2023-11-28 · City Council · Transcript · Work Session Meeting

--- title: Work Session Meeting date: 2023-11-28 source: 2023-11-28_Work_Session_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:52, 0:01:07]: All right, ladies and gentlemen, uh we'll get started with our meeting this evening. Sorry about the delay, had to take care of something here. And so I have six oh four and uh so I'd like to call our meeting uh city council work session to order. Uh this is November twenty-eighth. [0:01:08, 0:01:15]: And on that note, um invocation, Miss Gamp, please. If please stand if you everybody please stand if you can. [0:01:16, 0:01:17]: Move our hearts in prayer. [0:01:18, 0:01:30]: Father, we come to you as humbly as we know how. We thank you, Lord, for our families, our friends, and those that support us and and those that are are here within the city of Stockbridge. [0:01:31, 0:01:34]: We thank you Lord for our admin team and our staff. [0:01:34, 0:01:41]: And for this mayor and council, and we ask that you be with them as they make the decisions. [0:01:42, 0:01:56]: in the manner that they find are within the best interest for Stockbridge. Lord, we want to especially thank you and send prayers to those who are are sick and those that have loved ones. [0:01:57, 0:02:00]: who they can't reach out to today or they can't get to. [0:02:00, 0:02:02]: During these holiday times. [0:02:02, 0:02:22]: And we ask you that this that everyone acknowledges that this is the season to give and to love. With these things, in your name I pray. Amen. Amen. Pledge allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic. [0:02:22, 0:02:28]: But we just stand under the individual liberty and justice. [0:02:30, 0:02:31]: Madam Clerk, roll call, please. [0:02:35, 0:02:48]: Mayor Ford. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Barber. Present. Councilman Alexander. Present. Councilman Blount. Let the record reflect. Councilman Blount is not in attendance. Councilwoman Gantt. [0:02:48, 0:02:55]: Present. Councilman Thomas. Present. Mayor Ford, you have a call. Thank you, Madam Clerk. I appreciate that. Um [0:02:56, 0:02:57]: Council. [0:02:57, 0:03:00]: There's an amendment to the agenda I'd like to present to you. [0:03:00, 0:03:13]: Um to consider transfer to parcel of zero uh three two dash zero one zero dash three hundred fifteen three zero zero one five to the citywide development authority. [0:03:15, 0:03:16]: Want to add that to the agenda, please. [0:03:17, 0:03:19]: Is there a second to that motion? [0:03:19, 0:03:21]: Certain. Okay, all in favor, please indicate. [0:03:23, 0:03:26]: Okay, so now it's decision on that point. So on that note we will [0:03:27, 0:03:37]: On that note, we will put that uh right after the number nine on new business. We'll add that number right after new business. All right. [0:03:37, 0:03:41]: Mayor Ford. Yes ma'am. [0:03:41, 0:03:42]: I'm sorry. [0:03:42, 0:03:57]: An adoption of the agenda as amended. Yeah y well, we're gonna do that in just a second. Yeah, we'll do that in just a second. We'll do that in just I just wanted to make sure I don't forget to add this in. It'd be number ten on the item uh for the agenda tonight. Uh we were moving item number ten. [0:03:58, 0:04:12]: Uh eleven. I'm sorry, eleven. Thank you very much. Eleven. Eleven it is. Eleven. You're right. Eleven it is. Thank you. All right. So on that note, I need a motion to adopt the remainder of the agenda, please. Some moved. Okay, is there a second? Sir. Okay, for Miss Gantta Alexander, all in favor, please indicate. [0:04:13, 0:04:22]: Okay, Nam says, Thank you very much. Okay. On that note, Council, you have before you the uh draft uh minutes for the October 9th, Council. [0:04:22, 0:04:25]: meeting and also the October thirtieth Council Work Session. [0:04:25, 0:04:32]: And um so if you have any changes potential changes to that, please let the c uh clerk know that and we'll be able to [0:04:32, 0:04:33]: approve those that are next. [0:04:34, 0:04:37]: a council meeting which would be on December eleventh. [0:04:37, 0:04:40]: Uh Madam Clerk, or do we have any public comments at all? [0:04:41, 0:04:53]: Okay, thank you very much. On that note we'll go to item number three, which is a presentation, presentation of transportation improvement project for Valley Hill Road, presented by Mr. Gardner and Mr. Aaron, please. Gentlemen. [0:05:31, 0:05:40]: Good evening, Mayor, Council members. Um as you know, we've had some discussions over the last uh few months regarding um the conditions of Valley Hill Road. [0:05:41, 0:05:46]: Um and you guys might have seen some of the email traffic um going back between um [0:05:46, 0:06:06]: uh district, uh the city ma city manager, mayor, I mean city manager, county manager, um district county district commissioner and uh uh city council district member regarding the road. We actually met um collaboratively um with Henry County, um Deshes and myself as well as Sherry Matthews, the county manager. [0:06:06, 0:06:26]: And her transportation folks to look at the conditions of Valley Hill Road. What we found based on there was a couple of areas that really were in need. We were able to go back and look on Google Earth and track the conditions of the road and specifically in the area just. [0:06:26, 0:06:46]: North of um Valley Hill Station. I think I got it right. Um, especially where the where the the large trees of of on both sides of the right of way. Is it mic on, sir? Yes, it is. Okay. Um on both sides of the right of way. There the conditions of the road was was deteriorating and recad. [0:06:46, 0:07:06]: See it going back to 2015, 2012, and then coming forward, you could see the condition of the road. And so the county did their assessment and they came up with um 400,000 to repair the road. Um at our level, we had agreed that we would split that cost. They would get the consultant, we would split the cost. [0:07:06, 0:07:26]: 50-50. So we put it on the agenda to have the discussion and hopefully get a vote from council to move forward with fixing putting our portion of it in. I know that the district count district commissioner and the county manager working with the county chair to put it on the county's agenda so that the county commissioners can vote to appropriate. [0:07:26, 0:07:33]: create the funds um necessary to to make this collaborative effort happen. And with that we're open for discussion. [0:07:33, 0:07:35]: Or in in questions, concerns. [0:07:37, 0:07:38]: Ms. Barber, go ahead, please. [0:07:38, 0:07:42]: Thank you for that, Mr. Gardner and Mr. Aaron. Um [0:07:44, 0:07:46]: So all we got was just the [0:07:47, 0:07:54]: agenda item form, but no estimate of the total cost. I know that [0:07:54, 0:08:03]: in this it does mention the condition of the roadway on Valley Hill Road is marginal. I like to see the total assessment. I do support [0:08:04, 0:08:12]: Um the collaboration with Henry County to patch the areas that are most in need right now. [0:08:12, 0:08:14]: But I would I like to see the entire [0:08:15, 0:08:16]: Studying. [0:08:16, 0:08:18]: Or an elements that you all do. [0:08:18, 0:08:23]: Well, we didn't do a study. The county actually this was a county road and has been a county road since it was built. [0:08:24, 0:08:29]: The county did their assessment of all their county roads. This was included in it. That's where the marginal score came from. [0:08:30, 0:08:50]: So if you want a copy of that, we could get him, we could get him in the county to provide, we could provide that. But as it relates to us doing an analysis, we utilize the county's data and information that they put together to come up with that assessment. Can you send that to me? Yes, ma'am. Also the estimate. The estimate came from the county. They just sent it via email. I don't know what they did on their side, but their [0:08:49, 0:08:58]: Consulted their transportation consultant. Did they send you an estimate? They just gave us a number of the four hundred thousand and what it would cost them to to patch the road those roads in that area. [0:08:59, 0:09:03]: Okay, can you request the S T I like to see it too. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. You're welcome. [0:09:06, 0:09:07]: Thomas, you have a question? [0:09:07, 0:09:27]: Okay. Uh uh. Okay, go ahead, Mr. Alzheimer. So certainly for I think that w this is something that we are we know that we're gonna move forward with. I commend um Commissioner Robinson and um Councilwoman Mel Mel Pratem Barber for working on this project as when we approve these projects. [0:09:27, 0:09:47]: We know that we'll have to use splotch dollars or we have to use available dollars in order to improve the infrastructure and the roads. But how you improve the infrastructure and the roads is that you have projects on these roads. The one reason that Valley Hill Road has seen zero dollars spent in improvements is because there had not been [0:09:47, 0:10:01]: In any projects on Valley Hill Road. Subsequently, we have approved two projects on Valley Hill Road, and amazingly, the county is willing to put the dollars forward that they were not willing to put before. [0:10:01, 0:10:21]: And we just gotta understand this is how Georgia works. It's not the way that we would like it to work, but it works backwards. You have to have projects in order to get transportation dollars spent and allocated to our projects, because economic development drives road improvements in the community. So certainly I applaud this effort, but I did [0:10:21, 0:10:30]: I would like to understand that it is more than just a patching for$400,000. We're going to do some actual paving, correct? [0:10:30, 0:10:50]: No, sir. In their estimation, the road does not at this point in time need to be totally repaved. Right. Based on some of the conditions that they've seen and we've seen with our roads. Um, but they did rec they did recommend that, hey, they would move, you know, move forward, look at the road. They came up with that assessment that you know they can we can do. [0:10:50, 0:11:10]: A patch in those areas that are needed, and that'll take us into the next couple of years before that road ever gets to the point where we're going to be able to do that. Okay, so when you when you say patch, you're not talking about pothole filler, you're talking about paving stretches. Yeah, cutting cutting a section out. Right. You're paving lot stretch stretches, fully repaving individual sections of the [0:11:10, 0:11:30]: road. So when when we talk about patching, we're talking about they'll go in and mill those sections as if they were preparing the road to repave the like a full depth reclamation. But for those bad locations and those are the b areas, it could be a fifty foot by a hundred foot section that gets that patch. [0:11:29, 0:11:37]: What which is like overlay. You're repaving that portion of the road that was deemed uh unsuitable. [0:11:37, 0:11:57]: Right. So in in essence, that n that section of the word row will be new at that point, fully reclamated and repaid for that particular stretch that they're putting in. We're not just filling in potholes. No. I just want I don't want to give that implication. We're doing it the right way. So when the full repaving does, they could just pave around those sections and and finish. [0:11:57, 0:12:17]: This shit, because certainly I don't think this is the end, Councilwoman Barber. I think we should certainly look at uh in the next T-SPLOST uh being able to put some dollars toward fully improving the road uh to go along with the projects that we already approved. So certainly I I appreciate that explanation and certainly I support. [0:12:17, 0:12:20]: uh moving along with this with the projects that we approved. [0:12:22, 0:12:26]: Another question is uh for our staff, counsel. [0:12:26, 0:12:26]: We're good. [0:12:27, 0:12:41]: And Mayor Protein Barber, I do have a actual physical copy. I'll send you of the assessment that we obtained from Herring County's website. So I'll give that to you tonight and send it to everybody, to the city manager tomorrow electronically to be distributed to everybody. [0:12:44, 0:12:45]: Okay, make the motion. [0:12:46, 0:12:46]: Mm. [0:12:48, 0:12:51]: Are there any other questions in reference to this item? [0:12:52, 0:13:12]: Okay, seems not. Okay, so the next thing is present uh presentation of approved service delivery for building and development inspections. But we have to have a vote. We wish the council to move forward, we would recognize the vote. That way we could let the county know that on our end we've addressed the issue. All right, then I need a motion for that then. So moved. Is there a second? Second. Okay, from Barber to Alexander, all in favor, please indicate. [0:13:12, 0:13:13]: Oh, now she says, All right. [0:13:17, 0:13:18]: It deals with spending. [0:13:18, 0:13:20]: To spending two hundred thousand dollars what amounts to. [0:13:22, 0:13:24]: Out of T Sploss, Davison Parkway. [0:13:27, 0:13:33]: Davidson Parkway and Old Atlanta Road. Yeah. It's listed in the it's listed in the agenda. Yes. [0:13:34, 0:13:39]: Presentation, staff recommendation. Do I need to clarify my motion, Mayor Ford? [0:13:41, 0:13:45]: Well, I tell you what, why don't you clarify to make sure we got it all right then? Go ahead, please. [0:13:46, 0:13:46]: Okay. [0:13:47, 0:13:53]: I moved to approve staff's recommendation to move forward with the repaving. [0:13:54, 0:13:56]: Sections of Valley Hill Road [0:13:57, 0:13:58]: Using [0:13:59, 0:14:06]: T Sploss funds of two hundred thousand dollars in collaboration with Henry County. [0:14:06, 0:14:07]: Sure. [0:14:08, 0:14:09]: All right. All in favor, please indicate. [0:14:10, 0:14:21]: All right, does that make it good for you there, Madam Clerk? All right, you're welcome. Good deal. Presentation next on approved service delivery for building and development inspections. Mr. Anderson, please. [0:14:35, 0:14:35]: [879.5, 881.5]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Um [0:14:44, 0:14:54]: I res respectfully come before you for your before you tonight to ask for your approval of three key positions that are needed for the community development department. [0:14:56, 0:15:16]: The positions are the building official, building inspector, and permitting and building permit tech technician. There are several reasons reasons why these positions are needed. First, it will assist the department in its quest to continue to improve, to provide excellent customer service and improve. [0:15:16, 0:15:18]: deliver sir improved service delivery. [0:15:20, 0:15:40]: Um great inf greater efficiency, productivity, control, and accountability. And it's the next step in the evolution of the department is to evolve into a full service community development department by providing in-house building and permitting and inspection services. There are similar-sized cities that are full service. [0:15:40, 0:16:00]: Um community development departments such as McDonnell, Douglasville, Villa Ricca, Carrollton, and South Fulton. They all have in-house building, permitting, and inspections services. And number five, it's financially prudent and responsible to our citizens and taxpayers. If you take a look at [0:16:00, 0:16:03]: Look at the chart on the table. Um [0:16:05, 0:16:23]: You can see that we brought in so far you to date as of October the thirty-first, we brought in one point six uh one point six million dollars in revenue. And we've had to split that with the uh with the consulting company. We've we've sent out eight hundred and nineteen thousand five hundred and forty-five dollars. [0:16:23, 0:16:43]: The cost of the three positions that we were asking for is a total combined with French benefits,$330,144.69. If we had had our own in-house permitting service now, we would have sent$1.3 million into the city's general fund. [0:16:43, 0:16:45]: Um [0:16:46, 0:17:06]: It's anticipated that we could pro um probably hit the two million uh mark in revenue this year because uh as of the reporting date, we've hit one point six million dollars. So we really need these positions, like I previously said, so the department can involve into evolve into a full service community. [0:17:06, 0:17:17]: development department and we can control our own destiny and have more accountability and more responsiveness to our citizens and um just a better better overall customer service. [0:17:19, 0:17:36]: Well I would tell you, stand by I say I would tell you I'm I'm a firm believer it's always great to have your own in-house in this aspect as well. I'm assuming and the council wanna give their opinion in just a second, but uh I'm assuming up upon approval if this is the case that there there's enough space to put'em in your building and no problem. [0:17:37, 0:17:46]: Yes, sir. We'll make it make it work. Uh we have uh identified an area in the building where we where we would um retrofit to make several offices for those people. [0:17:46, 0:18:06]: Mr. Thomas, go ahead, please, sir. Thank you, Mayor. Mr. Anderson. Yes, sir. Are you familiar with a study that was conducted three years ago? Um, Mr. Nighton was here as the city manager, and not at the last budget retreat, but the retreat before though, before this one. [0:18:06, 0:18:24]: Uh it came forward um when Mrs. Carter was here and and uh well first are are you familiar with the I'm familiar with the uh the proposal that Miss Carter presented, but this is a scale down version of of that proposal. Miss Carter asked for four positions. We're asking for three positions this time. [0:18:25, 0:18:45]: The only reason I want to bring that up because this has been my contention for the last three years, and uh Mr. Knight and I led that um research and it showed then uh with the surplus by bringing permit in-house. I spoke to uh Mr. Garner earlier today. [0:18:45, 0:19:01]: About it. He was vaguely familiar with it, but if counsel will recall, when Mrs. Carter was here, I think it was in Priestry City, it came forward then. And at that time, her concern was [0:19:02, 0:19:03]: I guess [0:19:04, 0:19:24]: being able to house staff wise um in the present condition. And I'm just bringing this up because uh in that study, and I know the numbers probably have changed since then, but uh but it did indicate a surplus and you indicated uh the windfall and the surplus that the city would uh recognize [0:19:24, 0:19:44]: if we did bring this in house. So um Mr. Gardner did indicate that he was going to pull that and uh I I think it is worth looking into because it was in depth. Uh we did the uh analysis, the evaluation, yes sir. And all of that. So it's I do have copies if you don't. [0:19:44, 0:19:50]: Yes sir. I don't know if if the clerk have any in in their office, but I do have copies. [0:19:51, 0:20:11]: In this presentation, we did the research in-house. We pulled the numbers from our system, the Aaron Guard system, and it showed that we had um received over$1.6 million in revenue so far, and we paid out$819,000 to the consultant. And and again, the study actually showed uh the surplus by having it in-house. And is that [0:20:11, 0:20:21]: mentioned uh Mr. Garden and I spoke about it and if you cannot find that I do have copies. Okay. Yes sir. Thank you. We can we'll we'll definitely accept that. Thank you. Okay, thank you. [0:20:22, 0:20:39]: Ms. Gantt, go ahead please. Thank you. I'm in favor of this if that's the question that's being asked. Um have no problem with it. I have I I would just wanna know do you wanna vote tonight for it or do you need us or just you're looking for council's direction in order to um [0:20:40, 0:20:41]: Put [0:20:41, 0:21:01]: a a I guess job request out there? What are what are you needing from us tonight? Are you gonna need a vote or are you gonna need a um what's your next step? Because I know you're gonna have to fill these positions. Yeah, uh the current contract um with the vendor ends in February. February. So [0:21:01, 0:21:10]: Obviously the sooner we could get we council will give us the approval to go forward in that direction, we'll give notice, but also at the same time start to advertise for those positions. [0:21:10, 0:21:21]: Okay. Mayor? Yes, ma'am. I would like to make a motion to approve this um uh um improved service delivery for building and development inspections. [0:21:21, 0:21:30]: Sir second that motion. Is it okay, Mr. Thomas, second that any further discussion of the other two if you want to s if you have anything you wanna say before we take a vote? [0:21:30, 0:21:32]: No, you good? I'm just yes, sir. [0:21:33, 0:21:34]: Go ahead, please. [0:21:38, 0:21:46]: I know you indicated that this was a scaled down version. I think you mentioned three positions. Yes, sir. Um [0:21:46, 0:22:06]: And I'm not really sure how many positions are there in the uh outsource entity, but do you foresee at some point in time and I don't know how many staff members that are needed in that whole department, but do you foresee uh [0:22:06, 0:22:26]: bring it in the full scale um in that department to to handle all aspect of running an inspection and et cetera. So right now we get pretty good we we get excellent service from our engineering consultant and he's he's he's very reasonable and it would be cheaper to to retain his services than to hire a full-time engineer. [0:22:26, 0:22:46]: But maybe later on uh we we will look at that if the city manager decides to do so. But right now, um our engineering services is cheaper than hiring hiring uh a full-time engineer. Right. So when the consultant contract ends in February. [0:22:46, 0:23:06]: Then other than the engineering position, we would not be outsourcing any aspect of permit and an inspection. That's correct. All right. Thank you. Mayor