2017-03-13 · City Council · Transcript · City Council Meeting

--- title: March 13 2017 City Council Meeting date: 2017-03-13 source: 2017-03-13_March_13_2017_City_Council_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:00, 0:00:03]: We're calling this meeting to order at this time. [0:00:04, 0:00:04]: Mm-hmm. [0:00:05, 0:00:12]: And I'd like to call uh Pastor Danang Watkett, if he's in the audience. [0:00:12, 0:00:17]: If he would please come up, he's gonna um present our invocation for us this evening. [0:00:18, 0:00:20]: Sir, you come right here. [0:00:23, 0:00:25]: Everyone would stand. [0:00:29, 0:00:41]: For the invocation I just want to give honor to our mayor, city council, and the administration and the entire city of Stockbridge. Heavenly Father, in Jesus' name we pray tonight. We thank you [0:00:42, 0:00:46]: For your glorious presence. We thank you for your wisdom. We thank you for your strength. [0:00:47, 0:00:51]: We thank you for this government that you have placed here in this city. [0:00:52, 0:00:54]: [ 54.6, 55.8]: You've given them wisdom. [0:00:56, 0:00:57]: To govern your people. [0:00:58, 0:00:59]: With stewardship. [0:01:00, 0:01:01]: We thank you for the citizens. [0:01:02, 0:01:03]: Of this great city. [0:01:04, 0:01:08]: I request tonight, Heavenly Fathers, that you would be in the midst of this meeting [0:01:10, 0:01:11]: Give us direction. [0:01:11, 0:01:12]: Give us insight. [0:01:13, 0:01:16]: And we thank you, Father, that when the righteous are in authority [0:01:17, 0:01:18]: The city rejoices. [0:01:19, 0:01:21]: We thank you for your grace and mercy. [0:01:22, 0:01:24]: We pray peace, we pray [0:01:24, 0:01:25]: Strength. [0:01:26, 0:01:28]: We pray a newness [0:01:29, 0:01:30]: We pray a refreshing [0:01:31, 0:01:32]: We pray oneness. [0:01:33, 0:01:35]: We come against a vision. [0:01:36, 0:01:36]: In this city. [0:01:38, 0:01:41]: We give all glory, honor, and praise to you unashamedly. [0:01:41, 0:01:50]: In Jesus' name we pray and we give you thanks. Amen. Would remain standing. We're going to pledge allegiance to them they are conflict. [0:01:51, 0:01:55]: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. [0:01:56, 0:02:04]: And to the republic for which he stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [0:02:04, 0:02:05]: Thank you, sir. Thank you. [0:02:09, 0:02:16]: At this time we're going to ask our clerk, Vanessa Holliday, if she will have our roll call, please. Councilman Alexander. [0:02:17, 0:02:18]: Councilman Blant. [0:02:19, 0:02:27]: Mayor Neal. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Ford. Present. Councilwoman Gantt. Present. Councilwoman Robinson. Present. Mayor Neal, you have a quorum. [0:02:27, 0:02:28]: Thank you. [0:02:31, 0:02:34]: At this time I need a motion to adopt the agenda. [0:02:34, 0:02:35]: Mayor Neal. [0:02:36, 0:02:37]: Uh. [0:02:37, 0:02:57]: Okay, I hear a motion from Councilman Alexander. Do I hear a second? No. I I need to state the motion. However, uh I'd like to um amend the agenda to add one item if uh we possibly could. Um we want us to discuss uh upcoming uh potential projects or if [0:02:57, 0:03:06]: events which is uh the July fourth event and uh potential uh city of Eagles Landing. Um [0:03:07, 0:03:26]: Discussion. Okay. We've we hear the motion to discuss a fourth of July event and uh discuss uh about the Eagles landing potential city. Do do I hear a motion I've heard the motion. Do I hear a second to the I'll second that. All right, we have a motion and a second. All in favor? [0:03:28, 0:03:31]: Okay, four to one. Thank you. [0:03:33, 0:03:39]: Well, I'm in favor. Oh, sorry. Didn't see your hand go up. Thank you. Okay. Thank you so much. [0:03:40, 0:03:43]: At this time we're going to adopt the minutes. [0:03:43, 0:03:44]: Excuse me, Madam Mayor. [0:03:45, 0:03:50]: Um there was a staff request for also amending to adding the [0:03:51, 0:03:55]: playground equipment on if the council would be amenable. [0:03:56, 0:04:05]: I b I believe that you all have this sheet, which is what the city manager is discussing. Do I hear a motion that we add that item to the agenda? Yes. [0:04:06, 0:04:07]: Yes. Uh Councilman Blount. [0:04:09, 0:04:11]: Yeah, I move that we add the uh [0:04:12, 0:04:20]: uh the discussions and uh with the uh new newly uh pre playground uh equipment to be added to the agenda. [0:04:20, 0:04:23]: Is that what we need to do? [0:04:23, 0:04:26]: That would be under new business. Yes. Okay. [0:04:27, 0:04:27]: Five seconds. [0:04:28, 0:04:32]: All right, we have a motion in a second. All in favor? [0:04:32, 0:04:33]: Okay. [0:04:33, 0:04:34]: [290.5, 292.9]: Okay. At this time uh [0:04:53, 0:05:01]: I need a motion to adopt the minutes of the uh January ninth and the January thirty first meetings. [0:05:02, 0:05:03]: Do I hear a motion? [0:05:03, 0:05:04]: So moved. [0:05:04, 0:05:05]: Do I hear a second? [0:05:06, 0:05:07]: A second. [0:05:08, 0:05:15]: Okay, we have a motion by Pro Tem Ford and a second by Councilwoman Gantt. Do uh all in favor? [0:05:17, 0:05:19]: Okay, thank you. [0:05:23, 0:05:31]: At this time there is um a note regarding uh review of ceremonial presentations. [0:05:36, 0:05:36]: Anyone? [0:05:38, 0:05:39]: Can someone tell me what that's about? [0:05:46, 0:06:06]: Oh, just to recap. Okay, thank you. Um okay, our clerk is telling me to remind you before you arrive tonight we had um our ceremonial uh hour and uh we did uh make um some presentations on behalf of Women's Month and uh [0:06:06, 0:06:11]: Um I won't call all the names out but uh Madam Clerk, do you have those names in front of you? [0:06:19, 0:06:25]: There was also a letter of commendation along with the Women's History Month's um certificate. [0:06:35, 0:06:39]: I'll tell you what, we do not have a list, but let me um [0:06:40, 0:06:41]: See if we can get that. [0:06:43, 0:06:43]: [405.4, 425.4]: Yes. Officer. I'm gonna call her up. Um we don't have the total list tonight, but one person that we would like to recognize and we'll do that publicly in the meeting, Officer Webster, if you would just wave from the back. We are excited tonight that one of our very own who's with us. [0:07:05, 0:07:07]: With us at all of our meetings [0:07:08, 0:07:28]: Uh thank you. Um Officer Webster's a real special lady. Not only did she um save a life at a house fire, recently when there was a plane crash in Stockbridge, she was on the scene again and she did a remarkable job uh helping the people that were in the crash plane and we honor her tonight. [0:07:28, 0:07:40]: night and uh we're glad to have our chief here with her and some other folks from the police department. So we thank you very much and we appreciate you being here always to guard us and make sure that [0:07:40, 0:07:46]: uh the people that come to city council are safe. So thank you and congratulations. Let's give her a hand. [0:07:50, 0:08:10]: Okay, we have the list and I'll tell you who is honored tonight. Dee Clemens, who from District Two, Henry County Board of Commissioners, Detective Shamisa Hunter representing um the all the people, female officers of the Henry County Police Department, Mary Ann Mitchum from Hampton City. [0:08:10, 0:08:30]: City Council, Gail Notty. Gail was not here due to illness, but uh she was in the lineup to be honored. Sandra Scott, who is one of our state reps from Henry County, Ann Harpley, first female African American mayor pro tem in the city of Hampton, Sandra Vincent, the [0:08:30, 0:08:50]: first female African American Council member and mayor Pro Tem McDonough Nish Willis who is our first fire chief for the um for Henry County government and of course our new chair lady of the um Henry County government June Wood. So those were the things [0:08:50, 0:08:57]: females that were honored here and I might say that um they included your mayor, so I appreciated that. [0:09:04, 0:09:16]: At this time if anyone uh fills out a sheet uh to speak during public comments, uh we'll ask our clerk if she would to read out the names and [0:09:16, 0:09:20]: person or persons will be allowed to come to [0:09:20, 0:09:21]: the podium at this time. [0:09:22, 0:09:23]: Miss Mildred Reed. [0:09:34, 0:09:38]: If you all notice, my name is Mildred Reed, 530 Creek View Overlook. [0:09:38, 0:09:47]: I was gonna say if you notice I'm smiling. I want to take this opportunity to thank Mayor Judy Neal and the council members of the City of Stockbridge. [0:09:48, 0:10:07]: for the donation which was made to the Henry County Senior Services on behalf of the city of citizens of Stockbridge. And for the audience, we're at the Henry County Council on Aging invite you to show your support for seniors by participating in the 20 [0:10:07, 