Public Works committee defers $21.0 million small‑diameter sewer‑cleaning contract for two weeks

The DeKalb County Public Works and Infrastructure Committee voted to defer for two weeks consideration of a proposed three‑year small‑diameter sewer‑cleaning contract, a package that staff said would not exceed $21,013,200 and covers routine cleaning work to prevent spills.

Chair opened the item (agenda item 2025‑0573) and listed the recommended low bidders and the total amount. A commissioner moved to defer the item for two weeks to accommodate audit review because the requested amount exceeds the $3,000,000 threshold; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Director Wells described the contract scope as routine maintenance work that includes cleaning pipes up to 24 inches and tied the contract to the county’s consent‑decree obligations. “It’s, it’s routine, sewer cleaning, for small diameter sizes … and it goes no larger than 24 inch and it’s a routine maintenance item that we do, constantly as part of [the] consent decree,” Director Wells said, adding the county’s “expectation that we, clean 20% of our system annually” to reduce opportunities for sanitary sewer overflows.

A commissioner also noted that each contractor met the minimum Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE) participation requirements, with most meeting at least 20% and one reporting 30% participation; staff confirmed the tabulation includes those percentages. Commissioner Terry asked for the full bid tabulation spreadsheet after printed pages cut off columns; staff said the complete tabulation is part of the agenda packet and will be sent to commissioners.

The committee’s stated next step is to return the item at the next Public Works and Infrastructure meeting in two weeks so audit and scheduling issues can be addressed.