2022-04-11 · City Council · Transcript · Regular Council Meetings

--- title: Regular Council Meetings date: 2022-04-11 source: 2022-04-11_Regular_Council_Meetings.wav --- [0:00:07, 0:00:09]: All right, ladies and gentlemen, we are now recording. [0:00:21, 0:00:24]: And we are now on Facebook Live as well. [0:00:30, 0:00:38]: [ 40.7, 43.6]: [0:00:52, 0:00:54]: [ 83.4, 85.8]: I'm I'm at a meeting. [0:01:28, 0:01:30]: You're mad, you're me. [0:01:31, 0:01:34]: Uh Mr. Anderson, if you would there you go. Thank you. [0:01:50, 0:01:52]: Good evening. Good evening. [0:02:08, 0:02:11]: Hello everyone. Good evening. [0:02:21, 0:02:23]: Yes. [0:02:56, 0:03:00]: Yeah, what time is the uh ceremony tomorrow for the [0:03:01, 0:03:03]: Center for the stem school. [0:03:07, 0:03:08]: The mu [0:03:09, 0:03:12]: Four four PM. Just four PM okay. [0:03:12, 0:03:13]: Yeah, I'm sorry about that. Yes, four PM. [0:03:15, 0:03:17]: All right, thank you. [0:03:27, 0:03:29]: Okay, let's see here. [0:03:30, 0:03:36]: We have uh okay, Mr. Washington, okay. [0:03:37, 0:03:39]: Just one second, Mayor. Okay, thank you. [0:04:10, 0:04:10]: Yeah. [0:05:01, 0:05:02]: Are you good to go now, Miss Holliday? [0:05:09, 0:05:14]: We had a request for an email change. So um IT is sending that out right now. [0:05:14, 0:05:17]: If you give us just a couple of seconds, please. Okay. [0:05:44, 0:05:47]: Continue to be patient, folks. We'll get started in just a second here. [0:06:19, 0:06:20]: [388.6, 404.5]: It's been sent mayor and you do have a quantum. Okay. Thanks a lot. I appreciate it. Thank you. All right, late. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, okay. Yeah, I have 602. I'm gonna call our council meeting for April 11th, 2020 to order and I will give the invocation. So please buy ahead. [0:06:45, 0:06:52]: Lord, thank you for bringing this together once again to do the city's business as the citizens have elected us to do. Allow us to have outstanding dialogue. [0:06:53, 0:06:58]: continue to move the city forward, continue to make good logical decisions. Be us always Lord in your name. [0:06:58, 0:06:59]: Amen. [0:06:59, 0:07:00]: Amen. [0:07:01, 0:07:02]: I need a um [0:07:04, 0:07:07]: Pledge of allegiance, please. Let's keep please stand for a pledge of allegiance. [0:07:10, 0:07:23]: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the Republic for which it stays one nature, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice small. [0:07:25, 0:07:28]: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Madam Kirk, we'll call, please. [0:07:35, 0:07:36]: Mayor Ford. Present. [0:07:36, 0:07:38]: Mayor Pro Tem Thomas. [0:07:38, 0:07:39]: Present. [0:07:39, 0:07:41]: Councilman Alexander. [0:07:41, 0:07:42]: Present. [0:07:42, 0:07:43]: Councilwoman Barber. [0:07:43, 0:07:44]: Present. [0:07:44, 0:07:45]: Councilman Blount. [0:07:46, 0:07:46]: President [0:07:46, 0:07:47]: Councilwoman Gantt. [0:07:50, 0:08:03]: the breaker reflect councilwoman Gantt is not in attendance mayor forward do you have a forum thank you madam clerk i appreciate that um council i need adoption of the agenda i believe there's going to be amendment to the agenda which i was that clear [0:08:04, 0:08:10]: Yes, sir. Mayor I'd like to um amend the agenda to add a resolution. [0:08:10, 0:08:13]: Allowing the council to return to in person meetings. [0:08:14, 0:08:16]: Uh obviously that is contingent upon. [0:08:16, 0:08:21]: Uh the changes and uh the science, and uh we shall continue to follow that. [0:08:21, 0:08:24]: But this gives us the the ability to be able to meet. [0:08:24, 0:08:26]: uh in person going forward. [0:08:27, 0:08:27]: Is there a second? [0:08:28, 0:08:31]: Ms. Barber seconded that motion. All in favor, please indicate. [0:08:33, 0:08:38]: Okay. Okay. As as unanimous in that decision. We'll make that item number thirteen a new business. Okay. [0:08:40, 0:09:00]: And uh we'll have our attorneys to start off that discussion when we get to that point. Um a motion to adopt the minutes uh that we have present. Then those are uh minutes for the four February 14th council meeting and also the February 22nd um council work session. I need a motion to adopt those minutes, please. [0:09:00, 0:09:00]: [541.8, 546.2]: We need to adopt the full agenda. Right. If you would adopt the agenda with the amendment. [0:09:07, 0:09:08]: That's right. [0:09:08, 0:09:15]: Keep it straight. Okay. You're right. I need a motion to adopt the overall agenda, please. So move. Is there a second? [0:09:16, 0:09:20]: Miss Barber, your hand is again second. Okay, she seconded that. All favor, please indicate. [0:09:21, 0:09:25]: All right, unanimous decision. All right. So keep me honest, right? Okay, now. [0:09:26, 0:09:35]: In reference to the adoption of the minutes, I've already mentioned that council work, a council meeting on February 14th and council work session on February 22nd. Please, a motion. [0:09:35, 0:09:36]: So [0:09:36, 0:09:38]: Okay, Mr. Alexander, sir second. [0:09:40, 0:09:41]: Is there a second? [0:09:43, 0:09:49]: In reference to the minutes, is there a second to approve the minutes? Ms. Barber, saw your hand again. Okay. All in favor, please indicate. [0:09:50, 0:09:52]: Outstanding is announced decision on that point. [0:09:53, 0:09:56]: All right, uh Miss Holiday, do we have any public comments at all? [0:09:57, 0:10:01]: Mayor Ford, we do have two public comments tonight. [0:10:02, 0:10:05]: First comment is from Mr. Burns with Senior Greenland Drive. [0:10:06, 0:10:07]: McDonald, Georgia. [0:10:08, 0:10:17]: The city of Stockbridge has jammed over thirty-two hundred people in the state-of-the-art Stockbridge amphitheater since September 2021, but yet continues to hold city. [0:10:17, 0:10:26]: Of Stockbridge, Georgia City Council meetings virtually. The entire government of Henry County and neighboring counties are open to the public. [0:10:26, 0:10:43]: Why is the mayor and city council still denying the public access to these meetings in person? There is absolutely no excuse to continue to hold these meetings virtually when the administration, mayor, and council is massless away from city hall. Open up these meetings to the public in person, please. [0:10:45, 0:11:00]: Second comment, Mayor. All right, go ahead. Well obviously, obviously that particular issue we're going to address later on this evening. Okay. All right. Good. Yes, sir. Next comment. Next comment is from Sonny Randanza, Brant Street, Stockbridge, Georgia. [0:11:01, 0:11:06]: The noise mitigation issue should be on the agenda, but it is still not. [0:11:07, 0:11:17]: Please keep your promises. It's disrespectful to continually put this problem off. It is damaging people's health, mine in particular. We still have no schedule. [0:11:17, 0:11:21]: for sound checks and no attempt to limit the time for sound checks. [0:11:21, 0:11:28]: Which lasts way longer than the actual concerts. We deserve to at least know when we will be blasted out. [0:11:29, 0:11:30]: In our homes. [0:11:31, 0:11:33]: The Thursday before the party. [0:11:33, 0:11:33]: Concert. [0:11:34, 0:11:36]: We had a two hour [0:11:36, 0:11:39]: Sound check. The next day, Friday, [0:11:39, 0:11:43]: I was working from home and the sound check started at twelve fifty seven. [0:11:43, 0:11:47]: You can imagine how difficult it is to carry on a conversation with a customer. [0:11:48, 0:11:55]: Everything you guys do lately is harmful to taxpayers and constituents. Even City Hall closed at 3 p.m. that day. [0:11:56, 0:12:16]: To deal with the show, please can someone address this problem tonight? We have waited long enough for the city to have inquiries into noise abatement, especially when it should have been addressed before construction. For more than three years, I have asked for mitigation for this neighborhood. Also, please address sunshine loss and the fact that the city of Stockbridge Council [0:12:16, 0:12:26]: meetings are still not being held in public. We see officials all over town in public. No mask. How long will we be banned from public participation? Thanks. [0:12:26, 0:12:28]: Thank you for that. And um [0:12:28, 0:12:48]: Mr. Gardner, you still have the lead, sir, in reference to this mitigation and um that's a collective issue that we have to deal with. So we'll continue to work through the process and try to get see what we can do to get this thing resolved. Appreciate your assistance, sir. Thank you very much. Mayor. Yes, ma'am. For the record, Councilwoman Gantt has joined the meeting. Fantastic. Okay, that's a compliment. All right. Yeah, um [0:12:48, 0:12:49]: Mr. Gordon. [0:12:49, 0:12:54]: Yes, ma'am. And um I've tasked the uh engineers and architects with [0:12:54, 0:12:58]: coming up with three options on the sound mitigation. [0:12:58, 0:13:02]: So as soon as they completed that work, we'll present that to May and Council. [0:13:02, 0:13:05]: Along with the cost associated to implement it. [0:13:06, 0:13:07]: Thanks, sir. Appreciate that. [0:13:07, 0:13:08]: You're welcome. [0:13:08, 0:13:15]: Okay, ceremonial. We have a couple of proclamations this evening and Robin Jones. I'm glad to see you join us. [0:13:16, 0:13:22]: This is a proclamation from the councils, uh, Mary City Council on um child abuse prevention month, which is April. [0:13:23, 0:13:28]: Whereas children are critical to Georgia's future success, prosperity, and quality of life. [0:13:28, 0:13:33]: While children are our most valuable resource, they are also our most vulnerable. [0:13:34, 0:13:41]: Children have a right to be safe and an opportunity to thrive, learn, and grow in an environment that fosters healthy development. [0:13:43, 0:13:52]: And whereas child abuse and neglect can be prevented by supporting and strengthening Georgia's families, thus preventing a far-reaching effect of maltreatment. [0:13:52, 0:13:59]: and providing the opportunity for children to develop healthy, trusting family bonds and consequently building the foundation of communities. [0:14:00, 0:14:12]: And whereas effectively intervening in the lives of children threatened by abuse is a shared responsibility. And Georgia citizens must come together so that the voices of our children are heard by all. [0:14:13, 0:14:17]: We all must ensure that our communities are extending helpful hands. [0:14:17, 0:14:35]: to children and families in need, whereas effective child abuse prevention strategies succeed because of partnerships created among citizens, human resource agencies, schools, faith communities, healthcare providers, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community. [0:14:36, 0:14:56]: Whereas by providing a safe and nurturing environment for our children, free of violence, abuse, and neglect, we can ensure that Georgia's children will grow to their full potential as the next generation of leaders, helping to secure the future of this state and nation. Now, therefore, I, Mayor Anthony S. Ford, by virtue of authority vested in me as a mayor of the city of Stockbridge, Georgia. [0:14:56, 0:14:56]: Mm-hmm. [0:14:57, 0:15:13]: And on behalf of City Council members Elton Alexander, Yolanda Barber, John Blount, Nakesa Gantt and Afonso Thomas, do hereby proclaim April 2022 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Georgia and urge families and communities to become involved in protecting Georgia's children. [0:15:14, 0:15:30]: In witness whereof I have here hereunto set my hand on the 11th day of April 2022 and have caused the official seal of the great city of Stockbridge to be affixed here too. And I signed the proclamation along with uh Vanessa Holliday, our clerk. Congratulations. Thank you, Robin, for being here. [0:15:31, 0:15:34]: Robin, the the floor is yours, ma'am, for any comments that you may have. [0:15:35, 0:15:48]: Thank you so much, Mayor Ford. We greatly appreciate it. And you've already given me the beautifully framed proclamation. We do appreciate that. And we just appreciate the city of Stockbridge and your commitment to the children of Henry County. [0:15:48, 0:16:07]: And also for your continued support year after year for prevent child abuse, Henry. Thank you so much. Well, thank you for being here. And you and you're more than welcome to stay as long as you like for the meeting tonight. It's up clear clearly up to you. Okay. I appreciate it. I have a board meeting at 6 30 though, but thank you so much. You're welcome. Take care of yourself. You too. Okay. [0:16:09, 0:16:10]: Dr. Paul Brown, welcome sir. [0:16:13, 0:16:19]: Mayor Ford, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of the ceremony this evening. No problem. No problem, sir. I have a proclamation for you as well. [0:16:19, 0:16:26]: This is for the National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, which is April 24th to 30th of 2022. [0:16:27, 0:16:39]: Whereas Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, MLPW, provides the profession with a unique opportunity to increase public understanding of and appreciation for the clinical laboratory personnel. [0:16:40, 0:16:41]: And whereas [0:16:41, 0:16:54]: MLPW, which takes place the last full week of April each year, and is coordinated by the collaborative committee with representatives from seven uh 17 national clinical laboratory organizations, including [0:16:54, 0:17:07]: AMT, American Medical Technologists, AC, excuse me, ASCLS, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, and ASM, the American Society on Microbiology. [0:17:07, 0:17:27]: And whereas there's approximately 300,000 practitioners of the clinical laboratory science in the United States, and whereas lab week is the annual celebration of the medical laboratory professionals and pathologists who play a vital role in healthcare and patient advocacy. Now, therefore, I, Anthony S. Ford, mayor of City of Stockbridge, Georgia, along with council members Elton Alexander. [0:17:27, 0:17:42]: Alana Barber John Blount Lakeisha Gantt and Afonso Thomas do hereby proclaim the week of April 20 to 2024 to 30, 2022, as National Medical Library Professional Week in the great city of Stockbridge, Georgia, and recognize and celebrate. [0:17:43, 0:17:50]: the term teams of the lab at Piemont Henry Hospital, who are the impact behind diagnostic medicine. [0:17:50, 0:18:06]: Thank you for all that you do, a witness whereof I have hereunto sent my hand and the great seal of the city of Stockbridge, Georgia, on the eleventh day of April, the year of our Lord 2022. And I sign this proclamation along with our clerk Vanessa Holiday. Congratulations, sir. Mr. Brown. [0:18:08, 0:18:13]: Thank you, Chair. We appreciate it. And on behalf of the Clinical Lab Science Group. [0:18:13, 0:18:20]: And especially the group at Pete Mount Henry Hospital. Uh we do ac actually recognize that last week in April internationally. [0:18:20, 0:18:22]: Other places as well. So uh [0:18:23, 0:18:26]: I'm not sure whether Leticia Harris is on today, but she's a manager there and [0:18:27, 0:18:30]: Our thanks to you and the council for providing [0:18:30, 0:18:33]: of this proclamation on their behalf. Thank you so very much. [0:18:34, 0:18:42]: You're welcome, sir. And I'll make a point to coordinate in reference to getting an actual framed proclamation to you, sir, and your staff. Okay. I got to work that out with you. All right. [0:18:43, 0:18:48]: Thank you very much, sir. Appreciate it. No problem. Appreciate it. Take care of yourself, sir. You can stay as long as you like, by the way, as well. So clear it up to you. [0:18:49, 0:18:51]: Okay. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Uh huh. [0:18:52, 0:19:07]: We'll move right on right on. We have a presentation. The Hemedy County Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau annual hotel motel tax report for the city of Stockbridge for FY21, presented by Laura Lucre. And I see we also have Mr. Joe Henning online as well. [0:19:08, 0:19:09]: Okay. [0:19:10, 0:19:11]: Laura's all yours. [0:19:12, 0:19:13]: Thank you, Mayor. [0:19:16, 0:19:18]: Can y'all see the presentation? [0:19:18, 0:19:19]: Yes, we do. [0:19:19, 0:19:20]: Okay. [0:19:20, 0:19:40]: So as Mayor said, I am Laura Lucer and I am the director of tourism for Visit Henry County, Georgia, or as we call ourselves a destination marketing organization, which means that we market Henry County as a destination for tourists to visit, eat, stay. [0:19:40, 0:19:55]: meet, shop, or play. And our mission is to inspire tourism by engaging our partners and the community in order to build a sense of hospitality for Henry County visitors and to stimulate economic development. [0:19:56, 0:20:16]: And we um I think it's important to note that the law states that our role is promoting tourism's conventions and trade shows and to do so by planning, conducting, or participating in programs of information and publicity that are designed to attract or advertise tourism conventions or trade shows. So again. [0:20:16, 0:20:26]: Again, it's all about the advertising and the publicity. It's not um about um the building of the actual things. I like to I saw I saw this um [0:20:27, 0:20:46]: example and I really liked it. I feel like it's really clear picture of what a d DMO or a destination marketing organization does. Um that we are museum curators. We don't create the art or select the types of art that goes into the museum necessarily, but we are charged with looking at what we have. [0:20:47, 0:20:59]: and figuring out how those patrons, those visitors will best respond to it and how to package it, how to market it to get them to come and to visit our museum. And so we're really facilitators and collaborators. [0:21:00, 0:21:20]: And just um as we talk about CVBs, there's a lot of I think um confusion maybe about what um destination marketing organizations or CVBs do. We are in fact a private nonprofit that by law must be a 501c6, and we are completely supported by what's called the hotel motel. [0:21:20, 0:21:23]: Tax. You'll see it referred to later as the HMT. [0:21:23, 0:21:43]: And we, while we are a division of the chamber, we are geographic and industry specific rather than membership-based as the chamber is. And we also do have our own board of directors and financials. And we promote the cities of Hampton, Stockbridge, Locust Grove, and then the unincorporated parts of Henry County. [0:21:43, 0:22:03]: And so while we receive this hotel motel tax, it is not a tax that's paid by locals. It's not supported by local tax. It is by people who visit and stay in hotels. And we don't receive any funding from any source, other no government sources, just that hotel motel tax. And like I said, we're not, we are not a membership. [0:22:03, 0:22:23]: Organization. But and while we do promote for businesses to get to know each other, we feel like there's a lot of real good benefits from our partners knowing each other. We are not primarily a business promotion or business networking organization. So that's just some of the ways in which we differ. Again, we're our entire efforts are focused outward. [0:22:24, 0:22:32]: And so we promote um restaurants, attractions, accommodations, caterers, special event venues, special event um [0:22:32, 0:22:52]: Special events themselves, film sites, anything that brings tourists to the area. And these types of tourists include leisure travelers, youth sports travelers, brides, business travelers, wedding re weddings, family reunions, corporate meetings, day trippers, production companies. But what you'll notice on the list that's not included is not residents. We do not promote. [0:22:52, 0:23:12]: To residents. So if we are doing our jobs well, you will probably not see the majority of the ads that we're doing because we are not targeting them inside Henry County. Our ads are all targeted outside Henry County. Exceptions might be if you, you know, maybe subscribe to a local magazine or a travel magazine, pick up the state travel guide, or maybe if you're seeing [0:23:12, 0:23:19]: one of our billboards. Those are instances, I guess, in which residents may see billboards or see some of our ads. [0:23:20, 0:23:33]: Now, um, so this is a tax that is paid by the by the visitor. Um, this is kind of how it functions. You'll see a visitor will come to stay at a hotel, they'll book a hotel, and when they check in, they pay for the room rate. [0:23:34, 0:23:42]: The state and local taxes, they pay the occupancy tax or the hotel motel tax, and then the$5 state transportation fee. And they pay this per night. [0:23:42, 0:24:02]: So the hotel collects all of this. They collect all of their occupancy tax. And at the end of the month, they then send that month's hotel motel tax to the city or the county in which they reside. So if it's in Stockbridge, then they would send the money directly to Stockbridge. From that point, the stock [0:24:02, 0:24:09]: City of Stockbridge then keeps um either sixty or forty percent, or excuse me, sixty or um roughly [0:24:10, 0:24:14]: Um depending on the the percentage, whether it's five percent or eight percent, um, they keep [0:24:14, 0:24:16]: The larger share and then send [0:24:17, 0:24:28]: um either forty or forty-three point seven five percent um of the tax on. So in Stockbridge's case, because um the city of Stockbridge collects at eight percent, then they um [0:24:28, 0:24:34]: Send the CVB forty three point seven five percent of the hotel motel tax that is collected. [0:24:35, 0:24:55]: Um, while as they retain they retain the rest of it, and you retain the rest of it. Um, this also includes short-term rentals, which are Airbnbs and VRBOs. As of July 2021, um, a law went into effect that did require that Airbnb and VRBO collect hotel motel tax just like a hotel does, and they have to [0:24:55, 0:25:05]: to remit it to the cities and the county just like a hotel would do. And then that money is governed under the same law. So basically they just took the existing hotel motel tax law and they um [0:25:05, 0:25:17]: they change the definition of an innkeeper to include those short-term rentals. So that money is then um must be utilized in the same ways and under the same jurisdiction and laws in which the regular hotel motel tax is. [0:25:18, 0:25:38]: Now here's a breakdown of the funding. If it's 5%, just um so you'll see that if you collect under 5%, which the county and the city of Hampton do, then 60% of that hotel motel tax is considered non-restricted. And what that means is that the this money can be used for any legal general fund purpose. It can be [0:25:38, 0:25:58]: used to pay salaries, pay roads, you name it, you can do it as long as it's legal. 40% then is considered restricted. This means that it is required by law to be provided to a private nonprofit set up for the promotion of tourism and it can only be used for what's called TCT or tourism conventions and trade shows. [0:25:58, 0:26:03]: from that earlier slide that we saw. That means that promotion of tourism conventions and trade shows. [0:26:03, 0:26:08]: Now if you collected eight percent, which is what Stockbridge does, then you'll see here's the breakdown. [0:26:09, 0:26:10]: Is there a question? [0:26:11, 0:26:31]: No, go right ahead, please. Okay, sorry. Um, so if um if you're collecting at 8%, then you'll see that 37 and a half percent are considered non-restricted. This um means that again, those monies can be used for any legal fund purpose. And then 18.75% is considered restricted, but it still stays with the city. [0:26:31, 0:26:51]: But instead of general operating expenses, this money is restricted in what is called tourism product development or TPD money. It can only be used for specific tourism development purposes, such as your amphitheater or enhancements to the conference center, those kinds of things, anything that enhances or creates a visitor experience. [0:26:52, 0:27:11]: And then 43 and a half, 43.75% is then um considered restricted for tourism conventions and trade shows promotion, and then has to go to that designated nonprofit set up for that purpose. So that's how it breaks down for the city of Stockbridge. And to use some real numbers, um, City of Stockbridge, um [0:27:12, 0:27:22]: The CVB received about$210,000 from the city of Stockbridge for 2021. And so extrapolating that number out, we can um do some rough math that says that. [0:27:22, 0:27:39]: In 2021, the city of Stockbridge had about$180,000 of that non-restricted money that's considered, you know, any legal purpose, and then about$90,000 that was considered restricted for tourism product development for purposes, whereas the Miss EVB. [0:27:39, 0:27:45]: uh bringing into about 271,000 of total hotel motel tax the city um retained last year. [0:27:47, 0:27:48]: And [0:27:48, 0:28:08]: So then if we um kind of look at a pie chart of how the budget for the Convention and Visitors Bureau breaks down, you'll see that each of these pie pieces is a different color. The gray piece at the bottom um has is 25%. That's the city of Stockbridge. That represents um the city of Stockbridge contribution or makeup of our overall budget. [0:28:08, 0:28:25]: Um the city of Locust Grove is at 37% at that or orange piece, city of excuse me, Henry County is 36, and then Hampton is that blue slice at the top with 1%. So that's kind of how our overall budget breaks down. We um have not quite equal thirds. [0:28:26, 0:28:30]: if you will, of budget, um, but um we represent everybody. [0:28:31, 0:28:51]: And um we represent a total of 30 hotels as well as a bed and breakfast included in that number. Um and we are still working on how best to represent and work with our short-term rentals since there's not an easy um to access list of all of those properties and or contacts. But those are gonna be an important piece, I think, as we move forward. [0:28:51, 0:28:53]: as those collections continue. [0:28:53, 0:28:58]: And I think the city of Stockbridge collects from five hotels along with that bed and breakfast. [0:29:00, 0:29:20]: So if you want again some just some real numbers of kind of how that number breaks down and what um benefit we receive from being part of a collective organization. Um so here is um kind of a breakdown if we were if the city was trying to replicate the um program that the CVB currently operates without the [0:29:20, 0:29:40]: Additional resources provided by the other cities. And so we take salaries and benefits, occupation expenses. This means anything that's not salaries and benefits, copiers, phone systems, computer, that kind of thing. And then our website, you have this is not to set up a new website, this is just to maintain an existing one. [0:29:40, 0:30:00]: to make sure it is SEO friendly, to purchase servers, domains, SSL certificates, all that kind of thing. And then our visitors guide, which currently is a 68-page magazine-style visitors guide, seven digital billboards, and then a robust digital imprint campaign as long as as well as a media and PR campaign. So all of those things [0:29:59, 0:30:11]: things. You'll see those represented in a dollar figure on the right hand side. Salaries and benefits and occupation expenses account for just one per per person versus the three that the CVB currently has. So there is also um [0:30:12, 0:30:13]: Um [0:30:13, 0:30:25]: We get a lot more access and resources with having three people because we can have people that really specialize in their areas and do really specific things for our partners and for our cities. [0:30:26, 0:30:31]: So here's just a kind of a rundown of some of the highlights of the the program of work for 2021. [0:30:32, 0:30:43]: We as I mentioned we have a a beautiful visitor's guide. The cover here is our 2022 visitors guide. Um and um with our one of my favorite pictures of the [0:30:43, 0:30:48]: Uh Stockbridge Lakes Bed and Breakfast. I just feel like that's such a calming, beautiful image and perfect for where we are. [0:30:48, 0:31:08]: Going into 2020, we hope that that's kind of where people want to be. Um, so in each publication, each magazine, you will have a there is a spread for each city. The content and the images are provided by the city, and we use those city colors as the tabs on the visitor's guide, and then throughout the magazine you will see that when I [0:31:08, 0:31:28]: restaurant is in the city of Stockbridge, it's highlighted in yellow or your kind of your yellow pink, excuse me, your pink, um kind of pinkish coral color to represent um that that's a the location in the city of Stockbridge. We distribute these through um those hotel brochure racks all the way from Stockbridge to the Florida line. And we also distribute these [0:31:28, 0:31:44]: in the Georgia Welcome Centers in special racks that were created by Barn Beautiful. We did that in four racks this year, and it was so successful that we've expanded it to eight racks for this year. And through that program, we were able to distribute almost 40,000 visitors guide. [0:31:44, 0:31:51]: Um the program just was so, so successful. Like so we ordered instead of doing thirty thousand and having to reprint an additional 10. [0:31:51, 0:31:57]: We um ordered fifty thousand this year and we'll with a budget to potentially um [0:31:57, 0:31:58]: Um [0:31:58, 0:32:15]: print more with more if we need them. Um so we're excited about that. And just these are some cop content, excuse me, some emails from the visitor center managers. I don't know if you can really see those, but this is what those racks look like. They do have um they are the custom barn wood and um [0:32:15, 0:32:35]: Ontaria, who is the manager at that center, says that the spot really is a hot spot and that they move like hot cakes and that the repurposed barn would display really brings people to their counter and it lets them tell our per partner's story and that they're telling our story to everybody that'll listen. [0:32:35, 0:32:48]: themselves um are just very conversation pieces, which is what the welcome centers want. They want an opportunity to talk to people, they want an opportunity to share what they know and um [0:32:48, 0:33:08]: We have hosted um several well somebody from at least every center, two people from every center for a um study tour. So they they've been to Henry County, they've been to Barn Beautiful, they've talked to Greg, they've walked around his shop. And so when somebody comes up to them and says, tell me about this brochure rack, tell me about Henry County, what is this, they can do that. Um [0:33:08, 0:33:12]: So that was really exciting. And again, said that we're just um we. [0:33:12, 0:33:16]: Could not keep brochures in these racks last year. Um, so we've [0:33:16, 0:33:25]: partnered with a distribution company so that we can keep um keep guides going. And they asked for 24 boxes right off the bat this year so that they could keep it going. [0:33:26, 0:33:42]: Um, in advertising, we have three permanent billboard locations last year that were digital. Um, and we added two additional spots as part of an Explore Georgia marketing grant. Um, and we had city billboards rotating on these. So this is an example of what the city of Stockbridge's board looks like. [0:33:42, 0:34:01]: And these were um we had them um from Marietta and um all the way down into Henry County. And these are currently still rotating um as part of our general general campaign. We have other boards that do rotate in, but all of our city boards are um rotating as well. So if you're driving, you probably will see these. [0:34:03, 0:34:06]: Um, and we've expanded that campaign to seven this year. So we have seven billboards now. [0:34:07, 0:34:27]: And then here's just examples of some of our digital and our print advertising. The large ad on the right is a print ad that was in Atlanta style weddings. And then you'll see our digital ads that were in various and other publications as well, really kind of covering the gamut of what we what we can advertise. And here's some additional print ads. [0:34:27, 0:34:43]: And um I will say that the ad with the grandfather and his grandsons fishing at Lake Bit Panola is in the straight, was in the state travel guide last year. And um it is about$15,000 for that ad. It's a two-thirds page ad. [0:34:43, 0:35:03]: And it can um I love that size because there's always copy on that page so that nobody's just flipping through it because it's just an ad. They're stopping, they're reading that copy as well. We're only able to afford to buy um that large of an ad because of our collective buying power that we have as being a collective organization. Um and then [0:35:03, 0:35:09]: And these are just some additional options of billboards, excuse me, not billboards on of print ads that we had done last year. [0:35:10, 0:35:12]: We also um have [0:35:13, 0:35:13]: Um [0:35:13, 0:35:33]: a very robust video marketing campaign, digital campaign that we ran um last year and are continuing into this year because of the results that we saw. So we had over 467,000 video, Stockbridge video specific ads that were served either through YouTube, Connected TV, or over the top TV. [0:35:33, 0:35:53]: You've heard them probably called CTV or OTV. These are things like either Hulu or in-stream content or anything that streams off of your connected TV, your live TV, via your phone, those kinds of things. And we had more than 38, excuse me, 382,000 of these videos that were completely. [0:35:53, 0:36:02]: viewed all the way from beginning to end with over 200 clicks to the City of Stockbridge's specific content, either their city page or their itinerary page on our website. [0:36:03, 0:36:23]: And then we also have digital specific ads. And what we did last year that really proved successful that we're moving into again this year is that we looked at each of our cities and we said, okay, what are the things that they have that are really unique, that are really um special and unique for them? What do they have a lot of? Is it history? [0:36:23, 0:36:43]: History, is it food, is it shopping? And then we tailored ads to specific cities that had proven to be high performing cities for those, for that particular city. So Stockbridge's cities may look a little bit different than who we target for Hamptons or for Henry Counties. And so in this ad, you can see it's an ad for the history that Stopburg's. [0:36:43, 0:37:01]: Bridge has, particularly the Floyd Chapel, and these types of ads. So the left one's a mobile, the middle one that you see there, that's a what it looks like on display on desktop. And we had more than 800,000 of these that were impressions or views, people that were they were times they were served or shown. [0:37:01, 0:37:10]: and over 300 and excuse me, 3,200 link clicks or they clicked on these ads to go to our StockBridge specific content on our site to learn more. [0:37:11, 0:37:20]: And for our website, um, these are just two, you can just see these two screen captures. It's hard to do justice to a website um in a presentation like this, but [0:37:20, 0:37:40]: The um one with the map that you see that's our Stockbridge um specific city page. And then the middle is our itinerary that we did. We have an itinerary for each of our cities, and so the top number you'll see the 114 sessions. That is our total site traffic, and then the city specific traffic is below it. So um this day well spent [0:37:40, 0:37:45]: in Stockbridge and the city page, that's where all of our ads landed. [0:37:45, 0:38:05]: We did change um to the day well spent in Stockbridge to the itineraries in September of last year and they really performed very well. And so in fact that the day well spent in Stockbridge was the second most visited page on our site last year with um two point excuse me, two minutes and 17 seconds on that page uh spent on the page. Those are really, really great numbers. [0:38:05, 0:38:05]: Yeah. [0:38:06, 0:38:12]: And from PR and a media standpoint, we do host travel writers. We have a um a page on the um [0:38:13, 0:38:33]: Georgia press room that people can pull um photos and information from. And so last year we had 83 published results for an earned media value of$1.65 million. And what that means is that if we had to go out and buy that kind of ad space and those types of magazines, publications are on those websites, it would have cost. [0:38:33, 0:38:37]: us about$1.6 million in order to do it, but we didn't, we got it as earned. [0:38:38, 0:38:58]: Um, and that accounted for about 172 million impressions. So, what you see here on the right is just um one example of that. We had a writer that came in in October on a press trip and she wrote this amazing article about our bushytail art trail, um, which I'll talk about in just a minute. And it really was a fantastic article that talked about. [0:38:57, 0:39:17]: about the scroll table, about um how they were made by Barn Beautiful, how they were gonna be hung at local places like the Stockbridge Amphitheater. And so just it was a really great article from that particular trip. Just some other examples of impressions and how important media can be in various ways. [0:39:17, 0:39:33]: Leslie Peterson is a writer we had on a press trip in 2015 and we've had a really great relationship since then. And she reached out and said, I'm doing a spot for Good Day Atlanta and I'd love to include Henry County. What are some free and affordable things that you can do in Henry County for spring break? [0:39:33, 0:39:53]: And so she talked about us on uh Good Day Atlanta. And um that had about 3.5 million media impressions and was worth about$36,000 in estimated value. And she mentioned places like Rum Creek and our Bishetil Art Trail, which is just a really great um section. And then we had a guy we hosted in January, his name [0:39:53, 0:40:13]: is Bill Cleveland and he is actually from St. Louis. He was doing a road trip through um from St. Louis to Florida and he stopped in Henry. We um did a lot of different things. He toured um Barn Beautiful, interviewed Greg, and then he did a video that then aired on um a TV show news program. It was [0:40:13, 0:40:15]: was a news program in um Iowa. [0:40:16, 0:40:36]: And um I love this post. I saw that um two days after it aired, a lady from Iowa had was coming to Rockdale to visit her um a friend and had seen the piece and wanted to visit Greg and um Barn Beautiful and called specifically to see if they were going to be open and they were and between her and her friend they spent$800. So this is just a [0:40:36, 0:40:41]: one of those amazing examples of how um media