yield back. Okay, no problem. Thank you. I've got a motion on the floor. It's been made the second. All favor motion, please indicate. Still case unanimous decision. Thank you, Mr. All right. Thank you. [0:23:06, 0:23:06]: Appreciate it. [0:23:07, 0:23:25]: Thank you, sir. All right. All right, uh see. Presentation on but uh potential future development in the area under the approved master plan that provide for a coordinated growth of mixed use project. Mr. Gardner, please. If that was wrong, okay. [0:23:25, 0:23:26]: So [0:23:53, 0:24:00]: Good evening once again. Um, Mayor and Council, I'm kinda excited about this opportunity. We have um [0:24:01, 0:24:09]: Working collaboratively with the property owners as well as the owners representative and our planning staff. [0:24:09, 0:24:10]: Um [0:24:10, 0:24:14]: Regarding the the um Patrick Henry corridor. [0:24:15, 0:24:35]: Back in 2010, there was a LCI study that was done on the county side when this was mostly in the county that foresaw mixed use development, office development along that corridor. Obviously that plan obviously is now 13 years old, was not, and most of the properties are now in the city. [0:24:34, 0:24:45]: um when they were working the county back then. Uh and this was an opportunity to get with those linemeners. So rather than getting your regular strip centers with your nail and turn beds, [0:24:45, 0:25:05]: Um, getting your typical land uses that uh that you typically see, which is your strip centers and such, to this was an opportunity we saw to take advantage of that property, its location, its proximity to two exits in the interstate, and do something creative. Um, some of the stuff that we see typically see that happens um [0:25:05, 0:25:20]: In other communities. Uh as I mentioned to a group that I met with this morning, uh a hotel conglomerate, I made this exercise with them. I say if you took Stockbridge and turned took two eighty five and turned it around one hundred and eighty degrees, where would Stockbridge be? [0:25:21, 0:25:21]: Right. [0:25:22, 0:25:23]: And what would you be looking at? [0:25:24, 0:25:25]: You'd be looking at Roswell. [0:25:26, 0:25:27]: You'll be looking at Smyrna. [0:25:28, 0:25:30]: We would be in that corridor. [0:25:30, 0:25:31]: What's in that corridor? [0:25:32, 0:25:41]: Headquarters for Fortune 100, Fortune 500 companies, major mixed-use developments. Like you see, Avalon that I think this council visited. [0:25:41, 0:25:50]: Um you see count uh mixed use development that me and council member visited a few uh last year um over on Old Atlanta Road. [0:25:51, 0:25:55]: Да типа девелопмент да до наизи от сайтов Піч трі ситі. [0:25:56, 0:25:58]: They don't exist on the south side of a lot of. [0:25:58, 0:25:59]: Does not. [0:26:00, 0:26:09]: You can find those type of developments everywhere along major corridors on the north side, but you do not see those type of developments south of I-20, south of two eighty-five. [0:26:10, 0:26:12]: In what we call the southern cresting. [0:26:12, 0:26:20]: This is an opportunity for us to do something very creative and bring that type of development to provide for entertainment, live, work, play. [0:26:21, 0:26:27]: in an area through mixed use, vertical mixed use, as well as horizontal mixed use, development along this corridor. [0:26:27, 0:26:31]: Um the we've been working in earnest with the property owners. [0:26:31, 0:26:32]: Um to make this happen. [0:26:33, 0:26:34]: Um [0:26:34, 0:26:43]: Today what you see in front of you is a plan that working with those guys collaboratively we came up with and I will tell you that there's a portion of this site that is actually already [0:26:44, 0:26:52]: Dedicated for a major luxury um auto dealer that wants to come into the side. I could say that much, but I can't call their name. [0:26:53, 0:27:05]: Um, but that's part of the development process. And what the development entails is you have vertical mixed use development where you have retail commercial establishment on the ground floor and you have residential and office above. [0:27:06, 0:27:26]: You also have um single family attached townhomes, multifamily attached apartments, professional office complex, other commercial retail and auto sales, and a couple of four potential four star hotels as part of this overall complex. I will say that this is still as much as we [0:27:26, 0:27:41]: we worked on this. There's been a couple of entities that have expressed um interest in this area that might shift this and that's the only reason why right to date that I'm not asking you to adopt it, but I wanted to bring it to your attention that this is what's we've been working on with those landowners over there. Um and if that happened [0:27:43, 0:28:03]: As much as I would hate that we would pretty much condense this plan if that happened, but it would be a huge if if what we're working on come to pass, it would be a huge win for the South Side and a huge win for the city of Stockbridge and Henry County as a whole. Um but we're working on that with the landowner and those private entities to make it happen. Um what does this mean? [0:28:03, 0:28:12]: I mean, this project went totally built, it built out as design over$300 million in investments in that area. [0:28:12, 0:28:21]: Um, what does it bring? New entertainment venues, new restaurant, new job opportunities, and that signature project to City of Stockbridge, Henry County that does not exist. [0:28:25, 0:28:32]: Some examples of what look like that other communities are built in their communities. These are some examples I wanted you guys to take a look at. [0:28:35, 0:28:55]: And this is one that uh Councilmember Narba m uh council member myself and Miss Barber visited a few uh back last year. Um over on Nair Smyrna in two eighty-five, that corridor over there, I was actually um planning director in in Griffin when this was built back in two thousand and four. Um it's really cool development, mixed use development. [0:28:55, 0:28:57]: with restaurants and retail. [0:28:58, 0:29:07]: Um in conjunction with single family detach, those values were pretty much in a million dollars on the single family side of this development. John Wheeling. [0:29:07, 0:29:08]: Yep. Mm-hmm. [0:29:10, 0:29:11]: Good. It's nice. [0:29:11, 0:29:14]: Was that the same? Is that the same? [0:29:14, 0:29:15]: Was that the same developer? [0:29:16, 0:29:17]: From Smarta. [0:29:18, 0:29:22]: Is this the one that we visited, yes. Oh. Yeah. Okay. [0:29:32, 0:29:40]: So with that, I I r just want council to recognize that we're working in earnest to to make this area um a signature area for the city. [0:29:41, 0:29:56]: Um and for the county as a whole and I know that there's maybe some objections, but we've actually presented this to some of our county folks and gotten some really good reviews back from them as it relates to this type project because they understand what it means and this would be one of the first that we're able to make this happen. [0:29:57, 0:30:17]: Um hopefully next month we'll be asking you guys to adopt this master plan that way we lock it in um once we know whether or not we're gonna land that big entity or not. And we should have that information fairly soon and we'll bring this back to be adopted as the official map for this this corridor from council. So it's just a presentation. Okay, Mr. Gardner, so otherwise this needs to still go before [0:30:17, 0:30:37]: This at some point, yes, it would need to go. Once you you would be adopted, we'll go to the official process, take it to the planning commission, and bring it back to you guys. And just for clarification, the map example on your right, that is actually the county's uh particular map several years or so ago. 2010. And this one on our on obviously is what's for [0:30:36, 0:30:42]: So on the screen this is what we're proposing right here in our community. Correct. Okay. Mr. Alezan, I'm pretty sure you have something you need to say. [0:30:42, 0:31:02]: Yeah, this uh this is certainly a shining star for all of South Metro and it will really change the map as far as what Stockbridge is concerned. Go back to those renderings of those beautiful class A spaces that we just don't see in this area. [0:31:02, 0:31:12]: Um and that that is those will be required these standards as in class A will be required in these developments, correct? [0:31:13, 0:31:33]: That is correct. So what it what what the plan is for this particular area, and you know, it took a long time for us to get moved in on the Jodico project, but to uh to actually use a lot of those same standards like we used over there with the 10 foot multi-use pass, uh the street lighting. [0:31:33, 0:31:53]: Uh certainly in the discussions that we've had, brief discussions we've had with uh the project uh coordinator, certainly they've been agreeable to having that there be a walkable community, uh requirements for the electric car charging stations, uh the things like we see at the Jodico project with the black mass pumps. [0:31:53, 0:32:13]: Post-arm signals and the um to make sure that again everything is connected over there. And again, as we move down Patrick Henry Parkway, not only will we have the trails uh along the frontage along that side, certainly it will be inside the uh the development as well. [0:32:12, 0:32:32]: And then I think there's only so much that we can say, but we can pretty confidently say that we have, as you have said, there are some major players who want to come and locate in Stockbridge that we cannot identify at this particular time because we have non-disclosure agreements with them. But if people knew who they were, it would be [0:32:32, 0:32:34]: Earth shadowing, would you say? [0:32:35, 0:32:35]: Yes, sir. [0:32:36, 0:32:42]: And that's that that's pretty much all that we're gonna be able to say here and to understand that in addition to that [0:32:43, 0:32:55]: Uh there will be some road improvements that'll be made along with this as well, widening a portion, adding XL, D cell lanes and such, improving the cor improving the corridor, correct? [0:32:55, 0:33:10]: That is correct. And and this is something that we obviously will be discussing with the county is what as you know, Patrick Henry right now is two lanes. The two lanes that you currently go s north and south on will actually be the northbound side of the road. [0:33:10, 0:33:12]: So the right of way [0:33:12, 0:33:29]: is already there to add the southbound two southbound lanes to this corridor. And that will be something that we discuss um collaboratively between the city and the county as we go through splus. And I understand you were there I guess when all of this were you there when they when they dealt the Patrick Henry Parkway? [0:33:29, 0:33:31]: Were you with the county at that time? [0:33:31, 0:33:51]: When they did when they originally did Patrick Henry Park. No. Um I I'd already left the county when they built when they built the when they tied the two together. Yeah. Okay, yeah. Michael Harris was there, I think, at the time. And what they did was they actually built it so, as you said, with the two northbound lanes on one side, and they didn't build it with the curb and gutter, they built it with [0:33:51, 0:34:08]: with the median basically so that they could add the two lanes uh over to that side and this property uh obviously that right of way will help us with the two additional lanes will help us accommodate uh additional traffic in that area and to be able to improve [0:34:09, 0:34:23]: this project at the cost of the developer versus us having to go to our T splice and our splice dollars that uh in accordance with approval of this project, that will those improvements will be required, correct? [0:34:24, 0:34:44]: Uh in the conversations we've had with the developer in the county is potentially looking at a obviously public private partnership where they would put in half of the cost and the city and the county would split the other half. Okay. So the So again the plan is to widen the road in in a public private [0:34:44, 0:35:04]: Partnership where the developer takes a takes at least part of the cost off of us so that we would not have to go to taxpayers for that particular entity. Correct? Correct. Okay. Well, certainly I I think uh certainly I'd like to hear what the rest of the board had to think, but certainly this is in accordance with what we [0:35:04, 0:35:19]: we did at Jodico and the presidents that we set uh to make sure that everything that we brought into the city would be of a class A standard in the area and to uh seek additional transportation dollars to improve the entire quarter. [0:35:20, 0:35:22]: Councillor, uh Ms. Gantt you have a comment? [0:35:22, 0:35:26]: Yes, I I love it. I think it's gonna be phenomenal. Um [0:35:27, 0:35:35]: It's well needed and I'm excited about the potential of some of the businesses that will come. Um, I'm really excited about it. [0:35:36, 0:35:39]: All right, good deal. Anybody else? Miss Barber, you have a comment at all? [0:35:41, 0:35:43]: No. Mr. Thomas? [0:35:43, 0:35:59]: No, I I think we're all in favor. I I won't uh repeat what everyone has said, but uh I I think it's great and I think we're all in favor. All right, good deal. So so otherwise you you're gonna it's gotta go to the planning commission and eventually come back to us again as well. Yes. For okay. [0:36:00, 0:36:02]: And you have a particular timeline for that, sir? [0:36:02, 0:36:20]: Uh hopefully we'll be able to get everything if we once we know um with the entity that's looking in this area, if that issue falls through, um, then we'll keep the same design. If it doesn't, we'll redesign to incorporate them in it and bring and bring it back through and let you guys know what happened. [0:36:20, 0:36:33]: Before the end of the year or the first part of the next year? Uh it'll come we put it back through the process. It'll call probably go to Planning Commission in January and probably to you guys ne in February, early February. So be it. Thank you. Yes, sir. [0:36:34, 0:36:39]: All right, presentation of proposed street light assessment program. Mr Aaron, please. [0:36:59, 0:37:19]: Good evening, Mr. Mayor and Council. Uh tonight we come before you with the presentation. Staff was tasked with um looking at developing a streetlight assessment. As we're well aware, as we begin to add more and more developments, the streetlight account continues to escalate. It's not going down. And also recently there's [0:37:19, 0:37:38]: There's been a flood of emails in reference to the properties that were annexed into the city. But the county was billing those street like districts. And so there's some correspondence going around that they're gonna turn those over to the city for, you know, billing and cost for the electricity for. [0:37:39, 0:37:41]: those subdivisions and [0:37:41, 0:37:44]: those thoroughfares that were annexed into the city. [0:37:45, 0:37:48]: So one of the things we we wanted to discuss was [0:37:49, 0:37:56]: How do we go about recouping some of the costs that the city spends for street lights? Because currently [0:37:57, 0:38:17]: In the FY 2024 budget, the city is projecting that we'll spend eight hundred and fifty thousand dollars on street lights. And that does not include the ones that were recently approved on Spear Road, the ones that are on Campground Road. So eight hundred and fifty thousand dollars represents about a half a meal of that two three point seven seven. [0:38:17, 0:38:25]: Meals in taxes, a half point five meals would go towards street lights. And based on the information I've received, [0:38:25, 0:38:45]: That once those annexed properties come online and the city takes responsibility for that, then three-quarters of a meal would be for street lights. And so there are three options available to us as to how we go about paying for street lights. And one option is the city. [0:38:45, 0:39:05]: And the resident share the cost of the street lights. Residents in this model, every parcel in the city would pay a portion of streetlights because everybody benefits from it. It starts off with a percentage, like they pay 25%, the city pays 75 cents, it goes [0:39:05, 0:39:07]: to a fifty fifty split. [0:39:07, 0:39:09]: And then there's an option where [0:39:10, 0:39:13]: that the county and locals grove uses is that [0:39:14, 0:39:19]: We would pay for street lights on major thoroughfares and then all of the subdivisions [0:39:19, 0:39:28]: Every parcel in that subdivision would pay their pro rattle share of the bill. So if the annual bill for that subdivision is [0:39:28, 0:39:48]: $5,000 and there's a hundred homes in there, so they'd be assessed. The hundred will divide that five thousand amongst the hundred, and that's how that would be paid in the neighborhoods. And you would also going forward, all future development, you would require them to sign a street light petition up front where they agree to pay. [0:39:48, 0:39:55]: the assessment for the street lights in the city does not pay. And then the last one would be [0:39:55, 0:40:10]: you pass a hundred percent of the cost on to the residents. So we got three options and before we go down the road of developing an actual assessment, I wanna get what's council opinion, which one do they want us to pursue. [0:40:11, 0:40:15]: As far as coming up with the street light districts and assessments. [0:40:15, 0:40:35]: Mayor. Yes, Mayor. Go ahead please. I I kinda like this. I I do have some concerns that if it because the the um tax that we have, we have a police department and that money was to be allocated because the budget will increase, has increased tremendously. [0:40:35, 0:40:41]: easily. So um m one that's a concern of mine. I believe [0:40:41, 0:40:50]: That we have to do something about the streetlights in the in communities and get a control get it under control now. [0:40:52, 0:41:12]: I like the second option you stated in regards to the subdivisions. Um, you know, and and let them handle how they pay for their street lights in those commun in in the communities. And the reason I say that is um when I started calling around as well, looking at other cities. [0:41:11, 0:41:26]: and other communities exactly like you had mentioned Locust Grove and the county does as well. Other cities do that too because we're growing and we're not in the business of street lights. [0:41:27, 0:41:41]: We're not in the business of it. We're not in the business of paying streetlight um for every community. Um there's a lot of cost that would be involved. And so I think that each individual neighborhood would should be responsible for their streetlights. [0:41:43, 0:41:44]: Ms. Alzheimer's great please. [0:41:45, 0:42:05]: Uh I re I really concur with that. I think for consistency's sake that residents, no matter whether they're in the county or in the city, should have the same process. So if they move, they know what what the situation is going to be no matter where it is, and that it makes sense for us since most of the major [0:42:05, 0:42:25]: Projects are on long major thoroughfares for us to work with the developer to install the lighting and then for us to assess those costs accordingly and then potentially work in some project sharing with the developers of these particular projects so that they are taking [0:42:25, 0:42:45]: Taking on some of these costs. I think the county adjusted their uh highway corridor plan to require streetlights be installed with all of these new developments instead of just inside the development than along the right-of-way. And I think we need to go along and adapt that too, because when we approve a new development, streetlights. [0:42:45, 0:43:05]: Lights need to go along the right-of-way, and we should require the developer to do that. So my opinion is that I certainly uh would lean toward going in the direction of uh what the county has been doing. I certainly wouldn't want to pass on the cost of uh the developments to the individual residents, but in this case [0:43:05, 0:43:05]: Yeah. [0:43:08, 0:43:28]: When residents want more street lights in their subdivision, uh they have the they have the right to do that because they're paying the bill. If they want to add extra lighting in there, they can add extra lighting in any subdivisions, because a lot of these subdivisions have street lights, but they're inadequate because there's so few of them that there's so many dark spots. So in [0:43:28, 0:43:39]: At this point with the new program, if a subdivision wanted to add streetlights, they could indeed do that and then they would absorb the cost working through us to get the new additional streetlights installed. Is that correct? [0:43:39, 0:43:49]: Yes. So one of the things we would do is we would identify the major thoroughfares and roads and that would be outlined, say, North Henry Boulevard. [0:43:50, 0:44:10]: Patrick Henry, Eagles Land, and Hudson Bridge Campground, those would be the city's responsibility. And then one of the things I've been discussing with Georgia Power, they'll get us a spreadsheet. The county's working on getting us the spreadsheet. And we're gonna have to go and actually count parcels and number of lights within that subdivision or count parcels and [0:44:10, 0:44:30]: the annual bill and that's how we split it up between those residents in those subdivisions and neighborhoods so that it's equitable among everybody in that subdivision. So subdivision would ta pay different prices based on the annual uh electrical cost for that neighborhood. But I think [0:44:30, 0:44:50]: That's an equitable way of doing it so that everybody pays their pro rattle share because they're benefiting from having street lights in their subdivision. And so we would just have to come