[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-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",[32,74,86,98,109],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6257719,"mediaKeyId","3152570-feebe5975d783fb0200376fd8f4d59cd","parentId",3152570,"title","New Watershed commissioner outlines five‑point plan for Atlanta water security","audioSeconds",76,"startMs",1032217,"endMs",1108450,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3152570-feebe5975d783fb0200376fd8f4d59cd&start=1032&end=1108","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3152570-feebe5975d783fb0200376fd8f4d59cd/thumbnail_1032217.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6257719/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/New-Watershed-commissioner-outlines-fivepoint-plan-for-Atlanta-water-security","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257719-a2c2a307ae1c4dd8b391c273b467bade/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180048&Signature=nwfIszFgHzzJVJ73ZnHJGBsTq9zoK36Z1W3K5wCciUp~At5VfYsNuwgNwXRsRSD515AIr8U6HO3OglzEdgeZyq7hTHF-1IcZh9zXN3KdmQWk5culbVYBZ7EnnfjHVC1CvtGMdT1ZpaP5VPOVf3yNcLbwnmYmOJL~hbyOl1TdWe9cdaZerfBrvEfsy4T81UrvVCPy5212x4wEO506IAuG79uAvY35vmrBmgrw9Jd5u9DNVJzK3VD65VuftiLdClDaVLhOQli0NYuNC~IG7N~v5mOgGm8cU5WGx~VnzZcRUAilXhSn~O9kCb9NWK7HZffFVaMl0kju2-m~RtZgoqP5Og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-29T14:53:06Z","article","The City Utilities Committee on April 29 met the city’s new Watershed commissioner, Greg Eirely, who laid out a five‑point agenda that he said will guide the Department of Watershed Management over the coming years.

Eirely described his experience rising through utility ranks — from entry‑level wastewater operator to utility director in multiple cities — and cited prior work recovering utilities after major floods and leading large capital programs. He listed five priorities for Atlanta:
- Operational excellence: retain and recruit staff, fill open positions, provide training and partner with unions.
- Infrastructure investment and technology integration: rebuild aging systems, integrate new technology including AI tools to augment staff decision‑making and improve efficiency.
- Stormwater resilience: invest in sustained stormwater utility measures and partner with neighboring jurisdictions to reduce flood impacts.
- Alternative water supplies and reuse: expand water reuse opportunities to reduce demand on raw supplies.
- Transparency and accountability: communicate needs, tell the department’s story, and hold operations accountable so the public understands system costs and risks.

Eirely told the committee he led major recovery efforts in previous roles, referenced Cedar Rapids’ 2008 flood and later work in Houston, and said he had recently been recognized by professional associations for utility management work. He said his immediate plans include staff recruiting, stabilizing long‑term rate structures, and pursuing targeted infrastructure investments.

Committee response and next steps
- Councilmembers thanked Eirely for his remarks and welcomed his pledge to meet individually with members. Theo Pace from the mayor’s office encouraged council members to check their calendars for one‑on‑one meetings; the commissioner said he would schedule briefings to outline specific projects and budget needs.
- Eirely said he would follow up with the committee, provide further documentation, and meet with union representatives and councilmembers to discuss staffing and capital planning.

Ending
- Committee members requested the administration schedule briefings and circulate materials ahead of future meetings so members can review large capital projects before votes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","#Atlanta City Council City Utilities Committee Meeting April 29, 2025 #atlpol","oneSentenceSummary","Greg Eirely, the newly introduced commissioner for the Department of Watershed Management, told the City Utilities Committee he plans five initiatives—operational excellence, infrastructure investment and AI integration, stormwater/storm resiliency, alternative water supplies and increased transparency—to strengthen Atlanta’s water security.","taxTitle","Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia","taxId",2959,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6257724,"Union and residents press committee over alleged misconduct and culture in Watershed Management",130,541480,671860,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3152570-feebe5975d783fb0200376fd8f4d59cd&start=541&end=671","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3152570-feebe5975d783fb0200376fd8f4d59cd/thumbnail_541480.jpg","/articles/6257724/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Union-and-residents-press-committee-over-alleged-misconduct-and-culture-in-Watershed-Management","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257724-564bea4c753d3249de02744fcaed7138/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180048&Signature=eElIyPRI6Wv6QZv57OYgedRESSxXvuq2QQdNWWzA1OJaosXBGtk2vaSMVOvHph94fYVQqgGtY6c0ssPuvJqsWAguYOJmybE6fCBNirU8W4nHn~OtSlrcoCA-vwykc~lQYyB~10w~RdUeBXmriN9bkZ9~JUrtls8uThllBUY2UL~JuI7bXvhQZQohxzkCwkBPzQeRWrsfuxva-A5Qe2lsiqtPotFYKd54VBJPoSzbDyp0ZvcmZlpfn893PtLZK7C-cS~4ooUZ4nqKVvxhXRmQ~A2ZxDRXginlIt4X5VhyfIxsljkDBXBzbDzi4Ax8i~Dx6fpQo4G2QpbkeK6po1qO7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Union leaders and community representatives used public comment time at the City Utilities Committee meeting on April 29 to raise allegations of misconduct, retaliation and morale problems in the Department of Watershed Management.

