2020-12-14 · City Council · Transcript · City Council Meeting Via Zoom

--- title: December 14 2020 City Council Meeting Via Zoom date: 2020-12-14 source: 2020-12-14_December_14_2020_City_Council_Meeting_Via_Zoom.wav --- [0:00:07, 0:00:09]: We are now recording everybody. [0:00:41, 0:00:46]: And I see that we are streaming uh live now as well. [0:00:56, 0:00:57]: Madam Clerk, are you there? [0:01:04, 0:01:08]: Yes. Okay. Appreciate it. [0:01:10, 0:01:13]: Good evening, everyone. [0:01:14, 0:01:14]: Okay. [0:01:16, 0:01:18]: Vanessa, was that you giving that feedback? [0:01:19, 0:01:21]: That is um [0:01:22, 0:01:24]: Vanessa and Robert. [0:01:25, 0:01:25]: Okay. [0:01:32, 0:01:34]: Well, ladies and gentlemen, I have six o'clock. [0:01:35, 0:01:36]: And we have a quorum. [0:01:36, 0:01:37]: So let's get going. [0:01:38, 0:01:43]: Like to call the meeting to order. This is our council meeting uh December 14th, 2020. [0:01:45, 0:01:47]: Miss Holiday, please roll call. [0:01:52, 0:01:52]: Mayor Ford. [0:01:53, 0:01:53]: How is it? [0:01:55, 0:01:56]: Mayor Pro Tem Thomas. [0:01:56, 0:01:57]: President. [0:01:58, 0:02:00]: Councilwoman Gantt. [0:02:00, 0:02:01]: Present. [0:02:02, 0:02:03]: Councilman Alexander. [0:02:04, 0:02:04]: President. [0:02:06, 0:02:08]: Councilwoman Barber. [0:02:10, 0:02:11]: Present or [0:02:11, 0:02:13]: And Councilman Blount. [0:02:15, 0:02:15]: Present. [0:02:17, 0:02:22]: You're muted, sir. I s thank you. Uh Mayor Ford, do you have a quorum? [0:02:22, 0:02:23]: Thank you. Um [0:02:24, 0:02:24]: Miss Holiday. [0:02:25, 0:02:27]: Could please bow your heads for the invocation. [0:02:28, 0:02:48]: Lord, thank you for bringing us together once again as we do the city's business. Let us have a lot a good logical dialogue, make proper decisions for our citizens, and elected us to do the job for them. Allow us to be able to make sure we communicate properly, we're able to do the right things, and be able to set the city up for success and for a bright future. We just always [0:02:48, 0:02:50]: Lord in your name. Amen. [0:02:50, 0:02:55]: Amen. Okay, let's stand for the present lead. [0:02:58, 0:03:00]: Regular flag. [0:03:01, 0:03:06]: Of the United States of America. Okay. And to the republic for which it stands. [0:03:06, 0:03:12]: One one nation under God individual liberty and justice for all. [0:03:16, 0:03:17]: Thank you, folks. [0:03:18, 0:03:22]: And I need an adoption of the agenda and I'll call on Mayor Pro Tem Thomas, please. [0:03:22, 0:03:25]: Thank you, Mayor. Uh Mayor and Council. [0:03:25, 0:03:27]: A motion to [0:03:28, 0:03:29]: Table [0:03:29, 0:03:31]: Agenda items. [0:03:32, 0:03:32]: Thanks. [0:03:34, 0:03:35]: And thirteen. [0:03:37, 0:03:40]: To remove agenda item fourteen. [0:03:41, 0:03:42]: And to add [0:03:43, 0:03:44]: Confirmation [0:03:44, 0:03:46]: Uh Mr. Peterson [0:03:46, 0:03:49]: As economic development director. [0:03:51, 0:03:52]: Is there a second to the motion? [0:03:52, 0:03:53]: Second. [0:03:54, 0:03:56]: Okay. All in favor, motion, please indicate. [0:03:58, 0:04:01]: All in favor, unanimous. I appreciate that. Thank you very much. [0:04:02, 0:04:14]: I have now the adoption of the minutes. And these are the minutes from July 13th council meeting, minutes of July 28th council work session. [0:04:14, 0:04:17]: minutes for September twenty ninth council work session. [0:04:18, 0:04:26]: Minutes from October 12th of council meeting and a minute from October 27th, council work session. Need a motion to accept those, those minutes, please. [0:04:31, 0:04:31]: Yeah. [0:04:32, 0:04:34]: A motion to accept all those minutes, please. So move. [0:04:35, 0:04:36]: Thank you, sir. Second. [0:04:39, 0:04:40]: Is there a seven? [0:04:40, 0:04:41]: Second. [0:04:41, 0:04:43]: Yeah, Councilman Alexander, okay. [0:04:43, 0:04:53]: I would imagine if there's any further discussion, I would imagine probably not, but if there is, so be it. If so, if not, excuse me, if not, then uh please send it indicate the approval of the minutes, please. [0:04:55, 0:04:56]: Abstain. [0:04:57, 0:04:58]: Okay, who established? [0:04:59, 0:05:01]: I missed one of the meetings, so I abstained. [0:05:02, 0:05:04]: Okay. All right. So all approval limits. [0:05:04, 0:05:06]: Yeah, indicate the proof of the minutes, please. [0:05:07, 0:05:09]: Okay, four zero one. Thank you very much. [0:05:11, 0:05:13]: Madam Clerk, do we have any public comments at all? [0:05:13, 0:05:16]: There are no public comments submitted. [0:05:16, 0:05:17]: Thank you. [0:05:20, 0:05:27]: All right, council, citizens, I have here a a um ceremonial type of um ordeal here, a proclamation actually. [0:05:27, 0:05:32]: Proclamation is for uh Henry County Schools. [0:05:32, 0:05:36]: School Heroes Day in Henry County Schools. [0:05:36, 0:05:38]: A proclamation honoring the Henry Carey School. [0:05:38, 0:05:39]: Educators. [0:05:40, 0:05:44]: Following the resolution declaring a state of emergency by Henry County Board of Education. [0:05:45, 0:05:45]: Henry County. [0:05:46, 0:05:46]: Georgia. [0:05:47, 0:05:50]: As a result of the global ver uh virtual pandemic. [0:05:50, 0:05:51]: No nascovid nainetin. [0:05:52, 0:05:56]: Рекомізing School Heroes Day and Henry County Schools. [0:05:56, 0:05:57]: And for other purposes. [0:05:58, 0:05:59]: Whereas on March twelfth [0:06:00, 0:06:16]: 2020, the Henry Cannes School District announced to families its intention to continue student learning away from school buildings and facilities through remote learning and other technological means, given the advice and consultation of state and local government. [0:06:17, 0:06:37]: And public health officials. Whereas on March 16, 2020, the district embarked on a student learning and remote work environment away from school buildings and facilities. With such student learning environment initially anticipated for a period of approximately two weeks, yet extended through the remainder of the school year. [0:06:37, 0:06:38]: Two thousand nineteen, two thousand twenty. [0:06:39, 0:06:58]: Whereas the board declared on April 2nd, 2020, a local state of emergency existed within the district and continues until certain conditions are abated. And whereas teachers, school-based staff, and district employees across Henry County schools adjusted their usual work environments to meet the needs of the students. [0:06:59, 0:07:16]: Whereas school leaders and district employees were separated from building work sites until the summer months. And whereas teachers, school-based staff, district employees worked an unusual three weeks into delayed start of the typical school year to promote a remote learning. [0:07:17, 0:07:21]: Whereas the board of education approved the gradual return to our campuses. [0:07:21, 0:07:26]: learning plan to allow students to choose to return to campus for instruction. [0:07:26, 0:07:28]: remain in remote environment. [0:07:29, 0:07:35]: Whereas school and district employees continue to deliver and support learning and operations through the unique worldwide pandemic. [0:07:36, 0:07:47]: Whereas the Board of Education realizes that the employees of the schools and districts of Henry County schools have overcome extraordinary obstacles to provide a hybrid learning method model. [0:07:48, 0:07:54]: of on-campus instruction concurrent with remote learning while continuing to adjust to new challenges each and every day. [0:07:55, 0:08:05]: Therefore, this proclamation, the city of Stockbridge recognizes these exceptional effort efforts and accomplishments of the Henry County employees. And the city recognizes [0:08:05, 0:08:21]: That employees all across the district have provided a heroic lift to support students, families, and fellow colleagues. Congress recognizes that through this pandemic, the rallying point of four families and communities is a local public school. [0:08:21, 0:08:36]: and dedicated staff. The City of Starbury recognizes the burdens shouldered by all staff members to provide a high quality education by using an approach and methods beyond those traditionally acquired in collegiate studies and or educational credentials or training. [0:08:37, 0:08:42]: The city of Stockbridge recognizes that the Henry County School educators have been uh stabilizing in force. [0:08:43, 0:09:03]: and positive ex positive inspiration through their their can-do attitude, unwavering commitment to the youth of our commun uh community, and uplifting spirit. Now therefore I, Anthony S. Ford, by virtue of authority, vested in me as a mayor of the city of Stockbridge, Georgia, and on behalf of city council members, uh council members [0:09:03, 0:09:07]: Elton Alexander, Yolanda Barber, John Blount, Nakeisha Gantt and Afonso Thomas. [0:09:07, 0:09:14]: Hereby declare Monday, December 14, 2020, to be recognized as School Heroes Day in Henry County Schools. [0:09:14, 0:09:26]: In witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand on the great seal of the city of Starbury, Georgia, in the 14th day of December, our year of our Lord 2020. And I sign this along with our clip Vanessa holiday. [0:09:27, 0:09:27]: I'll stand. [0:09:29, 0:09:30]: Outstanding. [0:09:30, 0:09:32]: On that note, we'll go to old business. [0:09:32, 0:09:43]: And um the first item of business deals with council consideration to approve the revised council initiatives counter for 2021, presented by Ms. Pearson, please. [0:09:43, 0:09:51]: Yes, good after good evening, Council. I'm presenting for your approval the revised council initiatives calendar for 2021. [0:09:51, 0:09:54]: The following revisions were made um [0:09:54, 0:10:00]: Juneteenth is removed from the calendar as it was approved by council as a city event. [0:10:00, 0:10:06]: And the addition of the event by Councilwoman Gantt in September. And those are the two revisions. [0:10:08, 0:10:08]: Okay. [0:10:09, 0:10:12]: Council, I need a motion to accept uh this particular proposal. [0:10:14, 0:10:15]: Some moved. [0:10:15, 0:10:16]: There a second. [0:10:18, 0:10:18]: Okay. [0:10:19, 0:10:22]: Okay, Councilman Blount second that any further discussion? [0:10:23, 0:10:26]: If not all all signified approval of this motion, please. [0:10:29, 0:10:32]: Okay. Okay, as you now so I appreciate it. Thank you very much. [0:10:32, 0:10:33]: Thank you. [0:10:33, 0:10:45]: Appreciate it, Miss Ms. Pearson. You're more than welcome to join us unless you you if you like, you're welcome. I don't think you have another presentation tonight, do you? No, I don't. So it's up to you whether or not you want to stay. Okay. Thank you. [0:10:45, 0:10:51]: We have a public hearing, but um dealing with our third reading and adoption of the FY twenty twenty-one operating budget. [0:10:52, 0:10:56]: Presented by Mr. Knighton and John Wiggins, please. Gentlemen. [0:11:00, 0:11:01]: Thank you, Mayor and Council. [0:11:02, 0:11:07]: Um I will attempt to share screen if IT will give me that privilege of sharing screen. [0:11:18, 0:11:22]: While they are in me that uh ability to share the screen [0:11:22, 0:11:24]: I would mention [0:11:25, 0:11:26]: That that's [0:11:29, 0:11:32]: This is the reading option. [0:11:40, 0:11:41]: Uh [0:11:42, 0:11:43]: Got a echo. [0:11:44, 0:11:47]: Yeah, you're the trends. [0:12:07, 0:12:08]: Yeah. [0:12:12, 0:12:15]: Okay. [0:12:19, 0:12:20]: All right. [0:12:21, 0:12:26]: Everyone see it okay? Okay. Yes, sir. We're good. Thank you. All right, all right. [0:12:28, 0:12:30]: I am still hearing those um [0:12:35, 0:12:35]: All right. [0:12:36, 0:12:37]: I'll proceed. [0:12:38, 0:12:39]: All right, Mary. [0:12:40, 0:12:41]: As you know, this is [0:12:41, 0:12:42]: Third. [0:12:43, 0:12:44]: Hearing reaction. [0:12:46, 0:12:47]: Of the point. [0:12:47, 0:12:48]: Only one buttons [0:12:51, 0:12:54]: I'm still getting some bad. [0:12:55, 0:12:56]: I can hear you. [0:12:57, 0:12:58]: Okay. Okay. [0:12:59, 0:13:03]: Uh this is the third hearing and adoption of the [0:13:03, 0:13:05]: Twenty, twenty, twenty one. [0:13:05, 0:13:15]: Absolutely. Do you have two volumes on two items ru uh up? Do you have two items that you're two uh [0:13:15, 0:13:19]: Two devices. Two devices that you're looking at? Nope, I'm done. Nope. [0:13:20, 0:13:21]: Isn't yeah the [0:13:21, 0:13:24]: Uh on on my end the feedback is too bad to even understand what you're saying. [0:13:25, 0:13:25]: Okay. [0:13:26, 0:13:28]: Is that better? That's perfect there. [0:13:29, 0:13:29]: Is that good? [0:13:30, 0:13:30]: Yeah. [0:13:31, 0:13:31]: Yeah, yeah. [0:13:32, 0:13:32]: All right, thank you. [0:13:33, 0:13:47]: All right, um yes, this is the uh third hearing and adoption of the twenty twenty-one budget. Obviously this has been discussed previously at two prior um budget hearings, and between uh the first and now the third, there have been some changes. [0:13:48, 0:13:51]: That have been made, uh, some reductions in certain areas. [0:13:52, 0:13:54]: Uh, which I provided you a list of previously. [0:13:55, 0:13:57]: With respect to uh the overall [0:13:57, 0:13:58]: Um budget. [0:14:00, 0:14:02]: Obviously for the viewing public. [0:14:02, 0:14:07]: Uh this budget uh is intended to coincide with the city's vision and mission statements. [0:14:07, 0:14:11]: Um to be the most progressive business and family oriented [0:14:12, 0:14:15]: Uh community in Metro Atlanta with a focus on enhanced quality of life. [0:14:16, 0:14:20]: uh and initiatives and promote a sustainable live work and play environment [0:14:22, 0:14:30]: Obviously also it coincides with our uh values of peace, professionalism, excellence, adaptability, communication, and ethics. [0:14:32, 0:14:38]: Couple of items that we would mention here. Um as we had had mentioned previously. [0:14:38, 0:14:49]: Um there were key aspects of the budget in including revenue, local option sales tax. We've seen some local option sales tax numbers actually increase even during COVID-19, but there is some uncertainty. [0:14:49, 0:14:50]: Uh regarding that. [0:14:51, 0:14:58]: Uh, still some uncertainty regarding that issue. However, we've seen our local option sales tax and spLOS numbers actually increase over the past [0:14:58, 0:15:01]: uh six months or so. One other consideration. [0:15:01, 0:15:05]: Uh, as we contemplated the twenty twenty one budget had to do with [0:15:06, 0:15:09]: Any bonding scenarios that might impact the budget. [0:15:09, 0:15:12]: Uh that was uh determined at the previous meeting. [0:15:12, 0:15:15]: Um and uh obviously the city has decided to [0:15:16, 0:15:19]: I move forward, at least with bonding certain projects. [0:15:19, 0:15:23]: The overall general fund budget is proposed to be twelve point seven three. [0:15:24, 0:15:39]: uh million dollars. Um uh proposed positions include a code enforcement officer and then several positions uh for public works technicians which would be specific to maintaining uh uh certain [0:15:40, 0:15:53]: um maintenance of the city uh and beautification. Uh that's proposed at six from general fund and two from stormwater. And then also there are placeholder positions for building inspection, building permit clerk, and civil engineer. [0:15:54, 0:15:58]: If the city decides to develop an in-house scenario. [0:15:58, 0:16:01]: For uh permitting services. [0:16:04, 0:16:15]: Again, uh six public works technicians uh specifically to ensure uh little removal, mowing of corridors, streets, public spaces, additional code enforcement officer proposed. [0:16:16, 0:16:21]: Provide support for overall maintenance of uh mainly private properties in this sense. [0:16:21, 0:16:27]: And then the uh positions that I've listed earlier are placeholder positions in this uh iteration of the budget. [0:16:28, 0:16:33]: uh if uh ultimately there is an in-house model for permitting which is determined. [0:16:35, 0:16:40]: Couple of things that we've discussed over uh the course of the um budget was [0:16:41, 0:16:45]: А а дінт холидай себраш. [0:16:45, 0:16:53]: And I'd make one note that that actually needs to be placed in the events section of the budget. I believe it was misplaced. [0:16:53, 0:17:00]: um uh in a council section, but that actually it would be a city uh h or city of um holiday event. [0:17:00, 0:17:02]: And that needs to be placed in the events section. [0:17:03, 0:17:19]: And then uh one item uh that I didn't make a note uh to uh you in the last uh week or so is a potential July fourth uh celebration. Uh certainly we expect the amphitheater to be completed by then, which would [0:17:19, 0:17:21]: potentially provide an excellent venue for [0:17:22, 0:17:26]: Uh perhaps a firework show or some other type of July Fourth. [0:17:26, 0:17:28]: Uh, celebration and as a placeholder. [0:17:29, 0:17:32]: Uh we'd recommend uh ten thousand dollars uh at this point. [0:17:33, 0:17:36]: Uh for that type of celebration uh for July Fourth. [0:17:37, 0:17:38]: uh celebration. [0:17:38, 0:17:47]: Obviously, uh capital projects are generally handled in at various aspects of the budget other than your normal general fund, which