Category: City Council

--- title: March 28 2017 Work Session Meeting date: 2017-03-28 source: 2017-03-28_March_28_2017_Work_Session_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:20, 0:00:27]: Yeah, so we're just gonna [0:00:30, 0:00:32]: Well, [0:00:38, 0:00:41]: [ 60.0, 65.4]: [0:01:10, 0:01:13]: Panie Przewodniczący. [0:01:14, 0:01:19]: It is six o'clock. We're gonna get started with our meeting and um [0:01:19, 0:01:32]: If we could at this time, I'm gonna call the meeting to order and I'm going to invite up Reverend Jacqueline Rose Tucker from Red Oak United Methodist Church and she's gonna bless us with an invitation this evening. [0:01:36, 0:01:42]: And after she finishes, uh we have a scout group in our audience that came to um [0:01:43, 0:01:51]: be a part of our uh program tonight and they are gonna come up and uh lead us in our pledge of the flag to the flag flag. Thank you. [0:01:52, 0:01:55]: This looks like church, folks sitting in the back. [0:01:55, 0:01:56]: Yeah. [0:01:56, 0:01:57]: Let us pray. [0:01:58, 0:02:02]: Dear gracious Lord, we are honored to be in your presence tonight. [0:02:03, 0:02:08]: We're so thankful that we have a country and a system. [0:02:09, 0:02:11]: That recognizes that we can do nothing without you. [0:02:13, 0:02:16]: And so, Lord, as we are reminded of who we are and whose we are, [0:02:17, 0:02:25]: We are reminded of the politic that which means the public affairs, the work of the people, shrewdness, business minded. [0:02:25, 0:02:30]: But always understanding to whom much is given, much is required. [0:02:30, 0:02:32]: And so we pray for this session together. [0:02:33, 0:02:39]: that it would be a time of like mindedness and if we agr disagree, we agree to disagree. [0:02:40, 0:02:44]: But let it all be to your glory and for the people. [0:02:45, 0:02:47]: And all of God's people said [0:02:47, 0:02:48]: Amen. [0:02:48, 0:02:49]: Yeah. [0:02:49, 0:02:54]: Now if we could have our scouts come up and lead us uh in our pledge to the flag. [0:03:04, 0:03:06]: Oh we up here, okay. [0:03:15, 0:03:16]: [200.1, 205.7]: Somehow face the flag. Some of the flag. Someone face it flag. [0:03:27, 0:03:41]: Under God individual with liberty and justice for all. [0:03:41, 0:03:44]: How much? [0:03:50, 0:03:54]: At this time we're gonna ask our clerk, Vanessa Holliday, to call the role. [0:03:56, 0:04:01]: Councilman Alexander Councilman Blount. Present. Mayor Neal. [0:04:01, 0:04:05]: Present. Mayor Pro Tem Ford. Present. Councilwoman Gantt. [0:04:07, 0:04:14]: Let the record reflect Councilwoman Gantt is not in attendance. Councilwoman Robinson. Present. Mayor Neal, you have a quorum. [0:04:15, 0:04:22]: Do we have a motion to adopt the agenda or do we have any uh items to be added to the agenda? [0:04:23, 0:04:23]: Yeah. [0:04:23, 0:04:43]: Yes. I'd like to make a uh amendment to the agenda that uh uh I have a City of Stockbridge proposal excuse me, uh one Henry proposal for the City of Stockbridge for Entrepreneur Event in conjunction with the Advanced Technology Development Center, which is ATDC, and the technology [0:04:43, 0:04:49]: Association of Georgia, which is called a TAG and one Henry Economic Alliance for discussion this evening. [0:04:51, 0:04:55]: Each of you have a proposal in front of you that was issued to me uh just yesterday actually. [0:04:57, 0:05:04]: Do you want to amend the agenda? I want to amend the agenda that we add this under the discussion phase. It probably should be item number seven, I believe. [0:05:04, 0:05:12]: Okay, we have a motion and by um Pro Tem Ford and a second by Councilman Alexander. All in favor? [0:05:14, 0:05:14]: Thank you. [0:05:16, 0:05:24]: At this time we're going to review minutes, several sets of minutes, one from um February ninth. [0:05:25, 0:05:28]: Another set from february tenth. [0:05:29, 0:05:34]: February thirteenth, February twentieth, and february twenty eighth. [0:05:35, 0:05:38]: Do I hear a motion to accept the minutes? [0:05:38, 0:05:40]: Yeah, yeah, I may [0:05:41, 0:05:50]: There's no mo there's no motion. Okay. We have a this is just to review the minutes. We don't we don't uh this is actually to review the minutes. And if there are any uh uh [0:05:50, 0:06:03]: Changes I guess we may we can make, we'll let the clerk know that, but we won't uh vote on to the next voting meeting. Any any comments about the minutes? We tweaked a few this afternoon. Anything else? [0:06:03, 0:06:04]: Okay, we'll move on. [0:06:05, 0:06:06]: There's no discussion. [0:06:08, 0:06:12]: All right. At this time we're going to um [0:06:12, 0:06:20]: Ask if we have any public comments from our audience. If there's anyone in the audience that has not [0:06:20, 0:06:26]: Filled out an orange form if you want to comment, you need to do that quickly. [0:06:26, 0:06:28]: If not, we'll move along. [0:06:28, 0:06:30]: under old business. [0:06:31, 0:06:40]: We have council consideration for adopting a social media policy for the city. That will be presented by our city manager, Michael Harris. [0:06:40, 0:06:42]: Good evening, Mayor, good evening, Council. [0:06:43, 0:06:45]: Um a few weeks back at our [0:06:46, 0:07:06]: previous council meeting, staff introduced a proposed social media policy. This was generated um staff had done a lot of work putting together um drafting a document that was took parts from some other jurisdictions that had a a fairly robust social media policy already in place. So we took um elements from those from [0:07:06, 0:07:07]: All the jurisdictions and [0:07:07, 0:07:10]: combined those together and came up with what we presented [0:07:11, 0:07:12]: Um at the last meeting. [0:07:13, 0:07:19]: Based on the comments that staff has received that we received at that meeting from the council, we've come back with two separate options. [0:07:20, 0:07:24]: And the options that are shown in your in your notebooks this evening [0:07:24, 0:07:28]: the the are they're highlighted with the two [0:07:28, 0:07:29]: Differing um [0:07:30, 0:07:30]: areas. [0:07:31, 0:07:32]: Primarily on page three. [0:07:33, 0:07:35]: In essence what it states is [0:07:36, 0:07:50]: Option one, it would be um advertising for city events and council initiatives as approved by city council would be promoted. Council initiative for council initiatives promotion would consist of pre event advertising only. [0:07:51, 0:07:56]: as opposed to post event advertising, which would be option two. Option two is more [0:07:57, 0:07:59]: Um more wide open if you will. [0:07:59, 0:08:00]: In that [0:08:01, 0:08:12]: it would allow for council initiatives um would be promoted and event photos may be posted at the discretion of the P PIO but those would be the any photographs taken [0:08:13, 0:08:15]: D of the event to be posted on the [0:08:15, 0:08:19]: uh city's Facebook page or website after the event. [0:08:19, 0:08:30]: Um the direction the staff was aiming to go for was really trying to back away from having so many things on the city's Facebook page and really trying to keep it relegated to the city events. [0:08:31, 0:08:37]: Again, as has been stated previously, this is a very aggressive and active council that's doing a number of different initiatives throughout [0:08:38, 0:08:44]: And sometimes other items within other city events can get lost in the fray of of our Facebook pages. So [0:08:44, 0:09:01]: Um the hope being and again we we took a lot of this from looking at other jurisdictions, um how they handle it. In a lot of cases they relegate their city Facebook and website pages just to those city identified um and dedicated city events and for individual council initiatives [0:09:02, 0:09:09]: those council members typically will have their own websites and they'll go back through and they'll list their um their achievements on their own personal websites. [0:09:10, 0:09:21]: Um again it keeps away from the the perception of of potential campaigning amongst a sitting council members as well. So that's one of the issues that we wanted to make sure uh we were mindful of. [0:09:21, 0:09:38]: So again I thought this was um option one certainly being kind of a uh kind of a hybrid um compromise between some of the things that staff was looking at and some of the comments that we received from council, which would involve advertising for the events up front, however for after the events [0:09:39, 0:09:42]: Um we would not include all those post event pictures, so [0:09:43, 0:09:48]: presented both options for uh council's consideration and happy to address any questions that council may have. [0:09:48, 0:09:49]: Yes, ma'am. [0:09:50, 0:10:10]: Are there questions? Yes. Let me ask you this. How about option three or option C, where you said option B which was posting on the Facebook page before and after, but add a caveat that says between qualifying and election day that there will be [0:10:10, 0:10:11]: You know um [0:10:12, 0:10:29]: there will be no initiatives posted between qualifying and election day. Even if so if we did allow posting for council initiatives that that window would be cut out uh during an election year so there wouldn't be any confusion between qualifying and election day. [0:10:31, 0:10:51]: Yeah. Yeah this is you all's policy of just you know taking any any recommendations you may I may have. Uh question. Yes. Yes, thank you, Mayor. Actually I'm sorry, Councilman Answer, I'm not I'm not in favor of that. What I would like to see is option one with the caveat that's in option two, the event photos may be posted at the discretion of the PIO. [0:10:51, 0:11:11]: Oh take that one sentence and put it in option one and that's what I would be satisfied with. But I'm thinking that if you have a council initiative or some type of community event that a a individual that is running is conducting and and they normally conduct during the course of a a year prior to the qualification, I don't see why they can't continue on with those type of initiatives. [0:11:11, 0:11:13]: Who else use if I could speak to that? [0:11:14, 0:11:31]: Uh yes, Councilman Alexander. The reason that I speak to that is in the past we've had events um show up, you know, council initiatives, uh all that time during election time and that you know, if we have that window [0:11:31, 0:11:51]: carved out that removes. We've had some events, you know, that show up like right before uh election time in October where people were doing counseling initiatives that were very on the borderline of could that have been campaigning because that really creates an advantage uh for the incumbent. [0:11:51, 0:12:11]: So that is the concern that I'm seeing and I saw that to in my opinion happen during campaign season and I don't want that to happen to somebody else running for office is that all of a sudden we have a bunch of council initiatives show up and then that person is out front. They're on the city Facebook page, they're on the city website regular [0:12:11, 0:12:31]: They're in the newspaper, not you know, at city expense. So I think that speaks to Mr. Harris's concern, which is some of this stuff can be looked at as campaigning um uh during that period. And and when I say that, that's only between the time on an election year. Any other time we could do that fully [0:12:31, 0:12:40]: but just not during election time because, you know, this year we have the same thing coming up. I mean, we're doing qualifying at that point that we have uh council initiatives [0:12:41, 0:12:45]: You know, it can be perceived that way. I just don't want to be perceived that way. [0:12:45, 0:12:49]: So am I understanding you that you are suggesting that [0:12:49, 0:12:53]: No council initiatives would be held during campaign season. [0:12:54, 0:13:14]: No, I'm I'm saying that they will not be posted uh during campaign season and that you could consider not ha uh actually during election time, right, no council initiatives during qualifying up until election day. So yes, uh as I think that out yes, because even if you didn't advertise it you have big groups [0:13:14, 0:13:26]: groups that could be considered campaign events and that's only between that window in August and election day every f uh two years or four years for election time. [0:13:28, 0:13:39]: Mayor Neil. Are there any other comments? Mayor Neil. Okay, I have one first uh down here from Councilwoman Gantt. Um yes. I kinda came in at the tail end of this and [0:13:40, 0:14:00]: Um I disagree with Councilman Alexander uh in regards to um stating that no council initiatives are to take place or initiatives or being posted for that you know, or an event that's already been planned or if it's an initiative. Um we're here to represent [0:14:00, 0:14:20]: the citizens it's not a strategic plan or anything of that nature. It's something that I feel um we should continue to do. That's what the citizens are expecting for us to do is to represent them w whether it's an initiative or an event. It's not a political campaign. We just happen to be um an officer. [0:14:20, 0:14:20]: Yeah. [0:14:22, 0:14:25]: Okay. [0:14:25, 0:14:26]: I um [0:14:28, 0:14:34]: I think that with uh I'm I'm concurring with uh Mayor Pro Tem about the uh PIO officer. [0:14:34, 0:14:39]: Because with that position you're gonna have a media p a social media policy. [0:14:39, 0:14:44]: Rhether you're doing that whatever initiative you're doing or whatever you're doing in the community. [0:14:45, 0:14:48]: throughout your term, which is four years [0:14:49, 0:15:01]: Whatever the social media policy is, that's our that's gonna be in place. And those are gonna be determined by the PIO officer, uh PIO person that's put in that position. Um [0:15:01, 0:15:03]: It would be premature for me. [0:15:04, 0:15:12]: to want to implement any new policies that wouldn't allow any council members this year that would be running. [0:15:12, 0:15:14]: Because I have nothing to lose. [0:15:15, 0:15:26]: So when you look at when you try and implement policies when there are other council members in here that it is an election year for, I believe the best policy is is to have a PIO officer. [0:15:26, 0:15:29]: have the social media policy in place [0:15:29, 0:15:40]: and go about the business as usual. Rather that's if if anybody does something extra and it helps and it benefits the citizens of Stockbridge, the winner is the city of Stockbridge. The winner's the citizens. [0:15:41, 0:15:50]: Uh I I don't like us getting into the political ram about this and that because we put a policy in place that protects that anyway. That that protects that entity of [0:15:51, 0:15:52]: of politicing. [0:15:52, 0:16:04]: through the city's expense anyway. So I I believe uh uh the I I agree with option one, but I would like to see all all of the social media policies done through a PIO officer. [0:16:06, 0:16:18]: Are there other questions or Mr Harris, do you have any other comments? Mayor. I did. Um I did want to just note that, you know, when we started looking at this, we also looked at a number of our local jurisdictions as well. [0:16:19, 0:16:24]: And we were looking for the consistency in how they handle this type of situation. Every [0:16:25, 0:16:28]: has some their own nuances certainly but [0:16:29, 0:16:37]: This was fairly uniform throughout the certainly throughout the metropolitan area and certainly on a local level here in Henry County in the jurisdictions that we looked at where [0:16:38, 0:16:48]: The postings on the on the city's Facebook page and the city's website was really confined to those overall general city events. [0:16:49, 0:16:50]: There were cases [0:16:50, 0:17:00]: where individual council members did retain their own personal Facebook page in which you click on that page and you see the individual um [0:17:00, 0:17:10]: um council member have their litany of different items and things that they had done, initiatives and other activities they may have taken place or participated in throughout the throughout the uh throughout their jurisdiction. [0:17:10, 0:17:17]: Um so that was the direction that we're trying to move towards with this and to try and help to because what we have noticed is [0:17:18, 0:17:21]: with there being so much, with having such an active council. Um [0:17:22, 0:17:42]: with such a proliferation of so many pitchers being on there, some of the big events can simply just get lost or some of the main things we have coming up can simply just get lost. And we want to make sure we still have a focus on the big things that we're trying to move forward with. You know, as this summer approaches, we have a number of events again with food trucks and a summer concerts that'll be going on and [0:17:42, 0:17:50]: um Memorial Day events, things of that nature. So we want to make sure we keep the focus on our on our on our on our on our main and our big events. [0:17:51, 0:17:52]: But certainly [0:17:52, 0:17:56]: I and again I get I thought it was option one was a good compromise in that [0:17:56, 0:18:03]: based on what we heard from the council that it does allow you to go ahead and I think it it does it does make sense to certainly for the initiatives that are going on [0:18:04, 0:18:13]: to make sure it's promoted and it put it put it out there on the website so people are made aware of it. And then most recently we had the senior fund activity. You know very well attended. [0:18:14, 0:18:27]: And and I think things like that that bring people out, you know, with the goodwill um events coming up soon. I think that's a city event. You know, but so I think promoting those things certainly is is is is reasonable. [0:18:27, 0:18:30]: But I think just the thought was if we can kind of scale back on [0:18:30, 0:18:33]: Everything that comes after that and all the pictures afterwards. [0:18:34, 0:18:36]: So that was the rationale behind taking this step. [0:18:37, 0:18:38]: Okay. [0:18:38, 0:18:44]: All right. Um yes. Uh Councilwoman Robinson. Thank you. [0:18:45, 0:18:50]: Facebook, does it not have an option to where you can put it in a file like [0:18:51, 0:18:53]: on there where you can say [0:18:53, 0:18:58]: Okay, this is whatever happened, you can date it. [0:18:59, 0:19:11]: That those to me could be files for each council person, correct? On Facebook. It gives you that option. So that way it won't tie down the timeline as you're speaking of. [0:19:11, 0:19:30]: Right. Okay. So with the option one with the PIO officer giving them the option to say, okay, this is what we will post, but it will be placed in each council person's history for as the folder for that person. Okay. And my question is also to council [0:19:31, 0:19:51]: We have a four year term, so to me, if you start early doing different initiatives, we shouldn't have a problem when it's time for your election. Because normally what you'll have is you'll have your previous items that you're gonna be doing annually. So you wouldn't be doing anything short to the [0:19:51, 0:20:11]: citizens because you would already have stuff that you will be doing annually. So certain things when it's time for election, I I think that's something we should look at because if you're doing stuff for the citizens, it's nothing that will just pop up at the end of the year. It would definitely be something that will be done, you know, year one, year two, [0:20:11, 0:20:31]: two um and if it then if you do do something at the year four it should be done at the beginning of the year. So it's ways that to me that it can be done, but it's just a matter of just sitting down and and and saying this is what it needs to be so to be fair to everyone. But I do know in Facebook it does give [0:20:31, 0:20:41]: Yeah. [0:20:41, 0:20:46]: And just to if I could address that quickly, um we did look and see if [0:20:46, 0:20:48]: If on the main city is a little bit more than a little bit of [0:20:48, 0:20:49]: Um [0:20:49, 0:20:52]: websites if they're if they included a link to the individual's [0:20:53, 0:20:54]: personal Facebook page. [0:20:55, 0:21:13]: That's not what they had. Yeah. So I'm not sure if that's what you're referring to. That's not. Okay. Right. It's a folder that you can put. Um and I think we should look into that because I know on my personal Facebook page I have things from day one when I started with Facebook that I can just put or I can delete that folder. [0:21:13, 0:21:14]: It's an option. [0:21:15, 0:21:15]: Okay. [0:21:15, 0:21:21]: Yeah, last comment please. Uh okay, there is another comment by uh Councilman Blount. [0:21:23, 0:21:29]: W one of the things and I just want to reiterate this, one of the things we want to always do is is eliminate confusion. [0:21:30, 0:21:31]: We want to eliminate mis [0:21:32, 0:21:32]: Uh [0:21:34, 0:21:36]: We want to make sure what we post is accurate. [0:21:37, 0:21:39]: This is why we want a policy in place. [0:21:40, 0:21:49]: without all these different components to it for one person, the PIO officer to to put on face uh to put on the website and the Facebook website because [0:21:50, 0:22:02]: out of all the concerns, if you have that one set policy, it eliminates that. If you got something that so you almost telling a a council member, if you come up with this great idea [0:22:02, 0:22:05]: And you only got six more months to serve as a council member. [0:22:06, 0:22:26]: You can't come up with you can't push that idea out there because it'll look like campaigning. I don't think that's fair to any council member s sitting up here because we're we was elected to formulate creative ideas. We was elected to listen to the citizens and listen their their ideas and whatever come forth. So this is why you put a policy in place. [0:22:26, 0:22:32]: that when you come up with these ideas, regardless of how late or early in the year it is, whether it's in the election year or not, [0:22:33, 0:22:41]: that policy is in place for a PIO officer that doesn't have to answer to us on what to do but answer to the city manager on what they can post. [0:22:44, 0:22:50]: Okay. Any other comments? Uh I would just like to ask the city manager's recommendation. [0:22:50, 0:22:50]: Well [0:22:51, 0:22:53]: Yeah, it sounds like [0:22:55, 0:22:57]: There's still some [0:22:58, 0:23:04]: difference of opinions as far as how much we should be posting and in in what manner. Um perhaps [0:23:05, 0:23:07]: You know, I think the the consensus as um [0:23:08, 0:23:14]: um reflected by the board previously was to move forward with the PIO position. Um [0:23:15, 0:23:31]: Perhaps we can go ahead and take the steps of filling that position and bring the person on and have them aid in really crafting'cause they're going to be the person who really is going to own this policy, you know, in all sincerity. Um they'll have a far better understanding of how it should be regulated and governed. Um [0:23:32, 0:23:48]: Um again this is something I think it's something new to a lot of jurisdictions, not just City Stockford certainly. I think a lot of jurisdictions with with um social media playing such a such a uh a vital role in dissemination of information now, how you regulate that certainly certainly is is is a [0:23:48, 0:24:08]: it it requires some kind of policy. So when we started looking out, a lot of jurisdictions still don't have a formali a formalized policy. So a lot of it was just kind of going through and talking to them and finding out what has kind of been your how you've handled the situation. So so the few that did, that's what we kinda pulled and gleaned from. But you know, pulling in someone who has worked specifically in this arena [0:24:08, 0:24:10]: [1451.1, 1455.9]: guidance to be able to help how we better craft this. Because again it just sounds like there's still some [0:24:16, 0:24:20]: Some difference of opinions as far as what would be the best direction to move in. [0:24:20, 0:24:22]: So if that's [0:24:23, 0:24:26]: council's directive we can get I mean I know we've talked about moving forward with the PIO so [0:24:28, 0:24:33]: Okay. I believe we have a comment from Pro Tem Anthony Ford. Thank you, Mayor. Appreciate it. [0:24:33, 0:24:34]: Um once again. [0:24:35, 0:24:37]: Well what I like to see is option one with the [0:24:37, 0:24:57]: the events photos uh be posted in discretion by the PTO PIO I'm sorry. Now if we if we delay this until we get a PIO online then uh that's several months from now. All right, whenever that would be I don't know, uh May, June, July, who knows. I mean you maybe you can help na nail that down. That's one thing. The other thing is and [0:24:57, 0:25:01]: In the meantime, who will function as that PIO? [0:25:02, 0:25:03]: on the staff right now. [0:25:05, 0:25:13]: Who will? Yeah, who will. That does that person does not currently exist. I mean that doesn't I have to do that. [0:25:13, 0:25:29]: Up until, you know, uh between the executive assistant to the Mayor Council, executive assistant to city manager, the clerk's office, um a number of people have kind of shared those those duties and functions. I mean it really is a testament to how well staff works works together, but [0:25:30, 0:25:50]: as needed, people have jumped in to kinda help post and and but I can tell you even in that that's created sometimes some overlap and redundancy that that again the hope of a PIO that would help eliminate. So I think that was part of the the impetus because I I can you know I've I've been here for three years now and in year one this wasn't really a big issue because there weren't [0:25:49, 0:25:57]: as many, nearly as many um functions that were going on or or as many pictures being taken at at different at various events. [0:25:57, 0:26:17]: and request for having those things posted. Um now that now there is. Um I can tell you in the next couple of months, you know, the vast majority of the activities are really going to be centered around already designated um city functions. We have Memorial Day coming up, food trucks are coming up, summer concerts, so those things would be handled as they would have been handled previously. We'll advertise those [0:26:17, 0:26:37]: up up front and then certainly we will post pictures afterwards. And I think it's also critical to note that some of these things, again like the events that are spearheaded by our Main Street Department, they maintain their own separate Facebook page. So they'll have their postings of items and activities that take place. [0:26:37, 0:26:48]: big part of what they do is tourism to attract people into their main street district so they want to make sure they're constantly showcasing what they're doing. Um so there are other areas where we're gonna be posting different different pictures. So [0:26:48, 0:27:06]: You know, I think from that standpoint, I think the majority of things that are coming up. I know we do have some council initiative union and community basketball game is coming up soon. Um so I know we do have some events that'll be coming up, but I I think the vast majority of the items that are coming up are gonna be really city, um dedicated city city events that have already been identified. [0:27:07, 0:27:17]: And again, up until a time where a PIO is identified, that'll likely be continue to be handled as a as a committee function. Madam Clerk, is that about correct? [0:27:17, 0:27:19]: she says with a sly grin. [0:27:19, 0:27:25]: Okay. Um are we going to finish this discussion and move this forward? [0:27:28, 0:27:29]: Again. [0:27:29, 0:27:49]: To the next meeting or well yeah we can't we can certainly bring it to the next meeting or if it's the council's desire to to to make a motion on either option one or option two. If it's not and we prefer and preferences to table this, we certainly make the option to table it until such time that we have a um we filled that PIO position and then revisited it at that at that time. [0:27:49, 0:27:53]: Okay. What is the pleasure of the council? [0:27:54, 0:27:56]: Ms. Uh Mayor, I'd like to make a motion. [0:27:57, 0:28:05]: I'd like to make a motion that option one, we accept option one, once again, by adding events, photos may be posted at the discretion of the PIO. [0:28:06, 0:28:08]: Do I hear a second? [0:28:09, 0:28:11]: Second by Councilman Blount. [0:28:13, 0:28:14]: All in favor. [0:28:15, 0:28:21]: Oh discussion. Sorry about that. [0:28:21, 0:28:41]: We haven't even authorized the position of PIO yet. We had it in the budget last year and it was actually removed. So we're actually discussing authorizing a position that we have no budget for and we haven't even begun the discussions on having our HR manager sit down [0:28:41, 0:28:55]: and put the job description together or any of that. So we're kind of like putting the cart before the horse, aren't we? We're only a uh the motion was for a social media policy, not for a position. [0:28:56, 0:29:00]: Well that w that was the full motion was under the PIO officer, right? [0:29:01, 0:29:06]: The council consideration for adopting a social media policy for the city [0:29:07, 0:29:21]: Which is being presented by Michael Harris, City Manager. Could we state the motion, please? The motion was to take option one and add events photos may be posted at the discretion of the PIO. It was properly seconded. [0:29:21, 0:29:27]: See what I'm saying? That's there's no PIO. Well no P I O is hired, is that correct? [0:29:28, 0:29:48]: Or i i I I guess I and I if I may, Madam Mayor, um to your point, um y yeah, you're right. I think those duties, those PIO duties, will continue to be as done by the committee. Um but I do want to add that um our HR manager has gone through the steps of um'cause we've talked about it before, we have we have a job description, we've gone through uh [0:29:48, 0:29:57]: um um salary ranges so everything is teed up ready to go for as soon as we make the budget amendment for that position because I think we heard from previous meeting [0:29:58, 0:30:00]: the entirety of the council is unanimous in that [0:30:01, 0:30:07]: um the decision to move forward with that position. So at that point we started making those provisions. So we have all that information in place. [0:30:07, 0:30:15]: in absence of a PIO, then you know w those functions will continue to be handled again again by committee as they've as they're handled right now. [0:30:16, 0:30:20]: I'm for this if we can say we're gonna have a PIO officer [0:30:21, 0:30:30]: When? Sixty days, ninety days, six months before the end of the year, I'm okay with it as long as I know we're gonna do that. But right now we don't have that. [0:30:30, 0:30:50]: I believe we are scheduled in April to have our quarterly uh update on our finances and at that time would be the appropriate time if you want to amend money in for a PIO position. I believe that's what we've agreed on in the past, is that correct? [0:30:50, 0:30:53]: Yes. Is there a comment by Councilman Blount? [0:30:53, 0:31:00]: one of the consensus that this council has said and and and made forward to the public that we do [0:31:00, 0:31:01]: want disposition. [0:31:02, 0:31:09]: and to formulate a policy because what's what's going on now, what we wanna see right now, I would like to see personally. [0:31:10, 0:31:18]: I is information being put out with the policy behind it, with the position that we've c had a consensus on that this is something that's needed for the city and we want it. [0:31:19, 0:31:22]: and we move as quickly as we can on this. [0:31:22, 0:31:24]: Because we want accurate [0:31:24, 0:31:44]: information put out there and we don't want this uh this this convoluted situation because uh one of the options I was thinking about also if we're gonna have those first of all picture taken. Uh if it's falls on events, why don't we get with C C over that's over City events and [0:31:44, 0:32:04]: and see if she has someone that she could recommend to take pictures. And and prior to bringing a P PIO officer in, that we can still go through the policies and have that person that's coming on part time to abide by whatever policies we put in place until we have an official PIO position put in, but let events bring those people in. [0:32:04, 0:32:05]: Because [0:32:05, 0:32:21]: with all this picture taking and and politicking that's going on right now and some inaccuracies in those things that have been put out, we need to have something done right now. We're here to serve the citizens a stop bridge in the best way we can without all this politicking being put in place. [0:32:22, 0:32:27]: Okay. [0:32:29, 0:32:30]: Just a quick comment. [0:32:31, 0:32:46]: I think with the events we already have someone um that they use to take photos'cause throughout the food trucks they have I think was the intern that they had that was taking pictures. So that is already she was doing that when I was there. [0:32:47, 0:33:07]: And she did even at the concerts. Yes, she did. Yes. That's correct. And if if I if I just one last comment. And you're right. I think that there was staff at at from Merle Manders that did take I think a lot of the challenge, I think what the what precipitated this was it got to a point where it did it was becoming overwhelming. [0:33:07, 0:33:27]: just the posting of the pictures and keeping track of all the pictures and the sheer volume of pictures trying to post, that's what kind of precipitated let's create some kind of a policy to see if we can't clarify and clean up the process um to make it a bit more efficient. Certainly once a PIO comes on board, I would imagine that this policy would be tweaked as time goes, you know o or [0:33:27, 0:33:38]: over time, um but certainly this was kind of a stopgap measure, if you will, to kinda help put some provisions in place to figure out how do we make this process a bit more efficient, you know, for for the here and now. [0:33:38, 0:33:48]: Okay. Okay. We have one more comment by Councilman Gantt. [0:33:48, 0:34:05]: it was to me it's the staff in general. I've taken pictures. There's been days when we had screen on the green and Main Street needed someone to take pictures, so I grabbed the camera and took pictures. I think it's been a staff team effort. I don't think that the intern [0:34:05, 0:34:15]: um had a and it's an intern remind you, I don't think that was just their job duty was to go around taking pictures. I I think that um [0:34:17, 0:34:17]: [2057.8, 2063.9]: this is a a fair and we've bit I think we've been going through this about two you know, two or three times already. [0:34:24, 0:34:30]: I think is fair and accurate for us and uh the concern is to eliminate the work on the staff. [0:34:30, 0:34:50]: in regards to what is being downloaded, what what is required of them. So that there's no favoritism or anyone thinking one person is choosing one person over another or these people have that many pictures out there just to have a clean cut policies and procedures. And so again I'm concurring with um Mayor Pro Tem. [0:34:50, 0:35:08]: Ford and Mr. Blyn on that. Mayor Neal. Mayor Neal. Yes, and I need clarification on the