2025-06-11 · City Council · Transcript · Ethics Committee Meeting

--- title: Ethics Committee Meeting date: 2025-06-11 source: 2025-06-11_Ethics_Committee_Meeting.wav --- [0:04:17, 0:04:18]: All right. [0:04:19, 0:04:25]: We will move to approve our agenda. Has everyone had an opportunity? I hear myself better. Can you guys hear me? Okay. [0:04:26, 0:04:32]: Um, has everyone had an opportunity to review the agenda from our last meeting on May twenty eighth? [0:04:33, 0:04:35]: I'm sorry, we're approving this agenda. [0:04:36, 0:04:38]: Has everyone had opportunity to look at it? [0:04:38, 0:04:39]: Yes. [0:04:39, 0:04:41]: Okay, can I get a motion to approve? [0:04:41, 0:04:42]: So motion. [0:04:43, 0:04:44]: Second. [0:04:44, 0:04:52]: It has been moved and seconded that this uh agenda for today be approved. Any nays on that? [0:04:53, 0:04:54]: No, no. [0:04:55, 0:04:56]: So carries. [0:04:59, 0:05:06]: We also have to approve our meeting minutes from May 28th, um, 2025. [0:05:07, 0:05:10]: Has everyone had opportunity to review those minutes? [0:05:11, 0:05:13]: Can I remember? Okay. [0:05:22, 0:05:25]: Okay. Okay. You [0:05:27, 0:05:31]: Enough time? Yeah. Okay. Can I get a motion? [0:05:32, 0:05:36]: Make a motion to uh approve the minutes of the last meeting on May twenty eighth. [0:05:37, 0:05:41]: Second. Second. Turn your mic on, Miss Miss. [0:05:42, 0:05:42]: Charme. [0:05:43, 0:05:45]: Just push the button. [0:05:46, 0:05:52]: Do it again. Yes. I make a motion to um approve the May twenty eighth meeting minutes. [0:05:53, 0:05:55]: Can I get a second? Second. [0:05:56, 0:06:02]: Okay, it has been moved and seconded to approve the meeting minutes from May twenty eighth, twenty twenty five at six thirty PM. [0:06:03, 0:06:04]: Any [0:06:04, 0:06:05]: Opposed. [0:06:06, 0:06:11]: Hearing none, the motion will carry. [0:06:13, 0:06:20]: Okay, we move to old business. We have had uh several ethics complaints in the month of May. [0:06:23, 0:06:25]: We've had the [0:06:25, 0:06:30]: Uh zero five zero two two two zero two five dash oh one. [0:06:30, 0:06:38]: Which is Phaedra Thomas against Council Member Elton Alexander. Do we have any of those parties present today? [0:06:39, 0:06:41]: Ma'am, you are [0:06:41, 0:06:42]: Fidja [0:06:44, 0:06:44]: Okay. [0:06:46, 0:06:55]: We also have complaint zero five zero nine two zero two five-zero one. It's a battle law against. [0:06:55, 0:06:59]: Council member Yolanda Barber, do we have anybody present today? [0:07:00, 0:07:01]: Ma'am, you are? [0:07:03, 0:07:04]: Okay. [0:07:06, 0:07:12]: We also have zero five one six two zero two five dash zero one. [0:07:12, 0:07:17]: This is Councilmember Yolander Barber against City Attorney Quentin Washington. [0:07:18, 0:07:21]: I know Council uh woman barber is here. Do we have uh [0:07:22, 0:07:23]: Washington. [0:07:25, 0:07:26]: Yeah. [0:07:26, 0:07:27]: Okay, thank you. [0:07:29, 0:07:33]: Zero five one six two zero two five dash zero. [0:07:35, 0:07:36]: Two [0:07:36, 0:07:42]: Uh we have Councilmember Barber against Mayor Anthony Ford. I see you. [0:07:46, 0:07:47]: Zero five. [0:07:48, 0:07:51]: One six two zero two five dash O three. [0:07:51, 0:07:56]: is Councilwoman Barber against Councilwoman Lakeisha Gantt. [0:07:57, 0:07:59]: Ms. Barber's present. Ms. Gantt. [0:08:00, 0:08:00]: Snap. [0:08:02, 0:08:13]: Zero five one six two zero two five dash oh four. Miss Barber against Councilman Cal Berry Senior. Do we have Cal Berry Senior present? [0:08:15, 0:08:19]: very Orphean or present, but I will be presenting on that behalf same time. [0:08:25, 0:08:30]: Zero five one six two zero two five dash oh five we have council member [0:08:31, 0:08:34]: Councilwoman Barber against Council [0:08:35, 0:08:38]: Member Alexander. See you. [0:08:43, 0:08:49]: And that is the last complaint filed under that particular [0:08:50, 0:08:51]: Group of complaints. [0:08:52, 0:09:01]: Moving on, we have zero five two zero two zero two five dash oh one, which is Councilmember Barber against City Attorney Washington. [0:09:01, 0:09:11]: without having to look up again, I know that these are the same person, so we'll move forward. Um zero five two zero two zero two five zero two. [0:09:12, 0:09:16]: Barber against uh Mayor Anthony Ford. [0:09:17, 0:09:26]: Zero five two zero two zero two five dash oh three is council member barber against um councilwoman Lakeisha Gantt. [0:09:27, 0:09:31]: Zero five two zero two zero two five dash O four. [0:09:32, 0:09:36]: Is Miss Barber against Mr Elton Alexander? [0:09:37, 0:09:50]: And we have our last complaint in this group of complaints at zero five two zero two zero two five dash zero five. Ms. Barber against Mr. Calberry Senior. [0:09:52, 0:09:58]: Our last complaint is zero five two one two zero two five dash zero one. [0:09:59, 0:10:05]: And this is council member uh barber against mayor Anthony Ford. [0:10:07, 0:10:12]: So given that we have some parties present here today, this is not a hearing. [0:10:13, 0:10:33]: But we did review the complaints, we reviewed all supplemental documentation that was provided to us. And we do have some questions on some things, not all complaints. So we will as a board ask you these questions to answers that we need. [0:10:33, 0:10:36]: to um continue our review and investigation. [0:10:36, 0:10:41]: And then we will move um to our to our closing session to continue our review. [0:10:44, 0:10:48]: So our first uh question [0:10:50, 0:10:51]: is for [0:10:52, 0:10:56]: The complaint filed by Ms. Battle. [0:10:57, 0:11:01]: against uh Miss Barber. So can you please come forward? [0:11:20, 0:11:21]: I Miss Battle? Yes. [0:11:22, 0:11:37]: Okay, so in your complaint, um you did file under our ethice code. Thank you for guidance for that review. However, we do have a question for you in regards to that. [0:11:38, 0:11:40]: You refer to [0:11:40, 0:11:41]: A meeting [0:11:42, 0:11:45]: in the planning and zoning commission or commit committee, correct? [0:11:47, 0:11:48]: And [0:11:48, 0:11:53]: in that meeting are you aware of whether there are any um [0:11:56, 0:12:03]: leaders or uh uh I know we know that there isn't at this moment a uh city manager. [0:12:04, 0:12:12]: But were there any other um persons that would be a lead in administration that were at this meeting? [0:12:13, 0:12:33]: So the planning staff was there. Um Ryan Anderson, um, who is the planning director um was present. I believe um Linda Logan was also present um on the planning staff. Um the zoning attorney for the city. Um [0:12:33, 0:12:38]: Valerie Ross was also present at the meeting. Um [0:12:41, 0:12:47]: I believe Miss Holliday, um Vanessa Holliday was present at the meeting as well. [0:12:53, 0:12:55]: Yes, ma'am, sorry about that. [0:12:55, 0:12:59]: Though typically you're sitting over there on the other side, but I apologize. [0:13:10, 0:13:11]: Okay. [0:13:17, 0:13:20]: Your claim is that basically under [0:13:23, 0:13:25]: Let me find it really quickly. [0:13:37, 0:13:38]: I'm seeing it. [0:13:45, 0:13:46]: Oh here we go. [0:13:55, 0:13:56]: Give me a second, I'm sorry. [0:14:06, 0:14:11]: Do you have her complaint before you have a complaint session? Yes. [0:14:41, 0:14:42]: question. What are the dad? [0:14:46, 0:14:50]: Okay, board members, do you remember that what else we were talking about? [0:14:52, 0:14:53]: Mm-hmm. [0:14:55, 0:14:57]: Mm. [0:14:58, 0:14:59]: Mm mm. [0:15:02, 0:15:05]: What is she looking for? The the code she cited. [0:15:06, 0:15:06]: Oh. [0:15:07, 0:15:09]: Well the first part of the code. [0:15:10, 0:15:12]: Right. D and E we never could figure out what that meant. [0:15:15, 0:15:16]: Yeah. [0:15:18, 0:15:33]: Yeah, but not that. So I wanted to write it down because it said specifically it was speaking to specific council members. Do