Author: H Ermes

--- title: Regular Council Meetings date: 2025-11-10 source: 2025-11-10_Regular_Council_Meetings.wav --- [0:00:21, 0:00:28]: We'd like to do it right here, the crest right in the background. Okay. So I'm taking a small snippet. So I want you to repeat after me, raise your right hand. [0:00:29, 0:00:48]: Aye and state your name. I just hear Thomas. Okay, board member. Board member. Do Thomas swear and affirm? That I will faithfully perform. That I will faithfully confirm. The duties of the downtown development authority. The duties of the downtown development authorities. Of the city of Stockbridge? Of the city of Stockbridge. And that I will? [0:00:48, 0:00:49]: To the best of my ability. [0:00:50, 0:00:51]: Support and defend. [0:00:52, 0:00:53]: The charter thereof. [0:00:54, 0:00:57]: As well as the constitution and laws of the state of Georgia. [0:00:58, 0:01:00]: In the United States of America. In the United States of America. [0:01:00, 0:01:02]: I further affirm that. [0:01:03, 0:01:04]: Upon assumption of this office. [0:01:05, 0:01:09]: For an assumption of this offer. I do not hold any unaccounted for public money. [0:01:09, 0:01:11]: only count for the money. [0:01:11, 0:01:15]: Do and payable to the state? Doing payable to the state. Any political subdivision of the state. [0:01:16, 0:01:18]: The city of Stockbridge. [0:01:18, 0:01:20]: Or any authority thereof? [0:01:21, 0:01:22]: Lord they'll hold. [0:01:23, 0:01:26]: Any other office of trust of the government? [0:01:27, 0:01:28]: Of the United States? [0:01:28, 0:01:29]: Of this state? [0:01:30, 0:01:31]: Or any foreign state. [0:01:31, 0:01:33]: As prescribed. [0:01:33, 0:01:36]: By the law of the state of Georgia. [0:01:36, 0:01:38]: I saw him affirm. [0:01:38, 0:01:40]: That I'm fully qualified. [0:01:41, 0:01:42]: Under the constitution. [0:01:42, 0:02:02]: And the laws of the state of the laws of the state to hold the office of Downtown Development Authority board member. Downtown Development Authority Board Member. And that I will and that I will perform the duties of my office in the best interest of the city of Stockbridge. To the best of my ability without fear. [0:02:02, 0:02:15]: Favor, favor, affection, affection, reward, or expectation thereof. And it's the tenth day of November November tenth day of November two thousand five and congratulations to you. Okay. [0:02:16, 0:02:28]: But you we have to sign a couple of documents here, but whenever I do this the floor is your the mic is there, the floor is your if you have any comments that you want to make. I do not have any comments. [0:02:31, 0:02:32]: Okay. [0:02:37, 0:02:39]: [171.7, 190.5]: And this is actually for you. All right. We get you started on your way. So no comments, right? No comments. Alright. So you're more than welcome to stage the rest of the ceremony uh part of the meeting. Yes, we could take a picture. No, no, uh right there. Just click? Okay. All right. [0:03:13, 0:03:24]: Congratulations. By the way, I'm sorry. Okay, congratulations. Thank you. Okay. Um that means awareness one, okay? [0:03:25, 0:03:26]: Um [0:03:28, 0:03:31]: Anyone here to receive the Diabetes Awareness Month proclamation? [0:03:33, 0:03:34]: Change it. [0:03:34, 0:03:36]: I will go ahead and read this. [0:03:37, 0:03:42]: Diabetes Awareness Month, whereas November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. [0:03:42, 0:03:47]: The diabetes is a chronic disease in which sugar levels in the bloodstream are [0:03:47, 0:03:51]: Above normal can lead to increased risk for heart attack or stroke. [0:03:51, 0:03:55]: kidney fail failure, amputations, or advanced diabetic [0:03:55, 0:04:00]: Retropopthy, if I got to pronounce right, greatly increasing the risk of severe vision loss. [0:04:00, 0:04:03]: and sir as well as nerve damage. [0:04:03, 0:04:06]: Whereas November fourteenth is World Diabetes Day. [0:04:06, 0:04:09]: And the world's large diabetes awareness campaign. [0:04:09, 0:04:14]: And its date was chosen to recognize the birthday of doctor Frederick Bantin. [0:04:14, 0:04:16]: Who co-discovered insulin? [0:04:16, 0:04:26]: Whereas Diabetes Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase awareness of risk factors and symptoms of diabetes and importance of a healthy lifestyle and diabetes prevention and care. [0:04:27, 0:04:32]: Whereas best practice guidelines to treat diabetes include not only but or limited to insulin. [0:04:32, 0:04:52]: Oral medication, diet, physical activity, daily self-management routines, and free community programs. Whereas World Diabetes Day 2025 theme is diabetes and the workplace, focus on uh access to care, stigma, and mental health in the workplace. Now, therefore, I Anthony S. Ford by Virginia Authority Vessi Mia is in Mary City Stockbridge, Georgia. [0:04:52, 0:04:58]: behalf of city council members Elton Alzani Lana, Barber Kyle, Berry, Luke Sigana, Fonzo Thomas, do hereby [0:04:58, 0:05:01]: recognized November is diabetes awareness month. [0:05:01, 0:05:06]: As an opportunity to provide education about the disease and raise awareness that the simple plus sugar test. [0:05:07, 0:05:13]: or taking of the pre diabetes test has a potential to save lives and positively impact the people in the Stop in Stoppers community. [0:05:14, 0:05:27]: A witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand in the great seal city of Stockbridge, Georgia, on the tenth day of November year of our Lord 2025, and assigned the proclamation along with our finesse holiday. Ladies and gentlemen, okay? [0:05:29, 0:05:49]: Okay. One second, sir. That's one in three Americans. Can we ask that and everyone knows some of our IDs? We don't know that. Can we ask participants in the audience come up for the group of all you don't mind if you're interested? If your mom, dad, or cousin, a neighborhood. Okay, thank you. Thank you for that. [0:05:49, 0:05:56]: So many people we don't know. Come on, that's fine. Matter of fact, uh [0:05:56, 0:06:16]: I'm gonna why why don't you hold this? I don't I don't need yes, why don't you hold this here? Okay. That'll be fine. Thank you for that suggestion. Okay, yeah, some of us come on this side. Yeah, come on, sir. Okay, come on. Oh we got uh uh well why don't we double up a little bit? [0:06:16, 0:06:30]: Come on down here. Uh you all wanna come on down? Let my stand right here please. Not not flying. Is this uh is this good? Can you get everybody in? Okay. [0:06:35, 0:06:40]: Thank you. No. [0:06:41, 0:06:48]: You show us. [0:06:50, 0:06:55]: How about national caregivers? [0:07:02, 0:07:04]: Hello, how you doing? [0:07:05, 0:07:13]: This is National Uh Caregivers Month, whereas during the month of November, we bring awareness to unpaid caregivers and recognize those who gave selfishly. [0:07:13, 0:07:22]: To care for family members and loved ones. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers. [0:07:22, 0:07:30]: Whereas over ninety million Americans are part of the so-called sandwich generation caring for both young kids and aging parents at the same time. [0:07:30, 0:07:36]: Family caregivers make tremendous sacrifices to be there for the people who need and cherish them most. [0:07:36, 0:07:40]: Where and whereas too many families struggle to afford help. [0:07:40, 0:07:47]: Spending their own retirement savings to pay for and care for their loved ones, or quitting their own jobs to stay home and provide it. [0:07:48, 0:07:49]: Vide it themselves. [0:07:50, 0:08:01]: As they are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities, there's also many family caregivers who work and provide care experiencing conflicts between competing responsibilities. [0:08:01, 0:08:06]: Research indicates caregiving give takes a significant emotional, physical, and financial toll. [0:08:07, 0:08:10]: Верес нашнол дерна фамилий Карегів Мон. [0:08:10, 0:08:19]: Let us take the time to remember and appreciate the men and women who spend their days caring for others while balancing the responsibilities of their own lives, including employment and raising children. [0:08:20, 0:08:40]: Now, therefore, I Anthony Forbes by virtual authority vest to me as the mayor of Stockbridge, Georgia. On behalf of City Council members Elton Alexander Nilana, Barber Carl, Berry, Lakeisia Gantt, and Fonzo Thomas do hereby recognize National Family Caregivers Month in the great city of Stockbridge. We thank you for your quiet acts of selflessness and sacrifice as you care for the life. [0:08:40, 0:08:58]: loved ones with dignity, kindness, and respect. A witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand in the Great Seal City, Stockbridge, Georgia, 10th day of November, year of our Lord, 2025. And I signed a proclamation along with our clerk for Nessa Holiday, ladies and gentlemen. And I will issue this to my property. Thank you. Thank you. [0:08:58, 0:09:03]: Okay. No. Thank you. The mic is yours. [0:09:04, 0:09:24]: Well, I just wanted to thank Mayor and Council. Um, as soon as I reached out to them, they said absolutely we will um issue this proclamation. So I have been a caregiver for over twenty-something years. I care for my mom, who has been diagnosed with um dementia. [0:09:24, 0:09:41]: dementia and so this is near and dear to me. I have launched my own personal brand as being an advocate for those who care um for caregivers and their families. So thank you so much. [0:09:44, 0:09:48]: You you want to take a picture here? Sana Shana? Oh okay. [0:09:59, 0:10:04]: Thank you so much. Thank you very much. [0:10:08, 0:10:13]: Next proclamation, National Indian, American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month. [0:10:13, 0:10:14]: Okay. [0:10:16, 0:10:18]: Anybody here to receive this proclamation? [0:10:20, 0:10:22]: Okay, well we'll go ahead and read it. [0:10:24, 0:10:34]: Whereas the first American Indian Day was celebrated in May nineteen sixteen in New York, the event cultivated with an effort by Red Fox James, a member of the Black Feet Nation. [0:10:34, 0:10:36]: We rode across the nation on horseback. [0:10:37, 0:10:42]: Seeking approval for twenty from twenty four state governments to have a day to honor American Indians. [0:10:42, 0:10:53]: In nineteen ninety, more than seven decades later, then President George H. W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating the month of November, National American Indian Heritage Month. [0:10:53, 0:10:57]: Similar proclamations have been issued every year since. [0:10:57, 0:11:02]: nineteen ninety four to recognize what is now called American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month. [0:11:03, 0:11:18]: And whereas according to the twenty twenty census, Cherokee is the largest Indian American Indian alone, or the any combination of population group in the United States in twenty twenty. The native, uh the Jehovahho nation is the most common American Indian along [0:11:18, 0:11:23]: Alone represent roughly three hundred fifteen thousand eight hundred eighty six people. [0:11:23, 0:11:28]: And nine point seven milion in the nation of American Indian Alaska native population alone. [0:11:29, 0:11:45]: and the combination of 2020. And whereas November is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages, stories, and native Indians, Native American, Alaska Native and Affiliated Island communities, and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. [0:11:46, 0:11:53]: This November and every month we celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our nation. [0:11:54, 0:12:05]: We celebrate Indian country with its remarkable diversity of American, Indian, and Alaska native cultures and peoples by rem peoples by remembering and honoring our veterans who have sacrificed so much to defend our nation. [0:12:05, 0:12:13]: Now, therefore, our Anthony S. Ford, by virtual authority, Ves and Me is the mayor of Stockbridge, Georgia. And on behalf of City Council members, Elton, Alexander, Yulana, Barber, Kyle, Berry, [0:12:14, 0:12:21]: And Akee Sagan and follow and follows a Thomas do hereby proclaim the month of November is National American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month. [0:12:21, 0:12:26]: The great city starbridge, and witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand in the great seal city Stockbridge, Georgia. [0:12:27, 0:12:32]: On the tenth day of November year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-five, and sign a proclamation along when I correct Vanessa Holiday, ladies and gentlemen. [0:12:33, 0:12:40]: No, okay. Now I don't know if anybody here that has any relatives or individuals that are from the [0:12:40, 0:12:43]: native Indian uh culture or [0:12:43, 0:12:50]: Alaskan culture. If not, then we'll just Mr. Alexander I just take a picture and we'll go from there. Okay. [0:12:54, 0:12:55]: Okay, thank you very much. Okay. [0:12:58, 0:13:05]: Next is the small business Saturday business owners that are here. [0:13:05, 0:13:07]: Uh Main Street representation. [0:13:10, 0:13:15]: Anybody else? Small business areas. Small business come hold up. [0:13:17, 0:13:18]: All the business come on up here. [0:13:22, 0:13:38]: That does include you, that doesn't matter. Okay. All right. All right. Small business Saturday, whereas launched in twenty ten, small business Saturday was created to spotlight the importance of small businesses. It falls between between Black Saturday and Cyber Monday. [0:13:39, 0:13:50]: Two shopping days often uh dominated by big box retailers and serves as a reminder of the value of shopping locality. And whereas Saturday, November twenty-nint, twenty twenty-five, a small business Saturday, [0:13:51, 0:13:55]: and a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all that they do for their communities. [0:13:56, 0:14:15]: When we choose to shop local, we are not just making a purchase, we are supporting our neighbors, sustaining local businesses within our community. Whereas, according to research from the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses make up more than 99% of all U.S. companies. When customers choose to shop locally, more of every dollar. [0:14:15, 0:14:20]: stays within the community, which means new jobs, stronger schools, thriving main streets. [0:14:20, 0:14:40]: For small business owners, the day offers more than increased foot traffic is an opportunity to introduce new customers to what makes our business unique, strengthen relationships and local patrons, and set the stage for a strong finish of the year. Now, therefore, I Anthony S. Ford by Virginia Authority Vest and Miz, Mayor of Stop Rators, Georgia. And on behalf of City Council members out. [0:14:40, 0:15:00]: Now, Xander, Ilana, Barber, Cowberry, Lake Sagan, and Alfonso Thomas, to hereby urge the residents of our amazing Stockbridge community to support small businesses and merchants today during the Main Street Shop Small Blitz during the entire month of November, participate in small shop small Saturday, November 29th, and support local small businesses. [0:15:00, 0:15:01]: Mm. [0:15:02, 0:15:14]: In witnesses thereof I have here undo set my hand the great seal city of Stockbridge, Georgia, on the tenth day of November, year of our Lord, two thousand and twenty five. And I signed a proclamation alone when I clicked Vanessa holiday. Ladies and gentlemen now [0:15:14, 0:15:34]: I only I only have I only have one of these. So I'm gonna go over to my right side. I'm gonna issue this huge. Okay? All right. Now you you spawn business owners can definitely have the floor if you need to have one, but you have anything you wanted to say? Um so I say this all the time, but I just wanna um uh [0:15:34, 0:15:43]: say thank you to all the to all of um to everybody who patronized our business um because I know we wouldn't be here without them. [0:15:43, 0:15:54]: Yes, thank you. Oh, so I have two beauty supply stores in Stockbridge, um Angie's Beauty and Blossom Beauty, right across the street from each other. Thank you. [0:15:56, 0:15:58]: Did did you ladies want to say anything? [0:15:59, 0:16:00]: You good? Okay. [0:16:01, 0:16:10]: So I have Southern Crescent Women in Business. We are a small women's business chamber. I am the founder of that. I'm Ariel Shaw. [0:16:10, 0:16:17]: And I say support small businesses throughout the year. They are the thread to your community. Thank you. [0:16:19, 0:16:23]: You want to say anything at all? You good? How about you, man? [0:16:29, 0:16:49]: Good evening. My name is Cheryl Lewis. I just started a business recently, and the name of my business is Visions for Leaders Youth Academy. Um, it's been very interesting because when you're working with students, you really see the needs of the children. You see their struggles. Um [0:16:49, 0:16:53]: mentally and emotionally, you see a lot. [0:16:54, 0:16:59]: Thank you. [0:16:59, 0:17:10]: Hi everyone. Um I'm Lisa Fareed. I am the downtown development manager, which means I manage the Main Street program, and each year [0:17:10, 0:17:20]: Um I think since twenty twelve we've been a while. It's been a while, right? That we've been having proclamations for small business Saturday and [0:17:20, 0:17:31]: You're gonna see our banners around the city. You might be able to get a tote bag. We've got plenty of them. What I want you to know is it takes a lot of courage to start a small business. [0:17:32, 0:17:33]: People [0:17:34, 0:17:54]: go out of their way to put their lives and their livelihoods on the line in order to maintain a small business. And there's no guarantee of anything. So we are very happy as a community to be able to support. One of the things that Main Street is doing is that we have an app you could download onto your [0:17:54, 0:18:04]: phone. It gives you a passport, a list of participating businesses from around the city that have agreed to [0:18:04, 0:18:09]: Just participate in the month of November. All small businesses are important. [0:18:09, 0:18:13]: But a lot of brick and mortars where you can do your retail. [0:18:13, 0:18:32]: shopping or perhaps go dining or get a personal care service. Those are the types of businesses that are participating with us. And we hope you download the app. We hope you go visit some small businesses and make s make Stockbridge stronger economically. Thank you. [0:18:35, 0:18:46]: Okay, so let's come on over here and since you proper as you get in the middle along with your children. Come on, come uh come on down, get them up run here. Okay. All right. It's uh [0:18:47, 0:18:47]: Yeah. [0:18:50, 0:18:50]: Okay. [0:18:52, 0:18:55]: Can you get us all in here? Okay. [0:19:07, 0:19:11]: Congratulations. [0:19:12, 0:19:13]: Congratulations. [0:19:15, 0:19:19]: Okay, last proclamation this uh this evening. [0:19:19, 0:19:39]: deals with Veterans Day, which is uh actually celebrated tomorrow. And um I feel feel especially proud about this since I'm also a a veteran and retiree of the Army, thirty year Army veteran. But so for individuals that are veterans, come join me, please. Any in veterans that are here, come join me. I'm gonna read this out. [0:19:50, 0:20:10]: Look, let's look at this, look at this. All these veterans around here, fantastic, awesome. And several, several are members of the staff, outstanding. Okay, Recognition Veterans Day. Whereas honorable service performed in the defense of our nation and our cause is the highest form of citizenship. And whereas the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces of the United States of America [0:20:10, 0:20:30]: Have made major contributions toward the preservation of the freedom of this nation and her people. Whereas the services performed by these millions of gallant Americans have demonstrated the willingness of our nation to meet the challenges of those wishing to subsequent individual determination through armed conflict. Whereas a national and the free world are internally grateful for the government. [0:20:30, 0:20:37]: for the contributions of American veterans, men and women to the advancement of the cause of honorable world peace. [0:20:37, 0:20:55]: Whereas for many, that sacrifice has ended in permanent injury or death. Yet the spirit remains in in continued preservation of our freedoms and a promise of liberty established as an example for all those oppressed persons in the world. Now therefore I, Anthony S4, by verse authority of Vest and me as a mayor of city of Stockbridge, Georgia. [0:20:55, 0:21:15]: And on behalf of City Council members Elton, Alexander, Ilana, Barber, Kyle, Berry, Lakese, Gandhi, and Fonsel Thomas, we hereby call upon all citizens to observe Tuesday, November 11, 2025, as appropriate ceremonies in honor of those who have served to preserve the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy. A witness thereof, I have here unto you set my hand in great seal, city, starpic. [0:21:15, 0:21:15]: Georgia. [0:21:15, 0:21:18]: On 10th day, November, year of our Lord, 2025. [0:21:19, 0:21:24]: And I sign a proclamation along with our clear Vanessa holidays, ladies and gentlemen. Okay? [0:21:24, 0:21:26]: We have several news. [0:21:27, 0:21:28]: That is yours sir. Oh thank you. [0:21:30, 0:21:50]: So I should have started with the lady first, I'm sorry. In this aspect, Cheryl. All right. I'm sorry about that. And that actually is I have to tell you since uh I said that um uh Sherald and I, uh this lovely lady here, actually served together overseas. [0:21:50, 0:22:10]: Camp Ariadna in uh quait many years ago. And so uh we didn't know each other then, but it just so happens that uh we obviously live in the same era. Oh how how can I forget my city magic? Excuse me, sir. Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations, you two sir. Now no problem, I appreciate it. Now [0:22:10, 0:22:17]: The f as you the floor is yours. All right. So any any of your veterans want to say anything? I know most of you some good portion of your employees here, but that's quite all right. [0:22:18, 0:22:24]: No, it's nothing you guys. No, go ahead, sir. I'm not that much of a speaker. I'm leading away. There you go. There you go. [0:22:26, 0:22:35]: I just my name is Cheryl R. Shaw and uh I thank God for the opportunity to have been able to serve. [0:22:35, 0:22:42]: And in my serving, I served other veterans as well, because as a leader. [0:22:42, 0:22:49]: You're always leading, always serving your veterans or your uh soldiers. [0:22:50, 0:22:51]: For those in the army. [0:22:53, 0:22:55]: And so I thank God for that. [0:22:55, 0:23:02]: And it's good to be here in honor of those that can't even say anything anymore. Amen. [0:23:03, 0:23:03]: Yeah. [0:23:06, 0:23:07]: Any anybody else? [0:23:10, 0:23:13]: Come on, sir, man. Go ahead, sir. Come on, let's go. [0:23:14, 0:23:34]: Uh no, this day is uh very special. Uh it holds near dear to my heart. Uh veterans, um, as we mentioned and as the proclamation says, uh, we risked a lot. Our family, our time, our health, um, but it's for a great cause. And we wouldn't have it no other way. If you talk to any other men and women that have served, they would tell you they'll do it all over. [0:23:34, 0:23:48]: over again. It's a tremendous honor and to be a part of this particular group. No matter where we at in the world, we take care of each other. And just because we put down a uniform don't mean we stop serving. We serve in different capacities. So thank you all. Appreciate it. [0:23:50, 0:24:10]: No, no, I was just gonna say uh aim high. You sure but okay, let me let me just say this too. I I come by this, I think, uh honestly, because my father was a World War II and Korean Korean War v veteran, and uh and I happened to be the oldest son, so he didn't give me much of a choice. He told me this is exactly what I'm gonna do. [0:24:10, 0:24:16]: I'm gonna serve our country and and go to the military. And I told him I didn't want to do that. And he says, Boy, do what I tell you to do, right? [0:24:16, 0:24:19]: So I did. And I have to admit I I thank'em all the time. [0:24:19, 0:24:39]: Since I retired 15 years ago after 30 years of service, and I appreciate that serving the nation and now serving a community and things in this nature is kind of just kind of coincides with that. So I really appreciate that fact that of service of the once again of the nation and and of the community, things that I'll do and plan to do the rest of my life of serving others in this aspect uh as well. [0:24:39, 0:24:59]: the good Lord calls me home in this aspect, but that won't be anytime soon, right? So so anyway, um, you know, I I just really thank you, sir. I just really appreciate the fact of all these veterans here and all the all the things that that we all do and how you support the veterans as they continue to serve. I think there's only about one percent of the nation actually serves in in in any type of military service. [0:24:59, 0:25:15]: So that's a unique unique number of folks that uh are willing to put their life on the line and and uh and for the interest of the nation and and to make sure the freedom is free and that that we're able to live in a in a in a country that uh allows us to do a lot of different things in this aspect as well. But anyway. [0:25:16, 0:25:20]: Now I said, God bless y'all. Thank you very much. Let's take a picture together. Okay, thank you. [0:25:23, 0:25:31]: Come on, come on, let's put on down here. Come on, let's get the let's get the ladies in it. You good? Okay. [0:25:32, 0:25:37]: Oh, you're gonna give this I appreciate it. [0:25:44, 0:25:47]: Are you gonna be in a pick? That's your ones. [0:25:58, 0:26:02]: Thank you, thank you, thank you Molly. Thank you. Thank you. [0:26:08, 0:26:20]: So hello to want to welcome to today, ladies and gentlemen, for our meeting. Uh we'll get started well we'll start it very shortly since it's six oh one now. Um but thank you for being here. [0:31:25, 0:31:33]: No, no, I no I don't recall. That's what I didn't appreciate you, thank you. [0:31:55, 0:32:05]: Us a kind of revenues in the stair. I don't know the ones that I'm the ones that come back when you take it off here and in this [0:32:17, 0:32:23]: All right, ladies and gentlemen, I have six oh seven and uh I'd like to call our council meeting on November tenth. [0:32:24, 0:32:26]: Two thousand twenty five two [0:32:26, 0:32:27]: Order. [0:32:27, 0:32:31]: And on that note, please stand if you can for the invocation. Miss Cynthia Jenkins, please. [0:32:32, 0:32:34]: Come to make sure the mic is on. [0:32:38, 0:32:43]: Good evening. Good evening. Is there a green button there? Is it green? Yep, it's on. Go right here, there, please. [0:32:44, 0:33:04]: Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to discuss the business of the great city of Stockbridge. Give us all the wisdom, all the resources, everything that's needed to make wise decisions for the benefit of the of the community and the benefit of all who participate in the business of Stockbridge. [0:33:04, 0:33:21]: These and other blessings we ask in your son Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Okay. Pledge allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic of which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [0:33:23, 0:33:25]: Madam Clerk, roll call, please. [0:33:26, 0:33:27]: Good evening. [0:33:28, 0:33:34]: Evening. Mayor Ford? Present. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. Present. Councilmember Thomas. [0:33:35, 0:33:53]: Does the record reflect Council Member Thomas is not in attendance. Council Member Berry. That the record reflect Council Member Berry is not in attendance. Council Member Barr. Present. Council Member Alexander. Present. Mayor Ford, you have a forum. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Appreciate that. Uh Miss Gantt, uh have a [0:33:54, 0:33:56]: Oh yes, Mayor. [0:33:56, 0:34:03]: Yes, Mayor, I would like to make a motion to amend the agenda to remove the item number two per staff's request. [0:34:04, 0:34:05]: Is there a second? What's number? [0:34:05, 0:34:11]: Number two is the uh council's consideration to approve Norfolk Southern Parking Lot project. [0:34:12, 0:34:14]: Do it's okay from Miss Gantt to Miss Azar. [0:34:15, 0:34:16]: All in favor, please indicate. [0:34:17, 0:34:18]: Okay, thank you very much. Appreciate now [0:34:19, 0:34:21]: Council, need a motion to adopt the rest of the agenda, please. [0:34:21, 0:34:23]: So moved. [0:34:24, 0:34:28]: Second. Okay for Ms. Cantor, Ms. Alexander, once again, all in favor, please indicate. [0:34:28, 0:34:48]: Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Um earlier, ladies and gentlemen, we had a ceremonial uh section of our meeting. Had a swearing of uh swearing in of a DDA member, Tosheka Thomas, if I have that pronounced right. And proclamations were issued to for the American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month, the National Diabetes. [0:34:48, 0:35:08]: Awareness month and small uh shop small Saturday, and then also the uh Veterans Day, which is actually tomorrow. So, and matter of fact, on that note, if there are any veterans that are present here now that weren't here for a ceremonial portion, uh thank you for being here. Thank you for serving your nation. And if you are here and you weren't here earlier, [0:35:08, 0:35:16]: Please stand so at least we can recognize you if you weren't here earlier. Okay, we have one, one of our police officers or stop responsible. Okay, graduate, stay, sir. [0:35:18, 0:35:19]: Okay. [0:35:20, 0:35:40]: On that note, Madam Clerk, do we have any public comments? There are no public comments, Mayor. Okay, great. The adoption of minutes council for the approval of the budget retreat minute meeting minutes for September twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth, and twenty-sixth, along with the council meeting minutes of October thirteenth and the meeting minutes, a work session meeting minutes for October twentieth. Any motion to accept those, please? [0:35:40, 0:35:44]: So move. Is there a second? From Miss Gantt to Ms. Alzheimer's, all favor please indicate. [0:35:44, 0:36:01]: Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. Let's see here. And what's next is actually going to be our public hearing, which is our first reading for our FY 2026 operating budget and capital improvement plan. So since it's a public hearing, let me read this into the record. [0:36:02, 0:36:06]: Public hearing rules, please mute all cell phones and other electronic devices. [0:36:06, 0:36:10]: If anyone wishes to speak tonight on a public hearing item, please fill out the form. [0:36:11, 0:36:14]: Available on the table and hand it to the city clerk before approaching the podium. [0:36:15, 0:36:35]: After each case is called, the council will hear from the city staff, followed by the applicant and their representative regarding the proposed plans for property along with or any relevant 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. [0:36:35, 0:36:55]: Each side will be allowed to ten minutes total. Additional time may be extended at the discretion of the counsel. Please keep comments and presentation professional, referring to only to the facts that are pertinent to the case. We will not allow comments or personal attacks toward any individual group. Please refrain from any applause or comments from the audience during the public hearing. After the presiding officer [0:36:55, 0:37:02]: recognizes a speaker, he or she shall direct all comments to the presiding officer and never to members of the council, staff, or audience. [0:37:02, 0:37:07]: All comments will be made from the podium where you will be required to state your name and address for the record. [0:37:08, 0:37:21]: Please note that these hearings are not a debate. Failure to comply will cause you to be removed from the chamber and the building by law enforcement if you just say deviate from these proceedings. Other than an applicant, no person may speak more than once. The applicant any [0:37:21, 0:37:41]: Excuse me, the applicant may reserve part or his or her speaking time as rebuttal and may speak next and last and may use the entire ten minutes allowed for the pro side of the application for questions. If questions are raised, the council may ask the applicant to address questions and or concerns. The presiding officer will call for a motion and a second to that motion and have [0:37:41, 0:37:42]: Yeah. [0:37:43, 0:37:49]: And if the manner is not tabled, presiding officer will call for a vote and recommend approval or denial of the request. [0:37:51, 0:37:59]: Okay, on that note, public hearing is open. First reading of FY2026 operating budget, capital improvement plans. Uh has here Mr. Sean Edmondson, sir. [0:38:08, 0:38:11]: Good evening to you. [0:38:13, 0:38:14]: Well could be. [0:38:29, 0:38:31]: Trying to buy my head. [0:38:56, 0:39:00]: Uh good evening, Mayor Council, even community staff. [0:39:00, 0:39:09]: Uh pursuant to section two dot twenty-one five of the city charter, I am pleased to submit for your review and consideration. [0:39:09, 0:39:13]: The proposed operating and capital budgets for a fiscal year 2026. [0:39:14, 0:39:21]: This budget embodies the city's council vision for responsible growth, efficient governance, and long-term financial stability. [0:39:22, 0:39:36]: It builds on the progress achieved from fiscal year 2025 and incorporates findings from 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, which confirms Stockbridge scrolling financial position and compliance with government auditing standards. [0:39:37, 0:39:41]: Stockbridge remains a key economic driver within Henry County's growth corridor. [0:39:42, 0:39:50]: The city's population is estimated at 38.5 residents within the county of over 250,000 people. [0:39:51, 0:39:54]: Employment has risen more than three percent since twenty twenty three. [0:39:55, 0:39:56]: With the unemployment rate. [0:39:56, 0:39:58]: has held below four percent. [0:39:59, 0:40:05]: Medium household income has surpassed eighty thousand, reinforcing a strong consumer base and sales tax performance. [0:40:06, 0:40:08]: Commercial activity continues to accelerate. [0:40:09, 0:40:20]: In physical year 2025, First Watch Restaurant opened its Stockbridge location, recording the fourth most successful grand opening and second best first week sale since the company's inception. [0:40:21, 0:40:30]: This achievement not only enhanced our local dining and retail profile, but also signaled continued investors' confidence in the city's market potential. [0:40:31, 0:40:32]: Anchors such as Costco. [0:40:33, 0:40:37]: wholesale and sprouts groceries has similar contributed to our commercial growth. [0:40:38, 0:40:41]: Complementing ongoing small business expansion throughout our corridor. [0:40:42, 0:40:48]: Stockbridge balanced physical philosophy anchored in a millet rate of 3.77 males adopted. [0:40:48, 0:40:57]: In 2023, and maintained for three consecutive years, continues to fund expanded services without increasing the tax burden on residents. [0:40:58, 0:41:12]: The fiscal year 2026 budget is a balance at$73,000,280,000 million dollars across all funds with a general fund of thirty four point seven million dollars. [0:41:12, 0:41:18]: This represented an eighteen percent increase from fiscal year twenty twenty five total of sixty two million. [0:41:18, 0:41:20]: The following are highlights [0:41:20, 0:41:23]: Uh key financial trends. Revenue growth. [0:41:24, 0:41:31]: CityRide revenues have grown since fiscal year 2024, driving driven by sales tax performance and new construction. [0:41:31, 0:41:39]: Expenditure management. Operating costs have increased at a substantial rate of approximately nine percent per year while expanding services. [0:41:40, 0:41:50]: Debt elimination, the Stockbridge Amber Theater Bond was fully paid off in physical year twenty twenty five, eliminating one point two million in annual debt services. [0:41:52, 0:42:00]: Financial resilience The city's general fund balance remains above GFOA's recommended reserve threshold. [0:42:01, 0:42:02]: Major program investments. [0:42:03, 0:42:04]: Public safety. [0:42:05, 0:42:06]: Ten point one million dollars. [0:42:07, 0:42:10]: Public works infrastructure four point nine million. [0:42:11, 0:42:13]: Debt service and capital commitments. [0:42:14, 0:42:29]: The Amphitheater debt retirement marks a major financial milestone. Free resources will support the city's next generation of SPLAS six projects, including the Community Development Center, a$12 million invested in the intergenerational programming and civic space. [0:42:30, 0:42:35]: City Hall, Murray Manders Conference Center, renovation, eight million in structural and systems upgrades. [0:42:36, 0:42:40]: Public maintenance facility replacements, four million to enhance fleet and operation capacity. [0:42:41, 0:42:55]: Employee compensation and benefits, a three percent cost of living is proposed for all current city employees, recognizing their dedication and service to the community. Healthcare savings achieved in fiscal year 2025 were preserved with no reduction in coverage. [0:42:56, 0:43:06]: Regional integration and county econom uh economy. Henry County's twenty twenty four audit reflects a seven percent increase in assessed property value and steady commercial expansion. [0:43:06, 0:43:14]: Stockbridge represents over 15% of the county's tax digest and accounts for nearly one-third of hotel rooms countywide. [0:43:14, 0:43:17]: significant drivers of hotel, motel, and sales tax revenues. [0:43:18, 0:43:26]: Through regional collaboration on transportation and stormwater projects, Startbridge continues to leverage county and state partnerships to maximize local returns. [0:43:27, 0:43:31]: uh strategic priorities for twenty fiscal year twenty twenty six. [0:43:32, 0:43:41]: uh safe and resilient communities by strengthening public safety, staffing and technology. Number two, connected infrastructure, advanced transportation, stormwater, and parks investments. [0:43:42, 0:43:47]: Physical accountability and transparency, sustain a balanced budget and robust reporting structure. [0:43:47, 0:43:50]: four. Employee engagement and retention. [0:43:50, 0:44:02]: Promote professional development and competitive benefits. Number five, community vibrancy and economic identity. Expand events and economic initiatives that reinforce Thoughtbridge regional brand. [0:44:03, 0:44:04]: In conclusion. [0:44:04, 0:44:24]: The fiscal year 2026 budget represents a forward-looking plan that maintains physical discipline, reduces debt, and positions the city for sustained growth. It connects strategic priorities to measurable outcomes, invests in infrastructure and employees, and reflects the collective commitment of the mayor and council to a safe, vibrant, and prosperous state. [0:44:24, 0:44:25]: Stockbridge. [0:44:26, 0:44:29]: I now turn it over to Mr. Frank Malazi. [0:44:29, 0:44:30]: All right, thank you, sir. [0:44:37, 0:44:38]: For sure then. [0:44:41, 0:44:43]: I got one question. Oh yes, go ahead, sir. [0:44:47, 0:45:07]: You said first watch did the second most had the second most business ever in First Watch opening. That's correct. That is correct. In the city of Stockbridge. In the city of Stockbridge, sir. Right. So we can still do the first month, right? We can still get we we we in second place for the first all time. All time. [0:45:07, 0:45:13]: We still can get the first month, right? That's definitely a possibility. Absolutely. Let's do it. Yes, sir. Thanks. [0:45:16, 0:45:17]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. [0:45:17, 0:45:18]: Good evening. [0:45:19, 0:45:28]: I'll be getting into details of what the city manager has uh gone through and uh that will be backed up with the numbers that we will have. [0:45:30, 0:45:40]: So revenues and the expenditures are estimates for our fiscal year twenty twenty six budget, our twenty twenty six operating general fund [0:45:40, 0:45:41]: Proposed budget. [0:45:43, 0:46:01]: is at thirty-four point seven, an increase of five point five or nineteen percent from the twenty twenty five approved budget of twenty-nine point uh two million. The total proposed budget [0:46:02, 0:46:08]: That's revenues and expenses for all funds, general fund included, is seventy three point [0:46:09, 0:46:29]: three million for fiscal year twenty twenty six presented for mayor and council's consideration today. And again on the eighteenth, as well as the adoption on the eighth of December. This budget is a total map, a road map [0:46:29, 0:46:40]: fiscal plan for city to continue receiving the services that the council and the staff are providing to its residents. [0:46:44, 0:46:52]: So general fund and all other funds. Proposed general fund is 34.7 million. That's in revenues. [0:46:53, 0:47:04]: And the expenses are thirty four point seven million. That is what it is called balanced budget, revenue, echoes, expenses. They are all estimates. [0:47:05, 0:47:14]: Proposed total budget for all funds, including general fund, is seventy three point three and the expenses seventy three point three. [0:47:16, 0:47:23]: That revenues equals to expenses, that's also we have uh balanced budget. [0:47:25, 0:47:45]: Then I have the breakdown of all those kinds of revenues that we have. We have franchise fees, that's 2.8 million. We have sales tax, 10 million. We have insurance premium, uh 3.3 million, property tax, 7.4, occupational tax. [0:47:45, 0:47:52]: Tax two million, other taxes two point seven, then we have licenses and permits. [0:47:52, 0:47:56]: These are fees, uh what million intergovernmental. [0:47:56, 0:47:58]: Two hundred and twenty one. [0:47:59, 0:48:19]: Chair charge for services, that's eight hundred thousand. Then we have uh fines and forfeitures one point four interest uh four hundred and fifty. This one we have to say that this is the the [0:48:19, 0:48:23]: It's happening because we implemented the or we decided to have uh [0:48:24, 0:48:24]: Um [0:48:26, 0:48:26]: Checking [0:48:27, 0:48:33]: interest bearing account or or where we are putting our money now they are getting interest. [0:48:35, 0:48:41]: Uh then transfers we have two point two for a total of uh thirty four point seven, that's in general fund. [0:48:43, 0:48:49]: And this is the same breakdown but just the distribution in a pie chart format. [0:48:50, 0:48:57]: Uh this is for the past years. How much will be come uh eighteenth or [0:48:58, 0:49:06]: Eighth of December will give you the actuals for twenty twenty-four and then we'll have the adopted for twenty twenty-five. [0:49:09, 0:49:12]: Uh this is the distribution for general fund. [0:49:13, 0:49:25]: how it is being proposed for general fund to provide services to different departments. [0:49:26, 0:49:41]: So we have uh the governing body, we have the city clerk, you have the executive, you have the finance, non governmental. Non governmental means it doesn't belong to one g one department. [0:49:42, 0:49:42]: Um [0:49:43, 0:49:53]: It's all departments that get benefit from that. Then you have business um services, information technology, human resources. [0:49:54, 0:49:56]: Government buildings. [0:49:57, 0:49:58]: And we have municipal court. [0:49:59, 0:50:06]: We have public uh police department, public works, city events, parks. [0:50:07, 0:50:13]: Um we have permits, permitting, planning, economic development. [0:50:14, 0:50:24]: Uh we have Main Street, GIS and other financing for a total of the same thirty four point seven million. [0:50:25, 0:50:29]: And again that's a distribution that is in a pie chart. [0:50:29, 0:50:33]: for the same expenses that we have just gone through. [0:50:39, 0:50:42]: Then we have uh expenses. [0:50:42, 0:50:45]: As we know, the first one is general fund. [0:50:46, 0:50:49]: Thirty seven uh thirty four point seven. [0:50:50, 0:50:53]: The rest of what I have already itemized, I have mentioned [0:50:54, 0:50:55]: That are there. [0:50:56, 0:50:57]: Дегав ревенюс. [0:50:58, 0:50:59]: With expenses. [0:51:00, 0:51:07]: And that's the same thing I think we had that issue in twenty twenty five when we did budget amendment that you are menting. [0:51:08, 0:51:09]: You don't have revenues. [0:51:09, 0:51:25]: You can't make amendment if you don't have revenues. So all these funds you are seeing here, they have corresponding revenues with estimated expenses to be used in twenty twenty six. [0:51:28, 0:51:32]: Here are some major co uh mayor and council [0:51:32, 0:51:37]: priorities that they want these things to take place in twenty twenty six. [0:51:38, 0:51:43]: Some of these ones are capital projects that they will take more than one year. [0:51:44, 0:51:50]: And each one of these they have got uh funding. It's not that all of them funding is available. [0:51:51, 0:52:03]: But this is what they want to see it take place. Community center, then we have T plus projects. Ts plus projects have got T S plus funding. [0:52:03, 0:52:12]: Uh you have uh uh downtown development. We have we're finding. Some of this one we're finding was the um [0:52:13, 0:52:20]: funded in the past by upper funds. And as you all know, upper funds are no longer there. [0:52:20, 0:52:32]: uh come December thirty one, twenty twenty six. Whatever we have now in upper funds are what we obligated. So there is nothing that we can [0:52:33, 0:52:52]: incur new expenses in twenty twenty six but these are what we already incurred and obligated and reported to uh federal government who gave us the grants. So we can't start new expenses on that unless we have uh new funding. [0:52:53, 0:53:05]: Then we have city uh municipal buildings that's likely to come from General Fund, which we is already there, it's already allocated. General fund plus mi um plus six as well. [0:53:07, 0:53:27]: These are some of the highlights that we we may have in twenty twenty six. That's road and sidewalk uh improvements, which are is a continuation and they will be funded with a grant plus C plus six. Public safety enhancement when we have [0:53:26, 0:53:34]: no increase in property tax as you all know since twenty twenty three it has been the same um [0:53:37, 0:53:40]: rate of three point seven seven miles. [0:53:41, 0:53:50]: Uh there will be or is being proposed to have three percent colour to all employees. [0:53:50, 0:53:58]: Public works, uh there's new facility that is under construction. Water um [0:53:59, 0:54:19]: What write off? There are several reasons why we write off and in this case specifically this year we had a lot of amount functions of meters. So you see what we wrote off last year will be much less compared to what we are writing off for uh twenty twenty six. End of this [0:54:19, 0:54:22]: C which will be about eighteen [0:54:22, 0:54:23]: South and [0:54:24, 0:54:27]: А then we have semitar improvements, credit card. [0:54:28, 0:54:34]: credit card what we do now during covid is if someone is buying things online. [0:54:34, 0:54:39]: or paying services online, we absorb fees. [0:54:40, 0:54:46]: And those fees are killing us. So we are proposing to re [0:54:47, 0:54:49]: Uh consider that and go back to [0:54:50, 0:55:01]: user fees that if they decide that they are going to pay through credit card, they will absorb, meaning those that are getting services. [0:55:01, 0:55:03]: 'Cause like now if we are [0:55:03, 0:55:09]: For instance, we have uh a service that is for two hundred thousand or two hundred dollars. [0:55:09, 0:55:11]: And we absorb phase. [0:55:11, 0:55:21]: We have budgeted for two hundred for that service but we don't get two hundred because we have to remove credit fees. So it's not real. [0:55:22, 0:55:23]: Um [0:55:23, 0:55:33]: estimates of our revenues. So come January one if the council consider that we will reinstall the fees. [0:55:35, 0:55:55]: We are proposing again to pay off a GEFA loan. We have about eight hundred and something remaining. And if we pay off, we'll be able to do that. It will save the seat some money. So you see that we are paying off, we paid off amphetra and [0:55:54, 0:56:03]: And we are also to pay off this gefa, that means we are being fiscal responsible. [0:56:07, 0:56:09]: This is our governing body. [0:56:10, 0:56:16]: Um we have our mayor, Mayor Ford, we have District One, our Mayor Pro Tem. [0:56:17, 0:56:30]: Gantt and then we have District Two, uh Council Member Thomas, we have District Three, Council Member Berry, District Four, Council Member Barber, [0:56:31, 0:56:35]: District five, Councilmember Alexandra. [0:56:35, 0:56:46]: Here I will not get into details, but you can read the duties of our elected officials or our governing body, what they do. [0:56:46, 0:56:47]: Uh [0:56:47, 0:56:48]: To be [0:56:49, 0:56:50]: Or to lead [0:56:50, 0:56:51]: Ситов Стокбридж. [0:56:51, 0:56:54]: the governing body provides a strategic [0:56:55, 0:56:57]: uh direction and the oversight. [0:56:58, 0:56:59]: To the city of Stockbridge. [0:57:00, 0:57:02]: And within that they w [0:57:02, 0:57:13]: uh execute those directives through the seat manager, through departments, through different mechanisms that are there, including our different boards that we have. [0:57:17, 0:57:21]: Um there are some key roles of the uh [0:57:22, 0:57:25]: governing body that have been listed [0:57:26, 0:57:35]: And also we have uh governing body staff. As of now we have the executive assistant and we have also administrative assistant. [0:57:35, 0:57:44]: Uh these are the people that would do day to day's requirements that are needed in the constituency. They are needed to um [0:57:45, 0:57:51]: Be in contact with outside world on behalf of our elected officials. [0:57:51, 0:58:06]: And there are activities that also our elected officials are doing that I'm going to mention them. For example, includes district town halls, bingo bash, a free line dancing, community [0:58:07, 0:58:12]: Uh cleanups which we just had this past uh Saturday, mobile [0:58:13, 0:58:15]: Uh, board banks. [0:58:15, 0:58:32]: Women's history celebration, National Day of Prayer, African American Heritage Celebration, Meet the Mayor, Festi Responders, Appreciation, the First [0:58:35, 0:58:55]: First of all, mothers and fathers see day celebrations, a smoke detector, smoke detectors that we find we help out there to see that sometimes they don't, but it's part of the initiatives of our elected officials. And the young and the gifted. [0:58:55, 0:58:56]: Yeah. [0:58:59, 0:59:06]: Then we have uh uh the office of the city clerk. Again um the um [0:59:07, 0:59:10]: Three staff there, you read [0:59:11, 0:59:15]: the main duty of the city clerk is the custodian. So you will [0:59:15, 0:59:19]: have that information you can read. I'll not go in details. [0:59:20, 0:59:21]: Um [0:59:22, 0:59:42]: Then I will get into 2025-2026 goals and projects for the our city crook, ground floor records system, GIS mapping, RFP, City. [0:59:42, 0:59:46]: Cemetery, Bucky Cemetery. Um [0:59:47, 0:59:55]: G get fence repair, city cemetery, memorial and gardens. [0:59:55, 1:00:02]: And all those other services that you be able to read that are under the city clock. [1:00:04, 1:00:20]: Then we get into our seat manager again. Uh there are details that you'll be in. So I'll take some highlights here and there. The office of the seat manager serves as the executive branch of the city of Stockbridge. [1:00:21, 1:00:34]: Then the executive team, you have the executive assistant, Miss Jones. Um then I'll get into the strategic statue. [1:00:35, 1:00:53]: for twenty twenty six what the city manager is planning to do in twenty twenty six or continue to do in twenty twenty six. Beginning twenty twenty six the office of the city manager will roll out a series of initiatives. [1:00:59, 1:01:06]: And then he has got details of what is to be done next year. You have uh next uh [1:01:08, 1:01:16]: Uh next generation readership academy. Then before that you have the Star Power program. [1:01:20, 1:01:32]: Then you have the finance uh department which is the under the city treasure. There are descriptions of what the city treasure is as a financial custodial. [1:01:32, 1:01:34]: Records, financial records. [1:01:34, 1:01:40]: advisor to the financial advisor to the s uh city manager, management or council. [1:01:40, 1:01:43]: to make sure that i they get [1:01:44, 1:01:45]: Financial reports. [1:01:46, 1:01:49]: So they can make a wise decision. [1:01:49, 1:01:52]: For the future of the city. [1:01:55, 1:01:57]: And twenty twenty five um [1:01:57, 1:01:58]: Oh vasio. [1:01:59, 1:02:06]: We changed bank, as I mentioned, we moved from non-interest bearing accounts to interest bearing accounts. [1:02:07, 1:02:11]: Uh, we also met all grantee requirements. [1:02:11, 1:02:17]: that made us not to receive our or to get reimbursed the funds that he we had spent [1:02:18, 1:02:26]: But we met all those and all we have received all the funds that were held up by various federal agencies. [1:02:28, 1:02:40]: Uh we have completed our twenty twenty four audit and we have also filed for excellency uh in the with the Government Finance Officers Association of United States and Canada. [1:02:40, 1:02:43]: uh we have improved operations [1:02:44, 1:02:45]: uh and produce [1:02:46, 1:02:47]: Procedures. [1:02:47, 1:02:50]: For timely recording. [1:02:50, 1:02:52]: And the reporting. [1:02:56, 1:03:16]: We are looking forward to twenty twenty six uh reverging a full uh capacity of ERP. We are not uh really using our system, our tire system as it's supposed to be. So we are planning to fully utilize it. We are paying it but we are not getting the services. [1:03:16, 1:03:16]: Yeah. [1:03:17, 1:03:37]: Uh we have also planned to utilize the employees self service. So there are several things that are in the system but we are not utilizing it. We have to pay or we have to give any time an employee wants their W two, we have to give them. But now once we implement this one [1:03:37, 1:03:41]: They can print at any time they want it, it will be available for them. [1:03:41, 1:03:46]: And sometimes they may need to get a loan from the bank. [1:03:46, 1:03:56]: This system will help them to give them or to verify that yes, he is an employee without literally having a letter from us at no cost. [1:04:02, 1:04:18]: Then we get into community development. The twenty twenty six budget for community development uh has got priorities reflecting straight uh commitment to modernization, uh equity. [1:04:18, 1:04:20]: And the revatrization. [1:04:23, 1:04:27]: And we can read that one in details, then he [1:04:27, 1:04:43]: The final part of the community development say finally the unified development code will be updated to ensure smart growth, transit oriented development, um clarity. [1:04:45, 1:04:47]: Contemporary um [1:04:48, 1:05:08]: relevance and alignment with the city's comprehensive plan and ordinances. The department is implementing new fees schedule in twenty twenty six. Currently our fees for various services are the lowest in the area. [1:05:08, 1:05:12]: I think we several times our [1:05:13, 1:05:33]: Community Development Director has mentioned that, but we feel like this is the time that we should start to uh step up with the changes of the fees schedule. If we keep we live that way, it the difference will be just too much. So come January one, if the council approves [1:05:33, 1:05:35]: Proofs we will be [1:05:37, 1:05:39]: Stepping up with our fees schedules. [1:05:43, 1:06:03]: Uh human resources. Human resources is the that is the responsible for development, employees' development, professional development. So the set of stockbridge workforce is the greatest asset investment. That's the biggest investment that of every company. [1:06:03, 1:06:13]: company is the human resources or personnel. Employees are the engine that drives the city. Staff have a team [1:06:13, 1:06:20]: approach to achieve one common goal across the city and that's to provide quality services. [1:06:21, 1:06:22]: New positions. [1:06:23, 1:06:32]: Have been pro uh presented to council, and some positions have also been presented to council to uh change the titles. [1:06:32, 1:06:42]: And if you allow that you with the back up of the funding, those ones will be effective. [1:06:46, 1:07:02]: The Human Resources Department 2026 budget has increased for several reasons. Increase in risk management, general liability, our general liability has gone up a lot. Uh two years ago. [1:07:03, 1:07:15]: It was at three hundred thousand. Um then came twenty twenty-five. Now twenty twenty-five. Uh we are at [1:07:15, 1:07:16]: Eight hundred. [1:07:16, 1:07:24]: N um about three years ago. It started at three hundred, it went to six hundred, now we are nine hundred and ni almost nine hundred. [1:07:25, 1:07:44]: And the quote that we have, quotation that we have on our general liability is almost uh even though the final is not, but it will not be less than nine hundred thousand. So that has increased the expenses in the human resources department. [1:07:44, 1:07:46]: Our insurances also have gone up. [1:07:47, 1:08:05]: All pre-employment screening are now handled by um human resources. Then we have workers' camp is also handled by human resources. So if you see the increase in human resources um budgets because of those changes. [1:08:11, 1:08:12]: Uh municipal court. [1:08:13, 1:08:26]: has got the twenty twenty-five uh review that they have completed office implementation uh for increased capacity and the [1:08:28, 1:08:37]: better customer services. Then they have also implemented the council approved [1:08:38, 1:08:43]: This is F T A, that's Feria to appear. [1:08:43, 1:08:48]: Uh, if you have a case and you don't appear before the court [1:08:48, 1:08:55]: That was not but it has been implemented, so you will be fined if you don't show up. [1:08:57, 1:09:00]: And then twenty twenty six goes enhanced the [1:09:01, 1:09:16]: technology working with the IT, improve retention of employee by increasing compensation to much skilled set as it is across this s um city. [1:09:19, 1:09:30]: And the here's the summary for municipal court for twenty twenty five. Increase in funding over twenty twenty five budget due to various operation changes, such as court appointed attorneys. [1:09:30, 1:09:39]: uh shredding services, personnel services, postage, utilities, hospital, and statutory charges remission. [1:09:42, 1:09:43]: P D [1:09:45, 1:09:46]: Okay. [1:09:47, 1:09:48]: Um [1:09:59, 1:10:02]: So our police department [1:10:04, 1:10:07]: budget has the actual [1:10:07, 1:10:10]: Our twenty twenty six [1:10:11, 1:10:12]: Budget for payday. [1:10:13, 1:10:16]: is estimated to be eleven point one milion. [1:10:18, 1:10:30]: And that includes the Red Speed Fund, which is the nine hundred and thirty seven, um estimated to bring in revenue nine hundred and thirty seven. [1:10:31, 1:10:39]: With that, that means our PD budget has increased from twenty twenty five budget by two point four million. [1:10:39, 1:10:41]: or twenty eight percent. [1:10:42, 1:10:48]: Uh last year's budget or twenty twenty five budget, current budget is at eight point six million. [1:10:48, 1:10:55]: And we about one million of that increase is uh attributed to uh personnel. [1:10:56, 1:11:16]: The PD, they have said again and again to say that we are losing our officers to neighboring communities because our starting salaries are very low. So now we are proposing if you allow to move from starting salary of fifty six [1:11:16, 1:11:18]: six to sixty. [1:11:18, 1:11:30]: that will enable PD to retain officers at the same time to attract officers with that new salary plus the good benefits that the city provides. [1:11:32, 1:11:35]: Uh currently we [1:11:36, 1:11:45]: lost funding, it expired because of several things that were there as we were organizing the grant um [1:11:46, 1:11:50]: grant operations or grant administration. [1:11:50, 1:11:52]: Uh we lost the [1:11:53, 1:11:56]: The Cops grant that was funding ten [1:11:56, 1:11:57]: Officers. [1:11:59, 1:12:09]: now is covered by general fund. No officer is losing job because of that expiration of the grant. We have also um applied [1:12:09, 1:12:29]: So should we apply uh should we get that that will be an additional funding or that one will replace what we have uh taken money from general fund if we get that funding that we have applied and we are looking forward to getting that. Then we have also listed [1:12:29, 1:12:35]: the areas that are funded by Red Speed Fund. [1:12:36, 1:12:39]: for thirty nine hundred and thirty seven thousand. [1:12:40, 1:12:41]: Yeah. [1:12:45, 1:12:48]: Next summary will be on the public works. [1:12:49, 1:12:53]: Uh the Department of Public Works twenty twenty six proposed budget [1:12:53, 1:12:54]: Uh [1:12:55, 1:12:56]: Which will be [1:12:57, 1:13:17]: budgets, which will be public works, then you have b uh government buildings, then you have parks, uh have increased those budgets have increased to a total of by they have increased by one point three million from five point six one five point one million in twenty twenty five to propos [1:13:17, 1:13:23]: proposed budget of six point four million for twenty twenty six or an increase of twenty five percent. [1:13:25, 1:13:38]: Expenses have uh increased in public works department as city grows and with the annexation of new communities. Uh what uh we have experienced is that there's annexation [1:13:38, 1:13:40]: Communities are coming to the city. [1:13:40, 1:13:43]: Unfortunately, they don't come with funding. [1:13:44, 1:13:48]: uh those expenses were covered by the county [1:13:49, 1:13:50]: But when they come [1:13:50, 1:13:54]: Туда сидіти ви хавту футбилс. [1:13:54, 1:14:05]: on those ones and some of those ones will include um street lights, road paving and light signals. Of course general maintenance is also part of that. [1:14:07, 1:14:19]: twenty twenty five highlights of public works re they have resurfaced five point three miles of roads, replaced four point five [1:14:19, 1:14:20]: Uh Rinif [1:14:21, 1:14:23]: Fate of damaged sidewalks. [1:14:24, 1:14:31]: installed polar pavements in the turred sitting area at the amphitheater. [1:14:32, 1:14:45]: And also initiated design for new public works maintenance shop that is currently under construction and it's expected to be completed mid of next year. [1:14:45, 1:14:50]: joint resurfacing project of Eagles Landing Parkway. Um [1:14:52, 1:14:54]: East Lake, Parkway. [1:14:55, 1:15:02]: Hudson Bridge Road and Flippin Road with the Fer um Henry County. [1:15:07, 1:15:10]: Uh IT twenty twenty five. [1:15:10, 1:15:29]: During this year, the IT department focused on is uh thre threatening infrastructure, improving security and streamlining internal process. Major completed initiatives include equipment and inventory management, printer server. [1:15:30, 1:15:36]: and several other functions. What I need to mention here that [1:15:36, 1:15:39]: Several departments or in the past. [1:15:40, 1:15:42]: departments had their own IT [1:15:43, 1:15:43]: Budgeted. [1:15:44, 1:15:47]: What we have done now is to remove all [1:15:47, 1:15:53]: IT related activities into IT. So you see that IT's budget has the [1:15:53, 1:16:06]: uh also increased because of that. The reason is that it's not all of us we know how to use IT, but we are we don't have the expertise of when we need to uh [1:16:08, 1:16:28]: to update the software or to to do any changes that may be there. So we have removed every department, uh anything IT related, whether they are computers, there are comp um printers or there are copier machines, everything has gone to IT. [1:16:35, 1:16:53]: Uh twenty twenty six summary infrastructure that's IT upgrade outdated the hardware and software to improve speed, liability and capability. Uh migrate to cloud service for better [1:16:55, 1:17:02]: scalability, data s um backup and remove remote access. [1:17:03, 1:17:10]: Then improve network performance with faster switches, better Wi Fi coverage and [1:17:13, 1:17:14]: Redundancy [1:17:24, 1:17:26]: Uh we get into events. [1:17:28, 1:17:48]: Uh twenty twenty five events review uh overview of twenty twenty five. Fifty shades of pink, ranch on and walk, over three hundred breast cancer survivors and supporters. Over eight hundred participants joined in the walk. [1:17:48, 1:17:50]: We supported and honored [1:17:51, 1:18:03]: the event. And there there was job fair that was attended about six hundred uh people uh making a tangible impact on local employment. [1:18:04, 1:18:11]: Of your view of twenty-five continues, uh juneteenth performance. Um [1:18:12, 1:18:13]: Arrested development. [1:18:16, 1:18:31]: delivering a spectacular cultural celebration that drew an incredible f 5,000 people. Then Fourth July celebration. Then we have Bre Bridgefest. [1:18:33, 1:18:53]: All these are success and the highlights of 2025 for events department. 2026, for 2026, the goal should be to focus on the uh three areas: that's community impact. [1:18:53, 1:19:00]: Market efficiency and innovation, which are key trends in events. [1:19:01, 1:19:05]: Um a hundring ten thousand persons uh [1:19:07, 1:19:08]: A cloud [1:19:09, 1:19:10]: Requires [1:19:11, 1:19:13]: Wood o a wood class logistics. [1:19:14, 1:19:16]: Our goal is to make [1:19:16, 1:19:18]: The proces [1:19:18, 1:19:19]: Festa [1:19:19, 1:19:22]: Smarter and less costly. [1:19:24, 1:19:38]: The event landscape is rapidly changing. These goals ensure the department remains on the cutting edge for a growing family oriented community like Stockbridge. [1:19:40, 1:19:41]: With that [1:19:44, 1:19:45]: I [1:19:48, 1:20:08]: End there, if there are questions, comments. Thank you. I'm pretty sure we have several comments, but let me start this off with a simple thing here, I believe. The GIFA loan, the GF uh GEFA loan, I'm w I believe what we call it. That loan is specifically from for the city hall, is that correct? Or is that that is to do with water? [1:20:08, 1:20:09]: Water, okay. [1:20:09, 1:20:15]: So we feel like we have the ability to pay off and we'll save the city money. [1:20:16, 1:20:20]: All right. Unfortunately it has been being paid is [1:20:20, 1:20:26]: It has been being paid from general fund. Okay. It's an enterprise is supposed to be self sufficient. [1:20:29, 1:20:29]: Okay. [1:20:30, 1:20:43]: All right. And the loan on I'm um I've just got to ask the question. Sure. Reference to the city hall. The the the amount that we own the city hall right now, and to plan to to potentially pay that off as well? [1:20:43, 1:20:45]: So um [1:20:46, 1:21:05]: Let me come back to you, ma okay, all right, so be it. I I'll So we ha we have the city hall, then we have another loan that is it's scheduled for th twenty twenty e twenty thirty six and the other one is uh twenty thirty one. Okay, got it, so be it. W but we can talk. Okay, got it. So be it, so be it. So no problem. All right, questions. [1:21:06, 1:21:09]: You all been talking down here? Got got a question, concerns? [1:21:12, 1:21:32]: Well, this is the first reading as far as I'm concerned, Mayor. I'm I'm going to probably meet with the city manager and address my concerns. Thereafter I I would speak listen to the public first and then go from there. I have done the deductions what has increased the dollar amounts and and reasons why. And so [1:21:32, 1:21:38]: I will have some questions and probably definitely some amendments that I'm gonna request. [1:21:38, 1:21:39]: All right. [1:21:39, 1:21:59]: Yeah, I think what we always ask and I always tell the staff, tell me what you need. Now, certainly we're not we might not be able to find everything that you need, but certainly if we don't know you need it, we'll have to go through it to kind of look at it, uh massage it to see exactly where uh we can be good stewards of the [1:21:59, 1:22:19]: citizens money, but certainly the growth has been propelling us in this direction and has been increasing the revenue as we go along the track to match uh the growth in the city. And certainly um you know when people say put your money where your mouth is, you can see whether where our money is going. The money [1:22:19, 1:22:38]: is going in areas such as public safety, which is our top priority. So those areas, public works. People talk about the different infrastructure in the city. And as you read out, we paved Eagles Landing Parkway, we paved Hudson Bridge Road. [1:22:38, 1:22:58]: Patrick Henry Parkway has been paved. Walt Stevens Road has been paved. Spivey Road has been paved, right? We're paving roads all over the subdivision. So Stockbridge is doing a good job in reinvesting in ourselves to make sure that those items are being taken care of. And at the same time, we're being rewarded. [1:22:58, 1:23:18]: With new economic development that's driving the sales in an upward direction. And as the city manager pointed out aptly, is that the rising sales tax numbers are really driving revenue in the city. And to see that the sales tax, which means that people are not just the citizens, [1:23:18, 1:23:38]: But people are coming in from the outside and there are believing in what we're doing. And you know, when we have Costco doing what they're doing, and we have uh Sprouts doing what they're doing, the big numbers and First Watch doing what they're doing, it adequately says we're preparing for the future, and that's kind of what we're really doing. [1:23:38, 1:23:40]: And I'm gonna close by saying this. [1:23:41, 1:24:01]: The amphitheater was an aggressive, an aggressive decision by this council to pay it off within four years. A$22.5 million facility. Now, people look at our overall fund balance and you look at the city's overall health. [1:24:01, 1:24:21]: But to me, that shows the strength that the city was able to exhibit to be able to extract that money from the general fund and pay off literally a 30-year mortgage within four years. That's very, very impressive. And make no mistake about it, that fund has been paid off. [1:24:21, 1:24:23]: And it is at a zero balance, correct? [1:24:25, 1:24:25]: Thank you, sir. [1:24:26, 1:24:31]: I would say on that on that note, I have to admit every time I mention that to anybody, typically [1:24:31, 1:24:45]: ninety eight percent of the time folks folks were really amazed by it that it happened within a four year period. I mean without a doubt. So that is a a plus and uh in that aspect as well. So it's a great thing. On this side, uh well, I'll go to the ladies first, you know. Go ahead. [1:24:45, 1:25:05]: Okay, okay, Kyle, go ahead. Yes again. Um thank you again, Mr. Malazzi, for putting together the first read. And so again, as already been stated, I'm sure there'll be uh some some future conversations and amendments that will be presented. But I I too would like to applaud some of the things that we've accomplished in the two thousand and twenty-five year, but with a still [1:25:05, 1:25:25]: uh a branded focus for looking at 2026 and uh highlighting some some opportunities for infrastructure development and some opportunities to uh enhance green space and parks and things of that nature. So but I won't go into the specific details of that of how we can uh uh show up some of those [1:25:25, 1:25:43]: opportunities uh for 2026 but again um definitely uh a positive outlook for 2025 as well as uh what we anticipate for the new year and uh so this is again the initial but we will have uh future uh discussions and so again I thank you. [1:25:44, 1:25:45]: Ms. Barber, go ahead, please. [1:25:49, 1:26:00]: Thank you, Mayor Ford. Um, I do have a lot of questions, a lot of comments that I do wanna read into the record. I am going to email them also. [1:26:00, 1:26:02]: This is just for [1:26:02, 1:26:03]: The record though. [1:26:04, 1:26:06]: So bear with me. [1:26:07, 1:26:10]: And thank you for your presentation, Mr. Malazi. [1:26:10, 1:26:12]: During the fall [1:26:13, 1:26:19]: Budget retreat in September twenty twenty five. I reiterated my support and commitment. [1:26:20, 1:26:26]: To the two two to three year financial plan, as was approved by the governing body. [1:26:26, 1:26:30]: During our march twenty twenty five budget retreat. [1:26:31, 1:26:32]: To reduce spending. [1:26:33, 1:26:35]: And to build back our fund balance. [1:26:36, 1:26:41]: I have reviewed the proposed FY twenty twenty six budget in its entirety. [1:26:43, 1:26:55]: I will read all of my comments and questions into the record and I will email them to Mr. Edmondson and Mr. Malad Malazi for feedback and just answers. [1:26:57, 1:26:59]: What is the anticipated [1:26:59, 1:27:00]: Millet collection. [1:27:01, 1:27:04]: For FY twenty twenty six. [1:27:06, 1:27:07]: Is their funding included? [1:27:08, 1:27:10]: In the FY twenty twenty six budget. [1:27:11, 1:27:12]: For land acquisitions. [1:27:12, 1:27:15]: And if so, I'd like to know where that is. [1:27:17, 1:27:21]: Is funding included for modifications to windows and doors? [1:27:23, 1:27:24]: Is funding included? [1:27:25, 1:27:30]: To allow homeowners who qualify for all three exemptions. [1:27:31, 1:27:33]: To benefit from all three. [1:27:33, 1:27:35]: Thereby increasing the capital. [1:27:36, 1:27:38]: From twenty five thousand [1:27:39, 1:27:41]: To forty thousand. [1:27:43, 1:27:48]: Was the line item or funding increased as we discussed previously? [1:27:50, 1:27:53]: Is there funding to support moving forward? [1:27:53, 1:27:56]: with the Rock Quarry Road extension. [1:28:03, 1:28:05]: Please provide the following items. [1:28:06, 1:28:08]: And submit to the full governing body. [1:28:10, 1:28:10]: One. [1:28:10, 1:28:12]: The job descriptions. [1:28:12, 1:28:16]: For each proposed FY twenty twenty six new position. [1:28:17, 1:28:19]: That is included in this budget. [1:28:21, 1:28:21]: Two. [1:28:22, 1:28:27]: The job descriptions for each proposed FY twenty twenty six reclassified. [1:28:28, 1:28:30]: And retitled position. [1:28:30, 1:28:32]: With a reason for the change. [1:28:33, 1:28:34]: Number three. [1:28:35, 1:28:39]: FY twenty twenty six pay and classification report. [1:28:40, 1:28:42]: That's included or should be included. [1:28:42, 1:28:47]: In the FY twenty twenty six budget. And I'm sorry, Miss Holliday. All this is for the record. [1:28:48, 1:28:48]: Okay. [1:28:50, 1:28:58]: Four, provide a listing of all employees and positions with current 2025 salaries. [1:28:58, 1:29:00]: And the same. [1:29:00, 1:29:03]: for the proposed twenty twenty six budget. [1:29:05, 1:29:05]: Ah. [1:29:06, 1:29:08]: Provide the list of revenue. [1:29:08, 1:29:12]: From item surplus in twenty twenty five. [1:29:14, 1:29:15]: Number six. [1:29:16, 1:29:18]: Please provide the marketing plan. [1:29:19, 1:29:21]: As was discussed during the budget retreat. [1:29:22, 1:29:24]: То інкріс до ревену. [1:29:24, 1:29:26]: For the Merrill Mandis Conference Center. [1:29:29, 1:29:34]: Seven, the building maintenance plan, as was discussed during the budget retreat. [1:29:37, 1:29:40]: Please also provide the sponsorship plan. [1:29:40, 1:29:43]: as was discussed during the budget retreat. [1:29:43, 1:29:45]: To offset expenses. [1:29:45, 1:29:47]: For free city events. [1:29:47, 1:29:49]: And paid concerts. [1:29:52, 1:29:52]: Um [1:29:54, 1:29:57]: Mr. Malazy just shared in his presentation. [1:29:58, 1:30:02]: That preemployment screenings are now under the HR department. [1:30:03, 1:30:04]: Have a question for that. [1:30:05, 1:30:07]: Which department had been handling this function? [1:30:08, 1:30:10]: Currently or before? [1:30:11, 1:30:17]: I would think that the police department would also be able to provide full background checks. [1:30:25, 1:30:29]: For our human resources, the general liability line item number. [1:30:30, 1:30:35]: one zero zero dash one five four zero zero dash five two three [1:30:36, 1:30:37]: One one zero. [1:30:37, 1:30:38]: Has increased. [1:30:39, 1:30:41]: From two hundred twenty seven thousand [1:30:41, 1:30:43]: Seven hundred and eleven dollars. [1:30:43, 1:30:46]: ін фва твані тварифо [1:30:46, 1:30:47]: To nine hundred thousand. [1:30:48, 1:30:48]: Budgeted. [1:30:49, 1:30:51]: For FY twenty twenty six. [1:30:51, 1:30:53]: This item should be bidded out. [1:30:54, 1:30:57]: GMA should issue the city a quote. [1:30:58, 1:31:00]: with a larger pool of municipalities. [1:31:02, 1:31:03]: I'd just like to know. [1:31:05, 1:31:06]: The rationale behind it. [1:31:09, 1:31:13]: For events. During the budget retreat, the governing body was told [1:31:14, 1:31:17]: That the Merle Manders Conference Center would operate. [1:31:17, 1:31:18]: as an enterprise. [1:31:18, 1:31:23]: And the salaries and benefits would move to the events department or events deput budget. [1:31:25, 1:31:30]: In FY twenty twenty five, the salaries were two hundred and ninety three thousand two hundred. [1:31:31, 1:31:33]: Two hundred and seven dollars. [1:31:33, 1:31:34]: And the amount budgeted. [1:31:35, 1:31:37]: For FY twenty twenty six. [1:31:37, 1:31:39]: It's six hundred seventy seven thousand. [1:31:39, 1:31:41]: Seven hundred and fifty eight. [1:31:42, 1:31:45]: That is a difference of three hundred eighty four thousand [1:31:45, 1:31:47]: Five hundred fifty one. [1:31:48, 1:31:49]: And has more than doubled. [1:31:50, 1:31:51]: Please explain. [1:31:54, 1:31:56]: As discussed during the budget retreat. [1:31:56, 1:32:03]: Sponsorship was going to be the focus of the paid concerts and city events. [1:32:03, 1:32:05]: To help offset costs. [1:32:06, 1:32:12]: The projected sponsorship revenue does not project what was discussed. Please explain. [1:32:15, 1:32:21]: I had hoped and suggested and recommended that our city would move forward with [1:32:22, 1:32:25]: Hiring a third party venue management company. [1:32:26, 1:32:27]: So that [1:32:27, 1:32:31]: Taxpayer funds are not used to fund the [1:32:31, 1:32:36]: Full and total operations of the amphitheater at a hundred percent. [1:32:37, 1:32:40]: But according to the FY twenty twenty six budget. [1:32:40, 1:32:42]: Our city would still be paying. [1:32:42, 1:32:45]: А ген процентов в операцію. [1:32:46, 1:32:49]: En hiring in health staff. [1:32:49, 1:32:51]: To cover most of the labor. [1:32:52, 1:32:54]: and other expenses associated. [1:32:55, 1:32:56]: with operating the amphitheatre. [1:32:58, 1:33:00]: I had hope that the city [1:33:01, 1:33:02]: Would contact [1:33:02, 1:33:03]: Or identify [1:33:03, 1:33:05]: A V management company. [1:33:06, 1:33:07]: Who could foot? [1:33:07, 1:33:08]: The beal. [1:33:08, 1:33:10]: for operating it at a hundred percent. [1:33:16, 1:33:22]: I've asked when will the RFPs and solicitations be posted? [1:33:22, 1:33:24]: For all of the services that [1:33:25, 1:33:27]: that will be used inside of the amphitheatre. [1:33:28, 1:33:30]: That would be security. [1:33:30, 1:33:31]: Janitorial. [1:33:32, 1:33:33]: Ticketing. [1:33:34, 1:33:35]: Concessions? [1:33:35, 1:33:40]: production to include sound and lighting and others. [1:33:46, 1:33:48]: To planning and zoning. [1:33:49, 1:33:51]: I made a request in twenty twenty four. [1:33:52, 1:33:54]: And in twenty twenty five for our study. [1:33:54, 1:33:56]: Of City Council District Four. [1:33:57, 1:33:58]: For a master plan. [1:33:59, 1:34:06]: Specifically the areas along Highway forty-two, Davis Road, Ballyhill Road. [1:34:06, 1:34:12]: I was told that no funds were available. However, when I look at the proposed budget for [1:34:13, 1:34:15]: FY twenty twenty six. [1:34:15, 1:34:19]: The general ledger line item number one zero zero [1:34:19, 1:34:21]: Seven four one zero zero [1:34:22, 1:34:22]: Dash. [1:34:22, 1:34:23]: Five two one. [1:34:24, 1:34:25]: Two zero zero. [1:34:26, 1:34:28]: For professional services. [1:34:28, 1:34:30]: For FY twenty twenty five. [1:34:32, 1:34:34]: It's allocated a hundred. [1:34:34, 1:34:35]: Thousand dollars. [1:34:36, 1:34:38]: But zero has been used. [1:34:38, 1:34:40]: And could have been used for the request. [1:34:41, 1:34:44]: That I made for city council district four. [1:34:44, 1:34:47]: For the study or master development plan. [1:34:47, 1:34:48]: Please explain. [1:34:50, 1:34:54]: There were several positions requested for community development. [1:34:54, 1:34:58]: And the governing body was told the department would be fully staffed, however. [1:34:58, 1:35:01]: General Ledger line item number one zero zero. [1:35:02, 1:35:03]: Seven four one. [1:35:04, 1:35:07]: Zero zero dash five two three [1:35:07, 1:35:08]: A five zero. [1:35:09, 1:35:12]: had twenty five thousand in FY twenty twenty five for [1:35:13, 1:35:16]: Personnel services and abuse zero. [1:35:17, 1:35:20]: The same amount has been budgeted for FY twenty twenty six. [1:35:21, 1:35:22]: Please explain. [1:35:23, 1:35:24]: Permitting. [1:35:25, 1:35:27]: There are several positions requested. [1:35:28, 1:35:31]: For community development and the governing body was told [1:35:31, 1:35:36]: That the department would be fully staffed. However, general ledger line item number [1:35:36, 1:35:37]: One zero zero. [1:35:38, 1:35:40]: Seven two zero zero zero. [1:35:41, 1:35:42]: Dash five two three [1:35:43, 1:35:44]: A five zero. [1:35:44, 1:35:46]: Had thirty six thousand. [1:35:46, 1:35:48]: And FY twenty twenty five budget. [1:35:49, 1:35:53]: for personnel services and use less than five thousand dollars. [1:35:54, 1:35:56]: Why has a hundred and twelve thousand? [1:35:56, 1:36:01]: been budgeted for FY twenty twenty six. Please explain. [1:36:03, 1:36:06]: GIS the general ledger line item number. [1:36:06, 1:36:07]: One zero zero. [1:36:08, 1:36:10]: Seven five seven zero zero [1:36:10, 1:36:11]: Dash five three one. [1:36:12, 1:36:13]: Seven five zero. [1:36:13, 1:36:18]: has budgeted eight thousand dollars for uniforms. Please explain. [1:36:20, 1:36:21]: Business services. [1:36:21, 1:36:22]: General Ledger. [1:36:23, 1:36:25]: Land item number one zero zero. [1:36:25, 1:36:27]: One five one. [1:36:27, 1:36:28]: Six zero. [1:36:28, 1:36:30]: Dash five two one. [1:36:30, 1:36:31]: Two zero one. [1:36:32, 1:36:34]: Professional fees. [1:36:34, 1:36:37]: For the FY twenty twenty four. [1:36:37, 1:36:39]: N FY twenty twenty five. [1:36:40, 1:36:41]: Has [1:36:41, 1:36:42]: Spent. [1:36:42, 1:36:44]: Zero dollars. [1:36:44, 1:36:46]: Why has five thousand dollars been budgeted? [1:36:47, 1:36:50]: For FY twenty twenty six, please explain. [1:36:52, 1:36:53]: For the police department. [1:36:55, 1:36:58]: What is Georgia technical authority? [1:36:58, 1:37:01]: General ledger line item one zero zero. [1:37:01, 1:37:06]: three two one zero zero dash five two three two two zero. [1:37:07, 1:37:18]: FY twenty twenty four and FY twenty twenty five were less than four hundred dollars. Why is six thousand six hundred and fifty dollars budgeted? Please explain. [1:37:20, 1:37:23]: General ledger line item number one zero zero. [1:37:23, 1:37:25]: Dash three two one zero zero. [1:37:26, 1:37:28]: Dash five three one two nine zero. [1:37:28, 1:37:29]: Cable. [1:37:30, 1:37:39]: FY twenty twenty-four and the FY twenty twenty-five were budgeted for a thousand nine hundred and twenty dollars each year and zero was used. [1:37:41, 1:37:47]: A thousand nine hundred and twenty has been budgeted again for FY twenty twenty six. Please explain. [1:37:47, 1:37:52]: I know these are minimal amounts, but I these are still questions. [1:37:52, 1:38:12]: General ledger line item number one zero zero dash three two one zero zero dash five two three nine four zero for postage FY twenty twenty four FY twenty twenty five spent less than a thousand dollars. Why has seventeen thousand five hundred dollars been budgeted for FY twenty two? [1:38:12, 1:38:14]: Please explain. [1:38:16, 1:38:22]: General ledger line item number one zero zero dash three two one zero zero. [1:38:22, 1:38:27]: Dash five two three eight five five Contract Services [1:38:27, 1:38:31]: For FY twenty twenty five spent less than two hundred thousand. [1:38:32, 1:38:38]: FY twenty twenty-six has three hundred and fifty thousand proposed in the FY twenty twenty-six budget. [1:38:39, 1:38:40]: Please explain. [1:38:42, 1:38:44]: For public works. [1:38:48, 1:38:48]: Oh. [1:38:50, 1:38:55]: I need to go back and review the budget retreat presentation for that one. Um [1:38:56, 1:38:57]: For parts. [1:38:58, 1:39:16]: What is the ATT Club and why did the general ledger number one zero zero dash six two two two two two two two two two two two one zero zero five two three two four four four four four four zero go from six hundred dollars spent in twenty twenty five to fifteen thousand budgeted? [1:39:16, 1:39:18]: For twenty twenty six. [1:39:19, 1:39:23]: And then there's government buildings. Line item number [1:39:24, 1:39:24]: Yeah. [1:39:25, 1:39:31]: And I left it off, has budgeted four thousand dollars for uniforms. Please explain. [1:39:32, 1:39:33]: Those were [1:39:34, 1:39:45]: all of the questions um that I had as I reviewed the proposed budget for FY 2026. But I also wanted to [1:39:46, 1:39:49]: read um some things when I [1:39:50, 1:39:52]: Looked at the charter. [1:39:54, 1:40:06]: The City Council recently approved adding new positions to the Oreg chart. However, there were no job descriptions, pay, and classifications or salaries attached to the request. [1:40:06, 1:40:08]: as required by the Charter. [1:40:09, 1:40:10]: My opposition to the vote is [1:40:11, 1:40:13]: was not against the new positions. [1:40:13, 1:40:15]: My opposition to the vote was due to the fact that [1:40:16, 1:40:18]: That none of the required documents were included in [1:40:19, 1:40:21]: And none of the documents have been included. [1:40:21, 1:40:23]: With this new proposed budget. [1:40:28, 1:40:30]: Referencing [1:40:30, 1:40:35]: our code three point oh four dash oh six oh [1:40:36, 1:40:37]: The required documentation. [1:40:38, 1:40:40]: For certain budget amendments. [1:40:40, 1:40:43]: It says whenever the city council shall amend the budget. [1:40:43, 1:40:46]: To provide for a new employee position. [1:40:46, 1:40:48]: The following document shall be included. [1:40:49, 1:40:51]: As exhibits to an ordinance. [1:40:51, 1:40:54]: Providing for the new employee position. [1:40:54, 1:40:57]: Letter A says a numbered budget amendment [1:40:58, 1:41:00]: Which indicates the budget line item [1:41:00, 1:41:05]: where funding for the new employee positions is to be located within the budget. [1:41:06, 1:41:12]: and establishing the amount of funds within that line item allocated for the new employee positions. [1:41:13, 1:41:33]: Letter B of that same code says a restated organizational chart indicates. Point of order. Point of order. We we we employee point. Point of order. Point of order. We've gone on now for ten minutes. This is an offline conversation that can [1:41:32, 1:41:52]: Can be had with the treasurer or the city manager in a group message instead of us sitting here listening to a document A, B, and C. The public is fully unaware of pretty much probably 90% of what we're talking about. Why don't you just set up a meeting with the why don't we just have a [1:41:52, 1:42:12]: separate meeting where we can finish what we're doing. Do we have a particular limit or time? Because this is going on. How much mo how much longer do you need to discuss the the the detail? How much much time do you need? Okay. Well you you ask your point on it. How much time I didn't [1:42:12, 1:42:18]: Okay. So uh continue on, but I have no idea how much l more longer you want to talk on this. Um if you give me [1:42:19, 1:42:23]: Three min less than three minutes. Okay, finish your comments, please. Okay. Um [1:42:23, 1:42:37]: I read letter B of our charter and code, a restated organizational chart indicating the new employee positions, and letter C, a job description and salary range for the new employee positions. [1:42:40, 1:42:41]: Damn. [1:42:42, 1:42:51]: Uh section three point zero four dash oh seven oh limited authorization of certain fund transfers. [1:42:52, 1:43:07]: The treasurer, after consultation with the city manager, shall be authorized to reallocate departmental appropriation among various line item expenditures within their department as said the treasurer believes necessary. [1:43:07, 1:43:18]: The treasurer shall also be authorized to effect interdepartmental transfers in the same fund, not to exceed$50,000. [1:43:19, 1:43:29]: Any such transfers shall identify particular functions that will use the transferred funds and shall be reported to the city council. [1:43:29, 1:43:31]: At his next regular meeting [1:43:32, 1:43:33]: [6213.8, 6214.8]: Into the minutes. [1:43:35, 1:43:36]: As well as reported [1:43:37, 1:43:38]: In the monthly [1:43:38, 1:43:39]: Financial statements. [1:43:44, 1:43:48]: Based on some of the GMA classes I've attended. [1:43:48, 1:43:50]: The contingency fund. [1:43:50, 1:43:55]: А муніципалітись контенсі фон і за фінчу резерв. [1:43:55, 1:43:57]: For unexpected expenses. [1:43:57, 1:43:59]: That were not included. [1:43:59, 1:44:00]: in the annual budget. [1:44:01, 1:44:03]: such as natural disasters. [1:44:04, 1:44:08]: public health crisis or unforeseen infrastructure repairs. [1:44:09, 1:44:12]: Its purpose is to provide a financial cushion. [1:44:13, 1:44:20]: To ensure the municipality can maintain essential services, manage emergencies, and avoid taking [1:44:21, 1:44:26]: On costly debt during the times of financial instability. [1:44:27, 1:44:29]: Key purpose of [1:44:29, 1:44:30]: A contingency fund. [1:44:31, 1:44:32]: Emergency response. [1:44:33, 1:44:37]: Unexpected expenditures, financial stability. [1:44:37, 1:44:42]: budgetary flexibility and major project cut costs. [1:44:43, 1:44:44]: With that. [1:44:45, 1:44:47]: I wanted to um [1:44:47, 1:44:48]: Make a motion. [1:44:48, 1:44:49]: To adopt. [1:44:49, 1:45:05]: An ordinance if I can, sir, if you will allow. No. Well what's hold on a second. Okay, what of ordinance though obviously ordinance to do what we're referring to here? Um so I wanted to recommend that the city follow these principles and guidelines. [1:45:05, 1:45:24]: Where the City of Stockbridge Contingency Fund is a financial reserve for unexpected expenses that were not included in the annual budget, such as natural disasters, public health crisis, or unforeseen infrastructure repairs. Its purpose is to provide a financial cushion. [1:45:24, 1:45:33]: To ensure the municipality can maintain essential services, manage emergencies, and avoid taking on costly debt. [1:45:33, 1:45:35]: During times of financial instability [1:45:36, 1:45:56]: And is presented to the city council for approval. Okay, I'll tell you what. So you've already read all this off. You said it's on the record. You're gonna send an email message to both Mr. Uh Edmondson and Mr. Falazzi, uh Frank here. Uh this this is a new difference. You're talking about a a new ordinance right now. This is on I'm one aware to myself. [1:45:56, 1:46:10]: and the rest of the council, we have our legal attorney, they uh they understand or at least receive that information. I would think we need to postpone anything like that for further discussion after we have some type of discussion with not only with the rest of the council, but also with our attorneys to develop that at this point. [1:46:10, 1:46:21]: You see, so I I so I mean if you can I I you can try you can make a motion of light, but I mean I don't know if it's gonna pass. I'll wait until the next meeting. In fact I'll send all of these comments and [1:46:21, 1:46:31]: my notes and questions to the full governing body and I'll make sure that it gets to Mr. Edmondson and Mr. Malazi and the city clerk as well. [1:46:32, 1:46:37]: Thank you, sir. All right, so on that note, uh if there are no other comments specifically for no [1:46:37, 1:46:53]: the board here, the rest of the legislative body, uh also it's a um public hearing, so I gotta open up for the public for any comments if there are any comments. So I'll open it up now. Any comments, uh initial comments for the current budget or anything of this nature f for the public on my far left side. [1:46:54, 1:46:56]: Any comments from coming from the middle? Four. [1:46:58, 1:47:07]: From our right far right four. If there's anything against of the comments thus far that's been presented, even though we'll have a couple more public hearings on this, so any anything against I'm a far left. [1:47:08, 1:47:09]: In the middle. [1:47:10, 1:47:10]: Okay. [1:47:11, 1:47:23]: Okay, if you have a comment, come on up, ma'am, and far far right. Any any comments against this, okay? Come on up, ma'am. And uh come to the mic, give your name, name and address, and make your comments, please. [1:47:23, 1:47:30]: Mirror. Yes, sir. Is is the heat on? Somebody tell me is the heat on is the heat on [1:47:30, 1:47:35]: Well what I think the s uh the city manager's working on that. Okay. [1:47:40, 1:47:41]: [6478.0, 6479.1]: Name and address, please. [1:48:00, 1:48:02]: Mary Scott, one twelve Creek Circle. [1:48:03, 1:48:04]: Okay. Um [1:48:05, 1:48:10]: I'm really glad that uh Councilwoman Barber brought all of this up. [1:48:10, 1:48:15]: I started looking at the budget this afternoon. I looked at every line item. [1:48:16, 1:48:21]: I got an email a couple of weeks ago from Vanessa to invite me to the volunteer gala. Thank you. [1:48:22, 1:48:23]: Uh which is coming up. [1:48:25, 1:48:33]: On that line item, I see that uh the twenty twenty-four budget was twelve thousand dollars and they spent fourteen hundred. [1:48:35, 1:48:46]: So for fiscal year twenty twenty five they budgeted fifteen thousand. Now the event hasn't happened yet, but I can't see a drop in fifteen grand on the volunteer gala. [1:48:47, 1:48:54]: Uh and your proposed budget is again fifteen thousand dollars. And as Councilwoman Barber has pointed out. [1:48:54, 1:48:58]: This is on every single page of the budget. [1:48:58, 1:49:02]: There's not a nine percent increase as Mr. Malazi said. [1:49:03, 1:49:06]: uh in some cases there's a hundred percent increase [1:49:07, 1:49:14]: And each line item is like this. I'm wondering exactly why. [1:49:14, 1:49:16]: This is like this. [1:49:16, 1:49:19]: Another point that I'd like to make. [1:49:21, 1:49:31]: Is that uh under the enterprise expenses, the fiscal year twenty six proposed expenses for the amphitheater is zero. [1:49:34, 1:49:35]: Is that gonna happen? [1:49:38, 1:49:58]: Thank you. Thank you. All right. Um I I don't know, sir, if if you at this time can in those two two points you take a note, Ms. Mulazi, or whether or not uh Mr. Edmondson, you have any comments on those those two items at all. You know, just want this will offer to and I don't think there are any other comments against I guess what we're saying. [1:49:58, 1:50:02]: I think that's the only one that's been registered. Anything you can say to add to this, sir? No. [1:50:04, 1:50:10]: So the seat manager has prepared the his wish list. [1:50:10, 1:50:16]: As councilman Gantty said, I'll check with him, I'll get information why. Mm. [1:50:17, 1:50:21]: You don't have to give what he has asked for. Mm-hmm. [1:50:21, 1:50:23]: You can go up, you can go down. [1:50:24, 1:50:25]: It's now under you. [1:50:25, 1:50:26]: Right. [1:50:26, 1:50:28]: Until December [1:50:28, 1:50:29]: The ace. [1:50:30, 1:50:32]: What you approve is what [1:50:33, 1:50:34]: He will get [1:50:35, 1:50:36]: with applicants. [1:50:36, 1:50:39]: Department heads are applicants. Okay. [1:50:39, 1:50:41]: To do what you want them to do. [1:50:43, 1:50:48]: So you say priorities, no, this is one is not. Cut it. Cut it. Cut it. [1:50:51, 1:50:56]: So amphitheater budget is not yet prepared. Okay. [1:50:58, 1:51:07]: I don't have documentations of amp theatre budget. All right. So there's nothing that he whether it will be there or what, but it's not yet there. [1:51:08, 1:51:09]: All right. [1:51:09, 1:51:12]: The other one was it to do with the increases. [1:51:15, 1:51:22]: Or spending. There are some, let me talk about spending. There are some last year it was the maybe you budgeted for fifteen thousand. [1:51:22, 1:51:24]: You have not spent it. [1:51:24, 1:51:27]: Why do you have to ask for fifteen thousand this year? [1:51:28, 1:51:32]: It could have been last year they didn't do what they wanted it to do. [1:51:32, 1:51:35]: Now they will be doing it. Look at the amount. [1:51:35, 1:51:38]: If you ask the department then they will be able to explain. [1:51:40, 1:51:42]: This is the reason why. [1:51:42, 1:51:43]: Um [1:51:44, 1:51:46]: Some of them we still have got three months. [1:51:47, 1:51:52]: Two months there are several there are some things that are spent at the beginning of the year. [1:51:53, 1:51:57]: mid year, some way towards the end of the year. So the year is not yet done. [1:51:58, 1:51:59]: For some services. [1:52:01, 1:52:01]: Um [1:52:02, 1:52:12]: But again, you have until that time to say we don't want this. What I've presented here come the eighteenth. [1:52:13, 1:52:17]: I'll have completely different things. One to incorporate your [1:52:18, 1:52:18]: Koment [1:52:19, 1:52:21]: I will make some changes. [1:52:21, 1:52:23]: It will never be the same. [1:52:24, 1:52:25]: Understand. [1:52:26, 1:52:46]: discussions you have with the city manager you have with me, what you hear from people will make some of those changes to be effective. Hi, Mr. Edison, sir. I have a question, Mayor. Okay, go ahead please. Certainly it was stated that the the gallon the volunteer gala was fourteen hundred last year. The meal was more than that. [1:52:46, 1:53:06]: So I would like for you all to go back and look. Maybe there was a typo that was made on the volunteer gala last year, because the meal was more than$1,400. So let's go back and let's kind of look at that number and see what the total expenses on that were. And um certainly uh this year there's certainly [1:53:06, 1:53:26]: Certainly has been talk of honoring our esteemed colleague, Councilman Thomas. We know Councilman Thomas has not been with us for most of the year, and he did not qualify for his uh reelection, but he was a distinguished servant for this city and due to be honored. And we are going to [1:53:26, 1:53:45]: do that because he deserved it for the work that he's put in and his legacy here in the city. So we're certainly not gonna cut that part because it is due and but I would like for you to go back and look at the 2024 budget for accurate expense number. [1:53:47, 1:53:47]: Okay. [1:53:47, 1:53:49]: You have something now or I [1:53:50, 1:54:00]: Go ahead. I d I don't. I think what I'm going to do is and I don't want I I'm not let me just be very clear. I'm not hiding anything and and I know that transparency. [1:54:00, 1:54:03]: Um, is what we do. That's why we're live now. But [1:54:04, 1:54:12]: Um, I don't want a dog and pony show. I don't wanna I'm not here to showcase something I'm not familiar with. Um thank you for presenting today. [1:54:13, 1:54:25]: And I'll get the gather the inform my information and thoughts on some of I've taken notes. I've d looked at every increase, every decrease. I've calculated while we've sat here from beginning to end. [1:54:26, 1:54:46]: And I'll meet with you, Mr. Edmondson, and go over it. Some of the questions I have. And again, some of the things that I'm going to ask be amended. And and that's the way we normally do the process. I'm not here to embarrass you or or anybody over here. I s I do see some zeros. I do have a question about the amphitheater. I do have a question in regards to um [1:54:47, 1:54:48]: That's [1:54:48, 1:55:08]: There's um something listed as expla expenses, but it's more so splah. So it should be on revenues, not necessarily expenses. I don't want to get that confused. And so if we can look at some of those things and I'll be meeting with you guys this week to discuss and then on the second meeting I'll be if once [1:55:08, 1:55:22]: they're changed or edited amongst us, then I'll be prepared to make a better statement. But this is our first go round, so I I I'll I'll take heed to what you've presented today. Thank you. Ms. Evanson Glacer. [1:55:24, 1:55:44]: Now I just want to uh take a moment to to truly thank my staff, uh, my team that worked tirelessly for the last two months. Um, a lot of weekends. I know me and Mr. Malazy met over the weekend and crunching numbers and collecting numbers and uh trying to go with basically the direction from uh the council. And like I say, once again, this is [1:55:43, 1:55:44]: [6945.1, 6965.1]: The proposal. This is an overview. Any questions, anything, we always open um to suggestions, sit-downs, meetings, emails, um to answer any questions that you may have. Uh, but this is our budget. It's not my budget, it's not the staff budget, this is our budget. And uh we look forward to uh few. [1:56:05, 1:56:13]: Future engagement, uh whatever questions you may have, we we have answers. And we'd be more than happy to give those answers out. Thank you. [1:56:14, 1:56:27]: You could all right. So on that note I so we'll take note of all what was c brought forward by the citizen and and we'll work through a process and heard everybody on that aspect. So I'll close the public hearing. On that note, the public hearing is now closed and we'll move on to uh [1:56:28, 1:56:29]: On new business. [1:56:29, 1:56:43]: Council of consideration approved the site engineering to install uh sewer service for the Habitat for Humanity project located at one two one twelve and one fourteen Davis Road in the amount of one hundred fifty nine thousand dollars. Funding source is SPLOS. Mr. Aaron, please. [1:56:44, 1:57:04]: Yes, Mr. Mayor and Council. Uh the city donated some property on Davis Road to Habitat Human for Humanities to build two houses there. And the previous city manager said that the city would supply sewer there. But in looking at records, we realized that the sewer lines for this property had been abandoned. [1:57:04, 1:57:18]: So in order to provide sewer for those residents, proposed residents, we need to run new sewer lines to those residents. And so we're asking our own call uh utility contractor to provide that service for us. [1:57:20, 1:57:40]: Okay. Yes, sir. Yes. I would uh Miss Jenkins is here. She is shears. I certainly would like for her to come up and for her to talk about the project and Habitat for Humanity. And I would like to make just a few comments if I could. Certainly uh the topic of a four [1:57:40, 1:57:46]: Affordable homes is really key. You know, affordable homes is more than just talk. [1:57:46, 1:57:57]: You have to do something about it. And in this case, uh the city was lucky enough to obtain this property on Davis Road. And not only are we going to be able to build one house, [1:57:57, 1:58:17]: one we will be able to build two. And certainly this will be a public park private partnership with Henry County to be able to build these two homes on this location. And in a some confusion in the end, they donate there was six hundred thousand dollars for three homes, not two. [1:58:17, 1:58:32]: And I think there was some misinformation that they were spending that money on two homes, but it's a total of three. This is two of the three. And certainly, uh, we don't want to be overly um [1:58:33, 1:58:53]: We don't want to be put burdens on the homeowner or habitat for humanity for services that should have been provided by the city. So I'm thanking Mr. Aaron and his team for putting everything together and the city manager so that we can uh put skin in the game in this process and uh [1:58:53, 1:59:03]: make sure that we have two affordable homes that are presented to two residents here uh in the city of Stockbridge. Miss Jenkins [1:59:03, 1:59:23]: Thank you all very much for having me this evening. Um I thank you for your partnership and your commitment to affordable housing. We at Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity work with working families who just need a hand up, not a hand out. So this project will provide that hand up that two families can. [1:59:23, 1:59:43]: will need. We will provide homes that are to the specifications that you all requested when we came to you originally. We are providing a typical habitat home, which this one's plan is 1,422 square feet. We've expanded it so that it will have a two-car garage at your request. [1:59:43, 1:59:52]: And we have a brick front going on there as opposed to the water table that you all that we discussed as well. We are ready to go. [1:59:52, 2:00:12]: We're just waiting on the sewer to get there. We had hoped that we would be able to have finished this project by the end of our fiscal year, which is June 2026. We are asking for you to do this work so that we can complete this work and have two more citizens added to the city of Stockbridge. [2:00:12, 2:00:32]: Also asking for a letter of support. We have a contract with Henry County who awarded us the$600,000 to build three homes. And because of the delays in the infrastructure and the confusion that we had there, the misinformation that we received, we are going to have to ask for an [2:00:32, 2:00:52]: Extension to that contract to June of 2026. According to what we understand, if this project, if you all approve this expenditure tonight, that it won't take very long for the contractor to get out there and get the sewer work done, which means we can go ahead with our [2:00:52, 2:01:04]: permitting process and start building this home and you all will see it coming out over the winter into the spring and be finished. We're hoping to close on this home in June during homeownership awareness month. [2:01:05, 2:01:07]: That's what we would like to do. [2:01:08, 2:01:28]: Outstanding, appreciate that message. Um yes, sir, without a doubt. So I just need to pro I guess need the proper information and put on a letter of support and uh I will send it tomorrow. All right, and uh put down my letterhead and I would imagine with it with the action that we take tonight be no problem for me to go ahead and sign off on that and ask for that extension to help you out move everything in progress with the county. And I hope that once they get that they'll do [2:01:28, 2:01:33]: They'll move forward and said no problem. We'll go forward with this and allow this tension to occur. [2:01:34, 2:01:44]: Thank you. So on that note though, um first of all, since she's here, I didn't know anybody had any other questions or comments before I asked you. I'm sorry. Go right, please. [2:01:46, 2:01:51]: Thank you, Mayor Ford. And thank you. Nice to meet you, Mayor. Nice to meet you as well. [2:01:53, 2:02:00]: This project is within the city council district that I represent. So I am super excited. [2:02:00, 2:02:03]: To be able to offer this opportunity to families. [2:02:04, 2:02:07]: If there's nothing else, Mayor Ford, I'd like to make a motion to approve. [2:02:09, 2:02:29]: Yeah, sure. Go ahead. I'd like to make a motion to approve site engineering to install sewer service for the Habitat for Humanity project load located at 112 and lot 112 and 114 Davis Road in the amount of$159,000. Funding source from Splost. [2:02:29, 2:02:38]: In this motion, Ms. Barber, that's awesome. Let's see if we can include the recommendation for the extension from for the letter for the extension. [2:02:39, 2:02:45]: For Henry Town. Oh um and uh in this motion I want to include the letter of support. [2:02:46, 2:03:06]: Second. Okay. From Miss uh Barber to Mr. Alexander. And before I ask for the vote, curiosity, uh if I might have missed it, shame on me. What's the start and projected start and end date for this the work to be done? We'd have to meet with the contractor because we was waiting on the approval from mayor and council. We couldn't set a start date until we knew it was gonna be funded. [2:03:06, 2:03:19]: So we'll meet we'll meet with them Wednesday. Wednesday? We'll meet with them to discuss it Wednesday and then we'll come back and give you the date. All right, thank you. I have a question. Go ahead, please. I I just have one question. Um I'm excited about [2:03:20, 2:03:27]: you know, uh affordable housing here. My question is when when we d donated this land. [2:03:28, 2:03:41]: Is it not the responsibility of the the buyer or the the person that's receiving it to do their due diligence on whether or not the sewage is is there? Yes, ma'am and did you guys find that out ahead of time? [2:03:41, 2:04:01]: Yes, ma'am, we did. And so we were told, and I sat in the manager's office myself. My background is architecture. I am not new to development. That is the first question I asked. Are the utilities there? And I was told they were. On the map, he showed me that they were there. And it was [2:04:01, 2:04:05]: Was there, it's just been abandoned, and that was not disclosed. [2:04:06, 2:04:07]: Okay. [2:04:07, 2:04:20]: And you guys didn't do any check or d or due diligence to make sure they hadn't b we just relied on the map that was there, the topography. I received that from the city manager. I didn't think there was another authority that could tell me better. [2:04:20, 2:04:21]: Okay. [2:04:21, 2:04:22]: Yep. [2:04:22, 2:04:42]: Former sorry, I I apologize. The former city manager. Go ahead. So the former city manager uh notified you that the utilities were there. That is correct. And you also looked at the map and it appeared to show that they were there. Yes, ma'am. And but they weren't once we uh transferred the property over, it was discovered. [2:04:42, 2:04:49]: That they were not there. Correct. All right. So had you known that prior, then there would have been uh [2:04:49, 2:04:54]: an assumption or there would have been a um [2:04:57, 2:05:15]: Uh you guys m would have taken that into consideration before receiving the property, correct? We would not have taken the property. Okay. Because we are not um in a position to be able to do that work. Our licensed contractor does residential construction, not this type of construction. Okay. All right. Thank you. No further questions. Just want to clarify. [2:05:16, 2:05:17]: Go ahead, Mr. Edmundson. [2:05:18, 2:05:38]: I just wanted to add and uh I did confirm I saw email literally from the city manager's office indicating that it was land was good to go. So that's why we felt compelled to honor our commitment because she that was the the wrong information. Absolutely. And that's my point. Had that been not the case? [2:05:38, 2:05:48]: and we're donating property, then it would be the responsibility of that person to get whatever utilities or whatever they're supposed to on that. But because we [2:05:49, 2:06:09]: Um the our map indicated they were already there and there was emails in writing for the purpose of the public as well as any other staff or anybody else that has a question on it, then i it is our obligation to fulfill what we uh provided as notice that everything was there. So having said that. [2:06:09, 2:06:13]: I think Mr. Alexander is already second. I'm ready to vote. [2:06:13, 2:06:24]: Okay. Well there are no other questions. The motion has been made. So all favor of the motion, please indicate. Ms. Jenkins. Appreciate you. All right. That was four. Oh. [2:06:26, 2:06:37]: And what we have next, first reading, council consideration to approve the amendment to the purchasing and procurement ordinance, section three point three zero point one six zero exceptions. Mr. Mulazi, please. [2:06:41, 2:07:01]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Good evening to you. We're doing this on behalf of the police department. And this is just one of a series of amendments that's coming forth. This is just the first one, which is um due to the expedited nature of the request. This on behalf of the police department to amend the code to, as noted in your binders, to repair. [2:07:01, 2:07:21]: For an exception to repair or maintenance of equipment, including city vehicles, which would be point number 16, to just amend the ordinance to allow that to be an exception for the police department to be able to get repairs of the vehicles without having to do the RFP based on the nature of the need to turn around to keep. [2:07:21, 2:07:28]: them patrolling. And so if you wanna ask the police department about it and or any questions then we'll take those. [2:07:30, 2:07:33]: A comments. Assistant chief, any questions, counsel, that you may have? [2:07:35, 2:07:42]: Well tell me exactly what the memo would would do. So if you in your books it should be page two, I mean under the [2:07:43, 2:07:48]: In your procurement code, there are about twenty broad categories of products and services that should be exempt. [2:07:49, 2:07:51]: From the competitive purchasing requirements. [2:07:52, 2:07:54]: And a formal purchasing process. [2:07:54, 2:07:57]: These exemptions are optional and not mandatory. [2:07:58, 2:08:08]: It's such there's an option but not a requirement that these goods or services be obtained without formal procurement. This when you go and look at the actual ordinance itself, which we have in your binders. [2:08:09, 2:08:11]: There's one through twenty in here. [2:08:12, 2:08:14]: Вот ви чайни из лайн Сістін. [2:08:16, 2:08:24]: And the changes noted and highlighted in your book, repair or maintenance of equipment instead of excluding, including city vehicles. [2:08:26, 2:08:42]: And that that's a series, that's the first one, but we have other amendments coming to the procurement code. But this was just to allow them to be able to repair the vehicles, not just not just police department, but the public works as well. [2:08:43, 2:08:45]: outside of the RFP process so they can keep him on the road. [2:08:46, 2:08:47]: Okay. [2:08:48, 2:08:55]: And and the purpose of that is is because it's a special i it's a unique type of uh