2017-12-19 · City Council · Transcript · Work Session Meeting

--- title: December 19 2017 Work Session Meeting date: 2017-12-19 source: 2017-12-19_December_19_2017_Work_Session_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:08, 0:00:27]: At this time I'm going to call the December 19th, 2017, 6 p.m. meeting of the Stockbridge City Council to order. And at this time, um I'm gonna take personal uh pleasure here calling on my son Scott Gilbert to ask him if he would come up and uh give our invitation this evening. [0:00:29, 0:00:35]: And after he opens us with prayer, uh please remain standing for the pledge to the flag. [0:00:40, 0:00:44]: Good evening. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Let's all bow our heads, please. [0:00:45, 0:01:05]: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this special privilege tonight. We thank you for these people that are here as leaders of our city, of our hometown. And we just ask you to give them wisdom, justice, and moderation, as our state pledge says, in doing the business of the city. We uh also ask that you would uh guide and protect the city. [0:01:05, 0:01:25]: us through the holiday seasons and all the busy traffic that we deal with and we just also ask that you would uh get everybody home tonight safely and that we will enjoy our holidays. But again we thank you for these these fine citizens and the and the leaders of our city here tonight. Thank you so much and and uh thank you for the opportunity you allowed me to be here tonight as well. [0:01:25, 0:01:31]: in my hometown, which I love so much. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. [0:01:33, 0:01:45]: United States of America and to Broadway which is stands on a nation, undeveloped, and invisible justice world. [0:01:50, 0:01:55]: At this time we're gonna ask our clerk if she will to have the evening roll call. [0:01:57, 0:01:58]: Councilman Alexander. [0:01:59, 0:02:01]: Councilman Blount, Mayor Neal. [0:02:01, 0:02:05]: Present. Mayor Pro Tam Ford. Present. Councilwoman Gantt. [0:02:06, 0:02:15]: Councilwoman Robinson. Present. Mayor Neal, you have a quorum. Thank you. At this time I need to uh ask for a motion to amend the agenda [0:02:16, 0:02:18]: I mean rather to adopt the agenda. [0:02:19, 0:02:20]: Don't move. [0:02:21, 0:02:24]: We have a motion to adopt. Do we have a second? [0:02:25, 0:02:30]: We have a motion and a second to uh adopt the agenda. Is there any discussion? [0:02:31, 0:02:33]: If not, all in favor? [0:02:34, 0:02:45]: Thank you. At this time we're just going to call attention for a review of minutes for the following meetings, 1113 and for our work session 1128. [0:02:45, 0:03:05]: At this time, Madam Clerk, do we have any uh comments from the public? There are no public comments. No public comments tonight. Okay, in that case we're gonna call forward our public works director, Deshus Aaron, and ask him to give us some uh old business updates starting with item number one regarding city hall heating and air. [0:03:05, 0:03:06]: [190.7, 207.9]: Thank you, Madam Mayor and Council. We're still at the same point we were at last meeting. We're still developing the scope of work so that we can build this project out for the repair or and our replacement of the H-SBAC system at City Hall and Merrill Manders. [0:03:29, 0:03:49]: Okay. Um having heard that now we're gonna get uh an update on our municipal court renovations. Yes madam mayor, they're still in the process of developing the scope of work for the remediation work at the uh municipal court building and once we get that completed then we'll put out an RFP the to get [0:03:49, 0:03:50]: The uh [0:03:50, 0:03:52]: Municipal court building back in service. [0:03:53, 0:04:13]: All right, thank you. Now, oh, do you have a question? Yes, I do. Okay, thank you. Uh d you said scope of work. Okay, so you have any idea when we may receive that? I mean an uh an industrial hygienist came and did a walkthrough on December the 6th. He said two weeks after he uh finished this walkthrough, he would be developed the scope. [0:04:13, 0:04:25]: scope of work, but as we know it's the holiday time and things are probably going to slow down, so I'll touch bases with them tomorrow morning to see where we stand on getting that scope of work so we can get that project bidded out. [0:04:26, 0:04:46]: Any other questions? Okay. Uh in that case, let's move on to council consideration to approve the twenty eighteen water sewer rates. Uh yes, madam mayor. Uh the city manager and I said I know had a discussion in reference to the to the water rates and one of the things we want to be mindful that the water and sewer [0:04:46, 0:05:06]: Uh enterprise funds are self-sustaining and able to support themselves. So we're recommending Henry County's recommend they're passing a two percent rate increase. We're recommending a three and a half percent, which would be one point five percent of what Henry County is doing so that we can ensure that we're uh [0:05:06, 0:05:26]: able to maintain these systems. We're gonna be taking money out of fund balance to finish paying for the uh AMI metering system. We're also using fund balance to make a difference in the budget this year and we just want to make sure that the utility is able to support itself without having to get money from the general fund. [0:05:26, 0:05:29]: fund or continue to dip in the fund balance. [0:05:30, 0:05:33]: Okay. Any questions on that? [0:05:34, 0:05:36]: Do we need a vote on that particular item? [0:05:37, 0:05:38]: Mr. Aaron. [0:05:38, 0:05:40]: I have a question, Mayor. [0:05:40, 0:05:51]: Okay, let me find out first and then we'll come back to the question. We will need to vote on it. All right, in in that case, uh do you want to ask your question before we call for the motion? [0:05:52, 0:06:00]: Yes, please. Okay, Mr. Blount. Only um because we talked about doing a um cost analysis for the uh for the water and sewer. [0:06:02, 0:06:22]: Yes. Before any increase and I want us to address that because if we unless we do a cost analysis on it, then we don't have any hard numbers to go by for me to to approve any increase uh for the citizens if we don't have any hard hard numbers right now without a cost analysis for services. [0:06:22, 0:06:42]: I I sent an email to the to the mayor and council earlier and and mentioned um a water rate analysis which would be a very in-depth um examination of our current system and it would analyze uh revenue projections, demand, depreciation, and all of those factors that go into sustaining [0:06:42, 0:06:47]: a water system and uh it is something that I would recommend [0:06:47, 0:07:07]: um that we uh undertake and um uh certainly with the council's um direction we certainly want to do that. Um that would give excuse me that would give you a um a much more in-depth analysis of the current system and what it will take to sustain the system over [0:07:07, 0:07:08]: Yeah. [0:07:08, 0:07:11]: Uh which obviously would be connected to [0:07:11, 0:07:20]: [440.5, 441.9]: It will let us know [0:07:22, 0:07:29]: if the rate that we're trying to raise it w uh w the rate that we're wanting to raise it to to three point two [0:07:30, 0:07:32]: With that increased fund balance. [0:07:33, 0:07:38]: or not or will that or where we at where we're at now, is that sustainable? [0:07:39, 0:07:53]: for what we're doing and we don't know that right now but we're gonna but I I couldn't approve three point I w I wouldn't approve three point two uh two percent uh height and we don't have an analysis that is is uh justified to do it. [0:07:54, 0:08:05]: Well, my concern right now is within this year you're gonna take out over a half a million. You're gonna take out five hundred thousand dollars for your fund balance from your fund balance. [0:08:05, 0:08:19]: uh over 250,000 to pay for the installation of the AMI metering system and also you're taking another$300,000 out of your fund balance for the budget, for the FY 2018 budget. [0:08:20, 0:08:40]: Yeah, but that's not a recurring, that's a one-time removal for to pay for those uh for that. I'm talking about the sustainability is those recurring rates and if we'll raise the water bill 3.2, what what effect would that be for sustainability in the future and we wouldn't know that unless we have a cost analysis done. [0:08:40, 0:08:52]: Like I said, one of my concerns is you're using over$300,000 this year fund balance, so you've got a shortfall somewhere in order for you to be dipping into your reserves to balance your budget. [0:08:52, 0:08:55]: And and that's my concern. [0:08:55, 0:09:03]: Okay, let's move forward. Do I hear a motion at this time that we accept the recommendation of our public works director? [0:09:05, 0:09:12]: On the issue of the uh water and sewer rates um increasing three point five percent, do I hear a motion? [0:09:13, 0:09:23]: I make a motion there. All right, we have a motion. Do I hear a second? Second. We have a motion and a second. We've had some discussion. Anybody else on the council have any other things they want to add? [0:09:24, 0:09:26]: If not, all in favor. [0:09:28, 0:09:33]: Okay. We have uh three yeses. We [0:09:33, 0:09:37]: Do we have an abstain or no from the other two? Would you like to speak up? [0:09:38, 0:09:42]: We have a no from Mr. Blount. We have a no from Ms. Gantt. [0:09:43, 0:09:53]: The motion did pass. All right, now we're going to move forward and go into a public hearing to discuss um STKR investments. [0:09:54, 0:09:59]: And that will be brought to us by our community development director, Camilla Moore. [0:10:02, 0:10:04]: I'm sorry. [0:10:05, 0:10:06]: Oh, sounds good. [0:10:07, 0:10:10]: Could we just put you on pause just for a minute? [0:10:10, 0:10:16]: Um I overshot the deal. I need our attorney to come up. He's got a presentation. [0:10:18, 0:10:38]: Good evening, Madam Mayor and City Council. Merry Christmas. Um you have before you a uh policy that was discussed at the last council meeting and was was tabled. No action was taken on it. Um but this is uh I'll just read the proposed policy change. [0:10:38, 0:10:58]: because it speaks for itself, but it's related to inadvertent releases of information related to economic development projects or undue or inappropriate political involvement in economic development projects. So the policy is aimed to avoid that. The policy says as follows. [0:10:58, 0:11:18]: City staff is requested to not release any information to any council members pertaining to pending development applications or economic development inquiries unless a vote on such matters is required of the mayor and council. In such cases, all information shall be conveyed to the entire mayor and council concurrently. So that's the proposed policy. [0:11:18, 0:11:22]: and uh it's just back before you for any potential action. [0:11:23, 0:11:31]: Okay, we've heard the presentation from our uh our attorney Mike Williams on item number four. Do I hear a motion? [0:11:38, 0:11:48]: All right, we have a motion from Mr. Blount on item number four, council consideration to approve development projects policy. Uh do I hear a second? [0:11:48, 0:11:52]: Second. I hear a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? [0:11:54, 0:11:57]: Okay. We have two yeses to my right, starting with Mr. Blount. [0:12:00, 0:12:07]: This policy is well needed because in the past we've had information going out that didn't need to go out. [0:12:08, 0:12:24]: time so I I I appreciate this being recognized because as long as we see to move forward like we want to move forward and strategy what's best for the citizens and what they're input and moving things in the time we have and holding back things in the time. We need something. [0:12:26, 0:12:30]: All right, thank you. Uh how about Mr. Alexander has comment? [0:12:30, 0:12:50]: Uh yes, thank you so much, Mayor. We had a in-depth discussion on this uh last week. Uh basically this policy is not w worth the paper that it's written on because uh what really happens is when you have development agreements, phone calls, contacts, those [0:12:50, 0:13:10]: Every last one of those are subject to open records requests. So if some if a development happened to contact Stockbridge or a business person happened to inquire via email or via any type of communication, and if they applied for a building permit, all of that information [0:13:10, 0:13:30]: information is relevant information that is readily available to any member of the public. What this policy proposes to do is to prevent council members who are serving from properly serving their individual constituents. Let's say [0:13:30, 0:13:37]: the project that's on uh tonight, which is the Campground Road Extension Project. [0:13:37, 0:13:57]: If this policy were to pass, the staff would not be able to uh relay any of that information to me as a council member, the mayor, or any of us, because uh it would be deemed uh unnecessary. But members of the public, uh the business community, [0:13:57, 0:14:17]: or any individual period, including the council members, would be able to request that. So if this policy did pass, like it is, in its current form, what would happen is the first what is prohibited from being given to council members or any of us, we simply would have to [0:14:17, 0:14:22]: do an open records request and that information would be relayed to us. [0:14:22, 0:14:42]: Uh just like it would be for any of you. Uh personally, uh just like uh if you go to Henry County and Henry County uh has building permits or counts information related to them, they readily uh disperse that information to any members of the public in any of the [0:14:42, 0:14:44]: Yeah. [0:14:45, 0:15:05]: This policy just seems totally backwards that you would have a uh you would have the staff with knowledge of developments and projects that were coming to the city of Stockbridge and that you would not have the council members or the elected body aware of those potential projects. [0:15:05, 0:15:25]: Personally speaking for me, I am a realtor and I have access to data that no one else on this council would actually have. Pushing forward with that would put the other four members and the mayor in a position where there would be information readily available to the public. [0:15:25, 0:15:30]: public that the public would not that council members would not have access to. [0:15:31, 0:15:43]: I'm going to have that information on any development that comes before us twelve months to six months out. But this is not about me. It's about the next person to hold this seat. [0:15:43, 0:15:48]: 'Cause when they have a development that is proposed right next to their neighborhood [0:15:48, 0:16:08]: They might not have any information on it to relate to the public. And that is a problem. That is a serious problem. So passing a policy that would basically require us or any member up here to issue a uh an open records request to get the same information so it will not [0:16:08, 0:16:28]: Do anything to prohibit us from getting that information. We just have to do an open records request just like anybody else would have to do. So basically the policy is worthless. It's not written worth the paper that it's written on. And I also take an affront to the communication because [0:16:28, 0:16:48]: I can look