motion. If the motion is to um have the at the discretion of the PIO or in the interim, the committee, is that to be included in your motion? [0:35:09, 0:35:14]: No, actually I didn't I didn't include that. Okay, I said the PIO, that's the way it's written. [0:35:15, 0:35:27]: But it would make more sense until we get to pay all PIO then I would I would amend it to add and the committee, uh which would be the staff members that would work this by the committee. It makes more sense to do that. Thank you. Okay. [0:35:28, 0:35:31]: W we already. [0:35:31, 0:35:33]: All right, let's go back and clear this up. [0:35:34, 0:35:38]: The way it's worded in the in the uh booklet that we have before us [0:35:39, 0:35:52]: The motion that you're making is for council consideration for adopting a social media policy. Would you restate those two points that you made? Well it was option one with adding the statement that was in option two [0:35:53, 0:36:11]: It says event photos may be posted at the discretion of the PIO and now until we get a payoff and and with the com or the committee, I guess whatever that c or staff, whatever they say and staff, or staff, PIO and staff, since that uh the committee is formed by the city staff. [0:36:12, 0:36:12]: Okay. [0:36:12, 0:36:14]: Okay, is everybody clear? [0:36:15, 0:36:18]: Now the person who seconded that motion [0:36:18, 0:36:22]: Can we have that restatement again, the second? [0:36:22, 0:36:23]: That was Mr Blount. [0:36:23, 0:36:24]: Mm. [0:36:24, 0:36:28]: Councilman Blount, will you s re second this after he's clarified it? [0:36:29, 0:36:32]: Yeah, but the discussion piece is what staff are we talking about? [0:36:33, 0:36:37]: Because the problem we've had is that when we say staff [0:36:37, 0:36:57]: And the that staff is is is uh staff that's answered to mayor and council, that's been the conflict because you got six bosses. One is telling you they want it this way, that in the job description telling you do it this way, and another boss can tell you I want it done that way. This is what has made this whole situation [0:36:58, 0:37:12]: s so much conflictual in in trying to perform duties. So what staff are we uh identifying? I I would say at the discretion of the city manager. As determined by the city manager that not second. Okay. Uh all in favor. [0:37:15, 0:37:15]: Okay. [0:37:17, 0:37:31]: Thank you so much for that one. And now uh we're going to hear another old business item council consideration to add a fourth of July with fireworks event for the city and that too will be presented by our city manager, Michael Harris. [0:37:32, 0:37:50]: Thank you again. Um try to be a little more succinct on this one. Um th again, this is a follow up from a conversation from the last meeting. Um question was posed to staff about the prospect of doing a Fourth of July fireworks celebration this year and we were asked to provide some actual cost estimates [0:37:51, 0:37:58]: And what I've included what's been included in the book a is a breakdown of some of the um quotes that were received by our events personnel. [0:37:59, 0:38:05]: And again, just kinda reiterate what was discussed at the last meeting, we anticipate a cost of anywhere from [0:38:06, 0:38:13]: twenty five to perhaps thirty thousand dollars for the cost. Um the challenge being at this late a date [0:38:14, 0:38:15]: that it would be um [0:38:16, 0:38:22]: One, just a challenge to be able to secure a firm to be able to do the um production. [0:38:22, 0:38:27]: and then any entertainment that would be uh requested would certainly be [0:38:27, 0:38:29]: uh challenging at this later date. [0:38:30, 0:38:44]: And if it's going to be on that day, you know, as stated in some of the notes, you're going to be paying a premium for Fourth of July. What a lot of um organizations do is they schedule their events for a day before, day after, two days before after. [0:38:45, 0:38:57]: challenge right now is again even with this late date, all those dates are filling up. Um so this is the information as as requested by council that staff has put together um, you know, from a [0:38:58, 0:39:16]: But my recommendation, you know, typically it takes time to go back through and schedule and plan for or something like this. My recommendation would be that we include it in the next year's budget, but even prior to then we can go ahead and start making provisions to have it in place for next year. But again, just as as just a follow up from the council's um request from the last meeting. [0:39:17, 0:39:27]: Okay, at this time do I hear a motion one way or the other regarding the Fourth of July fireworks? Yes. Uh Councilman Blount. [0:39:27, 0:39:47]: I motion that it be removed that item be removed and we consider any future budgets for it because one of the things that's clear is that this event is gonna cost us almost three times as much as we budgeted for already. Uh we have I believe personally in my seat that I'm sitting in, we have a lot more uh [0:39:47, 0:40:06]: um uh going on in the city of stockbridge and to see how you know we can shoot up fireworks or get uh or or to expand this budget to s to the so astronomical j to include fireworks. Um we I I I'm totally against it. So my motion is on the table that we be re it be removed and addressed at a later date. [0:40:07, 0:40:11]: Okay, Councilman Blount, your motion is to table it to a later date. Is that correct? [0:40:12, 0:40:12]: Yes. [0:40:13, 0:40:14]: Do I hear a second? [0:40:15, 0:40:16]: A second. [0:40:16, 0:40:19]: We have a motion at to table with a second. [0:40:20, 0:40:22]: Uh by Councilwoman Gantt. [0:40:22, 0:40:23]: Discussion. [0:40:24, 0:40:24]: Okay. [0:40:25, 0:40:29]: And we are now going to go into discussion. Councilman Alexander. [0:40:29, 0:40:49]: I I do understand that um this is something that I'd like to see the city move forward with uh at some point uh probably next year to make put us in a position where we want to um have a have a grand event uh on the Fourth of July, kinda filling a hole uh in the community. [0:40:49, 0:40:57]: We're gonna have a concert in July. It would seem appropriate to have that Sound of Summer concert uh be on the fourth of July. [0:40:57, 0:41:05]: And um I'm very cognizant of you know what we're doing with the with the citizens' money because at this point [0:41:06, 0:41:15]: uh it would be cost prohibitive. But, you know, we're trying to look forward to see what's going on in the city to see what we can do in order to move things forward. [0:41:16, 0:41:24]: But it should be pointed out that uh at this time right now this city hired uh an independent investigator. [0:41:25, 0:41:27]: And that's costing you all money. [0:41:27, 0:41:30]: Out there. Um mayor. [0:41:30, 0:41:31]: Point of order. [0:41:33, 0:41:34]: That's [0:41:39, 0:41:45]: Yes. Okay. [0:41:45, 0:42:05]: Yeah, we're we're talking about spending money. So the a a ruling needs to be issued as to whether the point of order should stand and the council move on with the discussion. The point of order is pertaining to the issue at hand period, not other areas of of of uh expenditures of the city. [0:42:05, 0:42:08]: is to the to the issue that's at hand. I understand. [0:42:08, 0:42:13]: All right, Councilman Alexander, I would ask that you stay on topic regarding the fireworks. [0:42:14, 0:42:34]: I I thought I was on on topic which was talking about the budget and what we were spending uh money on in terms of moving in that direction because you know we're gonna spend more money than the proposed fifteen to twenty thousand dollars on another issue which is the investigator. So we are spending [0:42:34, 0:42:43]: Uh Councilman, I'm gonna call your time. You you've spoken more than your two minutes unless somebody wants to recommend that he go forward. [0:42:44, 0:42:45]: All right. [0:42:45, 0:42:51]: At this time there is a comment now from Councilman Blount. I mean sorry. [0:42:51, 0:43:11]: Protem forward. Discussion purposes. Um in reference to the fireworks, now I under I like to see the fireworks, but I know that now with all these numbers it is a lot of money, all right, for right now. So it needs to be properly planned. So it's probably best to of course plan this out for the next budget for next year. I also like to say that if we can switch that July concert to [0:43:11, 0:43:29]: to the fourth so we'll have something on the fourth. Maybe that might be the best thing to do. So we'll have something on the fourth. We just won't have fireworks, maybe a concert. Now obviously you have to have someone on the staff to check that out, see what the cost factor would be, whether or not who's available, things of this nature, but maybe now look at just having that July concert on the fourth itself. [0:43:30, 0:43:38]: versus no fireworks and then taking one little step further next year to have the console on the fourth with fireworks and plot properly plan it out. Thank you. [0:43:40, 0:43:42]: Uh we had a motion to table [0:43:43, 0:43:45]: And we had a second [0:43:46, 0:43:47]: Can we clarify the motion, please? [0:43:49, 0:44:02]: Beg your pardon? Clarify the motion if it's tap we want to table it, but what means we can bring it back at some point for next year. All right, I'm gonna clarify it. The motion was to table the Fourth of July discussion regarding fireworks. [0:44:03, 0:44:05]: And we have a second back [0:44:05, 0:44:06]: Councilman Gantt. [0:44:07, 0:44:08]: Yeah, it's a woman game. [0:44:12, 0:44:16]: All in favor of that to table, that motion to table. [0:44:18, 0:44:19]: Okay? [0:44:19, 0:44:21]: Thank you so much. We'll move on. [0:44:21, 0:44:26]: We have new business uh council consideration to approve a change order. [0:44:26, 0:44:30]: for the local maintenance and improvement grant L M I G [0:44:30, 0:44:33]: paving and resurfacing project for the city. [0:44:34, 0:44:47]: with Blount construction and I want to make a point that is not our councilman Blount's company in the amount of two hundred and sixty four thousand two hundred seventy two dollars and eighty cents. [0:44:47, 0:44:51]: This will be presented by our city manager, Michael Harris. [0:44:52, 0:44:53]: Thank you, Mayor. Um [0:44:53, 0:44:56]: This item uh actually reached out to many of you [0:44:57, 0:44:57]: Um [0:44:58, 0:45:00]: week or so ago when this all came came about. [0:45:02, 0:45:10]: The the LMIG is a local maintenance improvement grant program that we've been participating in for a number of years with the Georgia Department of Transportation and [0:45:10, 0:45:15]: Through our through the grant process we received over two hundred and eighty [0:45:15, 0:45:30]: So over two hundred eighty thousand in grant funds for the purpose of doing resurfacing work. Came to the council late last year to approve the list and we approved roughly just a little over four miles of resurfacing, which is again just a step up from what we did last year. [0:45:31, 0:45:35]: as we were going through the process as they you know, we'd wore the contract to Blount. [0:45:35, 0:45:40]: Um working with our procurement specialist, Mr. Donald Riley and and his neighbors, our treasurer. [0:45:40, 0:45:48]: And when we crafted the the the contract, we had a provision in there that allowed us to should other items come up [0:45:48, 0:45:55]: that needed uh to be addressed and we could we have a unit price that was given so we can go ahead and add as needed. [0:45:56, 0:45:57]: So once our [0:45:57, 0:46:00]: um public works director came on board Mr. Deshaus Aaron. [0:46:01, 0:46:21]: We started going back through and looking at some other areas that we knew definitely were in need of repair, some of our more higher profile areas, and we looked at Flippin' Road and East Atlanta Road, areas that I've received a number of calls and I know council members have received a number of calls about. Um so we asked Blonde if they can give us a quote to add that to the list. So they were able to [0:46:21, 0:46:23]: At the time they had made very [0:46:24, 0:46:31]: great progress on running through the El Meg list. I mean they're they're right up to finishing up on their last few streets they're resurfacing. [0:46:32, 0:46:44]: Uh so he gave us a quote and it was contingent upon them being able to do the work without having to leave and come back. So we're trying to do as fast a turnaround as possible, knowing these were needed areas. Um [0:46:45, 0:47:05]: So they sent the change order, I initially approved the change order, but when I sent it back down to finance, they notified me rightfully so, and again I think it speaks to the the the integrity and the professionalism of our of our finance department and all those that are involved and they said, Hey, you know, even though we had a provision in the contract which was approved by the council that allowed us to add [0:47:05, 0:47:12]: it still eclipsed the threshold that I was authorized to approve, so it needs to come back to the council. [0:47:12, 0:47:13]: So [0:47:13, 0:47:33]: Here we were in this kind of kind of little bit of a limbo. So that's why I immediately reached out to council, notified you all what happened, what transpired, and asked for your approval to allow them to continue to proceed and move forward. Um, received a consensus, um a a majority consensus to allow the work to proceed and bringing it back tonight to ratify that action. So I just want to make sure [0:47:33, 0:47:53]: Everyone knows council, the viewing public, nothing was done underhanded. The only thing this is about was simply to make sure that we maximize the use of our contractor in making sure that we got Flippin' Road paved and East Atlanta Road paved. It added them on. We had money, uh supplemental funds in our SPLOSS for a contract. That's what that was utilized. [0:47:53, 0:48:10]: for um some of these additional costs. So that's how it's being paid, it's not coming out of general fund. These FOS funds have been set aside specifically for resurfacing. So we felt good about the um about the option. They were able to move forward with it without having to demobilize and remobilize, thereby costing an additional fee. So [0:48:10, 0:48:13]: That's what this is, you know, I take full responsibility for [0:48:14, 0:48:15]: [2895.3, 2895.7]: It's it. [0:48:16, 0:48:20]: the the mix up in the in the timing but at the end of the day and I think [0:48:20, 0:48:22]: Everyone can attest. Those roads certainly are [0:48:23, 0:48:43]: Right, a whole lot better now than they did a couple of weeks ago. So we've had a lot of compliments on that. I would like to thank our treasurer, um Linda Neighbors, for calling that to the city manager's attention. This is what good government looks like when it functions the way it should, and we appreciate everything to make this uh come together. [0:48:43, 0:48:53]: Together. Do I hear a motion tonight that we approve um this uh change order so that we can move forward, Mayor? Was it to ask a question? Beg your pardon. [0:48:55, 0:48:58]: Are we gonna have discussion? [0:48:59, 0:49:03]: Yeah, but since he made a presentation, I just wanted to ask a question. Go ahead. [0:49:03, 0:49:04]: Um [0:49:04, 0:49:09]: When y the uh local maintenance and improvement grant of the two hundred and eighty thousand [0:49:10, 0:49:13]: How much was that spent prior to this project? [0:49:13, 0:49:25]: Well the total cost for everything prior to the the original contract amount was like seven hundred and four thousand dollars. So that get money gets spent up front and then we tap in and use our supplemental funds that have been identified through SPLOSS four. [0:49:25, 0:49:32]: So anything beyond that two hundred and eighty nine thousand is use we use our SPLOSS for so we use we leverage [0:49:32, 0:49:36]: those grant funds to ex be able to extend how much research thing we can do. [0:49:36, 0:49:37]: Yeah. [0:49:37, 0:49:39]: Pertaining to the areas that we're going to be covering. [0:49:40, 0:49:40]: Mm-hmm. [0:49:41, 0:49:42]: Which I would like to see [0:49:42, 0:49:45]: us fix our roads, you know, if you will. [0:49:45, 0:49:50]: What part of this is what percentage of this road picture we're doing? Is any of it in the county? [0:49:50, 0:50:05]: No, all these and it's a great point, y all these all these sections are solely in the city of Stockbridge. Now we do have maintenance agreements that speak to um grass cutting and and and and and some maintenance items within these sections in the within these road areas. [0:50:06, 0:50:11]: But you'll notice or you could have noticed prior to us doing flip the road p it uh in particular. [0:50:11, 0:50:13]: Right there at the city line. [0:50:13, 0:50:18]: you'll notice that there was a a a a clear difference in the pavement [0:50:18, 0:50:36]: from the city to the county where they had previously paved up to the city line and that's where they stopped. So and I it had conversations with the county to find out if that was on their schedule any time soon. It is not, they wouldn't have paved our section either way. It would have been back on our responsibility to pave that section. So that's how we want to go ahead and proceed. [0:50:36, 0:50:45]: Okay, so with the L M uh L M I G funds and the SPAS funds, we we're okay with covering it and we'll submit another round next year as well. [0:50:46, 0:50:49]: Okay, at this time do I hear a motion? [0:50:49, 0:50:50]: Man alew. [0:50:50, 0:51:05]: I would like to move that we approve the um onus contract number two oh one six oh eight-sixteen for the increase of the change order uh in the amount of two hundred and sixty four thousand two hundred and seventy two thousand fourteen six. [0:51:05, 0:51:17]: And I also um although I made that motion, um they were pointing to Donald stating that he's the one who've caught the correction. So wanted to give him credit for that. Well we just [0:51:17, 0:51:30]: Uh yes, I w I will compliment uh our procurement officer. I apologize for that. And also Councilman Blount will accept your second to that motion. I'll uh is there any further discussion? [0:51:32, 0:51:33]: If not [0:51:33, 0:51:36]: I'll call for the vote. All in favor. [0:51:38, 0:51:48]: All right. And there are a lot of happy citizens out there. We've heard lots about our paving. It's made some folks happy and we appreciate that. He appreciate hearing from them. [0:51:48, 0:51:52]: Uh the next thing we're going to go into a discussion item. [0:51:53, 0:51:59]: And it will also be presented by our city manager. It's uh regarding a rezoning request. [0:51:59, 0:52:05]: Uh regarding the Wet Set, Scuba and Water Sports Inc. of Stockbridge. [0:52:05, 0:52:05]: Yes. [0:52:06, 0:52:15]: Thank you again. And this is uh a long time business, it's been here in Stockbridge for a number of years, um well over twenty years. The Wet Set Scuban Water Sports [0:52:16, 0:52:17]: Located um [0:52:18, 0:52:29]: fifty f fifty one oh four North Henry Boulevard right near Shields. Um they've taught swimming for a number of years. They've taught scuba for a number of years and [0:52:29, 0:52:36]: he's in a process of kind of transitioning from more scuba related to more of a swim school. There is a swimming facility there. [0:52:37, 0:52:57]: So when we were approached by the property owner, they were asked to say he here's what we want to do if somebody wants to turn it into more of a swim school as a designated swim school. We said that's great, but in uh this gives us an opportunity to kind of clean up our zoning. Um he's currently zoned C one for a swimming school. This would require per R code and ordinances to be zoned [0:52:57, 0:52:58]: On C two. [0:52:58, 0:53:18]: Um so again this is simply a more of a a cleanup item. It's simply going from C one to C two for a longtime business. Uh you know, and again we're we're happy that they're continue want to continue to invest in the community and invest in their business here in the community. Um it's it was heard by the zoning advisory board and they recommended approval. [0:53:18, 0:53:25]: Um that'll be coming to the council for full consideration in about two weeks, Mike, I believe. [0:53:25, 0:53:25]: Yes. [0:53:26, 0:53:34]: So again, this is just discussion, this is a public hearing, just to kind of give you an idea kind of what's coming up and what it's all about. So if you have any questions, I'd be happy to address them. [0:53:35, 0:53:53]: Is anything in two I'm s I'm sorry, Mayor. No. Uh Councilman Blount, did you have a question? Yeah. Is anything on this going to change in two weeks or this is what you're going to actually present in two weeks? That's that's exactly what's going to be presented. Well but we'll formally had uh along with the report, we'll have the the recommendation from the zoning advisory board. [0:53:53, 0:53:55]: Which will be for approval. [0:53:57, 0:54:01]: Well we can't approve it today because it has to go forth for right here. [0:54:01, 0:54:04]: Any other questions on this item? [0:54:04, 0:54:10]: If not we'll move along to item number five under discussion. This is a variance um [0:54:11, 0:54:15]: Station two, LP of Atlanta, Georgia request a variance. [0:54:15, 0:54:22]: from development standards for signage for the property located at four four four four four four four seventy five North Henry Boulevard. [0:54:22, 0:54:27]: The property is located in Land Lot sixty one of the twelfth district. [0:54:27, 0:54:47]: And uh right now this is about signage. So Mr Harris is gonna present this one also for discussion. Well actually I'm going to Madam Mayor, if you don't mind, I'm on a tag team with um the city attorney here. This is a variance for about fifteen items and he's gonna walk through some of the complexities of this. This was also heard by the Z A B and Mike will give you a description on what the [0:54:47, 0:54:48]: Talk about. [0:54:49, 0:55:02]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Um you have before you a fairly complex looking uh variance request, but at the end of the day it it's not as complex as it as it appears to be. [0:55:03, 0:55:03]: Um [0:55:04, 0:55:11]: the zoning advisory board met and it and approved um a modified set of variances for this [0:55:11, 0:55:13]: Um I'm gonna walk you through just sort of [0:55:13, 0:55:17]: it at a ten thousand foot level what they approved and then [0:55:17, 0:55:25]: What we'd like to do is uh encourage you all to schedule uh brief meetings with the staff so we can go through'em [0:55:25, 0:55:45]: um line by line, offline just because I don't want to take up too much time this evening. Um but of course we will go through these line by line um to the extent necessary at the public hearing in in two weeks. As you all know at that location there's currently a Texaco and the operators of that gas station will [0:55:45, 0:55:48]: will remain the same. It's gonna be the same operator [0:55:48, 0:55:54]: They are just changing brands. Um their contract with Texaco uh is is set to expire. [0:55:54, 0:55:59]: um soon and rather than re sign with Texaco, they have opted to sign up with [0:56:00, 0:56:00]: Sonoko. [0:56:01, 0:56:07]: I believe that is Shell instead of Texco, isn't it? [0:56:07, 0:56:16]: Um and so rather than re sign with Shell they're gonna sign up with Snoco and they have a a vastly different branding [0:56:17, 0:56:20]: Um under the uh Sinoco um [0:56:20, 0:56:22]: national brand. [0:56:22, 0:56:29]: Um as a result when they were looking at the the changes in the sign faces and and the and the color scheme [0:56:29, 0:56:34]: Um we have since uh the shell was established. [0:56:34, 0:56:39]: Um we have adopted a new sign ordinance and in addition [0:56:39, 0:56:45]: Um we have the old downtown overlay that applies to this. And there are a number of provisions [0:56:45, 0:56:54]: um if red strictly would not allow them to move towards the SNOPO brand as sort of nationally recognized. [0:56:54, 0:56:56]: So they're having to do a lot of things. [0:56:57, 0:57:00]: um uh where they would have to do a lot of things if [0:57:00, 0:57:02]: They were not granted ovarians. [0:57:02, 0:57:09]: But we just need you to keep in mind it's an existing business, there are existing signs, there's existing awning. [0:57:09, 0:57:13]: Um and really what they're proposing to do is to change the color scheme. [0:57:14, 0:57:18]: and otherwise bring the uh the business into compliance. [0:57:19, 0:57:19]: So [0:57:20, 0:57:34]: By way of example, just to give you an indication of of the type of variance they're looking for, um the biggest uh variance potentially is i with respect to the color scheme. The old downtown overlay district, um [0:57:34, 0:57:36]: Establishes [0:57:36, 0:57:40]: uh or actually prohibits the use of primary colors [0:57:41, 0:57:45]: for signage and and external um surfaces of buildings. [0:57:45, 0:57:48]: Well if you look at the Sunoco branding it's [0:57:49, 0:57:51]: um blue, yellow and red. [0:57:51, 0:57:56]: And primary color. So and so they're asking for at least for that sign until they get a variance. [0:57:57, 0:58:01]: um as to the coloring. Um as to the height of the sign [0:58:01, 0:58:06]: Um our current sign ordinance um limits the height of the sign to eight feet. [0:58:07, 0:58:10]: Well there's an existing sign there that I believe is about thirty feet. [0:58:11, 0:58:14]: And so they're proposing to lower it to fourteen feet. [0:58:15, 0:58:20]: Well technically that's an increase o over eight feet, but they're actually lowering the height of the sign. [0:58:20, 0:58:24]: and changing the uh the structure of the sign. [0:58:25, 0:58:27]: to something that's more in compliance with our ordinance. [0:58:28, 0:58:48]: So th those are just examples of of what they're proposing to do to refurbish the exterior of the building, make it look uh do to frankly to improve uh the the nature of the building. Um one uh additional thing I'll mention tonight, and again we'd want you to w we want to walk through each of these in in detail. [0:58:47, 0:58:49]: Um [0:58:50, 0:58:52]: the the building where the old uh [0:58:52, 0:58:55]: downtown overlay district prohibits [0:58:55, 0:58:57]: the painting of masonry. [0:58:58, 0:59:02]: So technically they're not allowed to paint their building because they have a [0:59:02, 0:59:03]: Uh Cinder Block. [0:59:03, 0:59:18]: um construction, but it's been painted for years and years and years. And what they would like to do is repaint it and update the paint on that. Um sandblasting the paint off the building would make it look a lot worse. At least that's the estimation of the zoning advisory board. [0:59:19, 0:59:39]: So that's another example that they're uh uh recommending uh they be allowed to vary from the the the ordinance so that they can repaint the building, you know, a n a nice neutral color. That now the that actu actual portion of the building would not be a primary color. They're looking at sort of a off grey color just to to make the building uh [0:59:39, 0:59:40]: fresher and updated. [0:59:40, 0:59:41]: So that's [0:59:42, 0:59:48]: You know, aga again that's a ten thousand foot overview of the uh proposed set of variances. [0:59:48, 1:00:08]: And rather than um commenting on this, we're recommending that you all uh make an opportunity to meet with the staff um so that we can walk you through uh exactly why the zoning advisory board is is making these recommendations and then we'll represent that entire presentation uh at the public. [1:00:08, 1:00:10]: public hearing in a couple of weeks. [1:00:13, 1:00:16]: Okay. Are there any comments about this? [1:00:18, 1:00:38]: And you might want to check, I believe that sign they're gonna do is gonna include uh planners for flowers also. Yes, ma'am. That there there's a requirement that there be a three foot buffer around the the sign and and they're offering to to do some planners to to adjust for that. So yes ma'am. [1:00:38, 1:00:39]: Wash up the pictures. [1:00:39, 1:00:47]: Um yeah, I d I forgot to show you all pictures, so uh Mr. Harris is gonna bring those. Just real quick. This is [1:00:49, 1:00:53]: I understand I'll come back to you. I apologize. Go ahead, please. [1:00:54, 1:00:58]: Again, this is the existing site here, kind of what it looks like right now. [1:00:58, 1:00:59]: And [1:01:00, 1:01:03]: to Mr Worm's point. These are some of the [1:01:04, 1:01:05]: Colored [1:01:06, 1:01:08]: options that they were looking for, proposing [1:01:09, 1:01:10]: And [1:01:11, 1:01:12]: existing [1:01:13, 1:01:14]: Proposed [1:01:18, 1:01:22]: I think that's about it. Yeah. [1:01:23, 1:01:26]: This one and rotate it. [1:01:26, 1:01:28]: Okay. [1:01:28, 1:01:30]: Yeah. [1:01:34, 1:01:40]: So that that's a rendering of what they hope it will look like uh uh assuming the variance is grand. [1:01:41, 1:01:54]: Okay. Um I would just say that thank you so much for that presentation and the council if they need to know more will be able to drop in and talk to the city manager and find out. [1:01:54, 1:01:59]: more details. I think we have a question by uh Councilman John Blount. [1:01:59, 1:02:16]: The the other the other portion of the property, that is that included the the other portion that the uh that you do the emission? There's an emission station and that's part of the variance package. [1:02:16, 1:02:20]: uh color now they want to paint that the same blue as the Sunoko. [1:02:22, 1:02:28]: believe there is also a picture of Renim. [1:02:29, 1:02:32]: So it's all g the whole property's gonna match. [1:02:36, 1:02:37]: [3761.9, 3764.5]: Yeah, that's probably the best one. Yeah. [1:02:47, 1:02:48]: [3769.8, 3771.1]: I think that's but just uh [1:02:52, 1:02:53]: Yeah. [1:02:54, 1:02:58]: Yeah, you can see it back. That's existing look with the yellow back here. [1:02:58, 1:03:01]: And again propose as just shown. [1:03:02, 1:03:03]: [3783.8, 3790.6]: painting the building and taking all the other signage off and with just the blue fascia and the white lettering. [1:03:12, 1:03:14]: Okay, thank you both. [1:03:15, 1:03:22]: At this time we're going to ask if our city manager has any comments that he would like to make. Excuse me. [1:03:22, 1:03:42]: Let's go back and uh get a comment first from Pro Tem Ford. Actually, Mayor, what I did or first part of the meeting, we amended the agenda to add an item. I said number seven, but it's really number six. Remember I had a everybody everybody should have in front of them to include the clerk, the uh city manager as well as the uh city attorney, and says the city of Stockbridge proposal [1:03:42, 1:04:02]: And what Michael Harris and I received yesterday was a briefing of an update and an actual proposal that's before you by three outstanding citizens of Stockbridge are right back on the back. They're gonna come forward here and talk to us further about this. But this deals with the the city of Stockbridge being a sponsor for entrepreneurial [1:04:02, 1:04:22]: event in conjunction with this Advanced Technology Department Development Center, which is called the ATDC, and the Technology Association of Georgia, which is called the TAG, and the One Henry and Economic Alliance. Ladies and gentlemen, could you please come forward? Okay, so what you have here is uh uh you've got the Mrs. Sylvia, Ariel Shaw, and Gladwin [1:04:22, 1:04:24]: And um and supplies bowling. [1:04:25, 1:04:45]: Mode. And they're all members of this particular one Henry initiative. Once again they re I received a briefing yesterday uh w from them with Michael Harris. And what this amounts to is that uh it still is with incubators and entrepreneurs in the area and working out the the technology aspect, uh bringing it into Henry County itself. [1:04:45, 1:05:05]: itself and wanting to to have Stockbridge on the forefront of this new development to start these startup businesses in this aspect. So and they were looking for us to sponsor uh evening this event at Merrill Manors in June. Um in this as well, I believe the the dates scheduled date right now is June [1:05:05, 1:05:19]: twenty second provided it's available and I believe it still is, as well as provided that the council would want to support this initiative. So on that note, I'm gonna be quiet for a second and allow them to give a briefing and discussion as to have a discussion with the council. [1:05:20, 1:05:20]: Go ahead, please. [1:05:21, 1:05:27]: Mayor, uh members of city council, uh thanks for uh giving us a couple of minutes to talk about this. Uh two years ago [1:05:28, 1:05:29]: We said [1:05:29, 1:05:32]: Wouldn't it be good if Henry County [1:05:32, 1:05:35]: had a facility that help could help [1:05:35, 1:05:37]: produce its own local businesses. [1:05:38, 1:05:40]: And get'em on the ground, get'em started right. [1:05:41, 1:05:45]: Because so many people are trying to put businesses on the ground. [1:05:45, 1:05:48]: don't know the first question, which is who do you call? [1:05:49, 1:05:56]: How do you get it done? And depending on who they ask, uh, in Henry County they get a variety of answers. [1:05:57, 1:06:17]: So the idea of an incubator was born and we started really at point zero, uh didn't know what we didn't know and it was really tough to figure it out. Um over the period of our discovery learning, we ran into the ATDC, the Advanced Technology Development Centre. [1:06:17, 1:06:21]: which is organized under Georgia Tech. [1:06:21, 1:06:24]: But is eighty percent funded by the state. [1:06:26, 1:06:32]: And their mission is to develop technology incubators primarily. [1:06:32, 1:06:44]: And if you go to their offices uh on uh Fifth Street in downtown Atlanta, you will see about a dozen companies that are up on one floor with them that they're currently incubating. [1:06:45, 1:06:55]: everything from uh technology for uh uh medical uh advances to a uh machine that you can have mixed drinks from. [1:06:56, 1:07:00]: but it is a technology thing that uh the company is developing. [1:07:00, 1:07:04]: So uh we discovered that they had a process. [1:07:04, 1:07:12]: Now, we were about to make the same mistake a couple other communities have done, and that is to say, Oh, well where are we going to put this incubator? [1:07:13, 1:07:14]: Where where's our building? [1:07:15, 1:07:17]: Well you can't have uh [1:07:18, 1:07:18]: Other [1:07:19, 1:07:25]: municipalities, other counties have got themselves a building and then found out they had no process. [1:07:26, 1:07:27]: They walked in and heard echoes. [1:07:29, 1:07:33]: We have discovered that AT D C has been down this road many times. [1:07:34, 1:07:37]: and that they can help us develop the process. [1:07:37, 1:07:44]: And the main pro the beginning of that process is do we have any entrepreneurs in England County? Do you know? [1:07:44, 1:07:51]: I think I we do. I think we g but do we really know? So there is a study [1:07:51, 1:07:54]: uh that we have launched with them. [1:07:54, 1:07:56]: to determine the level of entrepreneurship. [1:07:57, 1:08:02]: Nothing happens for free. That study is