2022-12-20 · City Council · Transcript · Work Session Meeting

--- title: Work Session Meeting date: 2022-12-20 source: 2022-12-20_Work_Session_Meeting.wav --- [0:05:16, 0:05:16]: Well. [0:05:17, 0:05:20]: We're going to get started with five oh two, so we got a quorum. [0:05:23, 0:05:35]: All right, ladies and gentlemen, I have once again it's 502 and I'm gonna open up our urban uh redevelopment agency meeting. Uh this is Tuesday, December 20th, 2022. [0:05:36, 0:05:42]: And um called the meeting to order. Invocation. Uh please stand if you c please. Can. [0:05:43, 0:06:03]: No, I'll give the invocation. Lord, thank you to bring us together once again to conduct the city's business and allow us to make good logical decisions for our citizens as we continue to move the city forward. Be us always, Lord, and allow us, allow you you to guide us in the right path as we do our business. Be this always, Lord, in your name. Amen. Pledge of allegiance. Pledge of allegiance. [0:06:03, 0:06:12]: To the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [0:06:12, 0:06:15]: All right. Madam Clerk Roll Call, please. [0:06:19, 0:06:24]: Chair Ford. Present. Vice Chair Thomas. Present. Board Member Alexander. [0:06:26, 0:06:30]: With the record reflect, board member Alexander is not in attendance. [0:06:30, 0:06:35]: Board member Barber, present. Board member Blount? Present. [0:06:35, 0:06:36]: Board member Gantt. [0:06:38, 0:06:49]: Let the record reflect board member Gantt is not in attendance. Chair Ford, you have a quorum. Thank you, Madam Clerk, appreciate it. Um Agency Board members, I need a motion to adopt the agenda, please. [0:06:50, 0:07:06]: Mayor Ford. Yes sir. So moved. Okay, is there a second? Ms. Barber sec Ms. Barber second that all in favor, please indicate. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Um now I need a motion to approve the minutes for the July 11th, uh, 2022 uh meeting. [0:07:09, 0:07:27]: Is there a motion, please? Ms. Blount, so moved. Is there a second? Ms. Barber Sexton. All in favor, please indicate. Thank you very much. Okay. Board consideration to approve and authorize Georgia Power Easement, East Atlanta Road and Lee Street construction project. Mr. Washington, please. [0:07:37, 0:07:39]: Yeah, no, so we can move. [0:07:44, 0:08:04]: This is simply a reiteration of the documents that council looked at in the 12th meeting, which includes a licensing agreement and easement agreements for the properties at Lee Street and the ones right out here that we're going to give the licensing agreement for the First Baptist Church of Stockbridge to be able to park on property while the construction [0:08:04, 0:08:14]: being done. And so we're asking that the URA allow us to sign off on the documents so we can get those so they can begin work on the easements. [0:08:15, 0:08:26]: Okay and and make note that I guess the PFA met earlier this evening and they signed off on those same Yes, it's three entities that are required to sign up on the documents, the URA, the PFA and the council. [0:08:26, 0:08:27]: Okay. [0:08:28, 0:08:31]: Board, do you have any questions, concerns, thoughts? [0:08:35, 0:08:36]: Anybody? [0:08:38, 0:08:44]: Okay, I guess not then. So on that note and um need a motion to uh and uh to adopt. [0:08:44, 0:08:47]: Or to to approve this so we can go forward with all the signatures. [0:08:48, 0:08:49]: Mayor Ford. Yes, ma'am. [0:08:50, 0:08:57]: I'd like to make a motion to approve and authorize Georgia Power Easement on the East Atlanta Road and Lee Street construction project. [0:08:57, 0:08:59]: Okay, thank you, sir. Second. [0:08:59, 0:09:02]: Map for Tim second that any other questions? [0:09:02, 0:09:03]: If not all in favor, please indicate. [0:09:04, 0:09:16]: Fantastic. Okay. On that note then we'll get those done. And so that's all the business of the Urban Redevelopment Agency for this evening. So if that's the case, uh then I need a motion to adjourn the meeting. [0:09:16, 0:09:21]: Mayor Ford? Yes, sir. So moved. Okay, is there a second? Ms. Barber second, all in favor, please indicate. [0:09:21, 0:09:23]: Meeting is adjourned. [0:09:23, 0:09:24]: Thank you very much. [0:09:25, 0:09:26]: All right. [0:09:30, 0:09:32]: Can you cut out silos now? [0:09:35, 0:09:36]: There you go. Okay. [0:10:12, 0:10:15]: Yeah, for the council. [0:10:20, 0:10:22]: With the brother. [0:11:20, 0:11:23]: Yeah. [0:11:33, 0:11:36]: Yeah. [0:59:50, 0:59:52]: Hey ladies and gentlemen, we're gonna get started very shortly here. [0:59:54, 0:59:56]: Councillor, could you come to the diaspora? [1:01:40, 1:01:42]: [3743.7, 3751.7]: All right, ladies and gentlemen, I have six o'clock, so I'd like to start our council work session Tuesday, December twentieth, twenty twenty-two. [1:02:32, 1:02:37]: And invocation, uh mister John Wiggins, please. Please stand if you can. [1:02:42, 1:02:45]: Good evening, Mayor and Councillor. Let's let's bow our heads. [1:02:47, 1:03:07]: Lord, thank you for bringing us all to this occasion, to this day. Give us the strength to come before you and do the will of the city to make good decisions. Lord, give us the strength and the knowledge to go forward on all of our decisions. [1:03:07, 1:03:08]: And [1:03:10, 1:03:13]: Whatever we do, we do it all for the city of Stockbridge. [1:03:15, 1:03:33]: Lord, we love you in the name of Jesus. Everybody say Amen. Amen. Pledge the legislative United States of America. One nation. Under God. Liberty and justice for all. [1:03:34, 1:03:36]: Madam Clerk, roll call, please. [1:03:40, 1:03:41]: Present. [1:03:43, 1:03:44]: President. [1:03:45, 1:03:45]: Exander. [1:03:46, 1:03:51]: Present. Councilwoman Barber. Present. Councilman Blount. Present. [1:03:51, 1:03:52]: Councilwoman Gand. [1:03:54, 1:03:56]: That the record reflect Councilwoman Gantt is not an attempt. [1:03:58, 1:04:18]: Thank you, Madam Clerk. Appreciate it. Council, I need a motion to adopt the agenda, please. So moved. Uh Mr. Blount, so moved. Is there a second? Ms. Barber, second that. Okay. All in favor, please indicate. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Uh Council, please review uh the minutes, uh, draft minutes for November 14th, which is the council meeting last month. [1:04:18, 1:04:34]: month and also review the minutes for draft minutes there for November 29th, which is a council work session. And we will approve those minutes at our next council meeting next month, which is actually next year. So if there are any changes or adjustments, please let the clerk know that. [1:04:34, 1:04:37]: Madam Clerk, uh do we have any public comments at all? [1:04:38, 1:04:48]: Okay. Thank you, ma'am. Appreciate that. O Business, Council Consideration to approve the twenty twenty three City Events Calendar presented by Miss Kim Jordan, please. [1:04:55, 1:05:01]: I'm Kim Jordan, the events manager, and I have the twenty twenty three calendar for your review. [1:05:02, 1:05:08]: Would you like me to go down the list? Well, uh how about any any highlights that you wanna uh you wanna focus in on? [1:05:09, 1:05:09]: Yeah. [1:05:09, 1:05:11]: So um [1:05:12, 1:05:21]: The job fair is the first one. Food truck tasty Tuesdays will begin May second and run through August twenty ninth, except for two dates, May thirtieth and July fourth. [1:05:22, 1:05:26]: The budget set is twenty thousand dollars. It'll be at Clark Park five thirty to eight thirty. [1:05:27, 1:05:30]: Memorial march is scheduled Monday, May twenty ninth. [1:05:31, 1:05:37]: nine to eleven AM going to from the Moral Manager's parking lot to Memorial Park. [1:05:38, 1:05:42]: Juneteenth is Monday, June nineteenth from five to eight in Clark Park. [1:05:43, 1:05:44]: Well um [1:05:45, 1:05:46]: Celebrate Juneteenth. [1:05:46, 1:05:49]: with cultural dance and performances. [1:05:49, 1:06:03]: July fourth is scheduled, that'll be our second annual event for this uh holiday. On Tuesday, July fourth in the amphitheater with music, food trucks, and fireworks. Um that budget said is fifty thousand dollars and I have it scheduled from eight to eleven PM. [1:06:05, 1:06:10]: Uh back to school kickoff is ten thousand dollars in the amphitheater parking lot. [1:06:10, 1:06:15]: with backpack giveaway and school supplies and that's eleven to one Saturday, July second, twenty second. [1:06:17, 1:06:26]: And then we continue on with September 11th, the 9-11th ceremony on City Hall Steps. Um Bridge Fest is scheduled for Saturday, September 30th. [1:06:27, 1:06:30]: From twelve noon to ten PM. [1:06:31, 1:06:35]: With food