can really drive um [0:40:42, 0:40:43]: The um [0:40:45, 0:40:51]: the the actual spending of a visitor, not just to them to be there, but to come and to spend money. So it's just a great example of that. [0:40:51, 0:41:11]: In addition to all the advertising that we do, we also really work with our partners to make sure they're equipped and that they're recognized for what they do for the industry. So we do that in a couple of different ways. We really feel like it's beneficial for our partners to know each other and to cross-promote each other. So we do that with our hospitality mixers. We invite all of our partners to come out to a local [0:41:11, 0:41:17]: attraction and they get to know each other and really seeing some great relationships built out of that. [0:41:18, 0:41:23]: We have conversations continued, which are an extension of our diversity, equity, and inclusion training program. [0:41:23, 0:41:43]: We do quarterly partner promotions. And this is really where Jana, who's our partner relations manager, partners with a local business. It could be a restaurant, it could be an attraction. And she goes out along with the owner of that business, the manager of that business to the hotels, takes the hotels like a little gift and says, Hey, I am Lisa with Rum. [0:41:43, 0:42:03]: Creek. Here are some free, you know, driving range passes. We'd love to have you or your guests come visit us. So it just really builds those relationships and those connections. We also do monthly customer service awards. So you'll see this is a gentleman at Rock and Roll Sushi on Hudson Bridge who got the customer service award. We look through all of the reviews, finding people who are doing good work. [0:42:03, 0:42:11]: that we can recognize because we all know that the last two years particularly have been really challenging. And so we want to make sure we're calling out that good work. [0:42:11, 0:42:22]: And then we also have a tourism marketing grant that we put into place so that our partners can help to elevate themselves as well, providing them additional opportunities for marketing. [0:42:23, 0:42:37]: We launched two new training programs, one of which was a customer service training program. So your own Christy Dean from Drip Through Coffee did an incredible job with this presentation. She worked with us to put together a [0:42:37, 0:42:56]: really great introductory training program for it we can show to our partners it's free. They can do it online or we can do it in person and facilitated. And it's about 15 to 20 minutes online or facilitated. It takes a little bit longer. It's just it's been really great. We've had um a little over a hundred, 120 people that have gone through that program. [0:42:57, 0:43:17]: And um we also launched a diversity, equity, and inclusion training program that was called Hospitality for All. And it is a five-part um program that went through five different topics with um speakers that were experts in each of these um areas. And then there's a quiz at the end to make sure that that information kind of was really retained. [0:43:18, 0:43:25]: Um and we did our first kind of pilot class last year and are rolling out our second class very soon. [0:43:25, 0:43:29]: And in social media, we do um we maintain um [0:43:30, 0:43:47]: all of the Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. We continue to rotate to make sure that we're getting all of our events, all of our cities promoted, all of our attractions. Leo joined our team in January and has really hit the ground running and has done an amazing job. So if you haven't had a chance to meet him, reach out. I'd encourage you to do that. [0:43:47, 0:44:07]: We also had a couple of new fund initiatives. We um had coloring sheets. So in addition to those um brochure racks at the welcome centers, we also gave all of the welcome centers these custom coloring sheets. So you'll see that each coloring sheet for each of the different cities that we have: Floyd Chapel, Southern Belt Farm Peaches, Helicopters at Army Aviation, and a Tiger. [0:44:07, 0:44:27]: From Noah's Ark, and they had activities on the back. We also gave them branded crayons. Um, and you'll see here's a little note from Rebecca. If you can read it, it says that these are also flying off the shelf. The visitors love them between the welcome centers. Um, and we gave them away at the Atlanta Motor Speedway for race weekend and um. [0:44:28, 0:44:40]: We also had a coloring contest, just all of the things we had about 1300, 13,000 that were given away last year. And we've ordered more and are continuing it, spanning it to all the different welcome centers for this year as well. [0:44:41, 0:45:01]: And then this is the Bushy Tale Art Trail. We launched it last year. We have 18 locations currently, and we'll probably have about 30 before the end of the year. And what it looks like a really kind of simple little squirrel table, but what it is is it's a public art initiative. We have seen tremendous feedback results, people, the way. [0:45:01, 0:45:03]: website is just so [0:45:04, 0:45:24]: The so long, people are spending so long on the website where all these tables are posted, the artist information is posted, and it's a trail. They can go from one location to the next and it's a countywide initiative. We have them at the Speedway. We're gonna have one posted at the amphitheater. Um, one of the we just put one two weeks ago at Stockbridge Lake. So they're just really all over. [0:45:24, 0:45:37]: the county a place that people can go and visit take their picture with them and just have a fun um a kind of a fun experience but also really elevate the look of um artist and henry give them a chance to kind of show off their talent so [0:45:37, 0:45:45]: Um, we're really excited and love that program. Um, and but with that, um fun way to end it. Are there any questions for me? [0:45:46, 0:45:58]: Well, first of all, Laura, uh thank you for the presentation. Uh very informative in this aspect and covering all the gambit of from soup to nuts in a sense. But before we go to the council, I want to ask uh Mr. Henning, do you have anything you want to add at this time, sir? [0:46:00, 0:46:07]: Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor and excuse me, and city council. Uh I would like to Laura, could you go back to slide thirty-three, I believe? [0:46:11, 0:46:13]: Yeah, uh I'm sorry, one more. What go go forward one. [0:46:14, 0:46:18]: The uh the DEI, the uh hospitality for all. [0:46:19, 0:46:31]: Could you share with us, I I believe you said that there were five different sections when we look at the DEI initiative for our travelers. Could you tell us those five uh different segments that that we covered in that, please? [0:46:32, 0:46:44]: Yeah, so the one you're looking at on the screen is um called The Impact of Culture, Custom Consumerism, Capitalism, and Customer Service from Dr. Ansley Booker. And um it really talks about the history of um [0:46:44, 0:46:45]: The [0:46:45, 0:46:45]: Uh [0:46:46, 0:46:50]: African American community in um America and kind of the [0:46:50, 0:46:53]: implications of what that means um [0:46:53, 0:46:54]: On today. [0:46:54, 0:47:01]: And um then we have a session with Maria Peck on understanding the Latinx community. [0:47:01, 0:47:09]: We have a session with uh Josh Lobner, who works for a company called Design Sensory on accessible tourism. And then [0:47:10, 0:47:12]: One with um [0:47:12, 0:47:18]: Gabrielle and Linda, um Gabriel Clayborn and Linda Herds, Hers. [0:47:18, 0:47:36]: Hertz. Um and they speak on LGBTQ plus community. And then we have Grace Lee from um Eagles Landing, not Eagles Landing, yes, Eagles Landing uh Christian Academy. And she talks about intersectionality and kind of building a um [0:47:36, 0:47:39]: A community that you can kind of be [0:47:40, 0:47:44]: um open and like share and kind of just understanding the differences of people. [0:47:46, 0:47:48]: Thank you. And and so with that. [0:47:49, 0:47:59]: It was more than just a superficial look at diversity, equity, and inclusion within hospitality, but what was some of the feedback you got from your hospitality partners that participated in that? [0:48:00, 0:48:10]: The partners that have participated have just really been um super flattering in their in their um commentary. They felt like [0:48:10, 0:48:12]: We had several people that went through feeling like [0:48:13, 0:48:30]: I know this, I'm good at this, I've got this. And then everybody came out of it saying, I learned something I didn't know about some area, you know, and um was practical. That was something that was really important to all of us was that this program was very practical and that nobody went through it and felt like. [0:48:31, 0:48:35]: Okay, well obviously I have a lot of work to do, but what can I do? Um that they [0:48:35, 0:48:55]: We're like, okay, I know how to make some immediate changes. And this is why I need to make those changes. I think that was really important too, is that we really tie these two programs together under what we're calling the culture of customer service. Um, that if you complete both programs, you actually get a PIN and a certificate that says, I'm a culture of customer service expert or complete. [0:48:55, 0:48:56]: [2936.8, 2950.3]: We really feel that culture of customer service and DEI training really go hand in hand and they're interchangeable, that you really can't give excellent customer service unless you understand the people that you're serving, no matter their background. Um, so [0:49:10, 0:49:15]: That's really um I feel like we were able to to to accomplish that not through [0:49:16, 0:49:36]: this work but these speakers are really just amazing and um we've also um had some feedback nationally that we actually were just um able to present for travel unity which is a international or excuse me a national um organization that works to further dei initiatives um in the tourism space and they ask us to speak at their most recent conference so we've [0:49:36, 0:49:40]: just presented um our work um at that conference and [0:49:40, 0:49:52]: Um, so they just said that nobody kind of in the travel space is is this far along and is kind of doing the work that we're doing right now, that everybody's still kind of in the meeting stages. Um, and that this was kind of [0:49:53, 0:49:58]: revolutionary groundbreaking in in that um in that space because we had [0:49:58, 0:50:04]: actually put something in practice that people were able to take it. And it's free to our partners to participate in. [0:50:04, 0:50:08]: Um so that's been it's been exciting and it's really a fantastic program. [0:50:09, 0:50:17]: Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, City Council. I appreciate the opportunity to share our highlights with you and always appreciate the opportunity to partner with you. [0:50:17, 0:50:19]: Good deal. Thank you, Mr Henney. [0:50:19, 0:50:21]: Councilwoman Gann, go ahead, please. You had a question. [0:50:22, 0:50:26]: Well, not really a question, a comment. Um I've [0:50:26, 0:50:27]: Before now. [0:50:28, 0:50:28]: Um [0:50:29, 0:50:35]: I didn't know exactly what the CBB board did for us, to be honest with you. Um [0:50:35, 0:50:47]: And I personally, now that I have a business, a sm a a business that actually serves um products, not necessarily law, but with um the ice cream coffee shop. [0:50:48, 0:50:51]: Um, can honestly say that the C B B [0:50:51, 0:50:55]: CBB board does an excellent job. [0:50:55, 0:51:13]: at marketing, working hard to train, just coming in and welcoming. Um I was very impressed. I'm impressed with the things that they they continue to do. Um I had a chance to meet with Miss Lucre and actually um really to be honest with you I was [0:51:13, 0:51:19]: When I had questions about Stockbridge, not really about my business, but um [0:51:20, 0:51:27]: I'm impressed with the community's uh the customer service video and the trainings and everything they're trying to promote. [0:51:27, 0:51:29]: Um, across the board, all over the county. [0:51:30, 0:51:33]: And so I right now I really think it's a wonderful program. [0:51:33, 0:51:34]: Um [0:51:34, 0:51:50]: I I looked at some of the um billboards, even the ones that we're utilizing now for our concerts at the amphitheater that are included. I had questions. Um I told her some of my concerns when I initially back in 2014. Um [0:51:50, 0:51:55]: And sixteen, I had real concerns in regards to [0:51:55, 0:52:10]: us giving money over 200,000 or whatever that is over to a board and then we have to sign off and write a grant or whatever and ask permission for them to advertise for us. Those policies have since changed. [0:52:10, 0:52:12]: They've been advertising and [0:52:12, 0:52:18]: Um, you know, like something Miss Bragg said a couple of years ago when we all had a a meeting together. [0:52:19, 0:52:38]: At that time, there wasn't a whole lot to promote, but on the front cover page is the bed and breakfast here in Stockbridge. And throughout some of the spreads and everything they do, they really are emphasizing our businesses. And so I really appreciate it. I'm I'm I cannot tell you, I'm I'm very impressed. [0:52:38, 0:52:39]: So thank you. [0:52:40, 0:52:40]: Okay. [0:52:41, 0:52:50]: Council, any other questions that uh thoughts that you may have? Yes, go ahead, please. Thank you for the presentation, uh Miss Lucer and [0:52:50, 0:52:52]: Mr. Henning, we certainly [0:52:52, 0:52:56]: Appreciate you coming to us and uh understanding that uh [0:52:57, 0:52:58]: It's a partnership effort. [0:52:59, 0:53:01]: I do have some questions, uh [0:53:01, 0:53:03]: about uh a few things that uh [0:53:04, 0:53:05]: We talked about. [0:53:05, 0:53:05]: No. [0:53:06, 0:53:10]: Uh I did notice that the city of McDonald was not coming um [0:53:11, 0:53:12]: contributing anything. [0:53:12, 0:53:13]: At this point. [0:53:14, 0:53:17]: Є ай дусі геві презентством. [0:53:17, 0:53:18]: Uh on [0:53:19, 0:53:32]: uh promotionals and uh in different areas, I guess overlapping between visit and then visit Henry and then with the chamber. So uh my question to them is that um [0:53:32, 0:53:36]: They're getting they seem to be getting a bang for no buck. [0:53:36, 0:53:47]: uh off of this versus the square showing up all the time and they're not contributing anything to uh the overall take of where we're trying to go. So [0:53:47, 0:53:48]: Uh [0:53:48, 0:53:51]: I just want to make sure that we're getting the balance. [0:53:51, 0:54:01]: that we deserve in terms of our overall contribution uh of two hundred uh and ten thousand dollars uh for the previous year. So [0:54:01, 0:54:08]: Uh I guess it's a uh it's uh it's a a line between whether the business is there and then [0:54:08, 0:54:09]: What the city [0:54:10, 0:54:17]: uh contributes. Talk about how that uh that line is because I see a lot of that, but I don't see any contribution. [0:54:18, 0:54:19]: On behalf of the city. [0:54:20, 0:54:21]: Something done. [0:54:21, 0:54:41]: So the city of McDonough has its own hospitality and tourism board. So they have someone that manages all of their tourism marketing. So if you've seen billboards that say visit McDonough or if you've seen ads that say visit McDonough, that is because um they have their own hospitality tourism board that is paying for those with the same [0:54:41, 0:54:48]: I mean their money is, I think they're at 8% as well. And so they're receiving that 43.75%. Um [0:54:48, 0:55:01]: just like you know what Stockbridge is sending to to the Convention of Visitors Bureau. And with that money they're then buying um Bill Wards or whatever other promotions that they they see fit for the city of McDonough. [0:55:02, 0:55:03]: Um [0:55:03, 0:55:16]: Right. And that's what I'm saying. I would think that we would see a greater representation of us because of that very fact that they have their own marketing organization. So I would think we would see a lot more of us and Hampton. [0:55:16, 0:55:21]: And uh locus grove who are actually contributing a line share of the money. [0:55:21, 0:55:23]: Well, I I think that [0:55:23, 0:55:26]: Um I think that the McDonna [0:55:26, 0:55:33]: attractions and and hotels that you see in the visitor's guide are those that are in unincorporated. [0:55:33, 0:55:46]: uh Henry counties. So like Southern Belfarm, um, some of those that are McDonough addresses, but are not within the city limits. And so the city limits is the visit is visit McDonough, but anything outside of [0:55:47, 0:55:55]: City limits. So anything from Hampton, Locust Grove, Stockbridge, obviously, but then also the unincorporated areas within Henry County. [0:55:55, 0:55:57]: Are re are represented by the C B D. [0:55:58, 0:56:04]: Well well certainly. I just see a lot of the square pictures and I guess it's like I see a representation of where [0:56:04, 0:56:11]: Uh they're trying to go with that. But thank you uh for that explanation. And again, we just want to make sure that. [0:56:11, 0:56:12]: Uh we're getting [0:56:12, 0:56:14]: Just do a so uh some [0:56:15, 0:56:16]: Representation. [0:56:16, 0:56:18]: And I thank you for the [0:56:18, 0:56:21]: Uh, presentation on diversity and inclusion. [0:56:22, 0:56:27]: Let's talk about your diversity and inclusion. So at the chamber itself, how many employees do you have? [0:56:28, 0:56:29]: Mr Mr. [0:56:30, 0:56:31]: We have something, sir. [0:56:31, 0:56:34]: You have seven. So how many minority employees do you have? [0:56:35, 0:56:37]: I have [0:56:37, 0:56:38]: There are [0:56:38, 0:56:40]: For women. [0:56:41, 0:56:44]: There are currently two African American. [0:56:45, 0:56:51]: And unfortunately, um I I'm don't have anybody that is uh uh differently abled. [0:56:51, 0:56:56]: or of uh Hispanic descent. I do have one that represents LGBTQ. [0:56:57, 0:57:01]: Okay, so out of the seven you have two who are minorities? [0:57:01, 0:57:04]: I would disagree with you, sir, respectfully. [0:57:05, 0:57:17]: Um I would say that I have one. Um, you know, I I I I have a pretty good one I'm just asking, I don't know the answer to it. I would say that I have two that are uh of African American. [0:57:17, 0:57:20]: Okay. Okay. But I also have four women. [0:57:20, 0:57:25]: Okay. I have I have I have a I have a pretty good representation within the [0:57:26, 0:57:29]: the diversity, equity, and inclusion. I'm at I'm not perfect, but we are working there. [0:57:30, 0:57:34]: Certainly, uh you know, it's always a work in progress in terms of where we're trying to go. [0:57:35, 0:57:42]: uh in that so uh my definition was like again was was based on race so let's um [0:57:42, 0:57:47]: Miss uh Luca, you how many people are with the visitor Henry County visitors in [0:57:48, 0:57:49]: Tourism Europe. [0:57:49, 0:57:50]: Three. Good. [0:57:51, 0:58:00]: But we're inclusive of what um Mr. Henning said. So that total seven includes all of your three there. Okay. It does. So so in your department, how many? [0:58:00, 0:58:03]: Uh minorities are in your department. They visit him. [0:58:03, 0:58:05]: We have two women and one African American. [0:58:06, 0:58:12]: Okay, so you have one one African American in this department. Okay, okay. [0:58:12, 0:58:21]: Okay. All right. Well, thank you uh for those numbers. And again, always this is a a per a work uh in progress as the city has. [0:58:21, 0:58:25]: uh supplier diversity policy uh in place to make sure that we get [0:58:26, 0:58:27]: uh representation [0:58:27, 0:58:30]: Uh as well. You did mention [0:58:30, 0:58:34]: About the Airbnbs being purporting [0:58:34, 0:58:41]: uh or required to pay the tax. Is that a self-reporting requirement or is our Airbnb [0:58:41, 0:58:48]: uh acting as the pass-through to get the uh to get that information and does the city have to seek it? [0:58:49, 0:59:09]: They should have contacted you. Airbnb and VRBO was required as of July 1st to have all of their payment systems in place so that they were with they took any payments after July 1st, that they were inclusive of those taxes and they were also responsible to reaching for reaching. [0:59:09, 0:59:24]: reaching out to all of the different entities to facilitate those distributions. So you should be receiving those. And if you are not, then I would recommend you talk to the Department of Community Affairs. [0:59:25, 0:59:43]: Okay. So uh uh again what I'm saying is that I want to understand from the business model side. Maybe I just didn't hear it, is that is Airbnb collecting the fee that way and then passing it on to the city? Or is there uh how's that work? I I mean is [0:59:43, 0:59:49]: Um I don't know if I'm phrasing that right to make sure it's Airbnb, just like with the hotel when they collect the tax. [0:59:50, 1:00:08]: There's a line on there that says this is what that's for. Uh these vendors, is Airbnb receipt, include this in the receipt that the customer received? It does. Yes, sir. Okay. Awesome. That's uh that's great. Now, the other question that I have to ask is this, it's just the there's there's [1:00:08, 1:00:13]: Uh I want to make sure that I understand and I explain this correctly. On Friday. [1:00:13, 1:00:17]: We were at a groundbreaking for sweet Charlie's. It was beautiful. [1:00:18, 1:00:20]: That's a part of what the city does. [1:00:20, 1:00:24]: Uh that business, I did not see a representative from the chamber there. [1:00:24, 1:00:25]: Is there a requirement? [1:00:26, 1:00:29]: To be a member of the chamber, to be featured. [1:00:29, 1:00:30]: Uh and visit Henry. [1:00:32, 1:00:52]: No, visit Henry. Um we are geographically based. We are not a membership-based organization. Um we do depend greatly on our um partners like yourself letting us know when maybe there's a new business opening and that maybe falls within that umbrella. We do have a partner relationship. [1:00:52, 1:00:58]: manager who tries to go out and to meet with new businesses and to um [1:00:59, 1:01:05]: um you know encourage them to participate to get them listed on our website um but [1:01:05, 1:01:06]: Um we are [1:01:06, 1:01:10]: you know, a small staff. And so if there are new businesses opening that um [1:01:10, 1:01:16]: that we we think we should be a part of or that we think that um would fit. We would love those recommendations. [1:01:17, 1:01:30]: Well what what I'm saying is that I would like from my own point of view to see somebody there at these ribbon cuttings, at the city ribbon cuttings on behalf of uh, you know, um visit Henry. [1:01:30, 1:01:48]: Uh councilman sir, if if we if we if we could work with your city clerk or whoever puts those together and they let us know, we'd be happy to participate, whether it's the chamber or the CVB, but we would have representation there. Um I apologize, but we were not aware of the activity on Friday. [1:01:49, 1:01:58]: Okay, so you were you you were not aware of the activity. So going forward, we'll make sure that you're aware of this because it I just wanna make sure that [1:01:58, 1:02:03]: We're we're contributing two hundred and ten thousand dollars on behalf of all of these businesses. [1:02:03, 1:02:13]: whether they're members or not. And then if you come there and then they're not a member, it might be a great opportunity to introduce them to what you're able to do. [1:02:14, 1:02:27]: To create a a greater partnership because and from my point of view, we contributed two hundred and ten thousand dollars on behalf of every business in Stock Reach. So that is the point on that. And my final point. [1:02:28, 1:02:48]: Is this in terms of where we're trying to go uh in terms of the city to be to project the image of a modern, thriving suburb? I certainly appreciate uh the focus on Barn Beautiful, Stockbridge Lakes, but at the certain time there needs to be a broader picture. [1:02:48, 1:02:51]: that covers everything that we do. [1:02:51, 1:02:58]: as a modern thriving suburb that's twenty minutes or twenty-five minutes from the busiest airport in the world. [1:02:58, 1:02:59]: having that uh [1:03:00, 1:03:11]: be somewhat of a a feature. And I went I took a little bit of time upon myself to kind of flip through the different sections. I guess I don't know unless it was uploaded overnight. I did not see [1:03:12, 1:03:18]: uh any features in terms of where the city was, in terms of the amphitheater component being added. And I'd like to know how [1:03:19, 1:03:23]: you're gonna add that or if maybe you have added it or uh overnight. [1:03:23, 1:03:43]: Not overnight, but if you go to our website, I think you may have you may have um an old copy. Um our 2022 visitors guide um on page two or three, um, that's the city stockbridge page, and it is a feature, has a um a beautiful picture of the amphitheater. And then if you go to the activities and um events. [1:03:43, 1:04:03]: events page or activities and things to do page. Then it is a gorgeous picture of the amphitheater with one of your concerts in mid-swing. So we've made a very concerted effort to include the the the amphitheater. It's a fantastic asset for the community and we wanted to be sure to highlight it. You will also see [1:04:03, 1:04:06]: in the calendar of events that we have listed. [1:04:07, 1:04:24]: that there are shows taking place at the amphitheater. When we went to press, we did not have the full schedule. So we did um just note in there that um the full schedule could be found at stockbridgeamp.com. So that is noted um in there as well. So we've made um [1:04:24, 1:04:43]: We tried very, very hard with this year's guide to be as inclusive of a lot of different types of um businesses and or and events as possible. Again, going back to that curator example, we want to make sure that there's a type of art in there for everybody, for anybody who's interested in art, um, whether it's um [1:04:43, 1:05:03]: know modern art or classic art. So those you'll see that if you go to our website to uh visit henrycounty georgia.com. You just scroll down just a little bit, you'll see the cover that I showed you with um from Stockbridge Lakes. You can click get my guide and then you can view a digital copy of the guide. It's been um posted on our site since March. And [1:05:03, 1:05:10]: And it should load quickly. It's really a great, easy, and then all the links also work. It's a click-through book. [1:05:10, 1:05:17]: Well, certainly I appreciate that. And I'll close by saying this. Obviously, we spent twenty-three million dollars on the amphitheater. [1:05:18, 1:05:20]: It is part of the LCI plan. [1:05:20, 1:05:22]: featuring downtown. [1:05:22, 1:05:25]: In that particular area, and certainly. [1:05:25, 1:05:28]: Uh, whatever you can do to help us promote that, I would think that. [1:05:28, 1:05:32]: That would won't be something that we want the council to spend a lot of money there. [1:05:32, 1:05:52]: We got the STEM school coming there with the highlights coming on tomorrow. So downtown would be a key in getting that information out and just making sure that the package is inclusive of the entire picture that we're trying to point and that we're working together collaboratively on that. Thank you. [1:05:52, 1:05:54]: And I'll just make two points, um, councilman. [1:05:55, 1:05:59]: So first is that we are currently working with um [1:05:59, 1:06:16]: um your your team um and we have billboards that ran for the um show that just happened and we also have already have the art for the show that's coming up so we are already um putting those boards in rotation on our existing boards and i will note also that [1:06:16, 1:06:23]: Um, we do have a set of you know budget that we set aside every year that you can say, I would like to um promote. [1:06:24, 1:06:44]: this show or this event. But you as a group, as uh whoever in your organization you did dictate just needs to let us know what those um what that funds are used for. You can use it for billboards if you'd like. You can use it for print ads, radio ads to promote the concert series. You can do it as an individual show or as just a promotion [1:06:44, 1:07:01]: of the concert series that's coming and kind of name of several of the shows. Those are all opportunities that are open to you that we do have um built into the budget, just waiting for you to kind of tell us um what you want to do. And those that that money that's set aside to do that is um [1:07:01, 1:07:12]: you can you know do it under the City of Stockbridge's blank branding uh specifically. And that's in addition to what we are already doing to promote the shows through other channels. [1:07:13, 1:07:27]: And then uh again, I'm sorry, you just every time you speak, you bring up another thing that I certainly want to talk about. Certainly as uh the invitation to the business exists, the concert would just certainly be the perfect opportunity. [1:07:27, 1:07:30]: For visit Henry to set up a table. [1:07:30, 1:07:37]: Where you got three thousand people in there coming in, like you would do at Atlanta Motor Speedway to make sure that we get [1:07:37, 1:07:40]: uh these messages out. So you're welcome and you're invited. [1:07:41, 1:07:50]: Well we appreciate that. We are certainly working on ways that we can um better utilize and mobilize ourselves. And that would be an excellent, um, an excellent opportunity for us. [1:07:51, 1:08:00]: Councilman Alexander, I want you to know that uh all four of the mayors of the cities uh in in uh Henry County automatically uh board a part of the board of directors for the chamber. [1:08:01, 1:08:21]: And the reason why I'm mentioning that to you and rest of the council, if they didn't know that, I routinely, matter of fact, every month, I very seldom would miss a meeting in in the five years now, one in five years now that I've been the mayor to to attend those those monthly meetings and give a report, a positive report, of course, of what's going on in the city of Stockbridge. But I'm mentioning this because I get [1:08:21, 1:08:39]: Emails on a continuum basis of all the chambers' ribbon cuttings. So I make a concerted effort. If there's a ribbon cutting that the chamber is doing inside the city limits of Stockbridge, I make a point to go to that ribbon cutting, introduce myself, meet that business owner, and also talk to them about. [1:08:39, 1:08:48]: that the city of Startbridge also does a ribbon cutting and try to encourage them to communicate with our staff and vice versa to have an actual Stockbridge ribbon cutting as well. [1:08:49, 1:08:53]: So I I do that routine I have been all this time. So I just want to mention that uh to you. [1:08:53, 1:09:13]: in an aspect. So we try to it's a it's a if I don't forget, but sometimes I I might forget something, but but I normally I don't but I I make sure that I I try to tend those and and talk to those particular small businesses and uh turn them on to our staff to get a an actual city ribbon cutting as well. Just want to mention that. Absolutely. If I would like I said just like you said [1:09:13, 1:09:26]: If they would do that uh in reverse for us uh to do the same thing, I think the partnership will work out uh so much uh better in terms of where we're going. Cause like you said, you're at all of the ribbon cuttings as the representative. [1:09:26, 1:09:33]: for the city. So we certainly want to do that. And again, I can't can't help but depride the city of McDonald. We got a seat. [1:09:33, 1:09:36]: But not not contributing so [1:09:36, 1:09:38]: You know, that's the issue for me. [1:09:38, 1:09:39]: And I want to be clear. [1:09:40, 1:09:51]: Councilman, that the city of McDonough, we do not promote anything in the city. I don't know what ads you're referencing or what you're seeing, but if you're seeing something that [1:09:51, 1:09:52]: Um [1:09:52, 1:09:55]: Is promoting the city or that we're saying [1:09:55, 1:10:00]: The it's not something that the Convention and Visitors Bureau is doing. And I also want to be clear that [1:10:01, 1:10:02]: What the chamber does. [1:10:02, 1:10:07]: is different than what the CBB does, that you can be a member of the chamber. [1:10:07, 1:10:18]: and not be a member of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, as is the case with the City of McDonough. So the chamber does work with and promote um things within the city of McDonough. [1:10:19, 1:10:37]: I would I would like to add though that they don't even need to be members of Henry County to be a member of the Henry County Chamber. They can be outside of Henry County, but doing business in Henry County and still be a member of the chamber. What the chamber does is not what we've addressed in this, and I'd be happy to come back at a later date. [1:10:37, 1:10:46]: But but what the chamber does is completely separate to the point of a separate board and separate financials from what the CVB does. [1:10:48, 1:11:05]: Okay. Thank you. All right. Uh Mayor Pro Tem Thomas, go ahead, please, sir. Thank you. Uh Mr. Henson, it's great to see you again as well. Mrs. Luca, thank you uh for coming and for the presentation. And I try to make this brief. I know we sort of went long there. [1:11:06, 1:11:09]: Um, as you may know, Mrs. Locer, um [1:11:10, 1:11:16]: The city of Stockbridge is converting uh a building into a welcome center. [1:11:16, 1:11:21]: a welcoming center. So based on your experience, um [1:11:22, 1:11:23]: What impact [1:11:24, 1:11:27]: Have you seen and and what relationship [1:11:27, 1:11:47]: uh does the uh convention and visitor bureau have with um the various welcoming center i know there's one in mcdonna i'm not sure about the other cities but um what what is your experience and what is the impact uh just based on your experience they will have uh [1:11:47, 1:11:51]: in the city of Starkridge and promoting uh our downtown. [1:11:54, 1:11:57]: I'd say it varies from city to city. Um [1:11:59, 1:12:19]: Um Roswell just closed their welcome center and they're completely remote and they have a mobile welcome center. Um the city of Marietta has their welcome center in a train depot and right in the middle of downtown. So they're obviously and they have, you know, the great food market and the strand theater. So they're right there in the middle of you know, already. [1:12:19, 1:12:22]: people coming and visiting. So I think that [1:12:22, 1:12:42]: Um, you know, that impact can can be different depending on what the city city is. And I can see that um, you know, with your with your businesses in downtown or your access to the to the amphitheater, having a welcome center there um could have benefits. Um, but I you know feel like a lot of it's it is specific to the [1:12:42, 1:12:46]: area into the foot traffic that you already have. [1:12:46, 1:12:55]: People do still won't print pieces. They also want a chance to go to the bathroom. Are you gonna have a public restroom there where people can go to the bathroom if it's a welcome center? [1:12:55, 1:13:06]: I do know that the City of McDonough has a welcome center, but their visitor center or their excuse me, their Convention Visitors Bureau hospitality board is not located in that building anymore. It's in a separate building. So [1:13:07, 1:13:13]: Um, but they still have, you know, somebody that's that's still there to answer questions um that's part of their I think DDA. [1:13:14, 1:13:32]: So everybody kind of does it a little bit differently. Um, I'm not sure if that answered your question at well, I I guess I was trying to go future to see if there if you had any uh planned uh relationship uh with the welcoming center here and start. I I didn't know maybe. [1:13:32, 1:13:44]: um just separate, you know, entities and you just walk in different paths. Um just one, is there any type of relationship or is there any planned uh joint activities or or relationships? [1:13:45, 1:13:46]: I I would say that [1:13:48, 1:14:08]: probably a great time to start that collaborative conversation because I I don't think it's anything that we want and Mayor Ford. I hope you would you would support me in this. It's it's not anything that we would want to see individually undertaken and duplicating efforts. And so if there are opportunities to collaborate, um by all means we would welcome that [1:14:08, 1:14:11]: conversation to figure out how we can support that welcome center too. [1:14:12, 1:14:17]: Thank you. I yield back, Mayor. Thank you. Okay. Councilman Blount, go ahead, please. [1:14:19, 1:14:23]: Uh thank you, Mayor I'll be very brief. Um, I promise. [1:14:23, 1:14:43]: Uh Ms. Lucer, Ms. Henny, I thank you all for your presentation. Being on this council since 2016, I've seen an evolution of your um of the chamber as far as how it advertised the city of Stockbridge. And I like the uh, I'm very pleased with the direction you all are going with that. [1:14:43, 1:15:03]: Um I I thank you, uh Mr. Henning, coming in and taking the mantle and and and really putting uh a lot of emphasis on the different areas of the stock bridge, because I think that stock bridge is so unique, it has so many different components to it. And I think that you all are addressing those components. Uh and I agree with my colleagues that in the future that we would if if it would get to give you [1:15:03, 1:15:21]: All a schedule our events uh pertain to the amphitheater, or how will we do that? Because it's not only going to be um a type of bedroom community, type of cultural community, type of historical community, it's also gonna be an entertainment community and uh all these components coming together into [1:15:21, 1:15:41]: Sist uh and to sit back and how you guys can formulate that and show from the business of relaxation to the businesses of uh entertainment and all in between. I think that uh you guys are heading in the right direction. So I thank you guys for your presentation. And uh I think that anything that we need to address uh pertaining to that. [1:15:41, 1:15:50]: And pertain to advertising and um and however we need to move forward. Um I think that we will have those meetings. And uh I just appreciate the direction you all are going. Thank you. [1:15:51, 1:15:54]: Thank you, sir. I I that that's a great point. I I guess. [1:15:55, 1:16:15]: Because Laura and I do this every day, that we kind of blur what we do. And so there might be things such as the amphitheater and um you know the the attractions and the different things like and the hotels, obviously, um, that you might see come from the CVB side of the building. Um, but