2016-10-10 · City Council · Transcript · City Council Meeting

--- title: October 10 2016 City Council Meeting date: 2016-10-10 source: 2016-10-10_October_10_2016_City_Council_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:00, 0:00:04]: Yes, sir. [0:00:04, 0:00:08]: I'll make a motion to accept the amenities and accept the minutes. [0:00:09, 0:00:10]: All right, is there a second? [0:00:11, 0:00:11]: Thank you. [0:00:12, 0:00:12]: Okay. [0:00:13, 0:00:14]: Any discussion? [0:00:14, 0:00:15]: All in favor, please indicate. [0:00:16, 0:00:17]: Okay, so now it's there as well. [0:00:18, 0:00:18]: Good. [0:00:19, 0:00:21]: Madam Clerk, or do we have any public comments at all? [0:00:24, 0:00:27]: There are no public comments. No no public comment now, okay? [0:00:27, 0:00:36]: Well, ladies and gentlemen we have a pretty uh large ceremonial program this evening and actually the first one uh item on a ceremonial [0:00:37, 0:00:41]: Issues would be the swearing in ceremony for the zoning advisory board. [0:00:42, 0:00:45]: And that will be presented by our judge, Matthew McCord. [0:00:46, 0:00:50]: So all the uh zoning advisory board individuals that were recently um [0:00:50, 0:00:54]: appointed, please come forward for your swearing in process. [0:01:22, 0:01:28]: Okay. Y'all are the lucky ones. Some of these oaths are so long that I can't hardly get through it and you certainly wouldn't remember it. [0:01:30, 0:01:35]: If you will raise your right hand and repeat after me. I and state your name. [0:01:37, 0:01:38]: Do swear or affirm. [0:01:40, 0:01:42]: That I will faithfully and impartially [0:01:44, 0:01:45]: Perform the duties. [0:01:46, 0:01:48]: [110.6, 114.8]: As a member of the Stock Bridge Planning Zoning Zoning Advisory Board. [0:01:58, 0:02:03]: According to all the applicable laws and ordinances and to the best of my skill and ability. [0:02:08, 0:02:13]: We we got through it. Congratulations. [0:02:20, 0:02:28]: Well it makes sense. Well then we go down there and take pictures of up here. [0:02:30, 0:02:38]: Still? Wait. Ladies and gentlemen, when you're done with society, please come up here so we can take a view for the police. Okay. No, no. [0:02:47, 0:02:48]: [169.7, 189.7]: Yeah. Include you two, Judge. You come on up as well. Oh no, that's okay. That's okay. Thank you though. I'm not the person of honor tonight. Come on, come on around. Come on around. Come on up here. [0:03:09, 0:03:13]: Very good. [0:03:13, 0:03:23]: [209.0, 226.4]: [0:03:47, 0:03:51]: Okay, I need us shift just a little bit more this way, yes. [0:03:52, 0:04:00]: Everybody. Okay. Okay. Here we go. All right. Okay. On three. One, two [0:05:00, 0:05:01]: [317.0, 319.3]: I don't represent the kid. [0:05:45, 0:05:45]: [351.1, 355.1]: I would do it with the operation where it's fine to be managed on that [0:06:06, 0:06:06]: Yeah. [0:06:56, 0:06:57]: I I guess just [0:07:01, 0:07:08]: But this one is uh close to about five years. [0:07:29, 0:07:32]: That's the case. Uh any further [0:07:36, 0:07:36]: It was [0:07:37, 0:07:39]: Yeah yes I do. [0:07:41, 0:07:45]: That we had to write off over two hundred thousand dollars. [0:07:45, 0:07:47]: That wasn't collected. [0:07:47, 0:08:07]: And you know, we I didn't understand it. I don't think some of the other counsel really understood it because from what I understand I know somebody's on probation, they're under the court supervision, it was hard to understand why we were not collecting those fees to the total of uh two hundred thousand dollars. So what what period time period [0:08:07, 0:08:14]: uh are we experiencing that we accumul amass this two hundred thousand dollars. [0:08:15, 0:08:15]: [496.6, 498.2]: Mm-hmm. [0:09:18, 0:09:20]: That person leaves one. [0:09:21, 0:09:25]: So that I I'm telling you that I know the answer. [0:09:55, 0:09:56]: [609.6, 618.1]: Yeah. State [0:10:19, 0:10:19]: So [0:10:20, 0:10:23]: Um w how would you compare that into [0:10:24, 0:10:27]: maybe other courts. Is there like a s you know a p [0:11:11, 0:11:13]: Yes. [0:11:17, 0:11:22]: Yeah, because I uh I actually contacted several municipalities [0:11:23, 0:11:24]: First office. [0:11:26, 0:11:30]: But what happened with that with this situation, it's across the board. [0:11:30, 0:11:33]: Look at when you when you do the numbers [0:11:33, 0:11:36]: and I agree with you this that we [0:11:36, 0:11:38]: What we're writing off. [0:11:40, 0:11:44]: Not at the magnitude of other course if you look at the numbers pertaining to [0:11:50, 0:11:52]: Find the stuff that comes in course, but [0:11:52, 0:11:56]: Something like this is totally out of your hands like I've talked to other municipalities. [0:12:13, 0:12:16]: [780.3, 781.7]: [0:13:18, 0:13:25]: Alright folks you have to bear with us'cause we have a few proclamations and recognitions of of individuals here and um [0:13:25, 0:13:30]: You notice that uh all of us are wearing some form of pink, okay? [0:13:30, 0:13:31]: And that's [0:13:33, 0:13:34]: Not playing that way. [0:13:35, 0:13:38]: Because this is uh National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October. [0:13:39, 0:13:41]: So on that note. [0:13:41, 0:13:53]: Uh C C McGee is a breast cancer survivor. Could you come up? And ladies, or if there happens to be a gentleman in the area, if is anybody else that is a breast cancer survivor, please come on up if you are. Okay. [0:13:54, 0:13:55]: You want to take a picture of this? [0:14:00, 0:14:01]: I don't see seeing. All right. [0:14:03, 0:14:23]: I'm gonna read this here. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, two thousand sixteen. Whereas every year too many Americans are touched by the pain and hardship caused by breast cancer, a disease that among women is not only one of the most common cancers, but also one of the leading causes of cancer related death. And whereas during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor [0:14:23, 0:14:29]: Honor all those who have lost their lives to breast cancer and we recognize the courageous survivors who are still fighting it. [0:14:30, 0:14:43]: And whereas for these individuals and for their loved ones who gave their unwavering support during the most trying times, we recommit ourselves to the essential and necessary work of forging a future free from cancer in all its forms. [0:14:44, 0:15:03]: Whereas hundreds of thousands of Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and tens of thousands will lose their battle with this disease. Although both women and men can have breast cancer, women are higher r at a higher risk. Whereas we encourage all women to find out if they are at increased risk [0:15:03, 0:15:15]: And to learn more about recommended screens by speaking with their health care providers and by visiting www.cancer.gov slash breast can breast. [0:15:15, 0:15:35]: Early detection and treatment can save lives. Now therefore I, Anthony S. Ford, by virtue of the authority invested in me as Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Stockbridge, Georgia, and on behalf of Councilmembers Elton Alexander, John Blount, Lakeesha Gantt and Neat Robinson, do hereby proclaim October twenty sixteen as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage citizens, government [0:15:35, 0:15:55]: Agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and all other interested groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent breast cancer. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand on the tenth day of October of the year of our Lord, two thousand sixteen. I signed this along with uh Vanessa Hall. [0:15:55, 0:15:56]: [969.3, 974.2]: Thank you. I am so honored to receive this recognition. [0:16:15, 0:16:28]: For all of you that do not know anyone affected by this disease, it can happen any day, any time. It has no age, no color, no sex or anything. [0:16:29, 0:16:46]: Just recently two weeks ago I lost a f a friend of twenty years with a recurrence of breast cancer. On October the sixth, a dear friend was just diagnosed with stage three cancer that spread to her lymph nodes. [0:16:47, 0:17:07]: Early detection and knowing your body can help save your life. So women and men, please make sure you put it on your calendars to get yourself checked and encourage one another to get yourself checked. And thank you, Counsel and Mayor Protel. [0:17:07, 0:17:07]: Yeah. [0:17:15, 0:17:15]: Try to [0:18:35, 0:18:39]: All right. So this next proclamation uh deals with uh [0:18:41, 0:18:45]: deals with uh National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. [0:18:46, 0:18:48]: Okay. So for this [0:18:48, 0:18:51]: It's Christy, will you come up forward for me please? [0:18:55, 0:19:05]: Ladies and gentlemen, this is uh Christy Tucker Sims. I'm gonna have her uh I'm gonna read this, have her up here with me, and then there's uh another uh document that I'll read in just a little bit. [0:19:07, 0:19:09]: Come on, let's get to kinda get close in the middle. [0:19:09, 0:19:10]: All right, here we go. [0:19:11, 0:19:31]: Whereas the physical and