trucks, vendors, rides and uh acts on the s amphitheater stage. [1:06:36, 1:06:38]: Then we have pretty in pink. [1:06:38, 1:06:40]: Lunch and the fashion show. [1:06:40, 1:06:44]: On October twelfth, traditional Thursday where then this is held from eleven AM to two PM. [1:06:45, 1:06:58]: And then the love walk for Pretty and Pink, breast cancer awareness will be Saturday, October 14th, 1030 P1. Then we have the Veterans Day lunch scheduled Friday, November 10th from 11 to 1 p.m. [1:06:59, 1:07:02]: Uh catered lunch in the Merle Manders' ballroom. [1:07:04, 1:07:07]: The next event we have is a turkey giveaway. [1:07:07, 1:07:10]: Scheduled for Saturday, November eighteenth. [1:07:13, 1:07:15]: And we did have a couple of [1:07:18, 1:07:27]: Events that may be in conflict with this one. On except that's earlier in the day. On a turkey giveaway, you mean? [1:07:27, 1:07:33]: That's early in the day, however. So Yeah, it it's it'd be over soon, within a couple hours. Doesn't take long. [1:07:33, 1:07:37]: Yeah, we gave away turkeys in like thirty minutes just last time. [1:07:39, 1:07:49]: Um there's a community Thanksgiving dinner initiative scheduled for that day. That's what I was uh talking about. It's just would overlap if people come to set up early. [1:07:52, 1:07:58]: And then followed by the volunteer appreciation dinner that uh has been added. [1:07:58, 1:08:05]: or suggested to be added as a city event with a budget and that's scheduled for Saturday, December ninth from five to eight PM. [1:08:06, 1:08:12]: Then we have the holiday festival and tree lighting on Friday, December first, five thirty to nine PM. [1:08:13, 1:08:17]: Thank you. Council, any questions for Miss uh Fukim about reference to events quase or [1:08:19, 1:08:21]: I'm so I'm sorry, sir. Stand by. Ms. Ms. Alzan, go ahead, please. [1:08:22, 1:08:28]: Yes, if you would uh I think uh appreciate the presentation. I think um [1:08:28, 1:08:31]: I don't know, Chief, are you there? Can you come up for a minute? [1:08:37, 1:08:57]: I think in the past, some of these events have shown some concern about just like the turkey giveaway being at Merrymanders, being uh it would be a better situation being over here at the amphitheater because of the traffic flow and talking with the officers. [1:08:57, 1:08:57]: And then [1:08:58, 1:09:18]: being there, we had chaos going down Burke Street all the way leading through town, whereas there needs to be some discussions about moving that event over to the amphitheater where you have 700 parking spaces and there's a lot more lead time to get through there versus uh having that event uh being at the amphitheater. [1:09:18, 1:09:26]: Chief, I know I talked to several of the guys out there on the front and uh, you know, it was kind of confusing with everything being on it. What was their feedback to you? [1:09:28, 1:09:48]: Yeah, well I think just because of the volume of uh of folks that attend these events here, obviously the um the streets, the way they're configured there make it difficult for traffic control. Um the amphitheater i is is obviously a a much better option to the extent that um you know event staff and uh the council and and [1:09:48, 1:10:08]: and uh city manager um you know agreed to relocate vents. Uh obviously there's a lot of different avenues with the with the multiple exits coming out of there and there's just different ways we can configure things with traffic in order to um uh cut down on the uh the traffic overflow um that that we see over there on Burke Street as a result of some of these other events. [1:10:08, 1:10:18]: So um in in my opinion, if you ask my professional opinion, I think the amphitheater is a much better option for uh these events, especially when we have um events that involve multiple vehicles such as the Turkey giveaway. [1:10:19, 1:10:39]: Yeah, thank you, Chief. I appreciate that. Cause uh again we had people going through the library parking lot. It was kind of uh all confusing. I appreciate that input. And uh to the rest of the council members, I know we have a a list of events up here. I know this year we couldn't have a New Year's Eve event. [1:10:39, 1:10:59]: event because of some other uh issues that were going on. I think we should go back and try to revisit that New Year's Eve event uh for the city, uh extending the season uh until a later date uh where we could have a real signature event uh for the city. [1:10:59, 1:11:05]: and then uh without any of the encumbrances that we were facing. [1:11:05, 1:11:13]: Okay. Food for thought. Is that what you're getting at? Yes. Okay, thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you, Chief, for your recommendation and thoughts on that. Miraple Tim, please. Uh [1:11:14, 1:11:34]: Councilman Alexander, I think we may need to confirm the uh ampathy of the parking lot for the Turkey uh giveaway. I I think that may be appropriate for us to to actually vote on that. I know we just sort of just discussed it, but I just think we need to confirm that. Um, and you know you [1:11:34, 1:11:51]: You may want to come back and do that. Um, Mrs. Jordan, uh I do see where these two events are pending. I hope hopefully they are confirmed, the Turkey giveaway and the veterans. I mean I'm sorry, the volunteer appreciation. Um confirmed but pending your your approval. [1:11:51, 1:11:52]: Or um [1:11:53, 1:11:59]: the change in the park to the parking lot of the amphitheater and then adding volunteer appreciation as a city event. [1:12:00, 1:12:20]: Yes, yes. And you know, you and I sort of had that discussion. I know the um the one we had a few weeks ago was very successful and thank you uh for your help on that. And uh Mrs. Ross wanna thank you as well. Uh I think it was I think we did show our appreciation to our volunteers and to our citizens. Uh you and I had a [1:12:19, 1:12:39]: a discussion about uh periodical uh updates to the council uh as far as all of these events and and and I I wholeheartedly would would would would agree that and I don't have a timeline but I would appreciate if you would come before the council. I know I look like the [1:12:39, 1:12:59]: Memorial March is coming up. That you would just come back and share the plan with us and see how we can get involved to make sure that we're sort of speaking, you know, the same language in the community because just looking at the history of Memorial March, we've had [1:12:59, 1:13:19]: Up to four and five hundred participants. So if we are sort of in tune and we're all speaking the same, then we could be the foot soldiers for you out in the community, getting folks involved. And I think this is the same with all of these events. [1:13:19, 1:13:39]: to be out there uh recruiting and encouraging folks to participate in all of these city events. So I think it would be good if you would get with the council and the mayor and the city manager to get on the agenda to come fall and just give council updates a few weeks before air. [1:13:39, 1:13:40]: Yeah. [1:13:41, 1:13:47]: Yes, sir, I can do that. Right. May I yield back. Thank you. I appreciate it. You're go ahead, Mr. Blood. [1:13:47, 1:13:49]: Um [1:13:49, 1:13:54]: I think with for me, I think when it comes to events, um [1:13:55, 1:14:15]: I think that it's a good idea to be on the same page on on how these events have functioned in the past. And that let that be the template of the or the blueprint on how we move forward with those events. And if we deviate from that, then obviously we're expecting one thing and something else happens. I I think that when [1:14:15, 1:14:19]: we look at events in the in as a whole. [1:14:19, 1:14:29]: just kinda know how that that event went and we would kinda like to see the same thing. That that that level of um that that level of uh um [1:14:30, 1:14:47]: activity, if you will, done in those events. I me personally I don't need a update. I don't think we need a update on how you're gonna do the events. If you just get in tune on how those events have been ran in the past, uh, be that through uh some type of committee or whatever. [1:14:48, 1:15:00]: Um and so I think that when we put put it in your hand to run an event, I wanna just see the event ran, you know. Um on this last um on on the last um [1:15:01, 1:15:11]: Calendar we had, one of the questions that came up is why would we change the date from the 23rd of September to the 30th? [1:15:11, 1:15:14]: But I see on this one, you've changed the date. [1:15:15, 1:15:21]: Um we've never been given a uh an explanation of why we're gonna change the