2021-08-16 · City Council · Transcript · City Council Meeting

--- title: August 16 2021 City Council Meeting date: 2021-08-16 source: 2021-08-16_August_16_2021_City_Council_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:36, 0:00:40]: Good evening, folks. How you doing? It's Mayor Ford. [0:00:46, 0:00:47]: Good evening. [0:01:10, 0:01:11]: Yeah, it's [0:01:11, 0:01:15]: [ 75.4, 76.5]: [0:01:52, 0:02:00]: IT support. It's Mayor Ford here. I got a request that you make me the once we get started that you make me the co-host, please. [0:02:01, 0:02:02]: You're already called, you're good. [0:02:02, 0:02:03]: Okay, thank you very much. [0:03:54, 0:03:55]: So now you're unmuted. [0:03:58, 0:03:58]: Right. [0:03:59, 0:04:07]: You're unmuted right now, so just give me a thumbs up. Mute until the mayor gives me another thumbs up. He can hear you. [0:04:07, 0:04:08]: I'm ready. [0:04:08, 0:04:10]: Yeah, he's muted. [0:09:35, 0:09:37]: Good evening, everyone. [0:09:39, 0:09:43]: Evening um Caswan Barber. How you doing? [0:09:44, 0:09:45]: Good evening. [0:10:06, 0:10:09]: Thank you. [0:10:10, 0:10:14]: [617.3, 617.9]: Okay, just [0:10:41, 0:10:44]: I do Ms. Knight and uh Councilwoman Gantt. [0:10:45, 0:10:46]: [646.7, 647.2]: No. [0:10:48, 0:10:49]: Hello, maybe four. [0:10:49, 0:10:49]: Alrighty. [0:10:50, 0:10:53]: We are now live on Facebook, by the way, just to let you know. [0:11:03, 0:11:05]: Councilman Thomas, good evening to you as well. [0:11:08, 0:11:09]: How you doing, sir? [0:11:09, 0:11:11]: Just fine, sir. Absolutely. [0:11:11, 0:11:11]: Thank you. [0:11:22, 0:11:27]: Well we have a quorum, but we don't have our clerk and we don't have our attorneys. [0:11:33, 0:11:36]: We got a few minutes left though. It's got a few minutes still. [0:12:49, 0:12:50]: Hello everyone. [0:12:50, 0:12:51]: All right. How you doing, John? [0:12:52, 0:12:57]: And miss Ms. Holliday, I'm glad to see you there as well. Good evening to you, Ms. Holliday. [0:12:58, 0:13:01]: It looks like I'm having a little trouble with my video. [0:13:01, 0:13:02]: Okay. [0:13:03, 0:13:04]: I can hear you loud and clear. [0:13:05, 0:13:06]: But that's good. [0:13:06, 0:13:07]: All right. [0:13:10, 0:13:13]: Mr Knighton, sir, if you could could you touch base with our attorneys, please? [0:13:17, 0:13:18]: Yes, I will. [0:13:18, 0:13:19]: Thank you very much. [0:13:23, 0:13:25]: Mr. Blount's coming in. Good evening. [0:13:26, 0:13:27]: Yes, yes, ma'am. How you doing? [0:13:28, 0:13:31]: Doing well, thank you. All righty. Good evening, Ms. Blount. [0:13:45, 0:13:45]: Yeah. [0:14:13, 0:14:17]: We are now live on Facebook as well, ladies and gentlemen. Just so you know. [0:14:27, 0:14:30]: All right, there's Mayor Pro Tem Alexander. Good evening to you, sir. [0:14:42, 0:14:46]: Justin, can you hear me? You gotcha. We hear it just fine. [0:14:46, 0:14:49]: Thank you, sir. How are you? All right. All right. [0:14:50, 0:14:51]: Three weeks. [0:14:52, 0:14:53]: All right. [0:14:58, 0:14:59]: Ah, here we go. [0:15:14, 0:15:15]: Good evening, Mr Washington. [0:15:21, 0:15:23]: Oh, there we go. Good evening. All righty. [0:15:24, 0:15:25]: All right, ladies and gentlemen, I have [0:15:26, 0:15:28]: What time is it? I have six oh one. [0:15:29, 0:15:42]: We have a quorum, we have the clerk, and we have our attorneys. So uh like to call our council meeting for Monday, August 16th to order. And on that note, uh Councilwoman Gantt, could you give the invocation, please? [0:15:51, 0:15:53]: Ms. Gann, I can't hear you. You're muted. [0:15:56, 0:15:57]: Sorry about that. [0:15:57, 0:15:59]: We'll ready it, please. [0:15:59, 0:16:00]: Let us bow our heads in prayer. [0:16:02, 0:16:03]: Фада, ви тэнку. [0:16:04, 0:16:07]: For those men and women who serve in leadership roles. [0:16:09, 0:16:12]: Lord, we ask that you be with them and their families. [0:16:13, 0:16:16]: As they do this with the kindness of their hearts. [0:16:18, 0:16:22]: Father, we are so grateful for our staff leaders. [0:16:22, 0:16:30]: We ask that you n that they have they have such an important role and job in keeping our office running as they should. [0:16:31, 0:16:34]: Thank you for the ways you have gifted them to support us. [0:16:34, 0:16:46]: Wrap your arms around these men and women to show them love, grace, strength, and encouragement. Provide them with knowledge needed to approach each situation in the best way possible. [0:16:47, 0:16:48]: Help them to know. [0:16:48, 0:16:51]: You and see your presence, Father. [0:16:52, 0:16:55]: Lord, we also ask and we are also so grateful. [0:16:55, 0:17:04]: To be living in a democracy where many play a part in making sure the needs and desires of the nation's citizens are heard and met. [0:17:05, 0:17:08]: As our leaders work together to find solutions to difficult problems. [0:17:09, 0:17:15]: We ask that you guide them to speak respectfully and with humility to one another. [0:17:15, 0:17:23]: Help them to show Christ-like love to those they interact with and be an advocate for the constituents and others. [0:17:24, 0:17:26]: Father, we also pray. [0:17:26, 0:17:33]: For our education system right now, Father, as our children are in school and beginning to go to school. [0:17:33, 0:17:36]: We pray for the families who are going through. [0:17:36, 0:17:43]: This pandemic right now, who has been who've been tested positive for COVID and for our community and those who [0:17:43, 0:17:53]: are are in harm's way. Lord, we pray for our first responders. We pray for our hospitals. We pray for our community. [0:17:53, 0:17:57]: We pray for our leaders to do the right thing, Lord, at this time. [0:17:57, 0:17:59]: And we ask for your guidance. [0:18:00, 0:18:01]: We ask for your mercy. [0:18:02, 0:18:05]: In your name I in in your name we pray. Amen. [0:18:05, 0:18:06]: Amen. [0:18:06, 0:18:09]: Ladies and gentlemen, if you can stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, please. [0:18:12, 0:18:17]: A pleasure of allegiance to the flag. [0:18:17, 0:18:18]: To the public. [0:18:18, 0:18:26]: For two stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [0:18:29, 0:18:31]: Madam Clerk, roll call, please. [0:18:32, 0:18:32]: Mayor Ford. [0:18:33, 0:18:34]: Present. [0:18:34, 0:18:35]: May approach him, Alexander. [0:18:36, 0:18:36]: President. [0:18:37, 0:18:38]: Councilwoman Barber. [0:18:38, 0:18:39]: Is it? [0:18:39, 0:18:40]: Councilman Blount. [0:18:41, 0:18:41]: Ready. [0:18:42, 0:18:43]: Councilwoman Gantt. [0:18:43, 0:18:44]: Present. [0:18:44, 0:18:46]: Councilman Thomas. [0:18:46, 0:18:47]: President. [0:18:47, 0:18:53]: Mayor Ford, you have a quorum. Thank you, ma'am. Appreciate it. Council, I need a motion to adopt the agenda, please. [0:18:54, 0:18:56]: So moved. Is there a second? [0:18:58, 0:18:59]: Okay, Miss Barber, second that. [0:19:00, 0:19:01]: All favor, please indicate. [0:19:01, 0:19:03]: Sir, I can ask a question. [0:19:04, 0:19:04]: Right. [0:19:04, 0:19:05]: It w [0:19:05, 0:19:06]: What's that, sir? [0:19:07, 0:19:10]: Do we have a I thought we had an addition for the alliance? [0:19:10, 0:19:16]: Uh for the contract or do we not have one additional? [0:19:16, 0:19:18]: All right, all in favor of the motion, please indicate. [0:19:20, 0:19:22]: Okay, see now Cis. Thank you very much. [0:19:22, 0:19:23]: Thank you. All right. [0:19:24, 0:19:38]: Um what we also have, ladies and gentlemen, is we have the adoption of the minutes for the following meetings, the uh council meeting on uh June 14th and the council work session on June 29th. Is there a motion to accept these particular minutes? [0:19:39, 0:19:41]: Okay. Is there a sec is a second? [0:19:42, 0:19:44]: Ms. Barber seconded that. All in favor, please indicate. [0:19:46, 0:19:48]: Thank you very much. Unanimous decision. All right. [0:19:48, 0:19:51]: Um Madam Clerk, do we have any public comments at all? [0:19:51, 0:20:05]: No public comments, Mayor. Okay, great. Fantastic. Old business. Council consideration to approve the amendment of job descriptions for executive assistant to mayor and council and admin assistant to the mayor and council positions. Ms. Wheeler, please. [0:20:06, 0:20:08]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. [0:20:08, 0:20:13]: Good evening. Um we're back again to talk about the um [0:20:14, 0:20:18]: approve revisions of the administrative clerk, which will now become an administrative [0:20:19, 0:20:22]: Assistant full time and the executive assistant. [0:20:22, 0:20:23]: Job duties. [0:20:24, 0:20:27]: Requesting your approval for both positions. [0:20:28, 0:20:31]: Okay, council, any questions at all uh for Miss Wheeler? [0:20:32, 0:20:34]: I do. Yes, ma'am. Go ahead, Councilman Barber. [0:20:35, 0:20:41]: Ms. Wheeler, I know that in the job description it mentions about researching information. [0:20:41, 0:20:41]: Um [0:20:42, 0:20:45]: With my suggestion, I wanted it to be specific. [0:20:46, 0:20:46]: That they [0:20:47, 0:20:49]: і responsible for researching [0:20:49, 0:20:51]: Reaction items. [0:20:51, 0:20:52]: Oh big. [0:20:52, 0:20:54]: council's meeting. [0:20:54, 0:20:59]: Are we able to add that to the job description or is it necessary for it for us to add that? [0:21:02, 0:21:08]: In the administrative assistant or the executive assistant job description. [0:21:08, 0:21:10]: The executive assistant. [0:21:11, 0:21:16]: We can add there add that or just revise that um statement. [0:21:16, 0:21:18]: That particular task to say [0:21:19, 0:21:19]: Um [0:21:20, 0:21:21]: Action items. [0:21:21, 0:21:28]: Okay. So Mayor, if there are no other comments or discussion, I'd like to make a motion, please. So go right in. [0:21:29, 0:21:38]: Okay, I motion that we approve the two full-time positions for the executive assistant and for the administrative assistant. [0:21:39, 0:21:40]: For the executive [0:21:41, 0:21:43]: Existent role. [0:21:44, 0:21:47]: Revise the job description to include [0:21:48, 0:21:51]: Seventy five percent of the time would be spent. [0:21:52, 0:21:52]: Um [0:21:53, 0:21:55]: following through with those action items. [0:21:56, 0:21:58]: At the direction of the council. [0:22:00, 0:22:02]: Okay. Is there is there a second field of motion? [0:22:03, 0:22:07]: Is there a second to the motion? Mr. Blount, do you second that motion? I have a question. [0:22:08, 0:22:09]: All right. [0:22:10, 0:22:11]: Okay, sir, what's your question? [0:22:12, 0:22:18]: I'm sorry, because we're gonna be we're gonna be voting yeah or nay on on this item. How do you determine 75%? [0:22:21, 0:22:22]: Thank you. [0:22:22, 0:22:27]: We can remove the percentage, but just with the understanding that the majority of the job. [0:22:27, 0:22:29]: The primary role of this job. [0:22:30, 0:22:32]: Is so that they would follow up. [0:22:33, 0:22:36]: on all of those action items after every meeting. [0:22:37, 0:22:37]: That's all. [0:22:37, 0:22:44]: Well well then another question if you don't mind, Mayor, before we go ahead, please. Is that and I'm okay with [0:22:44, 0:22:49]: Amending that portion of because we can't determine 75%. [0:22:50, 0:23:03]: My understanding is that with the both with the dual roles, one would be administrative and one would be uh more of on the crafty side towards uh uh initiative events, uh if that's my understanding. [0:23:03, 0:23:04]: Um [0:23:05, 0:23:15]: So have we gotten something with the j with the um uh wage, with the uh um range of salaries on this? I I don't recall seeing anything on that. [0:23:16, 0:23:18]: On the administrative assistant. [0:23:19, 0:23:21]: The um [0:23:23, 0:23:26]: For the administrative assistant, we would have to [0:23:26, 0:23:29]: If it goes from full time, it would become a full time position. [0:23:30, 0:23:31]: Um [0:23:31, 0:23:51]: Ms. Wheeler, I'm I'm not, I'm sorry to cut you off. I'm not asking you to give that out over the air like that. I'm just uh I just don't remember us getting anything as a counsel on a range of of salaries for those two positions. If you sent it out, I just don't remember getting it. That's all. I mean you I'm not I'm not asking you that to go through it. [0:23:51, 0:24:05]: Um, because I think that that salary range or something that we uh we're in agreement with that because it deals with personnel. I just wanted to make uh I don't know if you sent that out, if you sent it out to us. I had I believe I sent it out at the last council meeting. [0:24:06, 0:24:08]: um briefly what the amount would be. [0:24:09, 0:24:11]: On this particular, excuse me. [0:24:11, 0:24:12]: On both positions. [0:24:13, 0:24:18]: No, the the salary did not change on the executive assistant. [0:24:18, 0:24:19]: Position. [0:24:19, 0:24:27]: On the admin, we would have to add additional monies because it was going from part-time to full time. [0:24:27, 0:24:30]: So there would be an additional cost. [0:24:30, 0:24:32]: Um adding benefits. [0:24:32, 0:24:37]: Um to that position. I believe we had submitted that at the last meeting. [0:24:37, 0:24:40]: I see on this particular um [0:24:40, 0:24:47]: document it was not on there, but it was just requested to have the position go to a full time position. [0:24:47, 0:24:48]: Okay, thank you. [0:24:49, 0:24:53]: I would imagine my assumption that we'll talk further about this at a budget retreat the next month. [0:24:54, 0:24:57]: Correct. Okay. Um Miss Scant. [0:24:57, 0:25:03]: Thank you. I'm not in favor. I think it's broad. Research is uh is fine. [0:25:04, 0:25:08]: If we fine tune it, then we are pinpointing what direction. [0:25:08, 0:25:15]: We all want the executive assistance to go and I think we all will have different needs for the executive assistance assistance. [0:25:16, 0:25:19]: I would expect Mr. Knighton to give me an update. [0:25:20, 0:25:23]: um on the task at hand. [0:25:23, 0:25:31]: Um I've I've spoken of that before. Um any of the action items that we have tasked him to [0:25:32, 0:25:33]: Have his staff uh [0:25:34, 0:25:34]: Two [0:25:34, 0:25:36]: Go ahead and proceed with [0:25:37, 0:25:41]: That's what I expect. I expect a a response back from him from that. [0:25:42, 0:25:42]: Um [0:25:43, 0:25:45]: Or his assistant? [0:25:45, 0:25:50]: to receive to give us that information. But I think if I were to narrow down [0:25:51, 0:25:58]: And say, okay, I'm gonna have seventy-five percent or I'm gonna have that person do nothing but strictly research or majority research. [0:25:58, 0:26:00]: I think we would kind of be shooting ourselves in the foot. [0:26:01, 0:26:05]: I like the fact that we have a a a full time and a part time. [0:26:05, 0:26:12]: And they work together. You there are gonna be times where there are gonna be multiple events at the same time. There'll be times where um [0:26:12, 0:26:16]: We may need them to both be all hands in. [0:26:16, 0:26:20]: And so I'm okay with the job description that Miss Wheeler [0:26:20, 0:26:21]: Head stated. [0:26:21, 0:26:23]: Because it's broad. [0:26:23, 0:26:29]: And it allows for research in general. So if Councilwoman Barber wanted the action items. [0:26:30, 0:26:36]: to get answers to then so be it. If I wanted something else, so be it. Um I think that [0:26:36, 0:26:40]: You know, if she's gonna get the action items, she gets them for all. [0:26:41, 0:26:47]: That's that's gonna be up to mayor council, so be it. But I I definitely um [0:26:48, 0:26:54]: want to be mindful of job roles and responsibilities that we currently have. [0:26:54, 0:26:57]: And I just think that if we have the two [0:26:57, 0:27:00]: The executive and the assistant executive. [0:27:00, 0:27:02]: Um, full time and part time. [0:27:02, 0:27:06]: that they'll work hand in hand in general. And I understood what councilman [0:27:07, 0:27:11]: Um, Thomas had been saying about the need and we will have that need. [0:27:11, 0:27:18]: You'll have someone working on events. And to me, that could be understood, but there'll still be times where they have to work together. [0:27:18, 0:27:21]: with with different, you know, combining roles. [0:27:22, 0:27:28]: Yeah. Yeah, scam my council Councilman Thomas. Hold on. Councilman Thomas, go ahead, please. [0:27:28, 0:27:29]: Thank you, Mayor. [0:27:30, 0:27:32]: I I would recommend the language [0:27:33, 0:27:36]: speak to um as needed. [0:27:36, 0:27:38]: And including [0:27:39, 0:27:41]: Uh you know, those kind of terms. [0:27:41, 0:27:43]: I don't know if you can put a [0:27:43, 0:27:45]: Percentage on it. [0:27:45, 0:27:50]: Uh that kind of thing. I I think normally the the language says [0:27:50, 0:27:53]: uh inclusive of and as needed. [0:27:53, 0:27:55]: And then that way. [0:27:55, 0:27:56]: Whatever [0:27:56, 0:27:59]: Uh, the issue is at that moment in time. [0:27:59, 0:28:00]: Um [0:28:00, 0:28:03]: those staff folks can be directed. [0:28:04, 0:28:11]: uh to to do that. I I don't think we should put it in a box, if you will. Um, but I just think um [0:28:11, 0:28:17]: uh as needed and Mrs. Wheeler you probably can speak to normally on the job description there's uh [0:28:17, 0:28:23]: a statement at the bottom of the job description that it that is an inclusive [0:28:23, 0:28:27]: uh statement. So uh Mrs. Twiller, could you read that that last [0:28:28, 0:28:30]: statement that's typically uh on the job description. [0:28:31, 0:28:34]: Performs job related duties as assigned. [0:28:35, 0:28:39]: Yes. And I think when you include that then that covers [0:28:39, 0:28:55]: everything that is really needed. I don't think we need to put a time limit on it or put it in a box. Um, you know, you have six elected officials and all of us may need um, you know, certain things. And I think that's the way it should be. [0:28:56, 0:29:05]: Thank you, Mayor. No, no, you're welcome, sir. Mayor Pro Tam, go ahead, please. Okay, I just want some clarification. Uh it was mentioned that there are part there's a part time and full time [0:29:05, 0:29:09]: Or uh is the suggestion not to go with both of them full time? [0:29:11, 0:29:20]: That's that's the that's the proposal, right? I think it's a part-time and full time. They're both full time, is that correct? That's my understanding. Both positions are full time. [0:29:21, 0:29:30]: Okay. That that's my understanding too. I just want to make sure we're all on the same page that the positions are both full time because this is a very taxing position. [0:29:30, 0:29:31]: And uh we need [0:29:31, 0:29:36]: uh all hands on deck to get what we're trying to get done done. So both full time positions. [0:29:36, 0:29:37]: All right. [0:29:37, 0:29:42]: I'm coming back to you, uh, Councilman Barber. You've heard all the other discussions. Do you want to [0:29:42, 0:29:49]: Uh change anything on that particular motion since you it wasn't seconded, but if you want to change anything or just let it be and we just go ahead and vote. What you desire now. [0:29:50, 0:29:57]: No, my motion still stands. Okay, could you restate your motion to make sure that the clerk has it proper and everybody understands? [0:29:57, 0:30:02]: Okay. Um Miss Holliday, can you read back what the motion was, please? [0:30:04, 0:30:14]: Yes, your motion is for the executive assistant role. You wanted it to be revised to include it was originally seventy five percent, then changed to majority of the time. [0:30:14, 0:30:19]: Following through with the actions items that come from the council meetings. [0:30:19, 0:30:20]: That's correct. [0:30:21, 0:30:31]: So all I'm asking is that you include the responsibility of following through with the action items that derive from all of our council meetings. That's all. [0:30:32, 0:30:34]: I'm not saying remove anything else. [0:30:35, 0:30:41]: I'm just saying add specifically the role the responsibility of following through with the action items. [0:30:41, 0:30:42]: That's all. [0:30:42, 0:30:44]: All right. Is there a second to that motion? [0:30:46, 0:30:48]: Is there a second to that motion? [0:30:50, 0:30:53]: Motion is nasal second, so that motion now has failed. Is there another motion? [0:30:54, 0:30:57]: I I like a question. I have a question. I just want to make [0:30:57, 0:31:04]: Ms. Wheeler, is this motion already inclusive of the item that Ms. Barber is asking for? [0:31:06, 0:31:07]: Yep. [0:31:07, 0:31:14]: Basically you have in there where the person researches and gathers information. [0:31:14, 0:31:15]: Um [0:31:16, 0:31:17]: And providing information. [0:31:18, 0:31:22]: Which is vr is general and can include can be inclusive of [0:31:23, 0:31:27]: That statement. So if there is a specific request. [0:31:27, 0:31:32]: Um from council I could put I.E. parentheses action items. [0:31:32, 0:31:43]: As an example, under employee is also responsible for performing research and providing information, parentheses, i.e., action items from council, parentheses. [0:31:44, 0:31:48]: And let it go as that under the purpose of the classification. [0:31:49, 0:31:53]: So in other so in other words, if any council member [0:31:53, 0:31:59]: Wanted 75% or whatever, 100% if they wanted at the time they interact. [0:32:00, 0:32:02]: with the this assistant [0:32:02, 0:32:08]: Uh they could do that. Is that correct? Right. But if you were requesting a hundred percent of the time for that [0:32:09, 0:32:21]: As an example, then you would not be allowing the person to perform any other tasks for any other council member. So you don't want to put a time limit a percentage. [0:32:21, 0:32:24]: to a Pacific duty because it would not allow the person [0:32:24, 0:32:27]: To perform the other duties that may come to them. [0:32:28, 0:32:32]: um from any other council member, if you understand? [0:32:32, 0:32:41]: No, well no, what I'm j I get let me clarify is that if Councilwoman Barber wanted to call in and get this information specifically [0:32:41, 0:32:43]: at the rate that she wanted to get it at. [0:32:44, 0:32:46]: Prote for say for her. [0:32:46, 0:32:47]: Uh [0:32:47, 0:32:53]: pro uh information and she wants to be informed for these meetings, she have every right to do that currently. [0:32:53, 0:33:00]: Right, because that's a part of the performing research and providing information. Right. That that's what I that's what I think. [0:33:01, 0:33:01]: Okay. [0:33:01, 0:33:16]: And and on that note, once again, is at the bottom of the description, it indicates uh all like all duties assigned. So I mean that that's an all inclusive type of statement anyway. Okay, so okay, thank you. Councilman Blount, go ahead, please. [0:33:16, 0:33:36]: Yeah, I think mine was kind of in line with uh Mr. Alexander's that uh if if we wanted a follow-up with information coming from Mr. Knighton, if we want to go to Mr. Knighton, that's fine. But if we wanted to go through the executive assistance, if because it was uh an action item, that that uh information still could be. [0:33:36, 0:33:37]: [2017.9, 2036.5]: to the council through that executive assistant versus going directly to Mr. Knighton. Um but I think that we need to do we do need to make it where it's not so much uh and I think it's already written that way, where it's not just those duties because there's gonna be a range of uh [0:33:56, 0:34:07]: um clerical duties as well as other uh items that we're gonna probably need from executive assistant to marry council when it comes to now having two people aboard. [0:34:07, 0:34:27]: There's gonna be a range of things that's gonna be needed. And I don't wanna sit up here and and and and um box us in with this opportunity to uh have uh something that would that is well needed. So I I think that the question is being answered. I just wanna make sure the motion is in place that we don't box this person in for [0:34:27, 0:34:33]: anybody. And I think that what's already been presented is that this these duties are already going to be there anyway. [0:34:34, 0:34:36]: Thank you. Miss Kant, please, go ahead. [0:34:36, 0:34:41]: Thank you. Um, and thank you, Mayor Pro Tem, for the clarification on the full time versus part time. [0:34:41, 0:34:42]: Um [0:34:42, 0:34:43]: with that. [0:34:43, 0:34:44]: Um [0:34:44, 0:34:51]: Having said that, I would like to make a motion to approve the job descriptions as read by Ms. Weller. [0:34:52, 0:34:55]: All right. Stand by, please. Councilman Thomas, go ahead. [0:34:56, 0:34:59]: Yeah, I I want to say to Councilwoman Barber. [0:34:59, 0:35:10]: Um that that is the problem that I have with your motion, uh that you're putting a a time limit uh on that. And I I think it's very clear. [0:35:11, 0:35:12]: That the dude is [0:35:13, 0:35:15]: Um it's all inclusive. [0:35:16, 0:35:24]: And and they can actually do those things. But I'm just having a problem with the motion with the time limit. I I I can't approve of the motion. [0:35:24, 0:35:35]: with the with the time limit because as Mrs. Wheeler stated, then you are um putting this person in a box whereas they may not be able to do [0:35:36, 0:35:38]: And carry out the other functions. [0:35:38, 0:35:53]: that that is needed. And so that that's a problem I have with that. But let me ask uh Mr. Knighton, um he is present this evening. Yeah, yeah, he's he's present. So let let me let me direct this question to Mr. Knighton. Um [0:35:54, 0:35:55]: Uh Mr. Nighting sir. [0:35:58, 0:36:18]: Yes, yes, Councilman. Oh okay. In in the job description for the executive to the city manager, um this duty or duties that we are talking about here, can you share some light on that as far as um your assistance uh being able to [0:36:18, 0:36:23]: to provide uh this information. Is this a part of that job description to [0:36:24, 0:36:28]: uh update a follow up with the council on those kind of items. [0:36:28, 0:36:29]: Can you share some light on that? [0:36:30, 0:36:36]: I I don't think it's specific to the council. Obviously the executive assistant would be assisting me and as the council [0:36:37, 0:36:43]: uh needs and needs information, obviously um she in this case would be able to [0:36:43, 0:36:46]: Provide whatever research and or information to me. [0:36:47, 0:36:49]: Specifically that I can provide to the council. [0:36:49, 0:36:57]: Um, one of the things I would mention as well, and I know that um uh the issue of projects and so forth came up, action items. [0:36:57, 0:37:01]: Um, I think I'd mentioned previously, in fact, I had a conversation today with [0:37:02, 0:37:02]: Um [0:37:03, 0:37:07]: Even Falcon design and I know Mr. Aaron who's on here, I believe. [0:37:08, 0:37:10]: Has provided all of his projects to um [0:37:11, 0:37:11]: Yeah. [0:37:12, 0:37:17]: Carl Kick and Wood is his Falcon is providing theirs, his Carter Sloop is providing theirs to have a master. [0:37:18, 0:37:20]: Смартшіт в Аллате проєкте он. [0:37:21, 0:37:25]: With timelines, um with benchmarks. [0:37:25, 0:37:28]: and status updates that can be that can be updated. [0:37:28, 0:37:33]: um on a regular basis. And so I think maybe some of that is [0:37:33, 0:37:36]: Related to something like that is currently in process. [0:37:37, 0:37:39]: Um but obviously my executive assistant to your question. [0:37:40, 0:37:40]: Um [0:37:40, 0:37:44]: Would provide whatever research is needed per council's request to me. [0:37:45, 0:37:48]: And me following up with the council and providing that information back to you. [0:37:49, 0:37:55]: So I and I I'm I'm trying to pinpoint the issue and I think I understand where Mrs. Barber is coming from. [0:37:55, 0:38:01]: And I'm trying to see if I can state this correctly. I think she is asking for a follow up. [0:38:02, 0:38:02]: Um [0:38:03, 0:38:23]: Actions I know she said action minutes, but from from the meetings or whatever, she's asking for follow-up. So and I'm assuming, and I'm not putting words in Councilwoman Barber's mouth, I'm assuming that there is a void or a lack of follow-up uh on action. [0:38:23, 0:38:26]: That are being taken. [0:38:26, 0:38:46]: And I and I do understand that, and I do understand that uh that is a need. So that's why I want to pose that question to you. But uh again, I think Councilwoman Barber, if you ask uh the executive to the Mary and Council to give you that information and to follow up, I don't see no reason why that. [0:38:46, 0:38:58]: that it it cannot happen as far as sharing that information to all of the council members. But but again, I'm just having a problem with that with that timeline because if if you put that in there, then [0:38:58, 0:38:59]: Um [0:39:00, 0:39:12]: that that can I think that can just be a problem in the overall duties of that person being able to do all of the things uh that is going to be needed from uh six elected officials. [0:39:14, 0:39:16]: Councilman Barber, go ahead, please. [0:39:19, 0:39:20]: Um okay. [0:39:20, 0:39:28]: I know I'm the newest member to the council and I just see this as an opportunity to improve the way we've been functioning. [0:39:29, 0:39:29]: Um [0:39:30, 0:39:33]: I don't know how the executive assistant [0:39:33, 0:39:35]: the previous executive assistant. [0:39:35, 0:39:37]: Um was [0:39:38, 0:39:41]: performing her role and responsibilities, but I [0:39:41, 0:39:43]: Get the um [0:39:44, 0:39:48]: idea that she was being pulled in so many different directions. [0:39:49, 0:39:54]: There is clearly a a l a link in communications to the council. [0:39:54, 0:39:57]: a lot of the projects that were approved last year. [0:39:58, 0:40:02]: Are being delayed, or we're not getting the updates. [0:40:03, 0:40:04]: I don't wanna have to [0:40:05, 0:40:06]: Contact Mr. Knighton. [0:40:06, 0:40:09]: For the updates, if we have an executive assistant. [0:40:10, 0:40:19]: who reports directly to the mayor and council. And just for the record, you all keep mentioning about boxing in and time limits. I didn't add a time limit. [0:40:19, 0:40:22]: What I suggested was um [0:40:23, 0:40:28]: how much of their time would be spent to this primary role and responsibility. [0:40:29, 0:40:31]: Um, that's what I suggested initially. [0:40:32, 0:40:34]: I pulled back the seventy five percent. [0:40:35, 0:40:37]: And I wanted to just add the wording. [0:40:38, 0:40:40]: that the primary role and responsibility [0:40:41, 0:40:42]: Would be to follow up. [0:40:43, 0:40:46]: on the action items that come out of our council meetings. [0:40:47, 0:40:49]: A lot of those action items. [0:40:50, 0:40:54]: are not items that Mr. Knighton would be handling directly. [0:40:55, 0:40:58]: It's other staff members involved in the decisions that we make here. [0:40:59, 0:41:03]: So this individual needed to just follow up with the public works director. [0:41:04, 0:41:06]: on an item that was approved by the council. [0:41:07, 0:41:08]: They would have [0:41:08, 0:41:09]: than leverage to do so. [0:41:10, 0:41:13]: That's all I'm asking for. But nonetheless, I don't want us to [0:41:13, 0:41:15]: Take a whole lot of time with this. [0:41:16, 0:41:20]: I'm willing to approve both of these positions and move forward. [0:41:21, 0:41:27]: Matt Councilman Gamp, you made a motion. It wasn't seconded. Do you want to restate that motion so we can go forward a second? [0:41:28, 0:41:28]: Uh oh. [0:41:32, 0:41:32]: Yeah. [0:41:33, 0:41:33]: Yeah. [0:41:33, 0:41:35]: Mr. Blount, you had a question, sir? [0:41:35, 0:41:40]: Man, it wasn't sadly because questions came up. Uh I mean we're gonna prove [0:41:41, 0:42:01]: what was uh already at hand what miss wheelers has gotten which we all understand that everything is all inclusive correct that we're asking for i just sec I second it now that we go ahead and move on with the positions the two full-time positions well i want to make sure the clerks got a good motion here before we vote i made a motion to approve to approve the [0:42:01, 0:42:13]: Job descriptions as stated by Ms. Willer. As presented by Ms. Willer. All right. Because it is all inclusive. Okay. Is it a second? Mr. Blount seconds that. Okay. We've had plenty of discussion. So all in favor of the motion, please indicate. [0:42:14, 0:42:15]: All in favor? [0:42:16, 0:42:19]: Okay, everybody's that's a United Citizen. Thank you very much, folks. Okay. [0:42:20, 0:42:21]: Thank you, Ms. Wheeler. [0:42:21, 0:42:22]: Welcome. [0:42:23, 0:42:30]: New business council consideration approved the November 2021 municipal election early voting schedule. [0:42:30, 0:42:31]: Miss Holliday, please. [0:42:32, 0:42:42]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Before you is the proposed early voting schedule as submitted by the Henry County Elections Office for your approval. [0:42:44, 0:42:48]: Is there a motion to accept this uh new schedule for the I mean yes sir. [0:42:48, 0:42:50]: Can we share that for the community? [0:42:52, 0:43:05]: Yeah, we we can. It is on our site. Um I have a screen share that we can share with the community now to just so they can see uh what we're actually voting on and then uh talk about it. [0:43:09, 0:43:15]: Are you able to s uh share that, uh, Miss Holliday? I would have to scan it and then pull it up and then [0:43:15, 0:43:18]: Could you read it then? I can certainly read it. [0:43:18, 0:43:22]: Okay, go do that please. That's the that's what it is. Thank you for that. [0:43:23, 0:43:24]: One second here. [0:43:25, 0:43:27]: I apologize. Quite all right. [0:43:32, 0:43:35]: Stand by folks. Should get it in just a second. [0:43:37, 0:43:37]: All right. [0:43:38, 