costing thirty thousand dollars. [1:08:03, 1:08:08]: Fifteen thousand dollars of that is being paid by Henry County Development Authority. [1:08:09, 1:08:13]: The other fifteen thousand dollars we got paid with some of that state funding. [1:08:15, 1:08:19]: So by the time this twenty second of June rolls around [1:08:19, 1:08:22]: we will have a good idea of [1:08:22, 1:08:23]: what the entrepreneur [1:08:24, 1:08:25]: landscape looks like. [1:08:26, 1:08:29]: At this event we will begin to develop our process. [1:08:30, 1:08:35]: And to do that we'll have like six people on a panel who are entrepreneurs from Henry County. [1:08:35, 1:08:40]: And then ATDC will provide the primary speaker. [1:08:41, 1:08:42]: To talk about [1:08:43, 1:08:48]: how this entrepreneur sh uh process actually would work. [1:08:50, 1:08:56]: They provide training at a very zero level of hello, you want to make a company come in? [1:08:57, 1:09:02]: And that training they'll do for everybody, from a technology company [1:09:02, 1:09:04]: to a lawn mowing company. [1:09:05, 1:09:06]: They'll do it for anyone. [1:09:06, 1:09:26]: But the that process goes on and there's a weed out point in that process where they say, Okay, we've trained you up, now go out and find us where your customer base would be and come back and report to us. And they say only about twenty five percent of the companies come back and report, but then they've got the people that we know are serious. [1:09:27, 1:09:35]: So this m uh event on the twenty second of June would be the beginning to get that sort of process rolled. [1:09:36, 1:09:36]: Mm. [1:09:37, 1:09:40]: They do not ATD C [1:09:40, 1:09:44]: uh does not want to charge for that event, so we need to find sponsors. [1:09:45, 1:09:50]: When we first uh briefed some of the members of this council, there was a lot of interest in it. [1:09:50, 1:09:54]: So we thought that we would ask uh the city of Stockbridge [1:09:54, 1:09:57]: uh to take first pass at sponsoring it or not. [1:09:58, 1:10:02]: And I will say frankly today, uh Madam Mayor, where do you [1:10:02, 1:10:03]: Sponsor it or not? [1:10:04, 1:10:05]: We still want Shimba. [1:10:06, 1:10:09]: Uh w it will happen. We'll go out and find a sponsor. [1:10:10, 1:10:12]: But we would like for it to be you. [1:10:12, 1:10:21]: And uh but i if i you know, I know budgets and uh the issues because this will cost a little bit of money, not a huge amount. [1:10:22, 1:10:25]: But if you can do it, we'd love for you to do it. [1:10:26, 1:10:29]: If you can't sponsor it, we would still love for you to participate. [1:10:30, 1:10:34]: And subject to questions, ma'am, uh that would conclude our briefing. Okay. [1:10:34, 1:10:38]: Um anybody else in your group have a comment that you'd like to make? [1:10:40, 1:10:56]: All right, good evening. My name is Richard Sylvia and I actually sit on the Henry County Chamber of Commerce board, also sit on the Executive Committee with one Henry, and I actually am the uh chairperson for the professional services and corporate solutions subcommittee under one Henry. [1:10:57, 1:11:05]: Good evening, Mayor. Good evening, Council. So we actually had a meeting with Council maybe about four or five months ago to talk about [1:11:06, 1:11:06]: The incubator. [1:11:07, 1:11:08]: And [1:11:08, 1:11:11]: It's extremely important for people to understand the [1:11:11, 1:11:14]: economic impact that the incubator will have on Henry County? [1:11:15, 1:11:22]: As uh Mr Boland was sharing, we actually have two of the premier technology organizations within Georgia. [1:11:23, 1:11:26]: that are actually going to help us move forward the incubator. [1:11:27, 1:11:30]: We also have the support of the Henry County Development Authority. [1:11:30, 1:11:31]: Who's actually [1:11:32, 1:11:35]: invested the first fifteen thousand dollars within the incubator. [1:11:36, 1:11:46]: Right. So the incubator is actually gonna be twofold. One it's gonna be technology centric with an AT D C component, as Mr. Bolin shared with you, but then the other piece would be a business incubator. [1:11:46, 1:11:48]: that will look at other professional services type [1:11:49, 1:11:51]: organisations and businesses. [1:11:52, 1:11:58]: Right now there are other cities within Henry County who would like the incubator situated there. [1:11:58, 1:12:01]: When I first started with one one Henry two years ago [1:12:01, 1:12:03]: Our mission was to be able to develop [1:12:04, 1:12:05]: A technology [1:12:06, 1:12:08]: presence south of Atlanta. [1:12:09, 1:12:11]: And then so doing [1:12:11, 1:12:13]: We would like the incubator to live here. [1:12:14, 1:12:19]: So what we're asking is with this first component relative to the feasibility of the study that's being done, [1:12:20, 1:12:23]: that Stockbridge supports [1:12:23, 1:12:24]: and sponsors the incubator. [1:12:25, 1:12:29]: So you guys have a leg up on the other cities relative to where this incubator is gonna sit? [1:12:30, 1:12:33]: Right. So the incubator's gonna be historic here in Henry County. [1:12:33, 1:12:37]: So let's make no mistake about the impact that it's going to have on economic development. [1:12:37, 1:12:39]: Right. So right now seventy percent [1:12:40, 1:12:43]: of the students that we educate in Henry County leave. [1:12:44, 1:12:47]: They go somewhere else and we lose the tax base. [1:12:48, 1:12:52]: What the incubator will help do is actually keep some of our [1:12:53, 1:12:57]: educated students here because it gives them an opportunity to build their own business here. [1:12:58, 1:13:01]: The incubator won't be in an entity by itself. We're actually looking at [1:13:02, 1:13:05]: potentially having a secondary education being part of it. [1:13:05, 1:13:07]: Whether it's Clayton, whether it's Gordon, whether it's Mercer, [1:13:08, 1:13:10]: Well, there's some combination thereof. [1:13:10, 1:13:14]: as well as our workforce development committee that will also sit within the incubator. [1:13:15, 1:13:15]: Space. [1:13:16, 1:13:20]: So at this point we're still at the very beginning of what we're trying to do here. [1:13:21, 1:13:30]: However, we want to give you guys the first opportunity to partner with One Henry and the Incubator Project to ensure its success. [1:13:30, 1:13:43]: Okay. Any other comments? No. Um I'd like you to come back to the mic, one of you, and be very specific as to what you're asking of the city council tonight. [1:13:46, 1:13:50]: What we need for the sponsorship of this event. [1:13:50, 1:13:50]: Yeah. [1:13:51, 1:13:53]: would potentially be on the twenty second of June all [1:13:54, 1:13:55]: things lining up. [1:13:56, 1:14:00]: is we'd uh want the use of of the facility, which is we would [1:14:01, 1:14:03]: suspect M Merle Manders for that. [1:14:04, 1:14:09]: And then we would like uh to cater with some light hors d'oeuvres. [1:14:09, 1:14:12]: And a at the request of ATDC [1:14:13, 1:14:17]: They would like that caterer to have a poor license for uh beer and wine. [1:14:18, 1:14:19]: Uh [1:14:19, 1:14:23]: And so it is the facility, the food and the drink. [1:14:24, 1:14:28]: Uh and ma'am, we don't have a we don't have a specific number on that yet. [1:14:28, 1:14:33]: uh because we would uh we'd look for your guidance on on who you'd want us to use. [1:14:34, 1:14:53]: Since it would be basically asking is the use of the facility and for the city to underwrite the cost of any catering for that event. Is that correct? Exactly it. Plus the beer and the wine, which I don't think we can purchase. Is that correct, Mr Attorney? [1:14:54, 1:14:55]: It's allowed. [1:14:56, 1:15:00]: We we actually uh see the beer and wine being a no host bar. [1:15:01, 1:15:05]: so that the attendees would actually pay for their drinks. But the [1:15:05, 1:15:14]: So to set up a cash. We would just say that the c the uh cater caterer should have a poor license so they can provide that service. [1:15:15, 1:15:15]: Okay. [1:15:16, 1:15:16]: All right. [1:15:17, 1:15:18]: Um [1:15:18, 1:15:21]: Anything else that would be expected? [1:15:22, 1:15:26]: Long term, short term. The one other discussion that we had was uh [1:15:27, 1:15:29]: about how we publicize this event. [1:15:29, 1:15:34]: And uh you know, we we would certainly welcome any uh [1:15:34, 1:15:35]: Uh [1:15:35, 1:15:52]: organized efforts you have for publicising an event, but Ju Henry actually has a Image and Communications subcommittee, as you well know, that uh would be in charge of public publicising the event as would ATDC. [1:15:52, 1:15:56]: and tag the the Technology Association of Georgia. [1:15:56, 1:15:59]: Okay, I don't think that would be a problem. [1:15:59, 1:16:03]: Publicizing it. Okay, I'm gonna turn this back over to Mr. Ford. [1:16:04, 1:16:10]: Well actually, Mayor, I would uh actually ask the council if they got any c uh uh questions or discussion before [1:16:10, 1:16:11]: So I would imagine they'd have some. [1:16:12, 1:16:13]: Uh so [1:16:13, 1:16:33]: I'll go right here, sir. Well, I I want to thank you all for bringing this tremendous endeavor here because it's something that we want to do to partner to bring um professional services jobs to the north end of the county, partnering with our region. I think one of the [1:16:33, 1:16:35]: [4595.3, 4615.3]: We'd like to talk I I'd like to maybe get a a few words on is we say it many a time the new slogan around Hartsville is that we're um you know, we're two hours away from anywhere in America. Well Stockbridge is two hours and twenty minutes away from anywhere in America. So you talk about maybe the the the enhancements uh [1:16:55, 1:16:58]: of attracting businesses n nationwide the stock bridge. [1:17:01, 1:17:06]: The efforts [1:17:06, 1:17:14]: in the total program to attract businesses to Stockbridge uh involving the incubator nationwide. [1:17:17, 1:17:20]: I still don't understand specifically what the question is. [1:17:20, 1:17:21]: Go ahead. [1:17:21, 1:17:22]: Make sure to make it. [1:17:23, 1:17:25]: So let me try to answer that question for you. [1:17:25, 1:17:35]: So with one Henry, it it's not just about an incubator and it's not just about professional services. Mm-hmm. So if any of you have been to any of the One Henry meetings, I know that I've seen probably at least [1:17:36, 1:17:42]: three, maybe four year faces that have been part of the meetings, we're actually looking at increasing the quality [1:17:43, 1:17:44]: Of life. [1:17:44, 1:17:45]: For Henry County citizens. [1:17:46, 1:17:50]: Right, so there's a five prong approach that we take relative to the one Henry mission. [1:17:50, 1:17:53]: And we look at workforce development, we look at [1:17:54, 1:18:05]: Professional Services and Corporate Solutions, which is the committee that we're actually representing today, there's an entire image and communications component to try to change the face of how the rest of [1:18:05, 1:18:09]: South of the city you see. Right. In the eyes of of [1:18:10, 1:18:15]: the rest of Metro Atlanta. If you will. There's a workforce development component. [1:18:15, 1:18:18]: And then there's also an industrial component and [1:18:19, 1:18:27]: Uh what I call an example of what these guys have done is actually the CID that we have south of the city where we're actually actually asking the businesses there [1:18:28, 1:18:29]: To spend money. [1:18:30, 1:18:32]: Right, tax themselves to make that area better. [1:18:33, 1:18:42]: Right. So I'm trying to get to your question be because your question is very broad. Right. Right? Mm. And la I'm sorry, and last but not least is uh arts and leisure. [1:18:42, 1:18:45]: Right. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Right. So [1:18:47, 1:18:49]: It it's a it's an ecosystem. [1:18:50, 1:18:51]: Around [1:18:52, 1:18:53]: What we're trying to do [1:18:54, 1:18:58]: that which we need to build in order to be able to attract corporations here. [1:18:58, 1:19:00]: So when you talk about Hartsfield [1:19:00, 1:19:03]: We're two hours away from anywhere in the world. [1:19:03, 1:19:10]: probably a little more than that. Right? However, we need to be able to take advantage of the busiest airport in the world. [1:19:11, 1:19:13]: In most of what we do. [1:19:14, 1:19:14]: Keep that in mind. [1:19:15, 1:19:24]: Right, so when we talk about the incubator and its proximity, potentially, to seventy five, it puts us in a great position. [1:19:24, 1:19:27]: to be able to attract all types of different [1:19:29, 1:19:30]: Industries. [1:19:30, 1:19:33]: professional services organizations and technology companies. [1:19:35, 1:19:38]: Did I answer your question? Yes, sir, you did. Okay, thank you. [1:19:39, 1:19:54]: Are there any other questions or comments? Yes, Mayor. Councilman Robinson. I wanted to r I sit on the board for the capital committee so I didn't know. Wanna reach out to the attorney if there's something I can comment on, vote on, is there anything [1:19:55, 1:19:57]: It's just best to [1:19:57, 1:20:01]: state what you just stated and then to recuse yourself from the rest of the discussion. [1:20:03, 1:20:04]: Merdale. [1:20:05, 1:20:10]: Yes, Councilwoman Gantt. I have a question as well. I um have a [1:20:10, 1:20:14]: relationship, business relationship with one of the presenters today. [1:20:15, 1:20:26]: Uh as a attorney client or anything of that nature, or is well that is that something I have to recuse myself from? As long as it's not related to one Henry, I don't see a a conflict. [1:20:26, 1:20:26]: Thank you. [1:20:29, 1:20:31]: Anyone else have comment or question? [1:20:33, 1:20:34]: Okay. [1:20:35, 1:20:39]: It was a um uh presentation about I guess about five months ago. [1:20:40, 1:20:43]: Something like that. And I can't remember if the whole council was there or not. [1:20:44, 1:20:45]: I I d I don't remember. [1:20:46, 1:20:47]: Um [1:20:47, 1:20:50]: So basically what your your your potentials here [1:20:51, 1:20:53]: But what you see in here is is is [1:20:53, 1:20:57]: Is it just primarily an event or your potential for [1:20:58, 1:21:00]: You're starting your [1:21:01, 1:21:02]: Business. [1:21:02, 1:21:03]: The A committee. [1:21:04, 1:21:07]: So the event is the first step. [1:21:07, 1:21:09]: In the feasibility study? [1:21:09, 1:21:13]: Again, so when we talked to you guys before we were just talking concept. [1:21:13, 1:21:14]: We just had ideas. [1:21:15, 1:21:15]: Right. [1:21:16, 1:21:18]: Now the rubber meets the road when we get the [1:21:19, 1:21:22]: development authority to drop fifteen thousand dollars and invest in the program. [1:21:23, 1:21:25]: Right. So we have [1:21:26, 1:21:28]: A T D C tag involved. [1:21:29, 1:21:31]: We have the development authority involved. [1:21:31, 1:21:34]: We have the Henry County Chamber of Commerce involved. [1:21:35, 1:21:36]: It's no longer just an idea. [1:21:37, 1:21:41]: I mean we're going to move forward with this. However, we still need to understand the feasibility. [1:21:42, 1:21:45]: of the incubator and to ensure that [1:21:45, 1:21:50]: from an entrepreneurial perspective and from a Henry County perspective that is going to be supported. [1:21:51, 1:21:55]: So we could take this idea and just keep moving with it. However, that probably wouldn't be prudent. [1:21:56, 1:21:59]: and a good way to be able to spend our taxpayers' money. [1:21:59, 1:22:03]: Right. So again the event will be one of many events. [1:22:03, 1:22:04]: That are hosted. [1:22:04, 1:22:05]: So [1:22:06, 1:22:08]: truly understand the feasibility. [1:22:08, 1:22:10]: in the support around an incubator? [1:22:11, 1:22:16]: But there's also a capital campaign that we're working on, so we're not looking for Stockbridge to [1:22:17, 1:22:19]: Fun the entire incubator. [1:22:20, 1:22:25]: Right now we're in the process of developing we're in the process of putting together a capital campaign [1:22:25, 1:22:29]: that will probably pay for most of that incubator. [1:22:30, 1:22:30]: Right? [1:22:30, 1:22:36]: We're still in the very beginning stages of that strategic plan, so I am sitting on that council as well. [1:22:36, 1:22:37]: Um [1:22:38, 1:22:43]: And I would imagine probably within the next couple of months we'll understand what that entire capital campaign looks like. [1:22:44, 1:22:54]: and the monies that will be donated over a five year period to be able to support that along with probably three to five probably three other potential ideas. [1:22:54, 1:22:56]: That we'd like to [1:22:56, 1:22:57]: implement and see [1:22:58, 1:23:03]: included within Henry County again to increase quality life here. [1:23:04, 1:23:24]: Uh yes. Yes. Well what I understand here of course is uh manners I believe is still available on the twenty second of June if we want to improve this. So if if we approve this, this is like a city sponsored event, w just like when we have anything else like a um a um job fair there, things of this nature, it would be the city would encompass just give up that particular [1:23:24, 1:23:44]: particular facility. In the proposal it says an estimate of roughly three thousand dollars for food or purchasing of alcohol, whatever the case may be, uh for that event. Uh so I'm sorry, is that wrong? Not to purchase alcohol. I'm sorry, excuse me. Excuse me. That's right. Give me straight. Give me straight. So it it's just facility cost and then [1:23:44, 1:24:04]: Yes sir. Alright, so in here is three three grand for that. So the question would be um the three thousand dollars, I I know obviously this is not budgeted, where would that come or how if we want to approve this, where would that come out of and then and then uh whether [1:24:04, 1:24:05]: [5047.2, 5056.3]: Given that this event isn't scheduled until June and to the point we did check with the availability at Merle Manders is it is available. [1:24:16, 1:24:17]: So it's been placed on hold. [1:24:18, 1:24:22]: dependent upon the outcome of this meeting. But in speaking with our treasurer, Miss Neighbors [1:24:23, 1:24:30]: Because it's in June we know we're going to be having a uh discussion regarding a budget amendment, quarterly budget amendment in April. [1:24:30, 1:24:33]: A recommendation would be that um if it's a [1:24:33, 1:24:53]: approved and it's the will of the council to move forward that it be included in that amendment in April. Okay. On that note then, Madam Mayor, if you don't mind, I'd like to make a motion that we uh uh accept this uh sponsorship uh for this one Henry initiative scheduled for twenty second June at Merrill Manors Conference Center. [1:24:53, 1:24:54]: Circle. [1:24:55, 1:25:04]: Okay, we have a motion by Councilman uh our Pro Tem Ford with a second by Councilman uh Alexander. [1:25:05, 1:25:06]: Any discussion? [1:25:07, 1:25:09]: Yes, the three thousand dollars. [1:25:10, 1:25:11]: Because [1:25:12, 1:25:13]: Because there's still some [1:25:14, 1:25:34]: We we're not getting a whole uh and then there's still some must assuming that you guys want some other things happen. So are we talking about a function that doesn't exceed three thousand dollars or do or do you all know it's gonna be more than three thousand dollars? That would be not to exceed three thousand dollars. And actually when we put that number together we were thinking we were gonna [1:25:34, 1:25:45]: gonna be paying dollars for a facility. So um you know, I can't put a a a hard dollar number on it now, but I I don't think we approach three thousand dollars at this point. [1:25:47, 1:25:47]: Okay. [1:25:49, 1:25:50]: All right. Any other [1:25:51, 1:25:52]: Discussion [1:25:53, 1:25:54]: If not, all in favor. [1:25:57, 1:26:06]: All right. No opposed. Congratulations. Passed. Ma'am, we thank you and the council for your time. All right. [1:26:13, 1:26:15]: [5175.6, 5180.8]: Uh let me ask our clerk, did you get all of their names for the first time? [1:26:21, 1:26:21]: Good. [1:26:21, 1:26:26]: Good to go. Um at this time we will ask our city manager for comments. [1:26:27, 1:26:39]: Yes, thank you, Madam Mayor. I d I did want to make the council and the public um aware that we have brought on a new community development director, Ms. Camilla Moore. Um she actually [1:26:39, 1:26:59]: She was able to start a little bit early, so Jesse came in a week earlier, otherwise she would have been here this evening. Um she had a prior engagement. But at the next meeting we'll do a formal introduction. But she's already gotten very much involved into the processes on what's going on and and and and and already gotten delved into a number of issues that we've been working on. So um but [1:26:59, 1:27:05]: Glad to have her on board and again next time at the next meeting we'll be able to do a more formal introduction for the uh for the public as well. [1:27:06, 1:27:08]: Great, thank you. Any other comments? [1:27:09, 1:27:13]: Um we'll start now with Councilman Alexander if you have a comment. [1:27:13, 1:27:33]: I do. I'd like to thank everybody for participating as usual. And um, you know, it's always encouraging to see people come out and uh you know participate in the democratic process of moving Stockbridge forward. You know, I always want to be uh good stewards of the city's s city's money in every instance. [1:27:33, 1:27:42]: And uh that's kinda what we want to do. And while we endeavor to spend the necessary funds in order to make the city [1:27:42, 1:28:02]: uh prosperous and to fulfill the new vision and mission statement that we put forward. So I definitely uh appreciate uh you all coming out participating. We have a um uh good w uh partnership with Goodwill continues on April the sixth. We have uh the next career expo [1:28:02, 1:28:22]: And this time it's gonna be at Ted Strickland um community center uh so that we can continue to bring job opportunities uh to the citizens in our community, always uh giving back. And I would like I didn't thank the uh volunteers uh for uh the litter campaign [1:28:22, 1:28:31]: along Jodico Road, including uh count commission chairwoman June Wood who was out there with us. Uh it makes a whole lot of difference. [1:28:31, 1:28:39]: When everybody rolls up their sleeves and gets involved in the community and you're seeing the tangible results of us moving the city forward. Thank you. [1:28:40, 1:28:41]: Councilman Bullen. [1:28:43, 1:28:45]: Yeah, I just want to say, um, as a city [1:28:46, 1:28:51]: My prayer's always been that we make the best decision for our city and we move the city forward. Uh [1:28:52, 1:28:53]: As a collaborative effort. [1:28:54, 1:28:58]: Uh we're gonna be having the National Day of Prayer, uh the first Thursday of May. [1:28:59, 1:29:00]: Here at uh city hall. [1:29:01, 1:29:03]: So I would like everyone to come out to that because [1:29:03, 1:29:05]: I believe God answered prayers and [1:29:06, 1:29:08]: We surely need it in government. [1:29:08, 1:29:18]: Um I just wanna s just as my colleagues and just address them today and just say, you know, whatever we need to do to work together to move the city forward, let's continue to do that. [1:29:20, 1:29:40]: Yeah, uh Protem Forward. Thank you, Mayor. Appreciate it. Uh folks, the month of April is uh it's actually in our uh upcoming events, Paint Henry Blue. And we have a kickoff campaign right here at Stockbridge at Merrill Manor's Conference Center this Thursday at six thirty. And now the reason why I want to mention that to you is that uh during the course of the month of [1:29:40, 1:30:00]: of April to support um against any activity against child abuse, I guess it is. Uh life for you too as much as you can wear blue during the course of the month. Month of April, wear blue tie, blue jacket, shirt, whatever. Try to wear blue as much as you can to support the uh this uh this activity to uh protect our children and [1:29:59, 1:30:05]: And it's always good to have you uh to continue to engage uh with the uh [1:30:05, 1:30:08]: with the council as we continue to do the best we can to move the city forward and [1:30:08, 1:30:12]: and do your people's work. Okay. God bless you all. Thank you. [1:30:13, 1:30:14]: Councilwoman Gantt. [1:30:16, 1:30:20]: Thank everyone for coming out tonight and thank you for your continued prayers and support. [1:30:23, 1:30:26]: Councilwoman Robinson. Um just wanna thank everyone for coming out. [1:30:27, 1:30:27]: Thank you. [1:30:28, 1:30:29]: Okay, thank you. [1:30:30, 1:30:37]: Um at this time um I wanna just ask our um city attorney, do we have any issues for executive session? [1:30:38, 1:30:38]: Yes, ma'am. [1:30:42, 1:30:47]: Okay. Um at this time we're just gonna put a pause on and um [1:30:48, 1:31:03]: Let me let me just say a couple of things though. Um just in case anyone has to leave while we're in executive session, uh we do have upcoming city meetings and you're gonna find those announcements either on the city website [1:31:03, 1:31:06]: You're gonna find them on our Facebook page. [1:31:06, 1:31:13]: or by talking to someone at the city hall you can find out anything going on. We have a city job fair. [1:31:14, 1:31:19]: in partnership with Goodwill Industries to be held on Thursday, April sixth. [1:31:19, 1:31:22]: this year at the Ted Strickland Community Center. [1:31:23, 1:31:28]: That will be coming up right away. We have a council work session on April tenth. [1:31:28, 1:31:33]: That's where we will have an update, a quarterly update on the city's finances. [1:31:33, 1:31:40]: And all city offices will be closed on Friday, April fourteenth, in observance of Good Friday. [1:31:40, 1:31:56]: We have uh upcoming council member community meetings, uh Coffee with a cop, Unity in Community, a beautification project, nonprofit social mixer. Um these things are in your tonight's um [1:31:57, 1:32:09]: um agenda and I would encourage you to take that with you so you can retain all of these dates. We also have some upcoming civic events as Pro Tem Ford alluded to, the Paint Henry Blue. [1:32:10, 1:32:15]: And Georgia Cities Week and Unity in the Community, another event with them. [1:32:16, 1:32:19]: And then on a Saturday, April twenty ninth. [1:32:19, 1:32:35]: the um Main Street program will be having a city yard sale. So if you have anything at home that you would like to get rid of, um sale, you need to participate in the city yard sale. So we're gonna pause at this time. [1:32:36, 1:32:44]: And go into executive session. So do I hear a motion to go into executive session? [1:32:46, 1:32:53]: Ma'am, I move that we go into executive session for the purpose of real estate litigation and personnel. Second. [1:32:54, 1:33:02]: Okay, we have a motion by Councilwoman Gantt and a second by Councilman Alexander to go into executive session. [1:33:02, 1:33:07]: Um all in any discussion about that? All in favor of going there. [1:33:07, 1:33:09]: All right. Thank you. We'll be back soon. [1:33:23, 1:33:24]: Oh thank you. [1:33:27, 1:33:32]: But wrong wrong. [1:45:35, 1:45:35]: Yeah. [1:45:38, 1:45:40]: Yeah, yeah. [1:47:20, 1:47:25]: So [1:49:32, 1:49:33]: Yeah. Yeah. [1:49:35, 1:49:37]: [6582.5, 6595.1]: Um I think that's the right. [1:50:09, 1:50:17]: [6619.1, 6621.5]: I think what I'm saying. [1:50:28, 1:50:37]: Okay, uh people are basically [1:54:24, 1:54:30]: Oh yeah, it's just like [1:54:42, 1:54:44]: Yeah. [1:57:43, 1:57:49]: [7501.8, 7508.5]: [2:05:09, 2:05:11]: [7512.9, 7517.5]: Oh yeah, see more. [2:05:18, 2:05:20]: [8450.0, 8465.0]: [2:22:01, 2:22:02]: Uh uh. [2:23:23, 2:23:24]: Uh uh. [2:23:30, 2:23:36]: And uh so [2:23:37, 2:23:40]: But [2:23:41, 2:23:48]: Yes, sir. I'm still in City Hall. I was trying to get out of here. There's so much stuff going on here. [2:23:52, 2:23:56]: Yeah, [2:23:57, 2:24:01]: Oh yeah. [2:24:01, 2:24:10]: I think that's what I mean about six three. [3:08:35, 3:08:43]: They should be able to go to what's the other one. [3:10:30, 3:10:40]: [13299.5, 13301.4]: [3:41:43, 3:41:47]: Oh okay. You you yeah, you ain't got more stake or nothing like that. [3:41:51, 3:41:52]: Okay. [3:42:12, 3:42:15]: Boy, it is some kind of code in this place. [3:42:17, 3:42:18]: [13339.5, 13343.2]: Right? They're right here. Let's show it. [3:42:25, 3:42:26]: [13365.9, 13370.7]: At this time I need a motion to end the executive session. No move. [3:42:51, 3:42:53]: Um motion uh back [3:42:54, 3:42:59]: President Pro Tem Ford. Do I hear a second? Second by Councilman Alexander. [3:42:59, 3:43:01]: Is there any discussion? [3:43:02, 3:43:04]: If not, all in favor? [3:43:05, 3:43:06]: Okay. [3:43:07, 3:43:08]: Okay. [3:43:09, 3:43:17]: All right, at this time I'm going to um ask for a motion to come back into our meeting. [3:43:17, 3:43:18]: So moved. [3:43:18, 3:43:20]: Do I hear second? Second. [3:43:21, 3:43:24]: Second by Robinson and the motion was by Ford. [3:43:25, 3:43:28]: Um at this time do I hear any discussion? [3:43:29, 3:43:31]: If not, all in favor? [3:43:33, 3:43:37]: Okay, we're back in the meeting. Oh sorry. [3:43:42, 3:43:48]: Okay, here we go. Mayor. Mayor. I think a clerk you have a question? [3:43:50, 3:44:00]: I just need to put into the record that Councilwoman Gantt did um attend the meeting at six o'clock PM and exit it during executive session. [3:44:00, 3:44:01]: Okay. [3:44:01, 3:44:07]: Do we need do we need uh to d you just need to put it in there? Okay, you're gonna put that in the motion. [3:44:08, 3:44:12]: I mean in the minutes. Okay. At this time, um [3:44:12, 3:44:24]: We have um a few things that we need to take care of. Let's start announcement. Uh first with our announcement that unfortunately we are losing our city manager. [3:44:25, 3:44:45]: Um Michael Harris has um tendered his resignation and he will be accepting another position back in the private sector and I think it goes without saying how much we care and think of Michael and we wish him the absolute best and he's gonna be terrific and helpful. [3:44:45, 3:44:48]: helping us prepare for who's to follow. [3:44:48, 3:44:51]: If you do you have any comments you'd like to make? [3:44:52, 3:45:10]: No, it's just it's it's been a pleasure to be able to have the opportunity to serve um this community and and and and and this mayor and council and prior mayor and council as well. And um I just on behalf of my and my family we're it's appreciative of the opportunity that we've had and and look forward to seeing more great things happen here in the city of Stockbridge. [3:45:11, 3:45:30]: Thank you. Thank you. And best wishes. Uh at this time uh due to the uh resignation of our city manager, we um have discussed um retaining a search firm and I'm gonna ask if there is a council member who has a motion related to that. [3:45:30, 3:45:44]: Well I will say thank you mayor, I will say that uh make a motion that we retain a search firm to find a outstanding uh city manager that can fulfill the shoes that the big shoes that Michael Harris is now leaving behind. [3:45:45, 3:45:47]: Okay, we have a motion. Do I hear a second? [3:45:48, 3:45:48]: Second. [3:45:48, 3:45:54]: We have a second from Councilman Alexander. All in favor to hire the search firm. [3:45:55, 3:45:56]: Thank you for your vote. [3:45:56, 3:46:16]: Okay. This time we have another um matter of um importance and that will be we I'm gonna refer that out to our uh city attorney and he will tell us about it. Um Madam Mayor, um based on uh recommendations from staff, um we would ask that a motion be made [3:46:16, 3:46:27]: to hire the firm of Massey, Watson and Hembry uh for their services, professional services in the amount not to exceed sixty seven thousand dollars. [3:46:29, 3:46:30]: Some of the [3:46:30, 3:46:31]: Second. [3:46:33, 3:46:34]: Any discussion? [3:46:37, 3:46:39]: No discussion. All in favor? [3:46:41, 3:46:53]: Madam Mayor, in addition, we'd like the staff would like to recommend and ask that a motion be made to hire the professional services of Meredith Weaver, also in the amount not to exceed sixty seven thousand. [3:46:55, 3:46:56]: Do I hear that motion? [3:46:57, 3:46:58]: Shall move. [3:46:58, 3:46:59]: Do I hear a second? [3:47:02, 3:47:04]: Okay. Uh motion back. Um [3:47:05, 3:47:11]: Present protem forward and a second by uh Councilman Robinson. Uh any discussion on that? [3:47:13, 3:47:15]: No discussion. All in favor? [3:47:17, 3:47:22]: Right, thank you. Uh are there any other matters for discussion? [3:47:22, 3:47:23]: If not [3:47:24, 3:47:31]: Um I will just say that the evening do I hear a motion? Gotta have a motion. Yes. No. To adjourn. Right. [3:47:31, 3:47:33]: I'd like to make a motion that we adjourn the meeting. [3:47:33, 3:47:35]: Okay, do I hear a second? [3:47:36, 3:47:37]: We have a motion and a second. [3:47:38, 3:47:40]: All in any discussion. [3:47:42, 3:47:43]: All in favour. [3:47:43, 3:47:44]: All right. [3:47:44, 3:47:46]: Meeting's over. Thank you. [3:47:52, 3:47:55]: All right, what happened? Steve, did you see? [3:47:55, 3:47:56]: Oh no.

