County increases sidewalk and minor road repair contracts to accelerate repairs

DeKalb County commissioners approved change orders that increase contract caps for multi‑department sidewalk, minor road and drainage repairs.

The committee approved change order number 2 to contract 12801318 and change order number 5 to contract 12801319, which cover sidewalks, drainage improvements, minor road work, bike lanes and multi‑use trails. The contracts are awarded to Otico Development LLC and DAF Concrete Incorporated. The increase requested will allow staff to ramp up sidewalk repair activities countywide; the agenda lists a combined not‑to‑exceed amount of $1,000,000 for the change orders.

Why it matters: Commissioners said they want to accelerate sidewalk repairs across districts and use previously approved district allocations (an example cited was $50,000 per district) to help fund repairs. Staff said curb and gutter and sidewalk work sometimes requires coordination with stormwater grading and groundwater elevations; replacing historic granite curbs with concrete curbs may be appropriate in some locations to avoid drainage issues.

Discussion highlights - Director Lemke said the contracts are multi‑departmental and allow the county to pursue sidewalk repairs and related minor road and drainage work without issuing new procurements for each small site. - Commissioners discussed whether to replace granite curbs with concrete curbs where resetting granite creates drainage issues; staff said curb replacement decisions are made case by case and that concrete curbs are an acceptable alternative when appropriate.

Action - Committee approved the change orders to Otico Development LLC and DAF Concrete Incorporated, raising available funding to accelerate sidewalk and related repairs.