you want me to read it for you? Okay. I found it. Okay, I found it. [0:15:43, 0:15:46]: I believe in your um [0:15:48, 0:15:58]: complaint you stated that council member barber or your claim is that council member barber unethically influenced um the person the parties present. [0:16:01, 0:16:03]: Is she the only one who was speaking at this meeting? [0:16:05, 0:16:25]: Councilmember Barber, as a member of City Council, has the final determination along with the other city council members with regards to zoning matters. The Planning Commission is an advisory board. She came before the Planning Commission and spoke in opposition not only to my application. [0:16:25, 0:16:45]: But to another application that we are now representing the applicant on for a special land use permit. That is inappropriate. It is undermining the integrity of the process. She is the final one of the final decision makers. It would be no different. [0:16:44, 0:16:59]: than if this board had an advisory committee and all of you all showed up to that meeting and then suddenly made comment as to whether you were approving or disapproving or in support or not in support of the matters that are going to be coming before you. [0:16:59, 0:17:19]: Um it wouldn't have mattered to me if she spoke in favor of me. It is still inappropriate. I've been a zoning attorney for um over twenty years and quite honestly I've never seen that happen um in a proceeding. And again, it undermines the integrity of the proceeding. Um she had ample opportunity during [0:17:19, 0:17:37]: a city council meeting to express whatever problems or issues she had with the application that she either supported it or she didn't support it and that was what she does along with the other council members to determine whether or not an application is approved or denied. But you don't come to a planning commission meeting [0:17:37, 0:17:57]: Where there are other people that you have appointed, one of your appointees is on that board, along with the staff to basically tell them that you are not in support of an application. That is simply inappropriate. And it wouldn't have matter to me if she stood up and said she was in support of me. It's still inappropriate. And as an attorney, I am very much appropriate. [0:17:57, 0:18:00]: About the integrity of the process for everyone. [0:18:07, 0:18:08]: Okay. [0:18:09, 0:18:10]: Thank you. [0:18:10, 0:18:12]: Ms. Barber, can you please respond? [0:18:17, 0:18:19]: So we [0:18:21, 0:18:26]: Recognize that you're at this meeting. There were a lot of claims that were made. We did review [0:18:27, 0:18:41]: Um the board has reviewed that meeting and did see that meeting. Um we understand that you were there on behalf of your constituents, which is what you said at the time. Um we also noted [0:18:41, 0:18:43]: That you um [0:18:43, 0:18:48]: provided some sort or sense of trying to [0:18:48, 0:18:59]: uh collaborate or come to some agreement on how it could be resolved um with both parties in mind. [0:18:59, 0:19:01]: Were you [0:19:04, 0:19:15]: Explain to me why you came to that meeting versus your constituents. I just wanna know your your side of it. If you don't mind, I do have a couple of questions in regards to [0:19:15, 0:19:16]: This process [0:19:16, 0:19:19]: Um, when will a public hearing [0:19:20, 0:19:21]: Beheld. [0:19:21, 0:19:22]: Um to hear. [0:19:23, 0:19:26]: The complaints in full because you just [0:19:26, 0:19:30]: Asking me specific questions, um, I don't get an opportunity. [0:19:31, 0:19:32]: To share. [0:19:32, 0:19:35]: full details in regards to [0:19:35, 0:19:38]: My rebuttal to this complaint. So [0:19:39, 0:19:40]: I wanna be clear. [0:19:41, 0:19:44]: Да ви арна облігати, нордуви хавту. [0:19:45, 0:19:47]: grant a hearing or have a hearing on things. [0:19:48, 0:19:52]: Um we can read and we can actually dismiss via writing. [0:19:53, 0:19:54]: А вони ревью [0:19:55, 0:19:57]: Your complaint, it should be in full. [0:19:57, 0:20:08]: There's some things that I would like to have happen that this board can uh put forth some rules to so you guys can know what we're looking at and how we're gonna move, because I think it's just all over the place. [0:20:08, 0:20:10]: Um but [0:20:10, 0:20:16]: We can at the time of a hearing ask questions to further inform us of what we need to hear. [0:20:17, 0:20:21]: In order to make a decision, not necessarily need to be a full hearing. [0:20:21, 0:20:28]: When we decide to have a full hearing, that means that we've seen some things that we just don't have enough information for, period. [0:20:29, 0:20:31]: There are a lot of questions that we have. [0:20:31, 0:20:33]: in order to have a hearing. [0:20:33, 0:20:38]: But for each particular complaint that we see that we don't feel has been [0:20:39, 0:20:39]: Um [0:20:41, 0:20:49]: Pled sufficiently, there's not enough facts, or there's no point to any re uh code that is within our jurisdiction to review. [0:20:49, 0:20:57]: We don't have to have a hearing for that. We are giving you an opportunity to speak to us so that when we go back in there, we could at least [0:20:58, 0:21:08]: inform ourselves a little bit more, maybe give you a little bit more grace than what was on that complaint. Not just yours particularly. I'm not talking about this one specifically, but just in general. [0:21:09, 0:21:15]: So that's why we're asking now because I really wanted to have some information from Miss Battle that was not in her complaint. [0:21:15, 0:21:18]: Um, I think you were pretty thorough in [0:21:18, 0:21:27]: what you stated. Um and we saw what we needed to see from the actual meeting to kind of inform us of of what we needed to do. [0:21:28, 0:21:32]: So if you have anything that you else you want to s or ask your other question. [0:21:32, 0:21:37]: Абсолютно, сотінь оді етикс коміті. [0:21:37, 0:21:38]: You all [0:21:38, 0:21:39]: Convened your meeting. [0:21:40, 0:21:42]: You did your roll call and immediately. [0:21:42, 0:21:44]: Went into executive session. [0:21:46, 0:21:49]: To discuss the voluminous complaints. [0:21:50, 0:21:54]: So what exactly did you discuss in an executive session? [0:21:54, 0:21:58]: Because these are supposed to be open meetings, open to the public. [0:21:59, 0:22:02]: You going behind closed doors for more than two hours. [0:22:02, 0:22:04]: I don't know what you're discussing. [0:22:04, 0:22:06]: The same with the council. [0:22:06, 0:22:11]: There are only three things that we can go into closed door sessions regarding. [0:22:11, 0:22:18]: Now if you went into closed door session for personnel matters, then it would be personnel under your purview. [0:22:18, 0:22:24]: maybe one of your board members, but you certainly, if you went into executive session to discuss [0:22:24, 0:22:27]: any portions of these complaints [0:22:28, 0:22:28]: I [0:22:29, 0:22:33]: I have an issue with that and I have some great concerns regarding it. [0:22:33, 0:22:34]: Um [0:22:34, 0:22:36]: I just want there to be consistency. [0:22:37, 0:22:39]: Um in how you are [0:22:39, 0:22:41]: Doing these hearings. [0:22:42, 0:22:45]: The last complaint that I made just last year [0:22:46, 0:22:47]: We had a hearing. [0:22:48, 0:22:50]: I got an opportunity to share [0:22:50, 0:22:52]: The details regarding my complaint. [0:22:52, 0:22:55]: And so did the defendant have an opportunity to speak as well. [0:22:56, 0:22:57]: So I am [0:22:57, 0:23:03]: Just asking that you all be consistent with what you're doing and please [0:23:03, 0:23:07]: Um the ethics or the executive session rule. [0:23:08, 0:23:13]: I just want to make sure that I understand how you all are using it. [0:23:13, 0:23:17]: I expected that there would be a public hearing here. I'm sorry. [0:23:19, 0:23:21]: Can you speak into your mic