mainly deals with [0:17:48, 0:17:50]: Operational aspects of the budget. [0:17:50, 0:17:52]: And then since last [0:17:52, 0:17:55]: Uh, meaning there were additional modifications and reductions that are uh [0:17:56, 0:17:57]: Provided to you. [0:17:57, 0:18:01]: Um which uh totaled uh just about eighty thousand dollars. [0:18:02, 0:18:05]: Obviously, uh, given the covet uh pandemic. [0:18:05, 0:18:08]: Uh, we thought it would be prudent in uh [0:18:08, 0:18:11]: possible to reduce certain areas of travel. [0:18:11, 0:18:14]: Uh yeah, and um [0:18:14, 0:18:16]: Other aspects of the budget. [0:18:16, 0:18:22]: uh given travel would be uh fairly limited, we expect for the first quarter or so of uh next year. [0:18:23, 0:18:28]: And uh various other uh modifications were made. Of course, there were three budget hearings, this being the third. [0:18:29, 0:18:30]: Questing adoption. [0:18:30, 0:18:31]: Mm. [0:18:31, 0:18:32]: By the council. [0:18:32, 0:18:33]: Uh for those. [0:18:34, 0:18:39]: And uh I will stop share of this item for the moment. [0:18:39, 0:18:42]: And what asked to then uh share. [0:18:43, 0:18:46]: Uh one other item back to it here. [0:19:08, 0:19:11]: Let's see here. Hold on, let me move that. [0:19:27, 0:19:29]: Not being able to find that. [0:19:30, 0:19:36]: What are you trying to share, sir? I'm trying to share one other quick item. John may be able to share it for me. [0:19:37, 0:19:38]: Mr. Williams? [0:19:40, 0:19:45]: I think if he's having problems, he says you might be able to share it, uh share the item, whatever that is. [0:19:45, 0:19:46]: Okay, let me um [0:19:47, 0:19:48]: Let me try to pull it up. [0:19:48, 0:19:53]: I think I know what you're talking about, the German phone summary. That's correct, yes. All right. [0:19:54, 0:19:54]: Or they're not. [0:20:04, 0:20:07]: You have to give me um access to share. [0:20:24, 0:20:26]: Mr. Knight, you're currently the host. You can give it to John. [0:20:27, 0:20:27]: Yeah. [0:20:27, 0:20:30]: Give me just a moment. Sorry about that. No problem. [0:20:46, 0:20:48]: Well, let's see here. [0:21:07, 0:21:09]: Well, it's not allowing me to do that. [0:21:13, 0:21:18]: If you still have um if you still can share the screen, Ms. Knight, look at your email. [0:21:20, 0:21:21]: You can pull it up that way. [0:21:22, 0:21:25]: All right, there we go. All right, hold on. [0:21:26, 0:21:30]: Okay. All right. This is what I wanted to show. Sorry about that, Mayor and Council. [0:21:31, 0:21:33]: Uh I'll just go down here. [0:21:36, 0:21:37]: This is the overall [0:21:39, 0:21:42]: Uh general fund budget, as you can see here. [0:21:43, 0:21:49]: Um at twelve point seven three or so millim dollars after those minor modifications. [0:21:49, 0:21:50]: uh were made. [0:21:51, 0:21:59]: You can see all of the departments there. Many of the departments have actually gone down a little bit, a few departments going up, including public works, as you know, for the increase in. [0:21:59, 0:22:01]: A number of positions. [0:22:01, 0:22:05]: Um but then um uh you can see the overall [0:22:06, 0:22:09]: uh budget there summary at twelve point uh seven three. [0:22:14, 0:22:20]: Um this concludes Mayor Ford. Uh my presentation certainly would entertain any questions as it relates to [0:22:20, 0:22:24]: The overall budget um for uh fiscal year. [0:22:24, 0:22:27]: Uh twenty twenty one. Uh we have taken a painstaking [0:22:28, 0:22:37]: approach to the budget. And as you know, coming out of the budget retreat, uh, it was probably well over about fifteen million, fourteen and a half to fifteen million dollars. And so obviously we had to [0:22:37, 0:22:40]: Bring that down to a budget that um [0:22:40, 0:22:47]: had uh realistic revenue projections uh based on what we expect to happen in twenty twenty one. [0:22:47, 0:22:53]: And also include the proposed um increases to staff in certain areas in particular. [0:22:53, 0:22:56]: uh the public work staff to address certain needs. [0:22:56, 0:23:00]: Um uh we expect this budget. Uh it's a balanced budget. We expect the budget [0:23:01, 0:23:04]: To be solid throughout the course of twenty twenty-one. [0:23:06, 0:23:07]: We'll be glad to answer any questions. [0:23:08, 0:23:13]: Council. Okay. Mayor Pro Tem Thomas. Go ahead, please. First let me ask uh is this a public hearing? [0:23:14, 0:23:16]: Not yet. I haven't opened it up for the public hearing just yet. [0:23:17, 0:23:18]: Окей, текю. [0:23:19, 0:23:22]: Uh Mayor and Councillor, I'd like to uh motion. [0:23:22, 0:23:24]: To amend the third [0:23:24, 0:23:26]: Code enforcement position. [0:23:27, 0:23:29]: As a supervisory position [0:23:29, 0:23:32]: With an increase in funding. [0:23:33, 0:23:34]: And to a man [0:23:35, 0:23:37]: The organization a chart to reflect [0:23:38, 0:23:42]: The paid and class uh supervisory position. [0:23:44, 0:23:50]: Is there a second to that motion? I said. Councilman Barber seconds that further discussion, council. [0:23:52, 0:23:54]: Um Councilman Blount, go ahead, please. [0:23:55, 0:24:00]: Uh Mayor, I just think um I I I haven't vetted that motion. [0:24:01, 0:24:03]: Um, my first time hearing about it, so [0:24:04, 0:24:05]: It it would be [0:24:06, 0:24:08]: wise for me to vector motion and look at [0:24:09, 0:24:12]: What's the increase in salary that we're getting ready to try to approve and [0:24:13, 0:24:19]: I don't know anything other than the motion. I have no idea what what how much funding we're talking about for that position uh and [0:24:19, 0:24:21]: Everything but anything pertaining to this motion. [0:24:23, 0:24:26]: Okay, thank you. Uh Council uh Member Burton Thomas Gway, please. [0:24:26, 0:24:34]: Uh uh Councilman Blount, that is a valid point about the salary. Now at the very last meeting. [0:24:34, 0:24:40]: Uh we did discuss that third position as a supervisory position. [0:24:41, 0:24:50]: Uh and the reason why I'm bringing it back tonight as a motion because uh we did not uh put it in the um proper [0:24:50, 0:24:53]: um format, you know, for the motion. [0:24:53, 0:24:57]: Um I would lean toward Mr. Knighton to [0:24:57, 0:25:01]: Um discussed that I don't know, Mr. Nighton. [0:25:01, 0:25:09]: It being a supervisory position, I know in the organization, in the in the pay and class document. [0:25:09, 0:25:12]: There is a pay category for [0:25:13, 0:25:16]: the regular um code enforcement position. [0:25:17, 0:25:35]: Uh I'm not sure, Mr. Knighton, what how this position would elevate as a supervisor. Right. I would if if the if the council is inclined to approve this position, I would also ask that you would allow myself and uh Ms. Holliday, the HR manager, to take the appropriate and necessary steps to include that position. [0:25:36, 0:25:40]: Um in uh any paying class and or in with any job description. [0:25:41, 0:25:53]: uh as necessary. I would imagine only that that position in the supervisory role would probably be 10 to 15,000 more than what we are currently paying our code enforcement officers. [0:25:53, 0:26:01]: Uh so if the position, the code enforcement position is improved, I would uh only think that it would be about about a ten to fifteen thousand dollar. [0:26:02, 0:26:13]: um increase over that standard. However, of course, that would be dependent upon experience and things of that nature for a particular person that would be hired for that position. [0:26:14, 0:26:15]: Yeah. [0:26:15, 0:26:16]: Council block. [0:26:17, 0:26:19]: Were were you finished, Mayor Putin? [0:26:19, 0:26:24]: No, I just I just wanted to thank um Mr. Nightingis for um adding that information. [0:26:25, 0:26:27]: Uh in and that brings another point. [0:26:28, 0:26:29]: Uh with with that position. [0:26:30, 0:26:38]: Um, we have no idea what that what a supervisor position would do. Have you guys developed a uh job description for a supervisor position? [0:26:39, 0:26:47]: Uh I would like to see if it's outside the guidelines, how much outside the guide outside the guidelines it would be of a regular code enforcement officer that will want. [0:26:47, 0:26:50]: that increase and what the increases be. We just approved the [0:26:51, 0:26:53]: Well we we we're just presenting a balanced budget. [0:26:54, 0:27:02]: And to uh having a uh to amend the agenda to bring us something now that will put us outside of the boundaries of what you just done. I would like for us to go ahead and vet that first. [0:27:03, 0:27:07]: for me before I approve something like that, because I would like to see. [0:27:08, 0:27:14]: what the job description for a supervisor code enforcement officer would look like with only three code enforcement officers. [0:27:14, 0:27:18]: So you'll only be supervising two other people. So I would like to see what [0:27:19, 0:27:23]: what that would look like uh versus uh department head oversight. [0:27:26, 0:27:35]: Uh Vanessa Holiday, ma'am ma'am, you were asking for the you want to I just wanted to clarify the record that that would be a conversation with Mr. Knighton and Miss Wheeler, the HR manager. [0:27:35, 0:27:47]: Right. Okay. Gotcha. Mirapal Tim Thomas, you had something, sir. Well, I I I just want to say that at the retreat in in September, uh, we did discuss that. I I can't remember maybe um [0:27:48, 0:27:53]: Um the the clerk can maybe speak to a little of that. I can't remember if we talked about [0:27:54, 0:27:54]: Um [0:27:55, 0:27:57]: you know, this job description and um [0:27:58, 0:28:00]: You know, p pay and class, I'm um [0:28:01, 0:28:03]: I'm not sure um [0:28:03, 0:28:06]: Madam Clerk and Mr. Knight maybe could [0:28:06, 0:28:09]: refresh all of our memory if we discuss I know we discussed it. [0:28:10, 0:28:12]: at the retreatment to that level. [0:28:12, 0:28:15]: Uh to Mr. Blood's concern, I I'm not sure. [0:28:15, 0:28:16]: Yeah. [0:28:16, 0:28:18]: Uh you know, I would I would [0:28:19, 0:28:19]: Yes, ma'am. [0:28:20, 0:28:22]: Oh no, go uh go ahead, Mr. Knighton. [0:28:22, 0:28:31]: Well Ms. Lynn's will explain. I'll come to you, Councilman Alison. I was gonna mention that for supervisory positions we have uh some of those [0:28:32, 0:28:36]: in various areas of um city uh organization. [0:28:37, 0:28:41]: That would provide general leadership and oversight of the subordinate staff. [0:28:42, 0:28:47]: And um so I don't think that we would be creating anything that would be [0:28:47, 0:28:49]: Out of bounds of what [0:28:49, 0:28:51]: In essence, we are generally doing [0:28:52, 0:28:56]: uh right now with respect to our overall uh організаціation [0:28:56, 0:29:04]: Uh, this position, if approved by the council, again would provide that leadership oversight uh and general supervision. [0:29:05, 0:29:08]: Um of uh of the code enforcement staff. [0:29:10, 0:29:11]: Mr. Alexander, go ahead, please. [0:29:13, 0:29:21]: Uh yes, sir. Uh Mayor Pro Tem, I recall the discussion and uh what you kind of framed it uh in a nice package which you said. [0:29:21, 0:29:25]: Іно the two call enforcement officers we have now. [0:29:25, 0:29:28]: Uh who's out there in the field? [0:29:29, 0:29:43]: writing and uh supervising behind them. I think we have it broken down. One goes to one side of the city, one goes to the other side of the city. This new supervisory position would be an extra set of eyes. [0:29:44, 0:29:53]: That would be on both sides because you know we want to make sure that we're not missing uh items as we go through the city and an extra set of eyes. [0:29:53, 0:30:02]: to be able to help out and to be able to cover more territory as the city grows. And I think uh you has you had really explained well where you had uh some concerns about [0:30:03, 0:30:06]: Whether or not um there was a extra set of eyes going out there. [0:30:07, 0:30:12]: uh patrolling in those areas and I kinda really thought that that was uh that was appropriate. [0:30:14, 0:30:15]: Thank you. [0:30:16, 0:30:18]: Councilman Barber, did you have anything you need to add to this? [0:30:21, 0:30:25]: Well, Calsen and Alexander already stated my points, but [0:30:26, 0:30:28]: If we're done with this motion. [0:30:28, 0:30:32]: and vote for the supervisor of enforcement. [0:30:32, 0:30:34]: I'd like to make another motion. [0:30:34, 0:30:38]: Okay, stand by one second, please. Councilman uh woman Gantt, do you have any comments at all? [0:30:39, 0:30:42]: No more. Go ahead, please. [0:30:42, 0:30:43]: Um [0:30:45, 0:30:49]: I'm not saying that we don't need I I'm I'm in favor of a third code enforcement officer. [0:30:50, 0:31:00]: But at this time during the midst of this pandemic where there's not a whole lot of uh business entry by code enforcement right now. Is that by understanding, Mr. Knighton, there's not a whole lot of [0:31:00, 0:31:05]: uh building entry uh because of the provisions set by these different businesses and the different areas. [0:31:05, 0:31:08]: my code informants officer, so why would we [0:31:08, 0:31:11]: Go ahead and approve that salary now versus [0:31:12, 0:31:17]: Six months from now when when the money be well spent, when hopefully this [0:31:18, 0:31:21]: You know, things would lighten up where they can actually go inside these businesses. [0:31:22, 0:31:35]: Well, I would I would and to address your um question, Councilman Blount. Um we have obviously encouraged our staff to uh maintain proper precautions. However, code enforcement officers [0:31:36, 0:31:38]: Certainly can and do go out. [0:31:39, 0:31:43]: um throughout the community and can ride through the community and even [0:31:43, 0:31:56]: uh provide some level of interaction with uh business owners. That may not mean the traditional going into businesses, but certainly contacting businesses, uh riding throughout the city, identifying properties that have issues. [0:31:56, 0:32:00]: Uh, with respect to uh code violations, contacting those business owners. [0:32:01, 0:32:07]: et cetera. Um and so that level of of interaction, while it may not be traditional in the traditional sense. [0:32:08, 0:32:13]: of the physical contact going into businesses as frequently as has been done in the past. [0:32:13, 0:32:20]: But it still certainly would involve um being eyes and ears out in the community, assessing uh um [0:32:20, 0:32:28]: properties and um uh making notes, uh making contacts and even citations with respect to properties that are not in compliance. [0:32:31, 0:32:39]: Okay, Miracle Tim Thomas, go ahead, please. Yeah, I I just want to reemphasize that the code enforcement not only [0:32:39, 0:32:40]: Um [0:32:41, 0:32:50]: into the community as far as businesses, they're also, as Mr. Night stated, they're out in the community for as uh personal properties. [0:32:50, 0:32:51]: Um [0:32:52, 0:32:56]: When you look at the ordinances and and all of the guidelines for [0:32:56, 0:32:58]: Code enforcement. [0:32:58, 0:32:59]: Um [0:32:59, 0:33:01]: The pandemic really [0:33:01, 0:33:03]: have nothing to do with [0:33:04, 0:33:16]: um you know making sure that uh property owners and businesses are in compliance. And I also would add that uh and Mr. Night, you you knows this, uh even though we're discussing this. [0:33:16, 0:33:19]: But actually uh approving this position. [0:33:19, 0:33:22]: Uh and hiring it is in the uh city manager's purview. [0:33:23, 0:33:25]: Uh, even though my motion is to [0:33:27, 0:33:28]: Just to add [0:33:29, 0:33:32]: Third position as a supervisor position, but [0:33:32, 0:33:35]: Uh the hiring is in the um [0:33:35, 0:33:36]: The city manager's purview. [0:33:39, 0:33:39]: Okay. [0:33:40, 0:33:43]: Any comments from the council? Anything else? [0:33:44, 0:33:48]: If not the motion was made, it was seconded. So all in favor of motion, please indicate. [0:33:49, 0:33:52]: One, two, three, our poles. [0:33:53, 0:33:56]: Okay, Miss Scann, are you approving or opposing? I'm sorry. [0:33:57, 0:33:58]: You're opposing? [0:33:59, 0:34:03]: Approving. Approving. Okay. So it's 4-1. Thank you. [0:34:03, 0:34:06]: Miss Barber, you had something else to add. [0:34:07, 0:34:09]: Yes, thank you. Um [0:34:09, 0:34:13]: I want to make a motion to approve a new position. [0:34:13, 0:34:16]: As procurement director to our twenty twenty one budget. [0:34:17, 0:34:19]: Um I will also [0:34:19, 0:34:21]: add to the motion to test. [0:34:22, 0:34:31]: HR and the city manager with creating the job description, the paying class, and to revise the org chart to include this new position. [0:34:32, 0:34:32]: Um [0:34:33, 0:34:35]: And I'd ask that this position be posted immediately. [0:34:37, 0:34:38]: Is there a second to that motion? [0:34:42, 0:34:44]: Is there a second to the motion? [0:34:46, 0:34:51]: Sorry, second. I I I was on mute. Second. Let's discuss it in the explan and uh she'll explain it as well. [0:34:52, 0:34:55]: Yeah, right. Uh one second. We'll say a second by uh Mr. Alexander. [0:34:55, 0:34:57]: All right, further discussion. [0:34:59, 0:35:02]: Uh Councilman Blanc, go ahead, please. [0:35:02, 0:35:05]: Um this to the city manager. I'm ch I'm trying to [0:35:06, 0:35:10]: