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--- title: Regular Council Meetings date: 2022-12-12 source: 2022-12-12_Regular_Council_Meetings.wav --- [0:06:24, 0:06:27]: All right, ladies and gentlemen, uh please uh take your seats. [0:06:28, 0:06:32]: Yeah, six oh one. And so Madam Clerk, you are ready to go? [0:06:32, 0:06:39]: All right, good deal. Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to open up our council meeting for December Monday, December uh twelfth. [0:06:40, 0:06:43]: Six PM or six oh one. Okay, called me in order. [0:06:43, 0:06:48]: And on that note, Pastor Evans, sir, if you can come forward and give us invocation, please. [0:06:50, 0:06:51]: If you can, please stand. [0:07:00, 0:07:20]: Your Father God who comes and degrees as stewards of all that should have blessed us. But we ask that you have the Holy Spirit guide us as we move through the agenda tonight and that the core of the air should have us to be the such Christ name. Amen. Amen. We do a pledge of allegiance. A pledge of allegiance to the flag, the United States of America. [0:07:20, 0:07:26]: and to the republic for which it stands one nation, under God, individual, with liberty and justice for all. [0:07:27, 0:07:28]: Madam Clerk, roll call, please. [0:07:42, 0:07:48]: Mayor Ford? Present. Mayor Pro Tem Thomas. Present. Councilman Alexander. [0:07:50, 0:07:55]: At the record reflect, Councilman Alexander is not in attendance. Councilwoman Barber. Present. [0:07:56, 0:08:00]: Councilman Blount. Councilwoman Gantt. [0:08:01, 0:08:14]: Let the record reflect Councilwoman Gantt is not in attendance. Mayor Ford, you have a quorum. Thank you, Madam Clerk. I appreciate that. Uh Mayor Pro Tem, I believe you have a a motion to uh to actually amend the agenda for this evening. [0:08:15, 0:08:24]: Yes, uh Mayor and Council. I have two motions to amend the agenda. Uh the first motion is to [0:08:24, 0:08:26]: Amend the agenda to add [0:08:27, 0:08:30]: uh an item seventeen [0:08:31, 0:08:32]: Licensing [0:08:32, 0:08:34]: agreement for parking [0:08:35, 0:08:38]: And agenda item eighteen. [0:08:39, 0:08:54]: contract extension for GFL sanitation services. Uh um two motions to add to the agenda, uh agenda items 17 and 18. Service item to the motion. [0:08:58, 0:09:01]: Second. Uh Mr Blount, second that. All in favor, please indicate. [0:09:03, 0:09:07]: Okay, it's announced. Appreciate that. Thank you, Council. Now need a motion to adopt the overall agenda, please. [0:09:08, 0:09:14]: Mayor Ford? Yes sir. So moved. Okay, is there a second? Second. Okay, Mr uh Alexander second down. Okay. All in favor, please indicate. [0:09:15, 0:09:21]: Thank you very much, Council. Okay. Adoption of the minutes. Uh before you council, you have draft minutes for a special call meeting. [0:09:22, 0:09:25]: October third uh October third of twenty twenty two. [0:09:26, 0:09:38]: Draft minutes for the council meeting October tenth of twenty twenty two and also the draft minutes for the work session october twenty fifth of twenty twenty two. Unless there are any changes and if there are not any changes on that one I need a motion to accept these minutes, please. [0:09:40, 0:09:46]: Uh Mr. Blount so moved that. Is there a second? Ms. Barber second that all in favor please indicate. Thank you, unanimous decision. Appreciate that. [0:09:47, 0:09:47]: Um [0:09:47, 0:09:56]: Madam Clerk, do we have any public comments at all? We do, Mayor. We have one public comment. Okay. Please come forward. And name and address, please, sir. [0:09:57, 0:09:58]: Once you get to the poltergeist. [0:10:02, 0:10:22]: My name is Maestro Evans. I live at 3322 Clemens Road in Stockbridge. My comment is that is that the city city annexation passed on November the 8th, and to my understanding that is to take place on January the first, uh that those annex annexed into the city will become actual citizens on January the first. [0:10:22, 0:10:30]: So my concern is that there has been no communications to these new citizens about what the plan is and what that means. [0:10:30, 0:10:45]: So to me that says there's no transition plan, nor has there been any communication plan. So January the first is less than two weeks away. So for those of us who would be new citizens of the city of Stockbridge, we would, you know, like to know what does that mean come January first. [0:10:46, 0:11:01]: All right, so we'll be able to identify that. I believe through the c uh through actual uh conversation during the course of the evening, we'll be able to address that. And actually the I would say the city manager's working on that specific plan and you're absolutely right, there's coming before you know it. But we'll be handling that, sir. Thank you. Appreciate it. [0:11:05, 0:11:13]: All right, so if there's no other public comments, um and may don't do that please, uh city manager, or that request. Make sure we do that. Okay, thank you, sir. [0:11:13, 0:11:15]: Uh presentation. [0:11:15, 0:11:18]: Presentation of open government project presented by Mr. Gardner. [0:11:19, 0:11:21]: John Wiggins and Price Perskinski. [0:11:22, 0:11:23]: Did I get it close? [0:11:24, 0:11:31]: Uh yes you were close, uh Mayor Ford. All right, thank you very much. Appreciate that. No problem, it's Przezinski if uh if you want to pronounce it again. [0:11:31, 0:11:35]: Perszynski? Correct. All right. Yeah, Polish. Okay, no problem. Yeah. [0:11:35, 0:11:36]: No problem at all. [0:11:37, 0:11:38]: Well, please gentlemen. [0:11:40, 0:11:41]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. [0:11:42, 0:12:02]: What we have uh tonight is a presentation um from OpenGov. They're gonna show you a platform that's gonna uh be consistent on what the mayor, I mean not the mayor, but what the city manager and I have been discussing with uh you guys about uh an open platform for transparency and reporting on uh [0:12:02, 0:12:04]: uh the government activities uh [0:12:05, 0:12:14]: Right now we what we're gonna do is we're gonna link up with Zoom and have the presentation uh presented uh with um presentation. [0:12:14, 0:12:15]: And [0:12:18, 0:12:21]: Just give us a few a few seconds here. [0:12:25, 0:12:26]: Okay, we're ready to go. [0:12:29, 0:12:30]: Sweet. Thank you, John. [0:12:30, 0:12:45]: First I would say thank you, uh, Mayor Ford and the rest of the council members for allowing us to present here today, as well as John and Fred for allowing us to be here and the opportunity to speak with them over the last several months as we evaluated OpenGov's budgeting and planning software. Um [0:12:45, 0:12:58]: On today council meeting we have myself, Bryce Brasinski, as the accounting executive for the state of Georgia, as well as I'll let him introduce himself, Scott Koble, our director of product. So Scott, if you want to introduce yourself. [0:12:59, 0:13:16]: Yeah, good evening everyone. Appreciate the time tonight. I hope I'm coming in clear. I'm calling in from Washington, D.C. I've been with OpenGov about five years now, but prior to that, I spent 20 years in government, most recently as budget manager for Montgomery County Mountains. So Bryce, I'll turn it back to you. [0:13:17, 0:13:19]: Thanks, Scott. If you could go to the next slide, please. [0:13:24, 0:13:44]: So OpenGov was founded on the idea that local governments like the city of Stockbridge were being underserved by either tyrant software companies or mottom and pop shops, not giving you all the cloud-based solutions to be confident and be able to present information to its citizens to understand what's going on financially and operationally. And the way we're able to do that, Scott, if you can go to the the next. [0:13:44, 0:13:45]: Next slide, please. [0:13:47, 0:14:02]: Is folks like Scott and also over five hundred plus years of combined government experience we have on the OpenGov staff. So if there is an issue, there is something that need to be done in a quickly timely manner, OpenGov can fix it and be an extension of Stockbridge's staff. [0:14:06, 0:14:15]: Now do you want to point out we have multiple customers across the state of Georgia, the closest one being the city of Griffin and a few others across the state with our most recent coming on. [0:14:16, 0:14:17]: Bless you. [0:14:18, 0:14:35]: No problem. Most recent coming on would be Atlanta Public Schools and also Glenn County down near Jekyll Island in Saint Simons. Um so over twenty Georgia customers as you can see on the screen. And we what we want to do is reduce reporting time as well as time spent with budgeting with the departments and John. So next slide, please, Scott. [0:14:38, 0:14:58]: What we'll be speaking about here today is our budgeting and planning, and as it pushes through our reporting and transparency platform. Um, these are all the suites that OpenGov offers here today. I do want to point out, uh uh, Councilwoman Barber, that we do have a full procurement solution that I think you might be interested in. I'd love to send you some information on that. And Councilman Blount, we do have a female information. [0:14:58, 0:15:18]: Information for asset management. So we'd love to send you some information on that as well. But we will be talking about budgeting and planning and how we can help the city of Stockbridge push uh reporting transparency to its citizens so that they understand what's going on financially and also operationally, but also allow the citizens to take some time to interact with. [0:15:18, 0:15:27]: With what's going on within the city. So with that, I want to pass it over to Scott to give an executive overview of the budgeting and planning solution for OpenGov. [0:15:29, 0:15:49]: Perfect. Thanks, Bryce. And uh I'll have Bryce uh interrupt me if you have any questions, just relay them back to me. Um so what we'll go over tonight, um we'll look at from end to end how we can help Stockbridge do your entire budgeting process. And we're starting with the end in mind. So how we can actually help with your communication, your budget book, any communication. [0:15:49, 0:16:01]: you'll have out to the community to your residents. I'll walk you through behind the scenes how this is put together. So how you can use us for reporting dashboards, how you can use this obviously to put your operating budget together. [0:16:01, 0:16:03]: Your personnel planning. [0:16:03, 0:16:23]: your capital budget and then we'll kind of finish up where we started here uh with the end in mind. So uh Bryce and I have worked on this and we put basically an example of what your budget book could look like in open gov. And a couple things to note on this. This is an interactive version that's online. So it's mobile friendly. You can translate it into thousands of [0:16:23, 0:16:43]: different languages. It's interactive. We can have charts, maps, graphs, anything that you want in your budget book, we can do. And one of the goals of most governments we work with is winning, it's called the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award. We can ensure that and also something that's very important to all of our customers, which is accessibility. [0:16:43, 0:17:03]: So this is American Disability Act compliant. I found some videos I put in here from your downtown vision RSV plan to show you kind of where you could go with this. And then the other area that we look at a lot with governments is not just pushing information out to the public, but getting feedback from your residents. [0:17:03, 0:17:12]: So we can have interaction then two-way interaction. So if you had a big project you're working on or just want the overall opinion of the public, we can help you with that as well. [0:17:13, 0:17:29]: The look and feel and everything we did here, I took the branding from your website, but we can tailor this presentation to anything you want. We have governments that do their entire council presentations in this online with an accompanying PDF. So this does print out for anybody that wants a paper copy of it. [0:17:30, 0:17:50]: To kind of show you the versatility of how we do our budget books, we do a lot of different things with governments. Um, this is a city I work with in Rochester that also uses us on their strategic plan. So your communication is unlimited with OpenGov. It's not just fixed to budget books. Governments use this for all types of communication around. [0:17:50, 0:18:01]: Big projects are working on, strategic plans, budget books, anything that you want to communicate, you can communicate outwards. Bryce, I'll pause there briefly to see if there's any questions and then I'll move on. [0:18:04, 0:18:08]: No questions, sir, thus far. Go ahead please. Perfect. Thank you. [0:18:09, 0:18:29]: Um, so let's get into a little bit how this is put together. So this is an example of what a city council dashboard would look like for one of our customers. And in essence, what we'll do is we'll tap into a government's financial system so we can bring in all the financial data. In your case, it would come from ENCODE. And that's usually on a nightly basis. So from a council perspective. [0:18:28, 0:18:38]: You can get updates on the data as frequently as you want. Usually, again, it is a nightly basis. But I think one of the things that Bryce and I, when we work with the government, [0:18:38, 0:18:39]: Really uh [0:18:40, 0:19:00]: really push out is that you can use this across the board, right? It doesn't just have to be for finance and budget or council. And it doesn't have to be just constrained to financial data. So I know performance is one of the goals of this project. And we can bring data from any source that you have. So financial data, non-financial data, performance data. And I think the other thing is [0:19:00, 0:19:20]: As we kind of grow with a government, they'll also expand with us and start rolling dashboards out to all users of a government, not just contained within finance or budget. So what we're really doing here is increasing internal transparency. We saw what the public transparency looks like from the start there, but this is absolutely helping with your departments. [0:19:20, 0:19:22]: in the communication that they have. [0:19:23, 0:19:43]: One of the other things I think, and I'll pause right after this, Bryce, that's really key with OpenGov is ease of use. So we have a goal of really taking that lift off of IT and putting the tool in the end user's hands. So it's all point and click, drag and drop. There's no coding in our software whatsoever. Um, and our end users are the ones building these after. [0:19:43, 0:19:50]: We'll set you up with all of this, but you can maintain this, build your own dashboards, your own reports, your own communication. [0:19:53, 0:20:13]: One last note on that. So the dashboards are very nice. And from a council member's perspective, you know, you do get a nice 10,000 foot view of your both financial health and non-financial health. But if you want to dive into any of the details, if you click on any of these tiles, it will take you into a report. And this again, just like the dashboards, is all point and click drag. [0:20:13, 0:20:22]: and drop. There's no coding. So our end users can go down, they can drill down on the chart or the graph or these filters and really drill down into the data that they want to see. [0:20:23, 0:20:43]: The nice thing for you know the budget team too, they can actually send a snapshot of the data to a particular department. So let's say you want to give police a snapshot of the of their overtime, you can give them that. Or you want to look at what's going on in paving. You can just send that to the people that are working on the paving projects. And then the other component. [0:20:43, 0:20:47]: of this, which is the financial or or sorry, the transparent end. [0:20:47, 0:21:04]: you can push this out to the public. So Stockbridge will have full control of what the public sees, if it's summary level data, financial, non-financial, but the same charts and graphs here are the same ones that would populate your budget book, which at in the end of the day saves a lot of work putting the uh the budget book together. [0:21:06, 0:21:08]: Bryce, I'll pause there real quick again on reporting. [0:21:09, 0:21:21]: So otherwise w if I got this correct, this is a the management tool to make things flow information flow a little better with from staff to staff, or from us and staff and for the public itself, I in a sense. So we're looking at, right? [0:21:22, 0:21:38]: Uh yes, Mayor Ford, that is correct. As well uh uh it does have the ability to Stockbridge to wanna push the information it needs to push, right? As well as all to choose what information you choose to hold from uh the public. So it's it's gonna be in the hands of Stockbridge to push this information, correct? All right. [0:21:39, 0:21:39]: Uh thank you. [0:21:40, 0:21:42]: No problem. Any other questions for the council? [0:21:44, 0:21:49]: I'd like to see how this tool is used with the procurement process. [0:21:50, 0:21:52]: Are you speaking to the procurement suite itself? Yes. [0:21:52, 0:22:05]: Yes, absolutely. Uh right now we don't have the time for presenting the whole procurement solution and uh that would be a different uh product expert. But I would be happy to schedule some time with you and the procurement team and show you that solution. That's not a problem. [0:22:08, 0:22:12]: Okay, I guess you can continue on, sir. Yep. Scott, you can continue. [0:22:13, 0:22:33]: Continue. Okay. Thanks, Bryce. Um, so then obviously there's a budget component of this, and this is what our budget solution does. And it's really designed to get a government from the beginning of their budget lifecycle to the end. So most governments will go through, you know, a department submission phase of the budget where the departments are putting in the request. They'll go through a recommended [0:22:33, 0:22:38]: or proposed budget through like the mayor or executive branch and then they'll have a final adoptive budget through council. [0:22:39, 0:22:53]: Um, our solution is designed to get a government through its entire budget lifecycle, including any scenario planning you need to do. If you have to do enhancements to the budget, target reductions, as council's approving the budget, you can have a budget just for that. [0:22:54, 0:23:11]: Couple things, I won't go into too much of the details here, but in the we call them proposals for putting the budget together, you can have as many proposals as you want. And each proposal itself can have um what we call worksheets, but this is in essence where the the budget is put together. [0:23:13, 0:23:33]: In the worksheets, one thing I wanted to highlight for council, and Bryce had had mentioned this uh to me, we can tie to any strategic or goals or initiatives that the city has. So a lot of governments use this. If you don't want to look at the budget just through traditional, like department and fund, and we can absolutely do that. But if you wanted to look at stock bridges, you [0:23:33, 0:23:45]: you know, health, like a healthy community, or I had one called Safe and Secure Community that our county executive had. This will give you a little bit different lens to look at the budget, actually ties into the strategic plan very nicely. [0:23:45, 0:24:05]: So, this is kind of the inside guts of the budget tool, again, used year-round by our the governments we work with. The biggest component of every government's budget that we work with is their personnel costs. And I know it's the same in StockRidge. I think it's roughly 70 to 80% of your entire operating budget. What we do with that, we call it our workforce model. [0:24:05, 0:24:25]: Module. And in essence, we set up all of the, we bring in the whole position list of a city or county that we work with. And then we set up all the benefits that you pay your employees in terms of we call them cost elements internally, but this gives you a down to the penny cost of every employee. And it gives you that macro picture as well. So you can see the entire personnel cost. [0:24:25, 0:24:36]: you have. I know we have a stat online and Bryce has heard me say this a million times, but we actually find 1% of every government's budget they're over budgeting on average in health in in [0:24:37, 0:24:45]: Personnel costs in some form. Usually it's healthcare or could be vacant positions or colas, but we're usually fine some much some dollars there. [0:24:46, 0:25:06]: The nice thing with this, as the team's putting the budget together, they can also run scenarios. So if they want to see what a 2% increase looks like or a 2% reduction, they can run as many workforce plans as they want. And then they the other end of the spectrum, they can also do long-term forecasting on the personnel. So this is an example from city of Minneapolis. [0:25:05, 0:25:16]: And when I say we find 1% of every government's budget, we actually found$7 million they were over budgeting in healthcare last year. Now, obviously, this is a bigger government. They had a$500 million. [0:25:16, 0:25:19]: budget, but seven million dollars is quite a bit of money. [0:25:20, 0:25:40]: So the personnel piece obviously and companies, the operating budget. The only other thing I would say on long-term planning, and this is really key for growing communities like Stockbridge, is that we can do your cap entire capital improvement plan. And so when you're doing your long-term planning, you're looking at your your investments into your capital infrastructure. [0:25:40, 0:26:00]: You can plan that out up to 36 years if you want to. But I think the real benefit here is you're seeing where your biggest chunk of your operating budget is going to be and your personnel cost over the next five to 10 years. Along with that, that's going to help you make decisions, especially for council, on where uh your capital investments can go so you don't hit things like debt service too hard. [0:26:01, 0:26:08]: So that's kind of the budget tool in a in a high level. Bryce, again, I'll pause here to see if there's any feedback from the group. [0:26:10, 0:26:12]: Anybody? Any questions or thoughts? [0:26:14, 0:26:14]: All right. [0:26:15, 0:26:18]: No, continue on please. Scott. [0:26:18, 0:26:22]: Okay. Um so we're gonna wrap up here where I started. [0:26:23, 0:26:43]: And this is to the the point of you can use us for any type of communication. So we have literally thousands of templates to help with council uh reports, monthly reports, quarterly analysis, budget books, strategic plans like this Vision Zero is one from the mayor of Tampa, where she wanted to reduce fatalities in. [0:26:43, 0:27:03]: Pedestrian crashes. So really unlimited on how you can use us. We have templates. We've already built one actually with your branding and everything you can use. But anyway, the council would want to communicate, any of the departments within Stockbridge. Obviously, finance and budget will use us heavily, but we do promote using this across an entire government, not just [0:27:03, 0:27:07]: just focused in again a budget or finance office. [0:27:08, 0:27:19]: So Bryce, I will pause there. That's really the high level overview. I'm definitely here for more questions if there's anything else. And I don't know if you or John had anything else to add uh before I stop the share here. [0:27:20, 0:27:37]: Uh no Scott, I have nothing to add. Just want to open up questions uh to the councilman. Well Terry, thank you for the presentation. But I'm kinda curious from Mr. Wiggins and Mr uh Gardiner, if you can come to the mic please, what your gentleman's thoughts are. You brought this presentation before the council. So what do you what do you what what are your thoughts about this this aspect? [0:27:39, 0:27:41]: Well, I'll let Freya go first. [0:27:41, 0:27:41]: Sure. [0:27:42, 0:28:02]: Good evening, Mayor Council. Evening. Um one of the things I'd mentioned to you guys when I first got here was um being in a position to put some software into play that would allow for us to be able to show outward facing to the public what we do, how we do, and when we're doing. Um this is that platform that would allow for us to be able to do that. [0:28:02, 0:28:22]: And so it would be able to give not just you but the regular citizens access to what's going on operationally within the city from a finance um by department all the way through the city government what's going on, what we're doing. Um so this is part of transparency and that outward facing government. But also as we finish up. [0:28:22, 0:28:42]: with our strategic plan, being able to see exactly how we're achieving our goals and objectives under our strategic plans and have that also outfacing with dashboards that illustrate exactly where we are through the process. So this is an informational tool that shares with you, but also the public at heart on what we're doing in city government. [0:28:42, 0:29:02]: Okay. Thank you, sir. John, do you have any additional comments? Yeah, and this will and and this will help out with the um monthly reporting. It also would uh you know i it'd be at at your disposal, right at your fingertips. You can always uh uh pull it up and you'll be able to see what you wanna see. Uh [0:29:02, 0:29:20]: uh and you can pull down whatever reports you need to pull down for budgeting and finance. We also um have uh reached out to uh community development department. Uh they've already had conversations with BRECA. Uh this is this is something that they have a lot of uh that deals with permitting. [0:29:21, 0:29:23]: So that will help out also uh [0:29:23, 0:29:43]: We after that we're gonna uh uh mentioned with uh Councilwoman Barber with procurement, we're gonna uh see what that looks like for us, as well as uh also has asset management. So there's some good things. Uh like I said, uh uh Fred and I, Fred first guy has just one first thing. [0:29:43, 0:30:03]: we talked about is being able to get this type of reporting and and to be able to show this transparency of what we're doing all the time. May stand by what's up. Maybe I missed something here, but uh is what's is there a monthly or yearly cost to this? I mean what's what's the yeah there's a cost okay so what this this this this this particular [0:30:03, 0:30:23]: Um well m I I'll let Bryce come up and but as far as the the costs, it's gonna be like a initial uh fifty one thousand and then after that it's going to a like a three year uh this is also a state contract. Okay. So this is this is something that's already in [0:30:23, 0:30:38]: And and um we can all we can we can jump on this right here right away because of the state contract. The monthly and then from now the three years will be annually of forty some thousand. Okay. So Rice, you gonna add something to that? [0:30:38, 0:30:58]: Yeah, I just wanted to clarify. Uh yeah, the uh the initial it's a three-year term um for the OpenGov contract, and it was forty thousand seven hundred and five dollars and fifty-seven cents for the first year, and then fifty-one thousand uh five hundred and eighty-three and thirty-seven cents for the professional services to get the city of Stockbridge trained up and [0:30:58, 0:31:03]: running and also create the online budget book which was presented at the beginning of uh the presentation. [0:31:04, 0:31:06]: Thank you. Mr. Blount, please. [0:31:07, 0:31:11]: Yeah, thank you. Thank you for the presentation also, Mr. Bryce. Um [0:31:13, 0:31:16]: So with a system like this [0:31:16, 0:31:25]: Is this something that you're gonna be putting in data that's given to you, or is that something that that you're tapping into that once data is [0:31:25, 0:31:45]: compile here it automatically goes in. How does it how is it actually gonna work? Yeah. I'm gonna answer that as best I can. Councilman uh Blount looks like uh Scott Colb had been disconnected. Um but we're system agnostic with your Tyler ENCODE uh ERP or your financials. So we're allowed to pull information every night over from your financials or whichever [0:31:45, 0:31:59]: other operational reporting platforms you need to push through our reporting transparency platform. And that data will be filtered through the reporting transparency to push to the public with the consent of the Stockbridge members and team members. [0:32:00, 0:32:08]: So when you say pool, so that means that data had to be has to be put in and then it's almost uh electronically transcribing it over to [0:32:09, 0:32:12]: The program that you're gonna put in place. [0:32:12, 0:32:14]: That would now be open for the public. [0:32:15, 0:32:23]: Correct, uh, in a sense. So the data that would be pulled over, y'all can choose what information you want to push to the public. That is correct. [0:32:24, 0:32:31]: What is d this is for John w Mr. Wiggins. What is it what he's saying that we should be doing now anyway? [0:32:32, 0:32:35]: Well you're saying what we should be doing. I'm just saying what is it that [0:32:36, 0:32:56]: Um see this is this is gonna pull from the ENCODE that we already have and it's basically just gonna uh this platform is just basically gonna promote uh the viewing of what we have in ENCODE into uh their platform where you'll be able to see the the graphs to be able to see uh [0:32:56, 0:33:15]: some of the uh uh uh uh uh the expense and and the and the revenue as far as uh being able to uh see the calculation and and other things uh to that nature. But it's basically gonna be just mirror what the ENCODE is is what we have an ENCODE it's just gonna uh display that. [0:33:15, 0:33:35]: Well then it goes back to my question. It's h hold on, Mr. Garner. Let me talk let me let me just let me get him to explain this to me, if you don't mind, sir. I'm saying versus what the citizens should be able to see now with transparency, what is the difference between us getting another entity? [0:33:35, 0:33:35]: Okay. [0:33:36, 0:33:45]: that we would now have the same information but now going through another uh cycle to be looked at when we should be doing that now. [0:33:48, 0:33:58]: Councilmember Blount, ENCODE doesn't allow for us to be able to push this information the way that open gov does. That's why a lot of communities are going in this format. [0:33:58, 0:34:01]: Not only just open gov, open gov is one platform. [0:34:01, 0:34:05]: But mister Will where my grandmama could understand it for my [0:34:06, 0:34:08]: Our system doesn't allow for that. [0:34:08, 0:34:11]: So this makes it easier for not for just council. [0:34:12, 0:34:32]: But the regular citizen who might not have financial acumen to be able to look at this and say, Oh, okay, so they're spending this or they budgeted this, they've spent that, that percent of this is out here. But not only just that, but it gives a percentage of it gives you all the information in a graphical format, easy to read. Our current system doesn't do that. Is there another city in [0:34:31, 0:34:33]: In Henry County using this? [0:34:34, 0:34:36]: No sir, we will be the first. [0:34:37, 0:34:39]: Then it goes back to my question because [0:34:39, 0:34:59]: Then why aren't we putting something online that a resident citizen can sit can just look at versus bringing it a different entity to do it for us? I'm just trying to I'm just trying to fig just I'm just trying to figure all this out because so this if a regular citizen can't go to our website and look at our financials, how is this gonna make [0:34:59, 0:35:00]: Yeah. [0:35:02, 0:35:10]: It's like the internet. Before you couldn't communicate with somebody in China without picking up the phone. Now you can actually do it online. It's it's a different system. [0:35:11, 0:35:29]: Right, that we're using that allow for them to be able to convert our information, right? That we see it in numbers and all of that stuff and put it in a more usable, user friendly format for just a regular Joe Blow citizen to understand. If we had to do that. [0:35:29, 0:35:33]: We would have to have more manpower here to be able to do perform those tasks. [0:35:33, 0:35:35]: Right. This allowed for us to be able to have [0:35:36, 0:35:54]: a software that works in conjunction with our current platform to put our data in a more user-friendly manner and push it out for the public to understand. If we had to do that manually here, that means I gotta add another body or somebody to come in and do that or work for us to be able to do that. [0:35:55, 0:35:56]: Um [0:35:56, 0:36:04]: We don't have it here. That's why you see in your platform, you see City of Roswell and other cities that have gone to this platform because even as [0:36:04, 0:36:07]: They are a little bit more advanced than we are. [0:36:07, 0:36:14]: They see the need f to utilize such software to be able to put information out there for their regular citizens to understand, but not just them for you guys. [0:36:14, 0:36:16]: But it also helps [0:36:17, 0:36:27]: Who's who's using this format? In your in your packet, I think they showed the city of Roswell, City of Griffin, Rockdale County, City of Atlanta. Um [0:36:27, 0:36:37]: There's a narrative of communities, I think they were listed in the program. So So we would need we would need something like this to show revenue expenditures in accounts. [0:36:39, 0:36:50]: No sir. If we use ENCO, what I would have to do is download it, print it out, and put it in the PDF form. [0:36:50, 0:36:50]: And [0:36:51, 0:36:53]: Send it to the clerk and let her put it online. [0:36:53, 0:36:56]: This this this particular uh system here. [0:36:57, 0:37:00]: Every night it's gonna update and then [0:37:00, 0:37:03]: Anytime anybody wants to go online to see [0:37:03, 0:37:07]: And they all they gotta do is pull up this open glue that says stop bridge. [0:37:07, 0:37:10]: And you'll see the information right there all the time. [0:37:10, 0:37:16]: Income just just does not and I and I get that what I'm saying, I guess I'm missing something because [0:37:16, 0:37:20]: They're only going to put in a system what you give them to put in there. [0:37:22, 0:37:24]: So I'm just trying I'm I I'm just trying to make [0:37:25, 0:37:32]: Make it make sense to me. If they're gonna only put in the system what we give them to put in there, why don't we have a system we can just put it in ourselves? [0:37:33, 0:37:49]: Like like every other city in this every other city in Henry County is doing. But no there's no city in Henry County that's doing this, Mr. Bull. They're not doing what he's doing. But but you're able to go into n and w and and and see their financials. Not the way this will be displayed. [0:37:50, 0:38:01]: Um Henry County I think is using a different software pocket um than OpenGov, but outside of that, no other city that I know of in Henry County is utilizing. Henry County's about. [0:38:01, 0:38:20]: Yeah. Uh uh coun uh Councilman Blind, I do want to point out we are actually meeting with Henry County uh tomorrow, Bernita Campbell, the budget director over there to look at using the open gov solution as well. Um and also uh the former uh city manager of Stockbridge, uh Mr. Knight, currently using it at the city of Roswell. [0:38:20, 0:38:26]: Okay, and that's fine. Because let me let me explain about me real quick. When I sit here [0:38:27, 0:38:38]: I don't sit here to badger, I don't sit I only sit on edge. It's only to get the facts so I can make a sound decision when I raise my hand or don't raise my hand. That's how I operate. [0:38:38, 0:38:58]: Uh uh, Councilman Blount, uh I completely understand. So really the mission and vision of OpenGov is to take every platform department that is at the city of Stockbridge and streamline it through one reporting and transparency platform. So thinking of I understand you have some background with FEMA and asset management. If we were able to bring on budgeting and also if we should bring on [0:38:58, 0:39:18]: procurement and asset management, it'll go through the same reporting and transparency platform. And yes, to some degree the ENCODE solution can do reporting, but it's not very user friendly. Or let's say someone from an elder degree wants to go online and look at line items, it doesn't give them that ability and it's leading to causes of phone calls and to the the [0:39:18, 0:39:35]: So this is not only decreasing the amount of phone calls that'll be going to the different departments across the city of Stockbridge, make them more efficient, eighty five percent faster reporting on average, as well as it'll allow the community to give feedback of where they want information. [0:39:37, 0:39:43]: remarkable um you know procedure that they did to make that happen. I think, you know [0:39:44, 0:39:49]: And this is something that I wanted to do in my prior job, but obviously we we didn't get a chance to get around to it, but [0:39:49, 0:39:53]: an opportunity to to really transform the way we do business here. [0:39:53, 0:39:56]: Um and this is just one of the many tools that I hope. [0:39:57, 0:40:03]: that we can bring that'll start to put us in an era where you know we move away um [0:40:03, 0:40:19]: from the old way the paper to being a little bit more digital in the way we do our business and reflect what we're doing um to the public. And you you'll see a stronger app when that comes out.'Cause we'll have a lot of this stuff embedded in City's app when that when we get f when we get done. [0:40:20, 0:40:25]: I know today this is just a presentation. Are you also asking for approval? [0:40:25, 0:40:30]: Well we we will we will bring that back as a contract to you guys. Um [0:40:31, 0:40:40]: But right now it was just a presentation to kinda get you acclimated and what I'll do is I'll send some additional links to you guys so y'all could see what they've done for other communities around around the country. [0:40:41, 0:40:45]: Awesome. I support it. Um anything that um [0:40:45, 0:40:50]: actually is full transparency to the public. I support it. Thank you. [0:40:51, 0:40:52]: Go ahead, Member Fortin. [0:40:52, 0:40:53]: Thank you. [0:40:53, 0:40:55]: This is my last question. Um [0:40:56, 0:41:09]: What will the relationship be with um the IT department and speak to how this will uh benefit the uh Stockbridge Police Department? [0:41:10, 0:41:30]: Yeah, absolutely. Uh uh Councilman uh Thomas. So this is a no-code environment. What that means is unlike other governmental platforms on the market, there's not a heavy lift on the IT team. Uh if you look into your packets, I've included premium support free of charge for the city of [0:41:30, 0:41:48]: Stockbridge. Um so there will be no reliance on the IT team as well as for this the police department, uh, understanding that they can go in there, submit their own proposals, as well as push information of what's going on with the departments, understanding how that replicates back to council, as well as with its citizens. [0:41:51, 0:42:11]: Mr. Blount, stand by. Mr. Blount, stand by. Mr. Alexander, go ahead, please. Yeah, thank you. I appreciate that. Uh you know, my only concern is, you know, these systems are only as good as the information being input into kind of what Mr. Blount was saying, which is it's garbage in, garbage out. If we don't have those reports already, it's it [0:42:11, 0:42:25]: it is in a situation where we don't um we're not creating anything new. We're taking the information that we already have, which I'm sure maybe Mr. Wiggins will be in charge of and putting it out to the public. [0:42:25, 0:42:30]: But the public has inf uh access through open records to get any information that they want. [0:42:30, 0:42:32]: Now if [0:42:32, 0:42:36]: Somebody wants to request some of this information about [0:42:36, 0:42:42]: Two percent of the public is gonna take the time to go on there and build a report. Two percent. [0:42:42, 0:42:43]: So [0:42:43, 0:43:03]: Is it for us or is it for the public? Because the public is wanting to be spoon-fed information on social media, on the web, where they already are, instead of creating another outside system that they got to access. That's my system. I need to understand that from you because of the information he's putting in or the city. [0:43:03, 0:43:05]: [2586.9, 2606.9]: We already have it as Mr. Blount said, but in the in in essence, I need to understand how it's going to be more effective for us if it's not creating new information or information that we readily available to the public already through an open records request. Because I I see this stuff happen all the time. The new fancy gadget. [0:43:26, 0:43:30]: is amazing. It does everything, but it ain't [0:43:30, 0:43:39]: Worth crap unless somebody's putting their information in that's accurate. And as you said, you have not budgeted for somebody to. [0:43:39, 0:43:58]: Be dedicated to this process. That is what my problem is. Now, I understand you say it'll pull information over now, right? But for specialized reports that we want, we still gotta go on the system to create it or to get the specific information that we want, we still gotta go in there and build a report. [0:43:59, 0:44:16]: Now, I don't understand I I if if it was going to be a situation where again you had somebody dedicated to the staff to enter the information and then um come through with a solid proposal for what you're generating and the actual value to the public. [0:44:16, 0:44:19]: That would be great because if you throw all of this information online. [0:44:20, 0:44:22]: Two percent of the public is gonna use it. [0:44:24, 0:44:25]: Uh [0:44:25, 0:44:45]: Uh coun councilman Alexander, uh I I see your point there. I I would like to mention Scott Cobel who was on the previously call. We had brought this budget book uh to them and we we saw about a uh seven thousand percent increase in traffic to the online budget book just because the accessibility alone. Now to your statement um of garbage in and garbage out. [0:44:45, 0:45:05]: What we'll be doing for the first few months. And again, the city has premium support, which means you have the highest SLAs, which I personally live about 25 minutes from Stockbridge. I'm a Georgia native, went, went to Georgia State way back when, and I will be looking over the account, uh, pre-sale, post-sale, et cetera. Um, and we'll be aligning with your chart of [0:45:05, 0:45:25]: accounts. Now if the chart of accounts information is not correct over to OpenGov, we won't move forward with the process of doing training and online resources. So the information that is accessible to public, yes, but not easily readable, we'll be able to take those financials and operationals and make sure that they're [0:45:25, 0:45:27]: easily able to access it and read it correctly. [0:45:29, 0:45:42]: Do you have the information available to us now for these cities that are actually using this to see how many people in the public are actually taking advantage of it? Let's say you got Roswell as a customer. How many people are using it every day? [0:45:44, 0:45:47]: I don't know the statistics off the off the top of my head, uh, Councilman Alexander. [0:45:48, 0:46:08]: Would would you be able to get that information for me while the city manager is putting together a plan so the information that goes into this will be accurate and useful to us? We can we can definitely uh contact the city of Roswell and uh ask them what's going on over there. Yes, sir, Councilman Alexander. Thank you. I would imagine on that note, besides Roswell uh in any way I think [0:46:08, 0:46:28]: The uh city manager mentioned several different uh cities. Right. You may be better just besides one city if you have several different data on several different cities of different sizes, it would be probably pretty interesting for the rest of the council as well. Right. Yeah, absolutely. I I would say the closest city to you, Mayor Ford, would be City of Griffin, who's currently in the process of developing an online budget book with us as well as [0:46:27, 0:46:34]: the city of Austral uses a solution and a few other uh cities and counties around uh the city of Stockbridge. [0:46:34, 0:46:36]: All right, thank you. Mr. Blount, go ahead please. [0:46:36, 0:46:41]: So Griffin at this point is not imp th they're they're not up and going. They're they're implementing it now. [0:46:42, 0:46:53]: So they're up and running. Uh they did not take on the online budget book though. That was a uh that was a project they put on hold, uh, Councilman uh Blount. But now we're going through the implementation and finishing the project. [0:46:53, 0:46:54]: So [0:46:56, 0:47:04]: Okay. So basically what we're looking at for is what this really needs to be done with the citizens is the online budget book book, right? [0:47:05, 0:47:07]: Is that what we're talking about to to make it simple? [0:47:07, 0:47:27]: To make it simple, the citizens would be looking at the online budget book as well as reports that go down there. That is correct, Councilman Blount. But in order to create that online budget book, we need the departments to submit their proposals to be approved by John and Fred so that that information can be pushed into a report. Uh Councilman Blount. Thanks. [0:47:27, 0:47:42]: w because that's something I guess we would have to look at and because what you're saying is is that in order for you to get it out in a timely fashion, it has to be no deficiencies from the city, whether it's coming from public works, whether it's coming from [0:47:43, 0:47:46]: excuse me, community development di uh department uh any department. [0:47:47, 0:47:51]: There can't be any deficiencies'cause whatever deficiencies come in from here for [0:47:52, 0:47:54]: For transcription into your system. [0:47:54, 0:47:57]: It wouldn't be your problem, it would be ours. [0:47:57, 0:48:17]: That is correct, Councilman Blount. We we will be having not only myself look over the account, but you will be given a project manager, a customer success manager, uh, people who have worked in government their whole lives and come over to OpenGov uh and want to help local governments like in the state of Georgia tell push proper uh and transparent information to the public. [0:48:17, 0:48:21]: Okay. Mr. Wiggins, you are you familiar with this system? [0:48:22, 0:48:25]: I am. I am. I um [0:48:25, 0:48:45]: I've uh seen demos, concer uh a lot of demos of this particular uh program. So I'm I'm f I'm familiar with I think um before I left East Point they was getting into some type of platform like that. And then um but yeah I'm familiar with I'm [0:48:45, 0:49:00]: Because I don't wanna get in I don't wanna get into it and start to add b what concerns me about it is that we had a system in place that a toast system and you know the the the the the outcome of that. I'm just I'm just trying to figure out [0:49:01, 0:49:02]: sistematically [0:49:03, 0:49:08]: How would we make this work versus other systems we've had that [0:49:09, 0:49:15]: Well, uh di we'll deal with that later. Um we'll just I we'll just deal with the presentation. That's fine. Okay. [0:49:15, 0:49:35]: Yeah. Uh Councilmember Blanc, I I'm I'm the same way. I will give you some clarity on this. So where we strive differently in the market is one through our professional services and also the support. We have all United States based support. Like I said, I am twenty five minutes away if I need to be at the city of Stockbridge a few times a week to make sure this is [0:49:35, 0:49:55]: Running effectively and confidently with the staff members, I'll be here. But another thing we would like to point out here, we we have a plan put in place to get y'all up and running. And we'll continue to have support. So if there are questions, concerns, as I spoke about in the beginning of my presentation, we have staff members about 500 years of government. [0:49:55, 0:50:15]: and expertise that are here to help as either customer success managers or we like to call them customer success engineers that'll take time out of their day, which is included in the premium support to answer any questions that need to be had or solved. So this information can not only be correct for you council members or for John and the citizens. [0:50:15, 0:50:16]: [3016.6, 3027.8]: Bryce, I appreciate that. And and hope uh I hope I didn't um confuse you. Uh for me and for what we're gonna all have to discuss uh amongst ourselves. I'm pretty sure you're ready. [0:50:28, 0:50:31]: But the whole scheme of things I just need to make sure that we're ready. [0:50:32, 0:50:34]: Understand, Councilman Blount. [0:50:35, 0:50:52]: Any other questions for the council? Go go ahead, please. Yeah, uh I think we had a little bit of confusion on the upfront cost. So I think you indicated that there was a forty thousand dollar cost and then a fifty thousand dollar cost would which would be about ninety thousand dollars. Is that correct? I think we That is correct, Councilman Alexander. [0:50:52, 0:50:56]: Okay. All right. I think we just want to make sure that's clarified. All right, thank you. [0:50:58, 0:51:07]: Any other questions? And if not, thank you for the presentation. Obviously, it's a presentation, so more information to come on this aspect as well. Thank you. Appreciate your time. [0:51:09, 0:51:21]: Now we'll go on to public hearings and the first public hearing deals with the final reading and adoption of the uh proposed budget for twenty twenty three operating budget and capital improvement plan. And Mr. Gardner, Mr. Wiggins, please. [0:52:03, 0:52:04]: Gentlemen, uh [0:52:05, 0:52:07]: We're gonna go with the presentation here. [0:52:12, 0:52:17]: I'm waiting on the um the ordinance so we can read the ordinance for the last uh for the third reading. [0:52:21, 0:52:24]: All right, so I imagine that it's not in our booklet already then, okay? [0:52:24, 0:52:27]: No, I don't think so. [0:52:29, 0:52:38]: Yeah. Yes sir. Can can we move this to the back of the agenda? Let me see what's going on with this'cause I was told that the ordinance was sent but apparently [0:52:38, 0:52:45]: All right, so we'll we'll w okay. We'll move we'll get back to this. Uh we have two other public hearings. Uh [0:52:45, 0:52:59]: So when a public hearing issue here. Okay, so we'll move on and we'll come circle back to this particular item. Notice the public hearing comment and proposed stop bridge redevelopment plans for tax allocation district number one, downtown of North Henry Boulevard corridor. [0:53:00, 0:53:04]: And once again this is uh Mr. Gardner and Gary Monaghan. [0:53:05, 0:53:10]: that you sent me or responded to me in my last [0:53:10, 0:53:11]: Uh [0:53:12, 0:53:29]: Um email my questions. I I did not see that question in there, sir. The the questions that you s um take a vote here shortly sent to us did not include the credit card, the the merchant fees on there. [0:53:30, 0:53:40]: No, no. We responded to uh the grants, the fifteen officers, the sixty-two staff in the police department, who services the cars, fuel monitoring. [0:53:41, 0:53:46]: um fuel station as it relates to um public works. [0:53:47, 0:53:52]: Um well I I may have to go back and look at the [0:53:52, 0:54:03]: The first reading, it could have been in that uh I I and I'll double check that box. We had to make sure. So But we get the gist of where we're going. I think I think we understand that. Okay. [0:54:03, 0:54:07]: Uh mayor if I may continue. Yes sir, go ahead. Okay. Um [0:54:07, 0:54:10]: I also um [0:54:10, 0:54:23]: Yeah, we have a motion on the floor. I'm sorry. We have actually have a motion on the floor, unless you want to rescind the motion. I mean we'd we take a vote on that. Did we get a second that Mr. Alexander stepped out? So he did second. Okay, okay. [0:54:23, 0:54:24]: Um [0:54:24, 0:54:32]: So if no more discussion, motions on the floor to Well that's that's that's m let's move forward then. All right. Um all in favor of the motion, please indicate. [0:54:32, 0:54:35]: One, two, all right. [0:54:35, 0:54:40]: And I'm assuming he well Well, I'm assuming he was. He stepped out. He made the second, but um [0:54:40, 0:55:00]: Well he seconded the motion. I told him we were gonna vote on it shortly. So uh right now uh the the motion fails at this point, and uh but uh otherwise you'll be checking this out anyway. Uh but I would think that you will you'll have well motion motion failed. So we don't we don't have a simple majority just far, but I believe you understand. [0:55:00, 0:55:07]: understand what the intent it probably is, but in this aspect. So we'll move on. What else did you have to discuss, Mr. Meriport? Yes, ma'am. [0:55:10, 0:55:14]: No, no, he he he had to take care of something. He had to he had to take he'll be back. [0:55:15, 0:55:15]: You'll be back. [0:55:17, 0:55:28]: He did not leave the meeting. He left temporarily, I should say. He'll be back. He'll return. I have a question in response to the budget. Go ahead. Go ahead. Well well standby. I'm sorry. Mr. Mayor Potem's not finished yet. Stand by. Go ahead. [0:55:28, 0:55:41]: I don't know for this item do we need to hold until he comes back or table until he comes back. But I do have another question, another area. Well, I mean yeah Well you just said fail, so [0:55:41, 0:55:54]: Well that one did, yes, it did at this point,'cause he's not here to vote. Okay. Um so mister Gardner, my other question, um, in reading the budget [0:55:55, 0:56:15]: At the last meeting, at the second reading, you indicated that the positions that you originally recommended to come forward, I noticed in the budget they were highlighted in yellow, but they were uh [0:56:15, 0:56:18]: Uh f not funded, they were zeros out, correct? [0:56:20, 0:56:37]: And you indicated as much at the at the second reading that those positions would not come forward. You in the budget in the in the um graph that you had zeroed those out and they were not funded. So my question is um [0:56:38, 0:56:42]: The economic development directive, which is not a new position. [0:56:42, 0:56:45]: uh is an existing position [0:56:45, 0:57:05]: So my question, so when will we get an opportunity to um receive resumes of your uh candidate or candidates plural? When we get the opportunity uh to vet, you know, we're going into um [0:57:05, 0:57:17]: a new year and and as we go forward that is a uh critical position and as you may or may not know we have had two directors in the last [0:57:18, 0:57:25]: Uh, maybe three years I guess. And we just wanna try to get this right this time. And w um so [0:57:27, 0:57:34]: Are you pos are you are you following me? Yes, sir. Okay, so my question is when will we get an opportunity? [0:57:34, 0:57:41]: to review the um candidates when we get a opportunity to research that. [0:57:42, 0:57:46]: You know, the candidates so we can make a uh an informed decision. [0:57:46, 0:57:49]: So when would that come forward in other words? [0:57:49, 0:58:09]: Um where will we get a chance to s you know the resumes? Yes, sir. Unless unless well I'm sorry, go ahead, sir. Uh it was my understanding and and I'm I'm learning this is that we we present this the city manager presents um the [0:58:09, 0:58:10]: The [0:58:11, 0:58:15]: recommended candidate and I guess the um [0:58:16, 0:58:19]: The second person to council an executive session. [0:58:19, 0:58:23]: And then council at that point asked any questions they may have and [0:58:24, 0:58:25]: Then [0:58:26, 0:58:44]: vote to either no either confirm or not confirm the nominated candidate by the city manager. I didn't know that there was an end of separate interview process for a department head by a city council. Well the issue is we do not have a resume to even see. [0:58:44, 0:58:49]: Well, that was gonna be presented to you guys in executive session tonight, uh, by the way. [0:58:49, 0:58:50]: Mr. Garner. [0:58:51, 0:58:52]: Yes, sir. Um [0:58:55, 0:58:56]: We don't have it now. [0:58:57, 0:58:59]: We have not had an opportunity. [0:58:59, 0:59:06]: to to even read it, to research, I I I really think is is somewhat disrespectful. [0:59:06, 0:59:14]: Sir No disrespect intended whatsoever. But Mr. Gardner, let me finish if I may. May I fa may I finish? Yes, sir. [0:59:16, 0:59:18]: I heard you just say you were going to present this [0:59:19, 0:59:21]: in executive session tonight. [0:59:22, 0:59:25]: You cannot expect us to receive a document. [0:59:26, 0:59:31]: And to read it, to understand it, and then make a decision. [0:59:32, 0:59:35]: Some of us like to research this candidate. [0:59:35, 0:59:38]: To see the history. [0:59:38, 0:59:39]: Yeah. [0:59:39, 0:59:40]: Historically the [0:59:41, 0:59:42]: And traditionally [0:59:43, 0:59:46]: We have had this in advance so we could do our due diligence. [0:59:47, 0:59:52]: in in research the candidate that you bring forward. Yes, you're correct. [0:59:52, 0:59:55]: You provide the candidate, but we have to confirm [0:59:55, 0:59:58]: And I I can't make a decision [0:59:58, 0:59:59]: Within [1:00:00, 1:00:03]: A couple of minutes in reading a resume. [1:00:04, 1:00:21]: I obviously I was given uh different type of information than what's being presented to me today, so my apologies, sir. Okay. One second please. Well, I'm I'm I'm just sort of saying I I I