and turn it on, please? [0:23:21, 0:23:35]: I have a point of privilege, please, madam chair. Um Miss Barber, we did not have a hearing, we just had an informational session, but uh I for one have a lot of questions. I still have a lot of questions about this. [0:23:35, 0:23:53]: and uh some of the other cases that we are looking at. And I just would like to clarify that when we went into exec session last time, we really did not have any we had only received these. We had not met in any way and discussed in any way and we can't meet without a you know, if we don't have a [0:23:53, 0:24:05]: Without a quorum, we can't come to some kind of uh like all the ins and outs of what we're reviewing. So just to clarify that last time uh I know I had many questions. [0:24:05, 0:24:08]: And another member had many questions and [0:24:08, 0:24:09]: That [0:24:09, 0:24:11]: And uh we were [0:24:11, 0:24:14]: I I was trying to just make a determination. [0:24:15, 0:24:16]: So just to clarify. [0:24:17, 0:24:22]: іно ви до вон а інформація да ви кінді [0:24:22, 0:24:29]: And I personally did watch the Facebook video, um, although I couldn't get access to it. [0:24:29, 0:24:33]: Um and finally was able to get access to it on the city website. [0:24:33, 0:24:34]: Um [0:24:34, 0:24:41]: And I see that you were speaking for your constituents. You you reiterated that every time you got up and spoke. [0:24:41, 0:24:43]: There were other [0:24:43, 0:24:51]: citizens and you you s clearly said that you were representing citizens that could not be there or were too afraid to be there. [0:24:51, 0:24:54]: Ту стрту they didn't want to speak up like in public. [0:24:55, 0:24:55]: So no. [0:24:56, 0:25:00]: Okay, well that's what I thought I understood. I apologize. No problem. Um if I may. [0:25:01, 0:25:03]: So the only reason. [0:25:04, 0:25:05]: Why even attended [0:25:06, 0:25:07]: The [0:25:07, 0:25:09]: Community informational meeting. [0:25:09, 0:25:10]: That the city hosted. [0:25:11, 0:25:13]: and also the planning commission meeting. [0:25:14, 0:25:16]: Hosted by the Planning Commission. [0:25:16, 0:25:18]: Was because [0:25:18, 0:25:19]: The resident [0:25:20, 0:25:24]: They had not been given proper and adequate notice and [0:25:25, 0:25:28]: If you'd look at the series of emails that I sent to you all. [0:25:29, 0:25:32]: The emails that I originally sent to Battle Law. [0:25:33, 0:25:34]: Asking them. [0:25:35, 0:25:36]: When is [0:25:36, 0:25:41]: The community meeting that the developer is required to have. [0:25:42, 0:25:43]: With the homeowners. [0:25:43, 0:25:45]: I actually received a text message. [0:25:45, 0:25:46]: And it was from [0:25:47, 0:25:47]: That homeowner. [0:25:48, 0:25:49]: Who text me? [0:25:49, 0:25:51]: Um the day before. [0:25:51, 0:25:56]: The actual community information meeting that the city was hosting. [0:25:58, 0:25:59]: I asked. [0:25:59, 0:26:02]: Our staff member Ryan Anderson [0:26:02, 0:26:04]: When is the developer? [0:26:04, 0:26:05]: Battle law. [0:26:05, 0:26:08]: Going to host a meeting. [0:26:08, 0:26:10]: With the homeowners. [0:26:11, 0:26:16]: I know that our zoning requirement it requires the developer to have [0:26:17, 0:26:21]: Um communication some open forum or meeting. [0:26:21, 0:26:26]: With all of the stakeholders or businesses, residents that live within five hundred feet. [0:26:27, 0:26:29]: from the proposed developments. [0:26:29, 0:26:30]: They know that. [0:26:31, 0:26:32]: I wouldn't be standing here. [0:26:33, 0:26:35]: I wouldn't have even attended that meeting. [0:26:36, 0:26:38]: Had there been accountability? [0:26:38, 0:26:40]: On the part of staff. [0:26:40, 0:26:51]: and the developer to ensure that they gave proper notice, adequate time to those homeowners and businesses that were affected or would be [0:26:52, 0:26:52]: Affected. [0:26:53, 0:26:54]: by this proposed development. [0:26:55, 0:26:57]: That is what I started my statement saying. [0:26:57, 0:26:59]: At both of those meetings. [0:26:59, 0:27:03]: Never once did I oppose any development. [0:27:04, 0:27:07]: In fact, I said during my statement. [0:27:07, 0:27:08]: We shouldn't. [0:27:08, 0:27:10]: Close the door on developments. [0:27:11, 0:27:12]: I said that. You did. [0:27:13, 0:27:14]: А у сега. [0:27:15, 0:27:18]: А вон би станди хирбифорнію. There would not be a complaint. [0:27:19, 0:27:20]: If there were accountability [0:27:21, 0:27:23]: From staff from the very beginning. [0:27:23, 0:27:25]: To ensure [0:27:25, 0:27:27]: that the homeowners were given proper notice. [0:27:28, 0:27:32]: That's the only reason why I attended. I will continue to do my very best. [0:27:33, 0:27:34]: To represent [0:27:34, 0:27:36]: The residents, the businesses. [0:27:36, 0:27:37]: In the district. [0:27:38, 0:27:39]: That I was elected. [0:27:40, 0:27:41]: To represent. [0:27:41, 0:27:42]: That's all. [0:27:43, 0:27:52]: And rightly so. I agree with that. I think that that's why you were elected to represent your constituents and you did provide us with dates where the dates were mixed up [0:27:53, 0:28:00]: They were not furnished to the public in time enough for the public to even plan to come to the meetings. I did get that. I did bring that up. [0:28:00, 0:28:03]: And just to just to be transparent, um [0:28:04, 0:28:06]: I still have a lot of questions about it. [0:28:06, 0:28:11]: НА такір весли, в ньому амча волонтір. [0:28:12, 0:28:19]: But if I'm representing all not even in my district, but in any district of the city of Stockbridge, I've lived here for [0:28:19, 0:28:20]: Терти сам єс. [0:28:21, 0:28:28]: And I take this very, very seriously, and I want to give everyone a fair chance to. [0:28:28, 0:28:37]: Say their peace, give us all the information that we need. I appreciated all the stuff that you provided for us for supplemental information. [0:28:37, 0:28:37]: And [0:28:38, 0:28:40]: I would expect any [0:28:40, 0:28:45]: city council member to get up and go and stand up for their [0:28:45, 0:28:47]: represented district. [0:28:49, 0:28:50]: Yeah. [0:28:51, 0:29:11]: It is not my intent to violate any of our city's codes and ordinances. I understand. I'd have a I want to um go back and speak to you with regarding consistency and actual rules and how we proceed and what we're supposed to be doing. Okay. Um it's my understanding that when we receive complaints [0:29:11, 0:29:31]: that we cannot discuss the complaints and our dis uh review of these complaints in the public meeting. This is for a closed session, especially when we have not even seen um these complaints prior to coming to a meeting. So that's why we go we rush to our closed session because as you said it was [0:29:31, 0:29:49]: voluminous. We had a lot to look at. We are volunteers. We see the complaints when we get them. Um and we want to review them as soon as we can for you guys to get out if we can, if the if it's with within our purview, um get a recommendation to council. [0:29:49, 0:29:55]: Um, if the rules that we follow in [0:29:55, 0:30:04]: the um ethics board are not up to standard or you think they can be better. We're working on we're trying to work on putting some together because guess what? [0:30:05, 0:30:10]: We don't have any, so we need to recommend our procedure and rules to the council. [0:30:11, 0:30:15]: city council so that you can say, Yeah, that go ahead and do that. [0:30:16, 0:30:36]: So you're asking me things that I'm gonna end up having to turn around and ask you as a recommendation to do. So we're gonna put our we're gonna get some stuff together so that we can be consistent, so that we can come to you guys as a united front and be you'll know what we we're gonna uh uh listen to, you're gonna know what. [0:30:36, 0:30:40]: What we may have questions too. You're gonna know what's