0:10:22]: Third annual Miles for Meals Walk. This event funds services and programs for senior adults in Henry County. The walk will take place May 6, 2017. That's the first Saturday in May. [0:10:22, 0:10:42]: at the Jay Hopper Event Center from ten to twelve AM. We would like to invite everyone to come out and participate and join us for a day filled with fun laughter and music. We have uh online and we'll try to make it available at W here at the city sponsorship forms and registrations to sign up. Thank you. [0:10:43, 0:10:43]: Thank you. [0:10:47, 0:10:49]: There are no further comments. [0:10:49, 0:10:51]: Okay, thank you. [0:10:52, 0:10:52]: Uh [0:10:53, 0:11:06]: This time we are going to go into old business which will include um a public hearing and our procedure for public hearing is that I'm announcing to you that we're [0:11:06, 0:11:08]: going into public hearing at this time. [0:11:08, 0:11:11]: And if I could call the applicant. [0:11:12, 0:11:17]: Uh this is a request for amendment at the city zoning code in regards to [0:11:17, 0:11:18]: Brick facade. [0:11:18, 0:11:23]: The presenter for this is going to be our attorney, Michael Williams. Um [0:11:23, 0:11:28]: city attorney and also Bill Johnson Code Consultant. [0:11:29, 0:11:34]: Good evening, uh Mayor and Council. Um this is the um [0:11:35, 0:11:38]: continuation of the public hearing that uh was [0:11:38, 0:11:44]: begun a month ago on the brick facade requirements. As you will recall the [0:11:44, 0:11:45]: Uh [0:11:45, 0:11:50]: zoning advisory board asked you all to delay your decision in order for them to uh [0:11:50, 0:11:52]: do a little more work on [0:11:53, 0:11:58]: the proposed uh brick requirement and so what you have before you is their recommendation [0:11:59, 0:12:03]: um in a few minutes um after you open and close the public hearing. [0:12:03, 0:12:11]: Um we'll be asking for a motion to approve the zoning advisory board's recommendation um as you have in in your book. [0:12:13, 0:12:15]: Are there other speakers on this matter? [0:12:18, 0:12:22]: Are there any speakers opposed to this matter? [0:12:24, 0:12:31]: If not, I will declare the public hearing closed. At this time there will be council discussion on the matter. [0:12:31, 0:12:33]: Is there council discussion? [0:12:33, 0:12:34]: Yeah no. [0:12:35, 0:12:39]: Councilman Alexander. [0:12:40, 0:12:44]: If there's no further discussion, uh I'll call for the motion. [0:12:45, 0:12:54]: Yes, I would like to make a motion to improve the um brick facade recommendation by the Stockbridge Zoning Advisory Board. [0:12:55, 0:13:03]: Okay, we have a motion by Councilman Alexander and a second by uh Pro Tem Ford. All in favor? [0:13:05, 0:13:08]: Okay, public hearing closed. Thank you. [0:13:14, 0:13:14]: Um [0:13:15, 0:13:24]: Next, under old business, uh the we will have council consideration to approve recommendation for branding and marketing. [0:13:25, 0:13:28]: And that will be presented by our city manager, Michael Harris. [0:13:29, 0:13:31]: Evening mayor, good evening council. [0:13:32, 0:13:36]: Um this was brought up in a previous work session, some meetings back. [0:13:37, 0:13:40]: This is an initiative that was started by the council last year. [0:13:40, 0:13:43]: for the purpose of um engaging with a firm [0:13:44, 0:13:48]: to go forward with our marketing, um uh the the new marketing and branded initiative for the city. [0:13:49, 0:13:54]: Um back in November of twenty sixteen the city received fourteen proposals from vendors. [0:13:55, 0:14:10]: Um we convened a evaluation team consisting of not just city staff but members from our Chamber of Commerce as well as public uh sector or private sector individuals um that are also experts within this field. [0:14:10, 0:14:15]: Um from there we reviewed all fourteen. We narrowed it down to the top six firms. [0:14:15, 0:14:22]: um conducted interviews and from there the entire evaluation team scored those interviews and at this time this evening uh staff have prepared to make a [0:14:23, 0:14:24]: recommendation. [0:14:24, 0:14:27]: uh to award this um [0:14:28, 0:14:31]: proposal to R and R design. [0:14:31, 0:14:34]: for the purpose of drafting a new [0:14:35, 0:14:39]: um branding initiative, conducting this new branding initiative for the city of Stockbridge. [0:14:40, 0:14:41]: Mayor Neil. [0:14:42, 0:14:55]: Uh yes, Councilman Gapp. I like to move that we approve and um we approve the for the recommendation for branding and marketing front of a rhyme and reason design. [0:14:55, 0:14:56]: Thank you. [0:14:56, 0:15:01]: Okay, we have a motion from Councilman Gantt and a second was that from [0:15:01, 0:15:04]: Councilman Blount. Okay. All in favor? [0:15:06, 0:15:08]: Okay, motion passes. Thank you. Thank you. [0:15:10, 0:15:16]: Next under New Business we're gonna ask for our human resources director, Renee Wheeler, to come forward. [0:15:16, 0:15:18]: She will present um [0:15:18, 0:15:23]: Consideration to approve the employee manual has been updated. [0:15:27, 0:15:30]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Good evening. [0:15:30, 0:15:33]: Um at of the last uh work session [0:15:33, 0:15:37]: I provided you with a copy of the employee manual update. [0:15:37, 0:15:38]: for your review [0:15:38, 0:15:45]: And um we're here today to tr get the em employee manual approved. Uh [0:15:46, 0:15:53]: Okay. You have hopefully read the improvements and the changes to the employee manual, which is in your book. [0:15:54, 0:15:58]: Uh do I hear a motion to accept the new manual? [0:15:58, 0:15:58]: Yes. [0:15:59, 0:16:03]: Okay, I have a motion by Councilman Alexander. Do I have a second? I have a second. [0:16:04, 0:16:07]: Second, Councilman uh Robinson. [0:16:07, 0:16:11]: All in favor? Oh whoops, discussion. Anybody have any discussion? [0:16:13, 0:16:15]: If not, all in favor? [0:16:16, 0:16:17]: All right, thank you. [0:16:18, 0:16:20]: Thank you. Thank you. [0:16:20, 0:16:27]: Okay, next we'll go to discussion and we'll take up first the um [0:16:27, 0:16:35]: uh recommendation coming from our city manager about the playground equipment for one of our parks. Yes ma'am thank you madam mayor thank you council again [0:16:36, 0:16:37]: Um typically we would [0:16:38, 0:16:57]: go through we once we receive proposals or bids, we'll take some time to go through a review process. In this case we only received one bid. Um that bid was received on Friday. Um and and while that unto itself may give some reason for pause, this is a very reputable firm. We've checked their credentials, we've checked their references, um [0:16:57, 0:17:03]: We've been working with them for quite some time. Um and so the reason why we wanted to kind of expedite this process is [0:17:03, 0:17:08]: The entirety of the project will be funded through using community development block grant funds. [0:17:08, 0:17:18]: they have a timeliness requirement that if money certain amounts of money funds have to be spent within a certain time frame. Um and so to kinda help [0:17:20, 0:17:32]: ease that process forward and make sure that we don't jeopardize any potential existing funding or future funding. We wanted to um again ask the council for um authorization to move forward with this with this award. [0:17:33, 0:17:34]: in the amount of [0:17:34, 0:17:37]: The bid amount was a hundred and seven thousand. [0:17:38, 0:17:50]: However, we say an amount not to exceed one hundred and fifty thousand because there are some other items that would maybe included. Again, one hundred and fifty would make sure that we would not exceed the allotment that's being afforded to us by C D B G. [0:17:50, 0:18:03]: Um and again the this would be award to the group Playworld. They've done a number of other projects in both in the city as well as in the county. And again we've checked references and uh they all have glowing references. So um [0:18:04, 0:18:15]: While I apologize for the the shortness in time for being able to review it, again we feel comfortable that this will be a um a very good project, one that's very well needed, and there could be certainly an asset to the community when all said and done. [0:18:16, 0:18:34]: Okay. May I ask which park now this is going in for the Clark Park. Clark Park. I wanted the audience to know which park that would be. Okay. Um you've heard the recommendation of our city manager to move forward with a hundred and fifty thousand dollars for playground equipment from Clark Park. [0:18:35, 0:18:42]: and um from some block grant funding that we have and do I hear a motion to that effect. [0:18:42, 0:18:43]: So moved. [0:18:44, 0:18:50]: All right, we have a motion by Councilman Gantt and we have a second