at every staff member in this building and so can everybody else sitting up here and said, I don't question their integrity at all because no one has given any a member of this board any information that I'm aware of and if that is the case we should deal that with that a staff member. But [0:16:48, 0:17:00]: uh none of that has occurred. So I stand 100% behind the integrity of the staff and the confidentiality of inf any information that is relayed. [0:17:02, 0:17:22]: All right, thank you, Mr. Alexander. Are there other comments? Ma Madam Mayor, if if I may, Ms. Moore wanted to make a statement in support of the policy, but if I could clarify, um it was suggested that the zoning matter tonight, information about that would not be available to Mayor and Council. And that's not true. [0:17:22, 0:17:36]: under the policy because that requires a vote of the council. And so that would be information we would certainly be providing to you all leading up to the meeting. So I just want to make that clarification and let Ms. Moore make a statement. [0:17:36, 0:17:56]: Right. Uh I just want to talk to the intent of what I think this is trying to get after. And if it needs to be amended to get to the intent, I think at the end of the day that's what staff is trying to achieve. In my discussions with the development community, and this is what you hired me to do, there is sensitivity in the development community. [0:17:56, 0:17:59]: community concerned who the anchors will be. [0:18:00, 0:18:20]: When a when a owner of land comes in, he's speculating and he's attempting to get tenants to go into the buildings, into those space. And so a lot of times there's a lot of negotiations in place. Simply because someone gets a permit does not mean that the development is coming. [0:18:19, 0:18:39]: It just means that they're permitted. There are people who permit stuff, a couple of subdivisions, and it's been four or five years, and some of it still haven't happened. So what the intent of this is, is to protect the integrity of the development community so that we don't spoof those companies and businesses that [0:18:39, 0:18:55]: desire to come into the city of Scott Bridge because it's the art of the game in trying to get development. We met with someone today, and we had met with them two weeks ago and they said, look, this is a very sensitive deal. [0:18:55, 0:19:15]: We want to come. But the owner does not want to release the information in terms of who the potential tenant is because we're still in negotiation back and forth. Well today we met with them and they brought the individuals because we did not divulge that information and we're attempting to [0:19:15, 0:19:32]: to work out the deal. So what I would suggest, you're correct, citizens can do open rec requests, but there has to be something to trigger for them to do it. I don't think staff has any issue with you having the information. [0:19:33, 0:19:53]: What we would like to say is because you are elected officials, if a deal is going to be spoofed, if a deal breaks down, let it not be said that it broke down because one of you shared the information. If someone from the outside wants to do an open records request and they want [0:19:53, 0:20:13]: want to put it out there on the block, so be it. But it's your deal. It is your development community. And so if we need to change the the wording of this to get to that point where we can agree we will give you the information, but could you protect the integrity of the development [0:20:12, 0:20:32]: community by not sharing it until the final permit that says they're going vertical occurs. And and and that was only the intent, Mr. Alexander. And that was based on the conversations that have I had. And as you know as we go through with the Jodico project, it's just sensible [0:20:32, 0:20:39]: sensitive information when you're trying to move projects forward. And I just want to add that. However you want to make it work. [0:20:39, 0:20:59]: Thank you, Ms. Moore. Is there further discussion from the council? I have uh uh one from uh Miss Robinson. Thank you, Mayor. Um thank you for clarifying that. I wish you we could have had that at the last meeting um because we probably wouldn't have came back this week. But my only concern [0:20:59, 0:21:19]: you've just clarified that I just don't want to be an elected official and something is taking place that I'm aware of, but if you have another piece, I can't serve my citizens to well we can work together. I just don't want that to take place. So if communication is going to be there, then I'm okay with it. But [0:21:19, 0:21:39]: when you said kind of wording it differently, I would like a little of that in there. Um because I don't as an elected official, I don't want to go to staff and I'm just said, okay, I can't give you that information. Because I'm not the one that will broadcast things. And I'm just saying, but I've got to be able to serve my constituents. [0:21:39, 0:21:41]: Um [0:21:41, 0:21:47]: Because like you said, Attorney Williams, sometimes you can create bad legislation. [0:21:47, 0:21:48]: Yeah. [0:21:48, 0:22:06]: It could be out there. And I don't want this to be a part of that when we're not able to because a lot of us on this council, we do different things. So I'm not knocking what my other colleagues doing. I'm just speaking for myself on what I'm doing in the community. So long as that is open for me, I'm okay with it. [0:22:07, 0:22:09]: Okay. Any other comments? More and more. [0:22:10, 0:22:25]: Again, we can talk and we can try to shelter this all day. But this policy does not do anything behind making the in uh information available. It still must be legally available. [0:22:25, 0:22:45]: through open records requests and the information, any contact that is made. All this policy really does is prevent the council members who are up here from serving. Personally, I'm gonna have that information twelve to six months ahead of time, whether I get it [0:22:45, 0:22:57]: anybody. I have never gotten any information from the city staff. But again, I want you to answer that question for me. Does this polic once we sign this policy and we approve it [0:22:58, 0:23:18]: That information is still available through open records requests, is that correct? Certain aspects could be available if it's not uh privileged by one of the various Well unless it's acquisition, right? We always acquisition would have to be but everything else would have to be in there. You you won't know who the tenants are. You won't know that. All you would know is that [0:23:18, 0:23:35]: But w personally I don't need to know who the tenants were. I'm gonna already know twelve to six months ahead of time. But the fact of the matter is I've like I said, my argument is not for me personally because I'm going to know that information that you just said. But [0:23:35, 0:23:55]: Post council, post meet, you're not going to know. And then again, like you say, w when we s when we see these permits come to us, right? Now you will tell us leading up to that, right? But if there's a major development coming to our particular area, don't we need more [0:23:55, 0:24:08]: Within a week or two or maybe th before we can alert the public. The public if someone's interested in it, maybe they should know. Well let me give an example on Papados. When Papadose was supposed to come to South Lake [0:24:08, 0:24:24]: Um when you know a couple of our municipalities in that county was working with the mall to bring Papados in. And when we finally talked to Papados, they said that the public got out of head of Papados. [0:24:24, 0:24:29]: And they felt that what happened should have been kept [0:24:30, 0:24:40]: between certain entities before it was released. Now I I I don't know who they were relating to. I'm just telling you what the conversation we were told. And Papadose is not there today. [0:24:41, 0:24:54]: Again, I do believe that as elected officials, if a project comes in, I feel that as your community development director, when I issue that permit, the says they're going vertical. [0:24:54, 0:24:57]: then you can tell your public that it's going to happen. [0:24:58, 0:25:00]: When you tell them that Papadose is coming, [0:25:01, 0:25:21]: Even if they pull one permit, that doesn't mean they're coming. So you build an expectation within your community that something is coming. All I'm saying is that let that come from someone that doesn't sit where you sit. Because when they hear you present it, they think it's factual. [0:25:20, 0:25:40]: And what I would rather do as your director and as your staff is to give you the facts so that when you tell your constituents that Papa Dose is coming, you can say our staff issue the final permit that allows them to go vertical, and in 30 days you will see PAS. [0:25:40, 0:26:00]: That's what I'm saying. It's only what we give you and what you disseminate as the elected body. And we want to protect you. And we want the public to know that when you speak, you speak in a manner that is factual and the expectations that you're building are reality. And that's the only [0:26:00, 0:26:09]: intent, however you want to amend it to do that, but I just wanted you to know the intent of why we're bringing this forward. Response. [0:26:10, 0:26:14]: Um questionary if you don't have to [0:26:15, 0:26:35]: With what you're presenting here today, I understand because when you have businesses that want to come to our community, no matter how great or small, a lot of time the confidentiality of those businesses should be upheld because the transition should go the way the business owner wanted to go and not dictated by any council member. That's why I'm [0:26:35, 0:26:54]: I'm okay with this. We'll get the information. We'll have the information. Doesn't matter who gets it first. Our concern should be on the transition of the business that want to be located here in our community. And I think this protects that without politics being a role in it. So I'm for this because I want to protect the businesses that want to come to this community. [0:26:55, 0:27:04]: Thank you, Mr. Bunt. No other discussion at this point. Um do I hear we have a motion, we have a second, we've had our discussion. All in favor? [0:27:06, 0:27:09]: Okay. We have one non voter. [0:27:10, 0:27:12]: Are you voting for it? No, I'm polynomial. [0:27:13, 0:27:33]: Okay, he's opposed. Thank you. All right, thank you so much. At this time we're going to go into public hearing. We need to bring this more back at this time, and this is regarding item number nine R Z-17-25-S, um STKR Investments. Yes, ma'am, Mayor and members of the council. This item was [0:27:33, 0:27:53]: Before you last week in the form of a public hearing, and it was held so that staff could get some additional information from the property owner and their representative. The analysis that you have before you tonight outlines the recommendations that we work with with the applicant in terms of [0:27:52, 0:28:12]: This development going forward. We were able to come to an agreement on all of the new conditions except one, and I would like an opportunity to explain to you that particular item. And I think the applicant wants an opportunity to express their position as well. All of the items are [0:28:12, 0:28:18]: are in agreement between the applicant and the city except for on the second page. [0:28:20, 0:28:40]: Item A that deals with the facade of the particular units. Staff has put in a condition that requires the applicant to build the single family detached units in compliance with the ordinance that you have today. That particular ordinance basically states [0:28:40, 0:29:00]: for this particular class, the MUD, MUND, that all of the homes have to be brick, stucco, or stone. What the applicant has asked is that to be more consistent with what is in the area, to do three sides [0:28:59, 0:29:06]: it of this material but be allowed to use hardy plank in the rear. [0:29:06, 0:29:26]: Um hardy plank currently is not permissible in your ordinance, so I just wanted to bring that to your attention, but did want to bring out the fact that a lot of the upscale subdivisions are three-sided with Hardy Plank in the back. Um in talking with the applicant, uh I guess [0:29:26, 0:29:46]: the concern that staff brings to you tonight is that the property is currently zoned M1, which is light industrial. So we were very excited to know that we would have an opportunity to change the land use adjacent to the upscale housing that is there. But at the end of the day when we talk to the applicant, they're [0:29:46, 0:29:52]: concern was that uh doing all of the units, all [0:29:53, 0:30:13]: the entirety of them with n not being able to use any hard hardy plank would force them to maybe change the plans and have to do more townhomes more than single families just because of the cost. So I wanted to bring that to your attention tonight. They've asked for a number of waivers and C. Uh they've asked I think she's [0:30:13, 0:30:33]: Going to ask you to allow them to do some reconsideration of if they could do hardy planking the rear. And then the other item, I, Mr. Alexander, you had a question in terms of putting in the conditions that were part of the overlay. We've had extensive conversations with [0:30:33, 0:30:53]: Hemory County G Doc. I asked them to submit a letter in writing in terms of where they were and being able to contiguously all along comply with that, and you should have that letter in your file. Based on their recommendation and based on their projections in terms of [0:30:53, 0:31:13]: terms of when the road will be completed and their intent for that particular road. They're basically saying that at this point in time and probably no time in the near future, going from four lanes to two lanes and having the meeting in the past, in the middle, that the um 10 foot pathway may not [0:31:12, 0:31:32]: Not be something that works into the scheme of things because they had already planned out the road and had already gotten the dead the the right-of-way dedication and all of that had already been in place. What staff would like to recommend is that your recommendation for us to [0:31:32, 0:31:52]: To add roads to it or even to put conditions on it as it goes beyond this development to give us an opportunity to sit down with Henry County and figure out based on the right-of-way dedication that they have how we can fit the pathway ideal and a lot of the [0:31:52, 0:32:12]: other stuff into the conditions but b because this project precedes you putting it in the overlay um to adhere to the conditions that exist now but to get together with Henry County G Doc work out those specifics and then bring those back to make the rest of that corridor [0:32:12, 0:32:15]: or a part of the overlay district. [0:32:16, 0:32:22]: Okay, we've heard the presentation. Does the applicant want to come and speak? [0:32:23, 0:32:26]: [1949.1, 1969.1]: Um hi, uh my name is Wanda Moore. I'm with Falcon Design Consultants 235 Corporate Center Drive, um suite 100, Stockbridge, Georgia. And um it's a pleasure to be before you and we appreciate you um putting us on the agenda tonight. And as an aside I just want to say how uh much [0:32:49, 0:33:09]: It's been a pleasure to work with um staff on this