date. [1:15:21, 1:15:32]: There was a conflict with the I think it was a fall festival, was that the one? I'm sorry. There was a conflict with the councilperson's initiative, I believe, and it was requested that I change the date. [1:15:33, 1:15:45]: Yes, sir. Go ahead, please. No, it was um an amphitheater event on that day. Okay. And that's why I was changing because it's an amphitheater event on that day. Concert. [1:15:46, 1:15:58]: That's fine. I just know that we it it was a question about that and it was it was never brought forward or what that what what was the issue with that. Uh also when we talk about doing events and having it [1:15:58, 1:16:18]: Uh at the at at the level what we expect that we've had in the past. One that I want to comment on is is the back to school kickoff. And I know that we we have it listed here uh back to school backpack giveaway. Yes. But it's uh lot more a lot more detailed is when you say [1:16:18, 1:16:38]: And I I th I think Mr. Thomas for starting it when he first came on council, then I took the baton and we took it to another level. But we but we wanted to stay at that level. Okay. We wanted to mean more than just a backpack giveaway because when you say kickoff and it was so festive and all these things, we have pictures in in the office and [1:16:38, 1:16:58]: And things that went on during that. We uh we're budgeting it so it could be festive, so it could be something that kids can come to and have a good time, similar to what you had, but we sh we just started it so late and it's so uh detailed, you know, it it entails more to have things in place as [1:16:58, 1:17:17]: instead of last minute like that and it just kinda helps, you know. Okay. And and it kinda y y but you see what I mean.'Cause and all those people that came out and and any anything I can do to help, I'm I'm I'm I'm willing uh when it comes to sponsors or whatever. It's festive and interactive for the people who attend. [1:17:18, 1:17:21]: Thanks, I appreciate it. I'm I'm fine. Appreciate thanks for what you do. [1:17:22, 1:17:27]: Counselor, any other questions about the calendar, Vest calendar at all? Uh yeah, okay. [1:17:27, 1:17:28]: Go ahead, please. [1:17:34, 1:17:35]: As we go about [1:17:36, 1:17:56]: things. I just want to talk to the council about this in uh the way that we do things. Now, uh we worked our way through uh how we do on the Fourth of July and these free city events where we're gonna just basically put it out and basically come as you are, uh, versus uh how that ticketing thing certainly wasn't uh [1:17:56, 1:18:04]: uh working out for us. But there's been a desire, especially I think there needs to be a distinction between [1:18:04, 1:18:24]: Paid concerts and free city events. Now, when we first started planning the amphitheater, it was supposed to be everybody come, everybody welcome. You look at those renditions, you have people coming in, they bring their own chairs, they bring a blanket, they do what have you. There's no revenue. [1:18:24, 1:18:35]: There's uh for those free city events, there's no revenue uh trigger or there's no revenue uh somet some that that we would be concerned about because it's a free event. [1:18:36, 1:18:56]: I really would wish that we would consider allowing people to, for the free events, to bring in their chair or their blanket to get comfortable for the free events because we have plenty of space in there at that time. Now for the paid concerts, obviously the promoter has to generate a certain amount of [1:18:56, 1:19:16]: Profit, but for the free concerts when everybody comes, because as I think back to July the 4th, we had a thousand uh thousand people sitting outside that couldn't come in because they didn't want to leave their chairs. They wanted we had all these empty seats, but they didn't want to sit in the fixed seating, they wanted to sit in [1:19:16, 1:19:36]: their own uh lawn chairs. And I think we've had uh some communications from some of the folks who really would like to enjoy that. I'd like to just kind of get the count the council to chime in to see what you think about actually for the free not not for the paid events, but for the free city events, allowing people to bring [1:19:36, 1:19:41]: in their own blankets and chairs and get comfortable uh on the lawn section. [1:19:41, 1:19:41]: Yeah. [1:19:41, 1:19:42]: Yeah, go ahead, sir. [1:19:43, 1:19:52]: Uh I I I have to concur with Mr. Alexander on that. I think that one of the things that we could look at, Kim, and you you all are doing it so you tell me if it works. [1:19:52, 1:19:54]: I think that we have enough seating. [1:19:55, 1:19:57]: But I think that the lawn chairs [1:19:57, 1:20:01]: I think that I don't think we should have chairs on the grassy areas. Okay. [1:20:01, 1:20:10]: Because it gives those people that are sitting, all those people that were sitting out there on the grass, they come inside and sit on the grass. And I think we have enough seating. [1:20:10, 1:20:30]: uh for free concerts. And w because once we get so many people in anyway, we're gonna I mean, it's over. We close the doors. You know, it's just we had capacity. But you all have to eyeball that and make that determination. So yes, we had a plan in place in order to do that and we had security um counting as well. [1:20:30, 1:20:37]: Yeah, bec because I in the past and th we we've had people to for the free concerts you gotta do this and gotta do that. [1:20:37, 1:20:39]: For me, I say just come. [1:20:40, 1:20:43]: You know, we got a free counselor, just come because [1:20:43, 1:20:53]: You you're gonna have people coming in town that that that doesn't know the process, but then they're stuck outside because they didn't sign up or whatever. I just think if we have a free concert [1:20:54, 1:21:07]: I think it's that. You put security in place and you have a free concert and people come in. You know, I for me. Uh I I I'm just speaking for me, but I do concur that, you know, if it's a free concert, just let everybody come in and wherever you gotta stop, stop it. [1:21:07, 1:21:09]: It just makes it to me it makes it [1:21:09, 1:21:23]: It just it just it it just facilitates the community and and everybody that's coming around that hears about Stockbury is a chance to not have to technically be outside the door, but that they came and they was able to come in because they was here to to enjoy it. [1:21:23, 1:21:29]: I agree and also we can use that model from Bridgefest because that was wide open and it worked really well. [1:21:31, 1:21:51]: Mary Pro Tem, go ahead, please. Thank you. What I would suggest would that whatever we do come up with, whether it's a city event, paid event, we need to get the message, the language on our website very clearly, what the rules. [1:21:50, 1:22:10]: are. You know, we had issues last year. You can bring this in, you can't bring that in, this, that. So I think in going forward, we just need to get together and get that message correct. And hopefully um, you know, we can we can, you know, the amphitheater folks, the event staff, we can just sort of get [1:22:10, 1:22:23]: that message together. And that's the only recommendation I will make. Whatever it is, let's get it on the website, be consistent with it, and let everybody be understanding that this is the policy. Yes, I agree. Thank you, Mira. [1:22:23, 1:22:43]: No problem, welcome sir. I I think by looking at the list, the very first event like that would be the Fourth of July, then comes the Bridge Fest itself. Um and um that might be it utilizing the actual amphitheater itself, the sit sitting area. Uh but anyway, uh good thoughts and I'm pretty sure we'll work through this whole process. [1:22:43, 1:22:53]: as we swing around to the new calendar year. Any other comments, Council? And if you may I'd like to um um motion to approve the uh calendar presentation. No problem. Is there a second? [1:22:55, 1:23:00]: No chime in on the New Year's Eve Eve event. Nobody w interested in doing it. [1:23:02, 1:23:04]: All right, for discussion. I mean [1:23:04, 1:23:20]: I guess it could be done, but uh I've no other comments thus far. I mean it's it's something that uh if we don't wanna comment something that through the course of this uh over course of the year we could make some adjustments on that, I'm pretty sure. Right. I just didn't wanna have to go you know how it is, we go back and add it right now, we're doing the budget, so [1:23:20, 1:23:40]: Uh w if we're gonna do it, we need to set aside an amount for it. And obviously we