back with the model that we present to you for approval. But we're asking tonight for you to choose one of the options and then that goes. [0:44:49, 0:45:04]: gives us our marching orders of how we go about developing this street light assessment or street light program because the cost gonna continue to escalate and it's gonna get to a point where it's not gonna be [0:45:05, 0:45:12]: financially feasible if you want to maintain the current millage rate to continue paying escalating street lighting. [0:45:13, 0:45:33]: Yeah, and honestly, I just really we just need to go ahead and move in that direction. And while you're up there, let me go ahead and g we had a just really rotten timing on Jodico, where all of the street lights went out on the south side ramp. Do you have an update on that to where we stand? Because all of the lights went out on the JohtoCo South. [0:45:33, 0:45:53]: So that agreement is between Henry County and Georgia Power. So Henry County has to sign off on it before Georgia Power makes it a little bit. I know Mr. Gardner. So we've been in communication with them. [0:45:52, 0:45:54]: In order to move forward and get [0:45:55, 0:46:13]: We we we we've been waiting long enough. We need to get an answer. We we need to work through whoever the channels need to be to get somebody to move this forward. This has been going on now for about a month. And uh, you know, we've got a new vendor in the city. Costco's doing quite well and we need those lights on. [0:46:14, 0:46:30]: So what can we do to get in contact, to send the urgency of this nature to them to sign off? I know I had reached out to some elected officials. They said they were working on it. Can we circle back to see how quickly we can get that done? [0:46:30, 0:46:49]: And that's and I think this is plain that we've actually been doing that and working through through the channels in the county to to to give them the sense of urgency as to why it's important to make this happen. But once again this is something that we are working outside of our jurisdiction asking them to push this effort forward because it is important, but [0:46:51, 0:47:00]: We could only push them as far as they wanted to be pushed to make it happen. I think the conversation should obviously continue to come from council to commissioners. [0:47:01, 0:47:03]: Right, because that's how things trickle down. [0:47:04, 0:47:06]: When you want something to get done and done in emergencies to have [0:47:07, 0:47:09]: The chair or the district person or both. [0:47:09, 0:47:13]: explain to the staff that to get on Georgia Power to to make it happen. [0:47:14, 0:47:25]: Well certainly we'd like to see that. And then in addition to that, the street lights are going up in the interior uh of the Costco development, but certainly, what's the arrangement for the right of way? [0:47:27, 0:47:41]: along Jodico.'Cause the county has street lights up uh from Chambers Road on down to uh down Jodico Road, but we don't have any street lights right there in front of the development. Is the developer gonna put them up or do we need to put them up? [0:47:42, 0:48:01]: Uh I uh from my understanding the developer was responsible for the lights within the development. There are currently no lights on Jodico Road in that location if if we wanted lights there the city would assume that responsibility for I think that you know, with a provider that's doing what they're doing right there. [0:48:01, 0:48:21]: I tell you what, how about this? Uh you you l let me let me uh interject here. We were talking about the particular options that we want to focus in on. It's probably what we need to focus in on that for tonight. So you at least give you some proper guidance on that. And I think right now, I think Mr. Alexander and Ms. Gantt are looking at option number two to go forward. And Miss Barber, you your option two is you want to comment or you want [0:48:21, 0:48:22]: Option two as well. [0:48:22, 0:48:23]: I have a comment. [0:48:24, 0:48:25]: Same question. [0:48:25, 0:48:28]: Okay, let's let's stay on task on this. Go ahead with your comment, please. [0:48:28, 0:48:30]: Mr Aaron, so the [0:48:31, 0:48:49]: eight hundred thousand dollars that the city is currently paying for street lights, does that include the newly annexed areas as of January of twenty twenty three? No it doesn't, because Henry County billed those residents on their property tax system. Okay, thank you. That's my first question. So then [0:48:50, 0:48:54]: All of the newly annexed areas as of January of twenty twenty three. [0:48:55, 0:48:57]: In Dist City Council District Four. [0:48:58, 0:48:59]: Most of them were [0:48:59, 0:49:01]: are not in subdivisions. [0:49:01, 0:49:02]: So [0:49:02, 0:49:03]: Davis Road. [0:49:05, 0:49:17]: There are no subdivisions on Davis Road. So they don't have like HOAs. They're just communities. So then would Davis Road c be considered like a [0:49:17, 0:49:18]: Major [0:49:19, 0:49:20]: Thoroughfare of the city? [0:49:20, 0:49:40]: If streetlights were on Davis Road, then the city would pay for those. But the neighborhoods that come off of Davis Roads, then those residents, you'll count all the parcels in there and the energy bill for that neighborhood and they'll pay their pro rattle share for that. If the city wanted to install street lights on Davis Road, then you get into that. [0:49:40, 0:49:56]: the city pays for those because there are no it's gonna be some residents that benefit cause they live on a major road like Walt Stevens or something like that, but the street light districts are mainly aimed at neighborhoods and subdivisions. [0:49:56, 0:50:00]: Okay, then so on Davis Road then there are neighborhoods. [0:50:01, 0:50:02]: Of Davis Road. [0:50:02, 0:50:05]: So the city should be covering [0:50:05, 0:50:11]: Street lights in those neighborhoods on Davis Road, Valley Hill Road, Shields Road, [0:50:12, 0:50:14]: Their neighborhoods as well. [0:50:14, 0:50:15]: But if you're [0:50:16, 0:50:36]: If you develop the districts, then the neighborhoods would pay the assessment for those street lights. But Shields Road, if there are street lights on Shields Road, the city would pay those. But if you went on, I think it's my Metal Ridge or one of those off Shields Road, those homes off of Metal Ridge, they'll pay an assessment for the street road. [0:50:36, 0:50:37]: Street life. [0:50:37, 0:50:57]: They would pay the same assessed amount as residents who live inside of subdivisions. No, with Hills. So if this neighborhood has twenty lights and there's a subdivision with twelve, the subdivision with twelve would pay less than those with twenty because the energy cost. [0:50:57, 0:50:58]: Cost would be less. [0:50:59, 0:51:01]: Okay, so when you mention about the [0:51:02, 0:51:05]: Um options. Option one is [0:51:06, 0:51:07]: What did you say? [0:51:07, 0:51:10]: Option one is the city payer percentage and the [0:51:11, 0:51:16]: Every resident pay a percentage, whether they have street lights in their neighborhood or not. [0:51:17, 0:51:17]: Half and half. [0:51:18, 0:51:22]: It c i whatever the percentage that council wanted to [0:51:22, 0:51:37]: implement if this the city said we pay fifty percent and the residents pay fifty percent or the city pays fifty five and the residents pay forty five. But the one where you is option two [0:51:37, 0:51:46]: That's more equitable because you're paying the cost based on the energy that your neighborhood or subdivision is using because [0:51:46, 0:51:54]: If you got twelve lights, it's gonna be a lot cheaper than if you're in a neighborhood or subdivision with fifty lights. So [0:51:56, 0:52:15]: You try that's the most equitable one. Reiterate Mayor Ford. Okay. You want two is well reiterate that. Okay. Option two was the city pays for the street lights on major thoroughfares and intersections and residents pay for the street lights in the neighborhoods and subdivisions. Yes. Is option two. [0:52:15, 0:52:17]: Yes, sir. All right. [0:52:17, 0:52:19]: Is so is that [0:52:21, 0:52:27]: Okay, back to Miss Barber. You have any more questions, ma'am? Yes, I wanna make sure that whatever the council decides, whether it's today or [0:52:27, 0:52:35]: going forward, that all those newly annexed parcels as of january twenty twenty three be included. [0:52:36, 0:52:56]: They will be but but they've already been billed for twenty twenty four on their property tax statement. They've already been billed for twenty twenty four? Yes, when the county sent out the tax notices. This would be for twenty twenty five and going forward. Okay. Because all of those will become would come off the county's street light district. [0:52:56, 0:53:01]: And they'll either go dark or the city funds it or the city and them fund it. [0:53:01, 0:53:02]: Mm-hmm. [0:53:04, 0:53:24]: I miss Barber, you have an idea what option you're in favor of at this point? No, not at this time. All right. Um this is just a presentation, correct? No, we can vote. We need to go. We're we're asking for counsel direction as to which option they want us to pursue because option two requires some detailed work, because you gotta find out the number so the basis is the number of parcels and [0:53:24, 0:53:34]: each subdivision, the amount of lights and energy costs for each one of those subdivisions so that you assign a value to that assessment for that subdivision or neighborhood. [0:53:35, 0:53:40]: So you're gonna end up having to bring this back to us sometime next year again, right? [0:53:41, 0:54:01]: Yes, ma'am, but we just want council approval to say, well, this is the option you want we want you to pursue, and that's what we go about doing because if we do all three, it's gonna be a lot of work involved and we need to do it today. Okay. But before Mr. But the assessment though is citywide, not a because [0:54:01, 0:54:18]: you mentioned some streets. I want to have an understanding that this is a citywide assessment. Yes, sir. And you can identify which streets that the city is going to be responsible for when it comes to major thoroughfare. It'd be something like Walt Stevens, Mount Zion. It could be North Henry Boulevard. [0:54:19, 0:54:28]: Patrick Henry, Campground, Eagles Land, Hudson Bridge. So those are spelled out that this is what the city's paying for, but neighborhood soft of those roads, they pay for it. Okay. [0:54:29, 0:54:38]: Okay. Well I I'm I'm leaning toward uh option two, but I just wanna make sure that the assessment though is city wide. [0:54:39, 0:54:42]: Yes, sir. It's it's citywide. Okay. Every [0:54:42, 0:54:46]: Everyone that have street lights, they will pay their [0:54:47, 0:54:49]: Pro Radasabna Streetlights. [0:54:49, 0:55:05]: So maybe if I may, so if if the council agree on option two, then what is your next step and and and and when will you bring that back and and where do we go from there? It all depends on when Georgia Power and Herring County gets us the data. [0:55:06, 0:55:26]: 'Cause the framework is already prepared. It's just a matter of getting a spreadsheet with all the data and information. So we can present it and say, Okay, this subdivision, based on this cost, this is what every resident that would pay. So it'll be broken out by subdivision and neighborhood as to what their annual assessment would be. [0:55:26, 0:55:33]: Well, no good question. I is there a grandfather clause in this proposal? No, sir. All right. Thank you. [0:55:35, 0:55:42]: All right. Uh Miss Barber did you have any more questions? I did. So why wouldn't we just wait until you got the assessment? [0:55:43, 0:55:45]: In these direction. [0:55:45, 0:56:05]: See well I said we're asking me to make a decision based on data, but I don't have any data and you don't either. Do you want where uh individuals actually pay what they're using or do you want to assess everybody and say, well, you're gonna pay a share, whether you have street lights [0:56:05, 0:56:15]: in your neighborhood or your subdivision or not, you're gonna pay for the benefit of the entire city and the city's gonna pay a portion of it. Option two is the most [0:56:16, 0:56:31]: To me, the most favorable one because you're paying for a benefit that you're receiving. And option one is you might be paying for a benefit that you're not receiving. You're paying for every light in the city, whether it benefits you or not. [0:56:36, 0:56:56]: All right. No other questions. Mayor, I I'm gonna make a motion, but I had a quick comment. Okay. Councilman Alexander did make a great point and I don't think Ryan I think Ryan left, but we do need to follow back up with him on that. Um when when the new requirement should be that street lights are brought in back [0:56:56, 0:57:16]: by the developer and as they're coming out, the same as we're requiring them to do the sidewalks right up front as well. That's gonna be part of the street light assessment where the when they're going through the planning process, there will be a petition that the developer has to sign saying that those parcels will pay streetlight assessments. [0:57:16, 0:57:36]: Right. So that you'll know up front that they're gonna pay for it. And then going forward, if there's a neighborhood that doesn't or subdivision that doesn't have street lights, they want street lights, then you'd have to get that petition passed among circulated among the homeowners. That's right. And whatever the percentage is that required to approve it before you install street lights in there. [0:57:36, 0:57:45]: then that's the direction you'll go because you know that you'll recoup the cost that you've invested in. And and um mayor, if I may, and I thank you for that explanation. Um [0:57:45, 0:58:05]: I uh I like option two because uh subdivisions can become as elaborate as they want or scale back and be as dark as they want, but it's up to them and it's fair to them and they have the right to make that decision and they'll be in control of that decision. So having said that, I would like to move that you uh [0:58:06, 0:58:10]: You know, g you bring us back an assessment on option two. [0:58:10, 0:58:12]: So I second that motion. [0:58:13, 0:58:29]: Okay. Brings back the assessment. All right. The motion's been accepted by Ms. Barber and Nishman by Ms. Gantt all in favor of the motion, please indicate. It's an ambassador's decision. Okay, thank you very much. Appreciate it. All right. And then let's see here. [0:58:32, 0:58:38]: Then we have now a splos uh six proposed list presented by mister Gardner and mister [0:58:38, 0:58:39]: Yeah. [0:58:55, 0:59:15]: Mayor Council, as you know, the discussion has started as it relates to uh Splus Six. And so as I mentioned to you um at our budget retreat that um the county would be sending us notice, um, per my conversation with the county managers some months ago um regarding a call for um [0:59:15, 0:59:23]: Splus six. The county is moving in that direction as it relates to splus six. And so with that, we've kind of put together um [0:59:24, 0:59:30]: Some areas um similar to what I did with Splash Four when I was in the city of um McDonough. [0:59:31, 0:59:34]: Um we actually put together a kind of a um [0:59:35, 0:59:45]: a la court for you guys to look at, um, give some recommendations and tweak. As you know, we in terms of the SPLOS project process, um [0:59:46, 1:00:06]: The county will announce and send notification for us, the cities, if we want to participate. If we do, you know, that's a five years plus. If they if the cities do not, then that becomes a five years plus, and we obviously lose rev potential revenue based on that extra year of s of assessments. Um [1:00:06, 1:00:25]: The process now that the county is going through is recently they move forward with a vote to move on to SPLOSS. Um there are meetings that have been scheduled for SPLOS. Unfortunate, none of those meetings will occur in in the city limits of Stockbridge or in the city limits of Hampton. [1:00:25, 1:00:30]: They will be in the city of the middle south of McDonald because the senior senior heritage [1:00:31, 1:00:36]: Uh the senior facility is in the city limits and the other one I think is in the city of Hampton. [1:00:36, 1:00:37]: Um [1:00:37, 1:00:42]: I know that they're in the process of looking at having a splots committee at this point. [1:00:42, 1:00:55]: that haven't been announced who those people will be and will they be I know there was discussion about whether or not they would ask the city to have representatives um on the spLOS committee. I would hope that they would. Um [1:00:55, 1:01:08]: And that we'd have some participation. I was hoping that they would announce some meetings in the city limits, but they did not. And I don't know, that's a discussion that that this entity, the board wants to commit the council wants to have with some of the elected officials on that end. [1:01:08, 1:01:09]: Um [1:01:09, 1:01:29]: about the fact that there should be meetings inside the the major cities. Um with Stockbridge being now the largest city in Henry County, we should have been allotted a location for SPLOSS meetings. Um but with that said, uh obviously SPLOS will go to a referendum in twenty twenty four, November of and then [1:01:29, 1:01:36]: if approved by the voters will take effect uh April of twenty twenty-five. Uh and so with that [1:01:36, 1:01:37]: We kinda look at [1:01:37, 1:01:47]: um a couple of areas that we wanted you guys to look at and then just give us some recommendation. Obviously road resurfacing and sidewalks being one. Um [1:01:47, 1:01:55]: Municipal buildings being two, infrastructure being three, parks and wreck, um, and options for vehicle and equipment. [1:01:55, 1:02:06]: being um a area number five that you guys can look at and give us um some ideas as. We kinda worked out that based on the current sploss numbers we should get somewhere between [1:02:07, 1:02:14]: Thirty seven, thirty five, thirty eight, thirty-eight being the top. So we actually use the thirty-five number based on what they're seeing now. [1:02:14, 1:02:34]: um and recommending. And so with that we kind of divvied it out the twelve million and this like I said, this is subject to change based on you guys, not just us. So it's just a starting point, right, for discussion. Um and some recommendations from you guys. But you know, resurface well, roadway and res and resurfacing being [1:02:34, 1:02:54]: Uh 12 million, building maintenance being about 12 million, infrastructure 8 million, parks, 5, vehicles, 1.5. And then there we've broken it down by districts based on that 12. So each district would be allotted about 2.4 million. Obviously, if you change it around and make that more of a priority and increase that number. [1:02:54, 1:02:57]: number, that number would come from a different area. Um [1:02:58, 1:03:06]: Whether it's municipal buildings or infrastructure or parks or vehicle, we would allot those monies where council feels that they if if that's a priority and it should go there. [1:03:08, 1:03:10]: So this is a fluid chart. [1:03:10, 1:03:13]: Um all just want you guys to kinda take it in, look at it. [1:03:13, 1:03:33]: Um give us some recommendations. Uh I think in the best interest of time, obviously, because this could go forever, it'd probably be best if we have a special call meeting at some point to chance drill down on on what we want on our splits because we want to get it done before those meetings start happening. So we could at least have those areas addressed for residents. [1:03:33, 1:03:42]: And the option to tweak'em based on input you guys hear from those residents at those meetings. And then turn it in at the in at the time allotted. [1:03:42, 1:03:58]: Miss Gantt's biting at the bit to say something. Go ahead, please. Um, thank you. Um, then thank you, uh Mr. Gardner. I do agree that we probably don't want to get into a long discussion on this today. However, I wanted to know when is our next retreat, council retreat? [1:03:59, 1:04:03]: Sure. Our our next council retreats in February. [1:04:03, 1:04:10]: And I know that that's the time where we normally do our planning not for budgets, but for planning on what we want, how we want it. [1:04:11, 1:04:16]: Um I see you have a title here, Road Resurfacing and Sidewalks. I was gonna ask you [1:04:16, 1:04:36]: the difference between us putting money here allocated and our T sploss money. I also when I deal with SPLOS, I like for it to be broad, except for when it now we have districts, I know that we need to divide money equally on that end, but for other things, whether or not we have to actually list a particular item instead of being broad and just listing [1:04:36, 1:04:56]: what it's for. Right. If it's for a capital project such as municipal buildings. And and and you can you can you can say um infrastructure. Correct. Right? And that will allow us this is broken down just for you guys to have an example of what would be under those categories. Right. But typically you would just say infrastructure or you would say parks or you [1:04:56, 1:05:16]: you would say um equipment and vehicles and then what those totals would be. Right. Because uh as you know, we get surprises and we might have, you know, a t TSW somebody comes back in and does a presentation and say, hey, no, this is gonna cost this. But we have another another option or sometimes our priorities move. We have an [1:05:16, 1:05:30]: new council member coming on board. So I think in February would be a great time for us to discuss this and get a concrete and f like where we want to put our our spas dollars for that. And that's where I am on that. [1:05:30, 1:05:32]: Mayor. Can you go right up, please, Ms. Alzheimer? [1:05:34, 1:05:54]: Uh let me just say this and um I just kinda wanna concur. We have a T splot and the T Splosh