0:43:45]: Early voting would begin October 11th through October 15th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. [0:43:46, 0:43:51]: October 18th through October 22nd, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. [0:43:51, 0:43:55]: October twenty third, which is a Saturday, nine AM to five PM. [0:43:56, 0:43:59]: October 25th through October 29th. [0:44:00, 0:44:01]: Nine A.M. to five PM. [0:44:02, 0:44:05]: And October thirtieth, again on a Saturday. [0:44:05, 0:44:07]: Nine a.m. to five P.M. [0:44:07, 0:44:09]: The um [0:44:09, 0:44:11]: County only. [0:44:12, 0:44:16]: uh location is going to be for the uh T S Plus ballot. [0:44:17, 0:44:18]: JP Mosele Park. [0:44:19, 0:44:21]: Miller's Mill Road. [0:44:21, 0:44:23]: Fairview Recreation Center. [0:44:23, 0:44:27]: And that's October twenty fifth through October twenty-ninth. [0:44:28, 0:44:30]: The other locations are [0:44:30, 0:44:32]: Of course the forty Atlanta street. [0:44:32, 0:44:36]: Voter elections and voter registration office, the Merrill Manders Conference Center. [0:44:36, 0:44:40]: Fortson Hampton Library and the Locust Grove Library. [0:44:41, 0:44:44]: Oh uh I'm sorry, excuse me, uh [0:44:44, 0:44:47]: I know we had talked about adding precincts. [0:44:49, 0:44:49]: Yes, we did. [0:44:50, 0:44:51]: Okay, talk about that. [0:44:53, 0:44:56]: I'm going to have to defer that to our city attorney, sir. [0:44:59, 0:45:06]: Is uh Mayor Pro Tem, we had discussions with Henry County and trying to to figure that out and [0:45:06, 0:45:09]: Long and short of it, it sort of got nowhere with the county. [0:45:10, 0:45:17]: Uh had multiple discussions with Patrick Jogstetter and the chair of the Henry County Elections Board and just trying to figure out and there was [0:45:19, 0:45:28]: sort of ran into a dead end of how to draw maps to make it work, to to have new precincts. And also the county was not sure if they even had the equipment to make all that work. [0:45:29, 0:45:33]: I th uh uh uh I'm sorry, Mayor. We were crystal clear. [0:45:33, 0:45:37]: That how we wanted to do it, we wanted to add a couple of precincts. [0:45:37, 0:45:40]: We wanted one at Red Off United Methodist, which was already [0:45:41, 0:45:42]: Uh accounties, sorry. [0:45:43, 0:45:49]: On election day that is. And then there was going to be another site uh in the south end of Stockbridge. [0:45:49, 0:45:51]: Uh as well. So voters could vote. [0:45:52, 0:46:07]: uh in multiple areas of the city. It makes no sense for voters to have to come all to downtown and vote in one location in one line uh on election day. You know, I this is the first that I've actually heard of this. No one has told us [0:46:07, 0:46:10]: uh you know that uh these things uh [0:46:11, 0:46:15]: We're not uh in the card, so I'm um I'm [0:46:16, 0:46:20]: I'm a little um I'm none of these conversations that happen with the county. [0:46:20, 0:46:22]: Have been brought to us to say [0:46:22, 0:46:42]: What the pushback is. I mean, we're paying for this. And uh in the end, uh when they came before us the last time, uh, the election officials uh seemed to be uh in agreement with this. So I I um at this point, I'm not sure. Is it do we have more time to approve this or can we continue to come? [0:46:42, 0:46:43]: Conversation. [0:46:44, 0:46:50]: I I think that this is big enough to where we need a working group between the city and the county. [0:46:50, 0:46:51]: Because [0:46:52, 0:46:59]: We had a meeting, it was Mr. Knighton, Jeremy and I, Miss Holliday, the Alexis folks from Henry County. [0:46:59, 0:47:00]: And [0:47:01, 0:47:02]: It's [0:47:02, 0:47:11]: It's a process because of what the code says about where precincts can be and then what happens when you have to change precincts to be able to notify people, et cetera. And it's [0:47:12, 0:47:14]: time tables that we're working on. [0:47:14, 0:47:18]: wouldn't work to be able to accomplish what everybody wanted to accomplish. [0:47:18, 0:47:20]: For this lecture. [0:47:21, 0:47:29]: Mr. Talzana, I can tell you that what Mr. Jock said or said in the last meeting that we had was that the census played a major role in this. [0:47:30, 0:47:34]: And that the numbers had not been and I don't know if they still have been submitted at that time. [0:47:36, 0:47:48]: I know, but the redistricting hasn't been done. I mean, the census might be out there, but it hasn't been applied to anything as far as we're concerned. So as far as I'm concerned, I'd like to continue this conversation to see whether or not [0:47:48, 0:47:50]: Uh we can improve this process. [0:47:51, 0:47:54]: Uh, because what has been presented to us to me. [0:47:54, 0:47:55]: Із нот акцептабу. [0:47:56, 0:47:58]: And uh those time fair especially. [0:47:58, 0:48:01]: For working people, nine to five don't work for them. [0:48:01, 0:48:04]: Uh, there's generally been a seven to seven. [0:48:04, 0:48:07]: Uh on the last week, so working people who [0:48:07, 0:48:08]: Work. [0:48:08, 0:48:14]: can vote before school or after after work or before work. You know, these these um [0:48:15, 0:48:26]: This this seems like a regression in terms of what we've been able to do uh in the election process. So as far as I'm concerned, I like to I like to push back a little bit harder. [0:48:26, 0:48:30]: to see whether or not um what can be done. [0:48:32, 0:48:35]: So I can a I can attest to the fact that [0:48:36, 0:48:37]: Staff. [0:48:37, 0:48:38]: Here's [0:48:38, 0:48:39]: Iterated. [0:48:39, 0:48:42]: the importance and what the council's wishes were. [0:48:42, 0:48:44]: I can tell you that we did that from our end. [0:48:45, 0:48:47]: Mr. Blount. [0:48:48, 0:48:50]: Because they are our elections. [0:48:51, 0:48:51]: coordinator. [0:48:53, 0:48:54]: Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [0:48:54, 0:49:04]: Yeah, I have to concur. I think that uh um we should have had some, I guess a little more communication on where we were with this, but um [0:49:04, 0:49:10]: Needless to say, I concur that we need to push because it it it got a little convoluted with the citizens. [0:49:10, 0:49:30]: When it came to were they able to vote certain days where the count, you know, to have to go to two locations that uh for a lot of the citizens are uh that that was a pretty rough one to say, yeah, you do have to go to two locations. When we're open and willing to uh and ready to fund those locations along with the [0:49:30, 0:49:36]: the county so the citizens in the city limits of Stockbridge can go to more than one location and vote. [0:49:37, 0:49:47]: Um it it was it it becomes a deterrent for our citizens to have that hassle put on them. Also, uh, I wanted to question because of all the all that's been going on with these uh [0:49:48, 0:49:52]: Voting boxes. Will there be any voting boxes in the city of Stockbridge or the County? [0:49:53, 0:49:54]: The uh [0:49:56, 0:49:57]: For the municipal election. [0:49:58, 0:49:59]: We don't have all. [0:50:00, 0:50:07]: those because of because of cobit they they they uh will they are they gonna open it up for that that's what i'm asking [0:50:08, 0:50:13]: That's voted on by the Henry County Elections Office. And I will tell you that we were told. [0:50:14, 0:50:16]: Even if you were to have open red oak. [0:50:16, 0:50:16]: Cause [0:50:17, 0:50:21]: People still would have had to go to two locations to vote on splash in your municipal election. [0:50:21, 0:50:25]: Because someone who votes at Pate's Creek [0:50:26, 0:50:27]: Um [0:50:27, 0:50:30]: If the red oak had become their [0:50:30, 0:50:31]: Municipal [0:50:32, 0:50:33]: Pole and location. [0:50:34, 0:50:41]: They still would have had to go to their home polling location to vote for T Sloss on election day. That is not the case for. [0:50:42, 0:50:46]: early voting, as you know, you can vote anywhere in the county on on early voting. [0:50:46, 0:50:49]: But on election day, even if you had opened Red Oak. [0:50:49, 0:50:54]: They still would have had to they could have come to Red Oak as their new precinct for municipal. [0:50:54, 0:50:57]: But still would have had to go to their home polling. [0:50:58, 0:51:00]: location for T splashed. [0:51:03, 0:51:04]: Ms. Gann, go ahead, please. [0:51:05, 0:51:15]: I'm just gonna agree with my colleagues. I mean, we've seen this over and over and over again that there is a bunch of confusion when it comes to voting. It's another act of suppression. [0:51:15, 0:51:17]: Um and so [0:51:18, 0:51:24]: It is a lot of confusion. It makes no sense. If you can vote at all polling locations any other time. [0:51:24, 0:51:34]: Why can't you vote at all polling locations on election day? I mean, it's just it's it's we've we've mentioned it, we've stated it. I've spoken to um [0:51:35, 0:51:41]: The chair there. Um, and I can honestly tell you there's a lot of laws that have changed. [0:51:41, 0:51:50]: Um, I I ask that you guys, you know, if you're not aware, even the absentee ballot, there's only one box per hundred thousand. [0:51:51, 0:52:05]: hundred thousand, one hundred thousand. So there's not multiple places you can only drop off your absentee ballots there at that one box. Um there are a lot of laws that have recently changed on that. Um there's a lot of discussions and is not. [0:52:05, 0:52:09]: Um, unfortunately, it affects us locally. [0:52:09, 0:52:12]: But this is something that we have to take all the way to the state. [0:52:13, 0:52:21]: Ms. I'll tell you that that exact question was posed to everyone that was included on that meeting, why can't we vote everywhere? [0:52:21, 0:52:25]: And we're at the you have an IGA with the county for elections. [0:52:26, 0:52:28]: We don't control our own elections. [0:52:30, 0:52:33]: I feel like and that's why I suggested a working group. [0:52:33, 0:52:34]: Because [0:52:35, 0:52:38]: This is a complex question that's going to require [0:52:39, 0:52:44]: You all as elected officials in the city with elected officials from the county with the elections folks. [0:52:44, 0:52:45]: Mm. [0:52:46, 0:52:50]: basically sorting this out because this is a very complex issue. [0:52:51, 0:52:55]: Because it because the other thing that also comes into play is [0:52:55, 0:52:58]: When we're changing these precincts for city and county. [0:52:58, 0:53:00]: equal protection questions because [0:53:01, 0:53:04]: Part of what we were trying to do is combine these districts, then all of a sudden it would look like [0:53:04, 0:53:05]: Yeah. [0:53:05, 0:53:09]: You would have only two places in the county for everybody in Henry County to go to. [0:53:10, 0:53:13]: And there there's just a lot there that I think you all is [0:53:14, 0:53:20]: it would be probably be best to have a working group between the city and the county to sort this out. [0:53:21, 0:53:29]: All right, uh so uh our attorneys and uh you know, Quentin and Jeremy and Vanessa now, even Mr. Knighton. So [0:53:30, 0:53:31]: If we don't approve this tonight. [0:53:31, 0:53:36]: What's the time limit?'Cause we gotta approve it sometime something, sometime before and obviously [0:53:36, 0:53:45]: the qualification started this week. So there's a tight timeline here. So what's this timeline look like to even to get this thing executed or to ch possibly have this conversation or change anything? [0:53:47, 0:53:48]: So Mayor. [0:53:48, 0:53:51]: Go ahead, right here, please. Well, these would be [0:53:51, 0:53:53]: Still voting locations. [0:53:53, 0:53:58]: The question would be if you were to add a location, but these would still be voting locations. [0:53:58, 0:53:59]: All right. [0:54:00, 0:54:01]: All right, Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [0:54:04, 0:54:15]: Yeah, Mayor, I think that um for all intent purposes, I think we can still go ahead tonight and approve what's already been uh allotted to us and and that we all I think we all agree on. [0:54:15, 0:54:17]: Uh it's it's the addition. [0:54:18, 0:54:19]: As um [0:54:19, 0:54:24]: this uh holiday alluded to. I think what what is presented tonight. [0:54:24, 0:54:36]: I think that this council can go ahead and approve that and we can work on additions to this uh through our attorneys. But I think what's what's presented tonight and those dates and times are [0:54:36, 0:54:40]: I if I'm mistaken, I think that those are fine for me anyway. [0:54:41, 0:54:41]: All right. [0:54:42, 0:54:45]: So be Mr. Yeah, yeah, go ahead, please. [0:54:45, 0:54:47]: Uh I want you to tell me. [0:54:48, 0:55:08]: Well, actually I'm I'm right uh what for my chiming is I I'm in agreement with uh Mr. Blount in this co process because I'm thinking about the timeline. Uh you know, elections will be here before you know it. So I and I believe that uh Mr. Washington made a an a suggestion in reference to a working group. And uh think that uh we should possibly do that. We approve this tonight. [0:55:08, 0:55:20]: have a working group to try to work out some additional issues with the uh with the county representation along with the board of elections and see if we can get anything extra potentially before we um before of course uh we start this uh [0:55:21, 0:55:40]: uh start the actual earlier voting process. But uh I think we should go forward with what we have now and continue to work out some additional things in the in the future. That's what I think. Since you asked my opinion, that's what I think. Okay. I don't want to delay this any further. I wouldn't want to delay this any further at all. This is why I want to know what the deadline is because I certainly want [0:55:41, 0:55:44]: I don't I want working people to be able to vote from seven to seven. [0:55:45, 0:55:51]: not have to rush home or to take off early work before five o'clock to vote. There's no seven to seven. [0:55:52, 0:55:54]: That's a huge issue for working people. [0:55:55, 0:56:00]: And uh, you know, if you work nine to five Monday through Friday, you're not gonna be able to vote. [0:56:00, 0:56:01]: Um [0:56:01, 0:56:05]: But except for that Saturday, I'm sorry [0:56:06, 0:56:10]: Except for Saturday, we need to add those hours certainly need to be adjusted. [0:56:11, 0:56:12]: So what is the deadline? [0:56:12, 0:56:13]: So all the [0:56:13, 0:56:16]: Uh, we could do it all at once. So what's the deadline? [0:56:20, 0:56:22]: I'm I'm under the [0:56:22, 0:56:29]: I believe we can change our precinct Merrill Manders to seven o'clock. We would have to pay for that. [0:56:29, 0:56:31]: Um, additionally, but [0:56:31, 0:56:34]: It's my understanding that we could change our precinct to seven o'clock. [0:56:35, 0:56:38]: Okay, so I don't have to pay for it. [0:56:38, 0:56:45]: Right. Uh I don't know. I'm not gonna let me take the let me take the temperature of the council. I certainly hope that everybody on here will support working people. [0:56:46, 0:57:01]: Being able to vote extending the hours to seven o'clock. What without a doubt. Uh so but we can do that, uh we can do that on our own accord. I mean, we just we don't need to approve for the Henry County Board of Elections to to increase our own hours at our own uh polling spot. Is that correct? [0:57:02, 0:57:03]: Ms. Alday? [0:57:04, 0:57:13]: For our municipal elections. Now whether or not they will be able to vote for that T spots up until seven o'clock, Mr Alexander and therefore, I I cannot [0:57:14, 0:57:15]: I cannot answer that. [0:57:16, 0:57:19]: I can tell I can speak to the city's municipal election. [0:57:19, 0:57:25]: All right to T. Because there will be different voting machines in the polling location, one for municipal. [0:57:26, 0:57:31]: No, no, I shouldn't say one. There will be m a machine for municipal and machine for county. [0:57:32, 0:57:33]: Okay. [0:57:34, 0:57:38]: I don't know why they wouldn't because the people will be there. But I cannot [0:57:39, 0:57:40]: I cannot. [0:57:41, 0:58:01]: say that with one hundred percent certain. All right. So that's a that's a do out in a sense to try to figure that out uh with the Board of Elections itself and along with our attorneys. And then um of course if we if we happen to pass this tonight, then once again uh Mr. Washington mentioned a a work group and uh so several us need to be on a work group to [0:58:01, 0:58:20]: maybe try to work through this issue to get these additional um polling locations if we can, if possible. And of course I would like to be on that particular work group as well. Yes, Ms. Holiday. So mayor, uh is the understanding that we will that you all are proposing to change the schedule for the Merrill Mandels Conference Center. [0:58:21, 0:58:23]: From the fi on the eleventh through the fifteenth. [0:58:24, 0:58:26]: The eighteenth through the twenty second. [0:58:26, 0:58:27]: And the [0:58:28, 0:58:29]: twenty fifth through the twenty-ninth. [0:58:30, 0:58:31]: To seven PM. [0:58:31, 0:58:33]: I would think. [0:58:33, 0:58:42]: I'm sorry. I would think that that would be this a consensus of the council to do that. I know Mayor Pro Temps has indicated that. I what about the rest of the council here? [0:58:43, 0:58:51]: What are your thoughts? Okay, Mr. Mr. Thomas says yes. Uh anybody else? Thumbs up. I'm going to seven o'clock at Moral Manners. [0:58:51, 0:59:02]: Okay, Ms. Barber. Okay, uh Ms. Gann, I think you're nodding your head. Yes, is that right? Okay. All right. I will confirm that and immediately submit that um to the elections office. [0:59:02, 0:59:08]: All right. And then of course obviously whatever the cost factor is, if we agree to that, we'll obviously have to fund that. [0:59:08, 0:59:09]: All right. [0:59:09, 0:59:19]: All right, so so otherwise if we accept this tonight, we'll probably put a motion to accept it with this potential change that we want to make in moral matters. Um is my assumption. [0:59:19, 0:59:22]: Uh right now. Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [0:59:22, 0:59:30]: I make the motion that we accept the schedule with the modifications. Uh we can also we continue to see with the modifications added to it. [0:59:30, 0:59:32]: Okay, good deal. Is there a second to that motion? [0:59:34, 0:59:37]: Miss or uh Miss Gan seconds that motion we've had plenty of discussion. [0:59:37, 0:59:39]: So all in favor of the motion please indicate. [0:59:40, 0:59:44]: Hold on, hold on, I'm sorry, it was I'm sorry. Can I have one other discussion? [0:59:44, 0:59:51]: Okay, so when is it gonna when is the uh can I have one more discussion before go ahead, go ahead. When is it gonna come back to us? [0:59:51, 0:59:55]: Uh, for a final decision on this working board. Is there a date? [0:59:58, 1:00:00]: Mr. Washington, you mentioned earlier. Go ahead, sir. [1:00:01, 1:00:03]: What I'm going to do is I'm going to send [1:00:04, 1:00:05]: I'll send the email out now. [1:00:05, 1:00:07]: About a date to meet. [1:00:08, 1:00:09]: Yes, if this is [1:00:09, 1:00:11]: I'll see about a date for everybody to meet this week. [1:00:13, 1:00:14]: We'll get an email now. [1:00:15, 1:00:17]: All right. All right. [1:00:17, 1:00:21]: All right, the motion's been made. It's been seconded. All in favor of the motion, please indicate. [1:00:22, 1:00:26]: Okay, it's a unanimous decision. All right. Thank you very much. All right. Appreciate it. [1:00:28, 1:00:39]: Okay, council consideration to approve the emergency purchase of the generator for Glen Addy Pump Station uh in the amount of forty-four thousand three hundred and fourteen dollars funding source uh department budget. [1:00:40, 1:00:41]: Miss Aaron, please. [1:00:42, 1:00:47]: Yes, Ms. Mayor and Council. I'll let Mr. Holzinger, who's the sewer superintendent, speak to this item. [1:00:47, 1:00:49]: All right, Brad. Go ahead, sir. [1:00:49, 1:01:09]: Uh thank you, Mayor and Council, uh, for listening to me. Uh this is the Glen Addy Pump Station off Ty Street. Uh it blew apart and mainly due to its age and uh longevity. It's been there a while. We've repurposed it twice. It's close. [1:01:09, 1:01:16]: close to 28 years old and due to the age of it and the parts availability. [1:01:16, 1:01:18]: Uh it's just not feasible to repair. [1:01:18, 1:01:27]: Right now we're currently uh renting a generator for that location with uh hopefulness that you'll approve a purchase tonight. [1:01:28, 1:01:31]: All right, good. Is there any questions from Mr. Holser? Holsener. [1:01:33, 1:01:35]: If not yes. [1:01:35, 1:01:47]: Yeah y yes what? Is that yes for questions or yes for a motion? I have a question. Yeah, talk. All right, please. I don't think we we we we understand we're spending the citizens money. And I know this kind of slowed the process down a little bit. [1:01:48, 1:02:08]: Tell them what the benefit is of this money that we're about to spend. Spend just a little bit more time telling them what it is. If this fails, this is working toward the overall water system improvement, because I'd ask about a comprehensive plan to actually fix the entire system. [1:02:07, 1:02:14]: So tell us a little bit more about the funds that you're asking for and the benefit to the citizen. [1:02:15, 1:02:17]: benefit to the citizens that it keeps the [1:02:18, 1:02:23]: wastewater or sewage moving and does not back up into somebody's house or [1:02:23, 1:02:43]: goes out a manhole and goes into our state waterways. That's the benefit to it as far as the public's health and safety to keep that all the bad water away from them. And it gets to where we want it and that's the the end result to be treated at our treatment plant. And [1:02:43, 1:02:53]: And the generator's purpose is if there's power outages, which lately there's been a whole lot, and uh it keeps that pump station running. [1:02:55, 1:02:58]: Okay. And one one one other follow up question on that in terms of [1:02:59, 1:03:00]: The to the the system. [1:03:01, 1:03:04]: Uh uh it how we're looking at this a replacement. [1:03:04, 1:03:16]: uh uh make uh securing that function and being operating well into the future, right? This is gonna solve the problem and it should be there in uh in in in f great [1:03:17, 1:03:18]: Functioning. [1:03:18, 1:03:22]: um condition for how how long we anticipate this. [1:03:22, 1:03:24]: uh this improvement [1:03:24, 1:03:27]: uh enhancing the system of in terms of functionality and not fail. [1:03:28, 1:03:47]: This equipment should last 20, 25 years, if not more, when it's well maintained in which our equipment is. And as far as fixing the overall problem with the sewer system, there's problems every day. And we strive every day to solve every problem. [1:03:48, 1:03:48]: And [1:03:49, 1:03:52]: There's always problems that you can't see. [1:03:52, 1:03:55]: And it's our job to step up and fix them. [1:03:56, 1:03:58]: Okay. All right. Thank you. [1:03:58, 1:04:00]: No problem. Any questions from the council? [1:04:01, 1:04:05]: If not, I need a motion to accept uh Mr. Holzinger's uh proposal. [1:04:06, 1:04:11]: Uh okay, Miss Barber, that means you you you so move this motion? What is going on? [1:04:11, 1:04:13]: Okay, so moved. All right, is there a second? [1:04:13, 1:04:16]: A second. Okay, Mr. Ms. Gantt second that. [1:04:16, 1:04:20]: Uh don't need any further discussion, I would imagine. So all in favor of the motion, please indicate. [1:04:21, 1:04:23]: Okay, you nasty season. Thank you, Brad. Appreciate it. [1:04:23, 1:04:24]: Thanks. [1:04:25, 1:04:31]: Council consideration to approve information technology network equipment for the Public Works Administration building and amount of [1:04:31, 1:04:37]: Forty seven thousand four hundred and seventy eight dollars and eighty cents. Funding sources splotched. Mr. Aaron, please. [1:04:38, 1:04:45]: Yes, Mr. Mayor, we have uh representative from Interdev. This is for the internet system for the new public works building. [1:04:45, 1:04:52]: We had to order some equipment in order to be online with the city's IT resources. So we'll let them speak to this item. [1:04:53, 1:04:54]: All right, sir. Go ahead, please. [1:04:55, 1:04:57]: Yes, Mayor and Council. What you have in front of you is uh [1:04:58, 1:05:14]: Couple quotes from SHI off of state contract for the equipment that we need to stand up the network at the public uh works building. Um the uh design of the network is pretty much you know what we need to get the basic um systems up and running there for them to be operational. [1:05:15, 1:05:17]: Um we do have in there uh [1:05:17, 1:05:29]: uh setup for connectivity back to city hall. Um and the overall design and plan is for there to uh have some redundancy between the two locations. Um so if anything were to happen to City Hall, [1:05:29, 1:05:42]: people could work out of public works and vice versa, allowing it to be a pretty uh solid system. Um we also do have uh some uh additional uh backup storage in there as well for off site from city hall. [1:05:43, 1:05:46]: All right, Mrs. Smith. Thank you very much. Council, any questions for Mrs. Smith at all? [1:05:48, 1:05:50]: Okay, Miss Barber, go ahead, please. [1:05:55, 1:05:56]: You're muted, Miss Barber. [1:05:57, 1:06:02]: Yes, the current equipment that is in the current [1:06:02, 1:06:05]: building. What is going to happen to that equipment? [1:06:07, 1:06:12]: We'll look to uh surplus that equipment or if anything could be reused, maybe used as a spares. [1:06:12, 1:06:18]: Um for anything, but for the most part, we're at in the useful life on that equipment and we would need to purchase on it. [1:06:20, 1:06:30]: The lifespan of the equipment that's on the quotes now is five to six years. Some of the network hardware can go out to maybe six to seven. So we're looking at about probably about a five to six year replacement cycle. [1:06:31, 1:06:32]: On the equipment that we're putting at. [1:06:34, 1:06:36]: Okay, Mr. Alexander, go ahead, please. [1:06:36, 1:06:44]: Yeah, talk about the technology and what class technology is. So what are you looking at getting in terms of [1:06:45, 1:06:47]: The overall speed and then [1:06:47, 1:06:51]: uh the growth potential uh as the city grows. [1:06:51, 1:06:52]: In terms of [1:06:53, 1:06:55]: Adding on new customers or what have you. [1:06:55, 1:06:59]: How does it rank in terms of what we're adding? What are we getting? [1:07:00, 1:07:02]: uh for this money. So what what is the speed? [1:07:02, 1:07:04]: Uh is going to be and is it [1:07:05, 1:07:06]: Growth friendly. [1:07:06, 1:07:12]: Yeah, yeah, actually it's very growth friendly. Um so you guys have come in on probably the [1:07:13, 1:07:33]: The next cycle of uh new hardware from Cisco and Fortinet. So uh the equipment that you guys are getting in this quote, like I said, should be still valid for all the way up to six to five to six years. Seven years if you stretch it out pretty well. Um, speeds-wise, you're guys are more than covered. Uh you're looking at 10 gigs. [1:07:32, 1:07:42]: uh at the minimum, um except for down to the desktops, it'll be a gig. Uh between city hall to there, you know, we're gonna have a solid gig link and then uh [1:07:43, 1:07:49]: To the storage systems 40 to 100, I believe. So you have more than enough speed. [1:07:49, 1:08:03]: in there and we made a design at future proofs. I don't want to say future proofs because everything changes in IT, but this is something where you know we're not going to be coming back to you in a year saying you need to upgrade or two or three years. Uh these are this is solid equipment, um good branded [1:08:03, 1:08:23]: Equipment, Dell, Cisco, Fortinet leaders in class when it comes to the hardware that we selected. And it's standardized across the board. So it's not like we're pop, picking, and popping and doing different things in different buildings. We're trying to keep the city on a good, stable, standard platform across the board in all buildings. So if you add anything else, a police department, whatever, um, it'll still have the same. [1:08:23, 1:08:25]: Same best in class equipment. [1:08:26, 1:08:27]: Thank you. [1:08:27, 1:08:29]: Any other questions for Mr. Smith, Council? [1:08:31, 1:08:34]: If not, then I need a motion to accept the proposal. [1:08:35, 1:08:36]: Tamo. [1:08:36, 1:08:37]: Is there a second? [1:08:40, 1:08:45]: Okay, Ms. Gantt had her hand up for a second. Okay. All in favor of motion, please indicate. [1:08:47, 1:08:49]: Thank you very much, Susan. Thank you, Mr. Smith. Appreciate it. [1:08:51, 1:09:00]: Okay, uh Council consideration approved task order number thirty three with Carter and Sloop, GIS mapping program for water and sewer and amount of uh thirty-two thousand. [1:09:01, 1:09:05]: twenty dollars funding source, uh department budget. Mr. Aaron, please. [1:09:06, 1:09:10]: Yes, Ms. Mayor. Uh this project was identified in SPLOS three. [1:09:10, 1:09:30]: But this project speaks to Councilman Alexander has spoken earlier, Mayor Proteum Alexander earlier about an overall master plan for the water and sewer system. This will help us as we go about designing that master plan for the water and sewer system improvements. Staff has been bringing numerous projects before council as we move forward. [1:09:30, 1:09:47]: making our system reliable and dependable. And this is some technology that would greatly benefit not only water and sewer, but stormwater as well. I have uh Donnie Mullis, who's our water superintendent, he's online as well, as Brad Holzinger, our sewer superintendent, if mayor and council should have any questions. [1:09:49, 1:09:54]: All right, Council, any questions at all about uh Miss Barber, go ahead, please. [1:09:56, 1:10:01]: Okay, this is for renovations to the wastewater treatment office. [1:10:02, 1:10:22]: No, ma'am, that's next. This is for the location of like manholes, uh, water lines, fire hydrants, water valves. And this assists, say if you get a resurfacing project that a a water valve is paved over, you have that geographic location. So you're able to identify the location of that. [1:10:22, 1:10:24]: uh device such as a [1:10:24, 1:10:35]: a water vale or a manhole, this helps develop digital maps as well as if you're preparing a hydraulic hydrology study like with your sewer system or your water system. [1:10:36, 1:10:39]: So it helps you to d design improvements as well as [1:10:39, 1:10:42]: Um, make repairs to the systems. [1:10:42, 1:10:44]: Okay, I'm looking at this agenda item. [1:10:45, 1:10:47]: The title is [1:10:48, 1:10:52]: Council consideration to approve task order number 23 with TSW. [1:10:53, 1:10:54]: for renovations. [1:10:54, 1:10:58]: of the wastewater treatment plant offices and laboratory. [1:10:58, 1:11:06]: We're not on that item yet. We're on number seven seven number for the GIS mapping. [1:11:07, 1:11:07]: Thank you. [1:11:08, 1:11:10]: Any further questions for uh [1:11:11, 1:11:15]: That's just here. If not I mean a motion to accept the proposal. [1:11:16, 1:11:20]: So okay, Miss Barber, so moved in a second. A second. [1:11:21, 1:11:24]: Okay, well I've got Mayor Pro Tem, second man. Any further discussions? [1:11:24, 1:11:26]: And if not all in favor of motion, please indicate. [1:11:27, 1:11:29]: You now see Susan, thank you very much. [1:11:29, 1:11:37]: Uh council's consideration to approve task order number 23 with TSW incorporated renovations and wastewater treatment plant offices. [1:11:37, 1:11:41]: and laboratory an amount of sixty six thousand five hundred and ninety dollars. [1:11:42, 1:11:46]: Funding source sewer fund balance. Now, Mr. Aaron, please. [1:11:47, 1:11:50]: Yes, Mr. Mayor and Council. This item uh [1:11:50, 1:11:56]: We're currently in a in a situation where our laboratory equipment is over approaching 30 years old. [1:11:57, 1:12:16]: And his outlid is useful life and technology has greatly changed since then. There have been no improvements made to the lab or the equipment since this was brought online. So we're coming before council tonight to ask as we move forward with renovating the laboratory and the office space as well, because we currently have staff. [1:12:16, 1:12:36]: That sit inside the laboratory and the EPD frowns on that. So we're getting them out of the laboratory when public works function moves out of the wastewater treatment building. Currently, the administrative assistant, myself and Mr. Mullis, the water superintendent, occupy spaces within this facility. So that's what allow Mr. Hol Sing and [1:12:36, 1:12:48]: to get his staff out of the lab where they're currently sitting and also in the offices, but mainly to renovate our laboratory to current industry standards. And I'll let Brad speak as well if he has anything to add. [1:12:49, 1:13:09]: Yeah, this this as Mr. Aaron said, this building's 30 years old and uh it hadn't outgrown its useful life, but it's we've put it through a lot with the amount of people that work out of there. And cats are rusting away due to you know uh [1:13:09, 1:13:17]: use a lot of acid and that kind of thing in the lab. And the floor tiles are coming up. It's just, I mean, it's, it's time. [1:13:18, 1:13:23]: Okay. Council, any questions for either Brad or uh Decius in reference to this proposal? [1:13:25, 1:13:28]: Seeing none, I need a motion to accept their proposal, please. [1:13:30, 1:13:32]: Miss Barber, you still move that? [1:13:32, 1:13:41]: Therefore, I do have a quick question. Yes, a question. Go ahead, please. Ask Mr. Aaron, where is he? He he's he's there. I'm here. [1:13:41, 1:13:50]: Do you have a project list of all the city facilities, especially the ones that need repairs and renovations? [1:13:51, 1:13:53]: Do you have a list like that? [1:13:54, 1:14:06]: Well one one things we've spoken with procurement about and that is the developer facilities maintenance plan. I've submitted that information so that we have information on all of our buildings so that. [1:14:06, 1:14:23]: We have a planned schedule of how we go about renovating and replacing equipment and fixtures inside of these facilities. So that is on the drawing board that has been submitted for approval because we don't like just piecemeal and things. We want to have a plan of action on how we address these buildings as they age. [1:14:23, 1:14:25]: Okay, so where are we with the [1:14:25, 1:14:26]: Um [1:14:27, 1:14:31]: uh remodeling or renovations to the Ted Strickland. [1:14:31, 1:14:31]: Building. [1:14:32, 1:14:34]: Where is that on the priority list? [1:14:34, 1:14:45]: Those documents are with uh procurement and they should be coming out for bid in the next week or so. We have submit TSW has submitted all the items needed to put this out for bid. [1:14:45, 1:14:46]: Okay, thank you. [1:14:47, 1:14:49]: Uh Mayor Ford, I so move. [1:14:49, 1:14:51]: Okay. Is there a second to the motion? [1:14:53, 1:14:56]: Miss Barra, Miss uh Gantt seconds that motion any further discussion. [1:14:58, 1:15:00]: If not all in favor of motion, please indicate. [1:15:01, 1:15:07]: All right, unanimous decision. Okay, fantastic. