Airport bought chemicals piecemeal for years. A $4.5M deal could change that.

Atlanta's airport department has spent years buying herbicides, fertilizer, insecticides and related chemicals through repeated small purchases rather than a dedicated contract, according to a proposed city resolution. Officials now want a purchasing agreement with Howard Fertilizer & Chemical Company covering both Hartsfield-Jackson and city parks.⁠[1]

The Transportation Committee recommended the amended resolution October 28, with four members voting yes and three absent. Resolution 26-R-4014 is scheduled for the full council November 2 at 1 p.m. The packet lists that council action as pending—not approved.⁠[1]

The proposed $4.5 million ceiling includes $2 million for Aviation and $2.5 million for Parks and Recreation. It is a total authorization, not an annual allowance, for an agreement running from its effective date through December 16, 2030, with no renewal options.⁠[1]

The resolution describes airport vegetation management as necessary for federal operating requirements, wildlife-hazard mitigation, stormwater obligations and operational safety. Parks would use the products to maintain parks, greenspaces, athletic facilities and other public properties. Officials say the agreement would stabilize purchasing and reduce reliance on short-term buying.⁠[1]

Rather than conduct a separate city solicitation, Atlanta would use a Georgia Department of Transportation contract competitively awarded to Howard. The city's procurement chief certifies in the resolution that the state contract's pricing is comparable to or lower than what a city procurement would produce. Purchases would be restricted to goods covered by that contract and its authorization for Atlanta to use it.⁠[1]

Even council authorization would not make the agreement binding by itself. The resolution also requires legal approval, execution by the mayor or his designee, clerk attestation and delivery to the vendor.⁠[1]