has been extremely uh successful in generating dollars for us. But you know, I don't wanna make my comments political, but I don't [1:05:54, 1:06:14]: Talking to residents. They're firmly committed that they want a recreation center in the city for the youth. And we've been talking about one, a youth and senior center. Certainly, we want the T-SPLOST to pass, or the SPLOS to pass. And you got to put some carrots on there. We certainly want to be broad. [1:06:14, 1:06:34]: But we want people to vote yes. And if they know that we're fully committed to building that recreation center, we know that Congressman Scott has already told us that uh he could endeavor to work with us to get$18 million for a specific uh recreation center for the city. [1:06:33, 1:06:53]: So uh it is my thought, certainly we want to have some resurfacing dollars. We already get L Mig. Uh we got the Eagles Landing in the current T Sploss and Hudson Bridge in the current T-SPLOST and Rock Quarry Road's going to be widened. Highway 138's already been paved by G DOT. So certainly those dollars. [1:06:53, 1:07:13]: uh there that we're putting toward uh the repaving certainly could be scaled back. In my wish list, I'd like to see about eight to ten million dollars for the uh youth and senior recreation center. Uh so that'll be a signature project that we've shown voters that we're committed to delivering. [1:07:13, 1:07:33]: And not just uh uh, you know, cause two million dollars certainly is not going to close what we were trying to do. So if let's say ideally federally we were able to get 18 million and then we put 10 here, that gives us about 28. With the way things are going, the projections might come in a little over that, that might get us. [1:07:33, 1:07:53]: us close to about thirty million dollars in order to move this project forward. So those are my initial thoughts and I certainly would ask the council to uh entertain those as we whittle it down and decide what to do. But I I I can't tell you how many people have said they want to see something done for the youth. And um [1:07:53, 1:08:13]: I heard that again and again and again, and I hear it every day. So certainly I'm committed to doing that in this uh in this splice, and then having the actual road projects go on the T-splice. There will be some resurfacing uh in the traditional splice, but the uh construction project. [1:08:13, 1:08:22]: And uh, the majority of the repaving will go uh on the T-splice instead of the initial splice. Those are my thoughts. [1:08:22, 1:08:22]: Okay. [1:08:23, 1:08:27]: Okay, any other comments at all? Ms. Barber, go ahead, please. [1:08:27, 1:08:30]: Yeah, I can certainly support that. Um [1:08:30, 1:08:40]: The Youth and Senior Center is a priority for me. I wanna continue the conversations with YMCA. I'm all about partnerships. Um the city doesn't have to [1:08:40, 1:08:41]: Um [1:08:41, 1:08:45]: put up money for all capital pri well the total cost. [1:08:45, 1:08:47]: of every capital project. [1:08:47, 1:08:50]: Um if we find a solid sponsor. [1:08:50, 1:08:51]: Or partnership. [1:08:52, 1:08:53]: That's what I'd like to see. [1:08:53, 1:08:53]: So [1:08:54, 1:08:55]: I can support. [1:08:55, 1:08:56]: Um increasing [1:08:56, 1:08:58]: The splaster mount. [1:08:58, 1:09:03]: uh to support the youth and seniors center. It is a priority for me as well. Thank you. [1:09:03, 1:09:06]: Before please. [1:09:07, 1:09:08]: Briefly. [1:09:08, 1:09:13]: I will continue to advocate for the Cultural Arts Center. [1:09:14, 1:09:15]: I will hold my [1:09:16, 1:09:17]: Extensive [1:09:17, 1:09:22]: comments until a later point, but uh I just wanna be on record. [1:09:22, 1:09:24]: Okay, good deal. [1:09:24, 1:09:33]: Oh sorry, so it's no vote tonight anyway, it's just information safe. Further conversation obviously we have as we continue down this road to uh willow willow this out and uh present it. [1:09:33, 1:09:43]: And and kinda give you guys the the lay of the line, right? So based on the meeting that the county had, um [1:09:44, 1:09:46]: I guess last month, um [1:09:46, 1:10:06]: Each commissioner has has one appointee to a citizen advisory committee. The committee will consist, will assist staff to recommend projects for the NES Plus program. Commissioners are asked to provide their names, nominee, and that was early November. Staff will develop potential project lists November, December. Citizen Committee will begin meeting in June. [1:10:06, 1:10:07]: January [1:10:08, 1:10:17]: Um they will hold seven meetings, one in each district, two at the county office from January through April of twenty twenty four. [1:10:18, 1:10:21]: The county and cities will hold a joint meeting [1:10:22, 1:10:25]: In June, this is required to consider approval of an IGA. [1:10:26, 1:10:33]: The county and cities must final finalize the pr project lists by July twenty twenty four. [1:10:34, 1:10:37]: Um die IGA must be approved at that time. [1:10:38, 1:10:39]: Um if there is an agreement [1:10:40, 1:10:43]: Voters will consider the ballot question in November twenty twenty four. [1:10:44, 1:10:50]: Um if voters approve the referendums plus six collections will begin April one. [1:10:50, 1:10:51]: twenty twenty five. [1:10:51, 1:10:59]: The current splots is scheduled to end tax collections on the day before March thirtieth, twenty twenty five. [1:11:00, 1:11:08]: Mayor. Okay, go ahead, please. Thank you. Go ahead, please. I'm sorry. Thank you. All right. Thank you for that, Mr. Garner. So please send that to us so we'll know the schedule of what they're doing. [1:11:09, 1:11:23]: And then m hopefully the cities, the municipalities will get together like they've done, but hopefully they do it much earlier on than waiting to the last minute. So it when it comes time for the cities and the county to get together. [1:11:23, 1:11:30]: Then everybody'll be ready on one accord and we'll know the percentages, we'll know what the population is and the correct amount that should be split. [1:11:30, 1:11:31]: But that should be done with [1:11:32, 1:11:52]: all municipalities and if they if the county commissioners have already have their schedule and they did the same thing last time where they appointed a member per each district um then and we've seen that before where they had meetings at the different facilities or their their town halls. Um [1:11:52, 1:12:09]: Hopefully each county commissioner will meet up with their representatives of each city and their municipalities as well to see their needs. I know mine is. Uh com Commissioner Neat Robinson has been very cooperative and I've never had that before. [1:12:11, 1:12:12]: I've never had it before. [1:12:13, 1:12:21]: So um I do know that, you know, we're work for example, we're working on road projects. We're having to spend money [1:12:22, 1:12:25]: And those roads have been in disrepair for years and were never done. [1:12:26, 1:12:31]: But now we have a commissioner who knows, um, and so I appreciate that. [1:12:33, 1:12:53]: So one other question. Just go right there. So I mean, on a line with what the county did, do we want some citizen involvement in doing this? I think the easiest way it would be too late now to solicit maybe we could just ask the citywide development authority for citizen input on the particular projects, and then so we [1:12:52, 1:13:12]: We would have some citizen feedback or ask them to garner it or to collect it one of the existing boards instead of trying to establish a new one because we're having trouble trying to fix out um I don't want a board. I I don't I'm talking about the county commissioners. They have their b they're they're creating a board from they're selecting each individual. I want us to do it the way we've been doing. [1:13:12, 1:13:13]: Yeah. [1:13:13, 1:13:23]: But I hope that our cities usually the city managers get together and have meetings about this or or m and so hopefully each municipality in Henry County. So [1:13:23, 1:13:33]: uh, Stockbridge, Locust Grove, Hampton, McDowell and I get together and talk about, you know, their percentage wise so we won't have to go through what we went through last time. [1:13:33, 1:13:36]: But I don't I don't think we need a committee. I think that once we do our retreat [1:13:37, 1:13:44]: W and we'll be able to determine because I'm all for the senior and youth center as well, the recreational [1:13:44, 1:13:50]: portion. I I do think there's a very dire need for that. There are dire needs for a lot of things. Um [1:13:50, 1:13:54]: And unfortunately, even our senior center is in Ellenwood. [1:13:54, 1:14:02]: I mean it's in fairview. That it's not reachable for the community, for the citizens and the majority of the population in the city of Stockbridge. Everything is placed out. [1:14:02, 1:14:08]: including the Art Center, that we were trying to get, but the former commissioner, Mr Holmes, [1:14:09, 1:14:12]: Tried to and even did backslide it and put it up in Fairview. [1:14:13, 1:14:13]: Where [1:14:14, 1:14:15]: It's less of a population. [1:14:15, 1:14:28]: And so all the kids bust over there to go to a arts thing and it's not used in the manner that we wished it could be because it's not in the population, the populated area. So I'm all for whatever we need to do. [1:14:28, 1:14:48]: What uh what I'm trying to say is that there would be of course the board would not make the decision, it would rec make some recommendations, but it certainly would be too late now to go out and solicit to put together an entirely new board, but certainly some citizen involvement would be encouraged I would think to on what the [1:14:48, 1:14:50]: [4490.2, 4510.2]: As well. How how about how about this? How about the recommendation would simply be with your normal dialogue, our normal dialogue with individuals, citizens, just talk to those folks about that and bring those ideas to to us in this aspect. That way you listen you they're talking to you all the time. So I I certainly do that. I didn't know whether I mean it's not up to me. I just wanted to see what the rest of the thing is. I would I would think [1:15:10, 1:15:30]: Then that might be a good I'm thinking a rec a recommendation, just have d conversation with folks and see what type of type of ideas and things I have and just bring them back to the rest of the the council and we'll have that discussion and we'll make sure that we're gonna Well the the window is short now, so cer certainly the decision's gotta be made pretty quick. Okay. Well I just a thought, just a thought for you. Okay. All right. Any any of the comments from the council? You good? [1:15:30, 1:15:50]: Okay. Thank you, sir. I believe that's is it at this time? All right. All right, so we're gonna go on to a public hearing. So on public hearing, let's talk about the public hearing uh rules. Please move all cell phones and other electronic devices. If anyone wishes to speak tonight on a public hearing item, please fill out a form available on the table and hand it at the city clerk before [1:15:50, 1:15:51]: Yeah. [1:15:51, 1:16:11]: After each case is called the council will hear from the city staff, followed by the applicant and the representatives regarding the proposed plans for property along with any other relevant uh information. The council will be free to ask questions at any time before the vote. Following the applicant, anyone who wishes to speak in favor or opposed to the case will have an opportunity to do so. [1:16:11, 1:16:17]: East side will be allotted ten minutes total. Additional time can be extended uh at the discretion of the council. [1:16:18, 1:16:22]: Please keep comments and presentations professional, referring only to the facts that are pertinent to the case. [1:16:23, 1:16:26]: will not allow comments or personal attacks toward any individual group. [1:16:27, 1:16:45]: Please refrain from any applause or comments from the audience during the public hearing. After the presiding officer recognizes the speaker, he or she shall direct all comments to the presiding officer and never to the members of the council, staff, or the audience. All comments will be made from the podium where you will be required to state your name and address for the record. [1:16:46, 1:16:50]: Please note uh that these hearings are not deba uh not a debate. [1:16:50, 1:17:10]: Ferry to comply will cause you to be removed from the chamber and the building by the law enforcement if any de if you deviate from these proceedings. Other than the applicant, no person may speak more than once. The applicant may reserve part of his or her speaking time as a rebuttal, uh, and may speak next and and last, and may use the entire ten minutes allowed. [1:17:10, 1:17:30]: For the pro side of the application. If questions are raised, the counsel may ask the applicant to address questions andor concerns. The presiding officer will call for a motion and a second to the motion and have any necessary discussion. If the matter is not tabled, the presiding officer will call for the vote to recommend approval or denial of the request. [1:17:30, 1:17:40]: On that note, our public hearing tonight deals with a second reading of the proposed FY 2024 operating budget and capital expenditures, presented by Mr. Gardner, please. [1:17:48, 1:18:08]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Evening. Um this is our second um read of the budget. Um, real quick, as part of the have uh a budget present quick budget presentation, pretty much the one we gave at the last meeting, um, that outlines some things in the budget and areas. As you know, we had our budget retreat back in August. We provided the budget. [1:18:08, 1:18:18]: budget um months in advance um than typically required by the Charter, which was October. We guys got it in July. We looked at it in August. [1:18:18, 1:18:20]: Um and um [1:18:21, 1:18:41]: We've made a few tweaks based on some of the recommendations that we got at that retreat meeting. Um obviously um I'll kinda cover those areas. Uh as you know, what's in our current budget? We're not proposing any new fee increases for permits, trades, plan review, uh no increases in our utility water sewer, sound [1:18:41, 1:18:57]: sanitation stonewater rates. Um this year we don't anticipate any health care or risk insurance. We've probably have one more year left before we revisit that. Um we do we did establish a three point seven seven millers rate for the city. Um and as I explained to a resident the other day they came in. [1:18:57, 1:18:58]: Um [1:18:58, 1:19:14]: And had his twenty twenty two and twenty twenty three uh tax assessment. I showed him that look where you had police service at one point nine oh four. It's not in your twenty twenty three, but it was in year twenty twenty two. That one point nine is now incorporated into three point seven. [1:19:15, 1:19:18]: Right. So you're a city military technically that's new. [1:19:18, 1:19:38]: That you're paying is only about 1.00 mils at the end of that. Obviously, we're looking to add additional offices as we continue to grow. We requested we included for uh cost of living adjustment for the employees who haven't had one in the last three years. Um there are sidewalks improvements and water improvements, infrastructure improvements. [1:19:38, 1:19:40]: Uh as part of the general fund. [1:19:42, 1:19:47]: I I I start with this chart because I continue to want this council to understand where the city is headed. [1:19:47, 1:19:49]: Right. Um [1:19:50, 1:19:53]: As I mentioned to you guys outside of Mr. Alfonso that grew up here. [1:19:54, 1:19:55]: Um [1:19:55, 1:20:01]: Everybody on this council except for him moved here between twenty the year two thousand and the year twenty ten. [1:20:02, 1:20:10]: was when most of us moved here. So we were in that growth spurt between Henry when City of Stogridge went from eleven thousand to twenty five thousand people. [1:20:10, 1:20:11]: That was us. [1:20:12, 1:20:16]: Us and our kids and any other kids we had along the way during that time. [1:20:17, 1:20:17]: Right. [1:20:18, 1:20:26]: I had one, I added one after, right? Um so between twenty ten and twenty twenty. [1:20:26, 1:20:33]: We didn't grow as much, obviously. There was a slow growth in the count in the city. So we went from twenty five thousand to twenty-nine thousand. [1:20:34, 1:20:35]: We had an annexation. [1:20:35, 1:20:40]: Of about sixty seven hundred residents to put us at thirty seven thousand six hundred plus. [1:20:40, 1:20:41]: Right. [1:20:42, 1:20:48]: If you look at that trajectory between two thousand and two thousand ten and look at the trajectory between two thousand [1:20:48, 1:20:49]: Two thousand. [1:20:49, 1:20:52]: twenty three and two thousand thirty. [1:20:53, 1:21:08]: You see the same type of growth trajectory. The community development director just explained to you guys, we have over forty something hundred approved residential developments, be they multifamily, single family, attached. [1:21:09, 1:21:13]: That are in the s that are in the system. I apologize, ma'am. Um, that are in the system. [1:21:13, 1:21:19]: Right. If those continue to become built out, you're looking at a population of of fifty thousand plus. [1:21:20, 1:21:31]: Right. Um and you're what you consider is you're now considered not a private company, but a public company that is growing. [1:21:32, 1:21:37]: You're not losing residence like some communities I've worked in city of Decatur, Illinois. [1:21:37, 1:21:46]: That started out with a population of over ninety thousand and lost over twenty thousand people by the twenty tw by the two uh tw uh twenty nineteen census. [1:21:47, 1:21:48]: Right. Okay. [1:21:49, 1:21:50]: Twenty ninety census. [1:21:51, 1:22:11]: They lost people. That's not the case here. You are a growing public company. And as this public cup growing public company continues to grow, this council has to consider how do we provide those goods and services or specifically services because we are a service entity to those growing populations. So obviously. [1:22:11, 1:22:12]: [4932.6, 4933.6]: That at some point [1:22:14, 1:22:26]: We will be where there are only four cities right now in the band of fifty thousand, between fifty thousand and sixty thousand residents in the state of Georgia. We'll be joining them soon. [1:22:27, 1:22:35]: Right. And so when we look at where they were, where we were our size, we need to look at those same decision making processes moving forward. [1:22:39, 1:22:59]: As I explained, your budget under law is you predicate your budget based on revenues, not expenses. So your revenue is built on anticipated revenues, not anticipated expenses. You match your expenses to your anticipated revenues. That's the requirements. That's the law. [1:23:00, 1:23:04]: And your general fund because it's typically sales tax and property tax related. [1:23:05, 1:23:08]: That's what the Lord realized that we look at the general fund. [1:23:09, 1:23:11]: And that's pretty much where we're gonna keep our focus. [1:23:14, 1:23:14]: [4995.2, 5012.5]: So as you can tell, our budget has grown as the city has continued to grow over the last few years. Some of that obviously, as you guys know, is the institution of our police department um last year and this year and the continued growth moving forward. As you know, Vendus Police Department was [1:23:32, 1:23:35]: predicated and approved and came online. [1:23:36, 1:23:36]: Um [1:23:37, 1:23:43]: They came online with a population of twenty nine thousand, not a population of thirty six, thirty seven plus. [1:23:44, 1:23:54]: Um and so we have to keep that in mind as how they continue to provide those services as this community continues to grow moving forward, but also your responsibilities as your public works director just explained. [1:23:55, 1:23:58]: The county is no longer doing what it did between twenty [1:23:58, 1:24:00]: Two thousand and twenty ten. [1:24:01, 1:24:01]: I [1:24:02, 1:24:04]: Henry County maintained all the roads. [1:24:05, 1:24:25]: Henry County maintained most of the right-of-way, even though the city had annexed, they never was responsible for the roads. Your 2020 um agreement with the county put a lot of those responsibilities back on the city, and those responsibilities continue to grow. [1:24:25, 1:24:28]: Especially with the annexation, we just talked about streetlights. [1:24:28, 1:24:32]: Those were being done by the county. They will no longer be done by the county in twenty twenty five. That's coming. [1:24:33, 1:24:34]: To the city. [1:24:34, 1:24:35]: And how we address those. [1:24:35, 1:24:38]: Right, they're now looking at us as the big city. [1:24:39, 1:24:39]: Um [1:24:40, 1:24:43]: in their county, but we're all county residents and how we prepare for that. [1:24:45, 1:24:52]: So as you see from this chart, um property tax was not a big thing in 2022. Obviously we didn't have a millage rate. [1:24:52, 1:24:57]: Um twenty twenty three this year we got um a portion of that back for the twenty twenty two schedule. [1:24:58, 1:24:59]: Year from the county. [1:24:59, 1:25:04]: Um based on uh what they collected as part of that one point nine oh four millage. [1:25:04, 1:25:18]: Um proposed year you see six point seven. So what we propose for this year based on the digested we were given and approved by Henry County tax assessors. Uh we are seeing growth in our loss and part of that has also come from the fact that [1:25:19, 1:25:20]: We ticked uh [1:25:21, 1:25:32]: A box, unique box, last year this time. Once we got once the annexation came through, we recognized that our population had grown by more than fifteen percent. And under Georgia law, [1:25:32, 1:25:35]: We were required to go back to the county for additional lost [1:25:36, 1:25:36]: Which we did. [1:25:37, 1:25:57]: