[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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",[32,75,87],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6510106,"mediaKeyId","5399079-ddbbf724ef2af56847c6f56252bb7850","parentId",5399079,"title","Teen intern pitches DeKalb County-Fleet apprenticeship linking high schools to county fleet jobs","audioSeconds",638,"startMs",1157000,"endMs",1795000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399079-ddbbf724ef2af56847c6f56252bb7850&start=1157&end=1795","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399079-ddbbf724ef2af56847c6f56252bb7850/thumbnail_1157000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6510106/DeKalb-County/Georgia/Teen-intern-pitches-DeKalb-County-Fleet-apprenticeship-linking-high-schools-to-county-fleet-jobs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510106-84788cd23142e6eb01cef7fbc6b69dfb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770950740&Signature=HOdh~TfW4gT9PW0mltE-m5sC~qNPoh~dbqf60oPRScNwXYu1PrdYz4-6PdgBkRf8PsOR3xc96sAgb9woRw73A-iFYgCMgZM2i03nu~h4u2Z5doj-2Kk~ozVgw-QNvKIDVf4wnQxwcyUegMupzIxN797GMrxoxN0a-CLAC7XHblbWG1Ciht5-RwrbqUgCgTD7-U~0KX2MIueffMFBTWCU5ZJz9TtoLqLZ0Btb-Yyz48Sp2lDWUS5TEaCVz1lRFpavXv0IsmeGN1doUdiDOy4kddTzwoOQqVpLZ71H8QUE5ByWiWpFmEHiWStHxFZ~gCMDyeHUqCkKBdi-BQpOPv1oqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","DeKalb County","date","2025-07-15T00:00:00Z","article","A 19-year-old intern, Makai Bolton, presented a proposal to the DeKalb County Operations Committee to expand apprenticeship access by connecting DeKalb County School District career-technical programs with the county Fleet Management Division.

The presenter described the goal as building a pipeline of trained technicians who could move from high school certification programs into county fleet jobs. Bolton said the program would draw from 13 high schools that participate in the DeKalb County High School of Technology and could expand access beyond the limited number of technical colleges currently partnered with fleet.

Why it matters: County fleet leaders reported recruitment and retention challenges for mechanics and technicians. The proposal aims to address workforce shortages by offering paid on-the-job training to high school students who have industry certifications, reducing the gap between classroom credentials and job placement.

Key points from the presentation
- Program purpose: \"The purpose of this project is to address staffing challenges with fleet and develop the partnership between DeKalb County School District,\" Bolton said on the record.

- Current partnerships and gaps: Bolton listed existing partners such as Georgia Piedmont and Gwinnett Technical College and said the DeKalb County High School of Technology serves students from 13 county high schools (he listed Arabia, Cedar Grove, Clarkston, Columbia, Lithonia, MLK, Miller Grove, [Bridal/Briar?], Banneker, Stevenson, Stone Mountain, Towers and Southwest). He said many students receive certifications but lack nearby employers that will hire them into entry-level fleet jobs.

- Proposed solutions: Expand apprenticeship access to the 13 high schools, provide paid time off and recruitment incentives where possible, improve outreach (social media, DCTV pieces, hiring events), and create a vetting mechanism (applications, teacher recommendations, interviews) for student participants.

- Retention and incentives: Bolton proposed incentives such as flexible scheduling, PTO and periodic salary surveys; he also suggested transportation assistance for students who must travel across the county.

Reaction and next steps
Commissioners and staff praised the presentation. Director Gordon (Fleet) and other staff said they already work with several technical schools and are on advisory committees; they discussed outreach to guidance counselors and the need to coordinate with the DeKalb County School District and the school board. Commissioners asked staff to meet with the school system and guidance counselors to explore next steps and to return with a plan for coordination and implementation.