would appreciate it to be able to receive it. [1:00:22, 1:00:25]: Uh in advance so I will have a chance to read it. [1:00:25, 1:00:27]: Maybe to research the candidate. It is Joe. [1:00:28, 1:00:29]: Your choice to present. [1:00:30, 1:00:43]: But it's also our choice to confer. Yes, sir. But to give it to us And I will present that to you guys in executive session. You do not have to vote on it tonight. You do not Okay. Thank you. Yeah, I I just wanna say this, you know. [1:00:44, 1:00:46]: Uh you know the [1:00:48, 1:00:49]: Mr Gardner. [1:00:50, 1:00:52]: We hired you as the city manager. [1:00:54, 1:01:02]: This appointment of a economic development director is not an appointment of counsel, is your choice for who you want for economic development director. [1:01:03, 1:01:05]: That's the way it's supposed to be. [1:01:07, 1:01:17]: That's the way it's supposed to be. We we are the council. If you're the head coach, build your team that you see fit to move this city forward. [1:01:18, 1:01:22]: I don't have to see go through every piece of paperwork you bring in to hire somebody. [1:01:22, 1:01:23]: I don't. [1:01:24, 1:01:27]: Because if we're paying you enough money to be here. [1:01:27, 1:01:34]: And bring in the people that you feel you need to run this city. I don't need to go through that paperwork. [1:01:35, 1:01:43]: If you say this the person I need to run this city and do a good job, I we have to trust that you're doing what you're supposed to do. [1:01:43, 1:01:45]: And getting the people you need to do it. [1:01:46, 1:02:01]: I don't have to see it. I'm not gonna waste my time going over something that you have the authority to do. You're the city manager. We're here we're here point of order. We are here to legislate and create policies. [1:02:02, 1:02:08]: We are here to do if we hire you to do something, then then that was that's what I want to see you to do. [1:02:08, 1:02:12]: I wanna see you do what we hire you to do. I don't need to see. [1:02:13, 1:02:18]: De p d the application. If you say that that's the person qualified to do it, I'm fine with it. [1:02:18, 1:02:22]: So when you ever you get together to do that, just let me know and I'll just go home. [1:02:23, 1:02:27]: All right. Mayor Ford. Stand by please. Pointing what's appointed or ma'am? [1:02:28, 1:02:33]: Are we discussing item number five final reading and adoption? [1:02:33, 1:02:46]: Yeah, we are t we are talking about doctor the question was brought up about this particular interview. I have a question as well. Okay. Okay. And uh stand by uh Mayor Potem, what's your question? Mayor uh Councilwoman Barber. [1:02:47, 1:02:53]: have several questions actually. Okay. Uh Mr Gardner and Mr Wiggins, have you all put together a schedule for [1:02:53, 1:02:57]: next year's um mid year budget reviews. [1:02:58, 1:02:59]: Do you have a schedule? [1:02:59, 1:03:03]: Already for those since we didn't have any of them this year. [1:03:06, 1:03:16]: Five. We don't have a schedule. I'm I'm not understanding what you mean by like a schedule. Like a time frame up for it. Since I've been here, um minus this year. [1:03:16, 1:03:19]: We've had a winter and fall retreat. [1:03:19, 1:03:21]: So in February [1:03:21, 1:03:23]: And I guess in [1:03:24, 1:03:25]: September, October. [1:03:26, 1:03:27]: We've had a fall retreat. [1:03:27, 1:03:29]: We did not have that this year. [1:03:30, 1:03:30]: Um [1:03:30, 1:03:37]: There's a whole lot of questions I have in regards to the budget. I'm not going to approve it because I have so many questions. [1:03:38, 1:03:38]: Um [1:03:39, 1:03:42]: We have not had an opportunity to do a [1:03:43, 1:03:48]: deep dive into these numbers. One of the questions that I do have is in reference to [1:03:51, 1:03:52]: The [1:03:53, 1:03:56]: Information you provided us with the ARPA funding balance. [1:03:59, 1:04:01]: I have the balance. My question is [1:04:02, 1:04:03]: That middle [1:04:04, 1:04:06]: [3846.3, 3847.8]: You say original budget. [1:04:08, 1:04:10]: Is that original budget twenty twenty two? [1:04:11, 1:04:13]: Because it's not titled, is that? [1:04:13, 1:04:15]: You just say original budget. [1:04:15, 1:04:16]: Then you say [1:04:16, 1:04:18]: New revised budget. [1:04:18, 1:04:19]: So is that [1:04:20, 1:04:22]: Twenty twenty three. [1:04:23, 1:04:23]: Well. [1:04:25, 1:04:29]: Are you talking about in the budget book? Are you you talking about the t the table that was given to you? [1:04:31, 1:04:33]: This table that was flagged in the book. [1:04:38, 1:04:43]: Is that ta that page have a you have a page number on it? That's not that's not in a uh that's not in the budget book. [1:04:44, 1:04:55]: Well, it was provided in my agenda. It was given to you as information that was requested by council. Yes. Okay, so I have a question in regards to this. So I wanna know here. [1:04:55, 1:04:56]: This middle table. [1:04:57, 1:04:58]: That you provided. [1:04:59, 1:05:01]: Here where it says original budget. [1:05:01, 1:05:03]: Is that twenty twenty two? [1:05:03, 1:05:04]: Okay. [1:05:04, 1:05:08]: And the new revised budget that's twenty twenty three. [1:05:09, 1:05:12]: The new revised. [1:05:13, 1:05:33]: Yes, it's not new uh 2023. It's um it's it's the grants manager. That was a working uh spreadsheet on working on the budget to get to the point where you can get the numbers up to 2023. That summary there should be showing uh what's left. [1:05:34, 1:05:42]: My question is you have them broken down by three different categories. And what I asked for was um [1:05:44, 1:05:50]: Out of all three well the two departments Public Works and the Police Department. [1:05:50, 1:05:55]: I wanted to know how much ARPA funding had been [1:05:55, 1:05:57]: Spent by the police department. [1:05:58, 1:06:02]: how much of ARPA funds have been spent by public works. [1:06:02, 1:06:03]: I see. [1:06:04, 1:06:07]: Human resources is added on this table as well. [1:06:09, 1:06:12]: And it just says Medicaid and incentive payment. [1:06:13, 1:06:15]: I don't know what that means. [1:06:16, 1:06:23]: Is this the am I the only one that got this? [1:06:23, 1:06:26]: Okay. So please explain that. [1:06:28, 1:06:30]: So Miss Ms Barkle. [1:06:31, 1:06:35]: And the reason why that is um [1:06:35, 1:06:37]: asking about it is because [1:06:38, 1:06:43]: Along with the other бюджет репортаж та чі проводить он пейдж твою. [1:06:44, 1:06:47]: of what is this, a detail versus budget report? [1:06:48, 1:06:49]: Page two. [1:06:50, 1:06:51]: The second account. [1:06:52, 1:06:54]: The employee retention program. [1:06:55, 1:06:58]: It shows two hundred and eighty thousand five hundred dollars. [1:06:59, 1:07:01]: I'm not able to match that. [1:07:02, 1:07:03]: Ending balance. [1:07:03, 1:07:05]: Well what you have on there? [1:07:05, 1:07:08]: And I know that ARPA funding was used for the [1:07:09, 1:07:12]: incentive pay or retention program. [1:07:13, 1:07:15]: So I just need to see where [1:07:15, 1:07:17]: How all of this is aligned. [1:07:18, 1:07:20]: Okay, so explain to me what that is then. [1:07:21, 1:07:24]: You need to say it to Mike. You need to say it to Mike, please. [1:07:28, 1:07:30]: Okay, what ch what you have here [1:07:30, 1:07:32]: Um this original budget. [1:07:32, 1:07:35]: This original budget is was is what [1:07:35, 1:07:41]: was done in the beginning when we when we when we uh received the ARPA funds. [1:07:41, 1:07:47]: Uh the revised budget is what has been the reconciliation that the grant manager has done. [1:07:48, 1:07:49]: to get to this point. [1:07:49, 1:07:52]: Both of them are are twenty twenty two. [1:07:52, 1:07:54]: So um [1:07:54, 1:07:55]: Right now. [1:07:56, 1:08:00]: It's showing that is how much the police department has spent. [1:08:00, 1:08:03]: You have my paper, so I can't follow along with you. [1:08:08, 1:08:09]: Mm-hmm. [1:08:10, 1:08:11]: Well not. [1:08:14, 1:08:15]: I don't know what okay. [1:08:16, 1:08:17]: Yeah. [1:08:18, 1:08:20]: Those are the original totals, right? Right. [1:08:21, 1:08:22]: Uh right. [1:08:23, 1:08:33]: Those we would spend it for the police I just wanna understand how much um of ARPA funding was used for incentive or recension [1:08:33, 1:08:35]: Retention. [1:08:35, 1:08:55]: Yeah. And employee retention. I don't think she had only thing that's not on here is the re is the retention, which is about two hundred eighty something. That's not on here. We uh the the incentive pay one of the previous charts. Yes, this is one of the previous chart before the the retention pay. Repetition retention pay was about two hundred, but [1:08:55, 1:09:04]: The retention pay would go down in this in the in the column where you see human resources, it would go in there, which will increase that budget. [1:09:05, 1:09:08]: Of eighty eight thousand. Okay, so I asked [1:09:08, 1:09:09]: How much? [1:09:10, 1:09:16]: Of ARPA funding was spent for employee retention. Two hundred eighty thousand. Okay. [1:09:18, 1:09:23]: So that is what is in this detail versus budget report. Yes. On page two. [1:09:23, 1:09:23]: Okay. [1:09:25, 1:09:26]: So [1:09:27, 1:09:30]: The balance of our ARPA funds as it stands right now. [1:09:31, 1:09:32]: Is it don't [1:09:33, 1:09:34]: Is it the one million? [1:09:35, 1:09:36]: Five hundred and forty [1:09:37, 1:09:37]: Okay. [1:09:38, 1:09:39]: Thank you. [1:09:39, 1:09:40]: I also see [1:09:41, 1:09:43]: This employee retention initiative. [1:09:44, 1:09:47]: Is that what the proposed budget is? [1:09:47, 1:09:48]: For next year. [1:09:48, 1:09:50]: No. It was a one time. [1:09:51, 1:09:52]: Okay, so was that [1:09:53, 1:09:54]: For this year [1:09:54, 1:10:07]: Yes. This says additional approved projects for three hundred thousand dollars. No. Is that in the for for forty twenty two budget? For twenty twenty three you're gonna have one point five million to spend. [1:10:07, 1:10:10]: One one point one six seven of that. [1:10:11, 1:10:13]: is restricted to [1:10:13, 1:10:24]: Uh sewer, water, storm water and bro. What is this? This three hundred thousand dollars. What is that? [1:10:25, 1:10:26]: Hmm. [1:10:26, 1:10:27]: That [1:10:30, 1:10:36]: That was the that was the initial budget for the retention, but that didn't happen. We only spent two hundred eighty thousand. [1:10:37, 1:10:38]: Okay. Thank you. [1:10:41, 1:10:47]: Mr. Gardner, have you all put together a schedule for a mid year [1:10:48, 1:10:49]: Budget reviews. [1:10:49, 1:10:51]: For twenty twenty three. [1:10:52, 1:10:55]: For council retreats or something. [1:10:57, 1:11:00]: All right. So [1:11:01, 1:11:12]: No, we I have not actually put together for our for next year's retreat. But I will I will I'm actually looking at trying to get everything scheduled. [1:11:12, 1:11:18]: So the goal is to have that first retreat that we typically have I think we did it in [1:11:19, 1:11:25]: March. So the goal is to try to have it earlier in February. Because what I told you Mayor Pornobar. [1:11:26, 1:11:27]: Porn water. [1:11:28, 1:11:36]: We're dealing with the twenty FY twenty twenty three. Okay. My question to Mr. Gardner. [1:11:36, 1:11:47]: Mayor, you know this point you have to hear the point of order. Uh stand by I heard the point of order, okay? I heard your point of order. We'll continue on with her questioning so Mrs. Garter can finish that. Go ahead with your questioning, please. [1:11:47, 1:12:02]: So yes ma'am. So the goal is to try to do it earlier than we did it in March. Because remember I came on in January. So the goal is to try to get it done in February. So I'm trying to f get the facilitator and then get the location so we can we can do our uh [1:12:03, 1:12:23]: First retreat and hopefully by then we'll have our strategic plan so that'll be a good guide for us to go by. We can pull all of those F all those FY23 projects out and y'all guys can go over them. And then the FY twenty four we need to shuffle any of those things around. That's gonna give us a working document to go by and then y'all can gauge. [1:12:22, 1:12:42]: our success or failure based on how we accomplish those throughout the year. And then the goal obviously understanding what what you know from having a conversation with Councilmember Thomas, I think we'll do something in this in the summer. This typically the city clerk is usually able to get a a good deal on the second meeting. So we'll definitely schedule that [1:12:42, 1:12:48]: And let you guys know when that's gonna be scheduled. Somewhere we typically do it in August. [1:12:49, 1:12:55]: in August of of twenty twenty three. So February of twenty twenty three, first retreat, second retreat. [1:12:55, 1:12:56]: August of twenty twenty three. [1:12:57, 1:12:58]: Thank you, sir. You micro. [1:12:58, 1:12:59]: You're good. [1:13:00, 1:13:02]: Okay, looks like okay, Mayor Potem, go ahead, please. [1:13:03, 1:13:08]: Mr. God, let me respond to to that conversation here. [1:13:08, 1:13:10]: In your pledge. [1:13:10, 1:13:11]: What did I see? [1:13:12, 1:13:13]: Yes, sir. [1:13:21, 1:13:22]: Ooh, out. [1:13:24, 1:13:26]: You say we are that [1:13:27, 1:13:29]: And the city manager. [1:13:32, 1:13:34]: Yeah, provide to the city council. [1:13:37, 1:13:45]: These quarterly these reports, financial reports, no late no less than quarterly. [1:13:50, 1:13:51]: Just want to read it again. [1:13:51, 1:13:52]: Just for that conversation. [1:13:53, 1:13:54]: Also. [1:13:54, 1:13:56]: The charter. [1:13:57, 1:13:58]: The charm. [1:13:59, 1:14:01]: Under [1:14:07, 1:14:12]: Article four, administrative affairs. [1:14:12, 1:14:16]: Section four point one zero. [1:14:18, 1:14:30]: E it says all directors under the supervision of the city manager shall be nominated. [1:14:30, 1:14:32]: And confirmed. [1:14:33, 1:14:39]: by the city council. That's what the charts. Right. That's that's and that's that and that's what I was following, sir. [1:14:40, 1:14:42]: Traditionally [1:14:43, 1:14:51]: And I've been through nine or ten budgets during my tenure as an elected official here. Historically, traditionally, [1:14:52, 1:14:54]: We have always [1:14:54, 1:15:01]: had those resumes of those department heads that have came forward in time. [1:15:02, 1:15:06]: for council members to read study bet cet et cetera. [1:15:06, 1:15:10]: The last two economic development directors. [1:15:11, 1:15:13]: disturbably, traditionally. [1:15:13, 1:15:16]: We have the opportunity to vet them. [1:15:17, 1:15:20]: We had their resumes in advance. [1:15:20, 1:15:22]: For your confirmation. [1:15:23, 1:15:24]: We have your resume. [1:15:25, 1:15:27]: Well in advance, we [1:15:27, 1:15:30]: to study to read to vet [1:15:32, 1:15:34]: There's nothing no different from that. [1:15:34, 1:15:36]: That's what I'm saying to you. [1:15:37, 1:15:49]: That's not good enough for me, for you to want to give me a resume in a few minutes and then want me to make a decision at the very same time. I'm talking about what the charter said and I'm talking about historically and traditionally. [1:15:50, 1:16:09]: Understood. And and and and Mr. Thomas, I I I I I at the outset, once you said that, I said that I will give you those resumes and we're gonna take a vote on that. You agreed. So you speak to the charter, and the charter does say that the city manager nominates and the council confirms. [1:16:10, 1:16:19]: However, that charter does not specify anything other than traditions or what we used to do or how we used to do it is not specified in the charter. It doesn't. And [1:16:20, 1:16:20]: But [1:16:21, 1:16:25]: I I will give you an example, right? And this is where I say I'm wrong and I will correct. [1:16:26, 1:16:26]: Right. [1:16:27, 1:16:30]: And my prior job it is specific. [1:16:30, 1:16:50]: Where it says that the council shall have resumes of any nominated department heads ten days in advance of them being brought to council. That's written in the charter. That's not written in this charter. But it's just writ it's just pr the word of the charter is the word of the charter, Mr. Mr. Thomas. But I understand tradition. I will I would hear [1:16:50, 1:17:07]: But Mr. Gardner. But Mr. Gardner. And as I as I mentioned before, I was given information that obviously contradicts what you said earlier. And I said I agree and I will make the change. But m but Mr. Garner, and we have said this all the time, and then this council knows this. [1:17:08, 1:17:10]: And good conscience, how can you? [1:17:11, 1:17:12]: Present a document. [1:17:14, 1:17:15]: And expect a decision. [1:17:16, 1:17:22]: in in that in a f in a in just a in a few minutes. And and reading I'm sorta harping on this [1:17:23, 1:17:24]: As I stated earlier. [1:17:25, 1:17:31]: We have gone through two economic development directors within just a few years. [1:17:32, 1:17:34]: At some point in time [1:17:35, 1:17:36]: We have to get it right. [1:17:38, 1:17:58]: And we have and we we have a responsibility as elected officials to do our due diligence, just like you have a responsibility as the city manager. We all have our responsibility. I'm not gonna shuck mine. I'm not gonna take anything away from you. I say you do your job and let us do our job. [1:17:58, 1:18:05]: And that's what it's all about. Everybody doing their job. Everybody doing their due diligence. [1:18:06, 1:18:11]: And it's no disrespect to anyone. Everybody's just doing their due diligence. [1:18:11, 1:18:14]: We have to get this right. It's too important. [1:18:15, 1:18:20]: These directors had to come in and they have to be accountable to do a job. [1:18:22, 1:18:28]: And it's up to us as the elected body to confirm that. I don't take that lightly. [1:18:30, 1:18:36]: I yield back, Mail. Thank you. No problem. Good deal. We'll move we'll we'll move we'll we listen to you and move on. I need to I need to say something. [1:18:37, 1:18:48]: Well let I take hold on. M Mr Gardner, one of the things I've asked is that we take this antiquated charter. [1:18:50, 1:18:55]: And that we start to go down this charter and do what fits a twentieth century city. [1:18:56, 1:19:03]: We cannot continue to operate with his antiquated charter, and when it comes to the economic development directive, we've had two. [1:19:04, 1:19:07]: We've had two. This council has told a city manager. [1:19:08, 1:19:13]: We need a economic develop development director in thirty days and he gave this council what they wanted. [1:19:14, 1:19:17]: And that person probably if he lasts a year. [1:19:18, 1:19:21]: The second economic develop development director, he's gone in a year. [1:19:22, 1:19:24]: We've got to start allowing. [1:19:24, 1:19:28]: The city manager to pick the people they want. [1:19:28, 1:19:39]: And we need to fix this charter so the city can move forward, have employees that are know what they're doing, moving the city forward, vetted by our city manager. [1:19:40, 1:19:48]: I'm not a student in economic development. I know what I want, but you know how to make it happen. This is why we should look to you to to vet those positions. [1:19:49, 1:19:51]: That you've gone to school to do. [1:19:51, 1:19:55]: And that you're in that position to do. We have to stop [1:19:55, 1:20:00]: We have to look at the totality of everything and make it work for everybody. [1:20:01, 1:20:16]: When we come to this council meeting, we ask a thousand questions that we could ask behind closed doors. Citizens aren't here to hear us bicker. They're not here to ha hear questions answered that could have been asked behind closed doors. They're here to see things move and things are done. [1:20:16, 1:20:23]: And until this council get that, then we're gonna see two or three people sitting in this council, man, because nobody wants to sit here all night. [1:20:24, 1:20:36]: Listen to council members ask questions that could have been asked behind closed doors. So I thank you for the job you're doing, Mr. Garden. I hope that when you bring us a candidate, it's a candidate of your choice, and not by anything this council saying you need to do. [1:20:37, 1:20:40]: Mayor Ford Please Mayor Ford, please. [1:20:41, 1:20:43]: Let me just say this. [1:20:43, 1:20:49]: We did not know this was coming forward until he just told us. We didn't know. That's number one. [1:20:51, 1:20:52]: Number two. [1:20:53, 1:20:56]: All of the city managers, the previous [1:20:56, 1:20:57]: City Manager. [1:20:58, 1:20:59]: These were his [1:21:00, 1:21:01]: Nominees. [1:21:03, 1:21:11]: He nominated the last two, the city manager that was in position at that point in time. These were his candidates. [1:21:13, 1:21:15]: Not the city council candidates. [1:21:15, 1:21:23]: These were his candidates. If this council tells a city manager, I need a economic development director here in 30 days, it may take you 60 days. [1:21:23, 1:21:43]: Why would we put that on any city manager? I do. Why would this council take over? Mayor, either we're gonna stop the conversation or you're gonna uh or we're gonna stop it on this piece right now, cause we're gonna we're going way down. We we need to move on. We we need to move on to other legitimate type of concerns about the budget so we can get to open up the public hearing and get to a vote, whether they're gonna accept the budget or night or not. [1:21:43, 1:21:58]: not. All right. So um this once again this is the budget review. Are if uh and any other questions outside of this the personnel action that we just talked about. We need if there are any other questions about the budget, we need to be able to discuss those. Anyone? [1:21:59, 1:22:03]: I was hoping um that there would be actual [1:22:05, 1:22:09]: presentation of the additional information that they were to bring to us. [1:22:10, 1:22:19]: Well w uh well my thought I mean unless they guess something else. I mean they've we've already had two presentations, you've had the budget. With the additional information that was requested at the last minute. [1:22:20, 1:22:22]: I wanted to see the actuals from the amphitheater. [1:22:23, 1:22:25]: I wanted to see what the breakdown was. [1:22:26, 1:22:28]: Um of the ARPA funding. [1:22:28, 1:22:32]: I expected that staff was gonna do a presentation on the additional information. [1:22:32, 1:22:34]: Yes, I've reviewed it. [1:22:34, 1:22:35]: But [1:22:35, 1:22:39]: just for full transparency to the public, I thought that they would. [1:22:39, 1:22:40]: But that's fine. [1:22:42, 1:22:42]: It's fine. [1:22:45, 1:22:56]: Is there something that you have, Mr Gardner, in reference to that at all? Yeah, I think as we as we got the questions we we made the changes um as necessary. Um [1:22:58, 1:23:18]: Uh I I didn't want belated bel I'm messing up my terminologies tonight, I'm sorry. Beleaguer the the issue of going through the presentation I think we've gone through. Um, you know, the only one variable that I would say as we mentioned to to you guys before is, you know, the budget is predicated on its revenues and [1:23:18, 1:23:38]: And obviously the chief revenue source for us is still gonna be undetermined because of course we brought in sixty-six to seven thousand, sixty hundred to seven thousand new residents, and we've got to go back to the county and ask for more money. And so we don't know what that gonna look like until we obviously negotiate with. [1:23:38, 1:23:44]: dam but we do have the fiduciary responsibility to go ahead and obviously and and adopt our budget [1:23:45, 1:24:05]: with the understanding that that revenue source um may potentially change when we come out of negotiation, whether it be negotiated to a percentage or do we have to go the the other route, which I hope we don't, which is legal. We do we don't we don't go that route. That we can come to an agreement [1:24:05, 1:24:05]: Hey. [1:24:06, 1:24:26]: You know, those seven thousand residents represented X amount of the population from the county into the city and hence represent X amount of money to the city and the county agrees and we sign off on that new agreement and walk away. Um that's the hope. But as you guys know, you know, that process could be a little bit longer than that. But [1:24:26, 1:24:39]: I think the law does require us that we have a negotiated settlement within sixty days of January one. Once we send notification, I think our legal team is already in conjunction with working with GMA. [1:24:39, 1:24:55]: have already put together that correspondence to send immediately january one to the county, notifying them of the provisions under the law that says we had an annexation during the lost during the lost portion that was approved. That [1:24:56, 1:25:10]: That increase in our population represented more than sixteen percent and under the law, we can't take that money from the adjacent cities. We have to come to the county because that's where that cop population came from. And the county have to understand it. [1:25:10, 1:25:12]: That population represented some [1:25:12, 1:25:29]: some revenue as it relates to loss and what that is. So hopefully when we get to that point, obviously this process will start January one when we send a letter and then we'll have to be sitting down with the county staff to go over and county as chief chief elected official Miss Um Calada. [1:25:29, 1:25:32]: to determine, hey, what that percentage would be. [1:25:32, 1:25:38]: You're also gonna be um requesting rollback of police services. [1:25:39, 1:25:41]: As well for those NX. [1:25:42, 1:25:56]: Residents too, right? Uh my understanding of it and I've been I and I've I've only had one conversation with one council member, so I can't speak for the council as a whole, but that's a council decision whether or not they want to roll back the one the one point oh n [1:25:57, 1:25:59]: The one point nine oh four [1:26:00, 1:26:14]: Millage rate that was being paid for police services by city residents. Okay, so I want to make sure that I'm clear what I'm saying. I want to make sure that I'm clear in what I'm saying. I'm talking about two different groups of residents. [1:26:14, 1:26:16]: The current residence of Stockbridge is [1:26:17, 1:26:20]: We already know, we've already gone to the county, they've agreed that [1:26:21, 1:26:30]: They owe us. Yes. You already determined what that amount is. So yes. Okay, we are not talking about that. Yeah, we have to talk about it. I'm talking about the second group. [1:26:31, 1:26:33]: The newly annexed residence. [1:26:33, 1:26:36]: Who will be residents of the city January first. [1:26:37, 1:26:40]: Will we be going to the county and asking for? [1:26:40, 1:26:49]: A reimbursement for public safety for those new NX residents from January 2023. [1:26:50, 1:27:09]: To is it June? Yes, ma'am. Yes, okay. That is what I'm talking about. Yes, ma'am. So at the same time that you are going to the county to negotiate the loss percentage for those newly annexed residents, you're also gonna be asking about public safety and the reimbursement or [1:27:10, 1:27:17]: Yes. Refund for those same group of residents. And that was discussed um Correct. Yes, ma'am. And that was discussed at the meeting. [1:27:18, 1:27:38]: Um Chair Horrell recognized that and and told us that hey, um in twenty at the beginning of twenty twenty three y'all could go ahead and request that those additional funds from us. Um and that's exactly what we're going to do. Uh good deal. Now I'm assuming that that six day period actually probably bumps right up against one March, I would imagine. Somewhere around it, yes. Right. Okay. [1:27:38, 1:27:50]: Good deal. Now, um, let's let's do this. Let's go through uh uh public hearing, somebody open it up and uh go through this process. So open it up for positive comments in reference to the budget on the far left hand side, my left hand side over here. [1:27:51, 1:27:52]: In the middle. [1:27:52, 1:27:59]: Any comments positive over here on the right side. See none. Any negative comments that want uh the public here on my far left side. [1:28:00, 1:28:01]: David Commiss, in the middle. [1:28:02, 1:28:02]: Far right. [1:28:03, 1:28:12]: All right, so there are no comments uh for or against for this budget this time. Unless there's any further disc if there's not any further discussion, I need a motion to accept this particular I'm sorry. [1:28:12, 1:28:22]: No, I need to make a discussion. Yeah, we don't have a quorum. I I didn't realize it disappeared. Well we don't have a quorum, um, so I'm not making any decision, but I do have a comment. Go ahead, sir. [1:28:22, 1:28:26]: uh to make uh while we wait on the quarrel [1:28:31, 1:28:38]: It held to go in there anyway. I'm all right. No, it's that's fine. Um [1:28:41, 