All right, we went through that process and obviously we were proposing a number smaller, and the county decided that they didn't want to agree with us and really and truly walked us out of the building and it went to the state and the state made the distribution and it was higher than what obviously we had voted on to to negotiate and so we came out to the battle. Uh so there's growth there. [1:25:57, 1:26:03]: We do see some growth in our alcohol and beverage tax, obviously. That'll go some more because guess what? [1:26:04, 1:26:06]: Since we've gone by that population. [1:26:06, 1:26:11]: We are now required to have two additional packet stores. [1:26:12, 1:26:32]: Right, based on our population growth. That usually happens during the census period, but because we grew through the annexation that ticked that box, so there'll be opportunities for us to have two additional s package stores in the city, uh, moving forward. Your insurance premium tax is paid based on the amount of insurance written in your city and as obviously the city has grown, that number's grown. [1:26:32, 1:26:41]: Along with it and then it becomes stable over a 10-year period and then it jumps again based on your growth in the next census. Um and other fees and taxes makes up about seven. [1:26:45, 1:26:52]: I don't know how if you guys can read clear this is. But uh uh general fund, as I mentioned, our revenues are expected at twenty six point [1:26:52, 1:26:52]: Mm. [1:26:53, 1:26:54]: Mr. Gardner. [1:26:55, 1:26:58]: The other fees and taxes. What do you say those were? [1:27:03, 1:27:06]: Other fees and toxic. They'll they'll like your um [1:27:07, 1:27:11]: Your ax alcohol exercise tax, which is not considered as part of your alcohol beverage. [1:27:12, 1:27:13]: You have um [1:27:14, 1:27:18]: In there you also have your um [1:27:21, 1:27:41]: The word I'm looking for. When we allow for the power companies and those other folks to ru to put lines in our right away, they pay us monies. We get a big check. I don't know if we they still do that anymore. They get we get a big check for um what's the word I'm looking for? Franchise. Franchise franchise. So that includes those those money. [1:27:40, 1:27:45]: Yeah, we get about two to three million in franchise fees um from those guys. So that's what that makes up. [1:27:49, 1:28:02]: Difference between the thirteen thousand uh thirteen million and then the seven million does seem glaring. So what it what was the additional between the two numbers where it went down from thirteen to seven? Uh I think that was just [1:28:03, 1:28:11]: Overestimation by us and based on the population growth, we don't think that that's gonna happen so for this year. So we're actually brought that number back down. [1:28:11, 1:28:31]: Okay, so the number was just and and that was predicated on the fact that remember we were hoping to have those hotels online. We only got one of the four that are actually being the being built. Oh but by uh So that's the proposed number, that's not the Yeah. So under this fiscal year, um you will see uh obviously uh under this coming fiscal year twenty twenty four. [1:28:31, 1:28:37]: The true will be finish. Um the Hilton not the Hilton, the um [1:28:38, 1:28:44]: Home two suites will be completed and hopefully online as well as um [1:28:44, 1:28:46]: And I know you guys would love this. [1:28:47, 1:28:48]: The best Weston. [1:28:50, 1:28:52]: On one thirty eight. [1:28:52, 1:29:12]: Um, and this is a little off topic, but we actually have been meeting with an entity that actually walked the building in the facility last uh right before Thanksgiving. And that entity is reached out uh is very interested in that. Um and it is a very um entrepreneurial 21-year-old. [1:29:12, 1:29:13]: [5353.6, 5362.3]: that actually performed at our facility here, amphitheater here, and has has a multiple of uh hotels in Cobb County, Gwynette County. [1:29:22, 1:29:26]: Um, got into the hotel investment business at a twenty one year old. [1:29:26, 1:29:34]: And is actually looking to jump on this deal to purchase and then renovate that facility. So there's we walked it, it's pretty much done. [1:29:35, 1:29:38]: Um they've even got the bathroom inlays in that building. [1:29:39, 1:29:54]: Shocked me. Um, but obviously they still have some work to get done. But that that hotel will come online as well, um, if that deal is done and consummated. Uh he did show sh he's shown a strong interest in that facility, so and this is right up what he's done in the past. [1:29:54, 1:29:55]: Oh. [1:29:55, 1:30:09]: And then also we discuss today with our hotel entity the properties that that we hone. And that was a very productive meeting. And as soon as that deal is consummated, they're going to start construction based on the discussions we had with them today. [1:30:09, 1:30:12]: Um they had their senior ві vice president and [1:30:13, 1:30:13]: Dear [1:30:14, 1:30:17]: Сеніор ВП фінтир Естен Сіборд. [1:30:17, 1:30:22]: in City Hall this morning. Which project I'm sorry I missed that. This is not Park Trail. [1:30:23, 1:30:34]: No partro. Yep. Okay. Uh the property that we own did we turn it over to the DVA. Oh wow. Um so that was a very interesting meeting. And on top of that, they are also looking at a potential [1:30:34, 1:30:38]: um higher end on country club. [1:30:38, 1:30:44]: And I leave it there. Then both of the projects on one thirty eight are underway now to write both of'em. Yeah. Yeah. [1:30:45, 1:30:57]: Uh so remember our budget is predicated on our revenues. So our expenses based on on our budget estimates for this year total evens out with our revenues at twenty six point seven million. [1:30:58, 1:31:18]: Um and that's what we're proposing and you can see throughout um in our chart you have the governing body, uh city clerks, city executive, financial administration, uh governmental departments, um all of the general fund departments that we typically utilize um for service delivery. Um even in our [1:31:18, 1:31:22]: out at twenty six point seven million but our revenue is projected at twenty six point seven million. [1:31:23, 1:31:28]: And that's just about up just about four million more than what we propose under the FY twenty two budget. [1:31:28, 1:31:29]: Twenty three budget. [1:31:31, 1:31:44]: New positions are all being done in the police department. They're none in the other general fund. Um except for what you guys approve today. Uh we'll obviously be turning consultants into potential staff with the new building. Um [1:31:45, 1:31:52]: With the new uh building officials coming on board. Obviously we'll make adjustments for that based on the uh revenue collections that we've gotten. [1:31:53, 1:32:00]: But we are right at right at currently one fifty six employees and most of those employees are in the police department. [1:32:00, 1:32:03]: Um as the department continues to call it. [1:32:05, 1:32:20]: Uh we do have general fund we do have some projects, capital projects in the general fund. Um si about six hundred thousand for the police and courts. That's continuing our C C T V program, um doing some roof repairs, new flock cameras. As you know they've been very um [1:32:21, 1:32:33]: useful, uh as well as some additional stuff in public works as well as to some sidewalk, street improvements, as well as uh which includes our ailmake match, as well as uh some new equipment to keep moving in that area. [1:32:35, 1:32:46]: Um capital budget for the city um overall is at nineteen million that includes some buildings maintenance, six million for some side s for sidewalks. [1:32:47, 1:32:50]: Oh see, um streets, uh equipment. [1:32:51, 1:32:57]: Roadway improvements, water and sewer improvements, uh stormwater improvements, parks improvements, and additional vehicles to keep. [1:32:58, 1:32:59]: uh fleet up and running. [1:33:03, 1:33:20]: Overall budget is projected at sixty one million. That's including all your enterprise funds, which is your water sewer, sanitation, um, world manders and uh amphitheater, as well as your capital projects, which are usually funded three S Plus. Um, there is some general funding there as well. [1:33:20, 1:33:23]: Um it's general fancy into twenty six per million. [1:33:24, 1:33:25]: Point seven million. [1:33:27, 1:33:38]: And here to take any questions. As I mentioned at the retreat, obviously we presented the budget to you guys. We did ask for questions and concerns. Um we had not gotten any at this point. [1:33:39, 1:33:42]: This is the second read, as I mentioned, to council. I mean if you have any [1:33:42, 1:33:46]: Recommended changes to us, please shoot them to us. Um [1:33:46, 1:34:06]: via email because we will include those in the appendix of the budget as we did last year. So folks get an idea of what questions and concerns Council may have and how we address those and any changes we make. Um with the understanding that, you know, we hit that twenty six point seven mark. Obviously we don't anticipate any additional revenue. So any [1:34:06, 1:34:18]: Any cut in expenses keeps your revenues right where it is. We just reduce expenses and anything that goes from there goes into fund balance or whatever programs you guys may want us to look at funding through the process. [1:34:18, 1:34:24]: All right, so councillor any questi additional questions at time for Mr. Gardner? Yes, sir. Go ahead, please. [1:34:24, 1:34:30]: Uh thank you, Mr. Garner. Um you and I have been talking [1:34:30, 1:34:33]: Um about the budget, um [1:34:34, 1:34:54]: I wanted to submit uh something to you this week because I knew this meeting was coming, but because of the conference, the Thanksgiving, and um death in the family, I was not able to uh submit and I wanted to um submit this to the council. [1:34:53, 1:34:55]: Yeah. [1:34:55, 1:34:56]: Oh [1:34:57, 1:35:01]: And I will get this to you before the adoption. [1:35:02, 1:35:05]: But I did want to um [1:35:06, 1:35:12]: Asked a couple of questions here tonight since you saw the you mentioned a couple of things. [1:35:12, 1:35:15]: Uh with sanitation for instance. [1:35:15, 1:35:16]: Uh [1:35:17, 1:35:19]: Twenty twenty three. [1:35:20, 1:35:21]: Um [1:35:22, 1:35:34]: We were at one point nine. You're indicating in twenty twenty three one point nine. You're indicating in twenty twenty four two point eight. Now I know we added [1:35:35, 1:35:48]: uh six hundred citizens. So I guess my concern is sixty seven hundred. That's six thousand seven hundred. Right. I'm sorry, yes. Um but even with that still [1:35:50, 1:35:52]: Does that [1:35:55, 1:35:58]: Well explain the the justification from [1:35:58, 1:36:00]: From six to six. [1:36:01, 1:36:04]: Фомпот на топо ей. [1:36:04, 1:36:06]: Um nah [1:36:08, 1:36:10]: It seemed to be um [1:36:12, 1:36:30]: pretty big jump. And I I do understand when you add uh more people, you got more expenses, you have more of this, you have more of that. But I just want to ask the question just for the just for the explanation. And I'm sure since it was proposed, I'm sure there's a good explanation. [1:36:31, 1:36:51]: So first off, uh it does not impact the general fund. This is revenue generated. So it's an enterprise fund, but you gotta take into account that you're adding those additional customers. It's about, I think we did it's like 30 over 3,700 new customers. There's disposal costs, there's collection costs. [1:36:51, 1:37:11]: Cost associated with those residents. So you're adding right now, we have about 8,000 customers. So you're increasing the number of customers, you're adding an additional 3,700. So you're almost adding 50%. [1:37:11, 1:37:31]: More residents. So that increases more? Almost about your customer base is going from eight, and you're adding almost four. So it's gonna go from eight to twelve. So you're almost 50% more increasing the number of customers. [1:37:31, 1:37:46]: customers that you're servicing. So there's gonna be an increase in the collection cost as well as the disposal cost, and that cost takes that into account and plus the increases that the contract allows to for them to implement the CPI. [1:37:47, 1:37:50]: Well well let me ask this question. Um [1:37:50, 1:37:54]: And Mr. Garden, you don't really have to get too deep into this, but I know last year [1:37:55, 1:38:09]: Uh we had to do a few things just to balance the budget. Um do you foresee us doing any of those maneuvers to to to balance the budget this year? Um [1:38:12, 1:38:15]: Can't really say right now, sir, other than you know [1:38:16, 1:38:20]: We are working working with the interim finance um person to look at where we are. [1:38:21, 1:38:30]: And to bring any potential budget amendments which needs to come before council to council before we end the fiscal year. So that'll be able to tell us where we are. [1:38:30, 1:38:42]: Um but therefore possibility. So there yeah, there is a small possibility. Okay. Well we're efforting that because obviously we're bringing in revenue that we didn't have in twenty twenty b uh twenty twenty two. [1:38:43, 1:38:55]: Okay. Um as you was speaking earlier, I just jotted some things down, but as you and I talk, uh I do have some in depth questions. I I'm not really advocating [1:38:56, 1:39:02]: Uh in my response and it cuts even though I do feel that we need to um [1:39:03, 1:39:10]: But I won't get into that tonight. Uh you and I have talked and I I think you sort of understand my concerns about [1:39:11, 1:39:12]: Um operation [1:39:13, 1:39:16]: And the cost to to operate this city. [1:39:17, 1:39:20]: uh without seeing any [1:39:20, 1:39:22]: Cut per se. [1:39:22, 1:39:24]: Uh and I just don't [1:39:25, 1:39:34]: I I I really just don't see it. I don't see how it's adding up, but but once I pose my questions and you give me an answer, that that may be it. I may just not be aware. [1:39:34, 1:39:39]: But let me ask you this and you s you spoke to the hotel motel numbers and [1:39:40, 1:39:45]: that seem to be the same uh in twenty three and twenty four. [1:39:45, 1:39:47]: But you just indicated that [1:39:47, 1:39:50]: There will be some additional um [1:39:50, 1:39:55]: uh units coming in. So can you can you speak to that? [1:39:55, 1:40:00]: to that similarity when it when it should be a difference. Yeah. And and that's [1:40:00, 1:40:00]: You know. [1:40:01, 1:40:02]: Trying to be conservative. [1:40:03, 1:40:09]: Okay. And in our approach as it relates to the revenues. Okay. Um, we didn't anticipate one of the hotels burning down. [1:40:10, 1:40:25]: And that happened. Um, so prudence a here on the side of of caution, e you know, if we understate and we come in at the better, that's obviously better. Um, the goal is not to [1:40:26, 1:40:26]: Kelly. [1:40:27, 1:40:32]: understate well overstate and don't make it. So we're trying to be conservative in that approach, sir. [1:40:33, 1:40:53]: So my last question and concern, and it's a little bit more in depth. I know you and I uh we talked about uh the submission of some of my questions and concerns. Uh can you speak to though to uh the year numbers? Um it just seemed that [1:40:53, 1:41:01]: That's what we see thus far, it just seemed to be uh a little low. Uh and here we are. [1:41:02, 1:41:22]: You know, at the end of the year. Well, realize when we did the budget for you guys, we did the budget back in July, right? Um, we've looked at obviously what we set the expenses to be, um, based on the staff requests and obviously what our revenue collection would be. So as it relates to year to date re [1:41:22, 1:41:42]: You know, this won't jive because we're looking at next year and what next year's request from each of the departments has been, and I think they presented those to you guys at the retreat, what their request to run the operations would be. And obviously, we know that we have a revenue that we anticipate to make sure that those expenses don't exceed those revenues, because we have to have a balance. [1:41:42, 1:41:57]: balance budget. And initially we did look at having somewhere around forty three thousand dollars revenues to expenses. Um, we made some cuts, but then and obviously we would the staff reminded me that hey, the employees hadn't been given a a cost to live in but yet. [1:41:57, 1:42:04]: Um we're there were other things going on. So we adjusted to give them'cause they hadn't had one at any since twenty twenty one. [1:42:04, 1:42:20]: And so with with inflation going on, we addressed and made that and that's what's balanced off the budget revenues to expenses. Okay. Well, uh I I do have some other things. I've I've read the budget um at least twice. Uh I wrote it up and [1:42:20, 1:42:25]: Unfortunately I I I walked out of the house, I was backing out of the driveway and I didn't have it with me. [1:42:26, 1:42:28]: Um but I will share [1:42:28, 1:42:48]: uh you know, with the full council. Uh my concerns, I will send them to you. Hopefully um you'll have time to address those uh to the full council before the adoption. And just to be honest, I I really truly wanted to hear from my councilmates. [1:42:48, 1:42:55]: Uh some concerns um about the budget and [1:42:55, 1:42:58]: Every year I you know [1:42:58, 1:43:07]: I I I don't hear that and I'm just a little concerned with that, but um and I hate to be the only one every year. [1:43:07, 1:43:11]: um posing questions and concerns, et cetera, et cetera, but [1:43:12, 1:43:32]: You know, if that's what it is, you know, it is what it is. But but I will share my concerns uh with the council. But as I indicated to you earlier, um I'm not requesting any cuts here and there, even though I do feel that there need to be some. But I caution all of us, and I've heard other [1:43:32, 1:43:37]: council members say this as well that we will not revisit [1:43:38, 1:43:40]: Any increase in the millage. [1:43:40, 1:43:43]: So I think the time is is now. [1:43:43, 1:43:46]: To make sure that when it comes to [1:43:47, 1:44:07]: And I know we can always come back and adjust, but in order to operate this city, I just think that we just need to be uh conscious and cautious. I know we're in the Christmas season and you know we all like to get presents and we all like to give and and those kind of things. [1:44:06, 1:44:26]: things, but um and then you know, March and April, May and June, you know, we had to we had to pay for those things that uh, you know, those expenses that we uh had a good time with during Christmas. So I I just want to just make sure that realistically we're just looking at how we operate. [1:44:26, 1:44:27]: Great. [1:44:28, 1:44:30]: And uh just making sure that [1:44:30, 1:44:38]: We do not have to go back and and revisit that again. Um and hopefully we are stable enough to [1:44:38, 1:44:43]: uh you know, move the city forward without being able to um [1:44:43, 1:44:45]: You know, put in additional burden on our citizens. [1:44:46, 1:44:53]: So with that, ma'am will yield back and Mr. Gardner, uh, we will continue our discussion as you and I discussed and [1:44:54, 1:45:00]: And we'll just we'll be ready uh for the adoption meeting. Thank you. Miss Barber, go ahead please. [1:45:01, 1:45:08]: Yes, actually um Councilman Thomas I do. I support every year uh your recommendations and some [1:45:08, 1:45:15]: And suggestions on how to do it. Let me correct myself. Thank you, sir. Let me correct you. Um the other thing [1:45:15, 1:45:17]: I do wanna see um [1:45:18, 1:45:20]: What changes? [1:45:20, 1:45:26]: Um have been made since we adopted the millage rate because that was one of the things that we [1:45:26, 1:45:29]: asked for is that staff go back and [1:45:29, 1:45:31]: Ревізит та бюджет трям. [1:45:32, 1:45:35]: On a lot of the areas, one area in particular, I like to see. [1:45:35, 1:45:36]: Is for [1:45:36, 1:45:37]: City events. [1:45:38, 1:45:39]: And the amphitheater. [1:45:40, 1:45:40]: Um [1:45:40, 1:45:43]: Those two things I want to see trimmed down. [1:45:44, 1:45:45]: Quite a bit. [1:45:45, 1:45:46]: Um [1:45:46, 1:45:50]: But I also want to ask about the engagement letter. [1:45:51, 1:45:52]: And the audit of the [1:45:53, 1:45:55]: Um amendments and adjustments. [1:45:55, 1:45:58]: to the general ledger. I still haven't received those. [1:45:58, 1:46:03]: If I can get that information before the final adoption of the бюджет. [1:46:04, 1:46:13]: Yes, ma'am, and we're making copies for everybody and putting it in a binder so you guys will have all of that information. Can you email that to me? I can also have an email as well. It's hard copy. [1:46:14, 1:46:15]: Thank you, sir. [1:46:16, 1:46:30]: Listen, I uh I certainly and as a member of the downtown development authority like seeing what we're doing. Uh where we've added twelve new additional businesses downtown. [1:46:31, 1:46:51]: The the area that I think we constantly that I like to see some improvement on is that we're hemorrhaging money at Merrill Manders consistently. I mean just we're lit every year we're tossing more money into that. We talk about the other entity which is the amphitheater, which is driving economic development. But the money is being hemorrhaged [1:46:50, 1:46:52]: [6412.7, 6422.6]: And it's been that way for years. We've been having to subsidize that over and over again. What I did see as the council has some concern about the sound system. [1:47:03, 1:47:05]: Uh the group at the concert. [1:47:05, 1:47:25]: They they brought in their own bowl system and it was flawless. There was no feedback. It was beautiful. That concert, if you missed it, you don't know what you missed. It was a pleasure, right, Mayor? Absolutely. It's great. It was outstanding. And certainly the system that they used, and we could duplicate that, we could solve whatever uh audio problems that we had. [1:47:25, 1:47:27]: [6447.7, 6465.7]: I wanna know what