proposal. Our client originally came, had the property, had interest in the industrial zoning, has had calls for it to be developed industrial, and he approached us and asked, you know. [0:33:09, 0:33:20]: what we felt. Felt like contextually in this area another use might be more compatible within the jurisdiction. And [0:33:21, 0:33:26]: We told him and he has not been disappointed at all that the city of Stockbridge is um [0:33:27, 0:33:29]: very um [0:33:29, 0:33:45]: easy to work with that the requirements of the code and and what he's trying to do with the project in the area is enhance it that would be received well by the city. So I just wanted to relay that. [0:33:45, 0:33:46]: Let me catch my breath for a second. [0:33:47, 0:34:07]: And then additionally, um he would have liked to been here and was planning to be here, but with the the issues with the airport and his flight end, um he just wasn't not able to attend. But he has asked that we present um his desires to you tonight regarding in particular [0:34:07, 0:34:21]: the waiver for the exclusion of hardy plank or commonly known as cement board siding and in addition if I can read [0:34:22, 0:34:23]: Uh [0:34:25, 0:34:28]: Uh uh just to make sure I get it correct, that the um [0:34:30, 0:34:50]: that we would waive the exclusion of hardy plank and allow its uses in the as a minimum standard as follows. In the front elevation, now this differs than what Ms. Moore projected to you as far as having it only in the rear yard. [0:34:50, 0:35:10]: What he would like for you to consider is the front elevation being brick or stone with accents of hardy plank or shaped shingles or b-board in the eaves or the gables on the front elevation. And then for the sides. [0:35:10, 0:35:16]: to be minimal requirement of a brick or stone water table. [0:35:16, 0:35:35]: That's minimum. The builder could do more, but that would be a minimum. And then in the rear yard could be the all-hardy plank as Ms. Moore directed. These are the requests of how he would like to utilize the mix of products and um [0:35:35, 0:35:36]: Uh [0:35:37, 0:35:57]: And um just to provide the builders that have been showing some interest in the property the ability to meet the market, whether a homeowner um wants a certain look on the front, but it also ensures the city that they have a product that on the minimum standards [0:35:57, 0:36:17]: is higher really than what's adjacent because some of the subdivision just based on dates have some vinyl siding, have some aluminum siding, have just the brick, you know, front on the homes that are in the uh immediate area. So that's the only, I guess, [0:36:17, 0:36:24]: guess difference in how we would ask the waiver of the hardy plank to be utilized. [0:36:25, 0:36:39]: Thank thank you. Okay. Uh since we're in a public hearing, do we hear uh are there any people in the audience that are for or against anything that you've heard discussed here tonight? [0:36:42, 0:36:47]: If not, then uh we'll call Ms. Moore back to restate [0:36:48, 0:36:49]: Um [0:36:50, 0:36:53]: Motion that the board would adopt. [0:36:53, 0:37:13]: if you would restate the motion that they would be adopting. Um I I talked to Mr. Knighton. Uh I think what we would consider, depending on your your comments, is a a a motion that will say that you approve the conditions as presented to you, however to allow [0:37:13, 0:37:14]: Tchau. [0:37:14, 0:37:25]: um what she's requested on some of those units minimum and then for the remainder, the majority of those to be in compliance with the standards that set in the code. [0:37:32, 0:37:32]: I'm [0:37:33, 0:37:53]: Again, if my client were here, I know he would reiterate the same thing as far as the need to have the flexibility to integrate the hardy plank on the other three sides as you know presented tonight. At this point, if the motion is going to go forward before you guys on that um level, [0:37:53, 0:38:13]: we would ask that you table this item until we have an opportunity to have my client come and speak with staff and certain members of the council and and work this particular item out of the zoning because it's very imperative of making the single [0:38:13, 0:38:15]: family product work. [0:38:15, 0:38:29]: And worth the rezoning versus just keeping it industrial. So it's it's it's that important for the project. All right. Uh uh m Miss Gantt. Real quick, Miss um [0:38:30, 0:38:31]: More. [0:38:32, 0:38:45]: I think we were going to approve based off of your recommendations um of of the hardy plank on the ax accenting only, not on the additional sides and maybe in the bag. [0:38:47, 0:39:07]: Based off of your recommendations on what you guys were trying to do and that was the minimum and everything else would be you know, could be upgraded. Um, it didn't sound unreasonable. Sure. But if your owner's gonna come in and ask us for additional hardy plank on the other sides and everything else, I'm not gonna be susceptible to that. [0:39:07, 0:39:12]: 'Cause it's like you're asking us right now to agree to something [0:39:13, 0:39:30]: You you've given us your recommendations on what you guys wanted and I think we were prepared to make that motion in agreement with that. Okay. But if your owner comes in and asks us for some more hardy plank all over the place, it's not gonna probably not gonna work. Oh no ma'am, and I I apologize as um this is not my um [0:39:31, 0:39:51]: expertise and sometimes a public presentation that I process. However, if the council would be in agreement with the conditions and how the hardy plank element is waived as I had read, my client would be thrilled to move forward with the rezoning. [0:39:51, 0:40:11]: And I believe that's what Ms. Ms. Camilla Moore. Is that what you were stating? Let me interrupt. Let me ask, does the client prefer to table? Is staff agree with with that? Um the client would prefer for the rezoning to [0:40:11, 0:40:31]: go through tonight. However, it would be contingent upon the house product, architectural product being utilized the way it was described. On the front elevation he would use majority brick stone with accent only. [0:40:31, 0:40:35]: on the front elevation of um shaking the eaves [0:40:36, 0:40:48]: um or gables or hardy plank or uh cement board siding um and or a b board only in the eaves. On the sides he would do a minimum [0:40:48, 0:40:52]: of a water table of brick or stone. [0:40:52, 0:40:58]: And then in the rear he would do minimum all hardy board. [0:40:58, 0:41:17]: Those are minimums. And anything above that the builder obviously could do. However, those would be the minimum standards he would feel comfortable with going forward and having that as a condition of zoning and no other condition pertaining to the [0:41:18, 0:41:22]: elevations other than that. Those would be the minimum. [0:41:22, 0:41:38]: If there's any confusion up here, um we can table. If if the um council is ready to go forward, we can do that. But I want you to be sure we understand what we're voting on. [0:41:38, 0:41:41]: Mr. Blount, I think, wants to make a motion. [0:41:43, 0:41:59]: I like to make a motion to table it because I don't want to prove anything with contingencies in it. I want that when the builder gets here that we're precise on what we're agreeing to. So because there are contingencies to it and you yourself saying you would you would like it to be tabled and I would like that [0:42:00, 0:42:09]: him to be here because I I don't want um Sure and I I appreciate our preferences is for it to be run rezoned with the conditions outlined as as stated. However um [0:42:10, 0:42:30]: Uh moving forward if uh for uh clarity my client has no issue to table and bring before you guys again and just to assure he would will not move forward and ask anything less than what was stated here tonight as public record for the elevations. Well with that I'd like to make a motion. [0:42:30, 0:42:47]: if you would mayor to that. Okay, we have a motion by Mr. John Blount that we're gonna table this for the moment and it'll come back at our next meeting, I'm sure. And I need a second for that motion. We have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion at this time? [0:42:47, 0:43:07]: Yes. Mr. Ford. Yes. Actually I was in line initially with uh Councilwoman Gantt because you what you proposed in your adjustment uh was fine with me. Um but uh if we're gonna table this and and for the the the actual builder to come back and present, that's fine. [0:43:07, 0:43:22]: But I was willing to say make the variances now. But uh we'll we'll uh obviously it's gonna be tabled. Yeah, our uh his desire is for it to be clear and for the council to be comfortable with the. Thank you very much. Any other discussion at this time? [0:43:22, 0:43:42]: I just want to make it clear, I'm not uh I'm not approving anything less than what we already have. Personally, I would like to see the three side brick with the uh party plank only in the rear. That's what I would like to see. We pass these standards uh in this community to raise [0:43:42, 0:43:52]: ease the standards. That's what we did. This is a request to to lower the standards that we have set for our community. Now personally um I [0:43:53, 0:43:59]: feel what has happened here uh because when I moved in here in uh two thousand and four [0:44:00, 0:44:12]: Uh I looked at my house here and I looked at the same builder who was building all the way over all around the city of Atlanta. Uh I did a thorough inspection on the house in Cobb County. [0:44:12, 0:44:22]: Which had brick and hardy plank. But see, because the standard was so low here in Henry County, they allowed'em to put vinyl siding on the house. [0:44:23, 0:44:43]: That's why we proposed raising these standards to where they are now so that that so that that does not happen to another homeowner in our community and that the values as a neighbor, I would understand those composites would raise the property values in our area. [0:44:43, 0:44:54]: uh in that particular area because I am a neighbor. That's what we do. Uh we we endeavor to raise the standard for Stockbridge. We accomplished that. [0:44:54, 0:45:12]: But and you can understand that um builders and developers are gonna come before us wanting us to water down or tear down uh the standard that we have set. But if we pass the three-side brick, then every time somebody comes in here and we roll it back, what good does it do? [0:45:13, 0:45:27]: So I'm very I was very much prepared to uh move forward like Councilwoman Gantt and uh Mr. Ford with what we have, but I am totally opposed to uh watering that down or lowering that standard. [0:45:27, 0:45:35]: Thank you so much for those comments. Uh at this time we're going to move forward with the vote. We have a motion to table. All in favor? [0:45:36, 0:45:38]: Okay, thank you so much. We'll see you back. [0:45:39, 0:45:59]: In a couple of weeks. All right, at this time uh we're in public hearing on on behalf of adoption of the city budget. This will be, I think, our fourth presentation on this budget, and I understand we have one minor change, and other than that it's the same thing you've heard the last three presentations. [0:45:59, 0:46:00]: Thank you. [0:46:00, 0:46:03]: This time we'll call on our um [0:46:05, 0:46:09]: Manager Randy Knighton and our lead accountant Rashonda Favors to present. [0:46:12, 0:46:32]: All right, uh Mayor and Council, thank you. Um we are here again, uh believe it's the fourth reading uh for the proposed 2018 budget. Um what you have seen in the previous hearings is exactly uh the same with the exception of one change, a minor change of$2,000 proposed increase for uh advertising. [0:46:32, 0:46:41]: for city events. And that's the only proposed change, at least from staff's perspective regarding the 2018 budget. [0:46:41, 0:47:01]: I would also uh draw your attention to um I gave you a proposed organizational chart, which is very similar to what you have seen. There were some clarifications made on it. Um it's uh a bit larger and has some color distinctions as well, uh relates to um just a few minor changes on that related to uh how the [0:47:01, 0:47:02]: Yeah. [0:47:02, 0:47:05]: Um assistant. [0:47:07, 0:47:14]: Do you have a question? Yeah I do because there's nothing out there for the public to take a look at. Okay. We're we're we're getting that. Okay. [0:47:14, 0:47:16]: Oh thank you. [0:47:18, 0:47:20]: What about hold on one second? [0:47:20, 0:47:40]: There we go. That's what we've seen in previous hearings. Um and uh re related to the organizational chart, um that is um uh essenti in essence what you have seen previously. There are a couple of uh subtle changes to it. But uh yes. They can't see it. Okay. [0:47:40, 0:47:41]: All right. [0:48:15, 0:48:17]: Hold on one second. [0:48:23, 0:48:24]: All right. [0:48:24, 0:48:33]: Um again that is um uh what has been viewed uh previously with the exception of you know the one change of the two thousand dollar increase from the uh [0:48:33, 0:48:34]: Um [0:48:34, 0:48:54]: uh previous hearings related to um uh city events and advertising for city events. Uh the organizational chart that you have before you draws distinctions between the various departments for the city and there are a couple of subtle changes there. One with respect to the assistant city manager position and how that flows with the entire organization. [0:48:54, 0:49:12]: And also then the project manager position, which is placed in community development department. Everything else related to the organizational chart is essentially the same. Again, it provides color distinctions and probably is something more [0:49:12, 0:49:18]: visibly uh aesthetic in terms of uh making certain distinctions. [0:49:19, 0:49:23]: Um again this is the proposed 2018 budget. [0:49:26, 0:49:45]: At this time I think Mr. Knight and all of our council members certainly have had opportunity to study this several weeks in a row and um I would like to at this time call for a motion f to accept the budget as presented. Do I hear that motion? We have a motion. Beg your pardon? Oh that's right. We're not [0:49:46, 0:49:57]: We're moving that to the next time to vote. Okay, at this time, if there's no other question of Ms. Rashonda before she leaves, or are you gonna present further? [0:49:58, 0:50:13]: No, you're finished. Okay. All right. Any questions, Mr. Ford? Clarification. Just want to make sure that in reference to the training budget, if we increase things for this new uh we had this conversation before in reference to the uh [0:50:14, 0:50:34]: There was a question about the National League of Cities. I think I sent sent you an email about National League of Cities and the current training budget is at twenty thousand. And if there was a desire to attend some of those conferences and so forth in the coming year, um you may want to consider uh increasing uh that budget. Uh [0:50:34, 0:50:34]: Slightly. [0:50:36, 0:50:40]: But it is not currently here in this proposed budget. [0:50:42, 0:50:47]: If you would like to increase it, uh uh increase that line item, you can certainly make that amendment. [0:50:48, 0:51:08]: And so s what's the recommendation uh that uh that we need to increase it to? And if we do that, will we still remain of course uh within our parameters here? You