built this facility. We could uh claim this event for New Year's Eve and and just have it be our primetime event. Maybe Ms. Gantt might have a few words to say. I I I think we need to new need to do that New Year's Eve event. I mean [1:23:40, 1:23:48]: What's what else is there really to do besides going downtown? Uh if we do it, I mean we could do a big blast here downtown. [1:23:49, 1:23:55]: Mayor Ford. Yeah, yeah, sir. Go ahead, please. Um I I would not ob object to it. Um [1:23:55, 1:24:07]: I think for twenty twenty four though, uh I don't see possible of course for for twenty twenty three, but uh I I think it's worth discussing. [1:24:07, 1:24:10]: uh the possibility of [1:24:10, 1:24:13]: Twenty twenty four. [1:24:14, 1:24:34]: Um so my point is I I don't have a problem in discussing that to see how feasible it really is because you know we are talking about the winter months and it's already projected what this new year is gonna be, but uh councilman Alexander, I I'm open to that discussion for 2024. [1:24:34, 1:24:34]: More. [1:24:35, 1:24:38]: All right, any other comments? Yeah, Mayor. Go ahead, please. [1:24:38, 1:24:47]: You know, I'm I'm not closed minded to any suggestions by any council member. Either I'm for it or I'm against it. That's just the way I roll. [1:24:48, 1:24:50]: Um but for me I think that [1:24:50, 1:24:52]: We're in a point in time now with the city. [1:24:53, 1:24:59]: That we have to make sure we have grips on everything that we have on before we start to because that's gonna be a [1:25:00, 1:25:11]: It's gonna be an interesting funded event. You know, I d have no idea what that what funds are be needed for that event. I think that uh in twenty twenty-three we need to make sure that we're [1:25:12, 1:25:20]: We're in tune with getting a hold and handle of what we need to do and what we need to what needs to happen in order that we are able to financially. [1:25:20, 1:25:32]: move forward, where there's other events that's gonna come in twenty twenty four or whatever. So for me, I wouldn't I'm not for adding any other events now, but I'm okay with entertaining. [1:25:32, 1:25:38]: That thought and I think that w the entertainment of that thought is not to go into details of what that would entail. [1:25:39, 1:25:42]: Uh if we're gonna talk about it throughout twenty twenty three. [1:25:42, 1:25:46]: But to say is that something we want in the f want in the future? [1:25:46, 1:25:48]: Maybe, but I think for me. [1:25:48, 1:25:54]: That we have to make sure that we're uh we're getting a handle on everything financially now. [1:25:55, 1:26:15]: All right, Mr. Alexander, go ahead, please. Yeah, let me make it clear. I'm not talking about a free city event, okay? I'm talking about a paid city event. It's a concert. People do stuff like that on that particular time where it's actually generates revenue uh for us with primetime artists that will come and folks with uh [1:26:15, 1:26:29]: uh uh participate in that. That's a discussion I think we could probably have with uh our our events team to see uh what it is that we could do. I think it actually could make money for the city versus costing us money. [1:26:30, 1:26:50]: Mayor, one last comment. You got another comment? Go again, please. And I and I I I appreciate what Ms. Alexander is saying. But one of the things we have to do as a city is look at our gains and losses, even from throughout the year what we just had for paid concerts. We have we have nothing concrete to gauge. [1:26:50, 1:27:10]: right now for me. Um whether that can happen throughout this year and we can say, okay, our gains and losses are here because we've had paid concerts throughout the year and this is this is what it's doing. We don't have nothing to gauge on that yet. I so I f that's for me. [1:27:10, 1:27:18]: Entertaining that, I'm fine with that. But for me, we have nothing to gauge our paid concerts as it is. [1:27:18, 1:27:19]: All right. [1:27:19, 1:27:31]: Any other comments and if not, then once again, y uh Mr. Blount, you made a motion, is that correct? Yes. Uh to accept uh the calendar as it is as presented. Is there a second to that motion? [1:27:32, 1:27:34]: Is there a second to the motion? [1:27:34, 1:27:51]: Uh clarification, we had some kinda we did have some uh additional changes that that staff was going to review. Right. Mr. Blount, you including the uh additional language as bringing that uh the come as you are and all of that is included. [1:27:52, 1:28:10]: Yeah, I I'm uh yeah, but I I thought all of that was gonna be in the motion because it to say come as you are, that's something that we have to s we can do that at any time. Okay. Motion that but w the actual calendar is what we're voting on itself. That that is correct. To say how we do it, that could come at any moment. But the actual calendar itself is uh [1:28:11, 1:28:12]: Uh w along we're in agreement. Thank you. [1:28:13, 1:28:14]: The motion is made. Is there a second? [1:28:15, 1:28:18]: Second. All right. All in favor and motion, please indicate. [1:28:19, 1:28:22]: All right, as you now see, thank you very much. Thank you, Kim, appreciate it. Thanks so much. [1:28:23, 1:28:32]: What's next is a public hearing, final reading and adoption of of the proposed 2023 operating budget and capital improvement plan. Mr. Wiggins, please. [1:28:36, 1:28:38]: Good evening, man. Eve evening. [1:28:42, 1:28:43]: Mm-hmm. [1:28:45, 1:28:47]: See that uh [1:28:48, 1:28:55]: Staff report to approve the 2023 fiscal year budget. [1:28:57, 1:29:15]: in accordance with the budget rules that laid out strictly for uh with chapter 81 of title 36 of George Code for holding properly notice public hearing. We had the first meeting of public hearing on November 7th. [1:29:17, 1:29:26]: We have a second meeting and public notice hearing on November 26th. [1:29:30, 1:29:36]: Okay, I'm gonna correct that. The first one was November fourteenth. Correct. Second one November twenty nine. [1:29:37, 1:29:50]: Second was the first one was the 14th, the second was the 29th, and the third one was at least on the twelfth. Uh he comes before you today to have the fourth reading public hearing. [1:30:08, 1:30:10]: Let's pick down the airport. [1:30:14, 1:30:15]: Sorry. [1:30:15, 1:30:21]: Is there any questions, concerns, or a motion for this? Um what your hands up, Ms. Bar, what do you what does that mean? [1:30:21, 1:30:27]: Mr. Wiggins, um, we talked about several of the positions that were [1:30:28, 1:30:31]: included in the budget but were not funded. [1:30:32, 1:30:38]: So I'm looking at um several of those positions and they're still included. [1:30:40, 1:30:40]: Yeah, just [1:30:45, 1:30:55]: uh uh just put them on the book so they're not flashing. So anytime next year if one position is needed. [1:30:57, 1:31:01]: and find a different position but that position will be our first. [1:31:10, 1:31:30]: and getting information for how much our position is gonna cost us as far as uh salary as well as benefits. So we'll be all prepared if comes a need to ask for those positions. Um that probably won't be assessed six months into the budget if those positions need to not [1:31:30, 1:31:37]: Just go the next year and see if we can come back in twenty twenty four to maybe add score the position again with the funding. [1:31:39, 1:31:43]: But now they're not they're not on completely. [1:31:44, 1:31:45]: Thank you. [1:31:47, 1:31:50]: Mr. Aaron, will you come to the podium? [1:32:01, 1:32:21]: Uh Mr. Aaron, we made leaps and bounds in the overall appearance of the city and the commitment that we have for beautification and right-of-way maintenance and that type of thing. Now, I want to look at this budget and I want you to understand and explain to me, uh, kind of like Councilwoman [1:32:20, 1:32:40]: M member Blount said that we have established a new standard and that that new standard will be moving forward and it will be looking at improvement and we benchmark where we want to go in terms of these contractors uh executing at a high level and uh us being committed to those. [1:32:40, 1:32:45]: those uh that that those contracts and staffing. [1:32:47, 1:33:01]: Yes, sir. We we're gonna continue to maintain the standard that we've established that's going forward, whether it's with the current city or the expanded city, we're gonna continue to provide the services that we're currently providing at the level that we're providing it at. [1:33:01, 1:33:21]: Okay, in addition to that, we've talked about it a couple of times about doing something