I'm trying to follow these uh motions that are coming forth to us. [0:35:11, 0:35:13]: Uh is this in line with the current [0:35:13, 0:35:22]: procurement uh person we have, or is this an addition, or what is this? I mean, I have no idea. Um what was I [0:35:22, 0:35:27]: Once again, it's a motion that are you aware of the motion that just came forward, Mr. Knight? [0:35:28, 0:35:33]: I was aware of the code enforcement supervisor since that had been discussed previously. [0:35:33, 0:35:35]: This motion I'm not aware of, no. [0:35:36, 0:35:38]: Well that goes back to my point. [0:35:39, 0:35:41]: When you have council members that sit back [0:35:41, 0:35:43]: And all they gotta do is conjure up [0:35:43, 0:35:44]: Promotion to put out. [0:35:45, 0:35:46]: Імене сиді менеджер. [0:35:47, 0:35:48]: It's not even aware. [0:35:49, 0:35:52]: Of opposition. I'm sure the mayor's not aware. [0:35:52, 0:35:58]: No other council members aware of but of the people that council member wants to put the motion out to. [0:35:58, 0:36:10]: The process that is going on right here in the city of Stockbridge with with this council right now is so unorthodox and unfair to the citizens because you elected five council members and a mayor. [0:36:10, 0:36:12]: To represent this city. [0:36:13, 0:36:23]: And when you have information as as as as something as as as hirings and and budget changes and all this, and it's not being discussed among every elected official. [0:36:24, 0:36:27]: Not even the city manager and the mayor is not aware of it. [0:36:28, 0:36:48]: It's it's it's it's a it's a it's a ridiculous process that has been put into this council that this is not what the this is not what the citizens of Stockbridge has has has elected us to do is to go rogue anytime we want to to put something out here and not let the whole council be aware of what's going on, nor the city manager. [0:36:48, 0:36:56]: Nor even the mayor, and not even have a discussion on it. But all it's gonna take right now is three counts, three votes to say yes, let's do it. [0:36:56, 0:37:11]: And those three have been discussed, probably discussed this situation, and it moves forward. This is not the way we're supposed to do things in the city of Stockbridge. And I oppose, I oppose this process, and I hope the citizens see what's going on. It makes no sense to me. [0:37:12, 0:37:18]: I just give clarification, I have to admit this is the first time I heard this as well. And you're absolutely right, it is. [0:37:18, 0:37:20]: Mirapro Tim Thomas, go ahead, please. [0:37:20, 0:37:24]: Uh just based on that comment, I just wanted to make sure. [0:37:25, 0:37:27]: Uh that the [0:37:27, 0:37:33]: Code enforcement position, uh, I did not want that to be lumped into [0:37:34, 0:37:35]: That [0:37:36, 0:37:37]: Discussion. [0:37:37, 0:37:41]: Uh again, you know, that we're discussed at the uh retreat. [0:37:41, 0:37:42]: Um [0:37:43, 0:37:55]: I've had several conversations with uh Mr. Knight about this and he just indicated that he was aware of it. Um I spoke to the mayor about it. So I just want to make sure that. [0:37:55, 0:37:58]: Um that position and I think um [0:37:59, 0:38:15]: Everyone agreed uh that um the third code everyone agreed for the third code enforcement position, and I think everyone agreed on it being a supervisory position. I just want to make that clear and to separate. [0:38:16, 0:38:19]: That position from this discussion. [0:38:19, 0:38:24]: Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Thomas, just to re just to reply to you, I agree with you on that. [0:38:24, 0:38:41]: that the third code enforcement has been discussed. Whether we're gonna what hasn't been discussed yet with that is is monies nor j nor job duties. That's the only thing with that that hasn't been discussed. But this other this other motion just came out, this is out of the blue for everybody right now. So we'll see where it goes. [0:38:42, 0:38:44]: Councilman Barber, you had your hand up, please. Go ahead. [0:38:45, 0:38:47]: Now I'll yield to Councilwoman Gantt. [0:38:48, 0:38:50]: All right, Councilwoman Gantt please go ahead. [0:38:50, 0:38:54]: Mayor I I agree with Councilman Blount on this issue. [0:38:54, 0:38:54]: Um [0:38:55, 0:38:59]: In light of some of the most recent activities with procurement. [0:38:59, 0:39:01]: With some of the things that have um taken place. [0:39:01, 0:39:04]: I think um if not this meeting tonight. [0:39:05, 0:39:09]: um maybe another meeting we really need to have an executive session. [0:39:09, 0:39:13]: and discuss some of the events that's already taken place, but this is brand new to all of us. [0:39:13, 0:39:25]: And I ask that all of our council members respect each other and start speaking and talking to each other regardless of our views and differences. That has not been happening. [0:39:25, 0:39:28]: Um, neither has it been happening on emails. [0:39:28, 0:39:30]: Nor has it been happening by phone calls. [0:39:30, 0:39:35]: So I would appreciate if we start doing that so that we won't be surprised by [0:39:35, 0:39:38]: These motions in the middle of a budget hearing. [0:39:38, 0:39:39]: Um [0:39:39, 0:39:43]: I think that we should go based off of the budget recommendation of our city manager. [0:39:44, 0:39:44]: Um [0:39:45, 0:39:48]: We have had these hearings in past and prior. [0:39:48, 0:39:50]: And again. [0:39:50, 0:39:52]: Um on the record I [0:39:52, 0:39:53]: Well already voted. [0:39:53, 0:39:56]: In regards to the code enforcement, because that was discussed. [0:39:56, 0:40:01]: But this has not been discussed, and I think we need to hold off on that right now. [0:40:02, 0:40:04]: Councilman, go ahead, please. [0:40:05, 0:40:05]: I was under song. [0:40:06, 0:40:10]: Yeah, I I think the idea here is to have a discussion. [0:40:10, 0:40:25]: on a particular issue is not to actually just we're that's what we're doing now is is to have a discuss it. That's why I second it. Okay. It does not necessarily have to move forward tonight. We just need to discuss it. And I think um [0:40:25, 0:40:29]: When I spoke with uh Councilwoman Barber earlier, she made [0:40:30, 0:40:31]: А саференщи. [0:40:32, 0:40:41]: the fact that uh the city needs to be protected. You know, when you're in a position uh each p each position or each uh particular [0:40:41, 0:40:46]: uh department needs to have folks in the in that particular department. [0:40:47, 0:40:52]: that uh can assist. I think uh along with Miss Miller, her team, I think when she came [0:40:53, 0:40:57]: And I asked her when she first got here, I said that so what do you need? [0:40:57, 0:41:17]: This is an attempt to fill and to put some more people in that position because she asked for two positions. We've only given her one. So originally, when she came to us and she asked, I asked her, and you guys remember, how many? What do you need? She was very honest with us, and she said she needed two positions. So this is an [0:41:17, 0:41:37]: An opportunity. We only get we got one, she'll be a second one, and that is the idea because originally the procurement manager did ask for two positions. We only gave her one. Here's a second budget window to be able to give her a second one. It does not have to be decided tonight, it's just the opportunity to build a [0:41:37, 0:41:42]: [2502.6, 2507.0]: procurement manager as well because she asked for two positions. We've only given the one. [0:41:48, 0:41:49]: Thank you. [0:41:49, 0:41:53]: Well stand by please. Councilwoman again, I believe your hand was up first. I'm trying to keep track here, but go ahead. [0:41:54, 0:41:57]: Thank you. I I think it was I think council. [0:41:58, 0:42:02]: I think Councilwom Councilwoman Barber actually yield. [0:42:02, 0:42:05]: And for me to speak. So go I'll yield to her. [0:42:05, 0:42:05]: All right. [0:42:06, 0:42:08]: Go ahead, all right. [0:42:08, 0:42:09]: LA. [0:42:11, 0:42:12]: Okay. Um [0:42:12, 0:42:13]: Barber, go ahead. [0:42:14, 0:42:22]: Okay. Thank you, Mayor. I appreciate if you would acknowledge me um going forward. You tend to I have several times. Go ahead now. [0:42:22, 0:42:35]: Thank you. So I brought this motion forward because I thought it was important. There are key positions that we need to make sure that they are filled as the city moves progressively forward. [0:42:35, 0:42:41]: Procurement is just one of those areas that I want to ensure that we have adequate staff. [0:42:42, 0:42:45]: Not just procurement, but although that is a role. [0:42:45, 0:42:58]: Um, the procurement director is a role that I feel as though we desperately need right now. Um there are some specialized skills, um, the skill set, the experience that we need. [0:42:58, 0:43:11]: There's actually a task order that we'll be discussing during this meeting. And it will be one of the points that I'll make in justifying why we need a procurement director position. [0:43:11, 0:43:12]: Now [0:43:12, 0:43:13]: I know that [0:43:14, 0:43:17]: We currently have a procurement manager. [0:43:19, 0:43:22]: When I came on board in January and was warned in. [0:43:22, 0:43:25]: Um my very first motion. [0:43:25, 0:43:31]: was to promote her to procurement manager from procurement supervisor. [0:43:32, 0:43:42]: At that time, she only had a I think a temporary staff worker um working with her as just a procurement clerk. [0:43:42, 0:43:45]: Um I know that the council approved. [0:43:45, 0:43:49]: А перманет прокурмент спецілист рол. [0:43:49, 0:44:03]: under procurement. Now I don't know when that position was approved. Mr. Knighton, can you tell me when the procurement specialist position was approved by the council? Because that happened prior to me. [0:44:04, 0:44:10]: I believe it was approved as a part of last year's budget. So it would have if in effect, I guess, been [0:44:10, 0:44:13]: Taking place in January was when it was approved. [0:44:14, 0:44:16]: Okay. January of this year. [0:44:16, 0:44:22]: Thank you. That procurement specialist role still has not been filled. [0:44:22, 0:44:28]: Um and because of that, I have noticed that there have been several tasks. [0:44:28, 0:44:29]: We've given. [0:44:30, 0:44:36]: Um to Mr. Knighton and staff to complete. And they either have not been completed or not. [0:44:37, 0:44:38]: moved forward. [0:44:39, 0:44:49]: So to ensure that I don't have to continue to follow up and ask where are we with this? You know, what's going on with this, we will have a director. [0:44:49, 0:44:53]: Who will be able to God help facilitate [0:44:54, 0:45:03]: Offers some expert knowledge in certain areas. Um, this is no slight to anyone. I just want to make sure that there is um [0:45:03, 0:45:16]: Adequate staff, just in case we have an individual from any department that may go out on leave for whatever reason, we will have someone with the expertise. [0:45:16, 0:45:20]: in that particular department who's able to keep things moving. [0:45:21, 0:45:26]: Um, I believe procurement is one department that doesn't have a backup. [0:45:26, 0:45:31]: Um, with experience, I believe HR is another department that does not have [0:45:32, 0:45:34]: A backup uh with experience. [0:45:35, 0:45:38]: We need to make sure that these projects stay on task. [0:45:38, 0:45:40]: as his council approves them. [0:45:40, 0:45:45]: So I believe having adding a procurement director will help with that. [0:45:45, 0:45:48]: Um in addition to the procurement manager. [0:45:48, 0:45:51]: And also the procurement clerk. [0:45:52, 0:45:53]: The city's still [0:45:53, 0:45:56]: They still have not filled a role as [0:45:56, 0:45:59]: Of the procurement specialist. [0:45:59, 0:46:02]: That position has still gone unfilled this year. [0:46:02, 0:46:09]: Um so I figure instead of the procurement specialists, we will have a procurement director. [0:46:10, 0:46:12]: Um, so that is what my thoughts were. [0:46:13, 0:46:15]: Okay. Councilwoman Gantt, back to you now. [0:46:16, 0:46:23]: Thank you, Mayor. Um and I hear the concerns. I know that right now we were supposed to be having a budget hearing. [0:46:24, 0:46:26]: Um, so in the middle of that. [0:46:26, 0:46:29]: I just ask that because of some of the events that have taken place. [0:46:30, 0:46:32]: Um I have some concerns. [0:46:32, 0:46:34]: On you know [0:46:34, 0:46:36]: Us you know. [0:46:37, 0:46:44]: maybe necessarily being on the legislative side and I would like to discuss anything with procurement right now. [0:46:44, 0:46:47]: in executive session if we're gonna have one, if we don't have one. [0:46:47, 0:46:49]: Then we'll have one at the next meeting. [0:46:49, 0:46:51]: But I don't I think this is premature. [0:46:52, 0:46:56]: Um I understand the concerns that we had something in the budget. We've also had COVID. [0:46:56, 0:47:01]: And because of that, we haven't had as much activity as we would have, I think. [0:47:02, 0:47:04]: Um, I just asked that we [0:47:04, 0:47:06]: Um continue on with the budget hearing. [0:47:06, 0:47:14]: And anything that we need to amend for future purposes or anything dealing with procurement based off of some of the circumstances and personnel concerns that I have. [0:47:14, 0:47:17]: that we discuss those any behind closed doors in the executive session. [0:47:18, 0:47:18]: Thank you. [0:47:19, 0:47:20]: Councilman Blount, please. [0:47:21, 0:47:28]: Um once again I'll say because uh the motion came out with a directive attached to it. [0:47:29, 0:47:40]: It came with a directive attached to it. When anytime you want to do a discussion, it doesn't have a directive to if it was for the discussion, it would be for discussion. It had a directive to attach to it for HR. [0:47:41, 0:47:44]: And one of the things I can say that we have a city manager sitting here. [0:47:45, 0:47:48]: And we have a a we have a procurement department. [0:47:50, 0:48:09]: If any council member would like to see improvement in any department, then you go to the the processes to go to the city manager and say, can we get procurement together and find out what process we can put together and what and what they need that we can do right now to move to move things further and faster and better, if those improvements can be made. [0:48:10, 0:48:21]: It's not for any council member on here. We have to continue to be the elected body. We're not the city manager. We're not here to run the city. That's why we hired the city manager. [0:48:21, 0:48:28]: When we got council members come on here and they're and they're talking about how they want to run the city in detail. [0:48:29, 0:48:40]: That's just not the way it's supposed to be with the elected body. We're elected city councilmen with the legislative branch. We go to the city manager that's full-time and works every day. [0:48:40, 0:48:50]: to make sure things in the city goes the way we want it to go. We're not the ones that sit in the seats and act like we're city managers. It shouldn't work like that. [0:48:51, 0:49:11]: Councilman Alexander, go ahead, please. Yeah, this is what I want to say so everybody understand. During this time, during these meetings, we have discussions about what we're doing. We're talking about the budget. The budget has come forward. Even if we don't move forward with this particular item, we wanna discuss it, blanch it out. [0:49:11, 0:49:18]: Is an opportunity. This is an opportunity where we're not talking about things behind closed doors. The public is seeing the discussion. [0:49:19, 0:49:36]: Which I think is a good thing, that they actually get to see how we brainstorm and bring these things together in in terms of moving this policy out. I think the one thing that we need clarification on is that normally when we talk about a director, that is the head of the department. [0:49:36, 0:49:52]: This person is not going to be the head of the department. They will be a subordinate to uh Miss uh Miss Miller. They will be an assistant to her. They would not be someone coming in. So when we refer to directors uh in our city, how we how we operate. [0:49:52, 0:49:55]: The director is actually the person over the entire [0:49:55, 0:49:59]: uh department that is not the intent i don't believe so here [0:49:59, 0:50:01]: in that apartment is to bring somebody in. [0:50:01, 0:50:03]: That can back up Miss Miller. [0:50:03, 0:50:06]: And to be able to aid her, helping her get the work done. So that [0:50:07, 0:50:09]: Is the discussion here, not bringing somebody in [0:50:10, 0:50:29]: uh to uh over the top of her or to supervise her because in the end uh as we put all of our heads together this is the first in a discussion of every city department should have someone in that role ready to step in and take a place take place uh [0:50:29, 0:50:42]: Everybody should have somebody to be able to step in. We don't want to find ourselves in these positions where when uh somebody's we got we're dealing with covet right now, right? So if somebody's out and they have to leave. [0:50:42, 0:50:56]: When what do we do if that person becomes sick? Right now, it