you would remain with a balanced budget. Um if I were going to make a recommendation to you, um that recommendation uh would be um uh ten thousand dollars. [0:51:08, 0:51:08]: Yeah. [0:51:09, 0:51:09]: [3070.0, 3070.8]: Correct. [0:51:12, 0:51:17]: Yeah, okay, the and the current line item has what in it now, sir? Twenty thousand. [0:51:19, 0:51:20]: Well some twenty and thirty. [0:51:21, 0:51:24]: Or something uh something different if that's your desire. [0:51:30, 0:51:37]: Yes ma'am, Ms. Robinson. So basic basically you're saying the ten, so if it's there, if it's it's needed, it'll be there and it's not. [0:51:38, 0:51:41]: It won't be used. [0:51:41, 0:51:47]: Mayor Neal. Mayor Neal. Yes Mayor any clarification if the ten thousand is [0:51:47, 0:51:54]: Training or travel and training? Travel and training. A combination of both. Is that five and five? [0:51:54, 0:51:55]: Yes. [0:51:58, 0:52:01]: Have a question, Mayor, um City ma madam clerk. [0:52:02, 0:52:14]: Okay, you've you've heard the presentation, you've asked the questions. Apparently if you're going to add the ten, it's gonna go in as five and five, five for travel, five for [0:52:15, 0:52:17]: Training. Is that correct? [0:52:17, 0:52:20]: Is that what we're hearing? Yes. Okay, is everybody good with that? [0:52:20, 0:52:21]: Oh of course. [0:52:22, 0:52:42]: I I'm not I wanna make sure that I understand one thing, is that is that what what exactly does the addition we we're increasing the budget basically by half. So what exactly are exactly are we gaining um in order to increase the budget uh uh some ten or five thousand dollars that we're giving? [0:52:42, 0:52:59]: getting that we're not already getting from the Georgia Municipal Association because this would seem to indicate that this is just a payment for travel to a conference, maybe in DC or Sh Charlotte or wherever they're gonna hold it at. Why is that even necessary? [0:53:00, 0:53:20]: Well then that may be something that the council may want to discuss. However, the National League of Cities of course is a national organization comprised of cities from across the nation and would provide opportunities to uh gain information, knowledge um from uh from a from a national perspective of other cities across the country and also from [0:53:20, 0:53:37]: from a federal perspective as well. So in that regard there would be likely an enhanced and broader and diverse opportunity for training and uh for uh knowledge input for uh the council. [0:53:41, 0:53:42]: Okay. [0:53:42, 0:53:45]: Any other questions? Mr. Blount. [0:53:46, 0:54:03]: I had it written on my on the budget packet that I had, but I don't have it with me. I'm trying to find it in here. Um we approved and one of the things that I I brought to even you, Mr. Williams, and I brought to the youth council, we've approved$18,000 next year for the youth council. [0:54:03, 0:54:07]: That's proposed, right. Proposed eighteen thousand for the youth council. [0:54:08, 0:54:09]: Which is in the budget here. [0:54:10, 0:54:15]: So if there's I don't see any justification for that because [0:54:15, 0:54:21]: The amount of$5,800 was approved by the Council for the National League of Cities. [0:54:22, 0:54:41]: which twenty eight hundred was used for the National League of Cities. So with six thousand forty dollars in the budget at the time that that twenty eight was used, then you're talking about nine thousand dollars, little over nine thousand dollars that still should be in the budget, but you have a function coming up this weekend. So what I don't see anything that justifies [0:54:41, 0:54:44]: an increase from ten thousand to eighteen thousand. [0:54:45, 0:55:05]: uh for for that for the youth council because we said we're gonna start implementing parent participation and they're gonna be creative with the things that they're gonna be doing so I don't think that we should have an eight thousand dollar increase in a budget and that the count that me as a council member still don't know how the money's being spent because we don't get a report [0:55:04, 0:55:05]: What on that? [0:55:06, 0:55:10]: So what justifies another eight thousand dollar increase? [0:55:10, 0:55:11]: I have no idea. [0:55:13, 0:55:14]: Yeah. [0:55:14, 0:55:18]: Um we have a comment from our attorney. [0:55:20, 0:55:29]: Madam Mayor, uh Council members, the the ten thousand that was budgeted uh last year was just a number that was put in as a placeholder. [0:55:30, 0:55:37]: when we prepared the curriculum or when your youth council advisory committee prepared the curriculum back in March [0:55:37, 0:55:49]: Um based on that curriculum a budget was prepared for a 12-month cycle and that budget was presented to the council at the time and uh [0:55:50, 0:56:10]: For the current fiscal year, no budget amendment was needed because within that 10,000 there were sufficient amounts. But that curriculum called for a budget in the neighborhood of 18,000. And that was what was presented and approved. And that was the basis for the increase. [0:56:10, 0:56:25]: I guess the the way we kind of looked at it is the ten thousand was just a placeholder. That wasn't necessarily a real number based on real uh operations. Um so that that's that's the justification for what it's worth. [0:56:26, 0:56:32]: But as a follow-up question to that, uh are you gonna be the one answering the ones for the youth council? [0:56:33, 0:56:45]: That's fine. I mean but as a as a follow up to that and I understand the basis of it and you can't almost a pro reading of the of the funds that was already brought in. I understand that. But what I'm saying is is that [0:56:45, 0:56:54]: with the organization and with the ch what what we're needing as a council because you can approve budgets for different areas but if we don't know how that money is being spent. [0:56:54, 0:57:14]: then how do we know that we're being good stewards of the money when we don't even know how it's being spent because we're not getting any reports on that or anything. The council is not it's not an entity of itself. It's an entity of the city of Stockbridge. And if we're not aware of what's going on, then how can we justify approving eight thousand more dollars on something that right [0:57:14, 0:57:21]: now should have at least nine thousand dollars in the budget still left over from last from from this year. [0:57:21, 0:57:27]: How do we justify approving eight thousand more dollars on the entity that we have no idea how the funds are being spent? [0:57:28, 0:57:30]: Nothing's coming to the council. [0:57:31, 0:57:32]: I do. [0:57:32, 0:57:32]: I would [0:57:33, 0:57:37]: Respectfully suggested that information has been made available to the council. [0:57:39, 0:57:41]: Uh what has been spent so far. [0:57:41, 0:57:42]: And [0:57:42, 0:58:02]: There are funds left over for the current year based on the the increase that was made and the fact that the uh not all the 5800 extra was utilized for the Charlotte Conference. So it's a valid question about whether or not we um allocated more than was needed. [0:58:02, 0:58:03]: Yeah. [0:58:03, 0:58:07]: That eighteen thousand was based on a whole twelve month [0:58:08, 0:58:15]: program um based on the curriculum that was adopted by the youth council advisory committee and which was approved by the mayor and council. [0:58:17, 0:58:19]: Mr. Williams, really quick. [0:58:19, 0:58:23]: on a 12-month program for$18,000. [0:58:24, 0:58:26]: Where's the paperwork so we can see that? [0:58:28, 0:58:32]: Budget documents were presented at the um [0:58:32, 0:58:50]: at the retreat that you all had uh a couple of months ago and those were essentially the same documents that were prepared in March April timeframe that were were also presented. But with the curriculum that's going to justify$18,000, where is that paperwork for 2018? [0:58:50, 0:58:55]: Uh it's it's the same information. There were there's r essentially no change from what was presented. [0:58:55, 0:58:59]: initially A call and what was discussed again at the retreat. [0:58:59, 0:59:02]: National League of Cities was added on. [0:59:02, 0:59:22]: Well you are correct and that that was that fifty eight hundred dollar amendment. That part is not included in the uh the twenty eighteen budget. There there are no current plans to send uh you utilizing budgeted city funds to send the youth council to the National League of Cities Conference. [0:59:22, 0:59:33]: next year. The only reason it was done this year is because the MAKIN conference, which was budgeted for and is in the$18,000 that's budgeted for or requested for 2018. [0:59:34, 0:59:43]: That was canceled, but we are informed that they plan to have that conference next year so that kids, if approved, would not be going to the National League of Cities. [0:59:44, 0:59:46]: And and I I I appreciate that. [0:59:46, 0:59:50]: But to to not prolong it. The question was [0:59:50, 0:59:52]: With this money. [0:59:52, 0:59:55]: At fifteen thousand eight hundred dollars. [0:59:56, 0:59:58]: And now you have nine thousand dollars left. [0:59:59, 1:00:02]: The the conference down in Macon was not nine thousand dollars. [1:00:05, 1:00:08]: We remove the National League of Cities event. [1:00:09, 1:00:20]: What there's nothing to justify putting because there's no parent participation in this program and we need parent participation because we cannot have seven students [1:00:21, 1:00:25]: wanting to go on a trip and only three go and it cost the city money. We can't have that. [1:00:27, 1:00:35]: Okay. Uh we have a comment now from Ms. Robinson. Then we're gonna wrap this up. If I can make a comment on that, um [1:00:38, 1:00:39]: With this youth council [1:00:40, 1:00:41]: Everyone is public. [1:00:42, 1:00:44]: meetings is open to the public. [1:00:45, 1:01:05]: Information is there. Anyone can sit in on these meetings. This was our first run with the Youth Council. A lot of these students are from different schools. We put it out there. We only received seven. A lot of these students are involved in other school activities, but we as a city we're saying [1:01:05, 1:01:25]: this is the City of Stockbridge Youth Council. But what this council, my colleagues, what we have done, we have actually put a little tax on top of these young people to pay monies back. Okay? So we're trying to offer a service to show what they can do for us to learn government. [1:01:24, 1:01:44]: but we're trying to put a block so that way it makes it hard for them. Um as I stated to my colleagues when we when we brought this to them, a lot of things are going to be trial and error. When we're talking about the National League of Cities, we did have the kids that were committed, but then school stuff came in at the last minute. [1:01:44, 1:02:04]: However, I'm speaking with someone with National League of Cities so that way we can try to get our funds back because they did not go. So if we follow the process or if we communicate directly to those that are involved directly with the youth council, I think we'll have a better understanding. [1:02:04, 1:02:06]: is here every day. [1:02:06, 1:02:09]: My phone is open every day. [1:02:10, 1:02:30]: I just wish someone would just pick up the phone and ask the questions. I do not want our citizens to think that this youth council is just blowing money. These students who are gonna come before you at the beginning of the year and do their presentation to show how that they had this experience. [1:02:29, 1:02:46]: that this really, really was something that they can take back to their schools as well. We have a lot of students in our local schools. We have students in private schools. All of these students are citizens of the city of Stockbridge. So again [1:02:47, 1:03:07]: If we're going to do something for our students, I'd look at if while we're taxing them to pay things back, our own, that we call the City of Stockbridge Youth Council, but we're willing to give money on other entities that are not directly involving these. [1:03:07, 1:03:26]: seven students who are in our community. They went through b backgrounds, they went through everything. So again, these kids, scholars, are committed to the program. It's just again our first year and we're working through the kinks. So I will again [1:03:27, 1:03:31]: Ask all of my colleagues if you have a question. [1:03:31, 1:03:51]: Please pick up the phone and ask your question. I'm here. The city attorney is here to address any and all concerns that you may have. But I do not want anyone to think that we're not being good stewards over my tax dollars as well as your tax dollars. [1:03:51, 1:03:58]: Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Robinson. If there are no other questions about the budget, [1:04:00, 1:04:00]: Okay. [1:04:02, 1:04:10]: Well we we are in public hearing at this point. We will leave the public hearing and then go out and [1:04:11, 1:04:19]: All right. We have someone from the audience, uh Mr. Alfonso Thomas, to come forward if he has a comment. [1:04:32, 1:04:33]: Good evening. [1:04:34, 1:04:37]: My name is Alfonso Thomas, City Council Elect. [1:04:38, 1:04:43]: I have a couple of questions and concerns on two issues here. [1:04:43, 1:04:45]: National League of Cities. [1:04:46, 1:04:51]: And I know what was presented, I heard some figures, 10,000, 20,000. [1:04:52, 1:04:58]: Just say for instance, and and I hope uh Mr. Night can answer this, but suppose [1:04:59, 1:05:02]: There's a conference in Washington DC. [1:05:02, 1:05:07]: And every council member wanted to attend at the same time. [1:05:08, 1:05:25]: What does that cost? And we I heard a figure of 10,000. So i i is ten thousand gonna cover uh five council members for twelve months attending Austin, Texas. I I I know city council members at other municipalities. [1:05:26, 1:05:36]: Austin, Texas, Boston, Washington, DC, there are conferences and they attend. So the question is how is 10,000 or 20,000 [1:05:37, 1:05:39]: Plus a youth council is gonna cover that. [1:05:39, 1:05:45]: So I think we need to look at this very closely now. I may be uh misunderstanding that, am I? [1:05:48, 1:06:03]: Well uh uh yes, thank you Mr. Thomas for the question. Um that was a proposed increase to what is already proposed in the budget. I believe it's twenty thousand for um education and training and then an additional um ten I think for um travel. [1:06:04, 1:06:20]: Travel. Travel is proposed at fifteen five. Fifteen five years. Twenty thousand yeah. Five thousand will be added to each of those. For the total year. For the total year, yes, sir. Okay, so when you break that down per council member [1:06:23, 1:06:24]: Let's look at all turn it. [1:06:25, 1:06:32]: Okay, so that's that's the concern right there. I don't I don't think that's gonna cover it. Please speak into the microphone. But I I'll I'll leave that alone. [1:06:32, 1:06:35]: My other concern is with the Youth Council. [1:06:37, 1:06:43]: Any common council member and I have tried to research to see [1:06:43, 1:06:45]: Goes [1:06:45, 1:06:46]: Objectives. [1:06:47, 1:06:50]: purpose for the youth council. [1:06:50, 1:06:51]: I don't see that. [1:06:52, 1:06:55]: This is a youth council that represents the city of Stockbridge. [1:06:56, 1:06:59]: I'm a former youth director myself. [1:07:01, 1:07:03]: I