that this council had voted on and approved for doing something special at Hudson Bridge Road and on Campground Road. But those projects had not moved forward in absence of no qualified bidder. [1:33:21, 1:33:34]: And we're gonna go to Yellowstone or or whoever the contractor was to execute those. Uh those exits still need to be fine tuned. And uh the council has already voted some time ago to move that forward. [1:33:34, 1:33:45]: N when we brought those forward, those were two plans that were brought forward. They were not approved. We had a a plan for Hudson Bridge Road as well as a plan for [1:33:45, 1:33:49]: uh campground to complete where we stopped at. [1:33:50, 1:34:03]: Those plans those were brought forward with the previous city manager. Those were not approved. They weren't well, they weren't brought to the council because the council had already voted to approve for the for them to move forward. So when w would would we get to see them? [1:34:03, 1:34:07]: I have to look back at the minutes, but I'm sure that they were presented [1:34:08, 1:34:09]: Not to us. [1:34:10, 1:34:25]: Yes, we had two well, we had two proposals to do those projects. As you said, the previous city city manager and obviously that's what scon some time ago, I certainly would like to see uh that brought back before so because those that those uh [1:34:26, 1:34:46]: uh corridors are extremely important to where we're trying to go'cause when somebody pulls off there and they they represent, they see us, we got the wayfinding signage started uh that we'll have going at those exits as well. So I I still have the proposals. I will uh submit them to Mr. Gardner and let him disseminate them to [1:34:46, 1:34:53]: to mayor and council to get a consensus as to how they want us to move forward with them. But I do have the proposals. [1:34:53, 1:35:13]: Okay. And as I said, you have everything that you need to execute execute at a high level and to continue to move your department uh forward in in excellence. There are some equipment requests in the FY 2023 budget to meet what's gonna be required for the maintenance and add it right. [1:35:13, 1:35:18]: [5719.4, 5736.3]: approximately sixty one miles of roadway. So we're going from a hundred and six miles up to a hundred and sixty seven miles. So we've almost doubled is set I we increased our road mileage by about seventy five percent. So we've already started taking action to uh [1:35:36, 1:35:51]: move forward with maintaining those right of ways with litter pickup and mowing and things of that sort. So we've been riding for the last three weeks, kind of surveying the roads to see some of the concerns and issues we're gonna have to address immediately. [1:35:51, 1:36:11]: So there are a lot of things that are gonna be coming to uh mayor and council's attention, namely uh we're gonna have to do some work on Old Conyards Road, Mount Zion Road, East Atlanta Road. There's some concerns with um Walt Stevens Road. So there are gonna be some things that come forward. [1:36:11, 1:36:30]: That we're gonna need you to assist in moving forward if we're gonna continue to maintain our infrastructure as as we're currently doing within the current city limits. So are you you working with Ms. Russell in order to look at additional funding and uh that may be potentially out there as well? [1:36:30, 1:36:35]: Yes, sir. We have constant conversation with Ms. Russell in reference to grants. [1:36:36, 1:36:40]: Okay. Thank you, sir. Mr. Blonde, go ahead, please. [1:36:40, 1:36:42]: Yeah, Mr. Aaron, why are you up here if you don't mind? [1:36:44, 1:36:50]: Is it in your budget for staff or is it in the budget for contractors? [1:36:50, 1:36:54]: When we talk about pressure washing areas. [1:36:55, 1:37:02]: Like City Hall, the fountain and all that, is that something that's that under the budget on a contract or is that be under the budget with a stuff? [1:37:03, 1:37:23]: Is there okay. Well then I don't want to get into specifics with it. Then I guess I have to talk to you about it because if it's done by staff, is it so it's already whatever's whatever the budget the staff have, doing that job is understaffed now and then it's not anything extra for that. It's that you have to just do it. Is that what you're saying? The only thing we [1:37:23, 1:37:43]: contracted out for pressure washing was after the amphitheater was completed. We did have a contract to come in and pressure wash City Hall because of the elevations of the roof and things of that nature. But the majority of it is done in-house. So we have the equipment and everything to do what we need to do around here and and and [1:37:43, 1:37:54]: Now. Yes, sir. The uh streetscape across the street is on a quarterly schedule as well as downtown sidewalks and infrastructure down there we do that. [1:37:55, 1:38:01]: Because one and the reason I'm asking, because I think that when you go to a city, where there's a city or stop bridge or any city [1:38:02, 1:38:05]: You look at that city hall. [1:38:05, 1:38:14]: as being the focal point of what you want to see in that city. And when we look at and I think one time before, even prior to you coming, we talked about [1:38:14, 1:38:23]: that. And that's why I wanted to know where is the funding already there. But you're saying that the that's in the overall scheme of the of staff, but I I would ask that. [1:38:23, 1:38:27]: You guys would somebody, whether it's you or the [1:38:27, 1:38:42]: uh of the uh the uh public work manager somebody if it's there to just come and take a look at w where is needed. I'll meet with our facility maintenance staff tomorrow. So address those concerns. [1:38:42, 1:38:45]: Any other questions from the council? Mayor Ford. I'm sorry, go ahead please. [1:38:46, 1:38:52]: Uh, Mr. Wiggins, um I wanna ask the same question. [1:38:54, 1:39:14]: But in a different way, uh about the positions uh that were not funded. And I know it's clear you said that uh they're here, they're marked in yellow, they're not funded. I get that. But I want to make sure, and I know this is [1:39:14, 1:39:34]: Is a redundant question, but if you don't mind, um tolerate this question. So in the division line where it says uh regular salaries, that the the the money, the finances, it is not. [1:39:34, 1:39:54]: calculated in that number in within each division that these positions will appear in. So no those okay you're absolutely correct. They are not in there's no salary for any of those positions that's um not funded they're not in [1:39:53, 1:39:56]: In that uh cyber line. Thank you. [1:39:57, 1:40:17]: Mayor, I'll yi back. Oh, no problem. Appreciate it. Any other questions from the council? Really quick. Go ahead, please. Mr. Aaron, um, we've endeavored and I just looked out that window and that ten foot path looks so beautiful out there, man. It looks amazing. We got the ten foot path here. We got it through the amphitheater. They're working on North Lee Street. Uh [1:40:17, 1:40:24]: And South Lee Street. The only piece that we don't have done is the East Atlanta roadside. [1:40:24, 1:40:28]: Because that side like right by city hall in front of municipal court. [1:40:29, 1:40:49]: That's still uh just uh not fitting into that puzzle as you go around. Now we have uh we bonded money for multi-use paths that could be used to extend that portion right there from uh the municipal court to East Atlanta Road, where we'll have a full circle and everything would be. [1:40:49, 1:41:09]: 10 foot at that point. So when somebody would come down to walk around the trail, they would literally be able to walk on a path all the way around City Hall through a course. So we have money again that we bonded for that, that we certainly would be able to use for trails. Certainly, would staff be able to execute that? [1:41:08, 1:41:28]: that why a nigga know. Well, that would have to first of all it would have to get approval from G Dot because that's their right of way. Mm-hmm. So unless G Dot approve it, then you can't move forward with increasing the width of the sidewalk. So the first thing would be to contact G Dot to see if they would grant the city approval to [1:41:28, 1:41:31]: put ten foot sidewalks on North Henry. [1:41:32, 1:41:52]: Yeah, certainly. I think yeah, well, you when you look at it and I've looked at it a hundred times, it's about fifteen or twenty feet there. And on the other side of North Henry Boulevard in front of uh Stockbridge Elementary, we have the pass uh on that side. But for the circular course, in order to do that, I