1:29:00]: The the the interesting thing about this whole budget right now is is the thing that I've talked to this council about from day one. When we had you, Mr. Wiggins, and talked to you, we talked to the previous city manager that was here, and we talked to our financial advisor. [1:29:02, 1:29:05]: Prior to the decisions that this council has made. [1:29:07, 1:29:14]: We was told and I had you, Mr. Wiggins, along with the financial advisor and m uh the last city manager. [1:29:14, 1:29:16]: To do a um [1:29:16, 1:29:18]: Financial uh assessment. [1:29:19, 1:29:22]: You did it from twenty nineteen through twenty twenty four. [1:29:23, 1:29:31]: And what has been told to us by our financial advisor along with our city manager, and I think you concurred with it. [1:29:31, 1:29:33]: Is that the road that we was going down? [1:29:34, 1:29:38]: had to it was a road that would have to implement a tax to pay for it. [1:29:40, 1:29:44]: This is something so when we s schematically go into something. [1:29:45, 1:29:48]: then we needed to go a about it in the best way we could. [1:29:49, 1:29:51]: To serve, in my opinion, the citizens the best way we could. [1:29:54, 1:29:55]: When I sit on this council [1:29:57, 1:29:57]: At a meeting. [1:29:59, 1:30:00]: Almost two years ago. [1:30:01, 1:30:03]: And the first time I hear that we're starting a police department. [1:30:04, 1:30:05]: Was that a council meeting? [1:30:06, 1:30:10]: Then we went down a road that once the ball get rolling. [1:30:10, 1:30:12]: Which it has, we have a police department. [1:30:13, 1:30:15]: Now we're talking about rollback. [1:30:15, 1:30:25]: Now we're talking about what's gonna how we're gonna pay this budget. Now we're talking about who we're gonna do. We're talking because we put the cart before the horse. There was no plan in place. [1:30:27, 1:30:36]: No plan in place. And one of the things that I that I will always do, I don't sit here to get re-elected. I get I sit here to tell the truth and be transparent. [1:30:36, 1:30:38]: And this is why I've always told citizens. [1:30:39, 1:30:42]: We don't have a pain plan in place to pay for all this. [1:30:44, 1:30:44]: We don't. [1:30:47, 1:30:49]: And it's interesting right now. [1:30:50, 1:30:54]: That right now we gotta wait to have a quorum on the day of our last budget. [1:30:56, 1:31:01]: I think that's real interesting that we sit here and right now we can't do anything till we have a sitting quarrel. [1:31:02, 1:31:03]: On the day of our last budget. [1:31:05, 1:31:06]: Because I'ma tell you. [1:31:06, 1:31:07]: In seven years. [1:31:08, 1:31:11]: I've never had to use our savings to balance a budget. [1:31:13, 1:31:15]: And I think that we have to. [1:31:16, 1:31:18]: Be open and honest with the citizens. [1:31:19, 1:31:26]: I don't sit here and play games with the citizens because I'm a citizen first and I would like to say that. [1:31:27, 1:31:28]: So when I sit here [1:31:29, 1:31:35]: And I'm concerned about whether I'm on this council or not, what's gonna happen to the future of this city. That's where I'm at. [1:31:37, 1:31:42]: This is why I asked for that analysis and it showed by twenty twenty four. [1:31:42, 1:31:43]: Our budget gonna almost double. [1:31:44, 1:31:45]: Almost double. [1:31:48, 1:31:49]: But we're not [1:31:49, 1:31:52]: When but but where's the plan? [1:31:54, 1:31:55]: Where's the plan? [1:31:57, 1:32:02]: And I'm only saying this because I got a budget in front of me right now that needs to be approved. [1:32:06, 1:32:07]: But I did not. [1:32:09, 1:32:15]: When we put all these things in place that was gonna cause the city money, where's the where's where the people? Where where the elected body? [1:32:19, 1:32:27]: All right, uh we now have a quorum back sitting. So I've already opened and clot opened and then closed the public hearing. No comments for or against the budget this time. [1:32:27, 1:32:37]: I need a motion uh to approve the uh budget as presented. Um is there a motion to approve this uh budget as accepted this evening? [1:32:39, 1:32:40]: Is there a motion? [1:32:43, 1:32:44]: Is there a motion? [1:32:45, 1:32:54]: All right. No motion so no approval, which makes me think right off the top of my head, that means council work session, which is scheduled for the twentieth of December. [1:32:55, 1:33:15]: Would have at least two items on it. This budget approval for 2023 and also the actual uh pay increase uh as proposed earlier for the mayor council uh to be effective at uh twenty January first of January of twenty twenty four, provided it is passed at that time. So we have a couple items on the on the work session set for. [1:33:14, 1:33:17]: [5597.5, 5598.3]: We'll move on. [1:33:19, 1:33:26]: Council consideration approved twenty twenty two utility billing write-offs, presented by Mr. Wiggins, please. [1:33:36, 1:33:43]: Mayor and Council come before you to uh have you approve the twenty twenty-one utility building write-offs. [1:33:43, 1:33:52]: Uh the twenty twenty-one utility building write-offs in the amount of forty-five thousand six hundred and forty-nine thousand eighty-three cents. [1:33:52, 1:33:55]: It's an increase from last year of about thirty one thousand. [1:33:56, 1:33:58]: Five hundred thirty eight dollars. [1:33:59, 1:34:04]: Last year council approved the write-off in the amount of fourteen thousand one hundred and one. [1:34:05, 1:34:06]: Thousand dollars and seventy eight cents. [1:34:10, 1:34:12]: Well I'll tell you what. I tell you what, John. Um [1:34:13, 1:34:22]: It's increase. I mean, I just gotta ask the question. What why did it increase? I mean people just aren't paying the bills. Is that what's what happened here? What was That's exactly uh what happened? Um [1:34:24, 1:34:44]: Um we didn't do any cutoffs. Because of the pandemic? Because of the pandemic. March 2020. And then we we picked up the uh cutoffs again back in July 2021. By that time, everybody that was on that list had already vacated. So as of now [1:34:44, 1:34:51]: when we started to cut off, uh all those services have been have been um shut off. [1:34:52, 1:35:06]: But at the same time, we had to send all those services, all those uh addresses and to collections. So that is the reason why it [1:35:06, 1:35:19]: increase and kind of stayed at the level because we weren't able to do any cutoffs. And usually when you do cutoffs that would that would get your um that that would stop the bleeding or it will um [1:35:20, 1:35:22]: [5723.3, 5743.3]: Okay, so make sure I understand the document in front of us says year twenty twenty-one. Right. Right. So you always report a year, you always report the year like this year's twenty twenty one twenty twenty-two, but we always gonna report the uh the last year. The previous year. The previous year. Okay. Rear and in rear. Okay, in rears. All right. All right, council. [1:35:43, 1:35:44]: Any questions for Mr. Wiggins? [1:35:46, 1:35:55]: Were you able to be successful in any of your collection efforts to collect on what percentage? [1:35:56, 1:36:05]: Any no. Everybody it was about fifty-three uh uh that it was about fifty-three um [1:36:06, 1:36:11]: Residence or commercial um that was um [1:36:11, 1:36:16]: on the list and we weren't able to collect any of them. So now uh [1:36:17, 1:36:18]: Digital Sydney Collection. [1:36:20, 1:36:32]: Because nobody's at that address anymore. Most of the ones that was at the address out of that fifty three or at least forty was renters. Number eight, right? And they left. Okay. Thank you. [1:36:36, 1:36:56]: Okay, any other questions? Oh no other questions? Okay. So I'm yes, sir. Go ahead. Mr. Wiggins, th this right here it comes, this is almost every year it comes to a point to this right here. And so this is nothing new. Um so um I've you all have done your due diligence on it. I'd like to motion to uh to approve the uh utility bill. [1:36:56, 1:36:58]: [5819.5, 5824.4]: Ms. Oh, Ms. Barber, second that. Okay, any further discussion? If not, all in favor, please indicate. [1:37:05, 1:37:08]: She now she says and thank you. Appreciate the council. Okay. [1:37:10, 1:37:26]: Council consideration approved water deposit change slash increase presented by Mr. Wiggins. Please now this is this is um for twenty twenty-three water deposit change. Uh the current water deposit require [1:37:26, 1:37:28]: To have services connected. [1:37:28, 1:37:30]: It's a hundred and fifty dollars. [1:37:31, 1:37:34]: For renters only in the seat of Stockbridge. [1:37:35, 1:37:39]: We utility building and fine and finance we're requesting [1:37:39, 1:37:41]: That we increase the water deposit [1:37:41, 1:37:42]: To two hundred. [1:37:43, 1:38:01]: That 200 increasingly by$50 would put us in line with all the sister cities in Henry County that uh their water prize is two hundred. So we're falling in line also with Henry County as our um water prize being two hundred. At the same time. [1:38:03, 1:38:03]: Um [1:38:04, 1:38:09]: We're looking because this is in the ordinance, it only says for renters only. [1:38:10, 1:38:14]: Um just like all the other sister cities in in Hemory County. [1:38:15, 1:38:15]: Uh [1:38:16, 1:38:21]: We're requesting that we also change the language to charge homeowners. [1:38:22, 1:38:23]: water deposit fee. [1:38:24, 1:38:28]: As well as uh property management company and [1:38:28, 1:38:30]: uh investment companies. [1:38:31, 1:38:32]: Дис асо [1:38:33, 1:38:35]: We help out with um [1:38:37, 1:38:39]: Going back to the previous uh um [1:38:40, 1:38:44]: uh agenda. This that would also help with that too, because [1:38:46, 1:38:49]: With the renters we applied the one hundred fifty. [1:38:50, 1:38:50]: But [1:38:51, 1:39:00]: With this right here, we can also it'd be able we'd be able to apply this to the homeowners to I mean to the investment company or the uh property owner. [1:39:00, 1:39:02]: The two hundred, if they open up [1:39:03, 1:39:07]: If we have them down is open up the uh award uh the account. [1:39:07, 1:39:27]: So otherwise your your your what you're asking for is is the increase is going to be uh up to two hundred dollars for everybody across the board. Period. Everybody across the board. No matter That's what you're asking. Not just renters, but everybody. And and and if that say that's approved, then do we have to change uh do you say we have to change the ordinance in the process? We can I can uh we can we have the [1:39:27, 1:39:38]: city um city attorney um here forward uh one second please let me just change the language okay change okay um i believe stand by miss barber mr blanc go ahead please [1:39:39, 1:39:40]: Thank you, Mayor. Um [1:39:41, 1:39:46]: I don't have a problem with everybody paying a deposit instead of singing out a certain group. [1:39:47, 1:39:53]: But if we change from one fifty to two hundred,'cause it's been a deposit, so at some point in time this could be refunded back. [1:39:53, 1:39:54]: Is that correct? [1:39:55, 1:40:00]: Uh and since changing from one fifty to two hundred dollars. [1:40:01, 1:40:05]: Because we're gonna be doing we we do billing write offs every year. [1:40:06, 1:40:10]: You think that's gonna show a decrease in building right offs or increase? It's it's [1:40:11, 1:40:17]: It's gonna show a d a a a a decrease. How is it? Uh well we'll be able to probably uh [1:40:18, 1:40:32]: get more money with the with the with the extra fifty dollars on some of the other uh uh not just the renters but the homeowners too as well as investment company. See we only able to uh take the the take the deposit from the renters. [1:40:32, 1:40:39]: It it don't it's only gonna show the cost to the write-offs, not the write-off itself. Because if if you're writing me off. [1:40:40, 1:40:45]: And I paid two hundred dollars, then I'll be that goes into the kitty for [1:40:45, 1:40:49]: The totality of the bill, the total bill. [1:40:49, 1:40:51]: To to your beal. [1:40:51, 1:41:03]: But the reasoning for deposits is not to put a pot for everybody else. It's for you to have in there for y if you leave. You see what I'm saying? I'm just trying to figure out increasing fifty dollars. [1:41:04, 1:41:05]: I I just don't see [1:41:06, 1:41:12]: And I understand that other people and it's that that may be an another antiquated piece to the charter that I've been talking about. [1:41:13, 1:41:15]: But doing that I just don't see how [1:41:15, 1:41:25]: Oh well and this this and then and then I think this is a a good time for the change because the one fifty has been on y you've been charging one fifty at least ten years. [1:41:25, 1:41:26]: So [1:41:26, 1:41:27]: Uh [1:41:29, 1:41:49]: Just trying to as we did the study with the rest of the sister cities are in Henry County, everybody has moved to to has moved to their uh fifty dollar increase at least uh two or three years ago. And we're the only one that's that's lagging behind. And I feel now that that will help us out in in in [1:41:49, 1:41:50]: Uh [1:41:50, 1:41:52]: Uh, keeping some of the cost down. [1:41:52, 1:41:55]: S when when people decide that I'm not gonna pay. [1:41:56, 1:42:00]: anymore. We'd be able to charge, we'd be able to apply that to to their account. [1:42:01, 1:42:09]: And I get what you're saying. But but for me it's a it's a timing thing for me. You y you see what I'm saying? Because [1:42:10, 1:42:12]: We've got everything increasing. [1:42:12, 1:42:17]: on the budget. And I understand that you said this increase will help [1:42:17, 1:42:22]: in the long run because we're writing doing write offs and all of this thing when it comes to the building. [1:42:24, 1:42:25]: Right. [1:42:27, 1:42:34]: I I want us to ch go it go ahead and do what we gotta do to this antiquated charter and then when we make changes it's in line with the charter. [1:42:35, 1:42:55]: Not with do not that we're doing something that comes against the charter. Let's let's change the charter. And that's that's all I've been asking since I've been on this council. Well this will be part of one of the changes to that charter. To the uh if if you change the language saying instead of renters include everybody and then just I'm I'm I'm for every I'm I'm I'm act I'm for [1:42:54, 1:43:07]: for everybody paying a deposit for water. I I'm for that. Mhm. I just don't see how fifty fifty dollar increase gonna change anything. I just don't but I'm not the expert in that area, so [1:43:07, 1:43:27]: If you think it will then because we don't we don't make it too expensive. You can't shoot it up to three hundred some three fifty. You wanna keep it right in line with everybody else or what they're doing. I think Mr. Aaron wanna I guess home in on that. What's coming up next. We're we're still we're still discussing it. [1:43:27, 1:43:30]: Yeah. [1:43:30, 1:43:40]: One of the things, like I say, we'll be talking about this coming up at the next agenda item, but the average water bill and stock bridge is about sixty-one dollars and twenty cents a month. [1:43:40, 1:44:00]: Mm. So you raise it a two hundred dollars. So that means that's three water bills that you collect if that person defaults.'Cause most of the time the person that skips out, they're already two months behind when they cut they're cut off and they skip out. So then you you left with the two hundred dollars to try to recoup what that person owes, but [1:44:00, 1:44:04]: But if you raise it to two hundred dollars, then that's three [1:44:04, 1:44:24]: Three months and a little change of of what their water bill. Are we allowing are we allowing people to go three months behind? No, I say if they when we had the pandemic and during the current thing, most time when people are cut off, they're like two months behind. So so if you're cut off at two months behind, that means we're still in a we we we still got'em because th they [1:44:24, 1:44:33]: you know, that's if you say average water be a s let's just say sixty five dollars. That's a hundred and thirty dollars. So we still at uh we still twenty dollars on them. [1:44:34, 1:44:39]: But I mean the the the deposit of one fifty covers two month bill, what I'm saying. [1:44:40, 1:44:47]: Uh uh you know, because if we're not if we if we're looking at cutting people off at two months behind, hundred and fifty dollars will cover the average bill. [1:44:48, 1:44:49]: And then some [1:44:50, 1:44:57]: But uh d then you gotta look at the ancillary costs as well, you know, preparing the notices, sending people out. It's it's more than just [1:44:58, 1:45:12]: you know, you cut their bill off after two months and they leave, but there's other costs associated with that as well, administrative costs. And we're just trying to ensure that by having a substantial deposit, you would hope people would [1:45:12, 1:45:30]: be more proactive in paying their bills, but if they skip out against the city recourse, so you don't have that forty one thousand dollars you right now, y you might reduce it by ten percent. But you're trying to cause the cities are not like George Power and the previous municipality I worked at that [1:45:30, 1:45:38]: If a renter skipped out, then the homeowners was responsible for paying that bill and you didn't re-establish service at that address to that. [1:45:38, 1:45:52]: back balance was a paid, that's how George Power does. If you had someone had a service there, you owned it, there was a renter, then they're gonna go out to the owner to pay that. But we're just trying to ensure that this number doesn't keep escalating that people are not paying bills. [1:45:52, 1:45:59]: Yeah, you know, but I'm just saying because whatever we charge for deposit. [1:46:00, 1:46:09]: That goes everywhere though. That goes to an extra increase for people trying to put a deposit down for apartments. Uh it it it just goes everywhere. So I mean if but if [1:46:10, 1:46:30]: And most of most of the most of the most of the individuals are on payment plans also that that accumulates on to maybe being two months behind two. So then once you once you apply to 200, most of the time if you apply to 200, you'll be close to where mo a lot of these the rent like we're looking [1:46:30, 1:46:50]: That the rentals, a lot of whether the rentals are are are at around 200. So and this covers too, like so if someone has a water leak, because there are several people, you know, you get a water bill of$2,000, they adjust it, they make adjustments, then that individual gets on a payment plan because you don't want them to incur a hardship. They might be paying ten dollars a month or$20 a month. [1:46:50, 1:47:10]: A month towards that bill. And if they decide to skip out, they owe$1,000. But they had a payment plan. They were making those payments, but they left. And so now you're sitting there with that$10,000 bill. So either you're going to eat$800 of it or you're going to eat$8,000. [1:47:10, 1:47:27]: fifty or nine hundred. So you do have those situations. For me, because you all the professionist, you tell you said talking like you know what you're talking about. Okay. I'm fine. Mayor Pro Tem go ahead please. Mayor for I I move to approve. Second. Okay. Mr. Plump second down. Okay. All further please indicate. [1:47:28, 1:47:34]: That's what I was raising my hand for from the very beginning to make the motion. So we can move along. [1:47:34, 1:47:48]: Thank you. I appreciate your your acceptance of that. All right, thank you, gentlemen. All right. Press 30. Water and sewer rate increase ordinance. Council consideration approved the ordinance presented by Mr. Aaron, please. [1:47:49, 1:48:08]: Yes, Mr. Mayor. Over the past several years we've been taking a look at our what our water and sewer rate structure is. And we reviewed the past audits. And one of the things we have a loan with GIFA that requires us to maintain a certain debt service coverage ratio. And we've noticed over the couple of years we've [1:48:09, 1:48:29]: not met that requirement. And one of the things in our loan with GIFA, it allows them, if the city doesn't subset their rates sufficiently, GIFA can go in and raise the rates to meet that debt service coverage ratio to ensure that we're healthy enough to pay back this debt that we owe. So we had Carter [1:48:29, 1:48:49]: And Sloop, one of our consultant engineers, prepare a rate study, a rate analysis for the next five years so that they show us how we ensure that we meet our GIFA loan requirement, which is a debt service ratio, I think 1.1. So I'll let Mr. Pedon, this is Chad Peaton with the stock and with uh Carter and Sloop consultant. [1:48:49, 1:48:50]: Mm-hmm. [1:48:50, 1:49:10]: So you shouldn't have this city. Can I ask your question? Before you leave, but but every time that the county raised the percentage of tax uh uh rate percentage up, the city did it as well. So that that kept us still out of comp compliance on what this needed to be? Yes, because if the c if the county raises theirs three percent, the city normally does the car. [1:49:10, 1:49:22]: corresponding three percent, but there's other increased costs like chemical treatments for your water. There's power costs like recently I read George Power is proposing a 14% increase. So [1:49:22, 1:49:42]: We're using electricity to pump water out of the ground and send water to our customers. So is that you can't buy it and sell it for the same cost and not incur a loss. Yeah, but what would this do in comparison to what we're already doing? So I'll let Mr. Pedon speak to that. That's what is required. [1:49:42, 1:49:54]: Four speaks to Thank you, Mr. I'm sorry, what's your name, sir? I'm sorry. Uh Chad Peedon, sir. Chad Peterson? Pedon, P E D E N, yes sir. Pedon, okay, Chad. Okay, good go ahead please. [1:49:54, 1:50:14]: Yeah, good afternoon, Council Mayor. Uh thank you for the opportunity to work on this. Uh as Mr. Aaron mentioned, we looked at the rates over the the uh past four years and what we found was that the cost recovery ratio was actually trending towards below one. And so what that means is that your expenses are exceeding your revenues. [1:50:14, 1:50:34]: And uh at that point, you would not have a sustainable enterprise. And so running a utility, you have to have a sustainable enterprise. And as Mr. Aaron mentioned, having a GIFA loan, um, one slight correction is they require operating ratio of 1.05 rather than 1.1. And so to ensure we meet [1:50:33, 1:50:47]: that what we've done is we've looked at uh your expenses, your revenues, did a projection out through 2026 and 2027 to uh ensure that we don't [1:50:48, 1:50:50]: That we don't um [1:50:51, 1:51:06]: increase the uh utility rates any more than we need to. And so with the sensitivity to the uh ratepayers of the city to make sure that they're only footing what is needed to make sure that this utility Yes sir. Yes ma'am [1:51:08, 1:51:08]: I'm sorry. [1:51:10, 1:51:16]: Okay. I believe you can still present. I guess we gotta wait till uh we get a quorum to vote, is that correct? [1:51:20, 1:51:20]: I would imagine [1:51:21, 1:51:22]: Cade, right? [1:51:23, 1:51:25]: Go ahead and continue on, sir. Yes, sir. [1:51:26, 1:51:46]: So what we've um proposed is is a uh custom increase with the uh end goal of of having a operating ratio of one point one. And so uh what we've looked at is increasing the current base charges are are lower than the actual cost that it takes to go out and service the meter, read the meter. [1:51:46, 1:52:06]: Send a truck out there, all of that. And so what we propose is to increase that base rate. And so that's money, regardless of what waters used, that's money that the city would collect. And then we also have an in uh cost per thousand gallons. And so what we've done to promote conservation of the case. [1:52:06, 1:52:26]: Of water is we've actually bracketed those. Zero to four thousand, each cost per thousand would be the same. And then as the uh the resident uses four thousand to nine thousand, they would actually pay a higher rate per thousand because they're having more of an impact on the system. And then anything beyond uh nine thousand. [1:52:26, 1:52:45]: Gallons would be at an even higher rate. One thing that we did consider, y'all have a about seven industrial customers, water customers. You have four of those industrial customers actually are water and sewer. And so what we proposed is that that they have a um [1:52:45, 1:53:05]: a uniform block structure and so rather that increasing rate because typically with a industrial customer they cannot control the amount of water that they use. It's dictated by their process or their um whatever product they're producing. And so rather than putting a undue strain on them, we've uh suggested that they just have a [1:53:05, 1:53:25]: A typical block structure. So the rate. I'm sorry, because a typical block structure. A block structure, yes, sir. And so what that means is that their cost per thousand gallons from uh zero to ten thousand gallons is uniform with whatever they use. And so that rather than with the residential customer. [1:53:25, 1:53:45]: So it's like a reduced rate based on the quantity, I guess. Quantity? [1:53:45, 1:53:57]: they can't really conserve water because their water is going into their product or used to make their product or for their cooling or heating systems. And so they ri that's really outside of any conservation that they can do. [1:53:57, 1:54:06]: All right. I think that's a good thing. Go ahead. When when you're calculating this and you said that that you want to be in that ratio of one try to get it w what one point one. [1:54:06, 1:54:21]: But if you're falling around one or or below, is that just for this area of consumption revenue, uh or is it just the overall budgeting for this particular area? I'm just that's what I'm trying to understand. Are you just doing are you just dealing with the consumption revenue? [1:54:21, 1:54:31]: What what we were uh our goal was to make sure that the water enterprise operated at a one point one and the sewer enterprise operated at a one point one individually. [1:54:32, 1:54:42]: So you're breaking those two off? Yes, sir. Okay. And so that that way one is isn't subsidized by the other. Okay. W so which one is falling the lower? Is it the [1:54:42, 1:54:56]: The water has been below one and the sewer is actually trending to go below one. And so it's only calculated from consump from water consumption and usage, not with anything else pertaining to the budget for those areas, right? [1:54:56, 1:55:00]: It it's it's specific to the water and sewer fund. Okay, got okay. [1:55:09, 1:55:28]: So we've made a a recommendation for an increase in these rates. That is shown on page 23 and 24. It is actually called the the custom increase. We gave three different options. We we worked with staff and and determined that that custom option was the best. Um [1:55:30, 1:55:50]: Mr. Aaron mentioned that the the average customer uses around four thousand gallons a day and that's around uh current billing around sixty one dollars a month for water and sewer. And so in an interest to to not negatively impact the residents, what we've done is we've uh as I mentioned had have that increasing [1:55:49, 1:55:59]: uh cost per thousand. And so with this rate increase, your average customer's monthly bill would increase about five dollars, so less than ten percent. [1:55:59, 1:56:05]: So otherwise be roughly sixty five dollars a month. Yes, sir. Six sixty six. Sixty six, okay. Yes, okay. [1:56:06, 1:56:06]: All right. [1:56:15, 1:56:16]: Yeah. [1:56:16, 1:56:36]: It's m Mr. Aaron, so so with this is this saying that we we would control what percentage increase versus the county coming in and we're matching that. Is that what this is trying that's that what we're trying to do? Oh council member Blount, uh actually one recommendation that we've made is that any increase that y'all receive from Henry County has to be [1:56:36, 1:56:40]: passed on. [1:56:40, 1:56:51]: Right, right. Yeah, if they increase three percent, then if we don't pa if we don't do it, then we're paying it from budget to suffice it. So but I'm s that's why I'm saying with this [1:56:52, 1:56:54]: Are we able to implement? [1:56:55, 1:57:00]: hours or we still waiting on the'cause we're doing that anyway. I'm just I'm trying to figure this out. [1:57:00, 1:57:04]: why we're doing this because we're doing the that anyway. If we're not [1:57:05, 1:57:07]: Setting our only increase. [1:57:07, 1:57:08]: From the city. [1:57:09, 1:57:14]: Then why we need this if we're setting the increase from what the county gives? That's what I'm trying to figure out. [1:57:15, 1:57:16]: You see what I'm saying, Mr. Aaron? [1:57:18, 