cannot support [1:07:04, 1:07:07]: Any youth activity or youth program [1:07:08, 1:07:13]: does that does not advocate for youth city wide. [1:07:14, 1:07:16]: We have game problems. [1:07:17, 1:07:19]: We have failed in schools. [1:07:20, 1:07:29]: And I don't I don't see this. I don't see the goal, the objective. These are things that should have been in place before any money was allocated. [1:07:30, 1:07:38]: So I I see Ms. Robson, you're getting ready to inform me and I hope you do. Uh I can't find it. Now you said pick up the phone and call you. [1:07:38, 1:07:40]: These citizens should not have to call you. [1:07:41, 1:07:57]: They should be able to go online and see what goals objective programs for this youth council. They shouldn't have to call you. For me, it is not Neat Robertson Youth Council. It is the City of Stockbridge Youth Council. It is not Mr. Williams Youth Council. It is the City of Stockbridge Youth Council. [1:07:57, 1:08:03]: Any citizen in this city should be able to go and find goals, objectives, programs. [1:08:04, 1:08:06]: that this youth council has laid out. [1:08:07, 1:08:12]: How are you going to impact the issues and the problem of youth in this city? [1:08:12, 1:08:14]: Not seven kids. [1:08:15, 1:08:17]: That's a slight on every kid in this city. [1:08:18, 1:08:34]: So I'm just a little disappointed in what I'm hearing about this youth council and what I'm seeing. I see a couple of flower pots out there in front of this building here. That's not a youth council. We need to impact the problems of young folks in this city. [1:08:35, 1:08:45]: So I'm going to go back to my seat and I hope you respond to some of this. But if this youth council is not impacting the problems of young people in the city of Stockbridge, [1:08:46, 1:08:48]: It's a problem with me. [1:08:48, 1:09:08]: And I'm going to speak to this next month when I'm on the council. Okay. Thank you. Ms. H. Thomas. Thank you. Um let let's uh pause just a minute. I want to ask the attorney a question. We've kinda gotten sidetracked off the budget, um the discussing the youth council. Um I wonder if we [1:09:08, 1:09:16]: We could possibly um end our public hearing on our budget [1:09:17, 1:09:37]: and go outside of the public hearing and there'll be opportunity for um Ms. Robinson or anyone else to um respond tonight or later about the um purpose of the youth council and if we go outside our public hearing we could then will we then vote on the [1:09:37, 1:09:39]: budget. [1:09:39, 1:09:49]: Yes ma'am, you need to allow for the remainder of the folks in attendance if anyone else wants to speak to the bike. [1:09:50, 1:09:51]: Council can deliberate. [1:09:51, 1:09:57]: Okay. All right. At this time is anyone else in the um in the council chamber? [1:09:58, 1:10:02]: wanting to come to the podium to make a comment about the budget. [1:10:04, 1:10:20]: If not, then I will declare the public hearing closed. And at this time, we are going to bring this matter back. If you would like to make a motion that we go forward with our budget, any motion you want to make about that. [1:10:20, 1:10:40]: Mr. Ford. Thank you, Mayor. Actually, I don't want to make a motion right now. I was really opening this up for discussion in reference to to the council's training and travel in reference to the National League of Cities. That's when I initially started. Actually I have another request coming up also as well. So I'm going to get back to this. So the number of 10,000, okay, five for travel. [1:10:40, 1:11:00]: five for training. The qu the question is really would that be enough? Should it be is that five thousand or should it be ten thousand additionally at w uh excuse me, ten thousand for training and ten thousand for travel, which would actually take a the total from twenty thousand to forty thousand. Right. I my when I initially brought this up whatever we decide on [1:11:00, 1:11:18]: want to make sure of course we stay within the compounds of a balanced budget as well. That okay in that aspect. And it when it would, the proposal if approved, for adding$5,000 to education and training and$5,000 to travel for a total of$10,000 additional [1:11:18, 1:11:33]: would move those two line items to twenty thousand five hundred and then twenty-five thousand for a total of forty-five thousand five hundred, which divided by six is seventy seven thousand six hundred dollars divided by six. [1:11:34, 1:11:43]: Now, if if we approve that, that's that's for National League of Cities, that's for GMA training, that's all training, right? That that's what the allocation would be per council member, is that correct? [1:11:43, 1:11:46]: That is the application pro council member. That is correct. [1:11:49, 1:11:50]: Okay. [1:11:50, 1:11:57]: Is everybody clear? Uh do I hear a motion that we accept the budget as presented? [1:11:58, 1:11:58]: Well [1:11:58, 1:12:12]: You want to make yeah what no no no one other thing mayor if you don't mind. I mean we can vote on that, but I have another request that's going to affect that that involves the incoming mayor, yours truly here. [1:12:12, 1:12:32]: Want to discuss this and make sure that if whether or not I got approved from the council as all. The mayor doesn't have a council initiative. And I just wanted to ask whether or not I can have a council initiative with the rest of the council to do the exact same things that uh they may do, but I actually as the mayor itself. It's up to the council approved. I wouldn't vote on that even now as a mayor pro town. I'm just asking whether or not I can have the 2500 [1:12:32, 1:12:51]: allocated in my as as a mayor initiative along with the council is equal uh equal across the board if that's available. It's never been done for as I know of, but I'm just asking, would that would the council accept that? I probably won't even use it all. They're going back to the general fund, but the point of it is I almost want to ask the question if if I can get that approved. [1:12:52, 1:12:55]: Well we approve this budget. That's my second request. Mr. Mullight. [1:12:56, 1:12:57]: Um [1:12:59, 1:13:04]: These are suggestions outside of what we already have before us. [1:13:05, 1:13:07]: Um I'm not for [1:13:07, 1:13:10]: Producing m uh [1:13:10, 1:13:30]: uh doing the because it's the first time doing uh putting an uh an initiative for the mayor. The mayor's job is not to be concerned about whether you have a council initiative fund. It's your job to make sure the city hall is running the way it's supposed to be ran. And so I'm not for just continue to put money into different things. [1:13:30, 1:13:36]: This is taxpayers' money because of the first time being done. This is not the position for the mayor. [1:13:36, 1:13:41]: The council has initiative funds to go outside in the communities which we are [1:13:41, 1:13:51]: supposed to do and we make things happen in the community. That's what we're supposed to do. The mayor's duties is primarily city hall, so I'm not for the mayor getting the council initiative fund. [1:13:53, 1:14:08]: Mayor Neal, any other comments? Mayor Neal, just to be clear on the proposed amount, if it's to be changed to include the National League of Cities,$1,000 per member would not be sufficient. [1:14:09, 1:14:12]: If the council members intend on a on [1:14:13, 1:14:16]: Going to the current GMA. [1:14:17, 1:14:20]: Carl Vincent ARC [1:14:20, 1:14:22]: conferences that you currently attend. [1:14:23, 1:14:25]: Adding National League of Cities. [1:14:26, 1:14:28]: Would not be covered with a thousand dollars. [1:14:30, 1:14:32]: Just wanted to make that. [1:14:33, 1:14:33]: Clear. [1:14:34, 1:14:36]: Okay. Um [1:14:37, 1:14:54]: I w need to tell the audience I need to step out for just a few minutes and I'm coming back. So Mr. Ford's gonna take over for me for a minute and uh we'll let this conversation just keep rolling. Okay? Mr. Ford. Go ahead. Mr Cousin I was sorry. [1:14:55, 1:15:15]: The city manager has endeavored to do a great job uh presenting the budget. He has come up with a budget for us to approve, which uh appears to be uh a sound budget in good standing. So at this point to make changes after the fourth meeting seems [1:15:15, 1:15:35]: Uh you know, not the best use of our time and uh resources in having four public hearings that we've had. Personally at this point I'm uh for approving the budget uh as is, without any extra expenditures, uh because [1:15:35, 1:15:41]: It's already being increased. Um what's the exact amount that's being increased from last year, sir? [1:15:42, 1:16:02]: It's about um eight to nine hundred thousand dollars. Right. The budget is already being increased, almost nine hundred thousand dollars. So I think we've done the right thing and he's put the emphasis in the right place, which is adding new positions, professionals to come in and assist him in managing the city. [1:16:02, 1:16:18]: Now it seems like, you know, we're trying to add some earmarks at the last minute for pet projects and things that we want to to do. That's not the way that we should be doing things. Um I think we hired uh Mr. Knighton to do the right thing. I think he's already done that. [1:16:18, 1:16:29]: And I think we should move forward uh with the budget uh as is with a nine hundred thousand dollar increase. Any other comments? Yes. Just go right ahead. Okay. [1:16:30, 1:16:50]: First I want to clear the National League of Cities for my presence. My second year I was appointed on the GMA Federal Policy Council. So I speak directly with the Congressman David Scott's office through GMA. That's my reason reason for wanting to go to Washington. And I've have the funds where it doesn't have to [1:16:50, 1:17:10]: be increased. So I don't know about my other colleagues. So I just want the public to know that I was appointed my second year and I sit on the federal policy board with GMA. Okay. That's my reasoning. Um for as the youth council the the questions were that came about that if we're not affecting all of [1:17:10, 1:17:30]: of the um children in our community in our city um that is not true we are trying to reach all of them when someone says something about the little pots we had children from red oak we had kids and you can see the pictures we had children to come out from all over [1:17:30, 1:17:50]: So again, I said this was our first year. So we have a curriculum. We have everything in place. And I would ask that any of my colleagues, that if you're willing and wanting to jump on board to enhance this program for our young people, I suggest you attending. [1:17:50, 1:17:52]: These meetings. [1:17:52, 1:18:04]: that we have, they're open for everyone. The meetings are there so that way everyone can do their suggestions. The meeting for the youth is held every first and third [1:18:05, 1:18:06]: Wednesday of the month. [1:18:08, 1:18:09]: It's opens. [1:18:10, 1:18:19]: At 530. At 530, it's open for everyone. Our advisory committee has a meeting. Our youth council has a meeting. [1:18:19, 1:18:39]: So again, I will say this, it's open to everyone. So the ones that are going to come on to be our new colleagues, I welcome you to enhance this program coming in positive so that way whatever your suggestions are, because this is not a Neat Robinson program, but what took place was [1:18:39, 1:18:47]: No one took the initiative years ago to do a program for the city of Stockbridge. So I have [1:18:47, 1:18:51]: And it took a lot of work to get where we are. [1:18:51, 1:19:11]: And we've done great things. So again, anyone that feels that this is negative, I implore you to step in and support our young people in the city of Stockbridge. Because we have Stockbridge High School, we have the counselors, we have a lot of people in this community that want [1:19:11, 1:19:31]: To help. It was stated at the beginning that we were going to make it into a grand council as well. So that's why we're waiting for this next year to come and we're gonna open it up for more students because they're getting wind of what this program is about. So we have a lot of people that are willing to step in. [1:19:31, 1:19:51]: in to volunteer. We have great volunteers. So all I'm saying is going in 2018, I ask each and every colleague to leave out the politics and enhance being a team player this program. That's my plea. [1:19:51, 1:19:52]: Even with the funding. [1:19:53, 1:19:56]: A lot of kids in this in in our community. [1:19:56, 1:20:16]: We need to reach them. One or two people can't do that. But if you know somebody or know or have the ability to assist, that is what I'm asking. People are saying when I said my phone, anybody could have called my phone to ask anything about the program. So Councilman. [1:20:16, 1:20:25]: elect Thomas, I implore you to step in, join the team, and be positive so that way we can move forward. [1:20:26, 1:20:46]: Okay. No. No, okay, thank you. Thank you, sir. No, open uh no open comments open uh so open comments are already been taken care of, okay? Well public hearing supposedly the mayor's already supposedly the mayor's already ended the public hearing, sir. On the budget. On on the budget. That's correct. On the budget. Now uh back [1:20:46, 1:21:00]: to the back to the council. Obviously Councilman Alexander wants to go forward with the proposal as it is. Councilman Blount says no need for additional assessment for initiative fund for the mayor. [1:21:01, 1:21:17]: I just wanted to see what's on the side here. Yes, um I'm all I'm okay with uh you receiving your initiative, the twenty five hundred dollars. And uh let me just say to the audience and and we're know we're going round and round and round about about the budget. Um [1:21:20, 1:21:40]: The job of a city councilman and mayor, we we uh get a stipend monthly of I think it's about nine hundred and fifteen dollars per month. I don't know if people think we get some kinda crazy salary and we're getting paid some astronomical five thousand we're living off of these funds, we aren't. We take train [1:21:40, 1:22:00]: Training to educate us. Um to nickel and dime ourselves. Uh the the mayor gets fourteen thousand dollars a year, the city council gets twelve thousand. That's before taxes or benefits taken away. A year. That's what you get. Um we are here for meetings between six to ten [1:22:00, 1:22:11]: six to midnight, whatever you wanna call it, twice a month and and ribbon cuttings and presentations and different committees and and you name it and here during the week. [1:22:11, 1:22:12]: Any given day. [1:22:13, 1:22:26]: We're debating back and forth on hurting ourselves on and limiting ourselves on the education that can be provided to us and for us. And I'm sure citizens will understand. [1:22:27, 1:22:32]: us trying to enhance ourselves for the benefit of our growing city. [1:22:33, 1:22:53]: And so to keep going back and forth over numbers politically or going back and forth over numbers that really on a larger scale, if you look at the 10%, if it's$40,000 or$20,000 increase, whether it's considered travel and transportation, the same thing. [1:22:53, 1:22:56]: You gotta get there. And it's one pot. [1:22:57, 1:23:17]: But we need to stop nickel and diamond on those issues. We spent way too much time on it. I think we're shortchanging ourselves and we all should consider