just like in the HR department, if Ms. Wheeler becomes sick, we hopefully not. Let's pray that that's not the case. Who would step in? [0:50:56, 0:51:16]: And be able to feel parole. We don't know that. So these are the type of discussions that we need to have because, see, in January, I've been around this five times now. The budget's already finished. The budget's already finished. That's what I'm gonna hear. We need to do a budget amendment now. We can't change it now. So in the end. [0:51:16, 0:51:20]: when we start having these discussions, we will be able to say we had this discussion. [0:51:21, 0:51:41]: And we agreed to continue the discussion. And if at some point there was agreement that we move forward with supplementing the procurement department, it wasn't well, you've never heard it before. We are having an opportunity to discuss it right now before the budget closed. We're not gonna do it, but we're gonna leave that opportunity open. [0:51:41, 0:51:57]: open should we come to an agreement that we did discuss it and that that is a possibility that we might actually do that uh going forward once all the uh pertinent information is obtained. And let me say something and I want to say this very, very clearly. [0:51:58, 0:51:59]: The city council [0:52:00, 0:52:01]: Is elected. [0:52:01, 0:52:10]: To put toget to run, to make sure that we pass the policies and to set up the city for success. [0:52:10, 0:52:30]: Yes, the city manager is the administrator of the city. But this council has every right, just like we decided we wanted the economic development director position to come back. We decided that. Okay. The previous administration didn't decide that. We did, okay, because it was [0:52:30, 0:52:44]: absolutely needed. So when we want to step forward and we see something lacking, all of us can do that. The people voted for us. They knew what they were voting for. And yes, okay, let me let me come correct. [0:52:45, 0:52:47]: Okay. I've been on this council. [0:52:47, 0:52:49]: For five years now, okay. [0:52:50, 0:52:52]: Three of those years, I didn't get any emails either. [0:52:54, 0:53:03]: I didn't get any emails. I wasn't informed. This is how this elected body works. The city works three votes. That's all you need. Three votes. [0:53:03, 0:53:06]: And then and again, okay, with all due respect, okay. [0:53:07, 0:53:09]: Uh you know, we these three. [0:53:09, 0:53:18]: Uh we we've been voting, we've been moving things along as we go along throughout the city, okay? The three votes, no matter which three of us is, right? [0:53:19, 0:53:38]: But when three votes come together, those three votes make the decision. Whether or not the mayor might veto it, three votes makes the decision. Okay? Now if if if it had been the way that you want it to be, Mr. Blount, then that we wouldn't have that power. We have the power to create any position that we want to. [0:53:39, 0:53:59]: Right, the city manager will be tasked with bringing back the results or the information that we need. Miss Barber has tasked the city wants to task the city manager with adding a different, another layer of support in this particular department. Now his job is to go back and to tell us how much it's gonna cost. [0:53:59, 0:54:12]: what it would look like and what the supervisory what the structure looked like. That's his job. Our job is higher level to tell them what we wanted to be done. Their job is to execute it. I don't ever forget that. [0:54:13, 0:54:15]: All right. Councilwoman Barber, go ahead, please. [0:54:19, 0:54:29]: You're muted. Okay, go ahead. Just for clarity, I did say procurement director. Um, procurement director, I wanted to add a new position. [0:54:29, 0:54:31]: Um and I wanted to task. [0:54:32, 0:54:38]: I'm motioning to task the HR manager and the city manager with um [0:54:39, 0:54:42]: Preparing a new job description. [0:54:42, 0:54:44]: Also in [0:54:45, 0:54:52]: review the paying class or determine the paying class and to revise the org chart. [0:54:52, 0:54:53]: Um [0:54:53, 0:55:05]: I've already given an explanation. That's one explanation as to why I believe that we need to include a procurement director to make sure that we have. [0:55:06, 0:55:09]: Expertise and point of order. [0:55:10, 0:55:11]: To ensure [0:55:12, 0:55:13]: Bad. [0:55:13, 0:55:19]: All of the decisions that are made by the council move forward just as the council. [0:55:19, 0:55:21]: Has ordered them to. [0:55:21, 0:55:24]: Um then there's another level of [0:55:24, 0:55:41]: knowledge and expertise that I'm hoping that we'll be able to find. As we move along with more construction projects, that just requires another degree of expertise from another procurement professional. [0:55:41, 0:55:52]: But a procurement director is what I'm asking that we add to our twenty twenty one budget. Now you all approved a procurement specialist position. [0:55:53, 0:55:55]: Yet that position has not been filled. [0:55:56, 0:56:03]: If it's not necessary to fill the procurement specialist position, then we can do away with that in the budget. [0:56:03, 0:56:06]: And then just include a procurement director position. [0:56:07, 0:56:10]: But I like to move forward with that motion. [0:56:10, 0:56:14]: to add a procurement director position to our twenty twenty one budget. [0:56:15, 0:56:20]: I believe that motion was already made and seconded by Councilman I Alexander, I believe. [0:56:21, 0:56:23]: Uh Mayor Pro Tem Thomas, you're next, sir. [0:56:23, 0:56:25]: Thank you. Um [0:56:25, 0:56:27]: Let me just say that. [0:56:28, 0:56:31]: I I try to serve [0:56:32, 0:56:34]: as an elected official to [0:56:35, 0:56:39]: to to to do my due diligence in moving the city forward. [0:56:39, 0:56:45]: I have spoke to Mr. Knight and I've been in uh a meeting with Mr. Knight and Mrs. Miller. [0:56:46, 0:56:51]: And and my overall question has been and it still is today. [0:56:52, 0:56:56]: А да іні шоткомінс? [0:56:56, 0:56:59]: In the procurement процес. [0:57:00, 0:57:03]: And if that answer is yes. [0:57:03, 0:57:07]: We need to identify those shortcomings. [0:57:08, 0:57:10]: Make those modifications. [0:57:11, 0:57:12]: And move forward. [0:57:13, 0:57:17]: I have stated that several times to Mr. Knight and he would vouch to that. [0:57:18, 0:57:21]: And and I'm saying this here now tonight. [0:57:21, 0:57:26]: That is still it doesn't matter what um um department. [0:57:26, 0:57:40]: We have identified some issues in public works and we tried to address those. We have addressed one concern even in code enforcement, and I think we still need to talk about code enforcement a little bit more. [0:57:40, 0:57:43]: But that is our duty. [0:57:43, 0:57:46]: To look at all departments. [0:57:46, 0:57:48]: And to see [0:57:49, 0:58:02]: And to identify if there are shortcomings in any and all department. And if and if again, if the answer is yes, then we need to identify those, make those modifications. [0:58:02, 0:58:07]: and and and move the city forward with those modifications. [0:58:08, 0:58:21]: Um, I still believe that that is the way to go. Now I do believe in communication, you know, amongst all council members. I I think that's that's I believe in that as well. [0:58:21, 0:58:41]: But I I think still the question is, and I've asked Mr. Knight this question, and uh he has sort of said, yes, uh, there are some things that we can modify in the whole uh process of of procurement. And I I just hope that we could come together and identify those, uh, Mrs. Miller. [0:58:41, 0:58:43]: Um Mr. Knight and whomever. [0:58:43, 0:58:50]: We'll identify those and let's try to make the corrections. And that's the only way that we move the city forward. [0:58:51, 0:58:52]: Thank you, Mayor. [0:58:52, 0:58:55]: Am I okay. Now we've been talking about quite a bit. [0:58:55, 0:58:57]: Okay, I'm I see two hands left. [0:58:57, 0:59:02]: Councilman Gantt and then Barber I'm being Blount and then we'll end it and go to the vote so we can move on. Okay. [0:59:02, 0:59:03]: Thank you. [0:59:04, 0:59:05]: Thank you. And uh [0:59:06, 0:59:14]: I will decline. I will um remove the point of order issue because we were really on our budget. And one of the first things I heard. [0:59:15, 0:59:17]: You know, Casma Alexander had stated. [0:59:17, 0:59:21]: Um was in regards to this was all we were doing tonight was talking. [0:59:21, 0:59:23]: And that is not the case. [0:59:23, 0:59:26]: Um councilman barber has made a motion. [0:59:26, 0:59:27]: To [0:59:27, 0:59:31]: Direct staff to open up a position with a job prescription. [0:59:31, 0:59:32]: Immediately. [0:59:33, 0:59:35]: on something we haven't discussed before. [0:59:35, 0:59:39]: And that we do need to literally sit down, talk about. [0:59:39, 0:59:42]: and structure and find out what is the best [0:59:42, 0:59:43]: thing that we need to do. [0:59:44, 0:59:45]: If we haven't [0:59:45, 0:59:47]: Build a specialized [0:59:47, 0:59:49]: position in procurement. [0:59:49, 0:59:52]: Then there has to be a reason why we haven't done so. [0:59:52, 0:59:55]: Mr. Knighton is the city manager. [0:59:55, 0:59:56]: That is his job. [0:59:56, 0:59:58]: Him and Ms. Willers job. [0:59:59, 1:00:06]: to do those things. If they thought that we needed one at that time, then that's what they would do. And that's what I hold them accountable to do. [1:00:07, 1:00:18]: Now we can't sit here and say in one sentence that we're just here to do a discussion and then Councilwoman Barber gets up and makes a motion to go ahead and move forward with the position. [1:00:19, 1:00:21]: I think is unfair, I think is wrong. [1:00:21, 1:00:25]: Um, I think that but none of us have had a discussion on it. [1:00:25, 1:00:28]: Um some of us may have. I I don't know, but [1:00:28, 1:00:30]: As far as I'm concerned, I've never heard of it. [1:00:30, 1:00:32]: Um until tonight. [1:00:32, 1:00:40]: Um, and I think that that not necessarily unethical, but you're talking about putting a position in place. [1:00:40, 1:00:41]: Um [1:00:41, 1:00:49]: where all the council members haven't discussed what that position and what that should entail and what it should look like or whether or not we need it. [1:00:50, 1:00:55]: In this instance. And I'm going by your word, Councilman Alexandra. This is just up for discussion tonight. [1:00:56, 1:00:59]: We have Miss Miller. Miss I mean Miss Miller. [1:00:59, 1:01:00]: Um [1:01:00, 1:01:04]: Whether or not we have other things that we need to discuss. [1:01:04, 1:01:18]: Um in regards to some of the comments that you had made before about think taking things all out in the open, you're correct. Things such as this about the positions are to be discussed in the open. But when it comes to personnel and people crossing the line. [1:01:19, 1:01:23]: that could possibly violate charters, those things need to be talked about in executive session. [1:01:23, 1:01:25]: And so I say that to say [1:01:26, 1:01:31]: That there are rules for that. We usually go into executive session for real estate personnel litigation. [1:01:31, 1:01:34]: issues because they can all turn around to become [1:01:35, 1:01:36]: litigation issues. [1:01:37, 1:01:38]: And having said that [1:01:39, 1:01:41]: I just think that we should table this. [1:01:41, 1:01:45]: Until we're all on one accord and make sure that's the position that we need. [1:01:45, 1:01:48]: Now I don't know what that definition, a term of director would be. [1:01:49, 1:01:50]: Usually a director's over. [1:01:51, 1:01:52]: That department. [1:01:53, 1:01:53]: Yeah. [1:01:53, 1:01:55]: That wasn't the intent. [1:01:55, 1:01:57]: of what Councilman Alexander just stated. [1:01:57, 1:01:59]: That's not the intent of what I would want. [1:02:00, 1:02:01]: And I can't speak for anyone else. [1:02:02, 1:02:05]: But I think we need to sit down and literally talk about this. [1:02:06, 1:02:26]: Councilman Blount, uh he's gonna be the last one so we can move on, folks. Uh Councilman Alexander, if you don't mind, please, sir. Uh I just want to say, since uh our procurement department has changed from when I first got here, there's a we have a procurement manual. We have a lot of things. [1:02:26, 1:02:46]: That we're operating in this city on the same level, even better than the state of Atlanta right now. We've got so much going on. And Mr. Knighton, if there was any deficiencies, as as Mayor Pro Tem Thomas has uh alluded to, uh, I hope that we would those deficiencies would be discussed rather than we get right out here in public and [1:02:46, 1:02:49]: start to talk about one particular department. [1:02:49, 1:02:54]: on any department, whether it's procurement or any department, those things need to be discussed. [1:02:55, 1:03:15]: They need to be discussed. Those are personnel positions and things. And when we talk about positions and stuff, those things need to be discussed behind closed doors. So we don't come out here and look so uh discombobulated that we we're all over the place. You got one council member motioning with directives, another council member saying it's a is just only up for discussion, and we just got too much. [1:03:14, 1:03:18]: going on right here. This shows that we're not together on this stuff. [1:03:19, 1:03:27]: We're not together. And Mr. Knight, if if if allegations are being made that you know deficiency is in the department out front, I would hope that you would defend that out front. [1:03:27, 1:03:32]: Because uh because I think that uh Miss Miller, since I've been here. [1:03:33, 1:03:36]: I've seen her do an excellent job and been nothing but a professional at it. [1:03:38, 1:03:41]: All right. Um Mr. Knight, you need to respond to that, sir. [1:03:42, 1:03:48]: I'm I'm gonna if you're gonna leave the conversation there, Mayor, I will leave it there. But I think these certain things [1:03:48, 1:04:08]: need to be discussed in a different form when it comes to personnel matters because those uh obviously have a different sensitivity to it. But I will I will yield to you. I appreciate that. That's what I was gonna ask Mr. Williams. I think that we might be treading into some executive session issues versus uh things that we need to discuss in public. So I just will look into you, Mr. Williams, a legality of what we're doing right [1:04:08, 1:04:10]: Right now before we move on. [1:04:10, 1:04:15]: Uh Mr. Mayor, I wanna uh this what I wanna do. I'm gonna uh I'm gonna withdraw the second. [1:04:15, 1:04:22]: And then I'm going to um uh make a motion to table this for sixty days so the staff can bring back. [1:04:22, 1:04:24]: uh the data that we need [1:04:25, 1:04:28]: In order to uh possibly move forward with this. [1:04:28, 1:04:30]: So that would be uh [1:04:30, 1:04:35]: the new motion uh on the floor that this is something that's that's warranted. [1:04:35, 1:04:39]: But we're gonna br give the city manager the chance to come back. [1:04:39, 1:04:44]: And bring us some information to uh make a f final decision. So [1:04:44, 1:04:50]: Uh what I would do is withdraw the second and offer it a a a a a second amendment. [1:04:50, 1:04:53]: to table for sixty days and then bring it back to us. [1:04:54, 1:04:57]: Where we can have a full discussion. [1:04:57, 1:05:02]: on all of the items and then um including every all the pertinent parties involved. [1:05:02, 1:05:12]: I appreciate your effort there, Councilman Alexander, but it you you withdraw on a second doesn't withdraw the motion because you didn't make the motion in the first place. Councilman Barber did and I believe that is proper, Mr. Williams. Is that correct? [1:05:13, 1:05:17]: No, then we don't have a second. If we don't have a second, then you hop you can't have a vote. [1:05:18, 1:05:25]: Well, it's true. That's true. But typically if you want to make another motion, I think I thought that the individual first individual made the motion would have to withdraw there. Is that correct? [1:05:26, 1:05:32]: Mr. Well i if there if there's no second then that motion would die and then [1:05:32, 1:05:33]: Okay. [1:05:34, 1:05:43]: All right, so be it. Motion dies then, if that's the case. And so you're making an another motion as the act that you did. So is there a second to Mr. Alexander's motion? [1:05:45, 1:05:47]: Is there a second to Mr. Alexander's motion? [1:05:50, 1:05:51]: No second. [1:05:53, 1:05:58]: Okay. So we'll move on. Yeah. Uh mayor Thomas, please. [1:05:59, 1:06:00]: Yes, sir. You're muted, sir. [1:06:06, 1:06:10]: I was trying to get off mute. You know, uh [1:06:10, 1:06:14]: I I think it's it's a valid point. I I would hate for this [1:06:14, 1:06:15]: Not [1:06:16, 1:06:23]: to go without uh further discussion. So I I think Mr. Alexander's motion is is valid. So [1:06:23, 1:06:32]: Um what I would suggest, and I I'm going to second uh Mr. Alexander's motion, but what I'd like to see happen though is Mr. Knighton. [1:06:32, 1:06:38]: If Mr. Knight and and um Mrs. Miller, um if Mr. Nine would take the lead on this. [1:06:39, 1:06:40]: And let's discuss [1:06:41, 