1:57:32]: Well if if the rate if we change the ordinance for the rate, are we able to implement the rate? Because most of the citizens are getting their waters from the county. So if the county doesn't set their they don't set their rate to us, we set our rate to them. [1:57:33, 1:57:53]: So then what is this how are we what is this or how So what what the city has been doing, the ordinance says that whenever Heron County raises their rates, the city will raise theirs the same amount. Right. So we're actually saying we're gonna buy it and sell it for the same thing, and that's why we're operating at a loss. [1:57:53, 1:58:13]: Because you can't buy it and sell it for the same rate, because there are some ancillary costs we have that are independent of Henry County, like when Georgia Power raises their rates on electricity, when our chemical supplier who supplies the water treatment chemicals and steward treatment chemicals raises their rates. [1:58:13, 1:58:29]: then that's gotta be accounted for. And that's why we're sliding below that one point one percent because we've absorbed all the cost. So so I get you now. So you're saying if they raise this three percent, we may need four or five percent. [1:58:30, 1:58:40]: Yes. Instead of matching their percentage. You you you can't buy it and sell it. When I worked for an entity and mayor out mayor pro team always said [1:58:40, 1:59:00]: You know, you can't buy it and sell it for the same thing. And he always used an analogy. Some guy went to buy a load of watermelons for a dollar. He came back and sold them for a dollar. So I didn't make any money. He didn't realize he had other costs. He couldn't buy it and sell it for the same thing. And that's what we've been doing. We just been it's been a pass-through. If Henry County was three percent, we was three percent. If there was two percent, we was two percent. [1:59:00, 1:59:14]: two percent and that doesn't take into account, you know, employee cost, you know, we've been given a three percent cost of living raise. So all of those employees get a three percent and that cuts into that two percent debt. [1:59:15, 1:59:35]: You raise your rate. Do we have something that's showing what in the past what our loss have been by just matching funds and not putting an increase on that we needed to suffice whatever we needed to do? We can do card and sloop or you have anything we an when they did the analysis of the previous budgets, that's what this information and this rate structure. [1:59:35, 1:59:37]: [7177.9, 7197.9]: Yeah, but I didn't see I didn't see the loss in anything that would have been th that I I didn't see that that that in okay, if the I didn't see where we would say if we had done two percent more, we wouldn't have had this loss. I didn't see nothing like that in there. W we didn't specifically pull that out, what the pass through called. [1:59:57, 2:00:00]: elsewhere, we looked at the budget as a whole. [2:00:02, 2:00:19]: Okay. But when we work on increases we need to see what we need to see w what gives validity to all of this by seeing the numbers. If if we saying that we're such a substantial loss if we don't do it, then hey, let's go ahead and make it happen. But if we don't see anything that says [2:00:20, 2:00:21]: Yeah, let's m let's do it this way. [2:00:22, 2:00:25]: Then we're just in a place where we're putting in an increase. [2:00:26, 2:00:28]: Uh we own but we don't know. [2:00:28, 2:00:31]: You know what I'm saying? If if you all know, that's fine. [2:00:31, 2:00:35]: But I have nothing to look at myself and say, Yeah, we we definitely need to make this happen. [2:00:36, 2:00:50]: None of that was in the in in there. You you you see what I'm saying? I can I can provide mayor and council with the s spreadsheet of the budgets over the last what the revenues were, what the expenses were. That's that's what we used. We Well that would help. We budgeted [2:00:51, 2:01:04]: one point nine million, then we were saying that our expenses was gonna be one point nine, but the expenses might have been two point one or something. So W well here's the thing. Approving this tonight is not approving a rate. We're just saying we're able to do it. [2:01:05, 2:01:13]: And so if you bring that to us and then we can still approving this tonight doesn't say we're going to do it. We ate we have the ability to do it. That's all this is saying. [2:01:13, 2:01:15]: 'Cause there's no rate on here. [2:01:15, 2:01:27]: So if we approve it tonight, then we don't have to just match. We can go above it if need be. And if you show us that is a need for it, we can make it happen because it'll be a new ordinance to do it. Is that what are you saying? Is that what you understand this to be or not? [2:01:28, 2:01:38]: There are proposed rates in here for the next five years, what the water and sewer rates need to be for the next five years in order to ensure that we remain at that one point one. [2:01:39, 2:01:40]: No, I didn't see that. [2:01:41, 2:01:42]: It's all [2:01:44, 2:02:04]: Is this page 23-24 you're talking about? Y yes, sir. That's correct. Page 23-24. One other point within the scope of our work was to provide a uh rate evaluation model. And so we've actually built a spreadsheet. We're going to work with Mr. Aaron and his staff on how to use it. And so what he'll be able to do is when y'all get an increase. [2:02:04, 2:02:13]: From Henry County, he can actually modify that input in the model and then it it will spit out what the rates need to be to be sufficient. [2:02:14, 2:02:14]: Okay. [2:02:16, 2:02:17]: Point y you uh got it, Ms. Blount? [2:02:18, 2:02:20]: Twenty three, twenty four of the presentation. [2:02:21, 2:02:29]: Yes. Okay. On this chart, you wanted me to decipher that on these charts here? [2:02:42, 2:02:45]: See on this ch on these charts you don't give a [2:02:46, 2:02:48]: І сіром say not. [2:02:48, 2:03:08]: You y it may make sense to you guys, but it to break it down and look at what was needed for an increased percentage, if Henry County gave three percent, if we had done a four percent, that would have put us a certain place. That that's what I'm saying. These charts don't show that. That's that's what I mean. But if you give me what you said, Mr Aaron, about about breaking it down [2:03:08, 2:03:14]: for me showing me what could have happened, you know, if we've done those things in the past. [2:03:15, 2:03:16]: I would definitely appreciate that. [2:03:18, 2:03:19]: Because this doesn't do it. [2:03:20, 2:03:22]: I mean if you show me [2:03:22, 2:03:23]: Where it does, I'll be [2:03:24, 2:03:25]: More than appreciative to see it. [2:03:31, 2:03:35]: If you will look at uh page twenty [2:03:36, 2:03:37]: Twenty? Yes, sir. [2:03:49, 2:04:09]: The chart at the top shows the the water operating revenue and expenses per year. And so you can see the subject period from 2016 to 21. And so what we use is a trend and increases. If you look at that blue line, that's the operating cost. And so assumed bundled within there are increases from [2:04:09, 2:04:23]: Henry County Water Authority. We don't know exactly what Henry County will increase their wholesale rates by, but what we did is we assumed that they would be proportionate to whatever those increases were from 2016 to 2021. [2:04:23, 2:04:30]: And that's specific to water. The the second table, the sewer, um, i is not impacted by that water rate. [2:04:31, 2:04:38]: So you're saying the trends for operating expenses are going up, but the operating cost hasn't caught up with it. Is that what you're saying? Yes, sir. [2:04:50, 2:05:00]: Anything else to Ms. Blount? Yeah, where now give me the page that shows that uh table of increase that you guys are saying that goes along with the uh that would go along with the ordinance. [2:05:03, 2:05:05]: Twenty three and twenty four. [2:05:06, 2:05:08]: That's table four thirteen, is that correct? [2:05:10, 2:05:11]: Yes, sir. Okay. [2:05:29, 2:05:38]: So the first column what year is that? [2:05:39, 2:05:40]: Yes, sir. [2:05:42, 2:05:43]: Through twenty twenty seven. [2:05:53, 2:05:54]: Okay. [2:06:01, 2:06:03]: So you're saying this is what's needed? [2:06:04, 2:06:14]: Because I'm looking at uh when you talk about I'm looking at table thirteen as a that increase option. So in seven uh [2:06:16, 2:06:19]: In five years the max it could go up is uh [2:06:21, 2:06:37]: Uh look like roughly six dollars and forty two cents in seven ye in five years. Off of that table. Th that would be the biggest charge. Off that table with that, uh I'm gonna I'm gonna back off uh I'm gonna back off of that because [2:06:39, 2:06:42]: It it goes off of the the different [2:06:45, 2:07:05]: It changes. That's only the small on the lower end, but it changes as we go down with the something because it uh look like it could go from um the base if the base is fifteen uh you can go as uh up as much as tw um twelve dollars and three cents in five years. So it's not a substantial [2:07:05, 2:07:14]: increase on it. So you're looking at if the if the county does if the county does three percent, then we're probably only looking at maybe a half percent or one percent more. [2:07:16, 2:07:17]: So [2:07:18, 2:07:20]: This rate is [2:07:20, 2:07:40]: Independent of what the county does. This rate is just saying what the city needs to do on their behalf to ensure that these utilities remain financially viable, that they're paying for themselves. And we stay above the water line. We stay we stay above. If the county raises theirs three percent, we don't take that into account. [2:07:40, 2:07:50]: We take into account what our rates need for. Yeah, but that's what I'm saying. But but we have to wait on the counter to implement their rate first. But Because we can't because then we'll have our citizens operate with [2:07:51, 2:08:00]: With the county see what I'm saying? No. We have to wait on them or or we can implement the array. We're we're projecting what the city needs to [2:08:01, 2:08:14]: What the rates need to be for the city water and sewage system to pay for themselves and not go in the hole because So this'll be at the end of every year we'll implement that rate what you're saying. Yes. For the following year. All right. [2:08:16, 2:08:25]: Even if the county doesn't do an increase, we'll implement that rate every year. To my remain financially viable. Okay. All right. Okay. Okay, we're good? [2:08:25, 2:08:41]: Yeah. Thanks. No problem. It just looked like a job blessed. All right. So on that note, uh if no other questions for uh Mr. Aaron okay, I need a motion to accept this uh increase incremental increase over the next five years. [2:08:42, 2:08:43]: Uh so mobile. [2:08:43, 2:08:46]: Okay. Okay, Mr. Blount we made the motion. Is there a second? [2:08:48, 2:08:49]: Mm. [2:08:50, 2:08:54]: Okay, she's second that okay. All in favor of this motion please indicate. [2:08:55, 2:09:00]: Okay, it passes. Thank you, sir. Appreciate it very much. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Kill. Thank you. [2:09:02, 2:09:04]: Thanks for answering all those questions. [2:09:04, 2:09:24]: Council consideration approved the renewal of the city of Stockbridge on call sidework sidewalk replacement and repair contract with DFA concrete incorporated an amount of two hundred fifty thousand dollars. The funding source will be splot five. Mr. Please. Yes, Mr. Mayor and Council. In 2018, the city had an assessment done of [2:09:24, 2:09:44]: their streets and one of the things council wanted was to have an assessment of the sidewalks done as well. So we had that and we're using it like we use our L Meg last year. DAF uh repaired or replaced over eleven thousand one hundred linear feet of sidewalks. We used the rating that was [2:09:44, 2:09:50]: was established in the streets and sidewalk assessment. So that's how we're going about [2:09:51, 2:10:09]: uh choosing the locations where we repair and replace sidewalks. So last year we s so far this year we spent over$260,000 repairing and replacing sidewalks. We did a large amount in Monarch Village. We did a lot in Windsong. We also did some in uh Summit View. [2:10:09, 2:10:29]: And so our goal is to next year do the same amount, just like with ALMIG, where we have a minimum of five miles. We want to have a minimum on the sidewalk replacement of at least 11,000 linear feet. You know, as as people are well aware, tripping hazards on sidewalks is one of the biggest things that goes on in the [2:10:29, 2:10:38]: in the community where residents are taking legal action against cities, but we want to be proactive and ensure that we maintain our sidewalks in a safe manner. [2:10:39, 2:10:59]: Yeah. All right, mist standby please sir. Mr Aaron, so how does this how does this play into the our new streets that we're going to receive on one January? What what we're doing I had a conversation with Mr Gardner is that if like the subdivisions where some are in the city, somewhere in the county now that they're coming into the city, we assume that [2:10:59, 2:11:19]: they all would have the same conditions on roads and sidewalks. So we will gradually start working those in, but we've already identified the locations because the spots were approved for specific areas of the city. So we're working through that. And so we'll start on the new areas in 2024. That's our goal. [2:11:19, 2:11:28]: We've already identified the streets for 2024 and the sidewalks for 2024 that we're gonna repair. So after that, then we'll start. [2:11:28, 2:11:48]: having a new evaluation done and then incorporating the new areas into that evaluation. So otherwise if I understand right, twenty twenty three is right on the corner, these new streets are getting get into rotation in twenty twenty four because you already got things planned for twenty twenty three right now. And we and we've got to do an assessment of the the new areas. We've uh calculated we've uh increased [2:11:48, 2:12:08]: Our road mileage by 61 miles. So our previous, we're at 106 miles, so we'll go up to 167 miles. Per year. We'll go up total roads that we'll have in the city is 167 miles. So we're going to have to do another assessment to incorporate the new roads and sidewalks into the city's inventory. [2:12:08, 2:12:08]: Sure. [2:12:09, 2:12:20]: And you have a specific date which you plan to finish that assessment? Well, the assessment was done in two thousand eighteen. It's normally five years. So late twenty twenty three we'll start a new assessment. [2:12:21, 2:12:23]: All right, thank you. Mr. Black, please. [2:12:24, 2:12:44]: Thank you, Mr. Aaron. I think it was um twenty nineteen. Mayor Ford, I asked that you look to the left. Um I I will do so. I keep raising my hand and you just keep ignoring me, so I'll just chime in. Well, no, not chime in right now. I'm giving it to Mr. Blount. I'll get you next. Thank you very much. Mayor Blount. Okay, remember to do that this time, please. [2:12:44, 2:12:49]: Mr. Blair, you said what now, sir? I yield if she wants to talk first. He yields. Go ahead, Miss Barber. [2:12:51, 2:13:01]: My question is, Mr Aaron, there's a separate contract for the L Mag list and the sidewalk repairs. Why is this needed? [2:13:01, 2:13:21]: Well, the thing with LMIG is put out every year because G DOT requires us to do that, to receive those funds from G DOT. We have to bid it out. But with this, we started out when we had some damaged sidewalks in the city that were beyond what public works staff could do. There was long stretch. [2:13:21, 2:13:41]: Stretches of sidewalks. There were sidewalks that weren't put in the subdivisions when they were developed. And this was a quicker, more efficient way to address some concerns, some safety concerns. So other cities use it, City of Hampton uses it, other municipalities, because sometimes it's easier to lease or rent a skill than to [2:13:41, 2:13:58]: employer skill. But with DAF, we've been able to do like I said, eleven thousand one hundred feet. That's over two miles of of sidewalk maintenance. We've done for a reasonable cost and it was quick and it was efficient. And also a lot of time they're more effective at [2:13:59, 2:14:19]: securing concrete than we are because a lot of times the concrete manufacturers they don't want to come deliver two yards of concrete, but they'll come out for 20 or 30 yards, which they're doing. So it's been more economical for us and also got projects moving along a lot faster than if we were trying to do it ourselves in-house. [2:14:19, 2:14:20]: No, I meant [2:14:21, 2:14:31]: We have a current contractor to handle all of the projects on the LMI list, right? This is a separate contract. This is a separate contract. Okay. [2:14:32, 2:14:43]: Why do we need a separate one? Can we not use our current contractor? No, ma'am, because LMAs, they're they're mainly into resurfacing roads. They don't do sidewalks. Gotcha. Thank you, sir. [2:14:45, 2:15:05]: Mr. Aaron, I thank you for your presentation. One of the things I think it was three or four years when we was doing the LMAG list and I came to you all and asked, because we kept getting a lot of phone calls about sidewalks, could the city itself do sidewalk analysis on this the same way LMAG, but we do it for sidewalks. And when you all started doing [2:15:05, 2:15:08]: [8108.9, 8128.9]: We got LMAG for the roads and we put this aside uh each year and we're looking at doing sidewalks, which we'll get a lot of phone calls about. So I thank you all for the great work that you all uh have been doing uh with this. Um and so this$250,000 and as you stated, we it was like$260 something last year. [2:15:28, 2:15:41]: But we're actually providing a service to the citizen repairing these sidewalks that need to be repaired. And so I just wanna uh I like to if Mr. uh um Thomas doesn't have anything to say, I'd like to go ahead and make a motion. [2:15:41, 2:15:42]: Two steps. [2:15:42, 2:15:57]: I'd like to make a motion to approve the uh renewal of the seat of stockbridge on call sidewalk replacement. Uh is there a second? Uh Mr Mayor Protein second that okay. All in flavor, please indicate. All right, you nanown decision. Thank you, Mr. Aaron. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council. [2:15:59, 2:16:03]: Okay, council consideration approved city events calendar. [2:16:04, 2:16:08]: says Miss Jordan on here, but she's okay. I guess uh Mr Gardner's gonna do this, all right? [2:16:14, 2:16:34]: Good evening, Mayor. Um before you guys and part of your package, you have the twenty twenty-three events calendar, um, which includes um some of the dates as well as uh budgeted um times, locations, and brief description of the events that are planned for twenty city events that are planned for twenty twenty three. [2:16:34, 2:16:40]: And there are fifteen of those events planned over the course of the year. [2:16:41, 2:16:46]: Okay, council, any questions for Mr. Gardner? Yes sir, go ahead please. [2:16:47, 2:17:07]: Uh I have a couple of motions if I may. Um not necessarily questions. Okay. Um I did some research on the uh bridge fest schedule um with Mrs. Jordan. [2:17:07, 2:17:23]: My motion is to move the bridge fest date from September the twenty-third to September the thirtieth. Um [2:17:25, 2:17:32]: 'Cause presently it's it it it's it's a conflict uh with the uh amphitheater. [2:17:34, 2:17:35]: Oh, I didn't know really? [2:17:35, 2:17:36]: Yes. [2:17:36, 2:17:37]: Hmm. [2:17:37, 2:17:57]: And also I'd like to motion uh for a l a lateral leeway uh in this schedule, even with I know we're not on the council initiative, but uh some leeway to be able to adjust some of these dates uh where [2:17:57, 2:18:05]: Where um conflicts may appear. But at this time, I think this is the only conflict that I know of. [2:18:06, 2:18:19]: And I think it's easier for us to move bridge fest'cause there we have not incurred, uh, to my knowledge, any expenses where I think some things have maybe um [2:18:20, 2:18:32]: put in place for uh for the amphitheater. And Mrs. Jordan is she's not here, so I I guess we can't get too deep into that conversation, but um [2:18:34, 2:18:43]: Well, okay. If you wanna make okay, if you make so you're making a motion that uh that you wanna change this from the twent brief to the twenty third to the thirty. The thirty, yes. I mean, okay, so is there a second to the motion? [2:18:46, 2:18:51]: There again, one of the things that we talked about if we're gonna do certain things and make changes [2:18:52, 2:18:58]: I I what is it? I have no city manager that do you know the nobody seems to know what conflict that is. [2:18:59, 2:19:00]: Oh do you know the conflict? [2:19:00, 2:19:03]: No, sir. Do you mayor? No, no, it's the first I've heard of it. [2:19:03, 2:19:04]: I have [2:19:04, 2:19:16]: Okay, but I uh well okay. Let me let me s let me mention this, let me throw this out here too, just out of curiosity. It does say seven PM to eleven PM for Bridgefest. For some strange reason I thought Bridgefest was an all day affair. [2:19:18, 2:19:22]: The British vests I recalled were for all day. [2:19:23, 2:19:24]: She's seven PM. [2:19:24, 2:19:32]: No, Bridgefest started early during the day. Right, during the day. This is seven PM d it's only a nighttime event. But I thought Bridgefest was all day long. [2:19:35, 2:19:36]: Is that not [2:19:38, 2:19:53]: Foo for food for thought. That's what I thought. Mayor Four it indicates here from seven PM to eleven PM. Yeah, but what I'm getting at, Mayor Pro Tem, previous years has been all all all day. [2:19:53, 2:20:01]: At least I I don't know why the this time frame is I have no idea, sir. That's why I'm just making I can check with with with staff on the time. That's not a problem. [2:20:03, 2:20:11]: But you are right. I think it's it's longer than it starts thinking around twelve or one o'clock. Yeah, twelve or one o'clock in the afternoon. People come out all day. I'll double check on the time. Yeah, okay. [2:20:16, 2:20:27]: Uh well so otherwise I guess Mr. Blount you're you're s making a suggestion that more information or or what you would staff look at previous concerts or previous events that we've had to see how they operate? [2:20:28, 2:20:29]: In terms of [2:20:30, 2:20:31]: Bridgeface. [2:20:33, 2:20:34]: I'm not clear. [2:20:35, 2:20:38]: Uh the the staff look at previous [2:20:40, 2:20:58]: way we've done these type events to know how they operate. Yeah, I would yes. That that's part of the staff. I know Kim hadn't been here about a year, but I know she's worked with the Conywell and the rest of the staff when they sit down and go over the schedules, what's happened in the past and what needs to be done. Well if she was here we would probably answer the question. She's out sixer. [2:20:59, 2:21:19]: See, Mayor Ford. Yes, sir. See, one of the problems is the left hand don't know what the right hand is doing, and and that's a problem. And these things just need to be talked about, need to be coordinated uh before these schedules um come before the council. And I just inquired about this one. [2:21:19, 2:21:27]: because I saw the date and I just inquired, so I just took it upon myself to inquire. And that was the information that was told to me. [2:21:29, 2:21:31]: And and again [2:21:31, 2:21:33]: What is what is proposed here [2:21:34, 2:21:36]: And that's all we have to go on is what is proposed. [2:21:36, 2:21:38]: From seven PM [2:21:39, 2:21:41]: to eleven pm [2:21:41, 2:21:43]: That is what's been proposed. [2:21:44, 2:22:04]: Once again, I will check to make sure that that time is correct. Yeah, see see the British Fest concept of course is is uh crafts, arts, a lot of a lot of vendors, a lot of cultural type activities. It's just not uh since it's not using an amphitheater, you have a lot of different activities happening around the entire downtown area. I mean, in the past we've even had uh uh uh car shows, just [2:22:04, 2:22:12]: Judgment of car shows and and and actually I one year I had a talent show for young kids on during Bridge Fest, where the young kids got and sang and danced and performed. [2:22:12, 2:22:19]: And we have actually cut back on Bridge Fest. It was a two day event. It was at one time that's right. But uh we cut back on it but [2:22:20, 2:22:40]: These hours are not gonna work so Mayor Ford is it the desire of the council to uh table this item until we get um clarification. Well, I mean that's my thought. I I would think that do that. I would say so uh Ms. Thomas or do we just want to approve with [2:22:40, 2:22:51]: with uh this one particular date, uh giving ourselves options to um, you know, laterally move the time and the date. [2:22:53, 2:22:56]: What desires. Miss Barber, you have any desires here? [2:22:56, 2:22:57]: Um my [2:22:58, 2:23:07]: In in regards to brisface, I do agree. But I do have another question I want to ask about the grand opening of the Merrill Manders. [2:23:08, 2:23:15]: Mr. Wiggins, can you tell me what the cost of renovations to Merrill Manders was? What's the total cost? [2:23:16, 2:23:17]: Yeah. [2:23:18, 2:23:29]: Point of order, mayor. Okay, what's the point of order? This has point of order. This look at the agenda item. It's approval of the of the event schedule. [2:23:30, 2:23:34]: I know the generalists. What does it have to do with the cost of the marijuana? [2:23:35, 2:23:55]: Oh o rule. Let let it last let answer the question. Two hundred and seventy seven thousand. Okay. So we have here budgeted fifty thousand for the grand reopening of the mural manders. I don't agree with that. Um so if you all are looking to approve this entire twenty twenty-three events calendar, I don't support. [2:23:55, 2:24:01]: Such an event for a grand opening of the Merrill Manders Conference Center. [2:24:02, 2:24:04]: If we can remove that item [2:24:04, 2:24:22]: from the calendar, then I support moving forward with whatever changes you all suggest. Which which which which item is that? That's the very the very first item. Mm-hmm. The grand reopening of the Merr Manders Conference Center. Don't know where that came from for fifty thousand dollars. [2:24:22, 2:24:24]: I don't think that's for like any renovation though. [2:24:25, 2:24:32]: I'm sorry? It's not for renovation. I didn't say it was for renovation. Sorry. I asked a question about renovation because [2:24:33, 2:24:35]: The amount that we spent on renovations [2:24:35, 2:24:41]: He said two hundred over two hundred thousand dollars. And we're gonna spend another fifty thousand dollars just to celebrate. [2:24:42, 2:24:45]: The reopening of it, it makes no sense to me. [2:24:46, 2:24:49]: I ask that we remove that line from this calendar completely. [2:24:51, 2:24:52]: That's my suggestion. [2:24:55, 2:24:56]: All right. [2:24:58, 2:25:18]: So I think probably what probably might be the best thing, maybe if you motion to table this and bring we're already g now we're already gonna be on the twentieth,'cause we already got two items on the twentieth anyway. Uh so maybe we we have kind of we could if the council agrees to table this until the twentieth and kind of scrub back through this with some ideas and thoughts that that just came out from. I'm in I'm in agreement with this uh Oh you're in agreement? [2:25:18, 2:25:25]: I mean something council. Okay, okay. So you okay, well well I'll tell you what. I need a motion then. [2:25:25, 2:25:27]: Someone give me a motion so we move forward. [2:25:27, 2:25:31]: Mayor Ford, I'd like to make a motion to remove [2:25:31, 2:25:32]: Um [2:25:32, 2:25:44]: The first event on the twenty twenty three events calendar to remove the grand reopening of the Merrill Manders conference center with a budgeted amount of fifty thousand dollars. [2:25:44, 2:25:45]: Second. [2:25:46, 2:25:49]: Oh, I I don't know. Is that the only motion you want to make? [2:25:49, 2:25:55]: That is not the only motion I'm gonna make. Like if you allow me to move forward with this one. [2:25:56, 2:26:06]: Okay, is it you okay, we're gonna go to okay, are you second that motion, Mr. Blount? Yes. Okay, all in favor of the motion please indicate. All posed? Mr Meripro Tem you had some questions? [2:26:08, 2:26:14]: I guess the motion was on the tape. I guess it didn't get the second day. W no, s Mr Blount second it motion. [2:26:15, 2:26:16]: What was emotional? [2:26:16, 2:26:24]: Okay, I'm sorry. I missed that. You put you to the table the whole discussion. Was it but was it seconded? I don't think your motion was seconded though. [2:26:26, 2:26:27]: No, I don't think your motion was seconded. [2:26:28, 2:26:29]: Okay. [2:26:30, 2:26:40]: So the motion was seconded. So this one still presides. So this motion motion was made and seconded to remove this fifty thousand dollars for a grand opening of murrill matters. All in favor of the motion, please indicate. [2:26:42, 2:26:56]: All opposed. Oh you agree, Ms. I I I agree, but uh my concern still is with uh it's gonna happen, sir. Stand by. I think that's what's gonna happen next. Okay, okay. She agrees. So otherwise that passes, so the grand opening comes off. Miss Barber, you had another motion? [2:26:59, 2:27:02]: I wanted to make a motion to table. [2:27:04, 2:27:07]: The calendar, this event's calendar. [2:27:07, 2:27:10]: As Mayor Pro Tem Thomas suggested. [2:27:11, 2:27:16]: All right. Um okay, second to the motion. All in favor, please indicate. [2:27:17, 2:27:27]: All right, fine. It's table. Now that means that this is going back on the December twentieth uh meeting then as well. Further discussion and scrubbing through this events calendar, the event staff. [2:27:34, 2:27:39]: Council consideration to our council initiative calendar presented by Miss Rosalind Rawls. [2:27:40, 2:27:54]: Please. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Evening. Um hopefully you had a chance to review your um twenty twenty three council mission. Would you mind speaking? Uh please, thank you. Yes. Okay. [2:27:54, 2:28:02]: Hope you've had a opportunity to um review the twenty twenty three council initiative proposed um calendar. [2:28:03, 2:28:08]: Um, we may have some adjustments that may meet need to be done uh during the year. [2:28:09, 2:28:14]: Um but this is the proposed um calendar unless you have any um questions or comments. [2:28:15, 2:28:16]: Council? [2:28:16, 2:28:17]: Yes, ma'am. [2:28:17, 2:28:21]: I do. There are several changes I'd like to see. [2:28:21, 2:28:24]: on the council initiative schedule for myself. Yes and ma'am. [2:28:25, 2:28:27]: And this is for the record. Okay. Um [2:28:28, 2:28:40]: The same as in twenty twenty two, the free Zumba sessions will begin in May of twenty twenty three at Clark Park, so you can remove [2:28:41, 2:28:41]: Olive. [2:28:42, 2:28:43]: The classes you have scheduled. [2:28:43, 2:28:45]: From January. [2:28:45, 2:28:46]: Until [2:28:46, 2:28:49]: The end of April. Remove them from the calendar. Okay. Duly note it. [2:28:51, 2:28:52]: The next one. [2:28:53, 2:28:59]: If you'll remove the blood drives that you have scheduled, I will schedule them on my own. [2:29:03, 2:29:04]: The next one. [2:29:05, 2:29:05]: Um [2:29:06, 2:29:11]: In regards to the annual kickball charity event. [2:29:12, 2:29:13]: I will determine [2:29:14, 2:29:15]: The non profit. [2:29:15, 2:29:17]: And or the cause. [2:29:17, 2:29:18]: That I want to [2:29:20, 2:29:20]: Sponsor. [2:29:21, 2:29:23]: So Hands of Hope Clinic was the inaugural. [2:29:25, 2:29:25]: Honoring. [2:29:26, 2:29:31]: It is a annual kickball charity event. [2:29:32, 2:29:35]: I'll determine who the benefactor will be. [2:29:36, 2:29:37]: Each year. [2:29:37, 2:29:41]: Okay, so I So you can remove Hands of Hope from the calendar. [2:29:42, 2:29:44]: I'll determine next year. [2:29:45, 2:29:48]: Who or what non profit or cause I will be. [2:29:49, 2:29:50]: Honoring. [2:29:50, 2:29:51]: Okay. [2:29:51, 2:29:54]: Those are all the changes I have. Thank you. I have them. Thank you. [2:29:55, 2:29:59]: Council, any other questions, concerns about the initiative calendar? [2:29:59, 2:30:07]: I've not had any motion to accept to revise calendar based on Ms. Barber's input here. So moved. Is there a second? [2:30:10, 2:30:11]: You have a second? [2:30:13, 2:30:13]: Second. [2:30:14, 2:30:15]: Mirable Tim seconds it. [2:30:16, 2:30:17]: Further discussion. [2:30:24, 2:30:26]: If no further discussion, all in favor, please indicate. [2:30:27, 2:30:29]: All right, pass as you know, so thank you, Ross. Thank you. [2:30:31, 2:30:33]: Okay. [2:30:35, 2:30:37]: Council consideration. [2:30:39, 2:30:44]: To appoint members of the planning commission presented by well, Mr. Washington's not here, so [2:30:45, 2:30:46]: His representative [2:30:47, 2:30:49]: Matter of fact, um [2:30:49, 2:30:51]: The next three items. [2:30:51, 2:30:58]: All deal with the appointments to a Planning Commission, youth council advisory committee and a Main Street Advisory Board. [2:30:59, 2:31:19]: So one of the questions I have off the top of my head is what is the number of slots that need to be filled? And once again, these are individuals that we want to appoint. So my my concern with whether or not we want to do this um right now or whether we wanna discuss this in a second session and come back and give the the the report. I may afford. [2:31:19, 2:31:20]: How you Yes ma'am. [2:31:20, 2:31:27]: So I wanted to and I I know Danielle's gonna come forward and s and speak on these uh appointments, there are a number [2:31:28, 2:31:28]: Oh [2:31:28, 2:31:30]: individuals that want to be [2:31:31, 2:31:37]: Reappointed um that are eligible for their boards. But what has happened over the last week or so? [2:31:38, 2:31:39]: With the new [2:31:40, 2:31:45]: residents that have come in. We are receiving a number of applications. Well that's great. [2:31:45, 2:31:46]: And [2:31:47, 2:31:49]: Uh in fairness to them. [2:31:50, 2:31:55]: Um, I was hoping that the mayor and council would extend the time to allow for additional [2:31:56, 2:31:58]: applications to come in before you all. [2:31:58, 2:31:59]: A point. [2:32:00, 2:32:04]: Also, the problem that we have run into is [2:32:04, 2:32:09]: is with the Citic Police and Citizen Advisory Council [2:32:10, 2:32:15]: We are receiving applications for those as well. As you know, in that policy. [2:32:16, 2:32:18]: The mayor and council appoint [2:32:18, 2:32:20]: And so does the chief. [2:32:20, 2:32:21]: So when we receive [2:32:22, 2:32:36]: applications for district two, which we've received a number of applications. Who will make that appointment? I don't know if that is a chief appointment or if that is a council member appointment. So we need to clarify a few things. [2:32:36, 2:32:40]: uh there and in addition to that [2:32:40, 2:32:42]: We have people that are applying for the [2:32:43, 2:32:56]: four or five different boards. And it's like which we have vacancies now on a number of boards. But when speaking with the um I forget who was on the call the other day, um [2:32:57, 2:33:01]: Whichever officer it was that was on the call the other day for our agenda meeting. [2:33:01, 2:33:03]: He's saying that the [2:33:04, 2:33:07]: citizen and police advisory council will not appoint until [2:33:07, 2:33:22]: in the first quarter. Not sure if that's genuine for February or March. So the question is these individuals who have applied for other boards, do you want to only be considered for the police citizen advisory or do you want to [2:33:22, 2:33:23]: Sink. [2:33:23, 2:33:43]: a position on one of these other boards. And because of all of that, I am requesting and recommending that you delay this until we kinda iron things out. Give a little more clarity. Um I'm sorry, sir. Do you have anything? I want to cover it after you click your gun. Well stand by. Stand by. [2:33:43, 2:34:03]: Yeah, Mayor President Williams, sir. Uh I was gonna wait until after your comments. If you had Well, I was gonna my comments were uh well, it makes good sense that I'm not recommendation, but my comments were in reference to the police uh academy that come out of certain districts. The counsel was myself. I would think that we'll get we can well I well my well I'll [2:34:03, 2:34:23]: think that we'll be able to select those individuals and whatever people come forward g and that district give it to that I think give it to that district representative, that council member and see whether or not they would want to appoint that individual if they didn't have anybody else in mind. Give them that first look. That's what I would think since we come out of district and and we gotta get used to this district thing now,'cause obviously we're not used to that, so we we it's now part of the process. [2:34:23, 2:34:39]: That's my nine necessary thoughts on that. And in addition to the Citizens Police Advisory Council, there is also a police academy application out there. Right. And the police are recommending that those individuals who apply for the [2:34:39, 2:34:43]: uh police advisory council, citizen police advisory council. [2:34:45, 2:34:46]: Do the police academy. [2:34:46, 2:34:52]: So it there's a lot, um, that's happening and um so I'm you know [2:34:52, 2:35:06]: Okay. The I will tell you that the one board that I do believe needs to have their appointments go in sooner rather than later would be the Planning Commission because I believe without that they may not have a quorum. [2:35:06, 2:35:17]: Okay, so the Planning Commission okay, we have so okay, so but we have people from the new the new residents who have also applied for the Planning Commission. [2:35:19, 2:35:19]: Okay. [2:35:19, 2:35:27]: Okay how do you have people from the new residence and they don't come into January? You can appoint them, they cannot be sworn in until that January meeting. [2:35:27, 2:35:47]: They won't be able to act until they're sworn in. Go ahead. Yeah, but it's it it it seems to me that if you have residents that haven't been waiting to see if they're gonna be a resident or not and have applied for us in w we're not in January yet and we the normal procedure is to appoint now. [2:35:48, 2:35:52]: That's been a normal procedure, so I and I and I and I I get it. [2:35:52, 2:36:01]: But they they have to wait two years before they can even be on this council though. No no, no. Well, on the council they're saying so there's a pro there's a procedure for everything we do. [2:36:02, 2:36:04]: In my opinion. [2:36:05, 2:36:08]: for everything that's out there expires December thirty first. [2:36:09, 2:36:12]: So the very next day they would be eligible. [2:36:12, 2:36:32]: Mayor. Yeah, go ahead, Mayor Potem. Uh go ahead, sir. Uh I I think it's only fair. Uh there were a number of town hall, as you may recall, and these are some of the items that we discussed. That's correct. With those potential new citizens coming in. And I think it would be a [2:36:32, 2:36:47]: a slap in their face and we sort of close that door on them at this point. So um I move to accept the um request and the recommendation by the city clerk. [2:36:47, 2:37:00]: I second. All right. Madam Clerk. So make sure we repeat it, make sure we get it, make sure this is what we wanna say. [2:37:00, 2:37:02]: 'Cause you weren't right in it to doubt the time. [2:37:03, 2:37:03]: So [2:37:04, 2:37:08]: Could you write it down and make and restate that to make sure we get the the right understanding here? [2:37:09, 2:37:13]: My question to the mayor and council would be what meeting did you [2:37:14, 2:37:16]: Point to move this [2:37:16, 2:37:33]: Well it it probably has it has to happen before the new the beginning of the new year. So once again it's it's another agenda item for the twentieth of December, I would think. Okay, so a number of applications are uh submitted in your book, uh your agenda book now. Any additional ones that come in we will forward to you as soon as they come in. [2:37:33, 2:37:53]: Okay. Thank you. The but okay, but that that the twentieth, all right. I would think the twentieth would have to be it. Uh at least uh yeah, and then of course anybody well any b once even it's on the twentieth, everybody's gonna get sworn in a new part of the year anyway, no matter whether you're old resident or new residents. [2:37:53, 2:37:55]: [9475.9, 9476.5]: That's great. [2:37:57, 2:37:58]: And that's fine. [2:37:59, 2:38:06]: All of those all board appointments or all board positions that expire at the end of December. [2:38:08, 2:38:09]: This time. [2:38:09, 2:38:13]: Um we only have one board that is crucial that we [2:38:13, 2:38:17]: uh move forward with the appointment and that is the planning commission. [2:38:17, 2:38:21]: And if we can fill any vacancies on the planning commission. [2:38:22, 2:38:23]: By the end of [2:38:23, 2:38:24]: January. [2:38:25, 2:38:26]: Then we should be fine. [2:38:27, 2:38:29]: The other board appointments for the [2:38:29, 2:38:32]: Citizen Police Advisory Council. [2:38:33, 2:38:34]: If we can prolong that [2:38:34, 2:38:36]: Until February. [2:38:36, 2:38:37]: The other ones [2:38:38, 2:38:40]: What is it? The youth council or youth advisory. [2:38:41, 2:38:42]: Board and the others. [2:38:43, 2:38:44]: If we can just postpone it. [2:38:45, 2:38:45]: For [2:38:46, 2:38:48]: An additional month until February. [2:38:48, 2:38:53]: That allows time for those newly annexed residents. [2:38:54, 2:38:54]: Two [2:38:55, 2:38:55]: Apply. [2:38:56, 2:38:58]: Just give them an opportunity. [2:38:58, 2:39:04]: I don't think just postponing appointments until our next meeting, which is next week. [2:39:05, 2:39:08]: gives those new residents [2:39:09, 2:39:10]: Enough time. [2:39:11, 2:39:31]: Well I let me n now let me say this. It was already mentioned, I mean really there've already been plenty of new uh residents that have already uh put applications that are in our book now. We're at we're looking to stand it maybe another week before they come before us to do it on the twentieth, provided the council wants to do this. But if these appointments end on the thirty first [2:39:31, 2:39:40]: All right. And the new year's January first and these if residents are inside inside the the residents of the city and they want to come on board, we I don't see why we can't appoint them [2:39:40, 2:39:47]: But before they before the end of the year, because no one's gonna get sworn in until the the beginning of the year anyway. That is my understanding. [2:39:47, 2:39:49]: Clair okay, because you need to clarify. [2:39:50, 2:40:03]: code works even though the term ends on twelve thirty one, that um board member remains in that position until you find a new pus person or they are reappointed. [2:40:03, 2:40:10]: Wait, this is everybody or what board are you talking about? That is the way the code is written. Okay, for everybody. So they it would remain until Okay. [2:40:11, 2:40:15]: You all decided to move forward with new appointments or reappointments. [2:40:17, 2:40:37]: Well uh y y what what what you were asking for earlier is a is uh we get some clarification, I believe, Madam Clerk, I'm sorry, Madam Clerk, actually earlier to get some clarification to give a little bit more time and it but I'm thinking along the lines that uh w this we got uh the this is the twelfth, so it's eight little more than eight days. Eight days from now. [2:40:37, 2:40:39]: But uh if we got enough people [2:40:39, 2:40:59]: I mean, I don't understand why we can't do it. Try to get clarification and do this now. But that's up to the council. Stand by I'm not done, please. I'm not done, please. So it's so it's up to the council to decide how you want to go forward on that. But uh uh but uh but we had a we had a motion, but I want to make sure if it went from Mayor Pro Tem to Councilman Barber, I want to make sure that you understand what the motion. [2:40:59, 2:41:06]: motion is, we approved it, but you made a recommendation here and I want to make sure that that is understood what the real motion really is. [2:41:06, 2:41:10]: I was speaking to tabling this [2:41:12, 2:41:15]: But the date has to be uh set by the council. [2:41:16, 2:41:21]: What was your motion though? What what is we've made a motion made s I wanna make sure we understand appointments be postponed? [2:41:22, 2:41:25]: Now I'm not authorized to make a motion. I was making a recommendation. [2:41:25, 2:41:45]: Okay, that's right. You can't make a motion anyway. I'm sorry. But the date has to be determined by the council. Okay, okay. Back to Mayor Pro Tem since you made well what is what is your motion, sir? Uh uh. Ask the clerk what even though she made the request the recommendation, what would the what would you recommend the date to be for [2:41:45, 2:41:47]: for uh this uh appointment. [2:41:48, 2:42:00]: recommend that the council tell us and give it that directive. I said in February. Okay, so I suggested February. For appointments. Stand by please. Mr. Appointments. [2:42:01, 2:42:18]: Stand by please, Miss Barber. Okay, you seem to cut me off when I chime in. No, I didn't. But you haven't to check anybody else when they chime in. I'll finish what I'll finish the statement that I made. You we heard just swearing in if we can postpone that. [2:42:18, 2:42:22]: Until the middle of February I'm looking at my calendar. [2:42:23, 2:42:36]: So if we can postpone it until maybe February twentieth, I believe we've been doing the swearing ins in January, January twentieth or somewhere around that time frame. [2:42:36, 2:42:40]: If we can just postpone the swearing in for one month. [2:42:41, 2:42:49]: That allows any new resident or any other residents that is interested in applying for any of these positions. [2:42:50, 2:42:51]: But just gives him time. [2:42:52, 2:42:53]: That's all. [2:42:54, 2:43:01]: That's enough. May Mayor Pro Tem, go ahead, please. Mayor Ford, let me get clarification from Councilwoman Blu um Barber, if I may. [2:43:02, 2:43:02]: Um [2:43:04, 2:43:09]: You're not recommending we do this in in January, you're recommending February. [2:43:10, 2:43:14]: the swearing in itself, the deadline [2:43:14, 2:43:22]: to submit applications, of course we would have to extend that. So are you recommending that we appoint [2:43:23, 2:43:27]: In January but swear in in February. Yes. [2:43:28, 2:43:29]: Okay, so [2:43:29, 2:43:49]: Just extend everything by one month. So, Mayor and Council, I am in my motion uh to add the language um to postpone until January for the selection and for swearing in in the month, the first meeting in um [2:43:49, 2:43:50]: February. [2:43:51, 2:43:52]: Is there a second to the motion? [2:43:52, 2:43:57]: A second. And um Madam Clerk, you have the motion written down, is that correct? I have it. [2:43:57, 2:44:02]: Okay. May I have a question. Go ahead, sir. Madam Clerk, when is what date is the first meeting in January? [2:44:06, 2:44:07]: It's the ninth of January. [2:44:08, 2:44:23]: It's the ninth. Second month. So roughly thirty days, roughly thirty days from now. And and this application has already been out and and posted online and we have applicants that are coming new to the city have already started applying, is that correct? [2:44:30, 2:44:34]: So if we do an appointment on the first week [2:44:34, 2:44:43]: first meeting in January, which gives it thirty more days, and we've already got people applying, then we can still have the ceremony on the twentieth. Is that correct? [2:44:45, 2:44:51]: I think they said the this way it is on the twentieth, right? The twentieth I'm talking when I tell you the twentieth, I'm talking about the twentieth of this month. [2:44:52, 2:44:57]: twentieth of this month, if we wanna select people on the twentieth of this month, they can be sworn in. [2:44:57, 2:45:00]: In in in January w on the ninth of January. [2:45:01, 2:45:21]: Well,'cause they've already you already got people to apply. They're already they're already in it. Well, I have no idea how many applicants in there. I'm I'm I'm okay with having the swearing in in January, but I don't think that we need to prolong this all the way to February. I mean I'm not for that. Uh if we wait till the first meeting in January and appoint then, because I don't have no idea who's gonna be at this meeting [2:45:21, 2:45:34]: uh next w the next meeting because it's so close to Christmas, that if we know that in Jan January that everybody hopefully would be here, we make the appointments then and then we could still have the swearing in ceremony in January. I don't think that would hurt anything. [2:45:35, 2:45:52]: I think it just makes things a lot roll move a lot smoother and hopefully everybody will be here during that month than trying to cram it like like that. I have no idea who would be at the next meeting. I don't I don't I don't agree to prolonging it to February because we've already had applic uh [2:45:53, 2:45:58]: The awareness of of of these positions are out there. If it wasn't, we wouldn't have applications already. [2:45:58, 2:46:13]: The thing about it is and and Mayor Pro Tem emphasized this and it's part of that's what I was gonna say earlier, it's part of it, so I reemphasized this part. It's part of the process when we had all these town halls that we talked about appointments and boards. That's why now that's been approved, folks are coming in, that's why it went on applied. [2:46:13, 2:46:31]: Well well I agree, but when you say that uh not waiting is a slap in the citizens' face, then okay, then the compromise is is let's do it in the first in January. I'm not trying to slap citizens in the face. So the compromise is we appoint the first meeting in January and we uh swear'em in at the end of January. [2:46:33, 2:46:33]: I mean [2:46:34, 2:46:42]: You're gonna have it one way or other. Either they're informed and we do it now, or not enough is informed, and I'm slapping them in the face and we do it later. [2:46:43, 2:47:03]: Well, okay. Well my my thoughts were that if we delayed it we can maybe look at appointing folks on the twentieth of this month and then swear'em on the ninth of January. Because if new folks are not gonna be sworn into the new part of the year anyway. Whether they were in the already in the city or with our new additions. And how do the clerk do we have a substantial amount of applicants already in? Yeah, they're in the book. [2:47:03, 2:47:04]: Quite a bit. [2:47:04, 2:47:05]: Yeah, I see quite a few. [2:47:08, 2:47:15]: Well right right now the motion's on the floor. The motion's been on the floor. So uh with this is a discussion. So all in favor of the motion, please indicate. [2:47:17, 2:47:25]: Two all pose? All right, so the motion then doesn't pass. So um what it amounts to is that um [2:47:25, 2:47:33]: If if we're gonna appoint anybody, we can either do it in the second session tonight or wait till the twentieth and represent this on the twentieth so we're gonna meet now on the twentieth of December anyway. [2:47:34, 2:47:36]: Let me go forward to that point. [2:47:38, 2:47:43]: Mayor at this point however we want to do it, I just don't think we need to prolong it to February. Okay. [2:47:44, 2:47:46]: Uh Mayor Fort. [2:47:46, 2:47:51]: I'm not in favor of tonight. Okay. I would not vote in favor. All right. [2:47:51, 2:47:59]: So we'll uh so how about a motion to table this and well did not vote in favor for tonight. Okay. I got I got it. You're not in favor. [2:47:59, 2:48:03]: I'm sorry, sir? No, I was just Madam Clerk could not hear me. Okay. [2:48:03, 2:48:05]: Are you in favor of the twentieth? [2:48:06, 2:48:24]: The twentieth of December. Which we're gonna be meeting anyway that night. So Oh you wanna wait the first meeting in January. Let me let me be clear then. So we're talking about a appointing and swearing in. No, no, appointing only. We're not cast swearing until January, sir, anyway. Okay, so are you talking about appointing December the twentieth? Right. [2:48:25, 2:48:31]: Which would include all of the new residents as well? Well rather yeah, whatever people have put in applications, absolutely. [2:48:32, 2:48:35]: But I'm saying we would not exclude. [2:48:35, 2:48:46]: The new citizen. No, no, no. Why why why would no? Because no one's gonna get sworn in until the the new year anyway. After no one's gonna no one's scheduled to get sworn in until the at the earliest would be the our meeting on the ninth of January. [2:48:47, 2:48:50]: They become effectively citizens on January first. [2:48:51, 2:48:55]: Okay, so if someone wanna make the motion I will support that but not [2:48:56, 2:49:03]: Not not going into executive session tonight. That's okay. That's that's fine. We don't have to go to exec session tonight for that, sir. Okay. [2:49:03, 2:49:22]: But since we have the uh applicants in here, and this gonna be interesting, but since we had the applicants in here, I I I I make the motion that we do the uh appointments on the twentieth,'cause you do have new residence applications, right? Yes. We'll do the appointments on the twentieth and we do the swearing in uh at a whatever proposed date in January. [2:49:22, 2:49:24]: Okay. So we're basically moving this. [2:49:25, 2:49:41]: Yes, we are. Yes. The appointments. Yeah. All three appointments. All yeah, they'd be three three different uh fourteen, fifteen and sixteen. Seems like they was th all these would be done on the twentieth. At the that's the proposal, I should say. Is that been a vote made? I can I can support that. [2:49:42, 2:49:48]: All right, is there a motion to do that? Yes, I did a motion. Okay, is there a second to the motion? [2:49:49, 2:49:53]: I'll pose. I thought you was gonna be interested, so sustain. [2:49:54, 2:50:04]: All right, well I tell you what. So I tell you what then, um if we're not gonna do this tonight then this is gonna have to be postponed anyway. I mean'cause we if we'cause um [2:50:06, 2:50:08]: I'll t well do we have any legal advice? [2:50:12, 2:50:16]: Yeah, well I know. We'd have to bring them back. [2:50:19, 2:50:21]: Um c come to Mike, please. [2:50:33, 2:50:36]: I was g saying I actually have to refer to Madam Clerk in regards to that if [2:50:37, 2:50:39]: It's not being [2:50:39, 2:50:53]: Move to the twentieth. It it will have to. Well then it will come back. It will come back on the twentieth. But I just wanna see what t legal advice you may have since you're here. It will come back on the twentieth. All right. Yes. [2:50:54, 2:51:00]: So it is fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen. We'll come back on the agenda on the twentieth. So that's at least five different things on the twentieth of December. [2:51:00, 2:51:01]: All right. [2:51:02, 2:51:08]: We'll now move to uh agenda number seventeen. Deals with licensing agreement for parking. [2:51:08, 2:51:11]: We added this motion at the beginning of the meeting and um [2:51:12, 2:51:14]: I would imagine this is you, Mr Gardner. [2:51:17, 2:51:18]: Is Danielle's gonna handle this? [2:51:21, 2:51:23]: Are you handling this this this motion? [2:51:24, 2:51:28]: License and agreement for parking. This can't it can't it did come from the attorneys. [2:51:30, 2:51:32]: If Daniel, if you don't know anything about it then I've [2:51:33, 2:51:36]: This p pumpkin This is uh [2:51:37, 2:51:51]: This deals with uh parking usage of uh the the approval of the parking usage of our of our parking lot for the church during the cour during the course of the construction of the right-of-ways and repaving that's done on Lee Street. [2:51:51, 2:52:11]: Yes. Yes, sir. Go ahead, please. So this is and I'll I'll let that get into the details, but this is the an agreement with the church as part of us re doing the relocation and the improvements of the intersection right there at um Lee Street. This is what that's involved with in terms of we're gonna be they're gonna be [2:52:11, 2:52:24]: utilizing some of their property they wanna know as we do the improvements if they can use our our parking lot in the interim whilst they're whilst they're making the transition on the Lee Street side of the property. [2:52:25, 2:52:41]: W well while the city be making the improvements to South Lee Street, realigning the road, there'll be some impact on the church that prevents them from using their parking lot. So they're requesting permission to use the parking lot at the municipal court and city hall during this process. [2:52:41, 2:52:43]: And I guess we should be good neighbors, right? [2:52:43, 2:52:45]: Therefore, [2:52:46, 2:52:56]: Stand by. Stand by. Down here first. Okay. Yes, Miss Gardner. Uh uh Miss Barber, I'm sorry. I'd like to make a motion to approve staff's recommendation. [2:52:56, 2:53:02]: Accepted. Okay. Uh this that would uh motion made second for discussion's sake. [2:53:02, 2:53:04]: Did did this have to come to us? [2:53:05, 2:53:07]: To tell somebody where they could park? [2:53:07, 2:53:09]: Well it's it's [2:53:11, 2:53:25]: It's an agreement to allow for them to utilize our parking area as they as we do the transition for Lee Street. So we'd wanna get Yeah, an easement. We'd wanna get the approvement of that, yes. [2:53:27, 2:53:41]: All right, all in favor of the motion, please indicate. All right, it's unanimous decision on that. Okay. And uh what is next? Contract extension for GFL