Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Agenda Actions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Decatur commission approves downtown ambassador renewal and multiple capital projects
Summary
The commission authorized renewal and shared funding for the downtown ambassador program, approved a Commerce Drive sidewalk contract, purchased a backhoe with lease financing, and awarded two roof‑replacement contracts for Legacy Park facilities.
At its meeting the City Commission approved a set of agenda action items including a renewal of the downtown ambassador program, sidewalk replacement work, an equipment purchase with lease financing and building maintenance projects.
Downtown ambassador program: Assistant city manager Angela Threadgill requested authorization to renew the Block by Block contract that provides cleaning, safety outreach and visitor services downtown. Threadgill said the annual contract would increase from $495,614.50 to $606,164.67, primarily to add one team leader and to reflect wage adjustments; the city’s annual share would be $202,054.89 under the proposed MOU shared among the City, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Decatur Tourism Bureau. Threadgill said weekly service hours would rise from 240 to 280 aggregate weekly hours and that ambassadors operate across days and shifts to cover cleaning and safety needs. Commissioners approved the appropriation and renewal by voice vote.
Commerce Drive sidewalk: Julie Harlan, director of transportation, recommended replacing about 365 feet of deteriorated sidewalk on Commerce Drive between North Candler and Church Street. The low bid was $34,510 from Warren's Landscaping; the commission approved the contract and set a project budget of $45,000 from the FY25‑26 capital improvements fund, and asked staff to add deterrent signage and bike racks to discourage truck parking on the sidewalk.
Streets & drainage equipment and financing: Julie Juritza, senior engineer, recommended purchasing a Case backhoe on the state contract for $115,980 to replace an inoperable unit. Theresa Decastro recommended adoption of a resolution authorizing GMA direct lease financing for the purchase. The commission approved the purchase and adopted the financing resolution.
Legacy Park and Hyatt Cottage roofs: Felix Floyd, assistant public works director, recommended awarding a contract to American Property Restoration to replace the Legacy Park Administration Building roof ($72,480.59; project budget $86,000) and to replace the Hyatt Cottage roof ($23,273.91; project budget $30,000). Commissioners approved both contracts and budgets.
Votes on these action items were taken by voice; no roll‑call tallies were recorded in the transcript. Several commissioners asked for clearer performance metrics on the ambassador program and better weekend evening coverage; staff said monthly reports are provided and will work with the operations manager to address coverage and recurring hot‑spot cleanup needs.