that. And whether we use it the funds all up or not, we need to allow ourselves the opportunity for those op to go if we want to. And if you don't want to go, then don't go. [1:23:18, 1:23:31]: But I think we are shortchanging ourselves when you look at the budget and you can see other things that are are million dollars in the budget and we're arguing about something on on a hundred dollar value. [1:23:34, 1:23:39]: Ms. Robinson one second please. Ms. Robinson, do you have any comment on reference to the mayor getting any type of initiative funds? [1:23:40, 1:24:00]: I'm all for that. Okay. I'm all for that. I said earlier and to for integrity purposes here, okay. I said earlier then I wouldn't vote on on on this particular issue. I let the council decide. Is it two two split? No, no, sir. Point of order. Okay, point of order. I'm okay with that. Oh, you are okay with that? Yes, I'm okay with that. [1:24:00, 1:24:20]: with you getting the council initiative. I'm not okay with the National League of Cities and all that, but I'm okay with you getting the money. Oh okay. All right. Okay. I misunderstood you. Okay. On that note then fine. Then then um if that's the case then that's that's good. They've got three so I th I I feel good about that. If that's okay. Thank you very much. Now um back to the so otherwise [1:24:20, 1:24:40]: I guess the motion is gonna well we gotta talk about this further about the National League of Cities, I guess. I'll back up Tony. About the budget and whether or not additional funds. Um Alexander doesn't think there's need to be initial funds for the National League of Cities, so again I get an understanding whether or not the rest of the council feels the same way or not before we go ahead and approve this and [1:24:40, 1:24:46]: one massive vote. Uh councilman uh Blount, you got a uh decision or comfort uh comments on reference to that? [1:24:47, 1:24:48]: Ready to move on. [1:24:49, 1:24:51]: Okay. [1:24:51, 1:24:53]: All right. No? I'm fine. [1:24:53, 1:24:56]: Okay. All right. So um [1:24:58, 1:25:18]: Okay, I'll I'll make a mo I'll I I'll make a motion and then we'll see if we this flies here. Okay. I'll make a motion that we the uh adopt the the agenda with these particular adjustments. One is that the incoming mayor or the mayor gets the same amount for an initiative funds as the rest of the council. All right, and then [1:25:18, 1:25:37]: The additional um I think it was additional five thousand dollars. Ten thousand. Ten dollars it was five thousand in education and training and five thousand in travel. Okay, which which probably for the training and education for the uh National League of Cities attendance for council members. [1:25:38, 1:25:39]: That's my motion. [1:25:41, 1:25:42]: Okay. There are a second. [1:25:43, 1:25:45]: I take it. [1:25:45, 1:25:46]: Now. [1:25:47, 1:25:53]: Is it that's the motion am I getting confused? Council and then so you're you're making a [1:25:53, 1:26:05]: Well right, is that correct? Okay. So you're asking that the [1:26:09, 1:26:13]: Uh hundred. Okay. And you're asking for the training. [1:26:15, 1:26:24]: Twenty five thousand. Okay, whatever the the the additional five thousand years. Okay. Is that is that okay? [1:26:26, 1:26:27]: Yeah, right. [1:26:28, 1:26:35]: Okay, so uh so really uh this um [1:26:36, 1:26:56]: I guess I mean state in the motion then. Is that the case? Is that the case, Mr. Yes, I think you should okay so I want to approve the two thousand eighteen budget with a couple amendments or adjustments to that. The uh the council initiative fund will be increased by twenty five hundred for a total of fifteen thousand and then the travel and training fund [1:26:56, 1:27:06]: fund uh for the council will increase by a total of ten thousand but be five thousand each for training and five thousand for the uh uh travel itself. [1:27:06, 1:27:07]: Okay. [1:27:07, 1:27:08]: Right. [1:27:09, 1:27:09]: Is there a second? [1:27:11, 1:27:31]: I second. Okay, just second. Okay, now discussion. Yes sir. Yes. Uh this is w items like this, this is why I like to vote on them individually, because I'm not gonna stop and vote against the entire budget to stop uh from moving forward with this. But as I stated, I'm against [1:27:31, 1:27:51]: um you know the National League of Cities. I'm against uh duplication and process because we have the Georgia Municipal Association already. We have much to be learned from these organizations right here rather than traveling to California or to DC or anywhere else other than that. [1:27:51, 1:28:11]: Show me the ramifications behind what you brought back. What has it brought to the table? I haven't seen anything being brought to the table from going to DC by the council members. I haven't seen it. So when I see that, then I'll be willing to go forward with that. I'm willing to vote to pass the budget here, but you know I [1:28:11, 1:28:31]: I don't think ten thousand dollars is nickel and dime in anybody. It's ten thousand dollars of citizens' money. And the majority of that money is going to be used to pay for trips like to DC and to different other places. That's not that shouldn't be our priority. So I'm against it on that point because maybe you could get the same training. [1:28:31, 1:28:51]: Training in Atlanta. Maybe you could get the same training uh in Augusta versus the extensive cost into doing what we need uh to to make this travel. I'm just it bothers me that uh you know we had a twenty thousand dollars on this line item, now we're we're splitting it up, we're taking five over here and [1:28:51, 1:29:03]: five over there and yes, it's real money. It is real citizens money. And I'm not real sure whether or not the um the the benefit is gonna help us get the amphitheater built. [1:29:03, 1:29:11]: or the school or the youth center build, or you know, to attract economic development to the city of Stockbridge. [1:29:11, 1:29:19]: All of those things should be the priority in growing the government to manage the people's business and municipal services adequately. [1:29:19, 1:29:39]: So I'm gonna I would vote for the budget because I think overall it's a good budget and our city manager has done a good job. But make no mistake about it, these are earmarks that are being added just like they do in Washington. You just you got pet projects that you want to add a few dollars here and there over what we're already doing. These this is [1:29:39, 1:29:47]: what people don't like about Washington and uh this is kind of what we're doing here, but I will vote for the budget at large. [1:29:48, 1:29:48]: Mm. [1:29:49, 1:30:09]: We just want to say um the comment on that. We can reach out all of us as elected officials, we can reach out to GMA, which is Georgia Municipal Association, and they will tell you what the benefit is. There's a lot of legislation that goes from the state [1:30:09, 1:30:24]: state that goes all the way to the White House. And we, if we're at the table, as I like I said, there's a lot of things when I sit on this board, I bring back to our staff. [1:30:25, 1:30:45]: And our staff will be able to respond in that manner. Some of when we went to the National Um League of Cities, we took the youth, a lot of you received things in your mailbox. A lot of things the city manager, our city attorney received that would impact the city of Stockbridge. [1:30:44, 1:31:04]: So if information is stated that what are we doing, for one, our staff is doing a great job. We're putting putting things in place. So we're going to have that amphitheater. Because we have staff that know exactly what they're doing and what it's going to intend. [1:31:04, 1:31:20]: for us to get it. So I don't want to shorthand our staff when we can look at broader areas for this city of Stockbridge. We're trying to build, we're trying to go up in our buildings. [1:31:22, 1:31:23]: We just need to [1:31:24, 1:31:44]: Like like I said, there's education out there and you need to go get it because you're just not gonna get it right here in Stockbridge. Why? Who is at the table? There's all other cities from the state of Georgia that were represented at National League of Cities. Again, I asked my colleagues if you [1:31:44, 1:31:54]: have questions reach out to GMA and find out what the benefit is by City of Stockbridge being at the table. Thank you. [1:31:54, 1:31:57]: Any other comments on on this? Yes. Go right in, sir. [1:31:58, 1:31:59]: Um [1:32:00, 1:32:15]: I'm okay with because any amendments we need to do with the budget, we can do those latest. But what I'm saying, I I don't want right now my position on the mayor having a council having initiative fund. I'm not for that. So I don't want to group those things up together. [1:32:16, 1:32:18]: in order for me to vote for this budget right now. [1:32:19, 1:32:25]: because I don't want my opinion being grouped. I'm for the budget. This was just added on tonight. [1:32:25, 1:32:27]: So I don't want to group those things up. [1:32:29, 1:32:31]: Any other comments? [1:32:31, 1:32:51]: Okay, I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll solve this. Yeah. I'll go withdraw my initial motion and I'll restate it and we'll do it twice, all right? Uh okay, let's start this first way. I'm uh I'll make make a motion that we increase the council initiative additional twenty five hundred for the mayor to have that uh initial uh uh council initiative funds just like the rest of the council. Okay? [1:32:52, 1:32:53]: There's a second. [1:32:53, 1:32:58]: I'm sorry, can we take take off a second? So let her [1:32:59, 1:32:59]: Last year. [1:33:01, 1:33:03]: Okay, there's a second. Any discussions on it? [1:33:05, 1:33:07]: No discussion. All in favor, please indicate. [1:33:08, 1:33:09]: Opposed? [1:33:10, 1:33:30]: Opposed? Okay, there we go. Now second motion. It will be on accepting the budget to add the for the training and the the travel an additional five thousand dollars each in those particular uh categories for the uh National League of Cities travel and and uh training to be involved to the council travel page. [1:33:30, 1:33:34]: peace there, I guess in a sense. Uh you understand that, but uh is there a second? [1:33:34, 1:33:54]: There we go. Any further discussion? Just a point of clarification. I just want to make the make it clear that the corresponding increase, if it's if it's approved, would come from a revenue side of occupational tax. We received actual revenues up to this point this year in occupational tax, and that revenue would offset this proposed income. [1:33:54, 1:34:01]: Okay, great, fantastic. Fantastic. Good stuff. Okay. Any dis further discussion? All in favor of the motion, please indicate? [1:34:03, 1:34:04]: Ben all post? [1:34:06, 1:34:12]: Thank you. The ten thousand dollars for the traveling training increase. [1:34:13, 1:34:18]: All in favor? All four four one? Okay, all right. Thank you. All right. [1:34:18, 1:34:38]: Uh thank you council. I appreciate that. I appreciate that we're gonna make this a great year uh and and make it work well for the citizens and whatnot. So Ms. Favors, thank you very much. Uh Randy, appreciate it, City Manager. Uh Mr. Mayor Yes sir. Mr. Mayor Mayor. Claire us up legally. Did I do so? You'd still have to vote on the final budget. Those were amending the budget. Oh the amendment okay. [1:34:38, 1:34:45]: Excuse me. All right, good deal. Mayor Tim. Yes, Mayor. I would like to vote to approve our 2018 budget. [1:34:46, 1:34:49]: Oops sir. Okay, any s for discussion? [1:34:50, 1:34:51]: All in favor please indicate. [1:34:51, 1:34:55]: There we go. Fantastic. All right. Thank you, Mr. Attorney. [1:34:56, 1:35:16]: All right, on that note we go to new business and council consideration to approve the city's credit card cumulative limit. Cumulative limit. Yes. Um Mayor Pro Tem Ford and and Council members. This is a request to increase the collective or aggregate limit uh from$15,000 to$25,000. [1:35:16, 1:35:36]: thousand dollars. We only have a select few credit cards, but the individual limits still don't add up to 15,000. They add up to more than 15,000. And whenever we've had situations where we've had events and so forth and we're having to utilize credit cards and other things happen, we're bumping up against [1:35:36, 1:35:47]: that$15,000 limit. And so we would just ask that that limit be increased to$25,000 in order for us to effectively carry out the day-to-day operations of city government. [1:35:47, 1:36:02]: Okay, thank you. Council, you heard of the response there. Do you need a motion, please? Mayor Putin. Yes, ma'am, go right ahead. I move that council agree to um approve the$25,000 City Credit Card cumulative limit. Okay, is that a second? [1:36:02, 1:36:05]: There we go, Ms. Robinson. Second that any further discussion? [1:36:06, 1:36:08]: Discussion, no discussion, all in favor, please indicate. [1:36:08, 1:36:10]: All right. Good deal. [1:36:11, 1:36:21]: Well, Mr. Knighton, Council consideration to amend the city's procurement policy, sir. Right. That was consideration for the end of the year going into next year. Right now, the city managers [1:36:21, 1:36:39]: um limit is is ten thousand uh dollars um for the city manager to to approve items at ten thousand dollars. Um I'm fine with that right now um and so I think we can manage appropriately. So that's just to clarify$10,000. [1:36:39, 1:36:53]: So that means you don't need to vote on that. That's good. Okay. Um Ms. Wheeler's not here. So says Council consideration approved the 2018 workers' comprehension policy with provider J. Smith Lanier. [1:36:54, 1:37:12]: Right, this is a recommendation uh to approve J. Smith Gladnier as the workers compensation insurer. Um I understand that they have been with the city for uh quite some time. Um this is an annual approval and uh we're asking you to go ahead and approve that um um and move it forward for workmen's compensation. [1:37:13, 1:37:19]: Anything that you need to highlight on this at all that we need to hold it? [1:37:20, 1:37:26]: Almost right at hundred thousand. Okay, yes. Okay. [1:37:26, 1:37:30]: Okay, Council, you heard that and and is the motion to accept this? [1:37:30, 1:37:50]: Uh Mayor Tim before I accept I do want to make a comment. If we've had them for a while, I ask that this upcoming year will we still shop around. Um it's um common practice that a municipality can, you know, at least every three years shop around and make sure that we are doing what's in the best interest of Stockbridge. And I believe we did receive [1:37:50, 1:38:10]: In fact, I've had conversations with um Donald Riley, our procurement officer, about ensuring that we are on a regular rotation for all of our contracts on a regular basis. And you're right, three percent is the industry standard. Thank you. Um this is the third year, by the way. This would be the third year. Okay. [1:38:10, 1:38:25]: Yes yes sir, go ahead. Yes uh is there I thought there was a policy that we had to anything over fifty thousand dollars had to be uh like an R issued a RP issued or something like that to get quotes on anything over fifty thousand? [1:38:27, 1:38:47]: That's correct. Um the the firm that you use to shop all of your insurance policies, they go through a uh a process to get quotes and I I cannot sit here and tell you that they