probably gonna be gone. [0:30:42, 0:31:02]: Because we want to be that consistent. And we're trying to be transparent. There's nothing that we're talking about behind closed doors that um you won't see come out in a recommendation. Okay. We have to have d our discussions. So that's what we're doing. And I hope our answer or my answer for you is is sufficient. [0:31:02, 0:31:07]: so that we can move forward. Because we're not here um to just [0:31:07, 0:31:23]: uh listen, look and you guys that think that we're not giving you what we need to give you. We're not being transparent. We're not here for that. We want to make sure that whatever complaints that we are given have been reviewed thoroughly and unbiased. [0:31:23, 0:31:37]: Okay. Sure. All right. Yes. Can I add something? You sure can yeah. And as volunteers we have attended trainings. We have been looking at other uh ethics boards in the area. We have been trying to uh [0:31:38, 0:31:45]: network with those people. But there's nothing in the code that really tells us how to act. As far as I can see in the code, we have some [0:31:46, 0:31:50]: uh dates that we have to adhere to. But we could go meet in the park. [0:31:51, 0:32:00]: You know, there's there's not a lot of direction for us. And we would also like that because we would like to be confident in what we're doing up here too. [0:32:03, 0:32:09]: That's all I had on that complaint. So if you don't have anything further on that, thank you so much for coming up and speaking with us. [0:32:09, 0:32:14]: Madam Chair, um I have another uh point of privilege, please. Sure. [0:32:14, 0:32:20]: Um I would like to say that um we have thirteen pages that we deal with in the code of ethics. [0:32:21, 0:32:26]: We are unclear on a lot of things because it is very vague. [0:32:28, 0:32:30]: We are trying to get more teeth. [0:32:31, 0:32:33]: into this so that we are just not [0:32:34, 0:32:36]: People sitting up here. [0:32:36, 0:32:37]: А [0:32:38, 0:32:40]: Trying to decide about something we have no power over. [0:32:42, 0:32:51]: And I would just like to be transparent to the people that have taken time out of their day to come to let them know that we are doing the best we can. We are trying to get [0:32:51, 0:32:54]: recommendations, but then the city council themselves [0:32:55, 0:32:58]: Have to approve everything that we recommend. [0:32:59, 0:33:01]: Otherwise it's a basic slap on the hand. [0:33:03, 0:33:05]: So just so you know. [0:33:07, 0:33:08]: We are up against [0:33:10, 0:33:11]: Thirteen pages. [0:33:13, 0:33:14]: Thank you, Madam Chair. [0:33:15, 0:33:17]: Yes. Sure. Sure. Um [0:33:18, 0:33:20]: Oh sorry. [0:33:20, 0:33:23]: I've been it's my second term. [0:33:23, 0:33:25]: If it doesn't fall. [0:33:26, 0:33:31]: Within the thirteen pages that was given to us by city council. [0:33:32, 0:33:33]: We can't rule on it. [0:33:36, 0:33:38]: You want us to do more? [0:33:38, 0:33:40]: And city council needs to give us more. [0:33:41, 0:33:42]: to work with. [0:33:44, 0:33:46]: It comes it comes from city council. [0:33:48, 0:33:48]: Not us. [0:33:50, 0:33:52]: So you want us to do more? [0:33:53, 0:33:53]: Give us more. [0:33:55, 0:33:56]: Dan is thirteen. [0:33:56, 0:33:57]: Pages. [0:33:59, 0:34:01]: You can cite code, ordinance. [0:34:02, 0:34:03]: Whatever. [0:34:03, 0:34:07]: But unless it falls within the thirteen pages [0:34:07, 0:34:08]: That we have. [0:34:11, 0:34:11]: It's not an [0:34:13, 0:34:14]: And I just want to be clear. [0:34:14, 0:34:23]: Board members are talking about the ethics the ethics code. So if you s submit a complaint to us and you do not [0:34:24, 0:34:24]: Um [0:34:26, 0:34:30]: Put in what violation you're talking about in the ethics code. [0:34:33, 0:34:38]: We're gonna probably tell you there's nothing that we can do and direct you to the correct venue. [0:34:38, 0:34:41]: Which be it which would be a different venue than this one. [0:34:42, 0:34:48]: Okay. So I you know, I don't want w we are doing what we can do and we are looking at everything. [0:34:49, 0:34:50]: But sometimes [0:34:50, 0:34:56]: Um we are within per we have to deal within our parameters, and that's the law. Okay? That's just law. [0:34:58, 0:35:00]: Um we may not be the venue for you. [0:35:01, 0:35:03]: I see you have a question. Go ahead. [0:35:16, 0:35:19]: Sir, can you come up here and say your name? [0:35:23, 0:35:25]: What was the qu uh what what did you need from me? [0:35:26, 0:35:34]: You had a comment. Yes, the comment. Just repeat your comment. [0:35:34, 0:35:45]: We have an ethics code. They're they're saying it's thirteen pages, but it's the ethics code, yes, sir. So those codes uh uh it's a limitation to that. That is correct. So other words, you gotta counsel [0:35:46, 0:35:51]: With limited access, almost like a you put a dog on a chain, they can go so far and come back. [0:35:52, 0:35:59]: Is that what I'm understanding? Well, I wouldn't use that analogy, but let me help you understand it a little bit better. Just like in any law. [0:36:00, 0:36:20]: If you go to a courtroom of law, the judge is set by whichever law you plead under. This is a specific board. We are ethics board. There is an ethics code which is already in place that we have to abide by. So any complaint that is filed before us, we have [0:36:20, 0:36:39]: To find the violation within our code. So, yes, if if what you plead and the facts that you plead are not within our code, if you don't cite any section of our code, you make us have to assume. [0:36:40, 0:36:45]: Or look for what you're talking about and try to prove for you. [0:36:45, 0:36:48]: The violation, and we can't do that. [0:36:48, 0:36:54]: So if if if you don't give us guidance as to what you're talking about under the ethics code, if you're saying that someone is being unethical [0:36:55, 0:36:58]: You need to be sure that you factually let us know. [0:36:58, 0:37:12]: how that is and you're gonna be able to do that with the ethics code. So the complaint has all that information for you. But you're gonna need a guideline to to uh subjugate or substantiate that, right? If they if you're that is correct. So our guideline is the ethics code. [0:37:13, 0:37:17]: So if the if the uh if they blew her outside the lines, then what? [0:37:17, 0:37:25]: Outside the lines meets outside of our jurisdiction, you may have some legal ramifications elsewhere, whether it be in front of the Superior Court. [0:37:26, 0:37:46]: That's where you have to go. It's a different jurisdiction. So as we as citizens so so as we as citizens, we just sit back and just let them be free will. That's why I was using the dogs and stuff. No, as a citizen, if you feel that someone is being unethical, correct, you need to you know, and and maybe at our next meeting I'll I'll have our city [0:37:46, 0:38:00]: Clerk print out the code and pass them out or make them available for anybody who comes to the door. But if you believe that someone is acting unethically, you would need to then go within that code. [0:38:01, 0:38:08]: and find where that violation exists and then explain to us where how that is so. [0:38:08, 0:38:13]: Uh last question as I close. When when uh has these uh has these codes been updated? [0:38:14, 0:38:15]: Um [0:38:18, 0:38:30]: uh I think uh social media was the last the social media was last month? July eighth. July eighth, twenty thirteen was the last time. And just so you know you see [0:38:31, 0:38:38]: July eighth, twenty thirteen was the last time this ordinance in the city charter was updated and um [0:38:39, 0:38:40]: Uh I I don't [0:38:41, 0:38:45]: I wish more people were involved with coming to city meetings and things. [0:38:45, 0:38:50]: But uh the last time this was updated that's that's why we're working on it. You can