[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6170049,"mediaKeyId","5398908-6aecf4273929cf9636b9791d2abe46a7","parentId",5398908,"title","Committee approves GIFA loan application and several Watershed contracts tied to consent‑decree work","audioSeconds",138,"startMs",3719000,"endMs",3857000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5398908-6aecf4273929cf9636b9791d2abe46a7&start=3719&end=3857","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5398908-6aecf4273929cf9636b9791d2abe46a7/thumbnail_3719000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6170049/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Committee-approves-GIFA-loan-application-and-several-Watershed-contracts-tied-to-consentdecree-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6170049-32100520347e5823d6adbdc1f90227c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770633706&Signature=Hwm1zZKi2cK~yxygyBjENtvXn2gAFFMT7et6M1DbUal4cfdpk-Wjx5kNM68c87kznfDnMwgI2oEep1Q2M6chEebVJJGChv26dSoAZddQuDRfX0I1al9owopWg06zuWaVPlBK2CB4oMRnqulgyVq4uQl~uD~Ukl7enWG-gcgddlXZh63Q0NjAqW7yJaVkalmXi29Ewz6CsI2MSu2Hs2QQRFEIwPs6DgKoUHUMkJffOTdtlSq7lOpVmWJbRTUt63GeMTvxx8Jj29rZTZePv8CezDiUDLBEsr9BtzS6DFLjfVckUvOQB8NuRF2PD-0Ru00sLe4KDd9q0oYQ2yl5IkL2Nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-15T16:40:35Z","article","The City Utilities Committee on July 15 approved several Watershed Management funding and contract items, including authorization to apply for up to $37 million from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) to support wastewater and drinking‑water capital improvements, and approved a nearly $38 million sewer replacement contract tied to consent‑decree obligations.

Deputy Commissioner Jonathan Williams told the committee the GEFA application would allow Watershed to access subsidized loans (the applicant mentioned a 3.49% interest example) to fund infrastructure upgrades, stream restoration, sewer capacity relief and energy‑efficiency work while limiting ratepayer impact. The resolution to apply for GEFA funding passed (vote recorded as 5‑0).

The committee also voted favorably on several Watershed contract renewals and construction awards. A South Fulton Trunk Relief System sewer replacement contract (project 1c) with Ruby Collins/Benchmark joint venture covers eight locations and approximately 47 sewer segments totaling about 11,500 linear feet; the contract was listed at an amount not to exceed $37,989,932 and the committee approved the award as amended (vote recorded as 5‑0). Other contract renewals for annual repair pools and project renewals were approved in the same meeting.

Councilmembers and staff noted that these projects support consent‑decree compliance and stressed the need to monitor project status and procurement documentation. The committee amended one contract item to add documentation referenced in the IPRO report before approving it.

Ending: Committee approved the loan application and awarded the sewer replacement contract; members asked Watershed to provide IPRO and procurement documentation and to report on project progress as work proceeds.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","#Atlanta City Council City Utilities Committee meeting: July 15, 2025 #atlpol","oneSentenceSummary","The committee authorized the Watershed Department to apply for up to $37 million from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, and approved multiple contract renewals and a major sewer replacement contract connected to consent‑decree work; votes were recorded as favorable.","taxTitle","Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia","taxId",2959,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6170054,"Committee holds Google Fiber franchise request after members press for stronger right‑of‑way and restoration rules",1007,6038000,7045000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5398908-6aecf4273929cf9636b9791d2abe46a7&start=6038&end=7045","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5398908-6aecf4273929cf9636b9791d2abe46a7/thumbnail_6038000.jpg","/articles/6170054/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Committee-holds-Google-Fiber-franchise-request-after-members-press-for-stronger-rightofway-and-restoration-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6170054-3fdc0075890da18a695dccec980dcc0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770633706&Signature=kqCnh9rBIprHqujgz8QAmblUCDZq39aAqUxA3omW-G8I1luU8U5Ks-kVnnG7jmvZ5UlQJfRUuDaMYD69~lnFi4QbUmd1hOUpxddqVaHBAKCg0JGiGJyGjQVKZm9Ab38PJLDeeJ3i7HY6sAU3KKSt5WFwKE5a~qu6f-bmGjWJwKToSM0-pFCpU~b3PWCWt7NbiLFp8eN8v2CtzIvWE-4q3v2AkiFyTo0rq8lZqa7--xVv8nc3rZyFqzzjPsLNXQfrMUEl4VEp9YTKwKFKSHemMq1aMsIcowP0p1C48~vvfkvp-xz58J~ygK3JLt5kv0ivMtBYE5jhIN6rNI7zqrW5QA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Utilities Committee members voted to hold a proposed 10‑year franchise agreement that would authorize Google Fiber to place fiber in Atlanta rights‑of‑way, citing constituent complaints about restoration work performed by subcontractors and asking for clearer enforcement language and revenue estimates.