--- title: March 13 2017 City Council Meeting date: 2017-03-13 source: 2017-03-13_March_13_2017_City_Council_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:00, 0:00:03]: We're calling this meeting to order at this time. [0:00:04, 0:00:04]: Mm-hmm. [0:00:05, 0:00:12]: And I'd like to call uh Pastor Danang Watkett, if he's in the audience. [0:00:12, 0:00:17]: If he would please come up, he's gonna um present our invocation for us this evening. [0:00:18, 0:00:20]: Sir, you come right here. [0:00:23, 0:00:25]: Everyone would stand. [0:00:29, 0:00:41]: For the invocation I just want to give honor to our mayor, city council, and the administration and the entire city of Stockbridge. Heavenly Father, in Jesus' name we pray tonight. We thank you [0:00:42, 0:00:46]: For your glorious presence. We thank you for your wisdom. We thank you for your strength. [0:00:47, 0:00:51]: We thank you for this government that you have placed here in this city. [0:00:52, 0:00:54]: [ 54.6, 55.8]: You've given them wisdom. [0:00:56, 0:00:57]: To govern your people. [0:00:58, 0:00:59]: With stewardship. [0:01:00, 0:01:01]: We thank you for the citizens. [0:01:02, 0:01:03]: Of this great city. [0:01:04, 0:01:08]: I request tonight, Heavenly Fathers, that you would be in the midst of this meeting [0:01:10, 0:01:11]: Give us direction. [0:01:11, 0:01:12]: Give us insight. [0:01:13, 0:01:16]: And we thank you, Father, that when the righteous are in authority [0:01:17, 0:01:18]: The city rejoices. [0:01:19, 0:01:21]: We thank you for your grace and mercy. [0:01:22, 0:01:24]: We pray peace, we pray [0:01:24, 0:01:25]: Strength. [0:01:26, 0:01:28]: We pray a newness [0:01:29, 0:01:30]: We pray a refreshing [0:01:31, 0:01:32]: We pray oneness. [0:01:33, 0:01:35]: We come against a vision. [0:01:36, 0:01:36]: In this city. [0:01:38, 0:01:41]: We give all glory, honor, and praise to you unashamedly. [0:01:41, 0:01:50]: In Jesus' name we pray and we give you thanks. Amen. Would remain standing. We're going to pledge allegiance to them they are conflict. [0:01:51, 0:01:55]: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. [0:01:56, 0:02:04]: And to the republic for which he stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [0:02:04, 0:02:05]: Thank you, sir. Thank you. [0:02:09, 0:02:16]: At this time we're going to ask our clerk, Vanessa Holliday, if she will have our roll call, please. Councilman Alexander. [0:02:17, 0:02:18]: Councilman Blant. [0:02:19, 0:02:27]: Mayor Neal. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Ford. Present. Councilwoman Gantt. Present. Councilwoman Robinson. Present. Mayor Neal, you have a quorum. [0:02:27, 0:02:28]: Thank you. [0:02:31, 0:02:34]: At this time I need a motion to adopt the agenda. [0:02:34, 0:02:35]: Mayor Neal. [0:02:36, 0:02:37]: Uh. [0:02:37, 0:02:57]: Okay, I hear a motion from Councilman Alexander. Do I hear a second? No. I I need to state the motion. However, uh I'd like to um amend the agenda to add one item if uh we possibly could. Um we want us to discuss uh upcoming uh potential projects or if [0:02:57, 0:03:06]: events which is uh the July fourth event and uh potential uh city of Eagles Landing. Um [0:03:07, 0:03:26]: Discussion. Okay. We've we hear the motion to discuss a fourth of July event and uh discuss uh about the Eagles landing potential city. Do do I hear a motion I've heard the motion. Do I hear a second to the I'll second that. All right, we have a motion and a second. All in favor? [0:03:28, 0:03:31]: Okay, four to one. Thank you. [0:03:33, 0:03:39]: Well, I'm in favor. Oh, sorry. Didn't see your hand go up. Thank you. Okay. Thank you so much. [0:03:40, 0:03:43]: At this time we're going to adopt the minutes. [0:03:43, 0:03:44]: Excuse me, Madam Mayor. [0:03:45, 0:03:50]: Um there was a staff request for also amending to adding the [0:03:51, 0:03:55]: playground equipment on if the council would be amenable. [0:03:56, 0:04:05]: I b I believe that you all have this sheet, which is what the city manager is discussing. Do I hear a motion that we add that item to the agenda? Yes. [0:04:06, 0:04:07]: Yes. Uh Councilman Blount. [0:04:09, 0:04:11]: Yeah, I move that we add the uh [0:04:12, 0:04:20]: uh the discussions and uh with the uh new newly uh pre playground uh equipment to be added to the agenda. [0:04:20, 0:04:23]: Is that what we need to do? [0:04:23, 0:04:26]: That would be under new business. Yes. Okay. [0:04:27, 0:04:27]: Five seconds. [0:04:28, 0:04:32]: All right, we have a motion in a second. All in favor? [0:04:32, 0:04:33]: Okay. [0:04:33, 0:04:34]: [290.5, 292.9]: Okay. At this time uh [0:04:53, 0:05:01]: I need a motion to adopt the minutes of the uh January ninth and the January thirty first meetings. [0:05:02, 0:05:03]: Do I hear a motion? [0:05:03, 0:05:04]: So moved. [0:05:04, 0:05:05]: Do I hear a second? [0:05:06, 0:05:07]: A second. [0:05:08, 0:05:15]: Okay, we have a motion by Pro Tem Ford and a second by Councilwoman Gantt. Do uh all in favor? [0:05:17, 0:05:19]: Okay, thank you. [0:05:23, 0:05:31]: At this time there is um a note regarding uh review of ceremonial presentations. [0:05:36, 0:05:36]: Anyone? [0:05:38, 0:05:39]: Can someone tell me what that's about? [0:05:46, 0:06:06]: Oh, just to recap. Okay, thank you. Um okay, our clerk is telling me to remind you before you arrive tonight we had um our ceremonial uh hour and uh we did uh make um some presentations on behalf of Women's Month and uh [0:06:06, 0:06:11]: Um I won't call all the names out but uh Madam Clerk, do you have those names in front of you? [0:06:19, 0:06:25]: There was also a letter of commendation along with the Women's History Month's um certificate. [0:06:35, 0:06:39]: I'll tell you what, we do not have a list, but let me um [0:06:40, 0:06:41]: See if we can get that. [0:06:43, 0:06:43]: [405.4, 425.4]: Yes. Officer. I'm gonna call her up. Um we don't have the total list tonight, but one person that we would like to recognize and we'll do that publicly in the meeting, Officer Webster, if you would just wave from the back. We are excited tonight that one of our very own who's with us. [0:07:05, 0:07:07]: With us at all of our meetings [0:07:08, 0:07:28]: Uh thank you. Um Officer Webster's a real special lady. Not only did she um save a life at a house fire, recently when there was a plane crash in Stockbridge, she was on the scene again and she did a remarkable job uh helping the people that were in the crash plane and we honor her tonight. [0:07:28, 0:07:40]: night and uh we're glad to have our chief here with her and some other folks from the police department. So we thank you very much and we appreciate you being here always to guard us and make sure that [0:07:40, 0:07:46]: uh the people that come to city council are safe. So thank you and congratulations. Let's give her a hand. [0:07:50, 0:08:10]: Okay, we have the list and I'll tell you who is honored tonight. Dee Clemens, who from District Two, Henry County Board of Commissioners, Detective Shamisa Hunter representing um the all the people, female officers of the Henry County Police Department, Mary Ann Mitchum from Hampton City. [0:08:10, 0:08:30]: City Council, Gail Notty. Gail was not here due to illness, but uh she was in the lineup to be honored. Sandra Scott, who is one of our state reps from Henry County, Ann Harpley, first female African American mayor pro tem in the city of Hampton, Sandra Vincent, the [0:08:30, 0:08:50]: first female African American Council member and mayor Pro Tem McDonough Nish Willis who is our first fire chief for the um for Henry County government and of course our new chair lady of the um Henry County government June Wood. So those were the things [0:08:50, 0:08:57]: females that were honored here and I might say that um they included your mayor, so I appreciated that. [0:09:04, 0:09:16]: At this time if anyone uh fills out a sheet uh to speak during public comments, uh we'll ask our clerk if she would to read out the names and [0:09:16, 0:09:20]: person or persons will be allowed to come to [0:09:20, 0:09:21]: the podium at this time. [0:09:22, 0:09:23]: Miss Mildred Reed. [0:09:34, 0:09:38]: If you all notice, my name is Mildred Reed, 530 Creek View Overlook. [0:09:38, 0:09:47]: I was gonna say if you notice I'm smiling. I want to take this opportunity to thank Mayor Judy Neal and the council members of the City of Stockbridge. [0:09:48, 0:10:07]: for the donation which was made to the Henry County Senior Services on behalf of the city of citizens of Stockbridge. And for the audience, we're at the Henry County Council on Aging invite you to show your support for seniors by participating in the 20 [0:10:07, 0:10:22]: Third annual Miles for Meals Walk. This event funds services and programs for senior adults in Henry County. The walk will take place May 6, 2017. That's the first Saturday in May. [0:10:22, 0:10:42]: at the Jay Hopper Event Center from ten to twelve AM. We would like to invite everyone to come out and participate and join us for a day filled with fun laughter and music. We have uh online and we'll try to make it available at W here at the city sponsorship forms and registrations to sign up. Thank you. [0:10:43, 0:10:43]: Thank you. [0:10:47, 0:10:49]: There are no further comments. [0:10:49, 0:10:51]: Okay, thank you. [0:10:52, 0:10:52]: Uh [0:10:53, 0:11:06]: This time we are going to go into old business which will include um a public hearing and our procedure for public hearing is that I'm announcing to you that we're [0:11:06, 0:11:08]: going into public hearing at this time. [0:11:08, 0:11:11]: And if I could call the applicant. [0:11:12, 0:11:17]: Uh this is a request for amendment at the city zoning code in regards to [0:11:17, 0:11:18]: Brick facade. [0:11:18, 0:11:23]: The presenter for this is going to be our attorney, Michael Williams. Um [0:11:23, 0:11:28]: city attorney and also Bill Johnson Code Consultant. [0:11:29, 0:11:34]: Good evening, uh Mayor and Council. Um this is the um [0:11:35, 0:11:38]: continuation of the public hearing that uh was [0:11:38, 0:11:44]: begun a month ago on the brick facade requirements. As you will recall the [0:11:44, 0:11:45]: Uh [0:11:45, 0:11:50]: zoning advisory board asked you all to delay your decision in order for them to uh [0:11:50, 0:11:52]: do a little more work on [0:11:53, 0:11:58]: the proposed uh brick requirement and so what you have before you is their recommendation [0:11:59, 0:12:03]: um in a few minutes um after you open and close the public hearing. [0:12:03, 0:12:11]: Um we'll be asking for a motion to approve the zoning advisory board's recommendation um as you have in in your book. [0:12:13, 0:12:15]: Are there other speakers on this matter? [0:12:18, 0:12:22]: Are there any speakers opposed to this matter? [0:12:24, 0:12:31]: If not, I will declare the public hearing closed. At this time there will be council discussion on the matter. [0:12:31, 0:12:33]: Is there council discussion? [0:12:33, 0:12:34]: Yeah no. [0:12:35, 0:12:39]: Councilman Alexander. [0:12:40, 0:12:44]: If there's no further discussion, uh I'll call for the motion. [0:12:45, 0:12:54]: Yes, I would like to make a motion to improve the um brick facade recommendation by the Stockbridge Zoning Advisory Board. [0:12:55, 0:13:03]: Okay, we have a motion by Councilman Alexander and a second by uh Pro Tem Ford. All in favor? [0:13:05, 0:13:08]: Okay, public hearing closed. Thank you. [0:13:14, 0:13:14]: Um [0:13:15, 0:13:24]: Next, under old business, uh the we will have council consideration to approve recommendation for branding and marketing. [0:13:25, 0:13:28]: And that will be presented by our city manager, Michael Harris. [0:13:29, 0:13:31]: Evening mayor, good evening council. [0:13:32, 0:13:36]: Um this was brought up in a previous work session, some meetings back. [0:13:37, 0:13:40]: This is an initiative that was started by the council last year. [0:13:40, 0:13:43]: for the purpose of um engaging with a firm [0:13:44, 0:13:48]: to go forward with our marketing, um uh the the new marketing and branded initiative for the city. [0:13:49, 0:13:54]: Um back in November of twenty sixteen the city received fourteen proposals from vendors. [0:13:55, 0:14:10]: Um we convened a evaluation team consisting of not just city staff but members from our Chamber of Commerce as well as public uh sector or private sector individuals um that are also experts within this field. [0:14:10, 0:14:15]: Um from there we reviewed all fourteen. We narrowed it down to the top six firms. [0:14:15, 0:14:22]: um conducted interviews and from there the entire evaluation team scored those interviews and at this time this evening uh staff have prepared to make a [0:14:23, 0:14:24]: recommendation. [0:14:24, 0:14:27]: uh to award this um [0:14:28, 0:14:31]: proposal to R and R design. [0:14:31, 0:14:34]: for the purpose of drafting a new [0:14:35, 0:14:39]: um branding initiative, conducting this new branding initiative for the city of Stockbridge. [0:14:40, 0:14:41]: Mayor Neil. [0:14:42, 0:14:55]: Uh yes, Councilman Gapp. I like to move that we approve and um we approve the for the recommendation for branding and marketing front of a rhyme and reason design. [0:14:55, 0:14:56]: Thank you. [0:14:56, 0:15:01]: Okay, we have a motion from Councilman Gantt and a second was that from [0:15:01, 0:15:04]: Councilman Blount. Okay. All in favor? [0:15:06, 0:15:08]: Okay, motion passes. Thank you. Thank you. [0:15:10, 0:15:16]: Next under New Business we're gonna ask for our human resources director, Renee Wheeler, to come forward. [0:15:16, 0:15:18]: She will present um [0:15:18, 0:15:23]: Consideration to approve the employee manual has been updated. [0:15:27, 0:15:30]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Good evening. [0:15:30, 0:15:33]: Um at of the last uh work session [0:15:33, 0:15:37]: I provided you with a copy of the employee manual update. [0:15:37, 0:15:38]: for your review [0:15:38, 0:15:45]: And um we're here today to tr get the em employee manual approved. Uh [0:15:46, 0:15:53]: Okay. You have hopefully read the improvements and the changes to the employee manual, which is in your book. [0:15:54, 0:15:58]: Uh do I hear a motion to accept the new manual? [0:15:58, 0:15:58]: Yes. [0:15:59, 0:16:03]: Okay, I have a motion by Councilman Alexander. Do I have a second? I have a second. [0:16:04, 0:16:07]: Second, Councilman uh Robinson. [0:16:07, 0:16:11]: All in favor? Oh whoops, discussion. Anybody have any discussion? [0:16:13, 0:16:15]: If not, all in favor? [0:16:16, 0:16:17]: All right, thank you. [0:16:18, 0:16:20]: Thank you. Thank you. [0:16:20, 0:16:27]: Okay, next we'll go to discussion and we'll take up first the um [0:16:27, 0:16:35]: uh recommendation coming from our city manager about the playground equipment for one of our parks. Yes ma'am thank you madam mayor thank you council again [0:16:36, 0:16:37]: Um typically we would [0:16:38, 0:16:57]: go through we once we receive proposals or bids, we'll take some time to go through a review process. In this case we only received one bid. Um that bid was received on Friday. Um and and while that unto itself may give some reason for pause, this is a very reputable firm. We've checked their credentials, we've checked their references, um [0:16:57, 0:17:03]: We've been working with them for quite some time. Um and so the reason why we wanted to kind of expedite this process is [0:17:03, 0:17:08]: The entirety of the project will be funded through using community development block grant funds. [0:17:08, 0:17:18]: they have a timeliness requirement that if money certain amounts of money funds have to be spent within a certain time frame. Um and so to kinda help [0:17:20, 0:17:32]: ease that process forward and make sure that we don't jeopardize any potential existing funding or future funding. We wanted to um again ask the council for um authorization to move forward with this with this award. [0:17:33, 0:17:34]: in the amount of [0:17:34, 0:17:37]: The bid amount was a hundred and seven thousand. [0:17:38, 0:17:50]: However, we say an amount not to exceed one hundred and fifty thousand because there are some other items that would maybe included. Again, one hundred and fifty would make sure that we would not exceed the allotment that's being afforded to us by C D B G. [0:17:50, 0:18:03]: Um and again the this would be award to the group Playworld. They've done a number of other projects in both in the city as well as in the county. And again we've checked references and uh they all have glowing references. So um [0:18:04, 0:18:15]: While I apologize for the the shortness in time for being able to review it, again we feel comfortable that this will be a um a very good project, one that's very well needed, and there could be certainly an asset to the community when all said and done. [0:18:16, 0:18:34]: Okay. May I ask which park now this is going in for the Clark Park. Clark Park. I wanted the audience to know which park that would be. Okay. Um you've heard the recommendation of our city manager to move forward with a hundred and fifty thousand dollars for playground equipment from Clark Park. [0:18:35, 0:18:42]: and um from some block grant funding that we have and do I hear a motion to that effect. [0:18:42, 0:18:43]: So moved. [0:18:44, 0:18:50]: All right, we have a motion by Councilman Gantt and we have a second by Pro Tem Ford. [0:18:50, 0:18:59]: Any discussion? Yes, I would. Okay. I'm in favor of this. Obviously it's a great idea, but I'm not sure if everybody understands. Is it like maybe like [0:19:00, 0:19:11]: uh something that we could kinda specific that we a little bit more specific so the audience is aware okay this particular parti uh equipment is a potential or something. Sure. [0:19:12, 0:19:32]: Last uh probably a year and a half two years ago, um the council had voted to move forward with the um initiative of uh having inclusive playground equipment, which is playground equipment that specifically um meets the needs of special needs children, those who may be um and wheelchairs uh [0:19:32, 0:19:40]: um or have uh may have other disabilities. And the biggest difference between these types of playgrounds and your conventional playgrounds is the surface. [0:19:40, 0:20:00]: Um we paired one at Memorial Park. We did one last year, opened that up. And it's a rubberized surface that's poured in place and allows for access on wheelchairs of those with other any other disabilities. And it also has specialized equipment for those um particularly within the autism field, um sensory perception. [0:20:00, 0:20:20]: reception um equipment especially um designed for them to be able to use and and be in in in interact with. So this is at along those same lines. We have the conventional playground equipment already in both Memorial and in Clark Park. This is in addition to so it supplements what's currently already there. So we again we're excited about being able to expand [0:20:20, 0:20:40]: the capacity of our park to um to make sure it is all inclusive playground. Is is this something that the city of Stockbridge is a forerunner are kind of leading the way on here in Heron County? I think so. I you know the county has done some things. Um they have Sunshine Field in in McDonough um where they play it it's a specialized field with the same type of surface. [0:20:40, 0:20:50]: this but um but I think this is one of the the the few playgrounds, actual playground areas. Certainly with us having two facilities now, I think we're probably one of the leaders from that standpoint. But [0:20:51, 0:20:52]: Yeah. [0:20:52, 0:20:53]: Okay. [0:20:53, 0:20:55]: All right. [0:20:56, 0:20:58]: A motion and a second. [0:20:59, 0:21:02]: Um the further comment from Councilman Blount? [0:21:02, 0:21:03]: Um [0:21:04, 0:21:15]: Do we have an idea uh how long would it take the equipment to get here and installation? What what time period you're looking at? Once we make the order, which will be done this week, lead time is typically somewhere around six to eight weeks. [0:21:16, 0:21:22]: Um once it's c once once it comes in, it's literally they think last time Memorial Park they installed it in a week. [0:21:22, 0:21:28]: Um they come in for the for the summer. Yeah. It should be absolutely be ready in place by the summertime. Okay. [0:21:29, 0:21:30]: Any other comments? [0:21:30, 0:21:32]: Mm-hmm. All right. All in favor? [0:21:34, 0:21:38]: Okay, thank you so much. Somebody left their glasses at the podium? [0:21:40, 0:21:41]: Mildred, are those yours? [0:21:42, 0:21:43]: Okay. [0:21:44, 0:21:45]: Renee, not yours? [0:21:45, 0:21:49]: Well, they'll be at the podium if anybody misses their glasses. [0:21:50, 0:22:10]: Okay, at this time this is a discussion item, not a item that we would vote on. This has been amended to the agenda and who is going to lead with this? Are you doing that, Councilman Alexander? Yes, Mayor Neil. Thank you for um allowing us to amend agenda to talk about a couple of things um here tonight. The first thing [0:22:10, 0:22:15]: that um we want to talk about um is um [0:22:15, 0:22:26]: the city of Eagles Landing and uh we've seen a lot of that uh in the news tonight uh in the newspaper and the impact that that would have um [0:22:27, 0:22:28]: Uh on the city. [0:22:29, 0:22:49]: uh the city has put out talking points. We have been aggressively um trying to get the information out of the tremendous financial uh burden that that would place upon the city of Stockbridge and how unprecedented that it would be for a new city to be formed from taking existing [0:22:49, 0:23:04]: incorporated territory from a proven city and moving it into another city. Uh in particular you gotta think uh to to to think about this is, you know, when you look at Walmart and that Hudson Bridge corridor. [0:23:04, 0:23:14]: They're talking about taking that out of the city of Stockbridge, which is a tremendous um sales tax revenue uh that provides for the city. [0:23:15, 0:23:35]: Uh one one of the things that we don't have in the city of Stockbridge is a s is a property tax. One of the reasons that we're able not to have a property tax is that we're located in an ideal position along um the corridor of I seventy five. We take in a tremendous [0:23:35, 0:23:50]: this amount along with Henry County of sales tax. So every time a traveler stops to uh eat here, every time a stop traveler stops to stay here, they're helping offset the fact of no property tax in the city of Stockbridge. [0:23:50, 0:23:59]: remove that commercial corridor from the city of Stockbridge, that puts us in a position where at that point we may be forced [0:23:59, 0:24:19]: forced to implement a um property tax to offset that. You know, that's why this is so unprecedented. When this building, the city hall, was first built, uh the responsibilities and the financial obligations of this city were based on having Hudson Bridge and Eagles Landing in the city. [0:24:19, 0:24:21]: Yeah. [0:24:21, 0:24:41]: those obligations uh lawfully we have to we have to pay that. And you know, that's why it has never been done to have uh incorporated businesses taken out of one city and placed into another because that will affect our potential credit rating, that will affect uh everything about [0:24:41, 0:24:45]: the city. [0:24:45, 0:24:51]: is that how this works, should the legislature decide to approve this [0:24:51, 0:24:54]: The entire city of Stockbridge will not get to vote. [0:24:55, 0:25:15]: The only people that will get to vote will be the people that will be in the new city. So those of you who are left behind, you will be left to deal with the uh financial burdens. Personally for myself and when I say those of uh you left behind, they put my neighborhood into the new city now. [0:25:15, 0:25:32]: No one has approached us, asked us if we wanted to be included. There seems to be a sm in my opinion, there appears to be a small minority uh inside the gates that have taken this project on because I've talked to many individuals inside the gate [0:25:33, 0:25:52]: who have no clue that this is going forward. But again excuse me is that you and the entire city of Stockbridge would not get to vote, but at the same time the financial obligations will fall upon you should those citizens decide to vote. [0:25:53, 0:26:13]: It is incumbent upon everybody here to contact our legislators because this has a tremendous or devastating effect uh on the city of Stockbridge potentially uh should it move forward. Uh the things that I'm hearing uh come out of this these discussions uh very much concern me because uh you know [0:26:12, 0:26:24]: when you talk about having discussions of um you know a certain level of income to be in any city, that's not to me that's not wrong that's wrong. [0:26:24, 0:26:43]: The the most the very most thing that I love about Stockbridge and the very th thing that makes Stockbridge the strongest is our diversity. It's the differences, it's the income levels, it's a whole city. And when you talk about putting together a city based on income [0:26:43, 0:26:54]: And then it was also mentioned at that first town hall meeting that um you know there was a s there was a neighborhood on Banks Road that was dropped from the new city. [0:26:56, 0:27:02]: There's no accident that the neighborhood on Banks Road. It didn't pro to me in my opinion, probably didn't [0:27:03, 0:27:23]: fit the cut in terms of the amount of income set aside. That's wrong. That's not what we oughta see. And I encourage each and every person here to reach out to your legislator and let them know that we want to keep the city of Stockbridge whole. And I think there's several other council members who want to uh speak on this subject as well in terms of having meetings uh in the [0:27:22, 0:27:23]: [1644.5, 1664.5]: Thank you, Councilman. I want to remind all of us that we have two minutes each each time we speak on an issue to begin. So who's next? All right. Pro Tem Ford. Thank you, Mayor. Uh what I wanna know also citizens, that the talking points and the the city's current position along with the maps uh [0:27:44, 0:28:03]: uh printed maps of the area to be affected on our website as well as they're in the rotunda at our uh receptionist desk on the on the first floor. Also want you know what we what we the council need to do uh is is to establish a couple of times of um say a couple of meetings with the community, different times different locations around the community [0:28:03, 0:28:13]: to have face to face with you about this so you understand opposition understand what the what what the effect is going to be if this actually becomes uh the fruition and becomes the actual city. [0:28:14, 0:28:34]: That's something that we need to do. There have already been a couple of presentations made at some other town halls dealing with the commissioners involving State Senator uh uh Emmanuel Jones and I personally made a uh presentation to the uh commissioners uh last week as well uh on this subject. Uh but uh what we need to do is reach out to you citizens. [0:28:34, 0:28:46]: in s in different parts of the city itself uh and and surrounding area to tell you exactly uh what's going on and and so you have the the the real information and factual information. [0:28:47, 0:28:49]: As well as I know we're gonna have a first quarter [0:28:49, 0:28:54]: town hall here, City Hall sometime, I believe in the month of April, so I'm pretty sure we'll address it then as well. [0:28:54, 0:28:59]: But I encourage the council that we need to pick a date, time frame and location. [0:28:59, 0:29:05]: And to get it out to the public and make sure that we we start reaching the public at different locations around the city itself. Thank you. [0:29:06, 0:29:06]: Yeah. [0:29:06, 0:29:09]: Uh Councilman John Blount. [0:29:10, 0:29:12]: I just want to uh expound on what was [0:29:13, 0:29:16]: already said. Uh one of the things that um [0:29:17, 0:29:19]: Was my platform for my campaign [0:29:20, 0:29:21]: is the citizens' matter. [0:29:22, 0:29:26]: Not some citizens, not partial citizens, but all citizens of Stockbridge Matter. [0:29:27, 0:29:29]: And when we try to take an entity of that city [0:29:30, 0:29:34]: and present division in any kind of way [0:29:35, 0:29:38]: then that says that all citizens doesn't matter. [0:29:39, 0:29:43]: We can only progress, in my opinion, by moving forward together. [0:29:44, 0:30:00]: And that doesn't look like a race and it doesn't look like financial stability in one area. It looked like it's all coming together and saying, This city's gonna be great no matter what and taking no not taking no for an answer. Um the map also encompasses my neighborhood. [0:30:01, 0:30:04]: I could say, Oh, hey, I got a new city coming and it'll be for [0:30:05, 0:30:25]: Me and my neighborhood and I'm in it no no, I was I was elected by the citizens of Stockbridge, Georgia. I moved to Stockbridge, Georgia, and I wouldn't want to see anything affect or harm the city of Stockbridge, Georgia. So I do uh come to you all and put the word out that we want Stockbridge, Georgia to be [0:30:25, 0:30:28]: be the best it can be. But it takes the citizens [0:30:28, 0:30:34]: like you that matter to show our concerns for the citizen stop to for the city to stop bridge. [0:30:35, 0:30:35]: Thank you. [0:30:36, 0:30:37]: Anyone else? [0:30:38, 0:30:41]: Manuel. Uh Councilman Gantt. Um [0:30:42, 0:31:02]: Uh I'm gonna use some very strong words for the citizens tonight and for anyone who's out here listening in regards to my opinion about this. Number one, it was a surprise. It was something that was dropped amongst any and all of us. I've spoken to legislators and sometimes some of those legislators have already [0:31:02, 0:31:22]: already stated that the first time they heard about a city of Eagles Landing was early or late December. We are now in on today is March thirteenth. The second thing is segregation. Not segregation of race, but segregation based off of financial circumstances. And it's a strong [0:31:22, 0:31:42]: Word people don't want to utilize, but it's wrong because the city is whether it's Chicago, the city of Atlanta, or New York, people embrace diversity of all cultures, walks of life. And so what it is and what I'm gonna call out and continue to call out is this segregation and it's unprecedented. [0:31:42, 0:31:43]: Segregation. [0:31:43, 0:32:03]: that has not taken place anywhere else. And if it continues and if this is allowed here in the city of Stockbridge, then you better believe it will be allowed in other states and other cities in Georgia. So we as a group, as a united uh people must fight against that. Not because [0:32:03, 0:32:10]: because of a black and white issue, red, green and brown, but because you're gonna segregate rich from poor. [0:32:11, 0:32:12]: The next [0:32:12, 0:32:13]: issue I have with this. [0:32:14, 0:32:16]: Is legislators. [0:32:16, 0:32:26]: I'm sorry and unfortunately y it's it's the public knowledge and you are more than welcome to look at who dropped the bill on this. Senator Rick Jeffries dropped the bill for this. [0:32:27, 0:32:28]: Particular item [0:32:28, 0:32:48]: And Senator Jeffries has nothing to do with the City of Eagles Landing. That is not his district, if from my understanding. So if a legislator that has a part of Eagles Landing um is concerned and is representing those people, the minority people that are part of this City of Eagles Landing um formation committee [0:32:48, 0:33:08]: Group, then let that person or those people speak out. But the political games I want people to pay attention to. And a lot of time the lay people don't recognize and haven't had the opportunity to recognize what is really going on. Sometimes, and I'm gonna call it what it is. [0:33:08, 0:33:12]: you'll get a person of your same party affiliation [0:33:13, 0:33:28]: Senator Jeffries happens to be a Republican senator who is in a district, all Republican, so more than likely he could get back in into his district. However, he's fighting for the City of Eagles Landing. [0:33:28, 0:33:48]: which really is not a part of his district. So we need to pay attention to that. Because the other senators and haunt House representatives who are part of that that Eagles Landing city, if they want to drop the bill and fight, then so be it. But we need to bring attention to some of those circumstances and things that are really going on. And I'm not [0:33:48, 0:34:08]: Saying that, and I get some of the key factors, key factors and points I've heard was well, if we take this income, then some of the stores will come. Maybe we'll have some high-end stores. But then when you read these Henry Neighbors and you read the other neighborhood apps online, the truth is the stores come with the [0:34:08, 0:34:26]: income of the total city of Stockbridge. We just need to go out there and get'em. So those excuses I'm gonna call out. Right is right, wrong is wrong. I'll probably get attacked for this, unfortunately, because that's the way politics works. But I'm gonna be honest with you and call it out. [0:34:27, 0:34:38]: And so you're not gonna like those words. You're not gonna like a surprise. Segregation. Legislators who happen to not be a part of our district, who's are who are mainly involved. [0:34:38, 0:34:58]: And we won't be silent. I stand by each and every one of my colleagues here. We have stood and we have written out a resolution and we ask that you continue to spread the word and say, although I'm an attorney and although I may have a higher income, I'm still a part of this family. Whether you're a janitor, whether you're a homeowner. [0:34:58, 0:35:10]: We need to embrace our diversity and our cultures within Stockbridge. We're not gonna separate that. So I ask that you guys can't you have exceeded your time. [0:35:10, 0:35:15]: Um Mr. Robinson. Uh mayor Neil, I like to uh allow um [0:35:16, 0:35:18]: Uh Councilwoman Robinson, two more minutes. [0:35:19, 0:35:19]: Yeah. [0:35:21, 0:35:22]: I believe that was from Ms. Gantt. [0:35:23, 0:35:29]: Yes. Okay. We have a motion to let Miss Robinson continue. I mean Miss Gantt continue. [0:35:29, 0:35:30]: I'll segment that. [0:35:31, 0:35:51]: Okay, I'm sure they're all in favor, so let's let her go again. Thank you. Um I was really ending with that and that we're gonna continue to fight with that and you should know that we need to start talking in that manner and start bringing about those cultural differences and go and reach out to those stores, but not make [0:35:51, 0:35:55]: excuses, reaching all the way over to fallen waters. [0:35:55, 0:36:07]: but taking out other subdivisions on Banks Road. Um, you know, there's a problem with that. So there's some harsh words, but I ask for your continued prayers and support and let's fight and work together. [0:36:09, 0:36:12]: Okay. Ms. Robinson. Thank you, Mayor. [0:36:13, 0:36:25]: My colleagues, if everyone can see, we're very concerned. We have reached out to this community, um, so that way we can sit down at the table and have discussion, so we can come together. Um [0:36:26, 0:36:30]: They didn't want to meet with us, but this council did reach out. [0:36:30, 0:36:50]: We're the same concerns that they have, that is what we're working on currently, and all of it would take is for us to just sit down at the table, have a conversation. But if you have a city, as Councilwoman Gantt and my other colleagues stated, you have a city that's already established and you [0:36:50, 0:36:52]: [2212.6, 2232.6]: And I just ask each and every one of you, if you've s you're you've set out and you have something on your property and then someone just wants to come and take from it, these citizens, all of us have paid these taxes, this building, it belongs to all of us. So there's a big burden that would come. [0:37:12, 0:37:19]: So we need to voice our concerns and and rally together because as you see [0:37:19, 0:37:39]: This is very near and dear to our hearts. So we're asking all the citizens to join us because we're coming to all the neighborhoods, as council uh Mayor Pro Tem stated. We're gonna have town halls, we're gonna educate because when November comes, we're gonna be ready so that way everyone knows the details of what's going on. [0:37:39, 0:37:59]: on so no one can say they did not know. So when things start taking place, please tell your neighbors, tell everyone, we need to rally together so that way we can defend this great city of Stockbridge. Thank you. Thank you. Um as your mayor I too would like [0:37:59, 0:38:19]: make a real quick brief comment. Um I believe that we are going to win this um situation. Um the reason I believe that in Georgia it is totally unprecedented for a city to be created by taking from another city and [0:38:19, 0:38:39]: And I believe we could probably keep this tied up in court for quite a while. But honestly, I went to a meeting at Eagles Landing I learned about just at the last minute on Friday. And um we have at least one person in the audience that was in that meeting. And I believe if I'm not mistaken [0:38:39, 0:38:59]: and the everybody there was from Eagles Landing and