by Pro Tem Ford. [0:18:50, 0:18:59]: Any discussion? Yes, I would. Okay. I'm in favor of this. Obviously it's a great idea, but I'm not sure if everybody understands. Is it like maybe like [0:19:00, 0:19:11]: uh something that we could kinda specific that we a little bit more specific so the audience is aware okay this particular parti uh equipment is a potential or something. Sure. [0:19:12, 0:19:32]: Last uh probably a year and a half two years ago, um the council had voted to move forward with the um initiative of uh having inclusive playground equipment, which is playground equipment that specifically um meets the needs of special needs children, those who may be um and wheelchairs uh [0:19:32, 0:19:40]: um or have uh may have other disabilities. And the biggest difference between these types of playgrounds and your conventional playgrounds is the surface. [0:19:40, 0:20:00]: Um we paired one at Memorial Park. We did one last year, opened that up. And it's a rubberized surface that's poured in place and allows for access on wheelchairs of those with other any other disabilities. And it also has specialized equipment for those um particularly within the autism field, um sensory perception. [0:20:00, 0:20:20]: reception um equipment especially um designed for them to be able to use and and be in in in interact with. So this is at along those same lines. We have the conventional playground equipment already in both Memorial and in Clark Park. This is in addition to so it supplements what's currently already there. So we again we're excited about being able to expand [0:20:20, 0:20:40]: the capacity of our park to um to make sure it is all inclusive playground. Is is this something that the city of Stockbridge is a forerunner are kind of leading the way on here in Heron County? I think so. I you know the county has done some things. Um they have Sunshine Field in in McDonough um where they play it it's a specialized field with the same type of surface. [0:20:40, 0:20:50]: this but um but I think this is one of the the the few playgrounds, actual playground areas. Certainly with us having two facilities now, I think we're probably one of the leaders from that standpoint. But [0:20:51, 0:20:52]: Yeah. [0:20:52, 0:20:53]: Okay. [0:20:53, 0:20:55]: All right. [0:20:56, 0:20:58]: A motion and a second. [0:20:59, 0:21:02]: Um the further comment from Councilman Blount? [0:21:02, 0:21:03]: Um [0:21:04, 0:21:15]: Do we have an idea uh how long would it take the equipment to get here and installation? What what time period you're looking at? Once we make the order, which will be done this week, lead time is typically somewhere around six to eight weeks. [0:21:16, 0:21:22]: Um once it's c once once it comes in, it's literally they think last time Memorial Park they installed it in a week. [0:21:22, 0:21:28]: Um they come in for the for the summer. Yeah. It should be absolutely be ready in place by the summertime. Okay. [0:21:29, 0:21:30]: Any other comments? [0:21:30, 0:21:32]: Mm-hmm. All right. All in favor? [0:21:34, 0:21:38]: Okay, thank you so much. Somebody left their glasses at the podium? [0:21:40, 0:21:41]: Mildred, are those yours? [0:21:42, 0:21:43]: Okay. [0:21:44, 0:21:45]: Renee, not yours? [0:21:45, 0:21:49]: Well, they'll be at the podium if anybody misses their glasses. [0:21:50, 0:22:10]: Okay, at this time this is a discussion item, not a item that we would vote on. This has been amended to the agenda and who is going to lead with this? Are you doing that, Councilman Alexander? Yes, Mayor Neil. Thank you for um allowing us to amend agenda to talk about a couple of things um here tonight. The first thing [0:22:10, 0:22:15]: that um we want to talk about um is um [0:22:15, 0:22:26]: the city of Eagles Landing and uh we've seen a lot of that uh in the news tonight uh in the newspaper and the impact that that would have um [0:22:27, 0:22:28]: Uh on the city. [0:22:29, 0:22:49]: uh the city has put out talking points. We have been aggressively um trying to get the information out of the tremendous financial uh burden that that would place upon the city of Stockbridge and how unprecedented that it would be for a new city to be formed from taking existing [0:22:49, 0:23:04]: incorporated territory from a proven city and moving it into another city. Uh in particular you gotta think uh to to to think about this is, you know, when you look at Walmart and that Hudson Bridge corridor. [0:23:04, 0:23:14]: They're talking about taking that out of the city of Stockbridge, which is a tremendous um sales tax revenue uh that provides for the city. [0:23:15, 0:23:35]: Uh one one of the things that we don't have in the city of Stockbridge is a s is a property tax. One of the reasons that we're able not to have a property tax is that we're located in an ideal position along um the corridor of I seventy five. We take in a tremendous [0:23:35, 0:23:50]: this amount along with Henry County of sales tax. So every time a traveler stops to uh eat here, every time a stop traveler stops to stay here, they're helping offset the fact of no property tax in the city of Stockbridge. [0:23:50, 0:23:59]: remove that commercial corridor from the city of Stockbridge, that puts us in a position where at that point we may be forced [0:23:59, 0:24:19]: forced to implement a um property tax to offset that. You know, that's why this is so unprecedented. When this building, the city hall, was first built, uh the responsibilities and the financial obligations of this city were based on having Hudson Bridge and Eagles Landing in the city. [0:24:19, 0:24:21]: Yeah. [0:24:21, 0:24:41]: those obligations uh lawfully we have to we have to pay that. And you know, that's why it has never been done to have uh incorporated businesses taken out of one city and placed into another because that will affect our potential credit rating, that will affect uh everything about [0:24:41, 0:24:45]: the city. [0:24:45, 0:24:51]: is that how this works, should the legislature decide to approve this [0:24:51, 0:24:54]: The entire city of Stockbridge will not get to vote. [0:24:55, 0:25:15]: The only people that will get to vote will be the people that will be in the new city. So those of you who are left behind, you will be left to deal with the uh financial burdens. Personally for myself and when I say those of uh you left behind, they put my neighborhood into the new city now. [0:25:15, 0:25:32]: No one has approached us, asked us if we wanted to be included. There seems to be a sm in my opinion, there appears to be a small minority uh inside the gates that have taken this project on because I've talked to many individuals inside the gate [0:25:33, 0:25:52]: who have no clue that this is going forward. But again excuse me is that you and the entire city of Stockbridge would not get to vote, but at the same time the financial obligations will fall upon you should those citizens decide to vote. [0:25:53, 0:26:13]: It is incumbent upon everybody here to contact our legislators because this has a tremendous or devastating effect uh on the city of Stockbridge potentially uh should it move forward. Uh the things that I'm hearing uh come out of this these discussions uh very much concern me because uh you know [0:26:12, 0:26:24]: when you talk about having discussions of um you know a certain level of income to be in any city, that's not to me that's not wrong that's wrong. [0:26:24, 0:26:43]: The the most the very most thing that I love about Stockbridge and the very th thing that makes Stockbridge the strongest is our diversity. It's the differences, it's the income levels, it's a whole city. And when you talk about putting together a city based on income [0:26:43, 0:26:54]: And then it was also mentioned at that first town hall meeting that um you know there was a s there was a neighborhood on Banks Road that was dropped from the new city. [0:26:56, 0:27:02]: There's no accident that the neighborhood on Banks Road. It didn't pro to me in my opinion, probably didn't [0:27:03, 0:27:23]: fit the cut in terms of the amount of income set aside. That's wrong. That's not what we oughta see. And I encourage each and every person here to reach out to your legislator and let them know that we want to keep the city of Stockbridge whole. And I think there's several other council members who want to uh speak on this subject as well in terms of having meetings uh in the [0:27:22, 0:27:23]: [1644.5, 1664.5]: Thank you, Councilman. I want to remind all of us that we have two minutes each each time we speak on an issue to begin. So who's next? All right. Pro Tem Ford. Thank you, Mayor. Uh what I wanna know also citizens, that the talking points and the the city's current position