This story has been updated.

Decatur, GA — The Decatur City Commission at its March 7 meeting will consider raising stormwater rates by 25% to implement the city’s 2020 stormwater master plan.

The city commission meeting starts with a work session at 6:30 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Here are the attendance instructions.

This meeting will be held in-person. Members of the public wishing to participate during either the “Public Comment” or “Requests and Petitions” portions of the meeting may attend the meeting in one of two ways:

1. Attend in-person by coming to Decatur City Hall, 509 N. McDonough St. A  temperature check and wearing of a face covering are required for entry into the building.

2. Register in advance at https://zoom.us/j/97263841733. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. You may also participate by phone by calling (929) 205-6099 and entering the meeting ID (The 11-digit number shown in the Zoom registration link.)

NOTE – This meeting will utilize virtual meeting technology. We cannot guarantee it will operate as planned. If your participation must be a matter of public record, attend the meeting in person or email your comments to City Manager Andrea Arnold at [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 7th.

Members of the public may also view the live broadcast of the Decatur City Commission meeting at https://www.decaturga.com/citycommission/page/streaming-video

A memo from Assistant City Manager David Junger says the city will need $38 million for implementing priority A and B projects over a 20-year period. Junger wrote, “Funding for these improvements is being raised equitably with the Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) fee system for commercial properties and a 4-tier fee system for residential properties, based on impervious areas as follows.”

“Implementation of initial capital improvements has begun with planning and targeted public engagement in the first four priority areas identified in the SWMP,” Junger wrote. “These improvements are directed toward mitigating flooding, solving existing drainage problems, improving water quality and the quality of life. This aligns with the vision, policy and action items of the 2020 Decatur Strategic Plan: Climate Action for mitigating impacts and building a resilient environment.”

In other business:

– The city commission will consider a $13,581 contract for street repair and paving in the 500 block of East Lake Drive.

“The location coincides with an 18-inch diameter reinforced concrete storm water pipe,” a memo from Senior Engineer Cara Scharer says. “Video inspection of the existing storm water pipe was completed previously, and no immediate concerns related to the pipe were observed. However, the pavement in the area of the pipe is failing and must be repaired.”

– The city commission will consider approving a $280,885 change order to a contract with Magnum Paving LLC, bringing the company’s total contract to $1.6 million. The current contract is for milling, base patching, repaving and sidewalk repairs on Sycamore Drive and Merrill Avenue. Public Works staff is recommending the city add sidewalk repairs on South Candler Street, curb ramps on Gordon Street at Third Avenue, and curb, base and resurfacing work on Winn Way at Pinehurst Street.

– The city commission will consider a change order to increase a contract with Autaco Development to $55,8000 for emergency stormwater pipe repairs on Sycamore Drive.

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