from the business perspective, such [1:16:15, 1:16:34]: such as the STEM high school tomorrow, um, that falls within the the chamber side within our workforce development, some of those other pieces. And so we do try to manage the entire picture of Henry County. It just might come from one or the other of us from time to time, sometimes from both, but usually, you know, one of one or the other of us will will handle that lead. [1:16:35, 1:16:55]: Can I do a quick follow-up, Mayor, if you will? No, yes, sir. Go ahead, please. You know, I I know that uh when you look at the cities that are involved with the chamber, um, such as Locust Grove and uh City of Hampton and City of Stockbridge, um, when you talk about so many businesses that want ribbon cuttings, that want to do this, um, that could be a little cumbersome to be. [1:16:55, 1:17:12]: at all the ribbon cutters and with only seven people and staff, but as much as you can, we appreciate it. And I think and I think the mayor that he's probably at uh most of your ribbon cutters, especially when the interest of stock raised at hand. So I think that we're all going in a good direction. [1:17:14, 1:17:16]: Okay. Miss Barber, do you have any questions at all? [1:17:17, 1:17:19]: Okay, Ms. Gantt, go ahead, please. [1:17:20, 1:17:28]: Just uh uh it sounds like at the end we talked about a little bit and Casmin Alexander had made a point. [1:17:28, 1:17:38]: In regards to ribbon cuttings. And I'm an ambassador for the chamber. So I I get all these emails about what ribbon cuttings are throughout Henry County. However, [1:17:39, 1:17:40]: Um [1:17:41, 1:18:01]: I think that just to make sure, just so everyone knows, maybe the clerk can send over to the CBB board as well as the chamber our ribbon cuttings. Um it probably helps them actually. They get to know what new businesses are coming because what it sounds like is they didn't know about these new businesses. So I would [1:18:01, 1:18:09]: Hope that just like the chamber sends us the information, mayor, like he's well, they send you as a board member and me as an ambassador. Um [1:18:10, 1:18:16]: information of of all of Henry County that in return we would send over to the CVB board. [1:18:17, 1:18:26]: And over to the chamber, hey, these are new businesses that we're doing ribbon cuttings for through the city of Stockbridge. And I think that will solve that issue. [1:18:26, 1:18:27]: All right, I'll tell you what. [1:18:27, 1:18:28]: Mayor. [1:18:28, 1:18:37]: Yes, go ahead, please. I'm certainly happy to do that. The ribbon cuttings currently are being done out of our community development department and [1:18:37, 1:18:57]: So um if those are sent to me, I certainly um will be happy to pass that along. I was gonna say Miss Carter, who's online, needs that it's her part of her subset, it's her part of the department. So she really needs to have the lead on that. I mean it's nothing wrong with whoever's nothing wrong with that's wrong. Nothing wrong with Vanessa as a clerk knowing, and of course the city manager's right here, but really as a subset. [1:18:57, 1:18:59]: [4740.0, 4743.7]: And she's online. So I don't know if you want to say something now, Breca or not. It's up to you. [1:19:04, 1:19:19]: Oh, thank you, Mayor. Yes, uh Councilwoman Gantt, we'll most certainly connect with Laura and her team and the chamber and get everything coordinated because we've got a lot of exciting groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings coming up. [1:19:20, 1:19:20]: So [1:19:21, 1:19:23]: We got you covered. Thank you. [1:19:23, 1:19:24]: Absolutely. [1:19:25, 1:19:33]: All right, council. Everybody's got a chance to speak. Anything else before we let uh Ms. Lucer and Joe Henning go, unless they want to stay hang out a little longer. [1:19:34, 1:19:42]: Yeah, I just want I just want to say the same. I have seen a difference in uh the work, you know. I'm always gonna challenge us to do better on every level. [1:19:42, 1:19:53]: But I certainly have seen a difference uh in the work. I just want you to continue working in that direction and uh we're gonna be and uh you know see things move forward. So thank you. [1:19:53, 1:20:02]: Thank you, sir. I promise you we are continuing to work forward. And and and I'll tell you, I I would respectfully ask you that if you see us not, please give me a call. [1:20:04, 1:20:05]: Outstanding. Okay. [1:20:05, 1:20:12]: Laura and Mr. Henning, so long. Take care. Appreciate the briefing. All right. Thank you. Thank you all very much for your time. We'll move on. Thank you very much. [1:20:13, 1:20:15]: Okay, what we're gonna do, ladies and gentlemen, we've got a public hearing. [1:20:16, 1:20:36]: A variance case uh vr 2022-01 for 727 Beth Page Drive. Natisse Patel, the applicant and owner of a residential lot at 727 Beth Page Drive, parcel ID 051F01220000. Request a [1:20:36, 1:20:56]: variance to reduce the property's rear yard setback from the required 75 feet for a golf course abudding lot to 50 feet to allow for construction of a new single family detached home. The property is located in land lot 17 of District 6 within the Starbury City limits. [1:20:56, 1:21:07]: It comprises lot 14 of the block W within the Unit XI of the Eagles Land uh landing subdivision presented by Miss Uh Carter and uh Linda Logan. Please, ladies. [1:21:09, 1:21:18]: Good evening, Mayor. Um uh thank you so much. Um we've got Linda Logan on the line. And I also if you don't mind, I'd like to introduce our new chief planner. [1:21:18, 1:21:20]: Ryan Anderson to the team. [1:21:21, 1:21:29]: Um he is managing planning and zoning and also GIS. So uh Linda, you can go ahead and uh present. [1:21:30, 1:21:34]: Okay, I didn't know if if Ryan wanted to say anything. [1:21:35, 1:21:48]: Well, I I'll say something. Welcome, Ryan. Welcome to the city of Stockbridge. Appreciate you uh joining the team. I know you're gonna do great things uh while you're here, but you're gonna be here for many, many years, right? Absolutely. Okay. I know it's up to you, sir. You got anything you want to add at this time? [1:21:50, 1:21:52]: You're uh you're you're muted. [1:21:52, 1:21:54]: Unless you want to remain muted. [1:21:55, 1:22:04]: Uh no sir. I thank you for uh appreciate your uh your words and uh yes I'm happy to be here and I look forward to doing some great things. Uh I've been here three weeks now, so uh [1:22:05, 1:22:14]: Uh I'm familiar with this case, um, but it was in progress before I got here. So um that's why Ms. Logan is proceeding with it. But yeah, I'm having a great time by being here. [1:22:14, 1:22:16]: All right, good deal. Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. [1:22:17, 1:22:18]: Ms. Logan, go right ahead, please. [1:22:19, 1:22:21]: Okay, I'm gonna share a screen. I have a [1:22:21, 1:22:23]: A PowerPoint presentation here. [1:22:25, 1:22:27]: Okay, everyone can see that. [1:22:28, 1:22:30]: Yes. Yes, we can. Okay. We can. [1:22:31, 1:22:37]: All right, this is a variance for 727 Beth Page Drive. It is in the Eagles Landing subdivision. Um [1:22:39, 1:22:48]: And this is a this is a view of uh Beth Page Drive here, which actually is a boundary between the city and county uh right here in this area. [1:22:48, 1:22:51]: Seven twenty seven is highlighted. You can see that there is a [1:22:52, 1:22:53]: A golf course uh behind it. [1:22:54, 1:22:55]: And um [1:22:55, 1:22:58]: And then some other houses here uh on the west side. [1:22:59, 1:23:01]: And the imp the important thing is to look at [1:23:02, 1:23:04]: The the setbacks that these houses have here. [1:23:04, 1:23:07]: And then there's a uh one up here as well. [1:23:08, 1:23:13]: Uh the case facts. Let me see if I can um hide this um [1:23:14, 1:23:16]: panel on the side. Um [1:23:19, 1:23:21]: I guess not. Go right ahead, please. [1:23:22, 1:23:22]: Moving down. [1:23:23, 1:23:30]: Okay, so uh you mentioned the uh the applicant Netesh Patel, um agent is Fazel Superawala. [1:23:30, 1:23:38]: Um, this is a um uh property has about half an acre, and it's on the north side of Vage Drive. It's wooded level and [1:23:38, 1:23:41]: It's vacant, level and wooded, nothing unusual about it. [1:23:42, 1:23:51]: Um this application did come in before the new DC was adopted, but regardless of zone PD PD plan development because it's part of [1:23:51, 1:23:55]: The approved plat of Eagles Landing subdivision. [1:23:55, 1:24:02]: And the plat for that subdivision requires the 75 foot rear yard setback for golf course, golf course lots. [1:24:03, 1:24:07]: So this applicant wants to reduce his reguard seven setback to seventy five feet. [1:24:08, 1:24:08]: Um [1:24:09, 1:24:10]: And um [1:24:11, 1:24:14]: He he eat to from seventy five to fifty feet. [1:24:14, 1:24:20]: Uh in dis further discussions with him about it, he later submitted a letter in which he agreed. [1:24:20, 1:24:23]: To reduce it to sixty five feet. He wants to build a new home. [1:24:24, 1:24:26]: We posted the sign on March first. [1:24:26, 1:24:27]: Um [1:24:27, 1:24:31]: You see surrounding land uses or existing homes and some undeveloped lots. [1:24:32, 1:24:38]: Most nearby homes have 75 feet and one or two appear to have slightly less than that, 62 to 65. [1:24:39, 1:24:40]: Um [1:24:40, 1:24:41]: Now [1:24:41, 1:24:46]: This is a larger view of the area. I um this is the subject property here. [1:24:46, 1:24:49]: There's a couple other lots that I wanna wanna talk about in the area. [1:24:49, 1:24:51]: Uh as far as a zoning um [1:24:52, 1:24:54]: history of the property. [1:24:55, 1:24:55]: Let's see. [1:24:57, 1:24:58]: Here we go. [1:24:58, 1:24:59]: So um [1:25:00, 1:25:05]: similar activities that have happened in the area over the years in 2011. [1:25:05, 1:25:06]: Hey. [1:25:07, 1:25:10]: A rear yard setback was allowed, but that was for a pool. [1:25:10, 1:25:12]: And then number two. [1:25:12, 1:25:14]: Another property uh [1:25:15, 1:25:17]: was g was allowed a reduction [1:25:17, 1:25:20]: In the rear yard, but that one is outside of the city. [1:25:21, 1:25:24]: Number three, eight forty-five Cog Hill. [1:25:25, 1:25:38]: Um now that in 2019 this application started the Henry County Planning and Zoning. They recommended denial because uh there's a certain required criteria criteria in the zoning code were not met. [1:25:38, 1:25:39]: Um [1:25:39, 1:25:46]: And um, but the city um because the Eagles Landing Property Owners Association approved it. [1:25:46, 1:25:49]: Therefore, um the city then approved it. However [1:25:50, 1:25:52]: property it's remains vacant today. [1:25:52, 1:25:56]: Um now nearby on eight forty two Cog Hill. [1:25:56, 1:25:57]: Um [1:25:57, 1:26:03]: Last year City granted administrative waiver rather than a bearing, but that was because of difficult topography. [1:26:03, 1:26:06]: So really the most similar one is number three here. [1:26:07, 1:26:14]: It's not been built. Uh let me just point out on here. Stand by stand by Linda. Linda, stand by, please. Ms. Alexanne, you have a question? [1:26:14, 1:26:17]: Yeah, l let me ask Mr. Garner a question. [1:26:17, 1:26:18]: No, but [1:26:18, 1:26:19]: Typically [1:26:20, 1:26:23]: And I think Henry County has this staff is allowed to [1:26:23, 1:26:36]: uh absorb a 10 for 10 percent or some type waive administrative waiver. So if they're already down to 65 and we're at 75. [1:26:36, 1:26:40]: That's seven and a half. So we're talking about two point five feet. [1:26:40, 1:26:43]: It basically right now. So [1:26:43, 1:26:50]: I I I I want your take on that because uh we talk they we they the we the requirement is seventy-five. [1:26:50, 1:27:07]: They're down all the way to 65 now. Staff can give an administrative waiver of up to 10%. So that's all that's that's seven and a half. So what is your take on that? Because I I mean we we're talking about such a minimal amount at this point. [1:27:07, 1:27:15]: Could I say something? Um the administrative waiver was because of the um difficult uh topography. [1:27:15, 1:27:17]: We don't have that situation here. [1:27:17, 1:27:18]: So that's why. [1:27:18, 1:27:21]: That when a straight waiver cannot be considered. [1:27:21, 1:27:24]: We have ten f we're talking about ten feet. [1:27:25, 1:27:27]: Ten feet. Is that what I'm talking about? [1:27:28, 1:27:29]: Yeah. Um [1:27:30, 1:27:32]: Country Alexander, you [1:27:33, 1:27:46]: Some plan a lot of planning departments allow for administrative variances or waiver from the requirements at a certain percentage. Um obviously the person you read it, it's the zoning administrator or the director of the department. [1:27:47, 1:27:57]: Um, who's charged with reviewing and approving or denying those use the same criteria whether the property is impacted by its shape, size, or topography. [1:27:57, 1:28:17]: that that doesn't allow for the regular regulations to make the property um buildable or usable in such an extent, um then they go ahead and they'll grant those variants based on those criteria. If those criteria don't exist, then obviously um they won't look at administrative variants. [1:28:17, 1:28:23]: will send it directly to the governing body as a variance to to have them address it through that process. [1:28:25, 1:28:28]: And typically even though you would you would in certain [1:28:28, 1:28:33]: You know, if if it's if it's ten if the request is ten feet and the variance is seven and a half. [1:28:34, 1:28:35]: You know [1:28:36, 1:28:41]: No one with that power will would would approve that extra two, even though it's for the close to two feet. [1:28:41, 1:28:45]: Because once you start with that process, you can't stop. So it's just it's [1:28:46, 1:28:50]: prudent to bring it before the legislative body to have them actually address it. [1:28:50, 1:28:51]: to the variance criteria. [1:28:55, 1:28:56]: Also um [1:28:57, 1:29:01]: Also he's requesting a uh a variance to fifty feet, uh, which is like twenty-five feet. [1:29:03, 1:29:08]: Well, she had mentioned that they had uh negotiated that down to sixty five feet. Is that correct? [1:29:10, 1:29:11]: Let me, if I may. [1:29:12, 1:29:16]: So the original request was for 75 to 50 feet. [1:29:17, 1:29:21]: Mm-hmm. That difference did not allow for administrative variance. [1:29:21, 1:29:27]: And it wasn't until we had already advertised, posted the sign on the property. [1:29:27, 1:29:32]: That the applicant stated, Well, I can maybe try to make it work. [1:29:32, 1:29:36]: But at that time it was already scheduled to be a public hearing before. [1:29:36, 1:29:40]: the Planning Commission and the City Council. [1:29:40, 1:29:53]: So the administrative waiver, like Mr. Gardner stated, wasn't an option because they didn't meet any topographic issues by what was being proposed. [1:29:54, 1:30:01]: So there we're moving forward in this request with the original 75 feet to 50 feet. [1:30:04, 1:30:09]: with sixty five on the table at this point that we know that that would be agreeable. Is that correct? [1:30:10, 1:30:13]: The the applicant is on, I believe is on the line and can speak to that. [1:30:16, 1:30:21]: I had a question. Well we'll stand by a second. The applicant, did you want to address that now, sir? [1:30:21, 1:30:22]: If he stays online. [1:30:24, 1:30:32]: Mayor. Yes, yes. Stand by please. I was just one double check if the Africans online, if you want to address that, I want to give them an opportunity to do that. [1:30:34, 1:30:41]: I okay. If not, go ahead. Um all right. Um uh let's go back to Mr. Blount. He spoke first. Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [1:30:42, 1:30:53]: Mayor, I'm I'm almost in agreement. I I understand from the pers uh from the perspective that that it had already been advertised and what was already stated that, you know. [1:30:53, 1:30:58]: Um procedurally we have to move forward with this um [1:31:00, 1:31:10]: uh w with this because it was advertised for this. Uh and I'm gonna uh I would like to know if the app if the applicant is is asking for 65. [1:31:10, 1:31:30]: Um is there any if if we went out there and looked at is there anything that would disturb any property, any land or anything or uh water runoff or anything by giving by changing it to 65? Because it seemed like the community itself is saying they're okay with it. Uh so and now we're doing now we're we can't. [1:31:30, 1:31:40]: can't go into what what he's uh selling for 65 because we advertise this meeting that it's gonna go from 75 to 50, but 65 is thrown out there. [1:31:40, 1:31:52]: Why would um it would the the ground dist would they is there any ground disturbances in this that since you all see y'all went and looked at it of of anything for as uh runoffs or anything like that? Is [1:31:54, 1:32:06]: I'm just trying to it wouldn't appear that that there is council uh councilman Blount uh once we receive a official plan with the whatever is approved by the council. [1:32:06, 1:32:20]: The applicant will have to ensure that they meet the requirements to meet the required mitigation for runoff on the lot. So they will still have to adhere to that. [1:32:20, 1:32:21]: In accordance with the code. [1:32:22, 1:32:23]: That would not change. [1:32:23, 1:32:28]: Well it then it goes back that that if the community is okay with it in the in and it's almost uh [1:32:29, 1:32:40]: uh uh variance changed to he said the sixty five and if the contingency is that that it meets the rec the code requirements of of of the property I'm just [1:32:42, 1:32:42]: Oh. [1:32:43, 1:32:44]: Oh he was [1:32:44, 1:32:54]: He was threatened with uh with a outright denial by staff. Uh staff was considering denial her d deni denying his c request for a twenty-five feet reduction. [1:32:54, 1:32:57]: So he negotiated with staff and that's how we reached sixty five feet. [1:32:58, 1:33:03]: So staff would does staff come with recommendation on it on the on the ten feet difference? [1:33:04, 1:33:06]: Yes, we have recommendations in the staff report. [1:33:07, 1:33:11]: Okay, so we can accept the staff recommendation. [1:33:12, 1:33:13]: Yeah, thank you. [1:33:13, 1:33:17]: You can. My hope is the applicant will be on the line. [1:33:18, 1:33:31]: Go ahead, go ahead, Ms. Carter. Go ahead and finish your statement, please. Ms. Carter. I hope that the applicant will be on the line to be able to provide some um input um on the call, but he may not he may not have made it onto the to the call. [1:33:31, 1:33:34]: Okay. I'm not seeing the applicant. Okay. [1:33:35, 1:33:36]: Okay, Miss Gantt, go ahead, please. [1:33:38, 1:33:45]: Um now that um Councilman Blount pretty much summed up some of the questions that I had. [1:33:45, 1:33:50]: And I wanted to know what the staff recommendation was for this particular property. Um [1:33:51, 1:34:07]: If if I do have a concern that the applicant is not online. So if there are some questions that we need to ask or, you know, some things we need to make sure of. But I I personally think that we we can go by staff recommendation. [1:34:08, 1:34:10]: Okay. Mr. Gardner, do you [1:34:11, 1:34:16]: Continue with my presentation. Stand by a second, please. Mr. Gardner, you're unmuted. Did you have something you need to say, sir? [1:34:17, 1:34:19]: No no so, no sirve. Okay. [1:34:20, 1:34:25]: Go ahead, Ms. Logan. We can end the presentation and go ahead and move forward, Mayor. I mean we just [1:34:26, 1:34:27]: At this point. [1:34:27, 1:34:38]: is it we we just kind of tying up time we could we we got the general gist of it we had the notes on it i think we just we I'm I'm willing to accept the sixty five feet so we can move [1:34:38, 1:34:42]: Mayor, I I do want to hear the staff's recommendation though. [1:34:42, 1:35:02]: I want to hear what exactly is their recommendation. Recommendation, okay. It's it's also a public hearing. Yep, it is a I have it is a public hearing. So I so we can't vote on this just yet. But anyway, um Ms. Logan, uh continue on and and emphasize, I guess, uh or Ms. Carter, the staff recommendation, how you came about that. [1:35:02, 1:35:10]: Whatever the case is. Right. So the staff recommendation is for the reduction from 75 to 65. [1:35:12, 1:35:21]: And the Planning Commission on March 24th, they approved the reduction from 75 to 50 outright. [1:35:22, 1:35:28]: So you have the staff's recommendation with the reduction to 65 feet and the planning commissions. [1:35:28, 1:35:34]: recommendation from seventy-five to fifty feet for the full bearance request. [1:35:35, 1:35:35]: All right. [1:35:36, 1:35:43]: All right, knowing that, then uh tell you what, I'll stop this portion and we'll go on to open up the public hearing. [1:35:43, 1:36:03]: So I'll open up to a public hearing. So um if I'd like to get any comments from the public, if there are any out there that are in favor of this particular uh reduction from 75 to 65 feet. If and um so otherwise uh Ms. Holiday, if you have anybody that that wants [1:36:03, 1:36:14]: wants to uh make a comment for. And uh I believe um Santa Thorne's online as well with anything on the Facebook Live in reference to any requests for or comments for. [1:36:15, 1:36:21]: So mayor online on the Zoom call, I don't see any raised hands. Okay. [1:36:22, 1:36:23]: Mr. Orden? [1:36:31, 1:36:32]: Mr. Warren? [1:36:35, 1:36:46]: All right, Ms. Holliday, so uh if you see you see no no raised hands for four, um, how about against? Any raised hands against uh this uh recommended uh reduction from 75 to 65 feet. [1:36:46, 1:36:47]: Anything at all? [1:36:49, 1:36:52]: Just wait a second for anyone to respond. Okay. [1:36:56, 1:36:58]: Mayor, there are no raised hands. [1:36:58, 1:36:58]: All right. [1:37:00, 1:37:01]: Alrighty. [1:37:01, 1:37:06]: Well, I will tell you what, open the public hearing, I will now close the public hearing. [1:37:06, 1:37:21]: And the attorney is online. So if I that's the right thing to do, we'll close this out. And I'll ask for uh any other comments from the council. And if not, any particular comments, then I just need a motion to accept this uh recommendation. [1:37:21, 1:37:27]: Mr. Mayor, I could just mention that if if the council wishes to prove this, we have identified [1:37:27, 1:37:31]: Um some conditions of approval that are here on this slide. [1:37:32, 1:37:32]: Okay. [1:37:34, 1:37:37]: Okay. What are those? Go right ahead, please. [1:37:38, 1:37:42]: Okay, so we recommend denial reduction of fifty feet, but if the the [1:37:42, 1:37:45]: But then the approval of a variance to [1:37:45, 1:37:46]: Sixty five feet. [1:37:46, 1:37:49]: Um, should have the following conditions. [1:37:49, 1:37:51]: That A, the property should be [1:37:51, 1:37:57]: developed only accordance with a site plan that's similar to the one that was submitted. The one that was submitted [1:37:57, 1:37:58]: Still shows [1:37:58, 1:38:02]: uh the fifty feet. So he would would need to submit another site plan. [1:38:03, 1:38:04]: Showing the the sixty five feet. [1:38:05, 1:38:10]: A B the rear yard setback should be no less than sixty-five feet measured from the rear yard. [1:38:10, 1:38:12]: to the nearest point of the [1:38:12, 1:38:12]: Home. [1:38:13, 1:38:14]: And see um [1:38:14, 1:38:20]: property should be developed in accordance with all other stipulations of Eagles Landing Property Owners Association. [1:38:20, 1:38:24]: And finally, property should be developed in accordance with other stipulations. [1:38:24, 1:38:27]: Of the approved plat for Eagles Landing Subdivision Unit Eleven. [1:38:29, 1:38:35]: Mayor Four, these are all in accordance with code. Um, there's nothing outside of that that we're adding here. Okay. [1:38:37, 1:38:41]: All right. All right. So so uh Ms. Gantt, you have your hand up? [1:38:43, 1:38:44]: You've you're muted, Miss Kent. [1:38:45, 1:38:52]: I would like to make a motion to approve this with staff's recommendations and the conditions that have been read for approval. [1:38:52, 1:38:53]: So a second. [1:38:53, 1:38:57]: Second. Okay, Miss Alzheimer's second that okay, all in favor, please indicate. [1:38:59, 1:39:00]: Okay, uh maybe. [1:39:02, 1:39:13]: Unless we pull the screen, I need you to um let me know what that vote is, maybe. Yeah, well that's what I'm I'm trying to count right. So it looks like uh everybody, Miss Barber, did you vote? I have a question, please. [1:39:13, 1:39:13]: Yeah. [1:39:14, 1:39:23]: Looking at the slide and the recommendation. Um, the last note, uh item B, it says um approve. [1:39:24, 1:39:27]: Planning Commission's recommendation approval of the fifty feet. [1:39:27, 1:39:28]: So does this [1:39:29, 1:39:30]: Motion. [1:39:30, 1:39:33]: Include the approval of the sixty five feet. [1:39:33, 1:39:36]: Yeah. [1:39:36, 1:39:37]: Camp just did, I believe. [1:39:38, 1:39:40]: It's the sixty five, yes. Okay, thank you. [1:39:41, 1:39:43]: All right. Once again. [1:39:44, 1:39:47]: I tell you what, I don't uh could you remove the slide, please? [1:39:48, 1:39:52]: Uh we can stop sharing. Yeah, stop sharing. There you go. I'm sorry, stop sharing. [1:39:53, 1:39:57]: All right, now all in favor of the mo motion has been made by second. All in favor of motion, please indicate. [1:39:58, 1:40:02]: Okay. So it looks like it's unanimous decision. Okay. Good deal. Appreciate it. Thank you. [1:40:03, 1:40:05]: I will move on to new business. [1:40:05, 1:40:13]: New business council consideration to fill a vacancy and appoint a member of the Downtown Development Authority Board. Presented by Mr. Peterson, sir, please. [1:40:13, 1:40:33]: Yes, sir. Thank you, Mayor and Council. The DDA is actually still reviewing the applications. We received more, the DDA received more than expected. They're going to review it, well, continue reviewing and discuss these applications during next week's April 19th meeting, and then we'll have an update during the April. [1:40:33, 1:40:35]: April twenty sixth meeting. [1:40:36, 1:40:37]: Okay, all right. [1:40:38, 1:40:48]: So be it. Thank you, sir. We'll move on. Council consideration approved the East Atlanta Road slash least free roadway improvements project change order number one. [1:40:48, 1:40:59]: with summit construction development for the modification of the traffic signals and the use of the alternative alternate bid, I'm sorry, pricing for street print crosswalks. [1:40:59, 1:41:04]: An amount of two hundred ninety-two thousand one hundred and eighty-one dollars and eighty-five cents. [1:41:04, 1:41:07]: Funding sources from SPLOS. Mr. Aaron, please. [1:41:07, 1:41:27]: Yes, Mr. Mayor and Council. I have skip Leighton with Falcon Design on as well. This is in reference to the two traffic lights. One is at East Atlanta, North Henry, the other is at North Lee Street and North Henry. The city requested that the masked arms be black. So this is a change order to incorporate that. [1:41:27, 1:41:34]: And also to use the street print for crosswalks, but Mr. Leighton is on the line if anybody has any questions. [1:41:34, 1:41:37]: Ms. Mr. Leighton, uh do you have anything you need to add at this time, sir? [1:41:37, 1:41:57]: Uh no sir. We just to let you know, we talked about this at the retreat and uh based on the contract documents we did modify the uh contractor's original request which was nearly three hundred thousand dollars for the signals alone. Uh we brought that back in line with what was allowed by contract only. We had it chosen. [1:41:57, 1:42:05]: checked by the uh uh signal guys that did actu did the design in this area and everybody's in agreement that the prices are correct. [1:42:06, 1:42:10]: All right, thank you. So council, any questions for Mr. Leighton or Mr. Dessis, please? [1:42:10, 1:42:12]: Yes, sir. Go right ahead. [1:42:12, 1:42:16]: Uh what's the funding source? I think we already have this, right? [1:42:16, 1:42:17]: Just plausible. [1:42:19, 1:42:28]: Okay, this funny sauce is squad. And for the purpose of the public, so the public understands. And we hear about this every single day about traffic. [1:42:28, 1:42:31]: Uh, this is part of the East Atlanta Road. [1:42:31, 1:42:32]: Uh [1:42:32, 1:42:35]: Project and the Lee Street Project. [1:42:36, 1:42:41]: So uh of as a part of the overall project, you will have a turn lane. [1:42:41, 1:42:58]: uh that will run from the railroad tracks all the way to North Henry Boulevard. So no more sitting there waiting to turn at the traffic signal. So a new signal will be added, a turn lane, a turn arrow will be added, uh it will be dressed up. [1:42:58, 1:43:18]: In terms of how it would look, many of us go to different areas uh where we look, or we'll go to Cumberland, or we might go up to uh, you know, in the city and we see the brick, the pretty uh brick stamp pavers uh on the crosswalk, so they'll be distinct, beautiful, and dressed up. So beautification is what we [1:43:18, 1:43:20]: We hear about a lot. [1:43:20, 1:43:24]: uh in uh in and around the city. So this [1:43:27, 1:43:33]: Project will help, especially uh especially at North and South Lee Street, which will be formed into a four-way intersect. [1:43:38, 1:43:42]: Because he mostly frozen then I believe. Okay, he is frozen. [1:43:44, 1:43:50]: 'Cause everybody's out of there in the first thirty minutes anyway, but we're making sure that we put [1:43:50, 1:43:51]: Uh, everything. [1:43:51, 1:43:52]: uh in there. [1:43:53, 1:43:53]: So [1:43:53, 1:43:57]: I certainly would like to go ahead and make a motion for approval. [1:43:57, 1:43:59]: Uh as recommended by staff. [1:44:00, 1:44:00]: Was there a second? [1:44:01, 1:44:02]: I second. [1:44:02, 1:44:05]: Ms. Gan second, are there any other questions or concerns? [1:44:06, 1:44:07]: Ms. Barber, go ahead. [1:44:07, 1:44:09]: You have a question, concern, or are you voting? [1:44:09, 1:44:15]: No, no question. So stand by stand by Mr. Blount. Ms. Gobber, did you say what now? [1:44:16, 1:44:18]: Questions for Mr. Wiggins. [1:44:19, 1:44:20]: Okay, go ahead, please. [1:44:20, 1:44:21]: Um [1:44:21, 1:44:22]: So the [1:44:23, 1:44:28]: I guess you guys just a financial of this blast account. What other project? [1:44:30, 1:44:30]: Has been [1:44:31, 1:44:33]: allocated to this account. [1:44:34, 1:44:37]: For this particular top. This this is this is the East Alam. [1:44:38, 1:44:42]: There's there's on um the road there's East Atlanta and [1:44:43, 1:44:44]: Uh Lee Street. [1:44:44, 1:44:45]: Right. [1:44:45, 1:44:46]: That's what's coming out the other county. [1:44:48, 1:44:51]: Okay, so I'm just looking at this column for actual. [1:44:51, 1:44:52]: So [1:44:52, 1:44:53]: Mm-hmm. [1:44:54, 1:44:56]: Those that's so that's excellent. [1:44:56, 1:44:57]: That's East Soleil and Lee Street. [1:44:58, 1:45:00]: Around that. Mm-hmm. [1:45:05, 1:45:11]: There you go. You can read. Okay. Okay. It's okay. Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [1:45:12, 1:45:19]: Uh Mayor, I I'm I think um what I what I was trying to find out is that the allotment of money uh [1:45:20, 1:45:28]: That was set up in SPLOS for that funding. This is the only portion that's coming out at this point. Is that correct, Mr. Dacious? [1:45:30, 1:45:39]: Actually, you have costs coming out for the construct construction work that they've already performed. This would be part of that funding source. [1:45:40, 1:45:45]: So for the full amount that we had already alighted for this splotch funding. [1:45:46, 1:45:50]: Is this still the the portion that we had put overall for the roads for this? [1:45:51, 1:45:54]: Funding. Or is this a is this gonna be coming out of newsplots money? [1:45:56, 1:46:01]: This is out of uh this is my understanding, it's out of the East Atlanta and North Lee Street Project. [1:46:02, 1:46:03]: Slash four. Okay. [1:46:04, 1:46:15]: Okay, gotcha. That's what I meant. I just want to make sure this was cup still coming out of that same SPLOSS funding and not the new SPLOSS fund. No, I'm fine. So I'm I'm uh I'm I I'm good with it. [1:46:15, 1:46:16]: Okay. [1:46:16, 1:46:18]: Councillor, any other questions? [1:46:18, 1:46:22]: The motion has been made and and seconded. So yes, miss yes, Ms. Cant. [1:46:24, 1:46:27]: Aye. All in favor, please indicate. [1:46:29, 1:46:31]: All right, tsunami decision. Appreciate that. Thank you, gentlemen. [1:46:31, 1:46:33]: Thank you for those. [1:46:35, 1:46:51]: Okay, council consideration to grant the chief of police the authority to implement and or amend police department policies and procedures with review by legal counsel as appropriate, excluding policies and procedures with a financial impact greater than$5,000. Presented by uh Chief Tremor. [1:46:54, 1:46:57]: Thank you, Mayor and Council. Let me share my screen here with you. [1:46:58, 1:46:58]: Okay. [1:47:15, 1:47:20]: Okay. Are you all able to see that? Yeah. We are able to see it now. Thank you. Okay. Excellent. Excellent. [1:47:29, 1:47:36]: So the um first matter before you all is the approval of the policies and procedures or uh authorizing myself [1:47:37, 1:47:45]: To implement policies and procedures necessary for the operation of the police department. And before I get into that, I want to share with you all a little bit. [1:47:45, 1:47:47]: About the direction that we're moving. [1:47:47, 1:47:49]: with the police department. [1:47:49, 1:47:50]: Um [1:47:50, 1:47:57]: We have actually already committed to the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police to be part of their state certification program. [1:47:58, 1:48:05]: And as it relates to the state certification program, this is an independent accrediting body by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. [1:48:06, 1:48:11]: that comes into our organization, evaluates our policies and procedures to ensure that they [1:48:11, 1:48:14]: meet the uh criteria. [1:48:14, 1:48:21]: um of the current policies and procedures and recommended operating guidelines for police department. [1:48:21, 1:48:28]: Um, in this manual, there are 139 state standards that our department would have to meet in order to achieve the certification. [1:48:29, 1:48:33]: And just so you all know, there are only a hundred and thirty two of the twelve hundred and fourteen. [1:48:33, 1:48:39]: uh current law enforcement organizations in the state of Georgia that have achieved state certification. [1:48:39, 1:48:50]: We have already committed with the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police of moving towards that uh to meet that standard. And so why are we moving forward with that? Well, obviously. [1:48:50, 1:48:56]: Uh what it does is it ensures for us that our policies and procedures are in compliance with uh state and national standards. [1:48:56, 1:49:11]: And additionally, by having these policies and procedures, it of course reduces the liability to the city, to the police department, and to those working inside our organization. And another benefit is that should the city decide to move forward with insurance through um [1:49:12, 1:49:13]: Gurma [1:49:13, 1:49:18]: that by achieving state certification, we would be eligible for a twenty percent discount on our insurance premium. [1:49:19, 1:49:23]: Um, so there's some some definite benefits of the certification program. [1:49:23, 1:49:29]: Uh the process for this program is first and foremost is organizational commitment, which we have already committed. [1:49:29, 1:49:34]: To pursuing this standard. We have applied for the certification. [1:49:34, 1:49:39]: And the next part of that process is to develop our policies and procedures. [1:49:39, 1:49:46]: Um afterwards there would be on-site assessments with uh certified assessors to the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. [1:49:46, 1:49:53]: where they would look at our policies and procedures manual to make sure that they met all of the 139 standards that was previously listed. [1:49:54, 1:50:00]: Um, then there would be a state certification committee that would review these, uh, then it would further be reviewed by a joint review committee. [1:50:00, 1:50:10]: They would actually come into our organization and look at our processes and procedures, not only review policy, but also to come in and actually physically inspect that we're in compliance with those standards. [1:50:11, 1:50:14]: After we do that, we would be awarded the certification. [1:50:14, 1:50:21]: And then we would be responsible for redes recertifying um every two years thereafter. And this is something that we're moving towards. [1:50:22, 1:50:26]: So obviously uh policies and procedures are um [1:50:26, 1:50:30]: a key component of that and um it is important [1:50:32, 1:50:38]: First and foremost, every organization should have uh policies and procedures that address these high liability areas. [1:50:38, 1:50:45]: Uh, while not every organization in the state of Georgia is certified, it is rec it is recommended through Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. [1:50:45, 1:50:50]: Um that they do have these uh policies in these perci in these particular areas of which [1:50:51, 1:51:11]: um are built within our policies and procedure manual. So when I refer to or you hear reference to uh proper vetting by legal counsel as it relates to specific policies and procedures, these are the policies and procedures that we're referring to and I'll show you that's outlined here shortly. So these critical areas are looking at our human [1:51:11, 1:51:23]: resources and uh equal opportunity employment, which the city currently has policies on. And we've um we we've essentially um copied some of those standards uh or copied the standards that the city currently has. [1:51:23, 1:51:30]: Uh policies on evidence and property, vehicle operation, search and seizure, use of force, arrest, off duty, uh extra employment. [1:51:30, 1:51:35]: Um specialized equipment, mental illness, and then anything governing multi-jurisdictional task forces. [1:51:37, 1:51:41]: So this is um our current operating manual. [1:51:42, 1:51:47]: So you can see here, these are the policies and procedures that we have in process. [1:51:47, 1:52:01]: This is a voluminous manual. There are probably 600 pages in this manual. And this is just a general overview of the policies and procedures that we need to implement in order to be in compliance and to move forward with the certification process. [1:52:02, 1:52:08]: So you can see here uh there are 23 chapters. We have a written directive session uh section, our mission, goals, and objectives. [1:52:08, 1:52:13]: uh a chapter that speaks to department organization, professional standards. This