it was a one hundred percent um opinion they are opposed to doing this. So I really believe that we can win it on facts, figures. Um our city um treasurer and [0:38:59, 0:39:19]: And city manager presently or trying to pull together all the figures to uh show the public how uh the city of uh Stockbridge would be rated. It's something like going to the bank and saying, We're gonna take half your money, but you can keep the other half. So I want to encourage [0:39:19, 0:39:21]: Encourage uh all of us [0:39:22, 0:39:23]: Yeah. [0:39:23, 0:39:28]: if this thing blows up and gets on television and all that kind of stuff. [0:39:29, 0:39:37]: We will hurt ourselves if we do not present and speak only on facts. [0:39:38, 0:39:58]: The facts we have the facts on our side and I believe that we can present ourselves in such a way that we it'll be a slam dunk win for the city of Stockbridge and I encourage all of you to anything that is handed out to you by the city [0:39:58, 0:40:02]: Let those be your talking points. If you're in a meeting. [0:40:03, 0:40:23]: If people have questions, please direct them to the city manager of the City of Stockbridge. If you are not getting all the information you want, please contact the city manager's office. And daily we will be adding to our handout. And tonight, if you did not pick up the current [0:40:23, 0:40:40]: latest handout you'll find those out in the lobby as you leave and we would encourage you to use those to uh present to neighborhoods and we will be um getting in touch with all the HOAs and all the neighborhoods because literally [0:40:40, 0:40:58]: the three of us on this end would be taken out by this raid of the city of Stockbridge. So that would leave three of our people on council, your mayor and two of your council members would uh no longer be a part of the city government. [0:40:58, 0:41:18]: So I believe if we work together as a team and with the input from the people in the room tonight, we want you to know speak accurately. Do not let people make you angry and become angry because once you lose it and that gets out there. [0:41:18, 0:41:35]: Then people go, Well that must be why they wanted to get away from Stockbridge. That's not why they want to get away from us. We're better than that. We collectively are a beautiful co community and that is what we want to show to the public. Thank you. [0:41:37, 0:41:45]: Okay. Uh I believe that uh there's one other issue that uh Councilman um Alexander wanted to mention. Please do that now. [0:41:46, 0:41:49]: Yes, uh I wanted to talk about um [0:41:49, 0:42:09]: the potential Fourth of July event. We've always had sounds of summer concerts and um you know the one thing that um uh the city I love to see uh when the city uh about the city is when all of us come together collectively [0:42:09, 0:42:13]: Painting that portrait of the beautiful diverse city that we are. [0:42:14, 0:42:16]: One of the only when you look at the calendar [0:42:17, 0:42:37]: Uh for the not just the city of Stockbridge but Henry County and the whole South Metro Atlanta area. There is j really a dearth of some of events on the Fourth of July. Had to really search for something to do or fireworks uh display here uh in Stockbridge and in Henry County. [0:42:37, 0:42:53]: Henry County or to go downtown. I I believe that there are are are options here that we could offer to have our own Fourth of July event by simply moving one of the Sounds of Summer concerts which are already budgeted. [0:42:54, 0:42:55]: Till the fourth of July. [0:42:56, 0:43:16]: Uh the Fourth of July this year happens to be uh on a Tuesday. We normally have the Tasty Tuesda food truck event. We would simply have to have the Tasty Tuesday food trucks along with that concert event move to the Fourth of July uh adding fireworks uh for the city to participate. Uh [0:43:15, 0:43:31]: I truly believe that would be a monumental event that uh the attendance it would gr truly be standing room only because the community truly lacks those events. If we're gonna have an event in July, it would seem as though [0:43:31, 0:43:51]: If it if Fourth of July was available and no no one around us was having one an event we could a we we would be able to do so uh with very little cost because we already have the cost built in in terms of uh the Sounds of Summer concert and in terms of a food truck vendor that we're now uh perceiv [0:43:51, 0:43:54]: proceeding with uh moving forward with [0:43:54, 0:44:14]: I and the vision that is to come, uh this council has already approved uh design for an amphitheater uh out on the ball field that will be behind uh behind City Hall and in order to that uh hopefully at some point when we want to hold that event we'll be able to hold it at such a facility [0:44:14, 0:44:34]: right here in our downtown area as we continue to grow. The whole point behind drawing this drawing uh these events to downtown is that hopefully a business owners will come here, it will strike up a conversation and they will say, look at this look at the attendance, look at all these people downtown Stockbridge and it will potentially [0:44:34, 0:44:36]: Yeah. [0:44:37, 0:44:49]: Okay, thank you. Um uh if there are comments from other council people on these um issues that the councilman has brought up, we'll hear those now. Councilman Blount. [0:44:51, 0:44:52]: Yes. Um [0:44:54, 0:44:58]: I'm glad we're having a chance to have this discussion because I believe in [0:44:59, 0:45:13]: uh communities coming together. I believe in having facilities and events. Uh and uh like Councilman Alexander said that we have already budgeted uh the Sounds of Summer. One of the things is not clear to me [0:45:14, 0:45:20]: In my seat is the cost. What is the cost for um the pyrotechniques for us uh [0:45:21, 0:45:41]: different costs for uh fireworks. What is the cost is gonna be for us for uh paying employees to work on Fourth of July? What is gonna be the cost of bringing those bands uh for the Fourth of July? This is an event that we have budgeted for but now we're going beyond the cost that we budgeted. Uh one of the things I would like to see [0:45:41, 0:46:01]: The city do right now is to use our funds in areas that we've already talked about. And those funds and areas of go go ahead and get in the Karame Hamburg building torn down, getting the design for a multi use center, go ahead and attract and then get we have the funds to get started with trying to get a girls and boys club here. [0:46:01, 0:46:21]: us a senior citizens right here in the city of Stockbridge. Um we got plenty of time to have fun, ladies and gentlemen. So we already budgeted what we wanted to do. And I believe concerts do bring people together because as we sing with the food trucks, uh when you uh when you have uh entertainment they will come. Um whether they're outside of the city or inside of the city. [0:46:21, 0:46:41]: the city but when we talk about the citizens of Stockbridge as a whole, I believe we need to use those funds that we have already to allocate those funds in areas that we need to identify even more to be a betterment for the citizens of Stockbridge. I myself are not in approval for uh Fourth of July concert. [0:46:41, 0:46:50]: on one vote. I respect my other council members that want to have a fourth of July concert, but yet still I have no idea what this cost is gonna be for the citizens of Stockbridge. [0:46:51, 0:46:57]: Mayor B Um Yes. Um Councilwoman Robinson. Thank you, Mayor. [0:46:58, 0:47:18]: Um this is to the city manager or finance. Is there a possible way? I mean, cause this would be a great event for our downtown, knowing we getting ready to um rebrand and remarket and market our downtown. Is it a possibility um we're talking about funds? [0:47:18, 0:47:38]: that if we just do the concert and the fireworks and take off you know, for us having like the food trucks, you know, we can have something for as refreshments like we normally do for our concerts. Is it a possibility that we can take off food truck Tuesday for that Tuesday and just have a concert and the fireworks? [0:47:38, 0:47:46]: Is that something that we can look into to offset the cost and then that way we can come together and try to make it work? [0:47:46, 0:48:06]: Well I I'll tell you just on based on preliminary estimates from some of our staff, the the big cost is the pyrotechnics is going to be the fireworks. Um depending on the day if it's going to be, if the the council desire to have it on the fourth, then you're probably looking at anywhere between fifteen to twenty two thousand dollars for [0:48:06, 0:48:09]: about a fifteen to twenty minute fireworks show. [0:48:09, 0:48:25]: That's just for the fireworks and this was um these were quotes from four different four different um companies are all about the same area and they do they currently do fireworks fire fireworks displays for some of the other municipalities and some of the other areas. Um [0:48:25, 0:48:35]: If it's a c a day close to the fourth, then that number drops to about ballpark ten million ten ten thousand dollars is about the number we heard. Um [0:48:35, 0:48:46]: And just as a point of clarification, there is the Nash Farm is in in Henry County. They do offer fireworks as well here in Henry County. That's been the one. And there are some other that are close by in Atlanta Beach, but [0:48:47, 0:48:50]: to your point, the um [0:48:50, 0:49:03]: Yeah, pyrotechnics that would be anywhere from fifteen to twenty, twenty two thousand on the day of. Um the challenge also becomes if we're having a ban, and I don't know if the ban date has been set for that day or not. [0:49:03, 0:49:19]: than getting a ban for that day, that cost may be a bit higher because this is a premium date obviously. Um I I think the lesser of the cost would likely be the uh food trucks. But again we've gone through and worked at some preliminary some preliminary estimates. So we're talking about [0:49:19, 0:49:28]: When you add in overtime, staffing, generators, things of that nature. I mean you're probably on a day uh the fourth of July, you could be anywhere from twenty five to thirty thousand. [0:49:29, 0:49:30]: Ballpark estimate. [0:49:31, 0:49:50]: Uh yes. Pro Tem Ford? Yes. My initial thoughts are I'm I'm in favor of something like this, but obviously the when you look at the numbers uh the cost factor, we've got to weigh that in there since it's not a all of that's all not fully budgeted. We talk about fifteen, twenty thousand dollars in this aspect'cause it's fireworks itself, it'd be a nice event. [0:49:50, 0:49:56]: But is is it cost effective. So that's one thing uh that uh we obviously we have to look at and make a good logical decision on. [0:49:56, 0:49:57]: Um [0:49:57, 0:50:17]: Now I guess as we do this, uh we we're talking about downtown and fireworks, pyrotechnics, I guess it has to be and I know we you'll talk to companies that do this and understand this, but it can't be probably in close proximity to any type of homes more in an open field. A lot of times it's uh b uh communities that have water or lake, they do it from the lake and people so things like that have [0:50:17, 0:50:24]: to be played into the decision uh making aspect of this. But uh it'd be a great thing to have, but is it feasible? Is it affordable? [0:50:24, 0:50:43]: uh as as a as a staff does heavy lifting, I know you'll get the information back to us so we can make a real solid decision on on whether or not it makes sense. I'd like to see it, but is it really cost effective and does it make sense? So and and that is part of the research that they did, the preliminary research, they did reach out to the fire department and and even the companies themselves. It's [0:50:44, 0:51:00]: ballpark around five to seven hundred feet of clear area um away from any homes or vehicles or anything else, so identifying that area and the the logistics associated with where the people would be located, parking and things of that nature. So um [0:51:01, 0:51:05]: Yeah, there's a there's um there's um pieces that would need to be filled in and needless to say [0:51:05, 0:51:25]: um in March to do something in July on an event like that, there's even an availability issue at this point. So I know you the staff's gonna do some good work for us and be so we can make a good decision one way or the other. Thanks. Maybe any other comments? Uh Councilman Robinson I could just have one last I know the um city of Jonesboro they have [0:51:25, 0:51:33]: fireworks. It was same area like what we have. They have buildings, they have homes. [0:51:33, 0:51:43]: and they were able to do it. So I know i it d it the determining factor would be what we're trying to do. Um it so I guess [0:51:46, 0:51:50]: I w I would like to see if we can reach out and get some different s you know [0:51:51, 0:52:11]: numbers or something because I know there's there's there's trees, all of that. Right. It right there in the city of Jonesboro. And they're set up just like us. Yeah, I c I can tell you, Atlanta Pyrotechnics is the one that does Jonesboro. Okay. And we spoke with them. Okay. Um and they were their quote was between twelve five and fifteen thousand. Okay. [0:52:11, 0:52:12]: Um [0:52:12, 0:52:16]: said they're about booked for the fourth, but they need [0:52:17, 0:52:21]: open area six to seven hundred feet away from vehicles and people to launch fireworks, so [0:52:22, 0:52:24]: They were right in line with all the other [0:52:25, 0:52:33]: four or five other firms said as well. So I'm not saying it can't be done. I'm saying these are the parameters that we're trying to work within and finding the location that would be appropriate. [0:52:33, 0:52:35]: Would be um the challenges associated with that. [0:52:36, 0:52:39]: Any other comments from council members? [0:52:40, 0:53:00]: Is it appropriate to do a request for qualifications possibly to kind of get some actual concrete numbers rather than just taking what is out there so we can actually understand um what uh is available and then what the actual charges are going to be um uh for [0:52:59, 0:53:01]: For the project. [0:53:01, 0:53:06]: Y yeah, we can. I mean I think the challenge now is typically these are these things booked [0:53:07, 0:53:23]: nine, twelve months in advance, I believe, and talking to some of the staff members. So just don't know what kind of uh bids we're gonna get at this this late of a date. I think that's the challenge associated with it. And obviously doing something last minute, you're gonna be paying a premium price as well. [0:53:24, 0:53:32]: I think that's I think I think you know, we can certainly do that. That's the the wish of the of the council. But just be prepared. I mean it may be some sticker shock if if the numbers that come in. [0:53:33, 0:53:37]: Okay. Um Okay, we'll have one more question. Councilman Blount. [0:53:38, 0:53:40]: What was budgeted for the three [0:53:40, 0:53:42]: sounds of somers initially. [0:53:45, 0:53:45]: Well we [0:53:46, 0:53:48]: Okay. What was budgeted for the two then? [0:53:48, 0:53:53]: The question is what was budgeted for the two sounds of music events? [0:53:55, 0:54:00]: Yeah, did you say in thirty? I'm not exactly sure. Was it forty? I think we [0:54:01, 0:54:01]: Um [0:54:02, 0:54:15]: If we if we cut it back to two it was probably thirty round thirty. Yeah. I think at one point it was what you're looking at is about fifteen thousand dollars each for allotted for each concert if it's two. So now you're talking about [0:54:16, 0:54:21]: more than doubling that for pyrotechnique staff and and and uh quality concerts. [0:54:22, 0:54:23]: Is that what we're talking about? [0:54:24, 0:54:32]: think when we go back and look at the the actual cost from the concerts, yeah, I think somewhere between that twelve to fifteen ballpark range per concert. [0:54:33, 0:54:45]: What was already allotted for Correct, that's yeah, that's what I'm saying. So I think that's what about the ballpark number was for those concerts. So yeah, I think we're talking about twenty five to thirty thousand based on the early estimates that we've received. [0:54:46, 0:54:55]: But then that goes back to what I'm when I talk about being good stewards of the citizens' money, mm that we can't I don't believe that we should double [0:54:56, 0:54:57]: what we've already allotted in our budget. [0:54:58, 0:55:07]: for a concert just to have it on the fourth of July. I would like to see a zoo here. Does that mean that with the city the citizens of Stockbridge fund the zoo? [0:55:08, 0:55:11]: W there are things that we can go out and do, I believe. [0:55:12, 0:55:16]: that we now have to focus this city has identified [0:55:16, 0:55:26]: many areas that we can focus on and I think that we need to move on those areas with the city funds because we need to put viable things in our community for the citizens. [0:55:26, 0:55:31]: more than a one moment situation that's going to double the uh uh what we've already allotted for it. [0:55:32, 0:55:35]: Okay. If there are no other uh [0:55:36, 0:55:47]: points of discussion here. We will leave this back with the city council, I mean with the city manager for um a possible agenda item for the next meeting. [0:55:50, 0:55:55]: At this time uh we will call on our city manager if he has any comments he'd like to [0:55:56, 0:56:16]: No no comments. Just to kind of reiterate what was stated earlier in regards to questions that may come up um concerning either the city's annexation request, and I think that is a key point to also bring up that the city also has a complementary uh legislation that's going through the legislature right now requesting a annexation request to clean up our borders. [0:56:16, 0:56:32]: and provide better service delivery as well. Um so that's also making its way through the um through the legislative cycle. Um so if anyone has questions about that or the proposal as we know to provide any facts we have related to the city's numbers and the impact on the city. Again we are pro [0:56:33, 0:56:43]: in the process of putting those numbers together now, but um if anyone would like to me to come out and meet or speak to HOA or any on along those lines, certainly welcome the opportunity. [0:56:44, 0:56:44]: Okay. [0:56:45, 0:56:46]: Um [0:56:46, 0:56:55]: At this time uh if we have any closing comments from city council members that you haven't already made this evening, [0:56:55, 0:56:57]: Okay, start with Councilman Blount. [0:56:58, 0:56:59]: I mean, sorry, Alexander. [0:57:00, 0:57:20]: Yes, uh thank you, Mayor Neal. I wanted to first of all salute uh the trailblazing women that we honor tonight and let every woman in this community know that uh she is valued and that she is loved and we want to honor you not just today but uh every day of our service. Uh [0:57:20, 0:57:40]: we want to do that. I wanna fur I wanna next say that um you know that we got some preliminary numbers uh from the city and it was good from the treasurer. I requested the information and it looks like we're gonna add about two point five million dollars to the city reserve funds which will take us [0:57:40, 0:58:00]: We already had eight point seven uh should go up about another two and a half million and take us over ten million dollars um plus in reserve funds. So the numbers and the reserves are very good. We have you know over ten million dollars in splash funds available for the city. You see that we have endeavored [0:58:00, 0:58:20]: Councilwoman Robinson led the charge this weekend for us to clean up the litter uh on our streets. We've uh partnered with the Doctor Road program. We had pickup um on Walt Stevens Road by Global Impact Church. Uh we I led a group myself on Jodico Road, and if you haven't [0:58:20, 0:58:31]: haven't been down to Johto Co Road in a while, please do so. Take a look at it. It looks absolutely fabulous. Chairwoman June Wood joined us to pick up and we see it every day. [0:58:32, 0:58:52]: when we drive down the street and somebody throws a cup out of their car or plate. It's unacceptable. And we want our community to look better and that's one of the things that I ran on is that we're gonna clean up the streets all over Stockbridge and Councilwoman Robinson is leading the charge in order to do that, in order to clean up the city, to get to make the city [0:58:52, 0:59:08]: city look like it should so you can be proud of the city uh of Stockbridge that you call home. That's something that we always want to do uh to push the envelope on that to make sure that we're making you proud uh of your service and thank you so much. [0:59:09, 0:59:10]: Councilman Blount. [0:59:11, 0:59:14]: Yes, I want to thank this whole council for um [0:59:15, 0:59:35]: for putting money the money in the budget for beautification. Uh I thank Councilwoman for her passion for uh moving forward with in the areas of uh beautification. I I would uh ask that every church would follow our lead. I'm a member at Global Impact Christian Manager, one of the social ministers there, and we were. We was out on Walt Stevens Road and we but one of the [0:59:35, 0:59:50]: the first churches to adopt the highway. So beautification is an is an awesome uh task for any council to do but and I thank God that uh we're uh making that work here in the city of uh Stockbridge. Uh one of the things I also want to say is that uh [0:59:50, 0:59:51]: Um [0:59:51, 0:59:55]: The National Day of Prayer's coming up and it's uh it was it's the first uh [0:59:56, 0:59:59]: It's the first Thursday in uh May. [0:59:59, 1:00:19]: And uh we'll be getting information out pertaining to the National Day of Prayer. I believe prayers uh needed in every aspect of life. Uh personal life, business, anywhere, any marriages, singleness, uh, if you will. And uh National Day of Prayer here at City of Stopbury is gonna be uh and around this country, uh it's gonna be on the in the first [1:00:19, 1:00:23]: first Thursday of uh May and we'll be getting out more information on that. [1:00:25, 1:00:40]: Uh Council uh Pro Tem Ford. Thank you, Mayor, appreciate it. Uh thank you citizens for coming out tonight. Congrat congratulations once again to all the ladies that were honored as being travel leaders in a sense in their in their particular prospective career fields and and uh and all ladies that [1:00:41, 1:01:01]: period in reference to Women's History Month. So it's great to to honor you ladies. Um also this month is uh Prevent Child Abuse Month, so some of us are actually wearing blue tonight in reference to that. And it's also not to steal the the mayor's thunder, I guess you may say, but uh is also l located on the on your activities for this month. Well we have paint [1:01:00, 1:01:15]: Henry Blue and we'll have a kickoff campaign uh right here at Merrill Manors uh conference center on the thirtieth of March. Outside of that, uh continue to be engaged, continue to keep the faith as we uh uh move the city forward. And you all have a great month. Thank you. [1:01:16, 1:01:17]: Councilman Gaint. [1:01:18, 1:01:21]: Um on the committee um [1:01:22, 1:01:41]: Council member committee meetings and initiatives. Um I just wanted to make a correction for senior fund night. It will be lo held on the twenty second, not the twenty-third, and that's senior citizens fund day from two to five PM at Ted Strickland Community Center. Um and we would ask for anyone to come out and support. Thank you. [1:01:43, 1:01:44]: Councillor Robinson. [1:01:45, 1:02:05]: Yes, thank you, Mayor. I want to again congratulate all the women who were honored here tonight and thanks the citizens for coming out. We got to meet a lot of new people on tonight. Also um for the beautification efforts, again want to thank um uh Global Impact Ministries for being the recipient of the the first recipient of the [1:02:05, 1:02:25]: beautification adopt the role program that we kicked off here is totally different than what the council approved for as funding. This is something that we're just out there getting the community involved. So the community once they come out they're initiating within their own churches so that way they can adjust [1:02:25, 1:02:45]: adopt a role which is a mall. So that is um totally separate um what the council approved. So we just want to let all other churches requesting for you to get involved, get involved with your community, because we have so much that we need to do together. And together if we do it we can be successful. Also with the Council of [1:02:45, 1:03:05]: Aging. Um we do have our first beautification on the same day. Um but I just want to let Miss Mildred and Mr Anderson know that I will try to work on the calendar to see if I can adjust that because I do want to participate with you all as well. So um we would definitely look at trying to see if we can adjust that. But again, um congratulations to [1:03:05, 1:03:25]: mayor being the first female um mayor here in the city of Stockbridge and to my colleagues. Um it it together we can make this um happen for this city. We were placed here to serve, to do whatever we need to do and I just hope in that we can strongly in a positive way work together so that way we can do it and move [1:03:25, 1:03:45]: forward. Thank you. Thank you. I have just a couple of quick things I want to share. If you picked up your agenda coming in the door tonight, there are official city meeting dates noted there and also council member community meeting dates. I want to remind you that when you hear the word [1:03:45, 1:04:05]: Town hall, those will all be held at the city hall. Those will be official city meetings. If you hear the word community meetings, that will be that one of the five council people is having a meeting somewhere in the in the community. But those do not confuse themselves. [1:04:05, 1:04:25]: Those with the official meetings of the city, which will be called town hall meetings this year. Also, I would really like to tell you real quick that we had a wonderful thing happen this week. We had a ribbon cutting for our beautiful new Marriott, Fairfield Inn, here in Stockbridge. It's exquisitely beautiful. If you have out-of-town [1:04:25, 1:04:45]: company and you want to put them somewhere if you don't have enough room at your home, I would highly recommend that. Um some of us like to keep some family and we like to send some over to the hotel, you know. So uh that's a beautiful one and um we had a blessing that came out of that and I want to share it with [1:04:45, 1:05:05]: you tonight. Um we got a call uh just before end of day, the day before uh that ribbon cutting and the new owner of the hotel wanted to make a contribution to um they asked for the mayor's favorite charity. Well now that was a hard one because there are a lot of wonderful charities. [1:05:05, 1:05:06]: [3907.2, 3927.2]: But I remembered that we have seven hundred Stockbridge students in a program called the Leader in Me program at Cotton Indian Elementary School. So some quick thinking. We got um uh that information back to uh the owner of the hotel. He presented [1:05:27, 1:05:40]: a check for one thousand dollars to help the Stockbridge students with a little whisper under his breath, there might be more money later. So I wanted you to know that. [1:05:42, 1:06:02]: And we also um are leaning on him to move his headquarters from Warner Robbins, Georgia to Stockbridge. So let's pray for that to happen because we would love to have a hotel year that owns seven hotels in Middle Georgia, one in Stockbridge and [1:06:02, 1:06:10]: four being built in Atlanta to headquarter here in Stockbridge. But another thing I want to share with you real quick [1:06:10, 1:06:30]: His finance guy was in town from India. He had just gotten off a flight the night before from India. Uh speaks fluent English, very capable, obviously, person um in the lending field, and he was so impressed with the Leader in Me program that he is in [1:06:30, 1:06:37]: in contact with Steve Cash who is the on the ground person for the Quality Growth Council [1:06:37, 1:06:57]: in this program. And he is building three schools in India. He wants this program in those three schools. So Stockbridge did something great last week. We're very proud of all of those who had anything to do with bringing the hotel to Stockbridge. But tonight we just want to give a praise [1:06:57, 1:07:02]: and thanks to the new owner of Fairfield Inn. So thank you. [1:07:08, 1:07:10]: At this time. [1:07:11, 1:07:25]: Um we've talked about uh painting Henry blue. So at this time uh I'll ask our executive counsel if we need an executive session. Uh yes, ma'am, a very brief one for litigation, real estate and personnel. [1:07:26, 1:07:28]: All right. You heard that. Um [1:07:29, 1:07:36]: At this time to go to ex executive session I need a motion to move to executive session. [1:07:36, 1:07:50]: Manil, I move that we go into executive session on b for the purpose of litigating real estate and personnel matters. Do I hear a second? Uh okay, that's Councilwoman Gantt, uh Pro Tem Ford. Any discussion? [1:07:51, 1:07:53]: If not, all in favor. [1:07:54, 1:08:03]: Okay, we're going to executive session. I can't tell you how long we'll be gone, but uh if you want to stick around we'll come back out and report to you when we come out. Thank you. [1:08:40, 1:08:57]: [4145.0, 4157.7]: [1:09:18, 1:09:20]: Uh [1:09:40, 1:09:45]: [4195.0, 4210.0]: Yeah, yeah, I mean, we're still going to be able to do that. [1:10:15, 1:10:25]: [4225.4, 4231.1]: Yeah, [1:10:45, 1:10:55]: [4256.5, 4260.8]: [1:11:01, 1:11:15]: No, that's not like that. Um [1:11:16, 1:11:35]: Well I think. [1:11:40, 1:11:50]: No, I don't like it. [1:11:55, 1:11:56]: [4340.0, 4357.0]: Yeah, but you think about that. [1:12:44, 1:12:48]: Um watch index is a whole uh website. [1:12:52, 1:13:07]: [4390.3, 4395.1]: [1:13:18, 1:13:19]: Yeah, we're gonna [1:13:27, 1:13:30]: Okay. [1:13:40, 1:14:00]: [4440.0, 4460.0]: All right. And then I thought you were sure. [1:14:19, 1:14:24]: No. [1:14:35, 1:14:55]: So that one. [1:14:55, 1:15:00]: Yeah, I'm not really [1:15:10, 1:15:11]: [4521.3, 4528.0]: [1:15:28, 1:15:30]: [4535.0, 4545.0]: [1:15:50, 1:15:51]: [4551.8, 4555.0]: And she's probably [1:16:30, 1:16:40]: [4615.0, 4625.0]: [1:17:09, 1:17:29]: I'll stop there, yeah. So I'm all saying it's a lot of things. [1:17:29, 1:17:33]: Well it's like [1:17:33, 1:17:53]: [4673.7, 4685.0]: [1:18:05, 1:18:07]: [4696.1, 4702.9]: [1:18:23, 1:18:25]: But I mean. [1:18:41, 1:18:45]: Yeah, I'm still [1:18:48, 1:18:50]: Oh she thinks I'm [1:18:51, 1:18:54]: This isn't what you though. [1:18:54, 1:19:10]: [4755.0, 4775.0]: Yeah, that well and yeah, but then I thought we're fine. Yeah, or why is it uh moving right there? [1:19:34, 1:19:52]: [4792.4, 4805.1]: I guess the word. [1:20:14, 1:20:34]: Aren't you trying to do all the stuff that's one of the screens last week not on the number of that? Well [1:20:34, 1:20:40]: [4846.7, 4852.4]: Well sure that's how we got it. [1:20:55, 1:21:15]: [4875.0, 4893.0]: And we're talking about in the middle of the right. [1:21:35, 1:21:50]: Um what do you mean that's what you mean? Oh yeah. [1:21:55, 1:22:15]: Okay. Well okay. I'll just do all that. [1:22:15, 1:22:17]: Yeah, I think. [1:24:40, 1:24:43]: [5433.2, 5435.2]: And that's [1:30:38, 1:30:40]: Uh [1:30:45, 1:30:55]: [5455.0, 5472.3]: I would I wouldn't need to take it. I have I had I couldn't have it. Okay, well [2:43:45, 2:43:45]: Yeah. [2:43:46, 2:43:51]: We could save money just get this air conditioning under control out here. [2:44:04, 2:44:06]: Hey. [2:44:07, 2:44:27]: It did get hot in there. Okay. We need a motion to end our executive session. Motion to end executive sessions? Second. [2:44:27, 2:44:30]: discussion on ending executive session. [2:44:31, 2:44:33]: No discussion. All in favor? [2:44:35, 2:44:42]: Now then we need a motion to end our formal council meeting tonight. Reconvene. I mean reconvene, sorry. [2:44:43, 2:44:55]: Mayor, I move that we reconvene our regular scheduled meeting. Do I hear a second? Second. All right, we have a motion by Gantt, second by Ford, and any discussion to reconvene. [2:44:56, 2:44:58]: No discussion. All in favor? [2:44:59, 2:45:02]: Now I need a motion to end the meeting. [2:45:05, 2:45:11]: A second. All right. We have a motion to end by Robinson and a second by Gantt, the meeting. [2:45:11, 2:45:12]: Any discussion? [2:45:14, 2:45:15]: All in favour? [2:45:15, 2:45:17]: Okay, the meeting's over.