along with the maps uh [0:27:44, 0:28:03]: uh printed maps of the area to be affected on our website as well as they're in the rotunda at our uh receptionist desk on the on the first floor. Also want you know what we what we the council need to do uh is is to establish a couple of times of um say a couple of meetings with the community, different times different locations around the community [0:28:03, 0:28:13]: to have face to face with you about this so you understand opposition understand what the what what the effect is going to be if this actually becomes uh the fruition and becomes the actual city. [0:28:14, 0:28:34]: That's something that we need to do. There have already been a couple of presentations made at some other town halls dealing with the commissioners involving State Senator uh uh Emmanuel Jones and I personally made a uh presentation to the uh commissioners uh last week as well uh on this subject. Uh but uh what we need to do is reach out to you citizens. [0:28:34, 0:28:46]: in s in different parts of the city itself uh and and surrounding area to tell you exactly uh what's going on and and so you have the the the real information and factual information. [0:28:47, 0:28:49]: As well as I know we're gonna have a first quarter [0:28:49, 0:28:54]: town hall here, City Hall sometime, I believe in the month of April, so I'm pretty sure we'll address it then as well. [0:28:54, 0:28:59]: But I encourage the council that we need to pick a date, time frame and location. [0:28:59, 0:29:05]: And to get it out to the public and make sure that we we start reaching the public at different locations around the city itself. Thank you. [0:29:06, 0:29:06]: Yeah. [0:29:06, 0:29:09]: Uh Councilman John Blount. [0:29:10, 0:29:12]: I just want to uh expound on what was [0:29:13, 0:29:16]: already said. Uh one of the things that um [0:29:17, 0:29:19]: Was my platform for my campaign [0:29:20, 0:29:21]: is the citizens' matter. [0:29:22, 0:29:26]: Not some citizens, not partial citizens, but all citizens of Stockbridge Matter. [0:29:27, 0:29:29]: And when we try to take an entity of that city [0:29:30, 0:29:34]: and present division in any kind of way [0:29:35, 0:29:38]: then that says that all citizens doesn't matter. [0:29:39, 0:29:43]: We can only progress, in my opinion, by moving forward together. [0:29:44, 0:30:00]: And that doesn't look like a race and it doesn't look like financial stability in one area. It looked like it's all coming together and saying, This city's gonna be great no matter what and taking no not taking no for an answer. Um the map also encompasses my neighborhood. [0:30:01, 0:30:04]: I could say, Oh, hey, I got a new city coming and it'll be for [0:30:05, 0:30:25]: Me and my neighborhood and I'm in it no no, I was I was elected by the citizens of Stockbridge, Georgia. I moved to Stockbridge, Georgia, and I wouldn't want to see anything affect or harm the city of Stockbridge, Georgia. So I do uh come to you all and put the word out that we want Stockbridge, Georgia to be [0:30:25, 0:30:28]: be the best it can be. But it takes the citizens [0:30:28, 0:30:34]: like you that matter to show our concerns for the citizen stop to for the city to stop bridge. [0:30:35, 0:30:35]: Thank you. [0:30:36, 0:30:37]: Anyone else? [0:30:38, 0:30:41]: Manuel. Uh Councilman Gantt. Um [0:30:42, 0:31:02]: Uh I'm gonna use some very strong words for the citizens tonight and for anyone who's out here listening in regards to my opinion about this. Number one, it was a surprise. It was something that was dropped amongst any and all of us. I've spoken to legislators and sometimes some of those legislators have already [0:31:02, 0:31:22]: already stated that the first time they heard about a city of Eagles Landing was early or late December. We are now in on today is March thirteenth. The second thing is segregation. Not segregation of race, but segregation based off of financial circumstances. And it's a strong [0:31:22, 0:31:42]: Word people don't want to utilize, but it's wrong because the city is whether it's Chicago, the city of Atlanta, or New York, people embrace diversity of all cultures, walks of life. And so what it is and what I'm gonna call out and continue to call out is this segregation and it's unprecedented. [0:31:42, 0:31:43]: Segregation. [0:31:43, 0:32:03]: that has not taken place anywhere else. And if it continues and if this is allowed here in the city of Stockbridge, then you better believe it will be allowed in other states and other cities in Georgia. So we as a group, as a united uh people must fight against that. Not because [0:32:03, 0:32:10]: because of a black and white issue, red, green and brown, but because you're gonna segregate rich from poor. [0:32:11, 0:32:12]: The next [0:32:12, 0:32:13]: issue I have with this. [0:32:14, 0:32:16]: Is legislators. [0:32:16, 0:32:26]: I'm sorry and unfortunately y it's it's the public knowledge and you are more than welcome to look at who dropped the bill on this. Senator Rick Jeffries dropped the bill for this. [0:32:27, 0:32:28]: Particular item [0:32:28, 0:32:48]: And Senator Jeffries has nothing to do with the City of Eagles Landing. That is not his district, if from my understanding. So if a legislator that has a part of Eagles Landing um is concerned and is representing those people, the minority people that are part of this City of Eagles Landing um formation committee [0:32:48, 0:33:08]: Group, then let that person or those people speak out. But the political games I want people to pay attention to. And a lot of time the lay people don't recognize and haven't had the opportunity to recognize what is really going on. Sometimes, and I'm gonna call it what it is. [0:33:08, 0:33:12]: you'll get a person of your same party affiliation [0:33:13, 0:33:28]: Senator Jeffries happens to be a Republican senator who is in a district, all Republican, so more than likely he could get back in into his district. However, he's fighting for the City of Eagles Landing. [0:33:28, 0:33:48]: which really is not a part of his district. So we need to pay attention to that. Because the other senators and haunt House representatives who are part of that that Eagles Landing city, if they want to drop the bill and fight, then so be it. But we need to bring attention to some of those circumstances and things that are really going on. And I'm not [0:33:48, 0:34:08]: Saying that, and I get some of the key factors, key factors and points I've heard was well, if we take this income, then some of the stores will come. Maybe we'll have some high-end stores. But then when you read these Henry Neighbors and you read the other neighborhood apps online, the truth is the stores come with the [0:34:08, 0:34:26]: income of the total city of Stockbridge. We just need to go out there and get'em. So those excuses I'm gonna call out. Right is right, wrong is wrong. I'll probably get attacked for this, unfortunately, because that's the way politics works. But I'm gonna be honest with you and call it out. [0:34:27, 0:34:38]: And so you're not gonna like those words. You're not gonna like a surprise. Segregation. Legislators who happen to not be a part of our district, who's are who are mainly involved. [0:34:38, 0:34:58]: And we won't be silent. I stand by each and every one of my colleagues here. We have stood and we have written out a resolution and we ask that you continue to spread the word and say, although I'm an attorney and although I may have a higher income, I'm still a part of this family. Whether you're a janitor, whether you're a homeowner. [0:34:58, 0:35:10]: We need to embrace our diversity and our cultures within Stockbridge. We're not gonna separate that. So I ask that you guys can't you have exceeded your time. [0:35:10, 0:35:15]: Um Mr. Robinson. Uh mayor Neil, I like to uh allow um [0:35:16, 0:35:18]: Uh Councilwoman Robinson, two more minutes. [0:35:19, 0:35:19]: Yeah. [0:35:21, 0:35:22]: I believe that was from Ms. Gantt. [0:35:23, 0:35:29]: Yes. Okay. We have a motion to let Miss Robinson continue. I mean Miss Gantt continue. [0:35:29, 0:35:30]: I'll segment that. [0:35:31, 0:35:51]: Okay, I'm sure they're all in favor, so let's let her go again. Thank you. Um I was really ending with that and that we're gonna continue to fight with that and you should know that we need to start talking in that manner and start bringing about those cultural differences and go and reach out to those stores, but not make [0:35:51, 0:35:55]: excuses, reaching all the way over to fallen waters. [0:35:55, 0:36:07]: but taking out other subdivisions on Banks Road. Um, you know, there's a problem with that. So there's some harsh words, but I ask for your continued prayers and support