1:06:44]: Uh the whole procurement processes. [1:06:45, 1:06:51]: And as I stated before, let's see what changes need to be made. Let's see what positions. [1:06:51, 1:06:55]: need to be added. I I don't want this just to drop. [1:06:55, 1:06:56]: Uh [1:06:56, 1:06:58]: If if there are issues [1:06:58, 1:07:03]: And I don't know if they are, but if there are issues, uh, we need to move forward. So [1:07:04, 1:07:14]: Um, you know, I I would like to I would like for us to continue the discussion and I'd like for Mr. Knight to take the lead on this and make sure that um [1:07:14, 1:07:19]: you know, we have all the proper discussion. We look at what position needed. [1:07:19, 1:07:21]: Uh what um [1:07:21, 1:07:25]: You know, what modifications are needed in the process. [1:07:25, 1:07:28]: Uh because you know, we have been sort of going around and around [1:07:29, 1:07:46]: uh with procurement for a while. And so that to me tells me that there are some issues in the whole process of procurement. And um let's let's get it right. Let's make it right so we can move the city forward. So uh Mr. Knight, so [1:07:46, 1:07:48]: If you would like to [1:07:48, 1:07:51]: uh get with Mr. Williams or and whomever the um [1:07:52, 1:08:01]: uh the staff person that's in procurement, let's put this in some kind of format so we can discuss it and um try to make the necessary modifications. [1:08:02, 1:08:11]: I I definitely would not want it to drop, so I do second Mr. Alexander's uh motion. All right, the motion was made's been seconded by Mr. Alexander. Councilman Barber, you have your hand up, please. [1:08:12, 1:08:24]: Yes, so if you would have allowed it to come back to me, I would have rescinded my motion and made the second the secondary motion. But Councilman Alexander already did that. Fantastic. [1:08:24, 1:08:30]: What I don't um agree with is the 60 days. I'd like for us to bring this back in. [1:08:30, 1:08:39]: 30 days. And my reason being is because we already have task staff with some projects that have not moved. [1:08:40, 1:08:42]: And we don't want to wait. [1:08:42, 1:08:43]: Too long. [1:08:44, 1:08:44]: Um [1:08:44, 1:08:45]: To [1:08:46, 1:08:49]: Advertise if it is the will of the council. [1:08:49, 1:08:51]: to approve that position. [1:08:51, 1:08:52]: There are some things that [1:08:53, 1:08:54]: Have not happened. [1:08:54, 1:08:55]: And [1:08:55, 1:08:58]: We don't need to wait too much longer. So [1:08:59, 1:09:02]: Um councilman Alexander, are you okay with [1:09:02, 1:09:07]: Um Mr. Knighton bringing this back in thirty days as opposed to sixty days. [1:09:08, 1:09:14]: Look let's do this. Let's ask Mr. Knighton how much time he's gonna need. Is thirty days sufficient, Mr. Knighton? [1:09:15, 1:09:16]: Thirty days is fine. [1:09:17, 1:09:25]: Well thirty days is fine. If that that is the uh will of the city manager that he only needs thirty days to do it, we'll make it thirty days. [1:09:25, 1:09:31]: All right, so otherwise we rest miss uh we gotta restate this motion then. I would table this item to be revisited. [1:09:32, 1:09:34]: Uh in thirty days um [1:09:34, 1:09:37]: uh to uh reconsider uh this motion. [1:09:38, 1:09:39]: That's the second. [1:09:39, 1:09:43]: Okay, Miss Mary Potem second that. Uh Vanessa Holiday, ma'am. [1:09:43, 1:09:44]: You had a question. [1:09:46, 1:09:53]: Just asking if there's a specific meeting that it's coming back to because the thirty days would fall in between. [1:09:53, 1:09:58]: So I'm just asking if there's a specific meeting that you want to bring this back to. [1:09:59, 1:10:05]: Well, do we we don't normally conduct any business at the first meeting? Is that that's what I've learned. We're not gonna is that how's that work? [1:10:06, 1:10:13]: I mean the things on the agenda we'd we could discuss. I mean it's it's not uh Okay, well the very the the that would be the January um [1:10:14, 1:10:16]: Uh council meeting then thirty days. [1:10:17, 1:10:27]: Okay, so that's that's that that council meeting is on January That would be January eleventh. Okay, that that council meeting is on January eleventh. Understand that we have an agenda timeline and all of that. [1:10:27, 1:10:30]: So now if if you want to [1:10:30, 1:10:36]: Respect the full thirty days. January eleventh is fine, but I do want to just make that put that caveat there. [1:10:36, 1:10:45]: Once you start backing up from a January eleventh um agenda deadline and things of that nature, now you're talking about something that's well ahead of that. [1:10:45, 1:10:53]: Um, but we will we will seek to m Ms. Wheeler and I will get together and we will seek to address the uh item that as was motioned by the uh council. [1:10:55, 1:11:02]: Okay, so uh a standby please. Finesse Alde, you have do you have an understanding of the motion right now? Who made the motion in the second? [1:11:02, 1:11:04]: I have the um [1:11:05, 1:11:06]: The understanding that [1:11:06, 1:11:07]: Um [1:11:09, 1:11:15]: This is to look at the procurement position to find out how many positions you may need, what that salary may look like. [1:11:16, 1:11:21]: How it would fit in the department and the motion was made by Councilman Alexander, second and by [1:11:21, 1:11:29]: Thomas, I guess the clarification I need is are you speaking the January the 11th meeting or the work session in January? January 11th. [1:11:29, 1:11:30]: All right, thank you. [1:11:31, 1:11:31]: Right. [1:11:32, 1:11:34]: Councilwoman Gantt, you have your hand up. [1:11:35, 1:11:41]: I did. There's a couple I have I just want clarif clarity and also heard from Mayor Pro Tan Thomas. [1:11:41, 1:11:45]: Um, that we've had some issues in regards to [1:11:45, 1:11:46]: Um procurement. [1:11:47, 1:11:49]: And madam clerk for the record. [1:11:50, 1:11:56]: I want you to know that I haven't heard of any issues in regards to procurement until last year. [1:11:57, 1:12:17]: Um there were no issues and we had the same counsel except for Councilwoman Barber. So I want that to be on the record that we've never had, I've never heard anyone address or have any issues with procurement. I also want for clarification, what exactly is Mr. Knighton and Mr. Wheeler going to be researching? [1:12:17, 1:12:24]: Um, not whether or not they're putting up a job description, but what is what exactly [1:12:24, 1:12:32]: Are they going to do? Are they looking to see whether or not it's feasible, is reasonable, or is it needed? What will this look like? [1:12:33, 1:12:42]: I'm sorry, you want me to answer that? No, I I want I want Mr. Knighton, if he has the clarity of what is supposed to go on, I want to know what he [1:12:42, 1:12:46]: Is it what is he gonna do? Or does he know what he's supposed to be doing right now? [1:12:46, 1:12:49]: Well, Mr. Mayor, let me let me say this first, Mayor. [1:12:49, 1:12:59]: Go right in, Mayor Proton. No, I just want to make uh clarification to Mrs. Gantt. No, I didn't say there were issues in procurement. [1:12:59, 1:13:01]: I say if [1:13:01, 1:13:02]: There are [1:13:03, 1:13:05]: Let's make those modifications. [1:13:06, 1:13:07]: I just want to make that clear. [1:13:08, 1:13:17]: Right. And and Mayor Pro Tem Thomas, I I apologize if that was what she said, but for clarity, there haven't been any issues up until this last year. [1:13:17, 1:13:20]: And before that we haven't had any problems. [1:13:20, 1:13:23]: And so I just want to make sure that's on the record. [1:13:23, 1:13:35]: Stand by, stand by. Mr. Knighton, sir. You have clarity for you understanding what your mission is here. Yes, my understanding is to bring back before to the council by the January eleventh, twenty twenty one meeting. [1:13:36, 1:13:38]: Um an assessment of [1:13:38, 1:13:40]: Uh, the procurement division. [1:13:40, 1:13:47]: Obviously uh Miss Wheeler and I would get together, we would look at other comparable size cities, take a look at their procurement department, also [1:13:47, 1:13:49]: Would develop a job description. [1:13:49, 1:13:52]: Um for a uh procurement director. [1:13:52, 1:13:56]: Um and and or any other positions that may be [1:13:56, 1:14:00]: needed in a position or in a department of that size. [1:14:01, 1:14:05]: That is what I intend to do based on what I've heard in this conversation this evening. [1:14:06, 1:14:12]: All right. All right. Now listen, we've had plenty of discussion about this. So motion's been made. It's been second. So all in favor of motion, please indicate. [1:14:13, 1:14:16]: All favorite most, please indicate. All opposed. [1:14:16, 1:14:17]: Hi. [1:14:18, 1:14:21]: Mr. Blount, what's your decision, sir? [1:14:21, 1:14:22]: I can't hear you. [1:14:24, 1:14:24]: Uh uh. [1:14:24, 1:14:32]: I I oppose the uh thirty days and I oppose the uh until we bet the position and whether it's needed, uh we can't allow council members to [1:14:33, 1:14:53]: Okay. Motion motion pass three two. All right. Now this is actually a public hearing. So um what I need to do is open the public hearing up to the public in reference to the FY21 budget. So I'm opening up for any anybody that may have any comments out in the public uh that would approve uh this particular [1:14:53, 1:14:56]: approve of or comments positive, I guess, for this uh [1:14:57, 1:15:08]: 2021 budget. So on that note, I'm not sure, uh, Madam Clerk, if uh who is out there and if there's anybody out there at all that wants to make any comments. [1:15:08, 1:15:14]: For this. We have four individuals that are participants, but we have no QA at this time. [1:15:15, 1:15:34]: All right, okay. And if I if that's the case, then I'm going to go to any negative comments that the um in reference to anybody may have to say in reference to the FY 2021 budget. If there's any comments um in reference to that on the negative side and still no Q<unk>A, I would suppose. [1:15:38, 1:15:50]: All right, Mr. Mr. Williams, if I'll respond. Thank thank you. So Mr. Williams on that note, it's nothing positive, no nothing negative. So on that note, I am going to close the public hearing this point. Correct, sir? [1:15:50, 1:15:56]: Yeah. Thank you very much. All right. So uh on that note then um [1:15:56, 1:16:13]: We the council uh would say that uh need to make a motion as being made motion needs to be made to approve the FY twenty twenty one operating budget as it is stated thus far with any other adjustments we we just uh discussed. Is there a motion to accept that, please? [1:16:17, 1:16:21]: Is there a motion to set the FY twenty twenty one budget? Okay. [1:16:22, 1:16:24]: We played it. [1:16:25, 1:16:26]: Okay. [1:16:26, 1:16:28]: Mayor question. Well, yes, sir. [1:16:29, 1:16:30]: Mr. Knighton. [1:16:31, 1:16:33]: Uh it's for Mr. Knight. Mr. Knight. [1:16:34, 1:16:37]: Without any other adjustment, this budget is balanced. Is that correct? [1:16:42, 1:16:43]: That would be correct, yes. [1:16:43, 1:16:46]: Uh I I I motion to approve the budget. [1:16:47, 1:16:48]: Uh, is there a second? [1:16:48, 1:16:49]: A second. [1:16:49, 1:16:50]: Okay, great. [1:16:51, 1:17:00]: All in favor of the budget, please uh indicate the FY 2021, please indicate your approval. One, two, three, four. All opposed. [1:17:01, 1:17:02]: Sustain. [1:17:04, 1:17:10]: Okay, so it's uh four zero one budget pass. Okay, now the new business. [1:17:10, 1:17:14]: Council consideration to approve FY twenty twenty utility building right off. [1:17:15, 1:17:20]: in the amount of sixteen thousand six hundred three dollars and eighty eight cents. Mr. Wiggins, please. [1:17:21, 1:17:35]: Yes, this is an agenda item that comes up at the end of every year. This is um asking council consideration to approve the FY 2020 utility building write-off in the amount of sixteen thousand six zero three eighty-eight. [1:17:37, 1:17:38]: Um [1:17:39, 1:17:43]: I'm open for questions. Okay. Any questions from Mr. Wiggins? [1:17:44, 1:17:53]: Any questions off council for Mr. Wiggins? Uh mayor Pro Tem Thomas Guay, please. Uh Mr. Wiggins, how are you, sir? Just fine. Um [1:17:55, 1:18:00]: Ever since I've been on the council, every year there's it's always a write-off. [1:18:00, 1:18:03]: Uh and I've always asked [1:18:03, 1:18:09]: What about a track record of retrieving some of these funds? Number one, then number two. [1:18:09, 1:18:11]: Well any of these um [1:18:12, 1:18:14]: Repeat offenders. [1:18:17, 1:18:25]: No, because after once we once you approve this write-off, these these particular accounts have been closed. [1:18:26, 1:18:29]: So they were closed in the beginning of 2020. [1:18:30, 1:18:34]: Actually ending two thousand nineteen. So once you give the approval. [1:18:35, 1:18:45]: uh why we wait to the end of the year to do the write-off for the previous year is because we try to allow our um [1:18:47, 1:18:58]: our um outside collection company to collect as much as they as possible. But basically all these accounts have been closed. So uh it gives staffs a little bit more room to go ahead and try to [1:18:59, 1:19:00]: Get some money. [1:19:00, 1:19:01]: This [1:19:01, 1:19:03]: uh from'em. But [1:19:03, 1:19:05]: On average, we [1:19:06, 1:19:08]: Monthly average [1:19:08, 1:19:11]: When when it comes time to um [1:19:11, 1:19:17]: Look at all the bills, it's about a hundred it's about a hundred to a hundred and fifteen thousand dollars. [1:19:17, 1:19:26]: Each month staff goes through and they send out the notices of everything. And then once that happens, we always um [1:19:26, 1:19:33]: get a positive response as far as everybody coming in to pay their bill. So the bill drops tremendously. Uh [1:19:33, 1:19:38]: Uh goes back down to about twenty or thirty and the and then the next month. [1:19:39, 1:19:42]: you know, it goes back up. That's because it a lot of the commercial [1:19:43, 1:19:43]: Um [1:19:44, 1:19:46]: Utility bills are on there, but they [1:19:46, 1:19:49]: But but mainly everybody usually pays. [1:19:49, 1:19:52]: And this is a pretty low amount uh far as a write off. [1:19:53, 1:19:57]: Last question, Mr. Mayor. So how has [1:19:57, 1:20:00]: The pandemic affected um [1:20:01, 1:20:03]: Folk being able to to pay their bills. [1:20:04, 1:20:06]: Well, for twenty twenty. [1:20:06, 1:20:11]: Going into 2021, once we ask for another write-off property in 2021. [1:20:11, 1:20:14]: The pandemic has has affected [1:20:14, 1:20:16]: This year tremendously. [1:20:16, 1:20:17]: Um [1:20:18, 1:20:19]: We're probably gonna [1:20:20, 1:20:20]: Si [1:20:21, 1:20:23]: Your write off is probably gonna be a little more. [1:20:23, 1:20:25]: Next year because [1:20:25, 1:20:26]: Um [1:20:27, 1:20:28]: Because of the pandemic. [1:20:29, 1:20:33]: You know, you have a lot of people that have not paid matter of fact, we have not cut [1:20:34, 1:20:40]: We have not uh did any cutoffs for this um this year starting back in um I wanna say March. [1:20:41, 1:20:42]: April. [1:20:42, 1:20:45]: So we haven't cut anybody's water or [1:20:45, 1:20:46]: Um [1:20:46, 1:20:47]: Account. [1:20:48, 1:20:50]: Uh but we're coming up from the end of the year. [1:20:51, 1:20:54]: I know we got some things that's out there. Um [1:20:55, 1:20:56]: With CARES Act. [1:20:56, 1:20:57]: But [1:20:57, 1:20:59]: We're coming up at the end of the year. [1:20:59, 1:21:01]: And we haven't cut off anybody and [1:21:02, 1:21:03]: You know, um [1:21:05, 1:21:08]: It's gonna be affected. You we and we'll see the effects next year. [1:21:10, 1:21:18]: I would say hopefully through the CARES Act process that we're we're working with nonprofits, we'll be able to catch some of those and save some of those individuals in the process. That's what it's used for. So [1:21:18, 1:21:23]: We have to keep an eye on it. What I understand though, John, if you don't mind, is that I think [1:21:23, 1:21:41]: The amount that we're running right off now is is a lower amount comparably to the previous years. Is that correct? That you're well look, we'll this this particular amount here is two thousand more than last year. Last year was about fourteen thousand. Okay, all right. So we're about two thousand dollars over. But I have I do have to say. [1:21:41, 1:21:42]: Month to month. [1:21:42, 1:21:46]: Even though we've been going through the pandemic, people have been paying. [1:21:46, 1:21:49]: Okay, uh okay. Good doctor. Okay, we have [1:21:50, 1:21:52]: Okay, good deal. Thank you. Any other question from Mr. Wiggins, please? [1:21:54, 1:21:59]: Another question for Mr. Wiggins and I need a motion to accept uh his proposal. Is there a motion, please? [1:22:01, 1:22:03]: I'm moved. Is there a second? [1:22:03, 1:22:04]: That's second. [1:22:05, 1:22:06]: Yeah, Councilman Barbosecond. [1:22:06, 1:22:08]: Any further discussion? [1:22:08, 1:22:11]: And if not, all in favor motion, please indicate. [1:22:12, 1:22:16]: Hi. Okay, so now thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Wiggins. Appreciate it. [1:22:16, 1:22:16]: Thank you. [1:22:17, 1:22:23]: Council consideration to approve RFP number twenty twenty dash zero zero two seven P. [1:22:24, 