--- title: February 28 2017 Work Session Meeting date: 2017-02-28 source: 2017-02-28_February_28_2017_Work_Session_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:14, 0:00:15]: Yeah. [0:00:24, 0:00:44]: [ 44.9, 50.0]: [0:01:00, 0:01:10]: No, it's an opportunity. [0:01:20, 0:01:30]: You know that one is yeah, that's the way that's always a good thing. [0:01:33, 0:01:35]: No crafty. [0:01:58, 0:02:13]: six o'clock, we're gonna start our meeting. We uh tonight I'd like to call the meeting to order and I would like to ask Michael Brock from Red Oak United Methodist Church. If Michael will come up, he's gonna give us our invitation for the evening. [0:02:19, 0:02:21]: Let us power ahead. [0:02:22, 0:02:42]: Father God, we just thank you right now for this time and this meeting. We thank you, Lord, that you've created us and we're here at this time, and we're to do your bidding and to s you are to speak for us. So, Lord, God, this meeting that your will will be done. Lord, help us to be encouraged and strengthened and reminded and remember that we are servants of yours and we're servants. [0:02:42, 0:02:59]: Service to the whole wide world, especially Henry County. We thank you for this time. We thank you for the decisions that would be made. [0:02:59, 0:02:59]: Thank you. [0:03:00, 0:03:05]: At this time if you'll s remain standing, we're going to pledge the American flag. [0:03:07, 0:03:20]: Please do allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands on my nation, under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [0:03:23, 0:03:24]: Thank you. [0:03:27, 0:03:31]: At this time we're going to have our roll call by our clerk, Vanessa Holliday. [0:03:32, 0:03:50]: Councilman Alexander. Present. Councilman Blount. Present. Mayor Neal. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Ford. Present. Councilwoman Gantt. Present. Councilwoman Robinson. Present. Mayor Neal, you have a quorum. Thank you. At this time I'm going to ask for a motion to adopt the agenda. [0:03:51, 0:03:57]: Uh Mayor Neal, I'd like to uh make a motion to amend the agenda to include a resolution [0:03:59, 0:04:05]: Well s uh and make it uh item number one in reference to uh the city's position on uh city of Eagles Landing. [0:04:06, 0:04:07]: Thank you. [0:04:08, 0:04:15]: Okay, we have a motion by Councilman Alexander, a second by Councilman John Blount. All in favor? [0:04:17, 0:04:18]: Thank you. [0:04:19, 0:04:39]: At this time just quickly we're going to um I'm calling attention to the minutes that are in the books of the council and these are just asking them for um the opportunity for them to review those minutes. They'll be voted on later in March uh March thirteenth at our next meeting. [0:04:39, 0:04:59]: At this time I want to comment briefly about the signup sheets that you found outside. If you want to speak for or against the city, the new city of Eagles Landing, you will find those signup sheets outside. [0:04:59, 0:05:05]: And I need to ask you to tip out and get one real quick if you want to sign up. [0:05:06, 0:05:25]: And then also if you want to sign up to speak in the general portion of the meeting this evening, there is another sheet out front. And we have a staff person out there who can help you with that. So if anyone didn't get to sign up, please go do that real quick and come back in. And at this time um [0:05:25, 0:05:40]: The council Councilman Alexander has uh presented the motion about the resolution in opposition to the proposed city of Eagles Landing providing for a severe ability repealing [0:05:40, 0:05:56]: in consistent resolutions, providing an effective date and for other purposes. So I'm going to read that to you um so that it will be in our minutes and if anyone wants a copy of this, I'm sure we can make that happen for you. [0:05:57, 0:06:02]: Whereas the city of Stockbridge is a municipal corporation [0:06:02, 0:06:22]: Located within Henry County, Georgia, duly organized and existing under the laws of the state of Georgia, and is charged with providing public services to residents located within the corporate limits of the city, whereas the area of the stock of Stockbridge was settled in eighteen twenty nine, whereas the city [0:06:22, 0:06:42]: The city was formally incorporated in eighteen ninety-five and officially became a municipal corporation of the state of Georgia in nineteen twenty, whereas it has been proposed by certain residents of Henry County that a new city be created to be known as the City of the Eagles Landing. [0:06:42, 0:06:54]: Whereas the city limits of the proposed city includes land that currently is within the existing corporate city limits of the city of Stockbridge, whereas the proposal [0:06:54, 0:07:14]: to remove substantial portions of an existing city to place into the geographic area of an as yet unknown, unproven city is unprecedented in the history of the state of Georgia, whereas the removal of these areas from the city of Stockbridge would have a devastating financial [0:07:14, 0:07:34]: financial and social impact upon the city of Stockbridge, whereas no consideration been given to the aforementioned devastating financial and social impact such a proposal would have upon the city of Stockbridge, whereas the proposed removal of certain areas of the city of Stockbridge. [0:07:34, 0:07:54]: Stockbridge to create a new city raises significant constitutional and legal questions that have not been addressed. Whereas numerous residents of the Stockbridge area, including both residents of the city of Stockbridge as well as residents of unincorporated [0:07:54, 0:08:11]: Henry County are voicing opposition to the proposal, whereas these residents have not been given any of the information about the proposal and have not been given an opportunity to pose questions about the proposed city. [0:08:12, 0:08:32]: And whereas there is significant question as to the true motive of the proponents of a new city, especially given the likelihood of such a city to impose a substantial property tax, which the city of Stockbridge does not have, in addition to the existing county property taxes. Now therefore [0:08:32, 0:08:52]: Four, the Council of the City of Stockbridge hereby resolves as follows Section one Opposition to the City of Eagles Landing. The City Council of the City of Stockbridge hereby opposes the proposed city of Eagles Landing and urges the Governor, the General Assembly, and specifically the members of the Stockland. [0:08:52, 0:08:54]: Stockbridge legislative delegation. [0:08:55, 0:08:58]: to actively oppose the passage of any legislation [0:08:59, 0:09:17]: which would establish the city of Eagle's Landing as currently proposed. Approval of Execution. The Mayor or Mayor Proteum is hereby authorized to sign all documents and to perform all other acts necessary to effectuate this resolution. [0:09:17, 0:09:34]: on behalf of the city of Stockbridge. The city clerk is authorized to execute, attest to and seal any document which may be necessary to effectuate this resolution subject to approval as to form by the city attorney. [0:09:35, 0:09:55]: Section three, severe ability. To the extent any portion of this resolution is declared to be invalid, unenforceable, or non binding, that shall not affect the remaining portions of this resolution. Section four repeal of conflicting provisions. [0:09:55, 0:10:01]: provisions. All city resolutions inconsistent with the resolution are hereby repealed. [0:10:01, 0:10:17]: Effective date number five. This resolution shall be effective on the date of its approval by the city council and mayor as provided in the city charter. So resolved this twenty eighth day of february twenty seventeen. [0:10:17, 0:10:24]: So that is the resolution that will allow us to formally protest [0:10:24, 0:10:30]: the um rating of our city to create a new city of Eagles Landing. [0:10:32, 0:10:35]: At this time we're going to move forward and we [0:10:36, 0:10:43]: Oh, we need a motion in a second. We're gonna vote on this. We sure do. Okay, at this time we're gonna have a motion. [0:10:45, 0:10:58]: Ms uh Ms. Mayor, I'd like to make a motion that the resolution in opposition to the proposed city of Eagles Landing providing severe ad severe ability and appealing to the inconsistent resolution and providing the effective date for other purposes. [0:10:58, 0:11:01]: Uh be accepted this evening. [0:11:01, 0:11:09]: We have a motion by Pro Tem uh Anthony Ford and a second by Councilman Elton Alexander. All in favor? [0:11:11, 0:11:12]: All opposed. [0:11:13, 0:11:17]: Okay, we're good. We have our document that we need to work with. [0:11:23, 0:11:39]: Okay, at this time um we're going to take um just a few minutes for those who wanted to speak, but first we're going to ask our attorney, Mike Williams, if he would come up to the podium and give you a little update about the city's position. [0:11:44, 0:11:53]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Um you have on the screen um for the benefit of of everyone in attendance um a copy of the map [0:11:53, 0:12:01]: of the proposed uh city of Eagles Landing. Uh we learned um today that yesterday Senator Jeffries introduced [0:12:01, 0:12:07]: two pieces of legislation, one which would de annex certain territory from the city of Stockbridge, [0:12:07, 0:12:12]: and the other one which would provide for the creation of the city of Eagles Landing [0:12:12, 0:12:19]: Um the creation of City of Eagles Landing would be the big purple or red splots that you see on the screen. [0:12:19, 0:12:24]: Um and within that you see uh inside the darkened red lines [0:12:24, 0:12:29]: Um the uh a portion of the southernmost uh parts of the city of Stockbridge [0:12:29, 0:12:37]: Um those portions within that red line are currently what are part of Stockbridge, which the Senator has proposed [0:12:37, 0:12:40]: to be removed in order to create the new city. [0:12:41, 0:12:41]: Um [0:12:42, 0:12:43]: The [0:12:43, 0:12:44]: This is [0:12:45, 0:12:48]: you know, unprecedented in the state of Georgia that you would have [0:12:48, 0:12:51]: such a significant portion of one city [0:12:51, 0:12:53]: uh removed from that city [0:12:54, 0:12:55]: To create a new city. [0:12:56, 0:12:56]: Um [0:12:57, 0:12:57]: With [0:12:58, 0:13:07]: you know, without any sub significant uh request from you know, large numbers of voters or certainly no input from the city of Stockbridge, no consideration. [0:13:08, 0:13:10]: for the impact this would have on the city of Stockbridge. [0:13:11, 0:13:15]: Um much of that um as folks can see um is [0:13:15, 0:13:20]: the key business uh corridor of the city of Stockbridge along Eagles Landing Parkway. [0:13:20, 0:13:23]: Um so substantial uh portions of [0:13:23, 0:13:27]: the city's uh business um tax base would [0:13:27, 0:13:29]: uh be removed. Um [0:13:30, 0:13:35]: overnight um by this legislation again with no consideration for the impact this would have [0:13:35, 0:13:38]: on the city of of Stockbridge. [0:13:38, 0:13:39]: Um [0:13:40, 0:14:00]: There was a meeting last weekend or on Saturday that uh virtually the entire council w was present at where our position was made known that the city opposes uh this um any act of the legislature which would remove these portions from the city of Stockbridge. Um and of course you all just [0:14:00, 0:14:20]: uh adopted a resolution to that effect. So we're certainly as a city united in opposition to this. Um that message will be uh delivered to all the uh the Henry County delegations, specifically those representing the city of Stockbridge and and um to that end, you know, Senator Jones [0:14:20, 0:14:26]: and uh a number of the the House representatives have also expressed their opposition [0:14:26, 0:14:31]: um to this on behalf of the city of Stockbridge. So we look forward to doing everything we can [0:14:31, 0:14:33]: than our power to fight this and to [0:14:34, 0:14:36]: um address all the uh [0:14:36, 0:14:38]: the concerns that the city has with this. [0:14:40, 0:14:57]: Okay, at this time, thank you, Mike. We appreciate that. Um if we could at this time we're gonna turn to the clerk and um ask her if she would read the names of the people who have signed up to come up and make a comment. You have three minutes to make your comment when you come up, please. [0:14:58, 0:15:00]: Pastor Cecilia Green. [0:15:04, 0:15:11]: W when you come to the podium would you please uh give your address and indicate whether you live in [0:15:11, 0:15:21]: Or outside the city limits of Stockbridge. Outside of the city. Pass the facility agreement, post office box eighteen twenty one, Stockbridge, Georgia, three oh two eight one. [0:15:21, 0:15:24]: My comment is imperative. [0:15:25, 0:15:28]: I came to Stockbridge in the year of two thousand seven. [0:15:29, 0:15:35]: One of the reasons that I left Rockdale County, Connus, Georgia, was because of the area. [0:15:35, 0:15:43]: To me it was the right place to be. Anything that you could ever want in a city, you could find right here in Stockbridge, Georgia. [0:15:43, 0:15:45]: There were many churches here. [0:15:46, 0:15:56]: um that I'm a part of. The people was the most friendliest people I've ever seen, the most caring, giving, loving and sharing. [0:15:57, 0:16:00]: All of these policies are great for a city. [0:16:01, 0:16:03]: The old school would say if it's not broke [0:16:04, 0:16:06]: Why are you trying to fix it? [0:16:07, 0:16:11]: This area has everything that it takes to excel and succeed. [0:16:12, 0:16:18]: There are different people here, diversities of people, and we all are one community. [0:16:18, 0:16:21]: We need to stay one community. [0:16:22, 0:16:24]: United, we stand. [0:16:25, 0:16:26]: Did everybody hear me? [0:16:27, 0:16:29]: United, we stand. [0:16:29, 0:16:31]: The value we saw. [0:16:32, 0:16:37]: God bless you and God bless the city of Stockbridge, Georgia. Amen. [0:16:38, 0:16:53]: Let me remind everyone, we do not clap, cheer, stand up, wave our arms. We're here to listen to the people who are speaking. So please give them your attention and refrain from any outburst. [0:16:55, 0:16:57]: Okay, let's go with the next speaker. [0:16:57, 0:16:58]: Cynthia Johnson. [0:17:07, 0:17:08]: Yeah, yeah. [0:17:10, 0:17:19]: Good evening. My name is Cynthia Johnson. I reside at Fifty Briar Cliff Place, Stockbridge, Georgia, but I live in unincorporated Stockbridge. [0:17:20, 0:17:25]: Um, I became aware of uh this proposal on uh Saturday. [0:17:26, 0:17:26]: Um [0:17:27, 0:17:31]: And because uh I reside in unincorporated Stockbridge [0:17:31, 0:17:48]: it's really uh weighing on me because from what I understand and I'm not sure if I have a clear understanding of it is that if this goes through that our home prices for us that live in uh the unincorporated part would just plummet. [0:17:49, 0:18:09]: And um being here eighteen years I I just don't even understand the concept of somebody coming in stating, Oh, we want a new city just like that. It's like it this happened overnight and undercover. And to me when things like that happen, uh it [0:18:08, 0:18:13]: It it's not a good thing. So I just wanted to state that. Thank you so much. [0:18:16, 0:18:17]: Our next speaker. [0:18:20, 0:18:21]: Mildred Reed. [0:18:34, 0:18:50]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. My name is Mildred Reed. I live at 530 Creek View Overlook in the city of Stock Ridge. I am opposed to this separation. Someone just made a comment that it seems that this happened overnight. [0:18:51, 0:18:53]: I don't this is my opinion. [0:18:53, 0:18:55]: There's a lot that's been going on [0:18:56, 0:19:10]: over the past few years. We can't account for where our money's been going, but we are aware that some of it has been going up towards Eagles Landing, getting I feel, getting prepared for this where we are today. [0:19:11, 0:19:19]: We have not been able to account for everything, but that's okay. And I'm not talking in codes or anything, I'm just making a personal statement. [0:19:20, 0:19:32]: Okay, so I want the audience to know that I am personally opposed to this. I love Stockbridge and I do all I can to support it and make it a positive place to live. Thank you. [0:19:41, 0:19:43]: Doctor Marilyn Flynn. [0:19:54, 0:19:56]: Who we just give her the microphone? [0:20:05, 0:20:09]: Do y'all do y'all wanna give her a microphone? I think she [0:20:10, 0:20:25]: I can stand up here. Okay. Thank you. I believe so. If you can hear me. My name is Marilyn Flynn and I live at five twenty one Country Club Drive in Stockford. So I've lived there for twenty six years. [0:20:25, 0:20:26]: Mayor Neal. [0:20:26, 0:20:28]: And council [0:20:29, 0:20:31]: Uh Stockbridge Council members. [0:20:31, 0:20:38]: I thank you for taking this effort to inform the public and to invite us to discuss our concerns about the establishment. [0:20:39, 0:20:42]: of a new city of Eagles Landing. I have many objections. [0:20:42, 0:20:44]: But I will limit myself to three issues. [0:20:45, 0:20:46]: If I can do this in three minutes. [0:20:47, 0:20:53]: Uh these three issues. Can we prioritize having high end restaurants and businesses? [0:20:53, 0:20:56]: Over caring for basic needs of our children. [0:20:57, 0:21:01]: Second, why can't Stockbridge provide parks and recreation? [0:21:02, 0:21:06]: zoning and code enforcement as proposed in the new city application. [0:21:07, 0:21:10]: Third, citizens need more background information. [0:21:11, 0:21:15]: I'm an advocate for disadvantaged children in our schools. This is what [0:21:15, 0:21:18]: has led me to get involved in the political process. [0:21:19, 0:21:24]: These are children who our politicians, legislators and policy makers are ignoring. [0:21:24, 0:21:30]: I believe that is because they do not understand w why the first three years of a child's life [0:21:31, 0:21:34]: is so critical to brain development and success in school. [0:21:35, 0:21:40]: These children will be negatively affected if this new city changes the ratio. [0:21:40, 0:21:43]: of economically disadvantaged [0:21:43, 0:21:46]: too economically advantaged. [0:21:48, 0:21:56]: ELERC in their PowerPoint presentation states there are no pockets of poverty in Henry County. [0:21:57, 0:21:58]: Checkouts in the No. [0:21:58, 0:21:59]: Sorry. [0:22:00, 0:22:01]: Uh uh. [0:22:01, 0:22:10]: Check out the neighborhoods with schools failing to make adequate yearly progress or pass the uh C C RPI. [0:22:11, 0:22:16]: We do have poverty in Henry County. The children born into these circumstances are not at fault. [0:22:16, 0:22:18]: And don't blame the teachers. [0:22:19, 0:22:22]: If this new city is formed with the objective to create a city [0:22:23, 0:22:26]: with a per capita income of over one hundred thousand dollars. [0:22:27, 0:22:37]: So that they can recruit more high end restaurants and businesses. McDonough and Stockbridge will lose much of their highest taxed earning properties. It's just not fair to our kids. [0:22:38, 0:22:41]: My second point, as required by Georgia [0:22:41, 0:22:48]: code and described in the february twenty fourth, updated february twenty seventh, Henry Herald. [0:22:49, 0:22:56]: ELERC states the city plans to provide its own parks and recreation, zoning and code enforcement. [0:22:56, 0:23:05]: Neighborhoods included within the proposed boundaries have their own playgrounds, pools, and tennis courts. Some are quite luxurious. [0:23:05, 0:23:10]: All Henry County citizens have access to strategically placed parks. [0:23:10, 0:23:12]: Is this elitism? [0:23:12, 0:23:13]: Or discrimination. [0:23:14, 0:23:18]: I do question why Stockbridge cannot have the same service [0:23:19, 0:23:31]: from a zoning and planning board as is implied in the ELERC proposal. This implies to me an elitist attitude that should not be reinforced. We cannot rob Peter to PayPal. [0:23:32, 0:23:33]: To my final point. [0:23:34, 0:23:35]: I feel like I'm not sure. [0:23:35, 0:23:41]: Sorry your time is up, Mrs. Flynn. Thank you for I will leave a copy for the record, please. Be fine. Thank you. [0:23:44, 0:23:44]: And more. [0:23:45, 0:23:48]: Let's motion we're gonna extend it. I'm motion to ex go ahead. [0:23:48, 0:23:49]: Yeah, you [0:23:49, 0:23:53]: Yes. Two more minutes. [0:23:55, 0:23:56]: All in favor? [0:23:57, 0:24:07]: Thank you. I tried to speed this up practice this afternoon. Uh but I don't talk like a Yankee anymore. [0:24:08, 0:24:10]: And getting old slows me down. [0:24:11, 0:24:30]: This is my final point. I feel the citizens are being manipulated and misled. My experiences in being involved on Facebook next door and their information forum related to ELERC have not been pleasant. I submitted questions which were read at the forum but they were not answered. [0:24:30, 0:24:35]: I have been given fair warning that I might be sued for sharing what I think is relevant. [0:24:35, 0:24:44]: I believe the information that is being published in the papers is being used to obfuscate the real issues of power and money. [0:24:45, 0:24:47]: Please help us to be better informed [0:24:47, 0:24:49]: about what is going on. [0:24:49, 0:24:51]: Thank you, Mrs. Flynn. [0:24:52, 0:24:53]: Thank you. [0:24:56, 0:24:57]: Thank you. [0:25:06, 0:25:08]: Boxy Harris. [0:25:16, 0:25:17]: Yeah. [0:25:21, 0:25:24]: I live in the city of Stockbridge, the city [0:25:25, 0:25:27]: Six twenty nine, Fairhaven Boulevard. [0:25:28, 0:25:30]: I've been out here since nineteen eighty nine. [0:25:31, 0:25:34]: And I have seen this city grow from a little old [0:25:34, 0:25:35]: Two lane. [0:25:36, 0:25:38]: sitting to what it is now. [0:25:39, 0:25:39]: In [0:25:40, 0:25:45]: If it's not broken, don't try to fix it by slamming us into a corner again. [0:25:46, 0:25:49]: And I agree with everything you all have in this proposal. [0:25:50, 0:25:52]: All right, we've done a fan job like we are. [0:25:53, 0:25:58]: And I think if we get destroyed, which virtually we will be destroyed with this merger. [0:25:59, 0:25:59]: Uh [0:26:00, 0:26:03]: What about the tax abase? What about the schools? [0:26:04, 0:26:07]: What about the social and economic development here? [0:26:08, 0:26:11]: And I remember when they were billing Eagles Landing. [0:26:11, 0:26:13]: Because my brother was an architect. [0:26:14, 0:26:15]: and a builder with Herman Russell. [0:26:16, 0:26:20]: And I don't see how this little piece of property [0:26:20, 0:26:26]: can come up and say, We wanna be a city and destroy historical stop bridge. [0:26:27, 0:26:28]: So it's more than just money. [0:26:29, 0:26:33]: It's the idea of keeping a social base. [0:26:33, 0:26:36]: Historical significance. [0:26:36, 0:26:38]: and independence. [0:26:38, 0:26:41]: So I greatly oppose this merger. [0:26:42, 0:26:44]: Thank you so much. [0:26:52, 0:26:54]: Britt News. [0:27:06, 0:27:20]: Good evening. Um I've I've not lived here as long as some I've not lived here as long as some. I've lived here longer than others. Uh we my wife and I moved here in two thousand nine. Uh I lost my job. [0:27:21, 0:27:25]: Not to any fault of anybody's uh I was at working at Fort McPherson. [0:27:26, 0:27:27]: We moved to Alaska. [0:27:29, 0:27:32]: And we had each option to move back. [0:27:32, 0:27:33]: To anywhere in the world. [0:27:34, 0:27:35]: We chose to come back to Stockbridge. [0:27:36, 0:27:38]: 'cause we know it's offered here. [0:27:38, 0:27:41]: We know what's the strengths, we know some of the weaknesses. [0:27:42, 0:27:44]: We are okay. No b no place can be [0:27:45, 0:27:50]: strong all the time. If if you don't have weaknesses then you have failures. [0:27:51, 0:27:54]: So a couple of things I'd like to um [0:27:55, 0:27:59]: make sure that is in uh study as [0:27:59, 0:28:07]: Has a proper tax survey and tax study been done on all locations that are not involved with the new development, meaning [0:28:10, 0:28:14]: What is the uh property tax going to be raised to? [0:28:14, 0:28:15]: Are we going to be able to afford it? [0:28:16, 0:28:18]: What are the school taxes gonna be? [0:28:18, 0:28:24]: If they're gonna be centralized in Eagles Landing, are we going to be able I've got a two year old son I've got to start looking at schools for. [0:28:26, 0:28:29]: The property values, are they gonna uh stay the same or are they gonna go down? [0:28:30, 0:28:35]: In my opinion, in college we studied situations like this was microeconomics. [0:28:35, 0:28:40]: You pull something away, the value's gonna go down because nobody's gonna wanna gonna wanna live here. [0:28:41, 0:28:43]: You gotta t lead the incentive for the people to live here. [0:28:44, 0:28:47]: And also the utility uh the so uh the [0:28:48, 0:28:50]: First responder availability. [0:28:50, 0:28:51]: If they go [0:28:52, 0:28:54]: If this is built within a city. [0:28:55, 0:28:58]: That's gonna take some of the first responders away from everybody else. [0:28:59, 0:29:01]: We're not going that which is going to raise our [0:29:02, 0:29:02]: Home taxes. [0:29:04, 0:29:06]: Because it it's just not gonna be available for us. [0:29:07, 0:29:09]: Is something has something been worked out for that? [0:29:10, 0:29:16]: Uh and has a thirty day notice been put out to all the residents that are not involved directly in this. [0:29:17, 0:29:27]: That's some of the things that I think. Were you in it or outside of the city? Uninquorable. [0:29:36, 0:29:38]: Leonard Reynolds [0:29:52, 0:29:56]: Name is Leonard Reynolds. I am at two hundred thirteen Briopracts Court. [0:29:57, 0:30:03]: I uh basically recently moved in. Uh great place. I love it. [0:30:03, 0:30:09]: Well uh my wife is actually she grew up here a little bit more than I have. I grew up out in McDonough. [0:30:10, 0:30:16]: Now I see uh I've I under from my understanding of the microeconomics is that [0:30:16, 0:30:19]: Well what's gonna happen? We don't know [0:30:19, 0:30:20]: That [0:30:20, 0:30:22]: If our property taxes are gonna go down or go up. [0:30:23, 0:30:26]: In that case if they go up our [0:30:27, 0:30:29]: Sorry. The [0:30:31, 0:30:38]: One concern I definitely have is that say an emergency happens, there ah the b uh some of the [0:30:39, 0:30:41]: fire departments or any of the emergency [0:30:42, 0:30:43]: Oh [0:30:43, 0:30:44]: Accessibility. [0:30:45, 0:30:53]: is basically now it's separated from us. Thus we'll need to uh say if we call in nine one one or anything like that, we'll definitely need to [0:30:54, 0:30:57]: I'd prefer to have somebody come in there within like five minutes versus [0:30:57, 0:30:58]: Maybe twenty? [0:30:59, 0:31:03]: Just in case my house is burning down. But other than that, uh the [0:31:03, 0:31:04]: Um [0:31:06, 0:31:11]: Yeah. Uh this right here i if we break off from uh from [0:31:12, 0:31:15]: I'll break off from the economics that we have. I [0:31:17, 0:31:19]: Don't see us oh [0:31:20, 0:31:25]: wanting or desiring to stay around as long as we have so far, and I do plan on trying to stick around. [0:31:25, 0:31:29]: Thank you. Could you tell us if you live in the city or in the county? [0:31:29, 0:31:30]: Oh. [0:31:32, 0:31:38]: It's unincorporated. It was the same street as the previous speaker. Thank you so much. [0:31:45, 0:31:47]: Jacqueline Carrier. [0:31:59, 0:32:05]: Hello, my name is Jacqueline Carrier. Um I live in the unincorporated portion. Um [0:32:05, 0:32:07]: You have to excuse me, I'm getting over an allergy. [0:32:08, 0:32:13]: Um I live at two thirteen Briar Patch Court, Stockbridge, Georgia, three zero two, eight one. [0:32:13, 0:32:14]: And [0:32:14, 0:32:19]: I've lived there for twenty five years. This is the house I grew up in. This is the house I would like to stay in. [0:32:20, 0:32:22]: And I believe there is some [0:32:23, 0:32:25]: unequal portions to this case. [0:32:26, 0:32:30]: We do need an economic study, we do need a look at taxes, how it would affect [0:32:30, 0:32:33]: um the different cities. I would actually like to know [0:32:34, 0:32:38]: why this was put in motion in the first place. I have not been informed or gotten [0:32:38, 0:32:39]: Or have received, I would say. [0:32:40, 0:32:41]: information on [0:32:42, 0:32:46]: what put this all into motion as to why. Who's actually getting the benefit out of all of this? [0:32:47, 0:32:51]: There's some things that just need to be addressed and um somebody previously said that [0:32:51, 0:32:53]: This has happened very quickly. [0:32:54, 0:32:54]: Um [0:32:55, 0:33:00]: with no information, not viable, good studies um information and um [0:33:02, 0:33:12]: I'm I'm wondering w when we were we would receive that to try to figure out what's gonna happen with our properties, what's gonna happen with our taxes. Also I would like to look at the schools and safety issues. [0:33:13, 0:33:16]: You know, how is it gonna affect us in access to safety? [0:33:17, 0:33:19]: So these are things I would like to address. [0:33:19, 0:33:23]: and I would like to um inquire about. [0:33:23, 0:33:23]: So [0:33:24, 0:33:26]: All right. Thank you so much. [0:33:32, 0:33:41]: For the record we have two individuals who signed up with the p public comment cards but did not want to come forward and and publicly speak. [0:33:42, 0:33:45]: That would be Miss Sabrina Jones and [0:33:47, 0:33:50]: Rucinar Anderson, I apologize if I um [0:33:53, 0:34:04]: Didn't get that right, but it's Anderson is the last speaker. Okay, we'll put those two forms in and make them a part of the record. Do we have any other speakers for the Eagles Landing issue? [0:34:07, 0:34:27]: If not at this time we thank all of you who came. You are more than welcome to stay for the remainder of the meeting. Um I'm sure that we cannot at this time answer questions that you had. We are not the ones um setting about to create a new city and it will be a while before [0:34:27, 0:34:30]: before we have data to [0:34:31, 0:34:46]: um hando as to the exact damage it would do to the city. But those things will come in future. And in the meantime I would recommend that you contact the people who are promoting the Eagles Landing as a new city. Thank you so much. [0:34:46, 0:34:47]: Yes. [0:34:47, 0:35:07]: You mind if you don't mind, I'd like to ask uh our attorney a couple questions here. In reference to your pro reference to your message, you talked about the uh bill has been dropped already in this aspect. So for clarity, if you know the answer, how does this affect how does this um go with the Senate? Is it to both senators, state senators have to approve this? [0:35:07, 0:35:13]: [2113.6, 2128.8]: Th the old rule generally was that the entire uh delegation representing the affected area had to support the local legislation before it would would proceed. So all the senators who have uh have touched the affected area [0:35:29, 0:35:32]: uh in the Senate and then of course similarly in the House. Um [0:35:33, 0:35:49]: It's clear that the current legislation does not have that support from all the affected members of the delegation. Um so as a result, it seems that they would have to change the rules in order to allow this to to go forward, if it were to go forward. [0:35:49, 0:36:00]: So right now both senators would have to agree and then and then you have the state reps as well. And I think for us in the city of Stockbridge it's about uh six additional folks. [0:36:00, 0:36:12]: And it would all have to agree unanimously before this would go forward? That that's what the rule t historically has been that the uh general assembly wants the uh delegation representing the affected area to be united. [0:36:12, 0:36:14]: All right. Thank you. [0:36:14, 0:36:19]: I I would like for clarity to ask a question of the attorney. [0:36:20, 0:36:22]: precedent has been set. [0:36:23, 0:36:25]: In the legislature, I believe. [0:36:25, 0:36:30]: that they would make it a general bill to run it through if they don't have that total support. [0:36:30, 0:36:44]: Is that correct? Um that has been discussed and and that's been done, but the bills that have been introduced, um and I think you all may have copies up there, um they were introduced as local legislation. So [0:36:45, 0:37:05]: I it's it's a question as well. In terms of um you know, uh we can only go by the limited information that we have. Um I think um uh city administrator Keith Dickerson from McDonald's said the new rules uh that were relayed to them [0:37:05, 0:37:25]: uh the l uh as a city in their annexation was that the commissioners over that particular area had to be um uh for it as well and it was noted that Commissioner Barnum was not for their um annexation on Jones Railroad so it was not moving. [0:37:25, 0:37:35]: moving forward. I think Commissioner Clemens stated clearly that she was not for this and a majority of this area uh a much of this area is in her commission district. [0:37:36, 0:37:46]: Yeah, and if I could just respond briefly. Yeah, I I saw that and I had not noted that anywhere in the r in the rules that the county commissioner had to support it. [0:37:46, 0:37:57]: But there again, if that is the new rule, the Councilman is exactly right that they should follow that rule and in this case they should not pass this legislation. [0:37:58, 0:37:59]: Mayor, could we [0:38:00, 0:38:01]: Yes, Councilman Blount. [0:38:02, 0:38:18]: There are the the two bills that have been uh dropped are House Bill two six two and House Bill two six three. So if any citizens want to go view those two bills, those are the numbers. Uh um correct me if I'm wrong, two six two is pertaining to the de annexation and [0:38:18, 0:38:25]: of property uh of uh area and two sixty three is dealing with the annexation to form the new city. [0:38:26, 0:38:31]: That's correct. And I would note um in looking at the copy of two sixty two [0:38:31, 0:38:39]: While it also de annexes significant portions of the city, there is also a provision for annexation of new portions which [0:38:40, 0:38:49]: Just looking at the what's presented, I don't know what areas those are, so we'll have to take a look at that and see what they're allegedly or or trying to add to Stockbridge. [0:38:50, 0:38:55]: Just real quick, those are Senate bills, um two six two, two six three, not House bills. [0:38:56, 0:39:02]: Okay. Any other comments? Otherwise we're gonna move on to the business of the evening. [0:39:02, 0:39:20]: Um first thing we're going to bring up is under old business and that is a Mayor Neil, excuse me. Yes. Okay. So we do have two regular not in regards to people's landing. [0:39:20, 0:39:30]: All right. These speakers that will be coming up will be addressing issues that relate to the remainder of the business of the evening. So call those names if you would. [0:39:40, 0:39:45]: Uh good evening again, Mildred Reed, Fire Thirty Creek View Overload. I was here [0:39:45, 0:39:47]: at the regular council meeting. [0:39:47, 0:39:53]: And I wanted to make sure it was on the records for the work session. I had w was requesting that the council [0:39:54, 0:39:57]: City Council and the Mayor would support the Miles [0:39:57, 0:39:58]: For meals. [0:39:58, 0:40:05]: is coming up on May sixth. I have documentation that I will I left with you all earlier, but I'm gonna leave it with the clerk. [0:40:06, 0:40:08]: as to which sponsorship level you all would [0:40:09, 0:40:13]: like to support it. I won't go into a long dissertation, but it's Council on Aging. [0:40:13, 0:40:15]: Mouth for meals. [0:40:15, 0:40:23]: Um May sixth. Okay, thank you. And that that would be something that would be on our next meeting agenda if we [0:40:24, 0:40:27]: choose to go that route. Anybody have a comment? [0:40:28, 0:40:29]: Yeah. [0:40:29, 0:40:31]: All right. Uh Miss Anderson. [0:40:44, 0:40:48]: Hi, I'm uh Recina Anderson, I'm a city um [0:40:49, 0:40:50]: Lusina Anderson. [0:40:51, 0:40:53]: And I live within the city of Stockbridge. [0:40:53, 0:40:58]: I'm not certain if this is something I need to mention now or not, but I saw the city managers [0:40:58, 0:41:05]: uh was gonna make comments during this meeting and I thought maybe after that I would be able to to to speak. But [0:41:06, 0:41:09]: My uh issue was I wanted to first of all commend [0:41:10, 0:41:10]: Uh [0:41:10, 0:41:15]: Everybody on allowing the code enforcement officers to enforce the parking. [0:41:16, 0:41:17]: in our subdivisions. [0:41:18, 0:41:22]: This has been a a great problem in our subdivision, Summer Hill subdivision. [0:41:22, 0:41:26]: For the past three years that I've been the president of the Homeowns Association. [0:41:26, 0:41:29]: And we've had very bad issues with [0:41:30, 0:41:30]: Fa [0:41:31, 0:41:35]: And ambulances being able to to get through the areas where the school buses. [0:41:35, 0:41:40]: And they have really, really improved it over the last few weeks. So [0:41:40, 0:41:41]: I wanted to ask [0:41:41, 0:41:46]: if you all whoever needed to allow the enforcement officers to please [0:41:46, 0:41:49]: write the tickets and not just give the warnings. [0:41:50, 0:41:51]: allow them to write the tickets. [0:41:52, 0:41:54]: allow them to tow if it comes to that. [0:41:54, 0:41:57]: Because it will only take one time. [0:41:57, 0:42:00]: And some people some of the residents are just very stubborn. [0:42:01, 0:42:02]: And have been for years. [0:42:02, 0:42:09]: So it will get around, the word will get around, it won't take that much, but I just wanted to say please allow the code enforcement [0:42:09, 0:42:14]: to have the the hand to go ahead and enforce the the law to the fullest. [0:42:14, 0:42:16]: Thank you so