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council. You're welcome. Council Christian. [1:15:08, 1:15:19]: Council consideration to approve contract with Georgia Alliance Stockbridge LLC for main uh uh management services of the amphitheater as a professional service. Mr. Knighton, please. [1:15:19, 1:15:28]: Uh yes, uh Mayor and Council. Um obviously the amphitheater project has been uh widely anticipated and uh obviously is during complete. [1:15:29, 1:15:31]: Uh construction conclusion. [1:15:31, 1:15:38]: Uh as a reminder, uh the amphitheater project was a part of a livable cities initiative and LCI many, many years ago. [1:15:39, 1:15:42]: And uh through the d the leadership of the council. [1:15:42, 1:15:50]: Uh we have uh just about completed that construction project, the amphitheater, which will serve as a catalyst for. [1:15:50, 1:15:55]: uh what we expect to see uh economic development in our traditional downtown area. [1:15:55, 1:15:59]: As well as being of course a top notch first class. [1:15:59, 1:16:02]: Second to none entertainment venue. [1:16:03, 1:16:08]: Um, obviously, uh uh members of council and or some citizens have toured [1:16:08, 1:16:09]: Uh the facility. [1:16:10, 1:16:12]: Um everyone has come away impressed. [1:16:13, 1:16:16]: With the amphitheatre facility and of course. [1:16:16, 1:16:17]: Uh we had a test event. [1:16:18, 1:16:22]: Over this past weekend, which I think was uh quite impressive. [1:16:23, 1:16:26]: In terms of lighting, sound, atmosphere. [1:16:27, 1:16:30]: And feel for the amphitheatre, and of course, we are. [1:16:31, 1:16:33]: uh trending toward uh fully opening [1:16:33, 1:16:35]: Uh, here very, very soon. [1:16:35, 1:16:36]: As a part of the [1:16:37, 1:16:38]: Amphitheater. [1:16:38, 1:16:39]: project. [1:16:39, 1:16:43]: Uh obviously we've had discussions with respect to the operation. [1:16:44, 1:16:45]: of the overall amphitheater. [1:16:46, 1:16:48]: Uh and how it would be [1:16:48, 1:16:54]: uh run and operated from everything uh from um the actual entertainment the acts [1:16:56, 1:16:59]: Excuse me, promotions, uh, sponsorship, concessions. [1:17:00, 1:17:01]: Security and safety. [1:17:02, 1:17:06]: Janitorial, uh, everything that comes into play with respect to [1:17:06, 1:17:09]: Operating a venue of this magnitude. [1:17:10, 1:17:13]: Um throughout the course of last several months in particular. [1:17:14, 1:17:17]: Um, I have provided information to you with respect to [1:17:18, 1:17:21]: Potential management companies as a professional service. [1:17:22, 1:17:25]: And uh here tonight you have members of the Georgia. [1:17:26, 1:17:28]: Uh radio lions L L C. [1:17:30, 1:17:30]: Excuse me. [1:17:31, 1:17:34]: Um who are present to speak to. [1:17:34, 1:17:36]: Any questions with respect to the amphitheater? [1:17:37, 1:17:38]: In particular [1:17:38, 1:17:44]: Uh there are uh provisions of course a contract that you have, a draft contract that you have. [1:17:44, 1:17:49]: And provisions in there uh that speak to um how entertainment would be secured. [1:17:50, 1:17:53]: How security would be hailed in terms of cost. [1:17:54, 1:17:58]: Also it talks to uh ticket revenue splits, food and drink. [1:17:58, 1:18:01]: Revenu splits sponsorship. [1:18:01, 1:18:07]: Revenue splits that result overall in terms of an expected budget. [1:18:07, 1:18:09]: uh to um [1:18:10, 1:18:15]: uh the city uh um ending up with some revenue as a result of this. [1:18:15, 1:18:20]: I will say specifically, of course, that when you build a venue such as this. [1:18:21, 1:18:24]: Um, that has the capacity that we have. [1:18:25, 1:18:28]: And we'll bring three thousand plus people. [1:18:29, 1:18:34]: uh to the city uh during the season every two months or twice a month or so for [1:18:35, 1:18:44]: Um one of the great benefits is um the economic dollars that can be generated from those people who come to the city of Stockbridge. [1:18:45, 1:18:48]: To view uh and uh experience our entertainment. [1:18:49, 1:18:52]: There are many jurisdictions in the Metro Atlanta area specifically. [1:18:52, 1:18:53]: Which I can name. [1:18:53, 1:18:56]: Uh, Buford, Swanie, Shiberhill, name a few. [1:18:57, 1:19:06]: Where you see Lawrenceville has got a lot going on right now. Um, where you see the residual benefits. [1:19:06, 1:19:07]: Of a [1:19:08, 1:19:13]: amphitheater like this and I'll say with respect to those other jurisdictions I mentioned, none of them have [1:19:14, 1:19:19]: anything on the city of Stockbridge in terms of the first class facility that we have built. That's just a fact. [1:19:20, 1:19:23]: Uh in terms of the um [1:19:23, 1:19:25]: The character in terms of the [1:19:26, 1:19:29]: Technology in terms of the features, in terms of the attributes. [1:19:30, 1:19:33]: А дальше Ситбрид Амфатер. [1:19:34, 1:19:36]: And so when those people come to [1:19:36, 1:19:39]: Uh, these activities here at the amphitheater. [1:19:40, 1:19:43]: The always the vision of the city has been and the [1:19:43, 1:19:44]: Gold has been. [1:19:45, 1:19:48]: Uh, for those people to be exposed to what a wonderful city Stockbridge is. [1:19:48, 1:19:52]: And then you see the residual impacts of restaurant, retail, office. [1:19:53, 1:19:55]: development and redevelopment of our traditional downtown. [1:19:56, 1:20:00]: uh which was been envisioned in the RSVP, the Renaissance strategic visioning plan. [1:20:01, 1:20:05]: as well as some other items that the city is putting in place in in including [1:20:05, 1:20:09]: Um the bridge or or the pedestrian bridge. [1:20:09, 1:20:16]: um the uh sidewalks and paths in and around the downtown area which are proposed on T S PLOS. [1:20:16, 1:20:18]: As well as the Cultural Arts Center. [1:20:19, 1:20:22]: Where there are dedicated funds to build that facility. [1:20:22, 1:20:26]: And so when you take all of these in total and put them together. [1:20:26, 1:20:29]: The vision uh starts to come to fruition. [1:20:29, 1:20:31]: And the amphitheater is the [1:20:32, 1:20:34]: First major piece. [1:20:34, 1:20:36]: In terms of completion. [1:20:36, 1:20:39]: for the vision of the city of Stock Bridge downtown. [1:20:39, 1:20:43]: And the Georgia Radio Alliance will hear again is here tonight. [1:20:44, 1:20:48]: Um is being proposed to run the amphitheatre operations. [1:20:49, 1:20:52]: to ensure that the amphitheater functions property properly. [1:20:53, 1:20:55]: To ensure that um the [1:20:56, 1:20:58]: uh planning for the amphitheater takes place. [1:20:59, 1:21:02]: Um for the remainder of uh this season twenty twenty one. [1:21:03, 1:21:06]: We hope to certainly have some uh excellent events here, but also [1:21:06, 1:21:10]: immediately uh moving into twenty twenty two. [1:21:10, 1:21:12]: And planning out events for twenty twenty two. [1:21:13, 1:21:18]: that will resonate with um the citizens will resonate with metro atlanta area. [1:21:19, 1:21:20]: As well as [1:21:21, 1:21:24]: Providing that diverse entertainment. [1:21:24, 1:21:26]: That we all want to see and will have. [1:21:27, 1:21:33]: uh at the Stockbridge amphitheater. And so we will draw not only from the immediate Stockbridge Henry County area. [1:21:33, 1:21:34]: But we expect to draw. [1:21:35, 1:21:37]: Uh from the metropolitan Atlanta area. [1:21:37, 1:21:38]: And further south as well. [1:21:39, 1:21:44]: And so with that, um we have uh had these items. [1:21:44, 1:21:46]: Uh reviewed with the legal council. [1:21:46, 1:21:47]: Um [1:21:47, 1:21:50]: And uh I will [1:21:50, 1:21:52]: At this point, Mayor, if it's okay. [1:21:53, 1:21:54]: Uh [1:21:54, 1:22:01]: Um I mentioned the gentlemen who are on. Uh I'll I'll let maybe I'll let uh Mr. Murray introduce the gentlemen who are on with him. [1:22:01, 1:22:03]: As a part of this proposed team. [1:22:04, 1:22:06]: That will um [1:22:06, 1:22:10]: operate the amphitheater if it is your desire to approve them. [1:22:10, 1:22:12]: This evening under the provisions. [1:22:12, 1:22:14]: of the contract as proposed. [1:22:15, 1:22:22]: Sir, Mr. Knight, no problem. Mr. Murray, the show is yours, sir. You want to introduce your staff to us and we'll ask you some questions. [1:22:22, 1:22:27]: Yes, uh good evening, Mayor. Nice to see you again. Thank you for coming out Saturday night. Appreciate it. [1:22:28, 1:22:35]: A number of the council met some of the staff Saturday night. Who we've got tonight on the call is Mark Ware. [1:22:36, 1:22:40]: Who will be running the venue on a day to day basis if this is approved? [1:22:41, 1:22:42]: Uh Harold Young. [1:22:43, 1:22:44]: Who [1:22:44, 1:22:45]: Does [1:22:45, 1:22:51]: A considerable amount of booking for us concert wise. Mr. Young's also the executive director of the Tubman. [1:22:51, 1:23:03]: uh museum in Macon. And then we have Claudelle Price, who's lived in Stockbridge for I believe 25 years, been with me for just about 25 years as our senior vice president. [1:23:03, 1:23:04]: And uh [1:23:05, 1:23:08]: He was at the the concert or excuse me, the uh the test as well Saturday night. [1:23:09, 1:23:09]: Who do? [1:23:10, 1:23:20]: Good deal. Well, I I appreciate that. I think it was an excellent uh example of the test that went on there. And I am uh happ I'm personally happy with uh what I see in the contract. I I look at uh having a very [1:23:21, 1:23:31]: real professional and and and lucrative uh business relationship with you all. Uh but obviously that's up to the council as well. So I'll be quiet for a second, see any questions the council may have. [1:23:31, 1:23:38]: Okay, Mr. Alexander, his hand was up first. Go ahead, please, sir. All right, thank you so much. Uh Mr. Berry, are you there? Mr. Washington. [1:23:40, 1:23:40]: That they're present. [1:23:41, 1:23:42]: Yes. [1:23:42, 1:23:47]: Yes, sir. Yeah, I just uh as as uh having the experience that you have [1:23:48, 1:23:51]: Uh with Wolf Creek Lakewood Amphitheater. [1:23:52, 1:23:55]: And um the various entities in the city. [1:23:56, 1:24:06]: Talk about the contract and I guess you know entertainment is a different animal. And I just want to make sure that uh what we have here is uh similar to those um [1:24:06, 1:24:09]: What we're seeing uh industry standards. [1:24:13, 1:24:22]: This is similar to the my understanding is similar to the contract in Fayaville. Um we're we're comparing. I mean, I think part of it each [1:24:23, 1:24:28]: Each kind is going to be different because the terms are all going to be different. You know, this is gonna be different. [1:24:29, 1:24:31]: different than Verizon, it's gonna be different than Wolf Creek. [1:24:32, 1:24:34]: And what what's being provided. [1:24:34, 1:24:43]: Uh they've provided us their contract with Fayetteville, so I'm gonna look at that to to compare, but it's my understanding that those two are identical. [1:24:44, 1:24:48]: Okay, so pretty much this is uh what we're seeing is pretty much what [1:24:49, 1:24:52]: uh has been expected and then uh maybe Mr. Murray can tell me about [1:24:53, 1:24:59]: uh their operations over in Fayetteville and uh how that um has gone. [1:24:59, 1:25:11]: Yes, sir. Uh I did leave out one very important member of our team. Um, corporate attorney Scott McPherson is on as well. If anybody has any questions for Scott. Um we are in our fourth year. [1:25:11, 1:25:15]: Of managing the Fayetteville amphitheater. [1:25:15, 1:25:25]: And the naming rights sponsor there has been the Brightmore Healthcare Amphitheater for the last two years. Prior to that, it was the Zach Brown Southern Ground Amphitheater. [1:25:26, 1:25:28]: I provided a [1:25:28, 1:25:32]: contract that we it's our third year contract. We're just going into our fourth year. [1:25:33, 1:25:40]: And it is different from some of the other amphitheaters in the state because we not only provide [1:25:40, 1:25:51]: uh some of the management there and in the booking and the production. But we own seventy, excuse me, 27 different radio stations that we use to promote the amphitheater. [1:25:52, 1:25:55]: the concerts, and really most importantly, the city of Fayetteville. [1:25:56, 1:26:04]: That would be the primary difference that we do have this large radio station platform, digital platform. [1:26:04, 1:26:10]: uh apps, streaming services, websites, th those sort of things. [1:26:12, 1:26:14]: I've got a list of uh [1:26:15, 1:26:21]: shows we've done in the last two two and a half years. It's it's limited because of COVID, but if everybody [1:26:21, 1:26:28]: Has a second, I'll I'll read some of those. Uh these are shows that we've done lately. Uh Patty Labelle, Travis Tritt. [1:26:28, 1:26:29]: Lover boy. [1:26:30, 1:26:31]: Gretchen Wilson. [1:26:31, 1:26:32]: Boss gags. [1:26:33, 1:26:34]: Grand Funk Railroad. [1:26:34, 1:26:35]: Donfelder. [1:26:36, 1:26:37]: Ziggy Marley. [1:26:37, 1:26:38]: Fog ahead. [1:26:38, 1:26:39]: Sticks. [1:26:40, 1:26:42]: Charlie Wilson, Fantasia. [1:26:42, 1:26:44]: Mary J. Blige, R. Kelly. [1:26:44, 1:26:45]: Do I yoke'em? [1:26:46, 1:26:47]: Earth, wind, and fire. [1:26:47, 1:26:49]: Anthony Hamilton [1:26:49, 1:26:50]: Boys to men. [1:26:50, 1:26:54]: Emmy Lou Harris, Amy Grant, Trace Atkins. [1:26:54, 1:27:05]: Mother's Finest, Little River Band, Rodney Atkins, Craig Morgan, 38 Special, Jackal, Zach Brown, Scotty McCreary, Tommy James and the Shondells. [1:27:06, 1:27:07]: Numerous others, but uh [1:27:08, 1:27:09]: The others were [1:27:09, 1:27:13]: somewhat smaller. Those would be recording artists that were are fairly well known. [1:27:14, 1:27:17]: Okay, and then a follow up if I could, uh [1:27:17, 1:27:18]: In terms of [1:27:19, 1:27:24]: Pretty much you guys are a one stop shop. Is that what you do? You pretty much you [1:27:24, 1:27:40]: You take the ball and you run with it. And whereas uh some of the competitors don't do that, you pretty much take care of uh everything um uh in terms of the operations of the facility and as you said, uh with the uh promotions with the extensive network that you have. [1:27:41, 1:27:42]: Yes, sir. [1:27:42, 1:27:52]: Uh pretty much from selling the vending rights to selling the tickets to booking the bands and the production that uh that you saw Saturday night. [1:27:54, 1:27:55]: Outstanding. Thank you. [1:27:56, 1:27:58]: Councilwoman Barber, okay, please. [1:28:00, 1:28:02]: I'll yield to Councilman Blount. [1:28:02, 1:28:04]: All right, Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [1:28:04, 1:28:06]: Yeah, thank you, Mayor. Um [1:28:07, 1:28:19]: Sounds good. Um how do you how do you and I and I guess you will all uh I don't know if to answer it now or send us something on it. Um when you have those people that like Zach, when we came over there it was Zach Brown. [1:28:20, 1:28:21]: Yeah. [1:28:21, 1:28:38]: And so how is how is that handled? Is that handled through an IGA with the city? Is that handled through something with the city itself? Is that handled through just you all? And I'm I'm just trying to figure out how is that handled. I I've never known how that was actually handled when you get those uh [1:28:38, 1:28:52]: We we handle 100% of the sales and marketing, which is everything from the naming rights to the vendors products. We have what we call a platinum, gold, silver sponsorship, presenting sponsorship. [1:28:53, 1:28:54]: And uh [1:28:54, 1:29:04]: Zach is no longer associated with the amphitheater because he was outbid for the naming rights. And that is a 70-30 split we have with the city. [1:29:05, 1:29:07]: If you've noticed our contract. [1:29:07, 1:29:12]: The majority about eighty five percent of our compensations based on performance. [1:29:13, 1:29:18]: And if we don't do well in sales and do well with concerts and ticket sales, we don't make money. [1:29:19, 1:29:23]: So that's uh that's where this formula was come we came up with this formula. [1:29:24, 1:29:43]: So so as a follow-up, so that formula 7030 formula is compiled of all inclusive of everything for as revenue pertaining to the amateur theater because you all are the governor. As far as the sp sales and sponsorship. Right. Exactly. In this particular contract, the city gets 85%. [1:29:43, 1:29:48]: of ticket sales, the city gets eighty five percent of what we [1:29:48, 1:29:50]: make on the vendor sales as well. [1:29:52, 1:29:54]: Although we would sell in the vendors. [1:29:55, 1:29:59]: uh the the city would make the majority of the revenue off of those sales. [1:30:00, 1:30:05]: One of the questions has been asked, do you all handle the EMS part portion of it? [1:30:06, 1:30:07]: Uh Mark, where are you? [1:30:08, 1:30:09]: Is it on the call? [1:30:10, 1:30:11]: Yeah, Mark's Mark's present. [1:30:11, 1:30:14]: Okay. Mark can speak can speak on that better than I. [1:30:16, 1:30:21]: Thank you and good evening, Council. Uh good to see some of you guys again. But yes, we've handled [1:30:21, 1:30:24]: that through a um a private entity [1:30:25, 1:30:26]: Uh just so that [1:30:27, 1:30:28]: You know, in in [1:30:28, 1:30:48]: That area, Henry County, may uh would send an ambulance over there, but we need dedicated EMS in case Henry County got uh busy with calls. So I would uh develop a relationship with a private ambulance company such as Phoenix, uh there on Jodico Road, uh in Henry County and uh developed a um [1:30:48, 1:30:59]: um a subcontract with those guys to provide at least one ALS advanced life support unit um when we do such events. [1:31:00, 1:31:12]: Uh no s I'm sorry, uh one more mayor. Something like that, since it's so important, I guess you all will have a certain staff member that was gonna that's gonna be working close with [1:31:13, 1:31:23]: or whatever staff is with the city of Stockbridge in order to make sure everything is all dot uh uh I's are dotted and T's are crossed prior to any event. Is that correct? [1:31:23, 1:31:25]: Yes, sir. That would be Mr. Ware. [1:31:26, 1:31:26]: Okay. [1:31:27, 1:31:34]: Yeah, we I'm I'm sorry, go ahead. I I mentioned also we've already started having conversation. We the staff have started having conversations with [1:31:35, 1:31:37]: Um Henry County Police and Captain Maddox. [1:31:37, 1:31:44]: Um taking a look at you know what we needed from a police standpoint, but also is in obviously fi um Chief Wales would be involved. [1:31:45, 1:31:48]: as well from the fire standpoint. And as Mr. Ware mentioned [1:31:48, 1:31:51]: We want to make sure that we have a dedicated [1:31:51, 1:31:57]: Um ALS advanced life uh support unit there on site for the entirety. [1:31:58, 1:32:10]: of the event. If we did have Henry County and Henry County obviously does a great job, if they got a call, perhaps they might have to go to that call. We want to have our own dedicated ALS unit there on site at all times. [1:32:11, 1:32:16]: Uh Mr. Knight now just a follow up question on that. What what the vendor, uh what the uh [1:32:17, 1:32:26]: um proposed um company here. When we talk about Henry County Police Department, we know that we have to have security outside. [1:32:27, 1:32:46]: Are you all, Mr. Murray, are you all dealing or Mr. Aware? Are you all dealing with any type of security on the inside that you all are going to facilitate? And and I'm I'm speaking in terms of not just officers walking around, but uh there's certain areas of the amphitheater that you don't wanna see glasses going over. [1:32:46, 1:33:02]: Or you don't wanna see this or or s you you there's there's that that top part that concerned me that I you just don't wanna see something happen in that corner. I'm just saying, are you guys gonna be providing any type of security other than what what's gonna be provided by Henry County? [1:33:03, 1:33:06]: Yes, sir. And to answer that, um [1:33:07, 1:33:27]: Per many of the liquor licensing agreement and how it's insured, they will help determine exactly how many inside uh security officers are needed. I know that in our um talks uh we've begun with four inside, but these security officers [1:33:27, 1:33:31]: Officers will have designated spots and um [1:33:31, 1:33:42]: pr uh procedures that they will follow uh within the guidelines that Georgia Radio Alliance Stockbridge and the City of Stockbridge uh develop through um our meetings. [1:33:47, 1:33:48]: It's bloody good. [1:33:49, 1:34:09]: Yeah, I just want to make sure that we we all kind of on the same page when it comes to inside area concerns. But I don't want to I just want to make sure that we're not putting a lot of armed off not arms, it's forgiving not armed, not uniformed officers just all around. And I want people to feel comfortable and have a good time, but we want to make sure that we have. [1:34:09, 1:34:17]: Security in those areas that are that that we may have concerns about uh that may need attention uh on those night concerts. [1:34:18, 1:34:23]: You're absolutely correct. The success of the conference benefits everybody. [1:34:23, 1:34:27]: Yes, sir. Oh sorry, this is this is Harold Young. [1:34:28, 1:34:45]: I'm sorry. This this is Harold Young. Um work with uh Mr. Murray and he's been been working with them for over twelve years and console promoter certified. And uh uh what we would provide is is called like T sh we call them t-shirt security, that they don't look they they don't [1:34:45, 1:34:53]: intimidate the people of being there. You know, when you have too many police officers you tend to be backed up are w are [1:34:54, 1:35:04]: uh or not want to have a good time in in the sense because you're you're so intimidated by so many police officers, it tends to take away from the event. So I understand what you're saying. We would definitely provide that as well. [1:35:07, 1:35:12]: Okay. Thank you. I'm going to come back to you, Councilman Barber. You had a question earlier. [1:35:13, 1:35:21]: I've got several questions, but I'll yield to Councilwoman Gantt because they're answering my questions along the way. All right. Ms. Gantt, go ahead, please. [1:35:22, 1:35:25]: Um, thank you. Um my question is [1:35:25, 1:35:30]: What has been your average what's the average cost of a ticket sale? The citizens wants to know. [1:35:31, 1:35:40]: That would vary greatly on the price of the uh performer. Harold could probably speak on that better than I. [1:35:42, 1:35:53]: Yes, um I've had uh numerous of years of scaling a concert, and this is actually a question that it would go back to the council. Um [1:35:55, 1:36:09]: The of course everyone's in the business to make money. We want to make sure that the your community is able to afford the concert. We wanna we don't wanna overprice or underprice where um [1:36:09, 1:36:11]: Y you're you're not uh [1:36:12, 1:36:15]: It just doesn't make any business sense. Now um [1:36:16, 1:36:18]: Every concert would have to be scaled. [1:36:18, 1:36:22]: Um to the artists. If you have a [1:36:23, 1:36:42]: If your production and your if your show is costing a quarter of a million dollars, you certainly can't charge twenty-five dollars like a Wolf Creek concert to get in because everyone would lose. Um so uh but uh you know, twenty-five dollars times four thousand is still, you know. [1:36:42, 1:36:51]: You know, it's not enough money, you know. So we we need to scale it to per the artist. So we would definitely do that as well. [1:36:51, 1:36:55]: Um so an average cost is depending on the artist. [1:36:57, 1:37:13]: And that ticket scaling that uh Harold's talking about, that's done at each time you begin you enter talks with the when you're looking over the riders and or the contract. It allows for the ticket scaling. That was something um our president, Mr. Murray, was doing uh some of that this week. [1:37:13, 1:37:20]: Um just as we prepare with uh some of the acts we have lined up. But that's scaling's done. Um [1:37:20, 1:37:22]: Yeah, at at the beginning of [1:37:23, 1:37:24]: The talks with the artist. [1:37:27, 1:37:27]: Okay. [1:37:29, 1:37:36]: Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. Uh uh well first of all, Councilwoman Barber, were you ready? I had another question if you if she's ready. [1:37:36, 1:37:41]: Go ahead. Okay. Well the question you you all talked about uh promoting [1:37:41, 1:37:47]: uh those concerts uh is there a rank because when you're coming into [1:37:47, 1:37:51]: Coming up seventy-five south, I'm talking fifty to a hundred miles south. [1:37:51, 1:38:07]: uh i'm seeing signs on promotion of cities in in this in uh henry county so do you guys when you're talking about promoting something as awesome as this amphitheater is there a range that you all would take it out to [1:38:07, 1:38:19]: Uh I mean what and and I'm not saying that you give me the miles, but I know that you're gonna be promoting outside of your uh outside of the metro area and surrounding areas of is there a certain [1:38:19, 1:38:36]: area uh certain perimeter of miles that you all go out or is it just like you just busting it out there because i would I would for certain concerts I would drive 50 to 100 miles. We had people that went to concerts in Alabama uh a couple of weeks ago that told me about it. So all all of the above um [1:38:36, 1:38:41]: I think everybody has a a coverage map of the twenty seven signals, but but basically [1:38:42, 1:38:43]: Our company [1:38:44, 1:38:47]: Stations cover about twenty five miles north of Atlanta. [1:38:48, 1:38:51]: To approximately thirty miles south of Warner Robbins. [1:38:52, 1:39:08]: uh and into Columbus, Georgia. So basically if it if you look at a Stockbridge, anything really within 50 miles, 60 miles of Stockbridge, we would we would service with what you call a 54 DBU or a city grade signal. [1:39:11, 1:39:16]: But yes, the bigger the every sh every show would be promoted as if it was the biggest show of the year. [1:39:17, 1:39:22]: And that's that that's country to gospel to [1:39:23, 1:39:26]: Urban AC to classic hits, every format we've got. [1:39:27, 1:39:31]: Reason I asked that because some of the greatest but prior to the um [1:39:31, 1:39:32]: Um [1:39:33, 1:39:40]: um Georgia aquarium, some of the greatest advertising for Tennessee was here in the state of Georgia. [1:39:40, 1:39:54]: Yes, sir. And so that's why I'm saying something somewhere now, Tennessee would be y you you're looking at uh you're looking at about a hundred, you know, twenty-five miles up, but we're looking at a market that would drive to Atlanta. [1:39:55, 1:40:13]: or twenty miles south of Atlanta. So I'm just looking at uh capturing the market for what we have because it is uh uh a beautiful place to see and uh and and I think it th to experience a state of the art uh facility like this, I think it it would it would definitely [1:40:13, 1:40:14]: Um [1:40:14, 1:40:17]: first first impression would definitely bring people back. [1:40:17, 1:40:29]: Yes, sir. You're exactly right. And we have a uh a budget for uh additional promotion if we were falling short in certain areas, for example, because of the demographics of a market like Chattanooga. [1:40:29, 1:40:34]: A country station in Chattanooga would serve a country show in Stockbridge very well. [1:40:35, 1:40:38]: Um for a a large urban show. [1:40:38, 1:40:46]: Uh like like we've been discussing, uh a Gladys Knight. We will use one of my old radio stations, Magic 107.5 in Atlanta. [1:40:47, 1:40:49]: To help fill in some of that that area. [1:40:50, 1:40:59]: But uh you're absolutely right. We do make modifications depending on the show and the cost of the artist, ticket price, demographics we're going after. Absolutely. [1:41:00, 1:41:20]: Councilman Blount, I'm glad you brought this up and touched on the word of mouth and the beautiful facility because even though we have 6.5 million listeners that we're gonna target and capture with our marketing plan, the agents and promoters that we work with to help full [1:41:20, 1:41:35]: these shows off. I know Brother Harold's on the call and has has spoken to agents in California. So we talk to agents all over the United States. And when the word of mouth gets out, uh that is some of the best advertising. [1:41:35, 1:41:40]: That can happen. So um everyone in this country will know how nice of a place. [1:41:40, 1:41:43]: And how well a concert is going over in Stockbridge. [1:41:44, 1:41:50]: Harold Young could also speak on the similar type of marketing and promotion we do for the Tubman Museum. [1:41:51, 1:41:54]: In Macon, Georgia, which is another world class facility. [1:41:55, 1:41:57]: Uh yes, we um [1:41:58, 1:42:03]: Being the the the executive director of the uh Tupman African American Museum, uh we [1:42:04, 1:42:14]: We have a Pan African festival that we um that since I've been with the museum for six years, it started off pretty much at uh [1:42:15, 1:42:35]: probably like a couple hundred people at actually now we've been over for the last seven years we've grown that festival to over close to twenty thousand people over in a two-day period based on radio, uh social media and uh web you know every type of [1:42:35, 1:42:55]: marketing you want to do now with with your facility being brand new and everyone's excited about it, it's certainly going to spread like wildfire. There are agents that I've spoken to even today who are in Southern California, which I'm from, is very much [1:42:55, 1:43:09]: much excited want to talk about the 2022 schedule. So uh and they asked me to send pictures of it and they were very much impressed what you all have and said we definitely want have some of our want to have some of our artists play there. [1:43:09, 1:43:10]: Um [1:43:10, 1:43:30]: They're they're not going to be some of the artists that would play uh the Mercedes-Benz, you know, the 60,000 uh cedar uh arenas are like that. But they're certainly a you definitely have a market for the ones that are in between the Mabel House and that. So what [1:43:30, 1:43:50]: your seating capacity, which is excellent, there's definitely um uh a I mean definitely some energy and excitement about this. So I mean being that I'm I'm from Southern California, I work with the Greek theater, um, which is in Los Angeles, um, similar type [1:43:50, 1:43:56]: type of uh atmosphere which you all have in the middle of the city, uh on the top of Hollywood Hills. Um [1:43:57, 1:44:12]: they had to it had to become a staple at one point uh for the city as well because uh being outside amphitheater um it certainly had to do a lot of work and and and i think like uh mark said the the word of mouth is going to speak [1:44:13, 1:44:15]: volume which is going to go [1:44:15, 1:44:30]: across the country like wildfire because a lot of people artists love to play new good venues, especially with good acoustics, uh uh good energy from the community. Um well I mean well attended uh [1:44:30, 1:44:47]: uh venues. Uh also real quick, we had a uh a a concert at the Tupman Museum this past weekend. We had Tucker here. Uh Tucker is a line dance, uh Southern Soul gentleman. We had people the way we marketed, we had people fly in from um [1:44:48, 1:45:03]: Rochester, New York, uh Detroit, uh Los Angeles. And I know it was the artist, but this is the type of artist that we do touch and that we have relationships with that we can definitely bring into your venue as well. [1:45:04, 1:45:08]: Yeah, we have a number of stories like this. I believe another big success story would be uh [1:45:09, 1:45:11]: Um all that jazz at the top as well, Harold. [1:45:12, 1:45:27]: Yes. All that jazz is uh one of our staple events. We've had uh as we brought in um Pay LaBelle, we've had Stephanie Mills and Will Downing. We had the um we've had Jeffrey Osborne, we've had um [1:45:28, 1:45:44]: After seven, um and numerous of that that event has grown to be uh a sellout this year. I just signed contracts with with Smokey Robinson. So I'm bringing, I