Tucker council approves intersection improvement contract, gateway sign and easement purchase; first reading on special waste districts

The Tucker City Council approved three construction and real‑estate actions and heard a first reading on a proposed amendment to the city’s solid‑waste code.

Contract award: Mountain Industrial Boulevard at Hugh Howell Road — The council approved contract C2025‑009‑PO26‑1206 (resolution R2025‑11‑31) for intersection improvements at Mountain Industrial Boulevard and Hugh Howell Road. Staff reported 15 bids; the lowest responsive bid was from E.R. Snell for $1,362,579.57. With a 5% contingency the recommended purchase order amount is $1,430,708.57. Staff said the city secured GDOT funding of $747,998 toward the project but that utilities along the state‑route portion may require additional relocation payments (Georgia Power has requested about $400,000). The project design includes dual left‑turn lanes, receiving lanes on Hugh Howell, pedestrian signals and sidewalk connections; staff estimated a realistic schedule of 20–24 months once utility work is awarded. A council member moved and the motion carried with all members indicating support.

Contract award: gateway signage — The council approved contract C2025‑015‑PO26‑1218 (resolution R2025‑11‑32) to Hazbin Construction to build a two‑sided gateway sign at Lawrenceville Highway and Montreal Road East. The recommended award was $237,780.81, with a 10% contingency bringing the total purchase order to $261,560.81. Staff said the site is city‑owned property acquired from GDOT; the design emphasizes landscaping and uplighting and is expected to be installed in the spring with a roughly four‑month construction window.

Easement purchase: Sam’s Real Estate Business Trust — After an executive‑session discussion on real estate, council approved purchase contract C2025‑11‑24 for a right‑of‑way/easement with Sam’s Real Estate Business Trust for $71,300. The motion passed with a recorded tally of seven votes in favor.

Ordinance first reading: special districts for commercial compactors — On first reading the council considered an ordinance to amend Tucker Code chapter 36 (solid waste) to create a framework for city‑established special districts that would allow shared commercial compactors billed as a fee on the tax bill. Staff said the rule would not replace DeKalb County service but would provide a mechanism to create a district by resolution, give affected property owners 15 days’ written notice and require a public hearing. Staff said the approach is intended to be collaborative and revenue‑neutral; the item was left on the table for a future public hearing and additional council consideration.

The council closed the meeting after completing business and adjourned.