f210b70b3eb5f5d93f0814087f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135105&Signature=Wb29CJaw3wVDOJdB622AUq8cXS3eSFVoDUeb2AlOOZbyiMtOalJcSn3lSovIiGDoYayZt-pd5QG8bIMIV~A1lnyk1lNl-FghO2z-R7lx9fA7FqbehOQgs87aT4G~1bYm0B3w6jhrYRugC13aj5nlU7u~u-YM5~-pzHmIhfHLYA9NGptUyEs5yzs6axmkhkkEnOd~kSdUX2rDuO8JOw5Z3lulqGpLZzmo2pfuJ60iKp8yo6csHKyf-xHVrMZf15p-PmS7gGUYmijGZahKJzMHKFqda7EpKZa-MczoI~AtJf-W3AUaLmj0RhkX9U7Aio9js94~ANGpBBmQ-JdktPL2nQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The DeKalb County Operations Committee on Tuesday discussed a proposed child care reimbursement pilot that would reimburse commissioners and county staff for part of child care costs and deferred the item for four weeks.

The pilot, developed at the request of Commissioner Terry and presented by county staff member Mason, would initially be limited to Board of Commissioners central staff and commissioners. The draft policy proposes a reimbursable limit up to $1,000 per child per month and would run from the date of passage to the end of the year, with an audit of expenditures at the pilot’s close.

Committee members said the program is intended to help recruitment and retention and to subsidize part—not the entirety—of monthly child care bills. Commissioner Terry and other members argued the county should test a limited pilot to measure effects on retention, productivity and recruitment. Mason told the committee staff surveys identified 19 children of commission staff as an initial reference point.

Committee members pressed staff for clarification on coverage hours and scope. Several commissioners asked whether reimbursement would cover standard daytime care (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) or also evening and weekend care tied to commission business. Commissioners also raised concerns that a benefit initially limited to the Board of Commissioners’ staff could be perceived as favoring elected officials; multiple members urged expanding the pilot to include public-safety and sanitation personnel or countywide staff if feasible.

Committee members requested a detailed presentation including: a breakdown of projected costs, interaction with existing benefits (such as health savings plans), the proposed hours of coverage, the pilot’s target population (commissioners and which staff), and an audit plan for the pilot period. The committee voted to defer consideration for four weeks to allow staff to prepare that additional information.

Next steps: Staff will return with a presentation and a cost and implementation plan at the committee meeting in four weeks.","DeKalb County's Operations Committee discussed a proposed pilot to reimburse commissioners and staff for child care costs up to $1,000 per child per month and voted to defer the item for four weeks so staff can provide a cost breakdown, hours coverage options and an inclusivity plan.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631606,"Operations committee approves series of routine contract renewals, extensions and calendar changes; several items deferred for further review",233,1850000,2083000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679729-63e9b757752627e0a631d7a095015cb1&start=1850&end=2083","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679729-63e9b757752627e0a631d7a095015cb1/thumbnail_1850000.jpg","/articles/6631606/DeKalb-County/Georgia/Operations-committee-approves-series-of-routine-contract-renewals-extensions-and-calendar-changes-several-items-deferred-for-further-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631606-c08e74da57d1ecb558fe8143a781e1cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135105&Signature=ey~Q5rrTyN39pLD7GhNrqhbl1Yl4-OnIdoOZ7dgSBi5s-AuZj-IAc0qUReQZle-wdrpcCOf79T5C-B2FL-c4nmwtOXM8McJ-XHc4Ff4JDIDoQVFlTnIKpdbHpmwJwlzhLMBDwzKQ~CuqKWSoIXwnSUQG7dxfkmfmZeUBjroz2EbpPtBt6Zi9~4JFbw7niJmoCfiPySvm5JEQJvfQiXwdKFDfaswX~TlCrWRu0x~pa1yEeMKsMv~FDzFK72icHb7FZAdLcYRQvXLBWr5nZifA3ZRrUthPZ6B1Uom92QwN2eBMiWCqQv2Lzd9wXfwOHHfLsIdl21wCtvlsK6y3Dn5BAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The DeKalb County Operations Committee on Tuesday approved multiple routine contracts, renewals and calendar adjustments and deferred a small number of items for further review.

Approved items included annual support and maintenance renewals and contract extensions for the county’s IT and facilities needs. Committee members approved: an annual maintenance and support renewal for the county’s Aruba enterprise wireless network equipment (awarded to Hewlett Packard Enterprise and partners) with a not-to-exceed amount of $115,149.57; a Palo Alto cloud security firewall maintenance renewal (not-to-exceed $105,969.19); and routine facilities contracts such as HVAC chemical-treatment services (Premier Water and Energy Technology Inc., not-to-exceed $155,845.87), pest control (Powerhouse Termite and Pest Control, not-to-exceed $150,000), a fire-alarm services extension (All Star Fire Repair Service, not-to-exceed $582,000) and on-call electrical services renewals (GC and E Systems Group LLC and Electrical Contractors Inc., not-to-exceed $730,000).

Other approvals included a voter registration mail equipment maintenance increase and extension (Quadient/Quanton, Inc., not-to-exceed $30,000) and a purchase of heavy equipment for sanitation (a motor grader, not-to-exceed $209,478.85). Facilities also received ratification to continue a previously authorized emergency purchase for prefabricated animal kennels for the Elmhurst shelter (Horizon Structures LLC) and several contract term extensions related to maintenance and repair.

Deferred or referred items included: an Oracle Cloud services change order that the committee requested be reviewed by audit before returning and an East Side Peachtree Airport hangar/aviation development RFP item that a presenter asked to defer 60 days pending additional environmental information.

Votes were taken by voice for the routine approvals and recorded as approved in committee. Staff will return to the committee on deferred items after audit reviews or additional information is provided.","The DeKalb County Operations Committee approved multiple contract renewals and change orders ranging from IT maintenance to facilities services, ratified several extensions and approved calendar and meeting-time changes. A small number of items were deferred for audit review or additional information.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Facilities team presents library landscape transition plan emphasizing sustainability, education and cost savings

Southface presents clean energy transition plan; recommends sustainability officer and energy manager

Operations committee approves short-term extension for animal shelter contract with Lifeline Grama Project Inc.

Operations committee defers consideration of child care reimbursement pilot for four weeks

Operations committee approves series of routine contract renewals, extensions and calendar changes; several items deferred for further review