and let's fight and work together. [0:36:09, 0:36:12]: Okay. Ms. Robinson. Thank you, Mayor. [0:36:13, 0:36:25]: My colleagues, if everyone can see, we're very concerned. We have reached out to this community, um, so that way we can sit down at the table and have discussion, so we can come together. Um [0:36:26, 0:36:30]: They didn't want to meet with us, but this council did reach out. [0:36:30, 0:36:50]: We're the same concerns that they have, that is what we're working on currently, and all of it would take is for us to just sit down at the table, have a conversation. But if you have a city, as Councilwoman Gantt and my other colleagues stated, you have a city that's already established and you [0:36:50, 0:36:52]: [2212.6, 2232.6]: And I just ask each and every one of you, if you've s you're you've set out and you have something on your property and then someone just wants to come and take from it, these citizens, all of us have paid these taxes, this building, it belongs to all of us. So there's a big burden that would come. [0:37:12, 0:37:19]: So we need to voice our concerns and and rally together because as you see [0:37:19, 0:37:39]: This is very near and dear to our hearts. So we're asking all the citizens to join us because we're coming to all the neighborhoods, as council uh Mayor Pro Tem stated. We're gonna have town halls, we're gonna educate because when November comes, we're gonna be ready so that way everyone knows the details of what's going on. [0:37:39, 0:37:59]: on so no one can say they did not know. So when things start taking place, please tell your neighbors, tell everyone, we need to rally together so that way we can defend this great city of Stockbridge. Thank you. Thank you. Um as your mayor I too would like [0:37:59, 0:38:19]: make a real quick brief comment. Um I believe that we are going to win this um situation. Um the reason I believe that in Georgia it is totally unprecedented for a city to be created by taking from another city and [0:38:19, 0:38:39]: And I believe we could probably keep this tied up in court for quite a while. But honestly, I went to a meeting at Eagles Landing I learned about just at the last minute on Friday. And um we have at least one person in the audience that was in that meeting. And I believe if I'm not mistaken [0:38:39, 0:38:59]: and the everybody there was from Eagles Landing and it was a one hundred percent um opinion they are opposed to doing this. So I really believe that we can win it on facts, figures. Um our city um treasurer and [0:38:59, 0:39:19]: And city manager presently or trying to pull together all the figures to uh show the public how uh the city of uh Stockbridge would be rated. It's something like going to the bank and saying, We're gonna take half your money, but you can keep the other half. So I want to encourage [0:39:19, 0:39:21]: Encourage uh all of us [0:39:22, 0:39:23]: Yeah. [0:39:23, 0:39:28]: if this thing blows up and gets on television and all that kind of stuff. [0:39:29, 0:39:37]: We will hurt ourselves if we do not present and speak only on facts. [0:39:38, 0:39:58]: The facts we have the facts on our side and I believe that we can present ourselves in such a way that we it'll be a slam dunk win for the city of Stockbridge and I encourage all of you to anything that is handed out to you by the city [0:39:58, 0:40:02]: Let those be your talking points. If you're in a meeting. [0:40:03, 0:40:23]: If people have questions, please direct them to the city manager of the City of Stockbridge. If you are not getting all the information you want, please contact the city manager's office. And daily we will be adding to our handout. And tonight, if you did not pick up the current [0:40:23, 0:40:40]: latest handout you'll find those out in the lobby as you leave and we would encourage you to use those to uh present to neighborhoods and we will be um getting in touch with all the HOAs and all the neighborhoods because literally [0:40:40, 0:40:58]: the three of us on this end would be taken out by this raid of the city of Stockbridge. So that would leave three of our people on council, your mayor and two of your council members would uh no longer be a part of the city government. [0:40:58, 0:41:18]: So I believe if we work together as a team and with the input from the people in the room tonight, we want you to know speak accurately. Do not let people make you angry and become angry because once you lose it and that gets out there. [0:41:18, 0:41:35]: Then people go, Well that must be why they wanted to get away from Stockbridge. That's not why they want to get away from us. We're better than that. We collectively are a beautiful co community and that is what we want to show to the public. Thank you. [0:41:37, 0:41:45]: Okay. Uh I believe that uh there's one other issue that uh Councilman um Alexander wanted to mention. Please do that now. [0:41:46, 0:41:49]: Yes, uh I wanted to talk about um [0:41:49, 0:42:09]: the potential Fourth of July event. We've always had sounds of summer concerts and um you know the one thing that um uh the city I love to see uh when the city uh about the city is when all of us come together collectively [0:42:09, 0:42:13]: Painting that portrait of the beautiful diverse city that we are. [0:42:14, 0:42:16]: One of the only when you look at the calendar [0:42:17, 0:42:37]: Uh for the not just the city of Stockbridge but Henry County and the whole South Metro Atlanta area. There is j really a dearth of some of events on the Fourth of July. Had to really search for something to do or fireworks uh display here uh in Stockbridge and in Henry County. [0:42:37, 0:42:53]: Henry County or to go downtown. I I believe that there are are are options here that we could offer to have our own Fourth of July event by simply moving one of the Sounds of Summer concerts which are already budgeted. [0:42:54, 0:42:55]: Till the fourth of July. [0:42:56, 0:43:16]: Uh the Fourth of July this year happens to be uh on a Tuesday. We normally have the Tasty Tuesda food truck event. We would simply have to have the Tasty Tuesday food trucks along with that concert event move to the Fourth of July uh adding fireworks uh for the city to participate. Uh [0:43:15, 0:43:31]: I truly believe that would be a monumental event that uh the attendance it would gr truly be standing room only because the community truly lacks those events. If we're gonna have an event in July, it would seem as though [0:43:31, 0:43:51]: If it if Fourth of July was available and no no one around us was having one an event we could a we we would be able to do so uh with very little cost because we already have the cost built in in terms of uh the Sounds of Summer concert and in terms of a food truck vendor that we're now uh perceiv [0:43:51, 0:43:54]: proceeding with uh moving forward with [0:43:54, 0:44:14]: I and the vision that is to come, uh this council has already approved uh design for an amphitheater uh out on the ball field that will be behind uh behind City Hall and in order to that uh hopefully at some point when we want to hold that event we'll be able to hold it at such a facility [0:44:14, 0:44:34]: right here in our downtown area as we continue to grow. The whole point behind drawing this drawing uh these events to downtown is that hopefully a business owners will come here, it will strike up a conversation and they will say, look at this look at the attendance, look at all these people downtown Stockbridge and it will potentially [0:44:34, 0:44:36]: Yeah. [0:44:37, 0:44:49]: Okay, thank you. Um uh if there are comments from other council people on these um issues that the councilman has brought up, we'll hear those now. Councilman Blount. [0:44:51, 0:44:52]: Yes. Um [0:44:54, 0:44:58]: I'm glad we're having a chance to have this discussion because I believe in [0:44:59, 0:45:13]: uh communities coming together. I believe in having facilities and events. Uh and uh like Councilman Alexander said that we have already budgeted uh the Sounds of Summer. One of the things is not clear to me [0:45:14, 0:45:20]: In my seat is the cost. What is the cost for um the pyrotechniques for us uh [0:45:21, 0:45:41]: different costs for uh fireworks. What is the cost is gonna be for us for uh paying employees to work on Fourth of July? What is gonna be the cost of bringing those bands uh for the Fourth of July? This is an event that we have budgeted for but now we're going beyond the cost that we budgeted. Uh one of the things I would like to see [0:45:41, 0:46:01]: The city do right now is to use our funds in areas that we've already talked about. And those funds and areas of go go ahead and get in the Karame Hamburg building torn down, getting the design