emotional scars of domestic violence can cast a long shadow. Too many individuals, regardless of age, ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, circumstance, or race, face the pain and fear of domestic violence. And whereas during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month we shine a light on this violation of the basic human rights. [0:19:31, 0:19:51]: to be free from violence and abuse, pledged to ensure every victim of domestic violence knows they are not alone and foster supportive communities that help survivors seek justice and enjoy full and healthy lives. Whereas over the past two decades, rates of domestic violence against females are have dropped by nearly three quarters, but there is still much work to be done. [0:19:51, 0:20:11]: Built on the progress we have made. Nearly one in four women and one in seven men have suffered from domestic violence by an intimate partner. And whereas we must continue to recognize survivors who experience disapportionate rates of domestic violence and who have been placed at the margins of generations, including women of color, Native Americans, individuals with disappointment. [0:20:11, 0:20:26]: disabilities, members of the LGBT community, immigrants and older adults. Whereas our nation character is tested whenever this injustice is tolerated, when anyone is targeted by someone they place in their trust. We have a responsibility to speak up. [0:20:26, 0:20:46]: We have a role to play in building a bright and safe future for each other and for future generations. Whereas this month we commit to standing with survivors of domestic violence and to and to our doing our utmost to extend hope and healing to all who need it. If you or someone you know needs assistance, I encourage you to [0:20:46, 0:21:06]: You reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which recently engaged in its four million conversation with victims and survivors of domestic violence by calling one-eight hundred-seven nine nine SAFE or visiting www.thehotline.org. Now therefore I, Anthony S. Ford, by virtue of Vested and me as a mayor pro tem of the city of Stockbridge. [0:21:06, 0:21:26]: And on behalf of Councilmembers Elton Alexander, John Blount, Lakeisha Gantt and Neat Robinson do hereby proclaim October 2016 as domestic National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We call on all Americans to speak out against domestic violence and support local efforts to assist victims of these crimes in finding the help and hindered. [0:21:26, 0:21:37]: healing they need. I witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand on the tenth day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen. I signed this along with uh Clerk Vanessa Holiday. [0:21:50, 0:22:10]: Now I'm I'm gonna let Ms Ms. Sims uh talk to you just a bit, but it's a letter of commendation dated today. As elected officials of the city of Stockbridge, Georgia, it's our pleasure and duty to recognize individuals who are doing great things in the Stockbridge community. Christy Tucker Sims is a voting mother of two whose life was forever changed on April twenty eighth, twenty thirteen. [0:22:09, 0:22:29]: was assaulted by her boyfriend with industrial gray surfuric acid, which burned her over twenty percent of her body and sent her to a in a coma for two months. Christy has undergone thirteen reconstructive surgeries and has been on a long, durous journey to rebuild her life and the lives of her two children. Despite her personal struggles, Chrissy has amazing courage. [0:22:29, 0:22:49]: When she could have easily fallen back into the shadows, Chrissy decided to become a voice. Chrissy chose to become an advocate and support other survivors of domestic violence. Christie established a foundation that is dedicated to the mission and preventing domestic violence and serving as a resource for victims to help them find the support they need. The Stockbridge City Council commends. [0:22:49, 0:23:01]: For you Christie and your courage, for your fortitude and your willingness to share your personal story with the world and for advocating against domestic violence. Each one of the council members along myself signed this particular letter of accommodation. [0:23:05, 0:23:15]: Thank you. [0:23:16, 0:23:21]: Um you might I wanna bring my family up here that I'm gonna be able to do that. My whole family. Sure. Absolutely. [0:23:23, 0:23:34]: Um, primarily because I didn't I d there's no way I would have been able to do all the things that I've done in the past three years, um, in a in a broken state. I've been in a broken state in the past three years without my family. [0:23:34, 0:23:36]: Um I am honored. [0:23:37, 0:23:39]: And I am humbled by this [0:23:39, 0:23:40]: Um proclamation. [0:23:46, 0:24:06]: To the entire city council, um, Elton Alexander for making this happen. Mayor, constituents and friends, thank you so much. I have one thing I really want to make sure that happens. I think that bre this is breast cancer awareness and domestic violence month, and I think both of these issues are a little too important to be in the same month. We have eleven other months. [0:24:06, 0:24:20]: to choose from. And more women kill are killed via domestic violence, believe it or not, than breast cancer. And millions are killed from breast cancer and and it's like it gets overshadowed because of the stigma attached to domestic violence. I am [0:24:20, 0:24:40]: I am walking and living proof that it can happen to anybody. I am an educated woman. I am a woman who was a wife for a long time, a mother, and it happened to me anyway. People listen to me because I look and and and and I'm a reflection of everybody in this room, so they pay attention and I walk around with the scars for the rest of my life. Um but these are two very relevant issues and I think I'm gonna try to work on [0:24:40, 0:24:51]: on that, making sure that they get their own month. So I want to thank my family, my mother Elaine, my brother Anthony, my sister in law Jennifer and my niece and nephew because I would not have been able to do any of this without them. Thank you all so much. Thank you. [0:25:13, 0:25:14]: Mm-hmm. [0:26:19, 0:26:20]: Well she's not honest. [0:26:34, 0:26:36]: This is a great night, I'll tell you. [0:26:37, 0:26:47]: We have a proclamation here now celebrating Red Oak United Methodist Church's hundred and fiftieth anniversary. So uh Reverend Doctor Rose Tucker, is she present or her designated representative? [0:26:47, 0:26:48]: Dr. Tucker. [0:26:50, 0:26:53]: Hey? Anybody from Red Oak at all? United Methodist Church? [0:26:55, 0:26:58]: All right, so we'll probably have to do this at another time. [0:26:58, 0:27:00]: Right. So what is next? [0:27:07, 0:27:07]: Okay. [0:27:08, 0:27:11]: This is for retired educators' day in Georgia. [0:27:12, 0:27:16]: Any representatives for okay, I forgot your I I've done it's written. [0:27:16, 0:27:18]: Kathy Hill, okay. Come on up, Kathy. [0:27:22, 0:27:42]: Retired Educators Day in Georgia. Whereas the governor of the state of Georgia has proclaimed the day of Sunday, November 6, 2016, as Retired Educators Day in Georgia. And whereas more than one hundred and eighteen thousand retired educators in Georgia, twenty six thousand plus of whom are members of the Georgia Retired Educators Association, whereas the retired educators of Georgia have donated [0:27:42, 0:28:02]: thousand hours of volunteer service to make invaluable contributions to the welfare of the respective communities across the state. And whereas it is appropriate that a day be designated for citizens to express their appreciation for the contributions that retired educators have made and continue to make for the betterment of human lives and for society. And whereas [0:28:02, 0:28:22]: Local churches will recognize those lasting contributions made by retired educators in this community. Whereas the mayor and the city council of the city of Stockbridge wish to show their support for retired educators in the city of Stockbridge, now therefore I be it proclaimed by the City of Stockbridge, Georgia, acting through its mayor, Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford, and on behalf of the council members Elton, Alexander John Blow. [0:28:22, 0:28:42]: Lakeisha Gantt and Neat Robinson that the city issued this proclamation proclaiming the day of october tenth, twenty sixteen as retired educators day, and call upon the citizens of Stockbridge to observe that day in an appropriate manner honoring retired educators. A witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the city to be affixed on the tenth day of October. [0:28:42, 0:28:49]: October of the year of our lower two thousand sixteen and I signed this proclamation along with our uh Clerk Vanessa Holiday. [0:28:59, 0:29:07]: Actually Retired Educators Day is Sunday, November the sixth. We were just getting the proclamation today. [0:29:07, 0:29:08]: Okay. [0:29:08, 0:29:15]: Anyway, it's nice to be retired and uh I did enjoy my job for thirty