Transportation committee approves multiple contracts and resolutions; airport curbside contract prompts procurement questions

The Transportation Committee voted on multiple ordinances, resolutions and contract actions spanning airport services, grant acceptances, traffic and pedestrian projects, lighting agreements with the Georgia Department of Transportation, and citywide planning work. Two items drew extended discussion: a curbside management services agreement for Hartsfield'Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the two-year contract to develop the city's Comprehensive Transportation Plan.

Airport curbside management (Item 20, 25R4122) The committee considered a resolution authorizing the mayor or designee to execute an agreement for curbside management services with Last CCD Joint Venture on behalf of the Department of Aviation. The agreement description in the caption included an initial three-year term with two one-year renewal options, a management fee not to exceed $93,000 and a reimbursable operating budget described in the legislation as $29,091,544.80.

During the item, Council member Lewis referenced a public inquiry and asked the administration to explain why an apparent higher-priced proposal could be selected over lower-cost proposals. Tyronea Smith, senior deputy general manager for the Department of Aviation, described the paper as the curbside management solicitation and turned procedures questions…