for a multi use center, go ahead and attract and then get we have the funds to get started with trying to get a girls and boys club here. [0:46:01, 0:46:21]: us a senior citizens right here in the city of Stockbridge. Um we got plenty of time to have fun, ladies and gentlemen. So we already budgeted what we wanted to do. And I believe concerts do bring people together because as we sing with the food trucks, uh when you uh when you have uh entertainment they will come. Um whether they're outside of the city or inside of the city. [0:46:21, 0:46:41]: the city but when we talk about the citizens of Stockbridge as a whole, I believe we need to use those funds that we have already to allocate those funds in areas that we need to identify even more to be a betterment for the citizens of Stockbridge. I myself are not in approval for uh Fourth of July concert. [0:46:41, 0:46:50]: on one vote. I respect my other council members that want to have a fourth of July concert, but yet still I have no idea what this cost is gonna be for the citizens of Stockbridge. [0:46:51, 0:46:57]: Mayor B Um Yes. Um Councilwoman Robinson. Thank you, Mayor. [0:46:58, 0:47:18]: Um this is to the city manager or finance. Is there a possible way? I mean, cause this would be a great event for our downtown, knowing we getting ready to um rebrand and remarket and market our downtown. Is it a possibility um we're talking about funds? [0:47:18, 0:47:38]: that if we just do the concert and the fireworks and take off you know, for us having like the food trucks, you know, we can have something for as refreshments like we normally do for our concerts. Is it a possibility that we can take off food truck Tuesday for that Tuesday and just have a concert and the fireworks? [0:47:38, 0:47:46]: Is that something that we can look into to offset the cost and then that way we can come together and try to make it work? [0:47:46, 0:48:06]: Well I I'll tell you just on based on preliminary estimates from some of our staff, the the big cost is the pyrotechnics is going to be the fireworks. Um depending on the day if it's going to be, if the the council desire to have it on the fourth, then you're probably looking at anywhere between fifteen to twenty two thousand dollars for [0:48:06, 0:48:09]: about a fifteen to twenty minute fireworks show. [0:48:09, 0:48:25]: That's just for the fireworks and this was um these were quotes from four different four different um companies are all about the same area and they do they currently do fireworks fire fireworks displays for some of the other municipalities and some of the other areas. Um [0:48:25, 0:48:35]: If it's a c a day close to the fourth, then that number drops to about ballpark ten million ten ten thousand dollars is about the number we heard. Um [0:48:35, 0:48:46]: And just as a point of clarification, there is the Nash Farm is in in Henry County. They do offer fireworks as well here in Henry County. That's been the one. And there are some other that are close by in Atlanta Beach, but [0:48:47, 0:48:50]: to your point, the um [0:48:50, 0:49:03]: Yeah, pyrotechnics that would be anywhere from fifteen to twenty, twenty two thousand on the day of. Um the challenge also becomes if we're having a ban, and I don't know if the ban date has been set for that day or not. [0:49:03, 0:49:19]: than getting a ban for that day, that cost may be a bit higher because this is a premium date obviously. Um I I think the lesser of the cost would likely be the uh food trucks. But again we've gone through and worked at some preliminary some preliminary estimates. So we're talking about [0:49:19, 0:49:28]: When you add in overtime, staffing, generators, things of that nature. I mean you're probably on a day uh the fourth of July, you could be anywhere from twenty five to thirty thousand. [0:49:29, 0:49:30]: Ballpark estimate. [0:49:31, 0:49:50]: Uh yes. Pro Tem Ford? Yes. My initial thoughts are I'm I'm in favor of something like this, but obviously the when you look at the numbers uh the cost factor, we've got to weigh that in there since it's not a all of that's all not fully budgeted. We talk about fifteen, twenty thousand dollars in this aspect'cause it's fireworks itself, it'd be a nice event. [0:49:50, 0:49:56]: But is is it cost effective. So that's one thing uh that uh we obviously we have to look at and make a good logical decision on. [0:49:56, 0:49:57]: Um [0:49:57, 0:50:17]: Now I guess as we do this, uh we we're talking about downtown and fireworks, pyrotechnics, I guess it has to be and I know we you'll talk to companies that do this and understand this, but it can't be probably in close proximity to any type of homes more in an open field. A lot of times it's uh b uh communities that have water or lake, they do it from the lake and people so things like that have [0:50:17, 0:50:24]: to be played into the decision uh making aspect of this. But uh it'd be a great thing to have, but is it feasible? Is it affordable? [0:50:24, 0:50:43]: uh as as a as a staff does heavy lifting, I know you'll get the information back to us so we can make a real solid decision on on whether or not it makes sense. I'd like to see it, but is it really cost effective and does it make sense? So and and that is part of the research that they did, the preliminary research, they did reach out to the fire department and and even the companies themselves. It's [0:50:44, 0:51:00]: ballpark around five to seven hundred feet of clear area um away from any homes or vehicles or anything else, so identifying that area and the the logistics associated with where the people would be located, parking and things of that nature. So um [0:51:01, 0:51:05]: Yeah, there's a there's um there's um pieces that would need to be filled in and needless to say [0:51:05, 0:51:25]: um in March to do something in July on an event like that, there's even an availability issue at this point. So I know you the staff's gonna do some good work for us and be so we can make a good decision one way or the other. Thanks. Maybe any other comments? Uh Councilman Robinson I could just have one last I know the um city of Jonesboro they have [0:51:25, 0:51:33]: fireworks. It was same area like what we have. They have buildings, they have homes. [0:51:33, 0:51:43]: and they were able to do it. So I know i it d it the determining factor would be what we're trying to do. Um it so I guess [0:51:46, 0:51:50]: I w I would like to see if we can reach out and get some different s you know [0:51:51, 0:52:11]: numbers or something because I know there's there's there's trees, all of that. Right. It right there in the city of Jonesboro. And they're set up just like us. Yeah, I c I can tell you, Atlanta Pyrotechnics is the one that does Jonesboro. Okay. And we spoke with them. Okay. Um and they were their quote was between twelve five and fifteen thousand. Okay. [0:52:11, 0:52:12]: Um [0:52:12, 0:52:16]: said they're about booked for the fourth, but they need [0:52:17, 0:52:21]: open area six to seven hundred feet away from vehicles and people to launch fireworks, so [0:52:22, 0:52:24]: They were right in line with all the other [0:52:25, 0:52:33]: four or five other firms said as well. So I'm not saying it can't be done. I'm saying these are the parameters that we're trying to work within and finding the location that would be appropriate. [0:52:33, 0:52:35]: Would be um the challenges associated with that. [0:52:36, 0:52:39]: Any other comments from council members? [0:52:40, 0:53:00]: Is it appropriate to do a request for qualifications possibly to kind of get some actual concrete numbers rather than just taking what is out there so we can actually understand um what uh is available and then what the actual charges are going to be um uh for [0:52:59, 0:53:01]: For the project. [0:53:01, 0:53:06]: Y yeah, we can. I mean I think the challenge now is typically these are these things booked [0:53:07, 0:53:23]: nine, twelve months in advance, I believe, and talking to some of the staff members. So just don't know what kind of uh bids we're gonna get at this this late of a date. I think that's the challenge associated with it. And obviously doing something last minute, you're gonna be paying a premium price as well. [0:53:24, 0:53:32]: I think that's I think I think you know, we can certainly do that. That's the the wish of the of the council. But just be prepared. I mean it may be some sticker shock if if the numbers that come in. [0:53:33, 0:53:37]: Okay. Um Okay, we'll have one more question. Councilman Blount. [0:53:38, 0:53:40]: What was budgeted for the three [0:53:40, 0:53:42]: sounds of somers initially. [0:53:45, 0:53:45]: Well we [0:53:46, 0:53:48]: Okay. What was budgeted for the two