find it in [0:38:50, 0:38:56]: Just for your information, just for to tell you, it's in two point four oh [0:38:57, 0:39:01]: Dot zero one zero is where you can find the code of ethics for the city of Stockbridge. [0:39:02, 0:39:12]: Thank you for the answer. But what I'm bog mind boggling at, this is twenty twenty five. And you say that haven't been adjusted since twenty thirteen? [0:39:12, 0:39:18]: Well that's what I'm seeing right here, uh under the footnotes that are in the book that was given to us. [0:39:19, 0:39:20]: So logically the [0:39:22, 0:39:26]: It it it's sub stuff has changed from twenty thirteen to twenty twenty five, correct? [0:39:26, 0:39:31]: Well, I would think so I would think so. I mean when you say stuff has changed, so has ha [0:39:33, 0:39:34]: It possibly [0:39:35, 0:39:45]: What wha what do you mean? So these are these are what what do you mean possibly these are guidelines. So this is a fine a foundational guideline. So th I don't know how many boards have been [0:39:46, 0:40:06]: before you or have been set since that time. But if the boards haven't come forth and recommended that there be any changes or spoken with the city attorney to ask for any amendments to this particular provision, then it hasn't happened. So we can do that. You see you understand we can do that, which is why I say [0:40:06, 0:40:21]: Said we talk amongst each other about ways we can improve. Okay. So we would like for you guys to have rules that you can follow, that when you come in here, it's this, this, this. You know what's happening. When you come and see us, you know what's happening. [0:40:22, 0:40:34]: We would like to have be able to provide recommendations that I mean, I I believe we have a great foundation right now. It's just that anything that you do, you're going it's gonna be a recommendation to city council. [0:40:34, 0:40:41]: Okay, but they don't give us a lot of uh teeth as so she says. So we don't have a lot of that. [0:40:42, 0:40:52]: R right, right. Uh uh again, I don't wanna seem like s long walk through the park. You saying they so have y'all since y'all been on the board or volunteer, whatever, have y'all say, Hey, we need to [0:40:52, 0:40:54]: Uh update this year. [0:40:55, 0:40:59]: 'Cause this is a old old plane. Are are you asking, have we done that? [0:40:59, 0:41:18]: Are y'all in the process of doing it? So we're we have we discuss it, yes. But we have to be prepared to present something to um city council. It's a recommendation. So it would be recommended and it would have to go through channels because if we amend it, it become it is legal. [0:41:18, 0:41:26]: So the city attorney would have to then step in for that. So w so when would those uh be presented to to the uh whoever? [0:41:26, 0:41:46]: Are you trying to get us on a timeline? You you trying to get on the phone. Right. Yep. So after we get through this uh voluminous review of all of these complaints that we received in May, we could possibly start talking on our off. [0:41:46, 0:42:05]: time because right now all we do is review complaints. Okay. So when we so when we get on our off time and we have opportunity to discuss with each other and get something together, then we can do that. I can't give you a date. I won't do that. Cause I don't no, don't give me that face. I'm giving you a lot here right now. [0:42:05, 0:42:07]: But we we're gonna need time. [0:42:08, 0:42:10]: Can I give you a uh can you give me some expectation? [0:42:11, 0:42:29]: An expectation that we're we are looking into it. Yes. Okay, well I'll be revising uh how we up to that and revisit that. Thank you very much. I would like to add to that. Um part of that is my responsibility for pulling information. I have pulled information from at least twenty different ethics board. [0:42:29, 0:42:32]: Committees in and out of Georgia. [0:42:33, 0:42:35]: And all twenty of them are different. [0:42:36, 0:42:38]: There are not one [0:42:39, 0:42:42]: That's the same. Have have they updated there since twenty thirteen? [0:42:44, 0:42:49]: Some of because some of'em are new, they were just um ethics board was just established. [0:42:51, 0:42:53]: So that should have been some kind of learning point from there, right? [0:42:54, 0:43:01]: Well not necessarily. Not necessar I mean ethics uh ha you know, being moral and just and [0:43:02, 0:43:12]: Honest, uh hasn't really changed that much since two thousand thirteen. And that's really what you're right, morals have definitely b gone to degeneracy. Yep, you're absolutely right on that. [0:43:12, 0:43:22]: Well, you know, so I I think updating these is is I think these are sufficient for what they are. But I think we need to go further. [0:43:23, 0:43:24]: Yeah. [0:43:24, 0:43:35]: Yeah. We're evolving. We're trying to but everything is evolving way a lot faster than what's need to be contained that involvement in if that makes any sense. [0:43:35, 0:43:45]: So when I say that we pr we have a sufficient parameter in the ethical in the ethics code that is established right now, we would typically be um [0:43:46, 0:44:06]: Only asking for um some rules and procedures to be put in place that will help us or help the board moving forward and those who file complaints understand a little bit better. Not necessarily anything legal, okay? Not anything um, for example, and we haven't talked [0:44:06, 0:44:12]: about this, but as far as uh our discretion of um disciplinary measures. [0:44:12, 0:44:32]: The only thing right now is for us to if if someone gives us an example of what they would like to see happen, right? We could adopt that and recommend that to city council. But city council, if someone violates the code, let me tell you what they can do. I I already I already know what you know? Yeah. [0:44:32, 0:44:36]: What tells you? [0:44:36, 0:44:41]: No, they can issue a public rep reprimand or censure. [0:44:42, 0:44:44]: Or they can request for resignation. [0:44:45, 0:45:00]: This code refers to basically the interaction with our city council amongst themselves, with their staff, and with the public in certain scenarios. That's it. [0:45:01, 0:45:12]: That's what we have. So when you get a lot of complaints coming in here, which, you know, they're definitely outside of our parameters, we're still looking at it just to make sure that, you know. [0:45:12, 0:45:25]: And it is what it is. But I think that has to stay. We are not a we are not a judiciary. We don't we're not judges. We're not we're not here for that. So if if if it's a legal matter that needs to be in a different venue, it needs to be there. [0:45:26, 0:45:31]: But but your uh duty is to for to make sure they operate within the perimeters and the guidelines, right? [0:45:31, 0:45:51]: Of of an ethical standard conduct, yes. Right. Right. Yes. Okay. Yeah. But I am gonna come back and I I know. And also I would like to say that whatever we recommend still has to go to the city council and they vote on it. So Right. That's my concern right there. That is [0:45:51, 0:45:56]: my concern. More people need to be involved. Yeah, I I got you. That's my concern right there. Thank you. [0:45:59, 0:46:02]: Okay. Sure. [0:46:03, 0:46:04]: [2765.2, 2765.9]: Yes, please. [0:46:11, 0:46:11]: No. [0:46:12, 0:46:22]: Right, so real quick, I'm just um you spoke earlier and you said that this is not a hearing today, it's just pretty much getting clarity. So am I able to leave now and [0:46:23, 0:46:29]: Yes, ma'am. We didn't ha I don't does anybody have any questions for Miss Thomas on her particular complaint? I did not. Okay. [0:46:30, 0:46:50]: And so someone will reach out to me via email or so what we're going to do is try to get a um recommendation in writing. That recommendation will be then given over to the clerk to commit to um letterhead. And I believe the clerk then issues I I'm not do you mail them to complainants or do you [0:46:50, 0:46:50]: You just [0:46:51, 0:46:56]: Y she she'll email you. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thank you for coming. Yes, ma'am. [0:47:07, 0:47:08]: About the complaint? [0:47:08, 0:47:15]: Just giving you guys some documentation that Councilmember Alexander provided. Is it outside of the documentation that he already gave us? No. [0:47:16, 0:47:19]: I don't need it. Thank you. [0:47:19, 0:47:23]: Just want to make sure you had it. We have several copies each, yeah. I feel like. [0:47:26, 0:47:26]: Okay. [0:47:28, 0:47:48]: Um at what point do does the um complaint get an opportunity to see the information that was provided um by the um opposition. Um the information that was given by Councilmember Barber today um was not I have not been provided with that information and [0:47:48, 0:47:58]: And I think that there needs clarity. And if I can supplement the information that I have already submitted, I would like to be able to do so. [0:47:58, 0:47:59]: So [0:48:03, 0:48:04]: Switch to the city attorney. [0:48:06, 0:48:06]: What? [0:48:07, 0:48:09]: It went to the city term. [0:48:11, 0:48:15]: 'Cause I would assume that she's seeing my complaint. She's who is Ross. [0:48:16, 0:48:23]: I'm not sure. Is there someone do you practice with someone with the last name Ross? [0:48:23, 0:48:27]: Valerie Ross is the county's uh is the city's um zoning attorney. [0:48:33, 0:48:41]: So not sure so what you're saying is you didn't receive any um corresponding or supplemental information that might have been provided by Ms. Barber regarding your complaint? [0:48:42, 0:48:43]: Correct. Okay. [0:48:44, 0:48:46]: And I assume that she's seen the complaint that I filed. [0:48:47, 0:48:54]: She absolutely has seen the complaint that you filed, but I don't Correct, I have not seen anything in regards to her response. I don't think you [0:48:55, 0:49:00]: Did you did you provide any supporting document with that particular complaint? Yes, you did. [0:49:01, 0:49:03]: Do you have it? Yes, I did. [0:49:05, 0:49:11]: So if you could just ask Mr. Because if you if you need to respond, um Correct. [0:49:12, 0:49:17]: Do you wanna respond now or do you wanna respond in writing? I would prefer just respond in writing. [0:49:19, 0:49:39]: 'Cause I'm I can give you that privilege, um, but I d I believe that um we asked the questions that we needed to ask with regards to that, but I will not limit you in providing information if that's what you want to do. However, I need do you know when you are going to be um submitting that's I think I think that my my [0:49:39, 0:49:59]: Response to what she said, um while I certainly appreciate um the issue that she raised um with regards to the community meeting that the city has a uh CZIM, what's called a CZIM meeting that is ran by the city. Um the notice um that was sent out and the issues that she has raised with regard [0:49:59, 0:50:09]: regards to them, um, certainly are appropriate things for her to raise at the city council meeting, at which time she could have then asked either for [0:50:09, 0:50:15]: those meetings to be rehad, or she could have asked or she could have just said, I wanna deny it. [0:50:15, 0:50:22]: Whatever the case was that she wanted to do, the appropriate time for that would have been at the city council meeting, not at [0:50:22, 0:50:42]: The planning commission meeting because that is an advisory board. And she got up and spoke when they called for opposition to come and speak about the application, and then went through a complete dialogue with regards to her issues and concerns about the city and not having a chance. [0:50:42, 0:51:02]: To review with the new properties that had been annexed into the city, and she went into a long dialogue with that. And I think if you saw on both applications, not only my application, she also did the same thing with the special land use permit application that was filed by the woman who was trying to get the personal care home. [0:51:02, 0:51:22]: So it didn't have anything specifically to do just with um the issues with notice to the public hearing because she spoke not only against my um action, but she also spoke in opposition to that special land use permit application as well. And so I just want to be clear. [0:51:22, 0:51:31]: Your concern is that the city council member is at the individual meetings versus using her platform. [0:51:31, 0:51:51]: um to to voice her opposition during the city council meeting. That is where she is to to set forth her opposition. So it sounds like she has an issue with staff, which with regards to um at least my specific matter, that she had a issue with how the public [0:51:51, 0:51:59]: Hearing uh notices that went out that she had an issue with regards to that. And instead of addressing that issue directly with them. [0:52:00, 0:52:03]: Амден узінгформ а Сити Консел. [0:52:03, 0:52:04]: To make direction. [0:52:05, 0:52:08]: That she chose instead to come to a planning комісім meeting. [0:52:08, 0:52:15]: and stand in opposition, which simply is inappropriate and an inappropriate time to do that. [0:52:16, 0:52:20]: And so, from my perspective, she has undermined the process in and of itself. [0:52:22, 0:52:23]: Because that is not appropriate. [0:52:24, 0:52:30]: Okay. Here's our concern, and I'm just here's our concern. Um [0:52:31, 0:52:51]: She and we and we did see this meeting. Ms. Barber was not the only one who spoke out in opposition. Oh, that's fine. And we have to then determine whether what she did was unethical to a point of influence of [0:52:51, 0:53:11]: And this is why I asked you where any leaders were there. Um, a leader who would then have turn around and and and move on her behalf. Okay. If there were other we we would then be speculating that she influenced this particular leader, and I'm just saying, just just use one person, for example. [0:53:11, 0:53:12]: We would have to speculate. [0:53:13, 0:53:15]: That she influenced this person. Is this person here? [0:53:16, 0:53:16]: Is any [0:53:17, 0:53:35]: that she influenced them because there were other per people who spoke out in opposition. Okay. So even if she did speak on behalf of her constituents at that time, it doesn't take us far enough to say that she was in in some type of she was acting unethically in her position. So so this is what I'll say and [0:53:36, 0:53:53]: And I want this to be very clear to coun councilmember Barber because I've dealt with you on other matters. Hold on. You can speak to us. We understand. And no, out of respect for her. Got I got you. I understand. This is not something personal for me. Right. This is professional for me. I understand. I've been a land use and zoning attorney for over 25 years. [0:53:53, 0:53:56]: And the integrity of the process is important. Mm-hmm. [0:54:02, 0:54:07]: Mm-hmm. Your mic went off. Did you press it? Mistakes happen. Thank you. [0:54:08, 0:54:20]: in other jurisdictions where those kind of issues have occurred, then you will see the council member or the commissioner at the public hearing that they are um tasked with. [0:54:20, 0:54:40]: Indicate that there was some anomaly in either the hearing process or the notice process, or that you need them to go back and have another hearing. Um, or you want the pri process needs to, you know, start back afresh. Whatever that is, the appropriate time for that is at the city council meeting. Okay. It is not at the planning council. [0:54:40, 0:54:41]: Commission meeting [0:54:41, 0:54:45]: Were you as an elected official who was making the final decision? [0:54:45, 0:54:49]: comes to influence those who are there at that meeting. [0:54:49, 0:54:56]: to rule in a manner