The ordinance introduced by Councilmember Collins would grant Google Fiber a nonexclusive 10‑year franchise with two successive two‑year renewal options and a 2% franchise fee. Stephanie Grant of the law department said a separate license for Google’s HUT locations already exists; the proposed franchise would permit Google to lay fiber to premises. Grant said early projections used during negotiation suggested a 3.5% franchise fee would have yielded roughly $5 million; at 2% the representative estimated the city could expect on the order of $2 million, and the committee asked that a firm estimate be provided to the Finance/Executive Committee.

Councilmembers raised repeated concerns about subcontractors tearing up streets, failing to restore sidewalks and yards, and providing inadequate advance notice to homeowners. Councilmember Ames said the problem is the subcontractors’ work and asked that the city clarify enforcement pathways and bond forfeiture triggers to ensure repairs are completed without forcing residents to wait. Councilmember Shook and others asked the law department and ATLDOT to propose specific language holding franchise holders responsible for their subcontractors and to provide the contact information for Google’s government liaison (identified during the meeting as Jess George).

The committee voted to hold the item to the next meeting to allow staff to gather: (1) the projected revenue estimate for the 2% franchise fee, (2) proposed franchise language or conditions holding Google responsible for subcontractor performance and right‑of‑way restoration, and (3) a report on bond triggers and ATL DOT enforcement procedures for nonperforming permittees. The motion to hold passed with the committee recorded as 4 yays, 0 nays.

Ending: The law department and ATL DOT staff said they will return with proposed contract language, the Google liaison contact and a recommended enforcement approach before the committee’s next meeting; councilmembers asked the administration to circulate those materials to all council offices in advance.","Councilmembers held a proposed 10‑year Google Fiber franchise to allow more time to negotiate language that would hold Google accountable for subcontractor work, require clearer notice to residents and ensure proper restoration; committee requested projected revenue and a report back on enforcement and bond triggers.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6170058,"Audit: Atlanta recycles about 23%; Rubicon data errors and multifamily enforcement gaps hamper diversion",2287,2342000,4629000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5398908-6aecf4273929cf9636b9791d2abe46a7&start=2342&end=4629","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5398908-6aecf4273929cf9636b9791d2abe46a7/thumbnail_2342000.jpg","/articles/6170058/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Audit-Atlanta-recycles-about-23-Rubicon-data-errors-and-multifamily-enforcement-gaps-hamper-diversion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6170058-6073c7982db580d338e5f96d3a6b3929/orig.mp4?Expires=1770633706&Signature=fPGaNMTemANnKJ0YaiJnyPHwju0XRzz2Gf~8fHYdLv5nRtQicEvYECIAqv91YZp6ING1M3-oD9mEbjwXwFviRujikG26uk~OCDkaz49YXA~RDZsnX-Xco1xJpWufT9buknOO-2EJgia~xD7brtUdU8-o7zlKQ1JEwRdCJNnFd6ZB-NLNuUFDCghYsdqpCG3g6cQzdweNRWE2Gc2Bq1kpPovh~98LYfINky212l0~HHjbCgQi8iHta-BkIzMUuaqY3HHe9IuqITDYWb-wj5S2ZM~MZjxxhj9~pXYCRHm-osjJ1wpLlZIDn1H6~JTeTLItegUgbq7fYW3cHpAIeX1hmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City auditors reported on July 15 that Atlanta’s curbside recycling program diverted about 23% of collected residential tonnage—below the Environmental Protection Agency’s national benchmark of 26%—and identified data and enforcement problems that limit accurate measurement and program effectiveness.

Mikaela James of the audit team told the City Utilities Committee that the Department of Public Works collected roughly 19,800 tons of recyclables in fiscal 2023 but estimated about 20% contamination and noted uneven participation across service areas: one service area reached about 25% while others ranged from 16% to 21%. The audit found that Rubicon route‑tracking entries were sometimes lower than vendor tonnage tickets; a weeklong comparison in December 2024 showed Rubicon consistently underreporting compared with vendor weights. Auditors also found a $3,500 overbilling by the recycling processor for four months in 2024; the processor credited the city on the next bill.

The audit flagged enforcement gaps for the city’s multifamily recycling ordinance (City Code section 13038), which requires owners of multifamily dwellings with six or more units to provide recycling containers and report tonnage. Auditors found the reporting portal linked to an unmonitored mailbox and no routine reconciliation of multifamily reports, meaning roughly half the city’s residences may lack accessible recycling services. The audit also noted Atlanta is the only nearby jurisdiction with single‑stream curbside service that includes glass; glass represented about 9% of recycled tonnage in 2024 and requires additional processing, which raises costs while providing environmental benefits.