Gina Pagnotta, introduced in the meeting as a union president, told the committee that employees had presented complaints about a Watershed manager’s behavior. Pagnotta praised the administration for placing the named manager on administrative leave pending investigation but said broader problems remain. She urged the city to use stronger pre‑hire screening, including personality testing similar to some public‑safety hiring practices, and to conduct staff surveys to assess leadership performance across Watershed.

Pagnotta and other union representatives said employees have used Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services extensively without meaningful organizational change and warned that whistleblowers have faced retaliation. She called for a high standard of accountability and said the union will work with commissioners to ensure fair treatment for staff and that whistleblower concerns are investigated.

Committee response and next steps
- Committee members thanked union leaders and said the committee will schedule dialogue with the new Watershed commissioner and department leadership. The committee requested follow‑up briefings and signaled support for a staff survey and dialogue on hiring practices.
- The council chair said he will make a presentation on May 6 with suggestions for hiring and oversight improvements and asked administration to coordinate with human resources and EAP as appropriate.

Context and note
- Comments referenced an administrative leave status for a Watershed manager and alleged retaliation claims across multiple employees. Committee members emphasized due process but said they have sufficient concern to request a fuller administrative review and to support changes to hiring and oversight practices.

Ending
- Committee members and union representatives agreed to meet in the coming week to discuss specifics and to work toward remedial steps. The chair said the committee will follow up on the issues raised and requested that administration provide updates.","Union and community leaders told the City Utilities Committee they are raising concerns about leadership conduct, employee retaliation and a workplace culture in Watershed Management. Leaders urged administrative action, staff surveys and stronger whistleblower protections.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6257730,"District 10 resident presses for impact study and cleanup of solid‑waste hotspots",94,282920,377284,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3152570-feebe5975d783fb0200376fd8f4d59cd&start=282&end=377","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3152570-feebe5975d783fb0200376fd8f4d59cd/thumbnail_282920.jpg","/articles/6257730/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/District-10-resident-presses-for-impact-study-and-cleanup-of-solidwaste-hotspots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257730-6a0d48cd2695e45c56d285441ef35beb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180048&Signature=nogNK2h~wj2zoRUyshV65UYxRpYSJecc4vKKkPBCV6ia6vQdXejyCd2KOdkkJfzld42hRLSU-ySDug4sQ9AZMyPQIcz~12ab6WLQqgYYa87FZXe9~XADxN~zgcawpnw8EGyk0IeWFxC4pHMwQaTmPU4mARm8KnZCgqwhu2CThoCwja0AOiftftJz4~MkAG8qUiAUQ4vEzFwiUhNyyDxjHzvgU6xlgkAARev6nTrZrtr7aOJHTEkps9ecjMCgFF6bRw2I0tRBXBWZTDB6pfhzZ34bFgnfNpIasxFhZNZwK-eJlXlCVx4w-l2Yh6qJmSprJkn40FpFvtTxHzd27op-4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Philip Jones of Jones Engineering and other residents urged City Utilities Committee members on April 29 to commission an impact study and take more aggressive action to clean up solid waste in District 10.

Jones described trash and debris littering locations he identified as Hamilton E Homes and the Martin Luther King corridor, and said that solid waste is entering storm drains and the city’s state waters. He told the committee he had alerted code enforcement and Council offices and said cleanup has not occurred.

Jones asked the committee to authorize an impact study focused on District 10 to assess pollutants and to support cleanup so that redevelopment and business recruitment can proceed. He argued that solid waste is a source of pollutants that can push the city toward regulatory penalties under Georgia soil and water conservation rules.