guess we would just like you said, we would need to check with G. [1:41:52, 1:42:12]: dot and I think we're ready at the city to move forward with getting the downtown connected now that we have the money because the money basically is just sitting there. If they were would staff be able to handle it uh would a contractor need to be called in no maybe the contract because staff wouldn't be able to handle it. That would have to be a contractor but we we could do it one [1:42:12, 1:42:21]: one or two ways we can use our on call mm uh contract or you could bid it out depending on the quantities of concrete that you will install for those sidewalks. [1:42:21, 1:42:35]: The reason that I asked that, I mean, we got a contractor out there right now. So I mean it might be in our benefits is they're already on site to at least check to see whether or not they could do it since we have a pot since the money is already there. [1:42:36, 1:42:49]: They they can do it, but the only concern I have is the more as you keep adding on to this project, then it extends their time frame. So our goal is to make sure that we go ahead and get least re [1:42:49, 1:42:51]: And East Atlanta Road. [1:42:52, 1:43:12]: finish first and not hinder them by saying, well, we we adding this on to it because this project has already been long enough. So I would suggest if we're gonna do that, the first thing would be if G DOT's gonna give us approval. And then you're gonna have to, even if they give us the approval, you're gonna have to provide them with a set of plans. [1:43:12, 1:43:32]: Plans detailing that sidewalk installation. They're just not gonna say, yeah, you can do it and not have a design for it. So if that's the wish of uh mayor and council, then we'll contact G Dot about the possibility of installing 10-foot sidewalks on both sides of North Henry. [1:43:32, 1:43:43]: Boulevard. Well and and as you said, certainly wouldn't would not want to hold up the project one minute. You would want to it would be an addition to not slowing down anything else. But thank you. [1:43:43, 1:44:03]: I I would think if the council wishes, I would think that'd be a good idea to check with them. But here's food for thought. You talk about bonding money there, Mr. Alessandra, but the point of it is you think what last year, last November, we passed a T PLOS. So it's T S PLOSS money that the city's gonna get, and we the council need to set the priorities for how we're gonna use that. And that's where we have to come in and and and make that. [1:44:03, 1:44:23]: decision whether you know what we're gonna do first and and things of this nature and that could be part of the process because you're talking about connecting downtown east and west side you were talking about connecting neighborhoods with one another there are certain neighborhoods that are underserved that need to have probably higher priority than other neighborhoods that's something we've got to put our heads together and figure out how we're gonna do that because money's coming. Absolutely I just want you to understand [1:44:23, 1:44:43]: We already bonded the mil the built the million dollars when we did the police department. So the money is sitting there. And as you said, uh when the um when the uh when the t the T plus money is being collected, so Mr. Wiggins can probably tell you we're collecting three, four hundred thousand four hundred thousand dollars a month. So the money is gonna be there. So [1:44:43, 1:44:47]: So uh it's something that we need to talk about. [1:44:47, 1:44:59]: Per month. Every month, yeah. Per month. Well obviously that's a that's a session that we need to collectively have and then set the priorities for that as well as we swing around the new calendar year. Any other question for Mr. Aaron? One one. Go ahead, please, sir. [1:44:59, 1:45:06]: And and I'm trying to see make sure funding for projects are there. That's what I'm trying to do before we pass this budget. [1:45:06, 1:45:26]: When we talk about crate murders, are we cutting them every year? Because if you don't, they just grow taller and we got some growing into the wires. Or is the city actually cutting the crate mar sh pruning them back every year? They're maintained as part of our landscaping contract. They have a cutting schedule and so they maintain and cut. [1:45:26, 1:45:28]: in film back the great murder. [1:45:28, 1:45:48]: No, it's a difference between maintaining them and cutting. Exactly. I'm talking about we we have to cut them because I'm saying is that so that's a normal function of staff? That's in the scope of services for the uh landscape and Yellowstone maintains. There are some crate myrtles that staff maintain, like on [1:45:48, 1:45:58]: Jim Clark, those are trimmed and maintained by the staff, but the ones around the facility, City Hall, Municipal Court, they're maintained as part of the landscaping contract. [1:45:59, 1:46:02]: But is that maintaining is to cut them back? Yes, sir. [1:46:02, 1:46:11]: So when we come out here one day, we're gonna see them all cut. Yes, when they're when they're on the schedule to be cut, they will cut. You will definitely notice that they've been cut. [1:46:12, 1:46:13]: Not trim. [1:46:14, 1:46:22]: Mm. So I'm just I'm sorry to set up but you don't trim crepe murders. You have to cut'em off. If you don't they're gonna grow extra high. [1:46:22, 1:46:41]: Yes. Okay. All right. Come here, real quick. Yeah, go Mr. Blount, I'm right on the board with you because this look like a mess out here. If you're coming over the bridge and I think all of us know why those green, evergreen trees were really planted there. They weren't really part of the vegetation for the city. [1:46:42, 1:47:00]: that was during the dispute with the flower shop and all of that. Cause we just got a a a monstrous thing growing over here that really hasn't that serves no purpose, that really needs to be cleaned up. And all of these trees really need to be cut back and it needs to be uh it needs to be uh [1:47:01, 1:47:21]: It needs to be tightened up. It really is a mess out there because you just got a jungle growing right here by City Hall where you can't even see the amphitheater and a lot of the things there. But again, we know why those evergreen trees were planted. They didn't have anything to do with the uh the landscaping plan for the city. [1:47:21, 1:47:31]: city, they were to hide the flower shop. So at some point we might just need to take some of that stuff out of there to uh to go along with the landscaping plan to [1:47:32, 1:47:36]: uh tightness tighten this uh so I'm with you uh we wanna s go ahead and [1:47:36, 1:47:42]: s uh charge staff with cutting all of these trees back and cleaning this up. I think we need to do that. [1:47:42, 1:47:43]: So [1:47:43, 1:47:57]: At one time Main Street did have a a proposal for beautifying that area. I know when I initially when I got here in two thousand sixteen, Kira had a plan of how they want to beautify that that vacant lot there. So [1:47:58, 1:48:15]: So we probably need to revisit that and then uh and then uh go from there and see how how that uh shapes out. Yes. Okay. Any other questions, concerns before we go before I sit down, uh uh am I being requested to contact G Dot about the sidewalks on North Henry? [1:48:15, 1:48:20]: Well I would think uh I would think is that all right the counselor? [1:48:20, 1:48:40]: Wanna check with G Doc? You can you can check G Dot with a list of things. Yeah, that's right. Check go ahead and check with him. Yeah, I think that'd be good to tell me final what they have to say. And one final thing, if I could. The median on Highway 138, that's in the contract with the writer with the mate uh uh it's seventy five. It's a mess. We need to get somebody out there to fix that. Okay. [1:48:41, 1:48:53]: All right, so anything else from Mr. Wiggins on the the budget here? Uh if not, I'm looking for a motion to accept the budget as as stated. Yes sir. [1:48:54, 1:49:12]: Oh you know what? That that's thank you very much, sir. Thank you very much. There is a public hearing. Thank you. See, even I forget things from time to time. Okay, open public hearing. All right, so I'm gonna uh start on my my left side. Any anybody for the public hearing uh any for for the budget that wants to make a comment? Okay and on the right? [1:49:14, 1:49:19]: My the right side, which is my left here in this aspect. In the middle or before right on this side. [1:49:20, 1:49:35]: Seeing none. Anybody against any d against any comments from the