Speakers quoted in this article are included in the speaker list below and are drawn from the meeting transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","DeKalb County - OPS Meeting 7-15-25 - Jul 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A 19-year-old intern presented a proposal for a DeKalb County and Fleet apprenticeship partnership to create a pipeline of automotive technicians by connecting DeKalb County School District career-technical programs to county fleet management.","taxTitle","DeKalb County, Georgia","taxId",3571,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6510110,"Operations Committee backs phased landscape transition for DeKalb County libraries",938,54000,992000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399079-ddbbf724ef2af56847c6f56252bb7850&start=54&end=992","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399079-ddbbf724ef2af56847c6f56252bb7850/thumbnail_54000.jpg","/articles/6510110/DeKalb-County/Georgia/Operations-Committee-backs-phased-landscape-transition-for-DeKalb-County-libraries","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510110-fbc23ac157ec1e821f2d01d4ee13f8ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1770950740&Signature=biStlIxXgtwxQtLuHSFF8-qO7FBHzEAOLZPaT4IzW53VDUV6zGrL6ntlGWUoboEOc1P35e4SkrXTsu1r-uOqyKnGpzGNTxVoZ9GtK3sYp55ZuitUpMeztXH0Z-jM~581ET7ZqH86uBjOAj-4ENviHP-uewjtLpgmZBtFSZ8EOT17uBNwhvBeW~TskCataGS2IVlB1DjRnT1FxlALGwoqDodtKZdCZoEVdPmXEW4KR8br995jeElRYcmyR5IKc1giQP~ne49J7ndU7xN2EcSjlSJQYzc~ZFFVWiSIDaBxayjGza3yrPjz~iDh1UgB4hLiVwrUvmIVzeoxgaq318X61g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Operations Committee approved a phased landscape transition plan for county library properties, directing staff to begin procurement for a Phase 1 package of branches and to return with an update in October.

The plan organizes library properties into three implementation phases. The libraries identified for Phase 1 include Stonecrest, Redan, Trotter, Lithonia, Davidson, Salem, Panola and Hairston — branches that were part of an earlier pilot and that presenters said need follow-up maintenance and additional transition work. Phase 2 would include larger, higher-traffic branches such as Decatur, Wesley Chapel, Tucker, Reed H., Cofer and Toquerville Hill; Phase 3 would address smaller branches including Covington, Flat Shoals, Scott Candler, Gresham, Embry, Stone Mountain, County Line and Helenwood.

Why it matters: Committee members said improved, sustainable landscaping around libraries supports public-facing county facilities and that bundling installation with maintenance contracts could deliver longer-term upkeep. Commissioners also raised timing and budgeting questions; staff and procurement said a clear scope of work from the user department is required before posting an RFP.

Details from the discussion
- Presenter identified the Phase 1 group as those initially started in the pilot and described the group as needing follow-up maintenance work. (Transcript: presenter: \"those branches have already had some transition work done on them. But they need some a little attention. They need a little more follow-up.\")

- Commissioners asked about timeline. Facilities/procurement staff discussed a realistic window for refining the scope and posting an RFP, saying roughly 30–60 days would be necessary to finalize scope language before the solicitation is issued, and noting procurement’s need for a clear scope of work to begin the process. (Transcript: procurement staff: \"So, 30 days and then we put it on the street for a minimum of... 30 days\" and elsewhere: \"We'll take 60.\")

- Funding and prioritization: Commissioners discussed possible use of bond interest funds for Covington renovations; one commissioner asked to move Covington into Phase 1 if funding allows. The committee added substitute language requested by commissioners into the resolution before approving it.

- Reporting: Commissioner Robert Patrick requested a status update at the last meeting in October; staff agreed to provide that report.

What the vote does: Approval allows library services, working with facilities management and procurement, to finalize RFP language for a Phase 1 install and maintenance procurement and to begin the procurement process once the user department supplies the scope of work. The actual timeline and number of branches completed each year will depend on budget availability and procurement responses.

Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the meeting transcript and appear in the speakers list below.","Committee approved a three-phase plan to update landscaping across county library branches, with Phase 1 focusing on branches previously included in a pilot program and a requested October progress update.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6510115,"Operations Committee approves library landscaping plan, contracts and IGA amendment; several items deferred",153,843000,996000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399079-ddbbf724ef2af56847c6f56252bb7850&start=843&end=996","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399079-ddbbf724ef2af56847c6f56252bb7850/thumbnail_843000.jpg","/articles/6510115/DeKalb-County/Georgia/Operations-Committee-approves-library-landscaping-plan-contracts-and-IGA-amendment-several-items-deferred","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6510115-d7dbdbccdac5c0cb71bdf3326f9c485d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770950740&Signature=KEul8TX93xqRSRDeVfhAIKMRUYQNXDqTCvBRcRkPE60-K1dL8ehdDnfbTw8ckF~35piKVIurxkVLuDRCu-021eq4LWFzdqzNy56LPZ80Jua8VvJpshMM00N9eHK097MQG-HJR--m88zzo5~LZd2r01uZ78z1TYvopd1fy7Noapl8eTrH0AAH2OSNgysaZtD5tXFtwJFKCk2JmyCAxKHJWIzpZgGGoqdeEmnWm8IrEFqIYHANgnnt3Z3BtP85n-xHXKG8xekVZoky7q~9VtA-MuKzS~rSlR3DiM04fhwHkIq8ATE0hYbzGnMNVn4Vyq6gI9Zm33HTxD2pK3RUbMxsxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Operations Committee on an administrative agenda vote Wednesday approved a phased library landscaping transition plan, accepted multiple procurement awards and contract renewals, and authorized an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Chamblee to finalize construction details for the county animal shelter. The committee also deferred two items for two weeks for further review.