much for those comments. [0:42:20, 0:42:34]: Hear no further comments. Okay. Now we'll move forward and we're going to ask our city manager Michael Harris to come forth and present to the council consideration to approve the social media policy of the city. [0:42:39, 0:42:39]: Hmm. [0:42:54, 0:43:10]: Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, Mayor and Council members. Um this was discussed at a previous meeting, I think the previous work session, and what this is is a proposal to adopt a social media policy. At the time, I reached out to council members to ask if anyone had any comments. [0:43:11, 0:43:13]: or any amendments they'd like to see proposed. [0:43:13, 0:43:15]: um for this policy. [0:43:16, 0:43:17]: I hadn't heard any [0:43:17, 0:43:37]: Um that we did make some tweaks to it over the course of the last day or so. I think you had one in a revised version that was handed out, but I wanted to give you a revised version that was highlighted with the actual proposed amendments to the copy you had previously. And just for the sake of expediency, I'll go through and just kind of highlight some of the key key points. Some of them are just simple text editions. [0:43:37, 0:43:38]: [2618.7, 2619.3]: Um [0:43:39, 0:43:59]: But three of the main ones are uh you know again you see uh uh uh an i a consistent emphasis on the PIO position throughout the document, um and that person's responsibility as relates to posting information, posting things on our city Facebook page, and that would fall pri principally to them at the direction of the C. [0:43:59, 0:44:06]: city manager. Um is one of the key key issues. And if you turn to page [0:44:07, 0:44:08]: Three, the last page. [0:44:09, 0:44:12]: Two of the other big ones relate specifically to [0:44:12, 0:44:13]: Um [0:44:14, 0:44:20]: Um once elected officials are encouraged to establish their own social media accounts and be solely responsible for its content. [0:44:21, 0:44:34]: Um and the last bullet point on that page, CD social media accounts strive to be fair and consistent and therefore will be not be used to promote individuals, businesses, organizations or nonprofits since doing so could be associated [0:44:35, 0:44:36]: were considered rather unfair. [0:44:37, 0:44:57]: to such other entities and would require increased staffing. For this reason only city events as approved by the city council would be moted. However, community events or other initiatives would require approval by the city manager. So we think that taking these steps will help to certainly streamline the activities and have a develop a consistency in how we're handling [0:44:57, 0:45:15]: our social media affairs. Again, knowing that you just received some of these some of these amendments just now or just within the last day or so, certainly not asking for a vote at this time, but I'd like to take this for consideration and but would like to bring it back at the next voting session for consideration for approval. [0:45:15, 0:45:18]: happy to address any questions or comments that any council members may have. [0:45:18, 0:45:21]: Does anyone have a question? Okay. [0:45:21, 0:45:24]: Um Councilman Robinson. [0:45:24, 0:45:44]: You had mentioned that with the elected officials that on the um city web page it would be like uh an attachment that they can go to each council member's personal page. Is that still to be true or not? Well, you know, I went back through and did some other research looking at some other jurisdictions and it is not [0:45:44, 0:45:52]: not set up that way. They will have you can you can email your um representatives but the majority like all the ones that I I I researched [0:45:53, 0:46:11]: they had their own individual you can go to them and and c pull up their name and they had their own individual um Facebook page. And you know the ones that I saw that did have not all of them did, not you know from I looked at a number of different jurisdictions and you may have one or two um council members who opted to have their own page [0:46:11, 0:46:14]: And it would have pictures of events that they attended that they were participating in. [0:46:16, 0:46:17]: Closure. [0:46:18, 0:46:22]: Uh Councilman Alexander. A couple of things real quick. [0:46:23, 0:46:43]: Uh first of all, this is totally related to uh the city social media account uh in all aspects is what I'm reading and confirming. This is just a city uh uh Facebook um or social media platforms. And the question that I would have is uh under the last highlight which is [0:46:43, 0:46:49]: is the city will not uh either edit or post responses. [0:46:49, 0:46:56]: And then someone comes on there, they're using foul language or they're using uh inappropriate dialogue. [0:46:57, 0:47:06]: Does this preclude this from being removed from the page?'Cause I mean, in these days and times we have people that post any and everything. Right. [0:47:06, 0:47:07]: Which [0:47:07, 0:47:16]: On the second page? On the second page is the last highlighted items is that the city will not edit other posts slash responses. [0:47:24, 0:47:44]: Oh I think this is inform uh um from an internal standpoint, but we can respond to if someone gives a i if there's some disinformation that's being posted out there, then we can respond to it. I think it does another portion of the policy, it does speak to the ability um to respond [0:47:44, 0:47:46]: [2867.1, 2873.9]: I'm saying if s some in something inappropriate is posted, we don't reserve the right to remove that. [0:47:58, 0:47:59]: The zone of okay. [0:48:03, 0:48:11]: Personal attacks, vulgar language, discriminatory or inflammatory posts by others are strongly discouraged. If a post is determined to be in violation of this policy, such posts may be removed. [0:48:11, 0:48:22]: Okay, and one other question if I may. In terms of just like today, just for instance, practical application, there was something uh there was a veteran's job fair. [0:48:22, 0:48:24]: that was here in Stockbridge. [0:48:24, 0:48:44]: In order for something like that to post who has the ultimate um the the decision making, the PO PIO officer if we hire one, will that person be the sole person judging it? Will there be guidelines for them to do so?'Cause I sure would have liked to see that veterans' job fair out there today. [0:48:44, 0:48:46]: And it's a good point. [0:48:47, 0:48:53]: The challenge we have in that, we've had this discussion um at some point a couple of years back actually. [0:48:53, 0:49:10]: If we begin to open it up to one organization, then invariably you have to open up to all that may want to advertise on the website. So I think there has to be a distinction and perhaps it may mean having to come back with a set set policy. You know, I it it so it's going to be either all or none. [0:49:10, 0:49:16]: you know, in cases like that. So having to have um some discernment on what is [0:49:17, 0:49:19]: You know, you certainly want to make sure we are getting forward [0:49:19, 0:49:22]: viable information, you know, for the community, but [0:49:22, 0:49:27]: In so doing, we have to be careful that if we are promoting events [0:49:27, 0:49:29]: for other organizations [0:49:29, 0:49:30]: Probably or private. [0:49:30, 0:49:31]: Um [0:49:31, 0:49:33]: Then if we start down that road. [0:49:33, 0:49:53]: then you have to continue down that road. So I think there's a a line you have to and that's why I think the last line in there is also there shall be some discretion by the city manager to determine if something if there's something is a borderline that we think well this is obviously something of a of a benefit for the entirety of the of the community that needs to be reflected. But you know, businesses, public [0:49:53, 0:50:05]: and private, hold job fairs on a regular basis. So um is that something that the council would like to see us advertising for? You know, how you make that distinction um between a public entity and a private entity per se? [0:50:05, 0:50:09]: Um so I think there's some challenges innate with that as well. But I think you know this what this is saying [0:50:10, 0:50:13]: that that determination would be made by the PIO [0:50:13, 0:50:15]: as directed by the city manager. [0:50:16, 0:50:36]: So it'd be one individual and that's one of the other key points with this, it'd be one individual with hold the responsibility of going through and making the post and posting those items on there. So put it then again if there's uh items that, you know, certainly the determination is made that this is certainly within the public good, that everyone should have this information, then I think you can look at cer certain [0:50:36, 0:50:38]: certain items on a case by case basis. [0:50:39, 0:50:40]: I hope that addresses your question. [0:50:43, 0:50:44]: Madam Madame. [0:50:45, 0:50:48]: Yes, Councilman um Lakeisha Gantt. [0:50:48, 0:50:48]: Thank you. [0:50:49, 0:50:50]: Um Mr. Harris, uh [0:50:51, 0:50:54]: On the very last paragraph it does give you discretion [0:50:55, 0:51:04]: um, you know, to post certain things and I know each council member have we have initiatives, um, so to speak. Um [0:51:05, 0:51:15]: And those initiatives are for the citizens and so coffee with the cop or the nonprofit organization or something that councilwoman need [0:51:15, 0:51:16]: Those things would still be [0:51:17, 0:51:20]: received as posted, correct? [0:51:20, 0:51:32]: And I think it makes that point. This would actually focus solely on those that are city events as opposed to city initiatives. If that's something that the council would like to revisit then certainly we can look at it that way. But [0:51:32, 0:51:34]: That's something we were [0:51:34, 0:51:38]: For those things that were initiatives, individual initiative items. [0:51:38, 0:51:44]: those could be relegated to the individual's personal pages or personal Facebook pages. [0:51:45, 0:51:58]: But we're doing it for the city. So uh we're using city funds t as part of initiatives. There's a set aside amount. So if there's a non profit the nonprofit mixtures coming up in April [0:51:59, 0:52:19]: And it's for all the citizens you would want that posted as an event that's taking place within the city limits of Stockbridge, regardless of the council member of whom sponsored it. And so if that's the case then that's the change that I would like to see is just to add those council [0:52:19, 0:52:36]: So those the city initiatives, not necessarily say council initiatives, those city initiatives. Right. Anything that comes from the city um yeah, city funds basically, city initiatives. [0:52:36, 0:52:39]: The number of initiatives could be anywhere from [0:52:39, 0:52:42]: five to fifty in the course of any one year. [0:52:42, 0:52:48]: Um so that's also part of that challenge. I mean I know there's a limited number of funds that uh city mi the city council has [0:52:48, 0:52:50]: for those, but they can be [0:52:51, 0:52:55]: That can certainly get overwhelming as you can imagine. So that was a thought of relegating this [0:52:56, 0:53:16]: Because sometimes you can be you can have so much content on your Facebook page, things get lost. And I think that's one of the challenges that we've had over the years. Um so the focus being on for those individual initiatives, if those could be relegated to the individual's Facebook page and just keep the city's Facebook page solely for those city events, but certainly that can be, you know, that's [0:53:16, 0:53:18]: the desire of the council, we can respond accordingly. [0:53:21, 0:53:22]: Any other comments? [0:53:22, 0:53:37]: Um for Tim Ford. That I I'm concerned with uh if it's spearheaded by a council member and it's using city funds for an initiative, I also would think it needs to go on a website because it's it's using city funds. [0:53:38, 0:53:42]: in that aspect, I think that'd be appropriate. Okay. I just want to make sure I I chime in on that one. [0:53:43, 0:53:43]: Mayor. [0:53:44, 0:54:04]: Uh yes, Councilman Alexander. I would say this, there is either a compromise position to that. The city initiatives could go on the city Facebook page without the councilperson's name. It's still a city event. So if you put the city event on the city Facebook page as a city event to advertise [0:54:04, 0:54:09]: Without the name, wouldn't it be do accomplishing the same thing? [0:54:11, 0:54:24]: Yeah, yeah, i i it it could. And you speak to one of the other issues and speaking to some of my peers in other other other municipalities, you know, one of the concerns was if you'd never want to have it come across as campaigning throughout the course of a term. [0:54:24, 0:54:28]: You know, so you want to make sure you're protecting against that. So that may be a way to [0:54:28, 0:54:29]: offset, you know. [0:54:30, 0:54:31]: That perception certainly. [0:54:33, 0:54:33]: Mayor. [0:54:34, 0:54:36]: Uh yes. [0:54:37, 0:54:54]: You know, some people gonna look at this differently, but we're elected officials. We're here to serve and if we're using city funds, that is our opportunity to show where those funds are going. Because people, this is public w records and it may be overwhelming to some, but we have a duty. [0:54:54, 0:54:56]: um to the citizens. [0:54:56, 0:54:57]: to do what we have to do. [0:54:58, 0:55:00]: Um and that's why we were elected. [0:55:00, 0:55:00]: So [0:55:02, 0:55:06]: Again, we're all saying the same thing. That is something that we're here [0:55:06, 0:55:07]: Um [0:55:07, 0:55:09]: to do and and be accountable. [0:55:10, 0:55:13]: And if it can be overwhelming, I think that's just something that we [0:55:14, 0:55:16]: possibly just need to look at. Um [0:55:18, 0:55:23]: But we as elected officials we have a duty. [0:55:24, 0:55:26]: Uh yes, Councilman Blount. [0:55:27, 0:55:30]: [3331.2, 3338.1]: I understand where you're coming from when it comes to those uh entities that come into the city that are paying for facilities. [0:55:38, 0:55:44]: And even if what they're doing can benefit the citizens, those are private entities that come in. [0:55:44, 0:55:49]: then we can have a uh we can say, okay, well these are s entities coming in, even if it's a [0:55:50, 0:55:53]: benefit to the citizens, they're bringing it in, they're c they're doing the cause for it. [0:55:54, 0:55:58]: But when it comes to council and initiatives, since we're at large and we're not in districts [0:55:59, 0:56:01]: those citizens that elected us in positions [0:56:02, 0:56:06]: For instance, when I was doing a back to school kickoff [0:56:06, 0:56:17]: I'm on the ground running. I'm going I'm going to businesses. I'm going to uh w I'm I'm on the ground running and I don't think it's fair for anyone to be on the ground running with any initiative up here. [0:56:18, 0:56:24]: and all the other council members can do if neat or like any anybody, anybody doing the initiative [0:56:24, 0:56:28]: And all we do as other council members come in and take a a a photo op. [0:56:29, 0:56:33]: then I don't think it's fair for those that are putting the putting the groundwork. [0:56:33, 0:56:53]: for those initiatives and making it happen. So I do think that that that council member that's on the ground dealing with the public and making things happen, they should be recognized. Because we are at large. So if you elected me to make things happen, then let's see the results of w what we was elected those council members for. When Neat does a c uh unity in the community [0:56:53, 0:56:55]: I think she should be recognized. [0:56:55, 0:57:03]: When you do your mixer, they should be recognized. Call for the copy should be recognized. Elton Arizona wants to do the the uh workout over there at the party, he should be recognized. [0:57:04, 0:57:08]: But is there is there city funds being used? Of course there are. [0:57:08, 0:57:20]: As long as we don't go overboard we're just talking about an advertisement of an event that a council member is doing. We're not talking about sitting here, you know, I think we do enough that we could we we deserve that. [0:57:20, 0:57:28]: Well well you make a great point. You know, if it's advertising that event, that's one thing. Sure and I think that's that could certainly be deemed as appropriate. Um [0:57:29, 0:57:49]: But when we get into multiple pictures throughout the event and and and everything that comes along with it, then that's where it becomes again that perception of is this campaigning or where's that line exist? And and please know, you know, this was taken from you know, we looked at a number of different uh jurisdictions and got input from them on how they conduct [0:57:49, 0:58:07]: their their social media policy so it wasn't in in any way, shape, or form an attempt to try and stifle um the efforts that are being done by the council. It's simply looking at a methodology that we think would help streamline the process and and then make it more appropriate how we present it. [0:58:08, 0:58:10]: Um [0:58:10, 0:58:23]: I I was just gonna suggest, since this is a discussion item, if the council has other points that you'd like to make, if you would maybe um turn those in to the city manager. [0:58:24, 0:58:29]: Would that be agreeable with everybody since this is not going to be a vote item tonight? [0:58:29, 0:58:39]: If you would please study this uh presentation that he's given you and get back to him if you have objections in any areas. [0:58:39, 0:58:42]: If we could move on. Is everybody okay with that? [0:58:43, 0:58:59]: Okay. All right. Then we are concluding with our old business and we'll move on to new business and the first order business will be presented tonight for us by Susan Crutchfield who will tell us about the Paint Henry Blue campaign. [0:59:08, 0:59:26]: Good evening, Mayor Neal and and this is Robin. She's gonna tell us a little bit about it. Um good evening, Mayor Neil and City Council members. We are with Prevent Child Abuse Henry County and we are here representing um a citizens group called Paint Henry Blue that gets together together every year. [0:59:26, 0:59:29]: for child abuse prevention month, which is in April. [0:59:29, 0:59:37]: We always have a kickoff to that month, which is a big awareness month for us, and this year it's gonna be March thirtieth on a Thursday. [0:59:37, 0:59:40]: And we would love to have it this year in the city of Stockbridge and [0:59:41, 0:59:44]: Would like to use the Merle Manders Conference Center if possible. [0:59:44, 0:59:45]: Um the amount [0:59:45, 0:59:48]: Um set up for the event would start around five o'clock. [0:59:49, 0:59:52]: And cleanup would be finished by eight thirty. [0:59:53, 0:59:53]: Um [0:59:54, 0:59:57]: We will have some group some children's groups singing during the event. [0:59:58, 1:00:01]: We will have um a band there also. [1:00:02, 1:00:05]: We will have a pinwheel vigil um [1:00:05, 1:00:05]: We'll have [1:00:06, 1:00:11]: Law enforcement will be there, um, with their blue lights to help us paint Henry blue. [1:00:11, 1:00:13]: Um we also have [1:00:13, 1:00:14]: Um [1:00:14, 1:00:17]: Speakers. Yes, all the mayors will be there to do a proclamation. [1:00:18, 1:00:20]: on child ab for child abuse prevention month. [1:00:20, 1:00:22]: We will also have two um [1:00:22, 1:00:24]: speakers at the event. [1:00:25, 1:00:32]: Yeah, both of the speakers are survivors of child abuse, uh adults at this point and are speaking out to the community. [1:00:33, 1:00:38]: Um and one is a gentleman who is actually a detective in DeCab County now. Uh [1:00:38, 1:00:40]: And a a young lady who is a [1:00:41, 1:00:42]: Uh child. [1:00:42, 1:00:51]: had uh graduated from the a friend's house and is uh still interning with them and is also a survivor of children's as well. [1:00:52, 1:00:55]: Okay. Do you um? [1:00:56, 1:00:58]: Yes, Councilman Alexander. [1:00:58, 1:01:18]: I I would just like to say thank you all and commend you all for what you're doing. Uh we uh got to enjoy the the event last year in Hampton. It was absolutely fabulous and I'm I'd like to thank you all for bringing this to the city and uh whatever we can do to help you. [1:01:18, 1:01:29]: you uh to increase awareness. I'm willing to do that personally because I think what I saw was such an extraordinarily beautiful event and thank you for blessing the city. [1:01:32, 1:01:33]: Yes, Councilman Blount. [1:01:34, 1:01:36]: Have you all checked are are those dates open? [1:01:36, 1:01:37]: I don't know. [1:01:37, 1:01:38]: Well yeah. [1:01:38, 1:01:41]: Is anybody planning to make a motion? [1:01:41, 1:02:01]: I would like to make uh Robinson. Excuse me, I'm sorry, Mayor Neal, if I may, before you make the motion, I just wanted to clarify that there are some costs associated from the city side. Um some food, some other items that would be um need to be purchased. Uh if you can include within the motion just the approval for [1:02:01, 1:02:15]: or to utilize funds from the governing miscellaneous fund. I know Davida's been working on this along with our Main Street Department um to help uh with with with with the folks from um Paint Henry Blue. So if you can include that that funding [1:02:15, 1:02:18]: Not to exceed seven fifty I think would probably be appropriate. [1:02:19, 1:02:22]: Seven fifty, I think is what we talked about earlier. [1:02:22, 1:02:22]: Okay. [1:02:23, 1:02:25]: We'll turn to Councilman Robinson for the motion. [1:02:26, 1:02:34]: Thank you so much. I was there in Hampton, so I was excited when the um clerk said you all will be w in Stockbridge. Wonderful event. [1:02:34, 1:02:46]: I think the clerk has an ag uh change to that amount, um, City Manager. So I would like to make a motion. [1:02:46, 1:02:47]: Okay. [1:02:49, 1:02:50]: Please go ahead. [1:02:50, 1:03:05]: I would like to make a motion um for the twenty seventeen Paint Henry Blue um to be able to use the Myrtle Manders Conference Center with the approval of gov using funds from the governance miscellaneous fund not to exceed a thousand dollars. [1:03:06, 1:03:07]: A second. [1:03:09, 1:03:14]: We have a motion and a second by Councilman Gantt. Uh is there discussion? [1:03:17, 1:03:20]: No discussion. All in favor? [1:03:22, 1:03:26]: All opposed? Thank you so much. Thank you both for coming. [1:03:31, 1:03:42]: The next presenter will be Nan Jenkins who is the director of a friend's house and she's gonna come up about the twenty seventeen Taste of Henry promotional partnership. [1:03:47, 1:03:52]: I might add that Nan Jenkins is a graduate of Stockbridge High School. [1:03:53, 1:04:13]: Class of nineteen no, two thousand and one I think. That's correct. Thank you, Mayor Neil. That is exactly correct. Um Mayor Neal and Council members, thank you for uh allowing me the opportunity to come before you again this year. Um I believe I was in front of all of you except for uh Mayor Neal last year. Uh [1:04:13, 1:04:26]: Taste of Henry and um as you just heard from the uh ladies from Prevent Child Abuse, a friend's house has a seat um on the Prevent Child Abuse board as well and and I do feel that seat and uh [1:04:27, 1:04:30]: It's just a wonderful thing because obviously we are all here [1:04:31, 1:04:31]: Um [1:04:32, 1:04:33]: Two [1:04:33, 1:04:43]: uh prevent child abuse and uh unfortunately we are the place where the kids reside uh when there has been uh bad abuse and so [1:04:44, 1:04:48]: we do feel that if if we can partner with them um and have it stop then [1:04:48, 1:04:52]: Maybe one day there won't be a need for a place like a friend's house. [1:04:52, 1:05:12]: Uh the reason I'm coming to you tonight is just simply uh as I did last year to ask for your support for our Taste of Henry event. This is the 16th year of our event and it is one of two uh major fundraisers that we do for a friend's house. The other one is our benefit dinner, which we do for [1:05:12, 1:05:18]: hold here at Burr Manders every year and um have for the the p past five or six years. [1:05:18, 1:05:38]: uh and enjoy that. Uh this event itself is in McDonough and the reason for that is because we do have the big um pavilion out there so it can be a rain or shine event and that is the reason it is held in McDonough. However it is Taste of Henry and it does uh represent all of [1:05:38, 1:05:40]: The um [1:05:40, 1:06:00]: caterers, eating places, beverage places, uh anyone who basically serves food um or beverage in Henry County. And I'm really pleased this year. Um uh Kira the other day sent me um a list of all the restaurants in Stockbridge and I just started going down the list and uh we already have [1:06:00, 1:06:13]: have two new places, the Soul for Souls restaurant and also the Drip Through Coffee that is there on the corner. Um are two new ones and then of course Boys and Kroger and um [1:06:13, 1:06:27]: The Wings of Fish Grill was uh in Jodico. They participated last year, they're pretty much on the fence uh this year and think they're gonna do it. And then there's a couple of catering uh places as well that reside in the city. [1:06:27, 1:06:31]: um that are gonna do it as well. So so far we have a around twenty [1:06:32, 1:06:52]: um places signed up and six of those are particularly uh it within Stockbridge so as we try to spread it around to all of our communities uh Stockbridge is already very well represented. We do put up banners for the event. That's one of the ways that we advertise. Last year you all granted us that opportunity. [1:06:52, 1:07:10]: And um again I worked with Kira and she had those hung around the city and uh I just think it was just great exposure uh for our event and I would just really appreciate it. Um again, we last year was our biggest year ever for Taste of Henry. I think that was helped out a lot by the um [1:07:11, 1:07:16]: The weather, uh because uh we had a a great deal of attendance there. [1:07:16, 1:07:36]: the city of Sotbridge uh in Main Street, they do have um a booth there and uh share information so it's a great uh public awareness event for the city as well. And again at a friend's house uh which is where our kids live last year, last fiscal year we served ninety three children, which is the most children we've served in the last eight years. [1:07:36, 1:07:38]: Years in one year. [1:07:38, 1:07:51]: Um and our average stay per child was uh 102 days last year. So um that's uh a lot of days out of a child's life, but uh we are glad that that they have a friend's house to stay at. [1:07:51, 1:08:02]: And uh we're uh required to raise about forty six percent of our budget and Taste of Henry is one of those ways that we are able to do it. So uh uh any support you all [1:08:02, 1:08:07]: could give would be greatly appreciated and if you have any questions I would be happy to entertain. [1:08:07, 1:08:08]: Mayor. [1:08:08, 1:08:12]: Yes. I just um I have a um I guess [1:08:12, 1:08:26]: You do a great job. I met you at Stockbridge High School with the cheerleaders. Is there a possible way we would love to invite you to come when we do our um outdoor events such as uh Food Truck Tuesday to bring awareness to our community? [1:08:27, 1:08:38]: that would be great. Um, something that you can come out and definitely share with our community. Um because this is some good information that a lot of people are not aware of. So if that's something that would be great. [1:08:39, 1:08:58]: Yes, I would that would be a great thing. I know that we come to the the nonprofit uh forum every year and that's great and uh that would be a another great opportunity. We we love to go anywhere we can to get the word out because we also of course depend a lot on volunteers. Uh that's a huge part of what we do at a friend's house and so um [1:08:58, 1:09:08]: to get the word out, you know, that we're there so if people want to help or volunteer, we we love that opportunity. So I'd be pleased to do that. Thank you, Naean. Do we need a motion, anything? [1:09:08, 1:09:10]: I got a question I need to ask me. [1:09:11, 1:09:16]: Um on these uh on the donations and ways that you can uh help a friend's house. [1:09:17, 1:09:36]: People that have in kind donations, is there a list somewhere? Is on the website. Yes, sir. There it we have a website. W dot ta um that's sorry, Taste of Henry on the brain, uh a friendshouse dot org. But you also can go to taste of henry dot org and and we put everybody's logo and you can see all that as well. But yes, we have a list that runs [1:09:37, 1:09:57]: um all the time on our website about ways to volunteer and different uh in kind donations that that we do accept. With the in kind donation is it on the website tells how to get it to you?'Cause I don't see it on the other side. Yes sir, we we don't do any kind of pickup but uh you can always bring the donations directly to um to a friend's house any time because there's [1:09:57, 1:10:00]: someone there, unfortunately all the time. So [1:10:01, 1:10:12]: Uh yes, per Tim Ford. Yes. Of the what we did last year we had uh we had actual banners at what two or three different locations in the city. Do you know? King? [1:10:12, 1:10:14]: Four locations, okay. [1:10:20, 1:10:31]: Over in front of at the point of work in the Western Boulevard, um there was one that I think that's Friday Road, that's a road. There was [1:10:32, 1:10:46]: in front of Walmart because I'm sitting there one day as I'm making my rounds to the restaurant, I was like, There's a sign I rolled down my window and took a picture so um and we provide the banners um here provided the manpower and specifically where they should go so [1:10:46, 1:10:55]: Okay, make sure I understand you're only asking for th from us. If I maybe I went maybe I missed it. You're only asking for us for these banners to go up. The manpower put these banners up, is that correct? [1:10:55, 1:10:58]: Yes, sir. Yes, sir. That's all I'm asking for. [1:10:58, 1:11:05]: S that's and uh okay and I guess the the recognition dinner mural manners, that's a different case, that's something later on in the year. [1:11:05, 1:11:08]: Yes, sir. That's something we do all on our all on our own and [1:11:09, 1:11:29]: All right. Yes. Okay, thank you. Okay. Uh since we don't need a motion or do we? That's correct. I think this is just, you know, getting okay from the council. There's no um financial expenditures in this case, but there is obviously there is human capital being used, secure as time, public work staff will be putting up the banner, so make sure you all are okay with that and what [1:11:29, 1:11:30]: proceed as we did last year. [1:11:30, 1:11:33]: I have a question. [1:11:33, 1:11:51]: Last question. I'm always thinking about starfish. And y and definitely you have this event here. Might they be giving some thought to having an outdoor event a second outdoor event here in the city?'Cause we do have tremendous turnout when we have these events here in the city. [1:11:52, 1:12:06]: Yes, sir. I have be I came to one of the the food truck things last or two or three times, but one time specifically. Uh it's a great event and again the the main reason that we do it where we do it is just because of the cupboard. Um [1:12:07, 1:12:27]: Because if not then if it's raining then it's gonna total'cause it's really funny because even a bad year in the rain, which the three previous years were, we had uh eight or nine hundred people because they s you can still come out and come under the covered pavilion. But um you know, if we do it completely [1:12:27, 1:12:47]: the outdoors then it will just totally be a wash if something should happen and it should rain. I just don't even want to say it because I teach myself too many times. But I would love so whenever y'all get that pavilion built, I'm ready. I'm ready for the city'cause I've like said, I grew up here and [1:12:47, 1:12:49]: This is where I still live, so it's great. [1:12:49, 1:12:57]: Thank you so much. Um let me ask uh poll the council real quick, are you okay with this without a vote? [1:12:57, 1:12:59]: Or does anybody want to make a motion? [1:13:00, 1:13:06]: Mayor Neal, I move that we approve the twenty seventeen Taste of Henry Promotional Partnership. Second. [1:13:06, 1:13:11]: Okay, I have a motion by Gantt and a second by Robinson. All in favor? [1:13:12, 1:13:15]: You're official. Thank you very much. Good to see you all. [1:13:18, 1:13:29]: Now this time we're calling on our human resources director to come up and present uh consideration to approve our new employee manual update. [1:13:41, 1:13:43]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. [1:13:44, 1:13:45]: Um [1:13:45, 1:13:50]: What you have before you is the um updated version of the employee manual. [1:13:51, 1:13:55]: And there were a few sections that um had to be updated. [1:13:55, 1:13:56]: Um [1:13:57, 1:14:00]: Since the last update was in two thousand thirteen. [1:14:00, 1:14:04]: We added the new um statement of our mission values. [1:14:05, 1:14:07]: and vision statement um to the [1:14:07, 1:14:08]: A manual [1:14:09, 1:14:10]: There was an update. [1:14:10, 1:14:12]: Uh would you all have approved of the um [1:14:13, 1:14:14]: Progressive discipline. [1:14:15, 1:14:17]: policy on page thirty two. [1:14:17, 1:14:18]: Which was added. [1:14:19, 1:14:24]: We updated the inclement weather and emergency circumstances, which is on page twenty. [1:14:25, 1:14:28]: We added uh section forty eight hundred. [1:14:28, 1:14:33]: It may not be on your table of contents, but it is on page twenty six, children at work. [1:14:35, 1:14:39]: We revised and updated chapter nine on types of leave. We [1:14:39, 1:14:43]: went in and did a new annual encyclically policy, so now we [1:14:43, 1:14:45]: updated the total policy in the manual. [1:14:46, 1:14:48]: uh for all employees to adhere to. [1:14:49, 1:14:54]: We added section nine eighty, which is donated leave on page forty six. [1:14:54, 1:14:57]: and add an update of section fourteen hundred. [1:14:57, 1:15:00]: of job abandonment on page forty eight. [1:15:00, 1:15:04]: So those were the only sections that were updated in the manual. [1:15:04, 1:15:08]: besides some minor adjustments to clarify some areas. [1:15:11, 1:15:13]: Do you want to ask a question or make a motion? [1:15:13, 1:15:18]: Uh I'm gonna ask I'm gonna make a comment if you don't mind. Okay. Thank you. Pro Tem Ford. [1:15:19, 1:15:21]: Renee, but when you said the page numbers [1:15:22, 1:15:27]: We don't have to have a lot of people. You have the table of contents? Yes, table of contents. [1:15:27, 1:15:32]: There's a table of contents in your in your package. And I was just noting those [1:15:33, 1:15:38]: Yeah. Pages are the the pages are not numbered in our version. [1:15:39, 1:15:41]: Okay, well I'll have to give you those. [1:15:44, 1:15:52]: Okay, I'm gonna give you I'll give you a new update of the table contents. The other comment I like to make is uh I like this I like the fact the statement of philosophy and mission [1:15:52, 1:15:55]: statement of our vision, mission statement, values [1:15:55, 1:15:56]: And we