IRPS committee approves tougher scrap‑tire ordinance, pairs code changes with recycling P3 and surveillance pilot

The IRPS committee voted to recommend approval of a substitute ordinance aimed at reducing illegal scrap‑tire dumping by amending sections of DeKalb County Code chapter 22. Commissioners praised the measure’s business‑license and enforcement features and asked staff about penalty mechanics and interagency coordination.

Marcus, a legislative staffer, and Nicole Sims of the CEO/COO’s office told the committee that the ordinance is paired with an administrative compliance initiative: Public Works will serve as the intake and tracking hub for quarterly transport reports and manifests, while Code Compliance will manage enforcement (inspections, citations and referrals to business licensing). Staff described a master tracking list of known tire handling businesses and a two‑step reminder schedule (30 days past due, then 30 days after the first reminder) before a case is referred to Code Compliance.

Sims outlined two deterrence initiatives tied to the ordinance: a county P3 solicitation for scrap‑tire recycling (released May 18, 2026; proposals due Aug. 20, 2026), and a DKPD assessment of Flock camera surveillance at chronic dumping locations. Marcus said the May 14 draft had been circulated and that administrative processes already in place align with the proposed ordinance.

Penalty mechanics and practical enforcement drew questions. Commissioner Terry welcomed the business‑license provisions as a core deterrent to fly‑by‑night haulers and asked about language where an officer may issue a warning for a single tire while the code also lists a first‑offense fine of $500; staff clarified the one‑tire scenario can be treated as a warning at officer discretion, while larger or repeated dumping exposures carry higher penalties under county code. Staff also said they had consulted the district attorney’s and solicitor general’s offices about enforcement that could include jail time and had coordinated with police; they were less certain about direct consultation with the sheriff on inmate housing but said court processes were discussed.

Commissioners urged regional coordination; staff said they had preliminary talks with adjacent counties and expected municipalities to be partners in implementation. Commissioner Robert Patrick and others praised staff and co‑sponsors and the committee carried the recommendation for approval of item 20250683.

Next steps: the committee forwarded the ordinance recommendation to the full board; staff will continue implementation work on administrative reporting, the P3 procurement and any pilot surveillance deployments.