basically governs [1:52:13, 1:52:22]: Um, our internal investigation processes. These highlighted areas are the high liability areas that I just re just uh briefly mentioned to you here. [1:52:22, 1:52:24]: So you can see this um [1:52:24, 1:52:31]: uh highlighted section here afterwards, that's the actual state certification standard that speaks to that specific policy. [1:52:32, 1:52:32]: Um [1:52:33, 1:52:39]: Outside employment was another one of those areas. So we have policies governing officers being able to work secondary jobs outside employment. [1:52:39, 1:52:47]: Our code of conduct is our internal operating procedures, uh, policies and procedures that deal with disciplinary actions, code of ethics. [1:52:47, 1:52:51]: uh neglective duty, um all these things that you can see here. [1:52:51, 1:52:57]: uh grievances. Uh this grievance policy models the city's policy as it relates to grievances. [1:52:58, 1:53:01]: Uh, we have a policy on uh dress code, how we're to um [1:53:02, 1:53:04]: uh maintain our uh equipment. [1:53:05, 1:53:12]: Arrest procedures, another high liability policy that we need to implement here. As you can see, search and seizure was another area mentioned. [1:53:12, 1:53:18]: We have a policy on chapter 10 here, civil processes, policies over weapons, policies over use of force. [1:53:18, 1:53:22]: Vehicle operations to include how we uh handle pursuits. [1:53:23, 1:53:23]: Uh [1:53:23, 1:53:28]: Policies that govern how we deal with property and evidence are records unit communication patrol. [1:53:28, 1:53:29]: Um [1:53:30, 1:53:33]: Detainment of uh and transportation of prisoners. [1:53:33, 1:53:38]: Policies and procedures on investigations, how we deal with juveniles, unusual occurrences. [1:53:38, 1:53:42]: What are your bomb threats, SWAT incidents? Um uh [1:53:42, 1:53:45]: In suspicious packages, things along those lines. [1:53:45, 1:53:50]: We have a policy that governs how we do training. And then the final policy is dealing with [1:53:50, 1:53:56]: the mentally ill. So as you can see, there are a number of policies that the police department needs to implement. [1:53:56, 1:54:01]: And uh it's pretty standard the chief of police in uh most all jurisdictions. [1:54:02, 1:54:06]: Um, is responsible for implementing sound policies and procedures. [1:54:06, 1:54:07]: Uh that [1:54:07, 1:54:11]: ensure that the police department is operating in accordance with uh [1:54:12, 1:54:13]: Recognized standards. [1:54:13, 1:54:20]: So as we move forward with this process, we obviously have new staff members coming on board. It's important for us to move these things forward. [1:54:21, 1:54:26]: We're in the process now. Uh most of these policies have been written, so we are in the review process now. [1:54:26, 1:54:31]: of uh going over those, but of course um with the approval of this resolution. [1:54:32, 1:54:36]: Those high liability pro policies would also be properly vetted uh with our [1:54:37, 1:54:41]: uh legal counsel as well. So I'll open it up for any questions that anyone has. [1:54:41, 1:54:44]: Thank you, Chief. Uh Ms. Gantt, go ahead, please. Saw your hand first. [1:54:45, 1:54:49]: Thank you. Um Chief, are you saying that you want us to [1:54:49, 1:54:52]: vote to implement a policy that we have not read. [1:54:53, 1:54:59]: You want to say that. This is giving me the authority to uh implement the policies and procedures on behalf of the police department. [1:55:01, 1:55:06]: Yeah, but where are they? Like we are we gonna approve those policies and procedures? [1:55:07, 1:55:13]: Now that's typically not what happens in most uh government organizations that authority is given to the chief of police. [1:55:14, 1:55:19]: implement those policies. If we had to bring every policy before council, we'd be reviewing policies through the end of the year. [1:55:20, 1:55:36]: Okay. So I'm um this is new for me as in regards to the police department, but I would think that um, you know, we would at least I see the topics, but we would at least, you know, have a copy of those policies before we approved a resolution. [1:55:36, 1:55:41]: to move forward with the policy that we haven't really approved. [1:55:41, 1:55:58]: I mean, we are the legislative body, correct? So I I just wanted to know whether or not whether we received a copy. I don't know what we're approving. We're approving sounds like we're approving or or granting permission for you to write the policies and procedures and whatever you write and says go. [1:55:59, 1:56:00]: Is that what we're doing? [1:56:02, 1:56:04]: Mr. Gardner, you had your hand up. Did you want to speak to that, sir? [1:56:06, 1:56:09]: Well no, I'm asking you Chief. Is that what we're doing? I'm not asking Mr. Garner. [1:56:10, 1:56:15]: Okay. Well council council one again, um yes, and that typically I understand this is new to you, but this is [1:56:15, 1:56:32]: Generally, what happens in most all jurisdictions. The chief of police of the city of Atlanta is the sole authority on the policies and procedures of the department. They're considered to be the resident expert. And it's not that I'm making these policies up. These policies are recognized state and national standards. So these are templates. [1:56:32, 1:56:38]: That are provided to us. And I think if you were to look at most all organizations across the state of Georgia. [1:56:38, 1:56:44]: Who have a policies and procedures manual. And unfortunately, not every department has a policies and procedure manual. [1:56:44, 1:56:50]: that this authority it uh rests with the chief of police of that organization. And the thing of it is is you have to understand like [1:56:50, 1:56:55]: Some of the things that we've seen across the board, if we run into an issue where we [1:56:55, 1:57:01]: recognize that there's something that needs to be modified with our use of force policy to ensure that we're able to [1:57:01, 1:57:02]: Um uh [1:57:03, 1:57:09]: You know, we need to be able to change those standards quickly if there's something that impacts public safety. And so these things generally are not things. [1:57:10, 1:57:24]: that um are brought before council for approval for every policy and procedure. These policies and procedures are always in process. They're constantly being reviewed. There are new policies and procedures by virtue of operation that we end up having to implement. [1:57:24, 1:57:29]: And uh most organizations have and we do have an office of professional standards, we have [1:57:29, 1:57:39]: Uh Captain Moman, who's a certified state accreditation manager, who's had training in state certification accreditation, who understands all the policies and procedures. [1:57:39, 1:57:46]: and is responsible for ensuring that we receive the correct policies and procedures that those are in compliance again with state and national standards. [1:57:47, 1:57:47]: Okay. [1:57:48, 1:57:56]: So where would the language come from? Would it be come from would it be copied verbatim from the state national standards? Um, or would it be [1:57:57, 1:57:57]: Um [1:57:58, 1:58:02]: something that you guys would draft you would draft, you and your staff would draft. [1:58:02, 1:58:09]: Yeah, the the general standards are the it's template. It's pretty standard language, but we would have to customize that to [1:58:10, 1:58:12]: Спіть парли ту. [1:58:12, 1:58:15]: our operating procedures within the Stockbridge Police Department. [1:58:16, 1:58:17]: Okay. Thank you. [1:58:18, 1:58:18]: Yes. [1:58:19, 1:58:21]: Mr. Gardner, do you have something you need to add? [1:58:22, 1:58:26]: Uh no I think chief chief hit it on the head and it and it is standard operational. [1:58:27, 1:58:38]: operational procedures that they're engaging and it changes um as laws, new laws come about and new procedures. And and as Chief stated, you know, this is looked at from the state accreditation. [1:58:38, 1:58:39]: Bold. [1:58:39, 1:58:59]: Um as it relates to us becoming state certified, as he mentioned, only a few police departments are actually state certified with our ultimate goal of becoming CALIA, which is national certification, which brings another ball of wax in review by um the standards board at CALEAR. Um so this is this is typical in in most. [1:58:59, 1:59:11]: five police departments. It's their standard operational procedure, so it doesn't need to be approved by counsel. As Chief said, you you'll be going back and forth every time they change policies. It's just their standard operational procedures for [1:59:12, 1:59:20]: What is known as police departments, as you know, paramilitary departments, the death standards are a little bit above and beyond what you typically see in your regular HR. [1:59:20, 1:59:22]: Um policy manuals. [1:59:22, 1:59:24]: Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [1:59:25, 1:59:26]: Yeah, um [1:59:27, 1:59:29]: My concerns today wasn't about [1:59:30, 1:59:40]: The SOPs is how we're gonna implement those SOPs because uh I'm I'm pretty sure you're familiar, Chief Tramer, if not, it was probably before before your time. [1:59:40, 1:59:44]: Working under Deputy Chief Taylor with Sid Lannon and Deputy Chief uh Redding. [1:59:45, 2:00:05]: Each department even in itself would bring out would would would submit SOPs for different departments. So SOPs in itself are is standard for each department. My concern was, and I talked to you, Chief Tramer, uh, is how we how we would implement those SOPs and what and what guidelines and how how we we would [2:00:05, 2:00:13]: validate those SOP so uh you know talking to you and knowing how that works and I agree with Mr. Gardner SOPs and I would tell you all [2:00:13, 2:00:17]: Uh if you go sit down in the city of Atlanta headquarters. [2:00:17, 2:00:19]: You'll see'em come through uh [2:00:19, 2:00:31]: very often and and they would come through the police department from different departments. It's not just from the chief of police. They will come from the deputy chief of different so they they it's a it's a common practice. [2:00:31, 2:00:38]: And I just wanted to see how we would implement it. So I'm I I have peace of mind of what we're doing in that in that area. So uh I'm okay with that. [2:00:39, 2:00:41]: Mayor Pro Tem, Thomas, go ahead, please. [2:00:42, 2:00:50]: Uh Chief, uh I I have a little problem with with this process. Um I I I don't have a problem with [2:00:50, 2:00:57]: uh certifying in in the city of Stockbridge Police Department moving towards certification. [2:00:58, 2:01:01]: Um I would have appreciated. [2:01:01, 2:01:19]: uh this presentation before tonight because uh I like to be able to read presentations. I like to be able to call you and ask questions beforehand. I didn't get that opportunity so I'm gonna have to sort of uh say what I need to say uh right here and right now. [2:01:20, 2:01:31]: Just as you brought this before us tonight, I I I think this is is standard and and as you mentioned, I tried to make some notes. Uh you said that um [2:01:32, 2:01:40]: Um, every organization have policies and procedures, and the chief of police is responsible. [2:01:40, 2:01:45]: Well, as you said that the city council as the governing body [2:01:46, 2:01:50]: You know, we have uh policies and procedures as well. [2:01:50, 2:01:51]: And [2:01:52, 2:01:53]: My [2:01:54, 2:01:55]: Understand and [2:01:55, 2:01:56]: About [2:01:57, 2:01:59]: All departments under [2:01:59, 2:02:02]: The city of Stockbridge structure. [2:02:02, 2:02:09]: Um they fall into a realm of uh checks and balances. [2:02:09, 2:02:11]: Uh and oversight. [2:02:11, 2:02:12]: Um [2:02:13, 2:02:19]: It appears to me that uh some of that oversight is being taken away. [2:02:20, 2:02:22]: Um I I do agree with [2:02:23, 2:02:25]: Some of the uh intricate [2:02:25, 2:02:30]: uh levels of certification and that that's not what I'm I'm that I'm not talking about those kind of thing. [2:02:31, 2:02:32]: But to give [2:02:33, 2:02:35]: The police chief. [2:02:36, 2:02:38]: As a department head [2:02:38, 2:02:40]: the authority to [2:02:41, 2:02:42]: Um [2:02:42, 2:02:45]: create policies and procedure without [2:02:46, 2:02:55]: uh oversight and checks and balances. I I have a I have a problem with that. I I don't see the police department any different from [2:02:55, 2:02:57]: Any other department in [2:02:58, 2:03:00]: Under the umbrella of the city. [2:03:01, 2:03:03]: Um you have other directors. [2:03:04, 2:03:07]: And I just don't see how [2:03:07, 2:03:13]: The police department can operate any different from uh public works. [2:03:14, 2:03:17]: um community development as far as [2:03:18, 2:03:22]: uh policies and procedures and and it's all intricate. I I I get that. [2:03:22, 2:03:25]: But just as you present it tonight. [2:03:26, 2:03:32]: That's the way I would want to see it happen. And we don't have to get into all of the details for a certification. [2:03:33, 2:03:34]: But Chief, I I cannot [2:03:34, 2:03:36]: Um, I cannot approve. [2:03:37, 2:03:38]: Of a blanket. [2:03:39, 2:03:40]: uh authority [2:03:41, 2:03:44]: To write policies and procedure without [2:03:44, 2:03:49]: something coming before the council and and I think councilwoman get [2:03:49, 2:03:52]: So to hit on my concerns as well. [2:03:52, 2:03:54]: It's not that we're going to [2:03:55, 2:03:57]: Uh try to look at every sentence. [2:03:57, 2:04:01]: in a certification manual of uh or or every [2:04:02, 2:04:09]: Um, you know, requirement. No, I'm I'm not really talking about that, but I think it's it's a it's a standard where you [2:04:10, 2:04:11]: The star bridge [2:04:12, 2:04:20]: Uh, police department will have to come back to the council, just like any other organization or any other department. [2:04:20, 2:04:25]: um under the city. And I and I think we're we're we're threading on some dangerous grounds because [2:04:26, 2:04:28]: I think that any [2:04:28, 2:04:30]: uh department under the city structure. [2:04:31, 2:04:33]: can come back and say actually the same thing because [2:04:34, 2:04:38]: Public works, community development, all of those things are very intricate. [2:04:38, 2:04:48]: And so I'm just sort of having a problem with that. And and and I just wanna, I'm thinking about in the city of New York, uh stopping frisk. [2:04:48, 2:05:04]: Uh I'm thinking about no-knock warrants. Uh I'm thinking about um chokehos, uh uh speed traps. So I'm sort of thinking about those kind of things. And not to say that Frank Tremor would do that, but [2:05:04, 2:05:11]: It's not about personality, it's about the seat of Thaibridge Police Department. And so I'm having some problem with that. [2:05:12, 2:05:19]: as far as giving or signing off on uh giving the police chief that kind of authority. [2:05:19, 2:05:23]: To to write policies and procedures where I don't really think [2:05:23, 2:05:26]: That you act, I don't think you really need that. [2:05:27, 2:05:34]: I don't think you need that to go forward and do what you need to do. I just think that you need to come back before the council and just share. [2:05:35, 2:05:36]: Uh, we need to know. [2:05:37, 2:05:42]: See, when when things go around, things go wrong in a city of Thybridge for us policing. [2:05:43, 2:05:54]: It's gonna come back to the city council. It's not gonna come back to the chief or say, it's gonna come back to the city council and and and then looking at your request, uh it's [2:05:54, 2:05:56]: It says [2:05:56, 2:06:02]: authority to implement and then it goes on to with uh legal review. [2:06:03, 2:06:12]: It also bypasses the city manager. So I'm just a little concerned that that the city manager would not even. [2:06:12, 2:06:16]: Have an opportunity to lay eyes on [2:06:16, 2:06:31]: on on a document that's going to go through. I heard you say 600 pages. No, we're not going to read 600 pages. But I just think that it's something in the process that just does not sit well with me. And I don't think that you need [2:06:31, 2:06:32]: Um [2:06:32, 2:06:35]: That authority. I I can't give that authority. [2:06:36, 2:06:37]: Um [2:06:37, 2:06:41]: I I can't give that authority to create policies and procedure. [2:06:41, 2:06:44]: I I just think that it's something that you do as the chief. [2:06:45, 2:06:48]: And you bring it back to the council and and [2:06:49, 2:07:03]: And and I'm not saying like like uh the city manager mentioned that we'll be coming back every day, uh every year, all year, to look at various things that's gonna come before. And I'm not really talking about those things, but just in general. [2:07:04, 2:07:11]: Giving the chief of police the authority to create policies and procedures of the City of Stockbridge Police Department. [2:07:12, 2:07:15]: I just have a problem with that language. Um [2:07:15, 2:07:23]: Because if if if Mr. Aaron comes forward as the uh public works director asking the same question. [2:07:23, 2:07:25]: And looking for the same authority. [2:07:27, 2:07:29]: I I think we're creating a problem with that. [2:07:30, 2:07:40]: Um, and I don't know, I don't have the answer to get around it, but it just not it does just does not sit well with me to give the chief of police a set of Thy Bridge. [2:07:40, 2:07:43]: The authority to write policies and procedures. [2:07:43, 2:07:47]: When you also mentioned that many of these things are standard. [2:07:47, 2:08:07]: Um the 139 standards and all of the certification. This is standard. So I don't see how I don't see why the city of Stockbridge Police Department cannot move forward with all of the standards, with all of the certification, without the chief of police having the authority to. [2:08:07, 2:08:09]: to create policies and procedures. [2:08:12, 2:08:20]: And maybe you can explain that a little better. But again, and I wish going forward, uh, when you have these presentations, if you could get this information. [2:08:20, 2:08:22]: Uh to us before because [2:08:22, 2:08:32]: I would have called you before and I would ask you a hundred questions, but getting this right here and right now, that does not sit well with me uh either. [2:08:32, 2:08:42]: So and and and um I'm saying this to you, Mr. Garden, as well. Um, you as a city manager, you have to be about getting these presentations to us because I don't like [2:08:43, 2:08:46]: being able to uh have to ask these kind of questions. [2:08:47, 2:08:52]: at the meeting, I like to try to ask these questions offline to try to get an answer, but [2:08:52, 2:08:56]: Uh and maybe I'm just missing something, maybe I'm not understanding, but [2:08:56, 2:08:57]: Uh tonight [2:08:57, 2:09:00]: I cannot approve of this. I cannot. [2:09:00, 2:09:07]: Uh because it it just maybe I I don't understand, but just to give you that authority. [2:09:08, 2:09:09]: Um [2:09:10, 2:09:14]: It it just doesn't sit well with me because and I'm looking at policing. [2:09:15, 2:09:17]: In today's we're a police and [2:09:17, 2:09:18]: Um [2:09:19, 2:09:21]: It's very difficult. [2:09:21, 2:09:26]: And and when I look across this country and I see what police departments are doing. [2:09:27, 2:09:30]: Um I I have problem with that. [2:09:30, 2:09:36]: And I mentioned some of those before, uh no not warrants, uh choke, stopping frisk. [2:09:37, 2:09:42]: Um and I'm not saying that Frank Tremor will institute any of those, but [2:09:42, 2:10:02]: If you have that authority to create these policy procedures and you don't have to come before the council, then you may do that. Um, Willie Joe Jones, who may be the NAC police chief 15 years down the road, may come and just do that. So that's the problem that I saw to have. And it's not about personality, it's about the city of Stylebridge Police Department. [2:10:02, 2:10:03]: Army as a whole. [2:10:03, 2:10:10]: I I just I just have a problem with this and and I just be honest with you, I I can't approve of this tonight. I cannot. [2:10:10, 2:10:20]: Um, and I think that you can go forward and do what you indicated that you need to do as far as the standards, uh meeting all certifications. I I just think you can go forward and do that. [2:10:23, 2:10:27]: Yep. Mayor Proteum, I appreciate your concern, sir. And um [2:10:28, 2:10:29]: I apologize. Um [2:10:30, 2:10:34]: There they're I I don't know what additional documentation you're referring to. Um [2:10:34, 2:10:37]: The the presentation the presentation that you just made tonight. [2:10:38, 2:10:40]: Uh okay. The um [2:10:40, 2:10:44]: Uh I was trying to give some background and context on that, but [2:10:44, 2:10:44]: Um [2:10:45, 2:10:51]: To your point here, and I I will say this and you know, hopefully I'm not um hopefully I'm not out of bounds in terms of what I say. [2:10:51, 2:10:58]: It's my understanding, um, in other organizations I've worked at, uh, I understand the point that you're making in terms of disparity between [2:10:58, 2:11:02]: uh how we are moving forward with policies versus other departments, but [2:11:02, 2:11:09]: I I'm not certain in any of the cities that I've worked in that uh the the governing body's gotten into [2:11:09, 2:11:15]: um the policies and procedures of how public works or facilities or anybody else. Those are standard operating procedures. [2:11:16, 2:11:23]: that the directors and um that there is some oversight to the extent the city manager wishes to be involved in that process. [2:11:23, 2:11:28]: In implementing those procedures. If you look at Henry County, if you look at McDonough PD at Locust Grove. [2:11:28, 2:11:34]: and any of the police departments to include Clayton County and some others who who are certified agencies. [2:11:34, 2:11:40]: that the authority is vested in the chief of police to implement those policies and procedures. So this isn't something that's foreign. [2:11:40, 2:11:46]: This isn't something that uh we're trying to do that's new. I certainly understand your concerns as it relates to the issues. [2:11:46, 2:11:53]: Just so you know, um, we're concerned about the same issues you are as well, and that's the certifying body. [2:11:53, 2:11:56]: um that dictates things like we're not going to do chokeholds. [2:11:57, 2:12:00]: We have to have clear policies on no knock warrants. [2:12:00, 2:12:05]: Um that we have to have restrictive pursuit policies. It's the accreditation standards that [2:12:06, 2:12:15]: hold an organization to those standards that meet state and national best practices in terms of how we're to operate. And so by virtue of adopting [2:12:15, 2:12:18]: state and national standards, I think we're in very good standing. [2:12:18, 2:12:23]: Uh it's not that we're trying to be secretive or we're trying to hold off on anything. It's really [2:12:23, 2:12:35]: from the standpoint of of the the amount of time, effort, energy would be required, and we have to be able to to pivot and make changes. So if I don't have the authority, and we may be talking broadly about use of force. [2:12:35, 2:12:42]: But when we implement a change, let's say to the uniform and how we're gonna wear the uniform, that has to be reflected in our policy. [2:12:42, 2:12:49]: To make that change, we would have to bring something as simple as that back before council if I didn't have the authority to be able to make those changes. [2:12:50, 2:12:53]: And furthermore, there are some changes. There are organizations [2:12:53, 2:12:58]: that had within their policy that they could implement neck restraints. [2:12:59, 2:13:00]: And [2:13:00, 2:13:02]: If the police chief [2:13:02, 2:13:07]: had to bring it before council to eliminate that as a practice, then we're talking about [2:13:08, 2:13:23]: delays in in in implementing something where I can't say, you know what, I'm drafting up a pro policy and starting today, we're not doing chokeholds anymore. I've got to wait two, four, six weeks to bring that to council to do something that really could potentially save somebody's life. [2:13:24, 2:13:26]: So I have to be able to make those changes. [2:13:26, 2:13:30]: Uh as we identify those changes and I hope that you have the trust and faith. [2:13:30, 2:13:34]: that what we're doing is moving forward in a positive direction here and and um [2:13:35, 2:13:39]: Um that that still may not address your concern, Mayor Pro Tem, but I at least just wanted to um [2:13:40, 2:13:41]: What's the statement? [2:13:41, 2:13:47]: Well, I I mean I I do understand that point when you mentioned about the uniform, those kind of things. [2:13:48, 2:13:51]: But I think there has to be a way. [2:13:51, 2:13:54]: That we can move forward with [2:13:54, 2:13:56]: Uh creating [2:13:57, 2:13:58]: Um [2:13:58, 2:14:02]: all that is needed for the city of Stybridge Police Department. [2:14:02, 2:14:03]: Um [2:14:04, 2:14:05]: I don't [2:14:05, 2:14:09]: I I guess in my mind I don't see what would prevent you from [2:14:10, 2:14:11]: Doin' [2:14:11, 2:14:15]: Some of the things that you just need to do. [2:14:15, 2:14:16]: Um [2:14:18, 2:14:22]: I I just don't see what would prevent you from just doing some of those things. [2:14:22, 2:14:40]: I just think that, you know, and and this should have been discussed um way before now. Uh and even with the review board that we talked about, you know, uh July is is is here pretty much, and we have not even sort of touched on that. [2:14:40, 2:14:41]: Um [2:14:41, 2:15:00]: I'm just having some problem with this, Chief. Just to be honest with you. I I think if we could have sort of got into this a little bit more, uh a little bit more in detail, I think we could have flushed this out. I think we could have streamlined it. So if you're talking about having the authority to create certain policies and procedures. [2:15:00, 2:15:02]: I think we'll be okay with that. [2:15:02, 2:15:05]: But just to give a blanket. [2:15:06, 2:15:07]: Авто [2:15:08, 2:15:15]: That I guess that's the problem that I have, just giving a blanket authority for one person. [2:15:15, 2:15:35]: uh the department head just to go ahead and just do what they want to do. Uh it sort of just boils down to that. And and again, I go back to other department heads. And I think we have to be very cautious on how we treat all departments of the city because the the Stockbridge Police Department it falls under the umbrella [2:15:35, 2:15:37]: Umbrella of the city government. [2:15:37, 2:15:50]: And I think we have to sort of be cautious on how we treat all of these department, how we treat all department heads, and how we have to be fair and allow, you know, for oversight and checks and balances. And so. [2:15:51, 2:15:55]: I do know and understand that in policing. [2:15:55, 2:15:57]: There has to be some checks and balances. [2:15:57, 2:16:00]: And I think the governing body [2:16:00, 2:16:02]: Is that body that does that? [2:16:02, 2:16:04]: Now we don't have to get into [2:16:05, 2:16:08]: the fine aligns of all of the details. [2:16:09, 2:16:23]: But Chief, there must be some checks and balances of the governing body with this police department. We hold the city manager accountable and you're bypassing the city manager. [2:16:23, 2:16:25]: So I I even have a problem with that. [2:16:29, 2:16:31]: All right. Um Mrs. Gardner, go ahead, please. [2:16:34, 2:16:36]: You you muted, Mr. Gardner. You muted, sir. [2:16:38, 2:16:42]: Uh hopefully like if I say this in the right way and it doesn't come across wrong. I mean [2:16:44, 2:16:48]: The policies in public works as it relates to treatment of water, May and Council does not approve that. [2:16:50, 2:16:57]: That's done administratively and any requirements to change the percentage of chlorine or whatever. [2:16:57, 2:17:01]: You guys don't get in the weeds with that that's done and state mandated and state reviewed. [2:17:02, 2:17:03]: Chief just said the same thing. [2:17:04, 2:17:05]: Uh [2:17:07, 2:17:07]: Sorry. [2:17:07, 2:17:19]: No, no, go ahead, sir. I'm I'm just gonna make a comment based on what you just said, but let me just stop you right there. See, that's when I said there was 139 standards and there's uh uh certification. [2:17:20, 2:17:27]: So I agree with that. And I think that's what you just said. So we're not gonna get into weeds on the standards and certification. [2:17:27, 2:17:29]: No, but what what I'm saying is [2:17:29, 2:17:33]: And so what what changes um Mayor Potem is [2:17:34, 2:17:34]: You you [2:17:35, 2:17:44]: The chief wouldn't know which policies should come, which change in the policy should come and which shouldn't come. Should uniform, just the way uniform is displayed come? [2:17:44, 2:17:49]: Maybe not. But then at the same time, if they're implementing [2:17:49, 2:18:05]: any of the and chief you can speak to this um under president obama most police department went to the 21st century model of policing a lot of them did the one in east point we did those policies were adopted just like you said through the chief of police who is the subject matter expert [2:18:05, 2:18:10]: And council has to have the fate and trust in its in in the people that they hire. [2:18:10, 2:18:13]: To do the right thing. And the oversight is if [2:18:14, 2:18:17]: Chief does violate those rules and regulations. [2:18:17, 2:18:22]: The standards board come down on them and any police officer that abuse it gets put in jail. [2:18:23, 2:18:26]: Well let me let me ask you, Mr. Gardner, in his point. [2:18:26, 2:18:35]: You as a city manager, did you have an opportunity to to see that, to see those? Did your city council have an opportunity to see those? [2:18:35, 2:18:38]: City Council know what the Obama administration. [2:18:38, 2:18:43]: They never approved. Chief brought it as part of his five-year plan, but they did not approve. [2:18:44, 2:18:46]: The standard operating procedures for [2:18:46, 2:18:49]: But did they see but did they but did they see those? [2:18:50, 2:18:52]: Um [2:18:52, 2:18:54]: No, they did not review them. No. [2:18:55, 2:18:58]: Um, they saw him as part of his presentation. [2:18:58, 2:19:02]: that this is the way we were going as a replace to new standards in policing. [2:19:03, 2:19:08]: um which governs these things around chokes and um chases and so forth. [2:19:09, 2:19:19]: Um and it gets even more in depth than that. I think of the chief, correct me if I'm wrong, I think it's 15 modules each point had before I left had adopted all but two of them. [2:19:19, 2:19:23]: uh were in the process of doing a review on the two that they hadn't adopted as of the time I left. [2:19:24, 2:19:25]: Um [2:19:25, 2:19:34]: But this this is whole wholly with the chief of police in order for him to manage what is unlike any other department because they're not all made the same. [2:19:34, 2:19:37]: The police department is a paramilitary organization. [2:19:38, 2:19:58]: Whether you believe it or not, it is. They have chain of command that's totally different. Rules and responsibility. That's totally different from any other department outside of a fire department. That is the closest. I will say, Mr. Garden, you know, just this conversation helps me uh somewhat. I wish we could have had this uh a little before. And I just say going [2:19:58, 2:20:05]: forward. I just think this is the way we should operate um before the city council meeting. That's why I said chief, if you could always [2:20:06, 2:20:17]: So to get something to counsel beforehand and we could call you up and you could, you know, you could give us a lecture, you can give us all of the details and those kind of things so we can understand. [2:20:17, 2:20:29]: I'm sorry. And and I do and I do get that how policing is is different from another department, but it is. And and and and realize in any time any of those officers violate those policies. [2:20:29, 2:20:32]: then not only can be determined just from the city itself. [2:20:32, 2:20:34]: But they're they're open liable. [2:20:35, 2:20:39]: Um, unlike any other department, um, they're open liable to be in jail. [2:20:40, 2:20:47]: um for for violating policies. Um and so the checks and balances are there. Um [2:20:48, 2:20:54]: Will I read all six hundred pages? No, but I will check it in reference to what I know as part of [2:20:54, 2:21:02]: the twenty first century policing module. And I now mind you, yes, we've had been now on our second president since Obama, but that was one of the groundbreaking um [2:21:03, 2:21:06]: movements in policing across the country. [2:21:06, 2:21:08]: Um and so [2:21:08, 2:21:10]: You know, as Chief stated, I mean, we're [2:21:11, 2:21:28]: We're going to move prudent with with our policies and and stuff as we go. Like I said, most departments that have standard operating procedures within their departments, those are not approved by Mayor Council. I mean, Mayor Council is the legislative body, but you you turn the operations over to a manager under the council manager form of government. [2:21:28, 2:21:33]: And if we had to do that, it's that's micromanaging operations and nothing gets done. [2:21:33, 2:21:43]: Because then you gotta get four, five, six, seven, nine people, depending on how big your council is, to agree on what should be standard operating procedures for a department when [2:21:43, 2:21:47]: Nine times out of ten, those folks in our subject matter expert or anywhere near close. [2:21:48, 2:21:52]: No, I I no no I I agree with that whole holiday. Yeah, so it's just [2:21:53, 2:21:59]: Okay. Council member Councilmember, you you you have to have some faith in in the staff. [2:22:00, 2:22:03]: uh to do their jobs and when we don't [2:22:03, 2:22:14]: You hold us responsible. That's the way it works under the Council Manager Former Government is you hold me and you hold the chief responsible if if if there are things that go awry. [2:22:14, 2:22:29]: And and if those things aren't measured meted out and measured, then we do things wrong. And I and I've said this to a few of you guys. Well I guess the problem that I have with with that statement is uh just let me just hypothetical. [2:22:29, 2:22:31]: Uh Frank Tram is here. [2:22:31, 2:22:40]: For a couple years, and he decides to move on to another jurisdiction, and someone else comes in and then. [2:22:41, 2:22:49]: This person might have a whole different uh frame set, mind frame set, and then we have to go through that. But I I mean, I get it. I'm not gonna hog the rest of the meeting with that. [2:22:49, 2:22:59]: Um I wish I would have been able to have had this information beforehand and had that discussion. Understood. Understood, Councillor Council. [2:22:59, 2:23:03]: I'll I'll let some of the other council members out of way in. Uh [2:23:04, 2:23:05]: It just [2:23:05, 2:23:08]: I I just thought of have a problem with that. Um [2:23:10, 2:23:28]: with with this the with this process and I'm gonna let some of the other council members weigh in and I may have um a rebuttal here shortly but uh it j it just not sitting well with me right now because I I think policing today is is is just like you mentioned [2:23:28, 2:23:31]: Um it it's not easy. I know. [2:23:31, 2:23:35]: Um and they and it can be problematic if you don't [2:23:35, 2:23:46]: for if you don't put you know forward thinking into it. But I'm gonna yield man that's another council. Good deal. Council, council, stand by. Stand by, council. Mr. Berry, you had your hand up earlier. [2:23:47, 2:23:51]: Yeah, turning well yeah, I mean I took it down. I was just merely gonna offer the the [2:23:52, 2:23:56]: From the lawyer's perspective, and I I dealt with this at the city of Atlanta. [2:23:56, 2:24:05]: When I was there and and Atlanta City Council did not approve the Atlanta Police Department handbook or policies or procedures at all. [2:24:05, 2:24:11]: The only time that I ever dealt with it is arising out of a two thousand nine lawsuit that was pending for years. [2:24:11, 2:24:13]: over a failed raid at a nightclub. [2:24:14, 2:24:17]: But when a council approves policies [2:24:17, 2:24:21]: In the horrible and unfortunate situation that something goes wrong. [2:24:21, 2:24:25]: Such as a you know person dying in a a police chase. [2:24:25, 2:24:29]: I don't know if if Chief Chairman's gonna institute a no chase policy or [2:24:29, 2:24:30]: Someone is shot. [2:24:31, 2:24:32]: Or restrained and they die. [2:24:33, 2:24:36]: If council has approved those policies. [2:24:36, 2:24:39]: Council is then saying that is the stamp we [2:24:39, 2:24:42]: Approve these policies on behalf of the city. [2:24:42, 2:24:43]: And it makes them [2:24:44, 2:24:46]: sort of more legally binding. [2:24:46, 2:24:49]: As opposed to if they're just policies that Chief Tramor has signed off on. [2:24:50, 2:24:54]: So there may actually be very good reason for council to not approve policies. [2:24:54, 2:24:57]: To frankly immunize or protect council. [2:24:57, 2:24:59]: Or protect the city itself. [2:24:59, 2:25:02]: As not having signed off on policies. [2:25:02, 2:25:03]: So I understand. [2:25:04, 2:25:06]: Mayor Protem Thomas of course. [2:25:06, 2:25:09]: And everybody's desire to be involved with the policies, and I I [2:25:10, 2:25:13]: would encourage regardless of this outcome of the this vote or conversation. [2:25:13, 2:25:15]: To speak to Chief Tramor. [2:25:15, 2:25:21]: uh to understand the various policies and and uh the city manager of what may or may not be implemented. [2:25:21, 2:25:24]: But in terms of council giving its its seal of approval. [2:25:25, 2:25:30]: That creates all sorts of legal liabilities for council in the city that I'm not sure you you may actually want. [2:25:30, 2:25:33]: In the unfortunate situation that someone dies or [2:25:33, 2:25:45]: Or, you know, something like that happens with the city. So I just wanted to come at it from a different perspective and offer legal advice. Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. So stand by. Thank you, sir. Mr. Alexander, go ahead, please. [2:25:45, 2:25:53]: Yes. Uh this conversation's been very interesting. And then just uh listening to the points of Mayor Pro Tin, we have a lot of [2:25:53, 2:25:58]: uh you know, information coming our way. Certainly the council wants to be [2:25:58, 2:26:08]: uh in terms of uh understanding what the policies and procedures are. And uh I think uh what really i it is is that once these um [2:26:09, 2:26:14]: policies and procedures are approved according to those guidelines. [2:26:14, 2:26:18]: Actually, if we did involve ourselves, it might compromise. [2:26:18, 2:26:22]: the actual uh certification process itself. [2:26:22, 2:26:28]: Because they're looking to uh from what I understand that these templates are being used. [2:26:28, 2:26:30]: As best practices from [2:26:30, 2:26:33]: uh manuals and established professionals who've done this. [2:26:34, 2:26:38]: And certainly with some of the legal rulings in the state of Georgia. [2:26:39, 2:26:59]: involving ourselves, put ourselves at legal legal jeopardy and for us to be personally sued for setting a particular policy, whereas if the chief sets the policy, then I uh I perfectly understand uh where he's going because you know with the with the Brookhaven situation with the city manager. [2:26:59, 2:27:02]: Uh and uh a staff member uh now [2:27:03, 2:27:06]: In two ho two hundred thousand dollars in legal jeopardy. [2:27:06, 2:27:14]: I certainly don't think any of us want to find ourselves in that position. And I think that's the thing that we certainly have to be cognizant of and certainly [2:27:15, 2:27:19]: uh need to be uh reviewed upon. I I certainly want to look at [2:27:19, 2:27:29]: some of the things that we talked about previously, such as uh the citizens council or review board to be able to uh have to make sure that the people [2:27:29, 2:27:34]: the people are heard from and that they uh uh have a voice at the table. [2:27:35, 2:27:46]: Now we certainly represent the voice, but the people need their own voice and the citizen review counselor board actually does that. So hand in hand with allowing the chief to have this. [2:27:46, 2:27:47]: particular authority. [2:27:48, 2:28:08]: We certainly need to make sure that we're moving forward with the citizens' uh review board and tasking the city manager or legal to put that together to make sure that the citizens. And the first thing that the chief said to us is that he wanted to make sure that this was in partnership with the citizens. And that's that's [2:28:07, 2:28:21]: what we'll do. We'll certainly make sure that he is the uh you know the professional and the uh expert in terms of what's happening but he needs uh he needs uh to hear from [2:28:21, 2:28:23]: Those individuals on the review board. [2:28:24, 2:28:28]: Uh, so that he uh stays very well connected to the community, as I'm sure. [2:28:29, 2:28:30]: Uh, he intends to do. [2:28:31, 2:28:33]: So that is the second piece of the puzzle. [2:28:33, 2:28:36]: uh the citizens review board to go along with. [2:28:36, 2:28:41]: Allowing the chief, which is to follow what is standards. So it sounds like from what I've heard so far. [2:28:42, 2:28:43]: If we went outside that [2:28:43, 2:28:45]: We would be the outlier. [2:28:46, 2:28:58]: in terms of where we're going versus what everybody else is doing. And in this line of work, I certainly don't want it said that I I signed off on a policy that cost somebody their life. [2:28:58, 2:29:02]: And I'm not an expert on this is of d these particular areas, so [2:29:02, 2:29:22]: Um in terms of I think when the past mayor we had uh uh what maybe like some type of review on a yearly basis, maybe some committee type of situation on the staff side uh for the city side to look at. Uh we had the public safety committee uh from the city side where they gave us some type. [2:29:22, 2:29:26]: to you know some regular updates and reviews to look at [2:29:26, 2:29:29]: In terms of that, but I don't want to put my hand in that pot of [2:29:30, 2:29:32]: Where we're going in terms of actually. [2:29:32, 2:29:35]: uh oh these policies so [2:29:35, 2:29:45]: Certainly I I I I came in with an open mind to look at this, but based on the conversation that I've heard tonight, I certainly don't wanna put myself in a position of being [2:29:46, 2:29:49]: uh ac l le uh legally um [2:29:50, 2:30:10]: uh at at risk for a policy that uh the city sets. Yeah. Well I will tell you a citizen review board is a great thing. I know we'll do and we'll end up doing that, implementing that process. But the other thing is uh the the police department is a subset to the council. So otherwise the department has so I would think on a quarterly basis the police chief will come before the council [2:30:10, 2:30:21]: anyway and give some type of update and briefing and that'd be appropriate time, I would imagine, ask any questions or get some type of feedback or conversation about those policies and procedures anyway. Just have some open discussion. So I would imagine. [2:30:22, 2:30:26]: And it's something that we look at a quarterly basis. On that note, Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [2:30:27, 2:30:31]: Thank you, Mayor. Um w one of the things we have to continue to look at. [2:30:32, 2:30:41]: Is that when we ask any department, you you you got something we op that's operational for us, and then you have a uh what you what I would call [2:30:41, 2:30:45]: You know, a whole different entity that this city hasn't had since we've been here. [2:30:45, 2:30:53]: And that's what you ask for in ordinary is a is a policy procedure uh manual. That's what the chiefs get ready to implement. [2:30:54, 2:31:02]: And when those policies have to change, I don't need to know that they that the Chiefs are gonna change a policy where they have to button the shirts up all the way to the net. [2:31:02, 2:31:17]: All of these kind of things. We should not get into micromanaging those policies and procedures. And I agree with Mr. Gardner, I agree with Mr. Alexander and whoever said uh said that we have to be carefully cautious that we're not micromanaging any department here. [2:31:18, 2:31:24]: Policies and this the the presentation was a policy procedures uh for a manual. [2:31:24, 2:31:26]: The chief has to create this manual. [2:31:27, 2:31:47]: And periodically an SOP has to go out when things change, when he sees something that needs to be implemented. And let me tell you something, one of the things about policing and chief uh chief training, you can correct me. If he go outside the guidelines of any standard operating procedures that would uh uh be a conflict to state or federal laws, they could lose their post certifications. [2:31:47, 2:31:53]: So it's not just just the city of Stockbridge they couldn't work for. They they won't be post-certified. [2:31:53, 2:32:01]: And you correct me if I'm wrong, Chief. So we have to trust the staff that we put in place that they're going to do what's the what they what they're asked to do. [2:32:01, 2:32:15]: And that's to create policies and procedures. If Mr. Aaron comes to us and tell us public works in certain areas, he's gonna create a policy that certain areas need two uh storm drains instead of one. Who is this counsel to say they don't know anything about it? Yes or no? [2:32:16, 2:32:19]: Who was to say about policing if you don't know, yes or no? [2:32:20, 2:32:28]: So updates is is is updates are really what we need to be getting from the police chief, whether whether it's quarter or however that comes. [2:32:28, 2:32:37]: Instead of sitting back and saying we're going to approve or disapprove a policy that could that can move the department forward, that's what we have a city manager for. That's what we got different staff for. [2:32:38, 2:32:42]: We as a council have to sit back and allow the people like the you know, like what was that whoever said it. [2:32:43, 2:32:47]: To do what we hired'em for. And if it doesn't do what we hired'em for, then we put somebody else in that position. [2:32:48, 2:32:55]: But we have to give that person the opportunity to use every tool and and use the knowledge they have to move this city forward in those various departments. [2:32:56, 2:33:05]: And if certain positive procedures, I got a clear understanding when I talk to you, Mr. Trama, uh Chief Trayman today. I I got a clear understanding when I talk to you, Mr. Gardner today. [2:33:06, 2:33:11]: So you got questions, just ask those questions. But we have to step aside and let those professionals that we have hired. [2:33:12, 2:33:14]: And that we're paying to do a job, let them do the job. [2:33:15, 2:33:17]: So I'm I'm I'm ready to approve this tonight. [2:33:18, 2:33:19]: Ms. Barber, go ahead, please. [2:33:24, 2:33:25]: Thank you, Mayor. [2:33:26, 2:33:27]: Okay, first thing. [2:33:28, 2:33:37]: Chief Tramor, through that organization for your standard policies and procedures, you mentioned a 20% insurance discount. [2:33:38, 2:33:41]: That's correct. If we if we were to move over to Gurma. [2:33:42, 2:33:49]: for is the insurance provider would be eligible by virtue of certification for a twenty percent uh decrease on our insurance premiums. [2:33:50, 2:33:52]: Through Gurma. [2:33:52, 2:33:59]: So have we um compared that cost with what our existing cost is? [2:34:01, 2:34:04]: No, that's that's unfortunately way outside of my wheelhouse. [2:34:05, 2:34:06]: Okay, Mr. Gardner. [2:34:08, 2:34:10]: Can we compare the costs? [2:34:11, 2:34:17]: of what it would be under Garma versus what we currently have. [2:34:17, 2:34:22]: So so the police department will carry liability insurance. [2:34:22, 2:34:24]: Um and I will tell you that. [2:34:25, 2:34:33]: Um, with the insurance under Gurma, it will be cheaper than if we go out on the wholesale market for that risk insurance. [2:34:33, 2:34:35]: Um that's that's a given. [2:34:35, 2:34:43]: Um rarely do they rarely are they able to match um what they're doing through grammar because it's as and grammar is true GME. [2:34:44, 2:34:46]: Um, which is the Georgia Municipal Association. [2:34:47, 2:34:50]: Um but currently I thought that [2:34:50, 2:35:00]: We're insured we're insured different. We're insured through the open market. If that's if it is the wish of council to want us to to ask us to address or to investigate. [2:35:01, 2:35:03]: moving to to Grma. [2:35:04, 2:35:13]: um through GMA, um we would gladly do that and bring that back to to council if that's a wish. But we we hadn't moved in that direction as of yet. Um [2:35:14, 2:35:19]: Obviously because we're probably still on our current liability contract, but I will get with [2:35:19, 2:35:23]: Um Vanessa to find out because at some point when we bring this on. [2:35:24, 2:35:27]: One of the recommendations you guys would get for me, um [2:35:27, 2:35:30]: before the end of the month as I finish my three months here. [2:35:31, 2:35:35]: Is that we're going to have to look at bringing on a a professional risk manager. [2:35:35, 2:35:42]: Um, as we grow our department police department, because they will have fender benders, they will get involved in accidents. [2:35:43, 2:35:47]: Um that's just a given that that's happens everywhere and that level of risk. [2:35:48, 2:35:52]: Um even as we do public works, take home all public works projects, same thing. [2:35:52, 2:36:03]: Um, that risk goes up and we have to make sure that we're mitigating our risk. And that manager has to be out on site in some cases to make sure that they're following rules and proceedings as it relates to safety. [2:36:03, 2:36:04]: Um so [2:36:05, 2:36:08]: We will investigate that if that's the wish of council to [2:36:09, 2:36:13]: um quickly offset and say Mr Garden investigate that, we will definitely do that. [2:36:14, 2:36:29]: Absolutely. Um that's the only way I will approve this. I want us to be able to compare the costs. Um just just so that we know. Um and that's a side and and and and council member, that's a that's a that's a side a subset of I mean what Chief is is doing. [2:36:29, 2:36:49]: Um that once we put these policies and procedures in in place, yes, we will get a reduction. Um, no different than if we had a fire department and our fire department institute along with public works and the water um standards, we can change our ISO rating would have gone from whatever that number was, a four to a one, and that of [2:36:49, 2:36:56]: affects every homeowner and every every business that carry liability insurance in the city as a whole. [2:36:56, 2:37:00]: So Henry County guides that. I think uh Henry County is a ISO one. [2:37:00, 2:37:01]: Um [2:37:01, 2:37:03]: I think there may be either one or two. [2:37:03, 2:37:04]: Um [2:37:04, 2:37:10]: And that helps each and any each each and every individual homeowner and business. Um here. [2:37:11, 2:37:21]: that liability helps us. And so we'll in we'll look at that and investigate and talk to GMA about what it would take to participate under Gurm under the Gurman program. Um I know when I was in [2:37:22, 2:37:24]: Uh East Point we did not. Um [2:37:25, 2:37:26]: McDonough, we were [2:37:26, 2:37:27]: Um [2:37:28, 2:37:30]: Griffin, we were on the Gurma. [2:37:30, 2:37:32]: Um, Villarica, we will not. [2:37:32, 2:37:38]: Um and uh obviously Henry County was ACCG and then the rest of my experience was out of state. [2:37:38, 2:37:45]: But definitely we are looking to that to see if we could get involved with that and potentially lower our our risk insurance. [2:37:45, 2:37:51]: Okay, I'd like to make a motion for that after we finish the discussion of this item. [2:37:52, 2:37:53]: Um [2:37:53, 2:37:54]: My [2:37:54, 2:37:57]: Second uh question I wanted to ask Chief Tramer. [2:37:58, 2:38:00]: Um the other cities in Henry County. [2:38:01, 2:38:04]: Are they all governed or regulated by the same? [2:38:04, 2:38:05]: Organization. [2:38:05, 2:38:07]: Or someone else. [2:38:09, 2:38:13]: I I would have to look specifically. I mean, I could get you that information. Um [2:38:15, 2:38:23]: Here in short order, just by virtue of a quick search. I believe that uh Henry County is a state accredited agency. I believe that McDonough is. I'm not [2:38:23, 2:38:24]: Henry County's not. [2:38:25, 2:38:28]: No, McDonough, I don't know, I'm not sure if McDonough is in the county, yes. [2:38:29, 2:38:34]: I know Chief Chief Preston was working towards that when I was there with the city of McDonald, but I don't know if they ever got it. [2:38:40, 2:38:45]: Okay, miss uh Miss Barber, he's gonna check that out. If you if that's your last question, I'm gonna move on. [2:38:46, 2:38:48]: A few more actually, if I may. Um [2:38:49, 2:38:51]: So it was my understanding. [2:38:51, 2:38:52]: Um [2:38:52, 2:38:55]: Чиф Тремор уз гана брис полісі то. [2:38:56, 2:38:57]: Earlier this year. [2:38:57, 2:39:00]: uh or the latter part of last year. [2:39:00, 2:39:04]: We wanted to hold off until we got a new city manager on board. [2:39:04, 2:39:06]: Mr. Gardner is here now. So I'd much [2:39:07, 2:39:08]: I would feel comfortable. [2:39:09, 2:39:15]: knowing that at least the city manager has eyes on this whenever there are changes that are [2:39:15, 2:39:16]: Bing Bang. [2:39:17, 2:39:20]: Um the other question that I have though. [2:39:20, 2:39:21]: Is vehicle [2:39:21, 2:39:23]: Вігал юз. [2:39:23, 2:39:26]: Is that also a part of this policy? [2:39:27, 2:39:28]: Or is that separate? [2:39:29, 2:39:40]: Yes, that was that was separately approved by council if you recall. We had to do that because we had to make a decision on that from a you know from a recruiting standpoint. But that policy basically would be included within the overall. [2:39:41, 2:39:42]: Police Department policy. [2:39:42, 2:39:50]: Gotcha. So that lets me know that there are certain aspects of this policy that will need to come to the council. [2:39:50, 2:39:53]: For us to review and approve. [2:39:53, 2:39:55]: Um the V. [2:39:55, 2:39:57]: Uh I'm sorry, Councilwoman, please. [2:39:59, 2:40:07]: I was just going to say that was the reason for the uh the financial threshold there. Obviously, I'm not in a position to obligate the city to [2:40:08, 2:40:15]: Um you know, anything by virtue of implementing a policy to say, hey, we're gonna do this, and then there's a financial ramification to that. [2:40:16, 2:40:25]: as is the case with a take home vehicle. I can't say, well, we're gonna have a take home vehicle policy and we're gonna give take home vehicles. That's gonna cost the city, you know, X, Y, Z and dollars. [2:40:25, 2:40:31]: So um I was intentional in the wording there to ensure that anything that had a financial impact. [2:40:31, 2:40:38]: uh greater than my ability to be able to approve that that would then have to come before the council for consideration. [2:40:39, 2:40:40]: Gotcha. [2:40:40, 2:40:44]: Um and the last thing I want to put out. So [2:40:44, 2:40:51]: Explain again um the difference between the Citizens Advisory Board and the Citizens Review Board. [2:40:51, 2:40:56]: Um, I believe it's important at this time the council uh needs to enact. [2:40:56, 2:40:59]: Um one of these or both of these boards. [2:41:00, 2:41:01]: Möporn går det. [2:41:01, 2:41:08]: Stand by, stand by please. What's the point of this is not the agenda item. [2:41:09, 2:41:11]: Well the item was protected. [2:41:12, 2:41:14]: Therefore. Yes, ma'am. [2:41:14, 2:41:19]: I said patiently everybody to talk to Go ahead and ask your question. Go ahead and ask your question now. Go ahead. [2:41:20, 2:41:24]: Um Chief Tramer, can you please explain? [2:41:24, 2:41:29]: the difference between the citizen advisory board and the citizen review board. [2:41:31, 2:41:31]: So [2:41:32, 2:41:34]: A a a review board actually [2:41:35, 2:41:36]: Um in [2:41:36, 2:41:40]: The attorneys you can chime in and help out with this if you want to, if I misstate this, but [2:41:41, 2:41:49]: Uh a review board actually has the ability to make recommendations for disciplinary actions and things along those lines. [2:41:49, 2:41:54]: An advisory board is more of an oversight board. It's an opportunity for citizens to [2:41:55, 2:41:58]: way into to be involved in terms of policy development. [2:41:58, 2:42:03]: and and uh things that impact public safety in the community. [2:42:03, 2:42:07]: But there's there there's nothing binding um [2:42:08, 2:42:10]: per se as it relates to them. So [2:42:10, 2:42:22]: That that's I guess I would simplify that. Attorney Berry, did you wanna or attorney Washington? Correct Chief. Uh council member, the advisory board, as Chief said, is is input on policies and you know whatever else. [2:42:22, 2:42:24]: The chief of the police or [2:42:24, 2:42:28]: City manager or council members, whoever wanna go to the the Citizens Review Board. [2:42:29, 2:42:34]: as the name suggests, actually reviews conduct of officers uh or incidents. [2:42:35, 2:42:37]: So it's it's uh [2:42:37, 2:42:41]: You know, determining whether there was a violation or anything happened improper. [2:42:42, 2:42:43]: Um [2:42:44, 2:42:48]: Yeah, rather than providing input to the to the police. [2:42:50, 2:42:51]: Thank you. [2:42:51, 2:42:51]: Yeah. [2:42:51, 2:42:57]: And if I could to that point, I know Mayor Pro Tem, you mentioned earlier that we talked about that. [2:42:57, 2:43:03]: And that it's not come to fruition. And I just want to make sure everybody, including the citizens that are listening tonight. [2:43:03, 2:43:10]: They know that we're gonna make good on our promises for those advisory councils to bring the community together, be involved in the process of co-producing public safety. [2:43:11, 2:43:18]: Uh we have been, uh I promise you, hard at work at trying to stand this police department up to have it operational for July first. [2:43:18, 2:43:23]: And um there's a lot of work, a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. [2:43:23, 2:43:28]: Um in a lot of things that we're trying to move forward. And so uh in terms of prioritizing work. [2:43:29, 2:43:34]: We are first off making sure that we can meet that promise we made to the citizens of July first implementation. [2:43:35, 2:43:41]: So there is again a tremendous amount of effort and um different things that have to be done in order to make this happen. [2:43:41, 2:43:44]: And so I just want to make it um clear. [2:43:44, 2:43:46]: that we are we are [2:43:46, 2:43:51]: as committed as ever is involving this community in that process. And because things haven't happened. [2:43:51, 2:43:56]: Um, as quickly as we might like, I just want to make sure that that commitment is known. [2:43:57, 2:44:00]: Thank you, Chief. Ms. Barber, is that your last question? [2:44:00, 2:44:20]: Actually, I wanted to make um a series of motions if I can. Well, could you stand by please? If we still got a few other things. Mr. Ms. uh Chief, were you able to find out that information about those other cities and whether or not they're certified yet? Yes, sir, I was. The only city in Henry County that is not uh state certified is Locust Grove at the moment. [2:44:20, 2:44:21]: And then of course. [2:44:22, 2:44:27]: we would have to go through that process to become it's a process to be state certified, but we certainly want to move towards that. [2:44:28, 2:44:35]: I do want to be the only city in Henry County who's Calia certified as we move forward towards national certification. [2:44:35, 2:44:40]: Um, that's a goal of ours. And so we want to be uh leading the charge as it relates to that, which means that. [2:44:41, 2:44:48]: Not just 139 standards. Now we have two hundred and seventy some odd standards that now we adhere to that are national best practices. [2:44:49, 2:44:52]: Okay. Ms. Gantt, go ahead, please. [2:44:53, 2:45:07]: Thank you. Um, Chief, I did read on US Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing while this was all going on, I was researching um, because we did get this kind of last minute. [2:45:07, 2:45:15]: And I think it's unusual that we, you know, get titles and and not actual the actual policy, regardless of the amount of pages it is. [2:45:15, 2:45:17]: Um that we have access to it. [2:45:18, 2:45:19]: But um [2:45:19, 2:45:26]: Based off of the United States Department of Justice and that community office policing of starting up a new police department, it does state. [2:45:26, 2:45:29]: That the police chief does implement. [2:45:29, 2:45:36]: And write those policies. Um, that's all I really wanted to know at the time when I originally asked, because. [2:45:37, 2:45:39]: Um this is new to me. Um [2:45:40, 2:45:46]: And I think it's it's new to all of us. We haven't had a police department since nineteen seventy-seven, forty-five years ago. [2:45:46, 2:45:55]: So I really think that it's important that although these are things that we are going to implement or or we approve. [2:45:55, 2:46:01]: That we do have the information ahead of time and that we do receive a copy of the policy, even if [2:46:01, 2:46:04]: Um, you know, because it's still our business. It's still [2:46:05, 2:46:14]: our city and we are we still want to make sure that we're abreast of everything. We usually we do that at retreats and and get updates. Um [2:46:14, 2:46:27]: But I wanted to know whether or not that was the right policy procedure, never heard of that before. We have had HR come to us with and ask Baron Council to approve policies and procedures. [2:46:27, 2:46:28]: To include [2:46:29, 2:46:40]: um technology or IT or something they're doing within themselves or what they do, what the staff is able to do and not do. So I didn't think that it was odd. [2:46:40, 2:46:41]: Um [2:46:42, 2:46:55]: I I don't think that we don't receive that. We do. We've had to vote on policies and procedures before for other um departments. And that's why I asked. But based off the United States Department of Justice and the [2:46:56, 2:47:05]: manual and basics on what it is and how to start up a police department. It does state that the police of police of chief pol police chief. [2:47:05, 2:47:15]: does write and implement those policies. And having read that, um, if that would have been a part of the presentation, I would have easily voted. And now I'm in favor of it. [2:47:16, 2:47:22]: Okay, Councilwoman Gantt, if I could speak just briefly to your point for a moment, I want wanted to be known that [2:47:22, 2:47:25]: None of these things are going to be a mystery to anybody. As soon as these are developed. [2:47:26, 2:47:29]: You all will have access to these. As a matter of fact, I've mentioned before [2:47:29, 2:47:34]: In full transparency to the community, our policies and procedures will be on our website, so we don't have anything to hide. [2:47:35, 2:47:41]: Any member of the community can look at our policies and procedures and see what our standard operating procedures and practices are. [2:47:43, 2:47:47]: I appreciate that. And yes, I I wouldn't expect that, but if we're gonna get a presentation. [2:47:48, 2:48:08]: I would want to have the policies and procedures up front. It's just something maybe we will want to make a suggestion about it. Um, but I I didn't know whether or not whose job that was to approve or whether it was something taken outside of, you know, wait a minute, we're the legislative body. So um having read that and [2:48:07, 2:48:16]: Knowing that that is now the proper policies, the proper protocol, I'm in favor of that. But we didn't know that before, and we just got. [2:48:16, 2:48:21]: handed this page of titles saying, oh, we're gonna implement all these policies. [2:48:23, 2:48:24]: That's all. All right. [2:48:25, 2:48:35]: Mayor Pro Tem, go ahead, please. Uh Mayor I'm I'm gonna close with this one. And I just want the chief to know that, and he knows this, that I supported the Star Ridge Police Department from the beginning. [2:48:35, 2:48:38]: Uh and I guess I'm the only one here on this council. [2:48:39, 2:48:41]: Um that was an adult. [2:48:42, 2:48:45]: When the city of Stockbridge had a police department before. [2:48:45, 2:48:47]: And and and I know what happened. [2:48:48, 2:48:52]: uh as well as what happened in henry county with the henry county police department. [2:48:52, 2:48:53]: So [2:48:54, 2:48:57]: My fear and my concern is based on [2:48:57, 2:48:57]: History. [2:48:58, 2:49:00]: And and one thing that I'm a history buff. [2:49:01, 2:49:03]: I think we have to learn. [2:49:04, 2:49:08]: from our past in order for us to go forward. [2:49:08, 2:49:11]: That's why I'm speaking the way I'm speaking and I hope that [2:49:11, 2:49:15]: Um that we we the sit of style's learn. [2:49:15, 2:49:17]: uh from that past because [2:49:17, 2:49:19]: If any of you would hear what [2:49:20, 2:49:22]: When we had the Stockbridge Police Department [2:49:23, 2:49:29]: You will know why I'm speaking the way I'm speaking. And and and and we trust it. [2:49:30, 2:49:34]: Uh our city officials, we we trusted the police department, but [2:49:35, 2:49:35]: Um [2:49:37, 2:49:57]: That was a lot of issues. So uh I just appreciate the information, Chief, and uh Mr. Gardner. And I think as we all said before, uh, if we can sort of streamline some of these processes with information, uh being able to um you know discuss some of these things at a true work session. [2:49:57, 2:50:05]: et cetera, et cetera. I I think it would do us well, you know, in moving forward. Uh the only thing I say is we we have to get it right. [2:50:06, 2:50:14]: Oftentimes when we do work hard, we you know we still don't get it right. But I'm just saying, Chief, um, and as you all know. [2:50:15, 2:50:18]: Policing is very difficult in 2022. [2:50:18, 2:50:26]: And I just want us to just make sure that we do the best that we can to make sure that the city of Stybridge Police Department. [2:50:26, 2:50:29]: It is exactly what we really want it to be. [2:50:29, 2:50:31]: Course there's gonna be some incidents. We know that. [2:50:32, 2:50:35]: Um, but hopefully, you know, we can minimize that and [2:50:35, 2:50:39]: We can just still go far and put a good product out there on the streets instead of stockbridge. [2:50:39, 2:50:40]: Thank you, sir. [2:50:40, 2:50:42]: Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [2:50:46, 2:50:47]: You muted, sir. [2:50:47, 2:50:51]: Yeah, I had to get it off of me, but the thing won't move all the time. Um [2:50:52, 2:50:59]: Mayor, with what uh what what the chief has said, and I understand that that what he's doing, the standard operating procedures. [2:51:00, 2:51:05]: Uh and Mr. Gardiner um has as our city manager. [2:51:06, 2:51:11]: That we've hired said that what what's going on is standard operating procedure. Mr. Gardner. [2:51:12, 2:51:15]: Uh, how many police officers did the state of Eastpawn have? [2:51:17, 2:51:20]: Uh budgeted for a hundred and [2:51:21, 2:51:23]: Fifth hundred and twenty four, hundred and fifteen. [2:51:24, 2:51:26]: Three times as big as this department. [2:51:27, 2:51:41]: I have to trust our city manager. I and I know the procedures are when you're writing SOPs in departments, especially when it comes to uh public safety and uh with with policing and and and managing that, that those SOPs come out. [2:51:42, 2:51:43]: Can be very [2:51:43, 2:51:52]: Chief Trevor said he's going to keep us abreast of everything that happens. He doesn't have to come to us with everything that he does when it comes to these policy procedures, or we're going to be. [2:51:52, 2:52:06]: Doing this all the time. So with that being said, I'd like to make a motion to approve. Stand stand by, sir. Stand by. Somebody else has already mentioned that they want to make a motion. Stand by. I've I've delayed it. So we get stand by. I'm going to Miss Barber. If that's the case. Miss Barber, what's your motion? [2:52:08, 2:52:18]: Motion to approve the recommendation of Chief Tramer for the authority to implement andor amend police department policies and procedures. [2:52:18, 2:52:21]: with review by legal counsel as appropriate. [2:52:22, 2:52:28]: Exclusive policies and pre procedures with a financial impact greater than five thousand dollars. [2:52:28, 2:52:29]: Hi. [2:52:30, 2:52:36]: Okay, Mr. Alzheimer's second that okay any further discussion? We've had plenty. All right. All in favor of that motion, please indicate. [2:52:37, 2:52:39]: Okay, is is actually a unanimous decision. [2:52:40, 2:52:41]: Okay, I'll stand it. [2:52:41, 2:52:43]: Yes, ma'am, go ahead, please. [2:52:43, 2:52:44]: I have um [2:52:44, 2:52:46]: A couple more um [2:52:47, 2:52:50]: motions I'd like to make. The first one is to task staff with preparing [2:52:51, 2:53:01]: and posting applications um for stakeholders, citizens, mayor point of order. Come on, Mayor. We gotta amend the agenda for these items. Possible. [2:53:01, 2:53:09]: Stand by please to enact the Citizen Advisory Board and the Citizen Review Board. [2:53:10, 2:53:13]: So we can start receiving in those applications now. [2:53:15, 2:53:15]: All right, so [2:53:16, 2:53:25]: So this is something that once again, I I don't know if whether or not stand by say Ms. Holly, did you understand all that? Did you get all that? Did you need to be restated? [2:53:26, 2:53:28]: What I got um was that um [2:53:29, 2:53:31]: The motion is to task staff with preparing [2:53:32, 2:53:38]: To accept applications to enact the Citizens Review Board and the Citizens Advisory Board. Is that correct? [2:53:38, 2:53:39]: That is correct. [2:53:39, 2:53:52]: All right. Okay. Mayor Protam second the motion. I got it. Any further discussion? Yeah, Mayor. I'm sorry. Is it [2:53:52, 2:53:55]: And I'm fine with whatever sh but isn't the proper procedure. [2:53:56, 2:54:01]: That we have to amend the agenda to add that item and then vote on that item. We can't just [2:54:01, 2:54:08]: We can't just bring items in. We have to amend vote to amend the agenda, agenda, and then vote on that item. [2:54:08, 2:54:20]: We can't this we we're operating we can't operate like this. Stand by, stand by, stand by. The motion uh our attorneys, you heard the motion. Can that motion be made or is there something that needs to be added to agenda and then made? [2:54:22, 2:54:25]: I'd like to confer with attorney Berry and uh Mr. Garden Pop Witzing. [2:54:26, 2:54:28]: All right, go write it, please. Stand by. [2:54:30, 2:54:34]: Uh Ms Ms. Mayor, as as they are conferring [2:54:36, 2:54:37]: Go ahead, sir. [2:54:38, 2:54:42]: Uh I I I think the mayor as the presiding officer of of the meeting. [2:54:43, 2:54:46]: I I do think you have that latitude, but I think um [2:54:46, 2:54:49]: So I think the attorneys may answer that shortly. [2:54:49, 2:54:49]: Okay. [2:54:50, 2:54:50]: So be it. [2:54:51, 2:54:56]: Mr. Gardner, your hand's up. Go ahead. Yes, ma'am. Uh do we wanna do [2:54:57, 2:55:01]: Both are or one of the other. I think um [2:55:02, 2:55:04]: The chief did it mention the advisory board. [2:55:05, 2:55:05]: Um [2:55:05, 2:55:07]: was um [2:55:07, 2:55:11]: One of them that that did he did he um looked at. [2:55:11, 2:55:14]: Um I'm not sure as to [2:55:14, 2:55:16]: Are we doing both boards?'Cause [2:55:17, 2:55:17]: Yes. [2:55:17, 2:55:18]: Yeah. [2:55:18, 2:55:20]: That okay. [2:55:20, 2:55:25]: Well, she she says yes. I don't know. T uh what uh what Chief Mr. Tramor Chief Tremors here. What do you think, Chief? [2:55:26, 2:55:28]: This deals with your responsibility. [2:55:28, 2:55:37]: Well let me let me just say this. I think I think an advisory board, absolutely. That's something that the community needs to be involved in. As we mentioned before, my vision was [2:55:37, 2:55:49]: When you appoint an advisory board, then you have obviously like with any other board, you have certain members of the community that are part of that. Now, those community members may come from different segments of the community, but they all could come from [2:55:50, 2:55:55]: one area of the community and then you don't have the full spectrum of the community's concerns being represented. [2:55:55, 2:55:59]: So my vision was to have separate advisory councils. [2:55:59, 2:56:05]: that were geographically based, much similar to what's being moved forward with council districts, so that [2:56:05, 2:56:22]: Issues that are occurring in Eagle's Landing are appropriately addressed by that advisory council and issues that are happening in the northern part of the city are appropriately being addressed by that advisory council. And furthermore, what that does is it expands citizen participation in oversight of things that impact them in their community. [2:56:23, 2:56:28]: I'm not immediately uh fond of moving forward with a review board. [2:56:28, 2:56:36]: Uh, because I think there has to be additional discussion as to what the parameters are of the review board. When you implement a review board, that means that you have citizens in the community. [2:56:37, 2:56:45]: Who now can enact disciplinary action or they can take action as it relates to things that are happening within the police department. So I think that. [2:56:46, 2:56:52]: That just requires it's not that I'm that I'm opposed to it. I think that it requires further discussion as to what the parameters [2:56:52, 2:56:54]: Of that is going to be. [2:56:55, 2:56:56]: All right. Thank you. [2:56:56, 2:56:58]: It's so um [2:56:59, 2:57:00]: All I'm saying is [2:57:01, 2:57:03]: Post and advertise for both. [2:57:04, 2:57:09]: Of course, these city attorneys um based on [2:57:10, 2:57:15]: the number of individuals or what the requirements and qualifications are. [2:57:16, 2:57:18]: The city attorneys will have to determine that. [2:57:18, 2:57:21]: Um, I guess based on state law, I don't know. [2:57:22, 2:57:25]: But all I'm saying is post and advertise them. [2:57:26, 2:57:26]: Right now. [2:57:27, 2:57:33]: Um when we when those boards actually um convene. [2:57:34, 2:57:39]: the council can discuss that. And I certainly hope that Chief Tramer. [2:57:39, 2:57:41]: um is going to be a part of [2:57:41, 2:57:49]: Evaluating and reviewing these applications. It looks like everybody has disappeared from the screen. I mean, Mr. Gardner. [2:57:50, 2:57:53]: Uh well they're discussing they're discussing this issue. They'll be back. [2:57:54, 2:58:00]: Wait is she finished? Is she finished first of all? [2:58:01, 2:58:02]: You you finished, Ms. Palmer? [2:58:02, 2:58:10]: Um yes, but I have two more motions that I want to bring forward to. Well, don't bring those up just yet. Hold them for a second. Mr. Ms. [2:58:11, 2:58:17]: Well, I certainly agree with that assessment. Again, both of the boards could be passed now and that some the council will determine. [2:58:17, 2:58:20]: uh when uh they will be implemented. [2:58:20, 2:58:37]: And understanding this, just like some of the other boards, like the ethics board works, uh, you could also have the review council be a recommending board versus versus what the chief described, which is a di I'm not sure if we want them issuing the discipline we will make. [2:58:37, 2:58:40]: Re take recommendations on what the [2:58:40, 2:58:50]: incident have versus uh actually inserting the discipline. So I think that that discussion will be had down the line with taking the applications, certainly we could do that. [2:58:51, 2:58:57]: All right, gentlemen, you're back. What's what's the what's the verdict here on on what we can do what we need to do or can't do or should do. [2:58:58, 2:59:09]: That this is an up or down issue that needs to be voted on and that if you all wish to amend the agenda, you would need to amend the agenda and have the resolution for the creation of these. [2:59:11, 2:59:23]: Okay. So the two the two boards that she's put a motion in you're saying that we to have that discussion, we need amended agenda to talk about it and then decide whether or not uh to implement these two programs. Is that what you're getting there? [2:59:23, 2:59:24]: Yes. [2:59:24, 2:59:34]: Okay, Mayor Ford, I'd like to amend the agenda to add a discussion regarding the Citizen Advisory Board and the Citizen Review Board. [2:59:34, 2:59:38]: Oh second, second, Ms. Alexander second that all in favor, please indicate. [2:59:40, 2:59:42]: All right. All right. So now she says okay now. [2:59:43, 2:59:51]: Mayor Ford, if there is no other discussions in regards to this particular item, I'd like to call for the vote. [2:59:51, 2:59:55]: Well re restate your restate your motion now. Now we added two agenda. Restate your motion, please. [2:59:55, 2:59:58]: Um to test staff with [2:59:59, 3:00:00]: Drafting or preparing [3:00:01, 3:00:02]: The advertisements. [3:00:03, 3:00:04]: And posting it. [3:00:05, 3:00:08]: For stakeholders um to apply. [3:00:09, 3:00:12]: For the citizen advisory board. [3:00:12, 3:00:14]: And Citizen Review Board. [3:00:15, 3:00:15]: Second. [3:00:15, 3:00:19]: Please have those those applications posted. [3:00:20, 3:00:22]: Um, no later than [3:00:23, 3:00:25]: Our next um meeting. [3:00:26, 3:00:28]: By April work session. I don't know when that is. [3:00:29, 3:00:32]: That's the 26th of April is our work session. [3:00:32, 3:00:34]: Let's give into it thirty days. [3:00:35, 3:00:50]: That's ambitious because