then? [0:53:48, 0:53:53]: The question is what was budgeted for the two sounds of music events? [0:53:55, 0:54:00]: Yeah, did you say in thirty? I'm not exactly sure. Was it forty? I think we [0:54:01, 0:54:01]: Um [0:54:02, 0:54:15]: If we if we cut it back to two it was probably thirty round thirty. Yeah. I think at one point it was what you're looking at is about fifteen thousand dollars each for allotted for each concert if it's two. So now you're talking about [0:54:16, 0:54:21]: more than doubling that for pyrotechnique staff and and and uh quality concerts. [0:54:22, 0:54:23]: Is that what we're talking about? [0:54:24, 0:54:32]: think when we go back and look at the the actual cost from the concerts, yeah, I think somewhere between that twelve to fifteen ballpark range per concert. [0:54:33, 0:54:45]: What was already allotted for Correct, that's yeah, that's what I'm saying. So I think that's what about the ballpark number was for those concerts. So yeah, I think we're talking about twenty five to thirty thousand based on the early estimates that we've received. [0:54:46, 0:54:55]: But then that goes back to what I'm when I talk about being good stewards of the citizens' money, mm that we can't I don't believe that we should double [0:54:56, 0:54:57]: what we've already allotted in our budget. [0:54:58, 0:55:07]: for a concert just to have it on the fourth of July. I would like to see a zoo here. Does that mean that with the city the citizens of Stockbridge fund the zoo? [0:55:08, 0:55:11]: W there are things that we can go out and do, I believe. [0:55:12, 0:55:16]: that we now have to focus this city has identified [0:55:16, 0:55:26]: many areas that we can focus on and I think that we need to move on those areas with the city funds because we need to put viable things in our community for the citizens. [0:55:26, 0:55:31]: more than a one moment situation that's going to double the uh uh what we've already allotted for it. [0:55:32, 0:55:35]: Okay. If there are no other uh [0:55:36, 0:55:47]: points of discussion here. We will leave this back with the city council, I mean with the city manager for um a possible agenda item for the next meeting. [0:55:50, 0:55:55]: At this time uh we will call on our city manager if he has any comments he'd like to [0:55:56, 0:56:16]: No no comments. Just to kind of reiterate what was stated earlier in regards to questions that may come up um concerning either the city's annexation request, and I think that is a key point to also bring up that the city also has a complementary uh legislation that's going through the legislature right now requesting a annexation request to clean up our borders. [0:56:16, 0:56:32]: and provide better service delivery as well. Um so that's also making its way through the um through the legislative cycle. Um so if anyone has questions about that or the proposal as we know to provide any facts we have related to the city's numbers and the impact on the city. Again we are pro [0:56:33, 0:56:43]: in the process of putting those numbers together now, but um if anyone would like to me to come out and meet or speak to HOA or any on along those lines, certainly welcome the opportunity. [0:56:44, 0:56:44]: Okay. [0:56:45, 0:56:46]: Um [0:56:46, 0:56:55]: At this time uh if we have any closing comments from city council members that you haven't already made this evening, [0:56:55, 0:56:57]: Okay, start with Councilman Blount. [0:56:58, 0:56:59]: I mean, sorry, Alexander. [0:57:00, 0:57:20]: Yes, uh thank you, Mayor Neal. I wanted to first of all salute uh the trailblazing women that we honor tonight and let every woman in this community know that uh she is valued and that she is loved and we want to honor you not just today but uh every day of our service. Uh [0:57:20, 0:57:40]: we want to do that. I wanna fur I wanna next say that um you know that we got some preliminary numbers uh from the city and it was good from the treasurer. I requested the information and it looks like we're gonna add about two point five million dollars to the city reserve funds which will take us [0:57:40, 0:58:00]: We already had eight point seven uh should go up about another two and a half million and take us over ten million dollars um plus in reserve funds. So the numbers and the reserves are very good. We have you know over ten million dollars in splash funds available for the city. You see that we have endeavored [0:58:00, 0:58:20]: Councilwoman Robinson led the charge this weekend for us to clean up the litter uh on our streets. We've uh partnered with the Doctor Road program. We had pickup um on Walt Stevens Road by Global Impact Church. Uh we I led a group myself on Jodico Road, and if you haven't [0:58:20, 0:58:31]: haven't been down to Johto Co Road in a while, please do so. Take a look at it. It looks absolutely fabulous. Chairwoman June Wood joined us to pick up and we see it every day. [0:58:32, 0:58:52]: when we drive down the street and somebody throws a cup out of their car or plate. It's unacceptable. And we want our community to look better and that's one of the things that I ran on is that we're gonna clean up the streets all over Stockbridge and Councilwoman Robinson is leading the charge in order to do that, in order to clean up the city, to get to make the city [0:58:52, 0:59:08]: city look like it should so you can be proud of the city uh of Stockbridge that you call home. That's something that we always want to do uh to push the envelope on that to make sure that we're making you proud uh of your service and thank you so much. [0:59:09, 0:59:10]: Councilman Blount. [0:59:11, 0:59:14]: Yes, I want to thank this whole council for um [0:59:15, 0:59:35]: for putting money the money in the budget for beautification. Uh I thank Councilwoman for her passion for uh moving forward with in the areas of uh beautification. I I would uh ask that every church would follow our lead. I'm a member at Global Impact Christian Manager, one of the social ministers there, and we were. We was out on Walt Stevens Road and we but one of the [0:59:35, 0:59:50]: the first churches to adopt the highway. So beautification is an is an awesome uh task for any council to do but and I thank God that uh we're uh making that work here in the city of uh Stockbridge. Uh one of the things I also want to say is that uh [0:59:50, 0:59:51]: Um [0:59:51, 0:59:55]: The National Day of Prayer's coming up and it's uh it was it's the first uh [0:59:56, 0:59:59]: It's the first Thursday in uh May. [0:59:59, 1:00:19]: And uh we'll be getting information out pertaining to the National Day of Prayer. I believe prayers uh needed in every aspect of life. Uh personal life, business, anywhere, any marriages, singleness, uh, if you will. And uh National Day of Prayer here at City of Stopbury is gonna be uh and around this country, uh it's gonna be on the in the first [1:00:19, 1:00:23]: first Thursday of uh May and we'll be getting out more information on that. [1:00:25, 1:00:40]: Uh Council uh Pro Tem Ford. Thank you, Mayor, appreciate it. Uh thank you citizens for coming out tonight. Congrat congratulations once again to all the ladies that were honored as being travel leaders in a sense in their in their particular prospective career fields and and uh and all ladies that [1:00:41, 1:01:01]: period in reference to Women's History Month. So it's great to to honor you ladies. Um also this month is uh Prevent Child Abuse Month, so some of us are actually wearing blue tonight in reference to that. And it's also not to steal the the mayor's thunder, I guess you may say, but uh is also l located on the on your activities for this month. Well we have paint [1:01:00, 1:01:15]: Henry Blue and we'll have a kickoff campaign uh right here at Merrill Manors uh conference center on the thirtieth of March. Outside of that, uh continue to be engaged, continue to keep the faith as we uh uh move the city forward. And you all have a great month. Thank you. [1:01:16, 1:01:17]: Councilman Gaint. [1:01:18, 1:01:21]: Um on the committee um [1:01:22, 1:01:41]: Council member committee meetings and initiatives. Um I just wanted to make a correction for senior fund night. It will be lo held on the twenty second, not the twenty-third, and that's senior citizens fund day from two to five PM at Ted Strickland Community Center. Um and we would ask for anyone to come out and support. Thank you. [1:01:43, 1:01:44]: Councillor Robinson. [1:01:45, 1:02:05]: Yes, thank you, Mayor. I want to again congratulate all the women who were honored here tonight and thanks the citizens for coming out. We got to meet a lot of new people on tonight. Also um for the beautification efforts, again want to thank um uh Global Impact Ministries