plan we're putting in place to deal with Merrill Manders getting the facility booked and to stop the number, the gap between glows and plane, what we're putting into it and then what it's actually delivering for us, because the numbers seem to be spreading and going in the opposite directions. [1:47:47, 1:47:48]: Yes, sir. Uh [1:47:49, 1:47:56]: Well, I have a comment with that. I agree with that. But I I I want to say I've looked at the budget. [1:47:56, 1:48:00]: And I've heard you, Mr. Gardner, state that we're growing population. [1:48:01, 1:48:06]: Um I don't expect for us to scale back when it comes to um [1:48:07, 1:48:15]: certain things with our events and with the amphitheater, especially if it's the driving force for economic development. Um, I'm really not [1:48:16, 1:48:27]: m as concerned with that. I think we tend to focus on the amphitheater so much. I mean, it comes up every meeting, instead of talking about [1:48:29, 1:48:43]: our next project. We're still just stuck on that and and and it's been a success. Um other cities want to be like Stockbridge. Stockbridge is not looking at other cities. That's been a total big turnaround. [1:48:43, 1:48:51]: Compared to us being a GMA and they say don't be like Stockbridge. Now they're saying look at Stockbridge, right? So um [1:48:52, 1:49:00]: I think that we're doing a great job on that. We can look into some numbers, but when it comes to Merrill Manders, I remember years ago there were two staff members. [1:49:00, 1:49:05]: Now we have a bunch of staff members. There were two, and those two one worked on [1:49:06, 1:49:12]: Um, classes and programs and things that happen during the week to rent out Merrill Manders for corporate. [1:49:13, 1:49:22]: There were people that were doing com computer training downstairs. And then you had your events upstairs. They worked on events for the city, as well as [1:49:23, 1:49:42]: weddings or you name it, but there are two separate departments. And I don't know if that's being done that way or not. I'm not here to micromanage them. But maybe they would look at that. And then we have to think about COVID. For a long period of time, we were closed. And then a lot of people want to rent. [1:49:43, 1:49:46]: During the holiday time and our staff is telling them it's close. [1:49:47, 1:49:53]: to rent. So we need to come up with some type of solutions for that. Um, but those are things that we can talk about. [1:49:54, 1:50:02]: You know, and speak with our events team, maybe during the retreat and tell'em what our vision is and hopefully they can come up with a way of organizing it. [1:50:02, 1:50:03]: To do just that. [1:50:04, 1:50:04]: Um [1:50:05, 1:50:08]: Um we do know and we are aware that that building [1:50:09, 1:50:23]: probably will forever be in the red. We want to reduce the red because there are certain community buildings, capital project buildings that are we're not here to make money off of. We're here to provide for the community. [1:50:23, 1:50:39]: That's the difference. Everyone wants to compare and say, hey, I want to why can't we be like John's Creek? Why can't we be like Swanee? Well, we have to invest it. You can't have it both ways. So the budget reflects that. It reflects us growing. [1:50:41, 1:50:58]: I just I certainly concur with those remarks. I when I say I know that Merrill Manders is never gonna make it's not gonna be profitable, but we've been going in the wrong direction in terms of how much money we've had to subsidize it with. In this budget, what how much what's the dollar amount we're subsidizing? [1:51:00, 1:51:04]: Um the more we actually have hold on. [1:51:14, 1:51:22]: Uh right at seven hundred and thirty thousand. And but let me go back and it and and I and I and I'll say this until [1:51:22, 1:51:25]: I no longer work here, pass away, long gone. [1:51:28, 1:51:33]: The Georgia Convention Center National the Georgia International Congress Center. [1:51:34, 1:51:37]: The Savannah Congress and uh [1:51:37, 1:51:38]: Convention center. [1:51:39, 1:51:40]: Um [1:51:41, 1:51:54]: You name it. Any of these all of those venues do not break even. Not even close. I certainly understand that and I can't. [1:51:55, 1:51:57]: And I gave this example even at the retreat. [1:51:58, 1:52:00]: Parks and recreation. [1:52:00, 1:52:02]: What you put into it. [1:52:02, 1:52:04]: You do not get back out of it. [1:52:05, 1:52:17]: It's intrinsic value in your community that bring people to your community. If there were no if there were no pox and wreck in this county, I would surmise that whoever vote to remove it wouldn't be in office very long. [1:52:18, 1:52:31]: Right. Because that's something that that obviously people want when they come in, new families come in, they want their kids involved in something. But does it pay a fair share? As it relates to the Merrill Manders [1:52:31, 1:52:34]: It's now almost a twenty year old building. [1:52:34, 1:52:35]: Mm-hmm. Right. [1:52:36, 1:52:37]: its competitors. [1:52:38, 1:52:39]: has grown. [1:52:40, 1:52:41]: Right. [1:52:41, 1:52:53]: Not only is Demur competing against some of the other venues in Jonesboro and other locations, it's also not competing against some of the hotels that are in the area because they have conference centers like the one we just attended for the municipal building dinner. [1:52:54, 1:52:56]: The foster winter, right? [1:52:56, 1:52:59]: Dot venue is competing against your mural. [1:53:00, 1:53:04]: Ай, асфальт до рекомендація сплос. [1:53:04, 1:53:19]: to put so the necessary resources. We put some money into it, six hundred thousand, but you're talking about if you're looking at inflation, if you were to build a Merrill Manders right now, it'd probably cost you upwards of fifteen million dollars, we put six hundred thousand to [1:53:20, 1:53:21]: We have it. [1:53:22, 1:53:26]: That's like owning a three hundred thousand dollar home and put three thousand dollars worth of renovations. [1:53:27, 1:53:30]: What are you gonna get for that? Absolutely nothing. [1:53:30, 1:53:32]: No buying for the book. [1:53:32, 1:53:36]: So what we're seeing is if you want to continue to have this venue [1:53:36, 1:53:38]: We have to invest, change it. [1:53:38, 1:53:46]: Make the necessary arranges to it to make it more competitive, not only against its current competitors, but potential future competitors. [1:53:46, 1:53:47]: Right. [1:53:47, 1:53:54]: Um our county just built a facility up in Fairview. We just talked about it. That competes against this facility. [1:53:55, 1:53:55]: Right. [1:53:56, 1:53:58]: So that's the reason why [1:53:58, 1:54:00]: En an i continue to say to council. [1:54:03, 1:54:04]: Please. [1:54:04, 1:54:08]: Look at the city, not for today or yesterday. [1:54:09, 1:54:10]: Please look at this city. [1:54:10, 1:54:12]: Where's going to be tomorrow? [1:54:15, 1:54:24]: Tomorrow. That's important. Right? And we understand that some of these things that we build, mm-hmm, right, they're gonna come with costs. Whether you build a recreation center, [1:54:25, 1:54:26]: If we build that tomorrow. [1:54:28, 1:54:29]: Who's stopping it? [1:54:31, 1:54:48]: Where's where's that coming from? Mr. Gardner, I understand every all the directions. Mr. Alexander, I need to let I need to say this, right? Because I just need you to close the game. The wrong impression get put out there that when we do these things, when we build these facilities. Yes, they're wonderful resources, but they also come with expenses. [1:54:49, 1:55:09]: Yeah, I I'll direct available. No, uh what what I want you to do is to make sure that when when when that facility is i is there that we can rent it and there are people there available to actually open it and they're not telling the public [1:55:09, 1:55:29]: That is closed during peak season. I there's some, I'm asking you to go and look to see what's going on because there it's not booked a lot and it needs to be booked more. It's not gonna close down to where we're doing these numbers where it's generating revenue, but the amount that we're subsidizing this entity. [1:55:29, 1:55:49]: Grows every year. It was over 300,000 last year. Yes. And it's getting bigger for this year. So whatever you can do, I don't know the answer to that. Go look to see what it is that we can do to make sure that we're taking advantage of every opportunity. When somebody calls the book, somebody's answering the phone. Somebody's showing it to them. [1:55:49, 1:56:08]: But it's making it available with the facility that we have, understanding that we need to put some additional funding in it to make it and to improve it. And I would start, as I said, with the sound system being improved with something similar to what this group brought in over the weekend, because there were no sound issues over the week. [1:56:08, 1:56:17]: Yes, sir. We will we'll do But I I I'm not trying to beat up on you with this particular issue. I just want you to to take your pencil and sharpen it and see what you can find. [1:56:17, 1:56:30]: Yes sir, we'll do. Mr. Thomas, go ahead, please. Thank you, Mayor. Uh I'm gonna agree with a lot of these these comments, but uh Mr. Gardner, I am proposing a few things. Um [1:56:30, 1:56:33]: in the document that I am sending you. [1:56:33, 1:56:35]: But let me say this. [1:56:35, 1:56:42]: This is how I look at how we operate to be more efficient and effective. [1:56:42, 1:57:02]: And as we talk about assessments, I think this is what we have to do. I think when you look at community development uh permitting and inspection, it was an assessment. And we, you know, and we made those improvements. I'm gonna give Mr. Aaron a lot of credit, uh, just in general maintenance. [1:57:02, 1:57:19]: And I know he he and his staff did somewhat of an assessment and we saw the improvements in general maintenance. So we have to do that across the board. So if we're talking about the Murray Manner's Conference Center. [1:57:19, 1:57:21]: And I'll say this. [1:57:22, 1:57:28]: We attend events all the time at Demur. So we see [1:57:29, 1:57:37]: We see where the gaps are. We see where things can be improved. I agree with you. A lot of these things are not. [1:57:38, 1:57:40]: Built or intent to [1:57:41, 1:58:01]: make and I know someone said you know the word profit we don't we don't use the word profit in municipal government we talk about surplus but not profit but it's about the services that you render back and what I'm saying is we can do a better job in making sure that [1:58:01, 1:58:19]: we render back from the mural manders a better service. Um because a lot of events and programs that used to be booked at the mural, they'll gone to other places to speak to your point about these other things or [1:58:20, 1:58:24]: getting better and the murder is still standing the same. But I'm just saying [1:58:24, 1:58:36]: We have talked about the sound system for a while there at the mural. So something we just have to try to improve on. Now we may not be do the the total fix. [1:58:37, 1:58:41]: But something that you see year after year, year after year [1:58:41, 1:59:01]: I just think we just have to do it. So I think we just need to take the time, pull back, and just look at the assessment or do an assessment and just see where we can make those improvements and see what the results will be, you know, from that. I remember once there was a sewer smell that. [1:59:01, 1:59:08]: And and you know, I was hearing back from a lot of folks saying, well when we come down, you know, there's this myth. [1:59:08, 1:59:10]: It was corrected. [1:59:10, 1:59:24]: So it's just a little things that we can do to try to correct the mural. And I w you know, I and I think we'll sort of get a bigger bang. Yes, sir. You know, from the mural, but but we have to do the assessment. But in my uh [1:59:25, 1:59:37]: response to you about the budget, uh I am making some recommendations uh about the mural and as I said I will share this to the council and this and I think it it's gonna help a little bit. [1:59:37, 1:59:49]: Um, but I'll just wait and um and and send that. But I will say this, well, I'm I'm gonna hold this comment here, but but I will share this to the c with the council, my recommendations uh about the barrel. [1:59:50, 1:59:51]: Thank you. [1:59:51, 1:59:56]: Uh all right. Any other comments from the council? J just just one last one if I could. [1:59:56, 2:00:10]: I think and I just want to focus on what what we're doing, we're talking about this overall budget. We gotta look at the growth side. The amphitheater is generating a growth side. We did put out a RFP, correct? For downtown. [2:00:12, 2:00:24]: Right. We've seen a lot of results and we're gonna see some results of people who just would not have been playing in this particular area of town had we not made those investments, correct? [2:00:26, 2:00:36]: Yes, sir. A and I think everything that we've done through the planning process obviously for the downtown and starting now to implement that, we've got a good guy. [2:00:36, 2:00:56]: And Mr. Alliance, that's that's you know, making some things happen. We've got our first revolving fund loan from the state for a downtown project. That's gonna be probably one of many. Uh my goal is to take I go take advantage of of that opportunity because it's almost free money. Um and if we do some other things around with Dash's crew, with with the [2:00:56, 2:01:05]: the water infrastructure and become a water first community, that knocks off another additional points off of any grants that awarded to our businesses and to the city. [2:01:06, 2:01:14]: Um which ultimately saves money. So there's gonna be some things that we're gonna be looking at that that's gonna help with the downtown revitalization. There is interest. [2:01:15, 2:01:27]: by entities in the downtown. Um obviously our downtown, unlike everybody else, is not big. We only really have seven buildings in the downtown, but our goal is to grow [2:01:27, 2:01:35]: to twofold in the vacant spots that we have, probably need to remove one or two other buildings out of there. [2:01:35, 2:01:55]: Um, hopefully with the assistance of the private sector and barely new downtown that's gonna be really something that everybody would enjoy, um, not just the periphery of what we see on Jodeco Road and potentially on Patrick Henry, but also right here in the downtown that folks can walk around, enjoy the walk around the amphitheater and be able to walk across on the bridge. [2:01:55, 2:02:05]: As you guys know, we did a wonderful job, contrary to some folks. And we went to DC and got funding to actually study to put monies towards the bridge and we were told, once you do that, [2:02:06, 2:02:07]: We will send you the money to build it. [2:02:08, 2:02:08]: Right. [2:02:08, 2:02:26]: Um and so that's important. And as you guys know, that was and that's something that we need to continue doing is making sure that we're lobbying those folks to re to to be a return on those those dollars. Um many of y'all might know, you know, Georgia is not a receiving state, we are a giving state when it comes to federal dollars. [2:02:27, 2:02:27]: Right. [2:02:28, 2:02:29]: And the only way we get it back [2:02:30, 2:02:50]: to go up there and knock upon the doors of those folks to get s those resources coming back to us. So yes. Um we're gonna look at all of those and make those things happen, sir. And as you said, the the entity for the Highway 138 hotel was somebody who was that was involved in the amphitheater. Uh yes. Right. And so I we d again as we [2:02:49, 2:02:59]: Councilman Thomas said, if we just wanted to break even or be somewhere in that vicinity, if it's generating these millions of dollars in development. [2:02:59, 2:03:07]: I'm okay with the level of activity that activity that we have in it. Right. And and obviously, you know, the the return is usually slow moving, right? Um [2:03:08, 2:03:12]: but ultimately it becomes a marketing for our community, for our downtown. [2:03:12, 2:03:18]: Did we say that you know, we've invested these public dollars. Now we're asking the private sector to invest the private side. [2:03:18, 2:03:21]: Right, as I mentioned to you guys when I first got here last year. [2:03:22, 2:03:24]: The donut hole is downtown. [2:03:25, 2:03:30]: Right? We were the fastest growing, one of the fastest growing communities, not only in the state. [2:03:31, 2:03:33]: But I want folks to remember we would have wanted to f the I [2:03:33, 2:03:39]: Twenty two thousand and three, two thousand and four, Henry County was the fastest growing county in the United States of America. [2:03:41, 2:03:42]: The fastest. [2:03:42, 2:03:44]: The one place that didn't grow? [2:03:45, 2:03:46]: Right here. [2:03:47, 2:04:07]: Right, and so now that we've turned our eyes, we've turned our efforts um into the downtown. You guys work with with the staff to get the tad done. We gotta we got one more hurdle to get over with the tad, which is getting the county and the school board to assist in that effort. And once that happens, obviously now we can put something else leverage to bear. Um [2:04:07, 2:04:21]: The programs that Mr. Alliance has put in place for small business incentives, that's driving folks' interest even more so too. And so as long as we continue to work those plans and make things happen, yes, we will see that return on the investment. Um and it'll be tenfold moving forward and [2:04:22, 2:04:22]: No. [2:04:23, 2:04:26]: I as as somebody that's made this place home for twenty four years. [2:04:26, 2:04:33]: Um and I had this discussion with the school board member, not a school board member, but a school board employee during during our Todd meeting. [2:04:34, 2:04:37]: He grew up here in Stockbridge, and I asked him to close his eyes. [2:04:37, 2:04:41]: And remember what's downtown Stockbridge look in nineteen ninety. [2:04:42, 2:04:43]: Would it look like in two thousand? [2:04:44, 2:04:46]: What it looked like in twenty ten. [2:04:46, 2:04:48]: In twenty thirty, and you know what he said? [2:04:49, 2:04:50]: Are they ended out assessment? [2:04:51, 2:04:51]: Nothing. [2:04:52, 2:04:53]: Nothing changed. It looks the same. [2:04:54, 2:04:58]: Other than minus a few buildings that we've torn down the old police, blah blah blah. [2:04:59, 2:05:00]: The same. [2:05:00, 2:05:02]: You can't say that technically for McDonough, right? [2:05:04, 2:05:05]: McDonough's actually seen a revival. [2:05:06, 2:05:08]: Hampton seeing some revival. [2:05:08, 2:05:10]: Lucas Grove's seeing some revival. [2:05:11, 2:05:12]: Right? It's our turn. [2:05:12, 2:05:17]: To see some the revival in downtown Stockbridge, we have the population here, we're growing. [2:05:17, 2:05:18]: And I think you'll see [2:05:18, 2:05:19]: Um [2:05:20, 2:05:25]: in a few fe hopefully a few weeks, um, you'll see some additional er um interest. [2:05:25, 2:05:30]: Um coming to you guys as the Urban Redevelopment Authority interests in the downtown area. [2:05:30, 2:05:34]: Uh so yes, folks are starting to see what's happening and want to be a part of it. [2:05:35, 2:05:37]: Absolutely. Thanks. Ms. Barber, go ahead, please. [2:05:37, 2:05:46]: Yes, I do I support the efforts um of the amphitheater and all that it's doing for our city to attract investors. [2:05:46, 2:05:52]: And everybody else. Um, my only concern is with um the operations of it. [2:05:52, 2:05:54]: If we are able to get a partnership. [2:05:55, 2:05:56]: Someone who could share in the [2:05:56, 2:05:58]: cost to operate it. [2:05:59, 2:06:00]: That is what I'd like to see. [2:06:01, 2:06:02]: If we are able to partner [2:06:03, 2:06:05]: В самому ти шер на кост. [2:06:06, 2:06:08]: We could use funds. [2:06:09, 2:06:10]: For other projects. [2:06:11, 2:06:12]: I believe in partnerships. [2:06:12, 2:06:18]: And I do not believe that the city should have to foot a hundred percent. [2:06:18, 2:06:20]: Of everything that we do here. [2:06:21, 2:06:23]: That's one thing. The other thing, um [2:06:23, 2:06:25]: А супосинг [2:06:26, 2:06:30]: Some of these um city events. One in particular. [2:06:31, 2:06:33]: And maybe there may be another way to do it. [2:06:34, 2:06:37]: Ал'єв на експлуаті back to school event. [2:06:38, 2:06:39]: But we have budgeted for it. [2:06:40, 2:06:41]: We tend to spend more [2:06:42, 2:06:43]: For the entertainment. [2:06:44, 2:06:48]: But the people who come walk away with less than what we paid. [2:06:48, 2:06:51]: For them to come and be entertained. [2:06:52, 2:06:56]: If it's truly to provide a benefit and service to the residents. [2:06:57, 2:07:00]: I would prefer that those students who come to the back to school event. [2:07:01, 2:07:01]: Everybody. [2:07:02, 2:07:03]: She'll walk away and [2:07:03, 2:07:07]: With all of the su school supplies that they need prepared for the first day. [2:07:08, 2:07:10]: Too often with our city events. [2:07:10, 2:07:11]: We run out. [2:07:12, 2:07:14]: We run out of the supplies that we [2:07:14, 2:07:17]: actually intended for the events. [2:07:18, 2:07:20]: So maybe we can think of another way to [2:07:21, 2:07:26]: I don't know, plan and organize these events, but we're spending way too much money. [2:07:26, 2:07:27]: Way too much. [2:07:28, 2:07:31]: Буджетинг фордикуляр івент and [2:07:32, 2:07:34]: The benefit is [2:07:35, 2:07:36]: Not [2:07:36, 2:07:46]: what we intended. Understood. Yes, ma'am. And we'll look at that. Um I'll look at that as well. And you're right with the partnership side, obviously, you know [2:07:48, 2:08:08]: We're we're working and hopefully Harold will have some really good information about that partnership opportunity that presented to the council um with some of our new local partners to the community and what they're willing to put step up and put