we have to include in the description of the application. So that needs to go through the legal process. So I don't know that that will be ready by the next 30 days from. [3:00:50, 3:00:51]: So our [3:00:52, 3:00:54]: Main council meeting. [3:00:54, 3:01:07]: Okay. May Mayor, I mean, um councilwoman. Stand by please. So you you're so you're you're saying thirty days from this time point point, roughly thirty days in our next council meetings, what you're getting at? [3:01:07, 3:01:08]: Yeah, I'll second that. [3:01:10, 3:01:12]: We like to test that with drafting. [3:01:12, 3:01:13]: Right. [3:01:13, 3:01:15]: The application [3:01:15, 3:01:16]: Mm-hmm. [3:01:16, 3:01:18]: Posting or advertising. [3:01:19, 3:01:20]: The application. [3:01:21, 3:01:22]: Bye. [3:01:22, 3:01:25]: Our May council meeting. [3:01:26, 3:01:26]: So I can [3:01:27, 3:01:34]: All right. Okay. Stand by. Okay. Mr. Stand by Ms. Gantt. Mr. Gardner, you had your hand up earlier as well. [3:01:34, 3:01:37]: Uh no y'all you changed y'all changed it. I'm fine. [3:01:37, 3:01:39]: Okay, Miss Ms. Gann, go ahead, please. [3:01:40, 3:01:46]: Is the application for the advisory board only and then we hold off and do the um [3:01:46, 3:01:48]: The review board. [3:01:49, 3:01:51]: Later. I think it's both. [3:01:52, 3:02:02]: So my concern is we don't know whether or not once we determine the policies and or whatever however we want to do it, we first need to find out whether or not we're gonna have a review board. [3:02:02, 3:02:03]: Right. [3:02:03, 3:02:08]: Because there was some discussion with city manager and the chief they just mentioned [3:02:08, 3:02:16]: some of the things that would have to be implemented. So why would we take, I don't know if we would take what we would be looking for, what that application should look like. [3:02:16, 3:02:20]: Um this is totally different. It's public safety. So I would [3:02:20, 3:02:22]: You know, it's not like our normal [3:02:23, 3:02:24]: Form [3:02:24, 3:02:31]: which actually isn't as detailed for volunteer committees. This is something totally different. [3:02:31, 3:02:33]: Um, so would we [3:02:34, 3:02:35]: I think I would be more comfortable. [3:02:36, 3:02:41]: with the green, you know, let's go towards moving towards the advisory board applications. [3:02:42, 3:02:43]: And then [3:02:43, 3:02:50]: We are agreeing that we would implement a review board at some point in time if we want to, but [3:02:50, 3:02:53]: I don't know if we should put both of those out right now. [3:02:53, 3:02:56]: I mean, am am I missing something? Am I off track? [3:02:57, 3:02:58]: Uh mayor. [3:02:58, 3:02:59]: Yeah, yes, sir. [3:02:59, 3:03:03]: I think as was stated, we still can determine when and if [3:03:04, 3:03:13]: those boards move forward. We're just moving forward with the solicitation and we know how long it takes sometimes. So let that that's that was a suggestion. [3:03:14, 3:03:31]: Okay. Thank you. Anybody else? Mr. Gardner, you had your hand moved there? Yeah, very quickly. Um and from an expectation standpoint, I mean if you if you solicit applications, people are gonna assume that you're gonna be making a decision fairly quickly as to really as to whether or not you're gonna they're gonna be [3:03:32, 3:03:33]: Participating in a board or not? [3:03:34, 3:03:35]: Um, I don't know. [3:03:35, 3:03:36]: Um [3:03:41, 3:03:48]: If you wanna wanna do that and then you you're holding off three to four months and then somebody gets upset that they didn't you know, nothing's moving. [3:03:48, 3:03:50]: Um because they applied. [3:03:50, 3:03:53]: But we'll definitely put a caveat that says this you know. [3:03:53, 3:03:55]: You can apply, please apply. [3:03:56, 3:04:01]: Um, have some criteria around them. Um, and then just have a footnote to let'em know that, you know. [3:04:02, 3:04:07]: The applications will be reviewed, um and council will make recommendations and contact will be made. [3:04:07, 3:04:09]: At some date in the future. [3:04:09, 3:04:10]: Certainly. [3:04:12, 3:04:16]: All right, any further discussion on this particular motion. Go right up. [3:04:16, 3:04:21]: May I have a question I uh either for Mr. Gar I think Mr. Gardner or Chief. [3:04:22, 3:04:30]: Um, because this board is gonna be a lot different from any other board. It's gonna be dealing with legalities pertaining to situations. [3:04:31, 3:04:40]: Uh I think I I I I'm I'm not sure, but I'm I'm I'm maybe alluding to what Councilwoman Ganttz said. What what are the parameters for the applicants? [3:04:41, 3:04:45]: What what what is the parameters that an applicant is qualified to be on these boards? [3:04:46, 3:04:49]: We have nothing. We're saying we're saying [3:04:50, 3:04:54]: to have something written up, but wouldn't this council want to see the parameters? [3:04:55, 3:04:59]: Uh of what qualifications the applicant would have to be on these boards. [3:05:01, 3:05:09]: That would be helpful if we had that. Um okay, Mr. Gardner, you you want to respond to that one as well? Well very quickly, uh if we [3:05:09, 3:05:29]: Uh we're talking about the m the May de May meeting. If y'all allow us to, let us look at the, you know, what's what's been the best practices out there as it relates to to inclusion on these boards, what what criteria have other police departments looked at? Um, bring those back to you guys. I think we can investigate those and bring those. [3:05:29, 3:05:34]: back to you guys at the at the work session and then uh as it relates to getting, you know. [3:05:34, 3:05:43]: Having you guys review and look at those and they're fine with everybody, then move forward with posting and and and getting all of the second half of that stuff done. [3:05:43, 3:05:45]: That might work better. [3:05:45, 3:06:03]: Can I bring us like a draft of those applications that are appropriate session? The the criteria is at least what what what do other police departments look for in terms of of citizen participation? Um, do they have to come with some special skill set uh or not or just the lay citizen? [3:06:04, 3:06:16]: Um, how do they address those? And and that shouldn't take us that long to investigate four or five of them that exist around the metro area um and then be able to present that to you guys and say, hey, this is what we found. [3:06:16, 3:06:28]: that you know, a majority of the police department look for people with a legal background or this background or that background to sit on these review boards because I think Chief said it succinctly. [3:06:28, 3:06:36]: One of these boards look at discipline. I do not want to get into the point where citizens are talking about disciplinary issues. [3:06:36, 3:06:37]: Good personnel. [3:06:38, 3:06:43]: I don't want I don't know. That's I and I don't know of any other police department that does that at our size, but [3:06:43, 3:06:46]: That's information I think you guys need to have. [3:06:46, 3:06:50]: Um before making the decision and and how does how does how's that worked? [3:06:50, 3:07:00]: Um give us time to look at, research this and bring it back to you guys before you all make a final determination because we could be standing up stuff and not realizing that it's [3:07:00, 3:07:03]: Нахлін, бо пробь hindering. [3:07:03, 3:07:04]: But you at least wanna know. [3:07:05, 3:07:06]: Either way. [3:07:07, 3:07:08]: Yes, it's Barber. [3:07:08, 3:07:09]: So [3:07:09, 3:07:10]: Mr. Gardner. [3:07:11, 3:07:14]: The draft of these two applications. [3:07:15, 3:07:18]: I would hope that the city attorneys because I just mentioned [3:07:18, 3:07:20]: they need to be involved in drafting it. [3:07:21, 3:07:21]: Um [3:07:22, 3:07:24]: Will you bring back the draft to the council? [3:07:25, 3:07:26]: Our April work session. [3:07:27, 3:07:36]: No, what I was saying is can we can we bring back the criteria that other police departments use when they're looking in membership? By the April work session? [3:07:36, 3:07:41]: Yeah, that shouldn't be that shouldn't be a heavy lift. That shouldn't be a heavy. We th that's just a quick reference. [3:07:41, 3:07:46]: I'll add to my motion that staff will present. [3:07:46, 3:07:48]: А драфта до критерія. [3:07:48, 3:07:51]: For both of these boards. [3:07:52, 3:07:55]: but I still want to have them both. [3:07:55, 3:07:56]: Posted. [3:07:56, 3:08:03]: um and advertise well targeted to advertise bar May council meeting. [3:08:03, 3:08:11]: Which is May ninth, I believe it is. Right. Okay. Now, um uh Chief, you had your hand raised. [3:08:13, 3:08:20]: I I think Attorney Washington actually had his hand and attorney Berry had theirs at the end. All right. All right. Fine. Mr. Washington, go ahead, please. [3:08:21, 3:08:29]: What my concern is, and we are trying to make sure we adhere to the council wishes. What my concern is, and I guess we can ask the clerk this Miss Holliday. [3:08:29, 3:08:31]: Um if we're creating [3:08:31, 3:08:33]: It's one thing to do. [3:08:34, 3:08:36]: Applications for something. [3:08:36, 3:08:50]: And that can be done by resolution because that's a council act. I think it's another thing to create a board which has some level of authority because I think that's an ordinance. And I don't know whether procedurally you can create an ordinance on [3:08:51, 3:08:54]: And for motion when you amend the agenda. [3:08:54, 3:08:58]: without having some level of notice. That's why I wanted to ask the clerk about [3:08:59, 3:08:59]: Is [3:09:00, 3:09:00]: But [3:09:01, 3:09:02]: She would think in this situation. [3:09:04, 3:09:06]: Does this need to be if these are ordinances? [3:09:07, 3:09:16]: Does it need to be two ordinances to create these boards of whatever authority they may have that is put on an agenda so that there can be effective citizen input about that? [3:09:16, 3:09:17]: Mm. [3:09:17, 3:09:20]: And can I just quit Okay, go ahead, Jim. [3:09:20, 3:09:26]: Well, the real quick, sorry, can I just add for color? I'm looking at the City of Atlanta Citizens Review Board right now. [3:09:26, 3:09:28]: And the the statute, I mean it's got [3:09:29, 3:09:30]: Paragraphs. [3:09:30, 3:09:34]: There's fifteen members on the citizens review board for city of Atlanta. [3:09:35, 3:09:41]: One appointed by the mayor, one by the council, one by the present the council with previous experience as a law enforcement professional. [3:09:42, 3:09:48]: Four from different parts of the city, one from the Gate City Bar Association, one from Atlanta Bar Association. [3:09:48, 3:09:51]: City of Atlanta, and again that's just merely one example. [3:09:51, 3:09:53]: has an ordinance that's about [3:09:53, 3:09:55]: thirty or forty paragraphs long. [3:09:56, 3:09:57]: About the Citizens Revue Board. [3:09:58, 3:09:59]: So the [3:09:59, 3:10:06]: My my thought is it may make sense to sort of lay out ordinances here before we start taking applications for boards that don't even exist right now. [3:10:08, 3:10:09]: Okay. [3:10:10, 3:10:26]: Thank you for the input. Back to you, Vanessa. Go ahead, please. Okay, so I believe that uh the action to move forward is the resolution to actually move forward with it. Yes, you are going to need an ordinance simple similar to what we did for the youth council when it was [3:10:26, 3:10:27]: um enact it. [3:10:28, 3:10:34]: The resolution was to move forward with the with the uh board, the city council by charter. [3:10:35, 3:10:38]: is who actually creates the board. [3:10:38, 3:10:48]: but it would be done with resolution, it would have bylaws and all of that. So it's going to take more than the 30 days that I think that you're thinking it may take. [3:10:48, 3:10:50]: to actually have this happen. [3:10:50, 3:10:56]: But the first act is to resolve to do it, which is the resolution, and then [3:10:56, 3:10:59]: The enactment of it would be done by the ordinance. [3:11:01, 3:11:04]: Okay. Thank you for that. Back to you, Chief. You had your hand up still. [3:11:07, 3:11:11]: Yes, thank you. I just wanted to point out a couple of things and really it's to the point that's already been made, but [3:11:12, 3:11:12]: I think it [3:11:13, 3:11:16]: Th this this really has to be explored further because [3:11:17, 3:11:27]: We have to determine the eligibility criteria for members of the board. There are obviously background processes. If you're on a review board, uh there's certain things that they have to adhere to. I mean, people with criminal [3:11:28, 3:11:35]: convictions and you know different things along those lines, we're not going to be able to participate. We have to identify what cases we're giving them the authority to review. [3:11:36, 3:11:41]: We have to establish the extent of openness that we're going to allow uh with investigations. [3:11:41, 3:11:45]: Uh we have to take into consideration that the officers involved in these are um you know. [3:11:46, 3:11:49]: afforded due process rights and so we have to consider [3:11:49, 3:11:54]: uh the legal ramifications of of their legal representation and council in these matters. [3:11:54, 3:11:59]: Uh we have to decide whether or not we're giving giving the review board subpoena authority. I mean they're just [3:11:59, 3:12:02]: There are myriad of issues that have to be considered. This is not a [3:12:03, 3:12:10]: as simple as an advisory board, this is something that really I think needs time to uh to really develop uh if we're gonna do it the right way. [3:12:12, 3:12:16]: All right. Uh Mr. Berry, your hand's still up. Do you have something more to add or is your you just didn't take it down? [3:12:17, 3:12:19]: Sorry about that, just an excited hand. [3:12:20, 3:12:21]: Okay. [3:12:21, 3:12:23]: Uh, Ms. Gantt, go ahead, please. [3:12:23, 3:12:27]: So having said that, I am not in favor of um [3:12:27, 3:12:34]: implementing an application for a review board at this time. I think we need all the information first. [3:12:34, 3:12:36]: Um, I don't wanna [3:12:38, 3:12:39]: What I don't want to do. [3:12:40, 3:12:45]: Is jump the gun and uh you know, do this ahead of time and put out applications. [3:12:46, 3:12:47]: For people to submit. [3:12:47, 3:12:51]: When we just heard from attorney Berry. [3:12:51, 3:12:55]: There's like thirty, forty paragraphs in the city of Atlanta's review board alone. [3:12:56, 3:12:56]: Um [3:12:57, 3:12:59]: And certain requirements. [3:12:59, 3:13:12]: The gate city bar, those are attorneys that are basically being appointed on from those board from different to different to the board. Um, I think that we need to make sure we have our ducks in a row for that. I'm not against it. [3:13:12, 3:13:17]: I just want to make sure that we have everything together prior to so we know. [3:13:17, 3:13:29]: what the application needs to look like. I think it's going to take way more time for that. But I do agree that we can go ahead and move forward with the application for the advisory board. [3:13:30, 3:13:31]: Yeah, I just think [3:13:33, 3:13:35]: All right. Thank you. [3:13:35, 3:13:36]: Okay, anything else? [3:13:37, 3:13:39]: Mr. Yeah, go ahead, sir. [3:13:39, 3:13:59]: Might might I make a suggestion, okay, that we go ahead and move forward with the applications for the advisory board itself. But we certainly want to send the signal to the citizens we're going to have a review board too, and that we task staff with. [3:13:59, 3:14:17]: uh you know, setting up or constructing the ordinances of what necessary to set up a citizens review board, but remove the the the the 30 days window from it so that it does move forward. [3:14:17, 3:14:20]: but given more time to develop. [3:14:20, 3:14:24]: Uh over the course of time. I make that suggestion. [3:14:25, 3:14:41]: Okay, but uh motion was made by Councilman Barber. So thirty day the yeah, the thirty days is is to to get that done, we've been basically advised that thirty it was gonna take much longer than that. So I I need that in order to make a second on that. Yeah. That's fine. Um [3:14:42, 3:14:47]: What I want is for us to draft the applications. [3:14:47, 3:14:52]: Staff can do the due diligence and research and finding out what the criteria is for [3:14:53, 3:14:55]: you know, individuals to serve. [3:14:56, 3:15:00]: I never said anything about the council approving appointments. [3:15:01, 3:15:02]: That's a later step. [3:15:03, 3:15:04]: Oh, I wanted. [3:15:04, 3:15:07]: It's for staff to do research and due diligence. [3:15:07, 3:15:09]: In preparing the applications. [3:15:09, 3:15:10]: For both. [3:15:10, 3:15:14]: the Citizen Review Board and the Citizen Advisory Board. [3:15:15, 3:15:16]: Both of them. [3:15:17, 3:15:18]: And I believe [3:15:18, 3:15:21]: Maybe a month and a half should be a reasonable amount of time. [3:15:22, 3:15:23]: So if we say [3:15:24, 3:15:24]: Green. [3:15:25, 3:15:26]: Back to the council. [3:15:26, 3:15:29]: The criteria for both of those applications. [3:15:30, 3:15:32]: I like to put deadlines on things. [3:15:32, 3:15:33]: Because I've been shown. [3:15:34, 3:15:37]: That things don't always come back when we expect for them to. [3:15:38, 3:15:41]: So allowing staff a month and a half. [3:15:42, 3:15:44]: To draft the application. [3:15:45, 3:15:46]: And have them posted. [3:15:46, 3:15:48]: Seems reasonable to me. [3:15:48, 3:15:50]: But I won't remove. [3:15:50, 3:15:51]: Um, from my motion. [3:15:52, 3:15:52]: Um [3:15:53, 3:15:54]: They [3:15:54, 3:15:56]: Review board. [3:15:57, 3:15:58]: I want both of them. [3:15:59, 3:16:02]: I want staff to draft and do their research. [3:16:03, 3:16:05]: When developing the applications. [3:16:06, 3:16:08]: For both of the boards. [3:16:08, 3:16:12]: Yeah, if I need to remove the timeline of [3:16:12, 3:16:15]: I don't know, what was it? Uh thirty days. [3:16:15, 3:16:17]: To bring back craft to the council. [3:16:18, 3:16:19]: Or if I need to remove [3:16:20, 3:16:24]: The date, can you read back my motion, Ms. Holland? [3:16:24, 3:16:35]: So you um the motion is to task staff with preparing and advertising and posting applications to enact the citizens review review board and the [3:16:36, 3:16:38]: Citizen Advisory Board. [3:16:38, 3:16:42]: For stakeholders to be able to apply and you currently have [3:16:43, 3:16:45]: Um and with a draft. [3:16:45, 3:16:48]: Of the criteria by four twenty six. [3:16:49, 3:16:54]: It was the new date that was put in there, April twenty sixth. Okay. So would you [3:16:54, 3:16:56]: Will you mind removing? [3:16:57, 3:16:58]: Um the dates. [3:16:59, 3:17:00]: Okay. [3:17:02, 3:17:03]: Instead [3:17:04, 3:17:05]: Who will um [3:17:06, 3:17:07]: For my motion. [3:17:07, 3:17:08]: Um [3:17:08, 3:17:11]: Staff are to bring back the draft. [3:17:11, 3:17:13]: of these applications. [3:17:14, 3:17:15]: By our [3:17:19, 3:17:20]: May work session. [3:17:22, 3:17:23]: Okay. [3:17:25, 3:17:29]: That's a month and a half for staff to do their due diligence and research. [3:17:30, 3:17:32]: And prepare the criteria. [3:17:33, 3:17:34]: Begin. [3:17:35, 3:17:35]: Advertising. [3:17:36, 3:17:37]: For these boards. [3:17:38, 3:17:42]: That's one of the things that I talk with the citizens about. [3:17:42, 3:17:44]: These boards. [3:17:44, 3:17:46]: And I was able to get them to support. [3:17:47, 3:17:49]: This establishing police department. [3:17:50, 3:17:54]: Because they felt as though it as long as citizens are involved. [3:17:54, 3:17:58]: In establishing this police department, they were supported. [3:17:59, 3:18:01]: So we need to make sure that we are [3:18:01, 3:18:06]: getting citizen input and involvement and establishing these boards are important. [3:18:07, 3:18:08]: That's all. [3:18:08, 3:18:09]: Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [3:18:11, 3:18:12]: Thank you, Mayor. [3:18:13, 3:18:21]: You know, I think everyone on here wants accountability with the citizens involved, review board, advisory board. [3:18:22, 3:18:27]: We have a chief right here that's been hired. We have a city manager. [3:18:27, 3:18:31]: That's been hired. And we have city attorneys here that's been hired. [3:18:32, 3:18:43]: Why don't we tell them to give us the best procedurally how the best way to go about this, that we get what we want, get what we need in a timely fashion and how it needs to be done. [3:18:44, 3:18:47]: This council has got to stop. [3:18:47, 3:18:51]: implementing in areas that we have no idea what we're doing. [3:18:51, 3:18:54]: And all it takes is three to raise their hand and make it happen. [3:18:55, 3:18:58]: Why don't we listen to the people that we've hired to do this? [3:18:59, 3:19:06]: How much are we gonna sit here and make like the chief doesn't matter, the attorneys don't matter, the city managers don't matter? [3:19:06, 3:19:12]: Tell us how do we go about doing this? What would be the best practices? And how do we make this come about? [3:19:13, 3:19:20]: But we sit here and tell the people what we want to do and we have never did these some things before. We never did this before. [3:19:21, 3:19:32]: Why don't we deal with the professionals that can tell us which how to go? Well, change the let's do this. Please. Point of order. I'm saying my I'm saying pertaining to this agenda item. [3:19:32, 3:19:38]: Before I vote on it, why don't we ask the people that we've hired? [3:19:38, 3:19:42]: Point point order. What's your point order, please? He's just ranting. [3:19:44, 3:19:47]: That's not a point of water. Okay. Either you're going to vote. [3:19:47, 3:20:07]: On this guy because I've made an adjustment recommendation from city attorney. Okay, but that's the point of order. Okay. I have revised my motion to cover what the attorney keeps clear. All right, Miss Barber. [3:20:07, 3:20:17]: Got that. So this is granting. That's my point of order. Understand. Understand your point of order. Mr. Blount, go ahead and finish your point, but finish your discussion, please. [3:20:18, 3:20:20]: If I'm ranting for clarity. [3:20:20, 3:20:26]: I'd rather rent for clarity than to sit here and rant with about something I know nothing about and make suggestions. [3:20:26, 3:20:32]: Come on, this this this has to be done. Things about this police department. [3:20:32, 3:20:38]: In any department with the city, we have to go to the ones that know what they're doing. [3:20:38, 3:20:47]: They just that this they just sit here and told us about the ordinance change, about what college needs to be put in place, all of these things. [3:20:48, 3:20:55]: But yet we're gonna sit here and vote on two boards, pertain to two boards where we've just been advised of all we have to do. [3:20:57, 3:21:08]: Okay. Oh thanks. Appreciate it. All right. Um once again, Vanessa, make sure I'd like for you to read the motion one more time, make sure we understand what we voted on, one last time before we take the vote. [3:21:09, 3:21:11]: All right. So the motion is to task that. [3:21:12, 3:21:13]: We're preparing. [3:21:13, 3:21:15]: Advertising and posting. [3:21:16, 3:21:27]: For applications to be submitted by the stakeholders to enact a citizens review board and a citizen's advisory board with the draft of the criteria. [3:21:27, 3:21:31]: To come back to the council at the May work session. [3:21:32, 3:21:33]: Is that your motion, Councilman Barber? [3:21:37, 3:21:43]: Um the first sentence of that you mentioned about drafting and advertising. [3:21:43, 3:21:48]: Can you remove the advertising piece of that? [3:21:48, 3:21:49]: And posting. [3:21:49, 3:21:53]: And the posting advertising and posting. Okay. So we'll remove that portion. [3:21:53, 3:21:54]: So [3:21:54, 3:21:55]: Second. [3:21:56, 3:21:58]: Good Alexander. All right, thank you. [3:22:00, 3:22:03]: All right. Motion's been made, been second. All in favor of the motion, please indicate. [3:22:05, 3:22:07]: We have a quite question you can't vote. [3:22:07, 3:22:09]: No, I have a question. [3:22:09, 3:22:14]: Okay. Are we I know we're doing a resolution to [3:22:14, 3:22:20]: I know we're doing a resolution to task staff with drafting this information. [3:22:20, 3:22:29]: Is this resolution also an ordinance which creates the board? No. Okay, I just want to be clear on that. [3:22:30, 3:22:38]: Once again, all in favor of the motion, please indicate. Let's get the accurate vote here. One, two, three, four, four. All posed? [3:22:39, 3:22:40]: So abstain. [3:22:42, 3:22:42]: Mayor. [3:22:43, 3:22:43]: Yes, sir. [3:22:44, 3:23:04]: Clearly, he said that this is not this is not the vote to uh actually appoint the boards, it's just to move the resolution forward. That's correct. Fine with that. Okay, so it's five five, it's an announcement vote. Okay. Now, now, Ms. Barber, you said you had two more motions. Uh so I kind of wonder what what you want to put in motion here. Uh I'm hoping that that that was in the same category. [3:23:04, 3:23:06]: what we amended the agenda, we don't have to amend the agenda anymore. [3:23:07, 3:23:09]: So I might have to look look for the attorneys to [3:23:09, 3:23:12]: advise on this. So what is your other motions you want to make? [3:23:13, 3:23:21]: to task staff with comparing the cost of the insurance with GMA and the current insurance. So I'd like to amend the agenda. [3:23:22, 3:23:23]: To add [3:23:24, 3:23:25]: An item for discussion. [3:23:26, 3:23:40]: Well, let me ask let me mention this to you. I think in the conversation, Mr. Gardner indicated and mention about me getting with uh with the Miss Holliday in reference to that. He said if it's the wishes of the council, he would do it. [3:23:40, 3:23:42]: So Mr. Garner. [3:23:43, 3:23:46]: He needed uh stand by Ms Gan mister Gardner. [3:23:46, 3:23:47]: Yes, sir. [3:23:47, 3:23:57]: Yeah, in reference to your statement before about the comparing the insurance, insurance aspect and your experiences you had with that, I thought you said you were going to do that anyway. You had plans to do that? [3:23:57, 3:24:17]: Is that right? Yeah, yeah. I mean if if if council wanted to make it a directive, I'm fine with I'm fine with council making a directive to do so for us to investigate going to the GMA for our insurance coverage. I have no problems doing that. That's okay, one second. I don't I I'm kinda wonder whether or not we need a amend agenda for that particular directive. Well that's consensus. Consensus. [3:24:18, 3:24:19]: One second, stand by [3:24:20, 3:24:21]: Yeah, Tony's [3:24:21, 3:24:24]: Mm, if if if if that's you know [3:24:24, 3:24:26]: Like I said, I was gonna look at that anyway. [3:24:26, 3:24:28]: Um, obviously a directive makes it [3:24:29, 3:24:48]: mm make sure that I get it done and it's not just on my wish list, that it's on council's wish list. Um, but I can do it anyway without having to go because I mean if we have to go back and do a resolution or gym amend the agenda, I'll just go ahead and start the work and I'll bring it back at the April work at the April work session and tell you guys what I'm finding. [3:24:48, 3:24:53]: Awesome. That is what my motion is, as recommended by um Mr. Gardner. [3:24:55, 3:24:57]: So your motion is to [3:24:58, 3:25:00]: As we'll be clear, it has [3:25:01, 3:25:04]: Stave to compare the insurance cost. [3:25:05, 3:25:09]: with GMA's insurance and our current insurance. [3:25:12, 3:25:14]: Just a second on that motion. [3:25:14, 3:25:30]: I think he said he was gonna do it anyway. We we got a consensus proof. Well that's that's well he needs a consensus and the deadline, I'm sorry, include um he will bring us back to the council by our April Work session. [3:25:33, 3:25:42]: Yes, I'll bring back what I found out after having discussions with with with GMA about the program and what it does and what it doesn't do. I'll bring that back to you guys. That shouldn't that's not a heavy lift. [3:25:43, 3:25:45]: I bring that I bring that on the twenty nine. [3:25:46, 3:25:49]: Uh try to check my name. I think it's a twenty six, sir. [3:25:49, 3:25:50]: Only six, sorry. [3:25:51, 3:25:52]: Twenty six, yes. [3:25:54, 3:25:55]: Okay, so [3:25:56, 3:25:59]: With the motion to be made, right? Is there a second emotion? [3:26:00, 3:26:15]: Well the this is the thing we we'd have to amend the agenda in order to do. Okay, so we have okay better consent. He's already agreed to do that. Why do you all keep changing the rules when it comes to me? [3:26:16, 3:26:21]: So I I'll try to get this straight agenda so that we can vote on this. [3:26:21, 3:26:23]: 'Cause I really want us to move along. [3:26:24, 3:26:26]: Mm standby. Miss Gantt? [3:26:27, 3:26:30]: No, Mayor Ford, I was just I had a comment. [3:26:31, 3:26:41]: It seems like we're doing resolutions for things that we usually do by email. I mean, if it's something an office task just to do some research, I don't I don't understand why we're [3:26:41, 3:26:58]: doing we could have a discussion. Normally we have a discussion on something. Not may not necessarily vote on it, but the staff said that they were gonna produce these this information to us. Right. I don't think we need to do everything by resolution. That costs. I mean we have to pay our attorneys to do that. [3:26:59, 3:27:19]: I I mean all the time, I mean the we're doing resolutions for every little bitty-bitty thing. And I don't think that's necessary. We haven't done that in the past. Well, I would think that we can discuss a lot of these things. And if our city manager says he's going to get it back with us, he can get it to us before the next work session because all you have to do is send [3:27:19, 3:27:24]: email says these are my comparison notes on girl we're not voting on it that's just information [3:27:25, 3:27:32]: So I think we've gotten off I think we've started a new pup procedure in doing things that [3:27:33, 3:27:38]: will get us into the weeds of every little bitty thing and and a lot of paperwork. [3:27:39, 3:27:41]: Um that is not necessary. [3:27:42, 3:27:48]: I believe that Mr. Gardner would get back to us but no later than the twenty at the latest the twenty-sixth of April. I'm pretty sure he'd do that with no problem. [3:27:49, 3:27:51]: All right. [3:27:52, 3:27:55]: I like to move forward with my motion. [3:27:56, 3:27:57]: Because [3:27:57, 3:28:00]: Every single concern I've raised. [3:28:00, 3:28:03]: Every item that I've brought to this agenda. [3:28:03, 3:28:05]: uh to this council. [3:28:05, 3:28:06]: To discuss. [3:28:07, 3:28:08]: Or for staff. [3:28:08, 3:28:09]: Um [3:28:10, 3:28:11]: To take action on. [3:28:12, 3:28:13]: None of it has moved. [3:28:14, 3:28:15]: None none of it. [3:28:15, 3:28:17]: This is what accountability looks like. [3:28:19, 3:28:20]: So every [3:28:20, 3:28:22]: Single action. [3:28:22, 3:28:24]: That the council approves here. [3:28:24, 3:28:25]: I'm expecting [3:28:26, 3:28:29]: That staff will come back in a reasonable amount of time. [3:28:30, 3:28:31]: with the deliverable. [3:28:31, 3:28:35]: Not saying that Mr. Gardner is not going to bring it back when he said he would. [3:28:36, 3:28:37]: But there have been instances. [3:28:38, 3:28:40]: Over the past two years and four months. [3:28:40, 3:28:41]: Staff is not delivered. [3:28:42, 3:28:47]: We're still waiting on procurement revisions that was approved by this council a year ago. [3:28:48, 3:28:48]: All right. [3:28:48, 3:28:53]: So you made a motion. So for me, absolutely, I want it on record. [3:28:54, 3:28:55]: So that we can hold. [3:28:56, 3:28:58]: Mr Gardner, accountable. [3:28:59, 3:29:01]: Okay, motion made. Is there a second to the motion? [3:29:02, 3:29:04]: Sir motion is a second to the motion. [3:29:07, 3:29:11]: Okay, Mr. Tom Marapotem Thomas uh second that motion. All in favor of motion, please indicate. [3:29:15, 3:29:24]: Okay, they're all posed. I got three, four, all pose. Mr. Mr. Blount, Ms. Gantton opposes, Mr. Blount. You oppose? [3:29:25, 3:29:26]: Mr Blount. [3:29:27, 3:29:31]: You're opposed. Okay. It's three three two. Motion passed. Okay. What's the other motion? [3:29:32, 3:29:33]: That was it? [3:29:33, 3:29:35]: That's the last one? Okay. [3:29:35, 3:29:37]: Uh alrighty. [3:29:38, 3:29:41]: So we were on uh [3:29:43, 3:29:45]: So council is gonna. [3:29:47, 3:30:03]: World number 10, man. Well well no well, so what it amounts to what's it is okay, uh with all this going on in reference to number nine, with given the uh we the impact of the five thousand dollars that the chief Kramer asked for. [3:30:04, 3:30:07]: What was what was the what was the final vote count on that? Five zero. [3:30:08, 3:30:12]: Okay, fantastic. Somehow I must have missed that piece for some reason. [3:30:12, 3:30:18]: We've been going around, round, around. Okay, number 10. Council consideration to approve City of Stockbridge record services policy. [3:30:19, 3:30:22]: Chief Trammer and Mr. Gardner, please. [3:30:28, 3:30:30]: Chief, you want to do the presentation? [3:30:30, 3:30:33]: Uh yes, sir. I've got it pulled up here. I just wanted to uh [3:30:35, 3:30:35]: Mm-hmm. [3:30:37, 3:30:45]: As you all are aware, with the implementation of the police department, uh it's gonna necessitate the uh utilization of record service. [3:30:45, 3:30:53]: In order to be able to accomplish our objectives. And furthermore, uh the city, as I understand, has been without a uh record service provider even for [3:30:53, 3:31:01]: um internal needs uh as it relates to uh city vehicles. So the first part of this is sort of a two-part presentation. The first part of it [3:31:02, 3:31:12]: is to approve the recor service policy, uh, which has been vetted by legal counsel and uh for which uh all of you should have been provided a copy of that policy. [3:31:13, 3:31:20]: When I go through this, it's gonna be a very high level overview of uh what the policy is, the need for the policy, what it covers, and some specific [3:31:21, 3:31:21]: Um [3:31:22, 3:31:25]: items as it relates to uh costs. [3:31:25, 3:31:29]: uh for record service. And then the subsequent follow up would be [3:31:29, 3:31:34]: to adopt uh by virtue of piggybacking off of Henry County's contract a record service. [3:31:35, 3:31:38]: For us to be able to utilize for um [3:31:39, 3:31:41]: City and for police department needs. [3:31:42, 3:31:49]: So obviously this policy is needed for these reasons here. This is uh a restatement from what's inside the policy. [3:31:50, 3:31:51]: Um, this policy [3:31:52, 3:31:56]: Establishes uh a method by which we will um enter into contracts. [3:31:57, 3:32:03]: It describes criteria by which the service operators must conduct themselves when governing business for the city. [3:32:03, 3:32:04]: Um it [3:32:04, 3:32:06]: Outlines um [3:32:07, 3:32:08]: Uh [3:32:09, 3:32:14]: The the requirements for the record company to maintain roadworthy vehicles to service the city. [3:32:14, 3:32:20]: Um it designates the type of equipment that they are required to uh maintain in order to service the city. [3:32:21, 3:32:24]: And also to make sure that the prices that they're charging the public [3:32:24, 3:32:26]: in the city are fair and reasonable. [3:32:27, 3:32:35]: Uh the policies uh needed, obviously, as we stated previously, uh, for city vehicles and other city property that uh would need to be towed. [3:32:36, 3:32:43]: And for the large part, it's needed for law enforcement purposes, such as removing traffic hazards, many of these things here that are listed legally uh parked vehicles. [3:32:44, 3:32:49]: Responding to emergencies, uh impounding vehicles from one facility to [3:32:49, 3:32:53]: uh the crime lab or um other evidence collection processing location. [3:32:54, 3:32:55]: So [3:32:55, 3:33:01]: The policy does not apply to services uh here initiated by the city or its representatives. [3:33:01, 3:33:06]: Um, including when owners or authorized user vehicle calls a specific record service, so [3:33:06, 3:33:06]: Um [3:33:07, 3:33:09]: Citizens that are at the scene are expected. [3:33:10, 3:33:12]: Uh, if the situation is [3:33:12, 3:33:13]: Um [3:33:13, 3:33:18]: Uh if if if it allows for them to request their own record service, we can assist in that process. [3:33:18, 3:33:22]: But we are not uh in the business of uh [3:33:22, 3:33:24]: you know, recommending those services. [3:33:24, 3:33:27]: uh without solicitation of the um [3:33:27, 3:33:29]: uh of of the the vehicle owner so [3:33:30, 3:33:30]: Um [3:33:31, 3:33:39]: If there's something that happens on private property again, uh we recommend them to the property owner to utilize their own record service, uh, but it does not um [3:33:40, 3:33:41]: Prohibit us from [3:33:41, 3:33:45]: Providing a recommendation for record service should they ask, but we want that onus to be [3:33:46, 3:33:48]: um on the uh individual entity. [3:33:49, 3:33:51]: So as it relates to towing service fees, um [3:33:52, 3:33:53]: This [3:33:54, 3:34:07]: Co this uh record service agreement um is a copy of the record service agreement that Henry County is utilizing at the moment. Uh we've made some modifications. We did negotiate or we did um actually amend our policies. [3:34:07, 3:34:14]: To reduce uh the fees payable to uh the citizens. So on the right hand side here is Henry County's. [3:34:14, 3:34:19]: Uh the cap for um additional extraordinary services was 500 through Henry County. [3:34:19, 3:34:26]: We reduced that to 300. So the total maximum charge for a standard vehicle would be six hundred dollars for a non-city vehicle. [3:34:26, 3:34:33]: or three hundred and sixty dollars for a city vehicle and you can see with the county it's eight hundred for non county and three sixty for a county vehicle. [3:34:34, 3:34:34]: Um [3:34:35, 3:34:38]: These are some other things that are listed in the policy uh to note. [3:34:38, 3:34:45]: Uh, we were able to negotiate with a record service company that they will not charge us an expense for a city vehicle for the first tow. [3:34:46, 3:34:49]: They will tow that at no expense to the city. [3:34:49, 3:34:55]: A second toe should it be needed, uh, would be thirty-five dollars and a third toe would be fifty-five. [3:34:55, 3:35:00]: Their current agreement with Henry County is thirty-five for every county vehicle that they tow. So [3:35:00, 3:35:05]: Uh, we were able to uh negotiate a better uh price as it relates to. [3:35:05, 3:35:07]: Dealing with uh the city vehicle. [3:35:08, 3:35:20]: The um this is the the storage cost here with the uh record companies, first twenty-four hours, no charge. If there's a a weekend or a holiday that they're not able to get their vehicle out, there's no charge. [3:35:20, 3:35:24]: Um the charge for a standard