Committee response and follow‑up
- Committee members acknowledged the complaint and indicated they would relay the concerns to the relevant Council offices and local council representatives. Jones said he had already reached out to Councilwoman Boone’s office.
- Committee members encouraged coordination among departments (code enforcement, Watershed, Public Works) and asked staff to note the locations Jones named and ensure appropriate follow up.

Context and note
- Jones framed the problem as both a public‑health and economic development issue, saying trash and debris at marsh stations and along rights‑of‑way deter investment. He recommended the impact study as a first step toward targeted cleanup and infrastructure actions.

Ending
- Committee members said they would monitor the issue, and Jones indicated he will continue to follow up with staff and council offices.","A civil engineer and residents told the City Utilities Committee that accumulated solid waste in parts of District 10, including around Hamilton E Homes and Martin Luther King corridors, is harming waterways and deterring redevelopment. They urged an impact study and interagency coordination.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6257735,"Caller seeks code change after disputed water bill; asks committee to reverse appeals board order",0,425000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3152570-feebe5975d783fb0200376fd8f4d59cd&start=425&end=425","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3152570-feebe5975d783fb0200376fd8f4d59cd/thumbnail_425000.jpg","/articles/6257735/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Caller-seeks-code-change-after-disputed-water-bill-asks-committee-to-reverse-appeals-board-order","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257735-822795efa3e691aea75e9c2541d2bbe2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180048&Signature=V7MxJlvix37Il8I9~zcg92Fnss9IEGPucot6yvecJaLscGpSRoMCw7PS5nxEPkkJBPuiOJlS-VbWfpCzSmtuyJuca96ldctO6eqA6-jbp7ltHj9kATufBM6BoQo-aKiKTserzyhnezSFIaNxVMUzmK30dJlZ1GP6adbbdWwMv4929SpSWN~nf1KKjxKmGan~MNpuz-O-mKBjHqczpMBwMCzfJpgkpVR6V-7RxwbVv3mvbBwWpYJhTwpr1Ve0dizP2kHuqnCEmkGOlpLAFvgbuEVrQk-EEwDZxezizOk3XVFDfFZusWIJ3wu6L0Cmmbb1Hvl3OmjTLfeitcfg29IYkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Long Banks Wyatt told the City Utilities Committee on April 29 she is asking the city to revise its code and to review a Water and Sewer Appeals Board order tied to her late mother’s property.

Wyatt said she inherited the property and a disputed ‘water bill’ that she attributes to an omitted meter reading and, earlier, a water leak. Citing “Code Sect. 154, 26, subsection 1,” she asked the committee to recognize omission of a timely meter reading as a billing error. She said her mother was bedridden and could not have used the water quantity the city assessed in estimated bills.

Wyatt also asked the committee to reverse a Water and Sewer Appeals Board order and asked that the board recalculate an amount she said had been charged from 11 cc’s down to “maybe 3 or 4 cc’s,” based on the household’s circumstances and the subsequent repair she completed on April 22, 2023.

Committee response and next steps
- Committee members identified two separate matters: (1) the individual billing dispute, and (2) a proposed change to the municipal code. Members asked Wyatt to submit the proposed code language and supporting citation by email so staff could review it.
- A committee member suggested Watershed staff meet with Wyatt before she left the meeting; staff offered to connect with her and follow up.

What was in the record
- Wyatt read the language she wants added to the code (she quoted “Code Sect 154, 26, subsection 1” and asked that omission of a meter reading be explicitly recognized as a billing error). She asked the committee to require the Department of Watershed Management to adopt billing practices to protect senior citizens from improperly estimated bills.
- Wyatt’s remarks were public comment; the committee did not make an immediate policy change. Members asked her to send proposed language and citation by email to the committee for formal review.