sanitation services. I believe this is uh Mr. Aaron or m and Mr. Gardner, both? [2:53:42, 2:54:02]: Go ahead please. So what was the question because I'm unaware as to what the item it just says GFL contract? Right. Right. In reference to the contract. I believe the contract is uh is being need being renewed for one and number two is that the qu the one two to that portion would be how do we deal with our new residents? [2:54:02, 2:54:22]: They're coming in in one January. So So w one of the things we've been talking with GFL, we've gotten a list, so we finally got a list that we can work with'cause one list we received had sixteen hundred parcels, then we got another one that says there's twenty-two twenty two hundred [2:54:22, 2:54:27]: something parcel. So we're having to go through that list. [2:54:28, 2:54:47]: parcel by parcel because on today and last week when we was reviewing it, some of listed from the tax commissioner saying it's a commercial property, but when we go on the tax assessors o website and view it is actually a residential property. It's listed as single family residential. So we gotta go through all of those parcels. [2:54:47, 2:55:07]: And so we gotta integrate those parcels into the current route structure with GFL. So we've had a conversation with GFL. They say it would be they're requesting at least 90 days to start providing services to the newly annexed residents so that it'll be a smooth transition because you've got to get [2:55:07, 2:55:13]: get those routes integrated into what we currently have and if we and get carts delivered. [2:55:15, 2:55:32]: Okay, that's ninety days, all right, in that aspect. Stand by please. Ninety days. Uh okay, but what's that uh so but there's still part uh another part of this in reference to extending GFL's contract or approval for that. Is that Yes. Okay. One year renewal. [2:55:32, 2:55:52]: One renewal. Okay, is what we're looking for. So it's t okay. That's that has to be done tonight, supposedly, and then also through the negotiation with them, provided it's proved, that how we're gonna satis service service those new residents within the first ninety days, all the all the additional planning has to go into that. Yes,'cause we've got a get a billing mechanism in place as well. [2:55:52, 2:55:53]: Because [2:55:53, 2:56:02]: the current residents, they're billed on their property taxes. So these residents would have to be billed directly because it'll be uh [2:56:03, 2:56:23]: By June first of twenty twenty three, we'd have to have that information to the tax assessors to build them for the the next year. And we've estimated that taking on these additional customers based on our current rates, it would be between 45 and$50,000 a month to add those 2200 customers. So we gotta [2:56:23, 2:56:42]: figure out a way that's prudent for us to collect that revenue. Cause when we when Carriage Lakes came in, we pretty much were able to, it was a hundred homes, about a hundred homes, and it were right across from Monarch Village. So they had the same collection day as Monarch Village. So it was a easier transition. We gave them 90 days to [2:56:43, 2:57:03]: discontinued service with their current provider and then on January the first, twenty eighteen, we started providing service to those and the city pretty much absorbed the cost of those residents coming into the system because we didn't have a process in place to build those residents. So it [2:57:02, 2:57:22]: It's a process where we're going through with verifying the actual number of parcels residential and also they're being implemented into the current routing structure and then you gotta get a billing system in place to ensure that we're recovering the funds for the service. So besides that action [2:57:22, 2:57:27]: No, there's gotta be some other bigger plan or action to c somehow communicate [2:57:27, 2:57:34]: 'Cause I believe it was a gentleman tonight earlier, Mr. Evans brought up the a point about the plan to to inform every about the transition. So [2:57:35, 2:57:37]: So city manager, how are we going about doing this? [2:57:37, 2:57:40]: Yes, sir. Mayor [2:57:40, 2:57:50]: that um we need to get a letter from from a g the mayor, I guess the chief elected official that goes out to those new residents invite um, you know [2:57:50, 2:58:06]: Inviting them into the city and since we've met um this past week, I guess Friday or Thursday and finalized the the issue around sanitation, that we could include the language in there as it relates to services that would be rendered to those homeowners. That's [2:58:07, 2:58:27]: That's gonna be outside of public safety police. That'll be the only service that we'll be providing those residents. Most of those residents are Henry County Water and Sioux Authority by water or Clayton County by water. We they're not city current city re you know, on the city system. So we'll just you know put something together that pocket and have that sent out. Our goal is to you know, we're [2:58:27, 2:58:42]: Working diligently to get that done um so they could get out of here as quickly as possible for those residents. Can we do it before Christmas? Oh yeah. Oh no no we um hopefully end of this week. All right, good deal. Yes sir. Ms Ms. Garner uh Bar Miss Barber, go ahead please. Okay. [2:58:43, 2:58:48]: There was a residential and commercial waste collection. [2:58:48, 2:58:50]: solicitation that was posted. [2:58:51, 2:58:53]: It closed on December eighth. [2:58:55, 2:58:57]: Where are we with that process? [2:58:58, 2:59:07]: Well it closed on December eighth. The committee has been selected, so when procurement gives us that date for them to meet and review the two proposals we received. [2:59:08, 2:59:24]: then they will evaluate those proposals and then we'll come back with to council to award that contract. So why are we asking you all are asking us to approve the renewal of GFL for an additional year? [2:59:25, 2:59:26]: That's what you're asking. [2:59:27, 2:59:31]: Yes, ma'am. And and the reason for that is this, even though we put that proposal out there [2:59:33, 2:59:52]: We're trying to make it as unchaotic for the residents as possible. Uh I know GFL I don't know what can I say that that they're one of the biggest. Yeah. Yes. Just making sure. Um I know that GFL is one of the two that's put in for it, but at the same time [2:59:53, 3:00:13]: We're trying to make sure that we have the least corruptive and the most seamless avenue for these new residents to come into the city. Um I've been in discussions with Jeremy as well as with um our procurement manager as to how do we move, you know, moving forward. [3:00:13, 3:00:29]: with this recognizing that, you know, we have a number of those existing, those current residents that are coming in who are already GFL customers. Um, had Eagles Landing been one of them, I would have been one of those residents who are already a GFL customer. [3:00:30, 3:00:45]: Uh, we know that. We're also trying to effort that as well to determine how many people on that list are c are their current customers. We're trying to do it with the m least impact to these new residents as possible so that they don't be calling you guys as we're trying to make a shift between [3:00:45, 3:00:49]: starting up with a new company and potentially having them not have enough [3:00:50, 3:00:54]: enough equipment to cover these new people that are ca that came into the city. So we're [3:00:55, 3:01:03]: We're we're looking at all of our we're we're looking at all of our avenues to make sure that this becomes as seamless and painless as possible for these right now. Thank you, sir. But um [3:01:04, 3:01:06]: A follow up to that. [3:01:08, 3:01:14]: For quite some time citizens have complained about the service. [3:01:14, 3:01:17]: Quality of services from GFAL. [3:01:18, 3:01:19]: I cannot. [3:01:19, 3:01:22]: Approve the award of a contract. [3:01:23, 3:01:43]: to a service provider that we know we've had issues with. Mayor point of order. Point of order, Mayor. You have to know that. What's your point of order, sir? We know that time. Ms. Barber, stand by for a second. You didn't stop him when I called a point of order. I want my time to stand by, will you please? [3:01:42, 3:01:45]: Mr Mr. Blount, what is your point of order? [3:01:45, 3:01:49]: The point of water, Mayor, we have to stop as a council. [3:01:49, 3:01:52]: Sitting up here belittling any company. [3:01:52, 3:02:07]: I am addressing the concerns and desires of the citizens in our calm down where you the quality of services from the current contractor is not acceptable. Okay, fine. Asking specifically about the solicitation that was posted [3:02:07, 3:02:27]: for new sanitation services. Timing is important. You're really out of order right now. Timing is important. So this doesn't just rest on staff. If you don't have a total proposals that have been presented, I I got it. I got it. This solicitation should have gone out [3:02:27, 3:02:37]: Months ago. There's a point of order on the toilet and you should be heard. Calm down, folks, when you're a new side. [3:02:38, 3:02:52]: Just calm down. In good conscience. See what I'm saying? Don't approve the renewal. You gotta offer you right here. This current contract. I'm not sure. Either gonna take control of this meet, mayor, or you ask the officer to have a remote, but she's not gonna listen. Stand by. Will you please stand by? [3:02:53, 3:02:55]: Okay, now we got some quiet here for a second. Thank you. [3:02:56, 3:02:56]: Now [3:02:57, 3:02:58]: Mr. Blount. [3:02:59, 3:03:02]: Your point of order was My point of order is Mayor. [3:03:03, 3:03:23]: You as a ch you as a presiding officer should not allow us to sit here and belittle any companies that's under contract like we're doing right now in the process that we're going. Okay. We are in litigation right now because of that down there. Okay, it's Tom okay, got it. Now it's point order. Now, Miss Barber, did you finish your comments? I did not. [3:03:23, 3:03:43]: The citizens are not happy with current services from the sanitation company. I have a responsibility to make sure that I address the concerns and the desires here. I understand right now we gotta figure out something because we promised and we are required to provide. [3:03:43, 3:03:47]: provide sanitation services to all of the residents here. [3:03:47, 3:04:00]: It is the responsibility of staff to prepare for this. You're dropping this in our laps right now. I am not going to approve extending a contract of a provider that I know. [3:04:01, 3:04:03]: The citizens are not happy with [3:04:04, 3:04:05]: So what I'm asking [3:04:06, 3:04:11]: We have what two weeks before three weeks before the beginning of the year. [3:04:12, 3:04:15]: We need to come up with a a plan not just a plan. [3:04:16, 3:04:34]: We need actions right now. By our next meeting, we should know what our plans are. I'm already getting calls from residents, those new residents that are being annexed. I'm already getting calls and emails from them. They're asking about sanitation services. They're asking about the boards. [3:04:35, 3:04:43]: We should have planned for this beforehand. So now if things get chaotic, it is because we did not prepare for it. [3:04:43, 3:04:57]: Yes ma'am. So I don't and so let me let me and thank you. Go go ahead, you guys respond, go ahead and respond. I think the solicitation went out back in September, which is the time none of us knew whether or not this was gonna pass. [3:04:57, 3:05:05]: And to you know, to say we didn't we didn't plan, you know, we didn't know whether or not this was gonna pass or not. [3:05:06, 3:05:21]: And so once it passed we started working in earnest to figure out and once we got the data from the county and the collections and the elections office that gives us what that number was of those people that came in and now we learn that that's not even accurate. [3:05:22, 3:05:37]: So it's not just on us. We're taking the extra step to find out are these people correct? Are these homes loaned properly in terms of is it commercial reser res rather than residential properties? This shouldn't be a job that we're doing, but we're doing it. [3:05:37, 3:05:39]: Um, because we have to. [3:05:40, 3:05:43]: Right. And so to say that we didn't plan or fail to, I think is [3:05:44, 3:05:56]: Not all correct because you know, it's one thing to say, yes, I'm gonna walk in and make all these advanced notices and then they don't pass and we waste all the staff time trying to figure it out. [3:05:56, 3:05:59]: We once we knew it passed, we started working. [3:06:00, 3:06:02]: Мін до стаф ін албар. [3:06:03, 3:06:09]: And I don't know why it seems that everything we come from a negative perspective as to the staff here. [3:06:10, 3:06:12]: We start there and then work our way back to positive. [3:06:14, 3:06:16]: So Mr. Gardner. [3:06:16, 3:06:17]: Tell me what do I do? [3:06:18, 3:06:23]: Because I've heard the concerns from residents in regards to [3:06:23, 3:06:26]: Sanitation services. Mr. Aaron. [3:06:26, 3:06:28]: I've called you a number of times. [3:06:28, 3:06:32]: This year I've sent you emails this year. [3:06:32, 3:06:36]: You've seen the social media post. Tell me what am I to do. [3:06:37, 3:06:38]: What am I to do? [3:06:39, 3:06:41]: With those residents who come to me. [3:06:41, 3:06:47]: Constantly about their concerns, their complaints, trash pickup. [3:06:47, 3:06:48]: Delayed. [3:06:49, 3:06:51]: Not getting picked up at all. [3:06:51, 3:06:54]: I mean what do I do? What do I do? [3:06:54, 3:07:01]: So here's the issue we're dealing with. When I went to my public works managers conference, it's not just [3:07:01, 3:07:06]: What to do? What do I say to the residents when they come to me? [3:07:07, 3:07:08]: And they tell me [3:07:08, 3:07:28]: They tell me they're trash didn't get picked up today. What do you want me to tell? What do you want me to tell them? Other than to continue calling his mouth, you're not even gonna be able to do that. Okay, and we are charged with making sure [3:07:28, 3:07:29]: Sure. [3:07:29, 3:07:31]: That we are selecting [3:07:32, 3:07:38]: suppliers that will provide for the needs of the citizens here. Quality services. [3:07:38, 3:07:53]: Yes. Um yes, and and I can speak as as a GFL customer who who has gone through some issues with these folks as it relates to sitting on the phone for four, five, six, eight hours waiting to get somebody in customer service. So yes, I've been affected by them. [3:07:54, 3:07:58]: as a customer. Um and I know that we've met with the new regional [3:07:59, 3:08:19]: The new regional manager that came on board a few months ago, I guess. We met with him and talked to him about the issues that have been that that have been transpired and I actually had a direct conversation with him about my situation that I was going through um with GFL. And so, you know, his promise was, Hey man, we're we're gonna get this all done. Um [3:08:19, 3:08:28]: Um the issue that we're facing isn't, you know, new. It's it's not anomalous to to to GFL, I think, and and [3:08:28, 3:08:39]: Um Desh just was about to speak to this'cause I've heard from other city managers that that are having some issues around, you know, s the their private their private contractors for [3:08:40, 3:08:44]: are having some of the same issues, um trucks leaking. [3:08:45, 3:09:05]: um staffing issues with getting enough certified drivers to drive um routes, not you know incomplete routes to some degree. And so what we sat down with him and and Dest is could talk a little bit more about it was, you know, hear the cries of our residents, right? You're new, so we're employing to putting you to [3:09:05, 3:09:09]: start making some changes as it relates to the level of service that we have here. [3:09:10, 3:09:28]: Be that what it may, we also understand that, you know, but bringing on these additional folks, how do we transition in light of that? And that's the reason why w you know, we was like, okay, it's gonna take us a couple of months for order for us to get for them to get their the system for them to take it over before we can. [3:09:28, 3:09:48]: you know, we need to have that consistency there. We understand the gripes and the issues with at with the current vendor, but that just allowed for us to make that transition and then obviously transition back to putting it back out and hopefully get more than just two. Because there there are a few more companies out there other than the two that applied and would I would love to be able to get them and [3:09:48, 3:09:50]: or get more at least more on board. But [3:09:51, 3:09:55]: You know, from our standpoint looking at it, yes, I mean I've been an affected customer. [3:09:56, 3:10:02]: But at the same time, we're trying to make sure that you know, as we transition over, it's not a headache for the residents coming on board. [3:10:02, 3:10:03]: Did you know? [3:10:04, 3:10:08]: The pain that I might have suffered hopefully then they're not gonna see because we're trying to address it with them. [3:10:08, 3:10:15]: But it's also making sure that they know somebody's gonna be there on X date to collect and that it's gonna be a seamless issue. [3:10:15, 3:10:15]: So [3:10:16, 3:10:24]: The solicitation that was out there, it was closed. So it is waiting for staff to evaluate it and go through the whole process. So what do you mean by [3:10:24, 3:10:28]: stab putting it out again. W we can just, you know [3:10:29, 3:10:49]: make a determination w with the two that we have, taking in consideration that you have to rate. We're gonna go through that process, but one of the things that staff was challenged with, I think you mentioned it that you wanted a minimum of three, but we're gonna go with the two that we have. And one of them is the current vendor that we [3:10:49, 3:10:50]: We have right now. [3:10:50, 3:11:10]: And a new company that started in two thousand eleven was the other company that bidd on it. And so when I first got here in two thousand and sixteen, GFL was I think you had recently brought GFL on board. You had transitioned from in house to waste industry, it's waste industries. [3:11:10, 3:11:17]: So pre-pandemic we didn't have we didn't have issues like we've had during the pandemic. [3:11:17, 3:11:32]: And at that public works managers conference meeting, that was one of the main topics we talked about was sanitation services. Friend of mine's is the Solid Waste Direct and Griffin. He's having the same they do it in-house. They're having the same issues finding employees. They're behind. [3:11:32, 3:11:33]: Where? [3:11:33, 3:11:46]: employees because everybody is fighting fighting for the same group of employees. If GFL has a driver they paying him$18 an hour, guess what? Republic offers him 19 or 20. He goes to Republic. [3:11:47, 3:11:52]: And so just like we encountered covet issues, they encountered covet issues. [3:11:52, 3:12:12]: Just like we got these positions we haven't been able to fill, they've got positions they haven't been able to fill. But I think we've started some things, we implemented some things to m kind of help the process, like online you go in and make reservations to have bulk service or schedule yard ways. And so as we going through this process to bring on these [3:12:12, 3:12:32]: Additional customers, we don't want because the agreement says within 30 days of them being notified of newly annexed properties, they're supposed to begin service. But we're going through the holiday season. The last thing I want, if there's a snafu, somebody has service right now, and they cancel their service. [3:12:32, 3:12:52]: Service and we're unable to provide that service. So they sitting there three or four weeks. They don't have a way to get rid of their garbage. So we want to give people a date saying this date we will start providing you that service because, like I said, it's a whole lot of ancillary things involved in it. It's billing, it's getting carts delivered, it's routing them into the house. [3:12:52, 3:12:59]: Current route system so that you don't have an upset with the current customers, their date gets changed because. [3:12:59, 3:13:19]: The routes are out of balance. So it's a lot of things in the background that has to be accomplished before you start bringing on additional customers. And and that's the process we're going through now because the data, as Councilman Alexander said earlier, junk in, junk out. If we don't have the correct information to give to the vendor. [3:13:19, 3:13:39]: Then it's gonna be a nightmare. You're gonna be getting a lot of calls. We're gonna be getting a lot of calls from disgruntled people saying, When I had my prior service, I didn't have this issue. Now y'all brought me into the city, I save a few dollars, but I don't know when I'm gonna get service. So we're just trying to make sure that it's a smooth process and to have time. [3:13:39, 3:13:59]: So that when we bring on a new vendor, because we're adding something we haven't had previously, we're gonna add the commercial piece to that. So staff are gonna have to go and identify every commercial establishment in the city, what type of cart they have, what kind of service they have. And we've never done that before. So we don't have an inventory. [3:13:59, 3:14:02]: So [3:14:03, 3:14:23]: It so one of the things in the RLP was saying that it would be a year before we add the commercial piece. It gives people a chance to get away from the current contractor, but also for the city to conduct the inventory so we'll have an accurate list when we give it to them. Because heaven forbids when you make that change and somebody serves [3:14:23, 3:14:35]: service does not improve, it gets worse, then that's gonna be a lot of calls that you're gonna receive. So already getting that. So we're trying to alleviate that process, like I said, to get [3:14:36, 3:14:56]: When we all know there are supply chains issues, but we talked with GFL, they said they had fifteen hundred carts on hand. And they could get us the additional carts because some of their the customers that'll be coming in are already GFL customers. So they're going through that list, rubbing it to see which ones are already their customers and have the carts. But we want the problem. [3:14:56, 3:15:04]: process to be as smooth as possible. And I know if you said we're gonna start January first, you're not gonna be able to do it and do it effectively. [3:15:04, 3:15:22]: Well early in the conversation you you indicated third ninety days. I'm assuming that things are starting ninety days. First quarter. Yes, uh. All right. Is that right? Okay. All right. Good deal. Yes, sir. Go ahead, please. Thank you. [3:15:24, 3:15:37]: Uh Mr. Gardner, Mr. Aaron, Councilwoman Barber, I I do understand those issues. I've had those issues um as a resident myself. But this is what I do understand. [3:15:38, 3:15:40]: We have to get it right. [3:15:41, 3:15:46]: We have to serve not only the new residents. [3:15:46, 3:15:48]: But even the current one. [3:15:49, 3:15:54]: I don't know, but I believe if you bring in someone new altogether [3:15:55, 3:15:58]: I think some of the existing customers [3:15:59, 3:16:19]: Probably gonna have some problem because we have a new company out there running these routes. So, considering all of that, and I'm going to trust you two guys here to make sure that GFL, if we agree to give them the one-year extension, that we get it right. We cannot [3:16:19, 3:16:20]: College. [3:16:21, 3:16:26]: The new citizens coming in and the existences because of some of our [3:16:27, 3:16:29]: deficiency, if you will. [3:16:30, 3:16:32]: I don't think we have a lot of choices. [3:16:33, 3:16:38]: And I agree with the assessment that you all are are making here. We don't have a choice. [3:16:39, 3:16:59]: We have to go down this road and hope that you all will communicate with GFL and they do better. But we don't have a choice, Councilwoman Barr. We don't have a choice. But one thing I do know, and I I attended most of all of the sessions that we had, these town halls, and I know what we put out. [3:16:59, 3:17:03]: down there. And I know what we said. And we have a gentleman right here. [3:17:04, 3:17:06]: He's sitting here and he's heard all of this. [3:17:07, 3:17:09]: And I know it's discouraging for him. [3:17:10, 3:17:12]: We have to get this right. [3:17:13, 3:17:19]: We have to get this right. And I think from what I heard from you two gentlemen [3:17:19, 3:17:20]: The plan [3:17:21, 3:17:22]: And we had just hope. [3:17:23, 3:17:35]: And trust you all that y'all are going to get with GFL and get it right going forward for the next twelve months. We don't have a choice. We cannot [3:17:36, 3:17:39]: Make these citizens suffer. I don't want to suffer. [3:17:39, 3:17:59]: I don't want because we have a new company coming in and my schedule is on Tuesday and they come to me on a Thursday because uh they don't know where I live, they don't know this. So we don't have a choice, but we have to get it right. I'm going to trust you two guys that you all are going to work with GFL and all of the new addresses. [3:17:59, 3:18:04]: and everything that we do as you all just laid it out. And we get it right. [3:18:04, 3:18:18]: within these next 12 months. And let's just let's just be trusting in that. I get complaints as well. But if I had to communicate with anybody, any new citizens or this, I would tell them this. [3:18:19, 3:18:30]: This is the process and we're gonna try to make it right. Trust in us to get it right. That will be, I know Councilwoman Bar, you said, what do you say to these customers? This is what you have to say. [3:18:30, 3:18:34]: Nothing is perfect, but we're going to work to try to get it right. [3:18:35, 3:18:46]: And we have to do this for these citizens. They trusted us, those that went to the poll and voted to become citizens of Stockbridge. We can't stomp our toe on this. [3:18:46, 3:18:52]: Because they trusted us. When they went to the ballot and pushed that button, they trusted us. [3:18:52, 3:18:54]: To get it right. [3:18:54, 3:18:56]: And we have to deliver. [3:18:58, 3:18:59]: No eofs. [3:19:00, 3:19:04]: No ands, no buts. We have to get it right. [3:19:05, 3:19:11]: So I'm going to trust you two guys to get with GFL and in the next twelve months we we deliver. [3:19:12, 3:19:32]: I think the main thing is to make sure we verify those addresses which we're going through now because if you send somebody a bill and they're not part of the city or didn't get annexed in, then so now we gotta go through that process of refunding folks' fees because [3:19:32, 3:19:34]: I will say this [3:19:35, 3:19:38]: I think that the city should have [3:19:38, 3:19:40]: had a contingency plan. [3:19:40, 3:19:44]: Because we didn't know if it was gonna pass, we didn't know if it was gonna fail. [3:19:44, 3:19:47]: But I think we should have been prepared. [3:19:48, 3:19:50]: That it would pass. [3:19:50, 3:19:54]: Now I say that, but it's nothing we can do about that now. [3:19:56, 3:19:58]: All we got is going forward. [3:19:58, 3:20:18]: So I think these are lesson learned, but we should have had some kind of contingency in case it did pass. But again, it's nothing we can do about that now. We have to just go forward. But again, uh I I'm trusting you you guys to t to get it right. And uh and um that's our goal. We wanna get it right, we wanna be done with [3:20:18, 3:20:38]: with as little disruption as possible. But like I said, the main thing was just actually getting our hands on the parcels that were and extended because when we looked at the bill, it didn't have all of the individual parcels. It had like blocks, what were census tracts and things like that. So we [3:20:38, 3:20:55]: We just got, I think, the first one because I had a correspondence with the clerk about the actual parcels that was annexed in. So we had a conversation with the Board of Elections. They gave us a list. And then we had another conversation with the tax commissioner. He gave us a list. So [3:20:56, 3:21:02]: And now we're we're working through those lists'cause it's about a six hundred ten bucks parcel difference. So [3:21:03, 3:21:05]: Ms. Barber, you had your hand up? [3:21:05, 3:21:18]: Yes. Yeah. Um I believe over the summer the council approved a number of I believe there were resolutions in regards to contracts and the expiration of contracts. [3:21:19, 3:21:20]: This is one of them. [3:21:21, 3:21:23]: That expires at the end of this year. [3:21:24, 3:21:25]: It is [3:21:25, 3:21:30]: It