vehicle would be twenty-five dollars a day storage fee. [3:35:24, 3:35:34]: And then based on the um gross vehicle weight rating, which is the G VWR, um, that would increase depending on the size of the vehicle slightly. [3:35:36, 3:35:37]: Um [3:35:42, 3:35:51]: And and I know that's really a a high level overview. The Hen Henry County did put this out. It was a request uh for um uh [3:35:51, 3:35:51]: Yeah. [3:35:52, 3:35:56]: Quotes they did an RFQ last year for record service. [3:35:56, 3:36:00]: And uh Swatson Record Service is located in the city of Stockbridge. [3:36:01, 3:36:03]: uh won the contract for the northern part of the city. [3:36:04, 3:36:09]: And they are agreeable to the terms that we've just outlined in our record services agreement. [3:36:09, 3:36:13]: And so what we are looking to do. [3:36:13, 3:36:17]: And um well I guess I'm moving ahead of myself here, but but [3:36:17, 3:36:18]: Um [3:36:18, 3:36:23]: they kind of all relate together. Uh this is moving, I guess, more into item number eleven than it is 10. [3:36:24, 3:36:27]: So we'll have to backtrack on this, but I did want to point out here. [3:36:27, 3:36:31]: that they did put this out competitively for bids and that [3:36:31, 3:36:34]: Swanson's record service was agreeable to the terms that we listed. [3:36:34, 3:36:38]: In the uh record services policy there. [3:36:38, 3:36:46]: Um, they were found to be most competitive as it relates to the pricing that we previously had mentioned and was listed in the uh record services policy. [3:36:46, 3:36:55]: And before we get in too much to item number eleven, I wanna back up and just ask what questions, if any, there are for the record services policy. [3:36:55, 3:36:59]: Yeah, Chief, I do. And I'll start this off here. You know, uh I uh maybe I missed it. [3:37:00, 3:37:16]: But I'm gonna I think I'm gonna throw you a curveball here. All right. And what this amounts to is that this record service, okay, but some time ago, and I would imagine probably maybe three years or so ago, we passed an ordinance in reference to we're using record service for parking on the street. [3:37:17, 3:37:37]: Now, this policy right here that you're bringing forward, it doesn't actually, I don't think it addresses uh parking on the street when people, when vehicles are are illegally parked or parked on the street uh at a wrong at a different time. Implement that process, uh that ordinance or that process. You see, so unless I missed it, um, like I said, I'm probably thinking [3:37:37, 3:37:47]: throwing you a curveball here in this aspect, but I just kind of wonder about uh about whether or not uh if you thought about that or somebody's even mentioned that to you before, or do I just miss the boat here? [3:37:49, 3:37:56]: I probably moved through it too quickly, Mayor. Let me go back here. And what you're talking about, this is removing um the policy does address, as you can see here. [3:37:57, 3:38:00]: removing unattended or illegally parked vehicles from the public right of way. [3:38:00, 3:38:01]: Okay. All right. [3:38:02, 3:38:05]: So it so I I missed that then. All right, so be it. [3:38:05, 3:38:07]: If you got it covered, so be it. That's that's what I'm wanting to know. [3:38:08, 3:38:10]: Thank you. Miss Barber, go ahead, please. [3:38:14, 3:38:18]: Chief Trimer, we're piggybacking off of the [3:38:18, 3:38:21]: Um county contract with Wantson Toey. [3:38:22, 3:38:28]: Yes, ma'am. And and again, I got ahead of myself. I think the first thing we have to do is approve the record service policy. [3:38:29, 3:38:33]: And then move into that. But that's that's what our aim is, is to piggyback off of Henry County's [3:38:34, 3:38:37]: contract for record service which was competitively bid last year. [3:38:37, 3:38:41]: Okay, so then my next question is. [3:38:41, 3:38:44]: So don't we have to accept their terms and conditions? [3:38:45, 3:38:47]: Including the costs. [3:38:49, 3:38:50]: Or pricing. [3:38:52, 3:38:54]: I'm I'm not certain of that. Um [3:38:55, 3:38:56]: Are we not able to [3:38:56, 3:39:02]: Are we not able to have more agreeable terms than what the county had received when piggybacking off of the contract? [3:39:02, 3:39:06]: Well then you would be negotiating a different contract. [3:39:08, 3:39:09]: Separate from the county. [3:39:10, 3:39:14]: And correct me if I'm wrong, I'll rely on attorney Berry. [3:39:14, 3:39:20]: because you said we were piggybacking, meaning we will accept the terms, conditions. [3:39:21, 3:39:21]: The pricing. [3:39:22, 3:39:23]: Uh, the original [3:39:23, 3:39:25]: contract which is Himmer Counties. [3:39:25, 3:39:27]: So the fact that you're negotiating. [3:39:28, 3:39:30]: It is to our benefit. [3:39:31, 3:39:32]: However [3:39:33, 3:39:35]: If you're negotiating a separate contract, then [3:39:36, 3:39:38]: We would need to go through our own procurement processes. [3:39:39, 3:39:42]: Perhaps the post A R of P or R of Q. [3:39:44, 3:39:45]: Mm-hmm. [3:39:46, 3:39:47]: Oh, I'm sorry, go ahead. [3:39:47, 3:39:57]: Now what do you have to add with this? I'm kinda I think the prices, Chief, correct me if I'm wrong. The prices that the chief was saying are the prices that the person being towed [3:39:57, 3:39:58]: Would pay. [3:39:59, 3:40:04]: Which the city of course could set as opposed to the price that the city is paying. [3:40:04, 3:40:05]: The towing service. [3:40:06, 3:40:11]: So though those prices correct, Council Member Barber would be set by contract. [3:40:11, 3:40:17]: So if the city pays the towing service a hundred but charges the member of the public two hundred. [3:40:17, 3:40:21]: The city can set whatever prices it wants to charge the public. [3:40:21, 3:40:24]: Just can't set the prices that it's ch uh [3:40:24, 3:40:26]: that it's paying the towing company. [3:40:27, 3:40:27]: Gotcha. [3:40:28, 3:40:36]: Okay. I guess I I believe that's my understanding though, but Chief, correct me if I'm wrong. That makes sense. You you would have to correct me if I'm wrong. [3:40:36, 3:40:43]: So I need to, I guess I need to know um the costs that are associated or [3:40:44, 3:40:47]: I guess cost to the city or the person. Right. [3:40:48, 3:40:52]: And what the cost is per vehicle told. [3:40:52, 3:40:55]: under by the city under the contract. [3:40:56, 3:40:57]: It's two separate. [3:40:58, 3:41:00]: pricing structures there should be. [3:41:00, 3:41:03]: Right, yes. I need to see them separately. [3:41:03, 3:41:08]: I think Chief, did you did you just pull up the chart with the fees? [3:41:09, 3:41:11]: Yes, I can pull that up again here. [3:41:18, 3:41:28]: To attorney Berry's point, the um the difference in cost here is what's being charged to the actual citizen. So the citizens versus what would be what they're charging us. So that's still set at the [3:41:28, 3:41:30]: negotiated price that Henry County had. [3:41:31, 3:41:32]: Correct. [3:41:32, 3:41:33]: Okay. [3:41:33, 3:41:33]: Okay. [3:41:34, 3:41:35]: Okay. [3:41:35, 3:41:36]: Now um [3:41:36, 3:41:38]: One other question. [3:41:39, 3:41:39]: So [3:41:40, 3:41:44]: This current contract that Henry County has with Swanson Towing. [3:41:45, 3:41:47]: It expires in September. [3:41:48, 3:41:49]: So what happens? [3:41:50, 3:41:54]: With the services that Swanson would be providing us. [3:41:54, 3:41:55]: Under this contract. [3:41:57, 3:41:58]: What happened, Mr. Berry? [3:42:00, 3:42:00]: Or [3:42:01, 3:42:02]: But it would [3:42:02, 3:42:08]: Council member, I I believe and I I'm trying to pull up the contract. I believe it's got one more extension beyond that, I believe. [3:42:08, 3:42:13]: But to your point, then we would have the city would have to rebit it. This gives us an option in the interim. [3:42:14, 3:42:15]: Uh [3:42:16, 3:42:17]: For now. [3:42:17, 3:42:20]: So when is the county decides? [3:42:20, 3:42:22]: to go with another vendor then. [3:42:23, 3:42:24]: In September. [3:42:24, 3:42:24]: Okay. [3:42:25, 3:42:29]: Oh right. As it yeah, the the the city would then have to rebid it. [3:42:30, 3:42:35]: So is this is this is an interim measure which allows us to just get something up and going quickly. [3:42:35, 3:42:36]: Mm-hmm. [3:42:36, 3:42:38]: Okay, so if we're talking about [3:42:38, 3:42:40]: Approving [3:42:40, 3:42:41]: This contract [3:42:41, 3:42:42]: Um [3:42:43, 3:42:43]: Hey. [3:42:44, 3:42:49]: If we're talking about the council approving this piggyback contract with Swanson Towing under Henry County. [3:42:50, 3:42:51]: It's gonna expire in September. [3:42:52, 3:42:56]: Our police department isn't due to roll out until July first. [3:42:57, 3:42:58]: So July first. [3:42:59, 3:43:00]: August [3:43:00, 3:43:01]: And then September. [3:43:02, 3:43:03]: Um [3:43:04, 3:43:06]: We should be putting out a solicitation. [3:43:07, 3:43:07]: Of our own. [3:43:08, 3:43:09]: Like soon. [3:43:12, 3:43:14]: Am I wrong in my thinking, Mr. Gardner? [3:43:14, 3:43:20]: Mr. We we we have we you know with with with the approval of this [3:43:20, 3:43:22]: contract. Obviously it it [3:43:23, 3:43:29]: If we double double check to make sure that it doesn't have a renewal, but if if Henry County goes away from theirs. [3:43:29, 3:43:35]: Um we s this is kind of a stop gap measure, so we still have an opportunity to put it out to bed. [3:43:35, 3:43:38]: We can get working on the scope on the scope of services. [3:43:39, 3:43:43]: Um and have that ready to go in June. [3:43:43, 3:43:49]: And have some have a boy have a c uh entity on board, whether it's this guy or somebody else. [3:43:49, 3:43:51]: By uh by August [3:43:51, 3:44:11]: Um, but we'll be in contact with Henry County to see what they're going to do in terms of continuing the contract for an additional year. But I think as as Jeremy said, I think this is the stock. Obviously, we need something in place. This allows us once we get rolling July 1 to be able to have that record service in place to assist us. And then we have to bid it out. [3:44:11, 3:44:18]: out, we'll bid it out, but we'll be in conversations if we have the one year renewal and Henry County is going to exercise that one year renewal. [3:44:18, 3:44:22]: Obviously that gives us even more time to evaluate how our [3:44:22, 3:44:25]: how our level of services with this vendor. [3:44:25, 3:44:39]: and move forward either we don't like them in the couple of months we're dealing with them, we bid it out or we like what we're getting. We'll continue, Henry County continues and then rebid it out next year when it actually um the contract series ends. [3:44:39, 3:44:48]: Henry contract goes through 20, but it can go through 2024. It could. We don't know what Henry County will do. [3:44:49, 3:44:55]: So that's that's this current contract expires 2021 in September of 2020. [3:44:56, 3:44:57]: Twenty two, sorry. [3:44:57, 3:44:58]: Um [3:44:58, 3:45:00]: And we can't we shouldn't rely. [3:45:01, 3:45:03]: on just Hammer County. [3:45:04, 3:45:13]: Right, but we could also piggyback off another jurisdiction at that point as well. But uh your but your point is understood. Yeah we we've got a short runway perhaps here. [3:45:13, 3:45:19]: No, it's not short. I mean, we could put out a solicitation of our own. [3:45:19, 3:45:20]: Right now. [3:45:21, 3:45:23]: And have it come back to the council. [3:45:23, 3:45:26]: By the end of June. [3:45:26, 3:45:26]: All right. [3:45:27, 3:45:31]: Before the implementation or the rollout of the police department. [3:45:33, 3:45:34]: Well [3:45:34, 3:45:50]: I if it's okay, I I would I would l at least like for us to have this in place because obviously we still have a lot of other solicitations going out, but this would give us time in order order to program it in the schedule and get it done and have it ready and have us have uh a vendor chosen by [3:45:51, 3:45:51]: August [3:45:52, 3:45:52]: Um [3:45:53, 3:45:55]: And move forward with our own solicitation. [3:45:55, 3:45:59]: Especially we get we get favorable favorable um [3:45:59, 3:46:01]: Numbers, fees, structure. [3:46:02, 3:46:15]: that we move forward in earnest with that versus continuing with Henry County. But right now, this at least allow the police department to continue bringing on their staff and we can program this into our solicitation rotation. [3:46:15, 3:46:25]: and get it out, like I said, by June and have have a vendor on board by August. Have you guys vote on the vendor to start in earnest when this contract ends, whether Henry County continues it or not. [3:46:28, 3:46:33]: But at least we'll be able at least at least we'll council member Barber, at least we'll be able to [3:46:33, 3:46:34]: Have [3:46:35, 3:46:37]: in place um [3:46:37, 3:46:51]: what the vendors are going to charge in terms of fees versus what we're doing now. And if it actually looks like it's it's prudent for us to stay, if Henry County stays with this vendor and it's prudent based on what we get, we'll stay. But at least we'll be able to see those comparisons. [3:46:53, 3:46:53]: Thank you. [3:46:54, 3:46:55]: You're welcome. [3:46:56, 3:46:58]: Uh uh Map, any other questions? [3:47:01, 3:47:05]: All right, for no questions, council need a motion to accept uh this record service policy. [3:47:06, 3:47:07]: So move. [3:47:07, 3:47:08]: Sir a second. [3:47:11, 3:47:12]: Ms. Ms. Gantty seconded in this motion. [3:47:13, 3:47:20]: I second okay great. No further conversation. All in favor of this policy, please or motion, please raise your hand. [3:47:22, 3:47:24]: Okay. [3:47:24, 3:47:28]: I wanted to ask um Councilman Alexander if he would put in his motion. [3:47:29, 3:47:31]: about a potential alternate. [3:47:31, 3:47:32]: Bendar. [3:47:33, 3:47:35]: As Mr. Gardner mentioned. [3:47:36, 3:47:41]: Certainly I think he's gonna do it anyway, but I mean I don't I don't see the harm in it. [3:47:41, 3:47:42]: But yeah, sure. [3:47:43, 3:47:44]: We already voted. [3:47:46, 3:47:51]: The vote was taken. I mean Okay, no problem. I mean it's gonna be done. You Mr. Gardner, you gonna handle it? [3:47:52, 3:47:52]: Mm. [3:47:53, 3:47:53]: Yes, sir. [3:47:54, 3:48:07]: All right, what's taken? So I will abstain then. Um I'll give my reasons for abstaining. I'm abstaining because the current contract with Henry County. [3:48:07, 3:48:11]: Expires September of twenty twenty two. [3:48:13, 3:48:20]: I asked the question of an alternate supplier for us or alternate. [3:48:20, 3:48:21]: Record service. [3:48:22, 3:48:24]: I suggested that staff [3:48:25, 3:48:27]: Prepare the solicitation. [3:48:27, 3:48:29]: They began advertising it. [3:48:29, 3:48:30]: Now. [3:48:30, 3:48:34]: So that the council can make an award or approve an award. [3:48:34, 3:48:35]: Prior to [3:48:36, 3:48:37]: The execution. [3:48:38, 3:48:39]: A rollout. [3:48:39, 3:48:41]: Of our own police department. [3:48:43, 3:48:43]: That's all. [3:48:43, 3:49:03]: All right, 401. All right, uh thank you, council. Uh council consideration to award annual contract for record services to Supreme Uh Trio LLC, uh, which is a Swanson D DBA, Swanson towing and recovery, piggybacking off the Henry County contract number eight C. [3:49:03, 3:49:06]: Dash twenty-one dash ninety-eight. [3:49:07, 3:49:10]: Uh Mr Gardner and Chief Tremor, please. [3:49:13, 3:49:17]: Yes, Mayor and Council, as was stated previously, we're seeking to [3:49:17, 3:49:22]: uh piggyback off of the Henry County uh contract that was re that was awarded. [3:49:23, 3:49:28]: Uh September twenty eighth of twenty twenty one. This is a copy of the notice to award. [3:49:28, 3:49:32]: Uh with two mutually agreed upon renewals um [3:49:32, 3:49:37]: Set to expire September thirtieth, twenty twenty two, to the point uh that was made previously. [3:49:37, 3:49:42]: uh should they not continue with record service and obviously we would um have to [3:49:42, 3:49:43]: Um [3:49:43, 3:49:50]: have an alternate solution, but again, just to uh reiterate the point that was made by Mr. Gardner is this is a uh is an interim. [3:49:51, 3:49:54]: solution in order to allow us to be able to [3:49:54, 3:49:55]: Um [3:49:56, 3:49:59]: to implement a record service um [3:50:00, 3:50:05]: By July one, we're more operational to be able to carry out uh public safety uh related. [3:50:06, 3:50:07]: Um [3:50:07, 3:50:08]: Need. [3:50:08, 3:50:09]: From um [3:50:10, 3:50:17]: a uh a record service. So that's a copy of the contract here. I believe that you all um have this. [3:50:17, 3:50:20]: uh the contract um information. [3:50:20, 3:50:21]: And um [3:50:22, 3:50:25]: This is the um [3:50:25, 3:50:30]: resolution on the RFQ that was put out soliciting uh the contracts. [3:50:33, 3:50:41]: And uh as was stated, this is just an overview. So uh if you all would like to go through this, again, it was in your agenda packet, you're seeing the same thing that I'm seeing here. [3:50:42, 3:50:44]: So the request would be to um [3:50:45, 3:50:50]: Piggyback off of Henry County's contract to provide um immediate record service. [3:50:51, 3:50:54]: For uh purposes of public safety. [3:50:56, 3:51:01]: Questions counsel for Chief Tremor. Yes, Ms. Barber, go ahead, please. [3:51:01, 3:51:06]: Okay, so the last item I got a confused. That was just for the review of the policy. [3:51:07, 3:51:11]: um i know i can't go back and change my vote if i could i would approve it [3:51:11, 3:51:14]: This is the item that I will um [3:51:16, 3:51:20]: either abstain from voting on, depending on what the motion is. [3:51:21, 3:51:23]: Any other comments, uh council? [3:51:25, 3:51:30]: Need a motion to uh accept this particular piggybacking off this particular contract. [3:51:32, 3:51:33]: Is there a motion to approve? [3:51:36, 3:51:38]: Councilwoman Barber, you want to make the motion? [3:51:41, 3:51:48]: Um Mayor Ford. Yes, Mayor. Um I will uh make a motion to approve um [3:51:50, 3:51:54]: piggybacking off of the current Henry County contract. [3:51:56, 3:51:59]: With also staff uh preparing. [3:52:00, 3:52:01]: In advertising. [3:52:01, 3:52:04]: For an alternate record service. [3:52:05, 3:52:08]: Considering the current contract expires. [3:52:09, 3:52:12]: September of twenty twenty two. I second. [3:52:13, 3:52:15]: Uh Miss Gan seconds there. Any further discussion? [3:52:16, 3:52:17]: If not all in favor of motion, please indicate. [3:52:19, 3:52:21]: Okay, unanimous decision. Thank you very much. [3:52:23, 3:52:28]: All righty. I asked, am I able to change my vote on the last the last item? [3:52:30, 3:52:35]: Well, I I don't know after the legal procedure. I think we've already passed that. We've already been passed. Let's keep moving on. [3:52:36, 3:52:37]: Um [3:52:37, 3:52:41]: So I want to change my vote from abstaining to approving it. [3:52:42, 3:52:47]: Well, as far as I'm concerned, we need to move on. You've already voted we already voted, so we need to move on. [3:52:47, 3:52:50]: Um well I like to seek um counsel from [3:52:50, 3:52:51]: The attorney. [3:52:52, 3:52:53]: Mr. Berry. [3:52:54, 3:52:55]: I think is [3:52:55, 3:53:03]: You're allowed to do a motion for reconsideration and then that would be voted on. And then we revote on the whole underlying thing. [3:53:03, 3:53:04]: Right. Yeah. [3:53:05, 3:53:09]: But it's a motion to recon it's a motion to reconsider if you're on the prevailing side. [3:53:11, 3:53:14]: What's uh right, if on the prevailing side, right, right, right. [3:53:15, 3:53:18]: But she's not on prevailing side, she'll stand. That's correct. [3:53:18, 3:53:38]: All right, all right, so we'll let's move on. Council consideration approved the public works department request to renew the annual contract RFP 2020-0026 with site engineering incorporated, on-call water, sewer emergency and operational repair, maintenance and construction services, an amount of$255,000. [3:53:39, 3:53:45]: As approved in the FY twenty twenty two storm water budget. Mr. Aaron, please. [3:53:45, 3:53:50]: Yes, Mr. Mayor and Council. The annual on-call water and sewer emergency [3:53:50, 3:54:05]: Repair was solicited for bid on November 11, 2020. It closed on February 25th, 2021. It was awarded to site engineering on April 12, 2021. So this is the first renewal of that contract. [3:54:05, 3:54:17]: And we're asking council to approve the renewal. If you notice as you drive up and down North Henry Boulevard nowadays, you don't have to dodge all of those manholes that were causing problems. Site engineering did that. [3:54:18, 3:54:38]: On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, stormwater staff was just inundated with phone calls from residents concerned about storm drainage systems malfunctioning and not functioning properly. I know we received numerous calls from Lambert Drive and Spring Street. But one of the places we did not receive calls from was on turning point. I'm pretty sure a lot. [3:54:38, 3:54:40]: of council members are familiar with that. [3:54:40, 3:54:52]: site engineering just completed a stormwater project there for us. And also as a result of the rain, we've got two projects that we're proposing to do. One is on Pathwood Lane and one is on Creekview Overlook. [3:54:52, 3:55:12]: We also met with five residents today about a malfunctioning storm drainage. So site engineering has very been instrumental in addressing some stormwater issues and situations. I think a lot of times because these structures are underground about the season until it rains, but that five and a half inches of rain wins then. [3:55:12, 3:55:19]: And thirsty showed us some deficiencies in our stormwater system. And we've got to continue to move forward with making repairs. [3:55:19, 3:55:32]: And we've been had this utility since I think it was 2004, July 12th, when it was implemented. So we want to continue to make repairs as our permit requires us to do. [3:55:33, 3:55:38]: And I'll answer any questions if anybody has any questions. Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [3:55:38, 3:55:41]: Mr. Aaron, when did this contract expire? [3:55:42, 3:55:51]: This is the first renewal. It has up to five one year renewals. This would be the first renewal under this contract that was approved on April 12th, 2021. [3:55:52, 3:55:58]: Well that when the question the question is when does it if we don't renew, when would it expire? It'll expire tomorrow. [3:55:59, 3:56:01]: And we're just getting this today. [3:56:01, 3:56:05]: Well, it came before you previously, it was table. It was table. [3:56:07, 3:56:10]: Mr. Gardner, all due respect to everybody on this call. [3:56:11, 3:56:18]: The date that this was tabled could have came back before the day before before the contract expired. [3:56:19, 3:56:23]: This has been this has been my concern when we're getting this. [3:56:24, 3:56:25]: When was it taken? [3:56:26, 3:56:28]: It was February. [3:56:30, 3:56:30]: So [3:56:31, 3:56:39]: We're two months out. We could have got it. We could have got a the council meeting after that for whatever w whatever reason it was tabled for, whatever we had to do. [3:56:39, 3:56:44]: I'm just I'm just for me. I don't know about my other colleagues. I'm just saying for me. [3:56:45, 3:56:48]: And I've I and I said this at the last council meeting. [3:56:49, 3:56:52]: I don't want to have to renew contracts a day before. [3:56:52, 3:56:55]: Well, we don't have a council meeting in between making decisions. [3:56:57, 3:56:59]: And I'm gonna prove this because [3:57:00, 3:57:06]: Um, you know, just because of where we at with it and it's renewal. But I'm just saying that we have to bring [3:57:07, 3:57:10]: If something is table, we have to bring this stuff back to council. [3:57:11, 3:57:16]: It is f if we had went a different direction, if we would recommend to go a different direction. [3:57:16, 3:57:24]: We still would have to do what we had to do tonight, Nick, and and in the inspired tomorrow. I just want to see things just in a more timely manner. That's all. [3:57:25, 3:57:26]: And and and Mr. Blount. [3:57:26, 3:57:42]: Thank you. And and that's why it came to you guys when it came to you in February, but it was table and and and quite frankly, if we brought it back in March, we weren't guaranteed that it was gonna get voted on or give us enough time to to put it out to bid. Why was it table? And [3:57:43, 3:57:46]: I can't remember Vanessa, do you I think you [3:57:47, 3:57:48]: Why why was this table? [3:57:48, 3:57:55]: Back in February. There was some issue. I'm sorry, go ahead. No, I'm sorry, Vanessa. Can you can you help us out? [3:57:56, 3:57:56]: Yeah. [3:57:57, 3:58:17]: I'll say the reason for I'm sorry, Vanessa, the reason for we just approved the the last minutes from February 14th and the 22nd, I think, of February Mayor, all due respect, let me get this from Miss Holliday real quick. Well on the table back in February, Miss Holliday. There was a motion uh made by Mayor Pro Tem Thomas. Um [3:58:17, 3:58:18]: to [3:58:19, 3:58:20]: Denied the renewal. [3:58:21, 3:58:22]: And put it out for be it. [3:58:23, 3:58:30]: And there was confusion and I believe you uh council member member Blount had asked the question because at that time [3:58:31, 3:58:32]: It was being asked. [3:58:32, 3:58:33]: To [3:58:35, 3:58:36]: Increase the contract. [3:58:37, 3:58:47]: with it coming up for renewal in April. And you were saying it was too close to the renewal to be doing that at that time. [3:58:47, 3:58:48]: And [3:58:48, 3:58:56]: So the there was a lot of questions around it and based on is that in the minutes or you thinking that's what happened? It is that is in the minutes, sir. In the minutes. [3:58:57, 3:59:05]: Well, if that's the case, then why are we just not getting it back? This if if those were the the concerns. [3:59:05, 3:59:08]: Then why are we getting it back a day before it's supposed to expire? [3:59:12, 3:59:19]: And and Councilmember Blount, um, I'll I'll take responsibility because obviously this is under me. [3:59:19, 3:59:20]: But [3:59:20, 3:59:24]: You know, we recognized that we didn't have enough time to get a bit out. [3:59:24, 3:59:30]: And I told the public works director to put it back on the agenda so council can either vote it up. [3:59:30, 3:59:31]: Or voted down. [3:59:32, 3:59:39]: And allow us to move forward. And I asked, Is this a contractor that we've had issues with? And he expressly said, No. [3:59:40, 3:59:43]: Um that they've done good work. So I said for whatever we have budgeted. [3:59:44, 3:59:47]: That's what we will carry up for to the rest of the year. [3:59:47, 3:59:49]: If council approved it, if they don't. [3:59:49, 3:59:53]: We'll go to an on call situation where if we have a [3:59:53, 4:00:03]: two 21 inch waterline berths, we'll have to hire whoever's available and get charged whatever that fee is, and we'll bring it back as an emergency procurement. [4:00:03, 4:00:13]: What's it but for for renewal for renewal of this contract, what's in the contract? How many days do we have to give them if we don't renew? [4:00:16, 4:00:28]: If if if if if the one year up in council does not approve the and hold on, I'm not let me not that's there's a there's a grace period of days of no and the reason I'm asking this. [4:00:28, 4:00:31]: Is that I don't want this council to have to get into [4:00:31, 4:00:36]: continue to writing resolutions for something that should be done by department heads. [4:00:37, 4:00:42]: Well, I and and quite frankly, so I mean, to be quite honest, and I sh I I shot an email to the mayor. [4:00:43, 4:00:52]: um having that one dis d discussion around when we get to a point where we have where we adopt a multi-year contract. [4:00:53, 4:01:01]: That we, the staff, admin evaluate those contracts based on criteria, whether the workers perform admirably. [4:01:02, 4:01:07]: Are there number of complaints regarding the work or the quality of work and if they get a favorable score? [4:01:07, 4:01:11]: And you if it's a one year contract with a two year renewal. [4:01:12, 4:01:21]: That can happen administratively as long as the cost doesn't go up. That way we keep projects moving because what happens is you're gonna have a contractor. [4:01:21, 4:01:41]: That that literally has four projects that they're working on on behalf of the city, and the contract expires because of the scope and the size of the complexity of the work. And now you're caught in the conundrum because no other engineer is gonna go back behind them and want to do their work without starting over or charging you some exorbitant price to absorb. [4:01:41, 4:01:42]: [14502.6, 14506.8]: Well what but but Mr. Garner, what I'm saying and and and to you also, Mr. Aaron. [4:01:47, 4:01:52]: Anytime I've ever said anything since I've been on this council about any contract. [4:01:52, 4:01:56]: It was done in a timely fashion that those contracts could be brought back. [4:01:56, 4:02:16]: Nothing I have ever said on any contract would put us in this position. And that's decision by department heads. And that's not what I was saying, Mr. Ms. Blount. What I'm saying is if we brought it in back to you guys in March, and let's say you voted down, then we had to put out a solicitation that has to be at a minimum of what 35, 45 days. [4:02:16, 4:02:18]: Days, you're already in April. [4:02:18, 4:02:23]: Well I would I wouldn't appreciate that. So we we we wouldn't have met that window. [4:02:23, 4:02:38]: If it was denied in February rather than table, that would have given us time to put a solicitation out and at least get in, even though they might have been on a contract a month and hope to God that nothing happened, that we could have a contract in and approved by you guys and may have a vendor in. [4:02:39, 4:02:42]: But that's a probable probable and that's an assumption. [4:02:42, 4:02:48]: But to still have it back to us in 30 days to see what would happen. Well, it can't come it couldn't come up. [4:02:49, 4:02:53]: It couldn't come back to you in thirty days. Had you at you let's say for instance in February [4:02:53, 4:02:55]: In February had you denied it. [4:02:56, 4:02:58]: And I mean i and you denied it in February. [4:02:59, 4:03:12]: We'd have to turn around and put a solicitation out. 30 days put you in March. You still have to review that, put a review committee on. No, no, we we we table, we table, if you say we tabled it in February, back in March. [4:03:13, 4:03:20]: Understood. And had you and and if we ran into the same issue where you didn't approve it or you denied it. [4:03:20, 4:03:23]: If you didn't approve it, you denied it or table it. [4:03:23, 4:03:24]: We're still where we are. [4:03:25, 4:03:31]: if you would approve if you didn't approve it. And so at this point, yes. Should we brought it back in March? [4:03:31, 4:03:45]: Yes, we but Mr. Garner, that's my point exactly. Nothing changed. That's my point. Nothing changed. That's not only thing that should have been done was to be brought back to us because nothing changed from when we table it to now. [4:03:45, 4:03:47]: Only thing that could have been better. [4:03:47, 4:03:56]: Was to bring it back to us 30 days prior to now. And and and and yes, and Mr. Blount, we we that's our fault. We take responsibility for that. [4:03:56, 4:04:04]: Um, that's one real eat. Um, but like I said, it even if we brought it in March and your state council decided not to vote on it. [4:04:05, 4:04:06]: Or voted down. [4:04:06, 4:04:17]: we still will be where we are. But yes, we should have brought it and at least give council opportunity again to hear and weigh on it. And that's our fault and that's our responsibility we take credit for it. [4:04:18, 4:04:20]: Okay, Mayor Pro Tem, go ahead, please. [4:04:21, 4:04:22]: Okay. [4:04:23, 4:04:28]: If if if everyone would recall, um there were no [4:04:28, 4:04:30]: projects at that time. [4:04:31, 4:04:33]: I I moved to [4:04:33, 4:04:41]: Uh put it out for bed. And I'm gonna ask Mrs. Holliday what was the response uh to that, but I distinctly remember. [4:04:42, 4:04:45]: And Councilman Blount, you may remember this as well. [4:04:45, 4:04:49]: Uh that there was two hundred and fifty five thousand still in the budget. There was no project. [4:04:49, 4:04:52]: And I I motioned to [4:04:52, 4:04:55]: uh put it out for bid, but I can't recall [4:04:55, 4:04:59]: Um the outcome. So, Madam Clerk, can you [4:04:59, 4:05:00]: Recall [4:05:00, 4:05:03]: Did the mayor bring that up for [4:05:05, 4:05:10]: The motion did he based on uh based on the minutes from the twenty second, there was a motion. [4:05:11, 4:05:13]: Um initially to [4:05:14, 4:05:17]: deny and put out for bid and there was no [4:05:17, 4:05:18]: Second. [4:05:19, 4:05:22]: And then the next time there was a motion to deny. [4:05:23, 4:05:26]: And put out forbid Councilman Barber seconded it. [4:05:26, 4:05:27]: And then [4:05:27, 4:05:30]: Um, with all the questioning around it. [4:05:31, 4:05:33]: Again, as stated before, um [4:05:33, 4:05:36]: Of the city manager thought that it needed more clarification. [4:05:36, 4:05:38]: And the item was tabled. [4:05:39, 4:05:45]: And see, and and the thing about on call is it's more of a of an emergency call. [4:05:45, 4:05:52]: Um and we should have gone forward and and and and actually put it out for bid and we would have had time. [4:05:52, 4:05:57]: See that goes back to and I think Councilwoman Barber said this earlier. [4:05:57, 4:06:01]: You know, we we give directive, but for whatever reason. [4:06:01, 4:06:03]: They get caught up in [4:06:03, 4:06:06]: Somewhere. I don't I don't know why, but [4:06:07, 4:06:07]: Um [4:06:08, 4:06:11]: That's all we had to do. So again, we have to learn. [4:06:11, 4:06:12]: Um [4:06:14, 4:06:18]: Well, I mean, hey, you know, I mean it's done now and here we are now, but [4:06:18, 4:06:19]: Um [4:06:20, 4:06:23]: We have to learn from these mistakes that we're making, but [4:06:24, 4:06:28]: Uh it should have gone after be it like it was a motion and I don't know [4:06:29, 4:06:33]: And and and Mr. City Manager, if you suggested, you know, that that [4:06:34, 4:06:38]: We table it out. We assume that you were going to [4:06:39, 4:06:56]: And look into it and and that's what and that's what we did. And and like I said, our fault for not bringing it back, my fault for not directing the the department had to bring it back la um last month. But I mean, like I said, I mean this is a fresh solicitation that this went out in 2021. [4:06:57, 4:06:59]: I mean you you typically [4:06:59, 4:07:10]: want to give that contractor an opportunity to do the work, which my understanding in talking to Dashers, they did. They did the work. There was no issues with the quality of the work that they rendered. [4:07:10, 4:07:13]: So when it comes forward for the renewal. [4:07:14, 4:07:15]: Um [4:07:15, 4:07:20]: You know, because we start, you know, one of the things we have to look out to, and I think I mentioned this to a couple of you guys. [4:07:21, 4:07:25]: You know, when we're we're we're a business entity. We just happen to be [4:07:25, 4:07:25]: Public. [4:07:26, 4:07:29]: But how how other businesses view us. [4:07:30, 4:07:31]: is important. [4:07:31, 4:07:46]: regardless of the private business or public business. And when we put a solicitation out and if there's no issues and we keep bidding it out on an annual basis, at some point nobody's want to come in and do that job and we won't get any solicitations at all. [4:07:46, 4:07:50]: I mean I just came from a city with w if you if you let me [4:07:50, 4:07:52]: We couldn't get people to bid on these points. [4:07:53, 4:08:04]: This is how bad it was because of some of the same similar issues we're dealing with now. It's because they would kill contracts in the middle of the year, do all of this stuff, and no one wanted to do business with each point. [4:08:04, 4:08:12]: For risk insurance, regular insurance, contracts to do work. And if they did, they charge us some absorbing price, which we had to pay. [4:08:13, 4:08:23]: But it took us a while to get people to realize to have faith in us as a public and business entity to say, hey, okay, new leadership, new management, new folks. [4:08:24, 4:08:30]: Take a chance on doing business with us. But how we do how we conduct business in the business realm affects us. [4:08:31, 4:08:36]: And that's what I just wanted to get like so let me ask this question now, Mr. Gunn. Um so [4:08:36, 4:08:43]: If this contract is not approved tonight and we go forward and and put it out, I understand that. [4:08:44, 4:08:51]: Uh Mr. Aaron and I I I I can hear what you're saying already, but I'm just asking this question. So if it's not approved tonight, then where are we? [4:08:52, 4:08:59]: We're at the point that if we have an emergency situation, like I said, if we have a twelve inch water main that breaks and our folks can't fix it. [4:09:00, 4:09:05]: We will call whoever answers the call and pay whatever price they charge us. [4:09:05, 4:09:08]: To fix it because water is part of life safety. [4:09:09, 4:09:12]: And we have to provide that service to the residents, regardless. [4:09:12, 4:09:19]: Mr. Thomas, do you mind if I interject for one second, please? Well, actually, yeah, if Mr. Mayor Pro Tem's done, I'm going to Miss Barber. [4:09:20, 4:09:22]: She's not he's probably not done. I just wonder. [4:09:22, 4:09:25]: No, no, I mean object because [4:09:25, 4:09:34]: Because it was my baby. Um move on to me. Are you recognizing my hand now, Mayor? I I am finished, Mayor. I am finished. Okay. Miss Barber, please. [4:09:35, 4:09:35]: Thank you. [4:09:36, 4:09:36]: Um [4:09:37, 4:09:41]: So and I appreciate you, Mr. Gardner, for accepting responsibility. [4:09:42, 4:09:48]: I expected when you suggested that we table this item back in February. [4:09:50, 4:09:52]: You making the suggestion that we table it. [4:09:52, 4:09:55]: Is the reason why I rescinded? [4:09:55, 4:09:58]: My second to the motion that Mayor Pro Tem. [4:10:01, 4:10:04]: So the fact that it did not come back to us. [4:10:04, 4:10:07]: And now it's coming to us a day before it expires. [4:10:07, 4:10:10]: This puts us again in the same situation. [4:10:11, 4:10:14]: that I've been talking about for two years and four months. [4:10:14, 4:10:17]: It's almost as if staff is making the decision for us. [4:10:17, 4:10:19]: They're just forcing us to approve it. [4:10:20, 4:10:21]: No, I'm not going to approve. [4:10:22, 4:10:24]: any contracts, whether it's a renewal, [4:10:25, 4:10:28]: Or whether it is an award, please. [4:10:28, 4:10:29]: Do not. [4:10:29, 4:10:31]: Bring us