years, so that's it. [0:29:15, 0:29:18]: [1824.9, 1844.4]: You know, this is um what the city has done is that the city has uh reached out to several different high schools and we we come into a partnership with those particular high schools. And um and I wanna make a formal presentation of our partnership with those high schools in reference to the recreational activities uh partnership that's what we have and first up [0:30:44, 0:30:53]: Yeah, I know I'm a city councilman in the city of Stockbridge and we have Stockbridge High School, but my own daughter went to Dutchtown. So first up happened to be Dutchtown High School. Okay? [0:30:56, 0:31:00]: And ha council, could you come on down here? Council, come on down here, please. [0:31:03, 0:31:05]: Ladies and gentlemen, this uh [0:31:05, 0:31:14]: Is uh Nicole Shaw, the principal of Dustown High School. And sir, you must be assistant principal? Yes, sir. I'm I didn't get your name. Antonio Mattox. Okay. And another assistant principal? [0:31:15, 0:31:20]: It was under athletic director. Athletic oh that's right. I've seen it at basketball games. Now think about it. Could you [0:31:20, 0:31:21]: Yeah, this this is. [0:31:22, 0:31:24]: Yeah, let's do staying behind us. [0:31:25, 0:31:25]: Okay yeah. [0:31:27, 0:31:31]: Okay. Matter of fact, could you hold that, sir? Could you could you hold that? And could you hold on that end? [0:31:31, 0:31:34]: Okay. So we just want to acknowledge the fact of it uh. [0:31:35, 0:31:41]: We just want to acknowledge the fact that we've joined in a partnership with the with this particular outstanding high school and [0:31:42, 0:31:44]: And uh we'll take a picture and I'm gonna give the mic to you, ma'am. [0:31:51, 0:31:52]: [1912.7, 1913.0]: Yeah. [0:31:55, 0:31:56]: Give you a podium right here. [0:32:36, 0:32:38]: [1962.3, 1982.3]: On behalf of Dutchtown High School, I would like to thank you, Mayor Pro Tem Ford. I would like to thank the councilman for this uh for partnering with us and I would just like to say that it truly takes a village to accomplish what we need to accomplish at school. Um we're on a a mission at Dutchtown to get more community. [0:33:02, 0:33:16]: community and parental involvement in our schools so that you can see what really takes place and all the awesome things that takes place at the school, but we can't do it without the community, we can't do it without our parents and we really appreciate you always being there for us. Thank you. [0:33:22, 0:33:26]: I'm coming check you out for the football and basketball games. [0:33:33, 0:33:33]: It just [0:33:36, 0:33:39]: Yes sir, there is actually a [0:33:40, 0:33:41]: And she's uh [0:33:45, 0:33:54]: Well we have another partnership with uh another high school and that'll be Eagles Landing High School and um uh Doctor Sean Jones. [0:33:55, 0:33:55]: Okay. [0:33:58, 0:34:01]: Doctor Sean Jones is a head football coach. [0:34:07, 0:34:08]: Yeah, yeah, to the polling. [0:34:11, 0:34:12]: Okay. [0:34:18, 0:34:25]: Council just wanna make sure they got all the high schools and the immediate area and do something great with them and join in this partnership. Uh [0:34:30, 0:34:37]: How you doing sir? I remember seeing you around, sir. Okay, outstanding. And I met this lovely lady outside earlier. Okay. [0:34:40, 0:34:42]: Come on in, Council. We gotta come this way, she says. [0:35:10, 0:35:13]: Uh Jones, sir, if you want to say anything. [0:35:14, 0:35:23]: On behalf of uh Eagles Landing High School, uh our entire athletic department, academics, you name it, um [0:35:23, 0:35:34]: You know, to re reiterate what Dr. Shaw said, it it does take a village. Um, you know, whether our schools are separated by a village, uh street, uh we're in the same county. [0:35:34, 0:35:40]: We're in the same city, we're in the same all of our kids know each other. So [0:35:41, 0:35:50]: keep doing great things at National We're trying to do our part in this land and thank you for everybody on the on the council city's membership. [0:35:55, 0:35:57]: [2179.4, 2182.2]: Stockbridge High School. Are you representative for Stockbridge High School? [0:36:22, 0:36:23]: Okay, so [0:36:24, 0:36:28]: And then what we'll do, ladies and gentlemen, is that uh we'll do Stockbridge High School [0:36:29, 0:36:38]: uh next uh next meeting um and we'll also uh honor them along with Union Grove High School. Okay, since I d don't see a stubborn high school here. Okay? [0:36:39, 0:36:42]: Okay, on that note, uh then that actually [0:36:43, 0:36:44]: Thank you. [0:36:46, 0:36:47]: Um [0:36:47, 0:36:49]: There is there somewhere here for Stubbers High School? [0:36:51, 0:36:52]: No, that this is [0:36:55, 0:36:56]: I don't know, let's see here. [0:37:10, 0:37:15]: Yeah, we have a letter of accommodation also from Stip Stubbard High School college tour. Um Is it here? [0:37:18, 0:37:19]: Mr Human. [0:37:21, 0:37:23]: Mr. Human, if I pronounce it right? [0:37:24, 0:37:34]: Okay, so I I think we'll do this at another time. All right, no problem, so be it. And Red Oak Church is not in house. Okay. All right. Thank you very much. [0:37:55, 0:37:58]: That was the last one. [0:38:10, 0:38:27]: All right, so we'll move on with the uh old business and the actually the first item for old business actually deals with a resolution to approve the city of Stockbridge becoming a partner with Henry County Schools, partners and education program. And that'll be presented by Councilwoman uh Lakeisha Gantt. Ma'am? [0:38:28, 0:38:31]: Um I've actually brought this up [0:38:32, 0:38:32]: Uh [0:38:33, 0:38:53]: last month at some time and uh w we again we at that time we discussed that it took a village to raise um you know the students here uh and our youth here in our city. So um I spoke to Henry County Board of Education um and [0:38:53, 0:38:58]: One of the things that we could do is something that we just did. [0:38:58, 0:39:06]: um that we've been doing is become partners in education with those schools that have um [0:39:07, 0:39:09]: Video stop bridge. [0:39:10, 0:39:10]: Mm. [0:39:11, 0:39:31]: residents in those schools. And so um I ask that we approve this resolution. It's something that we're doing already anyway. We go out and read to the uh students, um whether we're doing volunteer service or giving back as we've done today. Um it's a great example of what we do and how [0:39:31, 0:39:43]: how we care. We are actually the first city to do it. So I would that's it here in Henry County. So I would challenge other cities to become partners as well. Um I like people to know that [0:39:44, 0:39:47]: Education is key. Um [0:39:48, 0:40:03]: When it comes to your property values, when it comes to um where people want to live in the environment, it's all about education. And so everyone, including you as citizens, [0:40:03, 0:40:23]: can go out and volunteer some of your time, even if you don't have students there. I just ask that, you know, you continue to uplift and pray for our youth and continue to show your support, whether that's saving and clipping box stocks or giving back or joining organizations. Um so just wanted to reach out and do that and and hope [0:40:23, 0:40:26]: that we will approve this resolution tonight. [0:40:27, 0:40:31]: Thank you. Any further discussion on this uh from the council? [0:40:32, 0:40:37]: Okay, then I need a a motion, please. May I approach him? Yes ma'am. Go ahead. Go ahead. [0:40:37, 0:40:46]: Uh Mayor Zim, sorry. Yes, ma'am, go right in that we approve the resolution to um become a partner with Henry County Schools in education. [0:40:46, 0:40:48]: I second. [0:40:49, 0:40:51]: All in favour, please indicate. [0:40:51, 0:40:53]: Thank you very much. [0:40:56, 0:41:06]: On the new business, uh this deals with uh council consideration to approve automatic automatic water meters, presented by Michael Harris, City Manager. Yes, sir. [0:41:06, 0:41:07]: [2498.0, 2499.1]: [0:41:49, 0:41:52]: Yeah. The mic on? [0:42:02, 0:42:03]: Yeah. [0:42:03, 0:42:04]: Um [0:42:06, 0:42:24]: Yeah, we solicited we did the solicitation, we received three proposals. Um staff has begun that process of evaluating the proposals and we'll be coming back to you at the next council meeting for actual formal recommendations. So um again be happy to address any questions that we you may have at this point, um either myself or Mr. Riley. [0:42:26, 0:42:27]: Orion, please. [0:42:27, 0:42:29]: Thank you, Mr. Harris. Um [0:42:30, 0:42:31]: In in light of [0:42:31, 0:42:36]: news reports and a just a town hall with [0:42:36, 0:42:46]: a thousand people it seemed over in the Cav County with these meter reading eras with these automated systems. What um [0:42:47, 0:42:56]: I mean, precautions are we're gonna be able to put in place so that we don't wind up with a situation where we have residents with thousand dollar r um [0:42:57, 0:43:17]: water bills and we have this same issue. So, you know, I don't know whether it was the same company or what the precautions were, but we just don't want to go down that road where we're having