1:22:28]: to Piggy Bank and award a contract to a seventy-two-hour LLC. [1:22:28, 1:22:33]: DBA National Auto Fleet Group under the National Joint Powers Alliance. [1:22:34, 1:22:44]: That's the NJPA, now known as a source well as of June 6, 2018, contract number 120716. [1:22:44, 1:22:50]: AF to purchase four vehicles in the amount of$138,429.36. [1:22:51, 1:23:08]: One for public works, one for government uh building maintenance, one for sewer, one for the events funding source, government building department,$34,452,030, public works department,$34,996.98. [1:23:09, 1:23:11]: Sewer department thirty three dollars. [1:23:11, 1:23:20]: uh excuse me, thirty three thousand uh nine hundred and eighty three dollars and ten cents in the events department thirty four thousand nine hundred and ninety six dollars and ninety eight cents presented by [1:23:21, 1:23:24]: Well, it says Miss Miller here and Dessis Aaron and C C McGee. [1:23:25, 1:23:25]: So please. [1:23:27, 1:23:28]: Uh yes, Mr. Mayor. [1:23:28, 1:23:29]: Uh [1:23:30, 1:23:36]: Staff would like to formalize the purchase of vehicles that was approved in the FY 2020 budget. [1:23:37, 1:23:40]: And the sewer truck that's being replaced is a [1:23:41, 1:23:54]: 19, it was a 2005 with 180,625 miles. And the public works truck is a vehicle that was loaned to uh event staff. [1:23:54, 1:23:57]: And that vehicle is beyond as useful life. [1:23:58, 1:24:00]: And the one for the government build is [1:24:00, 1:24:05]: that position was never filled and that position needs a vehicle to go with it. The current [1:24:06, 1:24:09]: Supervisor's driving his own personal vehicle. [1:24:09, 1:24:15]: And event staff need a a vehicle so they can transport items to and from events. [1:24:16, 1:24:25]: Okay. We're we're budgeted in the FY twenty twenty budget. Okay. CC McGee, you're online. You anything you need to add, ma'am, at all. [1:24:29, 1:24:43]: Hi everybody. Maybe everyone is doing well. No, I don't need to add anything. Desha's pretty much laid it out in my department. We need a truck. We don't have one. The one that we have has gone beyond repair in our division. [1:24:43, 1:24:48]: Okay, thank you. Council, any questions for these two individuals at all? [1:24:50, 1:24:52]: Okay. Councilman Blount, go ahead, please. [1:24:53, 1:24:57]: Mr. Aaron, you said the supervisor is driving his own vehicle. Supervisor of what department? [1:24:58, 1:25:00]: Uh government buildings. [1:25:04, 1:25:06]: Oh, supervisor in what position? [1:25:07, 1:25:09]: He's the supervisor for government buildings. [1:25:10, 1:25:18]: There was never uh that position was vacant for an extended period of time. And then when we filled it, there was no vehicle to go with that position. So [1:25:19, 1:25:24]: We're requesting it was put placed in a twenty twenty budget to buy a vehicle for that position. [1:25:25, 1:25:30]: How many SUVs do y'all currently have over now over there for for um [1:25:31, 1:25:32]: Public works. [1:25:32, 1:25:36]: Only SUB is the one that I have and the one that Jeff Greenway has. [1:25:37, 1:25:38]: Those are only two. [1:25:39, 1:25:43]: Why would you need two between you and Mr. Greenway during the day, course of the day? [1:25:43, 1:25:46]: Well,'cause he's out doing things and I'm out doing things as well. [1:25:48, 1:25:49]: Okay. [1:25:51, 1:25:55]: You know questions for Mr. Aaron or Miss McGee, Council? [1:25:56, 1:26:00]: Seeing none. Anybody need I need a motion then to accept this proposal, please. [1:26:01, 1:26:02]: So moo. [1:26:03, 1:26:05]: Okay, Ms. Alexander, is there a second? [1:26:05, 1:26:06]: I'll take it. [1:26:06, 1:26:08]: Okay, Councilman Gantt, any further discussion? [1:26:10, 1:26:12]: If not, all in favor of the motion, please indicate. [1:26:12, 1:26:13]: Hi. [1:26:13, 1:26:16]: Okay, you now so appreciate it. Thank you, Mr. Aaron and [1:26:17, 1:26:18]: And C C appreciate that. [1:26:18, 1:26:20]: Thank you, Mayor and Council. Okay. [1:26:21, 1:26:23]: Council consideration to approve um [1:26:24, 1:26:25]: RFP. [1:26:26, 1:26:43]: 2092-00022P, state contract nine nine nine nine nine dash zero zero one dash SPD 0000154-001. Right away maintenance in the amount of [1:26:43, 1:26:50]: 150,000 uh funding source public uh public works uh budget. [1:26:50, 1:26:51]: Mr. Aaron, please. [1:26:51, 1:27:00]: Yes, Mr. Mayor, we're coming before council to ask them to renew the contract we currently have with uh CGL that maintains certain portions of the city's right-of-ways. [1:27:01, 1:27:04]: Okay. Any questions, Council, Mr. Aaron? [1:27:05, 1:27:05]: Yes. [1:27:06, 1:27:08]: Yeah, yeah. Uh Mr. Blount, go ahead. [1:27:09, 1:27:12]: Mr. Aaron, when we talked about extra employees. [1:27:13, 1:27:15]: And setting the budget to do that. [1:27:16, 1:27:17]: Um [1:27:19, 1:27:25]: Well I'm just I'm trying to figure out that when we talk about extra employees that you say you need. [1:27:26, 1:27:28]: Do we need this contract to be renewed? [1:27:28, 1:27:29]: Yeah. [1:27:30, 1:27:40]: Yes, sir, we do because even though we have excuse me. Mayor Forbes. Yes, sir. Ask all council members to mute their phones, please, while one council member is speaking. [1:27:40, 1:27:46]: Well, if you could mute your phones, that'd be great. Appreciate it, Council. Go ahead, uh please do that. Council Moblung, go ahead with your uh with your comments, please. [1:27:46, 1:27:50]: Uh no, I just wanna hear from Mr. Aaron. That's all. [1:27:50, 1:27:53]: I need twenty different things before I vote on it. That's all I need. [1:27:53, 1:28:13]: Yes, sir. Uh I think Councilman Alexander and some other council have requested that's in there, but also come January 1st, even though we have those new positions, it's not like we're gonna start January the first and have those new employees on hand. We're still gonna have to do some things that we don't have the resources to do. This as we move. [1:28:13, 1:28:23]: move forward into the year, there could be a contract, even though it's approved for 150, we might not need that contract, but we need something to get us to the point until we're fully up the staff. [1:28:24, 1:28:29]: Because come January first, we're not if the budget's approved, those eight people are not gonna start January the first. [1:28:31, 1:28:32]: Okay. [1:28:32, 1:28:36]: Any other questions for Mr. Aaron, Council? Councilman Alzheimer, go ahead, please. [1:28:36, 1:28:40]: Uh this is what I wanna say as clear as possible to everybody tuning in. [1:28:41, 1:28:44]: And everybody's watching. There's a new standard in Stockbridge. [1:28:45, 1:28:50]: There's a new standard in Stockbridge. Okay, what we've been doing. [1:28:50, 1:28:52]: Funding it inadequately. [1:28:53, 1:29:08]: You know, what I what I hear from citizens to this day is things that keep, you know, they love how Rock Quarry Road looked. The contractors cutting it. These are the contractors. They love how Hudson Bridge looked. They love how Highway 138 now actually has an acceptable appearance. [1:29:09, 1:29:17]: All of these are done through a contractor who are making these things happen, improving the overall appearance of the city. [1:29:18, 1:29:18]: Okay. [1:29:19, 1:29:33]: Now, we certainly have additional complaints about litter and other things. We have people in position that are gonna attack that and they're gonna improve, keep raising the level of the appearance of the city. [1:29:33, 1:29:39]: with adequate funding to make sure that we get to where we're trying to go. [1:29:39, 1:29:42]: Okay. What we were doing in the past hasn't worked. [1:29:43, 1:29:53]: I'm sorry, you know, this it this is occasion where it took three votes again, okay? The three votes or the four votes approved the contractor for Rock Quarry Road. [1:29:53, 1:29:56]: They approved the contractor for Hudson Bridge. [1:29:56, 1:29:58]: They approved the the contract. [1:29:58, 1:30:00]: For Highway one thirty eight. [1:30:00, 1:30:04]: Those are things that the citizens love and want. [1:30:04, 1:30:13]: We have to make that progress. And it would be great if we could get a unanimous vote on these things because citizens love it. [1:30:13, 1:30:20]: They love the fact that they can be proud of the city that they live in and things keep escalating. [1:30:20, 1:30:23]: But also just remind yourself just today. [1:30:23, 1:30:25]: We got an email from a business owner. [1:30:26, 1:30:28]: Complaining about a homeless encampment. [1:30:29, 1:30:30]: Okay. [1:30:30, 1:30:32]: In a particular area of the city. [1:30:32, 1:30:36]: Okay, those are the kind of things that we have to deal with. [1:30:36, 1:30:47]: the maintenance and the uh cleanup for. It is what it is. It's unsanitary, but we don't have the resources to take care of that. But we have the responsibility to clean it up. [1:30:48, 1:30:51]: So those are the type things that we have to take care of. [1:30:51, 1:31:09]: You know, I do what I can every day to try to supply food for those in need. But in this time of COVID right now, we got things going on that are out of control. But in the end, the one thing that we have 100% control of of this council is the appearance of this city. [1:31:09, 1:31:16]: And I support this wholeheartedly and I make a motion to move forward with approving this contract. [1:31:16, 1:31:17]: as requested by staff. [1:31:18, 1:31:20]: Is there a second for the motion? [1:31:22, 1:31:26]: Is there a second? I second. I second. Councilman Gantt, second that. Any further discussion? [1:31:28, 1:31:29]: Saying none. [1:31:29, 1:31:31]: All in favor of the motion, please indicate. [1:31:32, 1:31:34]: Fantastic unanimous. Appreciate it. Thank you very much. [1:31:35, 1:31:47]: Council consideration to approve ITB invitation to bid number 171 TB082817 dash DDR, excuse me, DRR. [1:31:47, 1:31:55]: American Tank Maintenance LLC full serv full service tank maintenance program in the amount of sixty thousand four hundred nineteen dollars. [1:31:56, 1:32:02]: Funding source FY twenty twenty-one water department budget presented by Mr. Aaron. Again, please. [1:32:02, 1:32:22]: Yes, Mr. Mayor. The city's drinking water permit requires that our uh water storage tanks be maintained and inspected annually. And this is just asking Mayor and Council to renew the contract with American Tank. They're they've been on board for about a year. They're current currently servicing the city's water tanks. They also paint them when they're in in in need of painting. [1:32:22, 1:32:27]: But the main thing is we have to have the annual inspections and cleanups of the tanks. [1:32:27, 1:32:31]: Thank you, sir. Any questions? Um uh Councilman Blount, go ahead, please. [1:32:31, 1:32:35]: Mayor, our motion that we move forward with this. Uh I thank you. Thank you. Zero second. [1:32:36, 1:32:38]: I second. Any further discussion? [1:32:39, 1:32:41]: If not all in favor of motion, please indicate. [1:32:43, 1:32:43]: Okay. [1:32:44, 1:32:44]: Aye. [1:32:44, 1:32:46]: Okay, see you now, so appreciate that. [1:32:47, 1:32:49]: Okay, uh what's next is the um [1:32:49, 1:32:59]: Actually confirmation for to for to um for the economic director, uh development director, uh gentleman by the name of Mr. Peterson. I would think uh Mr. Knighton, this is on you, sir. [1:33:02, 1:33:04]: Uh yes, Mayor, I believe. [1:33:06, 1:33:11]: Okay, that'll be fine. We won't address this now. That'll be fine. Uh yes, um uh mayor and counsel. [1:33:12, 1:33:16]: Ажіно, барчу в чатер. [1:33:16, 1:33:22]: Uh, for the position of director, uh as it's brought forth by the city manager, must be confirmed. [1:33:23, 1:33:25]: by the city mayor and city council. [1:33:26, 1:33:30]: I'm requesting uh that the mayor and council uh confirm [1:33:31, 1:33:31]: Um [1:33:32, 1:33:32]: Um [1:33:33, 1:33:35]: Alan C. Peterson the second. [1:33:35, 1:33:39]: um as economic development director for the city of Stockbridge. [1:33:41, 1:33:41]: So moved. [1:33:42, 1:33:44]: Okay, this cancel move to the second. [1:33:45, 1:33:45]: Okay. [1:33:46, 1:33:50]: Okay, Miss Mayor Pro Tem, sir. Mayor Pro Tem Tom a second. Any further discussion? [1:33:51, 1:33:52]: Uh sir, if I could [1:33:53, 1:34:02]: I I would like for folks to understand what this position does, and I'd like a little bit more explanation for Mr. Knight. So, what do we hope to accomplish? [1:34:02, 1:34:08]: By bringing this gentleman in so the public clearly understands that this person is working in their best interest every day. [1:34:08, 1:34:08]: Uh-huh. [1:34:09, 1:34:10]: I missed it. [1:34:10, 1:34:15]: I'm sorry. Yes, Mayor Council, of course, um economic development is a vital component of any city. [1:34:15, 1:34:21]: And it undergirds uh much of what a city hopes to accomplish in terms of its overall vision. [1:34:21, 1:34:27]: The economic development director uh in this case would work along with staff and of course with the council in setting [1:34:28, 1:34:40]: uh certain uh uh directives, um uh developing uh certain items such as market studies uh and those types of things to chart the course for an overall strategic plan for the city to move forward. Most importantly. [1:34:41, 1:34:44]: Um this position uh would um [1:34:44, 1:35:00]: uh place itself uh in the realm within Metro Atlanta and also of course throughout the nation uh to be uh in place and in a position uh to attract new businesses, new companies uh to the city of Stockbridge. [1:35:00, 1:35:07]: But take a look at the overall landscape of the city, opportunities that we have, would work uh collaboratively with um [1:35:07, 1:35:11]: The state chamber of commerce uh with the local Henry County. [1:35:11, 1:35:22]: uh development authority and the other development authorities, the DDAs and those entities, to bring in new business and new companies to the city of Stockbridge and to ensure the Stockbridge is properly positioned. [1:35:23, 1:35:41]: to be at the table um when uh new businesses uh seek a new home or seek to relocate. In addition, uh would work with existing businesses to ensure that they are strong uh and maintain business retention uh for the city. So it's a very key position, an important position. [1:35:42, 1:35:47]: I believe we've got an excellent candidate to help move the city forward and to be a part of the overall vision. [1:35:48, 1:35:58]: T talk about how, or if I could follow up, how uh this department was able to help out with bringing Hegler. The department was able to help out with bringing Hegler. [1:36:00, 1:36:04]: Sure, the Hegler company, uh, which is located right off of Rock Hory Road. [1:36:04, 1:36:05]: Rum Creek. [1:36:06, 1:36:10]: Um is an international um uh company. [1:36:10, 1:36:16]: First international company here in the city of Stockbridge. And obviously the economic development department had several discussions not only with [1:36:16, 1:36:19]: Dem Hengler Corporation, but also [1:36:19, 1:36:32]: uh uh various other entities, uh state and local levels, to uh work with uh the Hegler Corporation to relocate here. And they decided to relocate in the city of Stockbridge and are very, very close, very close. [1:36:32, 1:36:35]: То в резів'я ультимат сертифікат в окупації. [1:36:35, 1:36:37]: uh for opening uh that facility. [1:36:38, 1:36:51]: Um, so it was a great investment uh for uh the city of Stockbridge, great investment they're making in the city of Stockbridge. And uh it's great to uh have them uh on board in the city and it's it's first of uh hope. [1:36:51, 1:36:55]: We hope uh many to come of new businesses in the city of Stockbridge. [1:36:56, 1:37:04]: Any other comments? Any other comments? And if not, motions have been made in the second. So all in favor of the motion, please indicate. [1:37:05, 1:37:06]: Ah [1:37:06, 1:37:10]: Okay, fantastic. And you now, congratulations to Mr. Peterson. [1:37:10, 1:37:12]: And I know Miss Nine, you'll [1:37:12, 1:37:16]: Extend that hand to him, said welcome, sir. You're now part of the city of Stockbridge. [1:37:17, 1:37:17]: Okay. [1:37:18, 1:37:25]: All right, the presentation we have, and it's a presentation, City App Demonstration presented by IT Simple. [1:37:25, 1:37:29]: Um okay. So who is that exactly? [1:37:31, 1:37:36]: Yes, Mayor Ford, we have uh Stacy Lavelle and we have Ron, I thought Ron Freeman. [1:37:37, 1:37:38]: Was with us for a moment. [1:37:39, 1:37:42]: There with IT Simple, uh, an app firm. [1:37:42, 1:37:49]: Uh they were selected to provide a new city app for the city of Stockbridge. And this is one additional means by which we [1:37:49, 1:38:00]: want to get as much information out to the public as we can. As you know, there are many way, many different ways that technology has allowed us to convey information to the public. [1:38:00, 1:38:07]: Uh this is yet another way and we're very excited about this opportunity to um have uh a city app. [1:38:07, 1:38:26]: We've um basically had a very, very, very soft opening so far, uh, but we'll um certainly after uh tonight's demonstration, uh we'll make sure that um we