that supports your position. That is my position on it. Now maybe you all feel that you all can't [0:54:57, 0:55:03]: um uh cover that, that that does not constitute an ethical violation. I get that. [0:55:03, 0:55:15]: If that's the decision you all make, I will respect that decision. But I want it to be clear not only um to you all, but to Councilmember Barber that simply is not appropriate. So you're so you would like for [0:55:16, 0:55:18]: Your recommendation to be then. [0:55:19, 0:55:20]: To avoid [0:55:20, 0:55:24]: any conflict of interest to avoid any um [0:55:24, 0:55:41]: sign of or appearance of being unethical to have a council member not speak up at an individual meeting, but to instead voice their c um opinion of whether good or bad. [0:55:42, 0:55:51]: on their platform Absolutely at City Council. Absolutely. However, you do understand that they would be t it would be for me, um [0:55:51, 0:56:11]: an option to state if they will ha want to have their constituents there to make it known for to get their constituents out absolutely versus her speaking, she can be there. You do understand that. She can she can be present at the meeting, but she is an opinion. Absolutely. That that that is not appropriate. I was at a city council minute meeting [0:56:11, 0:56:31]: in uh the city of South Fulton. And there were two city council members who attended the planning commission meeting. They said they sat in the very front row. They said nothing. It's not unreasonable, Miss That Miss Battle. We understand you. I just wanted you to make sure that you know we did review it. Under she didn't we cannot find that she acted unethically at that point. But [0:56:31, 0:56:51]: But we do understand that it would be best in the best interest of everyone. Absolutely. And that and that really is all that I'm trying to achieve. It is a process that has legal implications. And when we are going through the process, everyone wants to be treated fairly. I understand that she wants her constituents to be informed and [0:56:51, 0:57:11]: And to be notified, and that is fine. And if I have failed in that moment, I have no problem going back and revisiting or doing whatever I need to do in order to rectify that. But the time to do it, I've never in my 25 years of doing this have ever seen a council member or a commissioner come to a planning commission meeting and when they call for opposition. [0:57:11, 0:57:12]: Position [0:57:12, 0:57:14]: That that person stands up. [0:57:15, 0:57:25]: And talks in any way, shape, or form. It's simply not appropriate. And so for the integrity of the process, I felt that this was the only forum because when I asked her to recuse herself. [0:57:26, 0:57:46]: Um and sent the letter for that purpose. She indicated that she would um to others, because I never heard back, that she would not do that. So the only platform that I would have to be able to voice my issues and concerns would be this one. And so that is why I have to do that. The vote has not, because I've asked for it to be deferred until this session um or whatever decision. [0:57:46, 0:57:51]: decision you all made was over so that I knew how to advise my clients in terms of how to proceed. [0:57:51, 0:58:05]: Okay. Thank you. So that that's all I'll have to say on it and whatever you all decide. Do you still would you still like to submit something? I mean you don't have to do that. I've said I've said all that I have to say. I mean I'm not the trust me. The last thing I want to do [0:58:05, 0:58:25]: As a zoning attorney, is file an ethics complaint against a person who's voting on things that I have to continue to bring forward. So you have to know that this was very difficult for me to have to even do because I still have to come before council member Barber and the other members of the council on things that are coming up in in her desp in her district. So you would have [0:58:25, 0:58:26]: Mm-hmm. [0:58:27, 0:58:47]: That this was not what I wanted to do, but I did not feel that I was getting a voice to understand how we got to this moment and why it is so important not to do what was happening. And as long as you know that anything we recommend goes to city council, then they would have to to vote on that recommendation. Okay. Okay. Or accept it. I'm sorry. [0:58:47, 0:58:51]: Thank you. [0:58:51, 0:59:11]: Will. Um again, it is not my intent to violate any codes at all, but I will continue representing the folks who elected me to represent them. In this case, again, there would be no need for me to speak at either the planning commission meeting or the community zoning meeting. [0:59:11, 0:59:13]: [3553.6, 3554.7]: Head staff. [0:59:14, 0:59:16]: And the developer. [0:59:16, 0:59:33]: been held accountable for ensuring that they met the requirements of notifying all of the stakeholders who live within five hundred feet. I was only notified in that's the homeowner that notified me just the night before, in which I did send the email [0:59:33, 0:59:36]: along with the copy of the letter [0:59:37, 0:59:40]: Ві текст та восценти мі тю став. [0:59:40, 0:59:41]: Asking them. [0:59:42, 0:59:51]: This date is wrong or has it already passed? They're gonna reschedule it. But as you know, a lot of my emails and communications are ignored. [0:59:52, 0:59:54]: By staff members. They're being told to do it. [0:59:55, 0:59:56]: It is what I [0:59:56, 1:00:03]: claimed to you all last year during my first complaint against the mayor, there is a lot of interference. [1:00:03, 1:00:07]: All I want to do is serve the best way that I know how. [1:00:08, 1:00:09]: I'm not gonna stop. [1:00:09, 1:00:19]: Now I did receive the letter that Battle Law sent me requesting that I recuse myself from voting on this particular matter. [1:00:19, 1:00:22]: And my response was, I would not. [1:00:22, 1:00:35]: My vote, whether in opposition or approval, has had no impact on the final outcome of any development proposal that has come before this council. [1:00:35, 1:00:55]: So whether I abstain, approve, oppose, my one vote has not determined the outcome of any development proposals that have been submitted to the council over the last three, four years, because there is there has been a consensus vote of three council members. [1:00:55, 1:01:09]: That doesn't include me. So I explained that to the city attorney and Valerie Ross, the zoning attorney. When they sent me, when they forwarded me the letter, asking me to recuse myself, I was offended actually. [1:01:10, 1:01:11]: Because they know. [1:01:11, 1:01:15]: Miss Miss Battle knows as well, my one vote means nothing. [1:01:16, 1:01:21]: It's not gonna determine the outcome of any of the d development proposals. [1:01:21, 1:01:30]: History that's just the history of all of it. But I will continue representing um the people the best way that I know how. It is not my intent. [1:01:31, 1:01:38]: To break any laws, any codes. Okay. And we and we hear you and we understand you, but do you understand the appearance of it? [1:01:39, 1:01:59]: And again, I wouldn't have had to attend any of the meetings had the rescheduled date been communicated back to the case. Did you hear uh correct? Did you hear Ms. Battle state that if has she known that it was inappropriate or what didn't go out right if you had contacted her office? Oh I did. Okay, so that happened. They were aware that those dates. [1:01:58, 1:02:01]: Was af was it was it prior to the meeting, ma'am? [1:02:04, 1:02:12]: So it so did she not did she know that your constituents did not get appropriate notice before you attended or before the meeting? [1:02:12, 1:02:16]: So again the date the letter. [1:02:17, 1:02:21]: Included a date that had already passed. [1:02:21, 1:02:23]: That's why I attended the meeting. [1:02:23, 1:02:30]: When