people having these bills and we have contentious situation where, you know, the meter reader over there was like you know [0:43:17, 0:43:33]: It c i it has to be a leak and this and that and I've been on the other end of that where the leak wasn't my fault and I had to go back through a lot of this. So could you kinda talk about that? Would there be a trial period uh for s these disputes or [0:43:33, 0:43:45]: to make sure that these meters are reading correctly and could you talk about what you know about this situation possibly in other areas where these meters have been incorrect. Yeah, good question. Um [0:43:46, 0:44:06]: We have. We've done quite a bit of research in other jur jurisdictions, other municipalities, uh locally alone. Uh Henry County has Henry County Water Authority. They've been they've transitioned into automated water meters for about a year plus, a couple of years now. Um City of McDonough has recently made the changeover as well, and there's a number of jurisdictions who have [0:44:06, 0:44:26]: been in place, we've had them in place for several years without any issues. So I know you're speaking of obviously in the Cab County and City of Atlanta. I know they've had some challenges there. There are safeguards in place and we've had some of those conversations. Some of that was revealed as came out during the um the question and answer period. We interviewed all of the all of the um vendors that submitted [0:44:26, 0:44:28]: proposals of those top three. [0:44:28, 0:44:45]: Um and there are safeguards that they can you can gauge against that. The nice thing about the um the software that you utilize is it is a continuously it it continuously checks. So one of the great things about the automated water meters from the very beginning is it gives us an opportunity to actually um [0:44:46, 0:45:06]: view and see usage on a daily or n and if you choose to monitor it that way on an hourly basis. So if we start to see anomalies, we can immediately isolate that one that one area and we'll actually able to send a crew out and identify there's an area where you know you are constantly at at one level and all of a sudden we suddenly see a spike. [0:45:06, 0:45:09]: then we would initially we would immediately go out there and send a crew out. [0:45:09, 0:45:29]: to be able to identify what the source of this leak is. So what's happened in the past is someone may have a leak and by the time they come to us, by the time they recognize, they don't find out until you know, they may get a leak the day after their meter have been read. So it may run for twenty plus days. And so then there's all that water's been wasted. Now this will give us an opportunity [0:45:29, 0:45:49]: to be able to identify those leaks far earlier in the process. You know, and and and subsequently as well. So we should never have because we're monitoring it on a regular basis, we should never have those anomalies where we're coming up with thousand dollar bills if the normal bill is fifty, sixty dollars. That should never be the case. Like I said, I believe there are [0:45:49, 0:46:09]: the way the software is is crafted, there are safeguards to help prevent that because of the monitoring. So yeah, we feel confident that we won't be dealing and again I don't know the specifics on what led to those other jurisdictions, but we feel confident in in in the the specs that were drawn up, the way they were drawn up, and even in speaking other jurisdictions that um [0:46:09, 0:46:14]: the system that would be selected will be one that will be will have those safeguards in place. [0:46:15, 0:46:18]: [2778.6, 2784.0]: I would just I I I hear you and I think that we'll do a good job at it. But [0:46:24, 0:46:40]: seeing that this has happened in other jurisdictions, I want the onus placed on us to prove that this water was used. Before we start trying to, you know, go down that route where people were being turned off and all that. I I don't know what we could do to look at a policy that says [0:46:41, 0:47:01]: Somebody has this you know, it may not s it might not suppose to happen, but it did happen. Right. Okay. They say the bill is a thousand dollars where you use this on the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, whatever, where that water got used to putting the onus on us to prove that before we go down that line of uh comments. [0:47:01, 0:47:07]: collections and all of that.'Cause it's [0:47:08, 0:47:28]: Every week we may have two or three different issues as it relates to utility billing and issues that may come up in regards to leaks or whatever it may be. And you know, the approach that we take i is certainly one where we go all we do all that we can on our end to help guide them through the process, help them identify because quite often the leaks will occur [0:47:28, 0:47:48]: and they won't be the city responsibility but they'll be if they're between the meter and the house and they may be the the the homeowner's responsibility. So even in those cases will assist just helping them to identify the locations or for them to come out and you know in those cases like that it's still back on on them to make the make the repairs. But you know so we do all that we can. I mean we have uh I can't tell [0:47:47, 0:47:48]: [2869.1, 2887.0]: I try to pass them along whenever I get'em accolades I get about the water department and you know their how well they do from a customer service standpoint, dealing with um dealing with a lot of our citizens. So they do a good job as far as going out there and finding, identifying leak sources and trying to work with citizens if we have situations where [0:48:07, 0:48:27]: we have exuberant bills that may have been calls over a time um frame. There's an opportunity to even appeal and you can get it reduced based on'cause often if it's a leak your there's a mechanism in place that we have where you can go back, get the repairs done, submit those receipts back in and we can take off your sewer costs from in in those cases. So and then go back and make [0:48:27, 0:48:42]: make adjustments to the bill. So we do that on a regular basis. Do you know anything about the insurance for these leaks too or something like that? I saw that in the city of Atlanta where they had like they offered them insurance in case something did happen on their side of the meal. [0:48:42, 0:49:02]: Yeah, there is a group out there that's doing um insurance for homeowners should their lines break. We've looked into it at one point. Um there are some jurisdictions that have done it, have looked into it, and that's something we may all go back and explore. Um I remember being approached um last year at some point. Uh you know, and I've heard mixed remote. [0:49:02, 0:49:09]: Reviews, quite frankly. You know, some saying, Yeah, it's a great program, others saying, nah, I'm not so sure about it. So something we can certainly go back and look at exploring. [0:49:10, 0:49:12]: Okay, any further questions from the council? [0:49:13, 0:49:20]: Okay, if not, thank you sir. We'll be back at the next meeting for a final recommendation. If you have any questions between now and then, please feel free to contact myself. Thank you very much. Thank you. [0:49:22, 0:49:25]: Well council discussion we have a code of conduct um [0:49:26, 0:49:29]: A discussion with uh our attorney, Ms. Michael Williams, sir, please. [0:49:32, 0:49:39]: Good evening, uh Mayor Pro Jim and Council. Um this matter comes up uh in light of [0:49:40, 0:50:00]: some recent events where members of council speak in public and answer questions primarily of the media. And I and the question was raised when a council member speaks, um should there be some consideration? [0:49:59, 0:50:19]: requirement that they uh add the caveat that they're making their own personal opinion as opposed to the opinions of the entire council. Um w in our code of conduct we have a provision related to speaking with one voice where [0:50:19, 0:50:23]: With that decision. [0:50:24, 0:50:31]: Um if a member of council disagrees, they can express their disagreement. Um [0:50:32, 0:50:38]: still go forth and say that that's the decision of council. We're gonna move forward with it. I would have done something different, but [0:50:39, 0:50:49]: The council chose this route and that's the route we're gonna go in. And that's the suggestion for speaking with one voice when it becomes an issue of something that the council did. [0:50:50, 0:51:10]: But when it's something that s perhaps another political body did or if it's just a matter of uh a situation um in current affairs that individual members of council want to make their opinions known, they should be allowed to do that. There's still a First Amendment issue. [0:51:10, 0:51:10]: But [0:51:12, 0:51:23]: at what point should the council consider encouraging members of the council to express that it's their personal opinion and not necessarily the opinion of the entire council. [0:51:24, 0:51:44]: So that's where we are. We can make some