followed it exactly what's in our ordinance, but they did go through and and receive quotes from a number of of uh uh [1:38:47, 1:38:52]: of potential providers and just recommendation. [1:38:53, 1:38:58]: Is it okay to request that information? Is it the two laser are time sensitive on this? [1:39:03, 1:39:08]: Yep. It it goes into a fact January one. Yeah. It's an annual. Uh-huh. [1:39:08, 1:39:20]: Okay. All right. Mayorten. Any any further questions? Okay, I need a motion then to sub this. Mayor Partins, I move that we approve the twenty eighteen workers' comp policy with provider Jay Smith Lanier. Is there a second? [1:39:21, 1:39:23]: There Ms. Robinson seconded that. Any further discussion? [1:39:24, 1:39:25]: All in favor, please indicate. [1:39:27, 1:39:47]: Opposed. Sustain. Okay. Um council consideration to approve use of Ted Strickland Community Center for a U council event to be held December twenty second. Oh you have that sir. Go right ahead, please. Yes, sir. Uh Ms. Cruz is unavailable, but um just very quickly when the curriculum uh [1:39:47, 1:40:07]: for the youth council was approved. One of the aspects of the curriculum is that we challenged the youth council to do a public service project. And this year they chose to do a public service project which benefits a foster home, a local foster home here in the Henry County area. [1:40:06, 1:40:26]: have uh as I recall sixteen um children there ranging from ages eight through uh seventeen I believe um and so the program they're gonna have a holiday themed dinner for them um and at the same time they're raising funds to provide [1:40:26, 1:40:46]: some of the items on their Christmas wish list for each of the children. But the dinner they would like to have added to Ted Strickland and get a authorization from the mayor and council to utilize the Ted Strickland Center just as other organizations have used it as part of the city partnership. [1:40:46, 1:40:58]: Okay, thank you. Any comments? So moved. Okay. So moved. Okay. Can you other c uh no other discussion? All favor please indicate. Oh yeah, second. [1:40:58, 1:41:03]: Oh sir, excuse me, I'm jumping the gun here. Seconded by Robinson. Now, any further discussion? [1:41:03, 1:41:11]: All fair, please indicate. All right, thank you. That was quick. Alrighty. Embracing diversity. Ms. Gantt, please. [1:41:12, 1:41:32]: Um yes, Mayor Pro Tem. I'm actually going to table this discussion. It's a proclamation from the welcoming um diversity and that will be discussed at our next work session. Um Madam Clerk, if you don't mind. Correct. So we'll put it on there. Okay. Thank you. Okay. [1:41:31, 1:41:32]: [6092.5, 6096.7]: Table. Right. We don't need to vote on that. She's just I'll make the table. [1:41:37, 1:41:57]: Okay, and so next thing we partnership between the city of Stockbridge and KPN. Ms. Gamp, please. Yes, and Mr. Um Wilson is here actually. And in the past we've had discussions with our pre [1:41:57, 1:42:17]: Previous city manager on partnering with KPNO. KPN is a local organization that is within our school district as well as in the local community. They've presented themselves and have volunteered to entertain our citizens here at many of our City of Stockbridge events. KPM has asked us. [1:42:17, 1:42:37]: That we and and we are meeting, myself and Mr. Wilson have currently had a couple of meetings where we're trying to put together a City of Stockbridge orchestra. As you know, the arts and culture environment is very important to the City of Stockbridge, and it's something that we one of our goals is to [1:42:37, 1:42:57]: enhance that uh with a probab some type of cultural arts building hopefully. Um Mr. Wilson um attended our last event, our Christmas event, and they did a really great job. Um he has asked us uh for our support and assistance in an upcoming [1:42:57, 1:43:15]: event and asked that we waive the fees. It's a nonprofit organization asked us to waive the fees which is on January 20th, 2017. I have presented to you an email letter that he sent as 2018, sorry. January 20th, 2018 at 630 p.m. [1:43:16, 1:43:17]: Um [1:43:17, 1:43:37]: And it's a Stockbridge Winner Youth Concert on the on MLK birthday weekend. And it will be a combined effort to celebrate with K Piano as well as the city of Stockbridge. I think it's a wonderful opportunity for us. He also has camps in the summer and things that we're [1:43:37, 1:43:57]: We're working on that could actually provide somewhat of a profit a partnership in with the city of Stockbridge. He has spoken already to to our Sisi McGee as well as Econuel and others down at the Murray Mandas department. This date [1:43:57, 1:44:17]: is available. He's asking to he as you can see things that he stated he will do is secure the date for the event with Mermanders, invite local schools for participation, and solicit local businesses to provide advertisement and refreshments. The estimated amount of people that would attend were between three [1:44:17, 1:44:37]: hundred to five hundred people that includes all the local schools here as a partner in education for the city of Stockbridge and as a part and I think this is a great partnership for us. Um you know thanking him for his volunteer services in the past, whether it was Veterans Day or the Christmas parade I mean the parades or the Christmas uh [1:44:37, 1:44:50]: Um Gala, um we're I'm asking you for the support of allowing him to have the Myrtle Manders on January twentieth, twenty eighteen. Mr. Wilson, you're here to provide the information about KPN if you guys have any questions. [1:44:51, 1:44:59]: Mayor. Okay, uh yes ma'am, go right here, please. Yeah, I was gonna ask I was asking him to come forward and talk to us. Mr. Wilson, come on up to the mic, please. [1:45:02, 1:45:04]: Name and address once you get there. [1:45:06, 1:45:12]: This is a Kenneth Wilson, Monarch Village, 583 Creek Valley Court, Stockbridge, Georgia, 30281. Okay. [1:45:13, 1:45:13]: Go right here, please. [1:45:14, 1:45:33]: Um one, thank you, Mayor Pro Tent, Council members, I appreciate the opportunity. Um we're partnering it with Henry County Schools and as well as I guess I considered ourselves kind of a light partner with the city. Anytime you guys ask, it's a good opportunity for the kids and the parents to get active in the community. Um [1:45:33, 1:45:53]: About two or three years ago I was talking to the former uh city manager, Mike, about launching the Stockbridge City Youth Orchestra. Uh and that was the first time we started talking a while ago um and we talked about some other things that I was doing. The actual vision at that point was to begin to do more pro nonprofit work because uh [1:45:53, 1:45:55]: We were originally working with the school district. [1:45:55, 1:46:07]: And it felt like it might be a better fit to work directly with the community that was here. So that began that portion. Retch out and uh Councilwoman Gantt was helping us with guiding the process of presenting it. [1:46:08, 1:46:25]: Since that time we've made a lot of progress on identifying how to launch the orchestra. We have a ton of research in place on that as well as we have a team that's working on helping us get funding from a lot of different areas as well too that you put it in place. [1:46:25, 1:46:34]: the opportunity to launch a world a Stockbridge youth orchestra, the difference between kids playing pianos and putting a violin in their hands is world class. Um [1:46:35, 1:46:55]: world class prestige or the eyes looking. I'm sorry, I get a little nervous on this many people, but um to have kids between K and five playing violins, cellos, Bach, Beethoven, it opens them up to a lot of different things. Uh the other thing is with everything else disappearing, music and art scholarships are still in demand and they're less [1:46:55, 1:47:15]: kids qualified to get them. I think that from a personal standpoint I can promise you that I think there's not a better person in the world to run it than the team we have here in Stockbridge. From a business standpoint, our program's taught over 11,000 kids. We've raised and donated to the school district and we've got a parent [1:47:15, 1:47:26]: support group of close to about three to five hundred that are willing to support and donate. Um the goal for the event and actually councilwoman it was actually we changed the date to the 13th. Uh Mr. Canyol said that the 20th. [1:47:27, 1:47:47]: The 13th is actually uh I think that's MLK's birthday, which is what he called back and told me. That might have been afterwards, so I'm not sure if I sent an update. That would be the holiday weekend. The holiday weekend the holiday weekend. Yes, yes, okay. So to kind of let you know what the what the goal is on that date. Um my wife is also very active in fundraising in Atlanta with with some other things. [1:47:47, 1:48:07]: as well too, but we got a team of people together. Our goal is to raise enough money on that day uh to generate or at least get the core instruments. There's a lot that goes into building a youth orchestra that you wouldn't think of on the front end. One of it is the storage of the of the equipment, the maintenance, the actual infrastructure, the admin the admin. [1:48:07, 1:48:27]: Rehearsal space and all those things. So our goal is at least to generate enough money to get the core instruments, K piano, and uh the parent funded. The parents are willing to help out with the additional uh the additional expenditures on there. So we're not asking that the city for any expenditures. What we're asking is if possible just to either waive or decrease some of the cost. [1:48:27, 1:48:36]: for that facility, but uh we'll have corporate sponsors and everything else as well to come in as well as the people in the community to help us raise funds on that day. [1:48:36, 1:48:39]: Okay. Thank you, sir. Questions from the council? Yes. Go right ahead, please. [1:48:41, 1:49:01]: I'm excited because I remember we had the luncheon um with the schools and everybody so thank you for reaching out um and councilwoman Gantt working with him. We need this in our community and if we can bring anything positive to City of Stockbridge, we're open arms for that. I do [1:49:01, 1:49:21]: know there's another group um that also that's doing a symphony um and and I want to connect you guys because I think that will be awesome because they're trying to do something at Stockbridge High School and then that way if you can broaden it um for you know a little more that will be good. So I just want to do that connective connection with [1:49:21, 1:49:41]: with you guys but I'm excited. Um I'm all for this. Um and if there is anything I can do to help, you know, with my resources, I'm willing to assist you all or just whatever, just know you just call me and I'll be there to assist you if need be. One other comment in his email [1:49:41, 1:49:58]: it actually stated to mitigate fees associated with the rental of mermanders. We have parent volunteers who will assist in setting up, breaking down, and cleaning the facility. If there are any touch points or oversights, please let him know or he would be willing to add any other list of responsibilities. [1:49:58, 1:50:18]: Okay, anything from this side? Yes. Go back here, sir. I just want to say thank you. I appreciate it. I concur with the remarks that have been made. And I can honestly say you walk in the walk. You've had uh I've had several discussions with you, you've had this you've been very engaged in the city and uh been there every step of the way and we [1:50:18, 1:50:38]: seeing the fruits of your labor, which is tremendous. So I pre I I uh am in support of what we're trying to do. I just have one question uh for our city attorney is that we were looking at a policy uh about moral mandars and I can't recall whether we passed it or not, whether we [1:50:38, 1:50:51]: gonna allocate anything as far as that's concerned because there are costs associated with it, so we have not done anything as far as that was concerned. Okay. Well as far as if that's not a problem, then I'm for [1:50:52, 1:51:07]: I do have something for uh Mr. Williams. When we aren't we supposed to establish some type of partnership document when we do something like this? I think we've done that in the past, is that correct? We have a uh a template that we use whenever we enter into partnerships with with local organizations. [1:51:10, 1:51:16]: Something you wanted to move forward with work that out and and create the part. [1:51:18, 1:51:23]: Yeah we would certainly uh propose doing that if if that's the will of council and and [1:51:23, 1:51:43]: Okay. One last comment. I I do have a question. My and I did not disclose this. My daughter is in KPN after school program. So I I'm assuming I would have to recuse myself from voting if she's in the program. I'm not receiving any funds or anything. We've been working [1:51:43, 1:51:52]: on this before she was in the program. However, she is in the after school program s such as so many other kids. Well and it's That's not a conflict I don't think, is it? [1:51:53, 1:52:10]: It it's not a direct conflict, but it'd be the wise thing to just ma'am, go right ahead. Um I've been knowing him for a long time, so I don't as long as you have no uh interest in the actual project in your spot. [1:52:11, 1:52:20]: I'll I I'll make the motion to approve the use of the facility on January thirteenth, uh, upon the agreement with KPM. [1:52:21, 1:52:22]: Second. [1:52:22, 1:52:23]: Further discussion. [1:52:24, 1:52:25]: Yeah. Alrighty, sir. [1:52:26, 1:52:46]: Uh we talked about a policy to be put in place and and I I enjoy everything that you're doing. Let me put that out there. But one of the things I want to make sure that we cover with the city because when we open up a presidents for anything, I want to make sure we're covering ourselves with the city, that we what that partnership looks like and is there's any expenditures coming. [1:52:46, 1:53:00]: coming from the city for this when it comes to'cause I know someone has got to open the door and now we got a person that tends the Mermanders and I don't know what that cost is. So I I just wish w we would sit down and make sure that we're covering all our bases because [1:53:01, 1:53:21]: I love what you're doing. I've seen you do it. I just want to make sure we cover all our bases when we do these partnerships and when we bring these facilities forward for for anybody, whether it's you or anybody, that we're covering our basis and what precedence are we setting when we don't have those parameters covered. So hire whatever we need to put in place to cover those parameters. [1:53:21, 1:53:25]: I would that we would get that put in place. [1:53:26, 1:53:30]: immediately p prior to um this event happening. [1:53:31, 1:53:45]: Sir we'll we'll do our level best. You know normally we'd have more information prior so we could make sure there are no conflicts and what have you and a as we speak now I I can't say that with any um affinity. Um [1:53:46, 1:53:51]: Uh but the problem here as I understand is really timing because your next meeting [1:53:51, 1:53:54]: Days before the activity, if I understand correctly. [1:53:55, 1:53:58]: To our level best to make sure everything is is correct. [1:53:58, 1:54:00]: Well then