Ending
- Committee staff and Watershed representatives agreed to follow up. The committee recorded that staff would accept Wyatt’s emailed proposal and review the appeals board order and the underlying billing documentation.","Dr. Long Banks Wyatt told the City Utilities Committee she inherited a large water bill for the late Carolyn Long Banks, asked the committee to treat missed meter readings as a billing error under Code Sect. 154.26.1, and asked for recalculation of a Water and Sewer Appeals Board order.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6257740,"Utilities committee approves appointments, budget moves and contracts; several items held for review",101,1716430,1818208,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3152570-feebe5975d783fb0200376fd8f4d59cd&start=1716&end=1818","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3152570-feebe5975d783fb0200376fd8f4d59cd/thumbnail_1716430.jpg","/articles/6257740/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Utilities-committee-approves-appointments-budget-moves-and-contracts-several-items-held-for-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257740-7647a5b511b5055a362c826f5f707569/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180048&Signature=YfcXrG6a0Wg9KpnPpN~B4YK1D5T7~jWYWWdEBbt5aLpZJBOeNwDqE6ZM-Q9KHm1roYr0L3FdnnpE3SS8ZD7muSd~LgBsWPJLo-RwtNkPXmGhrJI07PHWP04~I1FHXRkudwQTU1gQfpSlm-2Q1RsBrc8HE2Cr-0kA4aB~dHHuPY-a0SJRjSTcBHozbQIl3PLNzT3n9IDRetcgxY2WOqCillCl5g2pNVKKvoYi8v3ZUVgSIKzcCa1ffC-XH6KFzNzZDzPoR06Y07iFUQO2SxH3R9amUmO4PQlh4nhRITtW5s9N6xohluFK8eZ17iG35~6lQmQsZRmM7KD7gNESgewQfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Utilities Committee on April 29 approved a string of appointments, budget amendments and contract items and—by the committee’s own request—held one major construction contract review pending an independent performance report.

The approvals included two public-appointments, budget transfers to fund watershed reserves and infrastructure projects, and first-reading ordinances authorizing annual contracts for on-call services. Committee members moved one large water‑supply tunnel contract to hold so the committee can receive an IPRO report before action.

Votes at a glance
- Keep Atlanta Beautiful Commission: Barbara Leith (appointment). Vote recorded in the meeting: “The vote is closed. Six days. Zero days. Item is favorable.”
- Water and Sewer Appeals Board: Arlesia McMichael (appointment). Vote recorded in the meeting: “The vote is closed. 6J0 Nays. Item is favorable.”
- Ordinance authorizing a special procurement (on‑call diving services with Salmons Dredging Corporation, retroactive option): Presented for first reading. (Committee discussion noted the procurement and fiscal details; committee did not record final adoption at first reading.)
- FY2025 budget amendments: Committee approved amendments moving funds into the Water & Wastewater renewal/extension fund and into specific projects including small‑diameter rehab and the Green Infrastructure Valley of Hawks project. (Committee action recorded as favorable.)
- Yard debris processing and hauling contract: Ordinance presented to authorize the mayor to exercise a renewal option for a Tag Grinding Services contract; the ordinance includes adding funds for Parks and Recreation. (Committee recorded the item and advanced it.)
- Water Supply Tunnel — Chattahoochee connection (R3419): Committee members moved to hold the item. The stated reason was to receive the IPRO (independent performance review) report before taking further action.

What the committee asked for and next steps
- Committee members asked administration to bring more detail and to schedule one‑on‑one briefings with the newly appointed Watershed commissioner. The chair asked staff to circulate materials ahead of future meetings so members can review large capital contracts before votes.
- The committee noted several vacancies on the Water and Sewer Appeals Board and reminded council members to submit any pending appointments promptly.

Context and budget notes
- Multiple items were fiscal amendments to the Water & Wastewater and Solid Waste budgets for FY2025 to transfer watershed reserves into specific construction and rehab projects. The committee record shows dollar figures tied to each amendment; department staff said all contracted work will be charged to the fund/department/org/account listed in the ordinances.

Ending
- Committee members scheduled follow‑up briefings with Watershed staff and the new commissioner. Several items will return to committee after staff provides the requested reports and the committee receives the IPRO review of the tunnel contract.","The City Utilities Committee voted to approve several appointments and budget amendments and advanced multiple contracts and ordinances at its April 29 meeting. Committee members also moved one large contract to hold pending an IPRO report and asked administration to schedule follow-up briefings.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

New Watershed commissioner outlines five‑point plan for Atlanta water security

Union and residents press committee over alleged misconduct and culture in Watershed Management

District 10 resident presses for impact study and cleanup of solid‑waste hotspots

Caller seeks code change after disputed water bill; asks committee to reverse appeals board order

Utilities committee approves appointments, budget moves and contracts; several items held for review