blanket the public with information so that everybody can um access uh our new uh city app. [1:38:27, 1:38:31]: And with that, I believe I'll turn it over to Miss Uh Lavelle. [1:38:32, 1:38:38]: Hi, yes. Thank you, Mr. Knighton. I appreciate the invitation from uh you and Miss Thornton to [1:38:38, 1:38:42]: Uh demonstrate the app and the mayor and the council for um [1:38:43, 1:38:47]: Uh accepting and attending. So I'm really excited to share with you. [1:38:47, 1:38:55]: Uh, it's my town, which is the official app of the city of Stockbridge. I am going to share my screen. [1:39:13, 1:39:14]: All right. [1:39:16, 1:39:22]: Hopefully everyone can see my screen. Not yet, yes. Not yet. [1:39:31, 1:39:33]: Alrighty, just give me a moment. [1:39:45, 1:39:46]: Well, and there we go. [1:39:48, 1:39:53]: All right, I think I'm hearing some affirmative. Yes. All right. Terrific. [1:40:00, 1:40:03]: All right, let me go ahead and pull up the app. [1:40:08, 1:40:10]: It'll take just a moment to load. [1:40:13, 1:40:20]: All right, and this is one of the first things that the citizens will see when they access uh the It's My Town app. [1:40:20, 1:40:21]: Um [1:40:22, 1:40:41]: We it's privacy first. Uh your citizens will be able to download this app from the Apple or Google App Stores for free. It does not cost them anything. Um, we do not ask for registration at all, so there should not be any privacy concerns expressed by your city. [1:40:42, 1:40:46]: А нор дой ті симпол гар орна інформація. [1:40:47, 1:40:48]: Oh. [1:40:48, 1:40:52]: Uh and this screen allows um alerts. Let me go back. [1:40:55, 1:40:57]: All right, and here it is. [1:40:58, 1:41:18]: Um, the app consists of five main buttons, which you'll see at the bottom of the screen: news, local, places, events, and dime. The top of the screen consists of uh a menu. Uh there's a button for services directory and officials. We'll take a quick peek at all of those. Um, and in the middle is [1:41:18, 1:41:33]: A uh what we call a slider that presents some of the more recent news items and events, um, as well as uh a link to about, which if the uh user touches that goes in and and there's a [1:41:34, 1:41:36]: Uh verbiage about the city of Stockbridge. [1:41:37, 1:41:57]: And at the bottom, you will see an area that is used for real-time alerts that can be pushed out for the city. So for example, if a street is closed or if there's a weather type event that the city wants citizens to prepare for, the city can send out notices to people that have this app. [1:41:57, 1:41:58]: installed on their phone. [1:42:00, 1:42:09]: So we'll jump right into uh some of the main features of It's My Town, and I'll start out with events. It has probably the most [1:42:10, 1:42:12]: uh functionality in it. [1:42:12, 1:42:20]: So when I hit the button, uh you can see here uh actually tonight's event was published out on It's My Town. [1:42:20, 1:42:26]: Um and I'll scroll down. You can see some of the other like you've got your planning commission coming up later this week. [1:42:26, 1:42:30]: Uh and then I actually already have the council meeting out on. [1:42:30, 1:42:33]: Uh, the app as well for January. [1:42:34, 1:42:40]: So scrolling back, some things that your citizens will be able to do when using It's My Town. [1:42:40, 1:42:52]: is in the upper uh right right to the right hand side of the date is the link. This is the link that would take the user to the zoom meeting so that they can watch the meeting on their device. [1:42:53, 1:42:55]: There is a letter icon. [1:42:56, 1:42:58]: Allowing citizens to [1:42:59, 1:43:09]: um send an email. Uh in this particular case it goes to uh Ms. Holliday, who is the clerk, but that can be linked to anyone at City Hall. [1:43:10, 1:43:19]: The next item is um a pinpoint, and I'm gonna demonstrate this. I'm gonna touch the little balloon or the little location icon. [1:43:19, 1:43:26]: And what this does is allow your citizens to if they are once the city hall opens and begins having [1:43:27, 1:43:32]: Uh their council meetings live, they will be able to map their way. [1:43:32, 1:43:41]: Uh using Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze, and they can even get a car service to the meeting or what other ever what. [1:43:41, 1:43:46]: Um ev whatever other event there is that the city is putting on. [1:43:48, 1:43:55]: Um and then below that is the phone, uh, and that allows citizens to touch that and uh [1:43:56, 1:44:03]: place a call, all they have to do is touch the screen and call the city hall or whoever the appropriate person is. [1:44:05, 1:44:09]: Down at the bottom of the events, there's an RSVP button. [1:44:09, 1:44:15]: This allows uh your citizens to respond if they plan to attend in person. [1:44:17, 1:44:20]: The next one over is share. [1:44:20, 1:44:25]: When citizens press this, it allows them to share the [1:44:25, 1:44:40]: event, whether it's a meeting or I I know earlier in the meeting you were talking about potentially having uh a July 4th celebration, they can share that via text, via Skype, there's uh email, there's a number of ways that they can share it. [1:44:40, 1:44:42]: With friends and family. [1:44:42, 1:44:51]: And then the last is save, which allows the citizen, the user to actually save the event to the calendar. [1:44:51, 1:45:00]: So quite a bit that they can do all on the app without ever, ever leaving the app or having to visit the city website necessarily. [1:45:03, 1:45:08]: Also on the app is the news uh module. I'll go ahead and press that now. [1:45:11, 1:45:16]: And this shows the news items that are published by the city. It includes the graphic. [1:45:17, 1:45:21]: uh you know pertinent information citizens can then choose more [1:45:22, 1:45:24]: Uh when they touched the little icon there. [1:45:25, 1:45:31]: Uh it opens up and ha it has more text in this particular case. Again, it's the council meeting for this evening. [1:45:31, 1:45:39]: Uh the citizen can just uh tap the links. They've got all the call information if they don't want to do it via Zoom. [1:45:40, 1:45:42]: If they only wanted to do it via telephone, etcetera. [1:45:44, 1:45:47]: And you can see here we published um [1:45:48, 1:46:04]: Ms. Thornton published the paving project that started today. There was a holiday songs event, a virtual event over the weekend, also on here. So all of the all of the news events that have been posted. [1:46:05, 1:46:14]: And the upper right is, I'm sorry, in the lower left is places. And these are all the uh public places within the city. [1:46:14, 1:46:16]: Currently is populated. [1:46:16, 1:46:31]: with the various parks and community centers in the city. If the city wishes, they can add uh police substations, fire stations, libraries, whatever information they would like the citizens to have. [1:46:33, 1:46:47]: Uh and the upper uh right area of the the main buttons is local. Uh this is particularly helpful for when uh citizens are trying to find uh local businesses. [1:46:47, 1:46:55]: Um, what's interesting about uh these particular uh modules, and I'm just gonna tap grocery as an example. [1:46:56, 1:46:59]: Um it actually scrapes the web. [1:46:59, 1:47:18]: for businesses local to where the person actually is located. So you'll notice here that none of these are gonna look familiar to you. I don't live in Stockbridge, but it the my the app knows where I'm located and searched for groceries or grocery stores in and around where I physically am located. [1:47:23, 1:47:29]: And then there's also a dyne feature that functions very much the same way when your citizens press dine. [1:47:30, 1:47:37]: Um it will uh search the web based on the person's physical location and um [1:47:39, 1:47:49]: uh brings back the restaurants. There is a filter capability. So in the upper right hand corner to the uh next to the word dine, there is a funnel. [1:47:49, 1:47:52]: Um this is allows your user to [1:47:52, 1:47:55]: Uh pare down or uh [1:47:55, 1:48:00]: uh put specific criteria in for them to [1:48:02, 1:48:08]: Look for a restaurant in this particular scenario. I chose Chinese and all the Chinese restaurants came back. [1:48:08, 1:48:13]: Um citizens can also choose to search if they wanted to look for a specific restaurant. [1:48:18, 1:48:21]: And just like the functionality with events. [1:48:22, 1:48:28]: The user can either press the telephone or the um location icon. [1:48:28, 1:48:30]: to either call the establishment [1:48:30, 1:48:33]: Or uh get the lo the um [1:48:34, 1:48:36]: mapping to the establishment. [1:48:39, 1:48:40]: Moving back. [1:48:41, 1:48:43]: Uh and I'm gonna move now to the top of the app. [1:48:44, 1:48:46]: Um and this is uh [1:48:46, 1:48:56]: where your citizens can have access directly to the city. And I'm going to start with services, which is the icon there with the gear. [1:49:00, 1:49:06]: And you can see listed uh the services with the city. This is uh um [1:49:07, 1:49:14]: A relatively full list. So here you can see all your COVID resources, for example, from the city. [1:49:15, 1:49:20]: your city requests, code enforcement, reserving a pavilion, et cetera. [1:49:23, 1:49:37]: Um, and then the uh citizen can also type to search. So if they know specifically what it is they're looking for, they can type in, for example, permits, and it would go to that particular entry in the local government services section. [1:49:40, 1:49:47]: Also, as part of the um upper directory or upper um area of the app is directory. [1:49:47, 1:49:53]: citizens can touch that button and is an there's a listing of [1:49:55, 1:50:02]: your employees. It has a their um title as well as their department. [1:50:03, 1:50:06]: Uh citizens can and I'm just gonna [1:50:06, 1:50:09]: Pick on email here, uh Mr. Aaron. [1:50:09, 1:50:13]: When they touch the little envelope, it automatically opens up their email. [1:50:13, 1:50:16]: Uh to the person listed. [1:50:16, 1:50:21]: They can fill out the information and send an email directly to the city from their phone. [1:50:24, 1:50:29]: Uh they could also call directly from their phone just by pressing the little telephone icon. [1:50:30, 1:50:30]: Um [1:50:31, 1:50:38]: The citizen can use the funnel again if they want, if they know what department, for example, it is that they want to. [1:50:39, 1:50:39]: Uh [1:50:40, 1:50:42]: Reach, they can just select that department. [1:50:42, 1:50:47]: They also have the ability, just like I had showed before, where they can type in the person's name. [1:50:47, 1:50:48]: Uh and [1:50:49, 1:50:53]: Find that person's telephone number and email address. [1:50:54, 1:50:57]: And then last uh [1:50:57, 1:50:59]: The last button is the officials button. [1:51:00, 1:51:06]: When I touch that, here we can see uh Mayor Ford and the council listed here. [1:51:06, 1:51:15]: Uh this particular app also allows for uh messaging from the leadership of the city. [1:51:15, 1:51:17]: Um and all of that can be [1:51:18, 1:51:22]: Published through uh your communications department with Miss Thornton. [1:51:23, 1:51:32]: Um and and everyone is listed here. Uh, and for each of the council, there is their bio. [1:51:35, 1:51:40]: that your citizens can have access to and read about each of the council people and the mayor. [1:51:42, 1:51:50]: So I didn't want to talk too too long. I want to be able to open it up for questions from the folks on the phone. [1:51:51, 1:52:01]: I think it's a fantastic. This is fantastic. This is just game changer for us here in Stockbridge. I tell you, this is this is great. Um I can't wait to download it on my phone. [1:52:02, 1:52:08]: So anyway, something this is. Any questions, Council? I'm I'm pretty sure some of you have some here. [1:52:11, 1:52:12]: Uh Mr. Alexander, go ahead, sir. [1:52:12, 1:52:27]: Yes, I I just wanna say this is like as you said, Mary, this is a truly a great day. Uh it is uh an advancement in technology. You know, in this day where there's people are bombarded with information. [1:52:27, 1:52:29]: We have an opportunity to put the city. [1:52:30, 1:52:31]: Well, folks hang. [1:52:31, 1:52:37]: So, you know, when we post an event just like we had over the weekend, uh like we had our last event. [1:52:38, 1:52:40]: And uh with the police. [1:52:40, 1:52:41]: uh town hall [1:52:42, 1:52:42]: You know [1:52:43, 1:52:45]: Some people got it, some people did it. [1:52:45, 1:52:47]: Everybody that gets the app. [1:52:48, 1:52:56]: Will be able to get a notification on their phone that this is going on. We can move forward. We can actually communicate with them. [1:52:57, 1:53:07]: And if I'm not correct, I believe they can actually watch the events uh on the app if they choose to do so, if the Zoom is in there, sir, or ma'am. [1:53:08, 1:53:16]: Yes, sir. That's absolutely correct. In fact, I am presenting this to you via Zoom. I opened Zoom in my phone. [1:53:16, 1:53:23]: uh from the meeting event uh and then went into the presentation mode. So yes, absolutely. [1:53:23, 1:53:28]: Uh citizens can do it from any device, mo uh Apple or Android. [1:53:29, 1:53:34]: So if let's say like the the uh notifications, tell us how that works. Let's I like [1:53:34, 1:53:39]: in a situation where there's a s an event or something going on to the city, how does that work? [1:53:41, 1:53:43]: So for an event in the city. [1:53:44, 1:53:51]: Uh let me say this. Let's say a a an emergency situation or something going on. Obviously, folks, how does that notification work? [1:53:51, 1:54:11]: Excellent question. So for real what we we call those real-time alerts, and someone within the city would access the portal. Uh and that's what uh Ms. Thornton will use to communicate uh and push information to all the buttons there that you saw there, as well as [1:54:11, 1:54:31]: The alerts function. And literally is just logging in. It can be done from anywhere. The portal, the administrative portal that it will be used by Ms. Thornton and/or other designees. All they need is an internet access. They go in, they log into the portal, they type in whatever. [1:54:31, 1:54:45]: Whatever the issue is, like a street has been closed, or uh, you know, like I said, there's some sort of weather event, they just type that in and literally it's a click of a button. Not only will it go to the app. [1:54:45, 1:54:53]: Uh but that oh yep, no, it will go to the app. I'm sorry, I'm thinking of something else. Actually gets pushed to Facebook and Twitter, but for real-time alerts, it goes just to the app. [1:54:54, 1:54:58]: And it shows up on their phone just like a regular notification if you have those set up. [1:55:00, 1:55:02]: Well, uh Mr. Knighton. [1:55:02, 1:55:02]: All right. [1:55:03, 1:55:08]: We'll talk about the uh the management of the app. I certainly would like uh [1:55:09, 1:55:12]: The clerk to as the official arm of the city. [1:55:12, 1:55:14]: To make sure that she has [1:55:14, 1:55:18]: Everything necessary to be able to manage the platform. [1:55:19, 1:55:22]: Uh as well, since she's the official communication arm. [1:55:22, 1:55:26]: And to be able to when she sends out information, to be able to send it out to everybody. [1:55:27, 1:55:35]: As well. So tell us how that would work in terms of the management of the process. Sure. Uh you know, obviously the public information officer would be the primary contact. [1:55:36, 1:55:45]: Uh for the app, uh, since it fall you know falls within uh that realm. However, of course, there will be collaboration and coordination with all departments. [1:55:45, 1:55:48]: With respect to information or or timely [1:55:48, 1:55:54]: uh uh items that need to be placed on the app. Obviously the city clerk being the uh official keeper of records. [1:55:55, 1:55:58]: Of the city would have a role, a very important role. [1:55:59, 1:56:04]: Ensuring that um all of the necessary uh items pertaining to [1:56:04, 1:56:15]: city functions and or um items pertaining to upcoming events as it relates to city council meetings, work sessions, those types of things uh would certainly be involved uh in all of that. So [1:56:16, 1:56:26]: Um it's it's it's great that uh we have uh uh taken this step to have a city app again. It is one more medium by which people can gather information. [1:56:26, 1:56:32]: receive information and even view information for the city of Stockbridge and so [1:56:32, 1:56:36]: Um with that we'll all as as uh staff members be working [1:56:37, 1:56:42]: uh very diligently to ensure that there's updated information on the app so that our citizens [1:56:42, 1:56:46]: uh can be apprised of uh the important information and events happening in our city. [1:56:48, 1:56:49]: Outstanding. [1:56:49, 1:56:53]: Council, any other comments at all on this app, new app? Anybody else? [1:56:53, 1:56:55]: Mayor Pro Tem Thomas, you look like you're [1:56:56, 1:56:57]: You're unmuted, sir. Do you need something to say, sir? [1:56:58, 1:57:01]: Well, I I'm gonna agree with Councilman Alexander. Um [1:57:02, 1:57:06]: It it appears to be