repair. [2:08:56, 2:09:02]: Yes, and putting them if you're gonna go through RFP and these cars are broken down, you're [2:09:02, 2:09:05]: What's the lag time? Thirty minutes. [2:09:06, 2:09:09]: And we're without those vehicles to provide the services to the citizen. [2:09:09, 2:09:10]: All right. Thank you. [2:09:12, 2:09:15]: Anything else you all wanna add? Do y'all have any vehicles out of service right now? [2:09:17, 2:09:18]: Yeah. [2:09:18, 2:09:19]: A couple. Uh-huh. [2:09:21, 2:09:33]: You got a question. So this is specific to the police fleet or this to additional fleets? Can we get some specificity on Oh, this is all of'em. This is all the all the cars owned by Stock Bridge. All fleet vehicles owned by the CS Stock Bridge. Yes. [2:09:36, 2:09:44]: I I got a question. Are we gonna request a quote at least? Three quotes. We're just gonna pick somebody and say that's who we're gonna go with to fix the vehicle. [2:09:46, 2:09:53]: 'Cause a quote doesn't take anything, right? We can call and get quotes like everybody else calls in the all their departments to get quotes. [2:09:53, 2:10:13]: Yes. So currently because of the nature of the general maintenance and the repairs, we were previously using a dealership to do most of this work. Because we were exceeding that threshold by procurement code, we had to move some of those services. We currently move some of those. [2:10:13, 2:10:33]: To a different dealership. We're using Discount Tire, which is located in the city. We're using Grease Monkey for oil changes, which is located in the city, because we want to bring those tax dollars or this the revenue back into the city of Stockbridge. Unfortunately, for major repairs, there's not a facility within the city to be able to handle those types of repairs. [2:10:33, 2:10:48]: repairs in the time frame in which we need. You obviously know we don't have an abundance of vehicles, so when they do break down or are need a repair, we need a very quick turnaround for those vehicles. And unfortunately the little small shops are not capable of doing that. [2:10:48, 2:10:48]: Okay. [2:10:49, 2:10:53]: Mayor, I like to make a motion unless somebody else has a question. [2:10:55, 2:11:06]: Mm s Miss Barber does. Go ahead, please. I do have a question. Um this is for Mr. Aaron. So what about will this apply to like the street sweepers? [2:11:07, 2:11:27]: N no ma'am, the street sweeper is is separate from this. This is mainly trucks and vehicles that the police department and public works and the city maintain, like the the administrative vehicles that's out in the parking lot. It's for those vehicles. The street sweepers. Yes. And of course the police vehicles. Yes. Not the [2:11:27, 2:11:30]: Yeah. [2:11:30, 2:11:35]: Equipment. That's why I was asking about the not the street sweepers. No. [2:11:35, 2:11:37]: Okay. Thank you, sir. [2:11:37, 2:11:38]: You good? [2:11:39, 2:11:45]: Okay, you wanna make a motion, ma'am? I do. Go ahead, please. I wanna make a motion to um [2:11:49, 2:11:56]: Approve the uh consideration of the amendments of the purchasing and procurement ordinance. Well, this is first reading. [2:11:56, 2:11:58]: Is there was there a reason for that? [2:11:59, 2:12:19]: Oh, so we have to come back. Yes. Okay. But I'm gonna ask that we add in there, oh since we don't have to make a motion'cause this is a reading, I'm gonna ask that we add in it that a there must be at least you have to get the three quotes. Not necessarily procurement process because I know that takes forever, but we do need to call and get quotes. [2:12:19, 2:12:22]: Like we require for everything else in the office. [2:12:23, 2:12:27]: Where where do you want the quotes to be housed at for proof they got? [2:12:28, 2:12:32]: I don't know what the normal process is, whatever the other departments are required to do. [2:12:34, 2:12:54]: Yeah uh Mayor Pro Tem, just to answer your question, uh Assistant Chief Confrey didn't mention it, but we did receive uh pricing. It wouldn't be practical to get quotes for every service that we uh provide, but we can tell you that the vendor that we're using, they do have the lowest service cost of the other uh dealerships around the area that are able to [2:12:54, 2:13:08]: provide that service. So we could get you a general fee of schedules if the council would like to see that so that you can see that we are getting the best price, but to quote out every um repair would would be uh would would be a lot of work. Okay. [2:13:08, 2:13:14]: So calling to say, Hey, we need a new transmission and getting three quotes on it would be a problem. [2:13:15, 2:13:17]: It it it just depends on the [2:13:18, 2:13:26]: A lot of these dealerships are not really responsive. That's part of the issue. We actually went out and put an RFP out there and we tried to get people to bid the services out. [2:13:27, 2:13:47]: And nobody replied back to that. They said we don't need to bid for an RFP because we have plenty of business. Right. So it's hard for us to get quotes sometimes to get vehicles purchased. Mr. Edmondson can attest to that with his vehicle that we recently purchased. A lot of these dealerships are not responsive, and it it's it's a challenge. But we can tell you that they [2:13:47, 2:13:53]: They will provide a general list of service. This is how much we charge for major repair items so that we can see. [2:13:53, 2:14:05]: that if we do need to get a transmission replaced that you can see that they have uh uh uh the the best price is it relates to that. All right, that's good. Okay. Let's do that. A gener is general fee sheet, right. [2:14:05, 2:14:09]: All right, we're gonna just add that language into our next agenda. [2:14:10, 2:14:30]: Well, uh not necessarily three c I I here's the thing. When I need new tires, I can call three places and get new tires. When I need a trem I'm not gonna jinx myself, but if I needed something done on my car, I can just call those different places and they're gonna tell me how much they are. I just don't understand the complications. [2:14:30, 2:14:32]: and getting those. I don't. [2:14:32, 2:14:35]: Um and that's for public works. [2:14:35, 2:14:39]: as well. I I don't understand it. It we we know [2:14:40, 2:14:44]: that those vehicles are specialized vehicles that require certain work to be done. [2:14:45, 2:14:47]: Calling again a quote. [2:14:47, 2:14:53]: on work that needs to be done. I'm not talking about every little nick and cranny. Let me s let me answer. I'm just saying [2:14:54, 2:14:55]: G quote. [2:14:55, 2:15:10]: You know what I mean? I mean if I if I need something done on my house, I can call and say, How much you gonna charge me to put this fence up? How much you gonna charge me? How much you gonna charge me? Okay, I got my three. I'm going with the lowest bidder. That's it. Is that not what the other departments do? [2:15:12, 2:15:13]: Yeah. If I may. [2:15:14, 2:15:34]: Stand by seconds. Hold your comment. Okay. Go ahead, please. Let me just say this, Ms. Gantt. It's the diagnosis that's the issue. You sometimes you don't know what's wrong with the car. And then if you gotta take it to a dealership and these dealerships and these auto parts places have cars just stacked up. So as the chief has indicated, when you come [2:15:34, 2:15:54]: call these dealerships, they like we don't we ain't gotta do all that. We got all this business right in front of us. We doing you a favor by bringing this into you. Otherwise you can take your business and go somewhere else. That's what they're saying to people out there right now, because if you call Senator Jones, he'll tell you his dealership is like backlogged on how many cars that they got to deal with. If it's [2:15:54, 2:16:05]: Something like tires or regular routine maintenance, that might be the caveat. If it's regular routine maintenance, you can get a quote on some tires. But if it's something [2:16:05, 2:16:17]: that might need uh, you know, a diagnosis. You don't know it's the transmission. First you gotta get the transmission checked out. So getting a quote from three people to check the tr to make sure it's the transmission before you [2:16:18, 2:16:28]: actually replace it. That's the issue'cause if I gotta get the transmission inspected by three places, that could take forever. No, I'm not saying expect it. I'm saying one person is diagnosing it. [2:16:29, 2:16:30]: And then I'm just getting [2:16:31, 2:16:32]: I'm just getting my quote. [2:16:32, 2:16:38]: I mean I do it. I mean, we do it. So it's towed in one place and I might have to move it somewhere else, but [2:16:40, 2:16:41]: I get a quote. [2:16:41, 2:16:42]: All right. [2:16:42, 2:16:56]: You came up to podium, sir. Your comments, please? All right. Well, okay, no problem. Miss Barb. No, I was gonna make the point and I understand what you're talking about, um, Councilman McGantt. I agree. Um, any expenditures, uh [2:16:57, 2:17:00]: For repair over like maybe [2:17:00, 2:17:08]: Five thousand or ten thousand dollars, the major repairs. We know we probably should get a quote for that, but [2:17:09, 2:17:11]: The other side of that is [2:17:12, 2:17:18]: If there is a business that we're going to be using regularly, [2:17:19, 2:17:24]: And you know that they're gonna be providing us with services for [2:17:24, 2:17:25]: All of our fleet. [2:17:26, 2:17:28]: They are more inclined to give. [2:17:29, 2:17:31]: A even greater discount. [2:17:31, 2:17:34]: Because they know that we'll be bringing [2:17:34, 2:17:37]: All of our vehicles there for tires. [2:17:37, 2:17:39]: They know that we'll be bringing [2:17:39, 2:17:42]: All of our vehicles there for oil changes. [2:17:42, 2:17:46]: They know that we'll be bringing all of our vehicles there for tune ups. [2:17:47, 2:17:48]: So they will give a greater [2:17:48, 2:17:53]: discount as long as they know that there is a commitment from the city. [2:17:54, 2:17:54]: So [2:17:54, 2:17:56]: I understand. Um [2:17:57, 2:17:57]: What [2:17:58, 2:18:00]: Assistant Chief Godfrey has explained. [2:18:01, 2:18:03]: And what Chief Tramer has explained. [2:18:03, 2:18:06]: I'm okay with this, but I understand exactly what you mean. [2:18:06, 2:18:07]: By getting a quote. [2:18:08, 2:18:13]: Um, but if we're gonna be using one business, they are more inclined to give us a [2:18:14, 2:18:18]: even steeper discount and it's good if he's able to give us a fee schedule. [2:18:19, 2:18:23]: So we kinda know right offhand exactly well. [2:18:24, 2:18:29]: An estimate of what to expect when they do take them in. So [2:18:30, 2:18:31]: Mr. Edmondson, go ahead, please. [2:18:32, 2:18:32]: Oh. [2:18:32, 2:18:34]: They both hit my points. Good. [2:18:35, 2:18:55]: Yeah and then uh I say both uh they both hit my points I was gonna make, so that's why I say I wait. So be it. So since it's a first reading you're saying that you just wanna make an adjustment in in the the reading here, is what it was. Well no, when but that's our first reading and then I will ask that we add on it to include a general fee sheet schedule. [2:18:55, 2:18:56]: Um [2:18:58, 2:19:08]: uh when we are ready to vote on the motion. So just add that to the agenda subject item to add. The sheet will be updated. And the sheet will be updated annually. [2:19:09, 2:19:15]: All right, so you wanna make a motion to add that to this? Yes. Is that what you're asking for? Yes. Clerk Ms. Clerk, you you understand that? [2:19:22, 2:19:24]: Yeah. It's just the fee schedule apparent. [2:19:25, 2:19:28]: We're not passing it tonight, so there's no vote. [2:19:28, 2:19:48]: Right. There's no vote. It's just to add I just want on the next agenda uh to add that information on it that that we're gonna ask for a general fee sheet schedule annually. So just understand to add that to the next time we it comes before us to be added correct. Add the language of the agenda. Yes. [2:19:48, 2:20:02]: You good? Alright, we're good. So the ordinance I have general feed sheet and update annual order. Okay. Tell me you're all good now? All right. We'll we'll move I guess we'll move on. Well thank you. All right. Understood. All right. Good deal. [2:20:03, 2:20:15]: Announcements in uh upcoming meeting events. The council meetings will be held in city council chamber, meeting dates, the locations, the times of subject change or contact city hall offices at seven seven zero [2:20:15, 2:20:35]: 389-7900 or visit the website www.starbridgega.org for updates. Citywide Development Authority meeting, special meeting date, Wednesday, November 12th at 6 p.m. in City Hall, Levi Meeting Room. Community Zoning and Information Meeting C Z I M Wednesday, November 12th. [2:20:35, 2:20:55]: the City Hall Council Chamber. Main Street Advisory Board meeting the second Friday of each month, November 14th and 9 a.m. The Downtown Connection Center, 130 Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail. City Council Work Session Meeting, Special Meeting Date, FY 2026 budget hearing and second reading, November 18th, [2:20:54, 2:21:14]: At 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The Downtown Development Authority Board meeting third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Downtown Connection Center, 130 ML King Senior Heritage Trail, which is November 18th. Uh Council Advisory Committee meeting, third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. City Hall Levi Meeting Room. [2:21:14, 2:21:34]: Which is November 20th. Planning Commission meeting Thursday, November 20th at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. Uh Council meeting it'll be the first Monday of each month, 6 p.m. at City Hall, Levi Meeting Room, December 1st. The Citizens Police Advisory, first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. Stockbridge Police Department Community Meeting Room. [2:21:34, 2:21:50]: at 4545 North Henry Boulevard December 4th. City Council second Monday of each month, 6 p.m. And it's to be the FY 2026 budget adoption. It's going to be on City Council chambers on December 8th. [2:21:54, 2:22:05]: Upcoming events, city events and initiatives. Join the city of Stockbridge on Tuesday, november eleventh, which is tomorrow, as you honor American veterans during the luncheon at eleven A. M. to one PM at Merrill Manor's Conference Center. [2:22:06, 2:22:26]: The City of Starbury's will host a drive-thru food giveaway on Saturday, November 15th, starting at 10 a.m. while supplies last in the amphitheater parking lot. We will be supporting community members and offering love and support during this critical time. Join me, Mayor Anthony Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor, Monday, November 17th from 10 a.m. to uh to noon. [2:22:26, 2:22:46]: City Hall meetings are by an appointment. Join Councilman Berry in partnership with the monthly Bingo Bash on Wednesday, November 19th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Merle Manders Conference Center. Lots of fun to be had by all. December event is actually council for this particular uh bingo bash. Join Councilwoman Barber for the Ford District Community. [2:22:46, 2:22:59]: Town hall on Thursday, November 20th at 6 30 p.m. at Merrill Manor's Conference Center. The City of Stockbridge will host its annual drive-thru free turkey giveaway Saturday, November 22nd, starting at 10 a.m. while supplies last in the amphitheater parking lot. [2:23:00, 2:23:20]: Join the senior Stockbridge for the annual tree lighting and holiday festival Friday, November, excuse me, Friday, December 5th from 5 30 until 9 p.m. at the Amphitheater Parking Lot. The Economic Development Department hosts a free business health clinic on the second Thursday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Starbreece Connection Center 130 ML King Senior [2:23:20, 2:23:40]: Heritage Trail. Check the health of your business with this free clinic. Sign up for real-time alerts about severe weather, road closures, emergencies, and regroup app. Visit the city website or social media pages for more information on how and where to sign up and stay safe. Please contact Rosin Ross to schedule an appointment. We meet them. [2:23:39, 2:23:42]: Mayor or more information on council initiatives. [2:23:42, 2:23:43]: Six seven eight. [2:23:44, 2:24:04]: 833-3348 or by way of email raws at stopper is G A dot or R G. And my comments for this evening involve first of all uh happy veterans day to all you veterans and we look forward to a wonderful event tomorrow. Uh since it is falling a little chilly outside, by the way. So COVID-19 boosters, please get your boosters. [2:24:03, 2:24:13]: Please get your flu shots once you remain uh healthy during the holiday season, during the winter months. And happy Thanksgiving to everybody in this case as well. Um [2:24:13, 2:24:33]: I want to take congratulations to the, or at least celebrate in a sense, the birthday, November 10th. The Marine Corps is 250 years old today, so congratulations to the Marines and the Corps itself. Um also want to mention, in a sense, congratulations to Mr. Cloud uh for being elected and joined the council in this Leslie. [2:24:33, 2:24:53]: Body in January. And also congratulations to uh Ms. Gantt here for her re-election in this aspect and uh fantastic. And congratulations to the mayor of Lake Jaden uh Williams for coming in to uh sit here in the management control and and work out with the legislative body to continue for uh uh to help move the city forward and work through as she [2:24:53, 2:24:55]: [8695.6, 8712.0]: and uh do great things. Um appreciate uh you all and then uh we'll have more comments on this a little later as time goes on. On that note, uh c uh excuse me, counsel mayor if I could I'm sorry. Okay. Uh what standby. Yes sir. [2:25:12, 2:25:32]: Based on echoing what you just said about the congratulations and and everything that we're doing, understand folks, my my own purpose of respect, and I think all of us feel the same way up here. We campaign hard, we do what we gotta do, but once the voters are cast and the citizens have spoken, we [2:25:32, 2:25:52]: We work together up here with everybody up here. So welcome, Mr. Cloud. Certainly, Ms. Gabb, congratulations, congratulations, Jaden. We campaigned hard, the votes have been counted, the people have been spoken. We're gonna do what we need to do in order to run the city appropriately, and that's how we m that's how we roll. [2:25:52, 2:25:53]: Thank you. [2:25:54, 2:26:14]: Go ahead, Mr. Mr. Barr. Uh I just wanted to add an additional uh event on November the 15th. At one o'clock PM is uh District Three Community Banks Road Community Day uh with myself as well as the business owners of District Three. Uh we'll be at Mickey D. Cochrane Park at one o'clock PM. Uh in addition [2:26:14, 2:26:34]: Of that, some of the business owners have assisted in procuring some additional turkeys. So, to the citizens, once you uh work with the city's event that morning to pick up your food box, if you need a turkey on the 15th, you can come to Mickey D. Cochrane Park in District 3. It is reserved specifically, though, for Stockbridge Railway. [2:26:33, 2:26:44]: residents, so you must have a stop bridge ID or utility bill to receive a turkey on November the fifteenth and at district three. District three day. All right. Thank you. [2:26:45, 2:26:53]: All right, n on that note, uh then uh ladies and gentlemen, we actually have a executive session with legal, real estate and personnel and cybersecurity. So I need a motion to go in the executive session, please. [2:26:54, 2:26:54]: Oh yeah. [2:26:55, 2:27:15]: Mayor. Yes, ma'am. And real quick before I I forgot to, I'm sorry. Um, and I didn't make this announcement, but I will be having a uh district one decorating holiday decorating contest for each house. And so we're gonna have some judges go around in December and check out some of the homes and give out some great prizes to some of the [2:27:15, 2:27:24]: The top winners. I actually would love to compete with the other districts. So game on, people. Game on. Let's do it. All right. [2:27:25, 2:27:35]: And having said that, um, I would like to go into executive session um for real estate personnel and litigation and cybersecurity. [2:27:36, 2:27:43]: Sir, second the motion. Third. All right. Mr. Alzheimer's saying all fair, please indicate. All right. Announces it. Let's go on the second. We'll be back, folks. Thank you. [2:28:23, 2:28:25]: Feel like we all sack. [2:28:26, 2:28:27]: Okay, so [2:28:28, 2:28:32]: This Hollywood good? Broadcast? [2:28:39, 2:28:43]: All right, council, I need a motion to enter the second session, please. So moved. [2:28:44, 2:28:47]: Is there a second? A second. Okay, from Mr. Berry to Miss Ken Onfair, please indicate. [2:28:48, 2:28:55]: All right. Now I need a motion to reconvene our council meeting, please. So moved. Second. Okay, from uh Ms. Ganttu, Mr. Alzheimer's all in favor, please indicate. [2:28:56, 2:29:00]: All right, and at this point we have nothing to report from exactly session. [2:29:00, 2:29:07]: So now I need a motion to end our council meeting. So moved. So okay, hold on. So moved from uh Miss Gantt, is there a second? [2:29:07, 2:29:08]: I mean, [2:29:09, 2:29:11]: Okay, Ms. Barber Second, all in favor, please indicate. [2:29:11, 2:29:16]: All right. We're uh well we're the unanimous decision. God bless you all. We end our meeting tonight. [2:29:17, 2:29:18]: Good night. [2:29:20, 2:29:21]: Okay. [2:29:21, 2:29:23]: I've always been sick.

--- title: Work Session Meeting date: 2025-10-28 source: 2025-10-28_Work_Session_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:09, 0:00:11]: Okay, the mics are on. All right. [0:00:22, 0:00:23]: [ 29.2, 30.5]: [0:00:49, 0:00:50]: You're not? [0:00:53, 0:01:02]: All right ladies and gentlemen, um I have uh 612 and I'd like to call this special call meeting of uh October 28th to order. [0:01:03, 0:01:07]: And could you please stand for the invocation, Mr Tony Pope, sir, please. [0:01:13, 0:01:33]: Thank you for the honor. We bow your heads. Father God, we come here tonight to do your business. We bless the spirit of this group, the spirit of the councilmen, the councilwomen, the staff that are working, and the business that we're about to do in your name. We thank all and ask for success in the things that we're about to do. [0:01:33, 0:01:51]: to proceed with in thy name we pray. Amen. Amen. The pledge of allegiance. A pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, unto God, indivisible, with liberty and justice. [0:01:54, 0:01:55]: Good evening, everyone. [0:01:55, 0:01:56]: Evening. [0:01:56, 0:02:05]: Mayor Ford. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. Let the record reflect. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt is not in attendance. Councilmember Thomas. [0:02:06, 0:02:20]: Let the record reflect. Councilmember Thomas is not in attendance. Councilmember Berry. Present. Councilmember Barber. Present. Councilmember Alexander. Present. Mayor Ford, you have a quorum. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Appreciate that. Uh council need a motion to adopt the agenda, please. [0:02:21, 0:02:25]: Mr. Berry, is there a second? Second. Mr. Alzheimer's a second. All favor, please indicate. [0:02:25, 0:02:25]: Um [0:02:27, 0:02:28]: Mayor Ford. [0:02:28, 0:02:28]: Yes, ma'am. [0:02:30, 0:02:36]: Is it at this point that I can ask to remove on the item from the consent agenda? [0:02:37, 0:02:39]: What what is it? [0:02:41, 0:02:49]: What are you what are you talking about? What what do you want to talk about removing? It's the one item on the consent agenda. Okay. I want to remove it from the consent agenda. [0:02:50, 0:03:01]: All right. Well that would take a motion from the one motion and a second from the council to approve that if you wanna take it. Sir. Yes sir. Uh it honestly it would not. What happens if one person objects it has to be removed. [0:03:02, 0:03:09]: From the consent agenda. If one person objects. Consent means a hundred percent. [0:03:09, 0:03:13]: If one person objects on it can't be on the consent agenda. All right. Yeah. [0:03:13, 0:03:20]: Uh all right, just to confirm that I I believe you. Okay, all right, got it. So so you're asking, okay, so [0:03:22, 0:03:26]: All right, so you wanna we uh it doesn't y otherwise does it take a motion to do that? No. [0:03:28, 0:03:29]: Okay, all right. [0:03:30, 0:03:31]: I'm sorry? [0:03:33, 0:03:34]: Okay. [0:03:36, 0:03:36]: All right. [0:03:41, 0:03:42]: Okay. [0:03:46, 0:03:52]: All right, so I guess I need a motion to uh indicate that as well in in motion for adoption of the agenda, if that's the case. [0:03:54, 0:03:54]: All right. [0:03:55, 0:03:57]: N no. [0:04:00, 0:04:07]: Well no no we w I uh I asked for an adoption of the agenda. I didn't I got a I got a motion in a second, but I didn't I didn't get a [0:04:08, 0:04:11]: And then I got in uh Miss Barber st said something about she wanted this off. [0:04:12, 0:04:17]: I had a emotion to accept was from Mr Berry because I was on second dat. [0:04:17, 0:04:21]: Then we didn't take a vote. Well, I took a vote I guess, but I didn't get a consent. [0:04:23, 0:04:24]: Oh, you do have a three zero vote. [0:04:26, 0:04:46]: I asked I did ask for a vote, but I I did I did ask for a vote. All right, what the vo the the what I asked for was a uh a motion to adopt the agenda is what I asked for originally. Mr. Berry said uh he's he's he's so moved basically. [0:04:46, 0:04:51]: You mister Alexander says second. And I asked for uh a vote of that. Okay, all in favor? [0:04:53, 0:04:58]: Okay. All are we all in favor? [0:04:58, 0:05:00]: [304.2, 310.0]: Thank you. Okay, so so all in favor? All right, there we go. So was the NAMS the Z NAMS decision? [0:05:10, 0:05:22]: Uh on that. We're just voting on the agenda. You're you're good with that as well? Yep. Okay, so it's four oh. All right. All right, so uh on that note, uh public comments. Do we have any public comments at all? [0:05:23, 0:05:37]: Okay, thank you. So council review of the minutes and review of the budget the minutes were from the budget retreat meeting minutes September twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth, and twenty-sixth, and review of the council meeting minutes on October thirteenth. [0:05:37, 0:05:41]: review those and uh if there are any changes or updates uh we will [0:05:41, 0:05:47]: Tape the talk to the clerk about that and then we'll take this up for a uh a vote on our next official meeting. [0:05:47, 0:05:52]: So uh what we have now would be the city manager's third quarter report. [0:05:53, 0:06:09]: That includes reports from the finance, clerk's office, governing body, administration, information technology, human resources, public works, community development, economic development events, municipal court, public uh police department, downtown development authority, citywide development authority, and the youth council. [0:06:09, 0:06:10]: Ms. Edmondson, please. [0:06:30, 0:06:30]: What number? [0:06:35, 0:06:36]: Perfect. [0:06:39, 0:06:42]: Uh good evening, Mayor and Council, Community, Staff. [0:06:43, 0:06:51]: Uh yes, this is the physical year twenty twenty five third quarter report. Uh just want to highlight some things that uh been taking place in the last thirty uh [0:06:53, 0:07:13]: In this particular quarter. First and foremost, we held a uh I held up particularly a lot of different listening sessions. Um we improved some leadership processes and improvements staff-wise uh and internal processes. Uh we completed a mid-year budget review, uh, had a budget retreat. [0:07:13, 0:07:13]: [436.2, 444.2]: I met with um all mayor and council, talked about some of the initiatives and things that are important for fiscal year 2026. [0:07:25, 0:07:27]: We talked about capital projects, et cetera. [0:07:30, 0:07:34]: We s we also had various events for this particular quarter. Um [0:07:35, 0:07:46]: from the clergy round table to line dancing to bingo to uh meeting with the mayor. Um also we had several different concerts. [0:07:47, 0:07:59]: From the clerk's office, uh the clerk's office for this particular quarter prepared 35 meeting uh meeting agendas. Uh total uh completed open records request, 146. [0:08:00, 0:08:03]: Transcribe meet a minutes twenty three eighty seven. [0:08:08, 0:08:19]: uh events, Merrill Manders Conference Center. We had the breast counselor luncheon. Uh we also had the fifty shades of pink uh breast counsel walk. [0:08:21, 0:08:23]: For municipal court. [0:08:27, 0:08:33]: They had a total of nine uh one thousand nine hundred and forty-three new citations. [0:08:33, 0:08:38]: Uh so it was a busy quarter. Of course that it was anticipated due to the fact that it's summertime. [0:08:40, 0:08:49]: Let's see, they had uh 12 uh 67 citations closed or adjudicated out of the 1943. [0:08:54, 0:08:55]: Uh [0:08:55, 0:08:57]: Wanna hit on one more area? [0:08:57, 0:08:59]: And then that's it. [0:09:01, 0:09:02]: Police department. [0:09:09, 0:09:11]: Police uh for the third quarter. [0:09:12, 0:09:14]: Conducted two hundred and eighty two arrests. [0:09:15, 0:09:18]: Two thousand eight hundred and eight traffic stops. [0:09:18, 0:09:26]: Three thousand forty-nine cite citations of fifteen hundred warnings. Uh they conducted several community events. [0:09:31, 0:09:47]: To include the Faith in Blue events, uh some highlights. They also had uh code enforcement had a total of case open, seven hundred and fifty-one cases uh open in this quarter. Uh they also closed five hundred and sixty-three of those cases. [0:09:52, 0:09:58]: They records department completed nine hundred and fifty-seven uh open records requests. [0:10:00, 0:10:03]: Completed eight background checks. [0:10:06, 0:10:09]: During this quarter they also participated in Founders Day breakfast. [0:10:10, 0:10:13]: The S P D anniversary July fourth event. [0:10:13, 0:10:17]: Uh Bridge Kids Teen Police Academy, New Hope. [0:10:17, 0:10:35]: Cathedral back to school event, Stockbridge Elementary Back to School Event, Cops in the Community Day, Bicycle Safety Club Scouts, Southwind Apartments Town Hall, Clergy Roundtable, Personal Safety Workshop, and Law Enforcement Meet and Greet. [0:10:41, 0:10:53]: They also have some uh new initiatives. They deployed two new radar speed uh trailers for neighborhood patrols. Uh they're working to integrate the flock cameras on trailers uh for added crime deterrence. [0:10:54, 0:11:00]: They acquired two utility terrain vehicles, UIVs to support special events and high visibility patrols. [0:11:01, 0:11:05]: They launched the first team police academy to enhance youth engagement. [0:11:06, 0:11:18]: They also implemented the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, which is for firearm evidence analysis, which is one of nine departments in Georgia with this advanced technology. [0:11:28, 0:11:29]: Uh public works. [0:11:31, 0:11:44]: Um created the uh physical year twenty twenty-six LMIG list that highlights some of the roles that they're gonna be focusing on for twenty twenty-six. Uh that's in your packet, quite a few to read off. [0:11:47, 0:11:56]: The Stockbridge Youth Council uh third quarter report, uh July, they uh did a fill-the-bus supply uh drive. [0:11:56, 0:11:57]: Which was very successful. [0:11:58, 0:12:01]: Uh they also had a back to school book bag giveaway. [0:12:02, 0:12:08]: In August, they had a new student recruitment and swearing in of new youth council members. [0:12:08, 0:12:12]: Also in September, uh students uh conducted a retreat. [0:12:13, 0:12:13]: And training. [0:12:15, 0:12:18]: And a GMA youth symposium. [0:12:22, 0:12:27]: November they have a stress management campaign. Um they're gonna be [0:12:27, 0:12:32]: uh participating in and also December they're gonna have a winter wonderland. [0:12:43, 0:12:56]: Mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm um pending your questions that's all I'll cover for now. Any questions counsel for Mr. Edmondson and his report. [0:12:59, 0:13:19]: All right, well no questions, sir. Thank you very much. Appreciate you. Okay, now obviously we have an item on a consent agenda and we're gonna take it off. It's gonna be old business. All right. And that deals with a council consideration to approve the annual contract RFP twenty twenty-five-zero zero zero four for ongoing uh on call. [0:13:19, 0:13:38]: called sidewalk repair, sidewalk repairs and a replacement of the uh CGS uh replacement two, excuse me, CGS LLC for an amount of three hundred thousand dollars. Funding is uh splot six and the contract is scheduled to begin on January 1st of 2026. [0:13:39, 0:13:43]: And I would assume that this is Mr. Aaron. Okay, sir, please. [0:13:45, 0:14:05]: Uh yes, Mr. Mayor. And council, we come back again asking for your approval to award this contract to the vendor for starting in fiscal year FY 2026 to CGS LLC for our annual on-call sidewalk maintenance program for the last, I think, four plus. [0:14:05, 0:14:11]: years we've employed the services of an on-call sidewalk vendor to maintain sidewalks throughout the city. [0:14:13, 0:14:13]: Okay. [0:14:15, 0:14:16]: Ms. Barber, you must have some questions. [0:14:17, 0:14:23]: I do. My question is I wanna speak with these um Miss Megan. [0:14:23, 0:14:25]: Can you come to the podium please? [0:14:28, 0:14:30]: Thank you, Mr. Aaron. [0:14:32, 0:14:40]: Um so I know this item um is coming back to the council for consideration for the third time. [0:14:40, 0:14:43]: Um both times I mention about [0:14:43, 0:14:44]: The policy. [0:14:44, 0:15:02]: um and processes that were approved in twenty twenty two. Were you able to go back and look at the actual audio and video of the meeting in which those new policies, procedures were adopted and approved by the governing body? No. [0:15:04, 0:15:13]: Okay. Um the clerk sent an email to all of us. She included you on the email, um, with the meeting minutes from [0:15:14, 0:15:15]: I believe May. [0:15:15, 0:15:23]: May thirty first. I'm sorry, let me grab my phone so I can pull up that email. Yeah. Okay. Um the [0:15:25, 0:15:27]: The amendments to the procurement [0:15:27, 0:15:28]: Uh code. [0:15:29, 0:15:34]: was adopted and approved by the governing body may thirty first of twenty twenty two. [0:15:35, 0:15:44]: There were a series of series of recommendations by attorney Jeremy Berry. Um the council approved those. [0:15:45, 0:15:47]: I also um added some additional [0:15:48, 0:15:51]: recommendations that were also approved. [0:15:51, 0:15:53]: Um simultaneously. [0:15:53, 0:15:54]: During that same meeting. [0:15:55, 0:15:56]: It is in the meeting minutes. [0:15:57, 0:15:58]: The audio. [0:15:58, 0:16:01]: And the video of the meeting is also recorded. [0:16:01, 0:16:03]: That all was sent to the council. [0:16:04, 0:16:14]: My concern is that the process I don't know if or what staff did between last meeting and this meeting to rectify or [0:16:15, 0:16:16]: Two [0:16:17, 0:16:31]: I guess take care of the concerns that I raise in regards to adhering to the processes. So I wanted to know what did you um where were you able to I can't answer the question as to what staff may have done to rectify any of those issues. [0:16:32, 0:16:39]: Well, I do know and Mr. Edmondson will be able to explain then. I do know that there um [0:16:40, 0:16:43]: Seems to be some conflict um in the code. [0:16:43, 0:16:50]: One section does have the updated um policies as was approved. The other [0:16:51, 0:16:52]: Um [0:16:52, 0:17:06]: changes such as the city manager's spending authorization. There's some conflict. Um in our codes. I don't know if the attorneys are responsible for updating the codes or not, but they're not um [0:17:07, 0:17:12]: updating the codes in all of the sections so that they are [0:17:12, 0:17:14]: Um coherent. [0:17:14, 0:17:31]: And that they are clear and concise and podium please. I want to make sure that all of the codes, all of the changes that were approved and adopted by the governing body pertaining to [0:17:32, 0:17:34]: Procurement policies and procedures. [0:17:35, 0:17:36]: That they are indeed [0:17:36, 0:17:38]: All updated and reflect. [0:17:39, 0:17:41]: What was approved by the council? [0:17:41, 0:17:42]: This is the third time. [0:17:44, 0:17:45]: In three meetings. [0:17:46, 0:17:48]: That this same item has come to the council, so [0:17:48, 0:17:51]: I assumed and expected that [0:17:51, 0:17:55]: Стафу таке струва процеси. [0:17:55, 0:18:00]: as has been approved by the council. Now my councilmates can do whatever they want to. [0:18:01, 0:18:05]: Амна гон то проведется в тер'спенно чай о. [0:18:05, 0:18:08]: I need to hear from Mr. Edmondson first to see [0:18:08, 0:18:13]: what in fact has changed or if there has been a change or review. [0:18:15, 0:18:16]: Since our last meeting. [0:18:17, 0:18:37]: Uh yes, ma'am. They they have and and as you said, there were some conflicts in the ordinance and what was adopted, what was heard on the video. Um and as uh I recall on the video listening to um what was actually approved, and I recall that Councilmember Alexander was he seconded the emotion and it was to outline changing the [0:18:37, 0:18:57]: The requirement from three uh personnel to a total of five personnel. And I think the point of conflict that we have in here is is the fact that out of that five personnel, um it was three people from public works and then several other people from other different departments. So if the point of contention is that [0:18:57, 0:19:17]: That it shouldn't only be one from each department. I think that's where kind of the conflict is at. And like I said, based off the video that I seen, that was not specified in that video. So my recommendation will be: if that's the case for this right here, for the sake of this, I mean, if until we can figure out what is [0:19:17, 0:19:19]: [1159.7, 1174.0]: My suje my suggestion would be to to move forward with this one and then revamp that and get the right ordinance updated so that we are in compliance. Okay, so I'll tell you what is right. Thank you, sir. I'll tell you what is right. [0:19:35, 0:19:38]: Prior to May thirty first, twenty twenty two. [0:19:39, 0:19:46]: The code only spoke to having three members of the evaluation committee. Only three. [0:19:47, 0:19:51]: And it also mentioned that all three would be from different departments. [0:19:52, 0:19:53]: It says that. [0:19:54, 0:19:56]: All I did was make [0:19:57, 0:20:00]: The recommendation to increase [0:20:00, 0:20:04]: the number of members of the evaluation committee. [0:20:04, 0:20:06]: From three members to five. [0:20:07, 0:20:09]: Which means [0:20:09, 0:20:18]: The other criteria that all members should serve from other departments and not all from one department, that should remain as is. [0:20:19, 0:20:22]: The only change that was made was the number of members. [0:20:23, 0:20:24]: That's it. [0:20:25, 0:20:25]: So [0:20:26, 0:20:27]: In fact, the [0:20:28, 0:20:31]: I am the one who brought forth all the motions. [0:20:31, 0:20:34]: I brought forth the m recommendations, let me say that. [0:20:34, 0:20:37]: Councilman Alexander. [0:20:37, 0:20:41]: Аз зай авайз ду, я ж всі дев'яна. [0:20:42, 0:20:45]: They pretty much tried to bully. [0:20:45, 0:20:46]: And try to assert. [0:20:46, 0:20:49]: And try to just take over anything that I do. [0:20:50, 0:20:59]: I want to be clear about what the intent was when I brought forth the recommendations for the changes to our procurement processes. [0:20:59, 0:21:02]: Policies and procedures the intent. [0:21:02, 0:21:06]: That I had when I made the recommendations. [0:21:06, 0:21:11]: I made that specific recommendation because what I knew then [0:21:11, 0:21:14]: was that there were only three members [0:21:14, 0:21:16]: Of the evaluation committee. [0:21:17, 0:21:18]: The city attorney [0:21:18, 0:21:20]: The city managers [0:21:20, 0:21:22]: They were serving on the evaluation committees. [0:21:24, 0:21:25]: That's not proper. [0:21:26, 0:21:30]: That was the reason why I brought forth well, I made the recommendations. [0:21:31, 0:21:33]: All of the recommendations that I made. [0:21:34, 0:21:37]: Councilman Alexander, he the one who made the motion for it. [0:21:38, 0:21:41]: But he can't explain the intent. [0:21:42, 0:21:46]: Because I'm the one who brought them forward. So I want to make sure. [0:21:47, 0:21:48]: It was approved. [0:21:49, 0:21:50]: They were adopted. [0:21:50, 0:21:56]: There should be no questions about what the intent was and what the purpose is. [0:21:56, 0:21:57]: It's clear. [0:21:57, 0:22:01]: So you all can keep playing these games, but I'm not. [0:22:01, 0:22:05]: I want to prove this if staff did not go back. [0:22:05, 0:22:11]: And create a whole new evaluation committee to look at any of these awards. [0:22:11, 0:22:16]: I won't approve them. I can't support that because I knew what the intent was and I expected [0:22:17, 0:22:18]: After our last meeting in [0:22:19, 0:22:23]: The series of emails that had been shared with the full governing body. [0:22:24, 0:22:32]: To the city to you, Miss Megan. I'm not sure if Quentin Washington was also on the email or not, but everybody got the email. [0:22:34, 0:22:37]: Everybody. And to add this on the consent agenda like [0:22:38, 0:22:40]: Everything is supposed to be good in culture, no. [0:22:40, 0:22:44]: You're not adhering to the policies that have been approved and adopted. [0:22:45, 0:22:56]: I just want to speak to the updating of Municode. Um, I do not have access to update Municode. Um, that is with the clerk's office. So if the municode is still out of date. [0:22:58, 0:23:00]: That codification needs to be updated. [0:23:00, 0:23:01]: Yeah, there are [0:23:02, 0:23:08]: They conf conflict with each other. I see that there's a certain section [0:23:09, 0:23:17]: They made some change to it, but in other sections they didn't. Just the same as with the city manager's spending authorization. [0:23:17, 0:23:23]: There's a section that has its his spending authorization as twenty-five thousand dollars. [0:23:23, 0:23:26]: But it should be fifty thousand dollars and it reflects it [0:23:26, 0:23:27]: In another section. [0:23:28, 0:23:34]: So we just need to make sure that we're being consistent. I agree, and consistency is gonna be huge. Um and [0:23:35, 0:23:40]: Again, I I can't update Municode um for any conflicts. Um [0:23:41, 0:23:44]: Whose responsibility is it to uh [0:23:45, 0:23:47]: Go away, please, Vanessa. [0:23:47, 0:24:07]: Mayor, listen, mayor, point of order. We we're going way, way, way off the topic. We've been pontificating on this for three particular meetings, and we're going way off the topic on who updates Municode and all of that. That has nothing to do with what we're [0:24:07, 0:24:27]: It has nothing to do with what we're doing. We're voting on the sidewalk project. That's what this is. Now, Miss Barber will be the first one to say, stay on the topic. Now, we out in Mars right now. We ain't even in the atmosphere. We gotta reel this back in, Mayor, so that we're [0:24:27, 0:24:28]: You're tight. [0:24:28, 0:24:48]: We're talking about the sidewalk. That's what we're doing. No, we're talking about the process. We need to make sure that we that staff is adhering to the processes and procedures that have been approved and adopted by the governing body. So my question has been, Mayor Ford, if I may. [0:24:48, 0:25:08]: Wait a minute. My councilmates can stand more than a minute. Calm down, please interrupt me when I am speaking. Please allow me to finish. That's my that's my ruling right now. You said [0:25:08, 0:25:28]: what my ruling is that's my ruling. We're gonna continue on. Go ahead, Miss Holland. It simply has to do with the process for Munich Code being updated. An ordinance has to be changed and amended in s in different sections of the code. As I'm understanding what has happened, it was changed in one area but not the other. [0:25:28, 0:25:42]: That's correct. The clerk's office does not change the ordinance. We receive those from legal and then we submit what the council approves and adopts that is then submitted to Municode to update the code. [0:25:42, 0:25:52]: But it has to start with legal amending the code in all sections that that particular item pertains to. [0:25:52, 0:25:58]: That's the clarification. All right. No. Finish your comment, please. So I just want to make sure that Ms. [0:25:59, 0:26:03]: Megan is able to um rectify [0:26:04, 0:26:05]: This issue. [0:26:05, 0:26:12]: Um because this is not a matter of the governing body not approving it. No, this is really a [0:26:12, 0:26:14]: Systematic issue. [0:26:14, 0:26:15]: For staff [0:26:16, 0:26:17]: And the attorney. [0:26:17, 0:26:24]: To and rectify. We can we can and we will work on updating that Municode section. I appreciate it. Thank you. [0:26:24, 0:26:25]: All right. [0:26:26, 0:26:46]: So uh uh I would say you're dismissed, sir. You might need to stand by, okay? If you know all right, so on that note we Sir we we have additional comments. Okay. First first of all, again, you have let the meeting wander off into the stratosphere. Okay, no problem talking about what is going on. [0:26:46, 0:26:55]: All right, and this is why we end up in these situations where we end up with the back and forth because we bring in so many extraneous items. [0:26:55, 0:27:15]: Now it was indicated at the very last meeting. I asked the clerk, I asked Miss Miss Barber several times, show me the documentation in the ordinance that states that it has to be such and such members from public works. I was assured that that was coming. It did not come. [0:27:15, 0:27:35]: Did not come. The issue is what we voted on, what was put in Municode, what was done by legal, we have it on the books. I questioned whether that was the case at the last meeting when I said we should not punt this because I did not believe that was the policy. And never ever have we ever [0:27:35, 0:27:46]: Done what we did at the last meeting was accept somebody's word without any documentation at all to stall this item. Now here we are back [0:27:47, 0:28:07]: For a third time, we're trying to do something real simple. Get people's sidewalks fixed. That's it. That's all we're trying to do. We're not trying to rewrite the whole city code. We're trying to get a contractor approved to fix the broken sidewalk on Hudson Bridge and various areas in the city. [0:28:07, 0:28:27]: Now we have the first meeting it was not clear to the city manager or not clear to any of us what we were coming back for. Then a second issue was raised when we came back the second time. Now we're back for the third time and a third different issue is being raised right now when it was [0:28:27, 0:28:33]: It was assured to us that that was the policy. We all saw the email. [0:28:33, 0:28:44]: That has the ordinance in it. What was stated is not what was told to us at the last meeting. At this point, I'm taking your recommendation and certainly [0:28:44, 0:29:03]: I'd like to make a motion to move forward with approving the sidewalk contractor. For the third time at three successive meetings, we need to move this project forward so that somebody's out there not tripping and falling on sidewalks, hurting themselves and suing the city. Certainly I make a motion for approval. [0:29:04, 0:29:19]: Well she's second okay Miss Gancy. Now on that note, motion is made second. Now do you have any additional comments? Well my comment is this that based off of what Mr. Edmondson said and what I reviewed too, I too looked at the minutes of the meeting and we did not vote. [0:29:19, 0:29:30]: Let's be very clear. We did not vote for us to have only two people. It can only be a minimum or maximum of two that was stated at the last council meeting. None of that was stated. [0:29:31, 0:29:36]: What the ordinance reads is what we have to abide by. And I'm not gonna change it. [0:29:36, 0:29:56]: Um, I'm gonna be very clear about as far as I'm concerned, but it takes three council members. I could always voice my opinion on the way things should work, but that's my opinion. It's not the law. And the law is based off of what we voted into the books, and it's not there, and we've delayed this enough. [0:29:56, 0:30:04]: And unfortunately, I'm not gonna have, you know, uh it's not it's not for argument. It's either in the ordinance or it's not. [0:30:05, 0:30:11]: It's on the meeting minute or it's not. It's on the video of the minutes or it's not, and it wasn't there. [0:30:12, 0:30:14]: And therefore, I'm ready to move forward. [0:30:14, 0:30:15]: All right. [0:30:15, 0:30:16]: Mr. Berry, you have any comments at all? [0:30:17, 0:30:23]: Okay. All right. So the motion is made in a second. All in favor of the motion, please indicate. All opposed. [0:30:24, 0:30:30]: Okay. I will oppose. Okay. Motion pass three zero three one. Can I add a comment, please, sir? [0:30:31, 0:30:36]: Go right ahead, please. I am opposing not the services themselves. It's [0:30:36, 0:30:38]: I believe that [0:30:38, 0:30:40]: Um there has been a failure. [0:30:41, 0:30:42]: To follow the procedures. [0:30:43, 0:30:53]: as was adopted and approved by the governing body during the May thirty first, twenty twenty two meeting. That's for the record, Miss Holliday. [0:30:55, 0:31:05]: On that note, uh we'll move on. Council consideration approves the downtown container project presented by Miss Lisa Fareed and uh I believe Mr. Tony Pope. [0:31:11, 0:31:12]: Yeah. [0:31:53, 0:31:54]: Yeah. [0:32:11, 0:32:12]: So we should think that. [0:32:14, 0:32:15]: Nick. [0:32:17, 0:32:18]: Yeah. [0:32:18, 0:32:23]: Okay. Are we you ready to go? [0:32:25, 0:32:28]: Okay. Um good evening. Evening to you. [0:32:28, 0:32:40]: Um so okay, it looks like this is loading and I'll just do an introduction if that's okay. Sure, go ahead. All right. So um the downtown container project was first introduced in twenty twenty. [0:32:42, 0:32:50]: It was and still is an innovative solution for creating building inventory in the Main Street district, where storefront spaces are extremely limited. [0:32:51, 0:32:54]: The first concept was suggested to go along Burke Street. [0:32:55, 0:33:07]: On the green space next door to Fletcher and Sons Auto Repair. The uh so at Council's request, the economic development department is reintroducing the concept. [0:33:08, 0:33:12]: Ви болів за нею інновації спроект вилбі апілін. [0:33:13, 0:33:17]: And might be a good fit for the evolving downtown core. [0:33:17, 0:33:37]: I would like to introduce Mr. Anthony Pope, president of I'm gonna try this, Atelier 7 Architects. Mr. Pope is the designer and creator of the original concept, and we are excited to hear from him this evening, if that's okay with Mayor and Council. Absolutely. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Pope, for being here. [0:33:39, 0:33:50]: Uh oh, okay. Okay. We need just a moment to get our um project online. Oh this is not the r right one? I think no, it looked like I gave you the wrong one. [0:33:51, 0:33:53]: Okay. Here it is. Okay. [0:34:03, 0:34:06]: Right, how much time do you think you need? We'll take the World Cup too. [0:34:07, 0:34:08]: Okay. [0:34:11, 0:34:15]: Yeah, let's j let's just come back to them. One one second, sir. How long did [0:34:16, 0:34:20]: You just gotta get the disc you know loaded up, that's all you gotta do? All right. [0:34:29, 0:34:30]: Oh. [0:34:34, 0:34:41]: So we need some more time. You're not gonna all right. All right. So we'll okay, we'll move on to the we'll come back to them in just a second. So we'll move on. [0:34:42, 0:34:53]: Yeah search them back in. Uh council consideration to fill a vacancy to appoint a member of downtown development authority. Term expires um December thirty first, twenty twenty five. Mr. Edmundson, please. [0:34:57, 0:34:58]: What the hell does that on there? [0:35:13, 0:35:18]: All right, good evening, Mayor and Council Community once again. Uh this is for the [0:35:20, 0:35:31]: Application uh for board committee for the downtown development authority. We have the first applicant, uh Miss Lisa Glenn. [0:35:32, 0:35:34]: She submitted her application to [0:35:35, 0:35:39]: Fill one of the vacancies for the downtown development authority. [0:35:40, 0:35:50]: Uh just a quick background on Miss Glenn. Uh she is an insurance agent. She's been a part of the city uh for eight years, eleven months. [0:35:50, 0:36:01]: Um and she's looking forward to council approval for her to be a part of the downtown development authority. Uh the next applicant we have. [0:36:02, 0:36:08]: Sir, honestly we've read the applications already. Okay. So pretty much we we can make a decision. [0:36:09, 0:36:18]: Okay. Well no are there any questions? Well that's what I was gonna say make make sure everybody's good with that first before you move on. Is there anything else council other council members that you need to hear before you make a decision? [0:36:19, 0:36:20]: I wanna how many vac [0:36:22, 0:36:24]: How many vacancies are there currently? [0:36:25, 0:36:27]: Uh I'm not aware of that. [0:36:27, 0:36:30]: I think it's only one. It's only one. One. It's only one. [0:36:31, 0:36:41]: So it's one of these two individuals if we select one of those two or or not. But it's only one vacancy in this if I understand for the other. [0:36:41, 0:36:46]: Uh the my question is then if there's only one vacancy [0:36:47, 0:36:48]: We only have two more months. [0:36:49, 0:36:53]: Before the end of the year, what why is this necessary today? [0:36:55, 0:36:58]: Well was placed on the on the on the agenda. [0:36:58, 0:36:59]: But uh I would say. [0:37:00, 0:37:20]: Uh Mr. Alzheimer's, your your liaison to that department. Yeah, we had we had two people to resign um in a short period of time, and certainly um we we had uh endeavored to fill the board to have a full board going into 2026. And certainly uh we have a couple of applications. [0:37:20, 0:37:33]: here and I was going to go ahead and make a recommendation for approval of Ms. Tosheka Thomas to the Downtown Development Authority City of Stockbridge. [0:37:34, 0:37:36]: Okay, so that's that's your motion, sir? Yeah. [0:37:37, 0:37:38]: Okay, is there a second to that motion? [0:37:40, 0:37:41]: I said. [0:37:41, 0:37:42]: Ms. Can't second that. [0:37:44, 0:37:45]: All in favor, please indicate. [0:37:48, 0:37:49]: Okay, all opposed? [0:37:50, 0:37:59]: I'm going to abstain because I don't know why this is necessary for us to appoint someone two months before the end of the year. [0:38:00, 0:38:02]: More importantly, why do we need this right now? [0:38:03, 0:38:23]: Okay. Motion passed 301. Mayor comment. Yes, sir. Certainly. Now, Miss Barber, you indicated that you wanted to be able to do that. We've already taken the vote. Um Councilman. Never mind. I don't need an extraordinary. Councilman Thomas, but he was already in that position. So just a couple of weeks ago, you wanted to appoint somebody. So tonight we're appointing somebody. [0:38:23, 0:38:25]: [2305.4, 2308.4]: The Main Street Board didn't have a vacancy. Thank you. [0:38:29, 0:38:43]: All right, we'll move uh let's see, still working out. Okay, so move on. Public works is requesting a council approval to award RFP twenty twenty-five-zero zero zero seven right-of-way maintenance services to Crabtree Landscape Experts. [0:38:43, 0:38:47]: In compliance with solicitation conditions as described in RFP [0:38:47, 0:39:03]: uh Crowd Apple landscape experts was deemed to the most responsive uh proposer. The annual service will commence on january one, twenty twenty six, an amount of one hundred fifty eight thousand uh seven hundred dollars and funding sources from the Public Works Department budgeted funds. Mr. Aaron, please [0:39:03, 0:39:20]: Yes, Mr. Mayor and Council. This is our annual on uh on call for right-of-way maintenance. Our major corridors like Campground Road, Jodico Road, Hudson Bridge, Eagles Landing, I mean uh Rock Quarry Road, Davidson Parkway, Flippin' Road. [0:39:20, 0:39:37]: And so we had a RFP out, twelve we receives twelve responses back and we're asking that council approved crab apple crab apple landscape experts as they was the lowest responsive bidder for the right of way maintenance of the major thoroughfares. [0:39:37, 0:39:40]: Okay, questions counsel for Mr. Aaron about this? [0:39:42, 0:39:57]: Yeah, I'll make a mokay. Make a motion for approval. Okay. Motion's been made. Second that motion. All favor, please indicate. Okay. Opposed? I will oppose and I want to add a comment, please, sir. [0:39:57, 0:40:02]: Go right in. Okay. Um we've been without a procurement manager since the summer. [0:40:03, 0:40:07]: And based on the discussion we just had of item number three. [0:40:07, 0:40:14]: I don't feel confident that the policies and procedures are being followed as has been approved. [0:40:14, 0:40:17]: by the governing body in twenty twenty two. [0:40:18, 0:40:19]: For that reason. [0:40:20, 0:40:21]: I am opposing. [0:40:21, 0:40:22]: Thank you, sir. [0:40:22, 0:40:26]: Motion passed three one zero. Thank you, sir. All right, no problem. [0:40:26, 0:40:45]: Council of consideration to approve uh KTM Roofing Company incorporated to provide emergency roof repairs to the police department, Merrill Manters Conference Center and a tag office in an amount of one hundred fifty uh fifty thousand dollars seven hundred and twelve one hundred fifty seven hundred and twelve dollars eighty cents. Okay, funding source would be splash six. Mr Aaron, please. [0:40:45, 0:41:05]: Yes, Mr. Mayor. We had some major issues with water leaks at the police department and Merrymanders and the and the tag office. So we did an emergency procurement. We followed that policy that allows for emergency procurement. And we as part of the policy we have to get three quotes. We actually got four quotes, but KTM [0:41:05, 0:41:13]: Roofing was the lowest with$150,702 and 80 cents. And we're asking you to approve that. [0:41:13, 0:41:17]: Mayor. Yes, ma'am. I move that we approve the letter. [0:41:18, 0:41:22]: Go write it, please. If I could. Could I get someone machief, would you come up for a second? [0:41:29, 0:41:42]: I still wanna move to that we approach. I I think we certainly but I just wanna get clarification. We spent four million dollars on the police department. We didn't get a new roof, we didn't get a warranty. [0:41:42, 0:41:50]: No, there was no the roof was not part of the scope of work for that. Um, it was expec it inspected at the time and it was not uh deemed to be [0:41:50, 0:42:10]: In need of repair. It wasn't until after we moved into the facility that we started to experience uh leakage. As a matter of fact, a lot of that had to do not necessarily from the shingles, um, it had to do from the deteriorating rotting wood underneath the shingles, which in all likelihood may not have been visible during inspection of the shingles. I don't think it was a defect in the shingles as much as it was [0:42:10, 0:42:15]: was the um uh the the the under coverage there. So [0:42:15, 0:42:30]: Um it was unforeseen. We started we've been we've been experiencing leaks in that building for nearly two years and so it's taking us long just to get the repairs uh done for that. And it was leaking into critical uh areas. So it was absolutely needed. [0:42:31, 0:42:36]: Okay, so in and Mr. Aaron, you're saying that we got what, three responsive bidders. [0:42:37, 0:42:46]: Actually we had four. The policy says you need three, but we had four. We had four. And uh the the on the work that's being done, is that some type of [0:42:47, 0:42:56]: protection for uh for or for coming back or yes sir we have a warranty on Okay, we'll have a warranty then okay thank you. I'm right. [0:42:57, 0:42:58]: Okay. [0:42:58, 0:43:11]: So you made a motion of who Yes, Mayor, it was me. Okay. I make a motion that we approve the KTM Roofing Company to provide emergency roof repairs to the police department, Merrill Manders Conference Center, and the tag office. And Mr. Berry Second, all in favor, please indicate? [0:43:13, 0:43:16]: Okay. So you may have decision. Mayor Ford. Yes, ma'am. [0:43:18, 0:43:21]: Motion pass four zero. Thank you. Never mind. [0:43:21, 0:43:22]: Okay. [0:43:24, 0:43:44]: Council consideration for the police department to piggyback off the existing contract with Georgia Department of Public Safety for the purchase and installation of emergency equipment needed to uplift the police vehicles previously approved during the last council meeting in amount of$109,000. Funding source would be the approved FY 2025 traffic camera fund. [0:43:44, 0:44:02]: Utilizing this contract will allow the department to expedite the uplifting process, ensure consistency uh with our current fleet standards, and achieve cost savings through established government pricing. Uh Assistant Chief uh uh Richard Goffrey and uh Chief Rick Trammer, please, gentlemen. [0:44:03, 0:44:21]: Mayor, Council, good evening. The agenda item before you this evening is a request for council to approve the police department to piggyback off an existing contract between the Georgia Department of Public Safety and a company called Prologic L L C for the emergency upfitting equipment for the vehicles that you approved during the last council meeting. [0:44:21, 0:44:41]: The total cost is$109,000 and that will be coming from the traffic camera fund as part of the FY approved traffic camera fund budget. Um a little bit of background information on this. We had solicited quotes from five different vendors within a 75-mile radius of the city of Stockbridge. [0:44:41, 0:44:50]: Four of those are authorized by our manufacturer, which is Federal Signal, to resell those products on their behalf. [0:44:51, 0:45:11]: Uh, ProLogic LLC was the lowest uh bidder at that time, and I'll provide you with um the quotes from them. Prologic came in at$106,369.28.28. 9-1-1 rapid response was the second at$118,530. [0:45:10, 0:45:13]: Mm-hmm. [0:45:13, 0:45:18]: The purpose of this was to streamline the process to avoid time and administrative cost. [0:45:18, 0:45:33]: associated with issuing a formal bid. The department also reviewed existing contracts eligible for cooperative use. The Georgia Department of Public Safety granted permission for the police department to piggyback off these contracts, which have been thoroughly vetted by procurement and legal. [0:45:33, 0:45:34]: Mayor. Yes, ma'am. [0:45:35, 0:45:44]: I mayor, I make a motion that we approve this um police department uh the police department to piggyback off of the existing contract with Georgia Department of Public Safety. That's second. [0:45:45, 0:45:50]: From Miss Gantt to Miss Barber, all in favor please indicate the announced decision. Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you. [0:45:53, 0:46:13]: Council of Consideration approved the renewal of the piggyback of uh OMNIA Partners Public Sector Contract with Prince William County Public Schools contract RTC-1006, City of Stockbridge contract, number RFP 2021-001P with Amazon Services LLCP. [0:46:13, 0:46:16]: Piggyback Amazon contract, estimated annual amount. [0:46:16, 0:46:20]: One hundred thousand dollars of various department funding, uh Mr. Malawi, please. [0:46:22, 0:46:42]: Uh good evening, Mayor and Council. Uh we already have got the contract with the Amazon. Currently it's at the fifty thousand. That's citywide. And we are asking if we renew but at the same time extend from fifty to hundred thousand. [0:46:41, 0:46:45]: Uh that's for every department in the city. [0:46:46, 0:46:53]: We don't expect to be there but it will be on the safer side because we get good deals with Amazon. [0:46:55, 0:46:56]: Okay. Questions, Council? [0:46:58, 0:47:18]: One quick question, Mayor. Okay, what's what exactly can you explain to the community what we're doing? Because this is under Prince William County Public Schools contract. It's for Amazon, we get when we make purchases, we get discount a discounted price, correct? That is correct. For us to open an account we have to have [0:47:18, 0:47:38]: Have the contract that the school already has. So we pig bag on that contract for us to open an account with Amazon. So we are renewing that contract with Amazon. At the same time, we are our volume of purchases are going up from [0:47:38, 0:47:45]: fifty thousands and we want uh to make sure that we are within and we feel like hundred thousand is okay. [0:47:46, 0:48:06]: So Prince William County isn't Henry County. Henry County doesn't have this program, is that correct? That is correct. Right. And so we're th it does benefit a school system to a certain degree. They I'm assuming they get some type of percentage back, a discount back. That's but Henry County doesn't have that as of now. The Henry County School system. That's correct. And maybe they should look [0:48:05, 0:48:25]: into it. But in the meantime, it helps us and it reduces the price of our cost when we purchase things from Amazon. Save yes. To save. All right. And having said that, I would like to make a motion to approve the renewal to piggyback on Omnia Partners public sector contract with Prince William County Public Schools Company. [0:48:25, 0:48:29]: contract RTC dash one oh six. [0:48:29, 0:48:35]: So I second the motion. You second the motion? You okay, Ms. Barber? Second the motion. Then all in favor, please indicate. [0:48:36, 0:48:36]: Yes, ma'am. [0:48:38, 0:48:50]: To a hundred thousand. I I made a motion to improve approve what was listed here on this contract. And and if we're increasing that, that includes the hundred thousand dollars. Whatever's on this agenda item located. [0:48:51, 0:49:00]: Is that clear with you, Ms. Holliday? Okay, from Miss uh Ms uh Gantt to Miss Barber, all all in favor, please indicate? Okay, name she says it. Thank you very much. All right. [0:49:02, 0:49:11]: Um Miss Fareed, you you you are you ready now? Okay, so what we're gonna do once again council consideration approve the downtown container project. [0:49:12, 0:49:15]: Ms. Fareed and Mr. Tony Poe, please. [0:49:22, 0:49:24]: No location under the [0:49:36, 0:49:39]: All right. [0:49:40, 0:49:40]: Okay. [0:49:42, 0:50:02]: Uh good evening, Mayor, Council, and everyone. Um I'm here I'm here tonight to share a vision that we call the ML King MLK Heritage Container District. This is uh an innovative contemporary development utilizing shipping containers to empower uh [0:50:02, 0:50:03]: Yeah. [0:50:05, 0:50:06]: Mm. Let's see. [0:50:10, 0:50:15]: Oops. Uh yeah, you may okay, there you go. There we go. Okay. Okay. [0:50:16, 0:50:35]: This initiative represents a unique opportunity to blend economic development with cultural preservation, sustainability, and local entrepreneurship that'll align perfectly with the community. We're not just building retail spaces here. We're actually creating a vibrant ecosystem along this corridor. [0:50:39, 0:50:39]: Mm. [0:50:40, 0:50:50]: I wanna talk a little bit about the opportunities that you have here. Uh I wanna paint a picture of what you already have. Oops. [0:50:51, 0:51:01]: So you have nine active businesses along this corridor. Um they're already proving uh there's uh activity here, they're vibrant, they're active. [0:51:03, 0:51:17]: We have a cultural anchor here with the Oops, I'm sorry. We got a cultural anchor with the T Ted Strickland building. Uh its programming that's happening out there right now provides vibrant and attractive environments. [0:51:20, 0:51:26]: And we have uh successful programming as you've seen with the the tiny park music program. [0:51:30, 0:51:50]: But I want to talk today a little bit about this underutilized opportunity that you have, which is underneath the bridge. Um this is an area that probably most people drive through and never really thought about as an economic opportunity. But I'm going to show you some ideas today on how we could take something that we drive by and take as just wasted land into a [0:51:50, 0:51:51]: vibrant economic solution. [0:51:55, 0:52:15]: So part of the problem um most people have in retail and I I faced this when I started my business was really the cost of getting into business. I mean, you you're a young person or an old person like me and you have a a wonderful idea. It's just how do you get the leases are very long, they're very hard. Um it got some pretty high [0:52:15, 0:52:33]: rent d right now in terms of retail s spaces, uh we've been polling this idea of using shipping containers as a smaller, more economical way of bringing people into the business. So if everyone's not ready for brick and mortar, this is sort of that baby step that helps you get there. [0:52:34, 0:52:43]: So there's a solution and and we've been developing this for the last uh nine years uh is shipping containers. [0:52:45, 0:53:05]: The what the proposal that we are envisioning under here is what we call uh three jewel box, uh nine three-joule box suites. And this is basically two containers subdivided into three spaces. These would provide 160 square feet for possibilities like coffee or um to go. [0:53:05, 0:53:16]: go things. It becomes a fantastic place for people to gather all of a sudden. This becomes a neighborhood gathering place. [0:53:16, 0:53:26]: uh taking something that uh yesterday was parking cars now we're turning into a uh a community place where you can sit with your neighbors have a cup of coffee [0:53:27, 0:53:30]: Um now we got something downtown and ready to go. [0:53:32, 0:53:52]: Ship and container architecture can be considered semi-permanent architecture, which means that I can pick it up. So this is a completely different than building in brick and mortar. So we could test this. If this doesn't work, we can unhook it clean where we've been and we can plant this building elsewhere and continue the its its marketing use. [0:53:52, 0:53:54]: Advantages of shipping containers. [0:53:56, 0:54:02]: So this is what the kind of underneath the bridge would kind of look like right now if we planted some containers. [0:54:05, 0:54:12]: And let's see if we can and this was if you can envision kind of activated with people walking around. [0:54:15, 0:54:17]: Let me give it another view. [0:54:18, 0:54:38]: And this is fully activated. So this becomes an an exterior space. Uh it's it's got natural covering because of the uh the bridge, so it's environment. We could still, if we needed to provide access for parking to get out underneath the bridge, the way we and we can use these balls is just simply a way. [0:54:38, 0:54:40]: Mm. [0:54:45, 0:55:04]: And let me show you some the economics of container retail real quick. Uh the shipping container on the for food and beverage typically will run you anywhere about eighty thousand to two hundred and fifty thousand, depending upon the menu and what we're putting in here. We're highly suggesting that we stay away from [0:55:05, 0:55:11]: Grease type activities that because of the bridge and that would reduce our actual entry cost into it. [0:55:12, 0:55:17]: Uh these were produced pretty much about a ten percent yield on your uh investment. [0:55:18, 0:55:19]: Over to Life at the Box. [0:55:22, 0:55:27]: Sorry, I'm I'm gonna there we go. Payback period is usually about five to eight years. [0:55:29, 0:55:47]: And then I'm gonna show you some successful container models that we've had an opportunity to participate in. First one is the belt line. We're currently in our second season. We have uh constructed 18 retail spaces. This program started a year and a half ago where we started with just a vision. [0:55:47, 0:55:55]: Um again we are were building on a rail corridor, odd places, and one of them just happens to be a bridge. [0:55:56, 0:56:12]: This is called Freedom Parkway. This is home to three uh businesses right now. About we're installing the fourth one now, which will be uh the first, the city's first automated uh grocery store, autonomous grocery store. This is in Freedom Parkway along the belt line. [0:56:15, 0:56:31]: The businesses change out, which is an opportunity here. These businesses change out every year. So it gives an entry level person. One third of our cohort members have gone on to start their own businesses. I mean advanced their businesses and actually have their own shipping containers. [0:56:35, 0:56:44]: Another project we were involved is is I Village Container Park, and we considered this the granddaddy of all shipping containers. Uh this was actually the first shipping container park. [0:56:45, 0:57:05]: Uh in the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia. This again was brought in, this is attached to the Hamilton Homes Transit Station. This was an economic opportunity to bring people from that community who had ideas on business, low-cost rent to come in here, pilot their ideas. It was a five-year Tiger Grant project. [0:57:05, 0:57:13]: Project and it still remains today. It's now I think that transit station is due for an update, and they have now finally incorporated it as a permanent fixture. [0:57:14, 0:57:34]: It's eight retail spaces, 160 square feet each. Again, it's got uh an sort of a courtyard feel where they uh can participate and as a cafeteria and bathroom attached to it. Last one is Pittsburgh Yards. This is opening in two weeks. [0:57:34, 0:57:49]: a slightly different environment because this was one where it was sort of bring your own box. They provided uh pads, pad sites and everybody brought their uh you were able to build and connect to their existing ecosystem. This would be home to 10 shipping containers. [0:57:50, 0:57:55]: And uh eight I think out of those ten shipping containers there'll be fourteen businesses. [0:58:00, 0:58:20]: So in in this in this ecosystem, there's a barber shop, there's Piedmont Hospital, we have some food, ice cream, just a little bit of everything. Mixture. Timeline on something like this is really fast. It takes about a month to build the box. The longest period we've had really is just getting through. [0:58:20, 0:58:40]: Permitting process. So if you have a somewhat a streamlined permitting process, this makes it easier. We operate through the Georgia Industrial Building DCA. So everything is certified as a state modular system. So we are actually, most of the work that we do in the city of Atlanta, it takes uh two weeks for us to pull the permit for the actual. [0:58:40, 0:58:46]: box itself and then sort of a month for the regulatory piece of connecting to city services. [0:58:47, 0:58:48]: Community impact here. [0:58:51, 0:58:51]: Oops. [0:58:53, 0:59:13]: I mean it this this is uh uh a great opportunity for people to get a first time shot. Um and this gives you an opportunity to actually create a program within the city that brings uh cultivates new businesses, gives them an opportunity to test. This is a great way to find out whether or not you can make it or break it. [0:59:13, 0:59:28]: before you get into really big time work. Amplifying cultural activation, we think that this is a great logical extension to the corridor already. And this starts to connect underneath the bridge and then starts opening up opportunities on the opposite side. [0:59:30, 0:59:44]: And we think this could transform this community, this part of the community into a vibrant destination. I mean, this is something different. I mean it it really is. And it's an opportunity t to have something prideful that we can work with. [0:59:45, 1:00:05]: So the ask are simple. Um we're asking you to consider this uh project. Uh we'd like you to kind of th think about uh moving forward of ownership structures, uh potential funding sources, sort of a timeline for this kind of a [1:00:05, 1:00:15]: project and then maybe even community activation and get the community involved. We are we're here to say that we're ready to partner with you to work to get this done. [1:00:18, 1:00:30]: Uh I'm I wanna close out with just sort of saying a couple of things. This is uh again, this is not about retail, this is a commitment to economic development, empowerment, innovation. [1:00:30, 1:00:45]: This initiative's going to create tangible pathways for local entrepreneurs, fostering a vibrant community that honors heritage while paying the way for future growth and opportunities. This is how we transform good intentions into community impact. [1:00:47, 1:01:05]: And finally, I wanna say um this tagline was very important that we came up with is where community meets innovation. You know, it's not a con tagline, it's really a commitment. And I'm here to take questions. Yeah, I'll tell you what, I appreciate your presentation. I know there's several questions that the council wanna ask you. [1:01:05, 1:01:09]: But I'd like to start this off and asking you a couple of things here. One is that [1:01:09, 1:01:16]: You mentioned about the five to eight year I guess payback. Could you further explain what that what that is now? [1:01:16, 1:01:22]: Yeah, based off of rental rates, there's a five about a five year payback where the box pays for itself. [1:01:23, 1:01:32]: Okay. Yeah. So that's based based it depends on what rent structure you're using and how much you're charging per month. But we're finding about five years payback. Okay. [1:01:32, 1:01:52]: And obviously this is something that's all year round. I know I know most of the pictures you are utilizing uh were warm look like warm environments, so I was kind of concerned about the the fall and winter months, how this would possibly work. But you also mentioned that Pittsburgh Yard is gonna be up and running in two weeks, which brings it into November. And so it's gonna, you know, it's a little chilly. [1:01:52, 1:02:12]: Now I just kind of wondered about that. And it's all about menu. When we got into this, we for our initial projects we had with the belt lines, I we we it was just a about a project, and then we recognized that we started getting into the actual businesses that are working in. So now we've been able to help curate the types of business that have to be there. So you have to [1:02:12, 1:02:13]: think about [1:02:14, 1:02:24]: Underneath the bridge. Obviously the logical one is coffee. That's a year round activity. That coffee could sell donuts. Uh other businesses could be some type of light retail, flower shops. [1:02:24, 1:02:44]: Um sometimes uh we have an ice cream store right now. That ice cream store is actually looking to pivot and do soups and warm meals, things that don't require necessarily deep frying, but you as a business entrepreneur, I mean it just requires I think a little out excuse the pun, but out of the box thinking of some way [1:02:44, 1:02:47]: ways that you can keep yourself vibrant and active all year round. [1:02:48, 1:02:52]: Really good idea. Intriguing. Um, Miss Gantt please. [1:02:52, 1:03:07]: Um, I would love to make a motion saying that we support this and I hope that the business department is ready to streamline in order for us to get those containers there. That's perfect. If there are some suggestions that you would like to make in order for us to streamline this to make the [1:03:07, 1:03:20]: to get those buildings in place in structure, that would be awesome so that we can kind of use that as a model going forward. My concern my question is funding. Um uh [1:03:21, 1:03:27]: I don't know if we have a budget for it or if this containers would be leased, if it's going to be through a third party. [1:03:27, 1:03:29]: What are we looking at here? [1:03:30, 1:03:32]: In regards to getting those containers. [1:03:32, 1:03:33]: Yeah, under the bridge. [1:03:34, 1:03:42]: Are we food we're not funding containers, just empty containers, or are we doing it on a case by case basis based off of their lease agreement? [1:03:42, 1:04:02]: We kind of looked at this as an opportunity to start the discussion first step to find out what are different funding mechanisms. Are there some grants or is there some other money that you have left over in your reserves that we could utilize this? Or are there some opportunities where we have other people who want to participate to buy in and just rent the store out? [1:04:03, 1:04:04]: So I mean we have [1:04:04, 1:04:12]: bunch of different models in Atlanta. The Atlanta stuff is owned by the city and then it's rented. [1:04:12, 1:04:18]: Um there are um so there's a couple of ways we could probably help to work to solve that problem. [1:04:18, 1:04:19]: Thank you. [1:04:20, 1:04:25]: Then so the what is the estimated cost of a container for us to purchase? [1:04:25, 1:04:32]: We we we we that's the number one question we get every day. Uh so raw container, what what you call shell. [1:04:32, 1:04:39]: is about fifty thousand dollars. And then it changes depending upon your menu. So uh the [1:04:39, 1:04:59]: Ones that require grease and hood are very that's easily$150,000. If you start getting into the ice cream boxes, um pre-made sandwiches, warming. Um we have one group of Pittsburgh Yards, coffin pies. They make a Mediterranean pie that's pre-made and they just warm it. [1:04:59, 1:05:03]: Then you're talking about a box that's under a hundred thousand dollars. Yeah. [1:05:03, 1:05:03]: Okay. [1:05:04, 1:05:15]: So uh the initial cost of a a white box, so to speak, but it's a a a container, and then that would be the price for someone like our [1:05:15, 1:05:19]: Main Street or a downtown development authority. Um [1:05:19, 1:05:23]: or a development authority board and then in addition to that [1:05:23, 1:05:29]: they would then in turn around lease it potentially to a small business owner. [1:05:30, 1:05:30]: Um [1:05:30, 1:05:34]: And that business owner would have to pay the cost of [1:05:34, 1:05:35]: Um [1:05:35, 1:05:50]: build out. But it's uh it's a build out but it's already pre manufactured. So that build it's still a build out, but i in that in that sense of that's is that the normal course of business? Is that normal and typical of what you're d getting in on the bet line? [1:05:50, 1:06:10]: No, in Beltland we're taking care of everything and then they're just renting out. There's a program, economic development program. So it's part of their marketplace. So they've taken on the cost of build-out and then they rent these things at a lower price point. And then they bring wraparound services like how to get a business license, how to do a food license. [1:06:10, 1:06:20]: So they're teaching the entrepreneur as they're coming up. So it becomes a uh an uh an educational tool also, so that it's it could be [1:06:20, 1:06:40]: This could be a little bit more than just you owning a building and renting it. Here's an opportunity for you to teach how to become a business person. And that's the more important piece I see out of this mission. It's definitely important. And I love that concept. So that's through the City of Atlanta's Economic Development Department. And they they actually purchased in this [1:06:40, 1:06:48]: Then they do a lease and and and go from there. And that's a that's a good way of looking at it too. So there are different, three different ways in which this could work. [1:06:49, 1:07:09]: It started as tenants were on a six-month program. So you you you get an op to compete. And every year we interview different businesses. There are over 200 applicants each year. So and at that point we only had six, now I think we're 18 spaces. Um they were giving them six months, but six months. [1:07:08, 1:07:28]: Six months is not very good because somebody might get the summer months, somebody might get the winter. But it gives what we were trying to develop was sort of a plain vanilla box that could work with just about everybody. And we just did learn the hard way that there's no plain vanilla box because ice cream is completely different than donuts. [1:07:28, 1:07:41]: than anything else. So it's we build a box with the necessary infrastructure in there, the the the stuff that can't move, the sinks, the three compartment grease traps, and then they bring in [1:07:41, 1:07:45]: their additional equipment. We give them base refrigeration. [1:07:45, 1:07:58]: And if they're doing hot dogs, he brought in his hot dog roller and we've been moving towards more air frying and things like that. So the technology and cooking has changed also. So it's been pretty i interesting to see. [1:07:59, 1:08:00]: Um [1:08:00, 1:08:13]: I think the most exciting part of the program also is watching these businesses. You can't sit in the box and think people are gonna come of how they market themselves. So it's it's it's really interesting to watch this thing sort of blossom. [1:08:13, 1:08:27]: And that build out the grease trap. It's in it's in it's not underground, so it's in it in a container. In a container. And so we may have to change an ordinance to fit that um need. [1:08:28, 1:08:34]: Well, there there's a requirement that if we have if we allow food placed there and they need a fry. [1:08:35, 1:08:55]: Otherwise they won't be able to fry anything unless we just stayed away from it altogether. You pretty much from the Department of Health are gonna require a grease trap just about if you got milks, uh ice cream, coffee, all of those were and it's a well the ice cream doesn't require a grease trap, but it's a box that's been approved by our state department of health. No, they don't. [1:08:55, 1:09:08]: Well I but I did I I have an ice cream shop and it doesn't require grease trap. Yeah, we we do. Yeah, no. You are you done? Okay, thanks. Are you done? Ms. Barber, go ahead please. [1:09:09, 1:09:14]: Thank you, sir, for the presentation. I'm super excited about this. [1:09:15, 1:09:23]: Really loved the idea when it was presented to us originally, I believe in twenty twenty. Um some things got in the way. [1:09:23, 1:09:26]: But I'm glad it's back now. [1:09:27, 1:09:30]: So I certainly do support [1:09:30, 1:09:37]: This niche idea, um and I hate to say it, but this downtown area. [1:09:37, 1:09:40]: including Martin Luther King Senior Heritage Trail. [1:09:40, 1:09:45]: is within the city council district that I have been duly elected. [1:09:45, 1:10:03]: to represent. So I'm super excited whenever there are new opportunities such as this to come to our downtown. So thank you again for being here. I look forward to all of the potential opportunities that you'll bring, all of the strategies and [1:10:03, 1:10:13]: If there are no other questions or com oh okay. I want to make a motion after W there are other questions though. There are other questions. Mr. Barrett, go ahead, sir. [1:10:13, 1:10:33]: Yeah, again, thank you for the presentation. Super excited. It's already been echoed by my counterparts. Um, I do have some questions about what type of uh things the city will have to do to prepare for the utilities like the water, the sewage, like what type of baseline infrastructure does the city need to come to the table with for initial setup? [1:10:33, 1:10:45]: I have a follow-up question. A deep dive into the utility infrastructure here yet, but similar to all the other places I've worked, we have a DOT. [1:10:46, 1:11:06]: bridge which means that this is going to be uh the first ownership of underneath that bridge is that dot uh we didn't have any problems with them at freedom parkway but that would be the first one and then the kind of you know the problem with the belt line is there's no utilities on the rail line so here we would have to try to find [1:11:06, 1:11:26]: Find where's the closest utility to what makes sense. We ran for two years on a generator. Uh, wouldn't recommend that, but I mean we did it. Um we've tried for three years to get to the Gold Dome and talk to them a little bit about um we have food trucks and we have brick and mortar. [1:11:26, 1:11:42]: And then this thing resides somewhere in the middle and would there be an opportunity to do tanked. And some communities allow you to do tanked water. Um and then we could do solar power because there's some opportunities to come on the other side of the bridge to get our power. So [1:11:43, 1:11:51]: Okay. That would be uh the first study that we would look into. Awesome. And then I guess that would take some time. That that study would take about [1:11:52, 1:12:12]: Couple of weeks. Okay. And so then my follow up question is, um, say for example, we think in long term here, and say initially we set up a fry shop or initially we set up an ice cream shop. Then we come two years down the line and these businesses transition, they move on. What is the the cost of [1:12:12, 1:12:16]: modification. So say the new business that comes in may be [1:12:17, 1:12:29]: needing something totally different. So how do we you know, what's the what's the modification cost and and how do we keep the thing going?'Cause we don't want it to be pigeonholed into one type of business. So what's the future? [1:12:30, 1:12:50]: So we've we've had three years of figuring this one out. So what we've done is every business has a baseline, three compartment sink, hand sink, uh vegetable sink or not, grease trap. We put 200 amp panel in just about everything so that that can handle anything you throw out of it. We do some of our [1:12:50, 1:13:04]: infrastructure on the outside of the walls. That way if we need to add another outlet, we do. We make sure that the panel was sized. So we've kind of looked at the worst case box that we've been thrown at. [1:13:04, 1:13:24]: to the lightest one and I think we found a sweet spot. And so we've actually worked on racking systems so that we can we have uh an interior that will meet the health code and can be cleaned and doesn't require a lot of maintenance from the tenant. Because they're all different. I mean I've I've got 18 different ones and they go from really good people [1:13:24, 1:13:27]: people to really children that you have to always tell them the mop. [1:13:27, 1:13:34]: Do you foresee any challenges with the railroad system that we may have to uh be prepared for? [1:13:35, 1:13:43]: Well, one day it's on, one day it's off. Uh uh they've made uh Freedom Parkway they've made a significant investment underneath that bridge with uh [1:13:44, 1:13:54]: Uh, that's probably almost uh seven hundred thousand dollars worth of shipping containers under there. I mean, but the amount of money that those boxes generate is incredible. I mean there's [1:13:55, 1:14:00]: three hundred thousand people to walk past that box on a monthly basis. [1:14:01, 1:14:10]: Um you could start to generate that kind of activity. I mean, that's uh it to me this the natural one seemed to be some type of a coffee. [1:14:10, 1:14:26]: thing that could work all year round and it has an opportunity for grab and go and Uber and that kind of pickup. So that allows some additional functionality when you just like on a rainy day where you're not gonna have foot traffic, at least you give the possibility for somebody to come and pick up. [1:14:28, 1:14:30]: Mr. Alexander, do you have some questions? [1:14:30, 1:14:43]: Yeah, thank you. I'm all in and uh certainly I would like to see this move forward sooner rather than later. I like to see things move rapidly in order to make some change and to have the impact that we desire that it to have. [1:14:44, 1:15:04]: Some of the things that I noted literally carbecues is on the other side of the bridge. So you know you got water and sewer and all of that right there, very close to the underside of the bridge, electricity. So you're gonna you just basically would have to tap into what's already there. It's not like the belt line where there's nothing already there. [1:15:04, 1:15:24]: There, so you won't have to reinvent the wheel in order to do that. Uh I like your suggestions initially, which is stay away from the oil and all of that. It can get kind of cumbersome and over time, what that does, it might actually cause it that that's a whole nother health issue. [1:15:24, 1:15:44]: In terms of, as you say, being up under the bridge and then having to exhaust all of that into the bridge, G Dot probably wouldn't like that too much. So certainly y'all probably stayed away from that in Atlanta to get stay away from the regulatory issues. Correct. Right. So staying away from the regulatory issues, which what slows things down. [1:15:44, 1:16:04]: uh in terms of the process. But as you said, the ice cream, the coffee, uh, the light sandwiches, that type of thing. Whereas uh and I and I'm gonna tell you the difference between this proposal and the last proposal. You hit it right on the head and you got my attention right out of the box when you said this is about economic development. [1:16:03, 1:16:23]: Development. The last presentation was about the containers. Everybody was like, Oh, let's just do the container. Let's put them on Burke Street. Let's put them over here. Let's put them over here. That's not the way that you do it. You do it in a targeted way, as we're doing here, and that you use it. And I like to say this: what we've been what we really need. [1:16:23, 1:16:26]: [4586.7, 4606.7]: This is the business incubator for downtown where you bring in the business person. That's why you said Atlanta's doing it right. They've we don't have to rewrite the book because they're bringing in new business people, they're training them out, they're showing them the ways. As we have business classes here with Main Street, with Suth with uh Clayton State. [1:16:46, 1:17:06]: To train them how to run the business. And this is the perfect location. It's a pod where they can learn. Everything is fixed. And in the end, I wouldn't, I would, I would go all in in terms of us doing the build-out. Where, cause it's gonna be low-end businesses that'll come in, that'll be able to bring their shop to our. [1:17:06, 1:17:26]: to operate it, but that is the initial burden, which is jumping over that upfront cost. Basically they will just be able to come in with us, go through the training, have the knowledge necessary, and then they will pay us the rent to sustain it. Because I'm very realistic about what we're doing. [1:17:26, 1:17:46]: We don't have the foot traffic to support the type of businesses that we would desire at this point. So something for somebody to go down there and make a huge investment in terms of underneath the bridge with you know a lot of infrastructure, a lot of cooking equipment and stuff like that, that's we're gonna work. [1:17:46, 1:18:06]: require a lot of upfront capital in order to do that. And then the way that we're you're you're so you're laying it out, it lays it out too that there's low upfront entry costs. It's initial businesses. So this is our business incubator located right in the heart of the city in downtown where [1:18:06, 1:18:15]: we get to implement some of the things that we've been endeavoring to do. And it offers the flexibility uh in the future to do things. But as you said [1:18:16, 1:18:18]: That location can be permanent. [1:18:19, 1:18:33]: Right. Whereas other locations at the first the proposal was we can put'em here and then we can move'em. No. This location can be permanent. It doesn't have to be moved and put but pick back up the rendering again, uh, if you could. [1:18:36, 1:18:39]: Right, you go back. Oh, you want that one? Yeah. [1:18:41, 1:19:01]: Well the people are uh on the uh outside the container. Yeah. Right there. See, that right there, and then you know, I could have picture in my head that you have the green turf on the ground. Yep. Astral turf. You have tables and chairs there, so not just that. [1:19:01, 1:19:21]: That area that area becomes the meeting space, kind of like McDonough has their area outside of sunshines. This becomes our area where people not just eat from that rest of those uh boxes, but they could use that area for frozen smoke, from um, you know, crown pizza and all the businesses in downtown. [1:19:21, 1:19:41]: So I would be interested certainly as downtown development of authority to see what we can do to implement the program fully, as you said, which is on the build-out stage. And then you could probably bring back to us a couple of uh, you know, options. Well, uh option A, option B, and option C to see [1:19:41, 1:19:43]: What do you think? [1:19:43, 1:20:03]: I think we do have some funding in terms of uh in the spLOS that we currently have right now that where we could talk about um property acquisition and that kind of thing. Basically this is what this is. This is not land acquisition. We already own the land, it's right of way, so it's property acquisition, so there we just need to [1:20:03, 1:20:15]: see how much spLOS money we have coming in uh potentially for acquisitions and improvements uh in that area. But I am all in. I like that very first one. Go back to the very first one. [1:20:16, 1:20:20]: It was really a classy look, um [1:20:20, 1:20:23]: Where it was yeah, if you get back to it. [1:20:28, 1:20:32]: Keep going back to the like the very first slide, I think it was, yeah. [1:20:34, 1:20:35]: Yeah, yeah. [1:20:44, 1:21:04]: That one. Right. Yeah. That's what we we envision a little more glass, a little more light and transparency underneath that bridge. So you take a dark space and all of a sudden it becomes illuminated. Mm-hmm. Yeah. That right there is is in keeping with where we're trying to go and as a permanent [1:21:04, 1:21:10]: fixture that would be in downtown. And I always tell the businesses, when people can see inside [1:21:11, 1:21:12]: It draws them in. [1:21:12, 1:21:32]: Don't darken the windows because nobody can see the activity. So this certainly works into that. But that's my suggestion is that you go to the next steps and that you bring us back option A, B, and C on full build out. We operate in everything, and the other options. I certainly support the option number A, which is the full build out. [1:21:32, 1:21:47]: And then leasing these uh out to the community and acting as a business incubator. I will I will say that I mean this program works. I mean, I this is how I got started. I mean, I crafted this idea of trying to pilot this. [1:21:47, 1:21:49]: in at home. [1:21:49, 1:22:09]: And I was a one-man architect and I did iVillage and I sat over there for five years. So I went from 160 square feet. I now have 110,000 square feet in Atlanta where I manufacture. So we design and build this. We've constru we have shrunk the construction time, so it takes us two weeks to build this in the factory. [1:22:09, 1:22:13]: factory w at while we're building this in the factory, we're doing the site work. [1:22:13, 1:22:33]: We bring the two together and just this compresses your speed. This is how you get this thing done and over with. Uh I mean this could literally be up and running before we even have the World Cup games. Um just recommendations that I have from my involvement in all these programs. So we we're doing this, we have one. [1:22:33, 1:22:53]: in Detroit that we're working on. I mean we're all we've done since our village now nine container parks so we it became a business for us. We said, okay, let's advance this. But we've learned a lot by being around all these businesses. And I can just say that you you should really try to find a way to find programming to help these folks. Yeah you're talking [1:22:53, 1:23:13]: You can't let them sink or swim by themselves. Yeah. There has to be extreme support in order in an area, especially a depressed area, that we're trying to bring out. Now you mentioned that, let's say we went in terms of the ice cream or the uh you know the sandwiches and stuff like that. You said the container was [1:23:13, 1:23:33]: would be like a hundred thousand dollars. So is that one, is that how many compartments? So one each compartment is separate. So you said three, so that would take three of them, you know what what we had envisioned was three container, two containers but three businesses. Two containers. So that'd be basically be two hundred thousand dollars, a hundred thousand [1:23:33, 1:23:53]: container rough numbers there's we're looking at it from this level here but basically two containers with three businesses in it would be about two hundred thousand dollars if we didn't do the the fryers and all that stuff we just did the low end stuff for the the coffee shop so basically that kind of gives us a rough idea of where we're gonna go and basically if we [1:23:53, 1:24:13]: We're gonna do anything intense, basically you might have to double that. That or that you put on the well, you you don't really want a temporary tenant to come in there and modify your box by saying, Okay, I need to do deep frying and now they're gonna tear up the box and put hoods and everything on there. [1:24:13, 1:24:19]: We just learned that after that bridge fire we had many years back on eighty five, not to put anything that really [1:24:19, 1:24:21]: Um has an accelerant to it. [1:24:22, 1:24:37]: So you would recommend not to do that basically. I would not do anything of grease frying. I mean there's uh I mean we got Masons uh if you ever get a ch back in Atlanta go under the bridge, there's Mason's dogs. I think he's the youngest business owner in the state of Georgia. He started at nine years old. [1:24:38, 1:24:44]: He makes uh Mason super dogs and he does his French fries with air frying, and you can't tell the difference. [1:24:45, 1:24:50]: Um so I mean and I mean I I've just discovered being around all these young folk that [1:24:50, 1:25:10]: Uh they got some just fantastic ways of cooking and in a way they're concocting their menus and it's just about um where I see the biggest need is it can't just all be social media marketing. They need some effort. Um they need to understand business licensing and all that stuff, and there's a lot that goes in. [1:25:10, 1:25:30]: Realize how much goes into just a food business. So I applaud anybody doing that. Okay. Well, I appreciate that, sir. The presentation was awesome. Thank you. And uh Ms. Barber had indicated that she wanted to do the motion. Certainly I'm supportive of this, but I think the motion needs to contain some direction, which is to bring what options to bring. [1:25:30, 1:25:49]: bring back to us in terms of what is the next step. Right. So if you would put something in your words that would bring some directive to this is what we need to do next, such as possibly bringing back options, cost options to us or something. [1:25:49, 1:25:55]: That's you, Miss. You want me to do that? No, no sir, no sir, not at all. Thank you. That's you, Miss Barber. [1:25:56, 1:26:04]: Okay, I'd like to make a motion on to support staff's recommendation of the downtown container project. [1:26:04, 1:26:07]: And to solidify the partnership with Tony Pope. [1:26:08, 1:26:09]: CEO. [1:26:10, 1:26:11]: Eight we are [1:26:12, 1:26:15]: Севен и с тем то дев'я. [1:26:16, 1:26:17]: In strategies. [1:26:18, 1:26:19]: To further enhance [1:26:20, 1:26:21]: Placemaking. [1:26:22, 1:26:23]: And transform [1:26:23, 1:26:25]: The urban fabric. [1:26:25, 1:26:27]: Of downtown. [1:26:28, 1:26:29]: And two. [1:26:30, 1:26:32]: And even more desirable. [1:26:32, 1:26:35]: Destination to visit and to do business. [1:26:36, 1:26:40]: I read that from the staff's recommendation forum. That's my motion. [1:26:40, 1:26:40]: Oh. [1:26:41, 1:26:46]: That you ask'em to bring add to that to bring some cost options back to us. [1:26:46, 1:26:46]: Best. [1:26:47, 1:27:07]: In the motion, it says hi he and his team to devise options and strategies that would include the costs. Yep. That'll include the costs. Okay. Yep. Mr. Ber Mr. Berry, second that motion. There's no further discussion all favorite, please indicate. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. [1:27:07, 1:27:12]: [5233.4, 5253.4]: Thank you, Lisa. Okay, announcements of upcoming meetings and events. Uh council meeting will be held in the council, City Council Chamber. Uh meeting dates and location and times are subject to change, or contact city hall offices at 770-389-7900, or visit the website at www.starbridgega.org. [1:27:33, 1:27:53]: For updates. U Council meetings the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. City Hall Levi Meeting Room November 3rd. Citizens Police Advisory, first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. Stockbridge Police Department Community Room, 4545 North Henry Boulevard, November 6th. The City Council meeting is [1:27:53, 1:27:58]: second Monday of each month at six PM City Hall Council Chambers on November tenth. [1:28:03, 1:28:23]: Citywide Development Authority meeting, um, special meeting date, Wednesday, November 12th at 6 p.m. City Hall Levi Meeting Room. The Community Zoning and Informational Meeting at C C Z I M. Wednesday, November 12th at 6 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Main Street Advice [1:28:23, 1:28:43]: Advisory board meeting second Friday of each month, November 14th at 9 a.m. in Downtown Connections Center, 1:30 Martin Luther King Senior Heritage Trail. City Council Work Session Meeting, Special Meeting Date, November 18th to 6 p.m. in the in the City Hall Council Chamber. Youth Council Advisory Committee meeting third Thursday of each. [1:28:43, 1:29:03]: Each month at 6 30 p.m. in the City Hall Levi Meeting Room November 20th. The downtown Development Authority Board meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Downtown Connection Center, 1:30 ML King Heritage, Senior Heritage Trail, November 20th. And the Planning Commission meeting is Thursday, November 20th at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Trail. [1:29:03, 1:29:04]: Chambers. [1:29:05, 1:29:25]: The uh join uh Mayor Potem uh Gantt for the Freedline Dance class on Wednesday, October 29th, uh which is actually tomorrow at Merrill Manor's Conference Center from 6 to 8 p.m. Stockbridge Main Street is uh is hosting a diabetes awareness walk in health fair for Saturday, November 1st. Registration we [1:29:25, 1:29:45]: begins at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K walk will begin at 8.30 a.m. in Clark Park. The health fair will take place at 10 o'clock to 10 to a noon at various locations throughout the park, weather permitting, or at Burrow Matters Conference Center in a lower level. And of course if it's raining or thunderstorming, that's what it'll go. [1:29:45, 1:30:05]: Join Councilman Alton Alexander for the District 5 community cleanup on Saturday, November 8th, 2025, of course from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Please meet at the Costco parking lot on Joliko Road. Join Mayor Anthony Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor Monday, November 17th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in City Hall. And meetings will [1:30:04, 1:30:24]: Course of my appointment. Join Councilman Berry in partnership for the monthly Bingo Bash on Wednesday, November 19th at 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Merrill Manos Conference Center. Lots of fun to be held by all. Join Councilwoman Barber for the District 4 community of Town Hall on Thursday, November 20th at 7 p.m. in Merrill Manos Conference Center. The economic development [1:30:24, 1:30:44]: Department hosts a free business health clinic on the second Thursday of each month, 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Stockbridge Connection Center 130 ML King Herit excuse me, ML King Senior Heritage Trail. Check that for the health of your business with a free clinic. Okay. And uh [1:30:44, 1:31:04]: And um sign up for all real life alerts and severe weather, road closures and emergencies, the regroup app. Visit the city's website and social media pages for more information on how to how and where to sign up and stay safe. And um Cosmo Thomas is honorary veterans and continue to salute to all year long. [1:31:04, 1:31:10]: Please send your pictures of veterans through the names, branch, rank and years of service. [1:31:11, 1:31:31]: And please contact Ros and Rawls to schedule an appointment to meet the mayor or any other information for council initiatives at 678-833-3348. Or email her at ralls at stopridgeg.org. Happy Halloween to everybody. Please have a great, safe holiday. Um [1:31:31, 1:31:51]: This is a fall season, so make sure you get your COVID booster update shots and flu shots. So we want you to be healthy during the during the fall and winter season. And of course, uh Tuesday, November 4th is the election day. So it's your constitutional rights, so please vote. On that note, council, I have uh we have a ZEGO session for legal real estate personnel and [1:31:51, 1:32:00]: Cybersecurity. I need a motion to go into second session, please. So move. Is there a second? Okay, Mr. from Ms. Camp to Mr. Alzheimer's arm fair, please indicate. [1:32:00, 1:32:01]: Morning cycle session. Mm-hmm. [1:32:02, 1:32:05]: I'll I have two or three. [1:32:05, 1:32:06]: Okay, Ms. [1:32:07, 1:32:10]: Okay, so you are v voting no or sustaining? [1:32:12, 1:32:16]: Okay, so the motion passed three zero one. We'll go in the second session. [1:32:17, 1:32:18]: We'll be back, ladies and gentlemen. [1:32:25, 1:32:27]: We're good. Okay. Uh [1:32:27, 1:32:31]: All right, council, I need a motion to end our executive session, please. [1:32:32, 1:32:36]: Some move. Oh a second. Okay, for Mr. Baird and Ms. Gan all fair, please indicate. [1:32:37, 1:32:48]: Alrighty. I now need a motion to reconvene our city council work session, please. So move. Okay. For Miss Ms. Gantt to for Mr. Berry, all in favor please indicate. [1:32:48, 1:32:49]: All right. [1:32:49, 1:32:57]: Uh now from our executive session, Mr. Barrett, you have uh a presentation of motion to bring to us for approval. [1:32:57, 1:33:17]: Yes, Mayor, um I'd like to make a motion to make amendment changes to the org chart for the following um several well several positional changes. Uh the first being um changing the events manager to the events director. [1:33:17, 1:33:33]: for uh that particular department, in addition, a new position for event support specialists, a new position for amphitheater operations supervisor, and a events coordinator. [1:33:34, 1:33:35]: Additionally [1:33:38, 1:33:40]: Under the finance [1:33:41, 1:33:43]: Department of Mr. Malazi. [1:33:45, 1:33:52]: uh the following positions. A business services supervisor would be rebranded to business services manager. [1:33:53, 1:34:13]: Building permit coordinator will be rebranded to building permitting and inspections manager. Building inspector will be rebranded to senior building inspector. Occupational Tax Clerk will be rebranded to Business Services Coordinator. Permit Tech will be rebranded to Building Inspections and Permitting Coordinator. [1:34:13, 1:34:20]: Coordinator. Principal Planner will be rebranded to potential promotional opportunity for senior planner. [1:34:22, 1:34:23]: Then [1:34:25, 1:34:45]: We have a new position for budget manager and uh utilities manager. And then last but not least, uh adding or modifying the position to HR manager to HR director, uh changing the [1:34:45, 1:34:51]: position from public information officer to communications manager. [1:34:52, 1:34:57]: I second. Okay, for this motion was made from Mr. Berry, seconded by Ms. Gantt. [1:35:02, 1:35:11]: Yeah, left one off. Communication specialist. Okay. And that's added to the motion. You made that motion, sir. Miss Gantt, you would uh uh second that motion. All favor motion please indicate. [1:35:13, 1:35:15]: Discussion. All all opposed? [1:35:17, 1:35:18]: You pose? [1:35:19, 1:35:20]: I'd like to have a discussion, sir. [1:35:23, 1:35:25]: Okay. What's your discussion? [1:35:26, 1:35:42]: Um so I know that Mr. Edmondson um provided those um new positions that he wants to add to the org chart. My only concern though we haven't received a paying class, um [1:35:43, 1:36:00]: or the job descriptions for any of those positions. I understand his point that he wants to include those new positions on the org chart so he can include it in the um upcoming FY 2026 budget. [1:36:00, 1:36:01]: Proposal. [1:36:01, 1:36:02]: But [1:36:03, 1:36:07]: I need to have the paying class and job description so I can [1:36:07, 1:36:11]: Say whether or not I agree or support him. [1:36:12, 1:36:19]: I do support several of those positions, not all of them, but several of them I do. [1:36:20, 1:36:23]: So I'd just like to [1:36:23, 1:36:36]: um first receive the paying class in the job descriptions before I agree to all the ones that Mr. Berry Councilman Berry just listed. So for that, I'm going to oppose this. [1:36:36, 1:36:42]: Because all of the supporting documents and information that I need [1:36:42, 1:36:44]: Um is not available right now. [1:36:45, 1:36:45]: Right. [1:36:45, 1:36:48]: So on that note, once again, all in favor of motion, please indicate. [1:36:49, 1:37:09]: Mayor, real quick, it's in our budget. Uh when asked, uh it's already budgeted out for I mean there's the out budget allocated amount. I just wanna let you know. So I'm okay with changing the positions, but the the there's a budget there now for approval to appoint certain directors and everything has to come back to mayor council anyway. [1:37:09, 1:37:10]: Okay. [1:37:10, 1:37:30]: But I'm okay with the changing of I mean to add these titles. Yes, absolutely. Once again, the motion was made by Mr. Berry, seconded by Miss Kent. All in favor of the motion, please indicate. Okay, and we have one opposition. Is that correct? You oppose you oppose? So I oppose. Okay, so the motion passed three-one. On that note, ladies and gentlemen, I need uh council, I need a motion to end. [1:37:30, 1:37:35]: And our city council meeting. Okay, I can't. Okay. What's sir? [1:37:37, 1:37:41]: From from uh Mr. Uh Alexander, Mr. Berry. All in favor, please indicate. [1:37:42, 1:37:44]: We are now closed. God bless y'all and good night.