amendments to the code of conduct if that's your will. Um really in two parts. Um you have the current version of the code of conduct with you um in your packet. And on page two uh under section four quick [0:51:44, 0:51:58]: tips we can add language to that. Um making it clear that when you're expressing your independent perspective, this is part D, that you make it clear that it's your independent perspective unless the council has [0:51:59, 0:52:04]: jointly said we all agree with whatever the viewpoint is. [0:52:04, 0:52:24]: And then by the same token in on the very last page where it references speaking with one voice, you add similar language to that that whenever you're expressing a personal opinion on a matter that does not involve a council action that you make the [0:52:24, 0:52:44]: same uh disclaimer that you're speaking as you know you're um you're making your own opinion known and not the necessarily the opinion of the entire council. So that is what's on the table for consideration for your discussion and before we bring anything back for an actual [0:52:44, 0:52:50]: We just want to hear from you to determine whether that's something the council wants to do. Thank you. Comments? [0:52:51, 0:52:53]: Yes. [0:52:54, 0:53:01]: I'm not for doing not one thing to infringe upon my First Amendment right. Zero. [0:53:02, 0:53:05]: Um, you know, when I when I took this position [0:53:05, 0:53:15]: I I did not g agree to to to violate the US Constitution by giving up my freedom of speech or impacting that in any way. [0:53:16, 0:53:16]: To me. [0:53:17, 0:53:27]: I'm sorry. This is trivial. There's so many things that we got to do in this city to take care of uh our own pr uh our our issues that we got in the city. [0:53:27, 0:53:30]: I'm not even sure how this got on the agenda. [0:53:31, 0:53:51]: But it is so petty. And you know, I I'm just I'm in a position where I'm trying to get some serious things done. And personally I speak um a I I run a media page and I speak to the media a lot. I always say that it's my personal opinion. I already already do that. And um [0:53:50, 0:53:52]: You know, [0:53:53, 0:53:54]: You know [0:53:55, 0:54:12]: when you're dealing with the media, some of the times they might say, you know, they might put Councilman Alexander, you tell them what you want to be put out there, they put what they want to put out there. Then you end up in a situation where we're slicing hairs or we're splitting hairs to decide what we need to do. [0:54:14, 0:54:17]: How about serious business? [0:54:17, 0:54:29]: and accomplishing things that need to be done for the city to put the city on the right path. When we start going down this path of what we're doing to look at trivial stuff and the you know [0:54:30, 0:54:39]: It it really just irks me in that in that we have so many serious issues to deal with. I've been trying to get these zoning issues [0:54:40, 0:54:46]: uh on the agenda as far as uh fixing these businesses on highway one hundred thirty eight. [0:54:47, 0:54:52]: Getting a overlay done on Highway one hundred thirty eight, getting beautification projects done. [0:54:53, 0:54:54]: S at all is such. [0:54:55, 0:54:58]: I haven't been able to to kind of move those forward. [0:54:58, 0:55:07]: I'm tired of these tire shops having their tires outside displays looking crazy, window lights done, a lot of things that need to be addressed. [0:55:08, 0:55:08]: But [0:55:09, 0:55:13]: Seems like to me we could have been dealt with some of those issues. [0:55:13, 0:55:14]: Instead of dealing with this. [0:55:15, 0:55:18]: Any other comments, please? [0:55:21, 0:55:22]: Are you hearing me? [0:55:34, 0:55:36]: I actually came to [0:55:36, 0:55:46]: our city attorney because in lieu of everything that's been going on in this city, City of Stockbridge is in one of the most um awesome position to make things happen in this city. [0:55:47, 0:55:59]: And I believe to make things happen it has to be a collaborative effort not only in the city but with those counterparts around the count uh in surrounding counties and the in in the county of Henry County. Um [0:55:59, 0:56:02]: I believe that when we go out and we speak to the public [0:56:02, 0:56:22]: I don't believe this to be petty because I believe that when we speak and we s want to speak of our own uh personal opinions, then it should be stated as such. If I'm gonna go out and speak of my own opinion as j uh John Blount, then that should be my own opinion. But if I'm gonna go out and I'm gonna to speak as Councilman John Blount, then I have [0:56:22, 0:56:34]: repercussions for my whole coun all my council members in what I say and what I do. Because I'm put I put myself in a position to either build collaborative efforts or burn bridges. [0:56:35, 0:56:55]: So this is what I this is why I asked our city of attorney to draw something up that we understand that when we're in the public's eye representing the city council, we're representing the city council and not individual uh ideas and not individual comments should individual comments can affect [0:56:55, 0:57:00]: uh outcomes with different individuals. I'm not about what's petty to me [0:57:01, 0:57:06]: is when we go out there and we start to do petty things with people but it represents the council. [0:57:06, 0:57:20]: We got serious business to do in this city and I believe that in order to get that serious business done, that we have to act like we're serious and professional before the public. This is not to infringe on anybody's uh right of freedom of speech. [0:57:21, 0:57:40]: Because anything you say in any capacity, in any job, in anywhere, you have the right to say it. But everything we say and do do have repercussions behind them. So it's not to say to remove any freedom of speech. But I believe that if we go out there as a city council and we put our own opinions out there and it becomes divisive. [0:57:41, 0:57:55]: that it's not the it's not the opinion of the council, it's your own personal opinion. I think we should stand alone when it comes to any negativity or anything that can can be divisive for this city. This this has nothing to do [0:57:56, 0:58:00]: with your right to say what you want to say. That's your right. [0:58:01, 0:58:05]: This only saying as a governing body that we should be governed by what we do. [0:58:06, 0:58:21]: and representing the city council. Outside of that, do whatever you feel you need to do. So I don't think it's petty when we all on this council are sitting here trying to build bridges. We're trying to get collaborative efforts from others to make things happen for the city. [0:58:22, 0:58:26]: And then we have to deal with petty issues because of petty comments. [0:58:26, 0:58:35]: This is why I came to our city attorney to start and to look at the ideas of m of writing something up that when we get out in the public side [0:58:35, 0:58:39]: When we start to make comments and when we start to be divisive, [0:58:40, 0:58:46]: That those comments are laid upon that person that's making'em and it's not necessarily that of the council. [0:58:47, 0:58:48]: Okay. Ms. Robinson? [0:58:50, 0:58:55]: Is that the same thing? Is it not? Yes. Testing. Yes. Um [0:58:56, 0:58:57]: Uh [0:58:57, 0:59:03]: I've always had some concerns um in reference to how we represent our city. Um [0:59:05, 0:59:12]: There's questions. Um when we are out in public, we do represent everybody. Um [0:59:12, 0:59:27]: So but again like our attorney said there's freedom of speech, it's different when it comes to the political um versus where I come from with the corporate where you represent and there's repercussions from when you do something negative. [0:59:29, 0:59:39]: For as our behavior, we just m must think when we get in front of people out in the public to know that we are representing the entire council. [0:59:39, 0:59:59]: even if we're saying us because when people see us in the chamber, they see all of us. Um so it's we other than just me uh when you're speaking'cause when we all took that oath, we took the oath as city of Stockbridge. So I just want to say on my um as my opinion, we need to be [0:59:59, 1:00:19]: mindful who we're representing at all times because it does affect the entire council who's sitting up here. So hopefully as you know as we move forward we can keep that in mind so that way when we do speak or whatever we do it's we just all know that we're gonna represent the entire [1:00:19, 1:00:28]: body because we're our we are a team up here and we need to know that and as a team we're gonna stick together so when we speak [1:00:29, 1:00:33]: You know, we just have to it it we just have to be mindful of that. [1:00:34, 1:00:34]: Thank you. [1:00:34, 1:00:35]: Go right here, please. [1:00:36, 1:00:38]: Um I have a question, Mr. [1:00:38, 1:00:39]: [3641.3, 3642.5]: And the thing came up too. [1:00:42, 1:00:45]: Um I have a question, Mr Attorney Williams. [1:00:46, 1:00:46]: So [1:00:47, 1:00:49]: This is the code of conduct that we've already adopted. [1:00:50, 