Recommendations included: creating targeted education campaigns for low‑participation service areas; written policies and QA/QC for Rubicon ticket uploads and tonnage reconciliation; an enforcement plan for multifamily reporting with assigned portal monitoring and inspections; a feasibility study on continuing single‑stream glass collection; and a measurable waste‑diversion goal in the updated solid‑waste plan. Department leaders said much of the work is already underway and committed to implementing recommendations by the end of the calendar year.

Public Works Deputy Commissioner Kentura Garmon and DC Nica Greenlee said the department has increased communications and education staff over the last 12 months, is updating standard operating procedures and is working to improve Rubicon performance. The committee accepted and filed the recycling audit (vote recorded as 4‑0).

Ending: Auditors and Public Works agreed to implement a mix of data fixes, outreach and enforcement changes; councilmembers asked for a follow‑up on outreach strategy and on the multifamily enforcement plan.","A performance audit found Atlanta’s curbside recycling averaged about 23% of collected tonnage, identified data-entry errors in Rubicon and unmonitored multifamily reporting; Public Works agreed to implement recommendations by year-end.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6170063,"Audit finds frequent post‑award changes to Watershed contracts; auditors recommend tighter controls",595,1954000,2549000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5398908-6aecf4273929cf9636b9791d2abe46a7&start=1954&end=2549","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5398908-6aecf4273929cf9636b9791d2abe46a7/thumbnail_1954000.jpg","/articles/6170063/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Audit-finds-frequent-postaward-changes-to-Watershed-contracts-auditors-recommend-tighter-controls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6170063-075ed970ac4f5805d246377ad858eaf0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770633706&Signature=YVSh3hlTo1uYDH3gMFryd9fnAKrJ2Og5BEm88Xa7IaxGb3LFA4Ky1Mt-bLtT7ADogJmprG3bbZ9re1J6fYXVzFkYn6EZjRhjax0BzFIEwnX08wmUbzWj7Cq~cRsLkI2EhRFzADwk-cpFaEpXssoENCQyiR~IjlLzKCqAbACkEe7oUciMBIoWMssvByh1bPuoZilQZkkZJ4C8x6zo1-dbu~FZ7jVuo4m9o2lIHJotRQ964tRcCaQu0cIRwYmNJVe~6zMXMlVNwZqTMSgHTVFYuwCpN3X~oQz-VJp3UaCFkbEMSa8MGzM5-wcqqh9KrfGQYiR65-INaHCXnBmr3XZOUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City auditors told the City Utilities Committee on July 15 that contract amendments and alternative procurements in the Department of Watershed Management frequently increased awarded contract value and often lacked sufficient written justification, raising risks of reduced competition and oversight.

The audit, presented by Dwayne Braithwaite and the audit team, reviewed 298 Watershed contracts the auditors could compile. Of those, 237 were procured competitively and 61 through alternative methods. About 21% of the 298 contracts were later modified. In a sample of 47 competitively procured contracts that were modified, 22 had post‑award increases of more than 100%, and 28 increased by more than 50%. The auditors found vague or missing justification for many contract modifications; of 30 modifications examined in detail, 20 had vague explanations and six lacked justification documents entirely.

The audit highlighted specific code‑related thresholds: small purchase authority for contracts under $100,000 (section 2-1190) and IPRO review for contracts $1,000,000 or greater (Independent Procurement Review Division). Auditors identified instances where contracts initially below thresholds were modified above them and would have required different approvals had the full dollar value been known at award.

“We found instances where post‑award modifications could have avoided procurement controls and may signal steering or overspending,” the audit team said. The auditors recommended that the Chief Procurement Officer provide quarterly reports of contract modifications and that procurement publish clearer guidance for departments about when to use alternative procurement methods and how to document justifications. The Chief Procurement Officer agreed with the recommendations.

Department of Watershed Management leaders said they support the audit findings and will work with procurement; Yolanda Broome, deputy commissioner for administration, said the department wants to close the identified gaps and align with the recommendations. Auditors and councilmembers discussed causes that can trigger modifications, including failed competitive solicitations, one-bid outcomes and the need to keep consent‑decree projects on schedule.

The committee accepted and filed the audit (vote recorded as 5‑0). Committee members asked procurement and Watershed to provide the recommended quarterly modification reports and to supply missing documentation for contracts coming before council.