very, very great. Um [1:57:06, 1:57:19]: Technology, you know, puts us ahead of the game, it moves us forward. You know, and that's sort of some of the theme that we've been talking about here tonight. How do we move the City of Stockbridge forward? And I think this. [1:57:19, 1:57:22]: Is is one of those kind of items that's gonna [1:57:22, 1:57:25]: uh technically move us forward so [1:57:25, 1:57:26]: I'm I'm excited. [1:57:27, 1:57:27]: Good deal. [1:57:28, 1:57:29]: Anybody else? [1:57:30, 1:57:33]: If I may add something, sir. Go right here, sir. Go ahead, please. [1:57:34, 1:57:43]: First, uh let me introduce myself to the console. I wanna thank uh my name is Ron Freeman. I'm founder and uh CEO for IT Simple and thank you for Stacey on my team. [1:57:44, 1:58:04]: For running this demonstration. I just wanted to say thank you all. I'm honored, uh, Mr. Knighton and the entire elected body uh for partnering with uh the city of Stockbridge to uh uh you know bring your uh information and uh also consume services. Uh I wanted to wish you all uh I know it's been a [1:58:04, 1:58:11]: Challenging year for all of us. But you guys, I mean, we're not forgetting you guys are uh celebrating your centennial year. [1:58:11, 1:58:31]: And it was quite a challenging year, but I think uh you know uh uh coming onto mobile now would basically bring together businesses, visitors, obviously your constituents, your residents, uh not just with the information, because you guys have a lot of things going, we're following uh, you know, uh a lot of development going on. [1:58:31, 1:58:35]: city of Stockbridge, so we're honored we're honored and humbled. [1:58:35, 1:58:38]: uh to serve you all today and thank you very much for the opportunity. [1:58:39, 1:58:43]: Thank thank you, sir. Appreciate it. Absolutely. Appreciate it. Appreciate you being part of our city. [1:58:44, 1:58:47]: And help us get become even brighter and greater and better. [1:58:47, 1:58:48]: Thank you. [1:58:48, 1:58:50]: The other commerce council at all. [1:58:52, 1:58:53]: All the comments? Okay. [1:58:54, 1:59:01]: Well, Mr. Freeman, thanks a lot, sir. Stacy. I'm sorry, Mel. Let me ask one more question here, real quick. Now, just like uh if I could. [1:59:02, 1:59:06]: Go ahead, go ahead, go ahead. Uh just like tonight, okay, going forward. [1:59:06, 1:59:09]: Who's going I want to make sure that we got the structure in play. [1:59:09, 1:59:12]: I wanna make sure people can actually use this app to the fullest. [1:59:13, 1:59:14]: Like this council meeting. [1:59:14, 1:59:16]: People can watch it. [1:59:16, 1:59:17]: On the air. [1:59:18, 1:59:21]: So who's going to put that information in there with the Zoom? [1:59:21, 1:59:23]: Before the meeting, cause as we saw. [1:59:24, 1:59:27]: On the app. It was there, but there was no Zoom information. [1:59:30, 1:59:35]: I if I unless I can be corrected, I thought that I did see a Zoom link on there. [1:59:35, 1:59:35]: Yep. [1:59:36, 1:59:37]: Is that correct? [1:59:38, 1:59:46]: There was a Zoom link, but there wasn't a actual link to it. There was the link wasn't in there. It was available for a Zoom link to be put there, but it wasn't there. [1:59:47, 1:59:47]: Okay. [1:59:48, 1:59:53]: Obviously that's one of the tools that we want to ensure is available and will be available. [1:59:53, 1:59:56]: Um for citizens to access. [1:59:57, 2:00:17]: Right. And by definition, mobile, if I may add, uh the beautiful thing on mobile is it mobile interacts with all those third party apps that are already running on the phone. So once uh, you know, a Zoom link will be added, it will automatically open the Zoom app if that person has the Zoom app installed. Uh and he will have the best user experience to watch. [2:00:17, 2:00:23]: of you know the meetings either the meeting live or a recording of the meetings uh you know uh further on. [2:00:25, 2:00:33]: Awesome. Awesome. Good stuff. Great. Anyone else? Any other council members? Any other comments? [2:00:35, 2:00:47]: Okay. I don't see any so if that's the case. Um Mr. Freeman, appreciate you all being here. Miss Stacy. Thank you. Okay. Thank you very much. Uh we'll make a great partnership. This will work very well. [2:00:47, 2:01:03]: Thank you very much to you all. I really appreciate your partnership. I really appreciate the opportunity. And I wish that uh uh you know, the his funny story is every time when I'm thinking about uh next year and I I say I hope that all of us will have a better year, uh well it's a very low bar to beat. [2:01:03, 2:01:04]: He [2:01:05, 2:01:07]: Right. Thank you all. [2:01:07, 2:01:08]: Take care now. Bye bye. [2:01:12, 2:01:32]: All right, folks. Um I'm now into the uh my section for my comments. And uh one of the things that uh we gotta continue to keep in the forefront is the fact that we're still in the middle of a pandemic. And uh the the state is red, the uh the country is in a red state here and and numbers are going up. Matter of fact. [2:01:32, 2:01:52]: Yeah, briefing today with the um with the CEO of Piedmont Henry, there are 88 people in Piedmont Henry that hope co have COVID-19. Various amount of ages and diversity. 88. Okay. So this is very real. Some people out here think it's not real. [2:01:51, 2:01:55]: think that this is a hoax. This is very real. All right. [2:01:55, 2:02:15]: So what we have here, several other things want to mention to you. Of course, we still have the free COVID testing at the Heritage Media Center. You got to make an appointment. So that's 800-847-4262. Once again, 800-847-4262, 1050 Florence McGarrity Parkway. Uh every day. Well, Monday to Friday, it was 10 a.m. [2:02:15, 2:02:16]: Three PM. [2:02:17, 2:02:21]: Now a good news story came out today. Matter of fact, it out of this meeting. [2:02:21, 2:02:41]: And uh imagine that uh the PIO will be getting this information uh that uh the public health department through a contractor will now be will shortly be testing people on Saturdays as well. Okay, Saturdays as well is coming. And I believe it starts this Saturday, but have to reconfirm that, but that once we get that message confirmed, it'll [2:02:41, 2:02:42]: It'd be sitting out there. [2:02:42, 2:03:02]: And come out publicly through the but through our uh PAO. But uh wanna give you a heads up on that. That that is coming. So it'll be available free of charge, of course, and available to citizens uh six days a week is what we're looking for. Now, what is happening uh in the Henry County for the rest of the month, and then we'll have to see how funding goes for. [2:03:02, 2:03:04]: as we're swinging around in 2021. [2:03:05, 2:03:06]: Starting today. [2:03:06, 2:03:10]: Uh the county had a a a mobile testing site. [2:03:10, 2:03:22]: Uh every Monday for the rest of the month. Once again, eventually we'll look and see if we can swing this around to the next calendar year at Hidden Valley Park. Hidden Valley Park on Mondays. Uh that is um [2:03:23, 2:03:36]: nine to three is of understanding hours to be and as 100 spragens memorial parkway and star bridge that's on mondays then a mobile the mobile uh testing site goes on wednesdays to mount carmel uh park [2:03:37, 2:03:42]: uh North Mount Carmel Park, which is three oh seven North uh Mount Carmel Road in Hampton. [2:03:42, 2:03:48]: And then on Wednesdays, the mobile testing site goes on to uh the Warren Holder Park. [2:03:48, 2:04:05]: And that's a 301 Club Drive in Locust Grove. I'm sorry, the times, I'm sorry, the times of 10 minutes, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 10 a.m., 3 p.m., each one of those locations. And shortly we'll get to Saturday uh testing at the Heritage Senior Center. [2:04:06, 2:04:26]: And so and the test results were provided through the public health department, no cost, of course, the Henry County, no parcel, no cost to the citizens. And um, and this is a cooperative left effort between the board of commissioners along with the Henry County Board of Health. And there's there's more to follow in reference to different locations potentially as we swing around to the new into the new. [2:04:25, 2:04:45]: year to make it accessible and available for uh citizens to get the test. Now, what's also uh going to be publicized here shortly as well would be the vaccination locations so individuals can get their vaccine. And so that is starting to happen with the deployment of vaccinations. [2:04:45, 2:05:05]: and the vaccines, excuse me, the vaccine to come into our state. And of course there's a priority list to that. And the priority list primarily starts with uh the the the healthcare workers, the nurses, first responders, and of course people uh that are in the senior citizen homes and things of this nature. And so individuals like uh like us that I'm looking at right now. [2:05:05, 2:05:25]: directly that are fairly healthy, right? We may have to wait till at least April before we get a shot, provided that you want to take a shot. And I would assume that you probably would. But uh we'll we'll continue to work through that process as uh as uh things go on. And so uh more to follow on on those locations logistically and getting this taken care of and getting [2:05:25, 2:05:45]: the citizens that want to take a vaccination will be able to do so. So that's that is going to start happening. And it'll be but we'll put out info more information through the through our social media about that for the citizens of Star Operation. Of course you'll be hearing a lot of things in the news, national news as well as local news for the state. Today started [2:05:45, 2:06:03]: early voting. Early voting started today. All right. So hopefully everybody's registered to vote and you need to uh uh follow your constitutional right and go uh and go vote and in henry county there are six polling places that you can go to to early vote six all right let's talk about that [2:06:03, 2:06:08]: uh Merle Manor's Conference Center, 111 Davis right here stop bridge. [2:06:08, 2:06:19]: You have the Fairview Recreational Center at 35 Austin Road and Stockbridge, JP Mosley Recreational Center, 1041 Miller's Mill Road and Stockbridge. [2:06:20, 2:06:26]: Then you have the election and voters registration main office, 40 Atlanta Street, McDonough, Georgia. [2:06:26, 2:06:38]: Then you're gonna you have it you can go to Locust Grove Library, 115 MLK Junior Boulevard in Locust Grove there. And then the Forest and Hampton Library, 61 Madonna Street in Hampton. [2:06:38, 2:06:39]: Now [2:06:39, 2:06:43]: For the actual early voting, here are the hours this week. [2:06:44, 2:06:48]: Monday to Friday for all six locations this week, Monday to Friday. [2:06:48, 2:06:50]: It will be eight AM to five PM. [2:06:51, 2:06:55]: Saturday this Saturday the nineteenth, nine a.m. to four p.m. [2:06:56, 2:06:57]: Sunday the twentieth. [2:06:58, 2:07:18]: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Then the following week, which will be the 21st to 23rd, Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. And then also the 28th through the 30th of December. And 30 of December will be the last day for early voting on any one of these six locations, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. [2:07:18, 2:07:33]: And of course the election itself is on January 5th. Now, what's up for the election? Of course you got the two Senate runoffs, which will get national attention, international type of attention. Georgia's in limelight here. [2:07:34, 2:07:52]: So you have the um incumbent, uh David Purdue as opponent, John Ossoff as a Democrat. You have the independent, uh excuse me, the Republican or incumbent, I'm sorry, Republican Kelly Leffler and her opposition or opposer at Raphael Warnott. All right, you need to use your constitutional right to go vote. [2:07:52, 2:08:12]: And then for if you didn't know, there's also a public service commission district four, public service commission district four. And you have the incumbent there, a guy named Lauren Buddy uh Bubba McDonald Jr., that's the incumbent. He's a Republican, and Daniel Blackman, who is his opp his opponent, um, is also running as uh there as well. So those three. [2:08:12, 2:08:19]: three races or on the on the actual ballot for you to go and um vote. [2:08:20, 2:08:30]: And I wanna if you haven't heard, you may have heard this, but we found out also today the Electoral College has confirmed the fact that Joe Biden is the next president. [2:08:30, 2:08:35]: And the next vice president is Kamala Harris. All right. Congratulations to our new leadership on the national level. [2:08:36, 2:08:38]: The the electoral college did their job. [2:08:38, 2:08:40]: All right. So [2:08:40, 2:08:43]: And that is great stuff in that aspect. [2:08:44, 2:08:45]: Meetings. [2:08:46, 2:09:06]: The Downtown Development Authority meeting is uh Tuesday, December 15th, 6 p.m. via Zoom. And they have their meetings on third Tuesday each month. Youth Council Advisory meeting is Tuesday, December, uh, well, it's actually uh December 15th, which is tomorrow, right? 630. It's also third Tuesday of each month. [2:09:06, 2:09:26]: Council meeting is Wednesday, December 16th, 630, third Tuesday of each month. I says third Tuesday, but the 16th is a Wednesday. But anyway, it would let me back up. Youth Council meeting, Wednesday, December 16th, 6:30. Period. Planning Commission meeting, Thursday, December 17th, 6:30. City Council works. [2:09:26, 2:09:27]: Session. [2:09:27, 2:09:30]: We're gonna have one December twenty second at six p.m. [2:09:30, 2:09:41]: Uh the Main Street Advisory Board meeting is Friday, January 8th. And uh the our next city council meeting for the new year, fiscal year is Monday, January 11th, 6 p.m. [2:09:42, 2:09:52]: Uh, Councilwoman Yolanda Barber, this on Saturday, January 9th is going to have a um blood drive, community blood drive, community blood drive at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Test Strickland Community Center. [2:09:53, 2:09:59]: And uh if you need any more information, you can call Zenovia Peterson at four oh four. [2:09:59, 2:10:09]: Five six five five one zero nine. We have upcoming public hearing, rezoning case number RZ two zero two zero-two. [2:10:09, 2:10:21]: And a public hearing for a zoning modification case number ZM-2020-01 that will be heard for the council before the council on January 11th at 6 p.m. [2:10:22, 2:10:34]: All the city offices will be closed Thursday, December 24th, and Friday, December 25th, of course, observance of Christmas holiday. And the city offices will also be closed on January 1st and observance of uh the new year. [2:10:35, 2:10:43]: So on that note, happy, happy holidays, everybody, and happy new year uh to you. But we'll probably see you on the 26th. Yes, uh Miss Holiday. [2:10:44, 2:10:44]: It's holiday. [2:10:47, 2:11:03]: Mayor Ford, I just wanted to clarify on the elections on the Saturday and Sunday, the 19th and the 20th. Yes. The only locations will be the Henry County Elections Office and the Merrill Manders Conference Center. [2:11:03, 2:11:06]: The other locations don't have Saturday and Sunday voting. [2:11:06, 2:11:17]: Well, okay. I I'll take you for you face value, but I have a s some information here. It was sent to me in the mail that says they do, but okay. I I I I'm reading off of some uh information that was sent to my home. [2:11:17, 2:11:20]: But okay, I got you. Thank you for the clarification. [2:11:21, 2:11:27]: Okay. And that and yeah, actually Merlmann is great for Merlmann's. Good people and stoppers can come to Merlmann's no problem. But thank you very much. [2:11:28, 2:11:32]: All right. All right. On that note, folks, I need a motion to adjourn our meeting. [2:11:33, 2:11:34]: Mayor. So move. [2:11:35, 2:11:40]: Yeah yes, okay, you made a slow move. Is it a second Mr Mayor Botan? [2:11:40, 2:11:49]: No, I I before the so move I had my hand up. I wanted to recognize sir. What sign my well I I just want to take this opportunity to um [2:11:49, 2:11:51]: Mr. Knight and his staff. [2:11:51, 2:11:54]: The event staff, Mrs. Thomas. [2:11:55, 2:11:58]: Uh for putting together the great, great [2:11:58, 2:12:01]: Christmas program the other night. I thought it was fantastic. [2:12:02, 2:12:05]: And I just wanted to just say uh kudos, uh a job well done. [2:12:06, 2:12:19]: Okay, fantastic. That's fine. Do that myself. Start singing along as well. All right. Um a motion to adjourn. And I believe uh Councilman Ganttz says so moved. That Councilman Blount second that. All in favor of the motion, please indicate. [2:12:20, 2:12:22]: Um discussion. [2:12:22, 2:12:28]: Are we not? No, there's no zygote session tonight. No, there's no exaggeration tonight. Awesome. Okay. [2:12:28, 2:12:30]: Okay, all favor motion please indicate. [2:12:30, 2:12:31]: All right. [2:12:32, 2:12:33]: Mr. Blood. [2:12:33, 2:12:37]: You voting, sir? Yeah. Okay, affirmative. Okay, we're we are now adjourned. [2:12:38, 2:12:42]: Yes, everybody, it's your nails. Good night, everybody. Thank you. Good night.