1:01:07]: So what in addition to this could we add to make sure that we uh put in some type of language? Um, you know, do you have any suggestions for that or is that just is this what we're doing right now is up for discussion on how we want to proceed in that manner? Because [1:01:08, 1:01:27]: Sorry. More so whether you want to make the change. Uh I if you wanted to go in this direction, there are two changes that you would make. You would add a provision um on page two under quick tips where when whenever you express your independent perspective you make it clear that it's your independent perspective. [1:01:27, 1:01:31]: And not necessarily the perspective of councils, so we'd make that change. [1:01:32, 1:01:36]: And then we would make a similar change on the very last page. [1:01:36, 1:01:39]: in that paragraph two, speak with one voice. [1:01:39, 1:01:51]: that on all matters th if you're ish issuing your personal opinion and not the opinion of counsel, you make it c clear that that's what you're doing. So those are the only two changes that [1:01:51, 1:01:52]: Um I think [1:01:53, 1:01:57]: uh would accomplish um at least in part what Councilman Blount [1:01:57, 1:01:59]: Blount was uh asking about [1:02:02, 1:02:22]: Some more like a disclosure, maybe at the beginning of before you even start European and a disclosure at the end, kinda like we do when we for legal advertisements, you say advertisement up top and you gotta have an advertisement disclosure at the bottom. Yeah, I I would compare it more in uh [1:02:22, 1:02:25]: w when you see these political ads at the very end [1:02:26, 1:02:33]: they've been required to say, you know, I'm Hillary Clinton and I approve this message. It it's similar to that. It's a disclaimer that you're adding [1:02:34, 1:02:37]: that you're making it clear who's paying for that. [1:02:37, 1:02:43]: In this case you're saying you're making it clear that this is my opinion or you might it might be the opinion of the entire council you say. [1:02:44, 1:02:47]: You know, we've all discussed this and we all agree. It [1:02:48, 1:02:52]: Well, if that's the case then I agree to add that language in. [1:02:53, 1:03:01]: And I also would agree to add uh add the language. I think it makes uh perfectly good sense. It doesn't take away anybody's right to speak. We're not infringed on anybody's constitutional right here. [1:03:02, 1:03:04]: All right. Anybody have no comments? [1:03:04, 1:03:04]: Yes. [1:03:05, 1:03:07]: Second time. Second and last time. [1:03:07, 1:03:09]: Yes. Um yeah. [1:03:09, 1:03:11]: This is a big issue to me. [1:03:12, 1:03:15]: Because it's it's a constitutional issue. [1:03:15, 1:03:21]: And you know, I'll stand on the constitution any time in the United States of America'cause it's freedom of speech first. [1:03:22, 1:03:23]: Thank you. [1:03:23, 1:03:29]: President Thomas Jefferson said dissent is the greatest form of patriotism. [1:03:31, 1:03:38]: He didn't say we all had to be in lockstep. He said dissent is the greatest version of patriotism. [1:03:39, 1:03:51]: Because and I and I and I've had my issues with the council in the previous council because of issues taken up with other council members in the D DA situation because [1:03:51, 1:03:57]: I don't think the ma majority gives up their right. The minority gives up their right. [1:03:58, 1:04:02]: to their individual position just because the city takes a position. [1:04:02, 1:04:03]: Yeah. [1:04:03, 1:04:08]: That has to be legislated out because Congress members do it all the time. [1:04:08, 1:04:10]: The Congress takes a vote. [1:04:10, 1:04:26]: They vote one way, but the minority also comes out, gives their opinion, they're giving their opinion uh of what the minority position is. It's not the it's not really it's their position and it's the offici uh p the position of the side that lost, the dissent side. [1:04:27, 1:04:29]: And that's how I kinda look at it. [1:04:29, 1:04:47]: I think that I'm in agreement that I don't think anybody should step I'm in agreement when I say I don't think anybody should step in the microphone and say, Oh, I'm voting I'm speaking for the entire city council of Stockbridge. No, I don't I don't think anybody should get up and say that. We all have our own individual [1:04:48, 1:05:03]: opinions. I don't think we should be in a position where we um say get in front of the microphone and say, I'm the official spokesperson for the city of Startbridge. But at the same time, I have my own personal opinion as Councilman Elton Alexander. [1:05:04, 1:05:12]: I I do. I still have I might not have my position as speaking for the entire council [1:05:13, 1:05:16]: But I can speak as Councilman Elton Alexander. [1:05:17, 1:05:21]: I can say this is Councilman Elton Alexander's opinion. [1:05:22, 1:05:23]: In the dissert. [1:05:23, 1:05:24]: Because [1:05:24, 1:05:28]: I'm not o I'm not required to agree with the majority. [1:05:28, 1:05:30]: Is that or is that not correct? [1:05:32, 1:05:42]: I I think what's being proposed would would allow exactly that. You would just have to make that disclaimer if you're offering an opinion that differs from [1:05:42, 1:05:55]: the rest of the the council or any particular member of the council. I I just think we already do that in situ in situations where we we get in front of the I always do it. I've never been in a situation where I s [1:05:56, 1:06:02]: Didn't say I wasn't speaking for myself. I always speak that person anybody asks well, speaking for me. [1:06:02, 1:06:12]: When you dealing with the media, any of us dealing with the media and they flash up your title or your position, you don't really know you you you speak to them for twenty minutes. [1:06:13, 1:06:22]: So what you're telling me in this situation is I just like a little caveat to say the media interviews you and they say this is Councilman Elton Alexander. [1:06:22, 1:06:38]: I can't require that media member to run the disclaimer. So how do we work that? How I mean, I get interviewed by Channel Eleven and Channel Eleven runs a story. I talk to them. I can't require Channel Eleven to say to run that disclaimer. So how do we enforce this? [1:06:39, 1:06:39]: Well, [1:06:40, 1:06:44]: You know, the the issue is, you know, if you make the disclaimer [1:06:45, 1:06:48]: Then you've done your part. You can't force [1:06:49, 1:06:54]: channel two, channel eleven or any media to to um [1:06:55, 1:07:07]: to broadcast every part of an interview. I think you all understand that. It would that would be a a fact issue that would come up if a complaint were ever made. Well did you make the disclaimer if [1:07:08, 1:07:20]: you know, the particular council member says, Yes I did, then it would be a matter of looking at the whole transcript and and even requesting, you know, the entire interview to prove that. That's all that would be. [1:07:22, 1:07:42]: I guess I want to s be clear what I'm saying. Um when council states one to another what we're going to do, how we're going to do it, we need to do it that way. Okay? So if we speak in a setting [1:07:42, 1:07:50]: um pup you know, privately or whatever, and we're saying this is how we're gonna move forward. This is the person that's going to speak for the city. [1:07:52, 1:07:56]: I believe that we all should adhere to what we all agreed upon. [1:07:57, 1:08:17]: And not just take it upon ourselves individually, you know, and have a disclaimer and say, I'm gonna run and say it, you know, this way. But if we all agree that's where I stand, I don't have a problem with everyone being able to sp but if we are sitting together as a team, as council, so we can move forward as one together. [1:08:17, 1:08:37]: Together if we've all agreed on how we're gonna do something, I think we all should abide by what we all agreed upon. That's where I am uh on anything. So however anything else comes up, that's where I am. So I don't have a problem with someone speaking and have a disclaimer. But if we're gonna sit together and say we're gonna do this, this is how we're gonna do it, mere pro tem is [1:08:37, 1:08:57]: is going to be the spokesp spokesperson for our city manager is going to be the spokesperson for then that's how we should do it. Not just because we have our freedom of speech, we can run out and say, oh I'm going to do it the way I want to do it. Because people are watching and what you're doing instead of doing good, you're hindering everybody here at the city. [1:08:57, 1:08:59]: city and that's just where I stand. [1:08:59, 1:08:59]: Okay. [1:09:00, 1:09:00]: Right. [1:09:01, 1:09:10]: Well if if I understand my instructions correctly I will bring back a revision of this for adoption at the next meeting. And we'll have further discussion, I'm pretty sure. Okay. Thank you. [1:09:10, 1:09:12]: Okay, on that note, um [1:09:13, 1:09:15]: City manager, do you have any comments? [1:09:15, 1:09:18]: And uh by the way, this is your mic. [1:09:22, 1:09:37]: Just real briefly, we talked a little bit about water meters earlier and just wanted