Ending: Councilmembers said they will follow up on implementation of the audit’s recommendations and asked staff to increase transparency on modifications that push contracts over legal thresholds.","A city audit found that many Watershed Management contracts were substantially modified after award, sometimes more than doubling in value; auditors recommended additional guidance, a quarterly reporting requirement and better documentation; the City Utilities Committee accepted and filed the audit.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6170068,"Water and Sewer appeals board urges code changes as resident details suspected billing fraud",385,126000,511000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5398908-6aecf4273929cf9636b9791d2abe46a7&start=126&end=511","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5398908-6aecf4273929cf9636b9791d2abe46a7/thumbnail_126000.jpg","/articles/6170068/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Water-and-Sewer-appeals-board-urges-code-changes-as-resident-details-suspected-billing-fraud","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6170068-1bf889f56a23c4daf43620b9b2aeeaba/orig.mp4?Expires=1770633706&Signature=avI3uIhyfSX57VpNNmGDN1yO2Dik3y7JPOZvnuIGxLbp~wNqV6LB3Z1GUdyEZTnAf3EWYgP6o-DZwRJxl0WV2~-CsUGc8a3MQFtDIcndCRDDOzWv5U3IKPoS1KHfIHU3xiodMzHBotal4l-Y6srWlL7miJugIcrs17LY1M2qkFnwtKgpbQ3crEIYNwI1P3dNXSmk952nDBVfHP98Y0-kzfLTsm0WNQRoms~1trh0~yoFpQ3BdyhgqYd2W6p3EVMuUvJY7VgZueGL1m1phuYfOaIQ-FJikUFjMsIZFPIhA0MTP7dvWTz6usTf2VZPdBwzD1AvXmZSQfn0NfPTBJjJ6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A resident and the city’s Water and Sewer Appeals Board pressed the City Utilities Committee on July 15 for clearer billing rules and more help for customers who receive unexpectedly large or duplicate utility bills. Helen Delilah Williams, a Vine City resident, told the committee she believes someone has transferred unpaid charges to her address and said she has been taking cold showers for months while the billing problem continues. “Please help me,” Williams said, giving her address as 642 Lester Street and saying she had filed an identity-theft report with the City of Atlanta.

The appeals board presented data from three years of hearings and recommended several changes to how the city handles customer adjustments, arguing the current code limits the board’s ability to fix bills in extraordinary circumstances. Roseanne Maltese, chair of the Water and Sewer Appeals Board, told the committee that appeals currently allow at most two adjustments, and that adjustments are typically limited to one month’s consumption measured in CCFs. The board recommended: (1) revising the lookback used to detect a one-time spike to 12 months with a six-month follow-up window; (2) requiring leak-detection or plumber verification before an adjustment; (3) clarifying city code to permit adjustments in circumstances not currently covered; and (4) filling three vacancies so the board reaches the seven members required by code.

Why it matters: Customers have limited avenues to correct large bills, and the board said unclear rules and inconsistent guidance from departments and the law office leave residents frustrated. Board members and council members said clearer guidance, an improved appeal acknowledgment letter and an FAQ would help set expectations and reduce repeat appeals.

Board members outlined how the hearings work: staff introduce the case, the board reads the account history, board members ask questions, the customer presents, then the board deliberates and issues a decision in person and by letter. Earl Young and Derek George, who serve on the board, said common issues include undisclosed leaks, late-arriving evidence, and customers believing a spike is unexplained even after an inspection.

Council members asked procedural questions and pledged to help fill board vacancies and to consider the board’s recommended change from an eight-year term limit to a nine-year practice the board prefers so experienced volunteers can continue until replacements are ready. The appeals board also proposed working directly with Department of Watershed Management leadership and the law department to draft code amendments and improve the appeals acknowledgement letter and community outreach.

The resident who spoke during public comment, Williams, described long-running billing confusion that she said began in 2009, duplicate bills arriving at her household and an unsolicited curbside container appearing at her address. She asked staff member Mister Hughes and the committee to investigate and to contact her representative on the issue.

The committee did not take a formal vote tied to the board’s recommendations during the meeting; members asked the board to provide a packet of proposed code language and said they would follow up on filling vacancies and on enhanced outreach and FAQ materials.

Ending: The appeals board said it will deliver proposed code edits and a redlined packet to the committee. Committee members said they would follow up with the Department of Watershed Management and the law department to pursue the board’s recommendations and to fill the vacant seats so the board can operate at full capacity.","The Water and Sewer Appeals Board told the City Utilities Committee it wants code changes to allow broader billing adjustments and better customer materials; a Vine City resident told the committee she is experiencing suspected identity-theft billing and asked the city to investigate.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves GIFA loan application and several Watershed contracts tied to consent‑decree work

Committee holds Google Fiber franchise request after members press for stronger right‑of‑way and restoration rules

Audit: Atlanta recycles about 23%; Rubicon data errors and multifamily enforcement gaps hamper diversion

Audit finds frequent post‑award changes to Watershed contracts; auditors recommend tighter controls

Water and Sewer appeals board urges code changes as resident details suspected billing fraud