--- title: Regular Council Meetings date: 2025-10-13 source: 2025-10-13_Regular_Council_Meetings.wav --- [0:01:00, 0:01:05]: Yeah. Uh we we can find somebody to record, yeah. [0:01:05, 0:01:06]: Part of it too, bro. [0:01:08, 0:01:09]: Yeah it's it's a green light. [0:01:19, 0:01:25]: Come on up. Come on up. Are you coming on my side? All right. [0:01:30, 0:01:50]: All right, ladies and gentlemen, we uh we have several different proclamations for a ceremonial portion of our meeting tonight. And I'm gonna start this uh evening off with a proclamation for Evan Oglesby, okay? Distinguished Service in Youth Empowerment. Whereas Evan Oglesby is an NFL veteran and alumnus of the University of North Alabama, whose professional career in [0:01:50, 0:02:05]: included the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys. Whereas inspired by his own journey, he founded the Evan Oglesby Foundation, also known as the Evan Oglesby Charitable Foundation, to empower young people through sports, education, leadership, and wellness. [0:02:05, 0:02:09]: Teaching character and opening pathways to college and careers. [0:02:09, 0:02:29]: Whereas the foundation's mission is to be the playbook of opportunities, strengthening youth to achieve excellence in education and athletics and paving the way for future success. And whereas Evan Oglesby's sustained volunteerism and impact on youth were nationally recognized when he received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. [0:02:29, 0:02:31]: in January twenty twenty four. [0:02:32, 0:02:52]: For community service. Congratulations to you, sir. Thank you. Whereas the Evan Oglesby Foundation is a partnership with the Golf for Change, chose the city of Stockbridge to host a pre-pre-mingle, excuse me, a pro-mingle after golf social on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with several professional athletes and celebrities. Mr. Oglesby mod mobilizes [0:02:52, 0:03:01]: athletes, business leaders, and supporters to raise funds and directly expand youth programs and resources. Now therefore our Anthony Sforbe Virtual Authority vesting me. [0:03:01, 0:03:08]: It's the mayor of City of Stockbridge, Georgia, and on behalf of city council members Elton Alexander, Ilana Barber, Kyle Berry, Lakeisha Gantt and Afonso Thomas. [0:03:09, 0:03:11]: to hereby recognize and commend [0:03:11, 0:03:17]: Evan Oglesby for experimentary leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering dedication to empowering the youth. [0:03:18, 0:03:22]: A witness whereof I have here undo set my hand on thirteenth day of October year of our Lord. [0:03:23, 0:03:30]: Two thousand and twenty five and I signed a proclamation along with our clerk Vanessa Holliday. Congratulations, sir. [0:03:33, 0:03:53]: Now, since this is the first time this has happened, okay, what happens after we do this, we the floor is the honored. So the mic is on, sir. Whatever comments you want to make, it is yours. Go right right here, please. Oh man. All right. How long I have? As long as you won't. As long as I won't. Oh. Well, first of all, I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity. [0:03:53, 0:04:13]: This has been a big dream of mine to be able to give back. It started with my grandmother being a pillar in the community of helping serving. And I think that has kind of embedded in our family. The EO Foundation is an opportunity for anybody that has a dream to be able to come and find. [0:04:13, 0:04:33]: our resources how to get to their destination. And we want to be that hand in the back. Behind your key people that have been a major part. My sister, she's one of the board members. Uh Orson is a major supporter. He's a former NFL player. We kind of have that uniqueness about our organizations that we can get people in front of you. [0:04:32, 0:04:52]: youth that they really want to be a part of with that professional level. And my baby Shayla, this is uh she's been helping me pretty much put everything together. And um I'm just fortunate to be at this point with this. I never wanted to start to be the one to have to get recognized for my work. Um [0:04:52, 0:05:12]: I want to be recognized of how many lives I impact. And sports is my way to be able to do that easily. I love it. I have a major passion for it. And I'm just thankful that the city of Stockbridge has allowed me to come into this community and be able to help pour my resources here. So um now I'm here. [0:05:12, 0:05:30]: I'm willing to help serve you, Mayor. Okay, no problem. Whatever you have. Ariel, definitely wanna thank you for actually getting me to this point. And I mean, I just wanna be used and be used by God. So I appreciate you guys and this right here means a whole lot. So thank you. [0:05:33, 0:05:53]: Come on down here. We'll take uh we'll take some pictures here. Why don't you all come on down? Come on, come on down here. Probably right on this air probably be good. Okay. Uh you need to get next to'em. You know? I mean I I can stay on the end of the bottom. All right. Okay. Yeah, it's easy. Oh, okay. [0:05:53, 0:05:57]: [361.6, 364.4]: [0:06:07, 0:06:09]: Congratulations. [0:06:13, 0:06:25]: Fantastic. And yes, and we'll definitely utilize your services and all the efforts and things that you can do to help us out. So take your bank. [0:06:29, 0:06:30]: A yeah. [0:06:35, 0:06:42]: Okay, Ms. Barber. I was I was going to do the next one. [0:07:00, 0:07:04]: Okay. [0:07:07, 0:07:08]: I'll tell you what um [0:07:10, 0:07:14]: Several months, let's keep this going. What I have next a National Women's Small Business Month. [0:07:14, 0:07:15]: So [0:07:15, 0:07:21]: Lady entrepreneurs, please come on up. Lady lady entrepreneurs, business owners. [0:07:22, 0:07:25]: Yeah. [0:07:26, 0:07:26]: Michelle? [0:07:27, 0:07:28]: Come on up. [0:07:30, 0:07:32]: Matter of fact, Lisha, if you can come on this side, please. [0:07:32, 0:07:33]: Okay. All right. [0:07:36, 0:07:36]: Okay. [0:07:37, 0:07:46]: You want the rest of the lake? They're coming. They're coming. You want them on the side? No, uh we can mix it up a little bit. They can stay on the side. Okay, okay. Okay, that'll be fine. All right. [0:07:47, 0:08:07]: City proclamation for National Women's Small Business Month, whereas October is National Women's Small Business Month, which means it's time to recognize women-owned businesses everywhere, as well as the outstanding progress female entrepreneurs have made over the years. And where starting a small business is once considered an undertaking primarily for men, times have changed. [0:08:07, 0:08:27]: With over 11 million and growing women-owned small businesses in the United States, there's plenty of opportunities to get involved. And whereas in October 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed HR 5050, the Women's Business Ownership Act. This legislation increased federal support for women-owned businesses and made it easier for female entrepreneurs to get [0:08:27, 0:08:30]: [511.3, 531.3]: Before this bill was signed into law, some states require women to have a male family member or co-sign on their business loan applications. And whereas entrepreneurship is booming for women in the United States and various businesses sectors, women are making a significant impact in the professional service, healthcare, social services, educational services, and apparel and accessory. [0:08:51, 0:08:57]: industries industries. Now therefore I Anthony Sford by Virtual Authority Vest and Me as the mayor of City of Stockbridge, Georgia. [0:08:57, 0:09:02]: On behalf of city council members Elton, Alexander, Yolanda, Barber, Kyle Berry, Latisha Gann, Afonso Thomas. [0:09:02, 0:09:12]: You hereby proclaim October's National Women's Small Business Month, the great city of Stockbridge, and encourage you to make an a cons can consensus [0:09:13, 0:09:33]: Consensus, excuse me, consensus effort to patronize and promote businesses owned by women. A witness thereof I have into hereunto set my hand in the great seal of the city of Stockbridge, Georgia, on the thirteenth day of October, year of our Lord, 2025, and signed a proclamation along with our third financial holiday. And congratulations, okay, to you. [0:09:33, 0:09:49]: And to you. And to you. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank you. All right. Well, well, just go ahead first, go ahead and speak. Whatever, ladies, please. [0:09:51, 0:10:11]: So um thank you, the city of Stockbridge. I am um founder and president of Southern Crescent Women in Business. We're the leading organization for women-owned businesses in the Southern Crescent region. And we have several ladies with us today. So I'm gonna let them talk about their business really quickly. [0:10:13, 0:10:15]: Who is first? The floor is there. [0:10:16, 0:10:36]: Good evening everyone. My name is Tyranica Carter. I am the owner of Radiant Styles Jewelry Incorporated. Um I am so honored to be here this afternoon. Um being a woman in business was never anything on my radar. I was an elementary school teacher for 15 years, and if you know with any teachers, we had to find a way to supplement our income. And so [0:10:36, 0:10:56]: So the opportunity of entrepreneurship came about, and my business began to boom so much so that I was making more money than I was as a teacher with a master's degree. So here I am, 10 years now as a business entrepreneur, and it has opened many doors, more doors for me, especially through Southern Crescent Women in Business. And so now I also have my own coach. [0:10:56, 0:11:16]: Coaching business building coaching business where I help other entrepreneurs who are budding entrepreneurs find a way, get started, and figure out how to now turn their ideas and create it into the business that they want. I also am an MC and I do hosting and all that good stuff. So again, I appreciate the opportunity of being a business owner. [0:11:16, 0:11:21]: If you are thinking about it, have an idea, I say go for it because you never know where it's going to lead you to. [0:11:22, 0:11:24]: All right. [0:11:25, 0:11:27]: Yeah, yeah, we could. [0:11:27, 0:11:47]: Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Dr. Chichi. I am the uh CEO and the owner of Rejuvenate Integrative Health Awareness. Um the business is all about, you know, women who have men, women who have high blood pressure, type two diabetes, who are overweight, or in general you just want to learn how [0:11:47, 0:12:06]: how to eat healthy. That, you know, came about when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. So I figured, you know, there's so many people out there taking medications and you want to get out of the medication and know how to heal yourself holistically. So check me out. I'm on social media at Chi Chi Health, Chi Chi Health. [0:12:10, 0:12:30]: Okay, yeah. Hello everyone. I'm Sean Kia Mahone. I am the owner of Kia Diddy Beauty and Brows located in Stockbridge, Georgia. And um I'm so honored to be here and be a part of Southern Crescent Women in Business. And um I'm located in Stockbridge, so [0:12:30, 0:12:41]: So if you ever need any beauty needs, I'm here to serve you and make women feel prettier and um just honored to be with the organization. [0:12:41, 0:12:48]: So so ladies just move on down here. We'll take some pictures down here. I think that's right, come on now. Come on now. [0:12:50, 0:12:55]: Okay, uh we are we this a good position is good? Okay. [0:13:09, 0:13:15]: Congratulations. Okay. [0:13:16, 0:13:36]: Oh okay. Um uh real quick uh Mr. Berry's phone uh picture please. You all wanna come on back up real quick? [0:13:35, 0:13:37]: Yeah, sure. Come on back up real quick. [0:13:41, 0:14:01]: Hey I'm Shayla. Hey Shayla, Councilman Beer. How are you doing? Or [0:14:01, 0:14:13]: Or Councilman Berry. Good to meet y'all tonight, man. Thank you. She's good. She says she's good. All right. All right. All right, thank you. [0:14:13, 0:14:15]: This is good. [0:14:24, 0:14:28]: Okay, all right, we didn't. All right. [0:14:29, 0:14:31]: All right. [0:14:45, 0:14:46]: Okay. [0:14:48, 0:14:48]: That's it. [0:14:49, 0:14:59]: The next proclamation I have is Fire Prevention Month. And I don't know if we have any firefighters here, but uh let me go through this process as well. Okay. [0:15:00, 0:15:13]: Recognition of Fire Prevention Month, whereas October is Fire Protection Month Prevention Month, whereas the goal for Fire Protect Prevention Month is to raise fire safety awareness, help protect homes and families. [0:15:13, 0:15:21]: Whereas in 1922, the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, named the second week in October Fire Prevention Week. [0:15:21, 0:15:25]: In commemoration of the great Chicago fire in eighteen seventy one. [0:15:25, 0:15:36]: Today we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and month by spreading fire safety awareness and educating families, students, and communities across the United States with the help from our partners and local fire departments. [0:15:37, 0:15:57]: First Alert is a most trusted brand of fire and fire safety and is dedicated to protecting lives, moments, and encourages you to gather your family to discuss fire safety awareness. Whereas installing reliable protection and being proactive is important to help keep your loved ones safe from a fire or carbon monoxide emergencies. Almost three out of [0:15:57, 0:16:02]: out of every five home fire desks result from fires with no smoke alarms. [0:16:02, 0:16:12]: or no working smoke alarms. Carbon monoxide is the number one cause for accidental poisoning in the United States. Unintended uh cooking is the number one cause for home fires. [0:16:12, 0:16:15]: And the fire department responds to the fire every twenty three seconds in America. [0:16:16, 0:16:36]: Now, therefore, I, Anthony Sforr, by First Authority Invest in Me as the mayor of the city of Stockbridge, Georgia. On behalf of uh City Council members Elton Alexandria, Lana Barber, Cowberry, Lukeesia Gantt and Afonso Thomas, who hereby proclaim October as Fire Prevention Month in Stockbridge, Georgia, and support educational efforts to spread awareness about smoke alarms and fire prevention. [0:16:36, 0:16:41]: our safety. In witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand in the great seal city of Stockbridge, Georgia [0:16:41, 0:16:54]: On the thirteenth day of the year of my Lord, two thousand and twenty-five, and I signed a population loan on our cleric finesse a holiday. And here it is, ladies and gentlemen, as well. Okay? All right. [0:16:54, 0:16:57]: Okay, sure. The kids will be fine. [0:17:02, 0:17:04]: Come on, young folks. [0:17:06, 0:17:08]: I don't give it the one you pulled. [0:17:10, 0:17:27]: It looks like looks like you're uh looks like you're the oldest. So I'm gonna give this to you. All right. Everybody everybody come on in here, come on in here, come on, come on, come on, come on in here. Come on, come on. [0:17:28, 0:17:33]: Right? He's good? Okay, okay. [0:17:47, 0:17:48]: Yeah. Okay. [0:18:00, 0:18:08]: Well thank you, ladies and gentlemen, you know folks. So you keep that, that's yours. Okay? [0:18:16, 0:18:25]: Next proclamation deals with National First Responders Month. And uh I know our police officer are out there working doing some work. [0:18:26, 0:18:27]: Sorry. [0:18:29, 0:18:48]: Okay, all right. And uh I'm gonna read this and uh and what it is that uh Mr. Thomas, Afonso Thomas, uh council member initially started this and what his initiatives in the city. So let me read this here. Let me turn the council position gave. Okay, one officer is up, okay. [0:18:51, 0:18:53]: One of them okay? [0:18:58, 0:19:00]: Take care, sir. Appreciate you. Uh-huh. [0:19:08, 0:19:28]: Yeah, I would yeah, I was thinking that we might get more, but maybe not. But I would do Mr. Christmas, come on and join us, sir. Okay, no problem. All right. Come on here. All right, sir. Yeah, I'm doing well. Okay, good deal. National First Responders Month. Whereas October is designated National First Responders Month, the annual. [0:19:28, 0:19:32]: National First Responders Day taking place October 28, 2025. [0:19:32, 0:19:40]: Whereas this month and day are dedicated to recognizing the sacrifices and service of firefighters, police, EMTs, and other and other emergency personnel. [0:19:41, 0:19:47]: And there are various ways to show appreciation, such as sending thank you cards, donating to related charities. [0:19:47, 0:19:49]: Participate in community service projects. [0:19:49, 0:20:00]: Whereas emergencies require police, fire, and medical services can occur at any time, and the prompt response of these emergency responders is critical to the protection of life and the preservation of property. [0:20:01, 0:20:21]: During times of personal crisis, paramedics are one of the first to come in contact with citizens who need emergency services, and their appropriate response to each person's need is critical. Now, therefore, I am too forward, but Virginia Authority invested me as a mayor of City Stock Bridge, Georgian. On behalf of City Council members Elden, Alexander, Yolanda, Barber, John. [0:20:22, 0:20:34]: Kyle Berry, Lakeesia Gann, and Afonso Thomas do hereby recognize October as National First Responders Month and Great City of Stockbridge and encourage all to participate in community service projects and directly benefit first responders. [0:20:35, 0:20:55]: A witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand great seal city star preach Georgia on thirteenth day, year of our Lord, two thousand and twenty five. Now signed the proclamation along with our Clerk Vanessa holiday. So I'm gonna hand this to you, but there is a there is something we have to change on that, okay? Appreciate you. And we'll take a picture, but actually you get we'll we'll take a picture first, okay, since you're ready to go. [0:20:55, 0:20:56]: Okay. [0:20:59, 0:21:01]: Thank you. [0:21:06, 0:21:22]: Thank you now the floor is yours if you have any comments you want to make. It's up to you. No, I'm honored to receive this on behalf of the police department. Okay. Thank you. And we there's there's something we have to do. Okay. No, no, no. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Good deal. Um [0:21:24, 0:21:26]: No yeah, that would be great, yeah. [0:21:26, 0:21:29]: Okay, we'll start with red wim ribbon week. [0:21:31, 0:21:32]: Could you come up please? [0:21:33, 0:21:37]: Okay. Well I need this to say how you can. [0:21:48, 0:21:55]: Thank you. Thank you for being here. Okay. All right. Hi. Cow cow cowberries. Okay. [0:21:57, 0:22:17]: State Proclamation Red Ribbon Week 2025, whereas substance misuse affects individuals, families, and communities across Henry County, the state of Georgia, and the nation. And whereas it is imperative that communities launch visible, unified prevention, education to eliminate and demand for drugs. [0:22:17, 0:22:37]: Offers citizens the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to drug-free lifestyles, no use of illegal drugs, no illegal use of legal drugs. And whereas a national Red Ribbon campaign will be celebrated in every community in America during the Red Ribbon Week, October 23rd to 31st, and establish the theme as Life is a Puzzle Solved. [0:22:37, 0:22:57]: Drug-free. And whereas businesses, government, parents, law enforcement, media, medical institutions, religious institutions, schools, senior citizens, service organizations, youth will demonstrate their commitment to healthy, drug-free lifestyle by wearing displaying red ribbons during a week-long campaign. Now therefore, I Anthony Sforbe, our first authority Vesame, is a [0:22:57, 0:22:58]: the Mercy Starbucks Georgia. [0:22:58, 0:23:01]: On behalf of city council members [0:23:01, 0:23:21]: Elton Alexander, Ilana Barber, Kyle Berry, Luke Gannon, and Father Thomas do hereby proclaim the week of October 23rd, 31st as Red Ribbon Week in Star Trek, Georgia. And encourage all stakeholders to participate in the drug prevention education activities, not only during Red Ribbon Week, but also throughout the year, making [0:23:21, 0:23:40]: whole statements that we've been strongly committed to drug-free schools. A witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand the great seal city stop race Georgia on the 13th day of October year by the Lord 2025 and I signed a proclamation along with a clerk Vanessa holiday and congratulations. [0:23:40, 0:23:48]: But listen, uh the floor is yours if you want to comment on the plan. [0:23:51, 0:24:11]: Thank you, Mayor Ford, and the City of Stockbridge for recognizing schools for Red Ribbon Week. It is an amazing week for us as we make students aware of the dangers of drugs and smoking and those various um things that we want them to stay away from. So we appreciate this and thank you so much for. [0:24:11, 0:24:14]: Absolutely. [0:24:15, 0:24:21]: Let's come on down here. We'll take some pictures now. Okay. Come on down. Okay. [0:24:22, 0:24:23]: I didn't say. [0:24:46, 0:24:50]: Okay, thank you. No problem. Absolutely. Absolutely. [0:24:51, 0:24:51]: Well [0:24:52, 0:24:54]: Great. Congratulations. [0:25:00, 0:25:04]: Rest of the one is about four. [0:25:06, 0:25:13]: Next proclamation is World Mental Health Day. I don't know if there's anybody here specifically to receive this, but I'll roll through the pro read through the proclamation. [0:25:14, 0:25:26]: World Mental Health Day, whereas the World Health Organization recognizes World Mental Health Day on October 10th every year and serves as a reminder that there is no health without mental health. [0:25:26, 0:25:46]: And whereas this year's campaign focuses on the urgent need to support mental health and psychological needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies. And whereas crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, public health emergencies cause emotional distress, with one in five individuals experiencing a mental health condition, supporting the mental well. [0:25:46, 0:26:06]: Being of individuals during such crisis is not just important, it saves lives, gives people the strength to cope, the space to heal and to recover and rebuild, not only as individuals, but as communities. Whereas a World Mental Health Day is a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it and how important it is to talk about. [0:26:06, 0:26:26]: About things and get help if you if you or someone you know is struggling. Stigma and discrimination continue to be a barrier to social inclusion and access to the right care. But we can all play our part in increasing awareness about which preventive mental health interventions work. Now, therefore, I Anthony's Ford by virtue. [0:26:26, 0:26:46]: Authority vests in me as the mayor of the city of Stockbridge, Georgia. Now, on behalf of City Council members Elton, Alexander, Yelana Barber, Kyle, Berry, Lakesa Gantt, and Founders of Thomas Dude, hereby proclaimed October 10, 2025 as World Mental Health Day in the city of Stockbridge. It is essential for everyone, including government officials, health, and social care providers, school staff, and the community. [0:26:46, 0:27:06]: Community groups to come together by working hand in hand, we can ensure the most vulnerable have access to support they need while protecting the well-being of everyone. In the witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand in the Great Seal City of Stockbridge, Georgia, on the 13th day of October, year of our Lord, 2025, and signed the proclamation along with our clerk Vanessa. [0:27:06, 0:27:10]: Hollow ladies and gentlemen. Okay? All right. So [0:27:10, 0:27:13]: Come on now, we'll take a picture of this as well. [0:27:28, 0:27:31]: Thank you. All right. So this will go here. [0:27:37, 0:27:51]: This month's also breast cancer awareness month. I'm right now myself and the gentleman here and the ladies don't really have pink on right now, but pink is that color. So I'll read this, uh is anybody here to receive this, okay? [0:27:51, 0:27:58]: All right. So anyway, breast cancer awareness month. Whereas breast cancer is a most common type of cancer among women in the world. [0:27:58, 0:28:09]: a second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. More than one in eight women and one in eight hundred and thirty-three men in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes. [0:28:09, 0:28:29]: Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society, Imperial Chemical Industries, Pharmaceuticals, AstroZeneca, and whereas we encourage all women and men to find out if they are at increased risk and to learn more about recommended screenings by speaking with the health care providers, early detention and treatment. [0:28:29, 0:28:49]: Can save lives. Whereas during breast cancer awareness month, we recognize the women and the men who courageously fight to survive, detect, treat, prevent, and support survivors as devastating disease. And if you are a breast cancer survivor, we have a recent diagnosis. October is a great time to be reminded not to be alone. Therefore, I Anthony Sforz. [0:28:49, 0:28:52]: by virtual authority less than me as a mayor city starbridge, Georgia. [0:28:52, 0:29:12]: Now, on behalf of City Council members, Elton Alzheimer, Ilana Barber, Kyle, Berry, Lakesa Gandhi, and Fonzo Thomas, do hereby proclaim October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the city of Stockbridge. And we encourage all to invite everyone to join us on Saturday, October 18th for the city's annual Pink Love Walk at Clark Park. And as we walk to support in remembrance of those impacted. [0:29:12, 0:29:32]: By breast cancer. A witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand in the great seal city of Stockbridge, Georgia, on the 13th day of October, year of our Lord, 2025. And I signed a proclamation along with our clerk for Nessa Holiday. You know, ladies and gentlemen. Okay. All right. Come on in for uh eight. Oh sure. Oh sure. Sure. [0:29:33, 0:29:36]: As a matter of fact, I'll give this to you then. Yes. [0:29:39, 0:29:44]: Okay, I'll tell you what. No, she can take it, that's fine. Okay, yeah. [0:29:46, 0:29:51]: Matter of fact, I'm gonna tell you I'll tell you what, how about this? I'm gonna I'm gonna hand this to you and then the floor is yours. [0:29:52, 0:29:58]: If you want the floor, the floor is the I'm gonna hand it to you. Okay. So floor is yours if you have some comments. [0:29:59, 0:30:19]: Thank you for everyone who continuously and tirelessly work to educate and outreach to people who have who are living with and surviving breast cancer. It's becoming more prominent as we live longer, of course. But we are also truly grateful for the outreach and community support that each and every [0:30:19, 0:30:39]: Every year this community and this leadership continues to give members and people who are surviving and living with breast cancer. All right. No no no no no no. Yeah, come down and take a picture. You once spoke. Get in the middle. No, you're not going to be a good one. Okay, come on. [0:30:39, 0:30:44]: That's not fine, I've chased the fine. [0:30:49, 0:30:50]: Yeah. [0:30:55, 0:31:06]: All right. There are more one. Okay. So these are already done. Let me see. Okay. All right. [0:31:13, 0:31:22]: And for the last proclamation tonight, uh for domestic violence awareness month, uh I don't know if somebody here to receive this while I'll go through this process here. [0:31:23, 0:31:32]: Whereas October is annually recognized as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with all the national theme with survivors always, this month long observation observer [0:31:33, 0:31:35]: Absorbents. Absorbents, excuse me. [0:31:36, 0:31:56]: Aims at highlight the ongoing issues of domestic violence and rally community support for survivors and services they need. Whereas domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that one intimate partner, current or former, uses to gain and maintain control over another. This abuse can occur in the form of physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, and economic control. [0:31:56, 0:32:13]: Batterers often use multiple tactics such as isolation, intimidation, sexual and physical assault, forced substance abuse, insults, threatening, and excessive monitoring to control and manipulate victims and survivors. Resident violence affects millions across the US, regardless of cultural background. [0:32:13, 0:32:33]: Ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, socioeconomic status, ability, and educational background. This means it is very likely we know someone who is a victim or survivor, and someone who is an abuser. Whereas victims and survivors need comprehensive services, but more so genuine and non-judgmental support from friends, family, and community. [0:32:33, 0:32:46]: And whereas educational awareness are critical components of an effort to end domestic violence, please contact Haven House at 770-954-1008 or the Crisis Line at 770-088-088-088- [0:32:47, 0:32:57]: nine five four two nine screen me nine two two two nine for local help and assistance. Now don't now therefore I Anthony's for first authority invest in me as a mayor city of Scott Bridge, Georgia. [0:32:57, 0:33:17]: Now, on behalf of City Council members Elton Alzana, Alana, Barber Cow, Vera, Lakesa Gandhi, Afonso Thomas, we hereby proclaim October's domestic violence awareness month in the city of Stockbridge, and we call on citizens and communities to join the movement to end domestic violence. We must do our part to support victims and survivors and come together as a community to end this abusive behavior. [0:33:17, 0:33:31]: behavior. A witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand in the great seal city of Star Beach, Georgia, on the 13th day of October year of our Lord 2025, and I signed a proclamation along with our clerk Vanessa Holiday, ladies and gentlemen. Okay? All right. [0:33:45, 0:33:51]: Thank you. Thank you. All right. Now um Mr Collins, sir, I have um [0:33:52, 0:33:53]: This the sworn in? [0:33:56, 0:33:56]: Okay. [0:33:59, 0:34:04]: Um sorry. Okay, Mr. Collins, relax for a second, please. All right. Sorry about that. [0:34:07, 0:34:11]: Uh what time would you have here? Uh Gab okay. [0:34:11, 0:34:15]: We uh yeah, we got a little bit of time still. Okay. Good deal. All right. [0:34:18, 0:34:38]: We have a swearing in to do and Mr. Collins is going to sworn in so we have the right documentation for this. All right. All right. Out of curiosity, Mr. Collins, is this your entire family? [0:34:38, 0:34:58]: Okay. You realize that they can all come up if you want. I mean it's where you have to nice. We'll take a picture of it in definitely. Okay. Mr. Wells, how are you doing, sir? He's missing over there in the next few. He's reading. Okay. What's going on with you? You alright? [0:34:58, 0:35:01]: Yeah, no one's and know the one closer here, right? [0:35:02, 0:35:05]: We've got new uh central. [0:35:06, 0:35:10]: In twenty twenty one still setting up to the mountain one hard people. [0:35:13, 0:35:18]: Are you doing? I have already You here for the proclamation? [0:35:19, 0:35:25]: No, okay. I okay. Excuse me. I'm just just checking it. All right. [0:35:27, 0:35:31]: Yeah, we're doing all right. All right, it's a good deal. [0:35:33, 0:35:39]: Went to the Saints. It was nice, it was like, you know, it was like I wanted I wanted to see [0:35:40, 0:35:44]: What like to read Superbow? I've never been to a game yet super. [0:35:45, 0:35:52]: To see how things would go. Both things are dedicated. But there were more pictures. [0:35:53, 0:36:01]: And the deal the other young guy there may I mean maybe he sharp. [0:36:02, 0:36:19]: Right. Cool. We'd like to do that. Come on this up. So you you want uh I think that's your wife and you want your kids, who do you who you want up here with? He's strong. He might not be able to do it. Well definitely when we take a picture, okay. [0:36:19, 0:36:21]: If they're coming now I'll wait. [0:36:21, 0:36:23]: Come on up. [0:36:23, 0:36:24]: Come on, come on, come on. [0:36:25, 0:36:45]: Come come once come on this side over here? Come on this side, okay? On this side? This side? This side? Okay. All right. So what I want you to do is face me and I want to make sure to take pictures that the precipite in the background. Okay. Alright. Raise your right hand. I'll take this as follow me and I'll take some little small snippets, okay? Okay. I stick. [0:36:45, 0:36:49]: Well, I'm sorry? [0:36:49, 0:37:09]: Okay. Hi and state your name. I Tariq Collins. Board members? Board members. You solemnly swear and affirmed. You solemnly swear and affirm. That I will faithfully perform. That I will faithfully perform. The duties of the duties of downtown development authority. Downtown development authority. Of the city of Stockbridge. Of the city of Stark. And that I will to the best of my ability. To the best of my ability. Support and defend. Support and defend. [0:37:09, 0:37:29]: The charter thereof, as well as the Constitution and the laws and the laws of the State of Georgia, the State of Georgia, the United States of America. United States of America. I further affirm that. I further affirm that. Upon assumption of this office, upon assumption of this office, I do not hold any unaccounted for public money. Any unaccounted for public money. [0:37:29, 0:37:49]: Payable to the state, do or payable to the state, any political subdivision of the state, any political subdivision of the state, city of Stockbridge, City of Stockbridge, or any authority thereof, or any authority thereof, nor do I hold, nor do I hold any other office of trust, any other office of trust of the government, of the United States, of this state, of this state, or any foreign state, or any foreign. [0:37:49, 0:38:09]: As prescribed as prescribed by the law by the law state of Georgia of the State of Georgia. I solemnly affirm. That I fully quite qualified. That I'm fully qualified. Under the Constitution. Under the Constitution. Under the laws. And the laws of the state. Of the state. To hold the office. To hold the office. Of Downtown Development Authority Board Member. Of Downtown Development Authority. [0:38:09, 0:38:29]: authority board member. And that I will perform and that I will perform the duties of my office. The duties of my office in the best of my excuse me, in the best interest in the best interest of the city of Stockbridge. To the best of my ability to the best of my ability without fear. Without fear favor. Favor. Affection. Affection. Reward. Reward. Or expectation thereof. Or expectation thereof. This is the thirteenth day of October twenty. [0:38:29, 0:38:31]: Twenty-five. Congratulations. [0:38:34, 0:38:45]: Now, welcome to the telephone calling you some great things together. Yes, sir. [0:38:50, 0:38:53]: [2339.1, 2359.1]: All right, and the floor is yours. So the mic's up there. Speech, speech, speech. Uh I just wanna say thank you to the board and city council member, the mayor, everybody that uh voted me in last month, and uh think my wife and kids and god kids and [0:39:19, 0:39:25]: uh for coming out and uh I'll do my best to serve the city of Stockbridge to the best of my ability. [0:39:27, 0:39:43]: Oh uh we got um we own an accounting firm over off Eagles Landing. So we service any business owners or individuals if you are looking for tech services or bookkeeping services. So just w reach out. Thank you. [0:39:48, 0:40:08]: Mr. Collins, officially welcome to the Downtown Development Authority. Appreciate it. We appreciate it. And we're gonna do some great things in downtown. Yes, sir. We rec we welcome frozen smoke, we rec welcome to Crown Pizza, ABA therapy, and several more. So certainly, this is the middle of the Stockbridge Renaissance. And when a business owner [0:40:08, 0:40:24]: Like yourself, who's the stakeholder in the community, steps up. We certainly appreciate that because you have many other choices and you have a busy schedule, but we understand the importance of moving this community forward and we're gonna do it together. [0:40:25, 0:40:44]: Yeah, we'll take a come on down here. Come on, family, come on down and take a good picture here. As the city council district representative of our downtown area, welcome, sir. And congratulations on your appointment. Um I look forward to all of the great work that you'll do with the rest of the members of the downtown development authority board. [0:40:45, 0:40:46]: But I want you to remember. [0:40:46, 0:40:48]: I represent this district. [0:40:49, 0:41:09]: I'm super excited about the revitalization efforts of our downtown. I want to remember all of the stakeholders that are affected by all of the decisions that are made in our downtown. So welcome. Welcome. All right. [0:41:08, 0:41:10]: Yeah very well? Okay. [0:41:22, 0:41:23]: Yep. [0:41:26, 0:41:46]: Congratulations. Okay. Sir by the way, here you go. This is uh this is also for you, sir. Okay, no problem. Congratulations to you. Congratulations to you too as well. Congratulations and well. Okay. Eager to work with you. Thank y'all. Thank you all. Thank you all. [0:41:46, 0:41:55]: Okay. Okay. Right, right. This is what this is the DDA for Okay. What this everyone here? DDA for C okay. [0:42:07, 0:42:09]: Yeah, it's [0:42:09, 0:42:24]: Okay. Okay. So we have um okay, I have six we'll get started here shortly, ladies and gentlemen. Uh yeah, uh what had happened is that uh Clerk is going to sign it for some. [0:42:30, 0:42:30]: Let's [0:47:35, 0:47:38]: I didn't see it. It's my brother's birthday. [0:47:39, 0:47:44]: Okay, how about this would you want to do an invocation on that? Okay. No. [0:47:46, 0:47:51]: That's what I want to be. [0:47:52, 0:48:11]: All right. All right. So I got I'm removing forward to executive session after executive session. I'm removing three altogether. And then I'm amending it and add the uh this would be on this session. Okay. Okay. [0:48:13, 0:48:14]: Are we [0:48:15, 0:48:17]: We we good now? Still good? All right. [0:48:22, 0:48:30]: All right, ladies and gentlemen, I have 606, so I'd like to call our council meeting for uh October 13th to order. [0:48:31, 0:48:34]: And please stand for the invocation, mister Berry, please. [0:48:35, 0:48:36]: That is great. [0:48:37, 0:48:57]: Eternal God, our Father, we thank you tonight again for allowing us to come together, Lord God, for the citizens and for the constituents of the city of Stockbridge. Lord God, we pray, Lord God, that you will cover us and watch over us and keep us protected from danger seen and unseen. Lord, we pray for all the federal employees, Lord God, who are, Lord God, without pay and compensation during this government. [0:48:57, 0:49:17]: Stoppage and we pray, Lord God, that their households will be covered and blessed. Then, Lord God, we pray if anyone in the city of Stockbridge is in need, Lord God, that you will supply each and every one of their needs according to your riches and glory. Now bret bless this meeting, bless all that are involved, and let us, Lord God, do the work that you've called us to do with perfection, with diligence, and doing everything possible, Lord God, to pray. [0:49:17, 0:49:35]: please you in all things that we do. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. Okay, do a pledge allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag, the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [0:49:36, 0:49:38]: Madam Clerk, roll call, please. [0:49:42, 0:49:44]: Good evening. Evening. [0:49:44, 0:49:49]: Mayor Ford. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. Present. Councilmember Thomas. Present. [0:49:49, 0:49:53]: Let the record reflect Council Member Thomas is not in attendance. Councilmember Berry. [0:49:54, 0:50:00]: Present. Councilmember Barber. Present. Council Member Alexander. Present. Mayor Ford, you have a call. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Appreciate it. [0:50:01, 0:50:05]: Uh Mayor Po Tim Gantt, I need a several different amendments to the agenda, please. [0:50:06, 0:50:10]: Um yes, Mayor, I I would like to make a motion to remove agenda public hearing. [0:50:11, 0:50:13]: Item number three. [0:50:14, 0:50:19]: And then also to remove item number four until after executive session. [0:50:20, 0:50:21]: Under new business. [0:50:22, 0:50:25]: And to amend the agenda to include [0:50:26, 0:50:29]: Under new business, a discussion. [0:50:29, 0:50:45]: Um for a vote to have a city event mortgage burning. The city event uh in regards to mortgage burning. Sir. Okay, I wanna at least mention that the public hearing item that's gonna be removed will be back at our uh city work session later on this month. [0:50:45, 0:50:46]: Yes, I'm sorry. [0:50:47, 0:50:51]: Okay. All in favor, please indicate. Mayor Ford. Uh yes, ma'am. Discussion, please. [0:50:51, 0:51:10]: Well let's let's go ahead and vote on this. I'd like to add one more item to the agenda. Well that's not discussion. That's that's an amendment. Okay. So so stand by the second. Hold on a second. No, we already got a motion. If you want to add something else, we'll do another motion to I wanted to ask Councilwoman Gann if she would add an item to the agenda. [0:51:11, 0:51:17]: Since I didn't know about all the others, I would have spoken to her prior, but since those amendments are coming to the council now. [0:51:18, 0:51:32]: There's one additional stuff I wanna add. Let's vote on this and then we'll we'll we'll we'll do that. Okay? We'll vote on what d we've made a motion, made a second. We can come forward any additional amendment items just a second. We'll we'll do that. All right? Well if we're all ready. [0:51:32, 0:51:34]: Amending the agenda. [0:51:34, 0:51:36]: And several items. [0:51:36, 0:51:41]: are in this motion that she made, why not add one additional item? [0:51:42, 0:51:46]: To her motion to amend the agenda. All right, tell you what. [0:51:46, 0:51:53]: That is w what that is up to her. She made the most that's up to her. Okay, so that's why I was asking her, but you interjected. All right, go ahead. [0:51:54, 0:52:02]: Go ahead. Council Councilwoman Gantt, would you add another item to the agenda for the presentation of the budget amendment? [0:52:02, 0:52:07]: That Mr. Malazi has said that he was going to present at this meeting. [0:52:08, 0:52:10]: I think he's prepared for that. [0:52:11, 0:52:13]: Mr. Malazi, are you prepared for that today? [0:52:13, 0:52:15]: No, there's no regular meaning. [0:52:15, 0:52:19]: Okay, there you have it. You're not prepared to present your budget amendment? [0:52:19, 0:52:22]: Okay. All right. So motion's been made in second. Okay. [0:52:22, 0:52:25]: And motion has been made in second. All in favor of the motion, please indicate. [0:52:25, 0:52:30]: Okay, you now have to say no. Appreciate that. Okay. So on that note, um [0:52:31, 0:52:36]: What we had earlier today, ladies and gentlemen, before the meeting we had a ceremonial review. I wanna let you know that um [0:52:37, 0:52:57]: We want to continue to support and recognize the diversity and the differences of our citizens within our community and make sure we honor them and welcome everybody in this aspect as well. And so I say that to let you know that no matter what the federal government does in reference to DEI type programs of recognition, we here at the City of Stockbridges will recognize [0:52:57, 0:53:06]: Our citizens and once again the diversity that we have in our community. So, on the that note, uh Red Women Week, we had a proclamation on that. [0:53:06, 0:53:07]: Fire Prevention Month. [0:53:08, 0:53:10]: Uh breast cancer awareness month. [0:53:10, 0:53:30]: Mental Health Awareness Month, Women's Small Business Month, and several ladies who received that and spoke about the particular businesses, domestic violence, prevention awareness with a month, and also worst first responders month. And I swore in a new DDA member, Tyreek Collins, was sworn in this this evening as well. So I want to let you know that. And Madam Clerk, do we have any [0:53:30, 0:53:31]: Public comments at all. [0:53:31, 0:53:40]: We do, Mayor, but if you don't mind, we need to adopt the agenda as amended. Oh you know what? Thank you very much. That's why you're the clerk. Okay. I need a motion to adopt the rest of the agenda, please. [0:53:40, 0:53:41]: What was [0:53:41, 0:53:45]: No no we'd only we've made some change. We gotta adopt the reason. [0:53:46, 0:53:53]: No, we but we already made the m the amendments were already approved. We got em she's right. We have to make a motion. There's no motion to accept the rest of the agenda. [0:53:54, 0:53:58]: Someone make a motion, please. So moved. Okay, is there a second? Okay, Mr. All in favor, please indicate. [0:53:59, 0:54:01]: Okay, so now she says okay now. Thank you madam for [0:54:02, 0:54:08]: I I got ahead of myself in a sense. Okay, thank you very much. All right. Public comments. Uh we have a couple public comments at all? [0:54:08, 0:54:09]: We do Mayor. [0:54:09, 0:54:29]: Okay. Mr. Willie Turner. I'm sorry, Mr. Mayor Turner. Mayor, point of order. What's that? I want to make sure that there's no campaigning up here. There's no mention of running for public office or anything that is not appropriate. Okay, hold on, hold on. Hold on. Let's do this. Let's do it. Hold on a second. Stand by, stand by. Public comments. All persons wishing to speak and for public comments must sign in the city clerk prior to beginning. [0:54:29, 0:54:49]: Beginning of the meeting. You must sign your name, address, and phone numbers. You will be able to address the mayor and council for three minutes. Speakers must respect all members of the elected body, officials, and staff. Definition of unruliness and/or swearing would not be tolerated by a meeting in the session. And of course, it's uh I would think you need to keep on the subject and topics here appropriate to the city itself. [0:54:49, 0:54:55]: All right, so on that note, uh first uh individual to uh give us comments, name and address please. [0:54:58, 0:55:05]: Yes, my name is Willie Carter, 123 Wilson Avenue. Okay. Good evening, Mayor, Council, and Stockbridge residence. [0:55:07, 0:55:24]: We all have been aware of the mismanagement of funds in the fiscal year of twenty twenty-four, alone requiring a budget amendment of thirty-two point nine million. That is unacceptable and cannot continue going forward as the city sets the new budget. [0:55:26, 0:55:28]: This city council needs to be more responsible. [0:55:31, 0:55:33]: We're taking care of the services. [0:55:34, 0:55:38]: That should be provided to the residents and the business of this city. [0:55:40, 0:55:45]: Three years with this amphitheater, every single year. [0:55:47, 0:55:50]: It has spent millions of dollars over budget. [0:55:51, 0:55:54]: In twenty twenty five has been added to that. [0:55:56, 0:56:00]: At some point, this council needs to pivot. [0:56:02, 0:56:02]: And why is that? [0:56:05, 0:56:12]: Let's get it right for twenty-six by bringing in a company to manage the amphitheater and take on the expenses. [0:56:15, 0:56:19]: We simply cannot afford to continue to do this internally. [0:56:21, 0:56:24]: Also, the city council has failed. [0:56:26, 0:56:30]: To respond to the recommendations from the city's ethnic board. [0:56:32, 0:56:44]: to have an independent third party to review the city's finances from the complaint that Councilman Barber has filed. Not one word has come from this council. [0:56:47, 0:56:54]: I have come to the city council for years now and just didn't show up at election time. [0:56:56, 0:57:07]: To get improvements in the Tigh Street area and legacy community after numerous phone calls and emails and meetings with Councilman Thomas and Mr. Aaron. [0:57:08, 0:57:14]: We finally got six million approved to do the work while having this project started. [0:57:15, 0:57:25]: I'm currently waiting on, after the meeting with Mr. Edmonds, the manager and the Public Works Director, Ms. Aaron, to provide an update on this project. Thank you. [0:57:26, 0:57:29]: Uh thank you. All right, uh who's next? Ms. Holliday? [0:57:40, 0:57:41]: Mr. Turner. [0:57:45, 0:57:46]: Name and address please. [0:57:50, 0:58:02]: Mr. Turner two five four warbler away. This is business not personal. The City of Stockbridge General Fund concluded its eighth month of two thousand twenty five fiscal year as of August thirty first, twenty twenty five. [0:58:04, 0:58:24]: Operations with$14,299,000 of revenues, which is 49% of the budget amount. General fund revenues were estimated to bring in$29,239,000 for the year, but only collected$14,299,000 at the end of the year of August of 2025. On the other hand,$14,500,000. [0:58:24, 0:58:44]: $122,000 of expenses were incurred, representing 50% of the budget amount during the same time. Budget amendment will be needed before the end of October 25 to address and eliminate unbudgeted spending that does not have council approval. Budget amendment will also address the need to have general fund remain in balance all at the same time. [0:58:44, 0:59:04]: The City of Stockbridge Amphitheater at the bridge had budgeted to receive$2.6 million in revenues in fiscal year of 2025. Instead, only$1 million has been received by the end of August 2025, representing 41% of budget amount.$2.6 million was budgeted for corresponding expenses, but instead,$3 million,664,000. [0:59:03, 0:59:23]: four thousand dollars was spent by the end of August 2025, and yet we just added another free event. All the unbudgeted spending above the revenues will be transferred from general fund to make up for the revenue shortage. Again, another year taking money out of the general fund account to fund entertainment. I had a chance to sit in the twenty twenty six budget meeting to hear some deposits. [0:59:23, 0:59:43]: Department's wish list. During this meeting, I noticed that we're still using Harold Young's team to run the operation of the amphitheater. Not only are we using his team, we are promoting members of his team to run the amphitheater again next year. Why? The amphitheater has gone over budget by millions of dollars every single year on the taxpayers' expenses under Harold Young and [0:59:43, 1:00:03]: And his team for years. The data and numbers prove this. Why aren't we bidding this position out to our entertainment management company? Why are we utilizing our own ordinance when it pertains to procurement? Why would our own city attorney create an affidavit to disclose what the taxpayers pay the artists who are performing? Again, our city attorney created an affidavit. [1:00:03, 1:00:17]: David into which the taxpayers cannot see the c actual number amount these artists are being paid. Further, why would our city attorney be sitting at a VIP table at a concert at the amphitheater with Harold Young if Harold Young has stated publicly that [1:00:17, 1:00:18]: So the making melody [1:00:18, 1:00:38]: That he will be seeking legal counsel after his after his dismissal of breach of contract. Would that be a conflict of interest to have Harold Young sitting at a VIP table and backstage taking pictures at a tax funded facility if he has publicly stated he is seeking legal counsel for his dismissal from our governing body? You all can see continue to say. [1:00:38, 1:00:55]: that the amphitheater is not for profit and an economic driver, but yet you transferred city owned property that's directly across the street from a brand new multi million dollar amphitheater to the DDA and to which the DDA sold to a private investor with no appraisal and below tax assessed value. Thank you. [1:00:58, 1:00:58]: Alright, um [1:01:00, 1:01:06]: On that note Did I get more time? No. Oh any more time? I no, you don't well [1:01:07, 1:01:09]: Anymore? No. No. [1:01:10, 1:01:20]: Okay. The answer's uh well. Yep, no problem. No more time, sir. Appreciate you. All right. Uh Kyle so d Okay, got one more. I'm sorry. Go ahead. Who's next? [1:01:21, 1:01:22]: Mr. Peter Friedrich. [1:01:26, 1:01:27]: Name and address, please, sir. [1:01:29, 1:01:32]: Thirty four fifty Cameron Parkway. My name is Peter Friedrich. [1:01:33, 1:01:53]: Doctor uh Martin Luther King Sr. was born here in Stockbridge in eighteen ninety-nine. And when he was a boy, his his mother Delia brought him to Floyd Chapel Baptist Church, the wooden church that stood where the current building is now. That's where he was ordained, where he preached his first sermon as a uh as a young man, just about a five minute walk from these chambers. [1:01:53, 1:02:13]: He became a preacher because he saw ministers willing to speak truth to power on racial injustice, even when it was dangerous. Georgia State Senate Bill 375 makes speaking truth dangerous again. This bill is not about protecting against bigotry. Georgia law already does that. SB 375 is a [1:02:13, 1:02:20]: About one thing, giving India's government legal weapons to silence Americans who criticized our policies. [1:02:20, 1:02:24]: How does it work? By weaponizing a word, Hindu phobia. [1:02:24, 1:02:44]: The bill treats criticism of Hindu nationalism, a political movement running India's government, the same as hatred of Hindu people. Those are not the same thing. But once Georgia's law conflates them, anyone discussing India's treatment of minorities risks being sued for bigotry. Political criticism becomes legally. [1:02:44, 1:03:03]: Actionable. Now here's what it looks like. A Stockbridge teacher assigns students to research religious freedom globally. A student writes about India. Parents connected to Hindu nationalist organizations complain that the assignment promotes Hindu phobia. The teacher faces legal threats. The school district pulls the curriculum. [1:03:04, 1:03:10]: Why does India's government want this? Because they've already tried harder methods. [1:03:10, 1:03:30]: This report documents how federal prosecutors are charging an Indian government operative while plotting with plotting murder of an American Sikh activist on US soil. Murder of an American in America for criticizing India's government. His trial starts next month. When assassin when assassination fails, they will [1:03:30, 1:03:50]: They want lawsuits instead. Martin Luther King Sr. left Stockbridge for Atlanta. He became a civil rights leader. He taught his son to speak truth to power without fear. SP 375 turns that principle upside down. It uses civil rights law, the kind MLK Sr. fought for, to protect powerful governments from criticism. [1:03:50, 1:03:50]: Yeah. [1:03:51, 1:04:11]: The city can take three actions. One, pass a resolution opposing SB 375. Say clearly that Stockbridge protects free speech, not foreign governments. Two, send it to your state legislators, tell them that Martin Luther King Sr. was born in this city and we won't let his legacy be twisted. Three, make a public statement. [1:04:11, 1:04:31]: Georgia law protects people from hatred. It must never protect political movements from criticism. Martin Luther King Sr. preached his first sermon in Stockwridge because he believed ministers should stand up for what is right, even when powerful people wanted silence. SB 375 is about enforcing silence. [1:04:31, 1:04:41]: Stockbridge should stand against it. And I'm leaving this documentation with the council. Thank you, sir. Appreciate you. Thank you so much. Thank you very much. So leave it to leave it to the clerk, put the clerk, sir, that way. [1:04:42, 1:04:46]: Thank you. Okay, any anybody else, Madam Clerk? No additional comments, Mayor. Thank you. [1:04:48, 1:04:58]: All right, council, I need the well let's see here. Adoption of the minutes. The approval of the minutes from September eighth, twenty twenty five, and the work session session minutes of September third, twenty twenty five. A motion to approve those, please. [1:04:58, 1:05:18]: So moved. Is there a second? For Miss Barber to Mr. Berry. All in favor, please indicate. Okay, thank you very much. And we have open to see Council of Consideration approved the annual contract RFP 2025-004 for on-call sidewalk repairs and replacement to CGS LLC in the amount of$300,000. [1:05:18, 1:05:36]: thousand dollars funding from uh splot six a contract to begin one uh january twenty twenty six mr aaron please yes mr mayor i'm sorry mr aaron mayor forward yes go ahead please um i'm gonna ask that we table this again i've spoken with um mr malazi [1:05:36, 1:05:39]: Um there's some things that need to be reviewed. [1:05:40, 1:05:42]: Uh prior to bringing this forward. [1:05:43, 1:05:55]: All right, so you wanna you wanna make a mo motion to I wanna make a motion to table this. Okay, one second folks. Okay, she's making a motion to table this. Is there a second to the motion? I wanna make a motion to table this until our September thirtieth work session. [1:05:56, 1:06:16]: Is there a m is there a second to the motion? Let me the discussion. I wanna know the issue. There was a motion made. She made a a motion. Right. I wanna know what it is that is causing the delay because [1:06:16, 1:06:26]: It seems we had this here before. It's back again. Why wasn't it taken care of in the meantime? Because we don't have our sidewalk [1:06:26, 1:06:27]: Um [1:06:27, 1:06:30]: You know, this is delaying progress on [1:06:30, 1:06:40]: Projects like broken sidewalks on Hudson Bridge Road that I've been trying to get fixed for six months. So what is it that we cannot resolve tonight or can it be resolved tonight? [1:06:41, 1:06:44]: Before our circuit. [1:06:45, 1:07:01]: Um there is a review in the policy that I am asking Mr. Malazzi to take a look at. Um staff should be aware of some of the policy changes that were implemented, I don't know, two, three years ago. [1:07:01, 1:07:05]: We're without a purchasing manager right now since the summer. [1:07:05, 1:07:06]: So [1:07:06, 1:07:10]: This is one of those RPs that were issued over the summer. [1:07:12, 1:07:21]: when we are without a purchasing manager. Mr. Malazzi's time has been spent on um the financials of our city, but there is a [1:07:22, 1:07:24]: [4044.8, 4048.0]: that I ask him to please look at again. [1:07:28, 1:07:32]: And that specific portion of the policy is the selection committee. [1:07:32, 1:07:35]: Mr. Aaron knows exactly where I'm going with this. [1:07:35, 1:07:37]: In the policy [1:07:37, 1:07:43]: There are supposed to be five council members five members of the evaluation committee. [1:07:44, 1:07:47]: Two of those members of the evaluation committee. [1:07:47, 1:07:53]: can be from the user department in which the RFP is for. [1:07:54, 1:07:55]: In this case [1:07:55, 1:07:57]: There were six. [1:07:57, 1:07:59]: members of the evaluation committee. [1:08:00, 1:08:03]: Four of those members were from public works. [1:08:04, 1:08:06]: I've spoken with Mr. Malazi. [1:08:07, 1:08:14]: He wants to take this back to his team to review this again so that we are following. [1:08:14, 1:08:18]: All the rules and policies that have been put in place. [1:08:19, 1:08:20]: Mr. Aaron is aware. [1:08:21, 1:08:24]: He's aware of the policy. Mr. Edmondson is aware of the policy. [1:08:25, 1:08:28]: This is the second meeting in a row. [1:08:28, 1:08:29]: That I brought this forward. [1:08:30, 1:08:31]: So let me just say this. [1:08:32, 1:08:34]: And I've said this since twenty twenty. [1:08:36, 1:08:39]: My professional background is in procurement. [1:08:40, 1:08:44]: I have experience in both the public sector and private sector. [1:08:45, 1:08:49]: I know the processes back and forth. I want to make sure. [1:08:50, 1:08:53]: When these contract awards are being presented to the council. [1:08:53, 1:08:54]: That they are [1:08:55, 1:08:55]: Fair. [1:08:56, 1:09:02]: That they are transparent, that we are following our processes and procedures. [1:09:03, 1:09:04]: Before they come here. [1:09:05, 1:09:09]: I've been saying the same thing since I've been here. I said the same thing last meeting. [1:09:10, 1:09:15]: So I understand that the projects are being delayed. It's no fault to my own. [1:09:15, 1:09:25]: What I'm asking is allow staff the time to go back and correct it to make sure that we are being fair in our assessments. [1:09:26, 1:09:35]: That's all I'm asking for. So please allow staff to table this and bring it back during our work session in Sept [1:09:35, 1:09:36]: In October. [1:09:36, 1:09:39]: Uh Sean, Mr. Edmondson, please come to the mic, please, as well. [1:09:40, 1:09:51]: No, I need for Mr. Malazi to send to this. This is his department. If Mr. Edmondson knew, he wouldn't have allowed his staff to add this item to the agenda. [1:09:51, 1:09:52]: Okay. [1:09:53, 1:10:13]: We we we mayor point order. What's the point order, sir? We we just we're in paralysis right now. Every time a contract comes forward, we end up in minutiae going through every detail, micromanaging the staff, when there's a process in place. Now there's a process that's been outlined already, and it's in the book. [1:10:13, 1:10:33]: Book. Now, one council member can't change the policy. One council member can't ask staff to do anything. The city manager has to ask the staff to the police. That's why it calls city manager to police. So the city manager for the council member to sit up here and say they asked the card the treasurer to do something particularly, that's inappropriate. The city manager should have made it. [1:10:33, 1:10:38]: Understand, understand. Mr Mr. Edmondson. [1:10:39, 1:10:59]: I checked with the Councilman Barber to say this is the the second time this one is coming in now. So I would prefer if this one was to go through then he we will look into that policy because that policy I was not aware of yet. So because it's coming for second time, let it pass [1:10:59, 1:11:03]: then we take note of what will be there because it already passed through. [1:11:04, 1:11:10]: Okay, because it's coming for the second time. We had this one last meeting. [1:11:11, 1:11:15]: And the we discussed with the Mr. Ellen. [1:11:16, 1:11:16]: Okay. [1:11:16, 1:11:22]: So my recommendation depending on what you say, but I would request this one to pass through. [1:11:24, 1:11:25]: Ms. Edmundson, sir. [1:11:26, 1:11:46]: Um, yeah, so the last time this item was on the agenda, it was my understanding that the reason why we had some apprehension is because the breakdown sheet was not on there, which I I completely agree, uh, to which we comply and we did the breakdown and made sure that information is in there. But this is the first time we hearing that how this was created. [1:11:46, 1:12:06]: Is outside of policy. So this is the first time me hearing that. And if there is a policy dealing specifically with this particular procurement thing, then I would like to know more about it. But this is the first time me hearing about it. That is a policy violation, which is the issue that's on the table versus the spreadsheet that was requested from the last time. [1:12:06, 1:12:09]: 'Cause had I known that, I would have made sure that we [1:12:09, 1:12:16]: We took those measures, but my understanding was the apprehensions is because we didn't have the breakdown sheet. [1:12:16, 1:12:27]: All right, so the city city manager, the staff obviously reports directly to you. So uh by knowing all this information, what kind of recommendation do you have at this point? Do you have one? [1:12:27, 1:12:47]: Well, I mean, of course, if there's a policy, we're not gonna intentionally violate a policy. So if we're saying that that's a policy that's out there that doesn't align with this particular item, then of course we have to table it and and and and make a decision from that point. But my understanding that this particular item been out here for quite some time and now it's kinda [1:12:47, 1:13:07]: coming back to really, you know, get the ball rolling on that. So if that's not the case, uh then we we definitely need to talk more about it. But it's just my understanding, that was the only issue was the fact that we didn't have the actual breakdown um which we have provided um to to move this item forward. Yes sir. Let me just say this. [1:13:07, 1:13:27]: Now, what was stated that Mr. What was stated up here was Mr. Malazzi wanted it not to go through. Mr. Malazzi just said out of his own statement that this should pass through and we should move forward with this. This is the second time tonight we've heard something that was stated for staff that not simply wasn't. [1:13:27, 1:13:33]: Accurate. So the statement that was made that was requested, and again [1:13:33, 1:13:52]: We have sidewalks out there right now that that we can't deal with because we keep going through these things over and over again. The city manager made the case. If what was brought and all of us agree, we tabled it specifically because the cost sheet was not attached. The cost sheet is attached. [1:13:53, 1:14:13]: The the public works managers up here recommending that it pass. The treasurers recommended that it pass, and the funding is absolutely there. It's the same process that we've been following along for years to make sure that using a committee form, right, that was done. So certainly there there shouldn't be any more delays in getting this. [1:14:13, 1:14:33]: This done and then as has been stated, the policy uh can be reviewed and looked at and to see whether or not there are some issues. But right now we don't even know whether there's an issue or not because the city manager just heard about it for the first time and uh the treasurer says to pass it through. So [1:14:33, 1:14:50]: Based on that particular issue, we had a motion on the floor. It wasn't there was no second. There was no second. I'm going to make a motion to move forward with the recommendation that was made for staff so we can get somebody out there to fix the sidewalks in the city of Stockbridge. Is there a second to that motion? [1:14:52, 1:14:58]: Is there a second to that motion? Therefore, my hand. Stand by stand by a second. Is there I'm asking, is there a second? [1:14:58, 1:15:03]: My hand is raised. Okay. [1:15:03, 1:15:09]: Please acknowledge my hand, sir, so that I can go go ahead with go ahead. Thank you, sir. You're more than welcome. Have at it. [1:15:09, 1:15:20]: This is not the first time that I brought this up. I brought it up last meeting. You weren't listening to me. Um there were actually two items. Um [1:15:21, 1:15:23]: That Mr. Aaron was presenting. [1:15:23, 1:15:27]: Both of those items, the cost proposals were missing. [1:15:28, 1:15:31]: I even mentioned on one of those items. [1:15:32, 1:15:34]: He knows. I mentioned. [1:15:34, 1:15:35]: That [1:15:36, 1:15:40]: I see the list of evaluators for that particular um [1:15:41, 1:15:45]: award or renewal, whatever it was, I told him. [1:15:45, 1:15:47]: I mentioned it during the last meeting. [1:15:48, 1:15:51]: I'm sure it's in the meeting minutes or it should be. [1:15:51, 1:15:53]: You can go back and watch the meeting minutes. [1:15:54, 1:15:55]: Since I've been here [1:15:56, 1:15:57]: Um [1:15:57, 1:16:02]: I've used procurement as my guide to understand the operations of our city. [1:16:03, 1:16:04]: From day one. [1:16:05, 1:16:21]: There were a series of um amendments to the procurement policies, um, some in which the city's attorney uh recommended back in 2023, I believe, and then there were some I recommended. [1:16:22, 1:16:23]: The same meeting. [1:16:23, 1:16:24]: They're all approved. [1:16:25, 1:16:26]: So [1:16:26, 1:16:30]: Based on those new amendments to the policies. [1:16:30, 1:16:34]: In which one of them that I recommended that was approved. [1:16:34, 1:16:38]: was ensuring that we have a fair selection committee. [1:16:38, 1:16:42]: Making sure that the selection committee comprised of [1:16:42, 1:16:43]: Five members. [1:16:44, 1:16:45]: Only two of them were [1:16:46, 1:16:57]: Two of them from the department in which the RFP or the services are supposed to be issued for, only two members from that department can serve. [1:16:57, 1:17:00]: The other three members have to be [1:17:00, 1:17:02]: other departments of the city. [1:17:02, 1:17:04]: To make sure that we're being fair. [1:17:05, 1:17:07]: And what we're doing here. [1:17:07, 1:17:08]: To see this [1:17:09, 1:17:09]: Um [1:17:10, 1:17:11]: This proposal [1:17:12, 1:17:13]: Or this RP [1:17:14, 1:17:16]: And the one from the last meeting. [1:17:16, 1:17:18]: have the same exact issue. [1:17:19, 1:17:20]: That's an issue for me. [1:17:21, 1:17:26]: I started out when the mayor called Mr. Aaron up to the podium. [1:17:26, 1:17:27]: By making emotion [1:17:28, 1:17:29]: To table this, [1:17:29, 1:17:30]: So that Mr Mulazi [1:17:31, 1:17:32]: Can get with his staff. [1:17:33, 1:17:35]: We've been without a procurement manager. [1:17:35, 1:17:36]: For a while. [1:17:37, 1:17:41]: I know that this selection committee's recommendation. [1:17:42, 1:17:44]: came back in May or June. [1:17:45, 1:17:46]: Whenever. [1:17:46, 1:17:48]: So now that it's coming to us. [1:17:49, 1:17:52]: I'm saying the same thing that I said the last meeting. [1:17:53, 1:17:57]: If you're frustrated by hearing me speak about these procurement matters. [1:17:58, 1:18:00]: Think of how frustrated I am. [1:18:00, 1:18:03]: 'Cause every time there's an item on the agenda [1:18:03, 1:18:12]: Requesting council's consideration to approve the award or renewal or extension of a contract you best believe. [1:18:13, 1:18:16]: I'm going to be looking at it very closely. [1:18:17, 1:18:19]: I want all of the supporting documents. [1:18:19, 1:18:21]: I shouldn't have to ask for it. [1:18:21, 1:18:23]: It should be presented to us. [1:18:24, 1:18:29]: The reason why I wanna see all of the supporting documents, because I wanna see [1:18:29, 1:18:40]: The same documents that staff and whoever was a part of the selection committee, I wanna see what they used to justify their recommendation. [1:18:41, 1:18:45]: So when you withhold information or you don't include all the information. [1:18:46, 1:18:48]: I am left to just [1:18:49, 1:18:50]: Try to figure it out. [1:18:50, 1:18:54]: how you came up with your justification for recommending it. [1:18:54, 1:18:55]: And I don't like that. [1:18:56, 1:18:57]: So all I'm asking just [1:18:57, 1:19:01]: Give me all the information. And when you do the presentation, [1:19:01, 1:19:05]: Share your thoughts about why you're recommending. [1:19:05, 1:19:06]: This award [1:19:07, 1:19:13]: But all I'm asking this time is that the council agree to table this item. [1:19:13, 1:19:15]: And allow Mr. Malazi [1:19:16, 1:19:17]: And his team [1:19:17, 1:19:19]: To go back and [1:19:19, 1:19:35]: I don't know if they need to form a new selection committee. I don't know. That's up to you all. All I'm asking, because other all I'm asking is that we table this. He agrees to table it. Otherwise, I'm going to oppose it. I only have one vote. [1:19:35, 1:19:37]: I think I've explained myself thoroughly. [1:19:37, 1:19:38]: This time. [1:19:39, 1:19:39]: I hope so. [1:19:40, 1:19:58]: Thank you. Mayor. No st no standby. Stand by. Mr. Barrett, please. Mayor for in in in the effort to um honor what City Manager uh Edmondson has stated that he requires time to review the policy. Uh and in the effort for us to not belabor it, he did. He stated he needed to review the policy. [1:19:59, 1:20:02]: Stand by. Can you restate what you requested? [1:20:03, 1:20:23]: No, I well what I was stating was I was unaware that there was a policy violation associated with this particular item. If it is. Correct. Yeah. Right. Because I don't know when this was voted on. Exactly. I mean, so he doesn't know if the policy even exists or not. So he needs the time to find the policy to make sure that he is adhering to it. He doesn't want to break a policy that he's not aware. [1:20:23, 1:20:43]: So he needs time to find the details and the specifics of the policy. So with that being said, I'd like to make a motion to table this while Mr. Edmondson does the research that he has requested to do. Mr. Berry, first she made the motion to table that she made the motion. [1:20:43, 1:20:53]: Okay. So motion has been made to table this has been seconded by Mr. Berry. I'm sorry. I have a discussion. You have a discussion. Go ahead, please. Just one question. Yes. In regards to [1:20:54, 1:21:01]: Um I'm not let me just say this. I'm not against tabling. I believe that if it's procedural we need to follow procedures. I've always said [1:21:02, 1:21:09]: We're going by the law and we go by policies and procedures. My question is, when was this discovered? Because it wasn't stated. [1:21:09, 1:21:11]: That I mean [1:21:11, 1:21:14]: I didn't I don't see it anywhere where it's stated. [1:21:14, 1:21:34]: that it was five members or four members of the same group and it needed to change. So where when did Councilwoman barber um I guess this question is for you, when did you discover that procedure you believe may not have been followed the way it needs to be? And when did you disclose it to Mr. Malazzi and why [1:21:34, 1:21:37]: I wasn't our city manager aware of it. [1:21:40, 1:21:50]: I I brought this up during our last meeting. You all have a tendency of ignoring me, but I brought it up during the last meeting. [1:21:51, 1:21:51]: Um [1:21:52, 1:21:56]: And also I mentioned to Mr. Malausie today. [1:21:56, 1:21:57]: When I got here. [1:21:57, 1:21:58]: Um so yeah. [1:21:59, 1:22:00]: I mentioned it to him. [1:22:00, 1:22:01]: Today. [1:22:01, 1:22:03]: And I mentioned it too. [1:22:03, 1:22:06]: The public and you all at the last meeting. [1:22:06, 1:22:17]: Right. So I only recall the part about the um cost request. I don't recall the additional things that you're mentioning. [1:22:18, 1:22:19]: However [1:22:19, 1:22:22]: I think that it would save us all time. [1:22:22, 1:22:25]: And it's a common practice we wouldn't be up here going back and forth. [1:22:25, 1:22:26]: If [1:22:26, 1:22:30]: this wouldn't even be on the agenda. We would removed it. [1:22:30, 1:22:30]: Had [1:22:31, 1:22:42]: we looked at this prior or someone looked at this and and just sent them an email and said, Hey, yeah, but it's I I'm sorry, uh you know, it's still not right. Let's go ahead and get it removed. [1:22:42, 1:22:43]: Instead of [1:22:44, 1:22:45]: being on camera [1:22:46, 1:22:50]: saying, Oh, I told you this again. No, it I I feel like [1:22:51, 1:22:53]: We all can work together and [1:22:54, 1:23:00]: If you see something, if I see something that's on the agenda and I think it should be removed, if I saw it ahead of time. [1:23:00, 1:23:03]: Or if I reviewed something, then I'm gonna do a courtesy. [1:23:04, 1:23:05]: Based off of our civility. [1:23:06, 1:23:07]: Um [1:23:08, 1:23:08]: Uh [1:23:08, 1:23:10]: The thing and say, Hey [1:23:11, 1:23:14]: I think we still gotta we still need to table it because all of my [1:23:15, 1:23:20]: concerns haven't been answered. We still have some policies that I believe aren't there. [1:23:20, 1:23:24]: And so that's w I I don't know of the policy, I don't. [1:23:24, 1:23:29]: But I I am going to yield to the to um [1:23:29, 1:23:49]: Okay. Councilwoman Barber's knowledge of that policy. But I remember um we had someone write a procurement policy. The attorney, um God, I can't think of his name right now. Here's what Berry. So here's what I'd like to do here if you don't mind. The motion is made to table, it's been seconded. Let's take a vote and then we'll discuss that we'll [1:23:49, 1:24:09]: We've had enough discussion. We we we always have to have discussion. We what what if procedurally correct we've asked the attorney discussion is men the mandatory request during that time. That is the [1:24:09, 1:24:29]: Policy of the city. You how many times are you supposed to talk? Sir, I have I have spoken twice, but this is discussion. That's different. No, I'm not noticing. Yes, it is. There's two times during the subject, and then there's discussion. No, no. My point is, where is this policy that is being described? That's why that's why we need to that's why you need to vote on this. I don't know, but no, miss. [1:24:28, 1:24:40]: Barber has described a policy. Where is this policy? Where is it at? Where is it noted in the city that this that this is the policy? You have the policy, Miss Ms. Clerk, you have the policy? [1:24:41, 1:24:43]: Do you point it out to us? [1:24:46, 1:24:50]: But do you have you don't have the policy? N not at her fingertips, she does not. [1:24:52, 1:24:57]: Okay. So the motion's been made, been table uh to table this and been second. All in favor of the motion, please indicate. [1:24:58, 1:25:00]: I'll pause. [1:25:00, 1:25:20]: Well, you're post. Motion passed three to one. The the intent though was through the conversation's intent to research this policy process and I imagine bring it back to the well you said in part of the May I I want to make a statement on what we're doing. Hold on. Let me finish let me finish some. So otherwise we need to bring this back once you research the what is the policy is this, make sure we follow the right policy. [1:25:20, 1:25:28]: And doing the right things on this aspect. And I believe the initial thought was to bring it back later on in October. [1:25:29, 1:25:29]: Revolt. [1:25:30, 1:25:50]: Well well well we right now it's table. Cause to the staff. Because what's gonna happen is you're gonna go back and revision his history, look at this again, then you're gonna have to select the new committee. [1:25:49, 1:26:09]: You're gonna have to vote. So it's gonna be months before we have a sidewalk uh contractor approved. Because if this is an invalid process, the treasurer says let it move through. But if this is an invalid process or or some minutiae that was done, we had six members on the board, six members on the board. But what has happened is if that is [1:26:09, 1:26:29]: The case, then we're gonna have to start the whole process over again from scratch. And there's not gonna be a sidewalk, uh pro sidewalk provider for months. Guess what? The motion's been passed in motion by by your colleagues. So to where I voted. Okay. Well, well, you point over you already spoken again. So otherwise, mo you gotta reset this, check off whatever the policies, and bring it back. [1:26:29, 1:26:34]: back to the council for for approval, for discussion. All right? We need to move on. [1:26:38, 1:26:58]: Next item was a public hearing that's been delayed until later on this month. Uh so what was been added to the agenda deals with a city event in reference to uh discussion and and to reference to approve approval process for burn the mortgage process. And right now it's tenderly set for the uh twenty fifth of October, six to eight PM at the amphitheater. With uh [1:26:58, 1:27:18]: to a burn the mortgage uh uh event. Um now I I would know that uh during the course of the last several months I know I've had some discussion uh with uh well before we released our um con uh our amphitheater manager early part of the year had a discussion on the fact that I knew that the mortgage would be complete. It would be [1:27:17, 1:27:37]: We complete debt free as of August and talked to him specifically months and months ago about having some type of special event like a mortgage burnoff to celebrate the four years of process of of um of the completion of the of the amphitheater itself and and and debt free. I'm just assuming that uh that Congress [1:27:37, 1:27:48]: other conversations that occurred with the council in reference to this you're in favor of having this type of ceremony. So um um and for the process, uh Mr. Edmondson come back to the podium please. [1:27:54, 1:28:14]: Is my is my assumption and it straightened me out if if the mom off base, my assumption that uh the initial planning had occurred in reference to this based on uh conversations and or directives or thought processes that that were filtered or given to you in reference to um having a such an event to celebrate this uh the completion of the payment for the ampathy, is that correct? [1:28:13, 1:28:14]: Mm-hmm. [1:28:14, 1:28:34]: Uh yes, sir. Uh came up a couple of times, several different times. Uh we went ahead and, you know, saved the date and once again we still doing um locking in details, but we also wanted to make sure because if there are any questions out there specifically around events or any type of policy that is brought up, we want to make sure that we always doing the right thing. So we thought it was [1:28:34, 1:28:54]: Best that we brought this before you guys and have a discussion about it or and then get a formal approval. Because at the end of the day, our staff is just trying to you know follow you know whatever recommendations that we have or what what we get. Uh, but we also want to make sure that we do it the right way. So we thought it was the best that we brought this forward to get a formal. [1:28:54, 1:28:59]: uh thumbs up or thumbs down to uh move forward with this particular event. [1:29:00, 1:29:08]: Mayor. Yes, ma'am, go ahead please. Are there any we're not having a concert, it's just the burning of a more like a ceremonial thing like we do proclamations or anything else, correct? [1:29:09, 1:29:29]: Right. It's uh supposedly right now we uh are projecting to do like a history video from the first year, the second year, third year, fourth year up to now. Uh have uh uh I think uh some type of little band, local band to kind of play and just kinda celebratory type things. So nothing elaborate, nothing. [1:29:29, 1:29:33]: like that, have some smaller refreshments for, you know, uh [1:29:34, 1:29:54]: our different sponsors that we had throughout the the builder, the actual the architect and everybody that played a part in uh bringing this day to to where it is now. So that was the whole thought behind it. Um but once again, when there's anything that's out there, we always want to bring it before you guys just to make sure that, you know, it is supported. [1:29:54, 1:29:59]: Um if that's the will of the council. So that's why we wanted to make sure that we [1:29:59, 1:30:16]: add this item to the agenda formally. I appreciate that. But there are events, certain things, state of addresses and different things that we don't right just come and bring to mayor and council. It's just part of the city's events, especially when it's nominal. I support it because it's it's outstanding. It's a great [1:30:17, 1:30:20]: announcement. It's a a great accomplishment. Um [1:30:20, 1:30:24]: I've said this before, the building for City Hall hasn't been paid off yet. [1:30:24, 1:30:29]: Um that was established in two thousand six with the previous council. [1:30:29, 1:30:38]: And in twenty thirty-six it'll be paid off. But this was paid off in in four years. I think that's an accomplishment within itself. [1:30:38, 1:30:52]: And you know, we've heard different public comments and it's political season is election time, and even the statements tonight were untrue and I don't know but where some of it came from. But at the same time [1:30:53, 1:31:04]: I think it's important that the public know that we are doing our part and we're doing exactly what we said we're gonna do. So I definitely support a celebratorial. Um we we don't do we don't ask for that. [1:31:04, 1:31:09]: B it's kinda odd coming asking us for that. Because we've had [1:31:10, 1:31:23]: Receptions for everything else. I mean, we're talking about possibly potentially doing a reception um soon in honor of uh one of our council members. It's just something that we w we we would do. So [1:31:23, 1:31:27]: Yeah. Thank you for telling us. Miss Barber Coy, please. [1:31:28, 1:31:38]: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Edmondson, for speaking to this. Um, because I just learned of this celebration from a post on the city's website. [1:31:39, 1:31:42]: Or on the city's Facebook page. That's how I learned of it. [1:31:43, 1:31:46]: I'm sure they knew prior to last week. [1:31:47, 1:31:53]: But it was the first time that I learned of it. So I wanna know what the budget is for this celebration. [1:31:54, 1:31:57]: Uh yes, we anticipate it causing no more than fourteen thousand. [1:31:57, 1:31:59]: Fourteen thousand. Yes, ma'am. [1:32:02, 1:32:03]: Thank you, sir. Mm-hmm. [1:32:04, 1:32:24]: Any other comments from the council? If not, then I just need a motion to before you do that, sir. I I would definitely like clarity because since I've been here, and I think this is a lot of issues where a lot of chaos comes in, because uh I keep hearing about r rules and policies, whether written or unwritten, uh it makes my [1:32:24, 1:32:41]: my job extremely difficult when things are not crystal clear. I don't operate in chaos. I think we owe it to ourselves, we owe it to our residents to have clear guidance. And things like this, once again, is one of those things that you, you know, okay, is it good, not good? But what's the policy? [1:32:41, 1:32:46]: And I can tell you going to uh the the the ordinance and different things of that nature [1:32:46, 1:33:03]: I just don't find a lot of things that get questioned around here. So at the end of the day, I just think that what the guidance is is what we will follow as staff and we'll be commit to that. But we have to be crystal clear. And I think that's what causes a lot of drama and chaos when it doesn't have to be that. [1:33:03, 1:33:04]: You know, so [1:33:05, 1:33:16]: Um I I am definitely leaning on y'all to to give clear guidance and help when it comes to that. And some stuff are implied tasks, I get that, some stuff are specified tasks, but at the end of the day, I'm regulatory. [1:33:16, 1:33:20]: Either is in the ordinance or it's not. Either it's written or it's not. [1:33:20, 1:33:23]: And and I can't be judge or uh or [1:33:24, 1:33:44]: You know, held accountable for something that's not written or I don't know about. So I would definitely uh lean on you you guys' guidance on that when we're talking about certain things because I I hear this quite often and I'm still, you know, once again, okay, where's that? Show me where that policy at, or show me what I should be doing. And sometimes that doesn't that doesn't exist. I have one. Um so there's a standard. [1:33:44, 1:33:53]: standard that people or expectation that I believe that's unfairly, you know, out there for somebody that's in my in my shoes. So just wanna put that out there. [1:33:54, 1:33:55]: Mr. Berry, please, sir. [1:33:55, 1:34:12]: Mayor Ford, I'd like to make a motion to give the city manager and staff the leeway to put together the program commemorating the mortgage burning for the Vistar Amphitheater at the bridge to commemorate this historical and nominal event that all in the city of Stockbridge should be proud of. [1:34:13, 1:34:16]: Just second the motion. I second. Okay, all in favor, please indicate. [1:34:18, 1:34:19]: a povust. [1:34:20, 1:34:23]: You you oppose, you you're four opposed. [1:34:25, 1:34:26]: Are you for or po, sir? [1:34:27, 1:34:28]: I'm also [1:34:28, 1:34:35]: You'll support it. Okay, so that's three z uh and you're you're against so it's three one. Motion passed. Go write it with your comment. [1:34:35, 1:34:35]: Um [1:34:36, 1:34:38]: So it's not the event itself. [1:34:39, 1:34:40]: Uh Mr. Budget. [1:34:40, 1:34:41]: Considering [1:34:43, 1:34:43]: Can [1:34:43, 1:34:46]: the circumstances. Um [1:34:46, 1:34:58]: We all agreed and supported the recommendation by our city's financial off chief financial officer and our city's chief or [1:34:58, 1:35:00]: Financial advisor. [1:35:00, 1:35:06]: that we would agree and adhere to a two to three year plan. [1:35:06, 1:35:07]: Two [1:35:08, 1:35:10]: Find ways to save. [1:35:11, 1:35:12]: And [1:35:13, 1:35:15]: This is not something I feel as though [1:35:16, 1:35:17]: It's [1:35:18, 1:35:18]: Essential. [1:35:20, 1:35:21]: If it were half that [1:35:22, 1:35:23]: I would consider it. [1:35:23, 1:35:43]: But fourteen thousand, that's just too much. That's all. Thank you. All right, the motion passed three to one. We'll move on to the next subject. I hope that helps you, Mr. Edmundson, at this point. I I I have one more thing. Yes, sir. Um I heard about this two to three year policy. I have yet to be provided that. So Mr. Malazi, if you could provide me that that you and the advisor came up with. [1:35:43, 1:36:00]: because I think that's extremely important as the city manager that I have that document that we all say we agree on, a three two to three year plan. Because without that, then it's impossible to make accurate decisions. So if we have that policy and that's something that y'all adopted, I should have that document. [1:36:01, 1:36:21]: Mayor. All right. You have another comment? One more comment. Go ahead, please. Thank you. Um, Mr. Edmuson, if we've caused any complications, I wanna personally apologize to you for that. I think that you're absolutely right. There needs to be some standard policies and procedures, and there are none. You're not gonna find those in the [1:36:21, 1:36:26]: the ordinances. We do have some policies that pot some resolutions that are outdated. [1:36:26, 1:36:42]: Because when we got a new council, we have to re we have to redo them. At this point, it's the end of the term almost, so it's best to just wait and do them, go through them and then renew them at the beginning of the year. But I don't want you to think [1:36:42, 1:36:59]: for one minute that we want to cause confusion. And I you're here one thing and here another. I I do want the costs to come down a little bit on the s uh you know, I mean we're a city, it's a municipality. So everything costs. The reception's gonna be nice. This is a big deal. [1:36:59, 1:37:18]: And w the the financial advisor as well as our accountant has already stated that our expenditures and revenues balanced out. Like we keep hearing the mismanagement of funds and different things that are just simply we keep saying they're not true, there's nothing there anymore, we've gotten it corrected. [1:37:19, 1:37:22]: But the guidance that we have to give you. [1:37:22, 1:37:27]: Um, I stand fast on making sure that takes place. You're absolutely correct, and it's not fair. [1:37:28, 1:37:38]: It's not fair to hold anyone accountable or say one thing and then you ask a staff member, is this true? And they don't know what you're talking about. I don't wanna put someone in that position. And so [1:37:39, 1:37:45]: Whatever we need to do to iron that out, any suggestions you may have on things, policies that we need in writing. [1:37:46, 1:37:53]: Then so be it. Let us know. Because uh you know, you're here all the time, we're not, and you get you hear from [1:37:54, 1:38:05]: five council members and a mayor separately. And you may get direction from one and another and you need some kind of guidance on that. If you need written policies on it, let us know so we can get those done. [1:38:05, 1:38:07]: Mayor. Thank you, Mayor. [1:38:07, 1:38:27]: Look let me just say this quickly. It's not your fault. It's the people setting up your fault. Because they're not giving you clear direction and they're all over the place. Because when stuff comes up and policies two policies have been pulled out of thin air tonight on you. [1:38:27, 1:38:47]: That don't exist or were brought forward. Okay? And now we're expecting you to make a decision on that. Because when stuff comes forward, you're given the information that you that you're given, you make a decision, and then a Monday morning quarterback comes in and says, Oh, by the way, we're throwing this into the pot now. No one can operate. [1:38:47, 1:38:55]: Under those circumstances. There's supposed to be a team up here. And when stuff like that happens, every last one of us has your phone number. [1:38:55, 1:39:13]: F each person is responsible for what they could their conduct. They can call you and say, This is a problem. You don't have to show up here at the meeting and make an exam do that. You can do that phone call to you ahead of time, which is the professional courtesy that we should show everybody that's sitting up here. Because [1:39:14, 1:39:15]: Well oui. [1:39:15, 1:39:18]: Have trouble executing a sidewalk policy. [1:39:19, 1:39:39]: For a month to two months. I got sidewalks out there right now that need to be fixed. Now we gotta go back to square zero in order to make that happen. And it's gonna take months for that sidewalk. There could be a safety hazard out there to be done with. When a policy was presented to you and the treasurer [1:39:39, 1:39:48]: No one up here knows what the no one up here a policy was thrown out there with no evidence to support it at all. None. [1:39:49, 1:40:07]: Yet you were supposed to comply with a policy that was presented to you with no documentation from the person who's always screaming documentation, documentation, documentation did not present one document to you to back up what was said. That is the problem that's coming forth up here. Thank you. [1:40:07, 1:40:27]: All right, so appeal case AP two zero two five-02, we agreed to have that after our executive session. And so we'll go move on to council consideration to approve the purchase of eight Harris XL two hundred P portable radios from London Luden Communications, a total cost of sixty thousand seven hundred ninety-eight dollars and ten cents as a soldier. [1:40:27, 1:40:29]: source procurement. [1:40:29, 1:40:34]: All right, so the Chief's not here, so the Deputy Chief's gonna come forward along with our [1:40:34, 1:40:54]: And actually, Mayor, before we get to that matter, um I know that there's a few people in the audience who are here for the appeal matter tonight. Um I at the same time that you guys were receiving were um talking about the um agenda um amendments, um I received word that the applicant has requested a 60-day deferral um and if the city was [1:40:54, 1:41:03]: Was going to honor that deferral to let these folks go home. Um before because that [1:41:04, 1:41:24]: All right. Well if that's the case, geez. Okay. So that's item number four. You're talking about PO case uh uh AP two zero two five zero two. Uh sixty day deferral. All right. All right. So otherwise since you brought that forward, counsel, is there a motion to accept this uh sixty day def deferral? So moved. Is there a second? Second. From Ms. Gampton, Mr. Berry, all in favor, please indicate. [1:41:25, 1:41:32]: All right, granted. Thank you. Done. Sixty days is done. We won't have we'll no need to have a second session then on that note. Then okay, got it. So be it. Um [1:41:33, 1:41:36]: Assistant Chief, Godfrey, sir, on you, sir, please. [1:41:36, 1:41:46]: Mayor, Council, good evening. Uh Chief Trainers uh makes his apologies for not being here this evening. He is currently under the weather. We have two agenda items before you this evening. The first one [1:41:47, 1:41:49]: is for your consideration and approve. Uh [1:41:49, 1:42:09]: The purchase of eight Harris XL 200P portable radios from Loudoun Communications at a total cost of sixty thousand seven hundred ninety-eight dollars and ten cents. This is a sole source procurement as Loudoun Communications is the exclusive authorized distributor of Harris radios in the state of Georgia. The funding source is the uh [1:42:09, 1:42:18]: traffic camera fund that was authorized and approved as part of the FY twenty five budget uh from the t traffic camera fund. [1:42:20, 1:42:23]: Okay, council, any questions for Assistant Chief Coffery here? [1:42:24, 1:42:34]: I do have a question in regards to the sole source. Um I don't see that procurement to verify that it's sole source. So I wanna ask Mr. Malazi. [1:42:35, 1:42:35]: Soul source. [1:42:36, 1:42:43]: Mm Miss Melaji, come to quoting please. So it sorts. Because I don't see anything that indicates that. Um [1:42:53, 1:43:02]: Yes, it's so source because of the nature how it was. Uh we couldn't within the limited time that we had. So we had to so it's so source, yes. [1:43:03, 1:43:04]: Thank you. [1:43:05, 1:43:09]: If no other questions from the council any motion to accept this, please. [1:43:10, 1:43:14]: Mayor Ford, I make a motion that we accept um [1:43:16, 1:43:31]: The proposal from the police department for the uh Loudoun communications at a total cost of sixty thousand seven hundred and ninety eight dollars and ten cent from a sole source procurement provider uh as prescribed. And so from Mr. Berry, who's the second? [1:43:32, 1:43:33]: Is there a second? [1:43:36, 1:43:37]: Is there a set? [1:43:38, 1:43:41]: I second. Okay, Miss Gantt second that. [1:43:41, 1:43:41]: Okay. [1:43:42, 1:43:43]: All in favor, please in the cake. [1:43:45, 1:43:47]: Okay, generous decision. Thank you very much. Okay. [1:43:48, 1:43:49]: So um [1:43:49, 1:44:09]: We'll continue on. Council's consideration to approve the purchase of two 2025 Ford Mustang MACE electrical vehicles and two 2025 Ford F-150 police responder pickup trucks from the Allen Visual Ford at a cost of$214,499, and five 2025. [1:44:09, 1:44:23]: Chevrolet Tahoe PVVs and one 2026 Chevrolet Severado, a 1500 pickup truck from Hardy Automotive Group at a cost of$329,922.80 through a state contract. [1:44:24, 1:44:37]: Assistant Chief, please. Yes, sir. As as noted, uh both of these purchases, there'd be purchased from two different dealerships, Allen Vigil and Morrow and Hardy Automotive Groof, both are on state contract. [1:44:38, 1:44:46]: Uh industry standards recommends that a police department fleet maintain anywhere from ten to twenty percent in reserve. [1:44:46, 1:44:49]: So with that being said, um [1:44:50, 1:45:01]: To ensure continuity of operations. Historically, the police department ha has maintained about 10% in reserve fleet. This is when we first started out and we had sixty-two sworn personnel. [1:45:01, 1:45:21]: Uh as you recall in the 2024-2025 budget, we expanded that uh by five personnel. We've added public safety officers as well as code enforcement. However, um with these positions, as a result, uh we are no longer able to maintain that standard of the 10 to 20 percent in reserve. [1:45:21, 1:45:41]: As you know, our vehicles are constantly needing maintenance. We have unexpected breakdowns, we have vehicle collisions, and lately we've been also dealing with manufacturer recalls. So when you couple all that together, at any given time, we've got vehicles that are completely out of service. These proposed purchases will begin the [1:45:41, 1:46:01]: Correct that shortfall, rotating older, higher mileage vehicles into a pool status, establishing the start of a true reserve fleet. These purchases will also replace some lost vehicles at the very beginning since 2022. There's been actually a total of five vehicles that we have lost. One of [1:46:01, 1:46:04]: [6365.0, 6385.0]: Uh the first two vehicles uh were replaced, but unfortunately due to operational needs, we replaced those two uh vehicles with CSI vans for our investigators to be able to go out and process crime scenes. Uh the last two, one of them actually being my vehicle that was totally down on Patrick Henry Parkway last year when someone struck me from [1:46:25, 1:46:33]: Behind. These vehicles are doing what they're designed to do. However, when that happens, it doesn't take a whole lot these days for a vehicle to be totaled out. [1:46:33, 1:46:45]: Uh so obviously that's the the vehicles that we're seeking here tonight. Uh part of the vehicles that we're asking for includes two Ford Mustang Maquis, which are are the electric vehicles. [1:46:45, 1:47:05]: Uh we have been given preliminary information that we're going to be awarded the Georgia Power uh grant to install EV chargers at the police department. Once we receive formal notification of that, we will bring obviously bring that before council uh to seek your approval to move that project forward. And obviously we'll continue to expand that project uh in the year. [1:47:05, 1:47:06]: Years to come. [1:47:07, 1:47:08]: Um [1:47:09, 1:47:29]: The uh this supports, which also supports the city's uh sustainability initiative, uh reducing long-term fuel costs, lowering environmental impacts, and modernized modernizing uh the fleet's operations. These purchases are being made through the established statewide contract process. Uh, this funding source is being uh provided through the [1:47:29, 1:47:35]: traffic fan uh traffic camera uh fund again part of the FY twenty twenty five approved budget. [1:47:36, 1:47:55]: Assistant Chief, out of curiosity, the Georgia Power grant, what's the a total amount on that per se? Do you have so they are allocating uh right now we're looking at around forty thousand dollars uh to for the infrastructure itself. We have already spoken with Georgia Power. They are going to be coming out to our facility free of charge and increasing [1:47:55, 1:47:57]: The електрика for that. [1:47:58, 1:48:07]: And then once we have anything offset from that, we will cover those additional funds out of the traffic camera fund so that we're not impacting the general fund at all. [1:48:07, 1:48:13]: Okay, great, fantastic. Uh council, questions for the assistant chief here. Go ahead, please, Ms. Barrow. [1:48:14, 1:48:15]: And perhaps I missed it. [1:48:16, 1:48:17]: But this is a [1:48:17, 1:48:26]: contract, you all are piggybacking off of the state contract. Yes ma'am, that's correct. Is this considered like an emergency purchase from the state contract? [1:48:27, 1:48:37]: No ma'am, it is just it's just vehicles from the existing state contracts. Gotcha. Did you read your those state contracts that you are piggybacking off of into the record? [1:48:37, 1:48:43]: Uh, this is not a piggyback contract, this is actual state contract that we're purchasing these vehicles from. [1:48:44, 1:48:52]: It's called piggybacking off of a state contract. Did you read those contract numbers into the record? Yes, ma'am. If you would please, sir. [1:48:52, 1:48:54]: So that the clerk will get it. [1:48:54, 1:49:14]: So the first one is Allen Vigil Ford, state contract number SPD 0000183-005. The second contract is Hardy Automotive Group. State contract number is SPD 0000183-000. [1:49:14, 1:49:17]: Dash zero zero zero two. [1:49:17, 1:49:21]: Thank you, sir. Yes. Um and my last question therefore. [1:49:21, 1:49:24]: For Mr Malazy, did this go through? [1:49:24, 1:49:26]: Your department procurement. [1:49:28, 1:49:28]: Yes, it did. [1:49:29, 1:49:29]: Okay. [1:49:30, 1:49:31]: That's what I needed to know. Thank you, sir. [1:49:32, 1:49:33]: Council, any other questions? Go ahead, please. [1:49:34, 1:49:36]: So you have mentioned [1:49:38, 1:49:43]: Well, you you guys are trying to get a surplus of t between ten to twenty percent of fleet. [1:49:45, 1:49:47]: Just in case something happened. [1:49:49, 1:49:50]: But [1:49:50, 1:49:58]: What happens when we total out a vehicle? Or w does the insurance not cover that we don't get a new vehicle? And what happens when [1:49:58, 1:49:59]: We [1:50:00, 1:50:20]: Have a recall. They fix the recall, right? And they give it back to us. Right. So we're not losing any vehicles. For the recall, no. But when a vehicle is totaled out, depending on whose fault it is, and none of these accidents that we've had were our fault. So the insurance company sends a check based on the current market value. Obviously, we're not getting full. [1:50:20, 1:50:40]: Full replacement cost of these vehicles. So depending on what is damaged, whether it's just the vehicle, if it's totaled out, we also assess the vehicle to determine whether or not any of the upfitted equipment, like the emergency equipment, has been a damage, like for example, my Tahoe. We received close to$58,000 that went back into general fund. [1:50:40, 1:50:43]: from my vehicle as well as some of the damaged emergency equipment. [1:50:44, 1:50:45]: All right. [1:50:45, 1:50:46]: I don't [1:50:47, 1:50:48]: Do we have [1:50:50, 1:50:55]: I had recently asked for a total a total amount [1:50:56, 1:51:00]: uh vehicles and that's we can do that at a later date in time. I can get that off [1:51:01, 1:51:01]: Later. [1:51:02, 1:51:04]: But my concern is [1:51:05, 1:51:08]: if the vehicles are replaced and we're trying to get additional [1:51:09, 1:51:12]: things because uh I I'm looking at the budget for next year. [1:51:13, 1:51:17]: in the proposals and I'm concerned. I'm concerned about [1:51:17, 1:51:19]: Whether or not this is a want or a need. [1:51:20, 1:51:22]: And and we have we have funding. [1:51:23, 1:51:41]: I know we I mean that's 2025 budget, but it's red light. I mean it's the st the camera. Red speed funds. And that funding could help offset some of those things that we have planned for the budget of next year, which looks pretty hefty. [1:51:42, 1:52:02]: So currently we have 79 vehicles in the police department's fleet and we have seventy-nine employees driving cars. So right now we have zero reserve for when those cars go down for recalls, for maintenance, or Lord forbid, knock on wood, that we have another vehicle accident and then we have a vehicle that's completely gone waiting on [1:52:02, 1:52:05]: on the purchase or insurance which which can take several months. [1:52:06, 1:52:06]: Okay. [1:52:08, 1:52:14]: Council, you got any more any more questions? And if there are not, I'm gonna motion to uh accept this proposal. [1:52:16, 1:52:17]: Is there a motion? [1:52:18, 1:52:19]: Still moved. [1:52:19, 1:52:20]: Is there a second? [1:52:22, 1:52:26]: Sorry. Okay. From Miss uh Ms. Barber to Mr. Alzheimer's arm fair, please indicate. [1:52:28, 1:52:48]: Okay. All posed? Abstain. Abstain. 