mean, so this is uh huge the re and these are the type of relationships that we have that um [1:45:44, 1:45:45]: And [1:45:45, 1:45:52]: It's it's hard to get a smokey Robinson on a one city type of unless they on tour. [1:45:52, 1:46:07]: even the the proposed artists that we talk to, they're like they're no one's really touring right now, but we're able to build relations of our relationships that we do have, they're accepting the dates, you know. So I'm really excited about that as well. [1:46:07, 1:46:10]: Yes, sir. And I'm proud to sit on the Tubman Board of Directors. [1:46:10, 1:46:11]: With Harold. [1:46:12, 1:46:15]: Good deal. Castleman Thomas, go ahead, please. [1:46:15, 1:46:23]: Uh thank you. Let me first say that it was great um meeting you all on Saturday, uh Haran Murray and uh Mark. [1:46:24, 1:46:25]: Uh [1:46:25, 1:46:26]: Uh [1:46:26, 1:46:29]: You know, you answered some of my questions. [1:46:29, 1:46:33]: Um and I know you all gave me an opportunity to [1:46:33, 1:46:37]: Um asked some questions before this evening and unfortunately [1:46:38, 1:46:41]: Uh I was not able to to get back with you all. So [1:46:42, 1:46:45]: Uh I'm I'm I'm being a little um [1:46:46, 1:46:49]: I guess cautious with some of these questions. [1:46:49, 1:46:54]: I I I do have questions centered around uh revenue. [1:46:55, 1:46:58]: Um name and rights sponsorships. [1:46:58, 1:47:09]: uh alcohol sales and those kind of things. But first question, and I know Miss Barber has a series of questions. I know that's why she wanna come last because I've I've seen some of her questions. Um [1:47:11, 1:47:12]: Covid. [1:47:12, 1:47:13]: Um [1:47:14, 1:47:15]: were cautions. [1:47:15, 1:47:17]: А сфоріс [1:47:17, 1:47:18]: Uh [1:47:18, 1:47:21]: Numbers, number of seat sales. [1:47:22, 1:47:32]: So can you speak to the amphitheater that y'all manage? What are some of the uh protocols that's in place uh for some of the uh amphitheaters that y'all are working with? [1:47:32, 1:47:37]: We follow the state guidelines ковід гайдніс. [1:47:37, 1:47:38]: At all of the facilities. [1:47:39, 1:47:42]: Uh right now there are no restrictions on ticket sales. [1:47:42, 1:47:43]: In the state of Georgia. [1:47:45, 1:47:47]: for an outdoor venue like this. [1:47:48, 1:47:55]: Yeah. And and uh ms mr. Knight, I you know, you could weigh in at some point, but I know there's been um [1:47:55, 1:47:57]: A topic of discussion. [1:47:58, 1:48:00]: For us here especially um [1:48:00, 1:48:07]: September the fourth and September the twenty-fifth. But I go through a a a couple other because I'm missing nine unless you want to speak to that now. [1:48:08, 1:48:16]: Um yeah, I I think just like you know, everybody we're monitoring um, you know, this COVID situation, especially with the Delta or Lambda variants. [1:48:17, 1:48:23]: that are out there and and obviously um it's hard to tell as things evolve uh you know so quickly but [1:48:23, 1:48:28]: Obviously, I think we need to take a you know, a a reasonable and cautious approach with respect to [1:48:28, 1:48:30]: Upcoming soft opening. [1:48:30, 1:48:35]: uh in terms of uh number of people for that particular event. [1:48:35, 1:48:38]: Obviously the um the major first major opening. [1:48:39, 1:48:41]: Uh expected later in September. [1:48:42, 1:48:47]: Um, you know, we'll we'll have to take the necessary precautions with respect to that and that may be [1:48:47, 1:48:51]: You know, the wearing a mask that may be temperature checks, that may be a number of different things. [1:48:52, 1:48:55]: um that could be in play based on the conditions at the time. [1:48:55, 1:49:05]: I think we want to balance um allowing people to have a great time at an amphitheater like this, but also we want to be very careful and cautious about [1:49:06, 1:49:10]: Um the variants as they exist in covet in in being wise. [1:49:11, 1:49:15]: In discerning of how we uh put in place certain measures that may be needed. [1:49:16, 1:49:17]: Given the conditions at the time. [1:49:18, 1:49:23]: Right. Thank you. Um Mr. Murray, I I I have read um [1:49:24, 1:49:25]: The agreement. [1:49:25, 1:49:27]: Uh two or three times in [1:49:27, 1:49:31]: I'm looking at my paper here and I I I have red flags everywhere. [1:49:31, 1:49:39]: Uh I did ask some of those questions on Saturday and I just want to thank you and and Mark and Harold for answering some of those. [1:49:39, 1:49:53]: I I may not get too too deep into some of those uh at this point, even though I know we are scheduled to approve uh of this agreement. But let me ask you, and I asked this question the other night too about uh naming rights. [1:49:54, 1:49:57]: And I know you all will be the ones out there uh beating the pavement. [1:49:58, 1:50:00]: Uh, you know, to get that. [1:50:00, 1:50:05]: But what authority or what what opportunity will the city of Stockbridge have? [1:50:05, 1:50:07]: Uh to have some [1:50:07, 1:50:10]: uh influence or input into [1:50:11, 1:50:12]: Um [1:50:12, 1:50:15]: The naming right. So who who actually gets that? [1:50:16, 1:50:27]: Yes, sir. Yes, sir, Councilman Thomas. After our very good discussion Saturday night, uh, we modified the contract. And I don't know if it's been distributed to everybody because it it it [1:50:27, 1:50:31]: Took a few hours today after speaking with the city attorney and [1:50:32, 1:50:39]: And the city manager, but the city of Stockbridge would have final approval on the naming rights. [1:50:39, 1:50:41]: uh sponsor [1:50:41, 1:50:43]: For the amphitheater. [1:50:44, 1:50:45]: And um [1:50:46, 1:50:52]: Uh I uh i as it does in in uh Fayetteville and for for a venue like this that the city owns, they they should. [1:50:53, 1:50:59]: And we would we've got a number of people who are interested in this. And it comes down to a couple of things. What fits [1:51:00, 1:51:04]: with the city of Stockbridge and of course the financial aspects of it. [1:51:04, 1:51:08]: Right. But the city and the city council would have approval of that, the final approval of that. [1:51:08, 1:51:11]: And I do appreciate that, but what what I [1:51:11, 1:51:15]: as an elect official style, what I really don't want to get into is [1:51:15, 1:51:17]: Micromanaging [1:51:18, 1:51:19]: Um десь [1:51:20, 1:51:21]: Every week, every month. [1:51:22, 1:51:35]: That is the reason why we're hiring you all to to actually to do that. And I know we are in this preliminary stage now. So for me, once we sort of sign off, if we agree to this tonight, once we sign off. [1:51:36, 1:51:38]: You know, that's that's pretty much it for me. [1:51:38, 1:51:41]: Uh unless there's some just glare in that. [1:51:41, 1:51:48]: um you know we need to sort of address. So and I I appreciate that modification. Uh I I really do. [1:51:48, 1:51:56]: Let me go to when you indicate um that percentage in food and beverage. [1:51:56, 1:51:58]: Are we talking about alcoholic beverages? [1:52:00, 1:52:07]: Uh yes, sir. And that was modified this morning also after after the same conference call. [1:52:08, 1:52:28]: We you you really heard me saying it tonight, huh? Yes, sir. We've got a I'm ready to go. But uh but but they they they came up with some good dis you came up with some very good discussion points. So what we have modified in this particular contract is instead of trying to pay the city and pay the Georgia Radio Alliance on a [1:52:28, 1:52:32]: net amount of sales, that would be harder to track. We would [1:52:32, 1:52:38]: Uh, we're proposing that it's just ten percent of the gross sales for food. [1:52:38, 1:52:42]: uh beverage and alcohol and that ten percent would come. [1:52:43, 1:52:43]: Two [1:52:44, 1:52:51]: The Georgia Radio Alliance, Stockbridge, and then the city of Stockbridge would would receive eighty-five percent of that amount. [1:52:52, 1:52:55]: And the Georgia Radio Alliance would receive fifteen percent amount. [1:52:56, 1:52:58]: And that's that's the same percentage we've got on the ticket sales. [1:52:59, 1:53:02]: Okay. And this is my last question, um, but uh [1:53:02, 1:53:06]: If I may, if I can reserve the right to have some follow up question later. [1:53:06, 1:53:10]: Um in looking at the agreement, um [1:53:11, 1:53:13]: It talks about um [1:53:14, 1:53:18]: management fees and the city of Stockbridge will provide [1:53:18, 1:53:21]: Uh the Georgia Radio Alliance um a [1:53:22, 1:53:24]: A certain amount per year. [1:53:24, 1:53:26]: uh management fee. [1:53:26, 1:53:30]: Uh it states that in one paragraph and then [1:53:31, 1:53:33]: And another paragraph it says [1:53:33, 1:53:34]: Um [1:53:36, 1:53:39]: It says concert revenue. [1:53:39, 1:53:42]: And uh and we sort of talked about that. [1:53:42, 1:53:48]: Uh I I I understand the percentage that the city would be getting and the percentage that you will be getting. [1:53:49, 1:53:51]: Uh I'm just I guess my question is. [1:53:52, 1:53:56]: Um i is that a a conflict? So I'm looking at [1:53:57, 1:53:59]: The management fee and and I'm [1:53:59, 1:54:03]: You know, we we we are sorta new at this and I'm sort of new at this. So I don't wanna [1:54:03, 1:54:05]: Seemed like uh [1:54:05, 1:54:07]: I'm experienced in this endeavor. I'm I'm not [1:54:08, 1:54:18]: Um, so I'm trying to I'm I'm trying to educate myself as well. And I want us as a city of Stockbridge to to to really get a good and decent [1:54:18, 1:54:20]: Uh agreement with you all. [1:54:20, 1:54:24]: So the uh management fee per year. [1:54:25, 1:54:26]: And the [1:54:27, 1:54:30]: I I guess the uh the revenue split. [1:54:31, 1:54:33]: It is is is that [1:54:33, 1:54:35]: Is that normal? Is that [1:54:36, 1:54:38]: the in the industry is that the way it goes. [1:54:39, 1:54:40]: Most [1:54:41, 1:54:50]: Deals like this with a management company, the management company does not have the marketing horsepower with the radio stations and the digital that we do. [1:54:50, 1:54:51]: Um [1:54:52, 1:55:01]: Usually there is a percentage split with the management company, and then the management company goes out and purchases the digital or the radio. [1:55:01, 1:55:11]: In this particular case, the the management fee would be ninety thousand dollars a year against a projected revenue for our company of six hundred and twenty-four thousand. [1:55:12, 1:55:13]: The projected revenue. [1:55:14, 1:55:15]: Uh actually the [1:55:16, 1:55:20]: The net revenue for the city of Stockbridge will be about one point two six million. [1:55:20, 1:55:25]: So we are a little different in the fact that we're sort of a one stop shop. [1:55:26, 1:55:28]: Is it is it because you have that [1:55:29, 1:55:36]: ownership or connection to all of the radio station that you indicated in your package? Yes, sir. For example, [1:55:37, 1:55:49]: I would not take on a facility in Birmingham, Alabama, because I would not have the the marketing horsepower or the the coverage via the radio stations and and digital and everything we do to handle that. [1:55:50, 1:55:54]: So this works just within our our strong coverage areas like a Fayetteville. [1:55:54, 1:55:56]: Uh like a stock bridge. [1:55:56, 1:55:57]: Um [1:55:58, 1:56:01]: Peachtree City, Atlanta, Macon. [1:56:02, 1:56:03]: Okay, okay. [1:56:03, 1:56:06]: Well I I'm going a year um [1:56:06, 1:56:19]: I I know Mr. Knight and that uh well I'm gonna ask I'm gonna throw this question out there and I know the only reason I'm doing that because someone asked me to ask a question. Mr. Knight, I I saw to pose this question to you. [1:56:19, 1:56:21]: Uh, folks are asking me. [1:56:21, 1:56:23]: Uh what type of um [1:56:24, 1:56:25]: Cooler. [1:56:25, 1:56:29]: Uh being able to bring in coolers and [1:56:30, 1:56:32]: Food, those those kind of things. So [1:56:32, 1:56:37]: Uh uh is this the appropriate time, Mr. Knight, to to answer that or you want to answer that at a later time? [1:56:37, 1:56:45]: I can very quickly. I've mentioned that a number of staff and I have been working uh together, mostly staff, and I've been part of meetings with them. [1:56:45, 1:56:51]: To talk about these various issues, what we're going to do uh very soon um is to develop [1:56:51, 1:56:58]: A list of guidelines for those who attend our venues, one of which, of course, would be respect to coolers. You don't want large [1:56:59, 1:57:19]: um plastic coolers that are on wheels because those create they're very awkward, they create space issues and so forth. What we have talked about is soft shell coolers at a certain size, which will be specified that people would be able to bring in. Obviously as a part of this also we're gonna have security up front to be able to search different different things as well. [1:57:19, 1:57:23]: And we've also talked about uh the staff came up with a very good idea this morning. [1:57:23, 1:57:28]: about um what what we could give as a token for our first event. [1:57:29, 1:57:36]: that would help with some of this, you know, in the future with respect to the types of of containers and/or bags that people could. [1:57:36, 1:57:37]: Could bring in. [1:57:37, 1:57:42]: Um but we'll specify all of that if the if the group here is is if in fact they are approved. [1:57:42, 1:57:51]: Uh, we would immediately uh get with them, uh, develop those guidelines and parameters by which attendees would uh need to adhere to. [1:57:51, 1:57:55]: so that everyone can have an enjoyable s experience uh at the amphitheater. [1:57:56, 1:58:03]: Okay. In in closing for for for my question, I just want to comment that uh Mark, I I appreciate your your showmanship. [1:58:04, 1:58:04]: Um [1:58:05, 1:58:08]: Uh you you you know, you you provided a a great show. [1:58:09, 1:58:17]: Uh and that was great. Great. Uh Harold, I'm I'm looking forward to sort of to get into your brains a little bit about the museum. [1:58:17, 1:58:20]: Uh as you know we have a cultural arts. [1:58:20, 1:58:22]: Uh on the path uh [1:58:23, 1:58:25]: I definitely want to but I tried to Google. [1:58:25, 1:58:29]: uh the museum there just to sort of see what you got going on there. But [1:58:29, 1:58:32]: А гів вас сама саме віздом. [1:58:33, 1:58:34]: Yeah we have [1:58:34, 1:58:40]: Um it's Tubmanmuseum.com. Not the whole, not Tubman Africa. It's just Tubmanmuseum.com you be with. [1:58:41, 1:58:56]: Uh we also have we just I just put up a virtual tour on there so you'd be able to see what we have. I just um I I launched it last Thursday so you'll be able to see what I have going on. Thank you very much. I'm I'm excited about that as well. [1:58:57, 1:59:00]: Okay. I I yield back, Mayor, and I I appreciate you all. [1:59:01, 1:59:05]: No problem. Appreciate it. Barber, go ahead, please. [1:59:06, 1:59:16]: Yes. Um is it Mr. Murray, the one who just mentioned about the projections, revenue projection? Yes. Okay. So [1:59:17, 1:59:23]: Is it true that that 1.6 you mentioned for the city? [1:59:23, 1:59:31]: Is it true that that includes full capacity and selling of all 3,200 or 4,000 seats? [1:59:32, 1:59:44]: The that number for the city, the 1,266,000 is based on 3,500 tickets per show. And the current seating chart shows approximately 4,200 seats available. [1:59:45, 1:59:49]: Gotcha. Thank you. Show. [1:59:50, 1:59:58]: Which uh the ticket revenue would be approximately two hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars. Gotcha. Um we know that we're in the midst of a pandemic. [1:59:58, 1:59:59]: And [2:00:00, 2:00:07]: The county has issued a state of emergency. So we're not gonna be able to meet that target of sales. We already know that. [2:00:08, 2:00:10]: So I wanted to just keep that in mind. [2:00:11, 2:00:16]: Um we will follow whatever guidance the the the city and the the state and county provide us. [2:00:17, 2:00:25]: And thank you, Mr. Murray, for um providing responses to all of the questions that I sent you earlier today. We were very thorough. [2:00:25, 2:00:30]: If you don't mind, um just for public knowledge, I do have um [2:00:31, 2:00:37]: A few questions that I really want the public to be aware of, if I may. [2:00:38, 2:00:54]: Is it true that the prices for the artists, are they negotiable when you go and approach them about a performance? I think that's a question, Mr. I can't remember his name. They are, and then Harold Young can speak to that. Uh those prices are negotiable. [2:00:56, 2:01:01]: And negotiable to a certain degree, you know, they it depends which um [2:01:02, 2:01:06]: Now your venue is going to be competing with other [2:01:07, 2:01:13]: There are other promoters and other venues in the Metro Atlanta area. [2:01:13, 2:01:19]: Um that's one of your one of your issues that you have. Um, but it's not a [2:01:20, 2:01:27]: a negative thing because people want I mean it's a it's a new venue. So they would like to be able to play that and put that on a resume as well. [2:01:28, 2:01:30]: The other thing is um [2:01:30, 2:01:50]: There are some artists that are negotiable. They'll give I mean, I negotiate everyone. I mean, I don't just because you ask just because you asked for a million dollars, I'm not gonna pay you a million dollars, you know, and space. And that's also done, I do research as well. And we do as well. But you know, how's your record sales? I mean, how's your rate? [2:01:50, 2:01:58]: Radio play, how's your how's your presence? What's I mean, there's a lot of things into play. And even as a promoter as myself, [2:01:59, 2:01:59]: I don't [2:02:00, 2:02:04]: bring eva events or present events as a fan. [2:02:05, 2:02:11]: A a p a bad promoter uh is a fan because they're thinking about what they like. And [2:02:11, 2:02:27]: everybody that I like, the audience or the the general public may not like. So I can't just say, oh, I love to see, you know, whoever and I'm the only one to enjoy the artist. So I don't we w we don't purchase as a [2:02:28, 2:02:28]: Um [2:02:29, 2:02:49]: as a fan. So you purchase as the community, what's what you know what's what's draw what would what would bring some attention, who's hot out there, who's who's affordable. Uh there's a lot of factors that go into that. You know, the time frame, like n uh uh well you're outside venue, but if it was [2:02:49, 2:03:09]: inside venue I'll be considered a Christmas show, you know, but you're not, but now you're going to the spring. What's look what's going on? Who has a new album coming out? A new CD release album I just did it myself. Sorry about that. Who has a new C new project coming out in the in the in the uh the springtime? [2:03:09, 2:03:29]: going on tour, uh who's gonna be in the area in um Florida or the the touching cities uh that we can we can find out and I've already started talking to different agents on the tourist tour schedules or who's gonna be able to come to the Atlanta area and go back home or who's near who lives near here. [2:03:29, 2:03:31]: So all those factors go into play as well. [2:03:31, 2:03:42]: Yes, and Harold, you're being very modest. Harold is a tough negotiator, and he also has 27 radio stations and a large platform in his pocket. And if these artists want proper radio play. [2:03:42, 2:03:44]: They they do negotiate with us. [2:03:45, 2:03:56]: I'm glad to know that. Good. Okay, so I do have um several other follow-up questions, if I may. Um I wanted to, and Mr. Knighton, this is a question for you. Um [2:03:56, 2:04:01]: You did answer my question earlier today, but I think it's beneficial for the community if you just [2:04:01, 2:04:09]: make them aware. Can you explain why this particular service was not appro advertised by competitive bidding? [2:04:09, 2:04:11]: Is that a question that you want to answer or? [2:04:11, 2:04:13]: Mr. Beery, the city attorney. [2:04:14, 2:04:17]: Um, I I suppose either one he can certainly weigh in as well. [2:04:17, 2:04:26]: Uh professional service is allowed uh in our ordinance uh for specific types of things, certain types of uses, certain types of uses that are not covered. [2:04:26, 2:04:28]: And traditional areas. [2:04:28, 2:04:34]: One of the things with respect to looking at a management company such as this is [2:04:34, 2:04:40]: The ability of that management company to be directly connected to the city of Stockbridge and have [2:04:40, 2:04:45]: Um the ability to uh be hands on uh with us to understand [2:04:45, 2:04:52]: not only uh the lay of the land here in the metro Atlanta area, but as you mentioned or as Mr. Murray mentioned, of course. [2:04:53, 2:04:57]: Um the radio station uh support that they have throughout the metro Atlanta area. [2:04:58, 2:05:05]: And uh uh those are several reasons why uh as a professional service uh this was proposed. [2:05:06, 2:05:12]: to be able to take a look at excuse me, various entities that were could provide the service to us. [2:05:12, 2:05:13]: And [2:05:13, 2:05:17]: Ensure that we're not a small fish, so to speak, in a big pond. [2:05:17, 2:05:21]: But they have uh direct connections to the city of Stockbridge. [2:05:21, 2:05:25]: Uh, they are working on behalf of the city of Stockbridge specifically. [2:05:25, 2:05:30]: And are not spread too thin with respect to paying the attention to our facility. [2:05:31, 2:05:33]: And everything that comes along with it. [2:05:33, 2:05:38]: um as uh some others might be. And so this fits with within uh the parameters. [2:05:38, 2:05:43]: uh for Mr. Berry uh of a professional service and that is why it is being brought to you as such here. [2:05:44, 2:05:53]: Thank you, Mr. Knighton. Okay, this is a question for Mr. Murray. Can you explain for the public what naming rights means? [2:05:54, 2:05:54]: Yes, ma'am. [2:05:55, 2:05:58]: The ma the naming rights in the in the reason. [2:05:59, 2:06:05]: sponsors are interested in that is they're included on all marketing materials, whether it be a website or [2:06:05, 2:06:07]: uh a radio station. [2:06:07, 2:06:08]: For example [2:06:09, 2:06:11]: You know, I'm I'm using some of the artists we've been talking to. [2:06:12, 2:06:17]: This would be the grand opening of the let's say Piedmont Hospital Amphitheater. [2:06:18, 2:06:20]: In beautiful Stockbridge, Georgia. [2:06:21, 2:06:22]: Presented by [2:06:24, 2:06:25]: Pepsi Cola. No. [2:06:26, 2:06:30]: The Pepsi Cola concert series, but that's that's how it is promoted. [2:06:30, 2:06:35]: So you will hear that almost on an hourly basis with the naming rights in every [2:06:36, 2:06:38]: promotion or spot. [2:06:38, 2:06:47]: Or add the presenting sponsor as well. And then the other 30 sponsors will be rotated in there. You never want to put more than three to four. [2:06:47, 2:06:50]: in a a spot or an advertisement because it gets confusing. [2:06:51, 2:06:56]: So that's that's how that would work. So it that's why it's important that the city do have [2:06:56, 2:06:59]: Does have the input on the naming rights. [2:07:00, 2:07:03]: We don't want you to have to worry about every sponsor that we sell in. [2:07:04, 2:07:07]: But if it's connected to the the city's name, absolutely. [2:07:08, 2:07:28]: And also just like the Mercedes-Benz, you know, you you're talking about uh big names. You're talking about this like the Staple Center. You you know, and long so you you you're constantly hearing their their their name is constantly being promoted. I mean uh at every given time, even in television. [2:07:28, 2:07:37]: radio, uh whatever is constantly being turned. So a naming rights will is definitely a marketing tool for that company as well. [2:07:38, 2:07:39]: Thank you for that. [2:07:39, 2:07:40]: Nightway. [2:07:40, 2:07:46]: Um if you don't mind, let me see. I asked about billboards earlier. Um [2:07:47, 2:07:51]: I know that you said you all use majority radio ads. [2:07:51, 2:07:51]: Yes. [2:07:53, 2:07:58]: Would it be um beneficial for us? And I guess this is a a question for Mr. Knighton. [2:07:59, 2:08:04]: Uh because I asked this question earlier this year, when we approved that um agreement. [2:08:04, 2:08:10]: for billboards for the Merrill Manders and Ted Strickland, I asked um about [2:08:11, 2:08:13]: advertising for the amphitheater. [2:08:13, 2:08:16]: We assume that the management company would take that on. [2:08:17, 2:08:19]: So where are we with that now? [2:08:19, 2:08:20]: Knowing that [2:08:21, 2:08:26]: Billboard advertisement is not something that is included in this current proposal. [2:08:27, 2:08:28]: Mr. Knighton. [2:08:31, 2:08:33]: Well, I probably would mention that [2:08:33, 2:08:40]: As I understood, Mr. Murray and the group would use some digital platforms like billboards from time to time to promote events. [2:08:41, 2:08:47]: This is my understanding. If I'm if I'm incorrect, please tell me. And that's a good question because. [2:08:48, 2:09:00]: The reason we did not put billboards in this is because we do not own the billboard platform. We lease billboards, probably an average of twenty plus a month in Atlanta. [2:09:01, 2:09:04]: And for appropriate shows, uh, I would [2:09:05, 2:09:15]: use some of those billboards. If a show wasn't doing well, for example, I would up the promotion on the stations, I would up the promotion on everything I had, which would be billboards. [2:09:16, 2:09:22]: On the the proper show, like we were talking about earlier, like a big country show, a billboard in Chattanooga might be. [2:09:22, 2:09:30]: Might be appropriate. But the reason it's not included in this contract is because we do not own that particular platform like we do the rest. [2:09:31, 2:09:37]: So I think those few times that you will use billboards, who's going to [2:09:37, 2:09:42]: assume the cost of that. Would that be the management company or the city? [2:09:42, 2:09:58]: If it's in an existing billboard that we have, uh, we would assume the cost of it. If we needed additional billboards, for example, uh in a Warner Robbins or a Chattanooga, I I would go to the city and ask for approval for additional budget for that. [2:09:59, 2:10:02]: Okay, I'd much rather have that included in this contract. [2:10:03, 2:10:09]: Um I just don't I just don't own the billboards. Right. I understand that. Um [2:10:10, 2:10:16]: And maybe Mr. Berry can help with that later. But that's just one of my questions. You answer eleven of them. [2:10:17, 2:10:19]: Um let's see. Oh [2:10:19, 2:10:39]: Mr. Murray, okay, just for public knowledge, um, some of the questions, not all of them, you did respond and I am satisfied with your responses. Um, just for public knowledge, I want you to um just acknowledge your response to my questions. One was who or how will we monitor feedback from event attendees? [2:10:39, 2:10:42]: to ensure their satisfaction. [2:10:42, 2:10:46]: Um you responded and said you're on site management and website survey. [2:10:46, 2:10:54]: Yes, ma'am. Yes. Uh Mr. Ware will be the the on-site manager. We will have a staff of [2:10:54, 2:10:59]: between vendor security, everything, close to a hundred people. [2:10:59, 2:11:00]: One side. [2:11:00, 2:11:03]: А іні проблем. [2:11:03, 2:11:10]: that we can head off at the pass, we will before it gets to the point where somebody would go to the [2:11:10, 2:11:13]: Stockbridge Amphitheater website, which we will be creating. [2:11:13, 2:11:16]: uh where they can say positive things or negative things. [2:11:17, 2:11:29]: But our goal with with all venues is to keep people happy. We always keep a block of tickets for somebody who is who's not happy because they might be sitting next to somebody who is loud or the seat wasn't as good as they thought it was. [2:11:32, 2:11:52]: I don't know if I should tell that on the middle of the uh this broadcast, everybody'll be sitting in the front row, but we try to keep everybody as happy as possible. We just want to keep everybody as happy as possible. Yes. Thank you for that. Another question that I asked, what are the time slots for the radio ads and what percentage will be for morning? [2:11:51, 2:11:57]: drive versus the afternoon and evening drive. I know lunchtime drive is not ideal. [2:11:57, 2:12:08]: Well, another good question. We run these promotional announcements and advertisers what we call run of schedule, which is an equal vertical and horizontal rotation, so six A to six A. [2:12:08, 2:12:10]: And Monday through Sunday. [2:12:11, 2:12:22]: This schedule is so heavy between the live and the promotion things. It'll be mentioned almost on an hourly basis. And the more sponsors we sell, the more spots we'll have to run because we can only put [2:12:22, 2:12:25]: Really, three sponsors inside of an ed. [2:12:25, 2:12:30]: because it will already have the presenting sponsor and the naming rights sponsor in there. [2:12:30, 2:12:31]: That's the [2:12:31, 2:12:33]: Thank you for that. Um [2:12:35, 2:12:53]: We talked about the split. I know with the ticket sales um in this proposed contract, it mentions um is it a eighty twenty split with the eighty split of the ticket? Eighty-five to the city of Stockbridge and fifteen to the Georgia Radio Alliance Stockbridge. [2:12:53, 2:12:56]: Okay, thank you for that. [2:12:56, 2:13:05]: we know that we're in the middle of a pandemic, so we're not gonna sail to full capacity. Um so that is why I was making suggestions on [2:13:06, 2:13:08]: Other areas in which the city [2:13:08, 2:13:11]: could make up for that financial deficit. [2:13:12, 2:13:12]: Um [2:13:14, 2:13:20]: in terms of the food and beverage. I know the contract doesn't specifically mention alcohol sales. [2:13:21, 2:13:23]: Um separate from food and beverage. [2:13:24, 2:13:26]: Yes, the the alcohol sales [2:13:27, 2:13:31]: In the projections that we did that was included in that number. [2:13:31, 2:13:34]: And and per the councilman's earlier question. [2:13:35, 2:13:39]: We've modified that to be ten percent of gross sales. [2:13:39, 2:13:51]: the the the point of sale system, you'd be able to monitor it almost on an hourly basis and see exactly what the the sale was, whether it was a a Pepsi Cola, whether it was a a hamburger, whether it was a [2:13:51, 2:13:53]: A beer, whether it was spirits. [2:13:54, 2:14:01]: And uh that would be a considerable amount of money. Certain formats, for example, we have matched the [2:14:01, 2:14:04]: beer sales on the ticket sale revenue. [2:14:08, 2:14:09]: Okay. [2:14:10, 2:14:10]: Um [2:14:12, 2:14:20]: Oh, uh this is a follow-up question um with and I can't remember your name, I'm sorry, the one that's the make who? [2:14:21, 2:14:22]: Harold Young. [2:14:22, 2:14:25]: Harold. Brother Harold. [2:14:25, 2:14:28]: Um this is a question for you. So [2:14:29, 2:14:41]: When there is an agreement made with an artist or whoever to perform, those documents will they be made available for the city? [2:14:42, 2:14:48]: Most definitely. I mean because it's the city of Stockbridge um that is [2:14:48, 2:15:08]: funding this project. So it's definitely it's yeah. I'm only negotiating for you all. We're working for you all. I mean, so it's definitely not a Harold Young production, you know, and you know, no. Any anything that uh that I speak of, I'm speaking [2:15:08, 2:15:11]: on the behalf of the city of Stockbridge. [2:15:12, 2:15:15]: So those are definitely your documents and definitely will be forwarded to [2:15:16, 2:15:29]: uh the attorney or the the city manager and whoever else needs to see them to verify. I would not negotiate I I I would not sign off on it until those are approved and says by the by the powers to be. [2:15:29, 2:15:37]: Thank you. So this is a um final question for Mr. Knighton. Mr. Knighton, so is there a need for a broker slash agent? [2:15:40, 2:15:55]: Is there still a need for a broker slash agent? No, no, no, not at all. Because because this group being all inclusive, they operate in that space and provide the nest those would provide those functions that a traditional broker would be. So no. [2:15:55, 2:16:07]: Okay, my last and final question. I wanted to ask staff, um, have the terms specifically the percentages of revenue um have those been negotiated? [2:16:08, 2:16:19]: Has staff negotiated these terms and procedures? Uh to some extent we have some of those items. We've had some conversations about um several of those items with respect to [2:16:20, 2:16:23]: Uh, we had met uh boy several weeks ago. [2:16:23, 2:16:28]: kind of gone through everything um and you know some of the modifications even made today. [2:16:29, 2:16:36]: Um, so with respect to those particular numbers, we think that they are are are fair and ultimately the bottom line. [2:16:37, 2:16:43]: that shows um the the ultimate revenue versus expenses that would come to the city of stockbridge. [2:16:44, 2:16:45]: Um is positive. [2:16:45, 2:16:48]: Uh so we think that those are are are in order. [2:16:49, 2:16:52]: Okay, so there is a revised contract. [2:16:52, 2:16:54]: Um other than the one that we have already. [2:16:55, 2:17:02]: There were uh Mr Mr. Murray incorporated the course of the day because of some of the questions and some of the clarifications that were needed. [2:17:03, 2:17:12]: Mr. Murray provided us late this afternoon some of those revisions, some of those slight revisions that incorporated some of these questions that were asked or clarifications to be made. [2:17:12, 2:17:21]: Were there any revisions to the percentages of the sponsorships, the naming rights, food and beverage? [2:17:22, 2:17:34]: Was any of that