is the developer going to hold a meeting with the homeowners? I'd communicate only had one day. [1:02:31, 1:02:35]: Before the community zoning meeting. [1:02:36, 1:02:42]: What what more was I supposed to do? The accountability is not with me, it's with staff. [1:02:42, 1:02:45]: But I can't make them do anything. [1:02:45, 1:02:53]: So and and I would and I would suggest that you don't think that your vote doesn't count. I mean you you say you won't recru recuse yourself because your vote [1:02:53, 1:03:08]: You got one vote, but your vote doesn't count. That doesn't that does. My vote has my one vote has not ever determined the outcome. But what if it does in this case? My one vote has never [1:03:09, 1:03:16]: Never in the past two, three years determined the outcome. Okay. It has not. All right. They know that. [1:03:16, 1:03:23]: The city attorneys and the zoning attorney, they know that. For me to recuse myself. [1:03:23, 1:03:26]: It was actually offensive to me. [1:03:26, 1:03:33]: Well, I I wanna say, uh, board members, I don't believe that that was in the complaint that the um [1:03:33, 1:03:35]: That was what she was requesting. [1:03:36, 1:03:45]: No, I think it was only that the dates were not correct. We're talking about that, but that's not that wasn't in her complaint as a a form of um [1:03:47, 1:03:57]: No, and I was wondering, Miss Battle, you said you did not receive any information, but I have information here that says that you sent a letter to uh mister Washington. [1:03:57, 1:03:59]: And um [1:04:00, 1:04:10]: Then Mr Washington and Miss Ross had a conversation with uh Councilmember Barber. So did you not receive the information that they that they discussed? [1:04:13, 1:04:22]: From her, what I heard was through the city council. I see uh through the attorneys that she had indicated that she would not recuse herself. Okay, thank you. [1:04:23, 1:04:32]: So thank you. Mm-hmm. Okay. All right. So board at this time it is [1:04:33, 1:04:53]: Where's my clock? 813. 813. I have 814. You slaughter. So I at this time I want us to um adjourn. We're our bo the board is going to adjourn to the closed session so that we can discuss what we need to discuss. It is um 814. Can I get a motion to adjourn? [1:04:53, 1:05:13]: And those parties who are here, you are welcome to leave. There won't be there will be no further um determinations. Determinations or any recommendations that will be uh set forth today because we have to get those uh committed to writing for our clerk and then um we will schedule another. [1:05:12, 1:05:15]: another meeting where we will give those, okay? [1:05:15, 1:05:21]: So at this time, can I get a motion to uh adjourn? Motion to adjourn to executive session. All right. Can I get a second? [1:05:23, 1:05:27]: It has been moved to second. Anybody opposed to adjournment for a closed session? [1:05:27, 1:05:30]: None, we will do so at this time. Thank you. [1:05:44, 1:05:45]: Yeah, yeah. [1:05:55, 1:05:57]: I don't think so. [1:06:02, 1:06:03]: I think what you mean? [1:06:05, 1:06:07]: And it's important to [1:06:13, 1:06:15]: Pretty sure it's really. [1:06:24, 1:06:25]: Yeah. [1:07:14, 1:07:15]: Thank you for that. [1:07:22, 1:07:23]: Okay. [1:07:25, 1:07:29]: The mic phone for everybody that's not me. Let's see what time it is. [1:07:31, 1:07:38]: Okay, it is nine fourteen. Uh the executive session is closed. We are moving to open [1:07:39, 1:07:42]: The public meeting, can I get a motion? [1:07:43, 1:07:55]: Motion to adjourn or to move back to public meeting. Yes. Second. Okay. It has been moved and second to come back into our open session. Public meeting. Can is there any o opposition? [1:07:56, 1:08:01]: No opposition has been moved a second. We are back in our open meeting and at this time. [1:08:01, 1:08:07]: We would um move to ad or we would I would like to take a motion to adjourn. [1:08:07, 1:08:15]: What we need to do Oh no, no, sorry, sorry, sorry, we got some stuff to do. Yeah, we need to set another date. Yes, we need a date for our next meeting. [1:08:20, 1:08:20]: Mm-hmm. [1:08:25, 1:08:26]: But that's what known as. [1:08:27, 1:08:28]: So [1:08:29, 1:08:38]: So we are the first complaint was filed May second. Okay. So we have And we have until Jul so we have until July second. [1:08:38, 1:08:40]: Well we've already so [1:08:41, 1:08:43]: Is that with um Phedra? [1:08:43, 1:08:54]: So she was here. So we've already done what we needed to do with regards to her. So we don't necessarily we're with we're within that sixty days of reply and all that. She was she stood up [1:08:54, 1:09:09]: Um, so we don't have to that's just for a hearing. And even with regards to that, if we're outside of that sixty days, we can be. Yeah, we have we still have the right to extend it if we need to. Okay. So we're good. We just need I think we have a we have a meeting on the books. [1:09:11, 1:09:16]: We do have a meeting sometime in July. It was July twenty third, maybe? [1:09:17, 1:09:30]: Let me see if that's what it is. No, it's not the twenty third. Yeah, it's it's the twenty third at six uh well I No, that's a Monday, so it couldn't have been that. July twenty fifth,'cause we usually have'em on Wednesdays. Is is it the twenty fifth? The twenty third is on a Wednesday. [1:09:31, 1:09:42]: Oh, July. I am I am in June. I thought you said not to do it for the We had talked about that back. Oh, I don't know, a while back. We did, but we talked about that in the April meeting. [1:09:43, 1:09:46]: You I thought you had a date. That's on one of these [1:09:48, 1:09:53]: We didn't. It ain't on this one. Mm mm. But it definitely was a July date. Is this something that we can keep? [1:09:56, 1:10:07]: Is it a July date we think it is? I would have to find I don't I don't have it. So there's a July twenty-third, and since the twenty-third was in my mind, I'm assuming that was the date that we picked. I think it was. Okay. [1:10:07, 1:10:10]: Um, is that still good for everybody? [1:10:10, 1:10:27]: It may not be good for me, but I have a it may not work because I have um mock trial. I'm a coach for mock trial and I wanna say that that's the week for it. So you wanna Um, but I'm not sure. Okay,'cause I'm not sure. We can go up or down. [1:10:27, 1:10:36]: Okay. Um or you can just run a meeting. No meeting. Yes, absolutely. Well what about the thirtieth? Um, are we pushing it? [1:10:37, 1:10:39]: With the end of July on these. [1:10:42, 1:10:53]: Yeah. It's is is bad time. Um and that's why I think we put we got the twenty third on there. The next Wednesday, that Wednesday prior would be the sixteenth of July. [1:10:53, 1:10:55]: Can we do July sixteenth? [1:10:59, 1:11:05]: Okay. I will not be what say it again. I will not be here during that time. Okay, that was why we pushed it back. Well wait a second. What what have you [1:11:07, 1:11:08]: Vanessa has her finger. [1:11:09, 1:11:12]: Okay. Well let's keep it the twenty third. Um [1:11:13, 1:11:18]: We can always change it if we need to. Yeah, we'll still have a quorum if I'm not here. [1:11:19, 1:11:26]: Yes, we can always change it. I think um during that meeting we are going to be issuing our recommendations, right? [1:11:29, 1:11:30]: We'll get those to you. [1:11:32, 1:11:36]: So that's fine. Let's keep it for the twenty third then. At six thirty. [1:11:37, 1:11:40]: Um okay, yeah. [1:11:40, 1:11:43]: What what are we? Six thirty. [1:11:51, 1:11:52]: I can make a motion to adjourn. [1:11:53, 1:11:58]: Yes, can I get a motion to adjourn? I can make the motion to adjourn. [1:11:59, 1:12:14]: Make it. I'd make a motion to adjourn. Second, second. Yeah. It has been moved and seconded. Anybody opposed?'Cause you will get fought. All right, we've moved and seconded. We've moved to adjourn. The time is nine nineteen.