forward is above and beyond what we've seen. [2:08:08, 2:08:28]: before. So hopefully those will come to fruition. Yes. And that will assist us. So yes, we're working trying to get that deal partnership. Partnerships. Yes, ma'am. I don't care who it is, just ma'am. Thank you. Alright, the no other comments for the council and this is a public hearing, so I need to open this up at this time. So as a public hearing so [2:08:28, 2:08:44]: So I'll acknowledge that at this point. So if any comments on my far left for uh this um positive comments for this particular budget hearing, that's that's on my far uh left. Any c positive comments from my far left. Any positive comments uh needed in the middle. [2:08:44, 2:09:00]: Anything on no on the right side. All right. Any negative comments, comments that uh that opposed or any c negative comments in reference to what's been mentioned tonight for the budget on my far left side. Anything in the middle? Anything in the right? No comments whatsoever, so I'll [2:09:00, 2:09:01]: I'm sorry, ma'am, you have a comment? [2:09:02, 2:09:04]: What if foreign or guests, ma'am? [2:09:05, 2:09:20]: Ma ma'am, okay. I had I I mentioned four earlier. Now I mentioned against. So are you against any comments? If you are, you can come to the podium, you get up to ten minutes if you need that, if you're only one speaking, the name and address and you come to the podium and speak. If is it is it [2:09:20, 2:09:21]: Is four? [2:09:22, 2:09:24]: Come to the podium, man, please. [2:09:27, 2:09:30]: Give it give your name and name and address and make a comment, please. [2:09:30, 2:09:35]: Tasha Kempel, four ten Chase, Marion Wade, McDonough, Georgia, three oh two five. Okay. [2:09:35, 2:09:37]: I'm just like curious. [2:09:38, 2:09:46]: about the street lights. Um, everybody's wanting to go solar, so that might be a suggestion. Might help cut the cost down. [2:09:47, 2:10:01]: Well I obviously this this was about the okay. This is about the Pacific budget. Streetlights was a separate uh conversation we had earlier uh earlier. With the taxes and everything. [2:10:01, 2:10:08]: Right. So you're you're just concerned about the s you don't understand why we're not utilized. Maybe that's something to look into. [2:10:09, 2:10:14]: Solar lights for the neighborhoods. Okay, well I'll tell you what the staff will take a look at that then in reference to [2:10:14, 2:10:18]: solar lights versus any other type of LEDs in that nature, right? [2:10:18, 2:10:20]: Right, and I have another question. [2:10:20, 2:10:23]: Um with the sidewalks being ten foot wide. [2:10:23, 2:10:27]: Are y'all suggesting anything in the future about like golf carts or anything? [2:10:29, 2:10:31]: Um with the Jartico station. [2:10:32, 2:10:39]: Well suggest what what's your question? Um would y'all be appealing to having golf carts like Peachtree City, like [2:10:40, 2:11:00]: Or family. I'll tell you what we haven't discussed that I know of recently and m we'll put maybe put that on our for our uh budget ret not a budget retreat, but actual retreat period we have in February. We'll talk about that. We'll see. That's an idea. Thank you for that. Thank you. All right, appreciate it. All right. On that note, uh no seem like there are no other comments, so I will close the uh public hearing and [2:10:59, 2:11:08]: And there's not a vote on this. We'll have our next public hearing approval. Uh adoption of our budget at our next public hearing, which will be December 11th. [2:11:09, 2:11:29]: On that note, we'll move on to new business. Uh Council of Consideration approved site engineering incorporated to perform water utilities relocation for the Georgia Department of Transportation State Route 138, State Route 42 Project, PI 322050 under the city annual uh contractor agreement and amount of [2:11:29, 2:11:36]: Of two hundred thirty-nine thousand eight hundred and thirty-two dollars and fifty cents. The funding source is PLOS five. Mr. Aaron, please. [2:11:36, 2:11:51]: Yes, Mr. Mayor. Uh as Mayor and Council is w is aware, GDOT has a widening and relocation project at the intersection. That includes the intersection of one thirty eight and highway forty two. Unfortunately, the city has some [2:11:52, 2:12:12]: Utilities that are in conflict with the project and they're out they're not in easements, but they're in GDOTs right away. So we're required to move those at our expense. So since this project has been expedited, we're asking for permission to use our on-call utility contractor. Our engineering firm has reviewed the cost. [2:12:12, 2:12:12]: [7933.1, 7952.3]: estimate and found it'd be in line if we bid the project out and so we're asking for council approval so that we can move forward with this project because GDOT has already issued the notice to proceed for this project and so we want to be able to get our utilities out of the way so that they can move forward with the project. [2:12:32, 2:12:45]: Okay. Mayor Yeah, go ahead please. I'd like to make a motion to approve the um site engineering ink to perform awarded tilted relocation for the Georgia Department of Transportation program thirty eight and set out forty two project. [2:12:46, 2:12:49]: All right, that's the motion's been made by Miss Ganttz. Is there a second? [2:12:49, 2:12:50]: I said. [2:12:50, 2:13:10]: M Ms. Barber, second that. All right. Now, is any discussion before we take the vote? I just want one question. Go ahead, sir. So the project has already been let so they could start any day now, correct? Is it this not holding up? Well it's we will certainly are proving it to move it forward, but they should be getting started pretty soon, right? Yes, so we had a meeting uh last week and I think [2:13:10, 2:13:19]: Is another one scheduled, I think, in the next couple of weeks to give us the data of when they're actually gonna start. But the notice to proceed has already been issued. [2:13:20, 2:13:21]: All right, thank you. [2:13:21, 2:13:39]: All right for no the comments and uh I uh all in favor of the vote plus please indicate decision. Thank you, Mr. Uh Thank you sir Aaron. All right. Next is counsel ca council to review the consideration of property tax homestead exemption plan and ordinance for twenty twenty five. Mr. Gardner, please. [2:13:45, 2:13:54]: Good afternoon, Council. Once again, um as you know, we we discussed um at our last meeting the um property tax exemptions. [2:13:54, 2:14:14]: Uh as you know, we required if we want to issue property tax exemptions to go through that process, determine what those exemptions would be. I think we presented to you guys a cafeteria plan. We got a recommendation back from you to match what the county is done, is done as it relates to exemptions, which was go from ten to the fifteen. [2:14:14, 2:14:34]: In your pocket, you'll see obviously we've adjusted those numbers, and those numbers have adjusted at the bottom as it relates to what that total uh impact on the gross tax revenue would be and what the equivalent millage rate is. So with the recommendations we got back from council, you [2:14:34, 2:14:43]: You're looking at um a total rebate back to the citizens of just over four hundred thousand, which equates to about a point two two mil. [2:14:44, 2:14:45]: Um in the military. [2:14:46, 2:15:06]: And if that's if if the wish of council will move forward with this plan that you reviewed at the last meeting, uh we'll then work obviously to to have the uh resolution done and that way we get it to the legislature um to act on in the next legislative session and this property tax exemption will take effect. Um obviously we put [2:15:06, 2:15:17]: on the ballot um on the twenty twenty four ballot, which is a presidential year, so we should get a big turnout and then obviously take effect in the twenty twenty five year. [2:15:18, 2:15:38]: Mr. Hazard, go ahead, please. Certainly nobody up here wants to do anything like raise the millage rate.$400,000 is a is a is a is a large one. When we originally voted for the lowest millage possible, my contention is that we already put these deductions in there already. So because by setting the millage rate, [2:15:38, 2:15:58]: Rate at 3.77, the deductions were already baked into the cake already initially, because if not, we would have set the millage rate at a higher rate at the 4.12. That's significant. That's the difference between where we're going. If we lower this by$400,000, they're gonna leave a hole in the [2:15:58, 2:16:12]: budget, right? Oh well, so you that that no, the the recommendation from the staff was four point two one mils that would have given you an opportunity to do a re a rail back a roll back. But that's what I'm saying. We we've so in essence we've already did it. [2:16:14, 2:16:14]: No, sir. [2:16:15, 2:16:26]: No, no it did not. You you're looking at it wrong. No, sir. You adopted what was the break even Miller's rate of three point seven seven. Right, which put a lesser burden on the taxpayer. [2:16:26, 2:16:29]: But but also you so that's a lesser burden, but at the same point [2:16:30, 2:16:31]: If you give a [2:16:31, 2:16:38]: A exemption, you take away from that three point seven seven by two point two two mils. [2:16:38, 2:16:58]: It it doesn't work the other way. Right, but that's exactly what I'm saying, which is I've already already reduced it from four to four one one two five. My thing, what is the content what if we had that we we gotta make some choices now? So the d the the the amount of the original deductions that you presented to us reduce with a with a calculator to how [2:16:58, 2:16:59]: How much? [2:17:01, 2:17:01]: So you [2:17:02, 2:17:22]: The the the original proposal wasn't four hundred thousand dollars in reduction. What was the original proposal? I do not have that number. I think it was somewhere around two hundred and something, just under three hundred thousand. Right. And that's the consideration this council has to make because if we go up to these numbers matching what the county did, that's a [2:17:22, 2:17:31]: another two hundred thousand dollar we gotta cover uh in the budget, which means that we might potentially have to do somet an adjustment that none of us wanna make. [2:17:31, 2:17:38]: So we can make that make that decision right now to to make this a two hundred thousand dollar cut instead of a four hundred thousand dollar cut. [2:17:39, 2:17:49]: So do you so i i and if it's the will of council, if you want us to go back to w what Ed and I originally showed you guys at the last meeting, we will adjust those numbers back from [2:17:49, 2:17:59]: From fifteen back to the ten. Um, and then obviously we'll bring that's that's what we'll bring forward with the resolution though for you guys to approve. [2:18:01, 2:18:02]: If that's what you want to do. [2:18:03, 2:18:23]: Let me ask you this, Mr. Gardner. No matter what we decide to do this evening, this still has to not only the citizens have to vote on it in November 2024, it has to go through a process of the legislative uh our our legislative process, I mean downtown? So w our de our local delegation will carry this through the process in the House and in [2:18:23, 2:18:24]: In the Senate. [2:18:24, 2:18:44]: at the state level. Um there's never been property tax exemption that's not gone through the legislative state. They won't vote for it. They they will they they have 100% voted for it. Okay. And I don't think there's been any community when you talk about property tax exemption that's voted it down. Okay. Um people usually vote to take to for you to take less [2:18:44, 2:18:53]: Less from them than more. Um, they get a rebate. And so that's pass so yes, that's the process. Once we do that and we put that resolution forward. [2:18:53, 2:18:57]: Um if it's the will to go back to that number, we'll do that with the resolution. [2:18:58, 2:19:03]: We will forward that to uh state representatives. They will take it through the legislative process. [2:19:03, 2:19:07]: It will be a ballot initiative on the twenty twenty four November. [2:19:07, 2:19:27]: During the presidential election, you'll have that note that do you want to accept property tax exemption for the city of Stockbridge, blah blah blah. You take yes. It passes and it takes effect in 2025 that season. Right. Mayor Ford. So m Mr. Gardner, I and I and I do understand, but I I just want you to confirm if my understanding [2:19:27, 2:19:32]: And is correct. So we're here at 3.77. [2:19:33, 2:19:37]: And then when you figure in the exemptions [2:19:38, 2:19:58]: Then you you you you you you're coming down, you're down here. So that means that we are receiving less with the exemption. Is is that correct? That is correct. You're giving you giving back to the residents. So what you collect, you're giving it back to them. So you will get back less. Right. So I know this is not the body but the budget again. See that's why [2:19:58, 2:19:59]: Where I keep harping on. [2:20:00, 2:20:01]: Let's make sure [2:20:02, 2:20:04]: And this budget's for its operations. [2:20:05, 2:20:10]: that we have enough to operate because I don't think no one on this council [2:20:10, 2:20:12]: It's gonna go back. [2:20:12, 2:20:13]: And entertain [2:20:15, 2:20:17]: This millage again. I I I don't think so. [2:20:18, 2:20:38]: It this this doesn't affect your FY twenty four budget. It will affect your FY twenty five. But but if you do not have enough to operate something we have to it once yes. Okay, i if you when you when you look when you start looking at the FY twenty uh FY twenty [2:20:38, 2:20:52]: but twenty-five budget, you will have to factor in that minus two point two if it if it's approved by the voters. Okay. You'll have to factor it in that you'll we get less four hundred thousand in revenues. Now the one thing that you also have to consider is [2:20:52, 2:20:54]: You also might have growth in your digest. [2:20:55, 2:20:56]: All right. [2:20:56, 2:21:06]: Uh'cause we'cause we're talking about twenty five. Twenty twenty five, correct. So if you look at what your house was valued at two years ago compared to what is valued at today, your house is valued more. [2:21:07, 2:21:27]: Right. So you're going to have more businesses. So you're assessed correct. So your assessment so it can offset itself. And that's what I tried to explain at the last meeting is yes, you're looking at a bite, but if you continue to grow, that digest grows as your value grow, so you're taking obviously whatever would have been anticipated revenues depending on what your budget looked like. [2:21:27, 2:21:31]: you you can actually absorb that cost. What would impact you is [2:21:32, 2:21:38]: Right. If we don't have any growth and then that happens then you you obviously will have to be looking at uh at reduced revenues. [2:21:39, 2:21:51]: But obviously over the last over the last ten years, I I think all of us would surmise that, you know, our house value has gone literally up the roof. Like I gave the example to you guys. [2:21:52, 2:21:59]: My house had bought for a hundred and thirty six thousand, sold for one hundred and thirty six thousand fifteen years later is now valued just under three hundred thousand. [2:22:00, 2:22:13]: But this is not to vote on tonight. Just we're looking at this, correct? If if if if it's no if if you want me to change it, we'll make the changes and go back and run to bring it back. If you are accepting of this number [2:22:13, 2:22:21]: Then obviously w if you vote on it, we will then put that of the mayor sign the resolution and it goes to the our representative to take it into the assembly. [2:22:22, 2:22:23]: I I would like to see [2:22:24, 2:22:34]: the other change. Um and I um my concern is uh uh probably with the majority of the council right now, um [2:22:36, 2:22:56]: If we reduce uh depending on what the number looks like, uh because I'm definitely not increasing a millish rate to fill in a hole. It's like you give, take, give, take. Exactly. I'm not, you know, I I said it earlier on when we were talking about taxes and implement a tax, rip the band-aid off, don't create a hole that you have to control. [2:22:56, 2:22:59]: continue to increase, incre increase'cause I'm not gonna vote for it. [2:23:01, 2:23:12]: We're gonna if this was what we were gonna for do for Millage, that's what we needed. Not this is what we need for Millage, but we're gonna give these discounts and oh now we need to increase our Millage. [2:23:13, 2:23:20]: I'm not I'm not gonna agree to that. So um I take this as something I'm just gonna look at for tonight and look at another report later. [2:23:21, 2:23:26]: All right, so otherwise that's one opinion. Any other opinions on how you want to address this? Oh go ahead, Miss Barber. [2:23:27, 2:23:31]: Mr Gardner, I do have a question in regards to the septic tank. [2:23:32, 2:23:36]: Tax exemption. So there are four hundred and twenty seven [2:23:39, 2:23:45]: Yes. Househo households that have septic systems. Estimated, yes, ma'am. Okay, that's citywide. [2:23:45, 2:23:46]: Yes, ma'am. Okay. [2:23:47, 2:23:50]: Can you tell me and how do I know what the [2:23:50, 2:23:51]: Actual [2:23:51, 2:23:52]: Percentage or [2:23:53, 2:23:54]: Great. [2:23:54, 2:23:55]: It is. [2:23:57, 2:23:57]: Excuse me. [2:23:59, 2:24:00]: I know that you say [2:24:01, 2:24:02]: Here, according to this chart. [2:24:03, 2:24:06]: The Stockbridge exemption for home [2:24:07, 2:24:09]: On septic tank. [2:24:10, 2:24:12]: You have five thousand dollars. Yes, ma'am. [2:24:12, 2:24:16]: So do I divide that five thousand dollars by the number of households? [2:24:18, 2:24:19]: That are on septic. [2:24:19, 2:24:24]: No, that's five thousand that each that each one of those households will get. [2:24:24, 2:24:31]: Each home? Each each home will get a five thousand access. Because I don't see a total. Oh, for the assessed value. [2:24:32, 2:24:39]: Of the assessed value. Right, so if your home of your home. So if your home is valued at a hundred thousand, your assessed value is a hundred thousand. [2:24:39, 2:24:57]: Once you minus off your exemption, you won't be taxed on a hundred, you'll be taxed on ninety-five. With with just that one. But if you categorize it all, all of those exemptions boil down what your assessed taxable value will be. So you pay less overall. Okay, but I see that this is the only exemption. [2:24:57, 2:24:58]: On here. [2:24:59, 2:25:00]: That you didn't include a total. [2:25:01, 2:25:02]: Say again? [2:25:03, 2:25:05]: The onseptic tank. [2:25:07, 2:25:07]: I see. [2:25:08, 2:25:09]: The stock word exemption [2:25:10, 2:25:12]: Amount of five thousand dollars. [2:25:12, 2:25:15]: But that last column for totals. [2:25:16, 2:25:17]: There is no total. [2:25:18, 2:25:20]: For the four hundred and twenty seven. [2:25:20, 2:25:22]: Homes that are on septing. [2:25:26, 2:25:34]: Okay. And I don't know why uh I I can't explain why I know it's I know it's included in the annual in the total annual amount. [2:25:35, 2:25:38]: It's included in in that amount which I'm [2:25:40, 2:25:43]: during the final hearing to adopt the millage rate. [2:25:45, 2:26:00]: I would not have accepted or approved a millage rate without the homestead exemption for those who are inseptic. So even if the council doesn't approve any of these other tax exemptions [2:26:00, 2:26:03]: The one exemption for homeowners who are on septic. [2:26:05, 2:26:06]: I'm asking that this council [2:26:07, 2:26:07]: Um [2:26:08, 2:26:12]: Move forward with approving it and supporting it. It's the right thing to do. [2:26:13, 2:26:15]: Those homeowners are on septic systems. [2:26:15, 2:26:17]: They wouldn't be using the cities. [2:26:18, 2:26:19]: Water [2:26:19, 2:26:20]: Infrastructure. [2:26:21, 2:26:24]: So why would we we why would we be billing them? [2:26:26, 2:26:27]: When they're on septing. [2:26:27, 2:26:30]: We're not building we don't build septic folks for septic, ma'am. [2:26:31, 2:26:31]: Okay. [2:26:32, 2:26:33]: So I know [2:26:33, 2:26:34]: We don't know. [2:26:34, 2:26:36]: that those who are on septic systems [2:26:37, 2:26:40]: There are water or sewer? [2:26:40, 2:26:41]: Infrastructure. [2:26:41, 2:26:43]: Normally they are B O four. [2:26:43, 2:26:53]: We all get billed for it with Henry County. Well, what I don't want is for the city. Either they're on Henry County water. Mr Gardner, let me fin I want to finish. Make my point. [2:26:54, 2:26:57]: Those homeowners should not [2:26:57, 2:26:58]: Have to pay. [2:26:58, 2:27:00]: Into the cities. [2:27:01, 2:27:02]: Sewer system. [2:27:03, 2:27:04]: Or water system. [2:27:04, 2:27:06]: If they're on septic. [2:27:06, 2:27:07]: Why would they? [2:27:09, 2:27:11]: We should do the right thing. [2:27:11, 2:27:12]: That's all. [2:27:12, 2:27:14]: I've been I've been bringing this up. [2:27:15, 2:27:16]: For almost a year now. [2:27:17, 2:27:18]: So I want to be real clear. [2:27:19, 2:27:22]: about it. I'm not going to stop asking. So thank you. [2:27:23, 2:27:24]: Mayor. [2:27:24, 2:27:26]: Yes, ma'am, go ahead, please. [2:27:26, 2:27:44]: I I would like more information just in regards to what municipalities give septic tax exemptions, along with I I don't think there's any. I've looked it up myself. There is a and I think that when there was a constituent one who was asking about septic [2:27:44, 2:27:48]: Um, after researching extensively [2:27:49, 2:27:56]: I don't even see it, not even the federal government gives septic tax relief, but they do have grants. [2:27:57, 2:27:59]: And I think maybe that might be the confusion. [2:28:00, 2:28:20]: If I'm wrong, let me know, Mr. Gardner. See if you can find some research on it to see if someone does septic tax exemptions. But based off of what I've read thus far, that's not the case. I've read more so they