changed? The only revision that was made was the the food and beverage. Rather than try and do it on a net profit amount, which would be very difficult to calculate. [2:17:35, 2:17:38]: We're proposing that we do it on just ten percent of the gross. [2:17:39, 2:17:41]: That way it's there's no question. [2:17:41, 2:17:45]: If if the vendor did not make any money, the city still gets paid. [2:17:46, 2:17:47]: on whatever the sales might be. [2:17:48, 2:17:51]: Okay. The other percentages have remained the same. [2:17:51, 2:18:04]: Okay, now as far as the is it naming rights, where the merchandise sale of merchandise, um, so the city would not benefit from any of the sales. [2:18:05, 2:18:10]: The city will get 30% of everything that we sell as far as naming rights. [2:18:10, 2:18:13]: А еврій спонсор [2:18:13, 2:18:16]: We've got on the air a presenting sponsor. [2:18:16, 2:18:20]: The city will get thirty percent of what we [2:18:20, 2:18:25]: So and we'll be paid on a monthly basis based on our receiving payment. [2:18:26, 2:18:33]: And that's exactly what we do in Fayetteville is the is the fifteenth of every month, Fayetteville receives a check and the amount of thirty percent. [2:18:33, 2:18:35]: Of what we have generated. [2:18:35, 2:18:41]: And it it's worked well to have a really we're paid on a commission basis. We don't get paid unless we perform. [2:18:42, 2:18:47]: Gotcha. Thank you. Thank you all for being patient with me and answering my questions. [2:18:48, 2:18:49]: Thank you for being so thorough. [2:18:50, 2:18:52]: Councilman Thomas, go ahead, please. [2:18:52, 2:19:01]: Uh thank you. Uh Mr. Murray, let me just say I I do appreciate you uh making these modifications. I know we we spoke Saturday and [2:19:02, 2:19:06]: I know you've g received some emails and we just appreciate you for the modification. [2:19:06, 2:19:09]: But one last question. Um [2:19:11, 2:19:15]: You mentioned, I know you modified from the ten [2:19:16, 2:19:23]: Concerts in the concert calendar year. I know you moved that up to twelve. Is that correct? [2:19:23, 2:19:24]: Yes, sir. [2:19:25, 2:19:26]: Okay. [2:19:26, 2:19:29]: The the the issue well, could explain to me. [2:19:30, 2:19:31]: Um [2:19:32, 2:19:35]: The authority okay, out of that calendar year. [2:19:35, 2:19:37]: There are some [2:19:37, 2:19:41]: I would say Fridays and some Saturdays and some Sundays. [2:19:41, 2:19:42]: That are not booked. [2:19:43, 2:19:45]: And in this agreement it talks about [2:19:46, 2:19:47]: Um [2:19:47, 2:19:49]: You have authority. [2:19:49, 2:19:52]: So could you and Mr. Nine Sow to speak to [2:19:53, 2:19:54]: Uh what [2:19:55, 2:19:57]: Uh what we can do what [2:19:58, 2:20:06]: What can we do uh on those dates that are not booked? Uh I I want to start to get into the limitations. [2:20:06, 2:20:10]: of what we can do. So you say a Saturday, we don't have anything booked. [2:20:11, 2:20:13]: Um, through your management. [2:20:13, 2:20:16]: Uh what is it that we can and we can't do? [2:20:18, 2:20:21]: Mr. Knight, I could I could maybe start start with that. Go ahead. Go ahead. [2:20:21, 2:20:22]: So [2:20:23, 2:20:28]: Anything that the city would like to do in addition to the the number of concerts, which is really [2:20:28, 2:20:31]: governed more by budget than the number of shows. [2:20:31, 2:20:34]: Uh we would manage that. [2:20:35, 2:20:36]: For the city. [2:20:37, 2:20:38]: And um [2:20:40, 2:20:47]: If it was 10 or if it was 15, it really wouldn't matter. But it is important that the management company stay in place. [2:20:48, 2:20:55]: Uh for example, we've talked about security, using the same security, people that are familiar with the venue and familiar with the people. [2:20:55, 2:21:00]: The vendor that particular vendor is gonna have fifty people working. [2:21:01, 2:21:04]: It will be smoother using the same people. [2:21:04, 2:21:06]: Uh sound provider, same thing. [2:21:07, 2:21:11]: It will be smoother using the same people. In fact, it would be [2:21:11, 2:21:14]: Very difficult to do something that did not run through. [2:21:15, 2:21:19]: the the management company, everything from the ambulance service to to you name it. [2:21:19, 2:21:30]: Mr. Knighton, you can fill in the Yeah, I and I think if I understand Councilman Thomas's question, for instance, there's flexibility here. In other words, the twelve there's twelve, but there's also [2:21:31, 2:21:32]: If an artist becomes available. [2:21:33, 2:21:51]: that you know we know would do do great here at the amphitheater, then that becomes another event. It just becomes a matter of revenue expenses and scaling that event during the course of the year. So that could, you know, there could be many more events like that. The other thing with respect to city events, I think may have been a question as well, when the amphitheater is not being utilized. [2:21:51, 2:21:55]: Um uh obviously that's the city's facility. [2:21:55, 2:22:00]: And for certain, you know, events that we traditionally have. [2:22:00, 2:22:09]: Um we obviously can be use that facility. Um something uh that would be huge, I would imagine next year would be Juneteenth in particular. [2:22:09, 2:22:14]: But we would have the the amphitheater and would utilize the facility probably. [2:22:14, 2:22:31]: uh near its capacity. But the other things that we have during the course of the year as well, the other events that we would have and use the amphitheater for, obviously those would be in the offing uh in uh in addition to that, as well as I'm sure that and we've already been approached [2:22:31, 2:22:37]: by or it's been alluded to that certain schools may want to use the facility for a particular event. [2:22:37, 2:22:46]: or a um uh an an entity um like a puppeteering or dance or something like that may want to use the facility. [2:22:46, 2:22:50]: And I think um, you know, based obviously on the councils. [2:22:50, 2:22:54]: discussion that we want to make the facility available for [2:22:55, 2:23:09]: certain entities like that because they may not have a current facility like that in Henry County or Stockbridge. And we want to be able to provide that availability, of course, with certain parameters, of course, but uh to have the venue to be able to utilize [2:23:09, 2:23:21]: um even more than just entertainment, a concert venue, but can be a comprehensive venue that could be utilized in many other ways that could support not only the educational and and [2:23:21, 2:23:24]: Health of young people, but also. [2:23:25, 2:23:27]: You know, obviously it's a quality of life issue as well. [2:23:28, 2:23:32]: Yeah, I I just realized the definition, Mr. Murray, Mr. Nine. [2:23:32, 2:23:36]: Uh in the in the agreement it said exclusive [2:23:36, 2:23:37]: Authority. [2:23:38, 2:23:40]: And I know what you just explained. [2:23:40, 2:23:48]: But what is what is what is missing, I guess in the um exclusive [2:23:49, 2:23:51]: Authority. So would there be [2:23:52, 2:23:52]: Um [2:23:55, 2:24:00]: A clause related to that. I I I I think you answered it and where you did answer, I'm okay with that. [2:24:01, 2:24:05]: But it's just what is what is written, what is stated, when it said exclusive. [2:24:05, 2:24:08]: And I know, you know, in this age of [2:24:08, 2:24:09]: Balsous said [2:24:10, 2:24:11]: Disagreement. [2:24:11, 2:24:12]: And those kind of things. [2:24:13, 2:24:14]: I just want to make sure that [2:24:15, 2:24:16]: That all of that leeway [2:24:17, 2:24:19]: It it's sort of understood going forward. [2:24:19, 2:24:22]: I would hate for us to get get to a point where [2:24:22, 2:24:27]: Oh well the agreement said we have exclusive authority. [2:24:27, 2:24:33]: Now and hopefully we're not gonna get there, but I'm just saying it's it's the language, I guess, and that term exclusive. [2:24:34, 2:24:38]: But the way you explain it, I'm okay with that. But I'm just asking, I guess. [2:24:38, 2:24:42]: Does that word exclusive need to be? [2:24:43, 2:24:43]: Um [2:24:44, 2:24:48]: loosely designed or modified or uh just [2:24:48, 2:24:50]: Both of y'all could respond to that. [2:24:51, 2:24:53]: Or Scott McPherson, are you? [2:24:54, 2:24:55]: Still on the [2:24:56, 2:24:56]: Is you? [2:24:57, 2:25:04]: Yes, I'm yes, I'm here and I was following that. Uh councilman, it's it's an excellent point that you raised, but [2:25:05, 2:25:14]: You know, us lawyers we're always parsing every word, and that's kind of important here because if you look at the first page of the contract. [2:25:15, 2:25:30]: It mentions exclusive control and talking about authority, but it is qualified by uh the Stockbridge amphitheater related to the 2021 and 2022 concert series. [2:25:30, 2:25:31]: And I I think [2:25:32, 2:25:37]: some of the concerns you're raising, valid concerns, but they appear to be uh [2:25:38, 2:25:42]: Outside of the concert series, meaning it would be um [2:25:42, 2:26:02]: a negotiated relationship similar to what Mr. Knighton has been discussing with Mr. Murray for events that were not directly related to the 2021 and 2022 concert series. So I I I think the agreement uh does give you the room you need not to uh necessarily be hamstrung by [2:26:02, 2:26:04]: That term exclusive. [2:26:05, 2:26:15]: Okay. I I think it and uh and I yield because I know some other council members wanna wanna re I see their hands raised. So I yield back. Thank you all, Mr. Murray and Mr. McPherson. Thank y'all. [2:26:16, 2:26:17]: Councilman Gann, go ahead, please. [2:26:18, 2:26:23]: Thank you. I agree with Councilman Thomas in the word exclusive. Um, I would like to [2:26:24, 2:26:35]: probably see in that contract that we actually um have a statement there um with those conditions. [2:26:36, 2:26:43]: Those other conditions in regards to our city events. Those are our particular events that we want to utilize the amphitheater. [2:26:43, 2:26:54]: So unless there's some type of definition term of concert series and and what that is, I think it's broad to that point. I would like for it to actually specifically state. [2:26:55, 2:26:56]: That we are allowed. [2:26:57, 2:26:57]: Um [2:26:58, 2:27:01]: that we're utilizing, you know, if the city have events. [2:27:02, 2:27:06]: Those those aren't a part of the concert series. We have a a city staff team for that. [2:27:07, 2:27:08]: That we've already discussed, right? [2:27:09, 2:27:09]: So [2:27:10, 2:27:13]: I think that we we really probably should put that language in there. [2:27:14, 2:27:17]: Okay. The attorneys if the attorneys are attorneys are on [2:27:17, 2:27:19]: Perhaps we can craft something here. [2:27:21, 2:27:29]: All right. I'm sorry. Go ahead, Mayor. I'm sorry. And that my other question was um, based off of your experience, Mr. Murray, and your team. [2:27:30, 2:27:30]: Um [2:27:32, 2:27:42]: at the other locations. Are there any of those amphitheaters such as Fayette Bale or anywhere that purchases their own equipment so that when they'll act [2:27:42, 2:27:46]: um comes on board, whether they lease that equipment, some some artists [2:27:46, 2:27:51]: prefer to lease the equipment that's already in place and some prefer to bring their equipment. [2:27:51, 2:27:53]: Do you have have you had any experience with that? [2:27:54, 2:27:58]: I'll speak briefly on that and then I'll let let Mr. Young weigh in. [2:27:58, 2:28:01]: Okay. Most of the venues uh [2:28:02, 2:28:05]: lease the equipment from from a company like us or a third party. [2:28:05, 2:28:06]: Sound provider. [2:28:07, 2:28:08]: Uh [2:28:09, 2:28:15]: Some venues purchase what we call the arrays, which are the big speakers that were hanging from the uh [2:28:15, 2:28:22]: from the stage and the subwoofers below it. But I'll let uh Harold Young speak further on that. He has more experience than I. [2:28:23, 2:28:24]: Uh huh. [2:28:25, 2:28:40]: There's some like in every facility, like there's some lighting, there's some sound that is always there. Uh each artist have their own specifications on certain equipment and I would [2:28:40, 2:29:00]: I would not recommend this the city purchasing uh any because it always changes. Every art there's certain boards, there's certain keyboards, there's certain drums, there's certain drumsticks that they may even ask for. And you know, you will get into the weeds of that uh I I don't think you want to go. [2:29:00, 2:29:16]: that deep into uh making sure that every artist because a uh an RB artist may want something that a country artists have and it it's just it's a it's a lot. There's certain soundboards that um [2:29:17, 2:29:37]: Some artists won't even play out of it, which y it wouldn't matter to an the average person, like like to anyone. It's like what's the difference? It you you plug in a microphone into this thing and it comes out. But there's certain uh mackey boards and so all over the c there's certain it's just like you like your particular car, you know, I'm not gonna drive a [2:29:37, 2:29:57]: You go anymore because I drive a Pontiac, you know, and but it still rides, but it's it's it's the same concept. Every artist have their own mindset on things. So I would not get into if my suggestion, not purchase certain things, but uh having a lighting, uh certain lights and spotlights. [2:29:57, 2:30:02]: Definitely yes. Um I would I would look into something of that. [2:30:04, 2:30:24]: Each each of those artists and uh Harold, thanks for explaining that, but when you get the writer um with every show is different. So in that writer, uh that's when we would go back to um our team and just make sure everything was brought out that that particular writer asked for. And each writer [2:30:23, 2:30:43]: rider is different. Each stage plot is different. They're gonna want us one one group may want one riser in the middle for the drummer. Um if we hire a Patty Labelle, they may want four risers um and a whole different um set of lighting. So uh but each one of them is different. That's why I too with [2:30:43, 2:30:45]: Would would [2:30:45, 2:30:46]: Would vote against um [2:30:47, 2:30:50]: uh the owning of equipment versus um [2:30:51, 2:30:53]: You know, just using a using our company. [2:30:55, 2:30:56]: Okay. [2:30:56, 2:30:58]: Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [2:31:00, 2:31:07]: Yeah, thank you, Mayor. Um I went to a venue. I got about three things and I'm gonna let it go. Uh we I [2:31:07, 2:31:11]: I think the contract do does need to add. I th but I think the contract [2:31:11, 2:31:14]: Uh, the agreement where it's in place now only speaks to the [2:31:15, 2:31:35]: concerts that you all are going to be doing, but I guess that the birds need to be in there to be more specific to protect the city and whatever we do, uh, even when it comes to short movers or anything that we talked about. I went to I've been to several concerts where and I would I'm gonna come back in a minute to the the rent equipment, but I've been to several concerts uh well not sever [2:31:34, 2:31:47]: several but some outdoor venues where umbrellas weren't weren't allowed inside because of obvious reasons. Uh is that something that you guys have seen that umbrellas itself wasn't allowed in? [2:31:48, 2:31:53]: That is the case in most every outdoor in venue that umbrellas are not allowed in. [2:31:53, 2:31:55]: Uh they can be dangerous just [2:31:55, 2:32:02]: By poking somebody in the eye, they can be used as a weapon. They're just uh, I would not suggest allowing that. [2:32:03, 2:32:05]: Okay. Um [2:32:05, 2:32:08]: When when I used to go get vehicles repaired. [2:32:08, 2:32:27]: The price was never the way it's supposed to have been that I thought it was gonna be because the person doing the repairing, I'm not a mechanic, he would always say, Well, I had to purchase accessories. Would there be some type of price list that you guys supply the city? Because we we don't know anything about sounds. You guys just mentioned some technical stuff about equipment. [2:32:28, 2:32:48]: And so not saying that you all will, but how did this how does the city protect themselves from inflated rates on equipment being rented? Because that's gonna ultimately affect the uh the 30, 70 percentage uh that comes out on what the artist wants and what you guys, what you all provide them versus what we the knowledge we know of this equipment. [2:32:48, 2:33:01]: versus what our percentage is to the city. Well the the percentage on all these gross amounts wouldn't be affected. Uh like Harold was talking about on the uh [2:33:02, 2:33:03]: Of the talent. [2:33:04, 2:33:11]: It it varies depending on the talent. Patty LaBelle may have a a certain equipment list versus somebody else. And um [2:33:13, 2:33:33]: That most of that is a third party that we work with. Harold, you can speak on that as well. And and what I've done over the years is do a buyout. So uh I pay one price and that's what to get like Patty LaBelle has a grand piano that's being that's [2:33:33, 2:33:47]: will be delivered, you know, so we don't have to go rent a, go try to find a grand piano. There are companies across the company they call Backline. Backline is all the instruments. And there are company certain production companies that just um [2:33:48, 2:34:08]: that handle that. So there would never be a like a a a set priceless. You just do a buyout and and it's that's a certain cost of because knowing the instruments, there's some people may have pyrotechnics and all this stuff. It's all negotiated and within the production. So there is no like say these drums sticks cost ten dollars. [2:34:08, 2:34:28]: And we start renting that like that. No, we go through once we go through the writer, we we know that they need, we'll send it to their a their several different um backline companies. We know what what it should cost. We know if it's influctuated. We're working for you all because if we don't make if if if we don't [2:34:28, 2:34:38]: do this right, it this is not a good relationship. You know, so it's it's not a thing that we would ever try to let a third party take advantage of basically us and you all. [2:34:38, 2:34:47]: So well said, Harold. We're looking at it three, four years down the road, not making six hundred and twenty-four thousand dollars, making one million six hundred and twenty-four thousand. [2:34:47, 2:34:51]: Well, last question, you kinda headed toward my last question. [2:34:51, 2:35:07]: Uh when you talk about liabilities, uh and I don't know how that how that works, Mr. Knight, is that liability on how how do you sp split the liability or or we solely uh um have the liability for the amphitheater or there's a management company? [2:35:08, 2:35:10]: Have any pull on liability for the amphitheater? [2:35:11, 2:35:16]: I'm just trying to figure out is is the sole liability on anything with the amphitheater on the city? [2:35:17, 2:35:21]: Or is there any shared uh liability with the uh management company? [2:35:22, 2:35:25]: Because of uh he just talked about power techniques. [2:35:25, 2:35:28]: If you got power techniques out there and something happens. [2:35:28, 2:35:34]: Is the l is the liability on anything that's going on, is that on the city or is that a shared liability with the management county? [2:35:36, 2:35:42]: I probably defer to the to the attorneys with that, but um it's our venue, it's our facility. [2:35:43, 2:35:50]: Um and so with that then comes the the responsibility of the liability that comes with the facility. [2:35:50, 2:35:53]: Which we have already activated, of course. [2:35:53, 2:35:55]: uh for the facility going forward. [2:35:55, 2:36:00]: Well if I hire a corner for my house, he better he better have insurance if he mess something up. [2:36:00, 2:36:06]: So it is my house, but uh his liabilities on the work that he's doing. So that's that's why I asked that question. [2:36:08, 2:36:15]: And uh Councilmember Blount, this is Jeremy. I I think it's gonna depend on the situation, but as Mr. Knighton said, it's it's the city's. [2:36:15, 2:36:16]: uh facility. [2:36:17, 2:36:18]: Um [2:36:18, 2:36:21]: And the the contractor's working for the city, but [2:36:22, 2:36:26]: Your point is is well taken. We'll make sure there's sufficient insurance as well. [2:36:29, 2:36:33]: And any in any time there's a artist that requires something, um [2:36:34, 2:36:36]: Of that magnitude, it would certainly be [2:36:37, 2:36:57]: um discussed up front, you know, of some um like we uh we have to have a fire marshal on the premises, which you know, there there's certain things that have to be in place. You you can't just say, hey, we're gonna we're gonna start popping fireworks on the stage. And you know, there's a lot of things that go into play b way before [2:36:57, 2:36:58]: Um [2:36:59, 2:37:15]: You see it. So the like liability uh contracts, uh uh everything's in place. Even you know, just making sure the EMT is somewhere near with the uh are the um the fire marshals right near with a uh um [2:37:16, 2:37:29]: As fire extinguisher, you know, there's a lot of things that go into place so in in shows that behind the scenes that an an average person wouldn't see that. And there's no disrespect. They just don't know that that this things are going on behind the scenes. [2:37:31, 2:37:36]: And Harold, as you well know, the city of Stockbridge does have a fire marshal that's on our staff as well. Beautiful. [2:37:36, 2:37:51]: Beautiful. We already have one employed. Uh then back to I want to ask Miss Holliday uh stand by uh Miss Barber. Miss Holliday, you told informed me not too long ago that we and Mr. Nike alluded to this as well about an insurance policy. So we already have the empathy to insured. [2:37:51, 2:37:57]: And is uh no, we don't have an insured yet? No, we do, but it's the building, the building only. [2:37:57, 2:37:58]: It is don't interpret. [2:37:58, 2:38:01]: All the buildings, all the buildings. We got several buildings. [2:38:01, 2:38:02]: That is correct. [2:38:02, 2:38:06]: And the amphitheater was added, I believe the date was June fifteenth. [2:38:07, 2:38:08]: Okay. [2:38:08, 2:38:09]: I saw. [2:38:09, 2:38:17]: Out of curiosity, you have any idea what the cost factor for that, uh what it's in insured for? You have any idea twenty million, Mr. Knighton? I believe it was twenty million. [2:38:19, 2:38:22]: You're muted, but I believe you're saying yes, twenty million. [2:38:22, 2:38:24]: Twenty yes, twenty million dollars. [2:38:25, 2:38:26]: Right. So be it. [2:38:26, 2:38:28]: Ms. Barber, go ahead, please. [2:38:30, 2:38:32]: Over your radio alliance. [2:38:33, 2:38:36]: LLC. You all are a limited liability company. [2:38:37, 2:38:38]: Um [2:38:39, 2:38:41]: You don't carry any insurance? [2:38:41, 2:38:46]: Oh no, we we carry insurance. We're actually about thirty L L Cs. [2:38:46, 2:38:48]: Okay. Um [2:38:48, 2:38:49]: Just [2:38:49, 2:38:56]: for the protection of the city, I think we do need to require some level of liability insurance. Um [2:38:57, 2:39:03]: from Georgia Radio Alliance. They're the ones who are acting as an agent on behalf of the city. [2:39:04, 2:39:04]: So [2:39:05, 2:39:05]: Anything. [2:39:05, 2:39:08]: I just don't want it to fall in our lap. [2:39:09, 2:39:12]: They need to be able to assume some of the res responsibility. [2:39:13, 2:39:15]: You just mentioned about a grand piano. [2:39:16, 2:39:19]: Um if anything happens with that, whether it is [2:39:19, 2:39:22]: On premises or off-premises? [2:39:22, 2:39:24]: The city would be responsible for it. [2:39:25, 2:39:25]: Thanks for it. [2:39:26, 2:39:28]: I don't agree with that. [2:39:28, 2:39:29]: Um [2:39:30, 2:39:43]: Now I don't know if it is appropriate for me to ask that um they carry insurance. Is that a conversation, Mr. Berry or Mr. Washington, that you all have spoken with them about? [2:39:47, 2:39:50]: I mean, council member, it's something that we're [2:39:50, 2:39:53]: Well, you can look into and and figure out. I mean the the city [2:39:54, 2:40:01]: would be liable like well I I I'm not comfortable sort of discussing all this publicly'cause I don't in the unfortunate situation that something we're [2:40:02, 2:40:05]: happens in the city suit. I don't want my words coming back. [2:40:05, 2:40:07]: But the to your point [2:40:07, 2:40:11]: We need to make sure that they're properly insured and and I understand that they are. [2:40:13, 2:40:31]: And I I could I could talk a little bit, uh and Barber, that the like the production company um that we talked to and you get that to see we all we also make sure that they are heavily insured as well. So if there's any negligence uh from uh in any point, it would be covered. [2:40:32, 2:40:34]: Covered under the city's insurance. [2:40:36, 2:40:43]: No, our our subs are covered as well. Like our subcontractor for our lighting company and our production company. [2:40:43, 2:40:45]: They're covered as well under their own insurance. [2:40:46, 2:40:48]: And we'll be listed as riders and you guys can be [2:40:49, 2:40:50]: We could get that all worked out. [2:40:51, 2:40:54]: Okay, what about for the vendors? [2:40:54, 2:40:57]: Will they also be required to be insured? [2:40:58, 2:41:00]: Okay. The next. [2:41:00, 2:41:02]: Thank you. That means yeah. [2:41:03, 2:41:04]: Yes, ma'am. [2:41:05, 2:41:07]: Okay, um one other question, jobs. [2:41:08, 2:41:11]: Um, how would those jobs be advertised? [2:41:11, 2:41:12]: For [2:41:12, 2:41:17]: employment at the amphitheater and where would people go to apply for them? [2:41:19, 2:41:20]: That's a very good question. [2:41:21, 2:41:33]: And uh although we haven't addressed that in anything, we would uh uh the website for the city, our websites, uh the amphitheater website, the stations if necessary. [2:41:34, 2:41:37]: uh we do have to bring in additional [2:41:37, 2:41:43]: people to run this. Now the vendor would be responsible for their own personnel. [2:41:44, 2:41:47]: The food and beverage vendor, speaking of specifically. [2:41:47, 2:41:56]: Okay. Can we request that on the Georgia Radio Alliance Stockbridge website that you all um [2:41:57, 2:42:00]: advertise job opportunities there. [2:42:01, 2:42:02]: I don't see a problem with that. [2:42:03, 2:42:12]: Okay, awesome. Now one last question. The printout from Ticketmaster, I assume that you'll be using Ticketmaster or someone else. [2:42:12, 2:42:17]: We'll be using ticks dot com because they are about twenty percent of the cost of Ticketmaster. [2:42:17, 2:42:26]: Ticks.com. Thank you for that. Will will you all be providing the printout or is there a printout of the number of tickets sold and [2:42:27, 2:42:35]: There is a a website that anybody we authorize can go to and that you can see the amount of tickets sold basically on an hourly basis. [2:42:35, 2:42:36]: Awesome. Thank you. [2:42:39, 2:42:48]: Yeah, Mr. Thomas, go ahead, please. Thank you. Uh Mr. McPherson, uh, is there anything you want to add uh in that conversation about insurance? [2:42:53, 2:42:53]: Well [2:42:53, 2:42:57]: I tend to agree with the basic premise of [2:42:57, 2:43:10]: your council. It's probably an issue that the particulars of it would be negotiated and discussed uh in a private setting. And then of course the ultimate agreement would be public record, as we all know. [2:43:11, 2:43:17]: Um that that is an issue that we would need to discuss because the contract does not address that issue. [2:43:18, 2:43:32]: Okay, so with that being said, uh Mr. Knight, Mr. Barron, Mr. Washington, um, could could y'all just have to get together, Mr. Murray, um, Mr. Ware, can y'all just all just get together and [2:43:32, 2:43:35]: Whatever need to be included, uh be included. [2:43:38, 2:43:39]: Yes. Yes. [2:43:39, 2:43:42]: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Thank you. [2:43:43, 2:44:03]: Stand by stand by for a second, please. I miss Barber. So on that note, I know we're supposed to potentially approve this contract tonight, but there have been a lot of different discussions in reference to some additional items or verbiage. And so I was looking forward to uh and I did not know until of course the initial meeting uh that there were some changes that you all made. [2:44:03, 2:44:13]: made early today because I was looking forward to coming in office tomorrow signing off on this. But now there's some additional things I think we have a consensus on some additional items that had to be worked out. [2:44:14, 2:44:15]: Uh so [2:44:15, 2:44:25]: Uh so the thought process, do we approve this with these potential tonight do do we approve this with these potential additions or wait till you make the additions first and then approve the document? [2:44:25, 2:44:30]: Because time's of a set essence as well. Time is more than of the essence. [2:44:31, 2:44:32]: I would encourage if we can. [2:44:33, 2:44:34]: Council is comfortable with. [2:44:35, 2:44:38]: Essentially ninety five percent of what has been discussed. [2:44:38, 2:44:40]: That we are able to approve this tonight. [2:44:41, 2:44:46]: Um if I obviously have heard the comments that were raised with with respect to [2:44:46, 2:44:50]: think the one item with respect to exclusive, I mean that's something that [2:44:50, 2:44:54]: You know, it's just a a matter of language change but the attorneys might be able to do right here now. [2:44:55, 2:44:59]: But the other one with respect to liability insuring attorneys wanted to make sure that was a [2:45:00, 2:45:01]: Offline discussion, so to speak. [2:45:02, 2:45:07]: But um if we can, uh would encourage approving tonight if possible. [2:45:08, 2:45:12]: All right. Thank you I needed to ask that question so everybody can hear it. Miss Barber, go ahead, please. [2:45:12, 2:45:20]: I wanted to make the motion to approve this item with all of the conditions that we've discussed. [2:45:20, 2:45:37]: All right. I need to state each of those conditions. I would think that uh I would hope that the clerk has those identified already. Plus you have the attorneys from both sides here available that listen to those things. So I would hope that they're already captured. I would assume that. [2:45:37, 2:45:43]: Mayor, I will note the ones that I have and and they can correct me if there's something that needed to be added. [2:45:43, 2:45:44]: Okay. [2:45:44, 2:45:49]: Okay, what I have is there was a modified contract that has been submitted. [2:45:49, 2:45:55]: Whereas the city of Stockbridge will have final approval on the name and right sponsor. [2:45:56, 2:45:59]: I also have there was a modif the contract was modified. [2:46:00, 2:46:07]: With ten percent of the gross sales of food, beverage, and alcohol, City of Stockbridge will receive eighty-five percent. [2:46:08, 2:46:13]: And Georgia Alliance will receive fifteen percent, same as ticket sales. [2:46:14, 2:46:18]: And then the other item of course is to negotiate um [2:46:19, 2:46:22]: the liability insurance. [2:46:23, 2:46:24]: Okay. Coverage. [2:46:25, 2:46:27]: Okay, attorneys, does that sound right? [2:46:28, 2:46:30]: That uh we got discovered. [2:46:31, 2:46:31]: Council? [2:46:32, 2:46:35]: I believe so. And and the issue of the word uh [2:46:35, 2:46:37]: Exclusive. Exclusive. [2:46:37, 2:46:40]: Right, so the city can use correct. That was [2:46:41, 2:46:43]: Yeah, correct. That was uh [2:46:43, 2:46:47]: really four things when you count exclusive, but the other three were correctly stated. [2:46:50, 2:46:54]: I want to also make sure that um the job advertisements um [2:46:55, 2:47:01]: Can we add that to the contract as well? Or is it necessary? [2:47:03, 2:47:06]: I don't know if it's really necessary to say the truth, but anyway. Agreed. [2:47:06, 2:47:07]: Okay. [2:47:07, 2:47:11]: Okay. We're gonna hire as many people as we can as quickly as we can from Stockbridge. [2:47:12, 2:47:13]: Okay. [2:47:13, 2:47:20]: Okay, so the for as far as exclusive, it is the revised the clause that includes the exclusive. [2:47:22, 2:47:24]: um use of the facility, correct? [2:47:25, 2:47:45]: I think what the intent is that that when the we're not when there's not a concert, the city has a can utilize the facility since it belongs to the city stop rage for other city type events, or even if we get to the point where we rent the the certain parts of the ampathy through other organizations, fraternity sororities, nonprofits, schools, things of that nature. We wanna be able to do that when it's not a specific [2:47:45, 2:47:46]: constant going on. [2:47:46, 2:47:53]: Are you able to point out what page number that might be on the contract or what paragraph where we are on that contract? [2:47:53, 2:47:54]: So that can [2:47:55, 2:47:56]: I don't know off the top of my head, I really don't. [2:47:57, 2:48:00]: I'm hoping one of maybe Mr. Murray, Mr. Pearson may have it. [2:48:02, 2:48:17]: Yeah, I would suggest it's on the first page. It's the first page of the contract. Uh the language limiting the exclusive controls really found in paragraph number one under venue management on the first page. [2:48:18, 2:48:28]: That's following bold type that does mention exclusive control. And that would be the area where we could qualify that language to uh satisfy the valid concerns that's been raised tonight. [2:48:29, 2:48:30]: All right, thank you. [2:48:32, 2:48:51]: Ms. Barber, you made uh we went through that, you made the initial uh or