it then follow ups [1:54:00, 1:54:12]: Mayor Party? Well go right ahead, sir. Then the follow-up would be then if we accept it tonight, put a contingency on it, w whatever you bring forward, then we can you can email that to us and we just do a consensus on that. [1:54:14, 1:54:18]: Would that be s would that be in in line? That should be fine. [1:54:19, 1:54:38]: Mayor Pratem, my okay. So uh just for clarification purposes, any out of pocket expensive costs expense cost, uh nominal cost that the city has to endure because they're utilizing the building, I'm assuming m I'm I'm sure K Piano will will pay for. [1:54:38, 1:54:38]: Okay. [1:54:39, 1:54:43]: All right, well the our next meeting after tonight was what January eighth, I believe it is. [1:54:44, 1:55:04]: Okay. All right. So on that note, the no other uh discussion points um take the vote for the motion. Uh the motion was made by Alexander and seconded by Robinson. Okay. All in favor of the motion, please indicate. All right, so we've got an unanimous decision. Thank you, sir. Happy holidays to you. Merry Christmas. All right. [1:55:04, 1:55:08]: All right, that leads us to uh comments. Uh City Manager, sir, do you have any comments? [1:55:09, 1:55:29]: Yes, um um and council I I did want to uh mention uh the passing of one of our city employees last week, Robert Manis, and certainly uh the city council, obviously city council and staff uh extend our support and condolences to um uh his family, um myself and um [1:55:30, 1:55:50]: Uh mayor and uh several staff members attended his service on uh Sunday and I'm sure that his family was was very pleased with the support uh from uh the city of Stockbridge. So I wanted to mention that. Second item um um I need to have and and would defer to uh Mike Williams uh [1:55:50, 1:55:54]: some additional time to talk about one issue that has come up recently with us. [1:55:57, 1:56:17]: Yeah. Uh we wanted to address one item with you and Camilla Moore as well as community development director can uh also speak to the issue. All right. So we're asking that you amend the agenda to add an item. An item is a moratorium on the establishment of any truck stop. [1:56:16, 1:56:35]: truck terminal or any other trucking related business as well as the acceptance of any applications relating to such businesses for a period of approximately 180 days. Um we there currently in our ordinance uh there are certain um [1:56:36, 1:56:56]: potential conflicts in the language that we currently uh in the commercial in the C one, the C two, we do not specifically allow uh those businesses uh in those uh zoning classifications, but we also have a supplemental set of standards that does allow [1:56:56, 1:57:16]: truck stops in our C one and C2 as well as our M1 zoning classification. And we believe it would be prudent to have a moratorium until we can resolve these and make sure that what is in the ordinance is what is intended by the Baron Council and the people of the city of Stockbridge. So we just [1:57:16, 1:57:24]: want to avoid having areas with a city developed for those purposes that are inconsistent with with what the wishes of the people are. [1:57:25, 1:57:43]: So this is actually the actual amendment to be part of the well the new business I would imagine, right? Well well yeah yes sir, but if we you all you could just put it anywhere in the agenda, but we'd need two votes, one to the to amend the agenda to allow the discussion and then uh uh assuming that passed and then a vote on the actual moratorium. [1:57:43, 1:57:44]: All right. [1:57:44, 1:57:46]: Well go go right ahead, please. [1:57:46, 1:58:02]: I move that we um amend the agenda to allow for discussion on a resolution from mayor and council to establish a moratorium on acceptance of applications for truck stocks, truck terminals, and other similar truck-related businesses in this. [1:58:03, 1:58:04]: All favor, please indicate. [1:58:05, 1:58:25]: Okay, there we have it. So you now you have a resolution before you um that would impose uh approximately a 180-day moratorium. It actually goes through July 1, 2018 to allow the staff to review your zoning code to appropriately address [1:58:25, 1:58:31]: That's where truck stops, truck terminals, and trucking related businesses can be established in the city of Stockbridge. [1:58:32, 1:58:34]: Mayor Pro Tem. Yes, Mayor, go right ahead. [1:58:35, 1:58:36]: I'm sorry. [1:58:36, 1:58:50]: I move that we approve the resolution of the Mayor and Council of the City of Stockbridge, Georgia, establishing a moratorium for 180 days on the acceptance of an application for truck stops, truck terminals, and other similar trucking related businesses of the city. [1:58:50, 1:58:51]: Thank you. [1:58:51, 1:58:56]: Okay, second by Ms. Robinson. Further discussion. Just a question for Ms. Moore. [1:58:57, 1:59:17]: Now we already have some protections already with the um corridor plan, correct? Trump stops along the corridor? [1:59:16, 1:59:36]: uh other everybody wants to come and so we have conflicts in the in the ordinances and we really need to one be consistent with where we want them and two if there are places where they should not be to make sure that we remove them and so we're gonna need this amount of time in order to remove [1:59:36, 1:59:47]: remove the conflicts and then establish an appropriate location for these type of uses. So within that hundred and eighty days we should have a resolution. Yes sir. Okay. [1:59:48, 2:00:08]: Yeah, any further questions? You have a question? Go right ahead, sir. Um real real quick, with this with this uh more um moratorium on on that, would that be for any business that are pre-tonight that what about the business if any business is pre-tonight that has already applied for the permits, would that be allowed or how does that how [2:00:08, 2:00:16]: How's that gonna work? Any pending applications we would have to go through in the normal process, but this stops the acceptance as of today. Okay. [2:00:17, 2:00:22]: Neil Point of Order. We need to have a disclosure about [2:00:22, 2:00:32]: the business that's been related to what you're s I mean we have we're talking about over here. So I I any discussion related to that I would prefer to have an executive session. Thank you. [2:00:33, 2:00:35]: Alrighty. Any further discussion? [2:00:36, 2:00:39]: Okay, we have a motion, we have a second, is that correct? [2:00:39, 2:00:41]: Okay, so all in favor, please indicate. [2:00:42, 2:01:02]: Okay. Okay. Good thing. Thank you very much. Uh at past five oh, uh Miss uh Clerk City Clerk, do you have any comments? I do I also wanted to uh offer my condolences with the loss of our colleague Robert Berness. I also wanted to say to the council that I am thrilled [2:01:02, 2:01:06]: and I commend this council for the staff that you've put together. [2:01:06, 2:01:16]: We have a great team. We all work well together. And I wanted to wish all of my colleagues and you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you very much. Appreciate that. [2:01:17, 2:01:37]: Ms. Alexander, you're not a little bit more. Yes, I wanted to thank everybody for tuning in. Hopefully we were up in broadcasting tonight. As we move forward into the new year, we have endeavored to uh have that capability put in the um in the Levi room where we will be able to broadcast. [2:01:37, 2:01:57]: these meetings uh on the work session uh as well. So, you know, want to be able to make that readily available to the community so that anytime someone wants to see what's going on in these particular meetings that they will have access to it through all platforms. I want to remind everyone that we had during these times [2:01:57, 2:02:04]: in these last few shopping days that uh we must remain vigilant against those who would do harm to us. [2:02:04, 2:02:24]: Uh especially in online transactions. Uh we have a online safe internet online transaction location at the North Precinct at 4545 North Henry Boulevard that we established so for you to make safe online Craig lists, um any online purchases, whatever. [2:02:24, 2:02:44]: you would need to do to transact just a regular car sale if you need to. But please, please, please, during this holiday season and time, do not risk your safety when we have a safe location for you to transact any business. Do not meet anyone in uh in in uh in clandestine places and different things. [2:02:44, 2:03:04]: Meet at 4545 North Airway Boulevard. It's being videotaped, maintained, all of the above. And I just want to thank you all as we go through the year and uh we enter into the next chapter and hopefully uh please embrace the Keep Stock Roots Together movement. [2:03:04, 2:03:10]: where we want to remain one city together united as a diverse community. [2:03:11, 2:03:12]: Calm blood. [2:03:14, 2:03:34]: Yeah, I just want to say that um in my absence um on vacation last week when I got back um I had several business owners that have contacted me and that I've spoken with that wants to get involved with the community. And so we encouraged businesses that want to get involved with the community and want to do things in the community and it it is a joy to see [2:03:33, 2:03:53]: see that. Um and when we get involved with those businesses in the community, we let them know that we're business friendly. We thank them for wanting to get involved. Um I just thank everybody, I thank the staff for an awesome year. Um you guys seen a lot of changes, ups and downs, but you all stay cohesive and you hung in there. So I just want to commend you all for the [2:03:53, 2:04:00]: job that you've done and that you are doing. And uh just everybody be safe over the holidays and let's start a new year 2018. [2:04:01, 2:04:02]: That's what I'm getting. [2:04:03, 2:04:10]: Happy holidays and thank you staff. Thank you team. Thank you everyone. I look forward to a wonderful [2:04:10, 2:04:21]: Here next year. Um and we have some exciting things coming up. Just stay safe and and continue praying and and thank you for your support and prayers. [2:04:22, 2:04:23]: Councilwoman Robinson. [2:04:24, 2:04:27]: Yes, thank you, Mayor Pro Tem or Mayor Elect, sir. [2:04:27, 2:04:40]: Um I just want again give um condolences to the family of the passing of our um colleague here and also not just the family to the um [2:04:40, 2:04:49]: public works department um that worked hand in hand um with him so we definitely um give all of them our condolences as well. [2:04:50, 2:04:50]: Um [2:04:51, 2:05:01]: We work hard here. This council we worked hard, staff works hard, and my prayer for 2018 is that we work together. [2:05:03, 2:05:05]: I'm asking all the citizens. [2:05:05, 2:05:06]: To pray. [2:05:07, 2:05:09]: Real real prayers. [2:05:10, 2:05:11]: For this council. [2:05:12, 2:05:27]: So that way, going in twenty eighteen, we're a team. We're communicating, we're communicating, we're communicating. Because we as our clerk said, we put a great team together if we allow them to do [2:05:27, 2:05:28]: What we've got. [2:05:29, 2:05:34]: put them in position to do, this city will go higher and higher. [2:05:35, 2:05:49]: But the negativity, it must leave the city of Stockbridge. We must support one another. We must make sure that whatever we do is going to represent this city. [2:05:50, 2:06:10]: We can't be over on one side and then on another side. Again, I'm asking for our citizens to pray for us because it's a lot for us to do for our constituents and to allow the staff to show us exactly what we put. [2:06:10, 2:06:13]: So again [2:06:14, 2:06:22]: Just pray. And I just want to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each and everyone in the city of Stockbridge. Thank you. [2:06:22, 2:06:42]: Thank you. Um I tell you what citizens, um about three weeks ago I made a um a uh a bet. Asia Ashley was a government employee, a government uh reporter, I'm sorry, um, is an Auburn grad and uh what happened is that um I'm an Alabama fan and uh [2:06:42, 2:07:02]: Um Auburn beat Alabama in the iron bowl and I'm supposed to publicly announce the fact my hat's off to Auburn for beating the broad tide nation. So I'm now doing that three weeks later. And she's not here but she can look at the tape and find out that I I acknowledge the fact that Auburn beat Alabama this year. Next year it'll be in Tuscaloosa. Now [2:07:02, 2:07:22]: Our next meeting uh is January 8th, 2018. And that happens to be the same night that the national championship for Division I football is conducted right now, downtown area in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. So for you UGA fans, I will tell you, I would like to see you UGA fans, the Bulldogs, and that. [2:07:22, 2:07:42]: national championship playing the road tide nation. Wouldn't that be fantastic? All right. Happy holidays everybody. Have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends and relatives. Uh we will continue to move the city forward. Keep the faith. We wanna m we want to do the right thing logically and transparently here in a sense. And [2:07:42, 2:08:02]: And uh we're gonna do that. The council is gonna collectively as a group, and and to 2018 is gonna be very successful. We're off the chain and you will see that. Condolences once again to uh Robert Matt Matsis, if I got the name pronounced right and his family. Unfortunately, for his passing. And uh know that the the the not only the city but the public works department uh wrapped our arms around the city. [2:08:02, 2:08:12]: that family and continue keeping them in prayers. Uh in that note I want to tell you, see you next year. God bless you all and enjoy your holidays. Thank you. [2:08:13, 2:08:22]: Now on that note, uh I know that we have executive session. We have several different items to go into executive session. Uh so I would need uh I [2:08:24, 2:08:34]: Okay, personnel litigation real estate. I need a motion please. Mayor Pratem mayor like to I um ask that we go I move that we go into an executive session for personnel, real estate, and litigation. Okay, is there a second? [2:08:35, 2:08:39]: All right, uh in discussion. All in favor, please indicate. All right, thank you. [2:09:16, 2:09:18]: Yeah. [2:09:20, 2:09:23]: [7764.9, 7784.9]: [2:09:44, 2:09:48]: And that's not like [2:10:05, 2:10:15]: And really that's it, and [2:10:16, 2:10:25]: [7835.0, 7836.7]: Almost. [2:10:38, 2:10:41]: Well we don't know. [2:11:25, 2:11:27]: [7887.8, 7890.1]: Oh my god, just [2:11:43, 2:11:43]: Yeah. [3:21:53, 3:21:57]: All right, Council, I need a motion to end executive session. [3:21:58, 3:21:59]: Some moved. [3:21:59, 3:22:00]: Their second. [3:22:00, 3:22:05]: There you go, second over here with Alexander. Okay. Discussion? [3:22:06, 3:22:07]: All in favor, please indicate. [3:22:08, 3:22:09]: Okay. [3:22:09, 3:22:12]: I need a motion to reconvene or [3:22:13, 3:22:17]: Council work session. So move. A second. [3:22:17, 3:22:18]: Can't [3:22:19, 3:22:20]: Any discussion? [3:22:21, 3:22:22]: All in favor? [3:22:23, 3:22:24]: Okay. [3:22:25, 3:22:30]: Now I need a motion to end our work session and and have Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. [3:22:30, 3:22:41]: Merry Christmas and a motion to adjourn. Okay. My second left. We go any discussion? All in favor, please indicate. Yes. Okay. We're done. [3:22:41, 3:22:45]: Yeah.