well. [4:10:31, 4:10:32]: For me. [4:10:32, 4:10:36]: I I will be abstaining for this um because [4:10:36, 4:10:42]: I want to be able to make my decision based on all of the information that is provided to me. [4:10:43, 4:10:47]: I was waiting for you, Mr. Gardner, to provide information to us. [4:10:47, 4:10:49]: But we're just getting this today. [4:10:50, 4:10:59]: Please look at the operations of not just procurement, but even with Mr. Aaron when this item was brought to us. [4:10:59, 4:11:01]: how it was presented to us. [4:11:02, 4:11:06]: He wanted to increase the award amount to match the budget amount. [4:11:07, 4:11:14]: Please look at the overall operations of our city. Things are just too loosey-goosey. [4:11:14, 4:11:21]: Yes, ma'am, but there are checks and balances in place to allow the governing body to govern. [4:11:21, 4:11:28]: I certainly um would have hoped that this would have been an item. And I see that we [4:11:28, 4:11:33]: awarded this contract just last year. So bringing us a renewal. [4:11:33, 4:11:35]: It's perfectly all right. [4:11:35, 4:11:37]: But you give us the time. [4:11:37, 4:11:40]: Because you don't know what our decision may be. [4:11:40, 4:11:45]: So a contract like this that requires the council's approval for renewal [4:11:45, 4:11:50]: Please allow at least ninety days or so. [4:11:50, 4:11:51]: In advance. [4:11:51, 4:11:53]: Prior to the expiration. [4:11:54, 4:11:55]: Of the contract. [4:11:56, 4:11:57]: So that council. [4:11:57, 4:12:00]: can make the decision on how to move forward. [4:12:01, 4:12:04]: As a part of the staff bringing this to us today. [4:12:04, 4:12:06]: and dropping it in our in our lap. [4:12:07, 4:12:10]: I learned a very valuable valuable lesson last year. [4:12:11, 4:12:12]: I will not. [4:12:12, 4:12:14]: Approve any more contracts. [4:12:15, 4:12:15]: That are brought. [4:12:16, 4:12:17]: Here. [4:12:17, 4:12:18]: From me to vote on. [4:12:18, 4:12:19]: at the very last minute. [4:12:20, 4:12:21]: Absolutely not. [4:12:21, 4:12:30]: So please, sir, take a look at the overall operations, how we're functioning here. I do certainly agree with you, the public's pers perception. [4:12:31, 4:12:32]: But it starts with stabs. [4:12:33, 4:12:38]: and how these items are added to the agenda and how they're being presented to us. [4:12:39, 4:12:39]: Understood. [4:12:40, 4:12:41]: Thank you, sir. [4:12:41, 4:12:43]: You're welcome. May I come may I come in? [4:12:44, 4:12:46]: Oh boy M is there. [4:12:47, 4:12:51]: When contracts get ready to be renewed, I get a form from procurement. [4:12:52, 4:13:10]: It's contract. We don't have the dates when contract expires. She asked some questions about the vendor. Are you satisfied with the work they've done? It's like three or four questions. Would you prefer to renew the vendor? And I check, yes, if we're gonna renew the vendor. And they typically present those contract renewals. [4:13:11, 4:13:31]: But this is just one that I'm presenting because I was telling Mr. Gardner, I'm like, it's gonna expire and we're gonna have to do another solicitation. And if something comes up, we don't have anything in place to address that. Typically, the department does not bring the contract forward for renewal, but I'm just, you know, I went to Mr. Gardner, I'm like, when all [4:13:31, 4:13:37]: those calls came in Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from the rain. I'm like, we gotta have something placed. [4:13:38, 4:13:49]: If if council wants to rebid it, then I'm okay with that too, but we still gotta have something in place to cover us in case there's an emergency, just like a couple of weeks ago up by the QT. [4:13:49, 4:14:09]: We were, I mean, very close to having to call somebody in because we don't keep all the materials on hand. We can afford to have material for everything in our system on hand. And that's why we have that on call. If there's an emergency that is beyond what we can do, then we have the authority. [4:14:09, 4:14:11]: to call that entity to help us out. [4:14:13, 4:14:15]: Right. No, Mr. Blanc, go ahead, please. [4:14:15, 4:14:21]: Uh yeah, let me make something clear and I agree with Mr. Mr. Gardiner and I would uh agree with Miss Barber. [4:14:22, 4:14:28]: And because as we talk, and that's why I was gonna ask Mr. Thomas to interject because [4:14:29, 4:14:34]: Councilwoman Barbie, you're exactly right. The problem I had was the increase. [4:14:35, 4:14:50]: to to there was the increase that was asked for this vendor when there was no work for the vendor. And that was mine was not to deny this vendor or to rebid it, it was that we did not need to add money to a vendor. [4:14:50, 4:15:01]: That was contracted for on call when we haven't used any money at at the time. Well, that shouldn't have came that that shouldn't have come to us. I'm okay right now. [4:15:01, 4:15:05]: With uh with on site being renewed. [4:15:05, 4:15:10]: It's at the time that it came for us, why are we gonna add money to something to [4:15:10, 4:15:19]: Take our budget up higher on it to for for spec speculative things that could happen when we didn't need to do it. It made no sense to me. [4:15:20, 4:15:26]: So right now what's before us is is our own call I'm saying on site being our own call. [4:15:27, 4:15:35]: A vendor, which I had no problem with that. I had a problem adding money to something that we're not using, the money that was already existing. So [4:15:35, 4:15:39]: With that being said, I would like the motion to approve the renewal of on call. [4:15:41, 4:15:42]: Right, done. [4:15:42, 4:15:45]: Are you second at Mayor Putem or [4:15:45, 4:15:52]: I raised my hand before, but okay. What what's your what's your thoughts? Go ahead, sir. Well, I I want to ask Mr. Aaron, because I do recall. [4:15:52, 4:16:04]: uh when we had those capabilities here at the city and i know we have seasoned guys there so mr ervan speak speak to that and and i think we sort of just gotten away from [4:16:04, 4:16:05]: Um [4:16:05, 4:16:11]: outsourcing, outbidding, and and I'm just wondering when are we going to look at [4:16:11, 4:16:12]: Um [4:16:13, 4:16:16]: the capability of of just doing some of these things ourselves. [4:16:18, 4:16:21]: You have a season. [4:16:21, 4:16:22]: Staff there. [4:16:23, 4:16:43]: Mayor Pro Tem Thomas, you're right. There are some things I got a staff right now that are doing some in-house things, but these are for some things that are beyond us as far as equipment-wise and some of the resources. Like right now, we got four projects pending$66,540. That would be the cost. We got two projects, six fifth. [4:16:43, 4:17:03]: one pathwood lane somebody called on Thursday and 186 Creek View Overlook that the engineers are looking at. We have experience we can do some project but some things you don't have the equipment and resources like that Hudson Bridge Drive we did last year. That was$125,000 that road had to be [4:17:03, 4:17:19]: be rebuilt. You don't have staff on board that have the expertise to rebuild the road. They're used to do things that are beyond our scope and capabilities and they don't have to go through the procurement process to obtain supplies and materials that we would have to go through. [4:17:20, 4:17:40]: And so that's why they are you something just like the ALME. It it wouldn't make sense for us to get into the business of resurfacing roads because it's not cost effective. But this, you spending$200,000 a year, you have that service, they come in and do some things that are that are beyond the scope of your paying. [4:17:40, 4:17:44]: for knowledge and subject matter expert. [4:17:44, 4:17:47]: And instead of hiring it, you're renting it. [4:17:47, 4:17:57]: And it's a lot cheaper than because that service does not come with you got to provide health benefits, you got to provide vacation, but they're just providing a service and they're moving on. [4:17:57, 4:18:11]: But staff is doing things that are within our scope of work because to go through the process we have to go through to do projects sometimes. It can be time consuming, but that vendor can come in and he can do it because he don't have to go through the hoops. [4:18:11, 4:18:15]: to buy materials and get equipment and all those things on site. [4:18:16, 4:18:21]: Well, in closing, Mayor, I I I'll just say this for public works and I think we're gonna have to get to this point. [4:18:22, 4:18:23]: Um [4:18:23, 4:18:33]: Bring your staff on, training. They they're already on board for the insurance and and and all of that. But I I just think we have to be about some training. [4:18:33, 4:18:36]: Well, I think we have to look at what we can do. [4:18:37, 4:18:43]: uh in house because you know I I in just my opinion, we're outsourcing way too much, in my opinion. [4:18:44, 4:18:50]: Uh but I yield back, Mayor. All right. And motion's been made by Mr. Blount. Is there a second to the motion? [4:18:53, 4:18:54]: Is there a second to the motion? [4:18:55, 4:18:59]: I second. Ms. Stan second the motion. Further discussion. Ms. Barber, you had your hand up? [4:19:01, 4:19:05]: Yes, Mr. Wiggins, what is the contract award amount for this? [4:19:07, 4:19:10]: I didn't see a copy of the contract included. [4:19:12, 4:19:15]: If the contract award amount is a hundred and [4:19:16, 4:19:19]: Fifty nine thousand, I'm not sure on the um [4:19:20, 4:19:22]: Okay, and the budget [4:19:23, 4:19:26]: The FY twenty twenty two budget for [4:19:26, 4:19:30]: Budget amount budget amount is two hundred and fifty five thousand. [4:19:31, 4:19:33]: Okay, so Mr. Aaron. [4:19:35, 4:19:35]: Um [4:19:38, 4:19:40]: You're just asking counsel to renew. [4:19:42, 4:19:43]: This contract. [4:19:45, 4:19:45]: Correct. [4:19:46, 4:20:01]: And for the budget amount, cause the first quarter, we've already, we're gonna when these projects that we have identified, they're$66,540. That's through the end of March. And we got two other projects they haven't given us the price on. [4:20:01, 4:20:02]: So [4:20:02, 4:20:07]: We're gonna exceed that hundred and fifty nine because I've been watching the trend. [4:20:07, 4:20:12]: Of our stormwater street. Then hold on just a second. Mr. Gardner. [4:20:12, 4:20:15]: 'Cause I don't mean that the city attorneys [4:20:15, 4:20:21]: or the treasurer or Mr. Gardner signed off on this agenda item review form. [4:20:21, 4:20:24]: So if he has task orders. [4:20:24, 4:20:26]: that are in hand. [4:20:27, 4:20:30]: That exceeds the city manager's authority. [4:20:30, 4:20:31]: Then those should be separate. [4:20:32, 4:20:33]: Items on the agenda. [4:20:34, 4:20:36]: One of the items should be [4:20:36, 4:20:39]: Um staff's recommendation to approve. [4:20:39, 4:20:41]: renewing this contract. [4:20:42, 4:20:45]: in the amount of a hundred and fifty nine thousand. [4:20:46, 4:20:49]: If you have any specific task orders. [4:20:49, 4:20:52]: That exceed twenty five thousand dollars. [4:20:52, 4:20:54]: Then you need to bring those to us. [4:20:55, 4:20:57]: Because I will not approve. [4:20:57, 4:20:59]: Well, I'm not gonna prove it anyway. [4:20:59, 4:21:02]: But you're asking to increase the award amount. [4:21:03, 4:21:04]: No. [4:21:05, 4:21:08]: The award amount is what it is. [4:21:08, 4:21:10]: If there are any it's um [4:21:11, 4:21:14]: Task orders that exceeds the award amount. [4:21:14, 4:21:17]: That is what you need to bring back to the council. [4:21:17, 4:21:19]: But I do not bel [4:21:19, 4:21:22]: These are conversations that need to be had. [4:21:22, 4:21:23]: Between staff. [4:21:24, 4:21:27]: the city manager and the department head. [4:21:27, 4:21:29]: By the time it comes to the council. [4:21:30, 4:21:30]: We [4:21:32, 4:21:35]: We were I'm not interested in hearing about. [4:21:35, 4:21:37]: You need a purchase order. [4:21:38, 4:21:41]: That's not what the governing body is tasked to do. [4:21:42, 4:21:44]: So I don't know why you keep insisting. [4:21:45, 4:21:47]: that we increase our warning out. [4:21:47, 4:21:48]: It's been awarded. [4:21:50, 4:21:50]: Wait. [4:21:50, 4:21:52]: It's no need in doing that. [4:21:52, 4:21:53]: So [4:21:53, 4:21:57]: Mr. Gardner, please. Um Yes ma'am, for for for clarity. [4:21:57, 4:21:58]: For clarity. [4:21:59, 4:22:01]: Staff wants you to approve. [4:22:02, 4:22:04]: The one year renewal. [4:22:04, 4:22:08]: For five hundred and fifty nine thousand three hundred and ninety dollars. [4:22:08, 4:22:13]: Yes, it is budgeted for over that amount, but it if and when they exceed that amount. [4:22:13, 4:22:17]: That's when we will come to you and ask your permission to exercise to go above that number. [4:22:18, 4:22:26]: But contract should be approved at the contract amount, which is one hundred and fifty-nine thousand three hundred and ninety. No more, no less. [4:22:26, 4:22:31]: If and when we come close to exceeding that, we'll come back to you guys, even though we know [4:22:31, 4:22:41]: Because what the question I asked was, did we exceed what was budgeted last year? And the answer to that was yes. So okay. So we increased the budget from what it was under the fiscal year twenty-one. [4:22:41, 4:22:43]: to fiscal year twenty two. [4:22:43, 4:22:48]: But the contract is below that. If and when they do the work and exceed that and there's more work for them to do. [4:22:48, 4:22:50]: That's that's that's genuine. [4:22:51, 4:23:05]: Then yes, we will come forth and say, Man council, we need to increase based on this number of work, the scope of work they've done, give you a list of all they have done so far, the work they've done that would add up to go beyond that amount. So [4:23:05, 4:23:11]: Our request is for approval at the hundred and fifty nine thousand three hundred and ninety dollars, no more no less. [4:23:12, 4:23:16]: Okay, so the way this item is written on the agenda. [4:23:17, 4:23:22]: It appears as though he's asking counsel to increase. [4:23:22, 4:23:23]: They weren't now. [4:23:23, 4:23:24]: He meant that [4:23:24, 4:23:44]: The FR 2022 budget amount, but he does not reference the contract amount. So I just want the record to be clean about what the motion is. That's all. Yes, ma'am. [4:23:44, 4:23:46]: Amount versus just amount. [4:23:46, 4:24:02]: is yes and then the under the background information you will see in the second paragraph um that the contract was approved for that 159 390 and that's the number that we're going under for the renewal for this year and like i said if dashes does come up with more work [4:24:02, 4:24:04]: Or the complexity of the work is [4:24:04, 4:24:06]: increases beyond that point. [4:24:06, 4:24:10]: That's when we will come for the authority to go above and beyond that. No, no, no time before. [4:24:11, 4:24:13]: Um don't try them off the day under. [4:24:14, 4:24:17]: I still want um a member of council to make a motion. [4:24:17, 4:24:21]: And refer to the item as it's [4:24:21, 4:24:25]: um written or printed on the agenda. [4:24:27, 4:24:30]: So yes, we the motion needs to be clear, that's all. [4:24:30, 4:24:37]: Yes, ma'am. And and that's something we need to do. We can make that change in there that says what is budgeted for and the actual request should be with the contract amount. [4:24:39, 4:24:49]: Mr. Zen, go ahead, please. Let me say it's almost 1030. Some of these questions need to be asked before the meeting. These meetings are excessively long. [4:24:49, 4:24:50]: For no reason. [4:24:51, 4:24:54]: Some of these questions need to be asked beforehand. [4:24:54, 4:25:01]: These meetings get longer and longer and longer because we exacerbate things that could be handled before the meeting. [4:25:02, 4:25:10]: I'm patient enough to sit here, but I'm tired of wasting my time. Over and over again, we have the same question being asked repeatedly. [4:25:11, 4:25:31]: Okay, now I don't mind listening to the conversation to educate myself, but I'm not going to reread the whole manual. We gotta move forward. I'm listening, I'm looking at people, I'm looking at Mr. Berry's uh Mr. the Chief's daughter come in and hug him. I'm looking at Mr. Berry's son in the back window, uh out of [4:25:30, 4:25:38]: The door trying to get their attention. We're affecting people's time and what they do with their families as we go along with this. [4:25:39, 4:25:49]: We gotta move better than this and more concisely than this. Make a decision and vote. No matter how you're gonna vote, you don't need to tell me how you're gonna vote. Just vote. [4:25:50, 4:25:52]: I hear you. I'll vote. Just vote. [4:25:53, 4:25:58]: But there's no reason that this meeting should still be going on at near ten thirty at night. [4:26:01, 4:26:04]: All right. So any other questions in reference to this uh [4:26:05, 4:26:05]: Proposal here. [4:26:06, 4:26:09]: No, I have no more questions, but I do have a comment. [4:26:10, 4:26:10]: What's that? [4:26:11, 4:26:11]: Um [4:26:12, 4:26:13]: As I mentioned before. [4:26:14, 4:26:18]: The way these items are added to the agenda and presented. [4:26:18, 4:26:22]: affects the discussions and decisions by the governing body. [4:26:23, 4:26:27]: So if staff can get it right on the front end. [4:26:27, 4:26:29]: We wouldn't have to ask all these questions. [4:26:30, 4:26:31]: here in the public meeting. [4:26:31, 4:26:34]: So I'm looking for Mr. Gardner. [4:26:34, 4:26:37]: To take a look at our overall operation so we can stop. [4:26:37, 4:26:39]: These long meetings. [4:26:40, 4:26:42]: I won't be asking any more questions. [4:26:42, 4:26:47]: prior to a meeting via email or phone calls because all of my questions. [4:26:48, 4:26:49]: are either ignored [4:26:50, 4:26:51]: Or I'm deceived. [4:26:51, 4:26:52]: I ask you right here. [4:26:53, 4:26:57]: So the public can hear me at ask the questions. [4:26:57, 4:26:58]: That's all. [4:26:59, 4:27:10]: Uh Mr. Uh Mayor Pro Tem, go ahead please. Well I just I just want to say this and uh Mr. Alexander uh I I I I agree with you, but sometimes we need to take our own advice because [4:27:10, 4:27:24]: That's the exact way I felt with the first item uh when you sort of just held you know the meeting up. So I'm just saying let's let's be let's be conscious of what we do as well. [4:27:24, 4:27:40]: um when it's in our favor and when it's not in our favor we want to criticize that so i think all of us can take a lesson and just govern ourselves to be short with whatever we're doing so i i just i can't appreciate anyone want to criticize [4:27:40, 4:27:45]: for someone else for asking a lot of question when they themselves [4:27:45, 4:27:56]: haul you know the early part of the meeting and i i just wanted to say that because i think we all have to learn lessons here and i think that's why sometimes when we have meetings that should be a lesson that that that's learned so [4:27:57, 4:28:06]: Let's let's listen to ourselves sometime. And I think we should be about just being direct and shortening these meetings so we can go. And we're talking about meeting in person. [4:28:06, 4:28:16]: All of these folks on this meeting as the attorneys, everyone would never be leaving trying to go home at 1030. So I'm just saying, let's take our own advice sometime. [4:28:17, 4:28:23]: I I yield back, Mayor. Okay. So on that note, there's no other conversation. I need a motion to accept this uh [4:28:24, 4:28:26]: A proposal for this con extension of this contract. [4:28:27, 4:28:28]: Sir emotion. [4:28:29, 4:28:39]: Mayor, I have it recorded as a motion from Councilman Blount. You got a motion of a second. Okay. Who second who second the motion then? I didn't. Okay, so all in favor of the motion, please indicate. [4:28:42, 4:28:45]: I'll pose. I got two four. I'll pose. [4:28:46, 4:28:47]: Of stain. [4:28:49, 4:28:53]: Okay, got okay. So what I have here is I got two zero one. [4:28:53, 4:28:56]: Uh I'm [4:28:56, 4:29:16]: You abstain as well. I'm sorry, my internet went out. I missed it. I missed my internet stall. So I did not get it. We just voted. Sorry. We just voted. Um Mayor Ford, I wanted to add a codicy. That's what you all told me. Um we just voted. I like to [4:29:16, 4:29:25]: So stand by stand by a second. All right, now listen. Okay, Mr. Blount, you made a motion. It was seconded by Ms. Gantt. All right. [4:29:25, 4:29:28]: Let's try this one more time. All in favor, the motion please indicate. [4:29:28, 4:29:29]: We just voted. [4:29:29, 4:29:30]: Stand by. [4:29:31, 4:29:32]: They're all polls. [4:29:33, 4:29:34]: Abstain. [4:29:36, 4:29:37]: Okay, so [4:29:38, 4:29:41]: Mr. Alexander, what's your vote here? I'm opposed. [4:29:43, 4:29:50]: Okay, so it's and and so Barber and Thomas abstain. So it's two, one, two. So obviously the motion doesn't pass. [4:29:50, 4:29:53]: Mayor Ford, I like to add a comment from I stand stand by one second. [4:29:54, 4:29:56]: It's holiday, you have that right there? [4:29:57, 4:30:03]: I do. I have it recorded two one two with Alexander opposing Thomas and Barber abstaining. [4:30:03, 4:30:05]: Okay, got it. Now, what's your comment, Miss Barber? [4:30:06, 4:30:08]: Um my comment was [4:30:08, 4:30:10]: I was expecting that. [4:30:10, 4:30:11]: Further information [4:30:11, 4:30:12]: Um [4:30:12, 4:30:13]: would have been brought. [4:30:14, 4:30:16]: back to the council from staff. [4:30:16, 4:30:19]: prior to today's meeting. [4:30:19, 4:30:23]: one day prior to this expiration date of this contract. [4:30:25, 4:30:27]: All right. Thank you. Ms. Gantt, go ahead, please. [4:30:28, 4:30:30]: Mayor, you said it did not pass. [4:30:31, 4:30:34]: No, didn't we have three council members to vote? That's a quorum. [4:30:35, 4:30:38]: But but but the passive measure is you have to have three in affirmative. [4:30:40, 4:30:40]: Correct? [4:30:41, 4:30:42]: The attorneys are online. [4:30:43, 4:30:49]: I don't know about three and affirmative for that. That was some that was something we that was a particular issue. [4:30:51, 4:30:55]: We we had a we have a quorum of three people that voted. [4:30:55, 4:30:57]: It was too abstained. [4:30:57, 4:31:00]: W we have three people who actually voted. [4:31:00, 4:31:01]: Correct. [4:31:01, 4:31:04]: It takes a three to it takes three to pass. Well it was two, one, two. [4:31:05, 4:31:06]: Thanks three to pass. [4:31:08, 4:31:09]: Repass. [4:31:10, 4:31:14]: Three to not only two I was trying to say it no and then you had two abstentions. [4:31:15, 4:31:15]: Okay. [4:31:16, 4:31:18]: So at this point we don't have a long call. [4:31:19, 4:31:20]: Uh or not um [4:31:22, 4:31:38]: That's for wait minute. That was I thought when it said it takes two to pass three to pass, that was for what a particular item that we were looking into at the time. Ms. Gantt, the motion failed. We didn't have three in affirmative. The most my understanding is the motion failed. We have two attorneys online. [4:31:38, 4:31:43]: They have to plead announce the fact that you need three, an affirmative to pass it. The motion failed. [4:31:43, 4:31:44]: So we're gonna move on. [4:31:44, 4:31:46]: Ma'am, that's not what I'm saying. [4:31:47, 4:31:59]: The what they're saying is we need three affirmative, but that was for a particular issue. That was for an I don't know if it was an appointment, it was something, but it was specific in the charter. [4:31:59, 4:32:05]: That's not our normal. You can't get a majority you can't get a majority, the majority of five. [4:32:06, 4:32:08]: Would still be greater than fifty percent. [4:32:09, 4:32:10]: Which would be three. [4:32:12, 4:32:12]: Okay. [4:32:13, 4:32:17]: And if it's three people and one of them opposed and two of them [4:32:17, 4:32:21]: Um approved in the majority, the two that approved. [4:32:21, 4:32:22]: No. [4:32:24, 4:32:24]: Are you sure? [4:32:25, 4:32:26]: Yes. [4:32:26, 4:32:29]: The motion failed, ladies and gentlemen. It's time to move on. [4:32:30, 4:32:31]: Position to reconsider. [4:32:33, 4:32:39]: Yeah, well we've already voted, we've moved on. Isn't that what you're voted? But the record we could we could [4:32:39, 4:32:54]: Stand by stand stand by resending your stand by please on motion to reconsider. Hold on, stand by. On that note though, he was in the descending, so I don't think can that be done? Well, but he was on the side that one, he was on the side of one though. [4:32:55, 4:32:58]: He he said he said he said no to the motion. [4:32:58, 4:33:00]: He opposed. [4:33:01, 4:33:15]: The oppos the opposition to the motion because the motion didn't pass, I think, and uh Jeremy, if you want to talk about offline, I think that his opposition with the extensions not being able to be counted and the motion did not pass, I think he can move to reconsider it. [4:33:17, 4:33:22]: Mr. Berry, you want to chime in on that? So stand by, please. [4:33:23, 4:33:25]: Right. Everything that's occurred [4:33:26, 4:33:32]: Right now has happened and then uh council member Alexander was in the minority because it voted down so he can bring a motion. [4:33:34, 4:33:35]: Motion to reconsider. [4:33:36, 4:33:37]: All right. [4:33:37, 4:33:39]: So the motion that has to be second, is that correct? [4:33:40, 4:33:40]: Second. [4:33:41, 4:33:42]: Mr. Blount seconded that motion. [4:33:43, 4:33:47]: All right. So the motion reconsider. I need uh I need a vote on that. [4:33:47, 4:33:48]: Motion to reconsider. [4:33:49, 4:33:50]: Yeah or no. [4:33:50, 4:33:58]: Three A's. Is there are uh two uh what what's your what's your uh no okay miss but Miss Barber? [4:33:58, 4:34:05]: Okay, so it's three one one. All right. So the motion has been reconsidered. So that means we have to redo the motion again. Is that correct? [4:34:07, 4:34:12]: Yes. Okay. So I need a motion to accept this uh the proposal that was brought forward. [4:34:13, 4:34:14]: So move. [4:34:15, 4:34:20]: So moved. Okay, second by Mr. Plant. Mr. Hazard made a motion. All favorite motion, please indicate. [4:34:21, 4:34:23]: Okay, three affirmative. [4:34:23, 4:34:25]: Okay, m Mr. Thomas. [4:34:25, 4:34:28]: Upsain, Miss Barber. [4:34:28, 4:34:37]: I'm staying and I wanna add the comment. I was Okay, stand by, stand by. I have it three oh two. Three zero two. Okay. What's your comment now? [4:34:38, 4:34:40]: I was expecting that. [4:34:40, 4:34:46]: Further review by staff would have come back to the council prior to today's meeting. [4:34:46, 4:34:47]: Um [4:34:47, 4:35:07]: since this contract expires tomorrow, but it did not. So I'm abstaining. Thank you. All right. So be it. We'll move on. The next uh next comment we had, next item deals with the uh the added item to to the agenda, dealt with the resolution uh to reconsider and uh reconsider an emergency order to repeal the emergency order that was uh that we have several [4:35:07, 4:35:23]: months or so ago and uh like for the attorneys uh mr washington if you can lead this discussion and if you're able to share the resolution uh that you drafted up just in case make sure everybody sees that if you could share the screen and put pull that up please and talk about this [4:35:24, 4:35:27]: Yes. Um part of the instructions that [4:35:28, 4:35:29]: We received [4:35:30, 4:35:36]: about wanting to reopen. We had passed a we had passed a motion saying that we were not going to [4:35:37, 4:35:40]: We had we had passed a motion saying that we needed to [4:35:41, 4:35:55]: close down the city and what the hot what the terms were going to be. And so we drafted a motion to be able to reopen the city. And we spoke with we spoke with Henry County, because that was a part of our resolution. [4:35:55, 4:35:56]: May actually [4:35:57, 4:36:01]: Never and I'm I'm trying to pull it up now. They actually never [4:36:03, 4:36:05]: Henry County actually never [4:36:05, 4:36:13]: passed or uh passed a resolution on this. And so, but we needed to because we passed the resolution one way and we need to do a resolution the other way because we [4:36:14, 4:36:20]: said that we would inform the citizens be in that way. And I'm pulling up the resolution now. So there's [4:36:38, 4:36:39]: All right. [4:36:50, 4:36:50]: [16625.6, 16626.2]: Wait a minute. [4:37:10, 4:37:11]: Um yes mom. [4:37:50, 4:37:51]: Okay. [4:37:55, 4:37:56]: Ms. Washington? [4:38:00, 4:38:04]: Here I'm looking for the resolution that I sent to you all today. [4:38:05, 4:38:05]: And [4:38:07, 4:38:08]: That's what I'm looking for. [4:38:10, 4:38:11]: All right. [4:38:12, 4:38:14]: Computer's been a little bit slow, so my apologies. [4:38:24, 4:38:26]: Can we vote to approve the resolution there? [4:38:27, 4:38:36]: Yeah, we can. I thought you would want to see it or have him discuss it. Well, I just for for the sake of time, I I we can just vote to approve the resolution. [4:38:36, 4:38:39]: Uh to have in person meetings. [4:38:39, 4:38:52]: And uh that's that's what okay, okay, okay. I'll tell you what. I uh stand by. All right, uh Mr. Washington, uh go ahead and describe what's in the motion. You got the lead on this, sir. Go ahead, please. Yeah, no, it just it just repealed the it just repealed the [4:38:53, 4:38:55]: August motion that we did. [4:38:55, 4:38:59]: And I thus Henry County did one in August of 2021. [4:38:59, 4:39:03]: And read off of that mo off of that. [4:39:03, 4:39:04]: motion we [4:39:06, 4:39:07]: Piggyback off of that. [4:39:07, 4:39:27]: And we said that we noticed that the COVID rates were down and the cases being admitted to Pete Mount Henry were lowering now. And so we're removing our state of emergency and then empowered the city manager to have a transition plan to work with the state and federal agencies to be able to coordinate the public health responses need. [4:39:27, 4:39:28]: Needed. [4:39:28, 4:39:29]: Where? [4:39:29, 4:39:30]: Yes, sir. [4:39:30, 4:39:45]: I would like to make a motion to approve the resolution as outlined by the city attorney to reopen the city for in-person meetings, repealing the previous order that the city issued. [4:39:46, 4:39:48]: All right, so Mr. Blount second that. [4:39:48, 4:40:08]: Any further discussion? If not, all favor please indicate Mr. Mr. Mr. Thomas, you have some discussion. Stand by, stand by. I'm sorry, Mr. Thomas, you have some discussion. Um I I I didn't hear uh a timeline, which I'm okay with uh reopening it. The only issue I have is is when and the timeline, because I think there are some things that we [4:40:08, 4:40:09]: [16810.0, 16812.4]: Um curriculum. [4:40:13, 4:40:30]: Well, honestly, I I I think we uh at this point we're just gonna have to disagree. I just think we need to go ahead and get open at the next meeting because this is just where we are right now. The staff needs to do what's necessary to get us back to opening. [4:40:31, 4:40:35]: Oh this is this was the resolution here. My positive, this is the resolution here. [4:40:35, 4:40:38]: The resolution repeal in the local emergency. [4:40:39, 4:40:40]: Is there a timeline? [4:40:41, 4:40:49]: Yeah, my motion immediately amended my motion to uh to add the timeline of the um April work session. [4:40:50, 4:41:10]: Okay. Is there a second to his additional? Okay, Mr. Blount. Okay. And it's uh that's the 26th of April, is what are you referring to? Okay. Motion's been made, been amended, and made again. So all in favor of motion, please indicate. And I got one, two, I can't stay everything. Um [4:41:10, 4:41:17]: Miss Bar Miss Barber, you what's your vote? Three. Miss uh Okay, you stay uh Mr Ms. Gantt. [4:41:18, 4:41:19]: Mr. [4:41:20, 4:41:23]: Yes, I I'm I um I accept. [4:41:23, 4:41:36]: Okay, so that's four zero one is what the motion is. Mr. Meripo Temper stains on that. All right, thank you, gentlemen, ladies, council, and motion passed. So we'll be having open meetings effectively, a work session. [4:41:36, 4:41:39]: On the twenty sixth of this month, we'll move forward on that. [4:41:39, 4:41:41]: Um if I can uh [4:41:41, 4:41:45]: Mayor well, you know what? Never mind. Sorry. [4:41:46, 4:41:46]: All right. [4:41:48, 4:41:49]: What what's uh what's happening here? [4:41:52, 4:41:58]: Mr. Washington, your screen is shown. Your screen is being shown, sir. Is this what you okay? Yeah, I'm I'm sending it to you all. [4:41:59, 4:42:00]: I'm sending you this exact motion now. [4:42:02, 4:42:04]: But I can stop sharing my screen with us. [4:42:07, 4:42:24]: All right. On that note, uh my comments are simply this. We we've opened back up for our meetings, but we still do have the pandemic is still there, but the numbers are down, the hospitalizations are down, people that are dying from this are down. And we opened up the the city hall a couple of weeks or so ago with masks being optional. [4:42:25, 4:42:27]: Uh so in this aspect. But anyway, for people are interested. [4:42:28, 4:42:34]: COVID testing is still available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Red Hawk Field in Madonna. [4:42:34, 4:42:45]: And uh I have to admit I did that today with my spouse and it's a very quick process to get that done. And this uh CPR uh the uh PCR test is what what they do there. [4:42:45, 4:42:59]: And you can always go to Department of Health on Henry Henry Parkway, 9 a.m. to 130. Excuse me, 9 a.m. to 1130 for a walk-in basis for vaccinations. That would be Moderma and Pfizer. [4:42:59, 4:43:12]: And that um that is Monday through Friday, also from one uh one p.m. to two thirty p.m. And you can call for an appointment at 470-661-0005. All right, on that aspect. So [4:43:13, 4:43:22]: Uh that can you can do that and get tested and vaccinated right here in the in uh free of charge. Absolutely. So I want to talk about um [4:43:23, 4:43:31]: Some additional announcements for item for uh city events here. And so we're gonna go to uh in-person meetings. Let's say youth council meeting. [4:43:32, 4:43:37]: five thirty on a second Wednesday of each month, the Levi Meeting Room and City Hall on April thirteenth. [4:43:37, 4:43:49]: Main Street Advisory Board meeting the second Friday of each month at 9 a.m. by way of Zoom. Uh says the revised April meeting will be okay, it's been April meeting the 15th has been canceled. [4:43:49, 4:43:52]: Okay. Uh Main Street. [4:43:52, 4:43:53]: Um [4:43:54, 4:43:58]: Report Tim, uh I can you straighten me out on the main street visible says here, uh [4:44:00, 4:44:05]: says the meeting's been revised uh upon the fifteenth. That's been council, I guess. That that's cor that's that correct. [4:44:06, 4:44:16]: Uh I I believe so. Um I don't have the accurate and up-to-date information. I can help you with that, Mayor. They had rescheduled the meeting for the reschedule. [4:44:17, 4:44:22]: But City Hall will be closed. So that's why the meeting's been canceled. They're meeting in May. [4:44:22, 4:44:23]: Okay. All right. Thank you. [4:44:23, 4:44:27]: Downtown you know I'm sorry, what date you know the date in May, by the way? [4:44:29, 4:44:32]: Um second Friday of the month at nine AM. [4:44:33, 4:44:34]: I'm sorry. [4:44:34, 4:44:53]: They meet the second Friday of the month at 9 a.m. Okay, there we go. Thank you very much. Downtown Development Authority uh meeting is uh 6 p.m. by way of Zoom, second Tuesday of each month, which is going to be the uh 19th of April. New council advisory committee meeting 6:30, uh third Tuesday of each uh month in the Patrick Henry meeting room. [4:44:53, 4:45:01]: At City Hall on April nineteenth. The city council works uh session meeting last Tuesday of each month. You'll need to unlock your iPhone first. Excuse me. [4:45:04, 4:45:18]: Anyway, the um council work session uh meeting last Tuesday of each month, and it's going to be on April 26th, and that'll be in person at City Hall. Planning Commission meeting for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. by way of Zoom on April 28th. [4:45:18, 4:45:38]: uh city council meeting second monday of each month and that'd be May 9th and I'll also be in person. Upcoming city events uh we've got to continue salute to veterans please for your veterans' um uh names branch rank and years of service as uh mayor protem thomas continues uh to present and a special tribute to those local [4:45:38, 4:45:46]: Veterans. Pictures should be submitted to uh Z Pearson at city of Stockbridge-G A.gov. [4:45:47, 4:46:07]: And there's a job fair that's coming up with the city along with the Goodwill Thursday, April 21st. And also you have Delta Sigma Theta Sawardees involved in that cooperative uh job fair with the city and the goodwill. Employers will be on site to to resume assistance and immediate hiring. So it's uh so you have that. [4:46:07, 4:46:16]: opportunity to look for to get a job potentially and to be at the uh amphitheater and on April 21st, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. [4:46:17, 4:46:24]: And it's an opportunity to meet the mayor in person, uh, bring the questions, concerns. That's Monday, April 25th. [4:46:24, 4:46:34]: And that says 9 a.m. to noon. And he calls the novia Pearson and schedule appointment, 770-389-7900, extension 248. [4:46:34, 4:46:38]: And Councilwoman Barber has the Easter family fun. [4:46:38, 4:46:50]: Which is Saturday, April 16th at Stockbridge First United Methodist Church, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. And also on Sunday on the 17th, which is Easter Sunday, immediately following the Easter Easter service. [4:46:50, 4:47:10]: 10 30 to 12 p.m. free to everyone, free ice cream, free face painting. Come and have some fun and enjoy the Easter egg uh Easter type of events. On that note, I actually do know uh yeah, yes, Mr. Mr. Thomas. I just wanted to uh just state that the uh Main Street Advisory Board would be [4:47:10, 4:47:12]: uh May thirteenth. [4:47:12, 4:47:31]: May 13th. 9 a.m. May 13th. Okay, thank you, sir. Appreciate that. I I do know of of uh a Zekla session item that deals with Mr. Peterson and real estate issue. That's the only thing I know of. And I know it's getting late, but but uh if you want to get into Zeke session and just have this discussion, uh we'll do so if you approve it. Mr. Gardner, please. [4:47:33, 4:47:34]: You're you muted, Mr. Gardner. [4:47:36, 4:47:42]: Uh, I think Mr. Peterson wanted to have that um postponed and rescheduled for the twenty sixth. [4:47:42, 4:47:48]: Okay, fantastic. On that note, if there are no zego session issues or discussion, then I need a motion to adjourn the meeting. [4:47:49, 4:47:50]: Oh move. Is there a second? [4:47:52, 4:47:56]: Mr. Mayor Proten seconds that motion. All favor, please indicate. Aye. [4:47:56, 4:48:02]: Okay, it's an answer's decision. Okay, good night. Good night. Talk to you later.