the motion. Uh we just discussed uh all the uh revisions. Everybody heard that we have our attorneys and we actively involved in doing this, and I did not hear thus far a second to this motion. Second. Okay, just second that. [2:48:51, 2:48:56]: I would imagine we have plenty of discussion. I don't think there's any more discussion. Okay, so on that note. [2:48:57, 2:48:59]: All in favor of the emotion, please indicate. [2:49:01, 2:49:21]: Okay, so Unanimous is an outstanding. Congratulations, gentlemen. We appreciate this. And we'll have a great, wonderful, professional, lucrative contract and and business alignment here. Look forward to an outstanding council season in this year as well as outcoming years. And and thank you, council, for you reading the contract and come up with all these ideas. [2:49:21, 2:49:23]: and thoughts if we're gonna tweak everything and get it all straight. [2:49:24, 2:49:31]: Fantastic. I'm I'm very excited. I'm pretty sure I'm not showing it real line. I'm jumping for joy, like jumping up and down, turning flips here, but I think this is a great thing. [2:49:32, 2:49:45]: And appreciate that the citizens in our area are going to definitely enjoy this. Mr. Thomas, you have your hand up, please. All I want to say is uh Georgia Alliance, welcome to the great city of Stockbridge. There you go. On behalf of the [2:49:46, 2:49:55]: Georgia Radio Alliance of Stockbridge, we're so proud to be aboard and we will get to work immediately and make the council and the mayor proud. [2:49:55, 2:50:05]: All right. Good deal. Uh Mayor Potem, go ahead. You have a comment, sir. Yeah, I just want to say to them welcome as well. And I want them to go ahead and nail down what we need to [2:50:05, 2:50:06]: Do to move forward. [2:50:06, 2:50:08]: To make sure that [2:50:08, 2:50:15]: Uh whatever we do going forward is a night to remember that no one ever forgets. That's our goal. Set it high. [2:50:16, 2:50:22]: Yes, sir. Right. And with that I I assume that I have the authority as city manager to move that forward. [2:50:23, 2:50:29]: Uh uh well I'll say so, sir. Yes, sir. [2:50:29, 2:50:32]: So are you gonna make the announcement then of uh [2:50:33, 2:50:42]: Have we come to a consensus? Yes, I have. Have we l I think we did? Vote on that, please. Yes. [2:50:42, 2:51:01]: I'll make I I'll make the motion, Mayor. Let me make the motion. I'll make the motion. Can I make the motion? Well stand by stand by. Wait a minute. Ms. Knight, go ahead, please. I just want to make sure that we are comfortable to the Georgia Radio Alliance. We are absolutely comfortable. [2:51:02, 2:51:09]: Um with uh who we have lined up for the first major act potentially. Obviously that was contingent upon. [2:51:10, 2:51:13]: This and then uh obviously we have to sign contracts and so forth. [2:51:14, 2:51:14]: Right. [2:51:14, 2:51:28]: I I'm I'm I'm of the cautious nature. I don't want to make any announcements. No, no, no, no. I have the con I have my email I can forward to you right this moment if you want to look at it of confirmation of what we talked about. [2:51:29, 2:51:31]: We would be looking at a Thursday announcement, Herald. [2:51:32, 2:51:36]: Um we can yeah, I mean as soon as uh yes. [2:51:36, 2:51:38]: Let's do that. That that sounds good. [2:51:39, 2:51:55]: He just wanna announce that's a different than than with the question that you asked because he just wanna announce it on the radio, not for I no I's dotted, T's crossed, production done. Okay. Mr. Blount, I'm not gonna saw Mr. Blount first. Go ahead, sir. [2:51:55, 2:52:08]: Yeah, yeah, I was um I mean I think we all are excited. We all are but but I I I think that the order should be to go ahead and finish this contract uh situation and have everything uh you know. [2:52:10, 2:52:23]: uh i's dotted and t's crossed before we make announcement. We need to make I I just think as a city we just need to make sure everything's in order and uh contractually and and everything's signed on the dotted line and then we go ahead and move forward. [2:52:23, 2:52:25]: Good deal. Mr. Thomas Greg, please. [2:52:25, 2:52:27]: Um I I I just want to sort of [2:52:28, 2:52:31]: I noticed in the agreement uh it talks about [2:52:32, 2:52:32]: Um [2:52:33, 2:52:34]: To [2:52:34, 2:52:35]: Le [2:52:36, 2:52:37]: Promotions [2:52:37, 2:52:39]: Per con sorry. [2:52:40, 2:52:41]: Uh did I read that correctly? [2:52:42, 2:52:43]: Live promotions. [2:52:44, 2:52:51]: I believe I believe you did with respect to on site. I believe that's on site on site uh radio. Yes. [2:52:51, 2:52:52]: Yes. [2:52:52, 2:52:55]: And those would be sponsor related promotions. [2:52:56, 2:53:02]: So I just wanted to emphasize that and sort of get with Mr. Knight and give us a schedule so we can sort of [2:53:02, 2:53:04]: Boost us up, you know, um [2:53:04, 2:53:08]: The twenty fifth was just right around the corner. And if we if we're talking about doing two [2:53:09, 2:53:09]: So [2:53:10, 2:53:12]: Uh I just wanted to throw that in. [2:53:12, 2:53:14]: All right, Ms. Barber, go ahead, please. [2:53:15, 2:53:19]: I I I'll get to you, Ms. Gantt, Ms. Barber. Are we going to vote? [2:53:20, 2:53:35]: on the um artists not not not i will say no i will say not right now not not publicly to do that okay thank you miss Gantt go ahead please i was gonna ask i was hoping we didn't have to vote on the artist i was hoping that we could do [2:53:36, 2:53:41]: maybe have our PIO officer, Miss Thornton, put a [2:53:41, 2:53:49]: highlighted video together and we tell the citizens what they were gonna blast it and we do something as a council together making that announcement. [2:53:51, 2:53:55]: Sounds like a great idea as well. Sure. Once we get everything all signed and ready to go, right? [2:53:55, 2:54:00]: All right. There we go. There we go. I think that would be I think it would be appropriate. [2:54:00, 2:54:03]: Okay, go ahead, please. I just want to make sure [2:54:04, 2:54:08]: minutes count because we certainly don't want to lose any of these folks. [2:54:09, 2:54:13]: So we we're talking about this, that, and the other. When is it gonna be ready tomorrow? [2:54:16, 2:54:17]: What's related to [2:54:18, 2:54:26]: Well, let me tell you this. As soon as it's ready to let me know, I'll come to City Hall and I'll sign it. But but the end is the artist might get away within w uh by tomorrow. Okay. Okay. [2:54:28, 2:54:36]: Correct. Uh m uh Ms. Alexander, I think he said that as far as the artists and everything, everything's already been signed in place with that. [2:54:36, 2:54:46]: I think I think we're talking about s almost somatics at this point. I think everything's a go, from what I'm hearing um Mr. Young kind of alluded to. Am I correct, Mr. Young? [2:54:47, 2:55:01]: ready to go and I can't say the artist until y'all ready to announce it, but um they I mean they're text I mean honestly and I'm not being disrespectful, they're texting me right now and say what's going on at the city council meeting. I mean honestly I'm getting they they want to know [2:55:02, 2:55:13]: Tell them we're good. We're good. So everything, so everything, what I'm saying is everything sound like it's a go. It's just a somatics to what we have to do with this, uh with the pay. I mean, if you do it tomorrow, tomorrow we're good to go, right? [2:55:14, 2:55:16]: Send you out. [2:55:16, 2:55:19]: [10519.7, 10522.0]: We can lock that part in as early as [2:55:22, 2:55:22]: Tonight. [2:55:23, 2:55:26]: So as soon as we get the the deposit, that can be locked in immediately. [2:55:27, 2:55:41]: That's why I was talking about giving me the authority to go ahead and make this happen. That's what I mean. Yes. Yes, sir, absolutely. Make it happen. Do that. All right. We'll do. Sure. But we'll make a formal announcement when we sign all the documents, right? Right, right. Yes. [2:55:42, 2:55:55]: I'm sending you the information right now, um, Mr. Randy. Um Mr. Knighton's right right now. So you'll have it in a few minutes. Mr. Knight, you have all of uh our banking information and serve as the city treasurer. [2:55:56, 2:56:00]: Okay. Mr. Thomas, go ahead, sir. Just in closing, Mr. Murray. [2:56:01, 2:56:02]: The arrow. [2:56:03, 2:56:03]: Mark. [2:56:04, 2:56:08]: Early Friday, twenty twenty two. Make it happen. [2:56:09, 2:56:16]: And and before we mr mr randy, was you able to produce what I sent you? Um [2:56:16, 2:56:24]: As far as the production I had we had produced, uh that little sizzle video right, I'll I'll forward that to the council here shortly. Yes. [2:56:24, 2:56:30]: That's a dragon. Thank you. Thank you all. All right. Appreciate it. Elements. [2:56:31, 2:56:40]: All right, uh so we voted on that. Okay, council consideration to approve COVID nineteen state of emergency for the city of Stockbridge. Mr. Washington, please. [2:56:40, 2:56:47]: Yeah and let me just say I know there's some confusion surrounding this. The issue is this and this is for council to decide. [2:56:48, 2:56:52]: We're not currently traveling under an emergency resolution based on what was passed. [2:56:52, 2:57:05]: And so we can either pass one of our own or we can adopt the one from Henry County, but we need to have a discussion about it because per open records meetings, et cetera, we have to clearly decide that there's an emergency that we're operating under to continue to meet virtually. [2:57:06, 2:57:09]: And then you all can give us instruction as to how. [2:57:10, 2:57:11]: Want that to look for the [2:57:13, 2:57:13]: Okay. [2:57:15, 2:57:23]: All right. But the the document that uh that's before us is in line with the county state of emergency, is my understanding, the way I kind of read it. [2:57:24, 2:57:25]: Yes, but I know there was a [2:57:27, 2:57:29]: There was some discussion about [2:57:29, 2:57:32]: the buildings and and all that stuff with the city of Stockbridge. [2:57:33, 2:57:35]: And so that's for you all to decide. [2:57:36, 2:57:40]: But as mayor, you can declare an emergency council has to adopt it. [2:57:41, 2:57:42]: And so [2:57:42, 2:57:46]: the emergency resolution that we were under has expired and didn't have terms on it. [2:57:47, 2:57:53]: And so if you all want to one change the terms of what the emergency looks like, you can. [2:57:54, 2:57:55]: Or if you want to adopt. [2:57:55, 2:58:03]: Henry counties, but whatever the directions that you want for the citizens of Stockbridge to follow under this emergency, we just need to be clear on that for you all. [2:58:04, 2:58:19]: Okay. Well I know when we did this before, uh when I did it before I I knew I had the understanding that I can do this without the council's consideration, but I wanted to make sure the council was in uh was in in in sync. And so I mean I I personally think the [2:58:19, 2:58:20]: What it where it reads now. [2:58:21, 2:58:34]: it's in line with the with the state of emergency for the the county. I accept that unless there's if there's other considerations that the co that this uh council wants to make and and tweak it a little better, so be it. I mean we have the discussion as you indicated, but uh [2:58:34, 2:58:38]: I'm good. I'm personally good the way it is now, to tell you the truth, but [2:58:38, 2:58:39]: Uh [2:58:39, 2:58:44]: But obviously the council appreciates your comments and thoughts on what what how you feel this should go. [2:58:46, 2:58:46]: Right. [2:58:47, 2:58:47]: But [2:58:48, 2:58:51]: Well, so that we are aligned with c um [2:58:51, 2:58:58]: The county, I would just assume I would prefer that we adopt what the county has approved. [2:58:58, 2:58:58]: Right. [2:59:02, 2:59:03]: Yeah, Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [2:59:06, 2:59:09]: I mean if we adopt what the county has or we don't. [2:59:10, 2:59:17]: I mean, w w well what's I'm just trying to figure out, you know, what you know, then what? You know, I'm saying we adopt it. [2:59:17, 2:59:20]: Then we're just in line with the what the county's saying. But if we don't [2:59:21, 2:59:21]: Then what? [2:59:22, 2:59:23]: We have to come over at all. [2:59:24, 2:59:44]: We should come up with our own. I mean, in this aspect. I mean it it can be done. I think but but if we come with our own, it doesn't control what happens in the schools and it doesn't control any enforcement that that the state is saying we we can't enforce. So what's the big deal? I'm I'm I'm in agreement with uh councilwoman barber just adopting one of our chairs and [2:59:44, 2:59:44]: Mm. [2:59:45, 2:59:47]: There's a little bit of a difference there that I think. [2:59:48, 2:59:49]: Clarification sake. [2:59:50, 2:59:55]: The governor gave back his emergency powers authorization. [2:59:55, 2:59:57]: Which is why there's not been which is not. [2:59:58, 3:00:00]: Which was given to him by the legislature. [3:00:01, 3:00:05]: And unless he has emergency authority and jurisdiction. [3:00:05, 3:00:06]: Then [3:00:06, 3:00:08]: Or control supersedes. [3:00:09, 3:00:11]: Well let me ask you this, Ms. Washington. [3:00:12, 3:00:15]: If we adopt our own, if we then if we're able to include [3:00:16, 3:00:36]: Putting a memoriatorium on evictions and we're able to include whatever monies that we've gotten from federal funding for such situations to help out with rent, rent and all of these things that we can do. Then I say we, hey, let's adopt our own and let's let's let's let's make provision for the citizens of the stop bridge and let's let's let's let's help let's help. [3:00:36, 3:00:56]: Help the citizens establish. But if we're not able to make those provisions, what's the point? But if we're able to make those provisions, I'm able to say, hey, let's adopt our own and let's put them in there and let's find out what monies we do have that we can uh help the citizens out. Let's find out what moratoriums we can put in place to keep citizens off the street. Let's let's do that then. Let's adopt. [3:00:56, 3:01:07]: our own and and and sit back and see how we can help our citizens with the numbers that are going up and then let's not let's not follow the lead of the county. I'm for that if that's the way that's the route this this council wants to go. [3:01:09, 3:01:09]: Mm-hmm. [3:01:10, 3:01:13]: Okay. Mayor Protein, go ahead, please. [3:01:13, 3:01:19]: I think in the end it really comes down to being very, very simple. If we want this to have any weight. [3:01:20, 3:01:22]: Вен видово поліс форс. [3:01:23, 3:01:25]: And it we need to make sure that we're [3:01:25, 3:01:26]: Uh inline. [3:01:27, 3:01:32]: uh with the county in some instances if we want to go up or if we want to go to [3:01:32, 3:01:33]: uh beyond [3:01:34, 3:01:38]: uh what they're doing uh as the things that councilman Blount mentioned. [3:01:38, 3:01:43]: But in terms of um you know, if we wanted to let's say we wanted to [3:01:44, 3:02:04]: mandate masks okay in city facilities. It's like like for the amphitheater. It's an outside venue. You know the CDC's been very clear that outside venues with masks are safe, are pretty safe. So obviously we'll monitor things as they go along, but in the end I certainly uh we'll want every [3:02:04, 3:02:06]: Everybody in that facility to have on a mask. [3:02:07, 3:02:10]: uh for safety uh in the times that we're dealing with right now. [3:02:10, 3:02:11]: So [3:02:11, 3:02:13]: No, we certainly would be able to add [3:02:13, 3:02:18]: us be able to take what Henry County already has and then to be able to [3:02:18, 3:02:30]: uh add the additional language uh mandating the mask uh for the outside venues. Cause, you know, honestly, uh as we're doing what we're doing, I've been doing a food drive myself now for [3:02:30, 3:02:33]: Over uh you know seventy five weeks. [3:02:33, 3:02:37]: And we wear masks outside. I feel relatively safe. [3:02:37, 3:02:42]: and I knock on wood that things have been okay. So we just wanna look and [3:02:42, 3:02:49]: uh proceed uh in that ma in that manner. But again, let's let the attorneys talk about [3:02:49, 3:03:00]: uh this particular ordinance. Do we even have a copy that we can put up for the citizens and talk about what does the emergency actually do so they will actually know that. [3:03:02, 3:03:03]: Can I answer your question? That's a good question. [3:03:04, 3:03:05]: The first thing is that [3:03:06, 3:03:14]: It allows for the city to continue, it allows for you all as council and other organizations to still continue to meet remotely. [3:03:14, 3:03:18]: Mm-hmm. Because we are operat because we're operating under a pandemic. [3:03:19, 3:03:26]: When the state issued the emergency when the state and the governor had emergency authority. [3:03:26, 3:03:28]: That's what many that's what allowed many people [3:03:29, 3:03:30]: Close down because of the fact that [3:03:31, 3:03:32]: He had that authority. [3:03:32, 3:03:34]: The legislature gave that to him. [3:03:35, 3:03:42]: He has now sent that authority back and is not using it anymore. It's expired. And so that's why. [3:03:43, 3:03:46]: When Savannah issued his mask mandate and Atlanta issued its mask mandate. [3:03:47, 3:03:53]: the local authority supersedes everything now until um until and unless the governor accepts emergency authority again. [3:03:54, 3:03:57]: Which is signalizing the day of his press conference that he's not seeking to do that. [3:03:58, 3:04:02]: And so basically what you all would decide in a as a county and a city. [3:04:02, 3:04:04]: Would not have interruption from the state. [3:04:05, 3:04:07]: Unless the state decided to [3:04:08, 3:04:13]: Unless the legislature convened and gave the governor back those that gave the governor back that executive authority. [3:04:14, 3:04:15]: It helps Christ. [3:04:16, 3:04:21]: Well what certain certainly I think that what we want to do is [3:04:21, 3:04:22]: The chairwoman's been buried. [3:04:24, 3:04:30]: Assertive and she's uh asked, I think Mayor, she did ask you to have the council look at this. Is that correct? [3:04:31, 3:04:32]: Well yeah, that you did. [3:04:33, 3:04:53]: Yes, you did in this aspect. But the one of the things that I that I think that we should do is is um is is that we had a good relationship or we have a good relationship, I think, with our business and we set up a uh uh actual um alliance or partnership with our businesses, whereas that they would um somehow when when people come to their business, they would ask that folks where to [3:04:53, 3:04:56]: the mass wanna come inside their businesses to do to do business with them. [3:04:57, 3:05:03]: And and of course that hopefully those folks will comply. And if folks did not comply, then they didn't have to allow them in their business to uh [3:05:04, 3:05:08]: to uh do conduct business with them unless they wore a mask and were safe in this aspect. [3:05:08, 3:05:28]: And so as long as folks are the business owners or are following the C D C guidance and and the people that are coming in are doing that, fine. If they're not and they and uh then they maybe should not allow them in there. That's the way we things were going before the past, in a sense. I mean, I I think a a uh mandating uh mass a mass mandate for everything that we do. [3:05:28, 3:05:38]: It'd be great if we can once again if we can properly enforce it. That's my only my concern. How do you properly enforce it? And if we do that, is that going to be uh countywide? Because even in a state of emergency. [3:05:38, 3:05:57]: for the county it doesn't dictate, doesn't say anything about a mass mandate that I that I saw or uh authorizing a mass mandate or a direct and say we're going to have an enforcement of this. So I think if we continue on with our social media uh campaign, inform folks and work with our businesses and and and to ensure that they have [3:05:57, 3:06:04]: um the proper type of support from in a sense from us in reference to trying to help them [3:06:04, 3:06:05]: You know. [3:06:05, 3:06:09]: ensure that people wear masks when they come into business and if they don't then they'll have to let [3:06:09, 3:06:19]: Yeah, that the police know, I suppose. And just asked. And I can share the screen if if the mayor wants me to. I can I can share the screen to show the two. I got a follow up I got a follow up to that. [3:06:19, 3:06:22]: In terms of in terms of what we're doing, okay. [3:06:22, 3:06:25]: Mayor, you're the chair of the [3:06:25, 3:06:36]: uh health board locally. Is that correct? Yeah I am and I'm gonna read some stuff. I'm gonna read some stuff tonight before you you you're on the call that I was on. All the mayor pro teams were on that call. [3:06:36, 3:06:39]: Pete Month Henry is on diversion right now. [3:06:39, 3:06:41]: So if one of us got covet. [3:06:41, 3:06:43]: They'd have to send us somewhere else. [3:06:43, 3:06:55]: to Macon or somewhere else. Piedmont Fayetteville has a hundred and ten COVID patients. Right. They're on diversion. So all of the hospitals are around us. [3:06:55, 3:07:15]: That's the state of emergency right now. Okay, it's the state of emergency right now. Now, there is something that we could do. Okay, we could stand behind the businesses, mandate the mask, have code enforcement enforce it only on the inside of the building. On the other side, we could take the lead and [3:07:15, 3:07:16]: Henry County and say [3:07:17, 3:07:19]: We're gonna pass the Henry County Ordinance. [3:07:19, 3:07:21]: And say if and when [3:07:22, 3:07:25]: Henry County passes a mass mandate. [3:07:25, 3:07:28]: We're authorized to do so as well. [3:07:28, 3:07:43]: That's going just a step further. It's not going all the way out there, but it's indicating to Henry County. Well, as soon as they pass that mass mandate, we're right there with them. We'll we'll we we have it automatically triggered. If they pass a mass mandate. [3:07:44, 3:07:48]: Our mass mandate goes into force at that particular point. [3:07:48, 3:08:00]: That but because that's what they're working on. At the last meeting we were at, the chair had said that she was talking to the other entities uh to be able to understand how the enforcement [3:08:00, 3:08:03]: uh would move along and where we'll go along. [3:08:03, 3:08:05]: And I understand, Mayor, your concerns. [3:08:05, 3:08:08]: But in the end, if we work with Henry County. [3:08:08, 3:08:10]: And again, we can't afford we we don't [3:08:10, 3:08:14]: We w we want the police to be involved if they do have to call the police. [3:08:15, 3:08:15]: Okay. [3:08:16, 3:08:20]: But at the same time, what we want to be able to do is indicate to Henry County. [3:08:20, 3:08:40]: We're taking the lead here. When you pass a mass mandate, the city of Stockbridge will have one too. I like their mass, I like their state of emergency. In order for us to continue authorizing these meetings virtually, we need to pass a state of emergency. We don't have time to rewrite one. But I agree with Mr. Blount. We can circle. [3:08:40, 3:08:41]: Circle bet. [3:08:41, 3:08:45]: And have another ordinance, a separate ordinance for [3:08:45, 3:08:47]: uh eviction prevention. [3:08:47, 3:08:51]: And those types of things to be able to support the community. We don't have to do it all [3:08:51, 3:09:00]: Tonight we could circle back and bring that back at the next in the next iteration. But I certainly want to move forward with the Henry County. [3:09:00, 3:09:03]: uh ordinance and I would go a step further as I said. [3:09:03, 3:09:05]: Uh putting in a trigger to say [3:09:06, 3:09:14]: If and when Henry County passes a mass mandate, the city of Stockbridge will the City of Stockbridge's mass mandate will be triggered. [3:09:16, 3:09:18]: Okay, Mr. Blount, quite please. [3:09:19, 3:09:31]: Uh I guess not to prolong it. Uh I I agree with that because that gives us enforcement. It keeps us in line with enforcement. Um, but I also would like what was just stated that we do. [3:09:31, 3:09:49]: uh come back and look at what can we can address for the community and for our citizens when it comes to any type of aid right now. With these numbers are going up and uh a lot of the students going back home. A lot of people are getting sick and not going to work. A lot of and and uh one uh the the elephant in the room [3:09:50, 3:09:55]: When it comes to the hospitals, there's a lot of citizens are having postponed surgeries. [3:09:55, 3:10:02]: that need surgery. So their prolonged times at home and recovery times are extended out and they're still off from work. [3:10:03, 3:10:16]: And so we we have we definitely want to we definitely want to address those issues. So if we could come back as soon as we can address those issues, but I'm in agreement with us uh being in line with the county and if they implement a uh mass uh [3:10:17, 3:10:24]: Um uh if they implement a mass uh uh uh anything betraying the mass we we in line with them. So I I think that we should move forward with that. [3:10:25, 3:10:26]: All right. [3:10:26, 3:10:27]: Uh Mayor Protein. [3:10:28, 3:10:31]: Yeah, okay. Thank you, Mr. Blount, for those uh comments. [3:10:31, 3:10:35]: So let's go ahead and do that. Let's move forward with uh the Henry County. [3:10:36, 3:10:40]: uh emergency state of emergency adopted here in the stock bridge. [3:10:40, 3:10:43]: Uh, with the language that as soon as Henry County adopts [3:10:44, 3:10:45]: A mass mandate. [3:10:46, 3:10:48]: Uh with enforcement measures, the city of Stockbridge. [3:10:49, 3:10:51]: Uh, mass mandate will kick in as well. [3:10:52, 3:10:52]: Second. [3:10:53, 3:10:54]: All right, any further discussion? [3:10:56, 3:11:16]: Okay, all in favor of that uh proposal, uh say aye or say indicate. Okay, unanimous decision. All right. So that means uh there's a little bit of change uh that you have to make there, Mr. Washington, in reference to to that. And then uh and actually what this is now, what was before us was actually a resolution, not an ordinance, sir. [3:11:16, 3:11:36]: Before us was the resolution. Uh, so once you make those changes, I'll sign off on that. But a lot of things that you are talking about or mentioning, I have in my comments for this evening because I was part of the meeting this morning earlier today, and I want to read that data and information. So understand your concerns wholeheartedly. Okay, on that note, we're gonna go to [3:11:36, 3:11:43]: discussion and uh council update uh police chief department uh mr knight please [3:11:46, 3:11:50]: Yes, Mayor and Council. This is brief update on the [3:11:50, 3:11:52]: A recruitment of police chief. [3:11:52, 3:11:56]: Obviously I don't want to go into too much details because you have certain candidates who [3:11:56, 3:11:59]: are members of other organizations at the moment. [3:11:59, 3:12:01]: Um just a recap. [3:12:01, 3:12:06]: Um uh late last year we had a virtual town hall where we talked about [3:12:06, 3:12:09]: Prospect of a police department here in the city of Stockbridge. [3:12:10, 3:12:11]: We've talked to several people. [3:12:12, 3:12:15]: Including the chief of Dunwoody, who started a police department from scratch. [3:12:16, 3:12:17]: Um I in turn [3:12:17, 3:12:20]: I've talked to several other individuals as well. [3:12:20, 3:12:22]: In addition to that, of course, we've had [3:12:22, 3:12:23]: A [3:12:24, 3:12:29]: uh study done by the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute on the feasibility [3:12:29, 3:12:31]: Of a police department as well. [3:12:31, 3:12:33]: Uh as an addendum to that. [3:12:33, 3:12:35]: Um last year. [3:12:35, 3:12:39]: Обвісний рон forward toward hiring a police chief. [3:12:39, 3:12:45]: Uh, for the sole purpose of leading a police organization for the city of Stockbridge. [3:12:45, 3:12:50]: uh that police chief then, presumably as we've seen in other or as other examples. [3:12:51, 3:12:54]: would hire a command staff who would be charged then of h of [3:12:54, 3:12:55]: Um [3:12:55, 3:12:58]: acquiring vehicles, setting personnel policies. [3:12:59, 3:13:00]: Hiring staff. [3:13:00, 3:13:05]: um police cars, equipment, et cetera, moving toward uh the start of a police department. [3:13:06, 3:13:10]: As a part of this процес, uh, because of the sensitive nature. [3:13:10, 3:13:20]: Of a police chief and starting this uh fresh and anew for the city of Stockbridge, we did uh engage with the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. [3:13:20, 3:13:25]: Who took several candidates through an extensive process of both oral and written examination? [3:13:26, 3:13:28]: Uh as well as [3:13:28, 3:13:31]: Other review and vetting. They paired that list down. [3:13:32, 3:13:36]: Um I am interviewing uh three uh candidates uh this week. [3:13:37, 3:13:42]: Um who were raided by uh the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. [3:13:42, 3:13:48]: Um and we'll go through that process and make a recommendation. I expect to rec make a recommendation to you. [3:13:48, 3:13:50]: Or a uh [3:13:50, 3:13:51]: For your consideration. [3:13:52, 3:13:53]: Um at our next meeting. [3:13:53, 3:13:55]: Which will be on the thirty first, I believe. [3:13:58, 3:14:10]: All right, any further questions that uh for Mr. Night we can talk about tonight uh or can answer any further questions about this? If n uh any you know, because information. Yes, Ms. Barber, go ahead, please. [3:14:10, 3:14:16]: Can you speak to what the transition will be like once we establish? [3:14:17, 3:14:18]: This police department. [3:14:18, 3:14:23]: because I've had questions um from citizens wanted to know what that will look like. [3:14:24, 3:14:25]: Wanna make sure that they understand. [3:14:26, 3:14:32]: that come January first, we're not gonna just end our contract with Heron County PD. [3:14:32, 3:14:37]: Can you just explain us what you envisioned that transition would look like? [3:14:37, 3:14:41]: Sure. There would be a number of things obviously that have to be in place with respect to [3:14:42, 3:14:45]: Current arrangements that we have with Henry County um police department. [3:14:46, 3:14:51]: Um uh obviously Henry County serves law enforcement throughout the city of Stockbridge, and there's an agreement. [3:14:52, 3:14:54]: With respect to that, those agreements have to be [3:14:54, 3:15:04]: essentially unhinged um and with the advent of a stockbridge police department and those conversations specific have to be had with Henry County about transition. Number one [3:15:05, 3:15:09]: About when law enforcement service would start, of course, with our police chief. [3:15:09, 3:15:13]: Um he would uh obviously be a a part of [3:15:13, 3:15:18]: the decision making process of realistic expectations for implementation [3:15:18, 3:15:27]: That's number one, number two, facilities. The North Henry Precinct, of course, is owned by the City of Stockbridge, but is currently occupied by Henry County. [3:15:27, 3:15:28]: A police that would be [3:15:29, 3:15:32]: uh the location uh for the stock ridge police department [3:15:32, 3:15:36]: Um and then of course um [3:15:36, 3:15:45]: As I mentioned earlier, all of the ingredients would need to be put in place with respect to acquisition of equipment, setting personnel policies, and hiring. [3:15:45, 3:15:46]: A police staff. [3:15:47, 3:15:55]: And uh with respect to some upcoming conversations, I'm sure that we will have at the retreat, the determination about the council of how you want to. [3:15:56, 3:15:58]: How you may want to transition [3:15:58, 3:16:01]: Бієн парт у бієн whole. [3:16:01, 3:16:05]: uh of the establishment or the implementation of a police department. [3:16:05, 3:16:09]: Um would also be a part of the uh conversation. [3:16:09, 3:16:12]: And dictate how all of that would take place. [3:16:12, 3:16:14]: However, I will emphasize again [3:16:15, 3:16:17]: that the process is moving forward. [3:16:17, 3:16:23]: Given the the importance and significance of this position and policing as we see it today. [3:16:24, 3:16:25]: We took some uh [3:16:26, 3:16:31]: uh strong steps, extraordinary steps to make sure we had law enforcement professionals. [3:16:31, 3:16:34]: Review thirty two plus candidates. [3:16:35, 3:16:37]: And whittle that down to um [3:16:37, 3:16:38]: Uh [3:16:38, 3:16:39]: Right. [3:16:40, 3:16:41]: To six uh candidates. [3:16:42, 3:16:45]: of which I'm interviewing uh three of them this week. [3:16:47, 3:16:51]: Okay, any further thank you, Mr. Knight. Any further questions for Ms. Knight? Ms. Mayor Protam, go away, please. [3:16:52, 3:17:01]: Yes, Mr. Knight and um, you know, we I I just want you to speak on so folks really understand this entire process. [3:17:01, 3:17:06]: In that the funding has already been identified to move forward with it. [3:17:07, 3:17:09]: And that we are committed. [3:17:09, 3:17:13]: uh to moving forward with the pol with the police department [3:17:14, 3:17:20]: And I wanna uh we wanna have and I want you to explain that we're gonna have the police chief [3:17:20, 3:17:21]: On board. [3:17:22, 3:17:24]: uh in short in short order [3:17:24, 3:17:26]: To go ahead and move forward. [3:17:26, 3:17:28]: And not just like [3:17:28, 3:17:29]: You you stated that [3:17:29, 3:17:33]: uh, you know, a police chief was coming for give us a timetable on [3:17:33, 3:17:35]: Kinda how the police chase. [3:17:35, 3:17:37]: Will be when the chief police chief will be on board. [3:17:38, 3:17:38]: And