has a nofied of the expiration of contracts. [3:21:31, 3:21:33]: At least a hundred and eighty days? [3:21:33, 3:21:35]: Prior to the expiration. [3:21:35, 3:21:38]: So that there is some type of evaluation or [3:21:39, 3:21:42]: The council is able to give some consideration. [3:21:42, 3:21:44]: This is another example. [3:21:44, 3:21:45]: Uh [3:21:46, 3:21:49]: A decision that's being dropped in our lap. [3:21:50, 3:21:51]: I cannot. [3:21:51, 3:22:00]: Approve the extension of a one year contract with a provider that I know our city has had. [3:22:01, 3:22:07]: the citizens have had concerns about. I will consider six months, but an entire year I will not. [3:22:07, 3:22:09]: But this [3:22:09, 3:22:10]: Item [3:22:10, 3:22:13]: was an item that was added to the agenda. [3:22:13, 3:22:14]: Just today. [3:22:15, 3:22:15]: We amended [3:22:16, 3:22:17]: Our council agenda [3:22:18, 3:22:18]: For today. [3:22:19, 3:22:20]: to add this item. [3:22:21, 3:22:22]: Once again. [3:22:23, 3:22:26]: This is a decision that's being drap dropped in our lap. [3:22:27, 3:22:29]: Dropped on our lap today. [3:22:30, 3:22:43]: It should have been made we should have been made aware of this prior to today. I'm not going to approve a one year contract with the current provider. I'm just not. Timing is important. [3:22:44, 3:22:48]: And so are all of the processes. You understand exact [3:22:48, 3:22:54]: This is the same issue I have been talking about for the past three years. [3:22:54, 3:22:59]: Абсолютні, а нотачation сервис а круче. [3:23:00, 3:23:03]: They are crucial services to the citizens here. [3:23:03, 3:23:04]: Y'all know it too. [3:23:05, 3:23:10]: Staff understands it too. So don't look at me as though it's my fault. [3:23:11, 3:23:17]: What I would suggest is that this decision, if you're looking for us to approve the renewal of this contract. [3:23:18, 3:23:20]: I would suggest that you bring it back to the council and [3:23:20, 3:23:21]: Next week [3:23:22, 3:23:23]: [12203.8, 12205.8]: Well that the other council members [3:23:26, 3:23:29]: that they would be here and they would agree to approve this. [3:23:30, 3:23:32]: Every single person here knows. [3:23:32, 3:23:46]: This is the same situation I've been talking about for three years. You're dropping it in my lap and you're forcing me to make a z decision to approve it and I'm not and I won't. Yes, ma'am. That's all. Respectfully, ma'am. [3:23:46, 3:23:53]: We put the bid out for sanitation in September. That was for for the new contract for in September. So this was done on time. [3:23:54, 3:24:00]: This is the same thing. [3:24:00, 3:24:18]: was predicated on the annexation is what caused this and that's the reason why this came. It had nothing to do with the contract this. That's running a separate track and running the track as we know it was if once a contract comes to that point, we put it out to facilitation and bid. [3:24:19, 3:24:24]: And that's what was done. That solicitation was put out in September of two thousand two twenty two. [3:24:25, 3:24:27]: All right. Do you have a comment, sir? [3:24:27, 3:24:35]: Mr Gardner, Mr Aaron, let me t look, what you all are doing is what you're able to do. [3:24:37, 3:24:47]: Everybody's been hurting for employees, every single company since the pandemic. You go to restaurants now, look at the qualities because people are hurting. [3:24:47, 3:24:52]: GFL has had people driving through neighborhoods and the driver [3:24:52, 3:24:57]: Is the same person that jumps out and grab a trash can, jumps in and dra I've seen this. [3:24:58, 3:25:00]: Everybody's hurting for employees. [3:25:01, 3:25:05]: And when you sit here and when we get new residents in [3:25:05, 3:25:13]: One thing's for sure is GFL's got thirty thousand trash cans or more out right now at people's houses. Equipment. [3:25:15, 3:25:21]: I would bet anyone to find out if any company can do that right now with everything is going on with supply, all of this stuff. [3:25:22, 3:25:39]: And to add now what you said, what what you said makes sense, Mr. Aaron. They've got residents that are now sti under GFL that is coming to the city. So the amount of equipment that they will need to be put out wouldn't be substantial as a new company. [3:25:40, 3:25:43]: We got a company that knows the city, that's doing what they do. [3:25:44, 3:25:47]: See one of the things I do, I know how to be an elected official. [3:25:48, 3:25:50]: I know meetings supposed to be ran. [3:25:51, 3:25:56]: I know what's supposed to be done as an elected official. I don't work off of emotions and feelings. [3:25:56, 3:26:00]: to dictate my d looking at what is needed in the communities. [3:26:00, 3:26:05]: What's needed is sanitation. What needed what is needed is a company that can provide it. [3:26:05, 3:26:10]: Not to sit here and belittle a company and do all this stuff. We're either gonna vote for it or you're not. [3:26:11, 3:26:12]: We don't have to go through all this. [3:26:14, 3:26:25]: This is we're making a mockery of this city coming right here from this elected body, these seats up here. It makes no sense. The right thing to do is to [3:26:25, 3:26:32]: agree to a one year extension of that contract because they can make the provisions and provide services for the citizens. [3:26:33, 3:26:36]: Simple as that. Whatever needs to be fixed, we fix it. [3:26:36, 3:26:40]: This is this is I never seen nothing like this before in my life. [3:26:41, 3:26:44]: I've never seen nothing like this before in my life. [3:26:46, 3:26:47]: This is the challenge. [3:26:48, 3:26:50]: Not what we have to do, but this right here. [3:26:51, 3:26:53]: And we got to realize people are watching this. [3:26:54, 3:26:56]: Online and coming here watching. [3:26:59, 3:27:05]: All right. Um so otherwise gentlemen you perforce we'll go through the process. [3:27:05, 3:27:07]: See we get a motion, get a second. [3:27:08, 3:27:10]: See what it passes. All right. [3:27:10, 3:27:11]: So [3:27:11, 3:27:21]: There's a motion on the floor or p excuse me, I need a motion uh to be made on whether or not uh the we're gonna accept the contract extension for GFL sanitation services. [3:27:21, 3:27:22]: Is there a motion? [3:27:24, 3:27:26]: Is there a motion? No moon. [3:27:27, 3:27:28]: Mr. Brown made a motion. Is there a second? [3:27:31, 3:27:32]: April Tim seconds that. [3:27:33, 3:27:34]: All favor motion, please indicate. [3:27:36, 3:27:37]: Oppose. [3:27:37, 3:27:38]: Of stain. [3:27:39, 3:27:44]: Say two zero one. Motion fails. This will be coming back on our twentieth agenda December agenda. [3:27:44, 3:27:55]: We can also as we get ready to leave, we can also incorporate performance standards into our to the agreement with them if that's Mr. Aaron, all due respect. [3:27:55, 3:28:00]: Because this is going way out south. We got another council member coming in now. [3:28:01, 3:28:03]: This is going way south. [3:28:04, 3:28:06]: And this vote has already been taken. [3:28:06, 3:28:08]: Trust me. [3:28:10, 3:28:14]: All right, so um on that. [3:28:15, 3:28:19]: Motion motion what term. Mr. Ayre, could you come back up here please? [3:28:22, 3:28:23]: I'll watch it a lot, I'm good. [3:28:28, 3:28:40]: Because I think that was Mr. Thomas' concern as well. And and all of us. I'd like to make a motion to extend the contract for one year with with also setting provisions for them for improvement standards. [3:28:42, 3:28:44]: Okay, first okay, is there a second in the motion? [3:28:44, 3:28:49]: I second. All right now. Back to the attorney. Back to the attorney. [3:28:53, 3:29:08]: Well no, that's that's what's that's what I was gonna think that that's what I was gonna ask. That's what I was gonna ask. I was gonna ask that question. Because nobody vote there was not there was no action done to the to the there was no I just wanna get legal advice. [3:29:09, 3:29:29]: Two zero one. That's not a action that's not an action move. Hold on a second. The motion didn't pass. Two zero one. It didn't pass. Normally normally have to pass motion or did approve it or disapprove it in these three votes. So we had a motion that did not get three votes. So it it didn't it didn't pass, all right, one way or the other. So now we're making another motion. [3:29:29, 3:29:32]: We have another member of the council make another. Can we legally do that? [3:29:33, 3:29:38]: No well It's a different motion. Well well it is a different yeah, it's verbiage is probably the same, but it's a different motion, yes. [3:29:39, 3:29:42]: has to be a different motion. I can't just reward it but that [3:29:43, 3:29:53]: No, no, it's a motion to approve one year contract for GfL with provisions to an improvement for provisions set by public works. It's a totally different motion. [3:29:54, 3:30:01]: Okay. That's it. Stand by. Don't go anywhere. And you made a motion, Mr. Blount, and Mr Mary Potem seconded the motion, is that correct? [3:30:01, 3:30:02]: Yes. [3:30:03, 3:30:04]: Okay. [3:30:04, 3:30:15]: All in favor No wait a minute, I'm sorry. Ma Ms. Gantt Ms. Gantt seconds the motion. I'm sorry. Ms. Gantt seconds the motion. Okay, I'm sorry. Ms. Gantt seconds yes, madam clerk. Yes, madam clerk. [3:30:25, 3:30:29]: That's what he just said mentioned, yeah. [3:30:32, 3:30:42]: They came to us, they came to us asking for a year's tension. And I said so moved. With the performance. No, no, no, it wasn't. No, he didn't say performance the first time. [3:30:44, 3:30:45]: I'm saying performance now. [3:30:47, 3:30:50]: The mayor read the motion off and I said so moved. [3:30:52, 3:30:54]: Tom said uh he's second. [3:30:55, 3:30:56]: didn't have any action to it. [3:30:56, 3:31:07]: This is this motion is totally different. It's a motion to extend the contract one year with performance agreements set standards set by Public Works, Mr. Aaron. [3:31:07, 3:31:07]: Yeah. [3:31:08, 3:31:10]: Mayor. [3:31:11, 3:31:13]: Yeah, we don't have to have fun. [3:31:15, 3:31:28]: No, and not if it's a different motion. And my understanding is a different motion. The first motion was just to extend the contract for one year, no extras to it. The second motion is for the extension for a year, but with the corrective measures in place. [3:31:29, 3:31:35]: Okay. Now motion was made and seconded. So discussion. Mayor Ford. Sir. [3:31:36, 3:31:37]: Excuse me. [3:31:37, 3:31:38]: Trust me. [3:31:39, 3:31:42]: I do understand and and Miss Barber's correct. [3:31:43, 3:31:45]: Uh with all of that. She is correct with that. [3:31:45, 3:31:46]: But [3:31:47, 3:32:03]: What's pressing upon me though is those citizens. Right. Yeah. And I and I'm gonna agree with Ms. Barber. You you are correct. You have been talking about these contracts and that and time matters for as we getting them. I I I agree with all of that. [3:32:03, 3:32:07]: But again, my concern is about these citizens. [3:32:08, 3:32:11]: And I don't I don't think we should penalize them because of [3:32:12, 3:32:19]: our misdoing. But I will be I will say I will agree though with those stipulations. Um [3:32:20, 3:32:40]: uh Mr. Aaron that you just talked about those improvement. So I can avote I can vote for this for twelve months with that codicle attached to uh this motion. And I will vote for that. Because again, yes, that need to be some improvement. And I think this is what y'all need to go back with them. [3:32:40, 3:32:46]: them with, but I can't approve of this for twelve months with that attached to the motion. [3:32:47, 3:32:56]: All right. I mentioned Mayor Ford. Yes, ma'am. As I mentioned, I would agree to approve an extension of six months. [3:32:56, 3:32:58]: But it's not a good thing. [3:32:58, 3:33:05]: Don't cut me off. Please allow me to finish my comments just as you allow everybody else. Go ahead. Go ahead and finish them. Thank you. [3:33:07, 3:33:08]: As I said. [3:33:10, 3:33:15]: Every one of us have heard concerns or read concerns and complaints. [3:33:15, 3:33:17]: From citizens in this community. [3:33:18, 3:33:23]: Of course, I understand the importance of having sanitation services. [3:33:24, 3:33:29]: But also I want to make sure that the quality of services that are provided. [3:33:30, 3:33:31]: That we [3:33:31, 3:33:36]: Do our very best to hold our service providers accountable. [3:33:38, 3:33:40]: I hear the complaints. [3:33:40, 3:33:42]: I read the comments. [3:33:43, 3:33:45]: I do not agree once again. [3:33:46, 3:33:47]: With a contract. [3:33:47, 3:33:49]: That's being dropped in my lap. [3:33:49, 3:33:52]: to be mak for a decision for me to be [3:33:52, 3:33:54]: making today. [3:33:56, 3:33:57]: This item was added to the agenda. [3:33:58, 3:33:58]: Today. [3:33:59, 3:34:01]: It's not like it was planned. [3:34:01, 3:34:03]: Two weeks ago and [3:34:03, 3:34:07]: you know, printed on the agenda. No, it was just dropped there today. [3:34:08, 3:34:14]: I don't wanna play any games. Councilwoman Gantt didn't just arrive just show up here out of the blue ten minutes ago. [3:34:15, 3:34:29]: She'd been watching Mayor Pornhub. Stand block. All of this mayor brought in my lap for me to make a decision. Absolutely. Those new residents who are being annexed in. [3:34:30, 3:34:32]: They were promised sanitation services. [3:34:33, 3:34:35]: January first. [3:34:36, 3:34:37]: Not in ninety days. [3:34:39, 3:34:41]: January first is what we said. [3:34:42, 3:34:49]: I agree there is a transition period. If you want to respond, Mr. Gardner, you can come over here. I'm watching your facial expression. [3:34:49, 3:34:54]: I'm watching your facial expression. If you have a response, you can come here and we can have a conversation. [3:34:55, 3:34:57]: My problem is. [3:34:57, 3:35:03]: This being dropped in my laptop and the fact that there have been complaints [3:35:04, 3:35:08]: For the past three years, and this council kips renewing. [3:35:08, 3:35:21]: The contract for the same service provider, the fact that staff, I don't know if Mr Mr. Aaron, have you addressed all the concerns over the past three years? [3:35:23, 3:35:30]: With this supplier, I I get it. I get that short staff, manpower, equipment. I get all of that. [3:35:30, 3:35:50]: Have you addressed the concerns? Yes, we have. And I think one of the things that came out of it was the online service request. So that reduced the call waiting and also allowed people that are more computer savvy, that want to do things online, they have that access and they have that capability to go online and schedule their service. [3:35:50, 3:35:58]: Had several meetings with them about the quality of service. And I said when I got here in 2016. [3:35:58, 3:36:01]: Calls and concerns with them were minimal. [3:36:01, 3:36:20]: Even before the pandemic, the year before the pandemic, calls were minimum. We did not have a lot of complaints and calls about services. Right around the pandemic time, that's when it started having an uptick in the number of calls and complaints. But like I said, prior to that, we didn't have any issues with the service. [3:36:20, 3:36:31]: Okay. And I can understand it. My first term the pandemic hit three months after me being here. So all I know is what I have experienced and seen and heard. [3:36:31, 3:36:33]: from the community surrounding [3:36:34, 3:36:36]: The service provider. That's all I know. [3:36:37, 3:36:41]: In addition to that, I know that there have also been um [3:36:43, 3:36:44]: Concerns with [3:36:44, 3:36:47]: Not having staff, pandemic woes. [3:36:47, 3:36:48]: Equipment. [3:36:49, 3:36:51]: All those things. [3:36:51, 3:36:53]: I wanna be assured [3:36:53, 3:37:03]: If I approve a one year renewal once again, because this council is known for just reapproving contracts over and over and over again. [3:37:04, 3:37:08]: I want to be assured that things are gonna be different, and I don't think that is possible. [3:37:08, 3:37:12]: I believe six months give staff may be enough time for [3:37:12, 3:37:15]: For them to put out another solicitation. [3:37:15, 3:37:17]: And do a very um [3:37:18, 3:37:19]: Aggressive. [3:37:19, 3:37:20]: Search so [3:37:21, 3:37:22]: For other [3:37:22, 3:37:23]: Suppliers. [3:37:23, 3:37:25]: or service providers. [3:37:25, 3:37:29]: Instead of just going along with the same ones that we've been using. [3:37:30, 3:37:33]: So six months should be long enough. [3:37:33, 3:37:35]: Not a whole year again. [3:37:35, 3:37:55]: Well well, here's one of the the issues and concerns we had when we discussed it. This every relationship we have with a vendor, I consider it a partnership. So we're asking them to move forward with securing almost 2600 garbage carts, and then we're gonna turn around and say, Well, three months later, we're gonna terminate your service because it'll take [3:37:55, 3:38:12]: them 90 days which is three months to get the carts delivered. So they'll provide that service for three months and there's a possibility that you're going to terminate their service, but we're asking them to make a leap of faith to say, we're going to provide these carts, you know, and we're going to [3:38:13, 3:38:33]: provide that service because the agreement says they have 30 days from the date they're notified of an annexation to start providing service to those residents. So they're not required by their agreement on January the 1st to start providing service. And there are some residents I've spoken with, they already have a service. They made the payment. [3:38:33, 3:38:48]: They've paid for the first quarter. So if we turn around and say, well, now we're gonna take that card and you're gonna have to start getting it from the city, then we gotta either we're gonna refund them their money or we're gonna bill them again for the same service that they've already paid for. So [3:38:48, 3:39:08]: You know, it it the transition is not as smooth as everybody thinks. It's just we notify them, they deliver twenty six hundred carts on the end of December, January first, they start collecting everybody. It it it has to be a period where we get this right, cause if not, then [3:39:08, 3:39:10]: Your phones are gonna [3:39:10, 3:39:30]: be ringing constantly because well I had service. Now I don't have service. Nobody collecting my garbage. I got this garbage piling up at my house. So we're trying to do everything within our powers to alleviate that issue by making sure we have a smooth and orderly process where we transition all those residents that are going to be [3:39:30, 3:39:50]: the impact that they get notified saying on such and such date, just like we did with Carrots Lakes, on such and such date, you will become a city of Stockbridge sanitation customer. And so if we haphazardly do it and start, well we add 50 here, we add some here, we add, it's not going to work. And it's going [3:39:50, 3:40:10]: To be a lot of confusion and we're trying to eliminate that. That's why we need the time to verify all these addresses because come June 1st, that information got to be to the tax commissioners. We're billing these residents for stormwater and we're billing them for sanitation. And we want that to be right. We don't want people calling up here and saying, why am I getting [3:40:10, 3:40:30]: A sanitation bill from the city of Stockbridge. I'm not in the city of Stockbridge. And also, GFL has got to have the time. They're going through that list as well, along with us, so that they can incorporate them into their current route because they they're not gonna be running all over the city. I got 20 over here, I got 30 over here. It's gotta be a smooth transition where the curve. [3:40:30, 3:40:50]: Current customers. It may be a few that changes days, but if the majority of them change their collection day, then that's gonna be another headache. So we're trying to alleviate that. And we think 90 days will give us sufficient time to address and work out all the kinks as far as how many parcels there are, what the route. [3:40:50, 3:41:00]: outs are gonna be and to get those carts delivered. GFL has told us, Mr. Garden, we had a conversation when they already got fifteen hundred carts on hand. [3:41:00, 3:41:11]: So and some of those customers, they're going through the list, they're already being identified as GFL customers. So we just wanna process like I say it [3:41:12, 3:41:29]: Even if a new provider, I've been through a transition where you change from one provider to another. We just went through it in Macon. I live in Makon. Our provider was worse than the worst. They got to the point. They brought in somebody else to start. And we made that transition. Guess it's been about a year. We're still having hiccups. [3:41:29, 3:41:49]: So it it's not as smooth as everybody thinks that you get rid of one company, then next month you got another company and everything is smooth. It's not. And we're trying to alleviate that. A year gives us enough time to make this transition as smoothly as possible because I'm telling you, we got the [3:41:49, 3:42:03]: holiday's coming up. Everybody's already getting to the mold. Keep with me next year. We just trying to make this a smooth transition for those new residents because if it does not go smoothly, we're going to hear it. [3:42:03, 3:42:07]: And we haven't even notified the residents yet because [3:42:07, 3:42:17]: We gotta we wanna make sure when we disseminate that information, it's correct, it's accurate, that they can trust what we say and we say it's gonna start on [3:42:17, 3:42:25]: April first or April it starts that day and they have their carts prior to that and they know their day of delivery. [3:42:27, 3:42:40]: And that's that's what we're trying to ensure because if you say six months, then it'll be actually like two months. So they providing twenty six hundred carts for two months. [3:42:41, 3:42:48]: if they're not the one that wins the solicitation. So we're just trying to make this transition as smooth as we can. [3:42:51, 3:42:52]: Ms. Gantt. [3:42:53, 3:43:04]: Uh yes, I just wanna apologize. I've been um to my daughter's concert, Dutchtown Middle School. That's the only reason. But on my way here I was able to um [3:43:05, 3:43:19]: watch a little bit of the I hear it on Facebook, the Facebook Live, the meeting as I and I was waiting downstairs. So um I'm prepared to vote. All right. Motion been made and then been second. So all in favor of the motion, please indicate. [3:43:21, 3:43:31]: Excuse me too. Yeah, yes, to what the motion yes, what the motion but Mr. Blount made. Are you in favor of that, right, sir? Okay, so all in favor, please raise your hand. All in favor? [3:43:32, 3:43:36]: All in favor? Yes. Okay. All opposed? Abstain. [3:43:36, 3:43:40]: All right, three zero one motion passed. Thank you, Mr. Aaron. [3:43:41, 3:43:46]: On the announcements and upcoming meeting events. Upcoming meeting events announcements. Council meetings will be held in council chamber. [3:43:47, 3:43:52]: City Council Chamber meeting dates, location, time, subject change, please visit the city website. [3:43:52, 3:44:05]: www.city of stopbridge.com for the meeting invitation Facebook page or contact City Hall offices 770-389-7900 for updates. [3:44:06, 3:44:26]: Citywide Development Authority meeting, 6 p.m. City Hall Levi Meeting Room, second Tuesday of each month, which is December 13th. Planning Commission meeting, special date. Thursday is 6:30 p.m. City Council Chamber is December 15th. City Council work session meetings is gonna be the 20th. [3:44:26, 3:44:46]: And we have several items on that meeting. That's uh Tuesday, 6 p.m. right here in the city council chambers. Downtown Development Authority meeting at 6 p.m. by bay by way of Zoom, third Tuesday of each month. And that's also December 20th. Youth Council Visory Committee meeting at 6 30 p.m. third Tuesday of each month in the Levi meeting room. [3:44:46, 3:45:06]: Right here in City Hall, December 20th as well. City Council meeting, second Monday of each month. City City Hall Council Chambers is January 9th, first meeting of our calendar year. Youth Council meeting at 6:30 p.m., second Monday of each month. City Hall Levi Meeting Room, January 9th. The Main Advice Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, 2nd. [3:45:06, 3:45:26]: Friday of each month at 9 a.m. at City Hall Levi Meeting Room. Upcoming city events, a continuous salute to veterans. Please forward your pictures of veterans, including name, branch, ranked years of service. As Merripo Tim Thomas presents a special tribute to local veterans. Pictures should be submitted to Rosalind Rawls at R. Rawls at City of Stockbridge D. [3:45:26, 3:45:31]: dash G A dot G-O-V. And of course thank you for your service. [3:45:31, 3:45:51]: And I have here please join Councilwoman Barber for a free zoom on every Saturday morning via affairs event center located seven four seven Davis Road Suite four hundred Stockbridge at eight AM Come out for free fitness. You got your opportunity to meet the mayor and talk with Mayor Ford on Monday, December nineteenth. [3:45:51, 3:46:11]: From 10 a.m. to noon, please contact Ros and Rawls to schedule an appointment 678-833-3348 or email at R Rawls at city of Stockbridge-Ga dot G-O-V. And now for my comments, uh want to first mention that uh we had an outstanding volunteer [3:46:11, 3:46:31]: volunteer gala to to s to actually thank our volunteers for this past year and for the last couple years of being volunteering for the for the city of Stockbridge all council initiatives and city events. Obviously the last two years, well two and a half almost three years now we've been in a pandemic. So so been a so we want to appreciate them and had a great [3:46:31, 3:46:51]: Great gala uh in Merrill Manors this past uh Saturday. Um and that uh we had some good uh the soul cartel band entertained us along with Isaiah Tatum, a saxophonist, a jazz saxophonist, uh entertained us as well. And a lot of awards and appreciations were given out to all the volunteers. [3:46:51, 3:47:11]: So I want to thank the council, primarily Mayor Pro Tem for bringing it forward, organizing and setting that up for success in this aspect as well. So that worked out well. Of course, as you know folks, uh, I mentioned just early in the comment that we're still really in a pandemic for all practical purposes. So you can get a vaccination uh show. [3:47:10, 3:47:30]: Shot almost anywhere in the immediate area. But Henry County Health Department does do that every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 11:30 or 1 p.m. to 2:30. They're located at 135 Henry Parkway. You can call and simple appointment at 470-664-0005. [3:47:30, 3:47:50]: And uh also you can get tested to the Red Hawk Field Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also located right down the street from the Henry County Health Department. And uh so otherwise you should also have your you've been vaccinated. Hopefully you had your second booster, and then actually I believe there's a third booster out there. [3:47:50, 3:48:10]: But also it's still flu shot season, so hopefully you'll get your flu shot as well. So you need to stay healthy until we eradicate this uh this uh uh virus as best as possible anyway. So it's all for the betterment of your good health. Um wanna mention to everybody, since it's the summer, happy holidays to you. And uh hopefully uh not hopefully [3:48:10, 3:48:30]: Hopefully we will have a good and prosperous new year in the city of Stockbridge where community connects. So I wish you west, uh wish you well during the holidays with your friends and family and loved ones in this aspect as well. So uh be safe. And uh on that note, council, believe it or not, I believe uh Mr. Gardner has some items for our executive session. Uh [3:48:30, 3:48:36]: uh that we need to discuss. And so I like a motion to a close executor session, please. [3:48:38, 3:48:43]: Yeah, I move that we go into an executive session for personnel, real estate and litigation. Thank you, sir. Second. [3:48:45, 3:48:47]: Mr Blount seconds that all in favor please indicate. [3:48:50, 3:48:51]: Two. [3:48:51, 3:48:56]: Three, okay. You say no? Okay, so I've got two four. [3:48:56, 3:48:57]: And [3:48:57, 3:48:59]: Got two four all poles? [3:49:02, 3:49:14]: Okay, so it's uh two one one. So we're not gonna exact concession. Uh so now I need a motion to end our council meeting then. So moved. Okay. Uh Ms. Gantt to second? Any second? [3:49:15, 3:49:18]: Sa sec, Mr. Mirapro ten second. All fair, please indicate. [3:49:19, 3:49:21]: All right, you vote and do sir to [3:49:22, 3:49:28]: Yes. Okay. That's a now decision. Good night everybody. Good night. We have now ended our meeting.