DeKalb committee approves $75,000 youth summer voucher, multiple park and infrastructure grants and several contract renewals

The Parks, Environment & Community Services Committee approved a package of routine funding, contract renewals and change orders covering youth summer services, park improvements, sidewalks and ongoing maintenance contracts. Most motions passed by voice vote with no recorded roll-call tally.

At the top of the list, the committee authorized spending $75,000 for a summer youth voucher program that county staff said has been run for about 30 years. Director Mitchell told commissioners the vouchers are administered through the Health Department and Human Services; providers are reimbursed through the Health Department and finance transfers funds. Staff said last year the program issued more than 200 vouchers and that the program typically prioritizes low- and moderate-income families; eligibility is tied to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development area median income (AMI) thresholds and the county uses an 80% AMI guideline (staff cited an approximate 2025 80% AMI level for a family of four of about $91,000). The committee approved the item (agenda item 2025-0360).

Votes at a glance

- Minutes (item 0494): Approved (committee motion to approve minutes from March 25). - Youth summer voucher program (agenda item 2025-0360): Approved. $75,000 requested; program administered via Health Department; last year >200 vouchers issued; eligibility tied to 80% AMI. - City of Tucker — Fitzgerald Park ADA playground (agenda item 2025-0396): Approved. $250,000 CDBG for ADA-accessible playground equipment and site improvements at Fitzgerald Park. - City of Stone Mountain — VFW Park improvements (agenda item 2025-0421): Approved. County share $300,000; city to contribute remainder for schematic park improvements including pavilions and natural play area. - City of Stonecrest — Farrington Road sidewalks (agenda item 2025-0427): Approved. Recommended county contribution $500,000 for approximately 4,700 linear feet of sidewalks from 5665 Farrington Road to 2861 Farrington Road; staff cited prior pedestrian crashes and one fatality in the area. - Demolition contract renewals (contracts 1359729 and 1367273; agenda item 0252): Approved. Annual contract renewal/first renewal for on-call demolition services for county-owned properties; award to Southern Demolition LLC and Complete Demolition Services LLC; total not to exceed $500,000; two structures noted for immediate demolition included the Rabia Mountain ranger house and an older unpermitted house adjacent to the Ware property. - Sugar Creek Golf Course maintenance (change order/agenda item 0302): Approved. Change order (extension) to contract 113097 with Cypress Golf Management LLC d/b/a Cypress Golf Course Services; contract amount not to exceed $780,000 through 03/31/2026. - Comprehensive trail and greenway master plan (change order/agenda item 0318): Approved. Time-only extension for Tool Design Company LLC to continue work on trail/greenway planning through August 2025. - Turf/natural sports fields, courts and track contract (change order/agenda item 0332): Approved. Contract extension for Deluxe Athletics LLC to April 30, 2026; staff said several turf projects (Hamilton, Truelove) are in progress and some are near completion. - Accept temporary easement funds — Atlanta Gaslight Company (agenda item 0374): Approved. Authorization to accept funds and update deed/title survey for a temporary easement at 7001 Johan Road (Kinnet Park). Staff indicated parcel identifiers will be added in future items; exact payment amount noted in packet was not specified in committee discussion. - Pour-in-place (PIP) playground surface services (change order/agenda item 0223): Approved. Contract term increase and ratification for Playworks Playset LLC (pour-in-place surface installation/repair) not to exceed $35,000 through 08/31/2025. - In-home services for older adults and persons with disabilities (change order/agenda item 0255): Approved. Change order for contract 1294379 with REMS Kicks Healthcare Services, Inc. for homemaker, personal care and in-home respite services; amount not to exceed $465,000. Staff reported the contract covers about 207 seniors and that care is provided by CNAs (contractor-determined wages, staff said typical range cited by staff is $20–$30/hour).

What commissioners said: discussion on these items was generally brief and supportive. Commissioners emphasized ADA accessibility for park projects, pedestrian safety for the Stonecrest sidewalk project (staff cited prior accidents and one fatality on Farrington Road), and the recurring demand for the summer voucher program (staff and commissioners noted funds are typically exhausted quickly each year).

Items deferred or tabled: several policy items were deferred for further work. The committee deferred a proposed Code amendment on sound regulation (Chapter 16) and the companion electric landscape device rebate resolution for 60 days so the law department and staff could refine language, exemptions and budget implications.

Why it matters: the approvals fund near-term capital improvements and services (parks, sidewalks, demolition and maintenance) and maintain ongoing social services for seniors and youth. Commissioners said most actions were routine contract renewals or single-project awards; staff presented project locations and budget estimates for each item.

Next steps: staff will proceed with contract renewals, transfers and project scoping as approved. For the deferred policy items, county law and planning staff will return updated drafts and budget estimates at a future committee meeting.