Why it matters: The votes advance a countywide landscaping transition for library properties, renew multi-agency service contracts that support county buildings and vehicles, and clear language needed to complete construction of the Chamblee-DeKalb animal shelter. Several procurement approvals authorize spending from county funds or cooperative purchasing agreements.

Key actions and outcomes
- Library landscape transition plan (resolution). Motion to approve passed (vote recorded on the record as “Aye”); substitute language to add provisions discussed was added into the resolution before passage. (Provenance: discussion and motion appear in the transcript between the committee’s discussion of phases and the motion; see provenance below.)

- Intergovernmental Agreement Amendment No. 1 with the city of Chamblee regarding the DeKalb County animal shelter. Motion to approve passed (vote recorded as “Aye”). Staff said the amendment codifies earlier agreements on sidewalk placement, landscaping and fencing and does not add county cost; county anticipates completing construction and obtaining certificate of occupancy by mid- to late-August (as stated on the record). (Provenance below.)

- HVAC on-call annual contract first renewal (multiple vendors). Motion to approve passed (vote recorded as “Aye”). Staff described the contract as supporting preventive maintenance, repair and replacement across more than 300 county buildings. The transcript includes the line quoted as the contract is “to support the 300 plus buildings in the county.” Amount on the record was not clearly stated in the transcript and is therefore not specified here.

- On-call vehicle and equipment repair contract panel (40 vendors). Motion to approve passed (vote recorded as “Aye”). The item is a multi-vendor award to support repair services across a wide range of county vehicles and heavy equipment; the amount shown in the meeting was not separately broken down in the spoken record during the vote discussion but the agenda line referenced a total not to exceed $7,850,000.

- Purchase of five 10-ton heavy-duty equipment trailers (cooperative purchase from GDOT/MET cooperative). Motion to approve passed (vote recorded as “Aye”). Awarded to JME Sales Inc.; amount not to exceed $100,657.85.

- Purchase of one Toro GrandMaster field mower (cooperative purchase). Motion to approve passed (vote recorded as “Aye”). Awarded via distributor Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation; amount not to exceed $100,358.35. Staff said this is a replacement unit for athletic fields.

- Purchase under cooperative agreement for ground maintenance equipment (Toro mower) — motion passed (vote recorded as “Aye”). The item was discussed as a necessary replacement and the equipment life was described by staff as about seven years or roughly 4,000–5,000 hours (staff estimate during discussion).

Deferrals and other procedural outcomes
- Item 20240842 (resolution to review standing procedure rules). Motion to defer for two weeks passed (voice vote: “Aye”). Committee members asked for commissioners’ written comments and for a consolidated update from central staff prior to the rescheduled meeting.

- Item 250376 (development of a childcare reimbursement policy and pilot program). Staff requested a deferral to coordinate with the administration; motion to defer for two weeks passed (voice vote: “Aye”).

What the votes do not show: The meeting record reflects voice votes of “Aye” for approved motions; roll-call tallies with individual named votes were not read into the record for most items. Where dollar amounts were not spoken clearly on the record during discussion, this summary records amounts only where the transcript contained a clear figure.

Next steps: Staff said they will return with procurement documents (RFP language and refined scopes) and a projected timeline for implementation where applicable; commissioners asked for an October update on the library landscaping rollout.","The DeKalb County Operations Committee voted to approve a phased library landscape transition plan, renew and award several county contracts, and approve an intergovernmental agreement amendment with Chamblee for the animal shelter. Two items were deferred for two weeks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Teen intern pitches DeKalb County-Fleet apprenticeship linking high schools to county fleet jobs

Operations Committee backs phased landscape transition for DeKalb County libraries

Operations Committee approves library landscaping plan, contracts and IGA amendment; several items deferred