have grants for improvements or they give grants for offsetting, but not necessarily for example. [2:28:19, 2:28:33]: exemptions specifically for septic. Yes. Mr. Harris Mr. Harris told us that they can't find anywhere where there's a septic type exception. Yeah, well I'm I'm looking all over the United States and so that's my concern. That's what I'm saying. I went from United States [2:28:34, 2:28:43]: all the way down to our local municipalities and I haven't found anything. So I just, you know, wanna give a heads up on that. I I need it to [2:28:43, 2:28:57]: Um, I think there may be a confusion there between uh the different grants and other deductions for uh septic tanks, but not necessarily for a tax exemption. [2:28:58, 2:29:18]: Mayor Ford, if I may. Mayor Ford. Sir. Step stand by please. Yes, yes, sir. Mr. Aaron, let me let me be clear on Mayor Pro Tem's concern. On our water bill, there's a breakdown of water and sewer. [2:29:18, 2:29:19]: Correct. [2:29:20, 2:29:21]: Yes it is. [2:29:22, 2:29:26]: I'm thinking the the concern here is [2:29:27, 2:29:28]: If a citizen [2:29:28, 2:29:30]: has a septic tank. [2:29:31, 2:29:32]: Why are they paying [2:29:33, 2:29:36]: a sewage fee. Now I I I'm thinking this is [2:29:36, 2:29:43]: Mayor Pro Tem, this is where I may be wrong. See, it's not about an exemption, it's not about this, it's not about that. [2:29:44, 2:29:45]: It's about [2:29:46, 2:29:47]: If you're in [2:29:48, 2:29:49]: If you have a septic tank. [2:29:50, 2:29:52]: Why are you paying a fee? [2:29:53, 2:30:01]: for sew you know, you you pay for water, but the way it's broken down at the city is water and sewage. [2:30:02, 2:30:20]: So if you're on accepted tank, why are you paying the sewer part of it? And I think that's the I think that's the issue. I don't think it's about the exemption. I think it's about the fee that you're paying for sewer. So here's the explanation. I this has occurred in several municipalities where I work. [2:30:21, 2:30:26]: Is when sewer lines got extended some to some areas that had septic tanks. [2:30:27, 2:30:30]: Those residents did not sign up for. [2:30:30, 2:30:50]: And so cities pass ordinances to encourage residents to connect to sewer because the state's goal is to get residents off septic tanks. And so the ordinances require whether you're connected to it or not, you pay a sewer fee because you're in proximity to connect to the sewer system. And also [2:30:50, 2:31:10]: So when you apply for CDBG grants. When I work for the City of Perry, we applied for CDBG grants. That was part of the grant requirement, is that you charge those people that had access to sewer but chose not to connect. They paid the sewer fee. So that was a way of encouraging them to get off septic tanks because [2:31:10, 2:31:29]: People that have septic tanks right now, if they septic tank fail, they're in proximity to a sewer line, the health department is not going to issue you a permit to repair it. So that's probably in the city ordinance, I'd have to research it, that requires people, even though they're not connected to the sewer system, they pay a fee because it's in close proximity. [2:31:30, 2:31:31]: of their property. [2:31:31, 2:31:51]: And and that is because uh the government the the statewide for health reasons they really want to encourage everyone to get off of septic. And get on centralized sources. Okay. And and especially in metro areas, urban areas more so I mean I think uh I could you know, in the rural areas sometimes it's [2:31:51, 2:32:10]: I'd I'd r not to research the uh sewer ordinances and all the things like that, but I'm pretty sure you probab the city of Stockbridge like other city has a ordinance that requires So that the m I think t m for me a solution would be [2:32:10, 2:32:11]: You know [2:32:11, 2:32:12]: Maybe they should advocate. [2:32:13, 2:32:16]: Towards that they want to advocate in a county or whomever. [2:32:16, 2:32:20]: That they should they deserve a roll back because they're not using sewer but [2:32:22, 2:32:30]: This is not the place for it. It's not a tax exemption place hold. And unless someone can find one. [2:32:31, 2:32:34]: Throughout the United States and local, I haven't seen anything. [2:32:35, 2:32:38]: And that's you know, I I understand. [2:32:39, 2:32:43]: I totally understand what Councilwoman Barber is s stating. [2:32:43, 2:32:50]: And you know, out of concern, but this is not a tax. [2:32:51, 2:32:55]: And so I don't agree with actually giving a tax exemption for it. [2:32:56, 2:33:16]: But the majority of folks, like I say, that are pay if they're paying that sewage fee and they have a septic tank, it's because they're in close proximity. They can connect to the sewer line, but they ch choose not to. Versus an individual that's in an area where sewer is not available and they don't have no choice but septic tank, but they're getting maybe [2:33:15, 2:33:20]: [9200.5, 9207.0]: I got'cause like our admin assistant, she lives in the county, she has county water, but she's on a septic tank, so [2:33:27, 2:33:45]: Right. And so they can but they chose not to connect. Is that what you're saying? She's on the step the same cause sewer is not available in her neighborhood, but she does have county water. Right. And if it's not available, maybe they should advocate to get a rollback from not being available if they're having to pay for it. I don't know. Maybe it's already in the bill and it's already been considered. [2:33:46, 2:33:48]: But if it's available and that's [2:33:49, 2:33:51]: For the health, safety and welfare of [2:33:52, 2:33:55]: the community, then by all means [2:33:56, 2:34:02]: I'm not giving you a I'm not I don't feel like I should be giving you an exemption for that. [2:34:02, 2:34:12]: Ms. Barber, go ahead please. Yes. Um so I believe the Cav County uh does have or offer tax exemptions for homeowners who are on septic. [2:34:12, 2:34:15]: So it should be really easy for staff to do the research on that. [2:34:16, 2:34:30]: Secondly, I believe the city attorneys did provide, or was it Mr. Wall, did provide to the council a statement suggesting that the council can implement whatever tax or exemption that we wanted to. [2:34:31, 2:34:32]: This is one of them. [2:34:33, 2:34:38]: Considering the fact that City Council District Four was drawn without any input. [2:34:38, 2:34:38]: From me. [2:34:39, 2:34:45]: I represent those residents and the majority of the residents who are in septic systems. [2:34:46, 2:34:47]: I'm responsible for him. [2:34:47, 2:34:51]: Since you all drew my district without me, I'm going to continue advocating. [2:34:52, 2:34:56]: For the needs and desires of those homeowners who are in the area. [2:34:56, 2:34:58]: I can't force them. [2:34:58, 2:34:59]: To connect. [2:34:59, 2:35:01]: To our city's sewer system. [2:35:02, 2:35:02]: I cannot. [2:35:03, 2:35:04]: But currently they're on septic. [2:35:05, 2:35:08]: So we need to be offering a tax exemption. [2:35:09, 2:35:11]: I've been saying the same thing. [2:35:11, 2:35:12]: All year. [2:35:13, 2:35:16]: So I'm asking my councilmates to honor. [2:35:17, 2:35:19]: Honor the request I made. [2:35:19, 2:35:22]: When we began discussing [2:35:22, 2:35:24]: Adopting the military. [2:35:24, 2:35:25]: I was real clear. [2:35:26, 2:35:33]: I was very clear when I said that I would not approve a new tax unless we approved [2:35:33, 2:35:39]: adopting a tax exemption for those homeowners who are in septic systems. [2:35:39, 2:35:40]: We're talking about septic. [2:35:41, 2:35:42]: Tanks. [2:35:42, 2:35:43]: So [2:35:43, 2:35:46]: Um I support all the other tax exemptions on here too. [2:35:47, 2:35:52]: But I absolutely support not charging homeowners who are on septic systems a fee. [2:35:55, 2:35:56]: Because you're not using. [2:35:57, 2:35:59]: Or infrastructure. Oh cool. That's all. [2:36:00, 2:36:06]: Go ahead, Mr. So they these folks were originally in the county. Were they already paying the fee in the to the county? [2:36:09, 2:36:20]: Some of them were the some of the people in in the city were all were not who are in the city now or on Henry County water, were they already paying the fee? [2:36:20, 2:36:31]: I can't speak for them. Only thing I I'm sure of there are some in the city of Stockbridge that are within a close proximity to a sewer line. [2:36:31, 2:36:51]: that was installed after, you know, their home was built and they chose to stay on their septic tank instead of paying the the connection fee to connect to the city of Stockbridge sewer system. So the city probably passed the ordinance that we're gonna charge you sewer rates, whether you connect or not. [2:36:51, 2:37:01]: But that's our way of egging you to connect to the sewer system and abandon the state. How many total residents are we talking about? Four hundred and seven. [2:37:01, 2:37:05]: So the majority How much money are we talking about? [2:37:06, 2:37:09]: We might not even be worth the time. How much money are we talking about? [2:37:10, 2:37:11]: So [2:37:12, 2:37:32]: And four hundred and thirty-seven people, it can't be that much money, I mean, right, is it? So but then you have to go through the process you with the health department to verify which ones are actually on septic tanks. Then when people abandon their septic tanks, they're gonna have to come back to the city and say, Well, I'm no longer on a septic tank, I'm on county sewer or something like that. [2:37:32, 2:37:36]: like that. How do you police that aspect of it? [2:37:36, 2:37:56]: Well we we can continue the discussion. We're not gonna make a decision tonight, but if it's eight thousand dollars, I mean that's not a lot of money for us to be sitting here. We're talking overnight about what's going on. So again, it's not a great deal. We're talking about the difference between four hundred thousand and then the original poll, which was two hundred thousand. That two hundred thousand makes [2:37:56, 2:38:16]: It's much less likely for us to have to uh make a mileage adjustment. So I'm in favor of the two hundred thousand dollar reduction, which is an additional reduction. We already set the tax millage rate at the minimum amount at 3.77, and we're gonna give residents additional money off with uh these homestead exemptions, which the [2:38:16, 2:38:22]: lower the millage rate to less than three point seven seven, which is good news. But we cannot give away something [2:38:23, 2:38:27]: That's gonna put us in a position to put a hole in the budget two years from now. [2:38:28, 2:38:47]: So Mr. Gardner, on that, uh you mentioned earlier in the conversation about coming back. That's the case. It will the council seem like that's the case. You're gonna come back with some adjustments based on a previous presentation you, Mr. Wall, made to us roughly a month ago, something like that, right? All right. So if that's the case, if no uh council comments on this issue, we'll move on. [2:38:48, 2:39:03]: And and actually we're gonna move on to the what we added to the agenda, which is consideration uh consider transfer of of parcel uh zero three two zero one zero dash three zero zero one five to the citywide development authority. Mr. Gardner, this is on you, sir. [2:39:04, 2:39:05]: Uh yes sir. Um [2:39:06, 2:39:26]: As you know, we we discussed the transfer of certain properties. Uh earlier a few months ago I brought to you guys the potential that we had for a parcel on Nord Park Trail, interest by an a hotel entity. Um and we've obviously sat down, brought on the IGA, which um was re [2:39:26, 2:39:34]: Redlined and I think we made the adjustments and approved the IGA. Um, what's lacking now is the transfer of the property from [2:39:35, 2:39:41]: the city to the development authority. The one thing we heard this um this morning in our meeting was [2:39:41, 2:39:45]: uh the deal with that hotel. [2:39:45, 2:39:46]: Hotel or [2:39:47, 2:40:07]: doesn't happen until the the developer is actually has the property in hand. They need to before they can actually consummate the deal with that person out there. So let's say and I don't want to give out as much as I get here, but let's say um IG IHG. [2:40:07, 2:40:08]: The Hilton Group. [2:40:09, 2:40:14]: Right. You are you are a franchisee of their hotel, a true hotel. [2:40:14, 2:40:22]: They won't complete that franchise agreement until you actually own the property because they don't want to be doing business with another entity. [2:40:23, 2:40:27]: whilst giving this person the opportunity to franchise. So in order for that franchise agreement [2:40:27, 2:40:31]: To consummate itself, you that franchise has to have the property. [2:40:32, 2:40:32]: In Han. [2:40:33, 2:40:34]: And and so [2:40:35, 2:40:36]: No. [2:40:37, 2:40:40]: That's what we were told this morning. Uh I get it. [2:40:41, 2:40:42]: Let's be clear. [2:40:43, 2:40:58]: They're an entity branch from us. So they're they're very aware who owns the property and know the transaction's gonna take place. I have no problem voting for it tonight, but I don't want them coming to me with that. No, no, I no, I'm just saying In the future I don't want anyone coming to me with that. Yes, ma'am. [2:41:00, 2:41:00]: Right. [2:41:01, 2:41:03]: Any of the comments uh for Mr. Gardner? [2:41:05, 2:41:08]: R in reference to the tax homestead exemption. [2:41:08, 2:41:25]: No no, no, no, ma'am. I'm sorry. In reference to what he's talking about right now. Mayor. Yes, ma'am. I'd like to make a motion to approve um transferring the parcel number that you mentioned. I I don't have all the numbers. Zero three Zero three two dash zero one zero dash three zero zero one five. [2:41:25, 2:41:30]: I'd like to make a motion to transfer that to the development authority. All right. Is there a second motion? [2:41:32, 2:41:47]: Real quick. So we put all the things in there that you had asked for with the callbacks and all of that and the time frame. Yes, two years. So we don't end up with a one thirty eight situation. Yes, two years, exactly. And and turned everything to mate instead of shell. [2:41:47, 2:41:51]: Second. Okay. Motion been made in second. All in favor of the motion please indicate. [2:41:52, 2:41:55]: All pose? Abstain? [2:41:56, 2:41:57]: Miss Barber, your vote what's your vote? [2:41:57, 2:41:58]: I have staying. [2:41:58, 2:41:59]: You oh you're staying. [2:42:00, 2:42:03]: Three zero one motion pass. Thank you. Okay. [2:42:03, 2:42:23]: On that note, announcements of upcoming meetings and events. Upcoming meetings and announcements, council meeting will be held in the council change. City Council Chamber meeting meeting dates, locations, and times are subject to change. We'll contact City Hall offices at 770-389-7900 for updates. The planning commission meeting is 6:30 p.m. City [2:42:23, 2:42:43]: Council Chamber fourth Thursday of each month. The Stockbridge Citizens Police Academy Advisory Meeting first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Stockbridge Police Community Room at 4545 North Henry Boulevard, December 7th. The Main Street Advisory Board meeting second Friday of each month. Welcome center located at 130 ML. [2:42:43, 2:42:47]: King Senior Heritage Trail, nine AM december eighth. [2:42:48, 2:43:08]: City Council meeting the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers, December 11th. Adoption of the proposed FY 2024 operating budget public hearing, 6 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers, December 11th. Uh Council meeting, 6:30 p.m., second Monday of each month, City Hall Levi Meeting Room, December. [2:43:08, 2:43:28]: December 11th. The Citywide Development Authority meeting second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. City Hall Levi Meeting Room December 12th. The Downtown Development Authority meeting third Tuesday of each month. Welcome Center 130 ML King Senior Heritage Trail December 19th. The Youth Advisory, excuse me, Youth Council Advisory Committee. [2:43:28, 2:43:44]: Committee meeting 6 30 p.m. third Tuesday of each month in the Levi Meeting Room City Hall December nineteenth. City Council Work Session Meeting last Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Council Hall Council Hall Chambers December 19th. [2:43:44, 2:43:52]: upcoming uh city events and initiatives. Uh we'll stand by one second here. [2:43:57, 2:43:59]: Okay, I did that right. All right. [2:44:01, 2:44:21]: Councilman Thomas wants the community to be saved during the holiday season and we'll be distributing free smoke detectors to the community on Tuesday, December 5th. Location to be announced. Stay tuned for more information. Join Mayor Ford on the monthly Meet the Mayor on Monday, December 18th, 10 a.m. to noon. Please contact Roz on Raw's to schedule an appointment at [2:44:21, 2:44:41]: 678-833-3348 or by email at R. Rawls at city of Stockbridge-GA dot G-O-V. Join Councilman Thomas for Don't Trash Stockbridge Initiative centered around educational highlights, highlighting the causes and effects of littering and legal illegal dumping. More information to follow on this [2:44:41, 2:45:01]: as well. And once again, Councilman Thomas in honoring the veterans of continued salute to all year long. Send uh please send your pictures of veterans and their name, branch, branch, rank, and years of service to R. Rawls and C Stockbridge-G A dot G-O-V. And for my comments this evening, first of all, COVID-19 is still out there. [2:45:01, 2:45:21]: So we want you to be healthy citizens. So get your boost a shot if you can. Flu shots also would be helpful to be uh be healthy for the entire winter season, this aspect. And condolences and prayers and and um to the Carter family in reference to the passing of First Lady, uh Rosalind Carter here recently. And [2:45:21, 2:45:41]: And to President Carter and um which the third night president of our country, to his uh his health and and to the entire family, and uh and praising the passing of of a of a a great humanitarian in Rosalind Carter. Uh so uh continue to keep that family in your prayers, please. Early voting is actually going to be a good thing. [2:45:41, 2:46:01]: Going on right now for the District 2 Commissioner. Um, early voting going on right now at Merlmanis Conference Center if you're in that particular district, Commissioner District 2. And of course, the actual voting date for the runoff election is December 5th for that as well. Um, congratulations to the Falcons to uh taking uh big [2:46:01, 2:46:21]: beaten up on and taking a win this weekend with the Saints, their rival. And uh so there's still another game with and to happen again later on in the year. So we'll see what happens here in that aspect. And hopefully everybody had a great Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends in this aspect as well. And of course if you're um if you're a great football college fan this Saturday you have Georgia [2:46:21, 2:46:41]: versus Alabama and the SEC Championship in downtown Atlanta. So that should be another good game. So do I dare say uh row tide? Yeah, check it out. And and this past Saturday as this past Saturday, Lighthouse Junior Choir along with the Lighthouse [2:46:40, 2:47:00]: House Dancers had an outstanding piece concert at a Merle Manders Conference Center. Outstanding event. Uh thanks to representatives Angela Moore and El Mati Holly for bringing that to us. And uh hopefully this will be an activity that uh we'll have in our Stockbridge community e uh for many, many years to come. And uh Councilman Alexander and [2:47:00, 2:47:16]: Councilman Thomas uh joined me for that wonderful activity this past Saturday. So thank you gentlemen for that. I think I think you enjoyed yourselves uh that that day. Uh let's see what else do we have here. Uh I'm sorry, what's the correction? I have a correction. Yes, sir. Go ahead. [2:47:16, 2:47:21]: The smoke detector giveaway uh initially we [2:47:22, 2:47:23]: At the fifth [2:47:24, 2:47:28]: We changed it to this Saturday the second. [2:47:28, 2:47:48]: But now the weather projection is rain seventy percent. So we may have to go back. So uh I would say standby for the correct date uh for that and and and Mayor if you would uh would you speak [2:47:48, 2:47:51]: speak to the um Christmas [2:47:51, 2:47:58]: Yeah, Christmas gala, which is on this coming Friday. Which is um seventy percent Friday and Saturday. [2:47:58, 2:48:14]: Seventy percent rain. Yes, and there's some consideration, some discussion. I don't know if you had that discussion with maybe um but this Yes, sir. Uh actually maybe a cancellation. [2:48:14, 2:48:34]: Yeah, we've had some discussion of what we may want to do on that for that city sponsored event, which is outdoors at the amphitheater, which is this coming Friday, um for that. Uh so that is something that uh we'll announce that now, obviously. It is still scheduled to occur, but it may be some adjustments on that and the and the city manager. [2:48:34, 2:48:50]: gonna take the lead on that working out with the event staff and let everybody know. Okay? On uh in reference to whether or not we can have that or not. Well I don't know how you can you know I don't know. We'll have to figure that one out. But he's got the he's got the lead on that. He acknowledges that fact right now. He has the lead. Okay. [2:48:52, 2:48:52]: Is that right? [2:48:55, 2:49:00]: Okay, well that's food for thought. He'll he he's gotta work that out with the staff and let us know. And on that note [2:49:00, 2:49:15]: On that note, it's all the comments I had. And my understanding is that we don't have any executive session notes. So if that's the note, if that's the case, no executive session, I need a motion to end our council work session. So moved. Is there a second? I second. All in favor, please indicate. [2:49:15, 2:49:16]: We have now.