audience? My far left, the middle, and the center and the far right. No comments. All right. Public hearing is closed. Now council. I need a motion to accept this uh budget, please. Yes. [1:49:36, 1:49:37]: So you [1:49:37, 1:49:46]: Yes, as recommended by staff and the treasurer, uh the twenty twenty-twenty-three budget, I want to make a motion to approve as recommended. [1:49:46, 1:49:47]: All right, sir, second. [1:49:50, 1:49:50]: Is there a second? [1:49:53, 1:49:55]: Yeah, I'm gonna go ahead and [1:49:55, 1:50:01]: Okay. Lake she give us games second that's a choice. I second. Okay, she seconded that. Discussion. [1:50:01, 1:50:12]: Yeah, no one question. Mr. Wiggins on the on this budget, mhm, because we had some finagling and whatever's done, what portion of this budget is being [1:50:13, 1:50:25]: totaled out or if you will, from fund balance to to get a balanced budget. How much do we have? How much of the the fund balance we're using? Yeah, what is the amount of fund balance we're using to balance this budget? [1:50:25, 1:50:36]: It it'll be in the revenues, it'll be like four four million. Four point four million. We'll use them how much a fund balance to balance the budget? To be exact, it's gonna be I think four point five million. [1:50:38, 1:50:40]: Dot two [1:50:55, 1:50:55]: Yeah. [1:50:56, 1:50:58]: Exactly. Four point five million. [1:50:58, 1:51:02]: We're using four point five million of of our savings to balance the budget. [1:51:03, 1:51:14]: That is that is yes. I wanna say balance the budget, but that's four point five, that's that's what we uh a budgeting. Without the we might not use it all though. [1:51:14, 1:51:24]: Without the four point five estimates that we have, then the budget wouldn't be balanced. Is that correct? That's correct. That's why I use the term four point five to balance the budget. [1:51:24, 1:51:26]: Yeah, y you're right. You're right. [1:51:27, 1:51:32]: Right, then motion was made in a second. All in favor of the motion, please indicate. [1:51:34, 1:51:37]: Oppose. You you you force her or of guess? [1:51:37, 1:51:50]: You're four. Okay. All four I got four votes for. Opposed? Abstain? You abstain. Four zero one motion uh motion passed. Thank you, Mr. Wiggins. All right. We do it. Thank you. [1:51:54, 1:52:14]: All right, the governing authority of the city intends to consider the vote upon the ordinance that will provide an increase in compensation for the members of the governing authority. And will provide the said increase for council members to shall increase from twelve thousand to twenty thousand annually, and for the mayor shall increase from fourteen four to twenty-two four annually. [1:52:14, 1:52:22]: If so approved, uh well says December twelfth here, and salaries will be effective on January twenty twenty four. Presented by Mr. Washington, please. [1:52:34, 1:52:54]: Good afternoon, Mayor and Council. This is just the culmination of the request to increase salaries based off based off of the need for the duties that you all have been performing. And so the vote would be tonight for the amounts as requested in the in the resolution and what would be the ordinance. [1:52:54, 1:53:11]: Okay. Any questions for Mr. Washington Council? And this is also this is also public meeting so let me open this up. There are no questions. Uh let me open it up right now. Okay, anybody that's for the conversation increase, uh please come forward on the on my very far left. [1:53:12, 1:53:15]: In the middle, my far right. [1:53:16, 1:53:20]: I see nothing for. Anybody against in the far left? [1:53:21, 1:53:41]: In the middle, order for all right. Seeing none. So public hearing and that aspect is closed. Council uh need a motion, unless there's any further discussion, I need a motion to accept this uh this increase here. Uh mayor. Yes sir. I'd like to make the uh motion to approve the uh salary increase for council uh as [1:53:41, 1:53:44]: Uh described by the attorney. Okay, is there a second? [1:53:46, 1:53:47]: Is there a second? [1:53:49, 1:53:50]: Mayor Pro Temp seconds that. [1:53:51, 1:53:54]: Okay. There's no further discussion. All in favor, please indicate. [1:53:56, 1:53:56]: All opposed. [1:53:58, 1:54:02]: Abstain. Three one one. Motion passed. Thank you. [1:54:05, 1:54:09]: Alrighty. Uh what is next? We have new business. [1:54:10, 1:54:23]: And council consideration to approve twenty twenty-three Worksman Compensation Policy with J. Smith Linair, an amount of one hundred and fifty seven thousand nine hundred and fourteen dollars presented by Miss Wheeler, please. [1:54:23, 1:54:25]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. [1:54:25, 1:54:34]: What you have before you is staff's recommendation to approve the renewal of the workers' compensation policy through January. [1:54:34, 1:54:37]: Um twenty twenty four. [1:54:37, 1:54:42]: Um this particular item is not open to competitive bidding. [1:54:42, 1:54:44]: Um during the hundred and day [1:54:44, 1:54:45]: day period. [1:54:46, 1:54:49]: We we adh try to adhere to by waiting on numbers. [1:54:50, 1:54:53]: With the additions of the police department staff. [1:54:53, 1:54:55]: And the twenty twenty three payrolls. [1:54:56, 1:54:57]: Um in the budget. [1:54:58, 1:54:59]: That has just been approved. [1:55:00, 1:55:02]: So once these numbers were added to the [1:55:03, 1:55:04]: uh proposal [1:55:04, 1:55:10]: that we received we received approximately a twenty percent reduction in our premium rate. [1:55:10, 1:55:12]: And this will allow us to see. [1:55:12, 1:55:15]: And hopefully our we can maintain. [1:55:15, 1:55:19]: the reduction um going into twenty twenty four. [1:55:20, 1:55:23]: Okay. Council, any questions for Miss Wheeler? Yes. [1:55:23, 1:55:37]: Go right up please, sir. Ms. Wheeler, so this amount, the twenty percent reduction has lowered from the last budgeted item for this, is what you're saying. We've got a lower from one hundred and seventy-nine thousand um to this year it'll be a hundred and fifty-seven thousand. [1:55:37, 1:55:47]: Um if we accept the one thousand dollar deductible, um it could go even lower um to tw one hundred and fifty three thousand if we [1:55:48, 1:55:54]: elected to do the twenty five hundred deductible. But I wanted to stay within a one thousand dollar deductible. [1:55:55, 1:56:15]: Mayor. Yes, sir. If there's no more questions from council, I'd like for us to approve the compensation policy with J. Smith Lanier in the amount of well$157,914. Motion made, is there a second? A second. Ms. Barber, I mean Ms. Gantt, I'm sorry. You spoke up. Mr. Gantt, I'm sorry. Um all in favor, please indicate. [1:56:16, 1:56:18]: Fantastic, unanimous decision. Fantastic. Good deal. [1:56:18, 1:56:25]: Okay, what we have next is council consideration to appoint several members of the Planning Commission, Youth Council Advisory, and the Main Street Advisory Board. [1:56:25, 1:56:45]: I just wanna make a recommendation that we really discuss the second session and then come back out from the second session and do this if the council would like to do that, uh these positions for these individuals. And we have to have a set we're gonna have to have a second session tonight for some other things anyway, but I was wanna make this recommendation if the council is willing to do this to have this discussion about these positions. [1:56:45, 1:56:53]: Okay, is that good? Can we do that? Yes. Okay, thank you very much. Then we'll we'll move on uh here to the upcoming meetings and announcements. [1:56:54, 1:57:14]: Council meeting will be held in the council uh city chamber meeting dates, location, and times are subject to a change. Please visit the city's website, WWW City of Stockbridge.com for the meeting invitation link. Facebook page or contact city hall offices 770-389-7900 for updates. City Council meeting second Monday. [1:57:14, 1:57:34]: Of each month, City Hall Council Chambers, January 9th. U Council meeting 6:30, second Monday of each month, City Hall Levi meeting rooms at January 9th as well. Downtown Development Authority meeting, 6 p.m. By way of Zoom, it's a special day here, January 10th, which is a Tuesday. Citywide Development Authority meeting, 6 p.m. City Hall [1:57:34, 1:57:54]: Hall Levi Meeting Room second Tuesday of each month, which should be January 10th in this case. Main Street Advisory Board meeting second Friday of each month at 9 a.m. City Hall Levi Meeting Room January 13th. Youth Council Advisory Committee meeting 6:30 p.m. third Tuesday of each month. Levi Meeting Room