to bring to the attention of the council as well as the public that um E Georgia EPD requires um random sampling on occasion for [1:09:38, 1:09:58]: lead and copper go to different households and they pull water samples and just today got those re um a number of them back today and just happy to report that of the testing that was done by E P D all tests were well outside of the active level for copper and lead. So just another testament to the quality of the water that's being produced [1:09:57, 1:09:58]: Yeah. [1:09:58, 1:10:01]: within our within our city. So [1:10:01, 1:10:04]: Just wanted to add that as a note of in of um information for the council. [1:10:05, 1:10:05]: Thank you. [1:10:06, 1:10:07]: Councilman Alexander. [1:10:08, 1:10:28]: Yes, ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming out tonight. It was indeed an honor for us to be able to uh honor Miss Uh Christy Sims Tucker because she's been she's an international advocate and a for awareness on domestic violence. She's been honored all over the world for her coming. [1:10:28, 1:10:30]: Courageous uh stances. [1:10:31, 1:10:51]: and her support uh and encouragement of other victims of domestic violence. The only place that she has not been honored was in Henry County and the incident took place right here in Henry County. I wanted to write that tonight and I'm glad this council did move forward with making that right and uh to honor [1:10:51, 1:10:52]: Um [1:10:52, 1:11:12]: And breast cancer awareness month, those are the types of things that we can do uh from this council to act in a positive uh direction to make sure that we are um doing the right thing and putting the right foot forward for the community. Um you know, I just want to add uh further that um you know [1:11:12, 1:11:31]: know, I do agree with Miss Robinson when she said that um you know that we uh we speak as one body, but again, we can't violate the constitution when you are guaranteed the freedom of speech. The freedom of speech guarantees you the right to be able to show dissent. [1:11:32, 1:11:42]: the council agrees to do something on one task. The official spokesperson might is the mayor of Tem. The official post spokesperson is is agree, is the city manager. [1:11:42, 1:11:45]: But if one council member wants to go out [1:11:45, 1:11:49]: And that prouncil member wants to give their opinion, they have the right to do that. [1:11:49, 1:11:55]: And um I'm a First Amendment advocate every day of the week and I will always do that. [1:11:55, 1:12:01]: I do want to see, as I said earlier, for us to move on some serious items. [1:12:01, 1:12:21]: We've been talking about downtown redevelopment for quite some time now. I want to see those activities move forward in in in the most expeditious way possible. We talked about um enterprise we talked about uh enterprise zones, we talked about uh job tax credits to attract business to downtown, we talked [1:12:21, 1:12:29]: About branding. We talk about moving things to the next level in terms of cleanliness. I want to see us take [1:12:29, 1:12:49]: Uh our sidewalks in our community and uh power wash them, clean them on a regular basis, our walkways and our past, add beautification to this downtown area, all the above because you know what? Our citizens deserve that. We deserve the community that can be top notch that we are proud of each and every [1:12:49, 1:13:01]: every day. And I call on each and one every one of you to join us in this effort to move the city forward and congratulate all the members who uh were accepted tonight on the zoning advisory board. [1:13:03, 1:13:03]: Cover them below. [1:13:07, 1:13:21]: Once again I'd like to thank everyone for coming out too and I truly believe that uh in order to move this city forward, I agree with Councilman Alexander that we do talk about a lot, but I also believe that in order to talk about anything we have to talk to people. [1:13:22, 1:13:33]: So when we talk about things we talk to people also, and this is why I I w want to reiterate that it's not petty to me on the image and perception that we put out there to the public. [1:13:33, 1:13:38]: Because I've always told and taught that perception can be sometimes greater than the truth. [1:13:38, 1:13:43]: So we have to be cautious on the perception that we put out there that we don't find ourselves [1:13:43, 1:13:52]: as a city in a uh in a conundrum that we don't need to be dealing with when there's so much serious things need to be done in this city. Um [1:13:52, 1:13:57]: Being the chairman of the Community Relations Committee, uh I wanted to update that we have uh [1:13:58, 1:14:18]: that we've seen uh more community volunteering involvement in the city and some of the volunteers are sitting here even tonight and I thank you all for your uh participation. But we would like to see that even grow in the more so I've been dealing with uh staff, the event staff and I've talked to several church leaders about uh moving forward enhancing [1:14:17, 1:14:37]: involvement of different community uh of the community to get involved and volunteering because I believe that as a whole we want to be involved as community. We just have to make sure that we reach out to the community and and and get that going. Uh I'm working with our assistant uh mayor and uh to mayor and counselor to set up a uh celebratory event to promote uh celebrate [1:14:37, 1:14:49]: those willing to volunteer for the uh their services to the city of Stockbridge. Uh I'm working t with the administration of uh Stockbridge Elementary and uh Smith Bornes Elementary School to help them to [1:14:49, 1:15:09]: uh promote events uh to mo promote social and academic enhancement for their students. Uh we do a uh we I w I'm promoting uh motivational speaking, uh reading to the students. Uh I've also uh elected and uh I have a partner with uh uh uh company that has a gaming truck that we have uh the gaming truck [1:15:09, 1:15:29]: And activities for the top readers during the time of the session for the reading. And what this is going to do while encouraging and motivating and identifying other students that are lacking in various areas, because I believe that when you see someone doing something, you say, Hey, I want to be a part of that, though those students will jump on board and we'll also identify those students that need more help. [1:15:29, 1:15:49]: help in this those different areas. So this collaborative effort with the uh elementary schools is really going well. Uh as a council we have uh approved the proceedings, uh we approved that to have a youth council under the uh uh committed uh uh relations uh committee and so uh this past uh week uh [1:15:49, 1:16:09]: along with uh Neat uh Councilwoman Neat Robinson, we attended a uh uh Georgia Municipal Association Youth Conference in Macon, Georgia. Uh as a community relations uh chairman I would be giving uh my recommendations uh per GMA uh conference training to uh the other board members Councilman Neat Robinson. [1:16:09, 1:16:29]: And then Councilman Elton Alexander because when they first started to spearhead this uh project uh to have a youth council um and to learn more and more about it now, knowing more than I know, um I think that the city will be going in a in an awesome direction with that implementation of a youth council, and then I think it'd be great for our students. [1:16:29, 1:16:31]: So once again thanks for coming. [1:16:35, 1:16:37]: Councilwoman, McKiss again. [1:16:38, 1:16:52]: Um yes. I'm just glad to be back and want to thank everybody for their prayers and their support um through this time that I'm going through right now. Um it is a blessing to be here. Um [1:16:53, 1:17:10]: I am I love Stockbridge. Can't say enough things about the staff and the team and just the love that you've shown me. And so I just want to say thank you and um looking forward to come going to Tasty Tuesday tomorrow. See you soon. [1:17:11, 1:17:15]: Councilwoman Robinson, go right here. And we're glad you're back, Councilwoman Gantt. [1:17:16, 1:17:36]: Um wanna thank everyone. I want to piggyback um Kelts uh Councilman Alexander. A lot of things that our city manager is doing. Um we are having meetings so that way we want to let the public know that discussion is being made. Um it takes um steps to get where we're trying to go. [1:17:36, 1:17:56]: And we're going in a positive direction through our meeting. So I want to commend our city manager for all the hard work that he's doing to keep us updated and moving forward. And also as Councilman Blount said, I'm excited about our youth council that is up that's going to be cut moving forward really. [1:17:56, 1:18:16]: Real quickly and very soon, so that way our young people will know that here in the city of Stockbridge we have a lot of positive things that we're going to be able to provide for them. So I'm definitely excited about that. And also on our announcements, I've noticed that we do not have on here in honor of breast cancer. [1:18:16, 1:18:25]: Or awareness