301. Motion passed. Thank you, Assistant Chief. Yes, sir. All right. Mr. Melazi, appreciate you. Announcements of upcoming uh meetings and events. Council meetings will be held in council chamber. Meeting dates, location, times are subject changed or contact the city hall offices at 770. [1:52:48, 1:53:08]: or visit the website at uh www.stopbridgega.org for updates. Citywide Development Authority meeting, second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. City Hall Levi Meeting Room on October 14th. Youth Council Advisory Committee meeting third Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. City Hall [1:53:08, 1:53:16]: City Hall Levi Meeting Room, October 16th. Planning Commission meeting, Thursday, October 16th, 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. [1:53:16, 1:53:21]: Downtown Alabama Authority Board meeting third Tuesday of each month at six PM at the downtown connection center. [1:53:22, 1:53:37]: 130 M L King Senior Heritage Trail, October 21st. Ethics Board meeting Wednesday, October twenty second, and Levi Meeting Room, six thirty, October twenty second. City Council Work Session meeting Tuesda last Tuesday of each month, October twenty eighth to six P. M. in City Council Chamber. [1:53:38, 1:53:58]: uh forthcoming city events and initiatives. District 2 and 3 Town Hall on for the 21st of October at 7 p.m. It will be at Global Impact Ministries on Red Oak Drive, I believe it is, and with Mr. Berry, he'll be there. Join Councilman Thomas and Councilman Berry in partnership for the monthly Bingo Bath. [1:53:58, 1:54:10]: on Wednesday, October 15th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Merrill Manner's Conference Center. Lots of fun to be had by all. Join the City of Stockbridge for the annual breast cancer love walk this Saturday, October 18th from 10 a.m. to noon. [1:54:11, 1:54:11]: Clark Park. [1:54:12, 1:54:17]: And contact event staff for any more information and events at stopbridge G A dot or G. [1:54:18, 1:54:38]: Join Mayor Pro Tem Gantt for the free annual fall festival on Saturday, October 25th at Clark Park with candy, food trucks, games, costume contests, prizes, and more. Join myself, Mayor Ford, for the monthly Meet the Mayor on Monday, October 27th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in City Hall. Meetings are by an appointment. Startbridge Main Street is hosting Dive. [1:54:38, 1:54:58]: IB's Awareness Walk on Health Fair on Saturday, November 1st. The registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The 5K walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. in Clark Park. Health Fair will take place at 10 a.m. to have noon. Various locations throughout the park, weather permitting at the Merle Manders Conference Center, lower level to be relocated there if it's raining on us. [1:54:58, 1:55:18]: Join Councilman Alexander for the District 5 Community Cleanup Saturday, November 8th, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Please meet at Costco Parking Lot on Jodica Road. The Economic Development Department hosts a free business health clinic on the second Thursday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Strawbridge Connection Center, 130 MLP. [1:55:18, 1:55:38]: King's Senior Heritage Trail. Check your health for your business with a free clinic. Councilman Thomas is on in veterans and continues to salute all year long. Please send your pictures of veterans and their names, branch, rank, and years of service service. Sign up for real-time alerts about severe weather and road closures, emergencies, and regroup app. Visit the city's website or social. [1:55:38, 1:55:58]: social media pages for more information on how and where to sign up stay safe. Uh please contact Rosalind Ross to schedule appointment with meet the mayor or more information on council initiatives six seven eight eight three three three three four eight or by way of email rose at stopridge dot or g I must have forgot something. You still having your your dance [1:55:57, 1:55:58]: Mm. [1:55:58, 1:56:01]: I am go ahead, I'm sorry. I didn't see you not here. [1:56:02, 1:56:02]: Yeah. [1:56:02, 1:56:07]: Go ahead. What what is it? Um it's not this Wednesday's the following Wednesday. Oh, [1:56:07, 1:56:12]: October twenty October twenty second from six to eight at Merrill Manders, the line dancing class. [1:56:18, 1:56:20]: Okay. [1:56:21, 1:56:41]: Oh okay. Good deal. Appreciate it. Thank you. All right, uh Saturday, October eighteenth. This Saturday Detroit Gospel Legends featuring Fred Hammond, DeAndre Johnson, Anthony Brown, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Lisa Page Brooks, Carmen Wines, and Brian Byron Cage for a gospel concert. So I'll obviously we're gonna lift up and praise the Lord. [1:56:41, 1:57:01]: Yeah, on on the eighteenth. Okay. And then of course, as you uh realize now October twenty fifth, burning mortgage, six to eight PM at the Vice Star Amphitheater at the bridge. And and uh obviously there'll be some musical guests there as well. And that one will be free and open to the public. And we're looking forward to have H T Russell and Company, who built the amphitheater for us, and T S W architects who [1:57:01, 1:57:21]: Drew out the plans for that to be there present for this uh historic event. And for my comments, it is October. Flu shots, people get your flu shots, get ready for the winter months, COVID nineteen boosters. Make sure you get your boosters in this aspect and uh life for everybody if you're a football fan, enjoy your favorite football team, whether it's high school, college or [1:57:21, 1:57:36]: The pros and obviously you the rough falcons of course playing right downtown. So maybe we'll get out here and go watch the Falcons, right? Hopefully we'll win the game. And happy Halloween to everybody. And on that note, I have no issues, uh nothing that I know for executive sessions, so I need a motion to [1:57:37, 1:57:41]: We we Mr Uh Edmonton [1:57:42, 1:57:46]: There was some a potential real estate issue. [1:57:47, 1:57:48]: Oh yeah, we're saying. [1:57:50, 1:57:51]: Yeah, yeah. [1:57:51, 1:57:53]: Huh? Say we do we don't need anything. [1:57:54, 1:58:00]: All right, that mo there's nothing for Zagrossen. I need a motion to end our meeting. [1:58:02, 1:58:03]: So moved. Second. [1:58:04, 1:58:08]: Okay. Motion's been made and seconded. Okay. [1:58:10, 1:58:30]: They were talking about real estate. I don't want us to if it's something about real estate that needs to go on, I want to make sure it's not good because that's important. Time is of the essence when it comes to real estate. That's the only thing y'all. Everyone knew about it. I I don't know anything. I just I just know that legally. [1:58:30, 1:58:42]: When I deal with real estate transactions, Times is of the essence. So I just want to make sure it's nothing to do with it. You need to understand this property is a property. [1:58:43, 1:59:03]: What is it? We uh the use of property property. No, we don't. The property no we if we build it right here onto front of oh they ain't did the adverse position yet. No. So what do we need? Okay, motion has been made for sale. Ladies and gentlemen, motion has been made in second to excuse me, the motion made in second to to end our meeting tonight. [1:59:02, 1:59:06]: All right. Well, they need an answer on the on the property or it's gonna be sold. [1:59:07, 1:59:08]: And we need it. [1:59:08, 1:59:28]: So wait, wait, wait, wait. Let me let me make a disclosure right now. I didn't know anything about what was just told to me, but if that is the case, then I think we need to have a real quick ten minute executive session about results. Nothing has been shared with me, so I have no idea of what they're talking about. I just [1:59:28, 1:59:32]: If there is indeed a need for an executive session, [1:59:33, 1:59:34]: The city manager. [1:59:35, 1:59:35]: Mr [1:59:36, 1:59:37]: Atmanson, can you please [1:59:38, 1:59:40]: Request that the council [1:59:40, 2:00:00]: Go into an executive session. Wait. No, I request I request that. But actually what standby. Hold on. He knows something that needs to happen here. Hold on, stand by. I'm relying on him so I can withdraw my motion. Stand by. What it amounts to is that I've I've checked with Mr. Edmondson earlier today. I didn't know anything about any type of sex other than one issue, and but we're not going there. So that's that's [2:00:00, 2:00:20]: That's fine. It dealt with what uh our attorney mentioned to us that uh they we I got a six day delay. I didn't know I personally did not know of anything else either, is this aspect. So and I don't know if that caught you by surprise as well, sir, in this aspect. But a motion is on the table right now to end our meeting, all right, and to, you know, go on. Now I I've I've not [2:00:20, 2:00:36]: This is news to me as well, just like Miss Gantt. All right, there's news to me in reference to this particular thought process issue. So there is a motion on the floor to end our meeting. Is there something specifically that you know about, sir, that we honestly need to talk about this evening? [2:00:36, 2:00:47]: Uh no, I was just trying to pull up an email that was just brought to my attention. Um, but I I'm not aware of that I'm trying to pull up now. So it's first time hearing about that. So [2:00:47, 2:00:49]: Okay. Mayor. Yes, Mayor. [2:00:50, 2:00:55]: If time is of the essence or if there is potential property. [2:00:56, 2:01:06]: that is for sale or something in regards to things that we want here, then we probably need to dis make that determination. However, if that is not the case, [2:01:07, 2:01:09]: I I just don't wanna be called in for a special call meeting. [2:01:10, 2:01:21]: That's it. And I'm just saying oh I'll take the advisement of council and and city manager on if y'all think we don't we go we're okay. I mean, it's worth hearing about, but like I say, this is first time me [2:01:22, 2:01:30]: All right. Well, this is the way I look at it. The motion's been made. It's been second. It's on the table of time. The motion was to adjourn. All in favor of the motion, please indicate. [2:01:31, 2:01:32]: All Pope. [2:01:33, 2:01:36]: I oppose. [2:01:37, 2:01:53]: Uh you oppose n you oppose, okay. Well I tell you what, I'm on I'm on the firm's side. I think we need to end our meeting'cause I didn't know about this earlier. Meeting's now adjourned. That no meeting's now adjourned. We had a vote. I voted, it broke the tide. We meeting is now adjourned. It is seven twenty. God bless y'all.

--- title: Work Session Meeting date: 2025-09-30 source: 2025-09-30_Work_Session_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:20, 0:00:25]: This okay I'm gonna say I'm sorry. You ready? So very simple. [0:00:27, 0:00:32]: I wanna want to repeat after me. I try to take a small little snippet, it's okay. [0:00:32, 0:00:41]: And this uh come down just a little bit for okay. Ma'am, you if you wanna take pictures, I I don't know if it'd be better maybe take pictures this way, if you like. [0:00:44, 0:00:46]: Okay. I'm thinking let's see here. [0:00:48, 0:00:51]: That makes sense? Okay. So raise your right hand. [0:00:53, 0:00:58]: Okay, there you go. I wasn't gonna say that, I was just looking at you. [0:01:00, 0:01:06]: Y y are you no need to be nervous. I'm a nice guy. I'm not I'm not a bite chick. Okay, all right. [0:01:06, 0:01:26]: I and state your name. I repeatel. Do you solemnly swear? Do solemnly swear. That I will support. That I will support. Uphold and defend. Uphold and defend. The Constitution of the United States of America. Of the United States of America. And the laws thereof. And the laws thereof. That I will support. That I will support. Uphold and defend the Constitution. And defend the [0:01:26, 0:01:46]: And laws and laws of the state of Georgia of the State of Georgia not inconsistent therewith that I will all I will observe and obey the laws and ordinances of the city of Stockbridge of the City of Stockbridge. Georgia that I will faithfully performed [0:01:46, 0:02:06]: And discharge and discharge the duties incumbent incumbent upon me upon you as a member of the city of Stockbridge Youth Council fairly and honestly to the best of my ability the best of my skill and ability so help me. [0:02:06, 0:02:07]: We got [0:02:07, 0:02:23]: This is a third day of September year uh year is two thousand and twenty five and congratulations. All right, all right. All right. So uh normally when do we have signed some documents here. Normally when we do this, the floor is yours. Do you have any comments you'd like to make? [0:02:24, 0:02:34]: I don't want to say thank you. Okay, that's that's fine. Okay. That's fine. Alright, so we're gonna sign sign this. Okay, great. [0:02:35, 0:02:39]: Okay, and you assign right there? Okay. [0:02:41, 0:02:42]: I just suppose that we don't have. [0:02:47, 0:02:48]: A sign right there as well. [0:02:54, 0:03:03]: And then uh this is uh a gift for you. Okay. Thank you. All right, and we're going to take a picture. [0:03:03, 0:03:23]: Oh I guess picture with or with it can be with or without the bag, it doesn't matter. But take we get make sure we get this crest in the back. Okay, no come on this side. Okay. Uh do you want to join us, Mama? Yes, Mama. Okay, so something you can get a file to her if you'd like. She can take a picture with your phone. And we can flank on the phone. Okay, okay. Okay, sure. We'll flank on you. Sorry, but we couldn't. [0:03:23, 0:03:24]: Yeah. [0:03:25, 0:03:25]: All right. [0:03:27, 0:03:29]: Okay. [0:03:40, 0:03:43]: are [0:03:45, 0:04:00]: Congratulations to you. All righty. Congratulations. Thank you so much. Okay. So out of curious, what high school? Dutch Town. Dutch Town. I don't know if you remember, but I'm a lifeguard in Monarch Village. [0:04:00, 0:04:20]: Ah I I did remember but I'm glad she said that'cause that's right where I live. Okay. I have to admit I haven't been to the pool in a couple kind of a year or so. You know, but good deal. So obviously you're a great swimmer. Yes. Good deal. Mommy, you know I swim too? No. No. [0:04:20, 0:04:23]: Number two. Well good. Uh you're junior. [0:07:43, 0:07:46]: Oh. [0:08:15, 0:08:25]: Yeah, I think so. I don't know if it's inside. [0:08:41, 0:08:44]: Evening ladies and gentlemen. [0:08:44, 0:08:47]: Madam Clerk, uh you said? Okay. [0:08:49, 0:08:51]: All right, Council, I have 603. [0:08:52, 0:09:10]: We uh it is our uh work session this evening, Tuesday, September thirtieth. I'd like to call the reading to order and the invocation uh this evening. Mr Collins, please come forward. If please stand if you can, individual people. If you go to Mike, make sure the green light is on. [0:09:11, 0:09:15]: Looks like it's on the box. Okay, go right here, please. Ready? [0:09:16, 0:09:36]: Bow heads for prayer. Father God, we just come here saying thank you. Thank you for allowing us to assemble in this place. We ask that you dwell in this place as we do the business that we come here to do that protects the city, provide for the city, etc. Bless those who are under the sign of my voice. Bless those who wanted to be here and could not. All these we ask in your son Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. [0:09:36, 0:09:52]: Okay. We'll pledge allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under the God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Madam Clerk, Roll Call, please. [0:09:52, 0:10:11]: Good evening. Mayor Ford? Present. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. Let the record reflect Mayor Pro Tem Gantt is not in attendance. Council Member Thomas. Let the record reflect Council Member Thomas is not in attendance. Councilmember Berry. Present. Council Member Barber. Present. Council Member Alexander. [0:10:12, 0:10:16]: Present. Mayor Ford, you have a call. Thank you, Madam Clerk. I appreciate that. [0:10:16, 0:10:18]: Council, I need a motion to adopt the agenda, please. [0:10:19, 0:10:26]: So second from Mr Berry to Mr. Alexander, all in favor please indicate. Thank you very much. [0:10:26, 0:10:27]: Um [0:10:27, 0:10:36]: What we have next is public comments. Madam Clerk, we have any public comments at all? There are no public comments, Mayor. Okay, so council we have reviewed the minutes uh for the city council meeting on September eighth. [0:10:37, 0:10:44]: And uh take a look at those. If any changes or updates, please let the clerk know. We'll vote on this at our next regular meeting to approve that. [0:10:45, 0:11:03]: And on that note, we have our first presentation for this evening. And that would be a presentation requesting approval of a resolution to adopt a city-county joint transportation safety action plan. Mr. Aaron and Julia Billings with the Modern Mobility Partners Director of Transportation and Planning. [0:11:04, 0:11:06]: Please. Thank you. [0:11:22, 0:11:36]: Good evening, Ms. Mayor and Council. Evening. Herring County and the municipalities have been working on a transportation safety action plan. And tonight we have Miss Yasmin's I hope I pronounced Koroshaki and she's gonna present the plan to you. [0:11:42, 0:11:49]: How are you doing? Could you pronounce your name once again, please? Yes, sir. Yasmin Korashahi. Oh Yasmin Korashahi. Yes, sir. Okay, all right, thank you. Um [0:11:49, 0:11:54]: Mr. Mayor, honourable members of council, thank you for letting me pr present to you tonight. [0:11:54, 0:12:01]: I'm here on behalf of Henry County to present to you the uh transportation safety action plan. [0:12:01, 0:12:11]: Um the joint city and county county plan was adopted by the county earlier this month, and so we're hoping to be able to present it to you all today so it can be adopted. Um ASAP. [0:12:13, 0:12:26]: And so just a quick overview of what my presentation will be like for you today. I'm going to give a uh quick bit of background information on what the plan is, what the funding source for the plan is, um what the goals of the plan are. [0:12:26, 0:12:31]: and kind of what we've been able to accomplish in the year-long timeline it's taken to develop the plan. [0:12:32, 0:12:42]: And then I'll go into the analysis, the robust analysis that was done um to develop this plan, including safety analysis, demographic analysis, and public engagement. [0:12:42, 0:12:53]: And then finally, I'll present to you the three types of recommendations that were developed as part of this plan that also include recommendations that are specific to the city of Stockbridge. [0:12:55, 0:13:15]: So this plan was developed under a Safe Streets for All um grant award given to the county in two thousand twenty three. The purpose of the Safe Streets for All grant is to allow municipalities to develop plans towards reducing um traffic crashes and traffic uh deaths from traffic crashes. [0:13:15, 0:13:18]: Towards a goal of achieving uh zero. [0:13:19, 0:13:39]: hopefully in the long run, traffic uh deaths called Vision Zero, or some sort of significant decrease in the amount of traffic fatalities and traffic deaths. And so it's done in two parts, the first part being a commitment to a significant reduction. And so I'll tell you about Henry County's commitment later on during my presentation. [0:13:39, 0:13:45]: and then also adoption of a plan, which is what I am presenting you today to be adopted. [0:13:47, 0:14:07]: And so this plan was developed by the county with partnership with the cities. And the vision of the plan is that Henry County and the cities of Hampton, Locust Grove, McDonough, and Stockbridge are committed to improving mobility and reducing fatalities and serious injuries for all modes of transportation and all community members. And the plan has four goals, which are to promote. [0:14:07, 0:14:19]: a culture that prioritizes safety, increase the use of non-automobile modes, improve the maintenance of roadways and facilities, and identify improvements that can be implemented quickly to improve safety in the county. [0:14:21, 0:14:35]: Um, the plan was kicked off about a year ago, last October, and throughout the year-long process that it's taken to develop and adopt, we have done four public engagement events. We have met four times with stakeholders all over Henry County. [0:14:35, 0:14:48]: Um, we were here back in April at the Jazz in the Park event in Ellenwood. Um, and then we also did robust analysis and presented several times to the Henry County Board of Commissioners as well as different representatives from the city. [0:14:50, 0:15:00]: Um so just a overview of the analysis that was conducted as part of this plan and please if you have any questions while I am presenting, please feel free and stop me to stop me and ask. [0:15:01, 0:15:21]: Um, so we did a pretty robust safety analysis to develop this plan, and basically what we did is we pulled five years of crash data from uh GDOT's uh data repository and looked at it both in terms of statistics and spatially to see where our crash is happening, but also how are they? [0:15:21, 0:15:41]: Happening and what kinds of crashes are happening. And so you'll notice that of all of the incorporated municipalities, Stockbridge has the second highest number of crashes. And its number of fatal and serious injury crashes is also the second highest out of all of the incorporated municipalities. [0:15:40, 0:15:43]: So uh [0:15:43, 0:15:54]: Car crashes are um a s big safety issue in transportation here. And so it's important to identify where those are happening and what we can do to prevent or reduce loss of life. [0:15:57, 0:16:17]: And so based on those data that we pulled, we also did some spatial analysis. And so one part of the safety action plan development is developing something we call a high injury network, and that is a federal standard. And the point a point of the high injury network is to identify what parts of the roadways. So this is [0:16:17, 0:16:37]: Across Henry County, what roadways and what parts of roadways are we seeing the most of these fatal and serious injury crashes? And so based on this high injury network, what we did is we developed something we call a high-risk network, and this was an additional analysis in addition to the high injury network analysis that looks at [0:16:37, 0:16:50]: roads that are similar to the roads where crashes occur. So it's kind of like, well, do they have s the same number of lanes? Is the speed limit the same? Are they in the same types of neighborhoods? And how [0:16:51, 0:16:56]: Um, do they compare to the roads in the high uh injury network, and what can we do? [0:16:56, 0:16:58]: To try and be proactive and we [0:16:58, 0:17:05]: uh even though there's not crashes happening there now, how can we pro be proactive and make sure that there won't be crashes happening there in the future? [0:17:06, 0:17:17]: We also did a demographic analysis to see what types of people and what kinds of neighborhoods are being affected the most by crashes. And you can kind of see how both how [0:17:17, 0:17:31]: crashes are clustered and how they cluster kind of with those darker neighborhoods that are dem uh areas of higher demographic need. Um and the demographic need was assessed based on income, race, and ethnicity. [0:17:31, 0:17:51]: And then we also looked at specifically the types of crashes that are affecting areas with high with different demographic needs. And so unsurprisingly, vehicle crashes were affecting all areas of demographic need the most. But what is surprising is that for pedestrians, fatal and serious injury crashes were occurring. [0:17:51, 0:18:00]: Occurring in areas of high demographic needs. So places where we are seeing a higher concentration of maybe low-income individuals or [0:18:00, 0:18:08]: Individuals from uh diverse backgrounds, they are facing um more uh ha higher crash risk if they are walking along the street. [0:18:11, 0:18:31]: We also did very, very robust public engagement. The public engagement um we did three in-person public engagement events. I myself was down here back in April at Jazz in the Park, um, and we uh engaged over 300 or about 300 people face to face across the county, and over 700 people um [0:18:31, 0:18:35]: Ам онлайн трюар серве анлайн трю соціаль медіа. [0:18:36, 0:18:52]: And we got a lot of great feedback during that process. So we wanted to make sure that we were taking everyone's feedback into into heart and incorporating it into our plan. And so I'm really proud to say that this plan has included a lot of feedback from the public and a lot of input from different members of the community towards its development. [0:18:54, 0:19:09]: So um now that I've kind of given you an overview of the analysis we did and the work that was put into this plan, I am going to present to you the recommendations of this plan, which are the things that are probably most pertinent to you and your constituents to kind of see like, okay, well, you did all this work. [0:19:09, 0:19:15]: Um what what do we where do we go from now and what do we do now? And so um [0:19:16, 0:19:31]: We came up with three different groups of recommendations and so um the main purpose of the Safe Streets for All program is to help cities and uh different municipalities identify um [0:19:31, 0:19:47]: safety actionable safety improvements to their roadways. And so once we have this plan adopted and once we have like a list of things that could be implemented to improve safety, then the city can go and say like, hey, we have this plan, we have these ideas that we want to do to improve safety. [0:19:47, 0:19:57]: Can federal government, can you please give us some money to help us uh implement these ideas? And so what we've done to help you guys do that is we've come up with um [0:19:57, 0:19:59]: What we like to call uh [0:20:00, 0:20:05]: Пріорі коридор за езпрі, содер е зампле. [0:20:05, 0:20:25]: Of what a safety improvement could look like. And the way we determine these priority corridors is by looking at what is the locally owned road. So, what road does the city of Stockbridge have authority to develop without state or county assistance that has the highest number of fatal and serious injury crimes? [0:20:25, 0:20:40]: Crashes in the jurisdiction. And so for a city of Stockbridge, we identified the stretch of Patrick Henry that runs parallel to I-75 and crosses across Eagles Landing Parkway. [0:20:40, 0:20:40]: Um [0:20:41, 0:20:46]: And there's a lot of different types of land uses on that road. There's a lot of different intersections. There's a lot of unprotected turns. [0:20:47, 0:20:50]: Um some segments of it have sidewalk and some segments of it don't. [0:20:50, 0:21:00]: And so um we kind of use that as an example to say these are the types of interventions that you can implement into a road like Patrick Henry. [0:21:01, 0:21:21]: And to see like a significant improvement in transportation safety. So there's a lot of recommendations, and I'm not gonna go through every single one of them, but some of them include closing gaps in the sidewalk network so people can walk from the different neighborhoods that are along that road to the different businesses and commercial centers that exist. [0:21:21, 0:21:40]: look reevaluating the speed limit on that road and seeing uh is this a road where we can slow people down or maybe kind of add some different elements to the street so that it this it feels a little bit safer. And then also looking at things like traffic signal timing and making sure if there are um [0:21:41, 0:21:53]: places where there's a lot of pedestrians walking from place to place that they're giving pri they're given priority at the traffic signals so that they can f safely cross the street without having to worry about um cars coming. [0:21:53, 0:22:05]: And so that is the exemplary corridor that we developed. And the next part of the engineering recommendations that we've created for you is a safety countermeasures toolkit. [0:22:05, 0:22:18]: So all the different types of things that can be applied in different categories to improve safety along corridors throughout the county. And so there are things like lowering the speed limit and um [0:22:19, 0:22:39]: making ADA ramps more accessible in the county and raising the crosswalks and fixing sidewalk connections and adding speed tables and um a big one that was called out by a lot of the residents in um the community was uh pedestrian lighting and making the roads [0:22:39, 0:22:45]: more well lit, especially in the roads that are like a little bit more rural and a little bit more um [0:22:45, 0:22:50]: a little less bright and more uh shaded and have more trees. People were really um [0:22:51, 0:23:07]: interested in improving the lighting conditions in a lot of roads. And so that's one of our recommendations included in this toolkit. So we've prepared for you this toolkit and I'll give you a couple of examples of what the toolkit recommendations look like and you can see the whole toolkit and the entire plan. [0:23:08, 0:23:10]: Um but basically we kind of [0:23:11, 0:23:31]: Pulled in all the different types of interventions and we made sure to tailor them to what the county can use and what is specific for the county. So things that can be created quickly, things that can be done within a reasonable budget and a reasonable amount of time. Um, and then give give a little bit of background information on how to go about implementing them, where to implement them, and um [0:23:31, 0:23:36]: what you need to do to be able to prioritize these interventions. And so um [0:23:38, 0:23:58]: The final piece of this plan is a set of policy recommendations. The first one and the most important one being the moving towards zero policy, which is that crash reduction goal that I talked to y'all about earlier in this presentation. And so Henry County, along with uh stakeholders in the county. [0:23:58, 0:24:00]: County and leadership from um [0:24:01, 0:24:21]: Representatives from the different municipalities decided that because the county is growing, we're seeing a lot of people moving into Henry County and we're seeing a lot more traffic and a lot more development. Um, then a a full reduction of crashes is of crash fatalities is just not feasible or affordable to do in a reasonable [0:24:21, 0:24:33]: span of time. So the county opted to set an ambitious reduction goal of 65%. So we want to see um A, that trend of increasing crashes to start decreasing. [0:24:33, 0:24:50]: And be that number to go below sixty-five percent of what that number is right now. And so um the goal the county had was to reach that by the end of twenty fifteen. And that um policy was adopted September third of this month. [0:24:51, 0:25:11]: And then along with the moving towards zero policy, we have four different policy recommendations for the county. The first one being a complete streets policy. Henry County has adopted this complete streets policy and encourages municipalities to look into it and do the same. The county has a template if the municipalities are interested. [0:25:11, 0:25:16]: in um looking to looking at it for guidance or um using it as a reference. [0:25:17, 0:25:28]: Um we also recommend updating the city and county unified land development codes to explicitly mention and prioritize safety in transportation. [0:25:29, 0:25:39]: Um we recommend working to look at the freight network and maybe develop like a freight transportation safety plan and finally to improve [0:25:39, 0:25:45]: Um, first responder coordination practices so making sure that EMS, police, [0:25:47, 0:25:59]: uh news media, anyone who's there at the site of a crash kind of knows how to address and react to the crash in a way that improves the health and safety of the overall community. [0:26:00, 0:26:05]: I know that was a mouthful. I really appreciate y'all sitting and listening to me. I have um [0:26:05, 0:26:16]: the information for my project manager and um Sam Baker, who is leading this at the county level in case y'all want to email them with any questions, but I'm also answer here to answer your questions today. [0:26:16, 0:26:36]: I appreciate your briefing. A couple of things that come to mind you you mentioned that uh about uh pedestrians on sidewalks and obviously to me and you mentioned it's one of the recommendations that and we're looking along those lines of increasing the sidewalk network and pathways within the community itself, curb and gutter to help people stay on the on the right path and not into the street. [0:26:36, 0:26:56]: streets in this aspect to keep'em away from getting hit by cars or things of this nature as well. And of course if you even go down Rock Croix Road right now, you see that we're looking at expanding it already. It's already the meet. So I would think that as we expand that that the the sideway excuse me, the sidewalk network would be really inclusive in a sense and and uh be able to help out protect people in that aspect as well. [0:26:56, 0:27:12]: Um and all I'll um let's see here. Uh traffic supports timing and lights, lighting, all those type of things both taken into recommendation and incense and see how we can fund that. I'm gonna stop at that point and I want [0:27:12, 0:27:16]: I I'm gonna turn over to Mr. Alexander'cause I'm pretty sure he wants to talk about Patrick Henry. [0:27:16, 0:27:36]: I appreciate that. No problem. Certainly. Patrick Henry, that's a that's an awesome, that's a corridor that we look to have some amazing things happen. So keying in on that, I think that certainly would be a joint county and city project that we could move forward. But the news is good because uh we got some development coming. [0:27:36, 0:27:56]: coming there and in the city, that just like in the county, we require ten foot multi use pass when constructing new development. So some of those gaps in the sidewalk, there's two construction projects, three of them matter of fact, two city and one county in place. Uh the senior home [0:27:56, 0:28:16]: retirement community is the county project and then we have a uh gated community coming out Holloway Road and Patrick Henry uh as well that will have a ten foot path connecting to the encompass. Uh excuse me. The encompass already has a sidewalk next to it. So that will d definitely [0:28:16, 0:28:36]: be connected and on the other side of the road there is a mixed use development that's going to uh be starting construction very soon that will be able to connect to the senior housing community that the county uh completed. So those sidewalk networks certainly will be able to be closed as far as that is concerned. [0:28:36, 0:28:56]: We have some additional development coming at Country Club Drive and Patrick Henry, where there will be a four-way intersection there. And it will help with traffic combing because there will be a traffic signal that is uh there with the new hotels that'll be coming uh to that particular area. So uh [0:28:56, 0:29:16]: We've been kinda operating on the complete streets model because the complete street model includes pretty much everything we've been doing. It includes the path, it includes the street lights, it includes the beautification. So certainly we've been trying to ac you know, going down that mode, actually requiring them. I'm not sure, I'm not sure whether we passed a policy or not. [0:29:16, 0:29:36]: not, but it sure would be good to have the model policy to take a look at because that's how we've been operating with every uh project, including the uh sidewalks and the mobility issues. So that certainly would uh uh benefit us in having a cohesive policy connection with the county in and making these [0:29:36, 0:29:56]: particular projects happen. It's interesting again, certainly I had Clayton Cart. He was at my town hall and we were talking about certain corridors like this one. And he certainly did mention in the current SLOST we have a design for Patrick Henry [0:29:56, 0:30:16]: Parkway widening project in there and Jodico Road as well and several others. So it's good that the team in Splost and the County Transportation were being very proactive and understanding where we were going and putting this plan probably helped them to uh identify the areas that needed to be completed. [0:30:16, 0:30:36]: But uh we're hopefully we're well on our way and certainly encourage uh the partnership uh to continue because we know Patrick Henry Parkway is going to be super busy in certain areas uh we know in the city, like Flippin' Road, certainly needs to be widened. Walt Stevens needs to probably need to be. [0:30:36, 0:30:56]: be widened so as well. So because everybody knows that shortcut. Jump off at exit 228 and navigate the Spear Road and Walt Stevens and flipping. Certainly it would just seem that we would identify those to for the transportation improvements to continue going. And as the mayor close our close by saying as the mayor indicated, we were [0:30:56, 0:31:16]: Very proactive, especially in the Rock Quarry Road widening, showing up to the G Dot town halls and saying, We want paths. We don't just want sidewalks, we want paths too. We see you give those paths to the neighborhoods on the north side of the city. But it seems like we get a little cheated when they come to those projects. But they finally heard us, and now every project. [0:31:16, 0:31:26]: project that they complete, like the Highway 20 project, every time I drive by it in McDonough, you can see that uh ten foot path going right along it and it looks amazing. Thank you. [0:31:26, 0:31:28]: Yeah of course. [0:31:29, 0:31:49]: Again, thank you for this presentation. I'm I'm really super excited about what you have shared with us tonight. Uh specifically because the bulk of what you have shared uh runs through the heart of District 3 and Stockbridge, uh right on the Rock Court Corridor, which is uh the the primary space for our medical gateway right here at the uh Henry Middle. [0:31:49, 0:32:09]: medical and peat bond. And so uh I think that's a a well well placed, well strateg strategized um place to start this uh transportation plan. And so it it really uh beckons that um we will really see this as a as a needed needed uh support and needed partnership as we uh [0:32:09, 0:32:29]: Uh have really three districts that that share the Rock Quarry Road Patrick Henry corridor. I know uh Councilwoman Barber will share her sentiments and a few moments about um her her district in and and and and and the uh aspects that it will connect, bring connectivity for her as well in her district. But I'm I'm super excited because [0:32:29, 0:32:30]: Because we have [0:32:31, 0:32:51]: Yes, the medical gateway there. But then we also have some opportunities and potentials with the trails as well, with a large piece of nature preserve right there, right behind my subdivision on uh that goes between Rock Quarry and Eagles Landing Parkway. And the uh the the trails would be a added aspect of that that would kinda uh enhance and and and [0:32:51, 0:33:11]: And and pretty much give us a opportunity to to partner and do some things in that in that area. But then when we talk about just m moving it along with with all of the other uh residents that that connect, when we talk about Banks Road and we talk about Red Oak and we go all the way up to forty two, uh this is this is just a um a wonderful [0:33:11, 0:33:30]: wonderful earful to hear that the county is is uh uh willing to invest this into Stockbridge and uh I think as much needed uh as we do grow and we do see uh, you know, population growth and and development growth in our area. I'm super proud to be a part of it. And so at at that point, that's I just wanna say thank you. Thank you. [0:33:30, 0:33:31]: Ms. Barber, you have any comments? [0:33:33, 0:33:38]: Wanted to I wanted to ask about that table you shared. Yeah, which one? The priority corridor. [0:33:40, 0:33:43]: This one? Yes. The eighth most [0:33:43, 0:33:47]: Crashes there. Where was that data reported? [0:33:48, 0:33:51]: I'm sorry, could you read it? The data that you have there, the number of crashes. [0:33:52, 0:34:09]: Um what as in what it what is it and where or is it? Okay, so this is from time period. Yes. So this is from twenty thousand nineteen to twenty twenty three, which were the previous complete five years of crash data prior to starting plant development.'Cause we started in the middle of twenty twenty four. [0:34:09, 0:34:13]: Thank you. That was the only question I had. Thank you for the presentation. Yeah, great. Thank you. [0:34:15, 0:34:22]: No other questions? So I would imagine you don't need an accent for m for us this time. Mr. Dessert, you need to come up, Ms. Aaron? [0:34:31, 0:34:37]: We're just asking Mayor and Council to adopt the resolution that Henry County and the rest of the municipalities have adopted. [0:34:37, 0:34:51]: Okay, so you need a motion for that then to join in okay Mayor. Yes, sir. So move. Sir second? Ms. Barber second that from Mr. Alezander, Ms. Barber. All in favor, please indicate. Okay, unanimous decision. Thank you. You have it. Thank you very much. Appreciate you being here. [0:34:53, 0:35:01]: Next presentation, drone delivery services in Stockbridge, Georgia, connecting the future. Mr. Anderson, it has your name here, sir, please. [0:35:02, 0:35:02]: Yeah. [0:35:05, 0:35:18]: Good evening. We'll we'll have um Wings and Walmart um come up and give a presentation on uh the proposed drone delivery um project in the city of Stockbridge. Okay. So they'll be coming. [0:35:19, 0:35:22]: Okay, m uh Mr. Edmondson, you're here, you you have something to add, sir, this time? [0:35:23, 0:35:43]: Yeah, I just wanted to kind of give a quick uh overview uh how this kind of came to be. Uh Walmart uh reached out to us uh about this particular opportunity. Um we had heard about it before uh and wanted to learn more about it as we sat through the meeting and and and heard about the different things that this particular [0:35:43, 0:36:03]: Project brings to the city, we thought it was quite interesting. So we definitely wanted to bring it to your attention: kind of some of the ideas they have. Um, we always looking for ways to make us more uh accessibility to our residents uh regarding uh access to products and services and anything to put us forward thinking we thought would be a good. [0:36:03, 0:36:20]: addition to the CDF stockbridge. So we're excited about you guys hearing more about uh this this particular project because this is definitely the future and where to go. And I was just blown away by the safety record because that was one of my biggest takeaways was the safety uh [0:36:20, 0:36:36]: concerns about this particular project and I was just blown away by the safety and uh the reviews um across the country for this particular project. So we're extremely excited to hear uh for you guys to learn more about this particular project and and and have your questions and go from there. So uh [0:36:37, 0:36:57]: Welcome. If I if I could real quick Mr. Anderson, you come up real quick. And maybe Mr. Emerson, you can stand there too. Certainly ask. Now in our conversation'cause I had called and kinda asked about this, basically I think Ryan, you made it clear certainly that this basically it was really num [0:36:57, 0:37:17]: regulated by federal and that's kind of what it is. And basically we're our ask is not an real approval, but to just kinda understand what's coming to the city and to partner with them. Yes sir. We'll be up uh on item number seven to give a presentation on our regulations that we did and [0:37:17, 0:37:23]: consultation with the city manager on on regulating this process in the city of Stockbridge. Right, thank you. [0:37:48, 0:37:50]: Okay, so it's a click of it. Okay. [0:37:53, 0:37:54]: Yeah. [0:37:58, 0:38:18]: So uh good evening. Thank you for having us here, Mr. Mayor, members of council. My name is Glenn Wilkins. I'm the Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Walmart. Um I just wanted to uh do a quick introduction of you know how we got here, how Walmart got into this business. I'm I'm sure you all know Walmart. Uh we've been in Stockbridge in Henry County for a long time. Uh [0:38:18, 0:38:38]: Uh we've enjoyed our relationship with you all and so thank you for that as well. Um as at Walmart, uh one of the things that I've learned over the past 21 years working for Walmart uh in retail, you have to know what the customer wants before the customer knows that they want it. Right. I go back to uh a perfect example is Amazon. [0:38:38, 0:38:58]: Amazon Prime. We never knew we wanted Prime until they said, Oh, we can deliver this to your house in two days or less. Son of a gun, if that wasn't right. You know, we didn't even know we wanted. Now we wonder how we live without it. So as Walmart delivered, you know, worked on that as well as how do we deliver to the customer? We had a Walmart pickup. We decided we could do the shopping, we could have uh the customer. [0:38:58, 0:39:18]: Customers queued up, they can come and park in their space, stagger that out, bring the groceries to them directly. They don't have to get out of the car, make it more convenient, make it hopefully a better shopping experience. As we move from uh pickup, we moved to Walmart Delivery. That took off well, but really what kicked that off was unfortunately was COVID. But people really did enjoy [0:39:18, 0:39:38]: Having their products delivered to their home. So as we worked through the Walmart delivery side, we started looking for the next thing, obviously, drones. We were having a conversation with staff earlier about um, we always talked about it, right? You know, we sort of joked about it, delivery this, that, and the other. Well, here we are at this day. Um, I also [0:39:38, 0:39:58]: would do like to say that the expectations from our customers are that we are providing them with the newest way of receiving their product. Um I tell people I come from, I'm a Gen X, I come from I I call it the Microwave Society, right? I get that hot pocket, I put it in the microwave. Three minutes later I'm burning the top of my mouth. Things are good. [0:39:58, 0:40:18]: You know, and I'm moving along. My kids are Gen Z. They're 23, 24, and they're of a five-gig society. They open it up, they hit the buy button, and they expect it on the front porch almost instantaneously. Well, it's not only the Gen X, my father, who's 84. Uh, he does all of his ordering on Walmart Plus and [0:40:18, 0:40:38]: And he expects it to be delivered as his at his house too. So it really does span a lot of generations. We love being on the front end of it. Uh we're also very, very excited to operate uh as uh Steph said with such a uh a great company that has a great history. So I'm gonna leave it at that and Catherine can tell the story. [0:40:38, 0:40:58]: And we have members um of our team that can answer questions well. So again, thank you very much for spending your time. I have a question of you, sir. Mayor Certainly, I thank you. And certainly for you to actually come into the city to talk to us, certainly is awesome. And certainly that you chose the city of Stockbridge for this particular project is monumental. [0:40:58, 0:41:05]: uh for us as well. Could you talk about the process a little bit of selecting Stockbridge? Sure. So [0:41:06, 0:41:26]: Currently, we're only operating in one city in the nation, Walmart and Wing Partnership. And that's in the North Dallas area, Dallas, Texas. So we've been operating there for the past four years now. Um, have had great success uh you know with Wing and with customers accepting it as well. We decided we wanted to move [0:41:26, 0:41:46]: Into other states. As we did that, we looked at those other cities we wanted to go into. So we selected Houston, Texas, Tampa, Orlando, Charlotte, and Metro Atlanta. In Metro Atlanta, what we did is we looked at one, how the stores were performing, but also how was our Walmart plus customer base? And I don't know if if [0:41:46, 0:42:06]: If y'all are members of Walmart Plus or know about it, but it's like Amazon Prime, you pay uh$95 a year, we deliver to your house for free, you get um uh preferred times to for delivery or pick up whatever you want. So the numbers on that grew and it showed that there was a strong support not only of Walmart customers, Walmart Plus customers, but [0:42:06, 0:42:17]: But the potential and the growth that's going on in this area. So there's a lot of users in this area basically. Okay. Yeah. Great. That's that's awesome. Thank you. Great. Thank you. [0:42:20, 0:42:40]: Good evening, Council members. Um, my name is Catherine Lovett. I am with Wing Aviation. I'm the local policy and community affairs manager for Wing, and I'm based just up the road from you guys in Atlanta, Georgia. Um, I'm also joined here today by my colleague Tariq Rashid. He's our head of flight operations, um, overseeing our flight operations team and [0:42:40, 0:43:00]: And our FA requirements as a company. And then I also have Zenobia Haynes, who is here. She is our permitting manager from Wing. And then we're also joined by Brian Pelham, who is from Atwell, who is the engineering team that supports Walmart for their real estate project. So we've got the full team here for you today to answer any of the questions that you all have about this project. [0:43:01, 0:43:01]: Yes. [0:43:03, 0:43:23]: Is your mic on? Is the green light on? It's on. Yeah, just speaking the mic on. I'll get a little bit closer. Okay, sorry. Um so again, I'm Catherine Lovett, if you couldn't hear me, and I'm with Wing Aviation on the local policy team. Um so we're really excited to talk with you all today about wing drone delivery, and I realize that the [0:43:23, 0:43:28]: video let's see if I click there we uh [0:43:29, 0:43:30]: Okay. [0:43:31, 0:43:33]: It did a pop out, so I don't [0:43:37, 0:43:37]: Go ahead. [0:43:38, 0:43:42]: Just check, we got fiber, it oughta run. [0:43:43, 0:43:50]: So it's in that it's switched to YouTube. Since it's Yeah, so it's is there a way to switch over to that? [0:43:51, 0:43:52]: Okay. [0:44:00, 0:44:00]: Sure. [0:44:07, 0:44:27]: Yep, that's great. We don't need the sound. Um, so this video that you all are seeing now is showing you the Walmart Super Center in Texas. Um, and I'll pause here just a little bit so that you have some reference as we're talking today on what I ref what I mean when I refer to a nest N E S T. Um so this store is our [0:44:27, 0:44:45]: one of our first locations in the state of Texas, we again part started partnering with Walmart and Frisco, Texas, which is about 30 miles north of downtown Dallas. As you see here, we started with Walmart Supercenters and we're doing the same as we come to the state of Georgia for the metro area, which would include the city of Stockbridge. [0:44:45, 0:45:05]: The fenced in area that you all see at each site for our Walmart partnerships are what we call a nest in EST. They are used to house our drones. You'll see that inside of that fenced in area we have 18 drones and 18 charge pads. Each drone has a pad that they're tied to, and we'll talk about that more in the presentation. [0:45:05, 0:45:11]: But I just want you all to remember that as we go into the presentation and talk a little bit more about the Stockbridge store. [0:45:11, 0:45:31]: Now, for the uh Walmart customers here in Stockbridge, they would be able to place an order in the Wing app. There's a full catalog of thousands of items that have already been pre-weighed and vetted specifically for drone delivery. At the store, once your order is placed, it will get assigned to a drone, and then the order gets loaded on. [0:45:31, 0:45:51]: Onto the drone as you see here. The drone was hovering at about 20 feet in the air and is now going to climb up to a cruising altitude of about 165 to 200 feet, and then it takes off at a speed of about 65 miles an hour to get to your home. When it arrives at the resident's home, you will see here in the video that it never lands on the ground. [0:45:51, 0:46:03]: comes down from that 200 foot height to about 20 feet where it's going to hover as you see there. It gently unhooks the package using a little bit of gravity. You have been tracking the order in your app. [0:46:04, 0:46:20]: You know when to come outside to receive it. The drone will then return back to its nest at the store. And then as you see here, it will slowly lower and it's going to l land on its assigned charging pad to recharge for the next order. Um so let me see if I can. [0:46:24, 0:46:28]: Sorry, I'm not familiar with teams. Okay, there we go. [0:46:29, 0:46:30]: And then here. [0:46:30, 0:46:42]: And this video is available online currently. Yes. [0:46:46, 0:46:47]: Alright. [0:46:49, 0:46:56]: Sorry about that. Okay, so um this image here shows you all, and we'll jump ahead again. [0:46:58, 0:47:18]: There we go. Shows you a close-up of the aircraft that you all see here today in front of you. So this is our 7,000 model. This is the actual drone that you all saw in the video and would see here in the city of Stockbridge. We are an OEM, which means that we are the original equipment manufacturer at Wing. We started back in 2012 as a company in. [0:47:18, 0:47:38]: Google and then in 2018 became an Alphabet subsidiary. So as part of that process, we not only design and manufacture our drones, but we also operate them as well. So everything that you see here on this drone has been built by a fantastic team of aerospace, mechanical, software, engineers within Wing, and then we [0:47:38, 0:47:58]: Roll these out to each of our store locations that you all will see in Stockbridge. The drone itself only weighs 11 pounds, and as you see here in front of you, it's literally wrapped in styrofoam. It's designed to be lightweight and low impact. The drone also is all electric, so there's no concerns about CO2 emissions. And then we've even built this. [0:47:58, 0:48:18]: Is the aircraft to really focus on safety for residential communities. So, for example, the propellers that you see on the top of the aircraft have been built out into quadrants. If one or two propellers goes down, the aircraft is still able to stay in the air. Similarly, on the base of the aircraft, during that delivery process, you all saw the tether that. [0:48:18, 0:48:28]: that the drone was lowered down on. So if you can see here at the base of the drone, you see that little yellow dot. That's what we call a pill. So that's where the tether is housed on the drone. [0:48:28, 0:48:48]: So, as part of our safety features, if during the delivery process that tether gets snagged on a tree or a bush, or if Ms. Wilson's dog runs out from next door and tries to grab on that tether on the drone, anything that pulls on that more than once, it will simply detach the tether from the drone. So the drone stays in the air at that 24th. [0:48:48, 0:49:03]: foot height safely and then the tether just softly floats to the ground. So we've built all of that again to be really intentional about making sure that we're not only keeping the drone safe, but keeping your residents safe and residents safe in every city where we operate. [0:49:03, 0:49:23]: Another thing to note is that the package weight capacity is about two and a half pounds. And then the drone, the range, the maximum range one way from a Walmart store location is six miles. Now, when we launch operations at a site, we will typically start at about a four-mile radius from the store location. [0:49:23, 0:49:37]: to make sure that we're doing proper flight validations and testing. And then as we grow the surface, we can expand that range as needed. And then lastly, as mentioned, the speed for the drone gets up to 65 miles an hour. [0:49:38, 0:49:58]: In addition to our safety features on the aircraft, we at Wing are federally regulated through the FAA, the Federal Aviation Administration. We are certified as a Part 135 air carrier and we're rated for package delivery similar to other commercial carriers, like you know, if you heard of UPS or FedEx. Now for us at Wing. [0:49:58, 0:50:18]: Wing, we are focused only on drone aviation and drone delivery for small packages. So we're not going to replace your full grocery order with that two and a half pounds. It really is again for those small items. Another thing to note, as you see here on this map, the purple circle in the center is what we call the mode C veil. So that's [0:50:17, 0:50:37]: That's the 30 aeronautical miles that surrounds the Atlanta Metro region, which includes the city of Stockbridge. Now you'll notice on this map that there are some red areas that are kind of shaded in. The one you probably notice that covers East Point, that is, of course, the Atlanta International Airport. So as part of our FAA regulations, we, for example, always stay below a [0:50:37, 0:50:57]: Threshold of 400 feet, anything above that height is considered commercial airspace. So we're making sure as part of our regulations that we don't enter commercial airspace where Delta and other airlines fly. We also make sure that we're setting up barriers or geo-restrictions for the aircrafts so they're not entering any of those airspace areas for municipal airports. [0:50:57, 0:51:07]: International airports, as well as things like Dobbins Air Force Base. And all of that, again, falls under the guidance and regulatory processes from the FAA. [0:51:07, 0:51:27]: You'll also note as well that we do not operate within three nautical miles of any public use runways or landing areas. So that could include, you know, helipads at a hospital, if the police or fire department, for example, had a drone unit, or if you had a helicopter pad at your municipal building, those type of things we can also. [0:51:27, 0:51:47]: set up similar geofencing around those areas to make sure again that we don't enter that space. Similarly for municipal buildings such as the city hall, prisons, schools, we do not enter that airspace without written permission from the the um sorry we don't deliver to those buildings without written approval from the [0:51:47, 0:52:00]: government. So um for Mayor Ford, if you really wanted to get drone delivery here at City Hall to maybe be able to order lunch, we would work with you to set that up, but we wouldn't automatically do that without the council's approval. [0:52:00, 0:52:20]: Okay. Um another thing to note as part of our FAA regulations is that um the drone here that you see is autonomous, which means that there's no one flying the drone on the back end with like a joystick or anything like that. So what happens is that when that order is placed with the drone, it is then going to get assigned to the drone, and the drone uses those GPS. [0:52:20, 0:52:40]: Coordinates for your address to build out its flight path to and from your home address. Now, with that in mind, we do have on the back of each aircraft, you'll see there's a little antenna that's sticking out. So our drones also have an antenna that supports ADSB software. Basically, what that means is that the drones are able to [0:52:40, 0:53:00]: To squawk out their position so they're visible on radar for other operators. We also have a fantastic team of pilots. They're known as pilots in command, who are FAA certified professionals. They have their Part 107 certification through the FAA that allows them to monitor not only our air. [0:53:00, 0:53:14]: Aircrafts at each store location, but also they oversee the airspace that our drones are moving in. So they're able to monitor for everything from other helicopters to other drone operators. They're also again monitoring that that altitude that the the drones are moving at. [0:53:14, 0:53:22]: Again, all of that making sure that for each store we have a pilot that is monitoring those drones in real time while we operate. [0:53:22, 0:53:42]: Currently, for our operations for our Walmart locations, we only fly during daylight hours. So we currently do not have approvals to fly at night. That could come at some point in the future. But of course, we would make sure that we're communicating that to you all in advance once and if those regulatory processes change. So currently for daylight hours, we know that. [0:53:42, 0:54:02]: daylight savings time is coming up. So right now our our drones are flying until about 7 p it would be flying here in Georgia until let's say about 7 p.m. And then once daylight comes we would shift that back to maybe 6 p.m as the the days start to get darker. So again a lot of our regulatory processes we're really proud of and additional [0:54:02, 0:54:22]: To the safety features that we've built into the aircraft. An additional one that we think is important to note are the optical lenses that are located on the drone. So each drone on the back of the aircraft has black and white lenses that are used for depth perception when they're coming in and out of the nest, and also during that delivery process. [0:54:22, 0:54:42]: At a residential home. So if you remember in the video, the cruising height for the drone is 200 feet. When it arrives at your home, the drone uses those optical lenses to measure the distance from the ground to make sure that it's staying safely at that 20 to 25 foot height and then lower the tether town. So the big thing to note about those lenses. [0:54:42, 0:54:44]: And I can show you where they're located. [0:54:46, 0:54:49]: Here on the drone. Oh my gosh. Okay. [0:54:50, 0:54:50]: [3291.6, 3300.3]: Thank you, Kirk. You'll see that here on the drone, these little circles, those are the lenses that the drone uses. And this is not a real drone that we would have in the store. [0:55:02, 0:55:22]: Assembled for you all to be able to travel. So again, those optical lenses are solely used for nav the navigational or vision awareness for the aircrafts and making sure again that we're keeping that aircraft safe when they're coming into the communities. Now a big thing to note about the cameras on the drone is that there's no audio and there's no live feed. [0:55:21, 0:55:41]: So our pilots who are working remotely cannot physically see you during that delivery process. They're only able to see the airspace that the drone is in at that time, but they can neither hear nor see any of your residents when they're at their homes. So we understand that questions about privacy are always important to every community, and we always like to make sure that as a company, [0:55:41, 0:55:46]: we're very transparent about that for each of our cities that we operate in. [0:55:48, 0:56:08]: Another big question that we get about the drones is the sound profile. So this image here that you're seeing has a few features that I'll call out to you. So again, focusing on Wing and being focused on residential drone delivery, we've really worked with our internal team to make sure that the aircraft blends into traditional. [0:56:08, 0:56:28]: Traditional neighborhood sounds that you would find in a residential community. So you'll see here for the drone at 165 feet, which again is around that cruising altitude for the aircraft. The sound decibels for that are at 56.5. And so you'll see here on this scale that at that cruising height of 165 feet. [0:56:28, 0:56:48]: The sound of the drone is quieter than a microwave in your kitchen. Now, when the profile does increase or that sound profile increases, it's during that delivery process when a drone lowers from that cruising height down to about 20 to 25 feet. And at that height, you'll see here that the sound profile is about 65 decibels, and even at that [0:56:48, 0:57:08]: That height of 23 feet, the drone is still quieter than a sedan that is moving on the street 50 feet away from your house at 40 miles per hour. So we've really worked for many years again since 2018, since we've launched, to make sure that our drones are blending into everyday neighborhood sounds. Now we know for communities, first time. [0:57:08, 0:57:26]: When they're getting drones into the area, you will have some people that are not familiar with the sound. But over time, we've been really proud that the drones have been well received over time once people understand what that noise is. Because it's not something like a a leaf blower or a car. So it's something that sometimes people have to adjust to. [0:57:28, 0:57:48]: Now, for the city of Stockbridge, as you all are thinking, big picture about your residents and how drone delivery can support them. One of my favorite things about working at Wing and our partnership with Walmart is that we've been able to see the benefits that drone delivery can provide to diverse communities. As Glenn mentioned, we have 15 stores and 15 cities in [0:57:48, 0:58:08]: The state of Texas, so at Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and everywhere in between that we've been operating in for Walmart Super Centers. And it's been amazing to see how customers have adopted to using this service to overall improve their quality of life and access to goods and things that they need. Our number two categories of items that people order. [0:58:08, 0:58:28]: Order currently from our stores. The first is fresh food and produce. So blueberries, strawberries, bags of spinach, the pre-made salads, the cups of soup that you can get from the Walmart jelly. And then the second second is over-the-counter medication. So every we as we know we're heading into cold and flu season. You'll have sick kids coming home from school. [0:58:28, 0:58:48]: And so rather than having to drive 15-20 minutes one way just to get to the store for those small items, we're able to get those items to you in under 30 minutes. On average, our customers in Texas are getting their orders depending on how close they live to the store in about 10 to 15 minutes. And I believe as of two weeks ago, we just hit two. [0:58:47, 0:59:07]: 2,000 orders in one day for the DFW area. So that lets you know that we're doing hundreds of orders per store per day for our locations in Texas. We also have seen a really big adoption of our service from the 55 plus community. A lot of those residents are using our service three to four times. [0:59:07, 0:59:21]: times a week because the traffic is stressful, they don't like to drive, some can't drive anymore. And so the drone delivery option has opened up access to them again to the supplies, over-the-counter medications that they need. [0:59:22, 0:59:42]: Now important things to note, we do not deliver prescription medication. Um, so just only over-the-counter items from the Walmart pharmacy. We also do not deliver any flammable liquids or goods, so that can include alcohol, tobacco products, even for example, hand sanitizer, it is flammable, so that would be something [0:59:41, 0:59:58]: That we would not deliver. The important thing to note, however, is that all of the items that would be available for drone delivery have been pre-weighed and vetted. So there's nothing in the catalog that would meet those requirements, such as prescription medication or flammable goods. So you're unable to order them in your cart. [0:59:58, 1:00:18]: Another important thing to note for the convenience process for your residents is when you're placing your order through the app, you are able to select your delivery spot at your home. So for some residents, that could mean their front yard, it could mean your backyard, it varies, but you're able to confirm the delivery spot on where you want the drone to deliver your package at the home. And before you check out, [1:00:18, 1:00:22]: out you're also asked to confirm that that delivery spot is clear of any pets. [1:00:23, 1:00:42]: children, vehicles, and then you're allowed to check out. So we've built a lot of those safety features in, even just to the delivery, the ordering process that customers have found again that makes this process very convenient, helps to keep them safe, keep people off the roads, and helps to reduce the traffic congestion, accidents, and all of those things. [1:00:43, 1:01:03]: So, with that in mind, I wanted to jump in and we can talk about the site specific to the city of Stockbridge. So you'll see here on the screen, if you can remember back to the video, that fenced in area that I referred to as the nest. So this rendering here is showing you what that looks like. So again, there's going uh for the Stockbridge store, we would have 18 drones. [1:01:03, 1:01:23]: And 18 charge pads. We've intentionally set that number because it helps us to support that order volume during business hours. We typically see an uptick in the evenings. We think when people get home and realize they've forgotten pasta sauce or need cold medicine. So the number of drones is intentional to make sure that we can rotate the drones out, allow them to [1:01:23, 1:01:43]: To recharge in between orders. The charge pads as well, and we'll see a close-up of that, helps to make sure that we're not sending out a drone if it needs to recharge. We have enough in rotation to keep the order volume moving. And so again, we often get questions about battery life because we have the charge pads in the nest. [1:01:43, 1:02:03]: And the drones are sitting on those during full operating hours, they are always charging. So we never run into any concerns about a drone's battery dying mid-flight or anything like that. To date, again, Wing as a company has been operating since 2018. And we have been flying in Australia, we've flown in the UK, Finland. [1:02:03, 1:02:13]: Ireland and here in the US and we have an excellent safety record where for all of those communities internationally and here in the US, we have not had any incidences with bodily harm. [1:02:14, 1:02:25]: or head-on collisions with any property, ve homes, or vehicles. So that's something that hopefully gives you all some reassurance for the city of Stockbridge that we are very proud of at Wing as a company. [1:02:27, 1:02:47]: Another concept that we are bringing to Stockbridge that we are really excited about, again, keeping safety at the top of mind is the auto loader. Now, for the Walmart employees that work at the store, they may not have their FAA certification to work inside of the fenced-in area that is the nest. So the autoloader is a concept, and it's the fenced-in area that [1:02:47, 1:03:02]: that you see here that would be set up in the curbside pickup area of the store. So as you all probably know, the Walmart employees who already filled the orders walk out from the store to cars to deliver packages that customers have placed. [1:03:03, 1:03:23]: The same will go for the store with the autoloader, where this fenced-in area will allow the Walmart employees to walk in. They would then load the package here in the middle of what I call the bunny ears on this structure. And this physical- I'm sorry, this physical structure here with the Y arms and this stand, that is the auto loader. [1:03:23, 1:03:43]: Now, the drones, when they fly over from their nest, they are able to then hover and they use those black and white lenses that I showed you on the drone. They use these big QR codes here to identify which auto loader they've been assigned. So the drone you will hover, it finds its assigned auto loader, it then will fly. [1:03:42, 1:04:01]: Above, lower the tether down, it picks up the package and then heads off to your home. So this is a hands-free delivery system to keep your Walmart employees and Stockbridge safe and also make sure that the drones are safe, but still maintaining that goal of getting you your orders in 30 minutes or less. [1:04:02, 1:04:22]: Um, here's a close-up of what the charge pads look like at the store. Um, this here is uh what we call uh the again the charge pads 18 pad nest, and that just is a close-up of that. Um, for those charging pads, we do utilize a battery energy generator to provide power to make sure that the drones have. [1:04:22, 1:04:42]: Have battery life. This generator, important to note, it does not require diesel. It is basically a big battery. So just like the battery packs that you maybe travel with and plug into your phone on the road, it's a very similar concept where this is brought in by a company, it's put into the inside area of the nest, and then it's used to charge the pack. [1:04:42, 1:04:59]: pads, once this generator runs out of battery power itself, it is then swapped out for a new battery. So we've made sure that again, we're using something that has a lightweight footprint for the nest and doesn't require flammable items such as diesel, which is not ideal. [1:05:00, 1:05:20]: Here is a close-up of the fencing that we use at the nest location. This is just showing you a structure that we have in the state of Texas. But the fencing that we use is a black metal-coated fence. It's about eight feet high. We utilize this to make sure for safety reasons that Walmart employees or people at your at the [1:05:20, 1:05:40]: The store are not wandering into the flight area for the drone where the drones operate. And as I mentioned before, this area inside of the fencing, it's an active flight line. So if you think about the tarmac at the international airport where individuals like myself and you may not have FA certification, we would get in trouble walking on the tarmac. The same applies for the fenced-in area. [1:05:40, 1:06:00]: At the nest is that we um want to make sure that we're maintaining all FAA safety requirements inside of that Fit Vincent area. So we utilize this to uh make sure that we're supporting that. Um, if you go to any of our Walmart stores in Texas, you will also see the drones doing um systems checks, just like you would see for an aircraft where they're testing their propellers. And so [1:06:00, 1:06:12]: When they do that, they're hovering at a height of about eight feet. So the fence height is very intentional, as well as the structure of the fence to make sure that we're keeping the drone safe during operating hours. [1:06:12, 1:06:32]: Now for the drone storage, this is the structure that you all will see in here in Stockbridge. And so we call this a drone pod or a kiosk, you may hear that phrase. But it's wood wood construction, and this is solely used for storage of the drones at night. So once we end operations for the day, our technicians that work at the nest will put the drones in. [1:06:32, 1:06:45]: of this, it gets locked up. The Finston area has keypad access as well as cameras for safety reasons. So we make sure that we're keeping the drones safe overnight and then we pull them back out in the morning. [1:06:46, 1:07:06]: And so with that, um I will turn it over to the conceptual site plan. I can pause here. We can if we want to transition after there's any questions about the technology. Well, I'd have some questions actually. I'm pretty sure the rest of the council does as well. First thing you already answered, I was wondering about the weight limit, but it's yes things you said two and a half pounds? Yes, sir. Okay. [1:07:05, 1:07:11]: I might have missed this next question, but may you answer this. In clement weather, high winds and rain, how does this work? [1:07:11, 1:07:17]: So I will have Tariq come up. Again, he's our head of flight operations and so he knows that front ways and backways. [1:07:17, 1:07:37]: All right, go ahead please. So thank you, Mary. So the the the aircraft itself can fly in what we call up to uh heavy rain. Uh in practice. So the we we fly in moderate rain. So it's kind of hard to as a person to gauge that, but we use a meteorological uh equ uh equivalent. Uh if you like are okay if it's raining so so much that [1:07:37, 1:07:57]: you know, you you might be okay like walking to your car without an umbrella. We can fly in that weather. Uh and then we have some certain ceiling and visibility requirements. Uh generally speaking, the weather can be um not great and we can still fly safely. Um the uh the temperature range we we can we usually operate down to freezing temperatures. So if it's zero uh or [1:07:57, 1:08:15]: 32 Fahrenheit or above. And then we can fly basically all the way up to about 104 degrees Fahrenheit as a upper temperature. And then winds, we it's a pretty wide range. You you definitely um the numbers about twenty, fifteen, twenty miles an hour for the winds. Um so pretty, pretty stiff winds and we can still safely operate. [1:08:15, 1:08:35]: How about birds? How do you deal with birds? So birds uh have not they they generally speaking, they don't seem to mind the drone. Uh we've had there's a good video if you Google it on YouTube of a raven in Australia going after a winged drone. The the bird was actually on the the drone's tail and was going after a tail. The drone is [1:08:35, 1:08:51]: uh robust enough and its flight control system is robust enough that it was able to just safely complete its flight even though the bird was was kind of uh attacking it. One way we avoid that is when we know about like nest like especially we have a actually a requirement [1:08:51, 1:09:02]: or certain protected birds that we have to actually stay away from their nesting areas. Otherwise we try to identify where nesting areas may be and stay away from them generally. Otherwise we don't ever seem to have problems with birds. [1:09:03, 1:09:06]: You might have mentioned it so I'm uh so I've got to reach back and maybe catch this. [1:09:07, 1:09:11]: For per delivery, what's the cost factor to the individual that you're delivering a package to? [1:09:12, 1:09:32]: So that's a two-part question. I can also have Glenn come back up. So to launch the service, we will be launching in the Wing app. And so for the Wing app, um you can go to your Google Play or your Apple store. There's no upfront cost for delivery for that when we launch the service here in Stockbridge. And then at some point it will trans over transition over to the Walmart. [1:09:32, 1:09:34]: plus app and I'll let Glenn explain that part of the process. [1:09:36, 1:09:53]: So th right now there is no additional charge to have it delivered by drone. There is no so there's no delivery charge and there's no upcharge on the merchandise. So if a box of cereal is five dollars in the store, you're charged five dollars to have it delivered to your home. It all remains the same. [1:09:54, 1:10:00]: All right. I got plenty of questions, but I'll open it up. If if you're willing to take questions now, no, I'm w open up to the council. [1:10:02, 1:10:03]: Okay. [1:10:04, 1:10:04]: This way? [1:10:05, 1:10:25]: I had the one. Go ahead, please. What what is the no what what type of product, most popular product you see the drone is actually carrying from? Because two and a half pounds is not a lot. And yeah, talking about Walmart, you go in there and you want to buy everything. So Yeah, so we have people who order everything from rotisserie chickens that when we started out that was [1:10:25, 1:10:45]: That was a very popular item. We have people that again order from the produce side. So everything from those market salads on the Walmart side, fresh produce like cartons of blueberries, strawberries, bags of spinach. Then we also see people who just order candy and PowerAid and you know some of those small things. And then we also have heard from customers who ordered [1:10:44, 1:10:47]: order one off things. So I met um [1:10:47, 1:10:57]: She was actually sit a council member in Texas and uh was at home with her family during the final four and was making guacamole and realized she was out of avocados and so ordered a bag of avocados or [1:10:58, 1:11:18]: I've met a very nice woman who was her first time going out since having her baby and had girls' night. She ordered a tube of mascara. So it really is, you'll see customers are ordering a little bit of everything. We also have a fantastic couple that ordered with us for years during COVID. They're called the Since Myers. They're in their 80s. And so when the pandemic [1:11:18, 1:11:21]: Mrs. Since Meyer was caregiver to her husband. [1:11:21, 1:11:41]: And didn't want to go out. And so they started ordering their morning coffee and having it delivered by drone. So you'll see that a lot of people, depending on what their needs are, are using it for those small things, even back to school supplies, um, cat food, you'll find, you know, um band-aids, baby food. So all of those different items are available in the catalog. [1:11:41, 1:12:01]: And and and I'll add this as well is that if there is an order that goes over that limit, as you look, if you've ordered from Walmart Plus, it'll say do you want a pickup, do you want it delivery? We will have that button then where it is for drone delivery. If you go over that, then the recommendation will come back. We're happy to deliver by car if you would like. So if they even if they try and game the [1:12:01, 1:12:18]: the system and do ten separate orders. You know, there are times that they'll have to wait in between that and then we make that recommendation. They might get two or three and says, It looks like you might want to order more than, you know, we can deliver that way. So we will continue to deliver just through different formats. Is that a guy sir? [1:12:18, 1:12:30]: Yeah, let me just say this. See, as the crow flies, I need six miles. Because the four miles are not gonna get me, okay?'Cause I'm in Jotoko Road, exit two twenty-two. [1:12:30, 1:12:50]: This is exit two twenty eight. That's it. But as the crow flies, a six mile might actually get me in there. I certainly would like to be one of the users. You know, stockbridge has a lot of land mass as we go from exit two twenty eight to exit two twenty two. So hopefully that four mile limit won't be long. [1:12:50, 1:13:10]: Right. Hudson Bridge is actually closer to me, but I think of course you using North Henry Boulevard at this uh present time. Yeah, so um what we are working on um is that our team when we I'm sorry, when we set up operations will come in once we've confirmed that the city does want to move forward with drone delivery. Um [1:13:10, 1:13:30]: Tariq's team, they'll do we have a team, a part of our flight operations team that will do an assessment of the store area. For that area, we're gonna be looking at all of the single-family properties that are eligible for delivery, and they'll identify those as part of the process and build that out. As Tariq referenced before, we do make sure, for example, like [1:13:30, 1:13:50]: Nature preserves or any wildlife parks. We're looking for those type of things. As I mentioned, hospitals, municipal buildings. So we'll build that out once we get a little bit closer, working with the review process with the city to then map out what that area would look like for delivery. Now, beyond the six miles, we are working on a new [1:13:50, 1:14:10]: Um roll out for a new drone. It's the 8,000 model drone. So imagine this drone here, but twice the size. It'll also have bigger propellers. The weight capacity for that will be five pounds, which is so you'll be able to fly further and get bigger packages with that drone. So we don't have a confirmation on when that will be rolling out, but I just want to assure [1:14:10, 1:14:17]: assure you that we are definitely working to get um the drones out further to get more people drone delivery that want it. [1:14:17, 1:14:24]: Okay, the next thing I will say, obviously Walmart's are doing a great job with diversity. Looks like Wing's very diverse too. [1:14:25, 1:14:45]: Yes, sir. Yes, sir. We have a fantastic team of um engineers, coders. Uh I'm on the government affairs team. Tariq has a background in aviation. We also have um pilots, our pilots as well come from military backgrounds, commercial pilot backgrounds. So we're it's we're a unique company in that we're now [1:14:45, 1:14:54]: not just for a delivery or, you know, package delivery company, we also are an aviation company and we balance that kind of unique world as a company, which is pretty cool. [1:14:54, 1:14:57]: Well it's it's just good to see that, so certainly we appreciate it. Yes, sir. [1:14:58, 1:15:18]: Go ahead, sir. I I have a question when it comes to like a lot of our neighborhoods have a robust tree coverage area, uh especially around the front doors and stuff like that. So how would even with the uh the tethering and and the drop, how would it handle, say, a home that has a lot of limbs that that overarches the access? [1:15:18, 1:15:20]: access point for the drop. [1:15:20, 1:15:40]: So the the first thing we do is uh we have a uh detailed surveys. So we are we actually able to automatically see where there's clear areas. So the first thing that happens is like we don't even place a delivery zone unless pre-surveys have determined that there's a clear area. We need about maybe six foot radius, so maybe like a twelve yeah, something maybe like l twice. [1:15:40, 1:16:00]: the size of that table maybe. And then as long as there's a clear column that the drone can come down in, it can come down. Even if, like, for example, let's say you're in somebody's driveway, they they did have a clear area and they happen to park their car there. As long as there's a little bit of room to the side, the drone can actually detect that there's a car there and and shift to the side and they can deliver the package. [1:16:00, 1:16:01]: Next to the car. [1:16:01, 1:16:08]: So we don't need a lot of room, but uh we do need some clear area, like some vertical area down all the way down to the ground that doesn't have any obstructions. [1:16:09, 1:16:29]: Am I to assume that the sensors actually sense electrical lines and poles like this as well? Yeah, they can detect power lines, uh trees, tree limbs, etc. So basically, uh as long as there's a limit to how far it'll it'll shift to the side because we don't want to shift to the side into something else. So the the drone, if so hypothetically, it's coming. [1:16:29, 1:16:30]: Coming down. [1:16:30, 1:16:36]: And there happens to be like a a tree limb or some power line sticking uh near the the delivery zone. [1:16:36, 1:16:39]: drone will detect that and it'll shift to the side a little bit. [1:16:39, 1:16:57]: Uh, and then as long as there's still sufficient clear area beneath it, it'll go ahead and complete the delivery. Otherwise it'll actually abort the delivery and just climb climb up and then return to the water. I'm also assuming as it's flying to its destination, I guess it's the sensors. Yeah, moving forward, whatever the case the sensors must pick up where the lines are and poles and things of that nature as well. [1:16:58, 1:17:03]: Yeah, so for so so for that that what I was describing only applies to like the the last delivery phase for forward flight. [1:17:04, 1:17:15]: Wing actually does several layers of of preparation beforehand. We actually do uh LIDAR surveys of all of our intended service areas. And so we have detailed depth maps. So we [1:17:15, 1:17:18]: Beforehand, we know where the power lines are, where the trees are. [1:17:18, 1:17:22]: And we actually that data goes into our flight planning system. [1:17:22, 1:17:33]: And the flight planner actually plans the route so that it's clear of all those obstacles. Uh the only thing that like the if there's a a transi, like if somebody puts up a uh like a telescoping crane. [1:17:33, 1:17:34]: Like over a building. [1:17:35, 1:17:38]: That's not in our planning system, but the way we handle that is that we fly [1:17:38, 1:17:44]: minimum distances above buildings. We s we essentially stay at least fifty s fifty feet or so above any building. [1:17:44, 1:17:54]: Uh and then also uh we monitor for that kind of activity. But the the short answer is that we we have data, it goes into the planner and the planner automatically plans around those power lines and such. [1:17:55, 1:17:56]: Any other questions? [1:17:56, 1:18:16]: Okay, so you wanted to continue on with presentation then? Um yes. Uh so what we're seeing here on the screen is the proposed conceptual plan for the fenced in area that is the nest. So here is the front of the store. Um you'll see this red area here and here. Um so this is just the inset showing you a close up. [1:18:16, 1:18:36]: Um, so this is the fenced-in area that again is referred to as the nest that would house the 18 drones and the charge pads, plus that kiosk or the drone pod that would store the drones. That drone pod goes inside of the fenced-in area with that generator. And then over here on this side, on the south um east side. [1:18:36, 1:18:56]: Side of the store and this inset here. You'll see. So these are those curbside pickup parking spots for the Walmart customers. And you'll see this green dotted line here is where the Walmart staff already walks out to fill the orders here. So we're putting that auto loader to the side here, making sure that it's not blocking. [1:18:56, 1:19:16]: This drive aisle to the parking um to the loading dock for the 18-wheelers. And so the Walmart staff would be able to stay safe out of traffic, load the packages here. The drones would fly then, once the order has been assigned from the nest over to this auto loader, it picks up the package hands-free, and then it heads off to the [1:19:16, 1:19:18]: Yeah. [1:19:18, 1:19:38]: As I mentioned before, we do hire locally. So part of our process for each of our store locations is that we also make sure we're hiring FAA Part 107 technicians to support the nest. So we are actively look starting to look for and posting positions for the Atlanta metro area, which I am super excited about. [1:19:38, 1:19:58]: out to make sure that we have again proper technicians and support on the ground here locally that will be able to support your store for the aircraft maintenance and also make maintaining the interior operations of that nest area, which again is this red area here. So happy to answer any questions that y'all may have about the setup. [1:19:58, 1:20:18]: I'm pretty sure we all appreciate the presentation. I guess in a sense, uh maybe I'm uh dumbfounded here. What do you specifically need from us tonight in this aspect? Do I don't know if I need any type of legal opinion on this? I think from the team, um from your leadership team, um we were here to make sure that you all had the information that you all needed, not just about the [1:20:18, 1:20:38]: The drone technology, but also understanding our operations for both Wing and Walmart. And then I believe the planning department was going to offer some additional context on their recommendations. We met with them maybe four weeks, three weeks ago, to provide this same presentation and to also review this site plan. So next steps would be recommending. [1:20:38, 1:20:58]: Recommendations from the city on how to properly permit the site. As mentioned for the nest setup that you see, we're bringing in the fencing that the again that black metal-coated fencing that's simply bolted into the parking lot. We don't do we try to avoid any land disturbance. Similarly, for the autoloader area, that also has. [1:20:58, 1:21:18]: has fencing around it and then we load in and erect those two structures for the package loading. So from there, that's where we're looking for your guidance on for the fencing, the generator as well as for the drone pod or the kiosk to store the lock, the drones, your guidance, I guess, also for [1:21:18, 1:21:38]: From the planning department on how best to do that to make sure that we are compliant with all ordinances and requirements for the city of Stockton. Mr. Alexander, I mean Alison, I'm sorry. Anderson. Ryan, I'm sorry. Okay. Ryan, come see. Thank you all so much for your time. Well, yeah, no problem. Thank you. Don't go, don't go away now. Okay. Don't go away. All right. So she just spoke. [1:21:38, 1:21:54]: So I mean what what do you what are you gonna do? We're coming up on item number seven on the agenda to give a um overview of our draft um regulations pertaining to drone delivery. Okay. That's coming up later on the in the agenda. Okay. All right. All right. So you all any any count you got any more questions for them at all? [1:21:55, 1:22:02]: No no we're good. Well, we'll talk about it further in item number seven. But thank you for your presentation. Appreciate you. Thank you very much. Uh huh. All right. Good deal. [1:22:05, 1:22:25]: Uh drone okay back up forward. Where are you? Okay. New business council consideration to approve the annual contract. Okay. RFP two zero two five-0006. On call, water and sewer, emergency operational repair, maintenance, and construction services. Uh to provide [1:22:24, 1:22:27]: professional pipeline, primary site engineering, secondary [1:22:28, 1:22:33]: an amount of four hundred thousand dollars from FY twenty twenty-six stormwater budget. [1:22:33, 1:22:53]: Contract to begin January first, 2026 and account numbers 510-4250-542-515 Stormwater Repair. Mr. Aaron, please. Yes, Mr. Mayor and Council. We come before you tonight to ask for your approval or of our annual on-call utility contractor for the past eight years. [1:22:53, 1:23:13]: We employed that service, which has been very beneficial to us. They repaired some major water leaks for us, made some stormwater repairs. And like a lot of utilities in the area, Henry County and Clayton County Water Authority uses on-call utility contractors because they have access to equipment and supplies. [1:23:13, 1:23:33]: That we might not have during normal business hours. And this pro this was bidded out site was our previous vendor. So this was recently bidded out. And this time we're going with two vendors in case one is on someone is unavailable. We'll have another one that we can call. And we're just asking you to approve. [1:23:33, 1:23:42]: to uh this vendor, which is professional pipeline, as our primary vendor and site engineering as our secondary vendor. [1:23:43, 1:24:03]: Okay. Questions? Clarify. Go ahead, sir. So this wasn't or you said eight years and then you said there was a recent bid so when was it the last time that's been contract was bidding? It's been bidded out several times since I've been here for eight years, but I was saying for eight years we've employed the services of an on-call utility contractor. Right. [1:24:03, 1:24:10]: When was the last time this was bidded out this year? Uh let me go through my documents. [1:24:15, 1:24:22]: Uh it was the it was open on May first, twenty twenty five and closed on June first, twenty twenty five. [1:24:22, 1:24:32]: And both of these individual comp d you said there's two companies were selected? Yes, sir. Okay, so these were the two companies that were selected? Yes, sir. Okay. [1:24:34, 1:24:37]: Anybody got any other questions? Go right, please. [1:24:38, 1:24:45]: Mr. Aaron, is the cost proposal included here? That's exhibit I. I didn't see it. [1:24:46, 1:24:54]: I see the scoring sheets, but I don't see the cost proposal or fee schedule or price list. [1:24:55, 1:25:03]: And the reason why I asked for those is because just to put it in the record, just in case if there is any contract disputes or [1:25:04, 1:25:08]: price discrepancies, that kind of thing. So that's why I look for [1:25:09, 1:25:12]: The cost proposal or fee schedule or price listing. [1:25:13, 1:25:20]: I can get that information and submit it to you from procurement, but I didn't have it as part of the packet that they provided to us. [1:25:20, 1:25:22]: We just have the scoring sheets. [1:25:22, 1:25:32]: Okay, so I know that during the um evaluation process or even after the evaluation committee makes their recommendation, um [1:25:34, 1:25:41]: They typically provide copies of the cost proposal, so you didn't get it. [1:25:41, 1:25:45]: No ma'am. Okay. Okay. Well thank you, sir. [1:25:47, 1:25:58]: But there were only two that submitted and we were choosing two, so based on the proposal, both of them were chosen. So where did you um get the four hundred thousand? Is that a not to exceed amount? [1:25:59, 1:26:19]: Yes, ma'am. And the reason why we do that because if there's an emergency that far exceeds like if we did it for a hundred thousand, then we would have to come back before you to get it ratified. But we typically stay under this budget. We just want to have it available in case like if a water bane broke on North Henry Boulevard, it's gonna get. [1:26:19, 1:26:20]: It to be expensive. [1:26:21, 1:26:32]: Yeah, I get that. I was just curious about the pricing. Yep. And they normally have fixed pricing. Um and that would be included in the cost proposal. But thank you, sir. [1:26:35, 1:26:36]: Any questions from the council? [1:26:37, 1:26:41]: Well if that's not no k no questions, I need a motion to uh accept this, approve it. [1:26:42, 1:27:01]: Uh Mayor, I move that we um approve the annual contract RP twenty twenty five zero zero six um board and own call board on sewer emergency operational maintenance construction services to professional pipeline primary and site engineering secondary in the amount of four hundred thousand dollars. [1:27:02, 1:27:05]: Certainly. Okay, Mr. Dallas and a second that all in fair please indicate. [1:27:06, 1:27:15]: Pose? I will abstain, sir, and I'd like to add a comment if I can. All right, so uh one second before you do that. So three zero and one, it passes. What's your comment, please? [1:27:16, 1:27:22]: Okay. I'm abstaining because the recommended awardees cost proposals [1:27:22, 1:27:25]: Or their fee schedule or price schedules. [1:27:25, 1:27:26]: Are not included. [1:27:27, 1:27:28]: In the packet. [1:27:28, 1:27:31]: I look for the price schedule or [1:27:32, 1:27:35]: price sheet or s fee schedules. [1:27:35, 1:27:37]: А за вай трюмент. [1:27:38, 1:27:39]: Um what their fix. [1:27:39, 1:27:44]: pricings are. Just in case if there's any contract disputes or [1:27:44, 1:27:48]: invoice discrepancies, we will know what that is, but we don't have it. [1:27:49, 1:27:52]: Mr. Aaron has provided a not to exceed amount [1:27:53, 1:28:00]: for this contract award, but it's just not enough for me to make a decision. So thank you. That's it. [1:28:03, 1:28:23]: All right, ladies and gentlemen, um there's been a recommendation uh t made to me that we take text amendment, which is item number seven involving the drone delivery facilities and move it up to to discuss it now. And that way if that's if that's the case you agree to that. That way we don't leave we don't have these uh ladies and gentlemen waiting to retire uh [1:28:23, 1:28:37]: meeting for that discussion. So is there a motion to move the text amendment to deal in drone deliveries to handle that now at this point? Yes. Seconds. Okay. From Mr Barrett and Mr. Alexander all in favor? Indicate? [1:28:38, 1:28:40]: Because you now see okay. [1:28:40, 1:28:42]: Uh Mr. Anderson, so what we got here, we got text amendment. [1:28:43, 1:28:46]: Case TX two zero two five dash zero three first reading [1:28:47, 1:29:02]: Citywide consideration of text amendment to the Unified Development Code UDC to allow and provide regulations for the use of drone delivery facilities and services by businesses with approved special use permit. Mr. Anderson, please. Yes, sir. Uh [1:29:02, 1:29:17]: Mayor, this is um is is a draft presentation um um to give city council an opportunity to um address any concerns they may have to make changes. We hope to get this adopted on the thirteenth city regular city council meeting. [1:29:19, 1:29:19]: Okay. [1:29:25, 1:29:44]: So here's a timeline. We met with um with Wing and Walmart in July twenty twenty five. Um so we also we had a pre-application meeting, but we don't have we didn't have really have a formal process. Um so at after that first meeting in July, um the city manager um [1:29:44, 1:30:04]: Mr. Anderson. Yes, sir. With all due respect, is it necessary for them to have to come back? I mean, honestly, because in the regulation, I mean, what do we know about drone delivery? I mean it's going to be something that the experts have put together. They've been doing this all over the world. So why would it mean we [1:30:04, 1:30:12]: We're gonna make the council gonna make some suggestion for them to change it. No, sir, Councilman Alexander, but there's still some regulatory processes. [1:30:12, 1:30:32]: that the city put in place. So we wanna make sure that council is satisfied with that. So for instance, they'll be placed on our regulatory business list and they'll have t uh to apply for a special administrative permit, go to a special administrative permit process, uh after review from the community development department and final approval by the city manager. I just wanna brief you guys [1:30:32, 1:30:47]: on that process, but it's governed by the FFA and it's and there's no need to go through the public hearing process, but we still need to adopt these regulations so we can charge our fees. Well I'm saying uh our appro our part, what is it that we're having to do is having to wait. [1:30:47, 1:31:07]: But the city council has to do we have you have to grant the city manager authority to approve these to approve um the fees, to charge the special administrative permit fee and place the uh drone delivery on our regulatory business listing. What what's keeping us from doing that tonight? You don't want to hear the presentation. I mean you can do it tonight. I mean [1:31:07, 1:31:13]: I'm just saying I don't know what's gonna come back. We just had a a presentation that lasted about an hour. [1:31:13, 1:31:33]: Well, I can go through this in three, four minutes. So i it isn't it it won't take long, but I would suggest we at least go through the presentation. Well, I wanna I wanna go through the presentation. I just wanna know I I just I wanna I just wanted to understand whether or not we could vote tonight versus seven. Yes, sir. You can vote tonight if you want. If somebody makes a motion. Okay, well we'll s we'll see. Thank you. [1:31:33, 1:31:34]: Okay. Um [1:31:35, 1:31:41]: Let me speed through this. So we'll be amending um I certainly want to hear the presentation. Okay. Uh so we'll be amending um [1:31:42, 1:31:54]: Title nine of the Unified Development Code Licensings and Regulations. I shall be amended to add a new section called nine point one one six entitled Drone Delivery Services, which shall read as provided in the [1:31:55, 1:32:15]: An attached exhibit uh that we will provide in the with the ordinance, approval to am amend you the UDC Title 12, title chapter three, use regulations to include a new section 3.2 point four two entitled drone delivery services, and also approval to create an administrative special. [1:32:15, 1:32:35]: Use permit and it's an administrative special use permit process is hereby created for the purpose of reviewing and improving drone delivery services within the city of Stockbridge. Uh here's a definition of drone delivery. So you the previous present presenter um provided information on that. So this is the zoning. [1:32:35, 1:32:55]: Use regulations chart. So uh drone delivery will be allowed in C2, C3, LI, and HI with a special administrative permit signed by the city manager. Um these are the the use standards for the commercial drone delivery. We're just basically placing um [1:32:55, 1:33:03]: Some design criteria on that on that nest which she described in the earlier pr presentation to make it acceptable to our um design guidelines and criteria. [1:33:07, 1:33:18]: Since this is um regulated by the FAA, there's no need to of taking this through the special uh use permit process, the public hearing process, or the normal zoning process. [1:33:20, 1:33:29]: So uh the applicant the the previous presenter presented on um no as restrictions. We basically adopting things that they had in their proposal. [1:33:30, 1:33:50]: So have you heard all that? So um security they they will be required to have a a flock camera for 24 hour monitoring and they already stated that they would operating hours. We're proposing 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. But um since they're proposing that they might do um night delivery, we might uh amend that process. [1:33:50, 1:33:54]: process to go up to maybe um twelve at night or something like that. [1:33:56, 1:34:03]: Uh and basically pr the permitting process, drone delivery shall be permissible by a special administrative permit. [1:34:06, 1:34:18]: Um so the city manager wanted us to uh come up with a fast and efficient process of approving these um special administrative permits for drone delivery and uh that's what we did. [1:34:19, 1:34:25]: So the process will be like um the community development uh department will review [1:34:25, 1:34:29]: the um the applications and all the information contained within the application. [1:34:29, 1:34:35]: And we will make a recommendation to the city manager and then the city manager will be the ultimate um deciding factor. [1:34:37, 1:34:57]: Application requirements must be submitted by the property owners, submitted to the community development department, special administrative use for me, special administrative permit fee of$600, a regulatory fee is fifteen hundred dollars, must include a site plan, operational details, and also we're requiring two public meetings in the impacted area. [1:34:57, 1:35:17]: wings will have to come out and present um maybe two meetings to um the affected target area. I mean they have a six-mile delivery radius so we want them to touch as many homes uh within that six mile radius just to let them know um about the the drone delivery program. Community department [1:35:17, 1:35:22]: Community development department shall review and recommend to the city manager. The city manager has the final approving authority. [1:35:25, 1:35:25]: So [1:35:26, 1:35:27]: That's it. [1:35:27, 1:35:47]: Well I I have some clarification. Night delivery. I thought what I heard is that normally it goes to seven PM but they based on um the daylight savings time it may change. Um but uh so I my I wanna get clarification on that because I thought uh you mentioned, sir, something about night time. So I just wasn't sure if you clarification on that. Well the [1:35:47, 1:35:52]: young lady said that they may in the future okay have the nighttime delivery so [1:35:53, 1:35:59]: Uh we just wanna extend that delivery time from from eight PM to maybe twelve PM to the hours to operating hours of the store. [1:36:00, 1:36:02]: So that would be the only change to this presentation. [1:36:02, 1:36:17]: Okay, which means w it has to be in in the actual regulatory guidance in the as well. Yes, sir. We just so be so when we m when we uh when we write up the ordinance we'll include that. We'll have we'll set the times and the final. All right. So be Yes, ma'am. [1:36:23, 1:36:38]: Yes, daylight saving times. I mean like eight PM is usually when it gets dark and daylight saving time. So but she's I'm just saying in the future she stated that they may do night delivery, which means like ten or eleven o'clock it'll get it's get dark during daylight savings time. [1:36:39, 1:36:53]: So but right now we don't have to do that, but I'm just saying in the future if they want to move to um nighttime delivery, that means we'll have to come back before you to get this orders amended. So I just want to include it in now, just in case to future proof it. [1:36:54, 1:36:54]: Yeah. [1:36:55, 1:36:59]: Question down here? I'm I'm sorry, I'm sorry you got I'm sorry, go ahead. [1:37:00, 1:37:10]: The renewal process. Yeah. So if it's a if it's a regulatory business within the city of Stockbridge, it would have to be renewed annually. Okay. Yes. Thank you. All right. [1:37:12, 1:37:13]: Any questions on this way? [1:37:13, 1:37:33]: Yes, certainly uh thank you for that. And um you're putting everything together. So pretty much basically uh there will be a special permit as you've indicated. Special administrative permit. Special administrative permit. So basically you would be able to uh make sure that that happens. Yes, sir. Um on your end. Yes. This ordinance will grant us a authority to [1:37:33, 1:37:39]: To issue a special administrative permit. Uh the community development department will review the application and make sure they [1:37:39, 1:37:59]: are in compliance with all our regulations and then we'll make a recommendation to the city manager. The city manager is the ultimate is the ultimate decision maker on this process. And then you'll be bringing you were you was wanting to uh the regulation would be it just it wouldn't just be for them, it would just be pretty much for everybody. Anybody like say for instance anybody coming from UPS, Amazon [1:37:59, 1:38:19]: Anybody that wants to do drone delivery in the city of Stockbridge, they will have to comply with this ordinance. Okay, so subsequently that they would not have to come back. We would just need to vote. Yes. Okay, certainly. And during that time they would be able to work through the process. Yes, sir. Maybe have the community meetings and everything in anticipation, no. [1:38:19, 1:38:30]: that that was coming. Yes. Uh to be able to have that happen. So simultaneously as we make that approval, then they would be able to uh basically be ready to go. [1:38:31, 1:38:41]: Are you talking about what they have to after we adopt this ordinance, they won't have to come back to city council anymore. It will be handled by the community development department in tandem with the c with the city manager. [1:38:41, 1:39:01]: Right, that's what I'm saying. I mean in terms of you know w at this point what will basically have to happen is th you would administratively be able to do that. Yes. But in the meantime they will be able to go ahead and move forward with setting everything up and all of that. And then you before they got their basically C O or operation then [1:39:01, 1:39:06]: Everything would be passed by us. Yes, yes, sir. Okay. So [1:39:06, 1:39:09]: Mr. Emerson, you you wanna ch you wanna chime in? [1:39:09, 1:39:11]: Oh Mr you have something, Mr. Edmondson as well? [1:39:13, 1:39:14]: All right. [1:39:16, 1:39:36]: I think I think he covered it uh pretty well. Um and to your question, uh Councilmember Alexander, yes, uh we'll set up that notification with the community as they go out and talk more about this, similar to the presentation they gave tonight. So while that paperwork kicks uh kicks in, we get it codified, so on so forth. By that time we uh would be uh in position. [1:39:35, 1:39:47]: to go ahead and approve that special use um thing and everything works out. So hopefully have this thing launch sooner than later. That's the that's the that's the plan before the close of the the year. [1:39:47, 1:39:55]: That was my concern. I just didn't want to hold it up right and uh, you know, have them have them make another trip back unnecessarily. Um [1:39:57, 1:40:13]: Okay, so you need a motion for us to move go forward. Yes, sir. Yes sir. Uh one one other question. I don't um I don't know if you know the answer or not. They may have we say we approve this, we go forward, okay? How many other cities actually in in the Atlanta Metro area are doing this? [1:40:13, 1:40:33]: I think Stockbridge will be the first in the in the that's that's what I'm trying to get clarified. We would be first, really. Yes. I'll be darned. Okay. Cool. Yeah. Cool. That's why the city manager wanted us to streamline this process so we can get moving. All right. Well well I tell you what, I need a motion, council. So move. Okay. Is there a second? Um [1:40:33, 1:40:44]: Mayor Flores. Yes ma'am. May I ask that we also include in the condition authorizing them the ability um to deliver to government buildings. She mentioned that. [1:40:45, 1:41:05]: Okay. Okay. We might want we might need a vegetable tray. I don't know. Do we need to bring her back? I don't know. I don't know if we can legally do that or not. Yes. Um she she said in a brief and what would happen is uh we'll just write a letter basically authorizing them that they would it is authorized because what happens is when they pull it up on their map, it'd be geospace. [1:41:05, 1:41:12]: But with that letter, they'll be able to remove that barrier to allow delivery here. [1:41:12, 1:41:31]: Giving authorization to allow delivery to government buildings. Just need to add that. Does it need to be in the motion? We'll we'll we'll modify we'll modify uh the ordinance the ordinance. Yeah, we'll take care of we'll we'll include we'll put that language in the ordinance. [1:41:33, 1:41:39]: Uh so uh you have a question? Before vote I need to disclose Oh yeah, go ahead sir. I'm sorry, go ahead. [1:41:39, 1:41:59]: All right, prior to prior to voting I do need to for the record disclose that uh I am a uh Walmart uh staff member and a stockholder. Oh and so I needed to legally disclose that uh on the refrigeration and facilities maintenance, I our stock owner and employee of Stockbury. So I can't [1:41:59, 1:42:11]: Not stop ri Stop Rich and Walmart. So Okay. Uh so mutual interest. So since you disclose it, does that mean you cannot vote w one way or the other? I need a legal opinion on that, I guess. [1:42:14, 1:42:28]: I had to disclose I'm a Walmart refrigeration tech associate and a stockholder. Oh, who would have known? Small world. Okay. Learn something new. [1:42:29, 1:42:45]: He can vote. He can vote. Yeah. He did okay. She legally you can vote. All right. Okay. It's on the record. You can legally vote as and mess this stu mess this up. So I think it went from you, Alexander, to Mr. Berry the second debt motion, is that correct? [1:42:47, 1:42:58]: Okay, all in favor, please indicate. See now it's decision. Congratulations, outstanding. We're gonna be first. Oh my hey, wait, wait, come on now. We're gonna be first, all right? All right. [1:42:58, 1:43:18]: Right. My make my night. Okay. Uh council consideration approved the annual contract RFP two zero two five-004 uh for on call sidewalk repairs and replacement to uh CGS LLC in the amount of three hundred thousand dollars. Funding from uh SPLA six contract to begin one January twenty. [1:43:18, 1:43:20]: twenty twenty six. [1:43:21, 1:43:41]: Yes, Mr. Mayor and Council. For the last several years, Public Works has engaged the services of an on-call sidewalk contractor, and we've repaired an average of about a mile, mile and a half of sidewalks throughout the city. So on April 28th, a bid was uh placed for the on-call sidewalk contractor and it [1:43:41, 1:44:01]: Closed on May 29, 2025. We had 10 vendors that submitted proposals for this project. And the evaluation committee evaluated all of the uh proposals, and they recommended that we go with CGSLLC as our annual on-call sidewalk vendor. [1:44:01, 1:44:07]: And we're budgeting three hundred thousand dollars for maintenance and repair of sidewalks throughout the city. [1:44:08, 1:44:12]: Okay. Council, any questions for Mr. Aaron? I do. Yes ma'am, go ahead please. Um [1:44:13, 1:44:23]: Same with this one, Mr. Aaron, the cost proposal um or the fee schedule or price list is not included. But I also noticed the evaluators um [1:44:23, 1:44:35]: All of them are well, except for one. Two um are from public works. Yeah. [1:44:36, 1:44:50]: But I just wanted to note that for the record. Um, I think it's best that when we are scoring these that we include people from other departments. So it's not just one sided. [1:44:54, 1:44:59]: Oh the um exhibit eye, the general concrete [1:44:59, 1:45:00]: Um [1:45:01, 1:45:07]: work or bid form and cost proposal was it included? I am gonna abstain. [1:45:07, 1:45:14]: from voting on this because of that, but also I noticed the evaluators. Um there were six. [1:45:15, 1:45:26]: Six of them and two of them I can't hear were not a member of Public Works. The other four weren't. Can you repeat what you just said? I didn't hear what you said was missing. I can't hear. [1:45:29, 1:45:38]: I noticed with the evaluators of this, um there were six evaluators. Out of the six [1:45:39, 1:45:51]: only two of them were from other departments. The other four were from public works. And I remember a few years ago when I discussed this that [1:45:51, 1:45:59]: And I don't know if it was by resolution or if it got adopted in the procurement policy that we'd make sure that we had a mixture. [1:46:00, 1:46:00]: Um [1:46:01, 1:46:07]: on the evaluation team, we didn't want all of them or the majority of them coming from the [1:46:07, 1:46:09]: their department in which they were. [1:46:09, 1:46:11]: recommending the award. [1:46:11, 1:46:15]: That was the other note that I mentioned. [1:46:17, 1:46:18]: That's all. Thank you. [1:46:19, 1:46:23]: But for questions. Yeah, for clarification. [1:46:23, 1:46:43]: You basically this contract is citywide to repair sidewalks. The cost is basically built in because you have no idea how many sidewalks that they're going to repair. They go out and do the inspections and what have you and uh the cost would be basically whatever [1:46:43, 1:47:03]: They go after they examine the sidewall to determine what needs to be done, right? There's a price sheet, but what we do is budget driven. So it's based on we give the contractor these amount of sidewalls which would add up to that amount,$300,000 or less. Our goal is not to exceed the budget. [1:47:03, 1:47:23]: So it's pretty much budget driven. Our sidewalks repair is gonna be done according to what our budget is. Right. And if you go over that amount, you would have to basically come back to us to ask for a additional amounts. But indeed, you still don't know until they get out there and actually start doing the work what the it what the final cost is gonna be. Yes, sir. [1:47:23, 1:47:43]: So uh is the is the Hudson Bridge sidewalk been fiction? Yes, so that should that's a part of the list. We've got a list, and when this gets approved, we're working on a list already, and it's been approved, and we're just waiting for the vendor to get started for 2025. That has been like six months. [1:47:43, 1:48:03]: Why didn't the other contractor take it? Because GDOT has technically changed the way sidewalks are repaired. And so we've got to comply with that. They're saying if you go in and repair a section, they want you to go in and repair the entire sidewalk. So instead of [1:48:03, 1:48:23]: We're going and do a 10-foot section if the sidewalk is 50 feet. If there's any issues, they want you to replace the whole 50 feet and not just a section that has issues. So we've been working through that new regulation. I can send you a copy of it if you would like. Okay. And in our last meeting, we discussed having an estimate for the issue. [1:48:23, 1:48:28]: East Atlanta Road sidewalk uh project. Has that estimate been completed yet? [1:48:29, 1:48:49]: Yes, sir. I sent it to uh the city manager and Okay of course we didn't have if we did we would not have time to to review it tonight. But you so it has been completed? Yes, sir. We'll we'll present it at the next meeting. So okay, so basically uh in terms of this particular East Atlanta Road project we [1:48:48, 1:49:08]: We would have to identify the funding. Personally, it looks like the funding would be available in splot six when we're collecting splot six, or it would be available for the million dollar bond that we have sitting in the bank for the last three and a half years that we have completed no sidewalks for or trails. So this is a trail project in downtown. [1:49:08, 1:49:14]: And there's a million dollars literally sitting in the bank to do that with and with the council approval. [1:49:16, 1:49:18]: And this and th then my question I'm sorry, excuse me. [1:49:21, 1:49:30]: Now, certainly this is a situation where we should be able to save some money. We know if there's an uh that the own-call sidewalk provider. [1:49:30, 1:49:38]: that we're paying three hundred thousand dollars should be able to uh be might might be able to complete this project. [1:49:38, 1:49:58]: That's what the cost proposal for that sidewalk, the East Atlanta, North Henry, is based on the cost for the on-call sidewalk contractor. So you can have one or two choices, either you bid it out or go with the on-call sidewalk contractor. So that needs to be sent out to everyone. So certainly uh once we take a look at it and then you'll be able to [1:49:58, 1:50:01]: [6602.1, 6605.1]: Yes, sir. We'll have time enough to review it by then. [1:50:05, 1:50:23]: Okay. All right. Well I certainly appreciate that. And that'll that that could be a shovel ready project. And is in terms of what we're doing here to be able to move forward with it. I know the one over uh the model mile trail. Are they gonna be able to compete for that? No or or Pathfinder shouldn't be. [1:50:23, 1:50:43]: I I think Path would be working on that. But one thing we gotta remember too, if you do not wanna get off this, but if you're gonna do that ten foot path, we gotta get those easements. Right, certainly. Okay. Well all right, well that makes sense for us to be able to uh get things done um here around City Hall where we had anticipated [1:50:43, 1:51:01]: using the bond funding in order to do that, but certainly it would need brought to you'll be bringing that to council with the estimate for us to be able to take a look at that and we should assume that the own site contract, on call sidewalk provider would be the one providing the service for us. [1:51:01, 1:51:04]: That's an option if you so choose. [1:51:04, 1:51:10]: Okay. What are the other options? We would bid it out? We'd bid it out. Okay. All right. Well, okay. All right, thank you. [1:51:11, 1:51:21]: Any other questions? Yes ma'am, go ahead please. Mr Aaron, do you have a copy of the price schedule or the price sheet? I can get it from procurement. You don't I don't have it with me. Okay, thank you. [1:51:24, 1:51:28]: Once again, other questions? All right, then I need a motion, please. [1:51:30, 1:51:35]: So move. Is there a second? A second. So Miss Um Miss Alexander and Miss Ken, all fair, please indicate. [1:51:37, 1:51:40]: Okay. You abstain? [1:51:41, 1:51:53]: I will abstain as well and if I can add a comment. Well actually if that's uh two four zero and then two s abstentions, then uh motion fails. Okay. And your comments are? [1:51:55, 1:52:01]: Well I'm I'm a little bit confused. This we we need a sidewalk provider. [1:52:02, 1:52:13]: Mayor Ford, yeah, go ahead. Go ahead, May I ask Mr. Aaron to can you bring this back at the last uh the next meeting and include the price schedule. [1:52:14, 1:52:15]: Um exhibit I [1:52:16, 1:52:18]: Which was the general concrete works bid form. [1:52:19, 1:52:22]: Whether cost proposal and price sheet or fee schedule. [1:52:22, 1:52:26]: And again the reason why I'm asking for the cost proposal or price schedule [1:52:26, 1:52:28]: Is because I want to get it in the record. [1:52:28, 1:52:47]: Just in case if there's any contract disputes or invoice discrepancies on down the line, not saying that there will be, but I just wanted on the record just to have it. Okay, Mayor. Motion to withdraw and uh motion to withdraw and to table this to the next meeting. [1:52:48, 1:53:08]: Okay, is there well first of all? Okay, you can second that. I would just want to make sure you've done with your comments. Okay. Motion to withdraw has been seconded. All right. And before we take the the that the vote, what is your question, ma'am? Uh Miss Barber seconded that motion to withdraw. I have a question in regards to this agenda. [1:53:08, 1:53:09]: [6790.1, 6798.2]: The actual repairs and replacement of sidewalks, it's kinda like you do with the streets. You scale to see which ones are needed. [1:53:18, 1:53:21]: More than and more so than others, correct? [1:53:21, 1:53:22]: Yes, mm. [1:53:22, 1:53:28]: Are you able to get quotes on each individual one at this time or how does that work? [1:53:28, 1:53:35]: Because I mean and so you basically say we have this pool of money and we'll do as many as we can with this pool of money. Is is that what you're saying? [1:53:36, 1:53:56]: So what happens is staff go out and identify the sidewalks that need to be repaired or replaced. And we submit the list to typically Falcon, our on call engineer, and they go out and scale and measure everything, and then they come back and submit it to the on-call contractor based on the unit prices for [1:53:56, 1:54:16]: each of those items, then they generate a cost for each of those repairs. So it might be all of the repairs come up to$200,000 based on what the cost and pay items per item like if you're doing ADA compliance, there's a cost for that. If you're removing tree [1:54:16, 1:54:27]: roofs on their sidewalk, there's a cost for that. If you removing concrete, there's a cost for that. Then there's a cost for the replacement of the concrete. So there are cost items [1:54:28, 1:54:30]: Associated with the project. [1:54:30, 1:54:36]: And do you already have a list of sidewalks that we're doing this year for we have a list already? [1:54:37, 1:54:40]: So you you would be able to get [1:54:40, 1:55:00]: 'Cause I I'm trying to understand what Councilwoman Barber's asking. You would be able to get a price sheet, basically schedule sheet on what those costs are. They are have Falcon already come up with the estimate or scale? I think what she's talking about is the price sheet that they submitted with their bid and saying to replace X amount of [1:55:00, 1:55:20]: Sidewalk, if there's no roots, it's just crack. It would cost this to remove that panel and it would cost this much to pour back the panel. I think that's what she's asking for. But we typically what we're doing is it's based on the budget. Okay, there's$300,000. We go out and they measure. [1:55:20, 1:55:39]: Falcon do and then based on the cost for those repair items, then they generate what the cost is going to be. And they come back to us and say, Okay, it's on their budget or it's over budget. If it's over budget, then we trim some things off and move it to the the next year when we have additional funding. [1:55:39, 1:55:41]: And where is that price sheet? [1:55:42, 1:55:56]: That price sheet, like I said, it was a part of the um bid packet. Okay. But I just the information that was given to me, we didn't have that as a part of the documents that we uploaded. And I'll get that for the next meeting. [1:55:56, 1:56:16]: Okay. Also also when we come back, can we can we get a uh guess a thorough assessment of what side which sidewalks and specifically like how how extensive the damage is at each location? Can we get some type of report out on where we're strategizing the funds and repairs to go [1:56:16, 1:56:34]: So the repairs are based on we had an analysis done of our streets and sidewalks and that's our guiding our guide because we wanted to take subjectivity out of it.'Cause somebody look at something and say, Hey, this needs to be repaired, but based on the evaluation, it doesn't. [1:56:35, 1:56:47]: You know, so we're doing those based on whether it's a trip hazard, mainly whether it's a trip hazard. And that's how we go about deciding. But the sidewalks are chosen based on that evaluation and rating we did just like we do for streets. [1:56:49, 1:56:51]: So they're rated by by staff. [1:56:51, 1:56:56]: No, sir. They're rated by our engineers, went out and and did an evaluation of all the streets and sidewalks in the city. [1:56:57, 1:56:58]: Okay. Yeah, for [1:56:59, 1:57:00]: One second. [1:57:02, 1:57:10]: You good, sir? Good. Okay. Go ahead, please. I wanted to confirm what Mr. Aaron explained about the price sheet. [1:57:10, 1:57:13]: That is correct. That is exactly what I'm looking for. [1:57:14, 1:57:20]: That whole price sheet that you just explained and described. That's why I'm asking for it. Thank you, sir. [1:57:21, 1:57:25]: And the motion was to table this item uh to be brought back to the next meeting. [1:57:26, 1:57:35]: And and Mr. Berry second that Ms. Barber. Ms. Barber second that excuse me. Ms. Barber second that excuse me. Ms. Barber second that so all in favor of motion, please indicate? Now it's decision. Okay, good deal. Thank you. [1:57:36, 1:57:56]: Okay, council consideration is approved the purchase of uh is this phosphorus, C C two zero five zero, remove chemical from the cedar cam in an amount of sixty thousand dollars of funding source from is is from the sewer department budgeted funds. Ms. Aaron, please. Yes, Ms. Mayor. As a part of our wastewater treatment process [1:57:56, 1:58:16]: We have to remove phosphorus and get down to the limit of 0.30 milligrams per liter, according to our permit issued by EPD. And we need some additional chemicals to get us through the end of this year. So we're asking to increase. We have money within the budget, but it exceeds [1:58:16, 1:58:22]: The city manager signed an authority, so we're asking your approval to purchase additional chemicals. [1:58:23, 1:58:30]: Okay, motion. So move. So move. Second. Ms. Barber, second down. All favor, please indicate. [1:58:30, 1:58:39]: Snail decision, okay, fantastic. Thank you, sir. You got a comment? Can I just say that um the sole source was verified? So thank you. Thank you for that. [1:58:41, 1:58:54]: Okay. Next is council thank you, Mr. Aaron. Thank you, sir. Council consideration to fill vacancy downtown development authority board to fill an unexpired term through thirty-one December twenty twenty seven. Miss Sanders, please. [1:59:02, 1:59:03]: Yeah. [1:59:03, 1:59:23]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Good evening. The Downtown Development Authority currently has two vacancies on that board. This item this evening that's before you will address at least one of those vacancies. And so uh the recommendation uh that I'm making is that you consider uh Mr. [1:59:23, 1:59:43]: Tariq Collins to fill that vacancy. Uh he is uh he has joined us this evening, and I don't know if you all would like to have him come up and introduce himself or ask him any questions, but he's he's certainly here this evening. Um and so that is that is kind of in the nutshell what this one is all about. Uh we are working with [1:59:43, 2:00:03]: with the DDA board to vet some additional candidates to fill that second vacancy as soon as possible. But at this time uh we have one and this vacancy would fill uh an unexpired term through December 31st of 2022 27. And so [2:00:03, 2:00:10]: Uh if you have any questions, I'll attempt to answer them, but if you'd certainly like to be introduced to him, uh as I said, he's here this evening. [2:00:12, 2:00:19]: Can anybody introduce yourself and tell us about it? Yeah, Miss Carlford's come forward so [2:00:19, 2:00:20]: Like one. [2:00:23, 2:00:24]: I think. [2:00:25, 2:00:33]: I I we uh we usu I thought we had a discussion about this. And I'm I'm excited, but what I'm saying is [2:00:34, 2:00:37]: Uh, we're doing the procedure different from what we normally would do. [2:00:38, 2:00:40]: Okay. [2:00:40, 2:00:45]: Um He just offered, I suppose, and I think that's a good idea. [2:00:45, 2:00:48]: That's not what we normally would do. And we normally just go ahead and vote. [2:00:49, 2:00:55]: Yeah, well we uh some point we used to go into execucession, not that that matters more than we have. [2:00:56, 2:01:00]: opted to require it's highlighted here. We're good. [2:01:01, 2:01:02]: Apparently. [2:01:03, 2:01:15]: It's highlighted that um we we require some type of resume or something. Um and I'm all for I see there is some information up here about [2:01:16, 2:01:17]: Um [2:01:17, 2:01:18]: Uh. [2:01:18, 2:01:21]: business and financial expertise. [2:01:22, 2:01:29]: No no offense to you whatsoever. I I would support the vote. But I think that [2:01:30, 2:01:34]: Oh it is included? Yeah. She just included it in the package. It was said [2:01:34, 2:01:54]: Oh, okay. Well then I'm good. I just want to make sure it's done right because I don't want no problems. For for clarification, uh as you remember that the gentleman is a district five business business owner. So Yeah. Well I I just want to make sure because I don't want any issues and anybody saying that we did one one way and one another. That's the only reason why. [2:01:54, 2:02:01]: I when I looked in the book it wasn't here. That's uh my only reason. But I'm okay as long as it's there. Sure. [2:02:03, 2:02:23]: Uh good evening. I'm Tariq Collins, owner of uh Eagle Financial Group, the accounting firm all over on uh Eagles Landing. Um I've been uh I guess what you want to know about me, military veteran, army vet, uh business owner for some time. Uh we work with other business owners as far [2:02:23, 2:02:28]: as growing their companies from CFO services down to tax prep services. [2:02:28, 2:02:46]: Okay. And uh I've have to admit uh he's been to see me in a couple of times during meet the mayor, so uh excellent candidate. Um I don't vote as a tie, but that's an excellent candidate. I appreciate it. No problem, sir. All right. Um council need a motion, please. Yeah, mayor uh the [2:02:46, 2:02:58]: As the DDA liaison, I'd like I'm sorry. Give me a s say your name one more time. Tariq Collins. I'd like to nominate Tariq Collins as uh downtown development authority member. [2:02:58, 2:03:05]: Okay. Okay, Ms. Alexander, Ms. Gann, all in favor please indicate. Okay, she now succeeds. Thank you, sir. Appreciate you. [2:03:06, 2:03:09]: Okay. Uh what is next? [2:03:10, 2:03:20]: Appointment what's next appointment of councilwoman Yolanda Barber to Council Liaison to Stockbridge Main Advisory Main Street Advisory Board through December thirty first, twenty twenty seven. [2:03:20, 2:03:40]: Mayor. Yes. Point of order. What's the point of order? Okay, certainly the issue is this, okay? And before we proceed with this, we already have a representative to the Main Street board that is Councilman Thomas. Councilman Thomas has neither resigned nor [2:03:40, 2:04:00]: Or been re removed from that board position to my knowledge by a vote of this council. So the position is not vacant at this time. I find it highly insensitive and inappropriate to replace a sitting board member who is out because of a medical condition in this state. [2:04:00, 2:04:20]: we appoint the board members in January, which is after the expiration date of Councilman Thomas's term. And I as as someone who has served with him and shoulder to shoulder with him, the least that we could do is to give him a couple more months at the end of his term. [2:04:20, 2:04:40]: Since he's not resigned and this board to for for this board to even consider removing him with two months to go in his term, which his distinguished service to the board would be inappropriate. And if he did tender his resignation in the condition that he's in, I wouldn't as I would not vote to accept it. I would not. [2:04:40, 2:05:00]: Because he has put his time in on that board uh religiously and represented it at every turn. And how we got here is I don't know how we got here because in the end he's still serving. He's still a member of this council. [2:05:00, 2:05:20]: Council. He's still a member of the Main Street Board. He's still an official member of the Stockbridge City Council. And as this is concerned here, I find it objectionable and I find it very insensitive to even consider this nomination at this point. [2:05:19, 2:05:39]: point when councilman thomas has neither signed or been removed. And as I said, even if he did in this current medical state, I wouldn't do it. I would wait to January and I would let the new council make that decision because it was it's the right thing to do. As we journeyed through downtown Stockbridge, we [2:05:39, 2:05:59]: Talked about Councilman Thomas in a heartfelt way as we journeyed through his district and we went to there and we went by his house. And to think of even forcing him out ridiculous. And I and I see it as very insensitive, and just being in a situation where it is about [2:05:59, 2:06:18]: about me. It's not about him and to not be able to wait till his term ends twelve thirty one or twenty twenty five and then say, I want to just do it right now. Therefore this certainly was not brought to the council. Stand by please stand by. As we indicated uh earlier that it requires [2:06:18, 2:06:38]: A count this is a council appointment. And a council appointment requires that we have three members of this board of order agree and uh to the appointment or to accept somebody's resignation and to try to appoint somebody to a position that's not currently open uh i is something. Uh there's [2:06:38, 2:06:58]: That I did. But like I said, I'm going to close by saying: even if he would issue his resignation under the person's person's circumstances, I wouldn't accept it because he only has basically about 90 days left in his term before we appoint a new representative. And with his distinguished service, he decided. [2:06:58, 2:07:02]: Deserves that. Thank you. All right. Ms. Barber, go ahead, please. [2:07:02, 2:07:20]: Therefore, I call for a point of order. No, you did. Go ahead. And when I when anyone calls for a point of order, you are to hear acknowledge that. I had called for a point of order. I was doing a point of order, so mine took precedent. Okay and I gave it. Oh, yeah. That's what you were doing. Hold on. I understand what you're talking about, Miss Barber. Go ahead with your comment, please. [2:07:21, 2:07:30]: So when anyone calls for a point of order, sir, you are to hear the point of order. The reason why I asked for a point of order is because [2:07:30, 2:07:38]: Miss Bareed has not even presented the item. I understand. I was I was no good record. I I wanted you to acknowledge the presenter of the item. [2:07:39, 2:07:41]: Sure. She would get a knowledge. I was gonna do that. [2:07:41, 2:07:53]: Will you please allow her to present this item before we totally inappropriate. Hold on. Totally inappropriate and insensitive. Come on. With a current council member, you've already said you already made your comments, so [2:07:54, 2:07:57]: Uh Mr. Reed come forward. And Megan. [2:07:57, 2:08:02]: You're gonna have to make a legal opinion here. I need a legal opinion from you in reference to this. Come make your presentation, please. [2:08:03, 2:08:23]: W before that I asked for the legal call because in essence we're making a presentation which is inappropriate on Councilman Thomas's term. Well hold a second. I I I mentioned that. I don't even want to begin. This is this is such a slap in the face. [2:08:23, 2:08:26]: Hold on. Hold on a second. Stand by. [2:08:26, 2:08:28]: Maybe you got a legal opinion on this at this point. [2:08:32, 2:08:34]: I have just a woman apple here. [2:08:40, 2:08:49]: Okay. If I could have just a moment I'm pulling up the city code, that'll get me to the answer that I'm looking for. All right, in the meantime in the meantime, while you're doing that, make your presentation please. [2:08:50, 2:08:54]: Thank you. [2:08:55, 2:09:15]: Don't want to read let's let her make a presentation. She's making a presentation on a position that's not even open yet. What make her let her make a presentation anyway? Why di if it was you or anybody else, I would not want to hear the presentation until she ruled legally because he still holds the position. It's like we're asking for somebody to be appointed to [2:09:15, 2:09:35]: To his position. How out of order is that? He's still serving. And we're gonna listen to the presentation about somebody replacing him. I'll tell you what, I'll tell you what. I'll tell you what. You want to recess? Is there a segment to recess? Recess. Is there a second to recess? Motion to recess. Okay, is there a motion is there a second to recess? The recess to m the recess when to make [2:09:34, 2:09:39]: Reagan finishes with the legal research on whether this is appropriate or not. [2:09:39, 2:09:40]: Okay. [2:09:40, 2:09:41]: Okay. I can agree to that. [2:09:42, 2:09:53]: Okay. I can second that. I can't. So you you meant just that. Okay, for Mr Alexander to one second. Mr. Alexander and Ms. Gantt a motion to recess. All in favor of recess, please indicate. [2:09:54, 2:10:04]: I say that because we need to know the legal ramifications or even Okay, so so the mo so it or should not hear. We need to know the legal code behind whether or not it's a good idea. All right, so we got three [2:10:05, 2:10:05]: You you [2:10:06, 2:10:26]: I will oppose because we haven't even heard the presentation yet. All right. So three one the motion passed, the have a recess for legal review at this point. Budgeted for two point six and the uh two point six we have received a million and we still have got some um [2:10:27, 2:10:47]: concerts to come, so that will be up to October, then we'll assess how much. But we are half of uh almost closer to half of what we budgeted for. Budget amendment will create out this one when we do budget amendment so that the negatives will go out. We'll transfer money from general fund to make [2:10:47, 2:10:50]: pick it up for the shortfalls in revenues. [2:10:53, 2:10:54]: Okay. [2:10:55, 2:11:15]: I'm moving from revenues if there's any question or comment on revenues. Any questions for revenues at all, council? No, I'm just a little I mean this is the pro this the representation we received at pretty much I mean we reviewed these numbers at the um at the retreat. So just kinda understanding is it just is just a need to just uh [2:11:15, 2:11:25]: Uh this is pretty much what you sent us uh in the email, right? For us, that is correct. And and I added you details. Okay. That is true, yes, exactly. Okay. [2:11:27, 2:11:28]: Okay, go ahead. [2:11:29, 2:11:49]: Then we get into the expenses general fund as you see general fund what we have received and what we have spent. So general fund revenues and general fund expenses are almost the same, fourteen million, fourteen million. However, on revenues there may be fourteen million, but remember that the big chunks of the [2:11:49, 2:12:09]: revenues of general fund we have not yet received. So you have sales tax, we are one month uh behind. Then we have insurance premiums that is the 3.5 million we are yet to receive in November. Then we have property tax about 7.4 million in [2:12:09, 2:12:29]: is yet to be received I think in December. So revenue may be down, but we will catch up as we go receiving those three big uh revenues. That's the premium, insurance, um, sales tax, as well as the property [2:12:29, 2:12:49]: Excuse me. It certainly looks like the T Splash is overperforming with a$5.6 million projection. And we've already collected. That's another one. You see there that on expenses we didn't budget anything, but we have spent money. [2:12:49, 2:12:56]: And those are the things that we'll correct uh we will be correcting through budget amendment. On revenues you see that we have received [2:12:56, 2:13:07]: money on revenues, but on expenses we didn't budget. So we didn't budget revenues and we didn't budget expenses, but we have received and we are spending. [2:13:08, 2:13:10]: Yeah, but certainly we [2:13:10, 2:13:30]: in the past with this particular situation, this is year to date. Yes. We have, you know, I think I think the last count, I think we had maybe fifteen or sixteen million dollars in the account and we received this amount this amount this year. So it certainly is, even though it might be trending that way, we need to get [2:13:30, 2:13:50]: get some of these projects done, which I anticipate we will actually do because we have money in the bank. But uh these numbers can be deceptive because, you know, it looks like again, we're certainly exceeding what the projection was. And then when you look at it year year to date or you look at it year to year, it might look like it's balancing, but in the past, because [2:13:49, 2:13:55]: [8035.7, 8055.7]: Yeah, as we said that the um there were two sets of uh reports that uh were being made and the the reports that were being given to you to make wise decisions were not uh so we misled you, but hopefully these ones I did bring them intentionally. [2:14:15, 2:14:35]: Mm-hmm. So that you can see them when we make budget amendment, all these zeros will be uh will be gone. I just want everybody to know where you're pulling the money from. You're pulling the money from because the money's in the bank. In these various accounts, you will be able to pull the money on the budget transfers because the money has already been collected and to [2:14:35, 2:14:44]: T spliced and splice and splice six. And you're not taking it out of general fund, you're taking that from the balances in these funds, correct? [2:14:44, 2:15:04]: So that of the thirty two that is the highly spoken about these were expenses that were incurred through T S plus majority of them Ts plus Splus five uh Splash T plus Splus five and now we have Splassix. [2:15:04, 2:15:24]: In 2025. So all those expenses had the corresponding revenues. Of course, there were some that we had to transfer money, but the majority of all those expenses were from public works that's to do with the roads paving and many other projects. Citywide projects. [2:15:24, 2:15:36]: projects that were performed and the the budget was zero. OPA funds again, we spent a lot of projects paying for uh [2:15:36, 2:15:56]: Paying for projects in upper funds, it was not budgeted for. So that budget amendment budget amendment was to make the balance, the budget balance or what would have been done originally when the budget was being proved uh provided to you to. [2:15:56, 2:16:00]: to approve it. Unfortunately it was not done. [2:16:00, 2:16:01]: Okay. [2:16:01, 2:16:08]: So every penny of that amendment was balanced with revenues and expenses. [2:16:10, 2:16:21]: Uh water is still the same you find out on the water side. If you go on water sanitation you find out that all expenses are higher than uh revenues. The budgeted [2:16:22, 2:16:23]: Amount. [2:16:24, 2:16:36]: And the expenses are almost closer, but revenues on the page that we just finished are much, much lower. But we'll assess, sit down and see w uh how we can limit on that. [2:16:38, 2:16:47]: That's the summary of um expenses. If there's a question on that one before I get into general summaries. [2:16:49, 2:17:09]: I have a question, well more so a comment. Are these still from the previous administration uh financial director and city manager? The former was this done during that re regime still? Is that what we're doing here? We're still clearing that. [2:17:09, 2:17:10]: Add up. [2:17:11, 2:17:12]: So [2:17:14, 2:17:17]: We are in twenty twenty five budget. [2:17:17, 2:17:19]: Twenty twenty five budget was the [2:17:20, 2:17:40]: prepared last year. Okay. So the first uh correction of twenty twenty five budget will happen when we do our budget amendment on the thirteenth of October. Okay, I gotcha. So it was it was during that administration. Yeah. So what you did was you accepted the audit of twenty twenty four, but from January [2:17:40, 2:17:47]: But the twenty twenty five going forward is what we are trying to for twenty okay. So you're getting us caught up. [2:17:47, 2:17:48]: That's correct. [2:17:48, 2:18:05]: Okay. And in regards to ARPA funds, I saw that it was zero in revenue but there were some expenditures. Can you explain that? Because when we got upper funds, we spent them in general fund. So general fund has to make up for that because we still [2:18:06, 2:18:11]: We have an obligation to finish up our program in twenty twenty six. [2:18:12, 2:18:32]: Okay. And we didn't account it properly and we commingled it in general fund. You put it in you commingled it into general funds. Yeah. That's why it says zero. Which was not the right thing, yes. Okay. Is there a way to separate it? Not at this time. [2:18:32, 2:18:52]: upper projects has to as as you remember we were requested to give back two point two million because we didn't properly account for that. But they they're refunding that back to us, is that correct? No, we are not supposed to give them back because we gave them [2:18:52, 2:19:09]: what they wanted. Okay. We met the uh we complied with what they wanted. So great. So we didn't have to give it back. We didn't have to give back. But the projects, the assigned money has to finish those projects and upper programme is ending twenty twenty six. [2:19:09, 2:19:20]: Right. And it's been my experience, um, for these past going on twelve years that the franchise fees and everything that comes in very late at the end of the year [2:19:21, 2:19:36]: actually catches us up, including splots. It's always two or three million dollars more than what we projected it out to be. Um, but they come in at the very end of the year, um, December, January sometimes,'cause I used to always worry and [2:19:37, 2:19:57]: Um through experience in the past, you you'll see it now at thirty one and then you'll get when what around what time of year does the franchise piece come in? I think it's in is it the end of December? Uh it depends on uh which ones, but uh by the end of the year we should have all of them because like [2:19:57, 2:20:17]: now we already have got impact fees they are already in. Right. So it's a throw out, but there is a specific time when we get more depending on which um impact fees that you are talking about. And just so everyone knows what those franchise fees are, they're like ATT, Georgia Power, different [2:20:17, 2:20:37]: Companies and utilities, they have those fees and assessments, and then they pass that on to the municipality for usage properties. So those uh fees, uh franchise fees are the ones that are levied from companies that are doing businesses in our city. [2:20:37, 2:20:37]: [8437.5, 8439.2]: Correct. Thank you. [2:20:42, 2:20:54]: Um you on the grant side on the revenue grants we have received a lot of grants revenues and most of those grants are almost almost all [2:20:55, 2:21:15]: grants are reimbursable. So we spent money and we are rebersed. And those monies were held up by various federal state agencies because we didn't comply. But after we complied everything, we gave we met all the requirements [2:21:15, 2:21:19]: [8480.0, 8492.3]: they have released those funds and those funds will automatically go to general fund because the general fund is the one that was providing uh those money for grants to to spend. [2:21:32, 2:21:51]: Okay. Is there a reason why we're doing this tonight and not waiting until the franchise fees and the actual depiction of money comes in to show the true budget of expenditures and revenues because it ba eventually balances out? Is there a reason why we're doing the presentation tonight? [2:21:52, 2:22:10]: No the presentation because we have never presented it from oc uh from January actually because we were behind. We had expenses but revenues we we did not. So we didn't want to provide you information that has the limited the uh [2:22:12, 2:22:22]: that did not meet all the requirements. Without bank reconciliation you can't say you are providing repo uh credible reports. But was this not provided to us at the retreat? [2:22:22, 2:22:42]: Retreat was for the next year for for the twenty twenty six budget projecting for twenty twenty six and where we are now. So it was where we are to help us for twenty twenty six budget. But this is a actual reporting of what we have received and what we have [2:22:42, 2:22:45]: have spent as of august thirty first. [2:22:45, 2:23:04]: Okay. I d I didn't know if it was a difference from what was reported. That's why I was asking. Yeah. But I just I I I see that uh so we really wouldn't amend this until those franchise fees and everything come come in first, correct? The amending is mainly to say there are some [2:23:04, 2:23:09]: There are some departments that the twenty twenty five budget didn't [2:23:09, 2:23:12]: The twenty twenty five budget did not balance. [2:23:12, 2:23:23]: Mm-hmm. Because we have some departments that they are short for of uh personnel funding and they will not finish um October if we don't do budget amendment. [2:23:23, 2:23:24]: Okay. [2:23:24, 2:23:35]: For example, one department has got three personnel that there will not be enough to finish there will be no enough w funding in personnel. [2:23:35, 2:23:38]: Because it wasn't budgeted for. It was not budgeted for. [2:23:39, 2:23:55]: I recall that. And there are some department um funds as I've seen you, I've shown you, Splash six, uh T S Plus. We are spending T S Plus, we have money, T S Plus is going on, but there's the zero budget that we budgeted for T S Plus. [2:23:55, 2:24:09]: Right. But those funds are for projects within the city. And we are receiving revenues every month. Right. Okay. Every month okay. That's perfect. I d I just wanted to make sure that it's not something we're just okay, that's good. [2:24:14, 2:24:20]: Any question, any comment on the revenues and expenses and general [2:24:22, 2:24:41]: Financial outrook This is the summary of funds. General fund is one line item on revenue, one line on expenses. Next report will have detailed for every department how much we have spent and on revenues how much we have brought in. [2:24:42, 2:24:47]: And that would be when now next month? On the amendment, no amendment to the budgets next month. [2:24:47, 2:25:01]: Mm budget amendment will be on the thirteenth. Okay. And the financial report for the month of September will be for October. Okay. So we will be having financial reports on a monthly basis. [2:25:01, 2:25:02]: Okay. [2:25:03, 2:25:03]: Good deal. [2:25:05, 2:25:09]: Continue on please. Is that the last slide? [2:25:10, 2:25:13]: Yeah, I say summary, the uh the rest the the the rest is just summary. [2:25:13, 2:25:20]: Okay, I got it. Okay. All right, good deal. And yeah, I was wondering about this. Did you need to go through this at all? [2:25:20, 2:25:25]: Uh I have explained most of those ones in my revenues and expenses. All right, good deal. [2:25:25, 2:25:31]: I'm a little confused, I guess, Mary. I guess we were getting quarterly reports. Now you changed it to monthly. [2:25:31, 2:25:35]: No no no. Quarter reports you get, but you I'll be giving you monthly. [2:25:37, 2:25:51]: Okay, I just thought we were getting quarterly reports so we could kinda'cause sometimes when you're doing month to month, it can throw it off. Just like now. You will see one month that goes way up, then the next month that goes way down. The quarterly report just like they do [2:25:52, 2:25:55]: Вино, сам танно до федерал репорт сняв, і кінсіа тренд. [2:25:55, 2:26:03]: Whereas you give somebody you throw some numbers out there for one month, you might give somebody the wrong picture of what's going on. What is your wish? [2:26:05, 2:26:07]: But you're if you're saying are you saying us you're just emailing them? [2:26:08, 2:26:24]: I'll de update you with the details then monthly. Okay. But if you cancel me. No, no, no, no. But if you feel like that one is too much, still let me know. No no no no it's not email me that's [2:26:25, 2:26:45]: Right, to get the updated thing. I just don't wanna throw information out there where people don't understand because they see something go up and down, they don't understand that the tax money is coming in in November. And they see, oh, all of a sudden this big gap in the budget and then you don't see the revenue understanding that the revenue is gonna come in in November. [2:26:45, 2:26:59]: Yeah, so you will say we have to understand our some of you have to understand when your revenues are coming in, because always expenses will be high and most of the revenues that we have they will come very late. [2:26:59, 2:27:19]: And the even when you are doing audit, they give you three months you can steal because see what we are receiving now sales tax are not for September, they are for August. So what we are receiving now are not w we received last year month, we are not for August, we are for the previous month. And the [2:27:19, 2:27:28]: Insurance premiums will not come until October, mid November. Then we have our [2:27:29, 2:27:32]: Property tax that this year will come [2:27:32, 2:27:33]: Literally. [2:27:34, 2:27:36]: mid or after mid of December. [2:27:38, 2:27:46]: Luckily enough we have we will not make it to go and look for we'll finish a year even if we get late the property taxes. [2:27:47, 2:28:07]: Could I just want to make sure that whatever we received, uh we of course we see that everything and that they were we won't I don't see it and then I see something that catches my attention. I just want to be able to see if I get October, I'd like to have the the this you know the month before you know, a couple months before so I can see the trend. [2:28:07, 2:28:09]: Mm-hmm. [2:28:10, 2:28:10]: Um [2:28:11, 2:28:25]: Revenues, I would like to see the total of revenues from the previous year so that I can kind of scale on what that looks like. Does that make sense? Like I otherwise I won't know. I don't know what our franchise [2:28:26, 2:28:27]: Well last year. [2:28:30, 2:28:44]: is always increased about two to three million more than what we projected it to be. But it's just good to see what those fees are obviously so we can kind of compare of where we are. [2:28:47, 2:28:48]: Any other questions? [2:28:49, 2:28:51]: If not, thank you sir, appreciate it very welcome. [2:28:52, 2:28:56]: All right. On that note, uh Council, we need a motion to go into the second session, please. [2:28:57, 2:28:57]: Sure. [2:28:57, 2:29:03]: But for legal, personnel, real estate and cybersecurity. [2:29:04, 2:29:04]: That made it. [2:29:05, 2:29:11]: Okay. No well actually she says so move, so I second. Okay. Miss Gantt second that. On favor please indicate. [2:29:12, 2:29:16]: We'll be back, ladies and gentlemen. [2:29:47, 2:30:07]: I see I got it. I I I just want to make sure you before I say anything, you're good? You're okay all right. All right, Council, we need to a motion to end our executive session, please. So move for Miss Ms. Barber, Miss Barber, Mr. Um Berry. All in favor in the case. Okay, we s did that now we need a motion to reconvene our city council work session, please. [2:30:07, 2:30:13]: So I'm facing so so for Miss Barber back to um Miss uh Gantt, all favor please indicate [2:30:13, 2:30:26]: And from the executive session, ladies and gentlemen, motion to ad uh journal the second session was a with approval after day with no action. So it's no action that uh we uh need to explain at this time for our executive session. On that note, um [2:30:28, 2:30:48]: Need a motion, uh well actually need a motion to end our mayor. We need a motion to remove item number nine. Right. I'll make a motion to remove item number nine, the appointment of the Main Street Board Member. I make that motion because Councilman Alfonso Thomas still serves in that position and [2:30:48, 2:31:06]: I believe it the right thing to do to allow him to finish that out under the circumstances um and appoint a ha and appoint a new Main Street board member in January at our convening organizing meeting as been the custom uh for the city. Oh is there a second that motion? [2:31:07, 2:31:15]: Mr. uh Mr. Berry, second and most. All in favor, please indicate. One one second. [2:31:15, 2:31:21]: Okay, okay, so I've got three votes for and uh you were uh say no or or abstain? [2:31:22, 2:31:24]: Discussion please. [2:31:24, 2:31:25]: Okay. [2:31:26, 2:31:28]: Well you can have discussion. Okay. We go ahead. [2:31:29, 2:31:29]: Mm. [2:31:29, 2:31:32]: I know that this item was placed on the agenda. [2:31:32, 2:31:35]: At the recommendation of the Main Street Advisory Board. [2:31:36, 2:31:40]: Actually the chair of the Main Street Advisory Board. [2:31:40, 2:31:42]: made a recommendation. [2:31:43, 2:31:43]: Um [2:31:44, 2:31:45]: To appoint me. [2:31:46, 2:31:47]: Yolanda Barber. [2:31:47, 2:31:50]: as a council liaison to the Main Street advisory board. [2:31:51, 2:31:54]: He also recognized all the hard work. Um [2:31:55, 2:32:05]: From Councilman Thomas, his tenure, the respect, the love, everything that he has put into the Main Street Advisory Board over the years. [2:32:05, 2:32:10]: But he also mentioned that the Main Street Advisory Board um had [2:32:11, 2:32:14]: Pretty much come to a crossroads. [2:32:14, 2:32:18]: They wanted or need a council liaison. [2:32:19, 2:32:26]: I am the only member of the council who is not serving on any of our city's boards and committees. [2:32:27, 2:32:28]: Additionally [2:32:30, 2:32:31]: The main street [2:32:32, 2:32:33]: The downtown area. [2:32:33, 2:32:35]: Is in the district. [2:32:35, 2:32:38]: That I am duly elected to represent. [2:32:38, 2:32:39]: I respect [2:32:39, 2:32:41]: The council's decision [2:32:41, 2:32:43]: To table this item. [2:32:43, 2:32:44]: Until the beginning of the year? [2:32:45, 2:32:48]: But I wanted to add those comments for the record. [2:32:49, 2:32:55]: Because it was not um a request by me. [2:32:56, 2:33:00]: to be appointed as a council liaison. [2:33:00, 2:33:01]: That recommendation. [2:33:01, 2:33:03]: Came from the main street. [2:33:03, 2:33:04]: Advisory board. [2:33:05, 2:33:07]: They made that recommendation just [2:33:07, 2:33:09]: I don't know, it's last month. [2:33:09, 2:33:11]: When they came before the council. [2:33:11, 2:33:14]: So I wanted to add those comments and notes. [2:33:15, 2:33:15]: For the record. [2:33:16, 2:33:16]: Thank you, sir. [2:33:17, 2:33:27]: All right, you're welcome. So otherwise the motion is already made second and seconded. So I would I all favor the motion to table this and I've already did that. It was three votes for, three votes for, and your vote was to [2:33:28, 2:33:48]: I will abstain. Mayor, if I may, real quick. Just just for the record, the the protocol hadn't uh not only that, my my decisions are uh based off of the policies and the protocols of the way things are to be done based off the main street policy was not adhered to. That's [2:33:48, 2:33:56]: that I n for the record there were several steps. There are several steps that are to be taken and they were had not been adhered to. [2:33:58, 2:34:08]: That's what I need to state, not anything else. Just it it was a black and white, there are steps and policies and procedures and they have not been adhered to. [2:34:09, 2:34:29]: Motion passed 301. On that note, uh the announcements of upcoming events. Uh let's see here. Stockbridge Citizens Police Advisory Council, first Thursday of each month in Stockbridge Police Department Community Room at 6 p.m. on October 2nd. Uh youth council meeting first Monday of each month. [2:34:29, 2:34:49]: Levi Meeting Room at 6:30, October 6th. The community zoning and information meeting Wednesday, October 8th, at City Hall and Council Chambers at 6 p.m. Main Street Advisory Board meeting second Friday of each month at 9 a.m. at Downtown Connection Center, 1.30 ML King Senior Heritage Trail, October 10th. [2:34:49, 2:35:09]: City Council meeting second Monday of each month, City Council Chambers, October 13th. Citywide Development Authority meeting second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. City Hall, Levi Meeting Room, October 14th. Youth Council Advisory Committee meeting date change Thursda third Thursday of each month 6:30 p.m. City Hall Levi Meeting Room. [2:35:09, 2:35:12]: [9312.5, 9332.5]: Planning Commission meeting Thursday, October 16th at 6 30 p.m. Sea Hall Council Chambers. The Downtown Development Authority Meeting Board Meeting Third Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. at Downtown Connection Center, 130 M. L. King Senior Heritage Trail, October 21st. Ethics Board Meeting, Wednesday, October 22nd, Levi Meeting. [2:35:32, 2:35:51]: Meeting room at 6 30. City Council work session meeting last Tuesday of each month, October 28th at 6 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers. Join the city of Stockbridge Police Department for International Coffee. Coffee Coffee Coffee with a COP day. Wednesday, October 1st, at 9 30 a.m. to uh 11 30 a.m. [2:35:52, 2:35:55]: At Starbucks on ten fifty eight Eagles Landing Parkway. [2:35:55, 2:36:15]: Join Mayor Pro Tem Gantt at the Free Line Dancing Class Wednesday, October 1st at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Merrill Manor's Conference Center. Bring your own fan. Haul it to the hall. Bring your household documents to the City Hall parking lot for free shredding on Saturday, October 4th, 8 a.m. to 12 noon. The muscle must be [2:36:15, 2:36:35]: Car show is back. Main Street is hosting this amazing car show on Saturday, October 4th, from noon to 4 p.m. in downtown Stockbridge at 1:30 ML King Senior Heritage Trail. Join us for a live music. Come dress in your vintage outfit and enter the costume contest. All ages are welcome. The 2025 Municipal [2:36:35, 2:36:49]: election forum will take place Tuesday, October seventh, seven p.m. at Merrill Manor's Conference Center. Join Councilman uh Elden Alexander for the District Five Community Cleanup. Yes, sir. Correction. The date's gonna be changed on that to November the eighth. [2:36:49, 2:36:50]: November eighth? Yes. [2:36:51, 2:36:55]: The community cleanup date will be changed to November eighth. [2:36:56, 2:37:00]: And that'd be still from nine A. M. to eleven A. M. So please meet at Costco Parking Lot on Jodica Road. [2:37:01, 2:37:21]: Uh Councilman Berry in partnership uh with the monthly Bingo Bash on Wednesday, October fifteenth, 10 a.m. to twelve noon at Merrill Manos Conference Center. Lots of fun to be had by all. Join the city of Stockbridge for the annual breast cancer love walk, Saturday, October 18th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Clark Park. [2:37:21, 2:37:41]: More information, contact the events department at events at stopbridgega.org. Join Mayor Potem Gamp for the free annual fall festival on Saturday, October 25th at Clark Park with candy, food trucks, games, costume contests, prizes, and more. Join Mayor Ford, Anthony Ford for the monthly Meet the Man. [2:37:41, 2:37:45]: Monday, October twenty seventh, ten A. M. to twelve noon, the city hall. [2:37:45, 2:38:05]: And meetings are by appointment. Starbury's Main Street is housting, hosting a diabetes awareness walk and health fair on th Saturday, November 1st. Registration begins at 7.30 a.m. The 5K walk will begin at 8.30 at Clark Park. The health fair will take place at 10 a.m. from uh noon at various locations throughout the park. [2:38:05, 2:38:25]: Whether permitting, or at Merle Manders Conference Center lower level. And the Economic Development Department hosts a free business health clinic on the second Thursday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The Stockbridge Connection Center 130 ML King Senior Heritage Trail. Check your health and of your business with a free clinic. [2:38:25, 2:38:45]: Uh Councilman Thomas is honoring veterans with a continued salute all year long. Please send your pictures of veterans, their name, branch, rank, and years of service. And let's see, sign up for a real-time alerts about severe weather, rolls closure, roll closures and emergencies on Regroup app. Visit the city's website or social media. [2:38:45, 2:39:05]: Media pages for more information on how and where to sign up. Stay safe. Please contact Rosland Rawls, his schedule appointment for Meet the Mayor. And for more information on council initiatives 678-833-3348 or by way of email, rawls at stoppers G.org. And a 25-2025 council season. [2:39:05, 2:39:25]: Season comes to the end on Saturday, October 18th, with Detroit Gospel Legends featuring Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Anthony Brown, Vanessa Bell, Armstrong, Lisa Page Brooks, Calvin Wynans, and Brian Cage. And this is the fall, ladies and gentlemen. Flu shots, get your health in check for the winter months. Enjoy your [2:39:25, 2:39:45]: football season and your favorite team and uh have a fantastic and great safe hollow uh Halloween at the end of the month. On that note um council I need a motion to end our meeting tonight. So moved. Is there a second? I second. Okay from Mr. Alexander and Miss Kent. All favor please indicate announced decision. Good night everybody [2:39:45, 2:39:45]: And God bless you. [2:39:46, 2:39:47]: Look at those legs. [2:39:48, 2:39:49]:

--- title: Regular Council Meetings date: 2025-09-08 source: 2025-09-08_Regular_Council_Meetings.wav --- [0:00:00, 0:00:01]: Hello, come on. [0:00:05, 0:00:08]: Thank you, sir. No problem. No problem at all. [0:00:15, 0:00:16]: Yeah, yeah. [0:00:18, 0:00:20]: Oh about two. [0:00:20, 0:00:33]: Some some of y'all come on this side as well. We we can spread it around a little bit. Alright. Okay, back there. I think that camera's gonna get that wide. No, don't worry about it. It's all good. We routinely do this. [0:00:34, 0:00:54]: Alright, so ladies and gentlemen, got a proclamation from the city of Stockbridge: Hidden Valley Senior Center Recognition Week, Piring Possibilities, flipped the script. Okay. Whereas the staff and personal of uh personnel of Hidden Valley Senior Center had manifested a dynamic role in fostering creativity, connection, purpose, and resilience for their [0:00:54, 0:01:14]: Attendees enlisting the support of us attendees, having them actively participate in various events to refresh, recharge, and rejuvenate. Whereas the Hidden Valley Senior Center staff has fostered an atmosphere of connection that combats loneliness and isolation, along with health and wellness programs that promote vitality, where people gather. [0:01:14, 0:01:16]: Yeah. [0:01:16, 0:01:36]: Whereas the Hidden Valley Senior Center staff publishes a biomonthly calendar that informs center attendees about special events, programs, enrichment, classes, weekly activities, group trips, which support the vision and the thriving community where senior residents are healthy, active, safe, and independent. Whereas the Hidden Valley Senior Center staff [0:01:36, 0:01:48]: in cooperation with the other centers in the county, I've been instrumental in this mission to enhance the quality of life for Henry County older adults, resulting in activities that enrich the mind, body, and spirit. [0:01:48, 0:02:03]: Whereas the Hidden Valley Senior Center staff has partnered with other agencies to come alongside to provide services respect uh specifically for seniors to enhance their way of life. And now therefore I, Anthony Ford, my virtual authority investing me as the mayor of City Stockbridget, Georgia. [0:02:03, 0:02:13]: And on behalf of city council members Elton Alexander, Ilana Barber, Kyle Berry, Luke Lakeisa Gantt and Afonso Thomas, we hereby proclaim the week of September 15th through the 19th, 2025. [0:02:14, 0:02:16]: As Hidden Valley Senior Center Recreation Week. [0:02:16, 0:02:26]: the great city of Starby, Georgia, and urge all citizens to recognize and support the vital services provided by Senior Center personnel and staff for the benefit of all citizens. [0:02:26, 0:02:46]: In witness thereof, I have here unto seven in great seal city of Stockbridge, Georgia, on the 8th day of September, year of our Lord, 2025. And I signed a proclamation along with my clerk Vanessa Holiday. Mr. Brown, congratulations to you on this year. Okay. Now what happens is you hope that's [0:02:46, 0:03:06]: Sir, you get that's yours. Now what happens, sir, is when we do this, right? Uh the floor is yours. The mic is there and the floor is yours. Whatever you need to say. Floor is yours. You know, you shouldn't give a preacher microphone. That's fine. Well for one quick minute, uh I just want to again uh present this uh to Pam. [0:03:06, 0:03:07]: You come and uh [0:03:10, 0:03:30]: I guess and uh okay. Yeah. Uh we're grateful. Um I'm kinda new to the county or new to the city, but I've been attending Hidden Valley and uh a lot that goes on there. You guys put on a lot. We did a gala on this past Friday night in Locust Grove and walked up and they had the red [0:03:30, 0:03:50]: Carpet outside. Oh, fantastic. And the rest of the evening was A1. So that's only a part of what they do on behalf of the seniors that attend that center, various activities and so forth. So just uh on bes on behalf of the site console at Hidden Valley, we just want to say thank you for all that you guys do and all that you [0:03:49, 0:04:09]: You will do and all that's in the future. I'll be looking at the schedule. We got a lot of activities planned, and but we're grateful from the front to the back, even to the cashier who messed with me when I pay my money. Okay. I'm not gonna call no name, even though I'm not calling no name, you know. But for everyone, on behalf of the site council, uh thank you all for all. [0:04:09, 0:04:29]: All that you do for us, and on behalf of all the other seniors that attend there, we're grateful for your ethics and all that you do. And thank you very much. Okay, great. Now, I'll tell you what, since you mentioned the activity last Friday night, now I personally could not attend. We had something else going on the city starts. I couldn't attend. But because you said that, we have Vice Chair Nee Robinson. [0:04:29, 0:04:49]: I would assume that uh you are you were there that night. So ma'am, the floor is yours. What what kind of advice would Norma students you have to tell us? Well you hold that because this is an honor for you all. Um and I just wanna say to the staff, Sean, you guys do an amazing job for them. Um so whatever we can do for our seniors. [0:04:49, 0:04:54]: I mean it's just something that we are, you know, overjoyed to do. [0:04:54, 0:04:58]: And just to be here for you all because guess what? You have [0:04:59, 0:05:19]: set the tone for us. Um and there's more to come for Hidden Valley. Um so mayor, just stay tuned. Okay. We have a state of the art facility that are coming for these fine young people. Okay and we're just looking forward to it. But thank you so much um for your kind words that you have stated in reference to the county and the city. And thank you [0:05:19, 0:05:39]: You guys to City for placing this honor on um this group of y fine people. We're gonna we're gonna say if you come down, come down so we're gonna take a picture of she'll give try to get everybody in here. Come on in. Come on in, come on down, sir. Come on. [0:05:39, 0:05:59]: You good? Gina? Come on. Gina, come on. [0:05:58, 0:06:06]: Yeah, yeah, yeah. [0:06:06, 0:06:07]: You don't hear that, Paul. [0:06:08, 0:06:09]: Yeah, okay. [0:06:12, 0:06:13]: Yeah. [0:06:15, 0:06:16]: [387.8, 392.9]: Now it's a few of that. [0:06:34, 0:06:44]: Yeah. Yeah. [0:06:51, 0:06:54]: I think you got one more too. [0:06:56, 0:07:00]: And of course you're welcome to stay as long as you like,'cause it's a public meeting, so that's clearly up to you. [0:07:01, 0:07:04]: I have a proclamation for World All Timers Day. [0:07:05, 0:07:10]: Is uh someone here received that. World Alzheimer's Day. [0:07:11, 0:07:16]: Okay. Well we're gonna we'll oh go I'm gonna do this anyway at this point, okay? [0:07:18, 0:07:29]: So World Alzheimer's Day, whereas World Alzheimer's Day, which takes place every September twenty first, is a global effort to raise awareness and challenges of stigma around Alzheimer's disease, uh other dementia. [0:07:30, 0:07:34]: And whereas Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neur generational [0:07:34, 0:07:54]: Generativity, brain disorder, which robs individuals of the memories, leads to progressive mental and physical impairments, and there are no known treatments to prevent or curate, let alone slow the progression of the disease. Whereas family and friend caregivers bear extraordinary burden in caring for loved ones, in Georgia, over 11 million families. [0:07:54, 0:08:05]: Family members and friends provide unpaid care. Whereas the city of Stockbridge recognizes the efforts of Alzheimer's Association to raise funds and to promote awareness to fight Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. [0:08:06, 0:08:21]: Therefore, uh improving the quality of of human life for those living with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Whereas this World Alzheimer's Day marks a historical error error in the fight against Alzheimer's, we now have uh traditionally approved of treatments to slow Alzheimer's in the early stages. [0:08:22, 0:08:24]: But there is much more work to do. [0:08:24, 0:08:40]: Day by day, we're making real progress for families facing the disease. Now therefore, I Anthony Sfor, by virtual authority, vests in me as the mayor of City of Starbury, Georgia. On behalf of City Council members Ellen, Alexander, Ilana, Barber Cowberry, Lakisa Gannon, Alfonso Thomas, who hereby encourage everyone to participate in the walk. [0:08:40, 0:08:47]: To enter Alzheimer's Saturday, November eighth, twenty twenty five, here in Henry County of Sal in Salem Park. [0:08:47, 0:08:50]: Russia Online at A L Z dot or G [0:08:50, 0:08:59]: And witness thereof I have into, hereunto, set my hand in the great seal of city of Starbury, Georgia, on the eighth day of September, year of our Lord, 2025. [0:08:59, 0:09:07]: And I signed a proclamation along with uh our clerk Vanessa Holiday. You know, ladies and gentlemen, just want you to know and have that. Okay? [0:09:08, 0:09:13]: I don't know if you want to take a picture of this at once. Okay. No voluntary. No, not not at this point. [0:09:17, 0:09:22]: All right, thank you. All right. So I have uh proclamations here for NAS [0:09:23, 0:09:25]: National Hispanic Heritage Month. [0:09:26, 0:09:32]: So uh we have a couple of recipients for that. Angie, come on up. [0:09:38, 0:09:41]: You you want to okay that's fine. You can you can join us. Absolutely. [0:09:43, 0:09:45]: I don't could see. [0:09:46, 0:09:49]: All right. All right, yeah. Yeah. [0:09:53, 0:09:57]: Yeah, young folks here. Young guys. Come on in. [0:10:00, 0:10:01]: Yes, mm-hmm. [0:10:03, 0:10:04]: Mm mm. [0:10:04, 0:10:24]: National Hispanic Heritage Month, whereas each year the Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month annually from September 15th to October 15th by celebrating the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States of America citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, Caribbean, Central, and South America. [0:10:24, 0:10:40]: Whereas the observation uh started in nineteen sixty-eight as the Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in nineteen eighty eight to cover a thirty-day period starting on September fifteenth and ending on October fifteenth. [0:10:40, 0:11:00]: It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of the Public Law 100-402. And whereas the day of September 15th is significant because it is the anniversary of independence of four Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Saturday. [0:11:00, 0:11:20]: September 16th and 18th, respectively. Whereas this year's theme, Collective Heritage, Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future, reflects on the enduring legacy of resilience, leadership, cultural vivosity, okay, that Hispanic communities bring to every facet in our society. Whereas countless Hispanic educators, entrepreneurs, and community organizers [0:11:20, 0:11:39]: continue to inspire new generations to lead with pride and purpose. This month is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and build a future where the voices and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans are always recognized and valued. Therefore I Anthony Sfor by virtue authority vests in me as a marriage stopries, Georgia. [0:11:40, 0:11:47]: And on behalf of city council members, Elton Alexander, Lana, Barber, Kyle, Berry, Keese again, Afonso Thomas do hereby proclaim September fifteenth. [0:11:47, 0:12:07]: To October 15th as Hispanic Herodest Month in the great city of Stockbridge. And witness thereof, I have hereunto set in my hand in the great seal of the city of Stockbridge, Georgia, on this eighth day of September, year of our Lord, 2025, and signed a proclamation along direct for it and it's a holiday. So the server I need to give, here you go. Congratulations to you. [0:12:07, 0:12:08]: Yeah. [0:12:11, 0:12:17]: And one another one for you as well. Congratulations to you. Now granted same thing, you know, once you [0:12:18, 0:12:19]: You deserve it. [0:12:20, 0:12:26]: Now now on that note, the f the floor is now yours. [0:12:27, 0:12:29]: Bob, how many? [0:12:29, 0:12:49]: Did I do something wrong then? Okay. Yes. Okay. All right. Soin. All right. So on that note, I mean the floor is yours in reference to any comments that you made that you want to say in reference to this at all. And I'll I'll tell you what. I'll do this. I'll do this, all right? Andy here? [0:12:49, 0:12:50]: For cafe? [0:12:51, 0:12:53]: Uh routinely [0:12:53, 0:13:04]: Visited a cafe, Romeo Sundays after church and I was there just guessful. Uh-huh. And she waited on me for a brief moment. And so one f one [0:13:05, 0:13:19]: Activity one for breakfast and brunch, also. I can't recall what your businesses are, but I know I go visit her routine. All right. On that note I'll be quiet, okay? All right. Excuse me. We'll we can uh we figure out we we can issue more stuff, okay? [0:13:19, 0:13:24]: Oh is that right? Okay. Good deal. The floor is yours. Anyone? [0:13:26, 0:13:43]: Tell us how great your business is. That's all you're gonna tell us how great your business is. Um my name is Maria Ramirez and I work for RCC and Associates and we be in business for in the city of Sackridge for over twenty years. We are gonna turn twenty two. [0:13:43, 0:14:01]: Two three twenty three this year. Oh I'm sorry. So twenty three years in the city of Stockridge. So we are very um delighted to come every year. So we are very um [0:14:01, 0:14:05]: Delighted and honored that the city of Stockbridge. [0:14:05, 0:14:14]: remember our culture and um that you know recognize us as Hispanic in this community that we're here to grow. Thank you. [0:14:19, 0:14:22]: It's up to you. Anybody. Anybody. [0:14:23, 0:14:26]: Go ahead, sir. You look like making it. [0:14:26, 0:14:46]: Uh good afternoon. First of all, thank you guys uh for you know inviting us out here. Uh we are with the Orno. We're a pizzeria in uh Mexican kitchen. We are um Italian and Mexican fusion. So think about you know, if you like tacos, you like pizza, we fuse it up together uh with our own uh with our own twist to it, you know. So we've we're fairly [0:14:46, 0:15:06]: young. Um we're a year in, but we have received a lot of great feedback from the community, a lot of support. Definitely thank you to the city of Stockbridge for you know allowing us to you know be a part of the community as well. And you know we're still still learning process uh there so we're slowly growing, slowly um, you know, learning and all that good stuff. We have offered a little bit of everything. [0:15:06, 0:15:26]: From tacos to pizza to wings, definitely try our specialty. That's what a lot of people have recognized us for, infusing our Hispanic Mexican culture onto um the Italian prize, right? The Italian cuisine, which is pizza. Like who doesn't love pizza and who doesn't love tacos, right? But other than that, thank you so much for, you know, inviting us out and you know. [0:15:26, 0:15:34]: Letting us be a part of um the city and definitely hopefully we're here for many, many more years. Thank y'all so much. [0:15:37, 0:15:38]: So that's not great in parts. [0:15:39, 0:15:43]: Just a little bit. [0:15:43, 0:15:46]: Everybody knows you already [0:15:48, 0:16:08]: Okay. Certainly w as the mayor has indicated, Angie's Cafe right there on North Henry Boulevard, right there next to the new Burlington, right? Which is uh a big investment uh in North Henry Boulevard as we certainly appreciate your investment. [0:16:08, 0:16:28]: Your restaurant kind of kicked off the turnaround for that particular area and it's continuing to come and continuing to develop. I call council a w um commissioner Robinson, vice chair up here, because we collaborated with RCC and Association and Rocio Camacho. [0:16:28, 0:16:48]: To establish a program called Hispanic Stockbridge, which we saw the proclamation being given out on a yearly basis, but we wanted to do more than that. We certainly wanted to embrace the Hispanic culture and we wanted to have an event. And this year, during Bridgefest, it'll be Bridgefest, Hispanifest, we have specific areas. [0:16:48, 0:17:00]: areas and performances dedicated to uh the Hispanic community. Uh and certainly we value your contributions and understand everybody is welcome here in the city of Stockbridge Commissioner. [0:17:01, 0:17:13]: Yes, I wanna echo that. We actually started this in twenty seventeen. Um so you know we have definitely been community partners. Um we just love that this is a community that [0:17:14, 0:17:34]: Connects. I'm sorry. Connect and and not only that, it we feel like family. Um so when you all were here, it just shows that the connection of Stockbridge is just it's something bigger and better than other cities and counties um right here in um Stockbridge and Henry County. So as we continue to grow together. [0:17:34, 0:17:54]: um and work together. We're super excited. So we're just looking forward to the celebration. And Rosia's not here, so hopefully she's watching. But we just want to say that we just appreciate um the love and the partnership that we bring to this city. And um to everyone else, congratulations. [0:17:54, 0:18:00]: And we're just so glad that you're part of the family here in Stockbridge and Henry County as well. [0:18:01, 0:18:21]: Hold on, hold on, hold on. I just want to say one other thing, okay. We're not done yet. The Citywide Development Authority, Roccio, just reached out to us a few weeks ago and the DDA, we're working on Hispanic Business Expo. And we certainly would like all of you all to participate in it and to be prepared and understand it's just more than [0:18:21, 0:18:41]: Talk, it's action, and we are here to welcome everyone. And stock bridge is what open for business? Stock bridge. Where community connects? Right, there you go. Appreciate it. So let's come. Down, folks. Come on down this way, please. Come on, come on. Move up. We might have to double up. Come on down further. [0:18:41, 0:18:56]: Come on little folks. Come on, come on, come on, come on down. This one. Put out the proclamations there, ladies, please. Gentlemen. [0:19:03, 0:19:07]: That's a good thing. Thank you. [0:19:09, 0:19:10]: Okay. [0:19:23, 0:19:28]: I have a swearing in to do also today in reference to the youth council advisory committee member. [0:19:29, 0:19:32]: Danita Mimis, sorry to pronounce it. Come on up, please. [0:19:37, 0:19:44]: Right in this area and um raise your right hand and we'll I'll repeat after me and I'll take a small little snippets for you, okay? Okay. [0:19:45, 0:19:50]: Okay, listen up please folks. I state your name. I Danita Michelle Dennis. [0:19:50, 0:20:00]: Uh uh committee member. Community member. Do solemnly swear and affirm. Do solemnly swear and affirm. That I will faithfully performed. That I will faithfully perform. The duties of the youth council advisory committee. [0:20:01, 0:20:05]: The duties of the youth advisory coming youth council advisory committee. [0:20:05, 0:20:25]: Advisory committee of the city of Stockbridge. Of the city of Stockbridge. And that I will to the best of my ability. To the best of my ability. Support and defend. Support and defend. The charter thereof. The charter thereof. As well as the constitution. As well as the constitution. And the laws. And the laws of the state of Georgia. Of the state of Georgia. And the United States of America. And the United States of America. [0:20:25, 0:20:30]: I have further affirmed that uh upon assumption of this office. [0:20:30, 0:20:50]: Upon assumption of this office, I do not hold. I do not hold any unaccounted for any accounted for public money public money to unpayable to the state. To unpayable to the state. Any political subdivision? Any political subdivision of the state? Of the state. The city of Stockbridge. The city of Stockbridge. Or any authority thereof. Or the authority thereof. Nor do I hold. Nor do I hold any other office. [0:20:50, 0:21:10]: Any other office of trust of trust of the government of the government of the United States of this state of this state or any foreign state or any foreign state as prescribed by law by law of the state of Georgia in the state of Georgia. I will perform the duties of my office of my office in the best in the best interest of the city of Stockbridge. [0:21:10, 0:21:30]: City of Stark. And to the best of my ability. And to the best of my ability. Without fear. Without fear. Favor. Favor. Affection. Affection. Reward. Reward. Or expectation thereof. Or expectation thereof. And this is eight day of September, year of our Lord, 2025. And congratulations to you. All right. All right. Now, just as we do. [0:21:30, 0:21:39]: Uh we had to sign these documents here, but you also have the option to speak to everybody and give your words of wisdom. Okay, so the time is yours. [0:21:40, 0:21:43]: Okay, I have to sign right here as well. [0:21:44, 0:21:45]: Yeah, do I understand? [0:21:45, 0:21:49]: Okay. Thank you so much. Here, here, okay. [0:21:56, 0:22:12]: And there you go. Congratulations to you. Okay. Now um you want you taking pictures. You don't want to you know you my bad for the floor is yours. If you have a comment to one minute. [0:22:13, 0:22:21]: Okay. Um good evening everybody. I am Danita Menace, um, and I am very elated to [0:22:21, 0:22:41]: have this position to work with the youth of Stockbridge. I have been working with young people since I was a young person. Um and what I strongly believe is that the youth are exactly where we all should be thriving to work with and work for. They are our future [0:22:41, 0:23:01]: And they always do what we do and not what we say. And I model my life out of after that personally and professionally. Um I just recently started my own business and had my ribbon cutting ceremony. Uh thank you so much, Mayor and and Ms. Robinson for being [0:23:01, 0:23:18]: there. One of my main goals with the business is to help young people who are thriving to be in business for themselves as well as offering them life culture and support. So I'm super excited about being a part of the council. So thank you guys so much. Appreciate it. [0:23:19, 0:23:30]: Thank you. Okay, here we go. Okay, um good afternoon everyone. I'm the um the [0:23:32, 0:23:52]: I'm so sorry you guys. It's been a long day coming from work. But I'm the chair of the uh Stockwood Youth Council Advisory Committee. And um Miss Minnesota, she completes us. We are uh we are finally at twelve, so I'm so happy for that. Um it takes a lot, like they say, it takes a village to, you know, raise kids and we're [0:23:52, 0:24:12]: so glad to have her as a part of that, not just being on the committee, but she's already imparting so much into what she loves to do with the kids. So she's gonna be uh advantageous to what we're doing. So thank you. We appreciate it. Good job. Good journey. So let's uh let's come up come on down here, we'll take uh pictures [0:24:12, 0:24:17]: Yeah. [0:24:26, 0:24:41]: Gotcha. All right. Fantastic. All right, ladies and gentlemen, we'll get started and let's see here. I have six total, we'll get started by five minutes. We do have a corn. All right. Yeah, I see. [0:24:43, 0:24:47]: How are we doing man? [0:24:47, 0:24:50]: No, you didn't know this. [0:24:51, 0:24:53]: You don't make sure to reverse it out for you. [0:24:55, 0:25:02]: [1503.2, 1505.0]: [0:25:06, 0:25:21]: [1534.5, 1537.0]: [0:25:45, 0:25:55]: Okay, thank you. Now what I was gonna ask you earlier is whether or not either one of you would be in this. [0:25:57, 0:25:58]: Right. [0:26:00, 0:26:03]: [1563.9, 1572.0]: Uh new. [0:26:12, 0:26:18]: Really? Well, drop this off on the capsule. Yes. [0:26:18, 0:26:30]: Oh yes. Yeah, we know that's what I thought. Okay, okay, I forgot to use I'll I'll I'll call you up. [0:26:31, 0:26:32]: Yeah. [0:26:40, 0:26:50]: We could go this way. [0:27:06, 0:27:07]: Yeah. Which one? Yeah. [0:27:08, 0:27:09]: You may want to do. [0:27:10, 0:27:11]: [1632.0, 1646.6]: How are you? I'm Andy. Joan. Joan, that's weak IT help test. Yes, you are. Good? All right, you're good. Thank you. [0:27:30, 0:27:33]: But there's a very high [0:27:35, 0:27:39]: Appreciate that right. [0:27:39, 0:27:40]: Yeah, so [0:28:00, 0:28:20]: But I also wanted to be able to spread out what I'll do. Like I just want to call it. [0:28:20, 0:28:21]: Yeah, but [0:28:23, 0:28:30]: Yeah, and some of the middle editors. [0:28:31, 0:28:35]: Yeah, you get one of the shape. [0:28:55, 0:28:56]: [1736.3, 1738.5]: I don't know. [0:28:59, 0:29:00]: Yeah. [0:29:05, 0:29:13]: You're the one missing. Oh, yeah. [0:29:15, 0:29:25]: Yeah. Whatever we tell. More shit. [0:29:35, 0:29:36]: No right. [0:29:37, 0:29:39]: [1795.6, 1815.6]: Yes, yes. [0:30:15, 0:30:20]: [1822.1, 1838.0]: Yeah. We ask for. [0:30:58, 0:30:59]: Come in. [0:31:23, 0:31:32]: Okay, okay, show you now. Congratulations. [0:32:05, 0:32:05]: [1929.4, 1930.8]: Oh yeah, [0:32:13, 0:32:15]: Okay. [0:32:31, 0:32:39]: Right. I need for you to when I ask for an amendment to the agenda, I need for you to read that. All right. [0:32:42, 0:32:52]: Alright ladies and gentlemen, we'll get started with our council meeting. Um I have actually six ten. Okay, so I'd like to call the council meeting for September eighth to order. [0:32:52, 0:32:54]: Invocation, uh Maria. [0:32:55, 0:32:58]: Marie c come on up to the mic and give us an invocation, please. [0:32:58, 0:33:00]: Make sure the green light is on. [0:33:02, 0:33:07]: Yeah, right there should be a the green light. You see a green light? Yes. Okay, go ahead, please. [0:33:07, 0:33:10]: Dear Lord, we pray for you today. [0:33:10, 0:33:13]: And to bless us this day. [0:33:14, 0:33:29]: I would continue in Spanish because that's my year of my own. I think every one of those people who are with us this day, that it's your voluntary that we talk about the voice of others. [0:33:29, 0:33:49]: Que cada uno actue de corazon con tu bendición in el nombre Jesús. Amen. Amen. Amen. All right. Thank you very much. Pledge allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic where it stands one nation, one God, in a good republic. [0:33:49, 0:33:51]: Liberty and justice for all. [0:33:52, 0:33:55]: Madam Clerk, Roll Call, please. Good evening. [0:33:55, 0:33:56]: If nine [0:34:00, 0:34:02]: Mayor Ford. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. [0:34:04, 0:34:06]: Present Council Member Thomas. [0:34:06, 0:34:10]: Let the record reflect Council Member Thomas is not in attendance. Council Member Berry. [0:34:11, 0:34:31]: At the record reflect, Councilmember Berry is not in attendance. Councilmember Barber. Present. Councilmember Alexander. Present. Mayor Ford, you have a call. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Appreciate that. Um Mayor Po Tem, I need an amendment to the agenda, please. Yes, Mayor, I would like to um make a motion to amend the agenda to table item number three, item number four, and item number five at the staff's request. [0:34:31, 0:34:32]: [2072.5, 2074.1]: Thank you. Is there a second to a motion? [0:34:34, 0:34:37]: Sick. Okay, thank you very much. Um fair please indicate. [0:34:38, 0:34:44]: Okay, thank you very much. Um now I need a motion to adopt the rest of the agenda, please. So moved. Is there a second? [0:34:45, 0:35:05]: Second. Okay, from Miss Uh Ms. Gantton, Miss House, and our favorite, please indicate. All right, fantastic. Uh earlier this evening, ladies and gentlemen, we had a ceremonial review, several different proclamations. Uh the first proclamation was actually to Hidden Valley Senior Recreational Center, acknowledging uh this uh seniors week and uh Mr. Paul Brown and [0:35:05, 0:35:25]: And staff from the Hidden Valley Senior Center were here to receive that. We also had a uh proclamation for National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is from uh September 15th to October 15th. And we have several individuals who received that, uh, Angie from Angie's Cafe, and uh individuals from RCC and Associates that have been uh residents uh and [0:35:25, 0:35:45]: but it have the business well over twenty years in the city of Stockbridge. And then uh we uh actually swore in a new member of the youth council advisory committee and if I got right Miss Minnesota if I pronounced that right and uh she's joined uh joined that particular committee. Now that advisory committee is full with twelve adult uh advisors to work with those children as [0:35:45, 0:36:03]: as they uh continue to grow this next year. And uh did read a proclamation on World All Timers Day, but there was no no one received that, but we did a knowledge World All Timers Day uh this evening as well. And that's all for the ceremonial review. Um Madam Clerk do we have any public comments at all? [0:36:05, 0:36:06]: Willie Carter. [0:36:06, 0:36:26]: Okay. Public comments. All persons wishing to speak for public comment must sign in the city clerk prior to beginning of the meeting. You must sign your name, address and phone number. You'll be able to address the mayor and council for at least three minutes. Speakers must be re respect. All members of the elected body, officials and staff. Definition of unruliness and or swearing will not be tolerated while meetings are [0:36:26, 0:36:29]: Mr. Carter, please name and address. [0:36:30, 0:36:32]: Uh wheel uh one twenty three Wilson Avenue. [0:36:33, 0:36:33]: Okay. [0:36:34, 0:36:36]: Well. [0:36:37, 0:36:48]: Good evening, Mr. Mayor, Council, and the Stockbridge residents. I'm Willie Carter, District Two candidate for city council. We have all been excuse me aware of the [0:36:49, 0:36:55]: It's its management of funds in the fiscal year of twenty twenty four. [0:36:55, 0:37:15]: Along requiring a budget amendment of 32.9 million, this is unacceptable and cannot continue. Going forward as the city prepares to set the new budget, the city council needs to be more responsible with taking care of the services that should be provided to the residents and the businesses. [0:37:15, 0:37:35]: of the city. Three years in with this amphitheater, every single year has spent millions of dollars over budget. And I'm sure twenty twenty five is going to be added to that. At some point this council needs to wise up and pivot. Let's get it right for twenty twenty six by bringing in [0:37:34, 0:37:54]: And a company to manage the amphitheater and take on the expenses. We simply cannot afford to continue to do this internally. Also, the city council has failed to respond to the recommendation from the City Ethics Board to have an excuse independent thought. [0:37:54, 0:38:06]: third party to review the city's finances from the complaint that was filed by Councilman Barber. Not one word has come from this city council. [0:38:08, 0:38:13]: I have come to the city council for years now to get imf improvements. [0:38:14, 0:38:31]: to the Ty Street area, and after numerous phone calls and emails and meetings with Councilman Thomas and the Public Works Department, we finally got six million approved to do the work. Why haven't this project started? [0:38:33, 0:38:42]: I am asking the new city manager and the public works director, Mr. Aaron, to provide an update on this project. Thank you. [0:38:42, 0:38:48]: Thank you for your time, appreciate it. [0:38:51, 0:38:51]: Excuse me. [0:38:53, 0:39:13]: He's done. He's finished with his comment. I just want to make sure we we make sure the clock is working if we have anybody else coming up. And also we want to make sure what the policy is in terms of there's no campaigning allowed at the mic. That's true. I was gonna talk to her about having having a sidebar conversation with him later. Okay? She knows that. She'll be on top there. [0:39:13, 0:39:33]: Appreciate it. Okay. Uh adoption to the minutes. Adoption of regular city uh council meeting minutes uh dated eleven August twenty twenty five. The middle's rate public hearing number one, meeting minutes of August twenty twenty five August eleventh, twenty twenty five. Adoption once again of the middle rate public hearing number two, uh also on August eleventh, twenty twenty five. [0:39:33, 0:39:49]: five and then the Mills rate public hearing number three, August eighteenth to twenty twenty five. You have the adoption of special call floss meeting minutes August eighteenth, and also the adoption of the work session minute meeting minutes on August twenty sixth. Council need a motion to accept those those minutes, please. [0:39:50, 0:39:54]: Some move. Is there a second? Second. Okay. All in favor, please indicate? [0:39:54, 0:40:05]: Thank you very much. What's that, sir? That is, there was a significant a development that happened in August that you talked about at the concert. [0:40:05, 0:40:13]: That's true too. So I was gonna mention that later on the season. Let's do that while we got the full audience in here before everybody leaves. How about that? [0:40:13, 0:40:33]: What amounts to, ladies and gentlemen, did in August last month, uh the uh during our fourth year of operating the uh Stockbridge Amphitheater, or now called Amphitheater at the bridge, and what it amounts to this totally paid off of twenty two point five million dollars uh debt free in the way we finance everything and it has nothing to do this finance has nothing to do with the operational [0:40:33, 0:40:53]: Funds. It was strictly the way we financed that with uh low interest bonds, uh SPLOSS funding, and also um some fund balance. Uh so it was done completely uh debt free for the operation up of for the building, the debt free of the up of the amphitheaters. We know oh no more money on that. We just have to operate uh like you would operate and maintain your home. [0:40:53, 0:41:03]: your car, even your body. So that's what we have to do now. Absolutely. So the Stockbridge By Star Empathy is one hundred percent debt free. That's correct. Thank you. You're welcome. [0:41:07, 0:41:23]: What we have next uh is actually a public hearing. And so for the public hearing rules, please mote uh mute all cell phones and other electronic devices. If anyone wishes to speak tonight on a public hearing item, please fill out the form available on the table and hand it to the city clerk before approaching the podium. [0:41:24, 0:41:37]: After each side is called, the council will hear from the city staff, followed by the applicant or the representative regarding the proposed plans for property along with or any other relevant information. The council will be free to ask questions at any time before the vote. [0:41:38, 0:41:43]: Following the applicant, anyone who wishes to speak in favor or opposed to the case will have an opportunity to do so. [0:41:44, 0:41:51]: Each side will be allotted ten minutes total. Additional time may be ex extended at the at the discretion discretion of the council. [0:41:52, 0:41:54]: Please keep comments and presentations professional. [0:41:55, 0:42:15]: Excuse me, referring to only the facts and are pertinent to the case. We will not allow comments or personal attacks towards any individual group. Please refrain from the 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 members of the council, staff, or audience. All comments will be made. [0:42:14, 0:42:17]: Made for Napoleon. [0:42:17, 0:42:20]: will be required to state your name and address for the record. [0:42:20, 0:42:23]: Please note that these hearings are not a debate. [0:42:23, 0:42:43]: Fair to comply will cause you to be removed from the chamber and the building by law enforcement if you do deviate from these proceedings. After and the other than the applicant, no person may speak more than once. The applicant may reserve part or of his or her speaking time as a rebuttal, may speak next and or last, or may use the entire ten minutes to allow for [0:42:43, 0:42:45]: [2565.7, 2570.5]: If questions are raised, the council may ask the applicant to address questions and or concerns. [0:42:50, 0:42:52]: Present officer will call for a motion. [0:42:52, 0:42:54]: And a second uh to the motion. [0:42:55, 0:42:56]: And have any necessary discussion. [0:42:57, 0:43:17]: If the matter is not tabled, the presiding officer will call for the vote to recommend approval or denial of the request. So a public hearing is appeal case AP-2025-01 Council District 4. Consideration of the appeal on the March 17, 2025 zoning review form that was used on the base of the City of Stockton. [0:43:16, 0:43:36]: Bridge discontinuance of a 2025 business license for truck parking on parcel number S27-01016000 and parcel number S27-01017000 on Rock Croy Road. The property is located in a parkway mixed use. [0:43:36, 0:43:56]: Use PMU overlay district where truck parking and all industrial uses are not permitted. Applicant James Raven, property owners James Raven, and Huddleston Concrete Company. The business license was issued by four 123 Rockway Road, where the company office is located. The property is located in land lots thirty five and thirty-seven. [0:43:56, 0:44:16]: Of District 12. The zoning, current use, and acreies for each parcel are listed below. The parcels are not continuous. 123 Rockway Road, parcel S27-01012000, zone SR suburban residential. Current use office of the Hulleston Concrete Company Air [0:44:16, 0:44:36]: Acres 1.55 acres. Processor number S27-0101-6000 on Roccoy Road, Zone LI, Light Industrial Current Use Truck Parking, Acreage 2.95 Acres. 135 Roccoy Road. [0:44:36, 0:44:56]: 7000 zoned LI Light Industrial Colonel Use Truck Parking Acres 3.44 acres presented by Mr. Anderson please. All right, good evening, Mary Council. Um before I get started, I'd like to say that this um project, this action has been vetted by a zoning attorney. [0:44:56, 0:45:08]: Um the applicant submitted um an appeal on August I mean on April twenty eighth, twenty twenty five. It was from James Raven of the Huddleston Concrete Company. His agent is Andy Welch, [0:45:08, 0:45:11]: with the law firm of Smith Welch, Webb and White. [0:45:13, 0:45:29]: And as you mentioned earlier, the property is located at 135 Rock Quarry Road for parcel S27-0101-7000. But the application ac actually concerns the adjacent parcel, S27-0101-6000. [0:45:32, 0:45:52]: Stated purpose to appeal the zoning review form that was completed by the community development staff on March seventeenth, twenty twenty-five. The form recommended that recommended the denial of Huddleston Country's use of two parcels for truck parking. That led to a decision by the Business Service Division in March twenty-eighth, twenty-five letter to state as follows. [0:45:52, 0:46:06]: The application process for your business, Huddleston Concrete, located at 135 Rock Quarry Road, is denied for the following. Truck terminals, truck trailer storage lots, truck parking lots, and truck repair are only allowed in industrial zoning. [0:46:06, 0:46:09]: and not allowed in a parkway mixed use overlay district. [0:46:10, 0:46:21]: Both actions occurred after a citation was issued on the subject property on March 14, 2025, as a result of the applicant not having an appropriate business license for truck parking. [0:46:25, 0:46:30]: Once again, uh the citation was issued on March twenty mar March fourteenth, twenty twenty five. [0:46:31, 0:46:51]: Fn the applicant was cited for not having an appropriate occupational tax certificate. Uh the applicant has never had a um occupational tax license for truck parking since the business was started. Uh municipal court summons was issued on the same day. It required the applicant to appear in court on May 16, 2025. A letter was sent to the applicant by [0:46:51, 0:47:11]: Business Services on March 28, 2025. It's stated that the application process for your business, Huddleston Concrete, located at 135 Rock Quarry Road, is denied for the following reasons. As I mentioned earlier, truck terminals, truck trail up storage lots, truck parking lots, and truck repair are only allowed in industrial zoning districts and are not allowed in the parkway mixture. [0:47:10, 0:47:12]: use overlay district. [0:47:14, 0:47:34]: Uh on April 3rd, 2025, the Code Enforcement Division of the Stockbridge Police Department sent a letter to the applicant stating that the truck parking on parcel S27-0101-6000 and parcel S27-0101-7000 was a violation and that the applicant was given 45 to 60 days. [0:47:34, 0:47:36]: Yeah. [0:47:37, 0:47:50]: Uh the applicant appeared in municipal court on may sixteenth and asked for a continuance of at least sixty days to allow his attorney time to prep to prepare for the court hearing. The court then rescheduled applicant hearing to july eighteenth, twenty twenty five. [0:47:51, 0:47:58]: The applicant is requesting to either be granted an appeal hearing before city council or that the community depart development department decide that the 2025 business license [0:47:59, 0:48:02]: which the applicant receives does not does not apply. [0:48:02, 0:48:04]: To the subject property. The applicant ha [0:48:05, 0:48:09]: did receive a business license, but only for the Huddlest Huddleston. [0:48:10, 0:48:11]: Concrete company. [0:48:14, 0:48:15]: Um [0:48:18, 0:48:20]: Let me get to the uh [0:48:24, 0:48:44]: The current zoning of the property, the base zoning is for the, there are three separate parcels. Um the office parcel, which the with the company office is located is zone SR, suburban residential. The truck parking zoning is zone L I. And the overlay district is PMU, and the future land use designation. [0:48:44, 0:48:49]: Here's a aerial photo of the of the properties. [0:48:52, 0:48:55]: Highlighted in green is the parcel where where the truck parking is occurring. [0:48:55, 0:48:56]: Yep, yes. [0:48:56, 0:49:00]: Uh this is a photo, another area photo. [0:49:01, 0:49:05]: Here's a picture of the office for the Huddleston Concrete Company. [0:49:09, 0:49:23]: So here's an aerial photo of the truck of one of the truck parcels. So it's parking on two different parcels and neither one of these parcels have an occupational tax license associated with it. And never once did they apply for an OTC for either of those parcels. [0:49:26, 0:49:29]: So here's the second parcel where the truck parking is occurring. [0:49:31, 0:49:38]: Here's a street view of the truck parking. As you as you can see from the street view, that the trucks are lined up fronting on Rock Quarry Road. [0:49:40, 0:49:42]: There's a air another aerial photo of the truck parking. [0:49:52, 0:49:54]: The surrounding zoning [0:49:55, 0:50:15]: Uh to the north you got suburban residential and MFR and OI. To the south is the railroad. To the east you got heavy industrial, and to the west is the west on the west side of Rock Court between South Lee Street to the north and the railroad tracks to the south. [0:50:14, 0:50:30]: The surrounding future land use designations is to the north you got downtown district, to the northeast you got low density mixed use, to the east you got heavy industrial, to the west and south you got light industrial. And the road classification for Rock Quarry Road is a minor arterial. [0:50:32, 0:50:32]: Um [0:50:34, 0:50:42]: The property at 123 Rockware Road is zone SR, Suburban Residential, and is occupied by a small building that is being used by Huddleston Concrete for an office. [0:50:42, 0:50:46]: The SR district though does not allow office uses. [0:50:46, 0:50:48]: Since only residential uses are allowed on [0:50:50, 0:51:02]: The uh the other two parts of the zone LI and they are being used for truck parking, even though LI does not allow truck parking. The only zoning district within the city of Stockbridge where truck parking is allowed is HI, Heavy Industrial. [0:51:02, 0:51:22]: All three parcels are located within the PMU overlay district. Section 2.52D17 of the Stockbridge Unified Development Code states that the following types of uses are prohibited within the PMU. Once again, truck terminals, truck trailer storage, truck parking lots, and truck repair. In addition, all type all types of industrial uses are prohibited. [0:51:22, 0:51:27]: within the PMU. All three parcels have a future land use designation of light industrial. [0:51:31, 0:51:34]: Here's the um land use map of the three parcels. [0:51:36, 0:51:38]: Here's the overlay district map. [0:51:41, 0:51:44]: Future land use map for the three parcels. [0:51:45, 0:51:58]: Zoning history. Research was conducted on historical zoning maps and ordinance to identify the previous zoning district for the three parcels of land that are currently in Quartius and currently owned by Huddleston Concrete. Whether the zoning changed at any time. [0:52:00, 0:52:03]: Well the truck parking was all allowable use at any time. [0:52:03, 0:52:23]: And when any overlay districts began. Planning and zoning functions for the city of Stockbridge were previously handled by Henry County prior to 2019. So previous Henry County, Henry County zoning maps and ordinance had to be researched. We went back to 1963, which requires Stockbridge Urban Area Zoning Map was. [0:52:23, 0:52:40]: recommended by the by the Henry County Planning Commission and adopted by the Oakbridge City Council on May 10th, 1963. It was prepared by Hill and Adley Associates Planning Consultants on the basis of a 1960 field survey. It clearly shows the area where the two existing truck parcels are located. [0:52:40, 0:52:45]: adjacent to the southern railroad as being long as being zone m one [0:52:45, 0:52:46]: M one is [0:52:47, 0:52:52]: It's the same as our light industrial now. So at the time it we used M one instead of um [0:52:52, 0:52:53]: Hello. [0:52:53, 0:52:57]: And and at that time M one did not allow um truck parking. [0:52:58, 0:53:05]: While the area for the Holston Concrete Company's current office at 123 Rock Quarry is was zoned as RM 75. [0:53:05, 0:53:08]: At the time was a type of multifamily residential zoning. [0:53:08, 0:53:10]: Then we looked at a map from nineteen eighty nine. [0:53:15, 0:53:19]: Here's a picture of the um of the map from nineteen sixty three. [0:53:20, 0:53:23]: And the property is clearly zone uh MY. [0:53:29, 0:53:36]: It's another picture of the map from nineteen sixty one. And you can see the properties with my curse here is the zone zone um MY. [0:53:40, 0:53:50]: Stockbridge this is a stock bridge zoning map from uh also from nineteen sixty one, uh from a field survey showing that the it was circled is the M1 is light manufacturing. [0:53:53, 0:54:00]: There's another map from uh nineteen sixty three showing that the property was M1. The property has never been zoned heavy industrial. [0:54:04, 0:54:10]: It's another map from sixty three. Um and uh here's the updated map uh from nineteen eighty nine. [0:54:13, 0:54:15]: I steel zone M one. [0:54:17, 0:54:18]: Um [0:54:19, 0:54:27]: Two thousand and three and two thousand and seven zoning maps. Historic zoning maps from two thousand and three and two thousand and seven for the city of Stockbridge were [0:54:27, 0:54:47]: Were recently what were recently obtained from Henry County and they both show the truck parking parcels as being zoned M1. Once again, the tr the the parcels always zone light industrial. In addition, all other historic maps which the city's community development department has zone file shows the truck parking properties as being zone M1 or L I. [0:54:47, 0:54:47]: Yeah. [0:54:47, 0:55:07]: The same is true for the office parcel. At some point, the office parcel was rezoned to SR, its current zoning, but no maps or documents could be found which shows or stated that. The oldest available Henry County zoning ordinance from June 3, 1986, and it stated that within the M1 districts were to be nuisance free, although such use [0:55:07, 0:55:25]: Uses included the storage of heavy material, products, or equipment. Nothing was mentioned about allowing outdoor storage or the storage of parking or the parking of trucks or other vehicles. No mention was made of the M2 manufacturing or C three heavy commercial zoning districts either. The M2 [0:55:26, 0:55:46]: The M2 district at the time did allow rock, sand, or gravel distribution as well as truck terminals. Excerpts from the Henry County's 1986 zoning districts are provided for C three, M1, and M2. The C three and M2 districts provided for the commercial or industrial uses, which require larger land areas and the need for outside storage, but the M1 had no such. [0:55:45, 0:55:46]: That's pretty easy. [0:55:50, 0:55:51]: Here's proof of the excerpt. [0:55:53, 0:56:13]: Uh the overlay district. Um regarding overlay district, the city of Stockbridge current PMU Parkway mixed use overlay district began in 2022 with the adoption of the Unified Development Code. Its precursor was the city's highway corridor overlay district, which began in 2019 and was modeled modeled after Henry County's Highway Corridor District. [0:56:13, 0:56:17]: Emory County Corridor Overlay District, which began in twenty seventeen. [0:56:19, 0:56:29]: uh relevant business documents. Uh the applicant listed the business address as one twenty three Rock Quarry and the proposed business use as property rental. Um [0:56:30, 0:56:45]: Applicant's 2024 business license issued 124. The stated business type was gravel hauling local. No mention of truck parking. That was his last um business license. It stated he was a gravel hauling type business. [0:56:45, 0:56:54]: On 1724, the applicant listed the business address is 123 Rock Quarry Road, and the proposed business use was property rental, truck parking. [0:56:56, 0:57:16]: Applicants twenty twenty five business license issued that stated that the business site was gravel hauling local. Um three on three four twenty twenty five, three listed violations was were the presence of truck, car parts, the presence the presence of multiple junk vehicle and fence damage. It was cited by [0:57:16, 0:57:18]: Code enforcement for those three things. [0:57:20, 0:57:25]: Here's a copy of the applicant's business license. It's included in your package. Um [0:57:27, 0:57:36]: This was his business license as a uh 1124 stated it was gr and you can see the business type, it stated it was a gravel hauling local business. [0:57:40, 0:57:43]: So here's the notice of violation that was issued by [0:57:44, 0:57:47]: Code enforcement division on march fourth, twenty twenty five. [0:57:49, 0:57:50]: Um [0:57:50, 0:58:10]: The municipal court summons on uh 314-2025 stated the occupation tax OTC mandatory for operation and the applicant was scheduled to appear in court on May 20, May 16, 2025. The listed business address was 135 Rock Quarter Road and the stated parcels was S-27. [0:58:10, 0:58:22]: However, parcel S twenty seven zero one oh five thousand is owned by the ambassadors for Chris for Christ Ministries and it has stated [0:58:23, 0:58:28]: And it has three buildings on the property with the addresses of one twenty five, not one thirty five, Rockway Road. [0:58:28, 0:58:37]: Further, although the state is oning or C three heavy commercial is correct for 125 Rockwater Road. The form was supposed to be prepared, be prepared for 135. [0:58:37, 0:58:54]: Rock Quarry Road. There was no mention of the second truck parking lot on parcel S seventeen dash zero one O one six thousand, Northlestone Concrete, Company office building at one twenty three Rock Quarry Road. Yet the applicant relied upon this in his file and his appeal. [0:58:56, 0:59:00]: Here's a copy of the zona review form completed on March seventeenth, twenty twenty-five. [0:59:03, 0:59:23]: Um so basically to sum this up, um to sum to summarize this, the applicant um had a business license, a valid business license for a concrete hauling company. Uh sometimes in the past they changed from a concrete hauling company to create a truck to uh to use two parcels of land for truck parking without contacting the city or [0:59:23, 0:59:43]: or filing for any any paperwork or paying any occupational tax on the income from those truck parking uh terminals. So they just took it upon themselves to create truck parking, uh, which is not allowed in the Parkway mixed use overlay district. And uh staff does not have the authority to issue him a business license for this because code [0:59:43, 0:59:43]: Clearly. [0:59:44, 0:59:48]: does not allow truck parking in the PMU. So just to summarize the [0:59:50, 1:00:03]: All right, thank you, Mr. Anderson. Um so somehow years ago we didn't I mean w this came to light here recently, but years ago we never caught this, or somehow we never caught this, I guess, to to re redirect it and get it straight. [1:00:03, 1:00:23]: Yes, sir. Uh some reason I don't know what precipitated um code enforcement to pay them a business. Maybe it was just doing a random, um, but they went by there and checked their licenses and their and their occupational tax license at gravel holly instead of truck parking. So that was a big conflict right there. So the applicant took it upon himself sometimes. [1:00:23, 1:00:40]: time in the past to just create a a truck parking company on his own, never received paperwork from the city, never apply for occup occupational tax license for that type of operation. If the applicant had a came into the city, he would have found out that that use was prohibited and we and we wouldn't be where we are today. [1:00:42, 1:00:44]: Coun council, any questions, further questions, thoughts? [1:00:45, 1:01:05]: So I just wanna sum I just wanna understand what you're saying here. Basic is a is a construction company, a concrete hauling company, but this separate truck parking is not necessarily associated with the business. It's just separ it's it's truck parking. It's truck parking. Basically it's not [1:01:05, 1:01:20]: cement trucks, it's trucks. Yes, but they were under impression that they could use the business license that they had for Hullston Concrete Company to create a truck parking uh facility and that's not the case. [1:01:20, 1:01:33]: Okay, you also stated that d at no time had this particular um use been allowed. You went back to nineteen sixty three and stating that there was never any [1:01:35, 1:01:45]: It would have never been it would never have been, d to your knowledge. Allowed. Allowed. Yes, sir. Wow, you did a lot of research. Okay. All right. All right. Thank you. All right. [1:01:47, 1:01:48]: Ms. Robert, do you have any questions? [1:01:50, 1:01:54]: I have a whole lot of questions. Right, please. However [1:01:55, 1:01:56]: This is in my district. [1:01:57, 1:02:03]: I did receive notice from Mr. Anderson in regards to this matter um July third. [1:02:03, 1:02:06]: Everything that transpired prior to then. [1:02:06, 1:02:08]: And after then [1:02:09, 1:02:16]: I'm just now finding out about it. I didn't know anything about a court date, didn't know anything about an appeal until this meeting. [1:02:17, 1:02:18]: So I'm just listening. [1:02:19, 1:02:21]: Listening for all of the information. [1:02:21, 1:02:24]: Mr Anderson did share with me the memo. [1:02:24, 1:02:30]: um the zoning attorney for the city prepared. So I already know what [1:02:30, 1:02:37]: Her position is, but I want to hear all of the details. What I have consistently asked [1:02:38, 1:02:40]: Any matters associated or [1:02:41, 1:02:43]: Happens in my district. [1:02:43, 1:02:45]: I want to be the first to know. [1:02:45, 1:02:47]: So that I'm not blindsided. [1:02:49, 1:02:50]: This is in my district. [1:02:52, 1:02:54]: But nobody contacted me and asked me anything. [1:02:55, 1:02:57]: So to ask me here in the public meeting [1:02:58, 1:03:01]: I want to hear all the information. It was up front. [1:03:01, 1:03:18]: It was in the month. Not when it's time for me to make a decision on it. So I want to hear both sides. I want to hear all of the details before I can make a decision. It was included in the monthly report that I sent to each council member on a district by district each month. It was it was in that report several times. It didn't have [1:03:18, 1:03:24]: Did it have the information as regards to um what the courts [1:03:25, 1:03:29]: Probably not. Decision was? Probably not. [1:03:31, 1:03:36]: It didn't. Um so I just wanna hear all the information and um [1:03:37, 1:03:44]: You shared some good insight. Um I now understand that they had a business license for concrete [1:03:45, 1:03:45]: Company. [1:03:46, 1:03:48]: But the parcel that's in question here. [1:03:48, 1:03:49]: They've been using it. [1:03:50, 1:03:50]: As in [1:03:51, 1:03:51]: Trucking. [1:03:51, 1:03:52]: Cart. [1:03:52, 1:03:53]: Parking. [1:03:54, 1:03:55]: Or staging. [1:03:55, 1:03:56]: For trailers or [1:03:56, 1:03:58]: Chuts. I'm very familiar with the area. [1:03:59, 1:04:00]: So I'm [1:04:00, 1:04:02]: I'm clear about what we're doing. [1:04:03, 1:04:04]: Um right now. [1:04:04, 1:04:08]: And what's before us. I want to hear all sides. [1:04:09, 1:04:21]: If I could. Yes ma'am. Yes ma'am. All right. Any any did you have any comment at all? No. Okay. All right. So on that no, and I know uh so on that note then uh need the applicant uh to come forward to presentation, sir? [1:04:26, 1:04:46]: Let me just ask one more question. I'm sorry. So what you stated was that you um this particular thing, you you weren't aware of how it came forward or anything, correct? You stated that. Uh the code enforcement went by and checked their occupational tax license. Okay, that's okay. And that would and they saw that they had a different use than [1:04:46, 1:05:06]: What was currently occurring on the property. They had gravel hauling, but the code enforcement officer could clearly see truck parking out there. But nobody up here or in in in that you were aware of directed you to do so? No, no, I I wasn't aware of it until uh code enforcement went by. I mean the business, I mean it's been there before any of us probably was here. All right, thank you. [1:05:06, 1:05:06]: All right. [1:05:09, 1:05:11]: Name and address, sir, please. [1:05:12, 1:05:23]: Yes, sir. Good evening. Andy Welch, um 2200 Keys Ferry Court, McDonough, Georgia. Thank you to for the evening to be here and appreciate the opportunity to present um the other side of the coin. [1:05:24, 1:05:27]: Um I think we have a PowerPoint presentation for you and if not [1:05:28, 1:05:30]: I if my technical skills are [1:05:30, 1:05:37]: As bad as they typically are. I think I've got it. Let's see here. [1:05:38, 1:05:41]: All right, good. Go ahead. Yes. [1:05:41, 1:06:01]: Um and you have a copy here. Um just for the record, we uh we do have a package for you that we've given to you with the uh a table of contents of the information that we want you to to have. You'll notice in here that the PowerPoint presentation is included. We have uh submitted a letter to preserve our constitutional rights, which you're obligated to do for any [1:06:01, 1:06:21]: Zoning decision. We also have a affidavit of Mr. Mr. Raven, who's the owner of the property and owner of Huddleston Concrete. The affidavit of Michael Biggers is also included. We have certified photos of the subject property, certified copy of the zoning map, certified copy of chapter 3.16. [1:06:21, 1:06:38]: of the official code of stop bridge and certified copy of UDC 6.1.4 and UDC section 10.3. And we are appealing under 10.3, which allows for a review by the city council of a zoning decision that's been made by staff. [1:06:38, 1:06:40]: And so we're sitting here with a zoning question. [1:06:41, 1:06:42]: Um and then it [1:06:42, 1:06:46]: dovetails with that occupational tax. And what we'll be presenting to you today [1:06:47, 1:06:52]: In summary is that this this use of the property has been going on for four decades. [1:06:52, 1:07:12]: Um, it should be treated as a lawful, nonconforming use invested under Georgia law and under the Georgia Constitution and allowed to proceed. And we'll furthermore present to you the case law, eviden the case law that per that applies when looking at an occupational tax issue, occupational taxes or occupational certificates. [1:07:12, 1:07:15]: [4035.0, 4055.0]: element of the county. It's just a tax. And the law is clear about the tax. That tax cannot be conditionalized on any other reason of in the collecting of revenue unless you prescribe for it in your ordinances and you have not. So we'll go through that with you tonight and show you why you should reverse the the uh staff's decision and then grant us uh the [1:07:35, 1:07:37]: the non conforming use to allow us could can to continue. [1:07:37, 1:07:47]: Now I do have a proposal at the end of this that I think will resolve all the issues. Um so I have a solution that I'd like to try to provide to you as a as a means of settlement and compromise in this matter. [1:07:48, 1:08:08]: Um so background overall picture, just looking at the area. You'll see on your PowerPoint presentation. I hope it's on your screen. Um is it is it on your screen? It is. Okay, good. Um is just an overall view of this. You can see this is a heavily industrial area. Miss Barber, as you mentioned, you're familiar with this area. This is where the quarry is and uh [1:08:08, 1:08:28]: You know, decades and decades and decades ago, this is where you would see a lot of concrete manufacturing, pipe manufacturing. Some of that is still there. But that's been the historical nature of this area. Highly industrialized, used for quarries and used for manufacturing, used for concrete production. The subject property is in pink there because pink. [1:08:28, 1:08:48]: Pink is the designation for light industrial, which is what your zoning ordinance uses to designate that. You'll see the Ready Mix concrete, the Rinker Materials, Thomas Concrete, Vulcan Quarry, obviously. All these businesses located around the subject property and have been there probably for many decades. [1:08:48, 1:09:06]: Um mister the affidavit of Mr. Raven, which is included in your packet, states that the subject property has been owned and operated by Mr. Raven or Huddleston Concrete for concrete production and as a commercial truck parking lot for as long back as the nineteen eighties. So we've been been there for a long time. [1:09:07, 1:09:20]: And the Henry County zoning ordinances back in that time allowed for staff to give discretion as to whether or not the use would be compatible with that particular zoning. So it's probably why this has been able to continue for four decades. [1:09:21, 1:09:41]: Um looking back, and I'm just gonna give you some images. I couldn't go back any further than 1993. Um you know, we're so used to technology and being going back in aerials, but uh going back to nineteen ninety-three, you could see on this slide here that the property is shown to have uh the railroad tracks, obviously. You'll see the truck the tractor trailer uh [1:09:41, 1:09:45]: uh parking there located on this property. [1:09:45, 1:10:02]: Um and you also see uh the ready mixed concrete. In nineteen ninety-nine, same thing, just more there's more actually tractor trailers there. Uh in nineteen ninety-nine going ahead, I'm not gonna show you every single year, but it is attached to his affidavit. I'm just gonna go through a few of them. Two thousand and ten [1:10:02, 1:10:22]: So we've moved from the nineties. Uh he started in the eighties, we moved to the nineties, we're now two thousand ten, still being used as as uh for tractor trailer storage, uh truck parking. Then you have in nineteen in two thousand fifteen um the the city authorized and this was constructed uh from GDOT's permitting a [1:10:22, 1:10:24]: [4224.7, 4243.4]: Um to the property so they would have even better access to this property for purposes of the tractor trailer, the truck parking. So even as they're building the road and building the new bridge to go over the railroad tracks, all this is being designed and even this new entrance is being designed relative to the use of the property for truck parking. [1:10:44, 1:11:04]: Um tw 2023, I mean we're still in truck parking. Uh twenty-four, we're still visually in truck parking. So this has been going on for you know for for like I said, four decades. Um two thousand twenty-five, we're also in truck parking. So as you all know, the the law uh our constitution [1:11:04, 1:11:20]: in particular protects property owners and pretty much anyone from from someone passing a law and then trying to apply it to someone retroactively. So our constitution says that no there'll be no retroactive law shall be passed. So [1:11:20, 1:11:31]: No one, the city council, the general assembly, can pass a law that's gonna have retroactive application. So when you pass a zoning ordinance, it goes forward, not backwards. [1:11:31, 1:11:33]: Does it take something away from someone? [1:11:33, 1:11:35]: And the Georgia statutes in particular. [1:11:36, 1:11:43]: also state that the law prescribes only for future use a law cannot have retroactive operation. [1:11:44, 1:12:04]: Um and then furthermore, case law from the Georgia Supreme Court confirms this. Our constitution prohibits a legislative exercise of the police power that results in the passage of retrospective laws which injuriously affect the vested and we sometimes colloquially refer to as grandfathered rights. So vested [1:12:04, 1:12:19]: grandfather rights of citizens. And the Supreme Court has been particular to say that this prohibition on against retroactive impairment of vested or grandfather rights extends to the enactment of zoning regulations, so zoning regulations can't be applied backwards in time. [1:12:20, 1:12:29]: Um in that particular case the court had found that Southern States was building a landfill um and the the city council adopted some zoning and changed that. [1:12:30, 1:12:31]: And they were trying to prohibit. [1:12:32, 1:12:34]: the construction of the land hill landfill [1:12:35, 1:12:46]: um with their ordinances, but the court said no, you can't do that, you can't go back on them. They already had the um they're already in existence and they were moving forward with a permit and you couldn't take that away from them. [1:12:47, 1:13:07]: So we know that non-conforming uses are allowed to continue. And even your ordinances say this. So your UD UDC says that. It says actually in section 6.1.4, which is in your packet, that a lawful established use that becomes non-conforming upon or after the effective date of this unified development. [1:13:07, 1:13:23]: code uh that was dated march fourteenth I think of twenty twenty-two may continue. So your law already says look if you've got a nonconforming use you can continue. That's the case here. We have a we have a nonconforming use of the of the truck parking. [1:13:24, 1:13:43]: And what we're doing is just continuing that use. And your ordinance says we can do that. There are some conditions here, but none of those conditions apply. I did put them on the slide so you would see them, so that I wouldn't hide anything from you and just giving you part of the sta part of your ordinance and not showing all of it. But none of them apply. They apply to structures or non conforming uses that have been abandoned. [1:13:44, 1:13:55]: Now the staff report that is in your packet and that's been quoted I think tonight goes through a denial. It recommends the denial and it says that they haven't produced any evidence that the the operational um [1:13:55, 1:14:01]: the business license was applied to this particular these particular parcels. Now Huddleston Concrete [1:14:02, 1:14:22]: used to be uh one parcel where it went from the house and looped around to the other parcels. Um they sold to ready mixed concrete in the back. Uh they kept the truck parking which is always operated there as long as Huddleston's been there since the eight two th since nineteen eighties. So in this context and and they've always gotten [1:14:22, 1:14:33]: having their business licenses approved by the city. The the staff report says that the parcels are zoned L I and PMU. Now these are new zoning ordinances that you just adopted. [1:14:33, 1:14:46]: And so the the overlay district can't be applied retroactively to the nonconforming use. Um it does say that the parcels have always been zoned light industrial and light manufacturing. Now let's look at that. So we're looking at the zoning map. [1:14:47, 1:14:53]: And you'll see your zoning map on this slide here that talks about the subject property being LI. [1:14:55, 1:15:06]: And then a close up and you've seen this w the staff has presented this to you. This is from also from the staff's report showing the LI designation and the overlay uh district. So [1:15:07, 1:15:25]: But what's interesting is that your ordinance that was adopted in tw twenty twenty-two, section two point four eleven expressly says that commercial truck sorry, it's a little tight here for me to see it. Commercial parking, um, garages and lots are actually permitted within the LI. [1:15:25, 1:15:43]: the light industrial district. And then when you look at your table, table three point one, that also says under uses, truck parking lots is permitted under L I, P the P I right there. And and that's from your own ordinance showing that it actually is permitted for truck parking. [1:15:44, 1:15:44]: So [1:15:45, 1:15:52]: We don't think we're in violation of that. Uh, but even if you were to apply the overlay district to it, you'd be applying that retroactively. [1:15:53, 1:16:11]: Um and when you look at the definitions of the UDC, you'll see that it defines we see that commercial truck parking lots, when you talk about a commercial vehicle, it in it the definition includes expressly commercial tractor trailers. So a commercial vehicle on a commercial lot. [1:16:12, 1:16:13]: Which is permitted in L I [1:16:14, 1:16:15]: Is it [1:16:15, 1:16:19]: It contemplates it being tractor trailers expressly. [1:16:20, 1:16:38]: When we applied um in in in two thousand and twenty-four, and this is in July of two thousand twenty-four, here's our application. And you'll see in July of twenty two thousand twenty-four, the application for our business license that we've been applying for every single year without fail. [1:16:38, 1:16:54]: It does go back to the main office building. I I agree, but the main office building is just the office where where where Huddleson operates the rental of the land that's just there next down the block, I mean one property over, I think, is is the parking. [1:16:55, 1:17:03]: And in that application, you'll see on your slide, it says it was property rental, which is what he's doing, renting out spaces for tractor trailers, and truck parking. [1:17:04, 1:17:09]: So in the application to the city, that's what was applied for. And then on January first [1:17:10, 1:17:13]: the applications granted [1:17:13, 1:17:16]: And it is given an occupational tax certificate [1:17:17, 1:17:21]: Uh it does say on the certificate gravel hauling local, but that's not what he had applied for. [1:17:22, 1:17:36]: So he did actually apply for what he sought. The the issuance of it was from, you know, it says something else, and that was from one one two thousand twenty five. So he applied for it, he received it, the description is different than his own application. [1:17:37, 1:17:51]: And you look back in time just to show you it you know even the year before he'd also applied for it and received it. Now you can go back in time and there's lots and lots of of uh occupational certificates, um, but we didn't want to put all of them in the record. But [1:17:51, 1:18:01]: they have been getting the tax certificates at the same place. And mind you, there's no concrete production there. It's just the office. It's just the house that you showed that you saw earlier. [1:18:01, 1:18:06]: And that house is where the office is that then sends out the leases for the tractor trailers. [1:18:07, 1:18:27]: Uh staff had recommended um denial of this, but even in the staff report on the letter, it says that um that actually the truck parking, uh truck repair are only allowed in industrial zoning districts. Well that's a that's right. The the truck parking is allowed in light industrial pursuant to the permitted uses of your current code. [1:18:27, 1:18:27]: [4708.7, 4718.1]: So when we look back at occupational taxes, and that's what brought this all up, remember that's the reason why we're here is over this occupational tax review. And so when we look at this [1:18:38, 1:18:44]: The question of whether or not the occupational tax should certificate should have been revoked or denied. [1:18:45, 1:18:47]: It was done so based upon a look at the zoning ordinance. [1:18:49, 1:18:57]: And the staff concluded that it that they're gonna deny it because it didn't fit within the the the planned mixed use uh district. [1:18:58, 1:19:08]: But your but in order for that to be the basis of denying an occupational tax certificate, it needs to say in your ordinances for occupational taxes [1:19:09, 1:19:12]: that that can be n denied based upon a zombie. [1:19:13, 1:19:17]: And your ordinance, your law on occupational taxes, says nothing about that. [1:19:18, 1:19:28]: And in fact, the Supreme Court of Georgia has spoken to this and said the city city staff can't deny an occupational tax certificate based upon circumstances that aren't [1:19:28, 1:19:30]: Listed in your ordinance. [1:19:31, 1:19:34]: So you don't have the authority to deny it because of a zoning question. [1:19:34, 1:19:38]: Both of these cases that I put on the slide speak to that point. [1:19:39, 1:19:46]: When you look at your business and occupational tax licenses in that your chapters, chapter three point one six [1:19:46, 1:19:56]: Nowhere in that entire chapter does it say that the uh that a business license or business uh occupational tax certificate can be denied because of zoning. [1:19:57, 1:19:57]: Nowhere. [1:19:58, 1:20:03]: So there's no authority to do that. So the denial is was is without legal authority and ultra virus. [1:20:04, 1:20:06]: So when we look at this [1:20:06, 1:20:15]: That's that that's a significant legal problem for this denial. And we we would ask you not to grant the denial, obviously, and to overturn that denial because. [1:20:15, 1:20:17]: Your your occupation tax orders doesn't allow for it. [1:20:19, 1:20:35]: But furthermore, there's damages that can occur to the property if we're not allowed to continue to operate as a nonconforming use uh for truck parking. And I'm gonna make you aware of those things because we bring them up in our constitutional rights letter that we presented to the mayor and to the clerk. [1:20:35, 1:20:46]: In this one, we we wanted to make sure that you know you can overregulate something, you could take away rights with a a zoning ordinance. And when you do that, it actually damages the property. [1:20:47, 1:20:49]: And when it damages the property, the [1:20:50, 1:20:53]: property owner is entitled to monetary damages. [1:20:54, 1:20:54]: So [1:20:55, 1:21:02]: I've given you two cases. One is outfront media. That explains that even the the tenants can have a claim against the city. [1:21:02, 1:21:13]: uh the landowner has a right to a claim against the city. And then in diversified holdings, uh the current Chief Justice of the S of the Georgia Supreme Court, Justice Peterson, said that look [1:21:14, 1:21:22]: In our Georgia Constitution, it actually says that property shall not be taken or damaged. [1:21:23, 1:21:24]: For public purposes. [1:21:25, 1:21:33]: And if you apply your zoning ordinance and you apply this occupational tax denial to us, you are damaging that that property right. [1:21:33, 1:21:34]: And so [1:21:35, 1:21:55]: We had an appraiser and his the appraised value is here, his affidavit is here, and so and so his sworn testimony is here plus his report is included in that. And in that he comes to the conclusion after looking at the operations of the truck parking um rental part of this uh property, and comes to the clue conclusion that if he if [1:21:55, 1:21:57]: Not allowed to continue. [1:21:58, 1:22:03]: Then that would amount to a taking of one million dollars in value away from the property. [1:22:04, 1:22:07]: That's included in the r in for you in the record. [1:22:08, 1:22:09]: We'll also note that [1:22:10, 1:22:18]: What I'm what I wanted to propose to you, and I said that from the outset, look, I've I've got all of this that I think supports the legal out outcome that we're asking for. [1:22:18, 1:22:30]: But I also know that the the city and and being a city attorney myself, I understand that there there's an importance in passing the ordinances and trying to implement a new plan. [1:22:31, 1:22:34]: You ch you're always trying to change and enhance [1:22:34, 1:22:43]: Your district, your city, always. And zoning ordinance is a tool to do that. You can't apply it backwards, but you can apply it forward. [1:22:43, 1:22:51]: And so I I've talked to my client and and and speaking to him sort of as a city attorney, understanding that policy. [1:22:52, 1:22:59]: I asked him if he would be willing to try to resolve this case because if we go into litigation, we're gonna be in courts for at least two years. [1:23:00, 1:23:03]: We're talking about significant amount of money and significant amount of time. [1:23:03, 1:23:04]: And I'm thinking [1:23:05, 1:23:05]: You know. [1:23:07, 1:23:08]: Mr. Reagan, why why would you do that? [1:23:08, 1:23:09]: You know [1:23:10, 1:23:11]: And and and and his answer is [1:23:12, 1:23:13]: Look at the appraisal, it was a lot of money. [1:23:14, 1:23:15]: I get that. [1:23:15, 1:23:19]: But what I've proposed here is for your consideration tonight is that [1:23:20, 1:23:27]: The applicant proposes, and it's in his affidavit, so he's he he has sworn that this is where he is good with this outcome tonight. [1:23:27, 1:23:32]: Uh is an offer of compromise and settlement so that would avoid the litigation, that's number one. I mean [1:23:33, 1:23:34]: Obviously I'm a lawyer. [1:23:35, 1:23:42]: Um, you know, the uh my ability to pay for my kids' college tuition is contingent upon me being able to collect fees. [1:23:43, 1:23:52]: But I'm also in the business of making solutions, right? Um th there's no need to waste time and resources, especially taxpayer resources, when w can be avoided. [1:23:53, 1:23:55]: So we're offering an a solution. [1:23:55, 1:24:09]: And so we want to avoid the litigation and and avoid the inverse condemnation that we would be entitled to ask for and the one million dollars of damages that we would be asking for if you proceeded with the denial. And what we're asking you to do is to make a motion. [1:24:09, 1:24:20]: That would allow Mr. Raven and Huddleston Concrete Company to continue to operate its commercial truck parking lot business at its current location until september eighth, twenty. [1:24:20, 1:24:22]: Twenty thirties, that's five years. [1:24:22, 1:24:24]: So five years of use lets him [1:24:24, 1:24:26]: Mr. Raven, would you stand up? [1:24:28, 1:24:32]: So m mister Raven, um looking long term. [1:24:33, 1:24:37]: thinks that this is a reasonable use to allow him to phase this out. [1:24:38, 1:24:43]: He's got tenants, people that are paying to use this property for the tractor trailers. [1:24:44, 1:24:50]: And so when when this happens, um it gives him time to phase those leases out. [1:24:50, 1:25:03]: And not have repercussions for avoiding leases. And this allows him to continue. It gives him a reasonable time to phase this out. And then at that point on September eighth, so five years from today. [1:25:04, 1:25:05]: The next day [1:25:06, 1:25:06]: No more. [1:25:07, 1:25:13]: It would cease. It's in his affidavit, so it's he's sworn to it that that's exactly where he would be. [1:25:14, 1:25:21]: And thereafter the the non conforming use would terminate and cease and he would no longer be seeking that, you know, any use of that whatsoever. [1:25:22, 1:25:38]: We think that's a reasonable compromise, we think that's a reasonable solution. It gets him through the next five years um for his planning purposes, um, for his tenants, and then it avoids all the litigation, it avoids being tied up in the courts um and the potential damages that he would suffer. [1:25:38, 1:25:41]: We're trying to come with a solution, not just [1:25:41, 1:25:56]: Not just fight over this. But if that's the direction the council wants us to go, then we're prepared to do that. I'm trying to come up with a a way a way out for everybody that allows you as the councilman for that district to know definitively [1:25:57, 1:25:59]: That use is gone in five years. [1:26:00, 1:26:01]: [5161.8, 5162.3]: You know. [1:26:03, 1:26:04]: At no cost to the city. [1:26:04, 1:26:05]: Right, zero cost. [1:26:06, 1:26:22]: Um so with that that's what we've asked for. If they if you have questions I'd be happy to take them, but I really appreciate your time tonight. And I know I bored you, some of you I could tell were dozing off and I'm sorry about that, but I I wanted to make sure everybody was um it was fully informed as I could. [1:26:23, 1:26:29]: Ms. Barber Goy, please. I wanted to ask that non-conforming use date. [1:26:30, 1:26:31]: Is that negotiable? [1:26:33, 1:26:34]: Uh it it [1:26:34, 1:26:42]: What do you have in mind? I I th I think the answer is w we're w we're here to try to work with you. Um and that's why we proposed something we thought was reasonable. [1:26:43, 1:26:52]: And I appreciate that. Yes, ma'am. I do. Um and I but I may have to step out with m Mr Raven if I could. If you if you have something counterproposal, I may need to talk to him out in the hallway if that's all right. [1:26:52, 1:26:54]: Okay. Um [1:26:54, 1:26:58]: Thank you. Yes. I appreciate the compromise. [1:26:59, 1:27:00]: I'll just [1:27:00, 1:27:04]: А вам є тоно, а нестаювц. [1:27:04, 1:27:07]: Батар Ситті осон. [1:27:07, 1:27:07]: Um [1:27:08, 1:27:11]: for use and just what we want to [1:27:11, 1:27:14]: see our downtown look like. [1:27:15, 1:27:19]: I understand what the zoning requirements were decades ago. [1:27:21, 1:27:24]: But that's one of our major corridors, the gateway. [1:27:25, 1:27:26]: Into our downtown. [1:27:27, 1:27:30]: We really want to revitalize our downtown. [1:27:31, 1:27:35]: We want to realize the full potential of a true downtown. [1:27:37, 1:27:44]: Um we've got several project well, a major road construction project along the Rock Query Road. [1:27:44, 1:27:45]: Coming up. [1:27:45, 1:27:47]: Um we're all excited about it. [1:27:48, 1:27:50]: And we're looking forward to potential. [1:27:51, 1:27:52]: Of that entire corridor. [1:27:53, 1:27:53]: So [1:27:54, 1:27:57]: I'm thankful that you all are willing to [1:27:57, 1:27:58]: Compromise. [1:27:59, 1:28:01]: Um and negotiate. [1:28:01, 1:28:03]: You know, something fair. [1:28:04, 1:28:07]: For everybody. So thank you. I appreciate that. [1:28:07, 1:28:08]: Yes, man. [1:28:08, 1:28:09]: Ms. Gann, go ahead, please. [1:28:10, 1:28:27]: Um, yes. I see um the applications from twenty twenty when was the first citation of improper use of the property? What year was that? Twenty five. So twenty twenty five was when we realized that trucks shouldn't be p there? Okay. But I [1:28:27, 1:28:28]: I see that [1:28:29, 1:28:36]: In twenty twenty three we started denying well, when was the first denial on the application? [1:28:36, 1:28:40]: Oh for business purposes. I don't think it was until twenty twenty five. [1:28:40, 1:28:43]: I thought it was I see one at twenty twenty four. [1:28:44, 1:28:46]: And I see [1:28:47, 1:28:52]: That's when the first the on twenty twenty four is the first one I see that states truck parking. [1:28:53, 1:29:04]: Everything else says So that was the application you have to you have to file before October. Mm-hmm. So it was filed in twenty twenty four and then denied in twenty twenty five. [1:29:04, 1:29:05]: Okay. [1:29:05, 1:29:25]: Yes. So the prior applications, I don't see any copies of those or what was stated was what were they listed for for perp business purposes. Do you have by chance have a copy? I don't I I don't I think the staff had presented one up there, maybe a previous one. Um and it said I think property rental or something like that. I can't remember what it said on there. [1:29:25, 1:29:28]: Okay, so I'm not sure. [1:29:47, 1:29:49]: Normal. [1:29:51, 1:29:55]: So that's the denial from twenty twenty five at the March uh [1:30:00, 1:30:12]: I guess my question I'm trying to determine is at what point were there indications that this was used as a trucking parking lot prior to twenty twenty four, twenty twenty five? [1:30:12, 1:30:13]: Never. [1:30:14, 1:30:24]: Okay. And Ma may I answer o other than the obvious use of it, uh that's been there since the nineteen eighties. Um [1:30:25, 1:30:33]: Th that that's what we w would say. I mean i if i i i as you drive by Rock Hory Road, you you can see the pictures of the trucks being [1:30:34, 1:30:35]: Okay. [1:30:35, 1:30:45]: I well I saw that and then I saw like the history both of you presented which was great use for me, M one and M two. I see [1:30:45, 1:30:58]: trucks during nineteen ninety three, I believe those trucks. And I I see them go beyond that date. But I was more so interested in what the property was actually zoned for. Did they just [1:30:58, 1:31:00]: overlook it, you know, at some point [1:31:01, 1:31:11]: a you know, it was discovered, hey, this is not the right zoning for this, this should have you know, never occurred. So my concern is w at what point was it [1:31:11, 1:31:14]: Had have we ever have they ever [1:31:14, 1:31:33]: Have has your a c client ever provided notice that this was for the purpose of a truck a trucking parking lot? That was one of my con that's one of my concerns.'Cause when I look at the zonings and um looked at some of the things our attorney put together and our um [1:31:34, 1:31:38]: community development director put together not one of these [1:31:39, 1:31:47]: have the use of or it states it doesn't have the use of commercial um uh or uh uh truck parking. [1:31:47, 1:31:50]: However, I I did make no [1:31:50, 1:31:53]: that you um had mentioned that [1:31:54, 1:31:58]: Part of our zoning includes commercial parking lot. [1:31:59, 1:32:01]: I I mean pr commercial um [1:32:02, 1:32:22]: parking and par and and parking lot and I don't see that. I see Mr. Anderson saying no that's not the case. Um another important point was that this business was [1:32:22, 1:32:41]: never lawfully established. So and it was on two the only business license they have is for the parcel in which the office is owned. The other two parcels have no OTC up um business license associated with it at all for the entire time they've been there. So they just took it upon themselves to create a truck parking situation. [1:32:41, 1:32:48]: Okay. And uh they don't have and our and our attorney stated they do not have vested rights. And she she stated stated case law as well. [1:32:48, 1:33:02]: I I did see the case law that she stated and um I agree with that case law, specifically because the lot that the business is on is not the actual lot with the the other two lots, those are two separate lots. [1:33:04, 1:33:23]: That are not acclude um included or part of the business. And that's now that is concerning to me. And another thing, Councilmember is they've never paid occupational taxes for those truck parking rentals for all the for if they've been there forty years, they would owe the city back taxes for forty years. [1:33:23, 1:33:33]: Okay. We we I we have been paying and that's it's actually in there. The amounts that you see in the application of about two hundred and eighty seven thousand two hundred and eighty seven thousand dollars is the gross revenue from [1:33:33, 1:33:35]: From the rentals. [1:33:35, 1:33:39]: Uh so that's been stated in in all the applications that have gone forward and [1:33:39, 1:33:41]: Remember, the the certificates are going [1:33:42, 1:33:46]: For it I mean the the burden is for them to show that we haven't paid them uh [1:33:46, 1:33:47]: There's no there's no proof of that. [1:33:48, 1:33:56]: Um what we have is the actual payment. We have the application and we have the approval granting us a occupational tax certificate. [1:33:56, 1:34:00]: Он джани ферсто, твари твариф. Со диссис а ревокійшов да. [1:34:01, 1:34:19]: Based on Zonny. It's it he has he's paid taxes for the um occupational tax certificate that was issued to Huddleston Concrete on that one parcel where the business license is is is associated with. But the other two parcels, there have not been any occupational taxes paid for those two parcels. [1:34:19, 1:34:39]: And those two parcels are two separate parcel parcels. Three separate parcels. There's three parcels out. There's no taxes have been paid for those other two parcels where the truck park parking is. So uh from our from our understanding is the money that he's paid was for the Hullston concrete company for that one parcel of land. But occupational taxes are not property taxes. [1:34:39, 1:34:50]: They're not tied the y you have a business and you may have a law firm that works here and they pay an occupational tax or actually a a a nominal fee under your occupational. [1:34:50, 1:35:10]: For that law firm, if they have another location within the jurisdiction or even another location elsewhere, you don't pay it over and over again. You pay it one time at one address, even if you have multiple venues. So you don't get charged based upon location. It's based upon the business operation and your revenues. And so that's what's been reported. [1:35:10, 1:35:16]: And that's what's been paid. And the revenues are derived off of the truck parking rentals. [1:35:16, 1:35:24]: So it's it's just named Huddleston Concrete because it used to be back in the day Huddleston concrete before it became Ready Mix behind it. [1:35:24, 1:35:29]: But since then it's been it's been operated since that sale as as just a parking. [1:35:30, 1:35:33]: Well, my concern is that there is no [1:35:36, 1:35:47]: The the new applications say parking. That's so and the the old ones don't. And that's I I get what you're saying in regards to the business part. I I totally get that. And that's [1:35:48, 1:35:53]: Um, I can agree with that, but I am concerned that [1:35:54, 1:36:01]: Prior to now, there has never been um any indication of parking rental. [1:36:02, 1:36:08]: And that the zoning for this this entire time has been [1:36:08, 1:36:17]: goes all ba way to back to M one and M two and then we have a little light industrial that you know they change up on but never [1:36:19, 1:36:38]: for parking trucks, vehicles. That's where that's that's where I'm torn. I'm torn between the I mean just that little part. If I had a little bit more information, if there was more of a a description in some of the previous applications, I I need some previous applications. [1:36:38, 1:36:40]: Um [1:36:40, 1:36:48]: Um and if I had something that said parking rental, um, just like the other the new ones actually indicate. [1:36:49, 1:36:50]: But it's not [1:36:50, 1:36:52]: The question is to me [1:36:54, 1:36:57]: Whether or not the owner knew at the time that [1:36:57, 1:37:02]: that had they put parking rental in those previous applications, that it would be denied. [1:37:03, 1:37:06]: You know, and I I don't know if they would or not. [1:37:06, 1:37:08]: I I'm not accusing anyone. [1:37:08, 1:37:09]: I'm just [1:37:10, 1:37:12]: I I wanna go strictly by [1:37:12, 1:37:16]: what it's owned for and what the application was stated for. [1:37:16, 1:37:21]: And I totally understand. I I'm I've said that before. I remember this coming up. [1:37:21, 1:37:34]: And it's an unfortunate situation. I I think we have a different uh a code enforcement that started looking at our businesses and actually, you know, at at some point may there could have easily been oversight. [1:37:34, 1:37:37]: or I don't know how many warnings we've received in the past, but [1:37:40, 1:37:42]: uh people operate [1:37:42, 1:37:53]: illegally all the time and they get away with it for a long time. And then when that day comes, that day comes. And I just wanna make I I I'm just more so [1:37:53, 1:38:13]: Curious as to when we were placed on on on actual application notice that this is the type of business that wanted to be ran. That's all I I my biggest concern here is. Okay, I got a I got a thought here. Um if we've decided collectively to take on your proposal, that means that the I'm assuming that means that the [1:38:13, 1:38:21]: We don't change anything in reference to the designation of where these parcels are located. That means the parcel the the designation remains the same. [1:38:22, 1:38:30]: Yes, sir. Um staff would be amenable to a one-year phase out. I'm sorry, say again, please. I said staff would be amenable to a one-year phase out. [1:38:30, 1:38:48]: I see. Uh okay. I think that asks a little bit of what Miss Barber's asking for to a certain degree as well, I think. Um w what what does it even another crazy question for you, Ryan. I mean, does it even make sense to logically to even think about changing the the the designation at all? [1:38:48, 1:39:01]: Um I mean I'm just asking your personal professional opinion. I mean general questions. The development trends in the area indicate that that property would be best served to be zoned something else. Uh in the past [1:39:01, 1:39:09]: Like in the sixties or seventies, yeah, it could have been zone heavy industrial. But right now the development trends and patterns in the area are [1:39:09, 1:39:29]: Are changing. Um so and it's not in align with our strategic plan or our comp plan or other things that we have going on, other city initiatives. So um so where you where were you speaking of a city initiated rezoning, Mayor or what? Well I was just wondering, I'm just throwing it out here just to get an idea that it whether it would make logical sense to even change the zone. [1:39:29, 1:39:35]: But obviously it doesn't make good sense. I just thought I asked you to do that. Okay. But uh [1:39:37, 1:39:57]: I mean, um to work with the applicant to to phase it out wouldn't be a bad idea. Um instead of just abruptly ending it, maybe but not five years. I mean uh one to two year, uh maybe a one year phase out. Um, but a five year cause uh Rock Road w uh road expansion would be complete by then. Oh absolutely. [1:39:57, 1:40:17]: So um the property could well, I'm not saying what it's probably could be used for, but um the truck parking wouldn't fit in with um with with our future plan. Okay. So uh just for clarification again to follow up on what Ms. Gann has indicated. So if truck parking had been indicated in your presentation. [1:40:17, 1:40:19]: It would have been denied. Is that correct? [1:40:20, 1:40:21]: Yes, sir. [1:40:21, 1:40:31]: Okay, so and then to follow up again, it it was just indicated, uh as Miss Gantt indicated, it was changed recently. [1:40:31, 1:40:51]: recently they applied for truck parking. I the business was in operation for almost forty years on two parcels of land that had nothing to do with the Huddleston concrete company. Right. And and as you have s stated, Rockory Road is in the process of being widened. I would say that property would probably be worth a lot more once that widening is done. And then according [1:40:51, 1:41:11]: with what is coming and the trends in the area. So um I'm not sh sure if uh again, I think you said um maybe a year phase out. Yes, that's what staff would recognize. The staff is recommending a year phase out. Yes sir. And certainly I think that would be again it as Ms. Gand has indicated, uh and I've seen this and we've got to [1:41:11, 1:41:31]: We've had this come to us many a time. People have been operating incorrectly or without the correct license or what have you for years. And then is it when that day comes, the day of reckoning comes, then we have to deal with it at that point. So, and based on where [1:41:31, 1:41:50]: What you said legal backs, the zoning attorney for the city backs the decision that has been made to end it immediately. Yes, sir. The basic her basic assumption is they do not have vested rights. They do not have vested rights. [1:41:50, 1:42:10]: Okay, I think we had a similar situation that was uh on Martin Luther King's seritage next to uh do you recall that, Miss Kent? Next to uh the transfer station. That property was being used for truck parking right next to the transfer station, but it was never really zoned for that. Right. I remember that. [1:42:10, 1:42:30]: So I think this is there was another situation where it wasn't really anything that prompt I think would have prompted it, but it was I think the city was looking at the transfer station and then the master parks plan for the city on that particular area. And then they looked at the zoning and realized that the property next to the transfer station. [1:42:30, 1:42:50]: did not have any zoning, but they were parking trucks there too. So this situation is not unique in that aspect and that well I think we had handled it I think in a similar fashion uh at that time. So in in understanding that I think maybe they need to have a conversation about [1:42:50, 1:42:56]: out the one year phase out or something to see whether or not. [1:42:57, 1:43:17]: Right. And so I would think that maybe s we'd wanna recess for a minute while they have a discussion or something and not not yet, sir. Not yet. After once we get once we get to that point to be able to discuss what the options are,'cause, you know, certainly the staff's proposal is strong and the legal opinion for the city is is [1:43:17, 1:43:22]: They don't have vested rights and this is kinda where we are right now. Ms. Barber, go ahead, please. [1:43:24, 1:43:30]: Um thank you, Councilwoman Gantt. Kinda you gave me a lot of clarity. Um [1:43:30, 1:43:31]: Because [1:43:32, 1:43:35]: according to the uses or how it's been used. [1:43:36, 1:43:37]: So you [1:43:37, 1:43:40]: It's a tractor rental. [1:43:41, 1:43:42]: Business. [1:43:42, 1:43:52]: track the trailer trucks like eighteen wheels. Okay, so they're renting tractor trailers? Parking. Parking, yep. They they're renting spaces for people to park their track the trailer. [1:43:52, 1:43:55]: And then there's also the concrete [1:43:55, 1:43:57]: Mixing and hauling. [1:43:57, 1:44:17]: That that's out of business. That's the fun it's not in it's not in it's not active anymore. That that went out and they just changed it to a um a truck rental facility on their own. That that's not that's not accurate. The the the the Huddleston concrete was located and I show you it it's located behind [1:44:17, 1:44:32]: So the truck park has always been fronting on Rock Quarry. Um and then behind that is what is the old is the Ready Mix plant for concrete and that was hustled in concrete before it was sold to Rattles to Ready Mix. So the concrete's been there and it was operated as a concrete facility. [1:44:33, 1:44:43]: when Huddleston had it, as well as the truck parking. Um but so it's n it's no longer operating as a concrete mix. Huddleston is no longer operating the concrete facility, so they sold that. [1:44:44, 1:44:45]: Oh. [1:44:45, 1:44:48]: Okay, that gives me a different perspective then. So it's [1:44:48, 1:44:51]: really being used just for tractor trailer parking. [1:44:52, 1:44:54]: It has been since the eighties, yes. Okay. [1:44:55, 1:44:55]: Okay. [1:44:56, 1:45:02]: Thank you for that. Um I do I I do um support um [1:45:03, 1:45:05]: Continuing the discussions um [1:45:06, 1:45:14]: with attorneys on an amenable uh phase out. Um maybe one year might [1:45:16, 1:45:23]: I'll allow the attorneys to discuss that. St stand by Mr. Sir, did you have any comment at all? [1:45:23, 1:45:35]: No, just echoing the same thing. At what what was the year that Ready Mix was sold? Well it was sold, Holderston was sold to Ready Mix. I think it was sold in ninety four. Nineteen ninety four. [1:45:35, 1:45:48]: Yes, I think that's right. And it began exclusive uh truck parking right after that in ninety five? No, sir. It it was that it was doing truck parking before that before the Yes. Okay. [1:45:48, 1:45:56]: 'Cause and just historically, uh mr anderson was talking a little bit about this just very so briefly was [1:45:56, 1:46:06]: When the when the quarry was established, um there were ancillary businesses that that spun off as a result of having that gravel right there. [1:46:06, 1:46:26]: So everything along that, which is why it's called Rock Quarry Road, you know what I mean? Everything that was fronting the road and the railroad tracks was in the business of producing things from the concrete, whether it was literally concrete or concrete pipe or the gravel shipments, the sand, you know, producing sand for distribution. [1:46:26, 1:46:42]: is sand and sales of sand, all of those things, and I showed that in my presentation, all the different businesses that have been there. Um and those and there were more of them, of course, back in the day. But over time, obviously those things have slowly phased out. Uh they can be made cheaper elsewhere, those kinds of things. So [1:46:43, 1:46:52]: Just one second please. Um I'm gonna make sure you are you any more questions? Yeah, that that kinda ans that kinda puts me in the same position. Um I'm I'm at a state now where I'm [1:46:53, 1:47:13]: In agreement with the uh staff's decision. So um ready to move forward. Okay. Go ahead, Mr. Elizabeth. So I just wanted to clarify we're legal over there. I mean we've been talking about this going back and forth. What is the process of this hearing? When does is the the testimony's been going on for quite some time. We've had delivery [1:47:13, 1:47:16]: [6441.9, 6446.6]: Mr. Quentin Poster? [1:47:26, 1:47:35]: And is there public participation? Yeah, I I will open that up, sir. Okay, I just I didn't know, I'm asking. Yeah, it's a public hearing. I'll open it up in just a second. [1:47:35, 1:47:44]: Morning, Mayor I'm good evening, Mayor and Council. I would just ask that once the evidence is closed that we have a brief executive session and then decide what steps to take from there. [1:47:45, 1:47:45]: All right. [1:47:46, 1:48:02]: Right. Uh Ms. Gantton, you had one more question this one? The other two lots uh are owned by the same person that owns the grav that owned the gravel halling. I mean the concrete. Mr. Raven and Huddleston, yes. Okay. Well and then that [1:48:03, 1:48:16]: And I can see that, but I again my only concern is that up until recently has it the business been described as a parking rental as well. That is the only [1:48:17, 1:48:20]: concern I have with that and um [1:48:22, 1:48:34]: You know, which leads me to believe that because if they if you put something down saying it's a park and rental, even back in the nineteen nineties, then the the city would have denied it because it's not zoned for it. [1:48:35, 1:48:37]: I c and I can't find anything. [1:48:38, 1:48:40]: That says that we allow I know [1:48:40, 1:48:42]: What you have mentioned is [1:48:42, 1:48:49]: But I've looked, I mean, I although I just got it, I try to read real quick and I appreciate the details and the timelines from both parties. [1:48:50, 1:49:10]: But as I look at both of these, I don't see where that is allowed. And so I have to agree with staff and our attorneys um that we we we do need a phase out plan. Um I don't know if it could be five years. I don't think I think that's a quite a long time considering we've had [1:49:10, 1:49:17]: This going on, the the first denial of the application was back in 2020. Uh [1:49:17, 1:49:29]: Twenty twenty five. Okay, twenty twenty five March of this year. Well the first note uh what I what I saw was an application in t well the uh okay, it was denied, but I saw the notice [1:49:30, 1:49:32]: In twenty twenty. [1:49:33, 1:49:34]: Four. [1:49:35, 1:49:38]: I saw the actual change of putting in [1:49:38, 1:49:41]: the property uh you know the truck rental portion. [1:49:41, 1:49:43]: My concern is [1:49:44, 1:49:49]: There definitely needs to be a phase out because that's not the direction we're going in. Um [1:49:52, 1:49:52]: But [1:49:54, 1:50:01]: But for had this truck, this uh concrete company, which is no longer present at all. [1:50:03, 1:50:04]: Had placed his [1:50:04, 1:50:14]: in its original applications years ago, that it was going to also rent space for eighteen wheelers to be, whether or not [1:50:15, 1:50:23]: they would have been allowed that license. And looking at that zoning ordinance, that the way the zoning code was written then. [1:50:26, 1:50:44]: And looking at the presentations I have now, I don't believe that whoever our people were at that time would have would have a uh approved that business to go there. Not for that purpose, but they would approve it for the concrete purpose. And so [1:50:45, 1:50:53]: That's what I'm having to look at. That's cause I it's tough. He's been in business for a while and I get it. I I sympathize. [1:50:54, 1:51:01]: But I have to go by the law, and I I definitely have to do what's in the best interest of Stockbridge. [1:51:02, 1:51:02]: Um [1:51:03, 1:51:07]: So that weighs heavy and it's a business owner. You know, I respect all business owners, it's hard. [1:51:08, 1:51:12]: But I I'm looking at the totality of every single thing that's laid out. [1:51:13, 1:51:19]: And if they if it wasn't placed in the application and they didn't approve it based on that, even if they put it there for years. [1:51:20, 1:51:23]: adverse possession or on constructive notice. [1:51:25, 1:51:33]: It's still not right. And so I have to lean towards phasing it out and I'm gonna have to agree with my colleagues on that. [1:51:33, 1:51:44]: Okay, there's no other comments right now. I'd like to open up for public hearing. Well ha it is a public hearing actually. So any comments for the Hulson Company comment positive comments for what's going off on my far left side. [1:51:45, 1:51:46]: Anybody in the middle? [1:51:47, 1:51:49]: Anybody from our far right side? [1:51:49, 1:51:54]: Comments for. They comments against what's happening right now. My far left side. [1:51:54, 1:51:55]: In the middle. [1:51:56, 1:52:09]: The far right side. No comments for or against. So I'll close that piece off of the public hearing. So on that note then uh I've uh been requested in a sense that uh I need a motion to go into exactly the session before I make a final decision. [1:52:09, 1:52:20]: Talk about this motion to go into executive session for personnel, real estate, and litigation. And cyber. Is there s second you second it, Ms. Gantt? I second. Okay, all in favor, please indicate. [1:52:20, 1:52:28]: All right. We're gonna go on execut. I'm sorry, sir. I don't have any the only the only evidence I have is what I presented. So I I don't know what [1:52:29, 1:52:36]: You all are considering. I've not seen a a document other than the presentation from staff. I don't know what's being considered. [1:52:37, 1:52:56]: Well so I can't comment on any so sort of depri depriving my client the ability to evaluate what you're considering, right? And comment on that because staff has my report, you all have my report, I've uh presented all that to you so that there's an opportunity to cross examine, if you will, to look at that information. [1:52:57, 1:53:05]: But I haven't seen anything other than the report. So if there is and all I'm asking is if there is anything else that the city council is considering. [1:53:05, 1:53:25]: I I'd like to know what that is now before you go into executive service. Okay, what I got it, sir. I I think I got this here. But what it amounts to, sir, based on the comments of the Council of Inmate, we talked about a phase you talk about a a five year phase out type program that the owner has done an affidavit on somewhere to. The discussion is that the uh I think a general consensus we're looking at ph a phase out pro [1:53:25, 1:53:32]: uh time frame, but not necessarily five years. Something a lot smaller, shorter than five years is what I'm gathering. And that's what w based on our attorney [1:53:33, 1:53:42]: And the conversation is happening here, that's what we'll go discuss and come back out for further discussion after you come out of the second session. That's what I believe is happening here. Okay, further clarify presentation there. [1:53:42, 1:53:46]: You develop a direct A, that's the entirety of the evidence. [1:53:46, 1:53:55]: Okay. All right. Then that's that that's I'm sorry. That's what I wanted to know. Cause I wanted to make sure that Mike basically needed to give them a copy of your report. That's what [1:53:55, 1:54:02]: That was that was evidence. That's the entirety of the evidence. Okay, that that's thank you. And that's that's in their record. [1:54:04, 1:54:15]: What you gave them and make sure you give a copy of the clerk, that's your copy of the record. The copy of our record is what they already have, the review materials, what the department has, which [1:54:17, 1:54:37]: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Attorney. I appreciate that. And I did give a copy to uh the clerk for uh I've given a copy to all of you, but I also gave a copy to the clerk and I gave a copy to uh Mr. Washington, so I want to make sure that uh the city attorney had it as well. All right, thank you. I believe that's what you want to talk about. That was what you want to say? Yes. Okay, got it, no problem. Let's go into Zec Sim, ladies. [1:54:37, 1:54:48]: vote. We did uh we did vote. I thought we just voted. We did. All in favor indic all in favor indicate. All right, this is Namus and thank you. We'll be right back. [1:56:25, 1:56:26]: [6993.3, 6995.6]: [1:56:36, 1:56:40]: [8493.9, 8495.1]: We got the [2:22:06, 2:22:09]: I'm cold. I guess I should put a jacket. [2:22:17, 2:22:17]: Yeah. [2:22:30, 2:22:31]: Mm-hmm. [2:22:34, 2:22:47]: All right, Council, I need a motion to end our executive session, please. So move. Is there a second? I second. All right, uh Ms. Alexander and Ms. Scanner, all in favor, please indicate. Now I need a motion to reconvene our council meeting, please. [2:22:47, 2:23:04]: Seven moved. Is there a second? Second. All right. Miss uh uh Gantt to Mr. In favor please. Miss Barber? Good. Okay. Zeno's decision. And from our executive session, we have an announcement uh discussion that we want to bring forward uh for emotion. Ms. Barber, please. [2:23:05, 2:23:18]: Mayor Ford, um I'd like to make a motion to uphold the denial with a phase out not to exceed December thirty-first of twenty twenty six. Is there a second to that? Yeah, I'm sorry. [2:23:26, 2:23:27]: You want to restate that as well? [2:23:28, 2:23:29]: Appeal [2:23:29, 2:23:34]: Case number AP dash two zero two five dash zero one. [2:23:35, 2:23:36]: Second mayor. [2:23:36, 2:23:38]: Okay, second now. All in favor, please indicate. [2:23:39, 2:23:41]: All right, that is that is is approved. [2:23:42, 2:23:44]: Csam's decision on that mon note. [2:23:45, 2:23:45]: Okay. [2:23:47, 2:23:48]: You're welcome. Thank you, sir. [2:23:51, 2:23:53]: No, no sir, we do not, not this time. No. [2:23:54, 2:23:54]: This man. [2:23:55, 2:23:56]: Okay. [2:23:58, 2:24:07]: Council consideration for the approval contract number two zero two four-zero zero zero four. Financial audit services of Malden and Jenkins certified public accountants. [2:24:08, 2:24:09]: Ms. Malazzi, please. [2:24:13, 2:24:18]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Are in twenty twenty four [2:24:18, 2:24:30]: It was presented to council to approve the contract between the city and Morden and Jenkins from twenty twenty four through twenty twenty eight. [2:24:30, 2:24:37]: Unfortunately that contract you approved was not executed until twenty twenty five. [2:24:38, 2:24:58]: that we initiated for it to be executed. So we have executed contract with the our external auditors. And this will be the first fa the first of that contract was twenty twenty-four-twenty-five. Now this is required [2:24:58, 2:25:02]: requesting twenty twenty five, twenty twenty six it will be the second renewal. [2:25:03, 2:25:23]: But I will be recommending next year that because the our external auditors have been with us for years and we may need to go out. We know that they are going to come back to bid, but we want to take it out. Just for the sake of it has been several five years. [2:25:23, 2:25:39]: five years we are requested to or recommended to have a bid out every five years. So what I'm asking now is to approve the twenty twenty five-2026 renewal of the our external auditors. [2:25:39, 2:25:41]: No, thank you. There uh questions, council. [2:25:42, 2:25:44]: No questions on the motion to approve this. [2:25:45, 2:25:46]: So moved. So second. [2:25:47, 2:25:49]: I'm a s uh captain Mr. [2:25:49, 2:25:51]: Berry, all in favor, please indicate. [2:25:51, 2:26:07]: Okay, unanimous decision. Thank you. Thank you. And appreciate that council. And by the way, for the record, the new on the new business items number three, four, and five, early in the in our meeting, we uh we removed that based on the staff recommendation and they'll come back at our next uh council meeting here at the end of the month. [2:26:07, 2:26:13]: So I have up next announcements and upcoming meetings and events uh that'll be held. Let's see here. [2:26:14, 2:26:15]: Um [2:26:16, 2:26:18]: Citywide Development Authority meetings. Yes, ma'am? [2:26:22, 2:26:23]: After you went again. [2:26:27, 2:26:34]: Oh we're not like I need to know did you tell me? Yes. When we came out? Yes. [2:26:57, 2:26:59]: When we came back out, everything was looked back on. [2:27:00, 2:27:19]: Okay, all right. He said okay. So anyway, City Wide Development Authority meeting, second Tuesday of each month at six PM, City Hall Levi uh meeting room there, and that's September ninth, which is actually tomorrow. Community zoning information meeting Wednesday, September tenth, six PM in City Hall Council Chambers. [2:27:19, 2:27:28]: Main Street Advisory Board meeting second Friday of each month, 9 a.m. at the Downtown Connection Center, 130 ML King Senior Heritage Trail, September 12th. [2:27:29, 2:27:31]: Uh let's see here. [2:27:32, 2:27:44]: Downtown Development Authority Board Meeting is third two uh uh third Tuesday of each month, six PM, the Downtown Connection Center, one thirty ML King Senior Heritage Trails. It's on the sixteenth of September. [2:27:45, 2:27:58]: Youth Council Advisory Committee meeting third Tuesday of each month at six thirty P.M. City Hall Levi Meeting Room. That's on the sixteenth of September. The Planning Commission meeting Thursday, September eighteenth, six thirty PM, City Hall Council Chambers. [2:27:59, 2:28:09]: City Council budget retreat Wednesday, September twenty fourth through Friday, September twenty sixth, nine A. M. to five PM in Mural Man's Conference Center, one one one Davis Road. [2:28:10, 2:28:28]: All right, the City Council work session meetings last Tuesday of each month, September thirtieth, six PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. Upcoming city events and initiatives join the Main Street for the tiny tent concert series Fridays from six P.M. to eight P.M. the Stockbridge Connection Center one thirty ML King Senior Heritage Trail. [2:28:28, 2:28:32]: bring their own lawn chairs and of course they'll do this provided the weather is permitting. [2:28:32, 2:28:47]: Join the city of Stockbridge for the annual nine eleven remember ceremony on Thursday, September eleventh, at on the steps of City Hall at eight A. M. as we honor the first responders in observance to of the the nine eleven attack that occurred many years ago in two thousand one. [2:28:49, 2:29:09]: Join Castleman Berry in partnership with the monthly Bingo Bash on Wednesday, September 17th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Merrimanna's Conference Center. Lots of fun to be had by all. Join Mirapotem Gantt for the free line dancing classes on Wednesday, September 17th and September 24th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Merrimanis Conference Center. All ages are welcome. [2:29:09, 2:29:29]: And bring your own fan. Join Councilman Alexander for the District 5 Town Hall on Thursday, September 18th, and at the Levi at the Bridges, 1400 J.R. Grant Boulevard. It says Madonna's address, but of course it's inside the City Limits. The Stockbridge topics: New Developments, Transportation, Traffic, and Public Safety. Join Mayor Anthony Ford for the monthly uh [2:29:29, 2:29:39]: Meet the mayor, which is actually gonna be on uh Monday, September twenty ninth, uh from uh ten AM to twelve noon in the city hall. And uh of course the meetings are by appointment. [2:29:40, 2:30:00]: Join us for our bridge fest on Saturday, September 27th, the Vice Star Amphitheater at the Bridge. Free food, free fun activities for kids, vendors, food trucks, an amazing concert featuring Jack Quees and uh Kiki Wyatt. So your Stockbridge residents have will have an opportunity to obtain a limited number of tickets with the Pitcher ID. [2:30:00, 2:30:20]: Check the website and social media for full details in that aspect as well. The Economic Development Department will host a free business health clinic on the second Thursday of every month from 9 8m to noon. The Stockbridge Connection Center, 130 ML King Senior Heritage Trail. Check the health of your business with a free. [2:30:19, 2:30:39]: Free clinic. And due to outstanding citations, warrants, or failure to appear fee, you may qualify to have your warrant resolved and late fees waived during the Stockbridge Municipal Court Embassy program offered during the month of September. Please visit your website, our website, for complete details at www.stopbridge.com. [2:30:39, 2:30:41]: Yeah. [2:30:43, 2:30:58]: Of course, Councilman Thomas Wall be on continue to honor veterans and continue to salute to all veterans all year long. Please uh send your pictures and veterans and their name, branch, rank, and sir, years of service to uh our um to our actual assistants, Mrs. Rosen Rawls. [2:31:00, 2:31:10]: Sign up for the real-time alerts about severe weather, road closures, and emergencies on Regroup app. Visit the city's website or social media pages for more information on how and where to sign up. [2:31:11, 2:31:12]: Stay safe. [2:31:12, 2:31:16]: A twenty twenty five municipal election forum taking place on Tuesday, October seventh. [2:31:17, 2:31:19]: At seven PM a Mermanus Conference Center. [2:31:19, 2:31:32]: Please contact Roslin Ross to schedule an appointment with meet the mayor or more information on council initiatives at 678-833-3348 or by way of email rose at starbersg.org. [2:31:33, 2:31:35]: twenty twenty five concert season schedule. [2:31:35, 2:31:37]: This coming Saturday. [2:31:37, 2:31:41]: September thirteenth for lovers and friends featuring Tank [2:31:41, 2:31:46]: Special guests Leaf Jennings, Jenny Wan, and Tel Reese has been added to the concert list. [2:31:46, 2:31:48]: So get your tickets, ladies and gentlemen. [2:31:49, 2:32:09]: And our last concert of the year will be Saturday, October 18th, Detroit Gospel Legends, featuring Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Anthony Brown, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Lisa Page Brooks, and Calvin Wynins, Carvin Wynans, I'm sorry, and Brian Cage. On that note, uh this is uh we're getting into the fall season. [2:32:09, 2:32:29]: season. So make sure you can catch a flu shot, COVID 19 boosters, whatever you can get in that aspect. Want you to be healthy and strong during the winter, fall, and winter months. And for your football fans, keep the faith for your Falcons and for your Georgia Bulldogs. All right. And on that note, we've already had our executive session. So counsel, I need a motion to [2:32:29, 2:32:36]: To end our meeting. So move. Is there a second? Uh from Mr. Alzheimer's and Ms. Ken Almere, please indicate. So now is the season. God bless you and good night. [2:32:49, 2:32:51]: It's not very good.