City Hall January 17th. [1:57:54, 1:58:07]: The Planning Commission meeting for Thursday at 6.30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers January 26th. City Council Work Session meeting Tuesday, 6 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers, January 31st. [1:58:09, 1:58:29]: And we have a continued salute to veterans. Please forward your pictures of veterans, including name, branch, ranks, years of service as Premier Mayor Pro Tem. Uh presents a special tribute to our local veterans. Pictures should be submitted to Roslyn Walls at R. Rawls at City of Stockbridge-G A dot G-O-V. And thank you for your service. [1:58:29, 1:58:49]: Please join Councilman Alexander for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project on Saturday, January 14th, the Hudson Bridge Road in I-75. Says here parking at Walmart from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. This will occur. And please join Councilman Blount for Bingo Bash on Wednesday, January 18th, the Merle Manders Conference. [1:58:49, 1:59:09]: Center from 10 a.m. to noon. And there's an opportunity to meet the mayor and talk with me, Mayor Ford, on Tuesday, January 24th from 10 a.m. to noon. Please contact Roslin Rawls to schedule your appointment at 678-833-3348. Or you can call email her at R Rawls at City of Stockbridge-G. [1:59:09, 1:59:11]: Okay. [1:59:12, 1:59:32]: And for my additional comments, once again we're still in a pandemic, believe it or not. And what I've what I listen to here in the news and the data from the public health that uh that the uh COVID is so people still getting sick, obviously, people still being hospitalized. Unfortunately, some folks are passing, but also flu shots are uh I mean flu flu [1:59:32, 1:59:52]: Is up so get your flu shots as well. And the Henry County Health Department, of course, a 130 Henry Parkway in Madonna, are open at 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to give you uh your vaccination uh for the COVID-19. And uh you can call and set appointment if [1:59:52, 2:00:08]: four four seven zero six six zero zero zero five. And of course boosters, please get them. Flu shots, of course, get that as well. Please keep yourself healthy in this aspect and this will help you keep you healthy and and uh in good condition. [2:00:08, 2:00:10]: Um [2:00:10, 2:00:30]: The new residents, there is a new resident guide that uh that we have developed, the city has developed, and it's been mailed out to all the new residents that are going to be effectively 1 January. And this new resident guide will uh give you an idea of uh what's happening in the city of Stockbridge. So you have some information in that new residence guide and [2:00:30, 2:00:50]: Involving the public works department, maintenance of the roads, right-of-way maintenance, the types of solid waste maintenance, how that how we do our business, how we service the public in this aspect. Also, we'll talk about stormwater maintenance, get you educated on that. Of course, identifying that we have three different parks. Clark Park, which is our largest, right next to our conference center, Merrill Manor. [2:00:50, 2:01:10]: Conference center there, Memorial Park and Gardner Park as well. And of course, this guy will tell you how to become apply for and become members of boards and committees, as well as the park pavilion rental process. [2:01:10, 2:01:30]: weather type of alerts. So if if we have a storm coming in, extremely cold weather, anything a tornado, hurricane, whatever that may be, this cold weather will help identify that to you so you can prepare to uh to be safe in this aspect. Also the guide will tell you how to stay connected with the city of Stockbridge if and also it lets you know in this aspect about [2:01:30, 2:01:50]: all the city events we have. There are some city events obviously we have. We talked about earlier today, council initiatives, which I'll also mention, and involvement and things that we do for our citizens in this area. What's not in the guide at this point that I know is information information about our police force, but obviously there'll be some additional information coming out about that as well. And we got outstanding police department. [2:01:50, 2:01:56]: It's been effective almost six months now doing phenomenal things in this aspect. [2:01:56, 2:02:02]: I want to give a um congratulation shout out to Miss Vanessa Holliday, our city clerk. [2:02:03, 2:02:23]: For a certification of being that is accomplished. She is now has what you call the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. She gets a designation of a certified municipal clerk, I believe on the back end of her name, says she's highly qualified. [2:02:23, 2:02:43]: She gets this extra three letters behind her name in the signature block, and she shows that she's a dedicated and professional and uh extremely handling handling her responsibilities properly, and has demonstrated uh all the skills necessary to be to help out a good, uh help out the government, our municipal government in this aspect, so congratulations to do. Um [2:02:42, 2:02:45]: That's a holiday. Outstanding. [2:02:50, 2:03:00]: You're more than welcome. And uh folks, as you realize, uh the happy happy holidays to you. Christmas. Have a good Christmas. Enjoy your family, friends, and loved ones. Be safe. [2:03:00, 2:03:20]: And uh don't eat too much, right? And uh or and that much don't have too much of that that uh eggnog that might be spiked with something, I suppose. You gotta be careful about that, right? And listen, we'll have a prosperous new year. Twenty twenty-three is gonna be a great year for citizens of Stockbridge and and we the council and are gonna do great things for you and and we'll continue. [2:03:20, 2:03:40]: have a listener for you in this aspect to make sure that we do the best we can to make your lives and your environment and your live your your your conditions here in the city as best as possible. So continue to keep the faith with us as we continue to do what we can, the best we can for our citizens. So 2023 is going to be a very prosperous year for us all. [2:03:40, 2:03:50]: On that note, uh council, uh I need a motion to go to the second session, please. So moved. So moved. Uh it's kind of going for litigation, personnel, and real estate issues, please. [2:03:50, 2:03:52]: Some of them. Okay. Is there a second? [2:03:52, 2:03:55]: A second. Uh Ms. Scant second off all in favor, please indicate. [2:03:56, 2:03:58]: Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, we'll be back. [2:03:59, 2:03:59]: Uh. [2:04:02, 2:04:06]: Aisha Watson Hawk Hawkins. [2:04:07, 2:04:10]: Second. Uh Mr Blount, second then. All in favor, please indicate. [2:04:11, 2:04:12]: All opposed. [2:04:14, 2:04:25]: You you you Miss Barber uh uh agree? Okay, so it's a unanimous decision on that. Uh Planning Commission, Miss Gamp, please. Mayor Ford, I move that we appoint David Plashon. [2:04:26, 2:04:32]: Harold Thibodeau and Kathleen Nelson. Okay. Is there a second to that motion? Second. Mr. How's that second? All in favor, please indicate. [2:04:34, 2:04:35]: All pose. [2:04:36, 2:04:37]: Well uh [2:04:37, 2:04:40]: Okay, all f all in favor. Make sure I got the count. All favor? [2:04:40, 2:04:42]: Okay, all pose. Sustain. [2:04:42, 2:04:43]: Abstain. [2:04:43, 2:04:44]: Miss Barber. [2:04:45, 2:04:46]: What you vault? [2:04:47, 2:05:06]: You abstained? She approved. She approved. Okay. All right, so it's a unanimous decision. Okay. Economic director. Mr. Alexander, please. Yes, I wish to nominate the Mr. Kimberly Alons for the position of Economic Development Director for the City of Stockbridge. I second. Okay, it's been seconded by Miss Kant. All in favor, please indicate. [2:05:08, 2:05:20]: Oh okay is the United States now standing. Okay. And um actually Mr. Blount, IT Director, sir, please. Mayor elect the motion to bring forward the approval for IT director, Mr. Rousse. [2:05:21, 2:05:26]: Uh Pattel. Okay, is there a second? I second. Ms. Can't second then. All in favor, I'm i all in favor, please indicate. [2:05:27, 2:05:29]: Okay, all polls. [2:05:29, 2:05:30]: Abstain. [2:05:31, 2:05:39]: That's three. So it's three zero two. Motion passed. Okay, on that note, uh council need a motion to adjourn the meeting. [2:05:39, 2:05:50]: So moved. Okay. Uh Miss Scott to m uh Mr. Blount, right? And all fair please indicate. Okay. Thank you. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. That's right, Merry Christmas. Happy holidays. [2:05:57, 2:05:59]: Ah oui.