mock, the city of Stockbridge presents pretty in pink, which you can submit a hundred-word or less. [1:18:26, 1:18:46]: Submit a hundred words or less nominating a breast cancer survivor to be acknowledged and invited to our special luncheon. Um you can please submit those entries to eReception at the city of Stockbridge, Georgia, G A dot gov by October the fourteenth. And the event [1:18:45, 1:19:05]: will be held on october the twentieth at ten o'clock AM at a private location. So um to get any any further information, please contact um City Hall um so that way you can ex speak with our events coordinator so that way they can provide um more information for that. But again [1:19:05, 1:19:24]: Again, want to thank everyone for coming out for our zoning advisory board nominees. Thank you guys so much for um being willing to be um in your community doing great things. So we look forward to having you doing that as well. And again, thanks everyone for coming out. [1:19:25, 1:19:26]: Thank you. [1:19:26, 1:19:46]: Ladies and gentlemen, uh tell you what it's been a great evening. Um in a sense the zoning advisory board being sworn in. This is a testament that we're wanting to move forward with the city and taking control of the zoning for our city. So have these individuals report directly to the council. It's a great thing. And uh congratulations for all the individuals that recepted proclamations this evening. [1:19:46, 1:19:55]: in reference on uh National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, domestic violence, uh National Demi uh Domestic Violence Month as well. [1:19:55, 1:20:08]: And even the uh National Retired Educators Day. So and of course our high school says we uh honored them and our partnership with them and we talked about the partnership in education as well as their um athletic ability to to work out with those those students. [1:20:09, 1:20:11]: And so it's a great night in that aspect. [1:20:12, 1:20:13]: Um [1:20:14, 1:20:34]: I'm actually the chairperson of the uh building committees and I will tell you that uh things are improving in in the buildings that are in the inventory for the uh for the city. Uh the uh obviously the air conditioning is working well in here and had had had some problems being in the past, but uh we've got that straight low-winning type of leaks, assessments and repairs and and mold read the uh remote. [1:20:34, 1:20:46]: remuneration uh uh that we reduced and got rid of the mold in in the building the in the first floor as well, the basement floor I'm sorry. Uh so the municipal court and and this city hall all [1:20:46, 1:20:51]: working just fine with air conditioning and uh with all the essential repairs that have taken place. [1:20:52, 1:20:55]: Merrill Manors, uh when you go to Merrill Manors you happen to [1:20:56, 1:21:01]: and go for any type of city event you'll see that uh is very comfortable uh in there as well. [1:21:01, 1:21:02]: Um [1:21:03, 1:21:23]: Shortly we'll be receiving a uh building assessment on the multiplex and what we want to do with that uh building and uh what it would uh take to uh use the spot's funds and what it'll take to uh demolish that and what type of future and a way ahead that we will go with that as well. Um and of course uh and our new public [1:21:23, 1:21:28]: works facility uh is uh we're gonna use spLoss funds for that and that's moving right along as well. [1:21:29, 1:21:31]: And we're looking to have uh [1:21:31, 1:21:34]: Inclusive playground equipment of course in Clark Park. [1:21:35, 1:21:39]: And and it's in our horizon, we've already accomplished that in Memorial Park itself. [1:21:40, 1:21:46]: So um look forward to additional things to occur with the building inventory uh for the the city itself. [1:21:46, 1:21:52]: On that note, uh thank you for engaging with the council, continue to keep engaged with the council, and thank you for coming out this evening. [1:21:53, 1:21:53]: God bless you all. [1:21:54, 1:21:55]: On that note [1:21:56, 1:21:58]: I will have to read the [1:21:59, 1:22:04]: announcements and obviously uh Councilman woman Robinson has already mentioned the pretty in paint. [1:22:04, 1:22:19]: It's on ten o'clock and October twentieth for that. Fru Tuck uh Tasty Tuesdays is uh five thirty nine on the City Hall lawn. And this is next to the last, isn't it? We got a couple more left. And that's it for this year. [1:22:19, 1:22:25]: Finance committee meetings Wednesday, October twelfth, six thirty PM right here in City Hall Levi meeting room. [1:22:25, 1:22:29]: And Councilwoman McGantt's the chairperson for that. That's Wednesday, October twelfth. [1:22:30, 1:22:33]: Downtown Development Authority meeting Monday, October seventeenth, six PM. [1:22:34, 1:22:36]: Uh in the City Hall and Levi meeting room. [1:22:37, 1:22:45]: Early voting begins Monday, October seventeenth and continues through Saturday, November fourth. So visit uh for more information visit uh our website. [1:22:46, 1:22:48]: City Stockbridge dot com. [1:22:48, 1:22:53]: Emerital candidate forum. This Thursday, October twentieth at Merrill Manor, seven PM. [1:22:53, 1:23:01]: Of course it's at uh one eleven Davis Road. And as you probably realize the chair to my immediate right's been vacant for some time. [1:23:01, 1:23:03]: So we're looking to fulfill that requirement. [1:23:04, 1:23:17]: The um council meeting is next Tues uh council meeting will be Tuesday, uh October twenty fifth. That will be our work session right here in City Hall Councils. And uh Council Chambers and actually that's the evening for the Citizens Academy graduation. [1:23:18, 1:23:23]: Uh zoning advisory board meeting. Uh they will meet on Thursday, October twenty seventh. [1:23:24, 1:23:26]: Right here in City Hall, in the council chambers. [1:23:27, 1:23:27]: as well. [1:23:28, 1:23:33]: Um community relations committee meeting, Thursday also on the twenty seventh. [1:23:33, 1:23:38]: Uh John Blount would be a chairperson for that. Doesn't have a time here, John. On the twenty seventh we'll time you meeting. [1:23:39, 1:23:42]: Okay. Okay. Time will be announced at a later date. [1:23:43, 1:23:53]: And then of course Tuesday, November eighth is election day. So if you haven't done it yeah, haven't been to the polls on the early voting, make sure you get done on Tuesday, November eighth, before seven PM. [1:23:54, 1:24:09]: Veterans Day Parade is Friday, november eleventh, twenty sixteen, ten AM. Contact the City of Uh Stockbridge uh Events Department to participate, uh to register for that. Um and that is seven seven zero three eight nine fifty nine eighty two. [1:24:10, 1:24:13]: And our next council meeting is Monday, November uh fourteenth. [1:24:14, 1:24:28]: uh six PM right here in the City Hall Council Chambers and that is our public budget hearing. That's our first uh public budget hearing is November fourteenth. Okay? On that note any other uh announcements? If not [1:24:28, 1:24:31]: Then uh I would imagine we need to go to Zeke's session. [1:24:35, 1:24:38]: Personnel litigation and real estate. [1:24:39, 1:24:41]: [5081.5, 5083.9]: Uh take us to the second session, please. [1:24:44, 1:24:54]: Yes ma'am I move that we go into the executive session for personnel matters, um litigation and real estate. There you go. Any discussion? [1:24:54, 1:25:00]: All in favor, please indicate. All right folks, Zanus will be back after this echo session. [1:25:01, 1:25:02]: I should have done that. [1:25:21, 1:25:22]: [5122.8, 5126.0]: Thank you. [1:25:28, 1:25:29]: [5165.0, 5176.1]: the flyer in there. Yeah, at least put the flyer in there'cause I'm like, wait a minute now Yeah, so if it's late, can you still just put the flyer and he can just read it? Okay. [1:26:35, 1:26:37]: That's fine. [1:26:41, 1:26:44]: Yeah, it's not a good thing. [1:29:40, 1:29:41]: I don't know. [1:29:42, 1:29:43]: Oh good. [1:29:45, 1:29:49]: [5695.7, 5705.1]: Council, I need the uh a motion to uh adjourn executive session, please. Mayor Pro Tem. Yes, Mayor. I would like to motion to adjourn executive session. [1:35:05, 1:35:06]: Okay. [1:35:07, 1:35:07]: Is there discussion? [1:35:08, 1:35:11]: Well we we'll [1:35:11, 1:35:15]: Okay, all in favor of the motion please indicate? [1:35:15, 1:35:20]: Okay, I need a motion to reconvene our uh council meeting, please. [1:35:21, 1:35:25]: Yes, ma'am. I move that we reconvene our council meeting. [1:35:25, 1:35:27]: Okay, is there a second? [1:35:27, 1:35:28]: There we go. [1:35:29, 1:35:31]: Any discussion? Nope. All favor, please indicate. [1:35:32, 1:35:52]: One one second, please. Uh as far as I know there are no items that we need to discuss. Okay. Okay, so I need a motion to adjourn our council meeting, please. May I first hand? Yes, ma'am. I move that we adjourn our council meeting. Second. Second. Okay. All favor, please indicate. Meeting is now adjourned. [1:35:52, 1:35:56]: Third, four, fifth, six, seven. [1:36:00, 1:36:03]: [5764.8, 5770.7]: Oh. [1:36:25, 1:36:35]: But look that's like the wrong way. [1:36:36, 1:36:37]: Yeah.