for being the recipient of the the first recipient of the [1:02:05, 1:02:25]: beautification adopt the role program that we kicked off here is totally different than what the council approved for as funding. This is something that we're just out there getting the community involved. So the community once they come out they're initiating within their own churches so that way they can adjust [1:02:25, 1:02:45]: adopt a role which is a mall. So that is um totally separate um what the council approved. So we just want to let all other churches requesting for you to get involved, get involved with your community, because we have so much that we need to do together. And together if we do it we can be successful. Also with the Council of [1:02:45, 1:03:05]: Aging. Um we do have our first beautification on the same day. Um but I just want to let Miss Mildred and Mr Anderson know that I will try to work on the calendar to see if I can adjust that because I do want to participate with you all as well. So um we would definitely look at trying to see if we can adjust that. But again, um congratulations to [1:03:05, 1:03:25]: mayor being the first female um mayor here in the city of Stockbridge and to my colleagues. Um it it together we can make this um happen for this city. We were placed here to serve, to do whatever we need to do and I just hope in that we can strongly in a positive way work together so that way we can do it and move [1:03:25, 1:03:45]: forward. Thank you. Thank you. I have just a couple of quick things I want to share. If you picked up your agenda coming in the door tonight, there are official city meeting dates noted there and also council member community meeting dates. I want to remind you that when you hear the word [1:03:45, 1:04:05]: Town hall, those will all be held at the city hall. Those will be official city meetings. If you hear the word community meetings, that will be that one of the five council people is having a meeting somewhere in the in the community. But those do not confuse themselves. [1:04:05, 1:04:25]: Those with the official meetings of the city, which will be called town hall meetings this year. Also, I would really like to tell you real quick that we had a wonderful thing happen this week. We had a ribbon cutting for our beautiful new Marriott, Fairfield Inn, here in Stockbridge. It's exquisitely beautiful. If you have out-of-town [1:04:25, 1:04:45]: company and you want to put them somewhere if you don't have enough room at your home, I would highly recommend that. Um some of us like to keep some family and we like to send some over to the hotel, you know. So uh that's a beautiful one and um we had a blessing that came out of that and I want to share it with [1:04:45, 1:05:05]: you tonight. Um we got a call uh just before end of day, the day before uh that ribbon cutting and the new owner of the hotel wanted to make a contribution to um they asked for the mayor's favorite charity. Well now that was a hard one because there are a lot of wonderful charities. [1:05:05, 1:05:06]: [3907.2, 3927.2]: But I remembered that we have seven hundred Stockbridge students in a program called the Leader in Me program at Cotton Indian Elementary School. So some quick thinking. We got um uh that information back to uh the owner of the hotel. He presented [1:05:27, 1:05:40]: a check for one thousand dollars to help the Stockbridge students with a little whisper under his breath, there might be more money later. So I wanted you to know that. [1:05:42, 1:06:02]: And we also um are leaning on him to move his headquarters from Warner Robbins, Georgia to Stockbridge. So let's pray for that to happen because we would love to have a hotel year that owns seven hotels in Middle Georgia, one in Stockbridge and [1:06:02, 1:06:10]: four being built in Atlanta to headquarter here in Stockbridge. But another thing I want to share with you real quick [1:06:10, 1:06:30]: His finance guy was in town from India. He had just gotten off a flight the night before from India. Uh speaks fluent English, very capable, obviously, person um in the lending field, and he was so impressed with the Leader in Me program that he is in [1:06:30, 1:06:37]: in contact with Steve Cash who is the on the ground person for the Quality Growth Council [1:06:37, 1:06:57]: in this program. And he is building three schools in India. He wants this program in those three schools. So Stockbridge did something great last week. We're very proud of all of those who had anything to do with bringing the hotel to Stockbridge. But tonight we just want to give a praise [1:06:57, 1:07:02]: and thanks to the new owner of Fairfield Inn. So thank you. [1:07:08, 1:07:10]: At this time. [1:07:11, 1:07:25]: Um we've talked about uh painting Henry blue. So at this time uh I'll ask our executive counsel if we need an executive session. Uh yes, ma'am, a very brief one for litigation, real estate and personnel. [1:07:26, 1:07:28]: All right. You heard that. Um [1:07:29, 1:07:36]: At this time to go to ex executive session I need a motion to move to executive session. [1:07:36, 1:07:50]: Manil, I move that we go into executive session on b for the purpose of litigating real estate and personnel matters. Do I hear a second? Uh okay, that's Councilwoman Gantt, uh Pro Tem Ford. Any discussion? [1:07:51, 1:07:53]: If not, all in favor. [1:07:54, 1:08:03]: Okay, we're going to executive session. I can't tell you how long we'll be gone, but uh if you want to stick around we'll come back out and report to you when we come out. Thank you. [1:08:40, 1:08:57]: [4145.0, 4157.7]: [1:09:18, 1:09:20]: Uh [1:09:40, 1:09:45]: [4195.0, 4210.0]: Yeah, yeah, I mean, we're still going to be able to do that. [1:10:15, 1:10:25]: [4225.4, 4231.1]: Yeah, [1:10:45, 1:10:55]: [4256.5, 4260.8]: [1:11:01, 1:11:15]: No, that's not like that. Um [1:11:16, 1:11:35]: Well I think. [1:11:40, 1:11:50]: No, I don't like it. [1:11:55, 1:11:56]: [4340.0, 4357.0]: Yeah, but you think about that. [1:12:44, 1:12:48]: Um watch index is a whole uh website. [1:12:52, 1:13:07]: [4390.3, 4395.1]: [1:13:18, 1:13:19]: Yeah, we're gonna [1:13:27, 1:13:30]: Okay. [1:13:40, 1:14:00]: [4440.0, 4460.0]: All right. And then I thought you were sure. [1:14:19, 1:14:24]: No. [1:14:35, 1:14:55]: So that one. [1:14:55, 1:15:00]: Yeah, I'm not really [1:15:10, 1:15:11]: [4521.3, 4528.0]: [1:15:28, 1:15:30]: [4535.0, 4545.0]: [1:15:50, 1:15:51]: [4551.8, 4555.0]: And she's probably [1:16:30, 1:16:40]: [4615.0, 4625.0]: [1:17:09, 1:17:29]: I'll stop there, yeah. So I'm all saying it's a lot of things. [1:17:29, 1:17:33]: Well it's like [1:17:33, 1:17:53]: [4673.7, 4685.0]: [1:18:05, 1:18:07]: [4696.1, 4702.9]: [1:18:23, 1:18:25]: But I mean. [1:18:41, 1:18:45]: Yeah, I'm still [1:18:48, 1:18:50]: Oh she thinks I'm [1:18:51, 1:18:54]: This isn't what you though. [1:18:54, 1:19:10]: [4755.0, 4775.0]: Yeah, that well and yeah, but then I thought we're fine. Yeah, or why is it uh moving right there? [1:19:34, 1:19:52]: [4792.4, 4805.1]: I guess the word. [1:20:14, 1:20:34]: Aren't you trying to do all the stuff that's one of the screens last week not on the number of that? Well [1:20:34, 1:20:40]: [4846.7, 4852.4]: Well sure that's how we got it. [1:20:55, 1:21:15]: [4875.0, 4893.0]: And we're talking about in the middle of the right. [1:21:35, 1:21:50]: Um what do you mean that's what you mean? Oh yeah. [1:21:55, 1:22:15]: Okay. Well okay. I'll just do all that. [1:22:15, 1:22:17]: Yeah, I think. [1:24:40, 1:24:43]: [5433.2, 5435.2]: And that's [1:30:38, 1:30:40]: Uh [1:30:45, 1:30:55]: [5455.0, 5472.3]: I would I wouldn't need to take it. I have I had I couldn't have it. Okay, well [2:43:45, 2:43:45]: Yeah. [2:43:46, 2:43:51]: We could save money just get this air conditioning under control out here. [2:44:04, 2:44:06]: Hey. [2:44:07, 2:44:27]: It did get hot in there. Okay. We need a motion to end our executive session. Motion to end executive sessions? Second. [2:44:27, 2:44:30]: discussion on ending executive session. [2:44:31, 2:44:33]: No discussion. All in favor? [2:44:35, 2:44:42]: Now then we need a motion to end our formal council meeting tonight. Reconvene. I mean reconvene, sorry. [2:44:43, 2:44:55]: Mayor, I move that we reconvene our regular scheduled meeting. Do I hear a second? Second. All right, we have a motion by Gantt, second by Ford, and any discussion to reconvene. [2:44:56, 2:44:58]: No discussion. All in favor? [2:44:59, 2:45:02]: Now I need a motion to end the meeting. [2:45:05, 2:45:11]: A second. All right. We have a motion to end by Robinson and a second by Gantt, the meeting. [2:45:11, 2:45:12]: Any discussion? [2:45:14, 2:45:15]: All in favour? [2:45:15, 2:45:17]: Okay, the meeting's over.