then [3:17:39, 3:17:42]: Uh there'll be town halls, I understand, and then [3:17:42, 3:17:45]: They'll meet with the community and bring on the command staff. [3:17:45, 3:17:46]: after that point. [3:17:47, 3:17:52]: Well, as a police chief is hired, and as I mentioned, I expect to bring you forth uh candidate or candidates for review. [3:17:53, 3:17:54]: At the next meeting. [3:17:55, 3:17:59]: Um and obviously given their current situation where they may be currently employed [3:17:59, 3:18:03]: uh we'd respect whatever transition there would need to take place, obviously. [3:18:03, 3:18:10]: Um but once the police chief uh is uh fully on board with us, their main their main and sole focus. [3:18:11, 3:18:17]: Will be to start the police department and all of that entails. Of course, the the council approved three million dollars. [3:18:18, 3:18:24]: Um to uh provide that transition in terms of equipment acquisition. [3:18:24, 3:18:33]: And so forth to ensure that that happens. And so again, their responsibility would be to uh have that uh begin that process in earnest. [3:18:33, 3:18:38]: And starting the police department. Obviously, if we hire a police chief, which again I'll emphasize [3:18:39, 3:18:44]: Is a significant position here in the city of Stockbridge for a number of reasons. [3:18:44, 3:18:48]: Um we would certainly want to introduce the police chief to the community. [3:18:49, 3:18:55]: to allow uh the police chief to engage the community, be it virtual in this format now that we're living in. [3:18:55, 3:18:59]: But also to be able to connect with the other law enforcement entities. [3:18:59, 3:19:04]: in this in Henry County as well as Henry County Sheriff's Department to develop [3:19:04, 3:19:05]: Uh, that report as well. [3:19:07, 3:19:16]: Okay, and a follow-up on that, and Councilwoman Barber asked the excellent question about the the interplay between Henry County and us. [3:19:17, 3:19:23]: Folks understand that McDonough has a police department, Hampton has a police department, locals grow. [3:19:23, 3:19:26]: So the county police does not go away. [3:19:26, 3:19:37]: They're still they were operating the area right along state highways and interchanges and stuff. So we still will have Henry County in there and they certainly will back us up. [3:19:38, 3:19:53]: Uh if that's necessary. Is that a special uh the the mode of operation that we expect them to be present in the city present to monitoring the state highways and such in the city uh uh continually as the sheriff's department as well. [3:19:53, 3:20:10]: Absolutely, yes. And of course, as you know, there is great camaraderie between law enforcement entities. With the advent of a city of Stockbridge Police Department, of course, there'll be great collaboration between Henry County Police as well as the City of Stockbridge Police. And we would hope that this would provide a higher level of service. [3:20:11, 3:20:13]: For the citizens of Stockbridge, of course. [3:20:13, 3:20:33]: Um, with the ability to develop uh some community policing methods in a contemporary fashion. It's not often cities start a police department from scratch, but we have an opportunity here uh to do some things that are beyond traditional and to be able to connect with citizens uh via uh law enforcement, obviously to provide law. [3:20:33, 3:20:45]: law enforcement and safety, that's primary, but to be able to develop relationships throughout the community that would hopefully bode well for the interplay between citizens and police officers. [3:20:45, 3:20:49]: And I think folks should understand as well, okay. [3:20:49, 3:20:54]: Is that we believe Henry County is a solid police force. [3:20:54, 3:21:14]: This is not against them. This is a growing community. And we understand that they are stretched thin because they're defending the out there of the unincorporated areas and the city. This means putting extra officers in our area to maintain the streets because. [3:21:14, 3:21:16]: But let's be honest, the response times have been [3:21:17, 3:21:24]: slower and slower because routine uh crimes, uh you know, low low priority crimes. [3:21:24, 3:21:33]: They just may not have the wherewithal apparent manpower to handle that. So in the end, once our manpower steps up. [3:21:33, 3:21:45]: And we're able to fill in those gaps. We expect this to be a preventative force where they're out and able to patrol the neighborhood and actually get to know the neighbors in the community. Is that correct? [3:21:48, 3:21:56]: Mr. Knight. Yes, yes, absolutely. And again, I think the emphasis with this is because we're starting a police department. [3:21:56, 3:22:02]: We have the ability to incorporate the traditional methods of policing that have proven to be effective. [3:22:02, 3:22:05]: Also with contemporary thoughts and ideas. [3:22:06, 3:22:08]: Of twenty first century policing, etcetera. [3:22:08, 3:22:10]: be able to incorporate that along with [3:22:11, 3:22:13]: Hearing from the community. [3:22:13, 3:22:19]: And uh working to ensure that there are proper and strong relationships with members of the community. [3:22:19, 3:22:22]: And my final comment, Mary, is that [3:22:22, 3:22:26]: Uh, I think we had had some discussions about a citizen review board. [3:22:26, 3:22:31]: As a part of this to make sure that whoever we bring on as police chief. [3:22:31, 3:22:36]: Is uh is accountable to the citizens that that person will work with. [3:22:36, 3:22:39]: The uh police chief and the citizens. [3:22:39, 3:22:43]: for the appropriate amount of policing uh in the community, but there is [3:22:44, 3:22:53]: Um, I know I certainly support it. I certainly would like the other council members to chime in to see whether or not they were supportive of a citizens review board. [3:22:53, 3:22:56]: as well. And oh and you mayor as well. [3:22:56, 3:23:16]: Right, no problem. I appreciate that. I would think that we just have to uh uh establish the what the ground rules are for that and uh what the number of people we would need for that citizens review board and then uh put out uh advertise it and then uh get qualified individuals or whatever the qualification would be in a sense and uh uh appoint those individuals to that board. [3:23:16, 3:23:18]: That's a good thing to do. [3:23:18, 3:23:20]: Mr. Blanc, go ahead, please. [3:23:22, 3:23:24]: Thank you, Mayor. [3:23:24, 3:23:27]: Mr. Knighton, uh, is Mr. Wiggins on the phone at this time? [3:23:28, 3:23:30]: He he is still on the phone, yes. He is here. [3:23:30, 3:23:32]: Yeah. [3:23:33, 3:23:38]: Yes, I'm here. One of the things that I think is beneficial to the city of Stockbridge. [3:23:39, 3:23:41]: is law enforcement. Law enforcement period. [3:23:42, 3:23:49]: That the needs of our citizens and safety is is is is uh is out front and and and foremost important to all of us. [3:23:49, 3:23:58]: I don't think there's a council member on here, elected official on here that uh and citizens on here that that doesn't want a safe city. [3:23:58, 3:24:03]: Um I'm for it 100%, but when I ask for an analysis, a um [3:24:04, 3:24:05]: Um [3:24:05, 3:24:11]: A financial uh I asked you for the financials, Mr. Knighton and Mr. Wiggins. [3:24:11, 3:24:16]: And we showed it from twenty nineteen all the way up through twenty twenty-four. [3:24:17, 3:24:20]: And in that analysis that you guys sent me. [3:24:20, 3:24:21]: Um [3:24:21, 3:24:25]: Show that the city's finances. [3:24:25, 3:24:27]: With almost double. [3:24:27, 3:24:29]: Бай твоні твоє фору. [3:24:30, 3:24:32]: With the implementation of a police department. [3:24:33, 3:24:37]: We I've yet unless you less someone else say I've yet to see. [3:24:38, 3:24:40]: A progressive or a [3:24:41, 3:24:43]: uh step by step formula [3:24:45, 3:24:46]: Other than [3:24:46, 3:24:48]: Us putting the cot before the horse. [3:24:49, 3:24:53]: how this gonna be funded with the other with two major capital improvement. [3:24:54, 3:24:56]: Uh st uh uh um [3:24:57, 3:24:59]: Uh entities coming on board with the Cultural Arts Center. [3:25:00, 3:25:03]: And now with the with the uh binding of the amphitheater. [3:25:04, 3:25:13]: And now we're coming now. We got$25 million bonded as it is right now. And then we're not even talking about what is needed to establish the police department. [3:25:13, 3:25:19]: I've yet to see a financial analysis or a financial step by step from the city. [3:25:19, 3:25:28]: From you or our financial. Now we've been told by a financial advisor, Mr. Knighton, as you're aware of what it would take. [3:25:29, 3:25:30]: To fund all of this. [3:25:32, 3:25:36]: We was told what it would take to find all of this, and one of the things came out of his mouth was a tax. [3:25:37, 3:25:39]: I've yet to see anything from you. [3:25:40, 3:25:43]: or John Wiggins or anything other than [3:25:43, 3:25:54]: Something that would cost the city of Stockbridge taxpayers more money to fund all of this that we're putting in place. Now, if there's a way out, I'd like other than that, I'd like to see that from you. [3:25:55, 3:26:11]: Mr. Wigg is our financial advisor, but I've yet to see that. We'll continue to come on here and say, we got the funding for this, we got the money for this. We're in good shape when it comes to money. But I'm talking about future sustainability in the city of Stockbridge. I'm vested in here, whether I'm on this council or not, I'm still a citizen. [3:26:12, 3:26:17]: And so when we can sit here and sit back and say, yeah, we in good shape now. [3:26:18, 3:26:24]: But how are we going to fund this? When we talked about it's going to take fifty-four to fifty-seven employees and you're talking about [3:26:24, 3:26:41]: you're you're you're talking about uh uh uh all of this stuff and and you and you're talking about benefits and and all of these things for these employees how are we going to find that and sustain a police department with where we're at now as a city see we can't sit out front and allow [3:26:41, 3:26:47]: allow to say that we got the money and yet still we're not telling the citizen where the money is coming from. [3:26:48, 3:26:50]: We can't continue to do that. [3:26:51, 3:26:55]: No, no, no. Let me let me answer that question because the financial forecast that we sent [3:26:55, 3:26:58]: Out and it's been two, three months ago. [3:26:58, 3:27:05]: Laid out exactly revenues and expenses in conjunction with our final advisor for the next five years. [3:27:05, 3:27:16]: Yes, it contemplated a millage rate to fund the police, and it showed if that were to happen, the city would still remain in very strong financial position. [3:27:16, 3:27:31]: That was the financial forecast. It was detailed. We took past and historic trends. We laid it out along with the financial advisor and his input. And that was provided to the entire council over two months ago. But Mr. Knight, what you just said though is key. [3:27:32, 3:27:52]: We have to let the citizens know that everything that we're doing, and you just admit, it comes with a cost to keep us in finance a good a good financial uh to keep us financially in a good place. We can't just be there without a millise rate being implemented. And one of the things I've always said, one of the greatest fights that we've had, and I thank Councilwoman Barber. [3:27:52, 3:28:00]: For her diligently in fighting to keep this city whole. One of the biggest fights that we had was to keep our city whole, but one of the greatest things in that fight was. [3:28:01, 3:28:12]: is that they were going to implement a tax. And what you're saying and what our financial advisor is saying is that we're going to have to tax the citizens of the stock bridge to do what we want to do and do what we have to do and stay financially sound. [3:28:13, 3:28:15]: Councilman Abel Abel said. [3:28:15, 3:28:17]: А восей дис. [3:28:17, 3:28:19]: From the very beginning. [3:28:19, 3:28:22]: And even the Carl Vincent Institute study. [3:28:22, 3:28:23]: Twice over. [3:28:24, 3:28:30]: is acknowledged that there would be a deficit of some sort if you implemented a police department in full. [3:28:30, 3:28:35]: I said this and addressed this at the virtual town hall meeting back in December. [3:28:35, 3:28:39]: In fact, I went over then of what one meal would cost. [3:28:39, 3:28:43]: And how that would be assessed against a two hundred thousand dollar home. I went into that level detail. [3:28:44, 3:28:46]: Fast forward, I also provide it. [3:28:47, 3:28:59]: Financial forecasting to the entire council over two months ago for the entire city's budget for the next four to five years. And I have been truthful, I've been transparent, I've told you what the study has said. [3:28:59, 3:29:15]: I have said it in a virtual town hall meeting and that's and it was stated along with the conjunction with the financial advisor in the financial forecast. Now I and I appreciate that, Ms. Knight. So what you're so I'm asking you right now, what you just said, in order for us to stay financially sound. [3:29:16, 3:29:26]: And have a police department, will we have to implement a a millist rate to the citizens? If you impose a a police department in full [3:29:28, 3:29:35]: At some point, based on the financial analysis, you would have to impose a property tax millage rate. [3:29:35, 3:29:37]: If you do it in full [3:29:38, 3:29:39]: If you do it in full [3:29:40, 3:29:42]: And you plan to have that sustained over time. [3:29:43, 3:29:58]: based on the information again from the Carl Vinson study, based on the the historic trends, based on the financial forecast, you would have to impose some sort of property tax millage. And I'm only saying this, Mr. Knighton, because I don't ever want to give a perception to the citizens. [3:29:58, 3:30:12]: that everything we need to stay financially sound with the police department is in the house. No, it has to come with a millage rate from the citizens. And a millage rate in Lehman's term is the citizen has to be taxed in order to make this happen. [3:30:13, 3:30:23]: And that's being transparent, open, and honest. But we are I agree that we need public state, but we have to let the citizens know in order to do all that we're doing. [3:30:24, 3:30:27]: In order to have all that we want the sit city stop bridge to have. [3:30:28, 3:30:38]: a tax gonna have to be implemented if they want the cities to stay financially financially sound the way we are. And that's what needs to be out to the out front to the citizens. [3:30:40, 3:30:42]: Ms. Gantt, go ahead, please. [3:30:42, 3:30:43]: Thank you, Mayor. [3:30:44, 3:30:49]: Um councilwoman Blount, thank you so much for that. I have the same concern. [3:30:49, 3:30:51]: And I've always had the same concern. [3:30:51, 3:30:53]: I think that the police department. [3:30:54, 3:30:58]: is I think not there's not one council member that wouldn't want a police department. [3:30:59, 3:31:02]: I think that the issue I have is that [3:31:02, 3:31:03]: We [3:31:04, 3:31:24]: Kind of jump the gun with going ahead and hiring this police department without hearing from our citizens and really letting them know what a millage rate means. Not a millage rate to the county, but a millage rate meaning a city property tax. Because right now we don't have one. And in order to stay financially sound, [3:31:24, 3:31:29]: We're gonna have to have one. And I don't think we've gotten enough input from our citizens on it. [3:31:30, 3:31:34]: I think that we we've spoken. I know myself and Castleman Blount. [3:31:35, 3:31:48]: have spoken on numerous occasions about our concerns to citizens to let the citizens know that they are going to have to have a city property tax that we currently do not have. [3:31:48, 3:31:49]: Now [3:31:50, 3:31:57]: There are going to be some talk about whether or not we get a rollback and all these other different things that they that may come up. [3:31:57, 3:32:07]: And it may help some, but not really when our financial advisor stated that the tax amount, the amount that we'll be paying for our our police services. [3:32:08, 3:32:09]: Are more. [3:32:09, 3:32:11]: than what the county pays. [3:32:12, 3:32:13]: current that we pay currently. [3:32:15, 3:32:25]: that based off of based off of financial numbers. So we need to be aw not that anyone's against the police department. It's just a matter of the way it was kind of shoved down. [3:32:26, 3:32:40]: the throats of our citizens without a lot of a lot of input and without putting them on we we may have had one town hall that kind of talked about it or alluded to it, but not one time has anyone said, folks. [3:32:41, 3:32:45]: We're gonna have a city property tax in order to financially stay afloat. [3:32:46, 3:32:47]: So look at that. [3:32:50, 3:32:51]: Mr. Thomas Square, please. [3:32:51, 3:32:56]: Thank you. Uh Mr. Nine, I I I I thank you again for [3:32:56, 3:32:58]: Sharing that information. [3:32:58, 3:32:59]: Um [3:32:59, 3:33:02]: You know, w we have discussed this. [3:33:03, 3:33:03]: Um [3:33:04, 3:33:06]: So many times he [3:33:06, 3:33:09]: I don't think there's no citizens out there that don't understand. [3:33:10, 3:33:13]: No one likes tax. [3:33:13, 3:33:15]: Tea splash. [3:33:15, 3:33:18]: You know, even though you know all of these penitexes are [3:33:19, 3:33:22]: Folks understand about taxes. [3:33:22, 3:33:25]: Uh, as much as we have discussed this. [3:33:25, 3:33:29]: There's no one out there that do not understand that that would not be attacked. [3:33:30, 3:33:32]: I don't see anyone [3:33:32, 3:33:35]: Be not with doors down, complaining about a tax. [3:33:36, 3:33:37]: The folk that I've talked to. [3:33:38, 3:33:42]: They are saying thank you, stock rear. Thank you for this public safety. [3:33:43, 3:33:43]: Yeah. [3:33:45, 3:33:49]: There has to be a start somewhere uh in this direction. [3:33:50, 3:33:52]: This is forward planning. [3:33:52, 3:33:53]: Um [3:33:54, 3:33:59]: Name a city. There's a few um in Henry County that probably do not have that tax. [3:34:00, 3:34:03]: But name a city that do not have a police department. [3:34:03, 3:34:06]: Uh, we know that crime. [3:34:06, 3:34:07]: Is uh [3:34:07, 3:34:10]: I hear all the time folks are afraid. [3:34:10, 3:34:14]: They're afraid to go out of their houses because of public safety. [3:34:15, 3:34:17]: There is no way in my mind [3:34:17, 3:34:21]: And we cannot continue to move forward with this. [3:34:21, 3:34:24]: I have not heard of any alternative. [3:34:24, 3:34:33]: To not have an aid police department. And we all know the conversation we've had with our county commissioners about the service. [3:34:33, 3:34:37]: So I'm just saying, Mr. Knight, you know, we have discussed this over and over and over. [3:34:37, 3:34:38]: Um [3:34:39, 3:34:41]: You have to be on the rock. [3:34:41, 3:34:43]: You have to live in a cave. [3:34:43, 3:34:46]: Not to understand the dynamics. [3:34:46, 3:34:50]: of Stockbridge coming forward with their police department. [3:34:50, 3:34:54]: You have to live on the rock not to know that there may be [3:34:54, 3:34:55]: uh uh a tax. [3:34:56, 3:34:57]: Uh you know. [3:34:58, 3:34:59]: We live with taxes. [3:35:00, 3:35:15]: What I hear from citizens, they appreciate us moving this city forward. And you have to make a start. Uh I don't see us um in January hiring 50 officers, but I see us coming in with the chief. [3:35:16, 3:35:24]: The chief doing his work, and we slowly, slowly roll out a police department. [3:35:24, 3:35:37]: The time is now, everybody. The time is now to start this conversation. Yes, we bonded three million. The time is now. I don't hear no alternative. And what are we waiting for? [3:35:38, 3:35:41]: Are we gonna wait till crime come and knock on your door? [3:35:42, 3:35:45]: Before you say, Oh, we need a Stockbridge Police Department. [3:35:46, 3:35:47]: Look at the stats. [3:35:48, 3:36:01]: The stats indicate that we need to do this. But I'm just saying, you know, we have discussed, discussed, we have litigated, and it's just time for us to move on. I I don't want to sit here tonight to read. [3:36:02, 3:36:03]: Litigate. [3:36:03, 3:36:06]: The issue that's already been passed. [3:36:06, 3:36:10]: Um, I don't like taxes. I don't want to pay a tax, but [3:36:12, 3:36:14]: In order to get [3:36:15, 3:36:18]: The protection and the public safety that we need. [3:36:18, 3:36:20]: We have to be far with thinking. [3:36:20, 3:36:23]: We have to plan for the future. [3:36:23, 3:36:27]: I think Mr. Knight, I think you have laid it out very well. [3:36:27, 3:36:36]: All of the pros and the cons and and and you know and all of that. And I think I can live with it. I think the citizens can live with it. [3:36:37, 3:36:39]: Uh again, Mr. Knight, you have laid it out. [3:36:39, 3:36:50]: Yes, yes, citizen. And I think you understand that because in my conversation with citizens, they understand that there may be a a uh a millage. [3:36:51, 3:37:08]: Folk can live with that. Folk want public safety. Folks wanna feel safe. They want their children to feel safe. When they walk out on the trail, they wanna feel safe. When they go to the bus stop, they wanna feel safe. When they go to the gas station, they wanna feel safe. [3:37:10, 3:37:13]: So this is forward thinking, this is forward planning. [3:37:14, 3:37:15]: What are we waiting for? [3:37:16, 3:37:22]: What are we waiting for? I I have not heard anyone give an alternative. What are we waiting for? [3:37:24, 3:37:27]: So I'm just saying, hey, it's it's time. [3:37:28, 3:37:29]: It's time. [3:37:30, 3:37:32]: Let's move forward, Mr. Knight, please. [3:37:32, 3:37:35]: Uh let's move forward, ladies and gentlemen. It's time. [3:37:36, 3:37:38]: Ms. Barber, go ahead, please. [3:37:39, 3:37:44]: Thank you, Mayor. Um thank you, Councilman Thomas, for making that point. Same point I was gonna make. [3:37:45, 3:37:46]: What are we waiting for? [3:37:46, 3:37:48]: And the fact that [3:37:49, 3:37:59]: Stockbridge is one of very few cities here in Georgia that does not have a municipal tax. What I've heard is all of the desires. [3:38:00, 3:38:01]: of the people in the community. [3:38:01, 3:38:03]: The things that they want to see here. [3:38:04, 3:38:07]: With that comes a tax. [3:38:07, 3:38:10]: Mr. Knighton during our retreat, I believe it was a retreat. [3:38:11, 3:38:15]: Um he talked about what that millage rate looks like. [3:38:16, 3:38:16]: With [3:38:17, 3:38:32]: depending on the house, the value of the house. Do you have that information to share right now, Mr. Knighton? The kind of give the citizens an idea based on their house or value of their home, what that millage rate will look like. [3:38:33, 3:38:38]: and break it down by the year how much they would pay a millet rate for. [3:38:38, 3:38:39]: The city. [3:38:40, 3:38:42]: Right. That would be about um [3:38:42, 3:38:46]: you look at three and a half mils or so, which is contemplated, that would be about [3:38:47, 3:38:50]: Two hundred and fifty dollars per year. [3:38:50, 3:38:51]: Per year. [3:38:51, 3:38:53]: Mm-hmm. That's correct. [3:38:53, 3:38:55]: Thank you, sir. Um the other point. [3:38:56, 3:39:01]: Um with the that's why I asked Mr. Knighton, what does the transition [3:39:01, 3:39:06]: um from Henry County looks like. I want to make sure that the citizens are clear. [3:39:07, 3:39:11]: Once we bring the police chief on board, which will be within the next few weeks. [3:39:12, 3:39:14]: He'll be responsible. [3:39:14, 3:39:17]: For putting together a plan. [3:39:17, 3:39:22]: forward forward and bringing it to the council. What better person to do that than the expert? [3:39:23, 3:39:27]: He will bring it to the council and make his recommendations to us. [3:39:27, 3:39:30]: Come January of twenty twenty two. [3:39:31, 3:39:33]: No, we are not canceling. [3:39:33, 3:39:42]: The SDS agreement with Henry County Police, they will still be patrolling and providing public safety as they always have been. [3:39:42, 3:39:46]: We will just have another layer, layer of public safety here. [3:39:47, 3:39:49]: What is baffling to me is [3:39:50, 3:39:51]: And I know I'm the newest member here. [3:39:53, 3:39:56]: This council approved the construction of this amphitheater. [3:39:56, 3:39:58]: Before I got here. [3:39:59, 3:40:03]: Why weren't you not thinking about public safety considering [3:40:03, 3:40:05]: Thousands of people are going to be coming here. [3:40:06, 3:40:07]: It is important. [3:40:08, 3:40:09]: That public safety. [3:40:10, 3:40:11]: Be a priority. [3:40:12, 3:40:14]: Which is why I approve Bali. [3:40:14, 3:40:18]: the three million dollars to get us going, to make sure that we have money. [3:40:19, 3:40:20]: For this police chief. [3:40:20, 3:40:23]: to purchase the immediate things that it needs. [3:40:24, 3:40:29]: I just don't want there to be misinformation being shared with citizens. [3:40:29, 3:40:36]: making them think that this millage rate is going to be excessive and people aren't going to be able to afford it. [3:40:38, 3:40:40]: I don't I don't like the misinformation here. [3:40:41, 3:40:43]: I believe this council is acting responsibly. [3:40:44, 3:40:47]: Considering we have a construction of we have an amphitheater here. [3:40:48, 3:40:50]: And thousands of people are going to be coming here. [3:40:51, 3:40:52]: Yes now. [3:40:53, 3:40:54]: Ms. Gann, go ahead, please. [3:40:55, 3:40:55]: Thank you. [3:40:56, 3:40:56]: Um [3:40:57, 3:41:01]: After listening to some of the comments, I think that I don't want anyone to get it. [3:41:02, 3:41:02]: Twisted. [3:41:03, 3:41:06]: I think that the entire mayor council wants a [3:41:07, 3:41:08]: Police department. [3:41:09, 3:41:12]: I also think there's a way in order that we do that. [3:41:13, 3:41:33]: Right now, we were told that because of all the projects that we have going on, and because of what we've been doing, and based off of the numbers, based off of equipment, based off of all the feasibility studies, the updated feasibility study, everything we have, we're gonna be required to have a city property tax. [3:41:33, 3:41:34]: Now [3:41:34, 3:41:35]: I don't know. [3:41:36, 3:41:37]: What citizens? [3:41:38, 3:41:40]: Any other council members have talked to? [3:41:41, 3:41:47]: But I've heard totally opposite when I tell them that they have a have a city property tax. People are concerned. [3:41:48, 3:42:08]: And and no offense, it could be a very minimum tax. It could be a hundred dollars a year. It could be uh extra hundred dollars a year, two hundred dollars, but we know once you start a millage, they always increase. That's history, that's period in general. Right now, that particular tax would solely be for. [3:42:08, 3:42:16]: For the police department. When I asked the question, what was that tax for? It was to fund the police department. [3:42:16, 3:42:20]: And if the citizens want that, then so be it. [3:42:21, 3:42:32]: I'm all for all of our constituents. I'm all for us having that police protection. Extra protection. Yes, we have the amphitheater. We also have security. They just talked about that recently. [3:42:32, 3:42:33]: Um tonight. [3:42:34, 3:42:36]: That we will still have protection. [3:42:37, 3:42:41]: We're rolling it out slowly. I just want everyone to understand. [3:42:42, 3:42:42]: That [3:42:44, 3:42:50]: Although we have thought about it, we've done a study, we've seen the results, we know what we have to do. [3:42:50, 3:42:54]: We are, I don't think that all of our citizens are aware. [3:42:54, 3:42:55]: Of that. [3:42:55, 3:42:58]: I can't, I'm not gonna downplay that and say that they are. [3:42:59, 3:43:01]: 'Cause they're not. Not the ones that I talk to. [3:43:03, 3:43:07]: So and and the concern is why can't we do it like some of the other cities who [3:43:07, 3:43:12]: don't have a tax. Well some of those cities might be underwater. [3:43:12, 3:43:20]: Or some of those cities may, well, under what in the red, or whatever you want to call it. Or, you know, the population size may be different. [3:43:21, 3:43:22]: Um there are different [3:43:23, 3:43:26]: Things that contribute, but our financial advisor. [3:43:26, 3:43:27]: Person that we hired. [3:43:28, 3:43:30]: Stated we would have to have a city property tax. [3:43:30, 3:43:33]: And I'm not against a police department. [3:43:34, 3:43:44]: at all. Make that statement every single time. You can find it on municode.com and Google Stockbridge Municode and read every single minute from every single year. Never. [3:43:44, 3:43:53]: However, what you cannot do is say that I have not stated this over and over and over again, that our citizens need to know. [3:43:53, 3:44:04]: And need to be aware that we are going to provide a we are going to require that it's going to be a requirement in the near future, at some point, a city property tax. [3:44:04, 3:44:05]: That's all. [3:44:06, 3:44:08]: Airport to M, go ahead, please. [3:44:11, 3:44:14]: You know, I just want to be very, very clear. [3:44:15, 3:44:16]: And I want to thank [3:44:17, 3:44:18]: Councilman Thomas. [3:44:19, 3:44:20]: For taking the lead. [3:44:21, 3:44:23]: And I want to thank Councilwoman Barber. [3:44:23, 3:44:24]: For taking the lead. [3:44:25, 3:44:26]: Councilwoman Barber. [3:44:27, 3:44:30]: You know, the discussion had gone on for quite some time. [3:44:30, 3:44:33]: About a police department, but until you arrive. [3:44:34, 3:44:35]: We didn't have the votes to do it. [3:44:36, 3:44:38]: And and Councilman Thomas? [3:44:39, 3:44:40]: Thank you for taking the leadership. [3:44:41, 3:44:43]: Uh in this public safety. [3:44:43, 3:44:44]: Endeavor. [3:44:44, 3:44:45]: Because [3:44:45, 3:44:46]: I don't think [3:44:46, 3:44:47]: Пібова проблем. [3:44:47, 3:44:49]: paying twenty dollars a month. [3:44:49, 3:44:53]: To keep somebody from kicking their door in and protecting their mother and their family. [3:44:55, 3:44:58]: I don't think that's that's going on right now in this community. [3:44:59, 3:45:00]: People call. [3:45:00, 3:45:04]: They have something had a cell phone stolen out of their car or the computer. [3:45:04, 3:45:05]: And then there's a [3:45:06, 3:45:07]: They get well, is anybody hurt? [3:45:08, 3:45:15]: They wait an hour, an hour and a half for somebody to respond. And then they say, well, we'll send there's a report that you can pick up. [3:45:15, 3:45:17]: People are tired of that. [3:45:18, 3:45:21]: They want you to know that you spent twenty million dollars on this amphitheater. [3:45:21, 3:45:23]: But make no mistake about it. [3:45:23, 3:45:27]: This council bonded three million dollars to put your public safety first. [3:45:28, 3:45:32]: Now we can politician can double talk you all day long. [3:45:32, 3:45:44]: But until the money is put up front and these council members right here, we know it. We're looking you straight in the eye and say twenty dollars a month for your police department to keep you safe. [3:45:45, 3:45:48]: We just got the census numbers back. We over thirty thousand now. [3:45:49, 3:45:52]: The state of Georgia and Metro Atlanta continues to grow. [3:45:53, 3:46:05]: And people look at the amphitheater and they say, Well, oh, it's good to look at. It's about economic development. The best thing that I heard tonight was$1.2 million in revenue. [3:46:06, 3:46:10]: That one point two milyen dollars revenue can help offset. [3:46:11, 3:46:12]: The cost of the police department. [3:46:13, 3:46:17]: But I don't wanna have to look at any citizen in the face. [3:46:17, 3:46:19]: When somebody kicked in their door. [3:46:19, 3:46:20]: Okay. [3:46:21, 3:46:25]: And then not say that we did everything possible to keep their wife. [3:46:26, 3:46:27]: And their children's sake. [3:46:29, 3:46:32]: I can say that I'm for a police department all day long. [3:46:33, 3:46:34]: But you gotta pay for it. [3:46:36, 3:46:38]: Цитисенс пай твоє долар за мо. [3:46:38, 3:46:40]: For their monitoring system. [3:46:40, 3:46:42]: With a security system. [3:46:43, 3:46:50]: But boy, they sure would want a police officer riding through their neighborhood like we would be able to provide with that twenty dollars a month. [3:46:51, 3:46:53]: To pay for safety. [3:46:53, 3:46:54]: in their community. [3:46:55, 3:46:56]: As loot. [3:46:57, 3:46:58]: Councilman Alfonso Thomas. [3:46:59, 3:47:01]: And Councilwoman Yolanda Barber. [3:47:01, 3:47:03]: for having the courage to lead. [3:47:03, 3:47:05]: Put in public safety first. [3:47:05, 3:47:06]: Thank you for serving. [3:47:07, 3:47:09]: Councilman Thomas, go ahead, please. [3:47:09, 3:47:10]: Thank you. [3:47:12, 3:47:15]: Лемісе Менісиповермен. [3:47:15, 3:47:18]: Is not in the business. [3:47:18, 3:47:21]: Of making money, making profits. [3:47:22, 3:47:23]: Yes. [3:47:23, 3:47:27]: We always want to be safe and be balanced and stay afloat. [3:47:28, 3:47:32]: But we're not in the business of making money and making profits. [3:47:33, 3:47:36]: When you talk about dividends. [3:47:36, 3:47:38]: The dividends [3:47:38, 3:47:39]: To our citizens [3:47:40, 3:47:41]: Or [3:47:41, 3:47:43]: Improved [3:47:43, 3:47:44]: Services. [3:47:45, 3:47:46]: публік сафті [3:47:47, 3:47:49]: Battle Rose. [3:47:50, 3:47:50]: Health. [3:47:51, 3:47:52]: Wellness. [3:47:52, 3:47:53]: Fitness. [3:47:54, 3:47:56]: All of the things that we provide. [3:47:56, 3:47:57]: Two [3:47:57, 3:47:59]: The homeowners that are here now. [3:48:00, 3:48:06]: uh the the the things that we put out to encourage smart growth. [3:48:07, 3:48:12]: The things that we put out to encourage new businesses to come into our great city. [3:48:13, 3:48:17]: You cannot do these things without public safety. [3:48:18, 3:48:21]: This is forward thinking. This is forward planning. [3:48:22, 3:48:25]: I've heard too many stories on North Hendon Boulevard. [3:48:26, 3:48:32]: of business owners having issues because there are no police officers. [3:48:32, 3:48:37]: I've heard too many stories from homeowners. Ask the question. [3:48:38, 3:48:40]: Where are the police? [3:48:40, 3:48:43]: Uh in patrol in my neighborhood. [3:48:44, 3:48:48]: Why are these cars run through my neighborhood and parking? [3:48:48, 3:48:50]: And folks are afraid. [3:48:51, 3:48:54]: If you had your own police department patrolling [3:48:54, 3:48:57]: Getting to know citizens in neighborhoods. [3:48:57, 3:49:01]: parking in neighborhoods, getting out walking, meeting citizens. [3:49:02, 3:49:04]: This is what this is all about. [3:49:05, 3:49:07]: Well, we have to be about providing. [3:49:08, 3:49:10]: Those improved services. [3:49:11, 3:49:13]: To our citizens. [3:49:14, 3:49:16]: This is what this is all about. [3:49:17, 3:49:21]: We are not looking to make a profit and for money just to be sent back. [3:49:22, 3:49:24]: That's not what municipal government is about. [3:49:25, 3:49:29]: As I said earlier, yes, we want to be solid and safe. [3:49:30, 3:49:33]: But we should be about providing. [3:49:34, 3:49:36]: Improved services. [3:49:36, 3:49:40]: to all of our citizens. This is what it's about. [3:49:40, 3:49:45]: Citizen understand that there may be a possibility of a of a millage. [3:49:45, 3:49:50]: But you know, locals growth for instance that may not have one, but they have utilities. [3:49:50, 3:49:51]: Name a city. [3:49:52, 3:49:55]: Name a city our size. [3:49:55, 3:49:57]: That do not have a police department. [3:49:58, 3:50:00]: And a millage rate. Name a city. [3:50:00, 3:50:01]: Neem a city. [3:50:02, 3:50:03]: So I'm just saying. [3:50:04, 3:50:05]: Look. [3:50:05, 3:50:09]: January, we're not gonna have a full fledged [3:50:10, 3:50:11]: Department. [3:50:11, 3:50:22]: But we have to start. That's what we're doing right now. We're starting. We've done the research. And the research may have come back a little mixed, but we understand that. [3:50:23, 3:50:26]: But you don't get something, you know, for nothing. [3:50:28, 3:50:32]: So this is expected, and like uh Mayor Pro Tem said. [3:50:33, 3:50:35]: Who would not pay twenty dollars a month? [3:50:35, 3:50:36]: For that [3:50:37, 3:50:41]: Freedom of mind, that that safety of mind. [3:50:41, 3:50:44]: Knowing that when my kids and my grandkids are out. [3:50:44, 3:50:47]: plan or going to the bus stop. [3:50:48, 3:50:50]: That they are somewhat safe. [3:50:50, 3:50:53]: Who wouldn't pay$20 a month for that? [3:50:53, 3:50:56]: So I'm just saying I I mean, hey, you know, this [3:50:56, 3:51:02]: This whole fear tacting and that kind of stuff, it it just it it's just beside me. I'm just saying [3:51:03, 3:51:04]: Let's be proactive. [3:51:05, 3:51:06]: Let's plan. [3:51:07, 3:51:08]: Foi [3:51:08, 3:51:10]: Plan for the future. [3:51:10, 3:51:19]: We always talk about a vibrant community. How are you gonna have a vibrant community without a police department? How do you do that? [3:51:20, 3:51:22]: How do you plan for the future? [3:51:23, 3:51:26]: And you don't have a police department. How do you do that? [3:51:29, 3:51:38]: This is forward thinking. This is planning for the future. We can't wait five years down the road when this is just like the wild, wild west. [3:51:38, 3:51:41]: The time is now to plan. [3:51:41, 3:51:43]: And that's what we're doing. [3:51:44, 3:51:47]: Thank you, Mayor. No problem, you're welcome. Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [3:51:49, 3:51:51]: You know, um [3:51:52, 3:51:57]: Up until a little while ago, we wouldn't talk of Miller's rate nor taxes. [3:51:57, 3:52:03]: We just talk about moving forward. And these are the conversations the citizens need to have with us and hear us say. [3:52:04, 3:52:06]: That a tax would have to be implemented. [3:52:07, 3:52:12]: This is this is what I'm talking about. This is what I'm talking about. Need to be said to the citizens. [3:52:12, 3:52:19]: And then let them home in, let them be able to have the knowledge that this is what it's gonna take for us to stay financially viable. [3:52:20, 3:52:29]: I'm not sitting here against the police department. I'm saying to be clear and transparent with the citizens on what it's gonna take for us to stay financially vibrant. [3:52:30, 3:52:32]: And to implement a police department. [3:52:33, 3:52:37]: And that's what this council now is telling everyone, that a tax will have to be implemented. [3:52:39, 3:52:44]: A tax will have to be implemented. We can say military call it whatever is a tax on the citizens. [3:52:44, 3:52:50]: Now when we talk, we can we can go through scenarios and we can talk about this and talk about that. [3:52:51, 3:52:53]: Uh I've been a stock bridge for fifteen years. [3:52:54, 3:52:56]: I felt safe for fifteen years. [3:52:57, 3:52:59]: In the city of Stockbridge. [3:53:00, 3:53:08]: That's gonna, you know, one of the things that Van Johnson said down in Savannah uh about uh three weeks ago at a a at one of the meetings. [3:53:09, 3:53:13]: He said a police department doesn't stop you from getting crime. [3:53:14, 3:53:21]: There's a the a level of prevention and there's a level of recovery. And there's a level that if someone's gonna do something to you, there's a level of investigation. [3:53:24, 3:53:25]: Police departments [3:53:25, 3:53:28]: Are viable and help keeping you safe. [3:53:29, 3:53:31]: But to say that your house won't ever get broken into. [3:53:32, 3:53:35]: You won't ever have another theft. You won't ever have another car stolen. [3:53:37, 3:53:39]: That's unreasonable to say. [3:53:40, 3:53:48]: The point is what we're trying to make is that the citizens of Stockbridge need to know that in order for us to have a police department, [3:53:48, 3:53:51]: Is we're gonna and I'm not trying to say [3:53:51, 3:53:52]: Don't ever look at me. [3:53:53, 3:53:58]: Like I'm sitting here trying to come against other council members or come against the city of stock. It's not about that. [3:53:59, 3:54:01]: Is about what we're discussing right now. [3:54:02, 3:54:14]: transparency to the citizens on what it's going to take to start one. And this is the conversation I wanted us to open up. And this is the conversation I want us to have. That's all I'm that's that's my role. [3:54:15, 3:54:21]: as an elected official is to be transparent with the citizens and know what it's going to take to do what we need to do. [3:54:22, 3:54:27]: When we talk about how many years someone been on the council or all that, that's [3:54:27, 3:54:29]: You know, I don't get into those politics. [3:54:30, 3:54:32]: I don't get into the politics of scenarios of crimes. [3:54:33, 3:54:35]: But I can get into the politics. [3:54:35, 3:54:38]: And give you scenarios of successes that we've had around the city. [3:54:39, 3:54:40]: We've had around the county. [3:54:41, 3:54:46]: I could you know we can flip-flop it either way, but the bottom line is that in order to [3:54:46, 3:54:53]: Do what we want to do, inform the citizens of how I can how we're gonna have to make it happen. That's all that's all I'm talking about. [3:54:54, 3:55:05]: I tell you what, ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to close this out. I'm the last one to be speaking on this issue right now, if we can move on. And I'll say this, we're the largest city in Henry County. We're only a city that, as you well know, doesn't have a police department. [3:55:06, 3:55:07]: Now I'm not originally from here. [3:55:07, 3:55:09]: Okay, but obviously I'll live here now. [3:55:10, 3:55:15]: When I was last told or told some time ago the last time the city of Stockbridge had a police department was nineteen seventy five. [3:55:16, 3:55:23]: I was a senior in high school in nineteen seventy five. I'm sixty-four years old. It's about time things will change, I would imagine, here in this aspect. [3:55:23, 3:55:43]: And I've also on a couple of different occasions mentioned that uh w uh we do this and we have a city property tax the only way you can do this. The the actual um a report we got from uh Carl Vincent introduced several years or so ago indicated that. Talking to the uh police professionals when we had the the uh the county uh [3:55:43, 3:55:59]: the previous county um sh uh sheriff as well as the Henry County police uh uh chief some years ago mentioned that and mentioned you have to start slow or uh small and build up in this aspect. So it has been some dialogue over the course of time in reference to [3:55:59, 3:56:07]: uh funding in reference to a tax and a military rate, things of that nature. It's been discussed, maybe not as thoroughly as some people want, but I know I've actually mentioned it myself. [3:56:08, 3:56:11]: this aspect, knowing that there will be attacks that have to be implemented. [3:56:12, 3:56:30]: Now, so the thing of it is is this we're going down this road and I would think overall with the majority of the citizens, I would think that we want to have a police department for the safety and security of the area. There always will probably be a small percentage of people that say we don't need it. Emory County's fine. I don't want to be taxed. You know, you probably get that anyway across the board. [3:56:30, 3:56:50]: this aspect. But uh we're going down this road and uh hopefully as we continue to go down this road uh that the citizens will will come will have more town halls, more informational sessions and bring them along in this process and then uh eventually uh be successful with implementing a new program, a new police department and smart start small and building it up. [3:56:50, 3:56:55]: And then we'll go from there and uh and see how things flow. But I think it's something obviously we need to do. [3:56:56, 3:56:57]: This aspect and that's where we're headed. [3:56:58, 3:57:03]: So I mean obviously you know we'll have uh further disco conversations as we go down this road and [3:57:03, 3:57:21]: And we'll get a chance, the council get a chance to go ahead and and uh have a chance to interview those individuals that that Mr. Knighton sends forward to us and then we'll solidify that choice and then uh have that individual start that process. We say January, I say the first quarter of twenty twenty two. We'll see how things go. [3:57:21, 3:57:25]: On that note, folks, I'd like to end this because we've been talking quite a bit about it. [3:57:25, 3:57:40]: All right. So I'd like to move on if you don't mind. And what I like to do is is go on to my comments and uh and a lot of my comments are gonna based on our current pandemic that we're dealing with, as was mentioned earlier when we talked about the the state of emergency for a star bridge. Yes, Vanessa. [3:57:41, 3:57:44]: There was uh an item added to the agenda, Mayor. [3:57:44, 3:57:45]: What item was that? [3:57:45, 3:57:53]: Um, did you not have the latest copy that would come over from lastly? What I have is we Stephen I have my Mr Berry. [3:57:54, 3:57:55]: Well, you [3:57:55, 3:57:57]: Prepare to present the last item. [3:58:00, 3:58:07]: Thank you. Yeah, we're gonna bring that to council at the next meeting. Uh I think we're gonna talk to council members and uh [3:58:08, 3:58:12]: staff before then. So that should not be on the agenda. And that's something that we intend to bring back next [3:58:13, 3:58:14]: Be a next council meeting. [3:58:14, 3:58:16]: Noted. Thank you. [3:58:17, 3:58:37]: What I want to mention, ladies and gentlemen, citizens, is simply this. I participated in a weekly uh meeting earlier today involving Piedmont Henry, the county, the cities, and the public health department. And what I want to talk about is simply this. So far, because of COVID-19, the last year and a half, here in Henry County, we had 323 deaths. [3:58:37, 3:58:42]: We have over 22,000 cook uh collected cases in Henry County. [3:58:43, 3:58:45]: of COVID nineteen in the last year and a half. All right. [3:58:46, 3:58:51]: Right now at Piedmont Henry, there are 131 people in Piedmont Henry with COVID-19. [3:58:52, 3:58:56]: Forty two, excuse me, forty nine of those individuals in ICU. [3:58:57, 3:59:00]: Eighty two of those COVID nineteen patients are non-ICU. [3:59:00, 3:59:02]: And thirty of those eighty two. [3:59:03, 3:59:11]: or patients with COVID-19 in the ER. And that's because it packed out at the in in the hospital with the beds. That's why they're in the ER. [3:59:12, 3:59:15]: Pemont Henry has halted all elective surgeries. [3:59:16, 3:59:23]: They only are doing emergency surgery so they have enough t space and enough personnel to handle these COVID-19 cases. All right. [3:59:23, 3:59:28]: And what co what Piemont says now for not only Piemont Henry but entire Piemont hospital system. [3:59:29, 3:59:31]: All their employees must get vaccinated. [3:59:31, 3:59:37]: by one October. All their employees. And if you don't get vaccinated by one October, guess what? [3:59:37, 3:59:39]: You're gonna lose your job. [3:59:39, 3:59:41]: That's the hospital system itself. [3:59:42, 3:59:46]: Testing is extremely important. What's more important is getting vaccinated. [3:59:46, 3:59:48]: But right now, Red Hawk Field. [3:59:48, 3:59:53]: Mako Medical is the contractor that the public health department district four has hired. [3:59:54, 3:59:59]: Along with the support of of course of the county and all the all the cities here in Hermany County. [3:59:59, 4:00:01]: COVID testing is still going on. [4:00:01, 4:00:05]: Bed Hawk Fields located at 143 Henry Parkway. [4:00:05, 4:00:07]: And they expended hours now. [4:00:07, 4:00:10]: Testing is every day, Monday to Friday. [4:00:10, 4:00:20]: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. free testing for COVID-19. And because of what has occurred since the state of emergency announced in Henry County and all the things that are going on. [4:00:21, 4:00:30]: They have the the testing has automatically gone up in numbers they mentioned today. Automatically gone up. So we're spending, they're spending the hours to make sure that they test people free of charge. [4:00:31, 4:00:32]: Okay. [4:00:32, 4:00:37]: But you can make an appointment. Stand by. Let me finish, please. You can't make an appointment. 800. [4:00:37, 4:00:42]: 847-4262. Once again, 800-847-4262. [4:00:42, 4:00:50]: All right. And uh that'll get you in a district four public health, and you can set an appointment to get the testing. But at the location, once again, the red hot field. [4:00:50, 4:00:53]: one forty three Henry Parkway. [4:00:54, 4:00:56]: Now let me mention this, the public health department. [4:00:57, 4:01:02]: Public Health Department located at 143 Henry Parkway, which is right next to Red Hawk Field. [4:01:03, 4:01:16]: They are giving out vaccinations. They will give you a free vaccination. You can walk in and get the free vaccination, but you're gonna you have to take some time. It's gotta get you loaded into the system. They prefer you to actually make an appointment. [4:01:16, 4:01:17]: Okay. [4:01:17, 4:01:24]: And the vaccination is free, but if you have insurance, they'll take your insurance information. But if you don't have insurance, they'll still give you a vaccination. [4:01:25, 4:01:30]: So you can you can make an appointment by going to District Four, Public Health Department, eight hundred. [4:01:30, 4:01:35]: Once again, 847-4262 to make an appointment. You can also make an appointment. [4:01:36, 4:01:39]: with the Jordan State Public Health Department, which is eight eighty eight. [4:01:40, 4:01:57]: four five seven zero one eight six. Once again eight eight eight four five seven zero one eight six. Or you can go to the the the district four health department website and log on the website and I'll make an appointment for vaccination that way as well. [4:01:58, 4:02:02]: That is district four, the number four, health. [4:02:03, 4:02:05]: dot org once again district the number four [4:02:06, 4:02:08]: Health daorg for the website. [4:02:09, 4:02:18]: At the public health department, right at 143 Henry Parkway, right next to Red Hawk Field, Red Hawk Field, they have Mederma and Pfizer. [4:02:18, 4:02:20]: For the vaccination. McDermott and Pfizer. [4:02:20, 4:02:32]: And of course, Pfizer is the only authorized vaccination you can get currently that's been approved for children ages 12 to 17. 12 to 17 can only get Pfizer right now. [4:02:32, 4:02:32]: Right. [4:02:33, 4:02:34]: But it can be done. [4:02:34, 4:02:35]: Set to appointment. [4:02:39, 4:02:41]: I want to mention that to you. Now. [4:02:42, 4:02:44]: One other thing I gotta s several things I gotta tell you. [4:02:45, 4:02:45]: CDC. [4:02:46, 4:02:50]: CDC has COVID-19 delta variant information. [4:02:51, 4:02:52]: It's extremely important. [4:02:53, 4:02:57]: Getting vaccinated prevents several illnesses, hospitalizations, and death. [4:02:58, 4:03:00]: This also helps reduce the spread of the virus. [4:03:01, 4:03:07]: Unvaccinated individuals should get vaccinated and continue masking until they are fully vaccinated. [4:03:08, 4:03:11]: The delta variant is more urgent than ever. [4:03:11, 4:03:16]: And and it's has had the highest spread of cases and severe outcomes. [4:03:16, 4:03:21]: And it's happening in places where people have low vaccination rates, where areas of low vaccination rates now. [4:03:22, 4:03:28]: Data shows the delta variant is much more contagious than any previous viruses we've been dealing with. [4:03:30, 4:03:40]: Some vaccinated people can get the delta variant and a breakthrough infections, but it but it may not be c it won't be contagious. You're not gonna get go to the hospital if you happen to get it for some strange reason. [4:03:40, 4:03:48]: Vaccinated individuals represent this very small amount of transmission occurring around the country. [4:03:48, 4:03:57]: So I'm a vaccinated entire council is a vaccinated. So I mean, chances are we're not gonna get we're not gonna get the virus because we're vaccinated. Very slim, very slim percentage. And if when we did, [4:03:57, 4:04:01]: You won't be going to the hospital. You won't be handing on the hospital bed. You'll get over in a few days. [4:04:02, 4:04:08]: Virtually all hospitalizations and deaths continue to be among people unvaccinated. [4:04:09, 4:04:10]: Let me say that again. [4:04:11, 4:04:15]: Virtually all hospitalizations and deaths. [4:04:15, 4:04:18]: continue to be people that are unvaccinated. [4:04:18, 4:04:21]: Period. It's like playing Russian roulette, folks. [4:04:21, 4:04:22]: You know? [4:04:23, 4:04:34]: In areas of substantial and high transmission, the CDC recommends that everyone, including fully vaccinated individuals, wear a mask in public indoor settings. [4:04:35, 4:04:41]: to assist in preventing the spread of the delta variant and to fr and also to protect others in the process. [4:04:42, 4:04:48]: CDC recommends that community leaders encourage vaccination and masking to prevent further outbreaks. [4:04:49, 4:04:52]: In the area of substantial and high transmission. [4:04:52, 4:04:54]: It's high enough in Henry County. [4:04:55, 4:05:09]: CC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status, period. Children should return to full-time in-person learning. [4:05:10, 4:05:30]: In the fall, with the layer prevention strategies in place. And I believe that's exactly what our Henry Canada school system is doing. And I would imagine our public school system, excuse me, our private schools are doing the exact same thing as well. They're serious business, folks, in this aspect. And really, it's the unvaccinated that need to get vaccinated. They're the ones that are in the hospitals, and they're the ones. [4:05:30, 4:05:32]: ones that are in serious danger. [4:05:32, 4:05:40]: And if you happen to be a parent that is unvaccinated and have small children that are under twelve that can't get vaccinated, you're putting your own children in danger. [4:05:41, 4:05:46]: And besides yourself, your kids are in danger. So you should get vaccinated so you'll help protect your children as well. [4:05:47, 4:05:50]: Of course, if you're over twelve, Pfizer. [4:05:50, 4:05:51]: They they can have a Pfizer. [4:05:52, 4:05:53]: Vaccination. [4:05:53, 4:05:56]: And if you and Pfizer and Miderma are good for anybody eighteen and over. [4:05:57, 4:05:58]: Very important folks. [4:05:58, 4:06:00]: That aspect. You need to get that out. [4:06:00, 4:06:02]: All right. So on that note. [4:06:03, 4:06:17]: Let's see here. I got some activities coming up, some things that we need to talk about here. Uh Main Street Advisory Board meeting is uh the second Friday of each month, 9 a.m. Uh on by way of Zoom on September 10th. [4:06:19, 4:06:25]: The Downtown Development Authority meeting at 6 PM by way of Zoom, third Tuesday of each month. That'll be August 17th. [4:06:26, 4:06:33]: The new council advisory meeting at 630 by way of Zoom, third Thursday, a third Tuesday of each month on August 17th as well. [4:06:35, 4:06:40]: The planning commission meeting is 6:30 by way of Zoom, fourth Thursday of each month, which is August 26th. [4:06:41, 4:06:43]: Council work session, 6 p.m. [4:06:43, 4:06:46]: Zoom, last Tuesday of East Month, August thirty first. [4:06:47, 4:06:53]: And our next city council meeting with 6 p.m. by way of Zoom. Uh, and it's be on the 14th of September. [4:06:54, 4:07:04]: Please join Councilman Barber at the Merrill Manters Conference Center for the Blood Drive Council initiative, which is Saturday, August 21st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. So please donate. [4:07:05, 4:07:06]: That's this coming Saturday. [4:07:06, 4:07:26]: Well Mayor Ford, that has been canceled. I'm sorry. Oh, you canceled that? Okay. So be it. It's canceled. All right. And then um and then actually on the Monday the twenty-sixth from ten a.m. to twelve noon is the opportunity to meet the mayor, have conversation with me one-on-one, to voice your questions and concerns. That's Monday, August 23rd from 10 a.m. to noon. [4:07:26, 4:07:35]: and uh call the city hall 770-389-7900 to uh make an appointment. Look forward to talking to you uh uh next Monday, one week from today. [4:07:36, 4:07:37]: On that note, uh [4:07:37, 4:07:42]: our counsel and I believe our attorneys, we have a Zecular session that we need to uh go into at this point. [4:07:43, 4:07:44]: Yes, that's correct, Mike. [4:07:44, 4:07:47]: Okay, so I need a motion to go into second session, Council. [4:07:49, 4:07:53]: May I I move that we go into executive session for personnel. [4:07:54, 4:07:58]: Uh personnel litigation and personnel litigation and real estate. [4:07:58, 4:08:00]: There you go. Is there a second? [4:08:01, 4:08:04]: Ms. Barber seconds that motion. All in favor, please indicate. [4:08:05, 4:08:17]: All right, good deal. It's in looks like it's unanimous there. Okay, we'll go into Zegova session. See you in about the ten minutes. Uh Miss Holiday, I guess uh the IT guys will be able to they're online. They'll be able to send us a new link to get into Zegova session here. [4:08:18, 4:08:22]: Uh yes, we have that meeting ready. Okay. Thank you very much. See you in the next session, folks. [4:08:24, 4:08:25]: Start here. [4:08:31, 4:08:34]: All right. So uh okay, there's Jeremy. Okay. [4:08:36, 4:08:41]: All right, so we have uh we have one turning. So anyway, as long as we got one. Un otherwise uh [4:08:42, 4:08:48]: Uh I'm gonna go forward with this council. I need a motion to uh close out our executive session, please. [4:08:49, 4:08:49]: Some more. [4:08:50, 4:08:51]: Their second. [4:08:51, 4:08:56]: Second. Mr. Thomas, second that. Okay. All in favor, please indicate. [4:08:58, 4:09:10]: Okay, an decision on that. Well three. Um okay, Miss Holiday, you're Miss Holday you're you're muted. Who I'm sorry, who made the motion? I got the second. Yeah, Alexander and then Thomas and it's uh [4:09:11, 4:09:18]: We have a quorum, so it's unanimous with the quorum this year. I need a motion now to uh uh convene our council meeting. [4:09:18, 4:09:21]: Oh no Okay, let tell us something. [4:09:22, 4:09:23]: Council Thomas made a motion. [4:09:23, 4:09:26]: Mayor Pro Tem, you so you second that motion? [4:09:26, 4:09:26]: Yes. [4:09:27, 4:09:28]: Okay, all in favor, please indicate. [4:09:30, 4:09:39]: All right, thank you. All right. Uh okay, ladies and gentlemen. Uh in reference to our executive session, uh I have a uh Ma'am Ford. Yes, ma'am. [4:09:40, 4:09:44]: I see that this meeting is being recorded. Yes. When is it live? [4:09:46, 4:09:51]: Oh, okay. That's a good point. Uh IT guy then normally we put uh [4:09:52, 4:09:56]: It's a good point. Uh I don't know. Um [4:09:57, 4:10:01]: Well, Mr. Knight, can we get hold of and and go back on Facebook Live for this as well? [4:10:02, 4:10:02]: A cheers? [4:10:10, 4:10:11]: Vanessa, would you [4:10:12, 4:10:14]: I'm trying to reach him. Trying. Okay. [4:10:14, 4:10:29]: Okay. So otherwise, uh hm. Okay, so I that's a good point. So we may have to redo all this. Is that what you're getting at? Because right now, if that's the case, the you're closing out the the second session and coming back in the regular council and you wasn't on Facebook. They're asking [4:10:30, 4:10:32]: Um, if we're Facebook Live, do you know? [4:10:34, 4:10:38]: I don't see you on Facebook. Okay. So let me try to join. [4:10:39, 4:10:39]: Thank you. [4:10:42, 4:10:45]: He's joining so that he can actually do that. [4:10:45, 4:10:47]: Okay. Thank you. Thank you. [4:11:02, 4:11:03]: All right, Mr. Bond. [4:11:08, 4:11:13]: Uh Vanessa, can you make me uh host please? All right, where are you? I don't s even see you. [4:11:14, 4:11:20]: I actually right now. Oh, you're me? Okay, if what if [4:11:20, 4:11:24]: Well I'm sorry. [4:11:25, 4:11:27]: Okay, there you are. [4:11:33, 4:11:34]: Okay. [4:11:56, 4:11:57]: That's fun. [4:12:08, 4:12:11]: Now we go. Here we go. We're going. [4:12:14, 4:12:21]: All right. We'll go through this again. All right, Council. I need a motion to end our executive session, please. [4:12:21, 4:12:22]: Some more [4:12:22, 4:12:26]: Okay. All right. All in favor, please indicate. [4:12:27, 4:12:31]: All right. Now I need a motion to reconvene a council meeting. [4:12:32, 4:12:33]: So move. [4:12:33, 4:12:36]: Yeah, second. All right. All in favor, please indicate. [4:12:37, 4:12:38]: All right. [4:12:39, 4:12:47]: All right, based on our executive session, our discussion, uh, we have uh actual we have a um a resolution uh that I must read here to put in the record. [4:12:48, 4:12:53]: And this is a resolution censoring councilman, council member John Blount. [4:12:53, 4:13:07]: Whereas the city of Stockbridge is a municipal corporated duly organized and existing under the laws of the state of Georgia and is charged with providing public services to residents located within the corporate limits of the city. [4:13:07, 4:13:13]: Whereas the council member John Blount was elected to serve the citizens of city of the city. [4:13:13, 4:13:23]: Whereas Councilmember Blount swore an oath, which, among other things, stated that he would perform the duties of the office of councilmember in the best interest of the city. [4:13:23, 4:13:28]: Whereas the office of the city uh council member requires that such elected [4:13:28, 4:13:31]: Fish will meet the high standards of b of behaviour. [4:13:32, 4:13:45]: Whereas the city of Stockbridge, through the city's council, speaks on behalf of the citizens and does not condone any type of unprofessional, unethical, or inappropriate conduct by those who have sworn the oath to serve. [4:13:45, 4:14:00]: Whereas the City Code of Conduct states that council members shall conduct themselves so as to bring a credit upon the city as a whole and to set an example of good ethical conduct for all citizens of the community. [4:14:01, 4:14:21]: City Code Section 2.40.055A1E, whereas cities uh city council has become aware of multiple employee concerns involving council members Blount's behavior, including alleged appropriate, inappropriate conduct or statements, essence of time spent at city. [4:14:21, 4:14:27]: Hall and pattern and fraternizing with city employees and making certain employees feel uncomfortable. [4:14:28, 4:14:48]: Whereas the city council, by census, engaged an independent investigator to investigate the employee allegations concerning Councilmember Blount's alleged conduct. Whereas an independent investigator interviewed seven people, including Councilmember Blount, and concluded with the Councilmember Blount had made multiple city employees feel uncomfortable. [4:14:48, 4:15:08]: Comfortable when he had made certain statements and engaged in certain conduct during various visits to City Hall during employees' working hours. Whereas the independent investigator determined that Councilmember Blount's actions violated City Code Sections 2.40.055 B1, threat city staff. [4:15:08, 4:15:28]: Staff as professionals and with respect, excuse me, treat city staff as professionals with respect. B3, keep communications with city and staff short and limit disruption of the work of the city staff. And B for refrain from expressing concerns about the performance of a city. [4:15:28, 4:15:33]: employee in public or at or to the employees uh directly. [4:15:34, 4:15:54]: Whereas if the independent investigator did not conclude that the Council Member Blount's actions violated equal employment opportunity laws, whereas the city council wishes to make it clear that the council does not condone nor accept such behavior, whereas the city council finds that this resolution is necessary and beneficial to its citizens. [4:15:54, 4:16:06]: and to clarify the role of the city council of the council member. Therefore it is resolved by the city council and the city of Stockbridge, Georgia, as follows. Section one, censor. [4:16:06, 4:16:26]: Councilmember Blount is hereby formally century for his behavior as stated above. Councilmember Blount is hereby called upon to cease with behavior and to conduct itself in a manner fitting to the office of the city council member with respect to the city staff. Section two, approval of execution. The mayor or mayor pro tem is hereby authorized. [4:16:26, 4:16:43]: To sign all documents and perform all the necessary acts necessary to officiate this resolution on behalf of the city stopbridge. The city clerk is authorized to execute a test and seal any document which may necessary be to officiate this resolution. [4:16:44, 4:17:04]: Uh section three, severity, severability, excuse me, uh to the content of any portion of this resolution declared to be invalid, unforceable, or non-bind binding that shall not affect the remaining portions of this resolution. Section four, repeal of the conflicting provisions, also the resolution. [4:17:04, 4:17:24]: In consistent with the resolution are hereby repealed. Section 5, effective date. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon the adoption of the city's council or the city stop bridge as provided in the city charter, resolved on this day. Well, actually it's now well decision made on the 16th day of July. Excuse me, 16th day of August. [4:17:24, 4:17:25]: [15445.9, 15452.1]: and uh set aside for me to sign along with the Vanessa Holiday, our clerk and our attorney. [4:17:32, 4:17:37]: Um, I would imagine now we need to have a motion to accept this resolution. [4:17:38, 4:17:41]: Mayor make a motion to accept this resolution. [4:17:41, 4:17:45]: To indicate that uh our city of Stockworth employees are to be [4:17:46, 4:17:48]: Treasure and that well. [4:17:48, 4:17:51]: Um any type of intimidation or [4:17:52, 4:17:58]: uh un inappropriate behavior in the workplace is totally unacceptable in the city of Stockbridge. [4:17:58, 4:17:59]: Is there a second? [4:18:00, 4:18:06]: Does that Mr. Thomas second that? Okay. Any further discussion? And if not, all in favor, please indicate. [4:18:09, 4:18:29]: Okay. Mr. Okay, three three votes. All right. We have a quorum. Three votes. All right. Motion passes. All right. I'll uh I'll sign this and get this uh I guess uh Mr. Washington or Mr. Berry would have to officially inform, I suppose, or I would have to officially inform uh council member Blount about this and assign this document to I'll do that uh [4:18:29, 4:18:35]: Later on today, since it is now Tuesday in this aspect. Any other comments, uh, counselors before we close out the meeting? [4:18:38, 4:18:44]: Or if not we don't have any uh I mean we don't have any made a four. Okay, on that note then I need a motion council to end the this meeting. [4:18:45, 4:18:52]: So move. Somebody's so okay. That's the move. Second by Council Barber. All in favor, please indicate. [4:18:52, 4:18:54]: Good night, everybody. God bless you. [4:18:54, 4:18:55]: Thank you. [4:18:56, 4:18:56]: Good night. [4:18:58, 4:18:58]: Thanks.