--- title: Work Session Meeting date: 2025-08-26 source: 2025-08-26_Work_Session_Meeting.wav --- [0:02:35, 0:02:55]: Yes, sir, I know I need that code enforcement. Uh you need uh code enforcement officers. So he really needs the purpose. I got some coverage. Gotcha cards. [0:02:54, 0:02:59]: Yeah, just connect it now. Okay. Yeah. So [0:03:00, 0:03:20]: Gotcha. I appreciate ancient Chinese sea, but I will use anyone. [0:03:40, 0:03:44]: I know we can figure out. [0:03:45, 0:03:49]: Or would you say that? [0:03:50, 0:04:05]: I don't know, C out there went um they went to the other page or not. [0:04:25, 0:04:45]: I got one for you. [0:04:45, 0:04:58]: Do you want the tank or you on the technique? I'm more about the I would say from here. [0:04:58, 0:05:00]: Exactly. Did you do that? [0:05:15, 0:05:20]: [322.0, 325.0]: [0:05:35, 0:05:43]: Ladies and gentlemen, we'll get started as soon as we have a quorum this evening. I need one more council members to make a quorum before we get started with our meeting this evening. Stand by. [0:06:40, 0:06:55]: Yeah, that's right. So that was actually. [0:07:03, 0:07:04]: Design. [0:07:11, 0:07:30]: All right ladies and gentlemen, I have now uh six oh six. We have a quorum, so I'd like to start our city council work session. This is Tuesday, August twenty sixth, call to order. And um let's stand for the invocation. Miss Renee Gordine, please. [0:07:31, 0:07:34]: You can come to the mic and uh make sure your mic is on. [0:07:46, 0:07:48]: Look the green light should be on. [0:07:50, 0:08:01]: There you go. You have it. Um, will you all please bow your heads and pray in your faith as I pray mine? Heavenly Father, we come to you today asking for your guidance. [0:08:01, 0:08:04]: wisdom and support as we begin this meeting. [0:08:04, 0:08:09]: Help us to engage in meaningful discussion, allow us to grow closer as a group. [0:08:09, 0:08:11]: and nurture the bonds of the community. [0:08:12, 0:08:14]: Fill us with your grace. [0:08:14, 0:08:34]: Lord God, as we make decisions that might affect the citizens of the city of Stockbridge and continue to remind us that all that we do here today, all that we accomplish is for the pursuit of the truth and the greater glory of you and for the service of humanity. We ask these things in your name. Amen. [0:08:34, 0:08:36]: Amen. For privileges. [0:08:36, 0:08:48]: A pleasure leaders to the flag of the America and to the Republic for this strength in the nation and God indivisible. [0:08:48, 0:09:08]: Madam Clerk, roll call, please. Good evening. Evening. Mayor Ford. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. Present. Council Member Thomas. At the record reflect, Councilmember Thomas is not in attendance. Councilmember Berry. Present. Councilmember Barber. Present. Council Member Alexander. Present. Mayor Ford, we have a call. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Appreciate it [0:09:08, 0:09:11]: Council, I need a motion to adopt the agenda, please. [0:09:13, 0:09:18]: So moved. Second. Miss Barber had her hand up s she seconds that all in favor, please indicate. [0:09:18, 0:09:25]: All right, thank you very much. Appreciate that. Um Madam Clerk, we have any public comments? One public comment mayor, Mr. Carter. [0:09:25, 0:09:26]: Okay. [0:09:26, 0:09:30]: Ms. Carter, please come forward and uh state your name and address, please. [0:09:35, 0:09:37]: Good afternoon, Councilman Mayor. [0:09:37, 0:09:38]: Afternoon too. [0:09:38, 0:09:40]: Willie Carter, one twenty three Wilson Avenue. [0:09:42, 0:09:50]: In June, the city council approved a budget amendment for thirty-two point nine million. [0:09:50, 0:10:02]: The amendment came as a result of the city spending on approved funds in the excess of the approved budget of forty-three million for the year twenty twenty four. [0:10:04, 0:10:09]: In July, the exit board submitted a recommendation to the city. [0:10:10, 0:10:13]: To have independent third party. [0:10:13, 0:10:21]: To review the city's finances from the complaint that was filed by Councilman. [0:10:22, 0:10:22]: Farbra. [0:10:24, 0:10:26]: Please do not ignore [0:10:26, 0:10:28]: The recommendation [0:10:28, 0:10:31]: From the stock bridge effects board. [0:10:32, 0:10:40]: Also, I have come to the city council for years now to get improvements in the Ty Street area. [0:10:41, 0:10:54]: And after numerous phone calls and emails between I and Council Thomas and the Public Works D department, we finally got six million approved to do the work. [0:10:56, 0:11:02]: I am asking the new city manager to please provide an update for the project. Thank you. [0:11:03, 0:11:11]: Thank you for comments. Appreciate that. All right, uh, council review of your minutes. And you got a review of the regular city council meeting minutes on August 11th. [0:11:12, 0:11:32]: Miller's rate public hearing number one on August 11th as well. And public hearing, uh Miller's rate public hearing number two, also on 11th. One was at 10 o'clock. The first one at 10 o'clock. The other one should have been at uh six in the evening, I believe that was. And then the Miller's Rate Public Hearing Number Three on August 18th, also at 10 o'clock in the morning. And then of course we had a [0:11:32, 0:11:43]: special call floss meeting uh minutes um on august eighteenth. So please review those and at our next meeting we'll be able to approve them. If you have any updates or changes, please get that to the clerk. [0:11:43, 0:12:02]: Uh consent agenda and council consideration to approve the Henry County twenty twenty five early voting dates and uh locations as approved by the Henry County Elections Board on August eighteenth of twenty twenty five. Um so uh Ms. Hall, do you need to expound on that at all? [0:12:08, 0:12:09]: Okay. [0:12:10, 0:12:15]: All righty. So it's a consent agenda, so I would imagine that we just need a motion to [0:12:16, 0:12:16]: Approved that. [0:12:17, 0:12:18]: Some move. Is there a second? [0:12:19, 0:12:21]: Miss Berry second that all in favor, please indicate. [0:12:22, 0:12:23]: She now's decision, okay. [0:12:23, 0:12:43]: Old business. Um what we have here council consideration to approve the renewal of the landscape maintenance services contract with Yellowstone Landscape in the amount of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Funding sources from the government building uh department and amphitheater budgeted funds. Mr. Aaron, please. Yes, Mr. Mayor and Council. I met with Mr. Edmondson and [0:12:43, 0:12:57]: reference to this item. This is the fifth and final renewal for Yellowstone. I've already submitted the scope of services for the next RFP to the city manager for him to review. And we're asking council to approve the final renewal on this contract. [0:12:58, 0:13:03]: Okay. Council, any questions? We'll stand by, please. Miss Barbagway, please. [0:13:05, 0:13:23]: Thank you, Mr. Aaron. Um so last year in twenty twenty-four, um the cost, the total cost for general maintenance and grass cutting was the three hundred and twenty-seven thousand two hundred and sixteen dollars. [0:13:25, 0:13:45]: Yes, ma'am, the cost is the same. If the additional funds were put in there because we were requested, if if we don't use it, we won't use it. We are requested in case they wanted to do an additional application of mulch and pine straw. That's what that additional money is for because we've had some requests for the land. [0:13:45, 0:13:54]: Landscaping downtown and refresh that and to refresh at City Hall. So that's what the additional money was put into the budget for. [0:13:55, 0:13:56]: I get that, but [0:13:57, 0:13:59]: So this was a originally [0:14:00, 0:14:09]: a contract that was awarded based on the competitive bidding process. Yes. So the contract amount is what we approved [0:14:10, 0:14:14]: Any amendments or additions to this contract? [0:14:15, 0:14:20]: can be either approved by the city manager if it's within his spending authorization. [0:14:22, 0:14:23]: Anything more than that. [0:14:24, 0:14:25]: would need to come to the council. [0:14:26, 0:14:27]: So I just need to understand [0:14:28, 0:14:28]: From [0:14:28, 0:14:31]: In twenty twenty four, you budgeted. [0:14:31, 0:14:33]: The three twenty seven two sixteen. [0:14:34, 0:14:34]: But yes. [0:14:34, 0:14:38]: What is the actual contract amount for this year? [0:14:39, 0:14:59]: It's the same as it was in the prior year. Sir, I can Mayor Ford, if there are no other questions, there is. I will stand by Mr. Alexander. Certainly, Mr. and I certainly appreciate the proactive measures that we're taking and to improve. I certainly do support making sure that we change up. [0:14:59, 0:15:19]: Out the pine straw on a more regular basis to make sure that it's refreshed. I think we just had to change it out here because it wasn't changed out for quite some time. I think speaking with Mr. Edmondson, he's kind of wanted this area to be our prime uh footprint, putting out, sending out the message that we were this is the start. [0:15:19, 0:15:35]: standard that we're going to adhere to. In order to do that, you have to appro fund it appropriately. And certainly if that is the case, uh I certainly would support that. I do want to say, however, uh in making sure that we're doing what we need to do. [0:15:35, 0:15:55]: Uh the area uh in the alleyway, which is behind uh downtown social, frozen smoke, and um uh CNL beauty and those businesses right there. Who handles that and is that an extension of what we're doing at the city crew? No, it's public works does that. Okay. [0:15:55, 0:16:15]: Well, what I always find out, and I and I say this as we started this contract and stuff, the contractors always do a great job. The city does what we can when we have people and they are present. So what is it that we can do to improve that area uh behind [0:16:14, 0:16:26]: in that central downtown core behind those businesses that we can get the same regular weekly maintenance that we have uh on this particular area right here. [0:16:27, 0:16:37]: So if the budget is approved at three hundred and fifty, you got the additional money you can amend the contract to add that to their scope of work. [0:16:38, 0:16:39]: For this final renewal. [0:16:40, 0:16:40]: Mm. [0:16:41, 0:17:01]: So because a as we move along and I think what the plan is to have that area and the alleyway project move forward, but uh those businesses certainly have brought it to our attention that, you know, as we move forward, we need to make sure that we're in line and lining up what we need to do and where we want to go in terms of cleaning [0:17:01, 0:17:21]: That area up and making sure that it's maintained weekly. Yellowstone is doing a really good job on maintaining this portion. I certainly wouldn't mind uh ha adding that area to their contract. Certainly the DDA has talked about maybe be able to uh try to support that as well. But if they were able to take that on. [0:17:20, 0:17:39]: Is that is that something that you consider? Did you say amending the contract to let them do it? Like I said, we've got the additional funds. It's about$20$21,000,$22,000 a year is almost over. So you could do that if you wanted to add it. [0:17:39, 0:17:59]: Well, certainly it's not totally up to me. But from what we've heard from the businesses downtown mayor and uh Ms. Gannon kinda we've heard that they want that area improved. So certainly if we prioritizing downtown, then this is an opportunity to put our money where our mouth is and and uh add that to add that and get this. [0:17:59, 0:18:08]: Because it's what you've already requested. If we give you what you've already requested, you'll have that additional latitude to be able to deal with that. [0:18:08, 0:18:22]: Yes. The the el the area behind uh frozen smoke in the downtown area over along Martin Luther King and behind that, that area is kind of an eyesore and it certainly needs to be re maintained at the same level as this is here. [0:18:22, 0:18:40]: Am I assuming that you're talking about the grassy area? Okay. Okay. And front and rear of those um MLK senior heritage along because now we got peop we have activity, people park there in that area behind those businesses and it should should re reflect where we're trying to go. [0:18:40, 0:18:41]: Okay. [0:18:43, 0:18:46]: So any other comments from the council? Oh Miss Barber, go ahead, please. [0:18:47, 0:18:47]: Uh [0:18:47, 0:19:07]: Mr. Aaron, I think we and Ms. Holiday, you may be able to verify this. But I believe last year when we talked about all contracts are to expire at the end of the calendar year. Yep. December 31st. Yes, ma'am. This would be December 31st of 2026. We we're procurement goal is to get everything. [0:19:07, 0:19:24]: on a year end. Yeah, I just wanted to make sure that we remembered that. Um and the other question that I have though, I looked at this contract renewal evaluation form and on it it says um the amount budgeted for the option year$300,000. [0:19:24, 0:19:29]: Okay. But then looking at this agenda item form. [0:19:30, 0:19:33]: It has the amount of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. [0:19:33, 0:19:36]: But I see the background information that is included. [0:19:37, 0:19:57]: And it mentions the general maintenance and grass cutting in the amount of 327, 216 from the FY 2024 budget. So I just want to know what is the amount. I want to make a motion for this, but I need to know the amount of the contract. The amount is what we're asking. We budgeted$350,000. I won't, I won't, that is not the amount. [0:19:57, 0:20:00]: amount of the contract that it was awarded for. [0:20:00, 0:20:04]: I need to know the amount that it was awarded for. [0:20:06, 0:20:08]: And I don't have the contract here. [0:20:09, 0:20:11]: So I'm already a little skeptical. [0:20:11, 0:20:15]: Because I have consistently raised the same issues. [0:20:15, 0:20:23]: For five years, please provide me with all of the supporting documents when it comes to the contracts. [0:20:23, 0:20:26]: I want to be able to support this. [0:20:26, 0:20:30]: But I just can't when I don't have the information. [0:20:30, 0:20:32]: Mr. Edmondson or Mr. Malazi. [0:20:34, 0:20:35]: Did you all review [0:20:36, 0:20:37]: These contracts. [0:20:38, 0:20:42]: Before they came to us. [0:20:47, 0:20:49]: Did the city attorney review him at least? [0:20:56, 0:21:13]: So when this uh particular item came up, uh if y'all could recall, I pulled this item uh the f wrath of confirmation. Um because the goal was to get a better understanding of what was going on with this particular contract to include looking at the scope of work and ensuring that they were doing [0:21:13, 0:21:33]: Uh, the job of the scope of work. Uh, since that time, I have met with Mr. Aaron. We sat down, we looked over the contract. This particular contract had a it was a five-year option with annual agreements, because of course, we have to do that clause where we have to come back uh before years in to either renew or to uh terminate the contract. [0:21:33, 0:21:53]: Contract. Based on what I have observed and sitting down talking with the contracting company, expectations they have stepped up. They looked at the scope of work, make sure that everything was in alignment. I spoke with the procurement professionals downstairs. They talked to me about the process, which they start about five months out, looking at the data, making sure that the process is not a good idea [0:21:53, 0:22:13]: Sure, that the contract is in still fact is needed. Are we do it having any intentions to renew the contract, so on and so forth? So it's not like it's a new contract, it's the same contract, uh, but this is the last year option within the contract amount that was previously approved. So we just had that the last year of that five-year contract. [0:22:13, 0:22:13]: Right. [0:22:15, 0:22:16]: Yeah, sure. [0:22:16, 0:22:17]: So [0:22:18, 0:22:21]: I don't remember what the amount was last year. [0:22:21, 0:22:24]: This item is being presented to me today. [0:22:24, 0:22:28]: I need all of the supporting document so that I can review it. [0:22:28, 0:22:30]: So I can make an informed decision. [0:22:31, 0:22:31]: Today. [0:22:32, 0:22:40]: So I'm just asking going forward, all of the supporting documents that staff uses to justify their recommendations to award. [0:22:41, 0:22:53]: Please provide them to us so that I can support this ma going forward. That's with all contracts I have to be honest. I've got issues with several of these contracts that are on the agenda. [0:22:54, 0:22:56]: They're missing supporting documents. [0:22:56, 0:22:57]: They have, you know [0:22:58, 0:23:01]: Um in the contract to look at exhibit b. [0:23:01, 0:23:11]: But exhibit B is not listed. I mean it's not included in our packet. Right. [0:23:12, 0:23:16]: So it gives me pause. These are the same issues I've been raising. [0:23:17, 0:23:18]: For the past five years. [0:23:20, 0:23:24]: My councilmates may be okay with it. I'm just not. [0:23:24, 0:23:25]: Um [0:23:26, 0:23:38]: But I know that this particular one you did pull off the agenda, um, the first meeting you attended. So I will vote in support of this of the three hundred and twenty seven dollars and [0:23:41, 0:23:43]: $3,227 in um [0:23:44, 0:23:45]: What is this? [0:23:47, 0:23:51]: Three twenty seven, two sixteen, the same as it was last year, right? [0:23:53, 0:24:01]: Point of point of clarification of but this says three hundred and fifty thousand dollars on it. That is what the budgeted amount is. Okay, but I thought that uh [0:24:01, 0:24:07]: My understanding that we wanted to approve that and that would give us some additional room for additional potential things of [0:24:07, 0:24:08]: Of um [0:24:08, 0:24:25]: Any type of ground cover you want and maybe even apply for if if if we agree to this, what Mr. Alexander was talking about in reference to some additional funds or these additional funds maybe clearing out the uh back area right behind the uh downtown area. If I can respond to you, you cut me off if I can explain. Go ahead. Um [0:24:26, 0:24:30]: So this is a recommendation to approve a renewal. [0:24:30, 0:24:33]: of a contract. Okay. So the contract amount [0:24:34, 0:24:35]: That was approved. [0:24:35, 0:24:40]: That is what we're being asked to do. Okay, not to approve what he budgeted for. [0:24:41, 0:24:42]: The budgeted amount [0:24:43, 0:25:00]: is there just in case there are extra services that they want to provide down the line. So if he wants to provide e well this company wants to provide extra services as long as those services are within the city manager's spending authorization. [0:25:00, 0:25:01]: He can do that. [0:25:02, 0:25:17]: But if those extra services are be more than the fifty thousand dollars, then he has to bring it back to the council for us to approve it. I don't I know that in the past, Mr. Aaron has brought several contracts to us and asked us to approve the budgeted amount. [0:25:17, 0:25:18]: That is not [0:25:19, 0:25:21]: The proper way to do this. [0:25:21, 0:25:26]: We are to approve the renewal of the actual contract amount. [0:25:26, 0:25:28]: That's all. That's just my thing. [0:25:29, 0:25:31]: But I will vote accordingly. [0:25:31, 0:25:46]: As a part of this section three in the agenda, it discussed that we are voting voting for I understand the original contract in 2023. [0:25:47, 0:25:49]: was for [0:25:49, 0:25:53]: Um no, I'm sorry, in twenty twenty one was two hundred and fifty thousand. [0:25:53, 0:26:01]: And then on December twenty fur twenty-one, we did another resolution and increased it by fifty thousand. [0:26:01, 0:26:06]: bringing it to three hundred thousand that was in twenty twenty one in twenty twenty three [0:26:06, 0:26:18]: We did another resolution, R23-1570, Council approved the landscape and maintenance project with Yellowstone for general maintenance and grass cutting in the amount of 327,216. [0:26:19, 0:26:24]: I believe that's the one that Councilwoman Barber's re referencing. That was in twenty twenty three. [0:26:24, 0:26:44]: But if you look on, that was in 20, again, as you can see, it grows up is twenty three to twenty-seven. We're growing. We have other new projects. We have the amphitheater, we have new new buildings and maintenance. So then it goes up and it says that the contract expires on September 30th, 2025. [0:26:44, 0:26:46]: This is the fourth and final renewal. [0:26:46, 0:27:00]: But it also reads that it's up to the council's soul well it says this agreement is for one year with an option to renew for four one year periods with such an option as the council city sole discretion. [0:27:00, 0:27:04]: The contract expired September thirtieth, twenty twenty five. This is the fourth and final renewal. [0:27:04, 0:27:07]: But if you continue to read the contract. [0:27:07, 0:27:19]: And you go further and you look at the last pages here, there's at the if you go down to the last three pages in this section, the new the resolution R24. [0:27:20, 0:27:22]: The most recent resolution [0:27:23, 0:27:29]: Again, it's the last three pages of the this section. R twenty four dash one seven one three. [0:27:30, 0:27:31]: And if you go to [0:27:32, 0:27:39]: The third page of that resolu no the second page of that resolution, you'll see section one. [0:27:39, 0:27:45]: Where it says approval to renew RFP. Now this was done in 2024. [0:27:45, 0:27:47]: Approval to renew [0:27:47, 0:27:52]: R F P twenty twenty one dash zero zero four [0:27:53, 0:28:07]: The council hereby approves and renews of the landscaping contract with Yellowstone Landscaping LLC in the amount of$350,000. [0:28:07, 0:28:09]: It's in black and white. [0:28:10, 0:28:18]: From budgeted government building funds from September 30th, 2024 through September 30th, 2025. [0:28:18, 0:28:36]: With one renewal period at the sole discretion of the city. This contract shall be brought back to city council approximately one eighty days before the expiration of the contract. So I that was on June tenth, twenty twenty four. And that was in the amount that we approved. [0:28:37, 0:28:41]: Um for three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Okay. Mr. [0:28:41, 0:29:01]: See, this is how we get these meetings kind of bogged down. We've spoken twice. The rules are two times you get to speak twice on one item for up to five minutes. Now, as Ms. Gann has clearly demonstrated to us, we want to make sure that we move forward as it says. And I do want to go ahead and make a motion for the three hundred and fifty thousand dollars [0:29:01, 0:29:18]: For the extra work that we wanted to get done. And my motion is going to include the downtown area, Martin Luther King Senior Heritage, and the extra pine straw that has been indicated because we want the area to look fresh all the time. So that's my motion at$350,000. [0:29:20, 0:29:21]: I second. [0:29:22, 0:29:28]: And that's based off of the most current resolution that we approved back in twenty twenty four and that was budgeted for. [0:29:29, 0:29:31]: A motion be made the second. All in favor of the motion, please indicate. [0:29:33, 0:29:36]: Okay. All opposed? Abstain. [0:29:37, 0:29:45]: I will abstain and I need to add a comment to my motion. Three zero one go ahead please. Motion passed. Last year we had the same confusion. [0:29:46, 0:29:50]: Last year, the same confusion. Um, I want to [0:29:50, 0:29:52]: Ask the staff. [0:29:52, 0:29:53]: Provide [0:29:53, 0:29:57]: accurate information when they are adding these items to the agenda. [0:29:58, 0:30:00]: Of course, I read the resolution. [0:30:00, 0:30:02]: And I also remember the discussion. [0:30:02, 0:30:04]: Last year that we had [0:30:04, 0:30:05]: And the year before. [0:30:07, 0:30:09]: You can go back to the meeting minutes. [0:30:10, 0:30:12]: And it's particularly um [0:30:13, 0:30:19]: Talking about the cost of these particular services. I want this for the record. [0:30:20, 0:30:23]: The landscaping contracts has consistently [0:30:24, 0:30:25]: been an issue. [0:30:26, 0:30:28]: The amount of the contract award. [0:30:28, 0:30:30]: Not only that, this contract was originally [0:30:31, 0:30:32]: Awarded in twenty twenty one. [0:30:33, 0:30:35]: I think it's time for it to go back out to bid. [0:30:36, 0:30:39]: And keep in mind all contracts. [0:30:39, 0:30:42]: Expire at the end of the calendar year. [0:30:42, 0:30:44]: So even the resolution. [0:30:44, 0:30:45]: Is incorrect. [0:30:47, 0:30:48]: That's all. Thank you. [0:30:48, 0:31:07]: All right, uh as we move on. Okay, new business. Council consideration to fill vacancy and appoint a member of the youth council advisory committee to fill them uh remainder of the term through twelve thirty-one twenty twenty five. It says Miss Lester and Miss Gordine, please. [0:31:15, 0:31:35]: Um good evening mayor and council. Evening. Is the mic on? Is it green? Yes, on. Good evening, Mayor and Council. We come before you today for an approval to fill um one of the twelve positions on the the Stockford Youth Council Advisory Committee. Um [0:31:34, 0:31:44]: The person that we're seeking for approval is Dunita Minist. Her position, um, she's walking into our already um [0:31:44, 0:31:56]: a position that's already been open for a a few years, but um it expires 1231, 2025. So we are requesting your um acceptance for this application. [0:31:57, 0:31:59]: Mm. Go ahead, please. [0:32:00, 0:32:02]: Well, I've been there the representative. [0:32:03, 0:32:08]: Who's the representative? Mr. Berry. Any questions, Mr. Berry? Okay. Councilman Berry? [0:32:08, 0:32:25]: No, but I will go ahead and make the motion. I I move that we make motion that we accept the name to meet a menace for the vacant position for the term period that you have prescribed. Sir. Okay for Mr. Berry, Mr. Please indicate. You should now see thank you, ladies. All right. Thank you. [0:32:26, 0:32:26]: That was uh [0:32:27, 0:32:28]: Simple and to the point. [0:32:30, 0:32:50]: Council consideration review and approve the donated commercial space to the city of Stockbridge Police Department for the purpose of opening a satellite precinct. Uh Chief Trammer and Entourage of Individuals. We have uh Mr. Jeff Grant in the audience as well. Fantastic. Wait, Chief. Good evening, Mayor and uh Council. We're here before you this evening. [0:32:50, 0:33:10]: To request the council's approval to receive donated commercial office space at 1046 Chin Parkway Suite A at the bridges of Jodico for the purposes of establishing a satellite precinct in the south part of the city. This uh office space is generously being donated by uh Mr. Jeff Grant on behalf of Jodeco. [0:33:10, 0:33:18]: [1998.5, 2009.5]: uh approval to accept this donated commercial office space again for the purpose of establishing the satellite precinct. We have mister Grant who's here with us this evening if you would care to hear from him. [0:33:29, 0:33:33]: But um again we're asking for the council's approval of that so that we could [0:33:34, 0:33:48]: Um we're growing. Of course the department's growing and that space is going to enable us to be able to grow and provide uh an additional security presence on the south part of the city as the city expands. Thank you, Chief. Mr Grant, come on up, sir. Appreciate uh your comments and uh [0:33:48, 0:33:52]: For us here. Uh Chief don't go anywhere. Stand stand by. You tag team in this. [0:33:52, 0:34:03]: Absolutely. Um uh Mr. Mayor and Council, thank you so much. This this is something I think is good for all of us. You know, with with this donation, having the police pres presence there. [0:34:03, 0:34:10]: You know, uh uh in addition to having him there, you know, we're also gonna be putting in a security system throughout the entire Jodico project. [0:34:11, 0:34:31]: And with that, the recorder and the and will be within the police precinct there in their office and that could be used for you know future uh use uh by the detective division if if there's any crimes or or any accidents, anything that happens. This the the assist we plan to put out there is gonna be it's quite extensive. Uh we feel like [0:34:31, 0:34:51]: This is a determinant for any potential crimes in the future. And as the traffic increases and the uh parkway gets opened, uh we're gonna see c considerate uh traffic flow out there, and I'm sure we're gonna uh we're gonna need this. So um we're excited equally as to you guys, as to the council and and [0:34:50, 0:35:10]: to the citizens here, I think it's um it's almost a must, I think, for us to have a the the presence out there. And I think um with what we're willing to put with it, I think, you know, make your mayor, I think it's going to be beneficial for everybody. And I think the safety we'll have out there at that point in time and the security we bring to the the residents, um, I think [0:35:10, 0:35:30]: And so I think if if we can start doing a determinment from day one, you know, we'll we will uh eliminate any potential problems we have out there or at least minimize them to a point um that uh just creates a a very safe effect because as it sits right now, Jodico Project has done extremely [0:35:30, 0:35:50]: exceptionally well sales um uh every store out there has has done exceptionally well um as I shared with you a bit earlier, uh Sprouts, uh their uh sales are up forty percent of what they had projected. Um you know Costco's is is is uh their sales are are between 1.1 and$1.2 million a day. [0:35:50, 0:35:51]: right now. [0:35:51, 0:35:53]: And so uh with that. [0:35:54, 0:36:11]: Um uh your sprouts is is one of the third best stores in the country right now. So the whole South side has proven what could happen and what we don't want is any kind of deterrence or any any anything that could jeopardize that. Um and I think having the police presence there with a security system we're gonna put in place [0:36:11, 0:36:21]: that that they'll be in their custody, I think will be second to none. And so this benefits all of us and uh and we certainly uh um would appreciate you guys accepting our donation to you. [0:36:22, 0:36:42]: Thank you, sir. Ms. Alexander, I know you just biting the bit to say something. You know, this is where planning and part pri we always talk about public-private partnerships. This is a perfect example of public-private partnerships that work and it comes with planning as we when we entered the agreement, we sat down with [0:36:42, 0:37:02]: Mr. Grant and mapped out what the future would look like. And I think we've even it exceeded uh our wildest dreams in terms of the performance of the stores. You know, Mary, you were there on on the opening day when Sprouts opened up. Absolutely. And it was absolutely amazing to see that. We just cannot thank you enough. [0:37:02, 0:37:22]: For the investment and belief in where we're trying to go. Because it always takes somebody that believes in where you're trying to go as a private partner to make things happen in this area. And as the District 5 council member is in my district, so trust me, we stand on it. And not only are we [0:37:22, 0:37:42]: We, you know, as you said, charting the course for uh Stockbridge in Henry County, but it's the whole South Metro. People are talking about us in ways that they have never talked about us before and understanding the some of the things that we've been able to accomplish uh in terms of the types and the quality of restaurants that we've uh [0:37:42, 0:38:02]: Invested in there. So, you know, this came together as we put together the development plan and proactively thinking about as we move forward. And from day one, Mr. Grant was in was at the table and agreeable and wanted to make it happen just as bad as we did. So that was before we even had. [0:38:02, 0:38:22]: police department and to understand that we wanted a precinct down there in that area. So you know I like to say it's the South Stockbridge police precinct. And uh because you know it it's a growth, it's a it signals growth and manifestation of where we're trying to go. So uh it's going to be amazing. And as you [0:38:22, 0:38:42]: Said the money you've invested in the security system with extremely high definition cameras has already paid off in private conversations in terms of liability and that kind of thing. Absolutely. And people should feel absolutely safe because of those investments and having those officers there, the finest officers in the country, we know, right, Matt? [0:38:41, 0:38:49]: Mayor? Absolutely. That that'll be there. We're gonna be safe uh at the bridges at Jodico in the Jodico area. Thank you so much. [0:38:49, 0:39:09]: Counselor. I'm sorry, sir. No, sir. I'm just gonna say counsel. You have a thing you want to say? Well, I I just want to thank you for donating this for the safety of the people of Stockbridge. It's amazing. The development is amazing and thank you for believing. It's the I know you're a longtime resident. Oh, absolutely. I know the history about you were raised right here, literally. [0:39:09, 0:39:29]: right here at City Hall in this in on this land. And it's just a pleasure and honor. And I want to just say thank you. Thank you for believing in us and investing. You know, I know that and always say that the when it comes to economic development, a lot of the businesses have looked at [0:39:29, 0:39:49]: how many rooftops and what's the average rate of income. But Stockbridge has proven to be defiant of some of those odds when it's not stacked on top of each other developments, right? And we are able to get some of those developments and they see that they're thriving, that they don't necessarily have to have all [0:39:49, 0:39:54]: those thousands and thousands of rooftops within one square mile. But we are so [0:39:54, 0:40:14]: Please, because there's a need. And I I just thank you for believing in that and for donating this for the safety of our people. Absolutely. And and and I will tell you this much, guys, the best is yet to come. There's still some favorite. And that's why I want to chime in real quick. Give us a couple of nuggets while you're up there. Give us a couple of nuggets. [0:40:14, 0:40:34]: First watch will be opening uh of course Bank OZK just opened uh about I guess about a week and a half ago. They're planning on having a grand opening here the coming weeks. First watch uh will be open, uh they're expecting to open in about thirty days, somewhere between now and and middle of September and the first of October. We visited today and the interior they're they're they're doing um leading up. [0:40:34, 0:40:54]: Leaps and bounds, that should be opened here very shortly. Jim and Nicks, we have struck a deal with them to take the middle lot there. And then we've got the Bubas 33. If you've never eaten one, Bubba's 33 is committed to the corner lot. Absolutely. And I tell you, if you hadn't eaten it, it's really a good restaurant. [0:40:54, 0:41:14]: We're also um recording right now. We've and we've been very patient on the seafood uh restaurant we want to get in that will probably be located there at light, internal red light, where our uh traffic I mean where our trailer sits now, that's they're gonna need it's uh that's a three acre site, and it's probably gonna need the entire site. So um [0:41:14, 0:41:34]: Uh and then the we we really look forward to it. I've got my one of my best investors I've known since the eighties, uh, who does build the um he formerly built what was known as the Orient Brand type hotel. And uh he it's a twelve story uh hotel. Basically has a uh the bottom four floors are your hotel. [0:41:34, 0:41:52]: hotel, the fifth through the tenth floors are fee simple condos. Uh the eleventh and twelfth floor are office space with a rooftop bar and rooftop restaurant. So the elevations we had flown from the fifth floor up you can see Stone Mountain. And keep in mind that this elevate this site is one of the highest peaks in Henry County now. [0:41:52, 0:41:57]: Sixth floor up you can see the skyline of Atlanta and from the seventh floor up you can actually see Truish Park. [0:41:58, 0:42:18]: So um uh we anticipate having a name brand steakhouse that will take the top floor. Um this is gonna be kind of exclusive. It will be of a nice it's projected to be between a ninety-five and a hundred million dollar project when they get when we finish with it. So um that'll be kind of a flagship when we we get through with it. And um [0:42:18, 0:42:38]: Uh you do have the cottages. Uh these are the the sit the senior cottages that we're getting ready to build out there right now. There will only be 78 of them. Um those we're excited about. And then the uh I told you about the condos inside the uh above the hotel. Um now those are gonna be rather nice. They're they um [0:42:37, 0:42:57]: The the each floor goes up uh on approximate valuation. Those uh half are already pre-sold. The um the starting price for the two bedrooms is around seven fifty for the three bedrooms is right at a million, and that goes up almost uh fifty thousand dollars per floor. So um uh and everybody thinks it's [0:42:57, 0:43:11]: high but let me just tell you that half of those are already taken, spoken for. So um we feel uh very good about that project as well. Also uh you know in in in l in lieu of that [0:43:11, 0:43:31]: The sister project that we have is going to be daggling across from the interstate there is also the 40-acre track that we have there as well. And so that was the one that the city council had the foresight to go ahead and get it approved. I know we're we're awaiting the uh DRI and Goethe approval, which I think will come with uh with not many issues there. [0:43:31, 0:43:32]: Yeah. [0:43:32, 0:43:33]: Um [0:43:33, 0:43:53]: That's one that we'll we're we're we're there's a the planning on that one should bring more of an entertainment type venue. And I think what we're and who we're talking to there right now should be uh what the city is really wanting to have. And so I think with the whole car door getting ready to open from Eagles Lane and Parkway down to our track, um I I think [0:43:53, 0:43:55]: think if the the city [0:43:55, 0:44:06]: Uh you've done a great job so far and I think um I I I think if you'll keep in toe with what we're doing, I think it'll only get better. And and hopefully we're going to um [0:44:06, 0:44:19]: uh what we're gonna bring will compliment what we've already done and I think what you guys are gonna see is something we're all gonna be proud of when we get through. Now this is gonna be my last big hoorah in Henry County now, I'm telling you,'cause um um [0:44:20, 0:44:40]: It's just one that we're very proud of. And so and I and and listen, this couldn't have been done without a partnership with you uh and you know, and what you've allowed us to do by having the meetings every other week. Um, and Mr. Alexander sits in with quite of these with us. You know, we're able to get permits done, it which i and I'll be quite honest with you, this is a a a big challenge. [0:44:40, 0:45:00]: challenge that a lot of our vendors have faced and it's refreshing for'em when they come into the city and realize they get permits done within a forty-five to sixty-day time period from the time it's submitted, which is unheard of. Most of them are six months to a year getting permits finished. And so when they hear that we can get these done, and thanks to Ryan, I I I mean it's been [0:45:00, 0:45:07]: It's been refreshing and by doing having that meeting set up at ten o'clock every thir every uh every other Thursday. [0:45:08, 0:45:28]: Uh it allows our vendors to actually come in and hear it firsthand. And and I tell you, it has helped sway a lot of them to come into Jodecop. And I think you know, it with with what you've done, if you'll keep that that um uh that air of communication light lined up, it is it it it makes our life a lot easier because when you have vendors [0:45:28, 0:45:33]: coming in and they're choosing between sites, when they hear they can get this and done a lot quicker. [0:45:33, 0:45:42]: There's no contest to it. And and I love the and let me tell you, I love the county. I I love the officially. I love all of them. I've worked with them from all my life. [0:45:43, 0:45:43]: But [0:45:44, 0:45:46]: The vendors when they hear this [0:45:46, 0:45:51]: They want to come to stop reads. And I think i if you you'll make a point. [0:45:51, 0:45:54]: to keep that aspect of what we're doing here. [0:45:54, 0:46:06]: it will city a stockbridge will grow like you've never seen it before. And you'll be able to have good growth and pick and choose who we want to come in. Because with the sales that's been represented now, what everybody's seeing in the commercial market, [0:46:06, 0:46:26]: People are starting to realize, hey man, the South Side is not what we first thought. We've always thought they've always looked down at the South Side. Now they're realizing the South Side is an area of growth, an area that everybody wants to come to now. So that that that has turned that ship, that boat around. And I'm telling you, and it's because y'all have listened, uh, you've worked [0:46:26, 0:46:42]: work with us and and let me tell you the only reason that project is that as successful as it's been is because of y'all. And so it has been a joint effort and I'm grateful to ya. And what we're doing right here is is just a mild token of our appreciation and uh and we're certainly grateful for all of it. [0:46:43, 0:46:45]: Thank you, sir. I really appreciate that. [0:46:45, 0:47:00]: Well we'll we'll we'll do it in just a second let's we gotta still gotta vote here, okay? Still gotta vote some here, okay? All right. In the closeman second so no a second. Okay, so most made a second. All favor please indicate. Outstanding. [0:47:01, 0:47:07]: Okay. We can uh we can take a brief moment to take a picture and we'll we'll I'm trying to get his attention. [0:47:08, 0:47:18]: I'm sorry? Never mind. We're taking a picture anyway. [0:47:20, 0:47:20]: Uh [0:47:21, 0:47:38]: Come on. I'll double the W uh tape here. It's good. Uh come on, someone here we go. Let's let's do this. [0:47:42, 0:48:01]: What do you get in the phrase getting another thing? Come on, Mr. Brighton. Oh sir, you've been a big part. I just took the lumps in the zoning. Jeff remembers that. That was a while ago. [0:48:13, 0:48:30]: I got some questions. [0:48:45, 0:48:50]: Okay, so [0:48:51, 0:48:58]: No, I I just gotta say one other thing. Okay for the record, right? Stockbridge, where community connects. All right. [0:48:59, 0:49:10]: Thank you, Mr. Grant. Thank you, guys. No problem. Appreciate it. And listen, I hope you don't mind if I excuse I got an hour and a half drive. No, no, no problem, sir. You you no problem. Thank you. God bless you. Take care of yourself. [0:49:10, 0:49:30]: Okay, and uh matter of fact, our police department congratulations gentlemen. Okay, congratulations. All right, council consideration to approve resolution to enter into a 10-year contract with Norfolk Southern Parking Lot Project, amount of fifteen thousand dollars annually, funding source economic development department. [0:49:30, 0:49:32]: Mrs. Sanders, please. [0:49:38, 0:49:58]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Evening, sir. Uh this item is just as you described, Mayor. It is I'm before you this evening to ask your approval of a 10-year lease with Norfolk Southern, uh, soon to be Union Pacific, if what I've been reading in the news is correct. But uh that notwithstanding, um I'm before you [0:49:58, 0:50:18]: For you to share some information about the fact that we need additional parking in downtown. And the proposed site is the corner of Love Street and MOK. Originally we were talking to Norfolk Southern about the vacant piece adjacent to it. They made a decision. [0:50:18, 0:50:30]: during the negotiations that they did not want us to have that vacant site which would have been a lot less money to put paved parking on, striped parking if you will. They're try their um [0:50:30, 0:50:42]: Um engineer, their head engineer came along about midway through the our talks and said, Y'all can't have this particular vacant lot because we want to continue to use it as a staging area. [0:50:43, 0:50:57]: Yeah, and if if you if you if you walk past it or park in front of it, you'll notice that they've got all kind of stuff. I mean it varies from month to month. They'll stage, you know, the rails and various items that they use along the tracks there. [0:50:58, 0:51:07]: And that was that was not something that they were willing to yield on. And so, as an alternative, they offered to us the opportunity to rent. [0:51:07, 0:51:27]: The space down at the corner, which is not the optimal space, but is the space nonetheless that they offered. And the reason that that one wasn't quite as desirable in the beginning is because, as you probably noticed, it has a structure on it. And it some demolition will be required. I'm not here tonight to talk about your approving of that. I'm here tonight to solely talk about the approving of that. [0:51:27, 0:51:42]: approval of what they require as a ground lease. Because it is the railroad's right right away and it's been theirs for God knows how long, may over a hundred years, uh they will not allow the city or any other agency to buy the land. So [0:51:43, 0:51:50]: The ground lease and contract that is before you is the only way that we can secure the land so that we can subsequently put [0:51:50, 0:51:55]: uh parking on it. And in their case, they want fenced in parking. [0:51:55, 0:52:09]: Uh we are recommending uh pavers and and and strike parking. Uh as you can see in the information that I pro w that I've provided, it'll it'll allow up to about twenty, we're estimating twenty-five to thirty. [0:52:09, 0:52:22]: spaces, which is not as many as if we would have used the vacant lot. And so one of the things that I was able to do with the mayor's permission when we were talking about this along the way was to ask for some slanted parking. [0:52:23, 0:52:43]: MLK already has slanted parking on it now. So in working with Falcon Design, our city's engineer, they were able to help us come up with an estimated 12 to 13 additional parking spaces, which would be along MLK, which would get us, you know, at a much more parking for downtown. [0:52:43, 0:53:03]: And of course, as you as you probably have read, the benefits of this is uh of course when we have concerts, any kind of overflow parking would help. The merchants have come to me, uh different ones, including the investor there on across the street and said, hey, uh we want to continue to invest, but we need more parking. Some of the examples. [0:53:02, 0:53:09]: Existing merchants have also said to me and my staff that when events are larger than [0:53:09, 0:53:29]: You know, they c there can be large events down there, but just the parking is not enough. And so I believe that while this may not solve all of our parking problems, it will certainly add forty to fifty more spaces in downtown, which I think are very much needed. So tonight I'm again I'm not talking about getting you to not here to talk about additional funding to tear down this. [0:53:29, 0:53:45]: structures that are on there. What Norfolk Southern has said to us is we the first step is we want you to secure and sign off on this ground lease. We want your council to approve it, which is why I'm here tonight. The good news is while MUNS I have not been able to the staff and I we've not been able to [0:53:45, 0:54:05]: Identify funds for the demolition and the subsequent paving. What Norfolk Southern has said is that if you go ahead and sign the lease, then at your leisure, on your time frame, City of Stockbridge, you can decide when you want to do demolition and subsequently put in the parking. So we have some we have some leeway in terms of time. But there's they're pushing. [0:54:05, 0:54:08]: [3248.4, 3253.1]: and sign off on the lease, approve it if you in fact want to lease the land. [0:54:13, 0:54:33]: Okay, now of course if we approve that this evening then the the in the future I guess uh we have to plan out for you mentioned about pavers and dial diagonal type of parking, we'll have to figure out what that would cost us as well,'cause that's additional costs on top of the least uh lease price. Yes. Okay. So be it. Yeah, go ahead Mr. Elzander. See the see [0:54:33, 0:54:53]: This is how things just really get off the rails. The goal here was to move the junk out of downtown. It wasn't parking. It was to move the junk out of downtown, that old depot. That was the goal. We worked out a$50,000 agreement with them to close no [0:54:53, 0:54:59]: Street and they in exchange for them moving the junk out of downtown. [0:54:59, 0:55:19]: I don't know who we've been talking to, but someone needs in our legal team needs to go back and look at the agreement that we worked out to close Nolan Street. They gave us$50,000 for that to close that exit, and a part of that exchange was supposed to them be them moving the junk out of downtown. The parking was a plus on the [0:55:19, 0:55:20]: On top of [0:55:21, 0:55:37]: Moving the junk out of downtown. We j that was not the ultimate goal. The goal was to get all of that mess out of there. And somehow, uh is that what you're telling me is that that's not they have reneged on what they had had told us they were gonna do? [0:55:38, 0:55:44]: I'm not aware the understanding or agreement that you're referring to it may predate my my tenure here. [0:55:44, 0:56:02]: But what they have told us is that if we want to secure land in downtown in this particular area, this is the only spot that's available and that the demolition is on the city. Right, right, right. I understand that. But I my goal is even if you don't want us to build anything on that lot, get that junk out of there. [0:56:02, 0:56:05]: W we Oh you talk you're talking about in the staging area? Yes. [0:56:06, 0:56:18]: That that was the agreement that they were go uh we closed Nolan Street and that's why we were supposed to move along that expeditiously'cause changes are made. But that agreement was according to staff was to [0:56:19, 0:56:20]: Close this and then to [0:56:21, 0:56:41]: have uh them move that junk out of downtown and dec decide a new area. But even if there's zero parking in downtown, that junk has got to be moved. That's never gonna be an appealing area with that old wooden I mean uh freight trailer there and all of that. That's never gonna be an appealing area. And they had a [0:56:41, 0:57:01]: From what I understand, they had actually agreed to that. We need to go back and talk with Quentin and we need to go back and pull the agreement uh where we closed Nolan Street and to look at whatever I don't know, maybe the clerk has some notes of some of the retreats and everything that we had uh uh endeavored to do, but the goal was [0:57:01, 0:57:16]: was not the parking came after we thought we had them agreeing to move. Then we were gonna put parking on that spot after you've moved all this junk out of there. To put the parking lot on the other side of the junk [0:57:16, 0:57:36]: i is not really desirable as far as I'm concerned. Now certainly having additional parking down there came to be a carrot after we thought we had them agreed to move, but we need some more dialogue to get that junk moved out of downtown. Well again I'm not I'm not familiar with that understanding. [0:57:36, 0:57:50]: It could be, and I'm not certainly not denying it, but there was there was intentional conversation with them about moving that area because Councilman Alexander, you're absolutely correct. It's ugly, it doesn't look good. [0:57:50, 0:57:54]: Uh the officials that I talked to representing the railroad were unyielding. [0:57:55, 0:58:15]: In their willingness to do that. And just to let you know, I've I've talked, I've been talking to their real estate division, their engineering division, uh, and there's some corporate folks that I think Miren, you and I both have have had some. Right, right. They were unyielding because they didn't want us to build in that area. But we I thought we had long crossed the bridge that they were [0:58:15, 0:58:35]: gonna move the stuff out of there. And I'm kind of thinking maybe the message got mixed and that that was the priority is that we wanted to build in there because they didn't want us to build anything in there. They wanted we wanted them to move the stuff out of there because they told us from what I understand that we want the RSVP plan contains a structure. [0:58:35, 0:58:55]: Message was very specific that we couldn't build a structure in there, but they were gonna let us do some parking, but again, prop change. But the idea and the priority was when this council was at previous retreats, is to get that junk out of there. The parking came successful to that. So I would like for you all to go back to the table. [0:58:55, 0:59:15]: to make that the priority. We don't want to build anything in there. We just want you to move this station out of there. Yeah. I'm not sure if they're gonna do it. We all certainly don't. But we can we thought the legal comes in at is to pull that agreement that we had. Cause you I don't know, maybe I uh you remember you kinda remember that? [0:59:15, 0:59:35]: Ms. Gann, but we were talking about no closing Nolan Street. I don't know. The clerk might have been at some of these calls uh as well. Merrill, you do you recall some of that? Well we'll have to research every make sure we got things lined up. We'll get the legal involved in this and make sure that uh what's happening here. Tried to help out uh I don't know unless you want got an opinion now. I don't know if you got an opinion now or not on that. [0:59:35, 0:59:45]: I do not have an op I do not have an opinion now, but I will certainly follow up with it and uh let you know what I find out. No problem, appreciate you. On on that note, any other comments? [0:59:45, 0:59:55]: There was a propo at one point, um uh k Miss Bragg's was here and then there was a effort to try to get that storage unit right facility moved. [0:59:56, 1:00:10]: It was in conjunction with the s quiet zone and everything else that we were trying to negotiate. So there may be some rough drafts of a contract and notes somewhere in regards to that. And the [1:00:12, 1:00:17]: At some point, we were finding another place for the storage unit to be moved to. [1:00:17, 1:00:18]: Um [1:00:19, 1:00:23]: And you know, I'm a a person of uh you know [1:00:24, 1:00:26]: Лес трети ав. І в кан'корке о. [1:00:27, 1:00:31]: You know, let's continue to make efforts to try to work it out. [1:00:31, 1:00:40]: And um show the concern by showing the pictures and showing what it looks like and and and being community partners and I I get it. And it [1:00:40, 1:00:48]: You know, we hear all the time the level of difficulty it is sometimes to work with real road. You read articles on it all the time. [1:00:49, 1:01:09]: We've been lucky to get I I wanna first thank you for your efforts in getting the parking spaces. That's to be commended. It took months. So right. I wanna thank you for that. I know that's not something easy just to even get meetings with the railroad. So um we talk about it in economic development classes. It's it's just it's not easy. [1:01:08, 1:01:09]: So I [1:01:10, 1:01:15]: Thank you for that. And I'm sure that I mean that's a plus within itself. [1:01:15, 1:01:15]: Um [1:01:16, 1:01:32]: But where where there's a will, there's a way. And if that means we're not afraid of fights in the past or or not necessarily I don't wanna call it fights, but advocating or lobbying. We're not afraid of getting together as Mayor and Council and and going and and and you know, sometimes it takes us [1:01:33, 1:01:35]: To do the job ourselves. So [1:01:35, 1:01:47]: Um, if we have to try to knock on the door and meet uh meet and say, Please help us, then so be it. Sometimes it sends a stronger message. But we we will continue to work on it. And um [1:01:48, 1:02:01]: Let'em know at least is you know, if if they finally say no, then we'll find a way to make it look pretty. I don't know. Yeah. But but there there's gotta be some type of resolution. And so I have high hopes and I'm I'm thinking positive on that. [1:02:01, 1:02:08]: In your comments when they said, go ahead, sir. Mr. Sanders, is is is this a time sensit are they is the railroad uh giving us a time [1:02:09, 1:02:17]: Constraint on this? At first they were they were slow to respond at the point that I got involved. Uh [1:02:17, 1:02:18]: Four or five months ago. [1:02:19, 1:02:39]: Of late they're pushing, and I don't know if this has something to directly do with the merger that's pending and that people in various capacities and departments that may change. That is a guess. I'm not sure, but I know they have they have been pushing and constantly calling at this point to say, hey, when when are y'all gonna do it? It's on the table. [1:02:39, 1:02:59]: table we need you to act and so um I would be remiss if I didn't mention that yeah because they want it to happen yeah at this point. It's it's it seems as if at the at the very least we need to um have a little bit more time to kind of look at all plausible options that we can we can go into. Especially [1:02:59, 1:03:19]: with the information that was brought up about previous um negotiations and discussions about what the real vision and the hope was for it. Not wanting to just jump at the first bit as presented, but also making sure that we do you know do our due diligence and make sure we're doing things the right way. So that's why I wanted to check and see if it was time to limit [1:03:19, 1:03:39]: They haven't haven't indicated a specific amount of time per se, but I'm I dare say that we're very close to to that. Okay. Yeah. [1:03:39, 1:03:41]: We'll certainly go back and [1:03:41, 1:04:01]: I just thought about it as you mentioned that made me think about the fact that maybe maybe they might be more antsy about getting this done now based on the fact when they merge when Union Pacific it may change. Which means even if they merge with Union Pacific it may change and it may be harder or it could be or it could be easier. You don't you don't know. You you're taking a particular gamble in a sense, maybe one way [1:04:01, 1:04:18]: the other probably taking a gamble here, but it could eventually be easier as well. So we just never know. So it's really up to up the council how you want to approach this this evening and what how you want to go forward. But we do need parking, uh without a doubt. As we want to grow, we need parking for our our our businesses down south. And Ms. Barber, go ahead please. [1:04:21, 1:04:32]: Thank you. You're welcome. Uh so I'm looking at this agenda item four. I see that um our legal counsel have they reviewed this? [1:04:32, 1:04:33]: Yes. [1:04:33, 1:04:37]: You did? Okay. So one of the questions I have and I just mentioned it. [1:04:37, 1:04:41]: Ви вона мешка да о контракці коин. [1:04:41, 1:04:42]: With the calendar year. [1:04:44, 1:04:47]: This shows that it will commence September first. [1:04:48, 1:04:58]: This is at their request. Uh they didn't want to do it necessarily that way, so this is this is some give and take, but I certainly understand your point. So even [1:04:58, 1:05:08]: So perhaps they would consider if we started this September first, but would end December thirty first of twenty twenty six. [1:05:09, 1:05:10]: Possibly. [1:05:10, 1:05:14]: That is what we should do, so it coincides with the calendar year. [1:05:15, 1:05:16]: And the budget. [1:05:18, 1:05:19]: We can certainly ask. [1:05:20, 1:05:29]: Otherwise, I mean when whenever one of them makes a motion, um, I just ask that you all consider um adding that as [1:05:29, 1:05:33]: language in your motion that this contract if we can get it [1:05:34, 1:05:37]: Extended to the end of twenty twenty six. Mr. Edmondson. [1:05:38, 1:05:43]: Can you come to the podium please? Because I think this may require for you or Mr. Malazi. [1:05:44, 1:05:55]: um to reach out to Norfolk Southern and see if you can negotiate with them. I know that this contract is only supposed to be for a year. Um so you can ask. Yes. [1:05:56, 1:06:06]: Yes, we can definitely do that. Um that's no problem. We look forward to I don't know when the merger is gonna happen. Well um because that can the first can be a game changer. Can be. Um here is number fifteen. Okay. [1:06:07, 1:06:27]: The coun I think it's more than a year. Yeah, so then I don't know if you did you have to do it. You good it's a good idea. We just want to make sure I want to make sure that it expires at the end of the year, whatever year it is. That they understand that. So the government is made like a we can't do that. [1:06:27, 1:06:43]: Whether you renew or don't renew, as long as you didn't fund it, it expires automatically at the end of the fiscal year. So whether it's three years, four years. But as long as you didn't fund it, everyone that we deal with they understand about that. [1:06:43, 1:06:53]: So whether we are renewing September and it will end in December or another September, but come the time of funding. There's no funding for that. [1:06:55, 1:06:56]: They understand that he [1:06:57, 1:06:59]: That's the end of the contract. [1:06:59, 1:07:01]: Well, I wanted to see if you all could [1:07:02, 1:07:04]: Consult with Norfolk Southern to ask them [1:07:05, 1:07:07]: to revise this lease agreement. [1:07:07, 1:07:08]: So that [1:07:09, 1:07:12]: It does extend through the end of twenty twenty six. [1:07:13, 1:07:32]: We will try but there are some that they will feel okay we need it two years, three years. We agree to that with the understanding that if there's no funding that contract uh ends. So they may op they may accept but they may object because the their setup is you have to have this one like this. [1:07:33, 1:07:37]: Well, these are the discussions that I was hoping that staff would have prior to. [1:07:38, 1:07:54]: Items such as this presented to the council. Um I just want us to keep in mind Yeah, we would try but we make sure we make sure they understand that because when when it comes to you all presenting legal binding documents to the council. [1:07:54, 1:07:56]: I want to approve this. [1:07:56, 1:07:59]: But I already see that there's going to be an issue. [1:08:00, 1:08:02]: That's all. Ms. Gann, go ahead, please. [1:08:03, 1:08:19]: Thank you. Um just a comment real quick and you guys may want um to um this is in reference to the storage unit um notes. Um in my notes it reads that in February of ninth February nineteenth, twenty twenty. [1:08:20, 1:08:25]: Um the river crossing quiet zone, Mr. Knighton, he was our city manager at the time. [1:08:26, 1:08:30]: Um, he referenced that his conversation was with mister Connor Poe. [1:08:30, 1:08:38]: Of Norfolk Southern, who is willing to work with the city offering$50,000 and a removal of the storage. [1:08:39, 1:08:54]: and a seventy five hundred dollar match from G Dot with the potential of closing Nolan Street railroad crossing. mister Knighton noted that the city applied for a quiet zone, which we just got win. [1:08:55, 1:09:10]: When did we get that? No, ten now about ten months ago. About so not even a whole year yet. I don't think it's been a whole year. So think about it. This was in twenty twenty, at the beginning of twenty twenty. [1:09:10, 1:09:16]: And so the contract and the negotiations was the removal of the storage yard. [1:09:16, 1:09:17]: Got it? [1:09:18, 1:09:23]: It was also negotiated for um the city by offering fifty thousand dollars. [1:09:23, 1:09:27]: And remove that we would pay fifty thousand dollars. No. [1:09:28, 1:09:48]: No, who is willing to work with the city by offering okay, by offering fifty thousand dollars they're paying us so that they can close out Nolan and remove the storyard and a seventy five hundred dollar match from G Dot with the potential of closing the Nolan Street Railroad crossing. Mr. Knighton noted [1:09:48, 1:10:08]: The city has applied for a quiet zone and paid the$5,400 application fee being processed by the city's project manager, Kekin Wood. Mr. Knight noted the process would need to be advertised and a resolution passed by council and states that this would make for a safer environment. [1:10:08, 1:10:28]: Mr. Knighton noted there would need to be a 30-day notice of intent of the advertisement and would be a six-month process yes, which we did, and a six-month process. Mr. Knighton also stated Norfolk Southern has the power and authority to close the river crossing without the city's consent as a criteria to close it is already there. [1:10:27, 1:10:40]: Mr. Nighton proposed a town hall meeting to make the community aware. So that was part of our negotiations, the removal of the storage yard. Okay. And that was February, it was in 2020. [1:10:40, 1:10:58]: And so if we find some attorney notes at that time frame, we m maybe and I know Kira Miss Braggs was working with it, I know Main Street worked with it, and I know Mr. Knight was working with it. So somewhere there are notes because that's the minutes. Oh, I was gonna ask you counsel again uh for that date. [1:10:58, 1:11:06]: February nineteenth, twenty twenty. Also thank you for those dates. That'll help me narrow my scope. Thank you. Absolutely. [1:11:08, 1:11:28]: Go ahead, go ahead. Let me say that. I'm not saying that we don't need parking. What I'm saying is this is if you read those notes, they don't say anything about parking. It says removing that storage yard. Once we got them to agree to move the storage yard, that's when we started so oh we can use we can put parking there since this [1:11:28, 1:11:33]: they're gonna move that out of downtown. And that's how that kind of evolved. You understand what I'm saying? Yeah. [1:11:33, 1:11:33]: All right. [1:11:34, 1:11:45]: Any other questions? All right. So actually what's still proposed before us where there's a uh proposal here. So the question is is whether or not we're gonna approve or disapprove or table this. So what what is the desire of the council here? [1:11:46, 1:11:50]: If if if I may. Okay. We're gonna pause that. We're uh [1:11:50, 1:11:53]: Until we have another conversation because I think that's very important. [1:11:54, 1:11:59]: Okay. Uh in fact that I believe that's probably more important than this cone a lot is removing [1:11:59, 1:12:19]: That stuff. Okay. Uh because at that point then we can go back to the drawing board to do the diangular park parking, which is more idea. So we'll go if if we may, we'll pull that item, uh table that item for now and then till we have further conversations with the recommendation, council is that's what the desire? So move to to to table. I second. [1:12:19, 1:12:27]: Okay, from Miss Alexander the table, second to Miss Barber, all favor please indicate. Okay, now she's a wheel table. Written notes. Okay. [1:12:30, 1:12:32]: Do we need to say table it until we end? [1:12:32, 1:12:40]: Well well I think what what happened because of the I w I don't think we need to do that because the the city manager along with the economic director take charge of it too. They'll get back to us. [1:12:41, 1:12:42]: We know s they know it's a concern. [1:12:43, 1:13:03]: They'll get back to us. All right. Uh council consideration of resolution to approve the one sec uh one year renewal option for the civil engineering services of Whitley Engineering in the amount of uh five thousand monthly or sixty thousand annually. The contract was approved by on resolution R24-1. [1:13:02, 1:13:14]: And the funding source for community development department accountant number one zero zero dash seven two one dash five two one three two zero three. Ms. Addison, please. [1:13:14, 1:13:30]: Okay, good evening, Mayor Council. Uh uh we we're coming before you to for the second renewal of Willie Engineering contract renewal uh in the amount of five thousand per year. Uh this is a contract that is far below market value. Um [1:13:30, 1:13:40]: Um if if we're if if it was at market value, we estimated it'd be around twenty thousand dollars a month. So um it's the same as last year and um the contract amount is unchanged. [1:13:42, 1:13:44]: Okay so the yearly amount is sixty thousand dollars. [1:13:45, 1:14:05]: Mayor. Yes, sir. Go ahead please. Yeah. And attending the Jodico meetings, Mr. Whitley is there. Yes. And he was very active in working on the intersection of Mount Olive and the Western Parallel Connector to get that corrected and to make sure that we had the sidewalks that we wanted. [1:14:04, 1:14:24]: and the engineering was done appropriately for that intersection. I can tell that he was on the job and doing what was necessary to uh make sure that the city's interests were protected. So if there's that we don't have to have a hearing or anything to this is Uh no no, sir. Okay, I'll be willing to make a motion to approve [1:14:25, 1:14:30]: I second. Okay. And motion made second by Miss Barber. All in favor, please. [1:14:30, 1:14:35]: Announced decision. Okay, fantastic. All right, thank you. Okay, good stuff there. [1:14:35, 1:14:55]: Uh council consideration of a resolution appro uh yeah right approval one year renewable option for permitting licensing and inspection software with SAGES Incorporated an amount of uh fifty eight thousand three hundred eighteen dollars annually. The contract was approved through resolution R two four-176. [1:14:55, 1:15:11]: The funding source is community development department account numbers 100-721-521310. Mr. Anderson, please. Yes, sir. Sage has has really been a game changer for us. Um it allows us to [1:15:11, 1:15:14]: to become totally uh paperless, um [1:15:14, 1:15:30]: Customers can do everything from um the comfort of their home and uh this contract amount is also unchanged from last year in the amount of fifty-eight thousand around fifty eight um fifty-eight thousand three hundred and eighteen dollars. [1:15:31, 1:15:33]: Questions for Mr Anderson? [1:15:34, 1:15:41]: Mr. Anderson. Yes, I do. Go ahead, please. Um, the cost proposal. I was looking for it. Is it in here? [1:15:42, 1:15:43]: Um [1:15:45, 1:15:48]: It should be there is it the cost of additional scope of work? [1:15:49, 1:16:01]: Uh no, it's just the renewal. It's the first renewal. We signed the contract uh in the spring. So this is this will be our first renewal purchase that we had to come uh to seek the renewal a hundred and twenty days before the end of the year. [1:16:02, 1:16:05]: I know but what I wanna see [1:16:05, 1:16:05]: Is [1:16:07, 1:16:08]: Do they have a price schedule? [1:16:09, 1:16:14]: Yes, that's that's in the original documents. Um it's not in our agenda package. [1:16:14, 1:16:15]: Um [1:16:16, 1:16:19]: I'm not sure. I don't know, it's not in might not be in there. Thank you. [1:16:21, 1:16:26]: Any questions for Mr. Ryan? Additional questions. If not, I need a motion to approve. [1:16:27, 1:16:29]: So moved. Is there a second? [1:16:30, 1:16:35]: From Ms. BaGantt to Mr. uh to Mr. Berry. All in favor, please indicate. [1:16:36, 1:16:43]: Oppose No abstain. Adequate supporting documents are not attached. [1:16:43, 1:17:00]: That's for the record. Thank you. Three zero one motion passed. Okay. Mayor. Yes, ma'am. If I may, the actual contract exhibit A is attached and it states here that the contract is not to exceed five years in the amount of fifty-eight thousand three eighteen. It actually lists it in the contract agreement. [1:17:00, 1:17:17]: Um specifically by dollar amount. Okay, so if you knew that, why didn't you say that when I asked a question to Mr Anderson instead of trying to take pot shots? I'm not so I'm I'm asking. Mayor good. I'm uh if I may. [1:17:17, 1:17:19]: Um I'm not [1:17:20, 1:17:32]: I wasn't trying to take any hot shots. I wasn't really paying attention to that at first until you said something. And then I had to go ask about it. Well then I had to go and make sure [1:17:32, 1:17:34]: And find the information. [1:17:35, 1:17:42]: I had to I had to find it's in the cl it's in the actual contract here. It under the resolution and behind the contract agreement. [1:17:43, 1:18:03]: It's the same documents that we all get. What page are you looking at? It's there. You can make it. Which page are you looking at? Okay. I'm done with you can go find it. What page are you looking at? Okay. As I said. It's the support document. Let's move on. Time to move on with this. Time to move on with this. Thank you. Hold on. Council could s move the motion passed. [1:18:03, 1:18:15]: Three zero one motion passed. Thank you. All right, thank you. Council consideration approved the FY twenty twenty-six LMAG local maintenance and improvement grant. Mr. Aaron, please. [1:18:20, 1:18:40]: Yes, mr. Mr. Mayor and Council. GDOT has opened the uh window for us to start submitting our 2026 LMIG for consideration. So we're asking tonight for council to approve our FY 2026 LMIG list. It'll resurface approximately 5.33 miles. [1:18:40, 1:18:46]: We try to do an average of at least one mile in each district. So the streets are [1:18:47, 1:18:52]: In your agenda packet, what streets will be resurfaced in FY twenty twenty six under this L Mic list? [1:18:53, 1:19:13]: And my my assumption, Mr. Uh Aaron, is that to help d develop this list you had an outside consultant that did some review all these streets to make sure what was most the streets were the most needed of repairing right now versus other streets. I'm assuming that's what happened. Yes, sir. We had a rating done of all the streets. Okay. And saw [1:19:13, 1:19:26]: So we also incorporated the ratings that Henry County had for the streets that were annexed into the city. So that's how we go about choosing the roads for resurfacing. Good deal. Uh I'm sorry, uh Miss uh Gantt was first, please. Go ahead. [1:19:26, 1:19:31]: Um well I appreciate the list that you did. Before I do that [1:19:31, 1:19:51]: Um I I just wanna apologize. I don't wanna go back. But Councilwoman Barber's on page seven for the contract for the previous document, the question you were asking. Out of respect for you, I don't want you to think I'm just making up something. It's on page that's taken. No, but I appreciate it. Let's just move on. All right, I'm gonna move on. Thank you. Let's move on. We're on a new item here. [1:19:51, 1:20:11]: sorry besides that and well i'm not sorry but i just wanted to clarify and show my support with that but um besides that um mr aaron thank you so much it really shows um the way that we maintain our roads um and the explanation i think that the constituents itself [1:20:11, 1:20:20]: themselves understand. Um and being that you you've provided those lists to us and we get these yearly. [1:20:21, 1:20:25]: How do you determine what roads? [1:20:25, 1:20:27]: А редко битан. [1:20:28, 1:20:39]: We do them based on their rating and the grades. The lower the grade, the worse the road is. So you have roles in district two that have a rating one of thirty-four. [1:20:39, 1:20:41]: And you have one also like forty one. [1:20:42, 1:20:46]: And so those with the lowers lowest grades, they're like in school. [1:20:46, 1:21:04]: You know, the lowest grade is the worst. And so we try to choose those. And so we're also preparing to have another road assessment done of all the streets in the city so that we can include all the streets we resurfaced for the last, well, eight years that I've been here. So we have an up to date. [1:21:05, 1:21:05]: Schedule. [1:21:05, 1:21:15]: Mayor. Um yeah, well make sure she does she done? Okay, go ahead, Mr. This is all these lists. I don't is this list on the screen for the people to see? [1:21:17, 1:21:20]: I don't think so. It is not. Why not? [1:21:21, 1:21:41]: This we're talking about streets being paved in the city. We're talking about it amongst ourselves. We're sitting here looking at this list. This is the whole point of what this transmission is supposed to be about. These documents that we're looking at are supposed to be on the screen. So somebody can who's watching the meeting can see that the road in their subdivision is actually being paved. [1:21:41, 1:21:46]: So how can we get this on the on the screen for the public to see it? [1:21:47, 1:22:05]: Piker, did you submit a presentation? What typically happens, uh, Councilman Alexander, is anything that's being presented in a council meeting is submitted to IT so that they can upload it as you see each document as it's pre or i each item as it is presented. Mr Aaron, did you pres [1:22:05, 1:22:15]: No s this didn't get up. So I mean d isn't this isn't this gadget just for that where you can actually project it? Isn't don't we have a a docum a get a document? [1:22:17, 1:22:23]: Right here where we can actually put the document on the screen for them to see it. That's why we added that, right? [1:22:24, 1:22:30]: I see them do it at the county all the time. They just put the information in the [1:22:31, 1:22:32]: Nothing. [1:22:33, 1:22:35]: Oh yeah. Where's it gonna show? [1:22:38, 1:22:58]: Yeah, and I have I certainly want everybody to be able to see so folks can see the roads that are being paved in district one, two, three, four, five. Because they're always asking what it is, and we're sitting here having a meeting and we're trying to inform everybody. And this this is super important. So getting it on the screen is [1:22:58, 1:23:03]: Is is is a must for at least a few minutes for everybody to look at. [1:23:04, 1:23:24]: Uh Councilmember Alexander, if I may. Um what we're gonna do is we are reformatting our uh website. Each department is gonna have their own page on the website, and we're gonna have these type of things posted so that people that may have questions, maintenance schedules, uh road paving, different projects that are going on. [1:23:24, 1:23:44]: Each department is gonna have their own layout. So this information is gonna be widely publicized. I think it's important that if they go to the departments that they understand what's going on in each of those areas because those answer a lot of the questions they may have. So we're trying to be more proactive and intentional in our approach as we have these different messages, which we think is are very [1:23:44, 1:24:04]: important so just wanted to put that out there. Yes, if I could, Mayor. Yes, sir. Certainly, Mr. Edmondson, I I agree with that post this meeting, we want to make sure every document is available. But during the meeting as we're doing right now, if we have the equipment and ability to do so, uh to be able to do so since [1:24:04, 1:24:20]: if you would take the time to just read the list or and go down and and read the streets and what is being paid so people can see this the what the work that you're doing because just saying it really doesn't have the impact of somebody seeing, oh, they're getting to my street finally. [1:24:20, 1:24:35]: So in District One, you got Ernestine Way from Ventura Trail to the Cul-de-Sac. It's in the Brentwood-Huntington subdivision. Rayola Drive from the Cul-de-Sac to Cul-de-Sac, Brentwood at Huntington, Dover Court to Gresham Drive. [1:24:35, 1:24:38]: And Brentwood, Gresham, Duke Way. [1:24:38, 1:24:42]: To Whitaker from Whitaker Drive to Peyton Court, Fentwood, Whitaker. [1:24:43, 1:24:44]: Longford Court was [1:24:45, 1:24:49]: From Borington Lane to Cul de Sac in the Wingate Enclave. [1:24:49, 1:24:51]: Buckingham Place [1:24:51, 1:24:55]: From cul de sac to cul-de-sac in the wingate enclave. [1:24:55, 1:25:12]: And District 2, Shepherd Drive from North Henry Boulevard to the Dead End, Stockbridge Northwest, Escalade Drive from North Henry Boulevard to Lillian Circle, Stockbridge Northwest, Rosenwall Circle from Ty Street to the Dead End Memorial. [1:25:12, 1:25:16]: Hamilton Glenn from Appleton Boulevard to Cul de Sac and Appleton. [1:25:17, 1:25:23]: Central line from Iron Horse Way to Seaboard Drive and Northbrook s North Bridge Station. [1:25:23, 1:25:30]: In District Three, you got ArbaCove way from Arbor Cove Drive to Cul de Sac and Arbacove at Highlands. [1:25:30, 1:25:35]: Arba Cove Drive from Walt Stevens Road to Flippin' Road, Arba Cove Highlands. [1:25:36, 1:25:39]: Arbicov court, so I'm Arbicove. [1:25:39, 1:25:42]: Dry at the cul-de-sac Arbicold Highlands. [1:25:43, 1:25:52]: Cherry Hill Lane, Deerwood Drive, Willow Hill Lane, Winsong Plantation, Willow Trace from Winsong Drive to Cold de Sac and Winsong. [1:25:52, 1:26:00]: Mulberry Street from Willowhill Lane to Redbud Lane and Winsong, Willow Oak Court from Winsone Drive to Cul-de-Sac and Winsong. [1:26:01, 1:26:05]: District four, we have Kinsey Drive from East Atlanta Road to Mays Road. [1:26:06, 1:26:12]: Valerie Court from Kinsey Drive to Cul-de-sac, Nottingham Court from Davis Road to Cul-de-sac. [1:26:12, 1:26:15]: Daniel Drive from North Henry Boulevard to Daniel Drive. [1:26:16, 1:26:17]: Mohawk Circle. [1:26:17, 1:26:21]: From Brunswick Circle to the cul-de-sac and pine grove. [1:26:21, 1:26:24]: And district five, you got Aspenbrook Drive. [1:26:25, 1:26:28]: From summit view drive to summit view drive in the summit. [1:26:28, 1:26:33]: Got Mesa Road from Summit View Drive to Aspenbrook Drive in the summit. [1:26:34, 1:26:54]: St. Elizabeth Terrace fr and from St. Marguerite Circle to Cul-de-Sac and St. Marguerite Village. St. Michelle Court from St. Marguerite Circle to the Cul-de-Sac and St. Marguerite's village for a total of five point three three miles. Right. I certainly do appreciate that because again [1:26:54, 1:27:14]: The impact of what we're doing. As you said, we have endeavored to pave uh roads in this uh county, in this city uh on a yearly basis. And this year, uh upcoming year, we're gonna be paving 5.33 miles in addition to paving Eagles Landing Parkway. [1:27:14, 1:27:34]: Hudson Bridge Road, Flippin' Road, East Lake. Miss Cant, we're we're paving roads in your district too, right? Well we've just done um Walt Stevens and we've done Spear and we've done Lake Spivey and well we did Walt Stevens and Lake Spivey paving and lights on Walt Stevens and Spear and Lake Spivey. [1:27:34, 1:27:40]: Which is amazing. So I definitely am appreciative and I'm appreciative of Mayor and Council's support on that. [1:27:41, 1:28:01]: Mr. De Aaron, uh in reference to LME, this is five point three three miles if I got it right. Is this about the average that we've done in the last previous year since you've been here? No, so in the last couple of years, you know, G DOT has issued some supplemental funds. So we've actually done around eight miles in the last two years. In 2024 and 2025, we've done around the eighth. [1:28:00, 1:28:20]: Around eight miles. Okay, now this is this is 2026 that we're talking about. Is there a possibility that would potentially G Doc would uh give us additional assistance as well for addition funding? I'm not sure, but in the last couple of years they have had additional funds. So if they provide additional funds, we will apply for those funds. So you would have to wait for them to notify you or do you just make a [1:28:20, 1:28:40]: A call to them, how do you go about They typically send out an email saying additional funds are available and they give you a date and process how to apply for the additional funds. And if that happens, you already have from the from the road studies, I guess, that you have, do you have particular roads in mind to probably tag into that if it happens real quickly? We have roads all the way up to [1:28:40, 1:28:43]: Twenty thirty. Okay. So [1:28:43, 1:28:47]: All right. Good deal. Thank you, sir. Appreciate any other qu questions from Mr. Aaron? [1:28:48, 1:29:07]: I see some wits on plantation in there. Okay. I have no question. I need a motion. I do have no motion. My hand has been raised. Um thank you, sir. You're welcome. Um I wanted to I wanted you to leave that on the screen. It was kinda catty cornered so it didn't show all of the details on there. [1:29:08, 1:29:13]: Sorry. That was one question. Um the other one, Mr Aaron. [1:29:14, 1:29:20]: This scaled total score, that's the score or grading for each of the roads. [1:29:21, 1:29:31]: Yes, ma'am, each role has a grade. Okay, so I'm looking at district four and looking at the score. Looks like m all well [1:29:33, 1:29:42]: Out of four of these roles, three of them are in very poor condition. So but that's what it looks like. Those are the roles too that we inherited from. [1:29:42, 1:29:46]: Are those the ones um behind public? [1:29:47, 1:29:48]: Um [1:29:48, 1:29:51]: Down east Atlanta, yes ma'am, those and then [1:29:52, 1:29:54]: Nottingham Court is [1:29:55, 1:29:58]: One of the ones off Davis Road. If you drive that one [1:29:59, 1:30:17]: you'll realize it does need to be resurfaced. Like when we received the additional funds this year, we got a lot of complaints from I think it was a drive um through the area. From Adrian, so we went ahead and resurfaced that one. Thank you, sir. I was just perplexed because I see this one road in my district. Um [1:30:18, 1:30:38]: The grade seems moderate. I mean, seems okay. I'm sure that there are other areas that could use um resurfing resurfacing before this one. Sometimes along with the grades, you also look at length because some road might be three miles long. So we're looking at [1:30:38, 1:30:44]: length when we're trying to get at least one mile in each uh district and state within our budget. [1:30:44, 1:30:46]: Gotcha. Thank you, sir. [1:30:47, 1:30:49]: Okay, any other questions? If not. [1:30:50, 1:31:03]: If not, then I need a motion to accept this, please. So moved. I second. Okay, from Ms. Gantt uh, Ms Mr. Ms. Zoom. Ms. Barber. All fair please indicate? Yeah. Okay, it's unanimous decision. Thank you very much. Okay. [1:31:05, 1:31:25]: Uh let's see here. Council consideration approved the renewal of the request for proposal RFP number two zero two two-six. On call annual general uh engineering services for the city Stockbridge and Carter and Sloop Incorporated. This is a third uh contract renewal option and a budget amount. [1:31:24, 1:31:44]: The third contract renewal option expires December 31, 2025. Mr. Aaron, please. December. [1:31:44, 1:31:59]: Yes, sir. Okay. So Carter and Sloop is one of our two on-call engineers. They do a lot of our water and sewer infrastructure designs for us. So we're asking to be able to renew uh renew for the third renewal. Okay. [1:32:00, 1:32:02]: Any questions for Mr. Aaron, Council? [1:32:02, 1:32:05]: Mr. Aaron, just so I don't overlook it. [1:32:05, 1:32:09]: Is the pricing and cost proposal in here? [1:32:10, 1:32:11]: I know that this is a renewal. [1:32:12, 1:32:16]: I have trust issues. So I wanna see for myself. [1:32:16, 1:32:36]: But but here's how this works. We put this number in here like 200,000. It's based on if they do do a task force, there's a cost. If they do no projects for, there's no cost. So we just put a a number in there, cause it's coming out of SPLOSS in case there's a project we identified during the year that [1:32:36, 1:32:47]: Like we having some issues with our sewer infrastructure. We decide we want to make upgrades. We know we have the$200,000 in supplies for that if we want to do a specific project for that. [1:32:47, 1:32:50]: But so I want [1:32:51, 1:32:55]: It mentions the pricing and cost proposal. [1:32:55, 1:32:59]: So I just want to see it for myself though. I get it. [1:33:00, 1:33:01]: Um you're only [1:33:02, 1:33:03]: Use this if it's needed. [1:33:04, 1:33:15]: I get it. Yes. Um, but you're bringing me a renewal of a contract and I wanna know the full terms of the contract, the amount I do see um in this [1:33:16, 1:33:17]: This is [1:33:19, 1:33:21]: The second page of the contract. [1:33:22, 1:33:25]: So number three, it talks about the compensation. [1:33:25, 1:33:27]: It mentions exhibit B. [1:33:27, 1:33:29]: Which is the cost proposal. [1:33:29, 1:33:32]: I wanna see it. You included the contract. [1:33:32, 1:33:34]: I just want to see exhibit B. [1:33:34, 1:33:54]: So going forward, we had a conversation with the city manager that we will get that. We're uploading the information that's presented to us from procurement. So we will going forward, that sheet is not a part of the the package that was sent to us, but going forward, we will ensure that those are on all renewals going forward. Thank you, sorry. I just want to make sure. [1:33:54, 1:33:57]: that I wasn't overlooking it. Councilwoman Gantt did you find it? [1:34:00, 1:34:11]: I'm sorry, point of order. I was just being honest about the status. Don't need to comment. No. I'm sorry. I do you see it? It just happened to be. Yeah, right here. [1:34:13, 1:34:26]: Okay, so any other questions from the council about this? All right. If there are questions I need a motion I need a motion to accept this uh proposal, please. So move. Is there a second? No. Second. For okay, from this Gantt to Mr. Perry. [1:34:28, 1:34:30]: A a Gantt to bury. [1:34:31, 1:34:33]: You're welcome. All fair please indicate. [1:34:34, 1:34:34]: Mm. [1:34:34, 1:34:42]: Okay, is it all indicate? Is there a unanimous decision? I am going to abstain. Okay, three zero one. [1:34:43, 1:34:48]: For a comment, this is for the record. Um, the pricing or cost proposal, exhibit B. [1:34:49, 1:34:50]: Is not included. [1:34:50, 1:34:52]: Someone abstained, only for that reason. [1:34:53, 1:34:54]: Mm. [1:34:54, 1:34:59]: Okay, council consideration to approve the renewal request for RFP number two zero. [1:35:01, 1:35:03]: Zero zero zero six [1:35:04, 1:35:11]: Excuse me, number two zero two two-six, on-call engineering services for the city of Stockbridge and Falcon Design Consultants. [1:35:12, 1:35:16]: L L C. Mr. Yes, Mr. Mayor. [1:35:16, 1:35:35]: As I mentioned earlier, the city has two on-call engineers, uh, Carter and Sloop and then Falcon Design. Falcon does a lot of our civil engineering for us as well as stormwater. They also assist us with our sanitation and stormwater building. So we're asking council to approve the third renewal of their contract. [1:35:35, 1:35:36]: Okay, questions counsel. [1:35:38, 1:35:39]: No. Mayor. [1:35:39, 1:35:57]: Ms. Ma'am. I would like to make a motion to approve the um annual general engineering services for the I'm sorry, the which one am I? Right here. The council to approve the renewal and request for on called general engineering services with Falcon Design Consultants. [1:35:57, 1:36:17]: Is that a second that motion? Okay, from Ms. Gamp to Miss Murder again. Yes, sir. I would say uh for final clarity, I want to say for disclosure, Falcon has been very big uh a supporter of our nonprofit organization. They have made donations to our nonprofit organizations, but on the advice of legal, certainly. [1:36:17, 1:36:22]: disclosure was necessary, but it was did not compromise my ability to vote. [1:36:24, 1:36:24]: Okay. [1:36:25, 1:36:27]: If no other questions, all in favor of the motion, please indicate? [1:36:29, 1:36:30]: Okay, three [1:36:30, 1:36:35]: Um Mayor, I'm going I'm going to abstain because [1:36:35, 1:36:40]: And I want to add a comment. Three three zero one motion passed. The exhibit B [1:36:41, 1:36:44]: Again, the cost proposal is not included. [1:36:45, 1:36:46]: That's all. Thank you. [1:36:47, 1:36:47]: Okay. [1:36:49, 1:37:09]: Okay. Council consideration to approve the renewal contract RFP number two zero one eight dash zero zero one zero Q non hazard hazardous special waste disposal services for the public services an amount of sixty five thousand dollars. Funding sources the sewer department budget. Ms. Darren, please. Real quick. [1:37:09, 1:37:11]: [5831.8, 5839.1]: Can we ha I'm just I just wanna make sure. Can we have a cost proposal for projects that we don't know what we're gonna be [1:37:19, 1:37:26]: Proposing. I mean, they're up in the air. It's it's depending on what takes place. Is that not correct? [1:37:27, 1:37:47]: There's a rate sheet that the engineers provided as part of the RFP. So when we have a project we're thinking of, we would sit down with either Falcon or Carter and Sloop and say, this is what we're proposing to do. They normally prepare a task order for us. If it exceeds the city manager's signing authority, we bring it to council. [1:37:47, 1:37:59]: ask for your approval to move forward with the task order before we do anything. And then as part of the task order, once everything is designed, then they'll provide us a cost estimate and then we'll come forward. [1:38:00, 1:38:20]: With this is what is probable cost and then to get Yay or Nay to move forward with that project. So basically we can't have just a cost proposal right now because we're not talking about a specific project right now. And when we do get one, you bring it back to us. Is that not correct? Yes, ma'am. If it if it doesn't ex if it exceeds to see [1:38:19, 1:38:24]: Okay. So [1:38:25, 1:38:31]: What other cost proposal table would we have here if we don't have [1:38:32, 1:38:40]: We I mean we're talking about r potential future random projects, but there's nothing concrete as of yet. So when we get them [1:38:40, 1:38:42]: We get them approved. [1:38:43, 1:38:50]: per per transaction, correct? Yes. Okay. I just wanna make sure because I didn't wanna I didn't want mayor counsel [1:38:51, 1:38:51]: To [1:38:52, 1:38:56]: Um not be efficient or competent. [1:38:56, 1:39:16]: Or overlook something that we should have been looking at, but we can't we can't look at it because it's not there, because we don't know what project we're gonna have. So this this is just uh what I what we voted on was simply an approval to renew a request proposal on call Jim. [1:39:16, 1:39:36]: General Engineering Services on call, meaning on call per at per per need. Okay. Not something concrete. Okay. So we don't, there's no way of there's no way of figuring out something concrete right now. All right, so I've read, uh we're on number 12. I already read number 12. [1:39:36, 1:39:44]: reference to the uh non hazardous special waste disposal disposal services. Yes ma'am. I'm sorry. Yes I'm sorry. You have a question? [1:39:45, 1:39:55]: I have a comment, not a question. And I appreciate it, Mayor, if you acknowledge my hand when I raise it. I'm being very patient down here. Um so [1:39:56, 1:40:00]: to just add to what Councilwoman Gantt has mentioned. [1:40:00, 1:40:20]: Um, the reason why it is important for me, and I know each of us vote individually, the way I look at it is I want to know what the rate is. I know that there's no particular project before us to approve. I want to see what their cost proposal, which would include their rates when they submitted their proposal. [1:40:20, 1:40:26]: Just the same as with item 12. We'll get to that though, but there is a rate. [1:40:27, 1:40:29]: $95 per ton. [1:40:29, 1:40:32]: We don't know how much trash or [1:40:32, 1:40:39]: There or debris that they're gonna take away in a year. We know that. We don't know that. But at least we know the rate. [1:40:40, 1:40:56]: That's exactly what I was looking for with the last item. I wanna see what the cost proposal is because in the cost proposal it will have a pricing schedule or at least the rate. But the fact that I only have just a contract that mentions exhibit B [1:40:56, 1:41:01]: But you don't give me the cost proposal which includes the price schedule or the rate. [1:41:01, 1:41:13]: I'm going to extend abstain every time. I'm real clear about what's happening. What I want to make sure is that all of the information pertaining to [1:41:13, 1:41:18]: the items that the council are voting on that the records reflect [1:41:19, 1:41:20]: The cause. [1:41:20, 1:41:22]: The actual rate [1:41:22, 1:41:33]: We're not speaking about a particular project. We're talking about services that are being provided. So I want to know what the rate is for the services that are being provided. [1:41:34, 1:41:42]: That's all. We're on number twelve once again. Non-hazardous special waste disposal services of red debt. [1:41:42, 1:42:02]: Mr. Aaron, please, your presentation. Yes, Mr. Mayor. Republic is one of the few landfills in the region that accepts sludge from wastewater treatment plants. Sludge is generated from the process at the wastewater treatment plant when uh the wastewater is clarified for dissolves, do not break down. We're allowed to land apply sludge. [1:42:02, 1:42:22]: Sludge, we have some fields, but with development, we're losing some of those fields. And also when it's wet, you cannot drive on the fields to spread the solids. And also, EPD allows only a certain amount of solids to be disposed on each field. So when you don't have that to go to, you have to take it to the landfill. So [1:42:22, 1:42:42]: Over the last few years, because of rain and other things, we've noticed that it we've had to take more to the landfill than we normally did. When I first got here, it was like$30,000,$35,000 a year. Now it's up to$65. So we're asking council to approve us to continue to use Republic to dispose of the sludge at the wastewater. [1:42:42, 1:42:42]: [6162.5, 6182.5]: The increase is due to what? Inflation or what what's your idea on why the increase? It's inflation and also the amount that we're putting out. You know, like I say, every time it rains, we cannot go on a field. When you exceed the limit that EPD allows you to spread on that field, you cannot go to that field. And we've also lost some fields due to development where people are selling. [1:43:02, 1:43:10]: Out their property for developments. I was gonna say, could this be related to the fact that we're growing the size? Would that have anything to do with this as well? No, sir. No, okay. [1:43:10, 1:43:10]: All right. [1:43:11, 1:43:23]: Just curiosity question. All right. Council, any questions? Oh yeah, so oh stand stand by sir. Stand by. Ms. Barber Goey, please. Thank you, sir. Um when in the last time was this service bidded out? Was it twenty eighteen? [1:43:25, 1:43:31]: Republic is the only landfill in the region that accepts sludge. [1:43:31, 1:43:50]: If we want to go like Damakin or Taylor County, we can take it down there, but the distance to take it there adds additional cost, Republic is the only one that's within a reasonable driving distance of the city of Stockbridge. Okay, I wanna ask the expert in procurement. Um [1:43:50, 1:43:51]: So [1:43:51, 1:43:56]: If you're saying they're the only ones that would make them soul source. So I need for [1:43:56, 1:44:16]: the finance manager or the city manager to attest that this is sole source and if that's the case I will approve it. Otherwise I won't approve it because it hasn't been bidded out. I didn't say I s I didn't say sole source. I said it's the only one within a reasonable driving distance to the city [1:44:16, 1:44:33]: Stockbridge. We can go far out. We we'll just spend more time on the road driving because Taylor County is the next closest one, which is down in Middle Georgia, outside of Fort Valley. So that's a two plus hour, two and a half plus hour drive to go down. Compared to the distance now? [1:44:33, 1:44:37]: This is in uh Lamar County, this landfill. So [1:44:38, 1:44:42]: All right. Uh so it's not about distance for me. [1:44:42, 1:44:46]: It is about the quality of service and the cost. [1:44:47, 1:45:07]: I want never mind. We we can move forward and vote. Okay, stand by. Mr Mr Alessandrias. For for clarity, the distance does increase the cost, right? I mean i in terms of the overall cost for the to be to to drive the truck down there and the pay for fuel and the time of that employee. And the tipping fees. [1:45:07, 1:45:15]: relatively the same. Right. And the thing about it, a lot of landfills don't want to take sluds because if it's not dry [1:45:15, 1:45:31]: thoroughly, then it impacts their operations as far as cover and then variance waste. So that's why most landfills do not accept it. And this is republic, correct? Yes. Okay. I know I thought you said GFL or something, but this is republic. Yeah. Okay. [1:45:31, 1:45:36]: Council, any other questions? If not, I need a motion to accept this, please. So move. Is there a second? [1:45:37, 1:45:41]: I say. Okay, so from Mr. Alexander to Mr. Barrett our favorite please indicate. [1:45:41, 1:45:42]: Okay. [1:45:42, 1:46:02]: Uh you abstain again now? No. Um so my question wasn't answered. I asked when was the last time was the when the last time was this was bidded out. That wasn't answered. Um and if it was twenty eighteen, this is for the record, uh I would oppose this. Oh so it's going to abstain for this one, this time. [1:46:02, 1:46:04]: So otherwise it it [1:46:05, 1:46:10]: Is so it is abstention now? Three zero one? Number twenty one. [1:46:11, 1:46:12]: Okay. [1:46:14, 1:46:34]: Council number 13. Council consideration approved the final contract. Renewal RFP request for proposal 201508-02 Sanitation Collection Services contract with Wrangler Holding Corporation GFL Environmental Formula Waste Industries in the amount of two million six hundred thousand dollars. Funding source sanitation [1:46:34, 1:46:38]: [6398.6, 6400.4]: Uh council would [1:46:40, 1:46:53]: Would expire or contract, excuse me, counter would expire on December thirty-first of twenty twenty six and the staffer is requesting extension until February twenty eighth, twenty twenty-seven, due to the holidays. [1:46:53, 1:47:13]: Ms. Aaron, please. So we're we're asking you to for this request. Only reason we ask is if you change vendors, then you're gonna be in the middle of the holidays where one vendor is picking up carts, one vendor is delivering carts. It's over 13,000 residential carts, and it's over 3,000 uh recycling carts. [1:47:13, 1:47:33]: carts. We're just trying to say if you would give us some additional time to get past the holidays, because there's going to be a lot of confusion with okay, this company is dropping off carts. This company is picking up carts. And during Christmas you have additional ways from Christmas and things like that. So we're just asking for an additional two months so that we don't be in the middle of the holiday season. [1:47:33, 1:47:36]: [6456.6, 6460.2]: Okay. Council questions. Just go right here, please. [1:47:40, 1:47:47]: Okay, so Mr. Aaron, I remember we had this this discussion um in twenty twenty-three. [1:47:47, 1:47:48]: When [1:47:48, 1:47:51]: The newly annexed residents came on board. [1:47:52, 1:47:55]: You promised me then that you were going to be [1:47:55, 1:47:58]: Путін з бекат форказ. [1:47:58, 1:48:00]: This is the same contract in [1:48:00, 1:48:03]: That was bidded out in twenty fifteen. [1:48:04, 1:48:14]: And the city has just been renewing it every year since then. I do not feel comfortable with approving a contract that has not gone out to bed. [1:48:15, 1:48:19]: In ten years, and we just kip renewing it. [1:48:20, 1:48:23]: I understand what you mean about um [1:48:23, 1:48:43]: Changing companies in the middle of the holidays, but those are um things that staff should be planning for ahead of time. I expected that a new contract, whether it be to the same contractor or another one, would be coming to this council and not just us again. [1:48:43, 1:48:53]: in renewing the same contract, the same vendor. That's not best practice and it's not good practice. I will be opposing this one. [1:48:53, 1:48:55]: But they can do whatever they want to do. [1:48:56, 1:49:16]: This is That's for the record. This is the final renewal. We No ma'am, I didn't. This is the final renewal. We already have the RFP and the Scope of Services already prepared to bid out. And I've been in this industry in this field for over 25 years. And most sanitation contracts, when they're contracted out, they're long-term contracts. [1:49:16, 1:49:36]: Contract to take advantage of economy of scale. Because right now we're charging our residents$22, but the going rate is about$30. We're gonna see that. When this renews, you're gonna see rates probably like$30,$35 versus what we're paying right now. So, but the longer-term contract. [1:49:36, 1:49:56]: Allows you to hold cost down because over that period of time the contractor, the vendor feels that they'll recoup the initial startup cost they had with carts and delivery and all of that stuff. So the long-term contract gets you better pricing. But this is going out to bid, I can assure you that the document is already prepared to go out. [1:49:55, 1:50:05]: But we just want to finish off this contract, which the contract allow these renewals just to do the final renewal and we'll move forward with bidding and out. [1:50:06, 1:50:24]: Uh if and if if I may, if if I may, I I just want to add to uh these these contracts and these conversations we had in depth and that's a lot of things that we consider before we we do that. And like you said, most of the contracts that we're talking about tonight are being constructed to to rebid. [1:50:25, 1:50:39]: Um however as looking at what's going on and looking at the overall picture, we wanted minimal disruption uh for this year. We have a lot going on this year. And the last thing we wanted to do was pull any type of contract, because once we pull it, they stop coming immediately. [1:50:40, 1:50:52]: If we pull the contract and then we still on the hook to pay out the rest of the year, but then they the residents don't get service. I'm trying to minimize any disruption this year in regards to that, but staff have been given clear guidance. [1:50:53, 1:50:57]: Any contract that we have been a part of for over five years. [1:50:58, 1:51:00]: Three to five years must be put out for rebid. [1:51:01, 1:51:13]: That is the instructions. But I just want to kind of give you an insight. When we sit down, we're talking about that because price is another thing. So that's just one of those things that we consider. We're trying to minimize any disruption for the rest of the year. [1:51:13, 1:51:25]: I have a question. What's semi? Ms. Barber. And this is the last time. Thank you, Mayor. And thank you for that, Mr. Edmondson. That's all I want. Um, I just wanna see it go out for bid. I wanna see us [1:51:25, 1:51:29]: I want to be able to compare cost across vendors. [1:51:30, 1:51:43]: Just by you telling me that the cost is more for another service provider, I don't know that. I want to see it. And I can't see it unless it goes through the competitive bidding process. Now on this agenda item request form. [1:51:44, 1:51:45]: It says um [1:51:46, 1:51:51]: request to renew it through February of twenty twenty seven. [1:51:55, 1:51:56]: I can't agree to that. [1:51:57, 1:52:04]: That's definitely a typo. It's supposed to say twenty twenty six. Okay, see th typos. Okay, that's all I have, Mayor. Thank you. [1:52:04, 1:52:08]: All right, Ms. February. Ms. Gantt, go ahead, please. [1:52:08, 1:52:28]: Past holiday of twenty twenty-sept. Oh, okay. Okay. So clarification here. Clarification. So apparently this contract's ends December 2026. So it we asked [1:52:28, 1:52:33]: However it's still [1:52:33, 1:52:36]: February twenty twenty seven. So [1:52:37, 1:52:48]: I guess we just kinda getting ahead of it because the contract's supposed to end this December. And of course, once it ends this December, then we just trying to make sure that extension goes through to twenty twenty seven. [1:52:49, 1:52:49]: Okay. [1:52:50, 1:52:51]: Yes, ma'am. [1:52:51, 1:52:57]: Okay. So now you confuse me. If we're trying to stay on a calendar year [1:52:57, 1:53:05]: That's what you're trying to do? It would end at the end of twenty twenty six, not February of twenty twenty-seven. Now you're [1:53:06, 1:53:14]: Ending a contract in the middle of the or at the start of the year again. Right. That's why we asked for the extension past the the the the termination date. Oh [1:53:15, 1:53:35]: 'Cause we trying to get asking for it for a whole nother year. No ma'am, just two months to get past the Christmas holiday. I'm just trying to minimize disruption. If you have somebody delivering carts and picking up carts during the holiday season, you're gonna be getting the calls saying, There's some confusion that I didn't get service, uh, they didn't pick up this, I didn't get a cart, we just [1:53:34, 1:53:44]: Trying to minimize that. I will make the motion then if you um one second you're asking that we approve this renewal. [1:53:45, 1:53:50]: To expire February at the end of February twenty twenty six. Twenty twenty seven. [1:53:51, 1:53:51]: We're in [1:53:53, 1:53:54]: This is twenty five. [1:53:55, 1:54:15]: Give me a motion and I'll make the motion. But it's gotta be less than a year. We're asking the renewal to December. It would be December 31st, 2026. But we're asking you to grant us two months months to get past the holiday season because we don't want to have the disruption where people are trying to deliver carts and people are picking up carts during [1:54:15, 1:54:35]: during the holiday season when that's the busiest time for sanitation service. Okay, so in twenty twenty three when we um had the newly annexed residents come in and they provided us with new um carts for those residents. You were supposed to put it out to bed then. That was in twenty twenty three. So all of twenty twenty four [1:54:35, 1:54:36]: Um [1:54:36, 1:54:38]: The council approved the renewal [1:54:38, 1:54:47]: for the 2024 services. So now here we are entering to third fourth quarter. [1:54:47, 1:54:48]: Uh [1:54:48, 1:55:08]: 2025 and you're asking us to renew it another year in two months. I can't support that, but I'm sure they will. Thank you, sir. Okay. Hold on. Ms um Ms Berry, go ahead, please. I'm sorry. I I I got a fundamental problem with the two month extension for um I f I feel like the services that we're bidding out of the companies [1:55:08, 1:55:22]: That may be bidding out should be well capable of doing a transitional plan as well as like dropping off trash cans and picking up. We we're not talking about the same company. I I firmly believe that if we go to a company, they're gonna be large enough to handle [1:55:23, 1:55:43]: depositing receptacles and then the other company will be picking up the old ones. They shouldn't be picking them up to the thirty first anyway. And so to make sure that the the you know there should be some type of plan in place that if they put in a bid, I expect the bid to have a plan, a transitional plan, a part of it. [1:55:43, 1:56:03]: I'm I'm leery because if we make the exception here, to go be beyond what we've already specified to put things on the 12 year calendar, have everything start at the same time, it makes it inconsistent. It makes us incongruent. And if you make an exception one time, you can make an exception other times. [1:56:03, 1:56:07]: And so I really wanna I really wanna make an effort to keep [1:56:08, 1:56:15]: They're all contracts the same because we just really got out of some situations with that being a issue. [1:56:15, 1:56:22]: And so um that that bothers me. Right. Because I really hope that the company that we go with, if we don't even go with the same company that we're with. [1:56:23, 1:56:30]: There's a possibility w that the company we're with could win it again and then there's no transitional plan. But yet we've renewed it in February. We don't it's a lot we don't know yet. [1:56:31, 1:56:31]: Right. [1:56:32, 1:56:52]: And and and that's a fair point and and and definitely that was a a point that we discussed as well. Um however, you know, leaning on his his his experience being here for a while, and it does happen. I've been through it before since I've been here, uh, where trash wasn't picked up in three weeks. Now you got a problem. So but at the end of the day, we [1:56:52, 1:57:05]: We we definitely understand that notion as well and we want to be consistent in our all our messages, especially when it comes to contracting. Um so if that's the will of the council, I mean we'll keep it the same, just the renewal and then we'll work it from there. [1:57:05, 1:57:09]: Ms. Gann, go ahead, please. I I'm more concerned about [1:57:10, 1:57:18]: Well, I I hear you guys are the experts, but I think about Christmas and I think about the holidays and I think about the amount of trash [1:57:18, 1:57:19]: Pick up. [1:57:20, 1:57:22]: That transition can be [1:57:22, 1:57:24]: Challenging. It's it's a lot. [1:57:25, 1:57:32]: Right. Well yeah, well see in February I maybe thirty days, but the the trash pickup for [1:57:32, 1:57:34]: December everybody knows. [1:57:35, 1:57:37]: is and then you have your [1:57:37, 1:57:42]: Don't forget you have your holiday time where you skip a day. So you got your New Year's Eve. [1:57:42, 1:57:54]: crew with the parties. You got your Christmas holiday parties. Not just Christmas Day, but holiday parties right throughout. And so there's a lot of sanitation and that transition [1:57:54, 1:58:04]: may b based off of their level of expertise, may very well be a challenge. That I that is what I'm considering. I'm also considering if I heard right, [1:58:05, 1:58:08]: I'm a little con uh you know, people are hurting. [1:58:09, 1:58:12]: So currently we're at a twenty two dollar [1:58:13, 1:58:16]: Break is that what we're at right now? [1:58:16, 1:58:20]: And when we put this contract out, like the economy and everything else. [1:58:21, 1:58:24]: It opens the door up for us to [1:58:24, 1:58:30]: increase the rates. And that includes even if this company was the lowest bidder. Is that correct? [1:58:32, 1:58:32]: No [1:58:33, 1:58:44]: Actually what the city has been doing is the city supplements the sanitation collection because GFL and their contract, they're allowed to [1:58:44, 1:58:48]: increase their their rates based on the CPEI. [1:58:49, 1:58:55]: And it's typically been averaging between three and five percent. They can't go higher than five percent. But [1:58:55, 1:59:11]: Council has voted always to hold the cost at a certain level because we was at twelve for a long time. Then we went up to seventeen, then we went up to twenty-two. So in actuality it's probably costing us like twenty-six, twenty-seven right now per car. [1:59:12, 1:59:17]: And and then you gotta take into account when you close the transfer station that [1:59:17, 1:59:19]: You're gonna have an increase. [1:59:19, 1:59:20]: as well. [1:59:21, 1:59:23]: in the tonnets disposal. [1:59:23, 1:59:33]: And and this day and time, due to um financials and everything else, th those things are gonna have to be taken into c account and consideration. [1:59:33, 1:59:42]: And so I just I want us to look at the totality of everything. I just in general for me, I look at the totality [1:59:43, 2:00:00]: in regards to where those funds are offset, whether or not the city will vote to offset certain amounts of costs. I mean, we've already offset some. Will the constituents be increasing their sanitation bills? I mean, so th all those things I take into consideration. [2:00:00, 2:00:08]: But I definitely take into consideration the amount of trash during holiday season from Thanksgiving. I'm talking Thanksgiving. [2:00:09, 2:00:10]: Christmas [2:00:11, 2:00:24]: And New Year's, you know, it that is a big transition. And so we do need to take that'cause it took a while, even with annexation, it didn't happen overnight. They weren't they had to stagger that. [2:00:24, 2:00:30]: There were a lot of challenges with that. There were a lot of complaints and it did not happen. [2:00:31, 2:00:34]: January one, that did not happen that way. [2:00:34, 2:00:44]: So I think that we need to be realistic in that and rely on the expertise of our city manager and of our um public works director. [2:00:48, 2:01:08]: Go ahead, sir. I would say maybe the compromise position is thirty days instead of sixty. Is is you that would still give us some time and but it Ms. Gantt makes a very strong point, which is I know my trash I really could use two trash cans at Christmas time or t you know, for that week. [2:01:08, 2:01:21]: And then for Thanksgiving too, especially when I have a gathering. And I know we still had a lot of complaints because they weren't able to pick up the trash. So if we could do a thirty day window, I certainly could support that. [2:01:22, 2:01:28]: I think what we'll do is we'll we'll modify, we'll make it work. We'll work with the vendor because I'd rather be consistent. [2:01:28, 2:01:48]: than then try to be safe than sorry, right?'Cause I I don't w uh with all due respect, Mr. Emerson, I I don't wanna I wanna I wanna be consistent too. Yeah, but I can't ignore the fact that we get complaints anyway after Christmas. I know. And certainly I think I just want to ask the council, I wanna put you on the spot, but are we okay with thirty days? [2:01:48, 2:02:00]: You okay with thirty days, Miss Berry? I I think thirty days is a is a good compromise. I think that's fair. But yeah. I think I'm uh I'm one second. They're still talking. [2:02:01, 2:02:01]: Okay. [2:02:11, 2:02:31]: Right. Well, that's what we're discussing now, ma'am, because without the extension, it will end December thirty-first, twenty twenty six. Uh, but that's why we was asking for the extension because of that time frame. But if if it's opposition to that, one once again, it's something that we just have to work towards next year to come up with a plan to ensure there's a smooth transition. [2:02:31, 2:02:41]: Uh we were just trying to think outside the box um and and kinda look at those different challenges in the event they are a transition. And like you said, Councilmember Berry, it may be a opportunity where [2:02:42, 2:03:02]: Right. So we would just you know, he brought it to my attention and I thought about that and I was a good consideration. Our job is to present the facts where they may be, and those are challenges that we may have. So it's it's on us to to put that out there for something for you to consider, uh, and then go from there. If it's not one, then you got an [2:03:02, 2:03:05]: Right. [2:03:06, 2:03:26]: But but it's offset by one month, by thirty days. That's not what they're saying. They're saying the early yeah, January twenty twenty-seven. So thirty days. Okay. So a year and a month, not a year, not the end of two months. [2:03:26, 2:03:28]: Years. [2:03:28, 2:03:31]: And one month for transition period. [2:03:31, 2:03:33]: Yeah, we Ms. Barber Goy, please. [2:03:33, 2:03:39]: When I asked this question originally, I asked Mr. Edmondson. [2:03:40, 2:03:45]: Are you asking for this to expire in twenty twenty six or twenty twenty seven? He said it was a typo. [2:03:46, 2:03:48]: So what was the typo? [2:03:48, 2:03:53]: It was a misunderstanding. So it was it was a it was a misunder [2:03:54, 2:04:07]: It was a misunderstanding for me the way it was said, but it's it's not a typo. And so I just wanted to be clear on that. I was thinking December twenty twenty seven. So not February twenty twenty seven. So this wouldn't so I stand corrected. [2:04:07, 2:04:11]: twenty this wouldn't be a traditional twelve month [2:04:12, 2:04:32]: Agreement. This will be more of a thirteen or fourteen month agreement. Yes, ma'am. Which will end at the end of January twenty twenty seven or february twenty twenty seven. Yes, ma'am. That is what we're talking about. Yes, ma'am. Uh I wanna make sure that I'm on the same page because I was [2:04:32, 2:04:35]: thrown off when you said it was a typo. [2:04:36, 2:04:36]: So [2:04:40, 2:04:48]: I am going to hold Mr. Aaron to what he said in twenty twenty-three. I do not support renewing contracts. [2:04:49, 2:04:52]: This is a contract that has been in place for ten years. [2:04:53, 2:04:53]: Ten. [2:04:54, 2:04:56]: The original contract was for [2:04:56, 2:04:57]: Five years. [2:04:57, 2:04:58]: With optional [2:04:59, 2:05:01]: One year renewals up to [2:05:01, 2:05:06]: five times. That's ten years and has not gone out for competitive bidding. [2:05:08, 2:05:09]: We won't know. [2:05:10, 2:05:16]: What cost will come to us until it goes through the competitive bidding process? [2:05:18, 2:05:27]: I can't support this. I understand your rationale. I do. And of course I don't want there to be a disruption to the service. [2:05:27, 2:05:28]: Other residents here. [2:05:28, 2:05:30]: We need to plan better. [2:05:31, 2:05:32]: In fact, I'm the one. [2:05:32, 2:05:36]: Who brought forth a motion to require the staff. [2:05:36, 2:05:40]: Bring these contracts to the council a hundred and twenty days. [2:05:41, 2:05:43]: before the expiration date because [2:05:43, 2:05:46]: They just been droppin' em in our lap at the end of the year. [2:05:46, 2:05:49]: Or as they are expiring the night before. [2:05:50, 2:05:50]: So [2:05:52, 2:05:54]: I'll just let the rest of [2:05:54, 2:06:01]: the council decide whatever way they want to go, but I can't support remov renewing this any further. [2:06:01, 2:06:02]: It's been ten years. [2:06:03, 2:06:05]: That's all. Thank you. Any other questions, Council? [2:06:05, 2:06:15]: I have one. What what was the reason is there a reason why we didn't bit put this out to bid for this year or m right now? Is there was there a reason? [2:06:17, 2:06:33]: Because procurement has said we had a good contract and they and we had additional renewals that were available. That's why we we've always renewed it. But like I said, we do have the scope of services already to bid this out when that time come and we did have one renewal remaining. [2:06:33, 2:06:35]: Okay. [2:06:36, 2:06:38]: Exercise that option. [2:06:38, 2:06:58]: Right. For a smooth transaction. Yes. And transition. Okay. Well then having said that I make a motion to approve this with an additional one month. So one year ending in twenty twenty six plus one and and ends you know, the contract is supposed to end [2:06:58, 2:07:05]: December twenty twenty six. I mean and so we give them an additional month of January thirty first. [2:07:05, 2:07:06]: for transitional period. [2:07:07, 2:07:09]: Is there a second to the motion? [2:07:09, 2:07:14]: If they're not just in case they could be the same. [2:07:15, 2:07:35]: But Berry, Berry, Miss Berry. Again, I want to make sure that for disclosure, uh GFL had volunteered to for our book bag giveaway in uh in July. I've been told by the legal that certainly that needs that I would disclose. [2:07:34, 2:07:38]: Closed, but it did not affect my ability to vote. Is that correct? [2:07:39, 2:07:43]: Yes. The motion has been made. All in favor of the motion, please indicate three [2:07:45, 2:07:46]: And you astain, Ms. Barnaby? [2:07:47, 2:07:59]: I will oppose this. Oppose it, okay. Yeah, you can make a statement. Three three one zero. Three one zero. A re really quick comment, Mayor Ford. Go right ahead, please. Okay. I'm opposing this because [2:08:00, 2:08:02]: This was a contract that was awarded. [2:08:03, 2:08:05]: Originally in twenty fifteen. [2:08:06, 2:08:07]: With a five year [2:08:08, 2:08:09]: Turn. [2:08:10, 2:08:11]: With an additional [2:08:11, 2:08:15]: One є renewal up to five additional є. [2:08:16, 2:08:17]: That's a teen year contract. [2:08:17, 2:08:21]: without it being advertised for competitive bidding. [2:08:21, 2:08:23]: I believe in competitive bidding. [2:08:24, 2:08:30]: We are here to make sure that we are getting the best services for the best price. [2:08:33, 2:08:34]: That's best practice. [2:08:34, 2:08:35]: Thank you. [2:08:36, 2:08:56]: Congratulations, gentlemen. That one passed there. Council consideration to approve the renewal requests for proposal RFP 2024-0005 for janitorial maintenance services with intercontinental commercial services incorporated, an amount of$143,100. Uh funding sources, government building. [2:08:56, 2:09:16]: Department uh budget, and this is a second renewal. Mr. Yes, Mr. Mayor, this is the contract price,$143,100 for the renewal of the contract with ICS. Um the buildings that are a part of this are the police department, public works administrative buildings. [2:09:16, 2:09:29]: City Hall, Merrill Manders, the Stockbridge Downtown Connection Center, Municipal Court, the Maintenance Shop, the Wastewater Plant, and also the Merrill Manders Admin Building. [2:09:31, 2:09:49]: Council, any questions from Mr. Aaron? I do, Mayor. Go right ahead, please. What is the difference between the Merrill Manders Conference Center and the Merrill Manders Conference Center admin building? Is that the events? It's it's the offices for the uh Merrill Manders staff. So that building is separate from the Merrill Manders. [2:09:50, 2:10:02]: Where's the office building for the Merrmander staff? Is it inside of the Merrmander? No, ma'am, it's a separate it's a separate building at the intersection of Davis Road and and So where the events department is. Yes, ma'am. Okay, thank you. [2:10:03, 2:10:16]: Any other questions for the club? Let me just say this. Go ahead, please. Me, I don't know if it's me, but I wanna make sure that the janitorial team, whoever we talk to, the restrooms. They need to focus on the restrooms. [2:10:16, 2:10:18]: From the floor to the ceiling. [2:10:18, 2:10:38]: To the corner behind the toilet, to all of that. Restrooms are extremely important to everyone. So whoever the contract is being rewarded to, we need to start upping what we're doing in the restrooms in these facilities to make sure that they're being taken care of at the level that we need them to. I mean, steam cleaning the floor, whatever needs to be. [2:10:38, 2:10:45]: be done because again I just I'm not seeing the quality of work in the restroom that I like to see. [2:10:46, 2:10:50]: Yes, sir. No other questions I need a motion to accept this, please. [2:10:51, 2:10:58]: So moved. Mr. Alexander. Alexander. Okay, fantastic. [2:10:58, 2:11:05]: All right, for discussion, Rock Cory Road Extension Update. Mr. Aaron, along with uh [2:11:06, 2:11:08]: Falcon design consultants. [2:11:08, 2:11:09]: It says here. [2:11:10, 2:11:15]: You wanna come forward, sir, and talk about this? Rock Corey extension, update. [2:11:23, 2:11:31]: Do we have access to the drawings in here? They're on my computer. Yeah, I think [2:11:32, 2:11:35]: Is there is there a presentation you gotta put put on? I've got a drawing. [2:11:36, 2:11:39]: We have a drawing in our book, but you wanna put it on the screen? [2:11:43, 2:11:44]: Okay. [2:12:08, 2:12:09]: I knew it's over here. [2:12:56, 2:13:01]: Hold on, I'm getting old. I can't see like I used to. Gotta take my glasses off. [2:13:03, 2:13:04]: Gas and too far. [2:13:04, 2:13:13]: No. I actually can see far with them, but then when I get up close I don't need glasses at all. I can't see anything with them on. It's weird. [2:13:20, 2:13:24]: Well, there it is. [2:13:48, 2:13:49]: All right. [2:13:50, 2:13:52]: So I've got [2:13:53, 2:13:55]: Ту перспектив концепс. [2:13:57, 2:14:05]: Dus just came to me a while back and asked us to look at analyze Rock Quarter Road extension where the widening will dead end in the forty-two highway. [2:14:05, 2:14:05]: Yeah. [2:14:06, 2:14:07]: To see what [2:14:07, 2:14:10]: Options are where we could take it to help alleviate traffic. [2:14:11, 2:14:15]: Before I get started I want and everybody know this is common sense. [2:14:16, 2:14:20]: probably the next step in all this is very possibly a traffic study. [2:14:21, 2:14:21]: So [2:14:22, 2:14:30]: 'Cause a lot of these options are just something that by experience I'm looking at, but we really need to analyze it from a traffic count standpoint. [2:14:30, 2:14:32]: number of lanes, what we're gonna need. [2:14:32, 2:14:37]: But I wanted to show you where we could possibly take it. So this first option [2:14:38, 2:14:40]: Uh this is forty two here. [2:14:41, 2:14:44]: North is actually to the left to fit it all on one page. [2:14:45, 2:14:49]: Uh if you look back here to the south, this is the connector at [2:14:49, 2:14:55]: Uh Chrissa. Chrissa Drive, yes. Uh [2:14:55, 2:14:58]: So like I said, this intersection forty two going north. [2:14:59, 2:15:02]: Basically what we're proposing to do is to follow the [2:15:02, 2:15:05]: Uh, there's a small transmission line here. [2:15:06, 2:15:07]: That comes up through here. [2:15:08, 2:15:11]: So we're following that with more or less four lanes. [2:15:13, 2:15:20]: And then we're hooking the road up to Caressa. So when we get to here, the road [2:15:20, 2:15:22]: We know the road's gotta get to here. [2:15:23, 2:15:26]: So you guys own this property here. This is the new uh [2:15:27, 2:15:28]: Oh my gosh. [2:15:29, 2:15:38]: Well Tim Coffee Coffee Shotons, thank you. Tim Hortons, thank you. So that is here and has been uh permitted, I believe. [2:15:40, 2:15:46]: Uh so there is room as you can see to the east of Tim Hortons for another out parcel. [2:15:47, 2:15:52]: There's also room here for a marketable outparcel as well as this area here. [2:15:52, 2:15:54]: Which I believe the city owns all that. [2:15:56, 2:16:00]: So when we get here, there's really only two options. We can go west. [2:16:01, 2:16:03]: Or we can go east. Either way. [2:16:04, 2:16:05]: Oh. [2:16:05, 2:16:06]: You know [2:16:06, 2:16:08]: presents its issues. [2:16:09, 2:16:14]: So if I keep going north, this is old Conyers Road on this end of the screen. [2:16:16, 2:16:21]: So there's two ways to intersect with old Connors. This is where the traffic study kinda comes into play too. [2:16:22, 2:16:33]: Uh right now I've got it deadening in old Conyers, which would probably result in a traffic signal. The other way you could do it is which I have not drawn it this way,'cause like I said, this is very conceptual. [2:16:33, 2:16:46]: is we could put a radius in here and basically make what is old Conyers here T into this road and keep that traffic moving and going to old Conyers that direction. Okay. [2:16:46, 2:16:47]: That makes sense. [2:16:48, 2:17:07]: That is a possibility to do this. Well yeah, I'm sorry, let me interrupt you. So but if you do that, how do you get people f off this road, uh the extension to go s uh in a more westerly, southwesterly type of direction? Well, if you want to go towards East Atlanta, is what you're saying? Yeah, right. That's my next option. Okay. [2:17:08, 2:17:10]: So [2:17:10, 2:17:20]: This is going this is taking it to old Conyers. Right now it's dead ending, which I suspect, strongly suspect that will be a signal. Traffic study will probably show that. [2:17:21, 2:17:28]: Or we could radius this and keep it going on Old Conyers, kinda to the northeast and keep traffic moving that way. [2:17:29, 2:17:32]: Now my next option is probably going to [2:17:33, 2:17:43]: This is the next option. As you can see here, this is what you were talking about, Mayor. Trying to go towards East Atlanta and alleviate that traffic. So there is a street here. [2:17:45, 2:17:47]: What's the name of that street? I don't have it on this [2:17:49, 2:17:52]: Had it on the other map. Now I don't know where [2:17:53, 2:17:55]: Why I don't have that on here? [2:17:55, 2:17:56]: Weird. [2:17:56, 2:17:58]: So this is East Atlanta here, City Hall's over here. [2:18:01, 2:18:02]: Yes. [2:18:04, 2:18:05]: So [2:18:06, 2:18:20]: Another thing to keep in mind here is if you're following my cursor, this dark line, squiggly line on both sides is the floodplain of the river that goes behind the wastewater treatment plant. This is the treatment plant here, just to give you where we're at. [2:18:22, 2:18:29]: So crossing that thing is a bear. So on the other design here, we're having to cross it. And that very likely could be a bridge. [2:18:29, 2:18:31]: Mm-hmm. That will be cost. [2:18:33, 2:18:36]: Several million dollars just to do the bridge by itself. [2:18:37, 2:18:37]: Uh [2:18:38, 2:18:41]: So this other way I've gone is [2:18:41, 2:18:42]: You don't need a bridge. [2:18:42, 2:18:43]: Not right now. [2:18:44, 2:18:49]: Anyway, because you're crossing over and getting on the East Atlanta down here. [2:18:50, 2:18:55]: Here's old Conyers intersection. Publix is over here. Off the page. Apologize for that. [2:18:56, 2:19:09]: And we're merging and using the existing road bed for Duvall and coming around and getting Rock Quarry. And I do not draw it on here, but East Atlanta will be teed in at that point to [2:19:10, 2:19:15]: East Atlanta will uh the traffic will drop with the exception of probably when you're having events at City Hall. [2:19:16, 2:19:22]: Because most people will continue straight down Rock Quarry. Once again, traffic study will show that. [2:19:23, 2:19:24]: And would analyze that. [2:19:25, 2:19:37]: So there's a lot of ifs, ands and buts with these two plans that need to be resolved, probably in a traffic analysis. I don't see any other way with current infrastructure, buildings. [2:19:37, 2:19:39]: Your wastewater treatment plant right here. [2:19:40, 2:19:45]: I don't see any other way to get to Old Conyers other than kind of what I've showed you in that general area here. [2:19:47, 2:19:50]: 'Cause there's your treatment plant. You can't go through that. [2:19:50, 2:19:51]: So [2:19:51, 2:19:53]: And we can't go west of that. [2:19:54, 2:19:55]: So [2:19:55, 2:20:01]: The only way I could see that we could avoid it is to kinda use Duval and merge on the to uh [2:20:02, 2:20:03]: East Atlanta. [2:20:03, 2:20:07]: That would keep traffic continually flowing from East Atlanta to Rock Quarry. [2:20:07, 2:20:13]: That would probably from a traffic standpoint be the best case scenario. Now you do have to [2:20:13, 2:20:18]: go through Duvall. Now what I've proposed right now is basically Duvall will just be a two lane road. [2:20:19, 2:20:20]: And then we taper [2:20:20, 2:20:25]: when we get over here to the kind of more commercialized area and we taper it out to four lanes. [2:20:26, 2:20:28]: I'm guessing right now guys'cause I [2:20:28, 2:20:30]: Like I said, my [2:20:30, 2:20:32]: advice would be the next step in this [2:20:33, 2:20:35]: Сто анализ трафик альсис on both [2:20:36, 2:20:41]: these drawings, both these plans to see what works, what can work, what do we gotta do? [2:20:42, 2:20:43]: Uh where are the signals? [2:20:44, 2:20:46]: So that sort of thing. [2:20:46, 2:20:50]: So I didn't really see a third option. [2:20:51, 2:20:52]: To extend Rock Quarry Strait. [2:20:54, 2:20:58]: Not that's feasible. And even some of these, I mean, they've got a lot of questions. [2:20:59, 2:21:01]: Okay. Yeah, go ahead, please. [2:21:02, 2:21:22]: Certainly I think this project is a long term project. Obviously, we want to get Rock Quarry Road widened first and then uh kinda work our way toward this. Um I guess long term I would probably and you might ask your opinion, it'd probably be a phased project. Maybe that first section. [2:21:22, 2:21:35]: that you see there that is the four lane might be built first where it gives us uh access and then uh that potential. You probably you might not even have if you phase it. So I see where you're going with that. [2:21:35, 2:21:41]: So let's say we phased here and just connected here. Right. That would help you with, you know, amphitheater traffic. Right. [2:21:42, 2:21:45]: And it you could definitely do that. And and if you did that, I don't [2:21:46, 2:21:55]: I would probably recommend you go ahead and build the four lanes, but the traffic analysis may not even show you need that at that point if you're not connecting it. So just you yes, you could definitely phase that. [2:21:56, 2:22:16]: Right. And that way it would give us, as you said, all the people now that is trying to get down East Atlanta Road, they would have a real true out where they could get to this lane and get to Rot Quarry Road and Rock Quarry Road would be four lanes because it'll it'll be widened first in order to get us uh where we're going. Certainly [2:22:15, 2:22:35]: Um looking at this and understanding the bridge could be ten million dollars. I mean by itself, right? It could be, yeah. So if you just a rough ballpark and I know you know you hate doing this, but just a guess. Yes, I hate doing this. This early. [2:22:36, 2:22:48]: The two routes, the difference between the two routes. We went this way to Old Conyers with the bridge, a ballpark figure, and then if we went to East Atlanta, a ballpark figure. [2:22:49, 2:22:55]: Well it I I think I'll the ballpark figure is w I would need to do more analysis to do that. But [2:22:56, 2:22:57]: Having said that [2:22:58, 2:23:04]: You're gonna be the same all so you pointed out the bridge is the biggest financial difference. It could be [2:23:04, 2:23:18]: Yes, it could be upwards of ten million. Cause you see how wide that floodplain is. It's a big facility, and I don't see how we're going to put backfill of dirt in there. It's just it's gonna be a bridge, I think. Uh so this [2:23:19, 2:23:22]: Obviously would be a massive increase in cost in addition to [2:23:22, 2:23:25]: If you actually teed it into old Connors [2:23:25, 2:23:33]: Very likely there would be need to be a signal here. So that's another, you know, million dollars plus for a signal here. Now if you curved it in [2:23:34, 2:23:38]: Then you would uh not probably need a signal right here. Old Connors would then to be teed in. [2:23:39, 2:23:45]: You wouldn't be you you wouldn't have that. So the biggest difference between the two plans is the massive cost of this bridge. [2:23:45, 2:23:50]: Uh this plan here you obviously have [2:23:50, 2:24:06]: uh you know you're you're using Duval. So there's a cost here. Uh there's no doubt I I feel like if this was able to be a two-lane road extension, uh you know those houses could remain. [2:24:06, 2:24:07]: Uh [2:24:08, 2:24:11]: You know, obviously traffic would be drastically increased. [2:24:12, 2:24:18]: So there's like I said, there's pluses and minuses to both. Uh you know. [2:24:18, 2:24:38]: Right. And in in in in terms of financing this, this is gonna be multiple millions of dollars in order to find sense this. I would think that uh right now we're in T S PLOSS one. I would think that it would probably take a T PLOSS two project where the voters approved another one cent sales tax and [2:24:38, 2:24:58]: you know, put the millions of dollars that were necessary in order to um complete this project. But that first phase where right'cause right now we have two million dollars that is coming to us uh that was put in the I think it's the T s in the T splot. It was two mil two million dollars. Another number [2:24:58, 2:25:18]: next last blost,$2 million were put in there. The county had$4 million that they took out. We kind of re-engaged them on those dollars and see whether or not we might be able to bring them back at some point. But that little spur to Cressa might really help us to be able to open up [2:25:18, 2:25:38]: traffic through the um through that area and then be able to provide the actual relief to East Atlanta for events. But the other section is probably be uh somewhere down the road it will require a massive G dot or and or T splot contribution. [2:25:38, 2:25:43]: distribution in order to even make it feasible with the with the millions that it would cost. [2:25:43, 2:25:45]: Yeah, I mean it you know, the [2:25:48, 2:25:55]: spitballing in today's numbers, just eyeballing it, knowing what we bid recently, you're you're probably talking fifteen to twenty million, even for that option. [2:25:57, 2:26:02]: You know, I mean, I'm that's today and then the bridge option will add ten million to that. I mean, it's just, you know. [2:26:03, 2:26:12]: It is a lot. I mean that's our whole budget for the year. So again it would take tea splots or a regular splice s a significant amount. [2:26:12, 2:26:14]: Yeah. So thank you. [2:26:15, 2:26:16]: I'm done now. [2:26:17, 2:26:19]: Okay. One second please, if you don't mind. [2:26:20, 2:26:28]: I think the ultimate goal what the ultimate goal of this is to uh have a uh some type of road network to to connect n connect us to the hospital. [2:26:29, 2:26:49]: per se to have or some type of relief on Rock Roy as you get to the hospital. And so my thought process is that what would make better sense? Were people gonna come off of East Atlanta or they're gonna come off O more off of O'Conyers? And in reference to this, I mean it's a fruitful thought because I'm thinking along those lines, that's one of the reasons why we want to do this. Is to to we have a major hospital and the erosion [2:26:49, 2:26:53]: So where would people be c more or less connected to out of that? [2:26:54, 2:27:06]: Yeah. It screams East Atlanta to me. Okay. Well I'm just saying I'm just throwing this out there for conversation. It it I think it helps not only that for the hospital traffic and getting traffic to the interstate. [2:27:07, 2:27:23]: Uh, it also I think helps alleviate some of the back you might have on East Atlanta at the right in front of City Hall here. Okay. At the light, especially during peak hours. I mean it's pretty nasty out there with the back up. It would relieve that a great deal. [2:27:23, 2:27:27]: Uh especially if you do the four lane intersection up here. So uh [2:27:29, 2:27:29]: I mean [2:27:30, 2:27:37]: And and you guys have knowledge of this area too, just like me. Right. To me it makes sense that East Atlanta would provide the most [2:27:38, 2:27:40]: Okay. Ms. Barber, go ahead, please. [2:27:41, 2:27:49]: Thank you, Mayor. You're welcome. Um, and thank you. I always get you mixed up. What is your name? Adam Adam. You're Adam. Okay. Yes. [2:27:49, 2:27:51]: Mr Um Adam. [2:27:51, 2:27:53]: Uh this is my district. [2:27:53, 2:27:53]: Okay. [2:27:54, 2:27:56]: I know there's a whole lot of interest from others here. [2:27:56, 2:27:58]: Their interest is [2:27:59, 2:28:07]: Um, and other things, but I'm responsible for the people in the area. And if they are gonna be impacted, I wanna be. [2:28:08, 2:28:09]: Front and center. [2:28:09, 2:28:12]: And I want to have some input in this. [2:28:13, 2:28:17]: This project has been long prolonged long enough. [2:28:18, 2:28:26]: I remember back in twenty ten, I believe, the Board of Commissioners were talking about this area, extending the Rock Quarry Road. [2:28:26, 2:28:27]: Um [2:28:27, 2:28:29]: This is priority for me. [2:28:30, 2:28:32]: А much рада інвести. [2:28:32, 2:28:39]: our city's resources on this project, the Rock Quarry Road extension, all the way to Old Conyers Road. [2:28:41, 2:28:46]: Ideally for me, I'd like to see East Atlanta Road before lanes. [2:28:47, 2:28:47]: Um [2:28:49, 2:28:55]: We want to be able to flush out some of the traffic that's gonna build in our downtown area. [2:28:55, 2:29:00]: and cutting through Duval, it just doesn't seem like it's a [2:29:01, 2:29:07]: Good option, especially during the concert season when it's already heavily congested. [2:29:07, 2:29:08]: Um and if [2:29:09, 2:29:15]: People are traveling along East Atlanta Road and they wanna use the Rock Quarry Road [2:29:15, 2:29:17]: that cuts through Duval, they're just gonna get [2:29:18, 2:29:19]: Backed up in the traffic. [2:29:21, 2:29:23]: If there were [2:29:23, 2:29:24]: The extension [2:29:25, 2:29:32]: Or this Rock Query Road extension connected to Old Conders Road, at least those who are traveling down or traveling up. [2:29:32, 2:29:35]: East Atlanta Road from like the Fairview area. [2:29:35, 2:29:40]: They would be able to turn left onto old Conyers, and even the emergency vehicles. [2:29:41, 2:29:44]: If they needed to go to the northern end of our county. [2:29:44, 2:29:49]: they would be able to avoid all of the in congestion from the downtown traffic. [2:29:50, 2:29:52]: I like to stick with the original plan. [2:29:53, 2:29:55]: To extend Rock Quarry Road. [2:29:56, 2:29:57]: From North Henry. [2:29:57, 2:29:59]: All the way down to Old Conyers Road. [2:30:00, 2:30:03]: Ideally, that's what I would like to see. [2:30:04, 2:30:07]: Um and I'm okay with in investing as much [2:30:08, 2:30:09]: Money. [2:30:09, 2:30:11]: Resources as necessary. [2:30:11, 2:30:15]: I much rather invested in the infrastructure in new roads. [2:30:15, 2:30:15]: Then [2:30:16, 2:30:17]: Wasteful spending. [2:30:18, 2:30:19]: Well we have are just pictures. [2:30:20, 2:30:22]: Memories of a good time. [2:30:23, 2:30:38]: I want to see new roads and new infrastructure. I'm excited about this. Thank you, Mr. Aaron, for responding to my email and just my inquiry about the status of this. I'm excited, even though I know we're just discussing it at this point. [2:30:39, 2:30:46]: But I'm excited about the possibilities. And I believe um Mr. Malazi mentioned it best at one of our meetings. [2:30:47, 2:30:50]: You got to invest money to make money. [2:30:51, 2:30:52]: This is one of'em. [2:30:52, 2:30:57]: If we invested the money to build this road, it opens up opportunities. [2:30:57, 2:31:00]: For other developments. [2:31:00, 2:31:01]: To come along this route. [2:31:03, 2:31:04]: That's just the way I see it. [2:31:05, 2:31:05]: Um [2:31:06, 2:31:09]: I can you go back to that? Is this it? [2:31:09, 2:31:11]: This is the one that goes to old Conyers. [2:31:11, 2:31:12]: Okay. [2:31:13, 2:31:14]: Um [2:31:16, 2:31:19]: And yeah, we probably will need a traffic light there too. [2:31:19, 2:31:25]: Um I was just thinking Well, it depends if you T N or you just keep going around old Connors. There's ways to do that intersection to [2:31:26, 2:31:28]: Improved traffic flow. [2:31:29, 2:31:30]: Okay. [2:31:30, 2:31:31]: Um and [2:31:33, 2:31:44]: I know that we have some support on the federal level. We were able to get some federal dollars um and discuss our plans for that pedestrian bridge. [2:31:45, 2:31:48]: Um where are we with that, Mayor Ford? Do you know? [2:31:49, 2:31:52]: Pedestrian Bridge, you're talking about right here in the downtown area? Yeah. [2:31:52, 2:31:56]: Uh well actually we still have to get plans for that as far as I understand. [2:31:56, 2:32:00]: Initial thought process, but uh did they give us seat money for it? [2:32:00, 2:32:07]: At least for the design part of it. Right, for the design piece. I don't think we fully designed that out, that I recall. It's designed out. [2:32:07, 2:32:26]: Well, we can certainly take that same route um and request funding from our federal leaders to help us support this incredible new investment in our infrastructure right here in our downtown. So thank you, sir. I appreciate the update. [2:32:27, 2:32:47]: All right. Any other question for Mr. Adam here? I got a question. I'm sorry. Go ahead, Ms. Go ahead, Miss Bear. I'm sorry. Go ahead, Miss Bear. I had a question. I'm I'm leaning I know this is dish discussion right now as well, I'm kinda leaning toward the old carnage, but my question is centered around I'm I'm kinda like uh Councilwoman Barber. [2:32:47, 2:33:07]: I'm going through uh residential connecting that kind of really I already know what's gonna happen with that. That's that's gonna be a a nightmare. But I am uh in inquisitive about whether or not we can go the old contrast route but also build arterial roles, arteries that'll connect to it to kind of [2:33:07, 2:33:26]: alleviate so that it does both you get both things for your buck that you can kinda tee into old conjugates, but yet some of the uh Atlanta traffic can be teed into it with some of those residential roads. They won't feel like, oh, you ran this huge four lane road through my neighborhood. But however, I do have another way out. [2:33:27, 2:33:34]: Well the only way I mean there's there's a way to do that. You just you either extend evolve [2:33:35, 2:33:46]: Yeah, that's what I'm saying. So either either way, you know, you're going through an existing residential street and putting it as a basically a collector's street. [2:33:47, 2:33:48]: You gonna change the designation on it? [2:33:50, 2:33:53]: But yeah, I mean that's possible. You could go this route. [2:33:53, 2:34:08]: And just extend that road down like we did here. Mm-hmm. And that road goes straight out to East Atlanta. And then what's the road to the north of that Duvall? The next road up? Oh, this road right here? Bryant. Bryant. Yeah. So you could do that too. [2:34:11, 2:34:13]: Those wetlands. Okay. I like it. [2:34:14, 2:34:17]: Any other questions, concerns? This ma'am goes. Are those wetlands? [2:34:18, 2:34:24]: Over you're talking about in the floodplain. Uhhuh. More than likely there's some wetlands in there, yeah. When you see a floodplain that big [2:34:25, 2:34:29]: Uh you know, that's why that's one of the reasons. [2:34:29, 2:34:39]: Not only stormwater runoff related, you got so much water flowing through there when you got a floodplain that big, you're probably gonna need a bridge. Another reason you're gonna need a bridge is you would be stuck if you [2:34:40, 2:34:46]: You would have wetland and stream credits that would probably cost prohibitive for the project. [2:34:47, 2:34:48]: So [2:34:48, 2:34:50]: And um [2:34:50, 2:35:00]: I remember this project. I don't know if it was it the moss property involved. Me and um it was somebody's property'cause me and Councilman Thomas used to talk about it back in twenty. [2:35:00, 2:35:07]: thirteen when we before we got on council, Commissioner Holmes at the time was very interested in [2:35:08, 2:35:22]: expanding this and there was money that the county had to connect, but that money was used uh and moved and reallocated. So there is a lot of history behind it, but um y uh you kinda I it's kinda cloudy. [2:35:23, 2:35:38]: in regards to the history of it. Um, but I know that it was more of a county effort at the time and it would come out of over by Old Clansia East Atlanta Road at that point. Um [2:35:39, 2:35:47]: However, i you know, you're talking about wetlands, you're looking at the topo topo, topography of it in general, and um [2:35:48, 2:35:49]: You know [2:35:50, 2:35:57]: I love the future planning of it. I don't I don't know why it's here today, but I do [2:35:57, 2:36:01]: Love that we you know, we're bringing it back up and we're discussing it. [2:36:01, 2:36:02]: Um [2:36:04, 2:36:12]: I d I d I do know there's some history behind it and that funds were allocated and then they were they were removed, but they weren't our funds. [2:36:13, 2:36:14]: So [2:36:14, 2:36:19]: Um, those are a lot of issues and things that we have to discuss, and that that's history. [2:36:19, 2:36:22]: That I learned back in twenty thirті. [2:36:22, 2:36:34]: So even before that there was additional history way before I even considered it. So I would have to we would have to do a little bit more research on that. And then there's some property that is privately owned. [2:36:35, 2:36:42]: Um there's some other you know, there there are definitely a lot of challenges to that. But I appreciate the presentation. [2:36:43, 2:37:03]: Yeah, go ahead, sir. Let me just say this. Uh re basically the long and the short of it is the it's about thirty million dollars that would be necessary to complete this project. With what's what it'd probably be more than that, but with future dollars. But what's really going on is that'll be about the equipment. [2:37:03, 2:37:23]: equivalent what it's taking to widen Rock Quarry Road right now. And it took us almost thirty years. That took a bit, right? Yes, it's gonna it's gonna actually start, but it took I see them surveying it. Right, right. Do y'all know what that cost? If they rewarded it, it should start with it [2:37:23, 2:37:41]: And as the council starts to think about this [2:37:42, 2:38:02]: Is building this one the priority or is flipping road the priority? Which one is more important to us flipping or this particular project right here? And that's why I say the phases might be the phases of building this road where you built the first part, which is four lanes. [2:38:02, 2:38:20]: um initially and then because as you said and understanding what we've been through to build anything, when you try to go across those wetlands, then you gotta deal with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Regulations if you get the money, right? [2:38:20, 2:38:30]: It's gonna be a it's gonna be painstaking and years before that that would happen. But if you looked at it and said, Okay, well we built that first section [2:38:30, 2:38:50]: There's no stream, there's no barrier, there's very it's on city on land, that would be the phase that we could actually uh effectuate very pretty quickly because it's extensionally gonna be the same no matter which choice that we make. But at the same time, this has to fit into our long-term plans because [2:38:50, 2:38:51]: I would think that [2:38:52, 2:39:12]: Some of the other projects that we gotta consider is flipping road needs widening now. And it's an existing road and this is a new road. So I would say probably the first portion of this that we could build it without having to wait 30 years in order to build it and then go to uh you know have [2:39:12, 2:39:32]: overall projects to me if we're looking at the next T-SPLOST, we would be talking about the first phase of this and then uh flip and roll because you you're not gonna get forty thirty-five or forty million dollars from the federal government. It's gonna have to come mostly from us working with the county. Thank you. [2:39:32, 2:39:52]: Uh let me ask you this, uh Adam. Um I should know the answer to this, but when you take the take the route to Ocanyas, there are several different property owners during that time frame. You have to get right you have to get the right of ways or things that nature from those individuals or buy some land. Is that correct? Yeah, if I recall right from my brief research in the tax records, I believe the same one [2:39:52, 2:40:12]: that owns this piece owns this piece. Okay. You'd probably mostly be dealing with one. You may be dealing with a corner here, Mayor. But all this is yours. Right, right. Yeah. I understand that that that part. But I want when you continue to go north uh to O'Connors, yeah, that there was there's a property owners there. Did you have to deal with [2:40:12, 2:40:20]: within this aspect, uh to negotiate with them to to get the right of ways and to purchase that from them, uh, provided they're willing to uh [2:40:21, 2:40:21]: Oh. [2:40:22, 2:40:38]: Play, I suppose. And a bridge. Right, on top of that as well. Okay. And so we're discussing this, but you mentioned about a traffic study. So s one of the things we need to come out of this before we go any further was whether or not we want to do a traffic study or not. And how to go about that and what that would cost us to do that in this aspect, I'm assuming. [2:40:40, 2:41:00]: Uh I d I don't have a quote on that ready, but I can certainly provide Mr. Aaron one through the consultant we work with on all your projects. All right. And the question is the scope of it. Right. Would you just want to analyze the connection to old Conyers one way or the other? But it'd be the council council needs to discuss. [2:41:00, 2:41:06]: But I just want to put that out there because I think that's one of the things you mentioned and thought we need to discuss that. On that note, what what's that? [2:41:07, 2:41:27]: One more thing. Real quick, we did approve a plan. Mr. Anderson's already left for that particular area of a master plan. So hopefully if that corridor is developed along with the uh Tim Hortons coffee, the developer could help us build or design, help us [2:41:27, 2:41:36]: contribute to build that first section because if they built uh that neighborhood in there it was um it was multifamily it was uh [2:41:36, 2:41:56]: It was town homes, single family homes, and then the Tim Hortons commercial park up front. That's the concept that was completed. And then uh, you know, it's certainly for or if a developer came in, it certainly would be in their best interest to help us build this section of the road. Oh, absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. Just as Mr. Grant who was in here earlier. [2:41:56, 2:42:02]: Right, right. I mean, same same deal. [2:42:03, 2:42:07]: Probably not quite as much commercial as Chin Chin and as the Jetico development, but [2:42:08, 2:42:08]: Uh [2:42:09, 2:42:29]: Similar analogy. Well what this is is really another Western parallel connector, you know what I mean? Mm-hmm. It's raw land that's you're trying to connect these two entities and the Western parallel connector costs about fifty million dollars. I know you you know you're just throwing some numbers out there, but this is basically what they did. That section from Hudson Bridge to East Jodico. [2:42:29, 2:42:42]: connected. Yeah. Right. Absolutely. It's another Patrick Henry Park where you can. The wide the widening of a rock quarry road alone is fifty three million. The widening. [2:42:42, 2:42:48]: So fifty three million for the widening of Rock Quarry Road. What's going on right now? [2:42:48, 2:42:52]: And four milion was from t of course we. [2:42:53, 2:42:55]: Um came from Stockbridge. [2:42:55, 2:43:04]: But ten point nine came from Henry County and recovering the main and ten point nine mil and then you had G Dot and federal funds of twenty point four mil. [2:43:05, 2:43:06]: For that particular [2:43:07, 2:43:07]: Um [2:43:08, 2:43:08]: Project. [2:43:09, 2:43:17]: That they expect to complete in 2028. But the total amount of that project, just the widening of the lanes, was fifty-three million. I [2:43:17, 2:43:26]: Beg to differ. I think that that Western parallel is probably way double than that. I mean, you're looking at the mileage and the to the extreme of going from [2:43:26, 2:43:40]: From Eagles Landing all the way down to Jonesboro from scratch. But sometimes when you're winding a road that has that much infrastructure on it, you gotta think about all the demolition and moving of utilities you gotta do. I mean that is a [2:43:40, 2:43:41]: Uber mess. [2:43:41, 2:43:45]: Rock Quarry Road, especially out there in front of the hospital, widening all that. Mm-hmm. [2:43:46, 2:43:53]: Don't underestimate the cost of doing all that through that heavy commercialized area up to the top of the hill. We're uh [2:43:54, 2:44:13]: before you get a red oak. I mean it's that is way more costly than doing new raw land development. Way more. Oh yes. Because they have so much infrastructure out there they're gonna have to move. And what about the parking lots they got to demo and rebuild? Because I mean there's parking lots that are so close to the road. When they widen that thing [2:44:15, 2:44:18]: I mean it's yeah, it's chaotic. Uh-huh. [2:44:19, 2:44:22]: All right. Miss Barbagoy, please. [2:44:23, 2:44:33]: I wanted to um oh ask Mr. Edmondson. So um before I retreat, because I want to mic plus I want to continue the discussions. [2:44:33, 2:44:40]: I want to continue discussions regarding this project. I do not want to put it on the back burner anymore. [2:44:40, 2:44:41]: For me? [2:44:41, 2:44:44]: Just for me. I don't know what they're gonna do. [2:44:44, 2:44:49]: This is a priority for me. Um so can you during the retreat um [2:44:50, 2:44:51]: Just [2:44:51, 2:45:01]: Provide us with some options of how we can move forward with funding this, whether it's bloss, that kind of thing. So just give us a general idea of [2:45:02, 2:45:22]: you know, how we can fund it and what the costs will be. He can Mr. Adam can share that, I guess. Right. Yeah, I could just I could just say from just looking at it, this is definitely a regional project. Uh we it's gotta be all hands on deck. This type of project affects everybody around us. Um so [2:45:22, 2:45:42]: So that would be the first approach, I would say, just looking at it and just seeing who will be on board and how that this project can, you know, enhance their traffic. Everybody's dealing with traffic, everybody's dealing with some type of issue. I think us taking a deeper dive in it and and pitching it in a way to [2:45:42, 2:45:50]: To get more people on board is the best course of action to get this type of project off the ground. This is definitely a regional project. [2:45:50, 2:46:10]: So that would be something that we can look into and get with uh neighboring cities and different things of that nature and just seeing who can come on board with us and as well as federal funding, state funding uh going forward to get this project underway. But this is a a a significant project. Yeah. Probably one of the biggest ones we probably gonna have in a [2:46:10, 2:46:25]: in a while. Um so I I I just believe that this is definitely a regional project that we should be soliciting uh partnerships with this. Yeah, definitely partnerships. If I can just add because somebody mentioned it. [2:46:25, 2:46:26]: Um [2:46:27, 2:46:30]: I wanna th start thinking in terms of what we can do. [2:46:30, 2:46:33]: Think it was you. What we can do to d uh build [2:46:33, 2:46:34]: New roads. [2:46:35, 2:46:54]: Not just maintaining what we have, we need new roads. Our population is increasing, of course. More traffic, more cars are on the roads. Um of course we have our master trail plan that we're gonna roll that we're rolling out, but I think it's still a good idea for us to start looking at ways that we can [2:46:55, 2:46:59]: Give more options, um and just [2:46:59, 2:47:19]: Enhancing and improving um some of the roads that we have. Flippin' Road, I really believe it should be four lanes. Walt Stevens Road really should be four lanes. Now I know there's that I-75 bridge both that crosses over Flippin' and Walt Stevens, but those are the kind of major projects that are [2:47:19, 2:47:23]: I really want the council to take more seriously. [2:47:24, 2:47:28]: And start looking at what we can do to fund these. [2:47:28, 2:47:31]: Major infrastructure projects. [2:47:31, 2:47:33]: That is what my focus is. [2:47:33, 2:47:34]: That is my priority. [2:47:34, 2:47:54]: Infrastructure, not just maintaining what we have. Well, the the great news is we're coming up upon a budget season, and these are some of the things that we're gonna be talking about. Um and I just and I and I just wanna be mindful as I I'm going through here, getting all the reports um with all the different projects, various projects, projects that's been going on for five. [2:47:54, 2:48:05]: five years, ten years, three months, six months. There's a lot out there. A lot out there. And I just wanna make sure that we are mindful and that we are looking at [2:48:05, 2:48:25]: comprehensive plan, the trail plans, all this thing. Make sure we're not stepping on each other and and we building out smart. And I'm tasking my my team, hey, take a look at all the projects that we got. We just gotta put a board up and just really map this stuff out. There's been a significant amount of projects that's been talked about in the last three years. [2:48:25, 2:48:30]: And I'm just afraid that if if we continue to keep adding, adding, adding [2:48:30, 2:48:34]: We we're trying to do everything. That's how that's the fastest way not to get nothing done. [2:48:35, 2:48:41]: And and we just gotta recalibrate ourselves, I believe, as we go on into this next budget cycle to truly [2:48:42, 2:48:44]: Identify what is the priority. [2:48:45, 2:49:05]: And that's gonna be a challenge I think for all of us to really roll up our sleeves and and consider. All the all these projects that we're talking about are great idea. They're fantastic. Um, but I think to to truly get these things done regarding our funding and what we're looking like, we have to be serious about what are the priorities when we're talking about [2:49:05, 2:49:13]: These things, and sometimes it's the low-hanging fruit. What can we do now in the next six months to a year? Which is a multiple. [2:49:14, 2:49:31]: multiple different projects that we've been talking about or and and or walking to bubblegum and maybe one of those instances where the larger projects we're working on them, building it out for the next couple of years. But we definitely need to be intentional when we're talking about these projects and the likelihood of them getting accomplished. [2:49:32, 2:49:33]: So there's a lot. [2:49:33, 2:49:46]: Um, so I just wanna kinda put that out there because once again, budget season is upon us and these are some of the discussions that we are gonna be talking about in in the retreat and and trying to get after a lot of this stuff that we're talking about. [2:49:47, 2:49:48]: So this actually [2:49:50, 2:50:09]: Okay, this is actually part of the discussion. So I guess my point is I don't know if we wanna continue this discussion during the retreat or whether or not we wanna talk about some particular guidance in reference to traffic studies, which concept north, south, whatever the case may be, or how you wanna desire the council right now, what which desire or even if you city managers, what direction do you think we need to go here? [2:50:09, 2:50:15]: Well, I mean this is already uh underway. We at the thirty percent. The next meeting I believe is the sixty percent. [2:50:15, 2:50:22]: Uh for this is this the same one? No. Say different projects. [2:50:23, 2:50:43]: More to follow. Y'all can continue discussion. Well, right now, excuse me if I could, all we have are two million dollars for a forty million, fifty million dollar project. So what we gotta do is we keep like you said, we gotta stay focused. The deal is there's a vote that was taking place [2:50:43, 2:51:03]: on what the priorities are. Until there's another vote, those are the priorities. Those are the marching orders. Certainly we'll have certainly we'll have different discussions uh as we go about it in the fall to be able to refine what we're doing. But in talk about what if talk about tearing up the plan and starting all over again [2:51:03, 2:51:23]: And all that does is just slow down the progress. I think we voted that the that the youth and the recreation center was going to be number one project, and that that's what we're going to do. Certainly that's a long-term project in itself. But you know, when you spend money somewhere else, you may be taking it from the recreation center. But certainly we [2:51:23, 2:51:43]: We know Rock Cory Road is moving forward, is fully funded. There is a T splotch list with transportation projects already on it that the voters told us that they wanted. They've already voted for them already, not us. The voters voted for these projects to move forward in priority one, priority two. [2:51:43, 2:51:50]: We put it out there, they said this is what we wanted and we're fulfilling them in that order. And as you said [2:51:51, 2:51:52]: Regional wise [2:51:52, 2:52:12]: We can't afford to do these projects in a silo. If the county's not on board with it, it's dead because or the state, it's dead because we need their help. We're talking about$50 million. There's no way we'd have been able to do the Western Parallel Connector by ourselves. Again, that was GDOT, that's federal. [2:52:12, 2:52:31]: the state and there's a county, private too, in order to get involved for a fifty million dollar project. That is a long term project and certainly we can lay the groundwork for it, but will we see it? Would this will be a tree that we plant that we don't get to enjoy the shade from, probably. [2:52:32, 2:52:47]: But as we look forward to and I always like to call it back to what the vote is, there's a vote by this council on what were the priority until there's another vote to change that, those will remain the priorities until there's a subsequent vote in order to change it. [2:52:48, 2:52:57]: Miss Barber, go ahead please. Okay, so I wanna remind everyone. Um when the council voted on the priorities um in our retreat of March of this year. [2:52:58, 2:53:03]: Um we voted on it based on what we knew our revenues were. [2:53:05, 2:53:14]: It wasn't so when I voted to approve and let me be clear, the Youth and Senior Center is a priority. [2:53:14, 2:53:19]: It will remain a priority for me, but everything else I got question marks across all of them. [2:53:20, 2:53:22]: We learned after our retreat that [2:53:22, 2:53:33]: after we voted on the priorities that thirty-two point nine million dollars was mismanaged. So our financial situation has changed. [2:53:33, 2:53:36]: So should those priorities that we voted on [2:53:37, 2:53:44]: prior to us knowing what our financial status was. It would be irresponsible of me. [2:53:45, 2:53:49]: To say that the priorities that we made in February or March. [2:53:50, 2:53:51]: It's still the same. [2:53:52, 2:53:56]: It that would be very irresponsible. All I'm asking. [2:53:56, 2:54:13]: Let's at the retreat, let's continue the discussions on what all of the projects that staff knows of, that staff has been working on, or what have been approved in 2010, tw 2008. [2:54:14, 2:54:20]: 2012 when Councilman Alexander came on the council, all those projects. [2:54:20, 2:54:23]: That they've been talking about prior to me. [2:54:24, 2:54:25]: Proud of Mr. Berry. [2:54:26, 2:54:31]: Let's discuss all those at the retreat so that we can have a good idea. [2:54:31, 2:54:44]: Of where we are and the directive that we can give to you, Mr. Edmondson. Right now it's a whole lot of wish lists from staff, whole lot of wish lists from every member of this council. [2:54:45, 2:54:49]: I think we owe it to you to make sure that the path forward is clear. [2:54:49, 2:54:50]: For you. [2:54:51, 2:55:00]: So I don't care how many times you hear a particular council member keeps talking about the priorities that was approved earlier this year. [2:55:01, 2:55:06]: That was before this council was made aware of thirty-two point nine million dollars that was mismanaged. [2:55:06, 2:55:08]: That changes everything. [2:55:08, 2:55:12]: So please, sir, let's continue the discussions during the retreat. [2:55:13, 2:55:17]: Of course, I I got high hopes with this rock query road extension. [2:55:17, 2:55:18]: But even I know. [2:55:19, 2:55:21]: We've got to take a look at everything. [2:55:21, 2:55:22]: That's all. Thank you, Mayor. [2:55:22, 2:55:42]: Uh you're welcome. So otherwise, uh Mr. Edmondson we talked about earlier about getting with the staff and getting all the projects to kinda lay things out, get an understanding of that. And obviously we'll have our uh our budget retreat in uh next month, some uh middle late next month I think it's now so we'll have that discussion. So obviously this particular project along with everything else will probably be discussed during there. [2:55:42, 2:55:46]: Through that time frame. Right. Absolutely. Um and I mean [2:55:48, 2:55:54]: And I and I think for me the wha was w w what I'm seeing is it's a whole lot of things have started. [2:55:54, 2:56:07]: We spent money on studies and surveys and stuff and it's things just don't go nowhere. Um and I think that's what I'm trying to avoid. That's what I'm trying to pause. Stop roll our sleeves up because [2:56:08, 2:56:10]: Yesterday's prices ain't today's prices. [2:56:11, 2:56:12]: And it is different. [2:56:12, 2:56:15]: And I want us not to to to be unclear about that. [2:56:16, 2:56:32]: Um, so I am challenging the staff. Hey, look, let's pause. Let's see what we working on, what's been approved by vote and what has not been approved by vote. And and re just recalibrating everybody and refocusing because that money issue is something of concern. [2:56:33, 2:56:53]: Um what you was tracking in March is different from what we're tracking today. All right. Um and more to follow on that. So Adam, thanks a lot for the presentation. Thank you for your continued service to the to our to our city. Okay. Anytime guys. We're gonna move on. Okay, so upcoming meetings and announcements, council meetings will be held in [2:56:53, 2:57:13]: The city council chamber. Meeting dates, locations, and times are subject to change, or to contact city hall offices 770-389-7900 or visit the website with www.stockbridgega.org for updates. Join us for the meeting and greet of our new city manager, Sean Emmonson, Thursday, September 4th. [2:57:12, 2:57:32]: Right here in the City Hall Council Chambers from 6 to 8 p.m. Citizens Police Advisory Council meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month in Stockbridge PD Community Room, 6:30 p.m. September 4th. Main Street Advisory Board Meeting will be held on the second Friday of each month in the Downtown Connection Center, 1.30. [2:57:32, 2:57:52]: ML King Senior Heritage Trail, 9 a.m. on August, excuse me, August 8th, that's past due. Council, City Council meeting, second Monday of each month, 6 p.m. City Council Chamber, September 8th. Youth Council meetings, second Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. City Hall, Levi Meeting. [2:57:52, 2:58:12]: Meeting room September 8th. Citywide Development Authority meeting second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. City Hall and leave our meeting room at September 9th. The community zoning and informational meeting Wednesday, September 10th at 6 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers. The City Council meeting, second Monday of each month, 6 p.m. [2:58:12, 2:58:32]: City Hall Council Chambers to be September 8th. Main Street Advisory Board meeting second Friday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Downtown Connection Center, 130 M. L. King Senior Heritage Trail, September 12th. Downtown Development Authority meeting a third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. on the Downtown Connection Center, 1.30 M.L. King Heritage Trail. [2:58:32, 2:58:52]: King Senior Heritage Trail, which is September 16th. The youth council advisory committee meeting is the third Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. Levi Meeting Room, September 16th. The Planning Commission meeting is Thursday, September 18th, and 6:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The City Council budget retreat Wednesday. [2:58:52, 2:59:12]: There we go. Wednesday 24th, September 24th to Friday, September 26th, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Merrill Manor's Conference Center, 111 Davis Road. City Council Work Session meeting last Tuesday of each month, September 30th to 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Upcoming city initiatives and events. Join us for course for Bridge. [2:59:12, 2:59:32]: Fest. It'll be our last free concert of the year on Saturday, September 27th, and at the Amphitheater. Free uh it's free, of course, fun activities for kids, vendors, food trucks, an amazing concert. And Jack Quis and Kiki Wyatt are the headliners for that night on the 27th, Saturday, 27th of September. Join the Main Street. [2:59:32, 2:59:52]: For the Tiny Tent Concert Series Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Stockbridge Connection Center, 1:30 ML King Senior Heritage Trail. Of course, bring you on lawn chairs and we'll do this provided the weather permitting. It doesn't rain or storm on us, right? Join Councilman Thomas and Berry for partnership with monthly bingo back. [2:59:52, 3:00:12]: Bash on Wednesday, September 17th, 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Merrill Manor's Conference Center. Lots of fun to be had by all. Join Mayor Anthony Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor on Monday, September 22nd from 10 a.m. to noon. Of course, uh in City Hall, the meetings will be by appointment. The Economic Development Department will host [3:00:12, 3:00:26]: the free business health clinic on the second Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. to 12 noon in the Stockbridge Connection Center 130 ML King Senior Heritage Trail. Check the health of your business with a free with this free clinic. [3:00:27, 3:00:47]: Sign up for real-time alerts and about severe weather, road closures, and emergencies on Regroup app. Visit the city's website or social media pages for more information on how and where to sign up and stay safe. Please contact Ros and Rawls to schedule an appointment with meet the mayor and for more information on co uh council me council initiatives. [3:00:47, 3:00:54]: six seven eight eight three three three three four four four four four eight or by way of email r Raws at stoppersg dot or g [3:00:55, 3:01:01]: And uh twenty twenty five concert season, Friday, September sixth. Saturday Saturday. That's the time. [3:01:01, 3:01:20]: Saturday, September 6th and Sunday Sunday, September 7th would be the Southern Seoul weekend featuring King George, Tucker, Westlaw, Pokey Bear, TK Soul, you know, and having a great time. So that's Saturday and Sunday, 6th and 7th September. [3:01:21, 3:01:41]: Okay. Saturday, September thirteenth, for lovers and friends, featuring Tank and special guest Leaf Jennings and Jenny Wine. It's in concert on that day. Saturday, October eighteenth, will be the last concert for us during our season, 2025 season. That's the Detroit Gospel Legends featuring Fred Hampton, Donna McClerk, and Anthony Brown, Vanessa. [3:01:41, 3:01:55]: And this Saturday, this Saturday, August 30th, the 40th year anniversary of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis being in the in the industry. [3:01:56, 3:02:16]: And so you have several different folks that are scheduled to appear, and maybe some folks that are not scheduled, that there are not unlisted that may pop up, but Ruben Stutter, uh Yanolanda Adams, Sherell, Shantae Moore, Deborah Cox, um, Jordan Knight, Morris Day, and Jerome Benton, MC Light, and Ann Nesby. If I [3:02:16, 3:02:36]: Got that right. Supposed to appear. Who else may show up? We'll find out. Cicerity. Okay. And uh ple this weekend, of course, Labor weekend's coming up, so have a safe and uh weekend in a sense, uh be safe. And I hear that COVID nineteen is on an uprise. So if that is truly the case, then uh folks uh [3:02:36, 3:02:56]: Take care of your health, get a boost a shot, make sure you keep yourself protected and stay healthy. And let's see here. I will say to you that uh just a couple just yesterday, matter of fact, myself and Mr. Alexander, along with our our um city manager and a couple other staff individuals, right? Our PIO and our course. [3:02:55, 3:03:04]: So, our assistant to mayoral council. And we're at the Eagles Landing Country Club to present, be part of a presentation to Chris Tucker Foundation. [3:03:05, 3:03:25]: Pro actual proclamation. Honoring him for all his good work he's doing in the community. And uh we did that uh yesterday. And uh looking forward to uh Mr. Tucker and his foundation to continue to partner with the city of Stockbridge and with Eagles Land Country Club for his annual event. And we wish him well and look forward to uh future and [3:03:24, 3:03:44]: events with him as well. So and uh so uh ladies counsel I don't have any uh executive session items so I'll ask for yes ma'am? There are two more announcements. I'm sorry, excuse me. My line dancing classes aren't listed on here. Okay I'm sorry, go ahead. Um those line dancing classes are back to back Wednesdays on September tenth and [3:03:44, 3:04:04]: 17th at 6 o'clock P.M. at the Merrill Mendices from 6 to 8. It's a great time. And also, um, the DDA is sponsoring um we were gonna try to do a Southern Soul festival in conjunction with the Southern Soul concert series. But the DDA has agreed to sponsor a Southern Soul. [3:04:04, 3:04:22]: kickback fest night. And that's gonna be on September 5th on Main Street. In addition to that, we will have some outdoor vendors, a lot of uh just to enjoy the festivities that line up with the concert series for the 6th and 7th. [3:04:23, 3:04:38]: All right, thank you. On that note, uh council any motion to end our meeting please. From okay from Miss Barber to Miss Alzheimer's favorite, please indicate. Okay. Congratulations, God bless you, good night. We're we're gone for now. [3:04:39, 3:04:39]: Yeah. [3:04:40, 3:04:40]: Yeah.

--- title: Millage Rate Public Hearing date: 2025-08-18 source: 2025-08-18_Millage_Rate_Public_Hearing.wav --- [0:03:47, 0:03:50]: Appreciate it. [0:03:51, 0:04:00]: All right, ladies and gentlemen, I have ten o'clock and I'd like to get our public hearing meeting involving our millage rate. This is our third public hearing that we have. [0:04:01, 0:04:03]: And so I have now actually ten o'clock. [0:04:05, 0:04:12]: And the invocation this evening, if you don't mind, Miss Judy Neal, come please give us an invocation. Come to my please stand, ladies and gentlemen. [0:04:17, 0:04:37]: Please bow your heads. Dear Heavenly Father, as we come together as a community today in this council chamber, we ask that you be closely with us, embracing each member of this council, that they remember that their job is so important to our community. [0:04:37, 0:04:53]: And we ask that you would bless them and guide them and direct them in every decision that they make, that it will be on the better side of goodness for our community. And we thank you for each of them for serving. Amen. [0:04:53, 0:05:07]: Amen. Pledge allegiance here. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for what it stands, one nation, one God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. [0:05:08, 0:05:10]: Madam Clerk, roll call, please. [0:05:12, 0:05:13]: Morning. [0:05:14, 0:05:34]: Mayor Ford. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. Present. Council Member Thomas. At the record reflect, Councilmember Thomas is not in attendance. Councilmember Berry. At the record reflect, Councilmember Berry is not in attendance. Councilmember Barber. Present. Council Member Alexander. Present. Mayor Ford, you have a call. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Appreciate that. Council, I need a motion to adopt the agenda, please. [0:05:33, 0:05:50]: So move. Okay. Mr. Alexander second. Second. Ms. Barber second in all favor, please indicate. She now's decision on that. And ladies and gentlemen, we have our third public hearing involving the 2025 millage rate. It's going to be presented by our treasurer, Mr. Frank Mulazi. Sir, please. [0:05:54, 0:06:09]: Good morning, Mayor and Council. Morning to you. Uh today is our third public hearing for our marriage rate, and at the end of the presentation, uh the governing body will be requested to adopt the marriage rate. [0:06:14, 0:06:34]: Tax rate is an amount of tax billed based on the fair market value of property using the marriage rate. And marriage rate is set annually by the governing body or the school board. A tax rate of one mil represents a tax liability of [0:06:34, 0:06:40]: of one dollar pay one thousand of assessed value. [0:06:45, 0:07:05]: Rawback rate. The rowback rate is the marriage rate that would raise the same amount of revenues as last year if applied to the current value of property tax that was last year's tax raw. Unfortunately, this is not the case in most cases because the [0:07:05, 0:07:07]: There are several factors and two of them [0:07:08, 0:07:09]: would be additional [0:07:11, 0:07:25]: properties that have come since last tax time and the biggest component of that is the increase of the property values [0:07:26, 0:07:32]: And most of the times you may not know that your value your home has gone up, the value has gone up. [0:07:33, 0:07:53]: Unless that value, that property is sold, you find out that what you would have sold last year is much, much less than what you would sell this year. So those factors are some of the factors that will make the taxes go up, not literally the [0:07:53, 0:07:55]: Mirage rate going up. [0:07:57, 0:07:59]: Mira great proposal. [0:08:01, 0:08:21]: The twenty twenty five tax digest grew from one ninety one point nine four billion dollars last year, which is twenty twenty four, to current in twenty twenty five of two point one billion or an increase of five point six percent. [0:08:21, 0:08:32]: Some of the reasons are the ones that he have just mentioned that it could be increase of properties in the city or the values of those properties have gone up. [0:08:34, 0:08:51]: With recommended marriage rate staying the same of three point seven seven that was instituted from twenty twenty three, twenty four, twenty five, this technically will be termed as the tax increase of one point eight three percent. [0:08:52, 0:08:57]: the city is required to have three public hearings. [0:08:57, 0:09:05]: And here we are on the third public hearing where the marriage rate will be adopted. [0:09:06, 0:09:19]: We also have to remember that the governing board provided to the residents the homestead exemption, that's a relief of taxes, to every homeowner of the city. [0:09:26, 0:09:33]: With the marriage rate proposal of twenty twenty five, which is three point seven seven. [0:09:34, 0:09:37]: They said it will be able to provide the same [0:09:38, 0:09:39]: Or more services [0:09:41, 0:09:42]: As it did last year. [0:09:43, 0:09:46]: That will be public safety services. [0:09:46, 0:09:47]: Under P D? [0:09:48, 0:09:50]: Public works department services. [0:09:51, 0:09:58]: And various roads projects that's citywide, improvement, construction and maintenance. [0:10:00, 0:10:05]: economic development projects to make our city more attractive for new [0:10:05, 0:10:08]: or potential business owners. [0:10:13, 0:10:28]: What will this mean to homeowners, especially those ones that may have a home of a hundred thousand? Tax rate comparison with those that will have [0:10:30, 0:10:46]: Homestead exemptions and those that did not take advantage of the homestead exemption that was provided. So for a homeowner of a hundred thousand, as we said that taxes are calculated on fair market value. [0:10:47, 0:10:48]: Which is forty percent. [0:10:49, 0:11:09]: 40% of 100,000 will come on to 40,000. That will be the assessed value. And without any local exemption, basic exemption, nothing will be removed there. So we still have taxable value of 40,000. That taxable [0:11:08, 0:11:19]: uh value of 40,000 times marriage rate of 3.77, that means the the homeowner will pay 150 per year. [0:11:20, 0:11:35]: And on the other side, on the right hand side, the same amount of hundred thousand, market value of forty, assessed value forty thousand, and with basic local exemption of ten thousand. [0:11:35, 0:11:55]: Take note of there were three exemptions that were provided to homeowners. Every homeowner of the city of Stockbridge. One was just you to be a homeowner, you deserved a break of ten thousand. And if you have septic tanks, [0:11:55, 0:12:15]: On your property, you again have a leaf of 15,000. If you are a citizen of 65 years and above, you are given a leaf of uh 15,000. However, if you have 15,000. [0:12:15, 0:12:17]: than of age. [0:12:17, 0:12:19]: sixty five and above. [0:12:19, 0:12:21]: And you also have uh [0:12:21, 0:12:23]: Septic tank on your property. [0:12:24, 0:12:27]: you can only get one fifteen thousand because the total [0:12:28, 0:12:29]: Exemptions [0:12:30, 0:12:50]: Are 25,000. Basics for everyone. And then 15,000 either from age or from septic tank, 25. So in this case, we are applying the basic of 10,000, meaning that it's only being a homeowner. You are not 65 and you don't have a septic tank. [0:12:50, 0:13:10]: On your property. That will reduce 40,000 to 30,000. And the taxable value will be that 30,000 times 3.77, we get$113.10. Meaning that you are saving if you had homestead. [0:13:09, 0:13:15]: exemption, you are saving thirty seven dollars and seventy cents per year. [0:13:17, 0:13:35]: Another example we have given is the same hundred thousand, but you have both. The left hand side it will still be the same hundred and fifty dollars and eighty cents per year. But on the right hand side [0:13:35, 0:13:37]: You have the basic of ten thousand. [0:13:37, 0:13:57]: Then you have also either you are 65 and above, or you have a septic tank that brings in 15,000 plus 10, it comes up to 25. 25,000 from 40,000, which is the assessed value, will remain with 15,000. [0:13:57, 0:14:13]: meaning that you pay taxes only on the remaining fifteen thousand. fifteen thousand times the marriage rate of three point seven seven, you will pay taxes of fifty six dollars and fifty five cents. [0:14:16, 0:14:22]: And there you are saving ninety four dollars and twenty five cents to those who did not. [0:14:22, 0:14:29]: uh apply for homestead exemption and those who applied homestead exemptions with both [0:14:29, 0:14:37]: uh with all or both are t are taking in the basic ten and fifteen of twenty five thousand. [0:14:41, 0:14:48]: Then we have the last one, an example of say you have a home of three hundred thousand. [0:14:49, 0:14:57]: Three hundred thousand still uh uh everything is applied, the fair market value of forty percent. [0:14:57, 0:15:01]: Forty percent of three hundred thousand is hundred and twenty. [0:15:02, 0:15:04]: That will be our taxable value. [0:15:04, 0:15:09]: That taxable value times marriage rate of three point seven seven. [0:15:09, 0:15:12]: You pay taxes of four hundred and fifty two. [0:15:13, 0:15:14]: Forty. [0:15:14, 0:15:16]: P I E. [0:15:16, 0:15:17]: And on the [0:15:17, 0:15:19]: Right hand side [0:15:19, 0:15:21]: If you had the basic [0:15:21, 0:15:23]: You pay instead [0:15:23, 0:15:31]: Of four hundred and fifty two forty, you pay four hundred and fourteen dollars and seventy cents. [0:15:32, 0:15:44]: Now let's say on the same three hundred that you have both exemptions of basic ten and fifteen twenty. [0:15:44, 0:16:04]: So on the right the left hand side you still have the same of four hundred and fifty-two dollars and forty cents. And on the right hand side, you have three hundred thousand times forty to get the assessed value of 120,000 because you have both ten thousand. [0:16:04, 0:16:15]: And 15,000, you will remove 25,000 there. That means your taxable amount will only be 95,000. [0:16:15, 0:16:19]: ninety five thousand times the three point seven seven. [0:16:19, 0:16:37]: meaning that you are going to pay taxes of three hundred and fifty eight and fifteen cents instead of four hundred and fifty two forty cents without homestead exemption. There again you save ninety four dollars and twenty five cents in a year. [0:16:41, 0:16:44]: The next one will be the tax digest. [0:16:45, 0:16:51]: Tax digest, that's where you have all the calculations, the makeup of our taxes. [0:16:52, 0:16:53]: They will be from Rio. [0:16:56, 0:17:02]: property and you may have motor vehicles, you may have mobile homes. [0:17:03, 0:17:07]: All those ones they bring us to have gross [0:17:08, 0:17:09]: Um [0:17:10, 0:17:11]: Taxable. [0:17:11, 0:17:13]: Gross digest. [0:17:14, 0:17:34]: Then from gross digest you have to remove in this case our gross digest now that's the one if you see on the far right hand side you see the gross is two point one and if you go to the second from right you find out that there is thirty one point [0:17:33, 0:17:53]: Which was of last year. So that growth we have mentioned about 5.6 is coming from there. 2024 is lower than 2025. If you see in the column of 2024 on the uh gross digest. [0:17:53, 0:17:56]: then it will remove [0:17:57, 0:18:02]: exemptions and in this case we'll have uh uh [0:18:03, 0:18:14]: Last year you see last year we had about forty-four thousand uh on column twenty-four, uh less forty-four thousand. But this year [0:18:15, 0:18:22]: In the column of twenty-five, you see that the we are having hundred and nineteen thousand. [0:18:23, 0:18:24]: Less. [0:18:25, 0:18:34]: That hundred and nineteen thousand represents the homestead exemption for those who took advantage of that. [0:18:34, 0:18:43]: And for those that have not taken advantage they are encouraged when that comes again, which will be january twenty twenty six. [0:18:44, 0:19:01]: through April twenty twenty six, please do apply so you can take advantage of that, even though it's a reduction of tax revenues, but this is what our governing body already extended to you to have a relief of taxes. [0:19:02, 0:19:16]: And if you go down you find out that um our marriage rate have remained the same since we started in twenty twenty three. If you see in the quorum of twenty twenty three is three point seven seven. [0:19:16, 0:19:21]: You get in the column of twenty four, it's still three point seven seven. [0:19:21, 0:19:24]: And the this year again twenty twenty five. [0:19:24, 0:19:29]: It's still the same, even though things have gone up, the cost has gone up. [0:19:29, 0:19:31]: The services we mentioned [0:19:32, 0:19:35]: The services we got last year will not be [0:19:35, 0:19:51]: the same in this year we will have to pay up more. But the marriage rate still remained the same because the council decided to give you a relief as citizens of Stockbridge. [0:19:54, 0:19:58]: And uh you find out that with all that [0:19:59, 0:20:19]: The only increase, the increase that would be there is 131,000. And 131,000, if you divide by number of housing that we have, is almost less than seven dollars a year. And when you go into uh home [0:20:19, 0:20:35]: State exemption, you have seen that you are saving$94, the other side you are saving about$37. That is so many, many times of what increase you may have if there was a rollback. [0:20:36, 0:20:40]: And the the total increase is that one at the bottom of uh [0:20:41, 0:20:42]: Other page. [0:20:42, 0:20:45]: You see that in twenty twenty three [0:20:45, 0:20:47]: There was hundred percent increase [0:20:47, 0:20:51]: The hundred percent increase comes because that was the [0:20:52, 0:20:53]: Initial [0:20:53, 0:21:06]: of leaving taxes in the history of City of Stockbridge. And last year, 2024, there was that four point four increase. You will see that the increase is literally going down. [0:21:07, 0:21:13]: From last year four point four to this year one point eight three percent. [0:21:13, 0:21:14]: With that [0:21:15, 0:21:18]: I will entertain questions and comments. [0:21:18, 0:21:21]: The city manager may have something to say. [0:21:22, 0:21:30]: City manager is okay. I put it to the governing board if you have any comment or questions. Council, any questions for Mr. Lazi? [0:21:32, 0:21:33]: Oh, go ahead, please. [0:21:34, 0:21:37]: Thank you, Mr. Malazzi, for your presentation. Um [0:21:39, 0:21:40]: So [0:21:40, 0:21:50]: If a homeowner qualifies for all three exemptions, I know right now the exemption is capped at twenty-five thousand dollars. [0:21:51, 0:21:51]: Uh [0:21:53, 0:21:53]: What? [0:21:54, 0:21:56]: Can we do locally here? [0:21:57, 0:22:00]: To ensure that they can benefit [0:22:00, 0:22:01]: From all three. [0:22:02, 0:22:04]: The whole point of me bringing forth the [0:22:05, 0:22:14]: um the idea for the septic systems is mainly for those homeowners in my district. And I know a lot of them um [0:22:15, 0:22:17]: are seniors. [0:22:17, 0:22:20]: So they actually qualify for all three. [0:22:21, 0:22:23]: But they're kept at twenty five thousand. [0:22:25, 0:22:36]: Can something be done here for us to ensure that they're able to benefit from all three and raise that maximum amount to thirty thousand or thirty-five thousand? [0:22:37, 0:22:41]: They can, they cannot, because [0:22:41, 0:22:47]: The aim of introducing hi this homestead exemption, you tried as much as possible [0:22:47, 0:22:51]: to make sure that we don't duplicate the Ali Leaf. [0:22:51, 0:22:52]: with the county. [0:22:52, 0:22:59]: So we made sure that the services we are providing here they are not the same services that the county is providing. [0:23:00, 0:23:01]: And the [0:23:01, 0:23:02]: You made it [0:23:03, 0:23:23]: ten thousand for everyone. That's everyone. Then from there you saw it fit to give relief to elderly people that are sixty five and a half. So regardless of regardless of that, as long as you reach that, you are guaranteed of if additional [0:23:23, 0:23:31]: or fifteen thousand. If you are 69, 62, it's just a matter of time, you will. [0:23:31, 0:23:51]: However, there may be some that have not, that's the way that we need to do, that have not applied. They are sixty-five and above, but they don't know or they didn't apply. And that's what we will be doing is starting from October to make sure that everyone uh is aware of this because now we are having a lot of four. [0:23:51, 0:24:06]: phone calls. I didn't know. I didn't know. But we'll make sure that this time is specifically for stock bridge because we have a lot of some that are in incorporated area. Some they are using the same zip code of two [0:24:06, 0:24:07]: Uh two eighty one. [0:24:08, 0:24:28]: z uh Stockbridge, but they are not residents of this. So we'll try as much as possible. We have already set up meeting with the our uh information officer that will be what we will be doing uh our communication uh department that will what we intend to do come October. [0:24:28, 0:24:33]: So we'll try as much. That's on the edge side. On septic tank is limited. [0:24:33, 0:24:36]: You have it or you don't have it, unless you change. [0:24:37, 0:24:57]: But those who be be benefiting from there are those that have got septic tanks. So you have regardless of that, everyone will benefit, as I said, the basic of ten thousand. Then someone has to wait, he or she if they are not yet sixty-five. Then you have to have a septic tank. [0:24:57, 0:25:08]: Bank that the county does not have. You have a lot of uh from incorporated areas, they would love to have that, but they are not paying taxes from the city of Stockbridge. [0:25:08, 0:25:10]: I get it. Um [0:25:11, 0:25:17]: So I'm talking about in the future. I'm talking about for this year. Okay, okay. In the future. [0:25:17, 0:25:20]: Um I would like to see [0:25:20, 0:25:21]: Homeowners [0:25:21, 0:25:23]: who actually qualify. [0:25:23, 0:25:25]: For all three exemptions, [0:25:26, 0:25:27]: What do we need to do? [0:25:27, 0:25:29]: Um if we wanted to [0:25:30, 0:25:32]: increase that [0:25:32, 0:25:32]: Um [0:25:33, 0:25:53]: Maximum amount for the exemptions. Are we able to do that locally or is that something that's set by the state? It has to go to the state. [0:25:53, 0:25:55]: pass. But I'll I'll I'll concert on that. [0:25:56, 0:26:13]: Thank you, sir. Um it is my intent to ensure that all three exemptions are actually available for homeowners who qualify. I want them to be able to take advantage of the maximum amount of the tax exemptions and if [0:26:13, 0:26:15]: All three? [0:26:15, 0:26:23]: Um so for the general homestead exemption, that's automatic ten thousand dollars, correct? Okay. Okay. Correct. [0:26:23, 0:26:24]: Yeah, correct. [0:26:25, 0:26:29]: For sixty five years and older. It's fifteen. That's fifteen. Yeah. [0:26:29, 0:26:31]: And what is the amount for septic? [0:26:31, 0:26:33]: Fifteen, but you can't have both. [0:26:34, 0:26:35]: Okay. [0:26:35, 0:26:39]: В'ямид амин'я бойство леген. [0:26:39, 0:26:43]: That's what we we said it. Correct. Yes. All right. [0:26:43, 0:26:44]: So [0:26:45, 0:26:46]: Next year or [0:26:46, 0:26:51]: Later this year, okay we're at our retreat. I'd like to have a discussion. [0:26:51, 0:26:52]: So the head. [0:26:53, 0:26:58]: Homeowners can take advantage of all three of these. [0:26:58, 0:27:04]: exemptions if they qualify. This would not apply this year or next year. [0:27:04, 0:27:15]: So what you mean is it will be ten thousand will remain. Someone if he's sixty five can get fifteen, if he's has got septic tank and got fifteen, so it will be forty. Correct. [0:27:17, 0:27:36]: Yep, that would be the amount. Okay. The maximum amount, not the thirty that we have currently. I will consult how it is, but the decision will still come from you. Yeah. The city manager is to speak something. I wanted to consult with you um regarding who actually sets that maximum amount. [0:27:37, 0:27:45]: So I want to be able to allow residents who actually qualify for all three to be able to benefit. [0:27:45, 0:27:50]: From all three. So we need to increase that maximum amount. [0:27:50, 0:27:54]: by the council adopting a resolution, then I'm all for it. [0:27:54, 0:28:06]: Yes. That's all. Thank you. The the answer is yes. Council can set whatever exemptions that you will allow. Uh but I also wanted to uh include that the county also offer [0:28:06, 0:28:26]: Homesteads exemptions. That's for disability, a whole bunch of different other things that uh veteran benefits, a whole whole bunch of different exemptions that they may or may not qualify for. So we also encourage them to take a look at that as well so they can get city exemptions as well as county exemptions to kind of offset that cost as well. So I just wanted to include that. [0:28:26, 0:28:32]: Um as well. But the answer is yes, the council can decide what are exemptions they would want to allow. [0:28:34, 0:28:35]: Thank you. [0:28:36, 0:28:37]: You know the question of Ms. Mulazo. [0:28:39, 0:28:59]: No, but you certainly would have to parse that to see whether or not um because most of our customers are Henry County Water Authority customers and it would be like they already have that exemption with the county if they're um if they're not water author, if they're not [0:28:58, 0:29:15]: not being serviced by the city. So it would have to be parsed down to whether or not we in this general area right here were serving them the water because if we gave them exemption on the Henry County water, it would be like they would be getting double exemptions. Yeah. [0:29:17, 0:29:27]: All right, for no other comments from the council, wanna make note that uh Michael Harris, uh tax commissioner, is present. Sir, would you wanna uh want to come to the mic and address anything or [0:29:27, 0:29:32]: Any comments for us before we uh get into the public hearing with our citizens? [0:29:33, 0:29:53]: Morning Mayor, good morning, Council. Morning. Um again, just wanna thank the Mayor, the Council, staff, Ms. Malazi, uh Mr. Edmondson and the entire staff here, Miss Um Holiday, for all your support during this year's uh digest cycle. It's been a challenging time. We've had a number of issues that have arisen based on the new legislation. Things we're still trying to [0:29:53, 0:30:13]: work ourselves through as as as we go on. But um your flexibility um throughout this process has been has been certainly been appreciated and just want to thank again you on the staff for getting us to this point. Um I was at a hearing this morning in Locust Grove they have their adoption later on this evening, school board later today and the board [0:30:13, 0:30:23]: board of commissioners will be tomorrow. So process is moving forward. Um again, just appreciative for everyone's uh diligence and and and and timeliness and getting things back over to us. [0:30:24, 0:30:44]: Council, any questions? Thank you for being here, sir, by the way. Council, any questions for Mr. Harris? Excuse me. I'd just like to say, Mr. Harris, we passed our flossed or resolution at the last meeting at nine o'clock. So we're certainly looking forward to that and making sure that we are able to [0:30:44, 0:31:02]: provide that additional tax release. So certainly would like to thank you uh for that. And then you never know who's tuning in uh from the previous meeting. So if you would kinda uh give us a little update on um as you did at the previous meetings about uh floss, that would be great. [0:31:02, 0:31:22]: Yeah, just briefly, I mean, this is really relegated between I know there's negotiations going on between the municipalities and the county as we speak. Um, so the floss provision was a part of the legislation that was passed last year in House Bill five eighty one. It allowed for if if everyone the county and our respective cities decide to opt in [0:31:22, 0:31:42]: to the uh legislation which created this additional floating homestead exemption, then they also became eligible to move forward with a floss, which is very similar to what we have in place right now, with a sploss where um the cities and the county can collect up to [0:31:42, 0:32:02]: One cent additional cent specifically to be used for the reduction of the millage rates. It can be done in half cent increments, either 0.5 cents or one cent increments. Because all the cities opted in and the county opted in, that makes everyone eligible. The school boards opting out. [0:32:02, 0:32:22]: has no bearing in this case. Um so even though they did opt out, they have no bearing. Again, the collections would be relegated to the county and the cities. Um how the counties and the cities opt to and make those determinations on how they're to be distributed. I mean that's my understanding those negotiations are forth are ongoing as we speak. Um [0:32:22, 0:32:42]: But the law is very specific and clear in that it mandates that all revenues collected must be used for the reduction of that millage rate. Much in the same way a SPLOSS that we have in place right now, all collections from SPLOS have to be utilized on those designated SPLOS projects. [0:32:42, 0:33:02]: Um again they make very specific um um calculations on this as well. One thing to note is that it would be in uh in arrears. I mean, so it would be collections if it were it would have to go to the to the voters for as a referendum for a vote. If it's voted on, collections would begin in twenty-six to be applied in twenty four. [0:33:02, 0:33:21]: twenty seven. So there is still some timing that needs to um be worked out. But um it will certainly be a a strong tool to be utilized for for everyone in the for the reduction of of of uh the millage rate. As a county resident, I would certainly like to see this happen and move forward, so as I'm sure everyone would. [0:33:23, 0:33:23]: Certainly. [0:33:24, 0:33:26]: Any other questions, Council for our tax commissioner? [0:33:28, 0:33:30]: Okay, if not, thank you sir for being here. Appreciate it. [0:33:30, 0:33:44]: Now open up for public hearing. Um so here are the public hearing rules. Please mute all cell phones and other electronic devices. If anyone wishes to speak tonight on a public hearing item, please fill out the form available on the table and hand it to the city clerk before approaching the podium. [0:33:45, 0:34:05]: After each case is called, the council will hear from the city staff, followed by the applicant and the representative regarding the proposed plans for property along with or any other relevant 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. [0:34:05, 0:34:25]: Each side will be allowed ten minutes total. Additional time may be extended at the discretion of the counsel. Please keep comments and presentations professional, referring only to the facts that are pertinent to the case. We will not allow comments or personal attacks toward any individual group. Please refrain from applause or comments from the audience during the public hearing. [0:34:24, 0:34:44]: After the presiding officer recognizes the speaker, he 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. Please note that these hearings are not a debate. [0:34:44, 0:35:04]: Failure to comply will cause you to be removed by the chamber from the chamber and the building by law enforcement 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 and may speak next and last and may use the entire ten minutes allowed for the process. [0:35:04, 0:35:24]: Of the application. If questions are raised, the council 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 a vote to recommend approval or denial of the request. On that note, I'm [0:35:24, 0:35:43]: open this is opened up any comments for for the the current request of 3.77 millis rate from my far left any comments in the middle any comments for my far right comments against uh the 3.77 millis rate that we're discussing on my far left any in the middle [0:35:45, 0:35:50]: No one on any money right. So it's no comments for or against either side. So I'll close the public hearing now. Note. [0:35:51, 0:36:01]: And uh council, I need a motion to uh to accept uh proposed mills rate. Yes, Ms. Kant. I move that we accept the proposed millist rate of the three point seven seven. [0:36:01, 0:36:13]: Second. Okay, from Ms. Gantt uh Mr. Alexander Onfair, please indicate. Okay, as you now decision. On that note, uh Council, I need a motion to adjourn our meeting. So moved. Okay, is there a second? [0:36:14, 0:36:18]: Sir. Okay, from uh Mr. Gantt to Mr. Berry, all in favor, please indicate. [0:36:19, 0:36:21]: Okay, God bless you and good night.

--- title: Special Called Meeting date: 2025-08-18 source: 2025-08-18_Special_Called_Meeting.wav --- [0:11:47, 0:11:50]: Yes, sir? Yes. [0:11:50, 0:12:02]: Alright ladies and gentlemen, I'm gonna get started on our special call meeting. Uh this is August 18th, uh 2025, and I have 926. Okay. [0:12:03, 0:12:05]: Please stand for the invocation. [0:12:08, 0:12:28]: Lord, thank you for bringing us together once again to do this business of the citizens that we that serve, that we serve in this aspect. Allow us to make good, solid decisions in reference to the items that come before us. Give us strength to go forward and continue to do the best we can for our community. Be us always, Lord, in your name. Amen. [0:12:28, 0:12:41]: Amen. Amen. Pledge allegiance. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. To the Republic of what it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, liberty, justice for all. [0:12:42, 0:12:43]: Madam Clerk, Roll Call, please. [0:12:46, 0:12:51]: Mayor Ford? Present. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. Present. Councilmember Thomas. [0:12:52, 0:12:55]: Councilmember Thomas is not in attendance. Council Member Berry. [0:12:56, 0:13:16]: Let the breaker reflect. Councilmember Berry is not in attendance. Councilmember Barber. Present. Council Member Alexander. Present. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Appreciate that. Council, I need a motion to adopt the agenda, please. So moved. Okay. Second. Okay, from Mr. Alexander. Ms. Gantt all in favor, please indicate. Thank you very much. Announced decision there. We have new business. Council consider. [0:13:16, 0:13:31]: consideration to approve the resolution encouraging the attainability of a floss tax relief and collaboration between the Henry County and its receptive respective uh cities, presented by um Sean Evanson, our city manager, sir, please. [0:13:33, 0:13:53]: Uh good morning, uh Mayor and Council, uh community. Uh yes, to uh before you we have a resolution uh before you that we are requesting to be adopted. Uh just to give some context and some reference behind this particular document. For the last several weeks, uh the city of Stockbridge, along with the other [0:13:53, 0:14:13]: Municipalities here in Herring County have met uh with the county in reference to floss. Uh these meetings um had some substantive conversations and discussion on the best uh course of action in the distribution in the collection and distribution of floss. Uh for the people that don't know what floss is. [0:14:13, 0:14:33]: Uh FLOSS is a local option sale tax approved by voters that allows municipalities to collect a dedicated sales tax for specific purposes, usually tied to local needs such as infrastructure, public safety, or community development. Unlike general sales tax, FLOSS funds are restricted in use and cannot be spent outside voter tax. [0:14:33, 0:14:53]: Or approved categories. Um, so that that's just a little background of what floss is. So we um after these uh the last few weeks of discussion and talks about floss, uh the municipalities decide to the best way forward in the distribution, collection, and distribution of the floss tax is to use. [0:14:53, 0:15:13]: Use the model that has been used before with the counties and the municipalities, such as the loss and SPLOS. The county proposed a different method, which was referred to them by a consultant from Rochester that wanted to deviate. [0:15:13, 0:15:20]: [927.6, 947.6]: 34.22% across all entities in the county to include the minute municipalities. However, after careful consideration and looking at the different breakdowns, the municipalities decide that the best way to collect and distribute the flaws tax. [0:15:47, 0:16:02]: Tax is through the model once again that was established uh long before uh FLOS came about, which was Loss and SPLOS. So pending your questions, uh this is how the resolution came to be. [0:16:02, 0:16:15]: Uh we understand the county's position on this, um, but once again, after further discussion with other municipalities, we believe that this would better serve the city of Stockbridge uh electing this particular model. [0:16:17, 0:16:27]: Thank you, uh, Mr. Edmondson. Yeah, uh maybe I might have missed something. Just a sort of clarification. Uh upon approval, provided we approve this, this still has to go to referendum for a citizens vote in November. [0:16:28, 0:16:32]: Yes. So the goal for today is to basically uh [0:16:33, 0:16:44]: get a formal decision from the mayor and council on our stance, which is the adopting the model of loss, um, to present to the count uh [0:16:44, 0:17:04]: the board of commissioners uh so that they can make a determination whether or not they will accept or not. Um so our hopes is that the county will accept the model that the municipalities have agreed to uh elect for distribution and also collection. So [0:17:04, 0:17:12]: It is our hopes that the county sees that, you know, we all in agreement and this is the direction of the city and adopt that model as well. [0:17:13, 0:17:22]: And a part of approval I would imagine we myself, or excuse me, we collectively, along the other cities have to sign some type of agreement with the county in reference to this as well. [0:17:22, 0:17:42]: Yeah, so these r this resolution just basically formalized our decision and adopting that the loss model for flaws. Uh however, what would happen upon its its acceptance is they would uh construct a IGA, which will come down as well, and uh we'll adopt the IGA as well as they develop it, depending on what determination. [0:17:42, 0:17:50]: Is is is is comes about from all the municipalities and what the county decides to agree. So appreciate it. Mr. Alexander. [0:17:50, 0:17:51]: You had a question? [0:17:51, 0:18:11]: Yes, thank you so much. I appreciate this. I just want to speak directly to the citizens for a second, which is certainly this is an opportunity of a lifetime that has been presented, and we like to thank our state legislature and our state legislative board. Property owners have been taxed and taxed. [0:18:11, 0:18:31]: Taxed and taxed. This is an opportunity to reduce property taxes on the county level and on the city level. According to the Georgia Municipal Association, most of the cities in Georgia would be practically able to eliminate their city property tax, which we instituted in 2021. [0:18:31, 0:18:51]: twenty three should this one cent sales tax pass on the ballot in November. But in order for it to get to the ballot, the Henry County and all four cities have to agree on the method. And you know, it was great to be at the municipal dinner the other night and have everybody. [0:18:51, 0:19:11]: Say and feel that uh co cooperation and unity was in the air. And certainly as we approve uh our recommendation, we're gonna go to the table with a sense of humility and understanding that we're gonna put the citizens first and we're not gonna have [0:19:11, 0:19:31]: These uh the contentious debates between the city and the counties, we're going to come with a sense of collaboration and that we're all going to work together because, in the end, in my calculations that I have done basically for a homeowner like myself, basically it would save me about a thousand. [0:19:31, 0:19:50]: A year or a homeowner like yourself who lives in a house between$350,000 and$400,000, it would save you about$1,000 a year minimum in property taxes. Because what we need to understand is that this FLOSS works exactly like the SPLOSS tax. So every time somebody comes to Henry County. [0:19:50, 0:19:52]: And they stay at a hotel. [0:19:53, 0:20:13]: They pay that tax. Every time somebody comes to Costco to shop, they pay that tax. Every time we any type of transaction takes place at a cash register here in the city of Stockbridge and Henry County wide, those citizens will be assisting us in moving forward. And certainly, let me speak for myself. [0:20:13, 0:20:33]: It was a tough decision to implement a city property tax here in the city of Stockbridge when we uh formed a police department and we moved forward with the amphitheater. And I understand that we're paying that off here in August, that we made that decision, but it certainly would be. [0:20:33, 0:20:53]: Be uh an amazing thing to say that we implemented a city tax in 2023 and we're basically able to help the citizens eliminate that tax here in the year 2025 and have complete support for the police department, uh the amphitheaters, such. [0:20:53, 0:21:13]: Such other facilities that we have throughout the city, public works, because it would provide uh monies that would go directly uh to relieving property taxes dollar for dollar. And I think it's very important. Number one, uh the most important thing is to emphasize: should voters decide to approve this. [0:21:13, 0:21:33]: Tax in November, every single cent has to be used for property tax relief. You can't use it for anything else other than that. It is restricted to relieving property taxes on the county and city side. The money cannot be used for anything else in the city besides that. [0:21:32, 0:21:44]: So I appreciate it and um I just wanna make sure that we're going to the table with a sense of collaboration because this is something that really would benefit the citizens and as a win for everybody. [0:21:45, 0:21:48]: Thank you, sir. Counsel any other c I'm sorry, do counsel any other comments? [0:21:49, 0:21:51]: I have to do that. [0:21:51, 0:21:52]: Um [0:21:52, 0:21:53]: So [0:21:54, 0:22:04]: The county had proposed thirty four point two percent to be divided amongst all the count all the s municipalities. Is that what took place? That left them with um [0:22:06, 0:22:18]: That was a difference of three point three percent. So had we agreed with what the was suggestion was, they would have gotten an additional three point oh three percent. But instead [0:22:19, 0:22:25]: We decided to go based off are we going off of the census or so we're going off of the twenty twenty census still? [0:22:26, 0:22:46]: No, we're not going off the uh it's it's based on the proceed the proceeds based upon the twenty twenty-four years census survey and a matter which parties exhaustively negotiated and resolved recent jurisdiction sale tax, which was the loss. So that's right. So that's basically what we decided to go with instead of the recommended thing from the consumer. [0:22:45, 0:23:05]: And I think that's fair. It's a little bit more of an accurate number. Um, as you know, we've had to go through that based off of the population and the annexation of Stockbridge. Right. So those numbers to me are a little bit more fair. And if that's the case, then I definitely would approve this. I I my um because [0:23:05, 0:23:12]: 'cause I think that's in the best interest of Stockbridge and other municipalities. Um [0:23:12, 0:23:23]: And I don't will it completely replace it won't replace the property taxes, but it will help reduce right some of the um expenditures and rollback. Is that what we're hearing? [0:23:23, 0:23:43]: Yes, ma'am. It it offsets it um by a percentage. We the the closer you get to a hundred percent is eliminated altogether as Councilmember Alexander has said before. Um and that's the reason why we chose this model, because had we chose the other percentage breakdown, we get farther and farther away from completely eliminating it. And so [0:23:43, 0:24:02]: You know what I mean? So if we took a different collection rate, is no way the offset won't be as much as we could for our residents. So that's the reason why we elected this model. Okay. And our rate is fourteen point seven three at this final collection. Yes. All right. All right. Thank you. Um, okay, go ahead. Is Barber's comments? [0:24:03, 0:24:23]: I'd like to make a motion to approve a resolution encouraging the obtainability of floss tax relief in collaboration between Henry County and its respective cities. Second. All right, for Miss Barber and Mr. Alexander are all in favor of indicate. She announced the decision. Thank you very much. Thank you. And on that note, I need a motion to adjourn. [0:24:23, 0:24:26]: Yep. You got anything else there? No. [0:24:26, 0:24:32]: So move. Okay. Is there a second? Second. Okay, from Miss Gantt to Mr. Alexander on favor, please indicate. [0:24:32, 0:24:34]: Our media is down journal. God bless you all. [0:24:37, 0:24:38]: Only minutes to the next one.