act. [1:15:56, 1:16:02]: and and we will act in a way that promotes peace and and unity. I like that. I'm glad the employees are getting that. [1:16:02, 1:16:04]: Very good statement. Thank you very much. [1:16:05, 1:16:05]: Okay. [1:16:06, 1:16:07]: [4568.0, 4577.1]: Have a question from Councilman Alexander. Yes, we've been uh the city manager and uh has um undertaking the scorecarding. [1:16:17, 1:16:35]: Is that factored into this at all or how does that work? Is it is it applicable to the manual at all in terms of the scorecarding? The scorecarding is basically dealing with our projects and programs that a staff is involved in and basically it's to uh [1:16:35, 1:16:39]: task out what we're doing at a given time and giving it an end date. [1:16:39, 1:16:42]: So the scorecarding is more of an accountability. [1:16:42, 1:16:50]: type of measurement that we're using uh for staff. But it has nothing to be added to the uh it would not be added to the fully manual. [1:16:51, 1:17:05]: Mayor Neal. Yes, Councillor. Yes, that would be fine. [1:17:06, 1:17:07]: Um do week. [1:17:08, 1:17:11]: Okay, yes, that's what I was gonna say. Make a motion if you would. [1:17:11, 1:17:12]: Um [1:17:13, 1:17:25]: I don't have to make a motion to just we don't have to make a motion to just uh move on. To table until the next meeting. Is that what you're saying? Yes. Okay. Um let me [1:17:27, 1:17:36]: Are you okay with that? Madam Mayor, if no action is taken then this can be brought back at the appropriate time. So you can't. Okay, just no I no motions needed. Okay. All right. [1:17:37, 1:17:39]: Let's move on. Um [1:17:39, 1:17:46]: The next uh presentation will be by our public works director, Decius Aaron, and he's actually [1:17:46, 1:17:55]: presenting two items, but we'll start with council consideration to approve statewide contract for public works sewer department. [1:17:57, 1:17:59]: Good evening, Madam Mayor and Council. [1:18:00, 1:18:03]: I'm coming before you the request approval to purchase [1:18:03, 1:18:07]: An L five fifty with the crane on it for eighty four thousand five hundred and three. [1:18:07, 1:18:09]: Forty eight dollars from Wade Ford. [1:18:10, 1:18:23]: uh we're gonna be replacing a twenty year old vehicle that is a workforce for the wastewater collection division and that it's used to pull motors and other things of that sort that weighs between five hundred and twelve hundred pounds. So [1:18:23, 1:18:32]: This vehicle is twenty years old, it's out use it's outlived its useful life and the maintenance cost exceeds the value of the vehicle, so [1:18:32, 1:18:42]: We're requesting your approval to purchase this vehicle. Okay. Do I hear a motion that we accept this presentation? Can I I want to do that? [1:18:43, 1:18:45]: I wanted to ask Mr. Harris. [1:18:46, 1:18:48]: Okay, please pause just a minute. [1:18:48, 1:19:08]: Um okay we have someone in it asked to m make a motion. Question. But less a question. Okay, go ahead if you would, Councilman Alexander. I appreciate our new public works director coming in, assessing the equipment because our people need good uh projects, good equipment to work on. The one thing I just I want to direct this to the [1:19:08, 1:19:17]: city manager in terms of I have a granddaughter, we have children. In terms of in terms of equipment at some point [1:19:18, 1:19:38]: evaluation on m moving to some gr more greener type of uh more environmentally sensitive type of equipment. Um is any uh weight being given to that at all at this point or we just trying to we just need to buy something and well in this case we do we need to replace an [1:19:38, 1:19:55]: outdated um um piece of equipment. There have been some conversations. I can tell you I have some experience and uh Mr. Aaron and I have had some other conversations in regards to um compressed gas, natural gas vehicles. There's certainly it's it's an investment, I'll tell you that. Um [1:19:55, 1:20:15]: Councilman McGann had a conversation uh regarding electric vehicles and seeing where their usefulness may be appropriate within the incorporating and began looking at incorporating some of those within the uh stormwater fleet. So those are conversations we have started, you know, right now. A big yeah, a lot of this goes back to the uh process of going through the asset [1:20:15, 1:20:35]: management that we did because we need to get a uh an accurate accounting of all the equipment that we have. So once we going through that process for a year and a half that you know Ms. Neighbors and her team um working with our public works department we spearhead, that was critical because that gave us at least a snapshot and a baseline of what do we have. [1:20:35, 1:20:55]: and what's the current condition of those of of that equipment. So once we're able to go through and make that assessment, we need to start making the determination of, okay, what needs to be replaced right now and w how much w what are other some of the other items that we have, maybe you know, a couple of years, five, ten years before and start looking at a re actual replacement schedule for our equipment and other capital [1:20:55, 1:21:15]: some of our other capital items. Um but certainly as we have those conversations, those conversations progress, looking at ways to utilize either again natural gas or electric vehicles and incorporating that into our fleet is something we would like to do. Right. [1:21:14, 1:21:22]: equipment but making sure that we are incorporating this at some point that we get to that we are looking out for the environment. [1:21:25, 1:21:32]: Well one of the other things too when you're talking about compressed natural gas is finding places to get the fuel from. If it's not [1:21:33, 1:21:41]: in a close proximity to you, then it kinda hampers and limits you as to what you can do and what you can use the vehicle for. This is the vehicle that's used [1:21:42, 1:21:42]: constantly. [1:21:43, 1:21:50]: And you're talking maybe a hundred, a hundred plus miles a day on that vehicle sometimes. So if you don't have a fueling station nearby [1:21:50, 1:21:57]: It makes it be kinda obsolete because you can't use it as much'cause you spend time going back and forth trying to get [1:21:57, 1:21:58]: fuel for it. [1:22:00, 1:22:05]: Okay. Uh any other questions? Mayor, just one question. Okay. Councilman Blount. [1:22:05, 1:22:06]: Mr. Harris [1:22:06, 1:22:07]: Um [1:22:08, 1:22:12]: The um Public Works Department has a budget for this or where will this come from? [1:22:12, 1:22:18]: Public works budget, yes. It was budgeted item. So the kill two birds and one stone, that's on both proposals. [1:22:19, 1:22:25]: Yes. The next two items, yeah, both items. Those are budget items that were approved in the December budget that was approved. Yes, sir. [1:22:26, 1:22:31]: All right, do I hear a motion that we move forward w with item five? [1:22:32, 1:22:33]: Mail. [1:22:33, 1:22:45]: Madam Mayor, I move that we approve the um item number five F five fifty with the nine inch crane. Nine foot crane. Nine foot cream. Yes. Yeah. [1:22:45, 1:22:48]: Okay, thank you. Okay, and we have a second to that. [1:22:49, 1:22:51]: Um any further discussion? [1:22:52, 1:22:53]: If not [1:22:53, 1:22:54]: All in favour? [1:22:57, 1:23:00]: No opposed? Passed. Okay. And um [1:23:00, 1:23:08]: Mr. Aaron, if you would continue with item number six. Yes, Madam Mayor. The next item is to replace three Ford F one fifty [1:23:08, 1:23:12]: that's past their uh serviceable life, so we're requesting permission to [1:23:13, 1:23:13]: Purtis three. [1:23:14, 1:23:15]: four point fifty is from [1:23:16, 1:23:21]: Alan Vigil Ford and Morrow, Georgia, for a cost of seventy five thousand nine hundred and ninety three dollars. [1:23:23, 1:23:28]: Okay, you've heard the presentation. Uh any questions before we call for the vote? [1:23:30, 1:23:31]: Have a motion. [1:23:32, 1:23:41]: Well Madam Mayor, I would like to make a motion that we approve the Ford three F Ford one hundred fifties four by four super cat pickup trucks. Second. [1:23:41, 1:23:47]: That was a motion by Councilman Gantt and a second by Pro Tem Ford. All in favor? [1:23:49, 1:23:49]: Thank you. [1:23:50, 1:23:53]: Right, thank you so much. Thank you very much, Madam Mayor and Council. [1:23:53, 1:23:55]: Give that in a hundred tonight. [1:23:56, 1:24:07]: Thanks. Okay, let's move on to our procurement specialist, um Don uh Donald Riley has a presentation number seven. [1:24:16, 1:24:24]: Good evening, Madam Mayor and Council members. I have uh count for council consideration approval of [1:24:25, 1:24:30]: approval the recommendation of diversified environmental management inc [1:24:31, 1:24:35]: for demolition and sight clearing services of the one forty six Burke Street. [1:24:36, 1:24:37]: in Stockbridge, Georgia. [1:24:38, 1:24:38]: Yes. [1:24:39, 1:24:43]: You've heard the presentation. Do I hear any questions? Yes. [1:24:44, 1:25:00]: Okay, Councilman Alexander, you may go first. Uh my question is to this council and I think I said this, you know, when we originally tried to do this. I'm absolutely for moving forward, but I think I don't want to see an empty lot sitting there. [1:25:01, 1:25:12]: for a year or two. Uh so I think maybe we might wanna just get at least an informal commitment that we are going to move forward with a new facility. [1:25:13, 1:25:33]: Uh once this demolition has taken place, um whether that be through bonding or uh with uh city funds that may come from uh other uh liquidations or what have you, uh because I don't think anybody desires to tear this facility down and then have it sit [1:25:33, 1:25:39]: there for uh the next two years. I'd just like to hear what the council is willingness to move forward with that. [1:25:41, 1:25:44]: Uh Councilman Blount asked to speak next. [1:25:45, 1:25:47]: Um in respect to [1:25:47, 1:25:49]: Councilman Alexanders. [1:25:49, 1:25:50]: Um proclamation. [1:25:50, 1:25:51]: Um [1:25:52, 1:25:58]: I would like for us to go ahead and approve this and go because this is what's at hand now and we can deal with [1:25:58, 1:26:09]: what we're gonna because we're gonna move forward with what we're gonna what we've already agreed to. So I I'm I'm motion that we go ahead and consider the uh and approve the uh d uh diversified environmental management [1:26:09, 1:26:29]: For the demolition of this uh for the services of our budget. Okay, so you've made a motion. Do I hear second? I second. Second by um Councilwoman Gantt. All in favor? Discussion. Oh sorry, discussion, you're right. [1:26:29, 1:26:49]: Like the you know what I'm saying, because literally if we tear this building down, we have not made a commitment to do anything at this point. Now we have uh about seven or eight items that we have already committed to that we're gonna do fiber optics and other things that we remove from the two thousand and sixteen budget. [1:26:49, 1:27:09]: We can talk and we can say it, but at the same time we gotta be committed to doing and and taking some action because basically if we move forward with this, I'm for terror I'm for moving forward with this, but I'm also for tying that to some let's say maybe [1:27:09, 1:27:26]: Maybe in sixty days, ninety days or whatever, we come back with some type of resolution on or maybe six months, I don't know, on what we're going to do to move that property forward so it is not left a barren wasteland on our main street. [1:27:28, 1:27:41]: Okay, we've had discussion. Uh Councilman um Pratem Ford. Yes. Actually this question is for Mr. Harris. In reference to the design uh so so we knock it down [1:27:41, 1:28:01]: Then we got to design a building, uh what we want to look like. How where where do we stand with that? Or have we selected anybody in this aspect? Uh no, we we've we've had the initial conversations about it. Obviously this was an initial step um on getting the process done and looking being able to see exactly what our footprint's gonna look like. Um but there is when we're going through the budget conversation. [1:28:01, 1:28:21]: Um we did identify some funds within SPLOS to begin the design work. So as we get beyond this one, the next step in the process would be based on the council's previous conversations and directives that we would move forward with the beginning of the design. Okay. So we have SPLOSS money for to select the contractor uh that would [1:28:21, 1:28:41]: would to go through the process of designing. So in reference to Councilman Alexander down here in a time frame, what does it look like to have an idea of amount of time that we could select someone, pay them a certain amount they can get here to do this six months, three months? Well i i to to get the process started certainly within a within a six month time frame. [1:28:41, 1:29:01]: You know, again that's just a design, doesn't mandate when something has to happen from that point on. We've already met myself, Mr. Riley, and Miss Neighbors, we've talked about and we're bit by bit systematically going through and prioritizing the the items that we can put out. And this is on our top ten list, certainly. Um so certainly we anticipate within the next thirty, sixty days [1:29:01, 1:29:21]: You know, we would be moving forward with the RFP for these services. And I'm in favor of knocking the bill it down, but also we need to put something in place to indicate and show that we're making progress in reference to the design and we selected someone and we and we got something that we're reviewing to make this thing happen. Yeah, that's a good point. And I think it should be noted I think the [1:29:21, 1:29:41]: design portion is going to be a very interactive um activity with council members and even you know I would certainly um welcome having uh citizens be involved in that process as well to hear from them what it is they'd like to see within this. And there's a couple of other components that are floating around out there that we still need to see how that material [1:29:40, 1:29:50]: materializes to that that may have some have some um some bearing on exactly what we want this uh this facility to function as [1:29:50, 1:29:52]: Yeah. Okay. Well thank you. [1:29:53, 1:29:57]: Okay. Uh comment down from Councilwoman Robbins. Thank you, Mayor. [1:29:58, 1:29:59]: Michael, I have a question. [1:30:00, 1:30:20]: So you're saying with the d design phase we have to knock it down first because we talked about doing it last year. Right. So that's the only way we can start the div design phase is to knock it down, or this could been something that we talked about last year and we could have had the design. [1:30:19, 1:30:32]: design already in place this year. I mean part of the issue has simply been man time time and time and manpower. I mean to be able to put RFPs out. Um we're [1:30:33, 1:30:44]: kind of going through a number of contracts right now we're trying to get work through. And you know, I certainly want to be able to see, give them, be able to show them a clean slate of this is what you're working with, this is the footprint that you're going to be working with. [1:30:44, 1:31:04]: a after the demolition to see what it yields. Um I think it's noted on here that they have to go through do an a asbestos study as well. Okay. Um and it had to be some environmental studies on the ground underneath just to make sure what it's suitable for. So part of it would in um involve um environmental studies, um geotechnical studies to determine what you [1:31:04, 1:31:13]: know what could or should be built in the certain areas. And I asked that question because I know that you recently came on. I just wanted you to know [1:31:13, 1:31:26]: probably why the questions are coming up. You know, we don't want it to be just sitting the nothing. Um so I just wanted to bring you up um so you wouldn't just think we're right at you. Okay. Quick follow up please. [1:31:26, 1:31:46]: Okay. Any other questions or comments? Quick follow up. Now this is what I want to ask the city manager. Okay, when do we we approve this contract tonight? Does it have to be knocked down immediately? Does uh you know how long uh how long uh optima on an optimum stage [1:31:46, 1:31:49]: [5509.6, 5515.4]: Were we looking at knocking it down and that lot being empty? Or can that kinda be kinda staged up? [1:31:56, 1:32:16]: Well and I don't I don't want to sound like I'm not I'm trying to skirt the question. Part of it is going through do that asbestos studies and seeing what that yields. Depending on what that study yields, that may amend the scope of their work and it could elongate the time. We don't believe, based on our initial assessment that was done, that there is an asbestos. [1:32:16, 1:32:18]: Yeah. [1:32:18, 1:32:21]: Um but but uh we don't think it's gonna be anything that's gonna [1:32:22, 1:32:23]: [5545.4, 5551.5]: Okay. Yeah. Full ninety days once we had the fully executed contract. [1:32:31, 1:32:50]: We're having it knocked down to the dirt. We're doing everything from the retaining walls to the curb side to the lights. Everything is going down to the actual dirt. So from thirty days from now we'll probably have a fully executed contract and then we'll go through what is called a uh [1:32:50, 1:32:51]: A schedule. [1:32:51, 1:33:00]: We'll have a actual schedule and then we'll give you the schedule so that you know exactly when the contractor is gonna knock it down and have everything done. [1:33:03, 1:33:23]: Uh pretem forward. In reference to knocking it down, are we even thinking about or is it feasible to save anything, bricks or anything like that? Does it make sense to try to reclaim anything? Have you looked at that? Yeah, good question. We actually had those conversations at length. Um and it just yes certainly th that could elongate the time for [1:33:23, 1:33:43]: going through that process. Now what we'd have done and and to Mr. Raleigh's credit, we had a um someone indicated that they may be interested in some of the fixtures within the building. So we went back out um went through a full surplus with some of the a number of the items, but now we're going through it's gone back through taking pictures of all the bathroom fixtures and those have been posted on [1:33:43, 1:34:03]: Gov deals. We've already received a couple of bids. Those close out, I believe, March ninth. March ninth. And so at that point they'll be given, you know, the the short time frame to notice a like a couple days to come in and collect their items. And then at what point. So we're trying to maximize everything that we can from out of that building. So that's the same thing. [1:34:03, 1:34:10]: Yeah, again we've already received some bids and we anticipate those numbers going up before it's closed after the case. [1:34:10, 1:34:17]: Uh yes, Councilman Robinson. Anything? [1:34:19, 1:34:39]: I I we've been through the big thing. If it's anything that we think is usable certainly, but you know we fact we've a couple of the we had a relatively new HPAC unit, we took that and we pulled that out and we're using that as a surplus unit now. What we're talking about is is is the the bathrooms or the [1:34:39, 1:34:51]: the fixtures are relatively old. Okay. I mean those are original fixtures, uh toilets, sinks, partitions, things like that. That's what they're and I have no idea what their proposed use is for, but I you know, I think for in this case, you know, it's [1:34:51, 1:34:52]: Um [1:34:52, 1:35:12]: We we're gonna want all of our fixtures, things of that nature to be brand new for obvious reasons. I I would like to make a comment if it's okay for the mayor to make a comment about this. I think what we have to recognize is that there is a process for taking down the building, um, bringing it back to [1:35:12, 1:35:32]: a grassedover area until such time that it it's an evolution of trying to figure out what's the best um structure that will go back on that site. And it's not that they're trying to put you off, Councilman Alexander. It's I think it's an evolution of a system [1:35:32, 1:35:36]: that you've got to work through through procurement. Um and so [1:35:36, 1:35:37]: I don't [1:35:37, 1:35:38]: I think at this point [1:35:38, 1:35:42]: we'll move forward with your motion to [1:35:42, 1:35:47]: Um passed um item number seven. [1:35:47, 1:36:00]: So that we can take this building down and look to the future to see what's going back on that site at the appropriate moment. So um any other comments? Yes, Mayor, please. [1:36:00, 1:36:01]: Okay, Councilman Blank. [1:36:02, 1:36:02]: Um [1:36:03, 1:36:04]: And I've talked to you distancing. [1:36:05, 1:36:11]: done about this. W one of the things that has to be understood here, uh that because I knew we're being recorded [1:36:11, 1:36:15]: Is that there's some things that were put in place that we agreed upon? [1:36:15, 1:36:26]: even prior to you coming in, Mayor Neal, and I don't know if you've been updated about the uh progressive way that we wanted to uh move with this property so that property so when we hear that some st [1:36:27, 1:36:29]: that this is going to happen. [1:36:29, 1:36:40]: of course is gonna trigger the other uh significance that we wanted to happen with it. So that's where we're at and so I I I I agree with Councilman Elton Alexander, believe it or not. [1:36:40, 1:36:44]: That we have to put something in place. [1:36:45, 1:37:00]: We have to put something in place and and and I think this council as a whole have said that we came up with this with these uh ideas prior to uh Mayor Neal coming in and that's that is a concern. And I think uh one of the biggest concerns of all of us has been uh [1:37:01, 1:37:02]: Getting things done. [1:37:03, 1:37:10]: You know, the city wants to see things done and so that's been one of the d the detriments of the city of Stockbridge that we [1:37:10, 1:37:21]: We're wanting to move but we're not getting things done. So I think that we're putting uh people in place to make that happen and I thank you for uh moving uh as speedy as you have and I appreciate that. [1:37:22, 1:37:24]: Thank you so much. Okay. [1:37:24, 1:37:25]: All in favor. [1:37:28, 1:37:37]: No opposed. Thank you so much. Let's move on to item number eight. And uh Councilwoman Lakeisha Gantt is going to present that item for us. [1:37:38, 1:37:40]: Yes. [1:37:41, 1:38:01]: I was looking at year a couple of years ago um I went to Henry County's seniors um the senior authority in the Council of Aging and we were talking about why don't we have events here or why don't we have a senior center here in the city limits of Stockbridge. Stockbridge is the high [1:38:01, 1:38:21]: highest populated area in Henry County and our closest senior center is located in Fairview area. And so um and then there's one in McDonough, but the most populated area which is the city of Stockbridge, and that's prior to annexing in anything, um we [1:38:21, 1:38:41]: We don't have a senior center. So I I think this council being the progressive council that we are, we are even if we don't have that senior building, I would like to try to spearhead um an event for seniors. Um and I I plan on meeting with some of the council of aging board members about this. [1:38:41, 1:39:01]: Where they have a seniors mix and mingle game night at the uh Ted Strickland Center on March twenty-third. I think it would be a great opportunity for the council members to come out and meet some of our seniors. Um I hope that the cost will be little to none. I plan on reaching out to some uh [1:39:01, 1:39:17]: uh corporate sponsors. Um and so I think it'll be a great idea for us to, you know, reach out to our seniors and let them know that we're here and we plan on doing more activities such as these. Okay. So I ask for your support. [1:39:17, 1:39:24]: Uh do you want to make that to a form of a motion? Oh yes, I I've got a question. Okay. Councilwoman Robinson. [1:39:26, 1:39:27]: Great idea. Great idea. [1:39:28, 1:39:48]: Is this something with the council of aging that we possibly can make a regular like a monthly something? Because this is something that is a real important need here in our city. So I would like to see if you can get with them um to not just make it one day. That's something that we can do [1:39:48, 1:40:02]: more you know, frequently um to g have our citiz um seniors involved, that would be great. But this I'm definitely for this t as a start, but I think that would be something good to continue to spearhead. Um [1:40:03, 1:40:08]: So that way our seniors will have um activities here in the city of Stockbridge. [1:40:09, 1:40:29]: Thank you, um, Councilman Robinson. I I appreciate your support in that. I actually spoke to Henry County a couple of years ago and they stated that they barely got the Hampton Senior Center done. But I think it's time for us to start speaking up um, you know, in regards to things that we deserve right here. Um [1:40:29, 1:40:49]: um in the city limits of Stockbridge and I think that's the excellent idea that we get with the council aging and try to do more of these so that if there's an interest with the seniors, if they come, we can start considering that senior center. Hopefully that building will provide the building that we plan on rebuilding will provide an area for our [1:40:48, 1:41:08]: seniors, but we have to see that the citizens are also interested and I think this is a great way of starting that. So I just asked you guys, I'm gonna make the motion that you uh would support me um in spearheading this event and I would love for everybody to join in with me if you can um at the TIT [1:41:08, 1:41:14]: Strickland Community Center on March twenty third for a game night, fun night, mix and mingle with the singers. [1:41:15, 1:41:22]: Second that. Okay, we have a motion by Councilwoman uh Gantt and a second by Pro Tem Ford. All in favor? [1:41:24, 1:41:33]: Okay, thank you. We'll move on to the next item on our agenda, which is about fiber optic, and we're going to hear from [1:41:33, 1:41:35]: Stephen Lisi. [1:41:35, 1:41:37]: Uh Liberty Technology. [1:41:38, 1:41:53]: Madam Mayor, answer coming. Um this is in in response to a conversation we had with the council recently in regards to fiber optic in particular and taking those next steps. Um Stephen Lees is here as well as the [1:41:53, 1:42:13]: president for Liberty Technology, Mr. Ben Johnson, just to give uh another update in regards to the fiber initiative that we've talked about previously and kind of giving their overview. Um earlier this week or late last week there was a webinar in regards to fiber connectivity for the cities. I'm not sure if any council members had a chance to see it, but um [1:42:13, 1:42:33]: And I've got some points I want to make at once they finish up their presentation, but this will kind of the first step toward the next step in advancing this initiative forward. So with that I'll turn it over to Stephen and before you start, if you would excuse me just a minute, I'd like to ask one of our staffers to turn the heat up a little bit. We're frozen up on the diet. [1:42:33, 1:42:34]: Yes, that's here. [1:42:35, 1:42:49]: We turned the air up earlier today. It was kinda warm in here, so we did not turn up. Okay, go ahead, Mr Lee. Sorry. No, that's fine. Thank you very much. Madam Mayor, Council members, nice to see you again tonight. Uh [1:42:50, 1:42:58]: Thank you for this opportunity to speak with you on uh the fiber proposal for you, which we're gonna give you basically some options to consider this evening at this point in time. [1:42:58, 1:43:04]: I brought uh Ben Johnson who is also the owner of Liberty along uh on this um [1:43:04, 1:43:09]: Primarily because he's just smarter than I am on these issues, so I have to defer to his judgment on that. [1:43:09, 1:43:16]: But uh just wanted to at least introduce the concept to you, go through the pros and cons, and at least give you some food for thought on how to move forward, you know, with these proposals. [1:43:17, 1:43:22]: We have preliminarily identified, as you should have in your package, a a fibre loop. [1:43:22, 1:43:31]: Uh this was based on the retreat that uh the council had uh last August, I believe, um when over in Fayette County where there was discussion of trying to have connectivity [1:43:31, 1:43:36]: primarily to the city buildings and t for the downtown area if to serve the economic development purposes. [1:43:36, 1:43:40]: And so it's a roughly about a a little bit more than a two mile loop. [1:43:40, 1:43:50]: Yeah, that we're looking at at this point in time. Of course this is not set in stone. Yeah, there's options to uh locate it as needed, you know, depending on what the council's ultimate desires end up being. [1:43:51, 1:44:05]: But this appears to be probably the the path of least resistance in order in terms of getting fiber in the ground uh to serve primarily the downtown area and the municipal locations. You could then provide Wi Fi off of this loop once it was in place. [1:44:06, 1:44:08]: Again, this is still a very preliminary design. [1:44:08, 1:44:28]: Your biggest obstacles, of course, are the railroad. You know, trying to get over the railroad and then be which you'd have to cross twice if you want to completely have a an actual loop uh going around from the city buildings through the downtown and connecting everything back together. Yeah, there's there's no easy way to get there's no easy way to to do that without crossing over what is proposed on this. [1:44:28, 1:44:38]: be trying to either go acros along the uh the poles on the bridge and come back down that way and then there are some poles crossing and back over the tracks at the far further end of the downtown. [1:44:38, 1:44:44]: Um that of course any kind of pole attachments uh uh are going to be once at a cost with this. [1:44:44, 1:44:47]: as well as if you have to do any underground that's gonna be a different set of costs. [1:44:48, 1:45:00]: from looking at things airily, I think most of it is going to be above ground due to the the density and the uh layout. I mean you have a lot of sidewalks and concrete areas which I think would make it more cost prohibitive to really go through. [1:45:00, 1:45:03]: And uh try to do a lot of underground work at this point in time. [1:45:03, 1:45:06]: But ultimately this would have to be done [1:45:06, 1:45:11]: But a a a study would have to be done, an engineering study would have to be done to determine the feasibility of what are going to be the best options of [1:45:12, 1:45:14]: Yeah, above ground, below ground, or some hybrid mix thereof. [1:45:15, 1:45:17]: Uh that being said, um [1:45:18, 1:45:22]: I understand there's some d there's been some discussion already of of what are the uh [1:45:22, 1:45:23]: I'm sorry. Yes. Uh [1:45:24, 1:45:24]: Come. [1:45:24, 1:45:27]: Oh Mike, could you go back to the previous slide? [1:45:28, 1:45:46]: Yes, sir. Just just maybe I missed this. The little circles on the diagram th those mean poles? Uh no, those are not actually poles. It's just the the way this is drawn on Google Earth, uh that's just the connection points, you know, to the line. So this is this these aren't actually poles there. It's just when you draw it with Google Earth or Google Maps it [1:45:46, 1:46:05]: It automatically puts in those poll those dots there when you're doing the connection points there. Yeah, because some s the more some areas have you know more of them conjugate together, some are spread out and I just wonder what the exactly this was just to be able to get a preliminary layout and to put it onto Google Maps so you could have something presentable on this. So those are just the lines where as I was you know trying to [1:46:05, 1:46:12]: follows straight lines along property paths. So this follows more like those dots normally are where there are straight points from one point to another. [1:46:13, 1:46:22]: Yes sir. So um so in regards to [1:46:22, 1:46:26]: either pole locations or underground or even wireless options to [1:46:26, 1:46:28]: to create this that would be [1:46:28, 1:46:31]: why there would need to be an engineering study done to figure out [1:46:32, 1:46:36]: Who owns which poles, who already has space on said poles. [1:46:36, 1:46:39]: You know, what the rates are in terms of doing pole attaches. [1:46:40, 1:46:51]: Um so that's we're we're well before that point and um Liberty Technology wouldn't be providing the engineering study. So we're at the point [1:46:51, 1:46:53]: Right now, I believe of [1:46:53, 1:46:54]: You know, do [1:46:55, 1:47:01]: Does the city want to own their own fiber network or not? Or do we want to prov uh does the city want to [1:47:01, 1:47:06]: uh pursue some sort of hybrid option or what what are the options actually on the table right now? [1:47:06, 1:47:26]: Follow up question. In reference to the railroad and possibly going tw twice over the railroad attracts, in your experience uh uh are they real difficult difficult to deal with? I mean how does this normally work? Do you do you Well in this case we're looking at the polls? Whoever's the owner of the polls, whether it's Georgia Power or you know the telephone companies is primarily who would be dealing with [1:47:26, 1:47:28]: If we were trying to go underneath the railroad [1:47:29, 1:47:41]: Uh what I'm trying to do is avoid having to deal directly with the railroad on that. So trying to either go over you know by attaching the the power or telephone poles or going across the bridge, which again would be go over the railroad right of way. [1:47:41, 1:48:01]: So so yeah the term the term right away is is is one really to to keep in mind here is who who either owns that or has permission to already use that and um those are the folks that um the city we had to work with to get permission to attach to their to what's essentially their property, whether or not the city [1:48:01, 1:48:03]: you know, gave them permission to put it there or not. [1:48:04, 1:48:05]: Okay, thank you. [1:48:07, 1:48:16]: Councilman Alexander. Yeah, a couple of points. Um in terms of uh reaching out to ATT, Comcast [1:48:16, 1:48:36]: Um there was another vendor that had applied for a permit. Is there any fiber been identified uh in these areas or existing fiber or plans thereof? And in terms of moving across surfaces, I mean AT and G Jess Wire Patrick. [1:48:36, 1:48:44]: Henry, they just ran it across a pole, pole to pole, to uh across the bridge area, which is sim [1:48:44, 1:49:04]: Seemed kind of very simple, but in terms of identifying actual fiber is fiber in existence, because the school board has endeavored to wire every school in Henry County. Sh we have a school in downtown, so is it what's the uh outreach mechanism to them? [1:49:04, 1:49:18]: So I guess just one point and I'll I'll let Stephen I'm sorry to check the front of you, Stephen. I I guess really the the biggest thing here is is the question of do you want to rent? Because if you go through ATT or Comcast or [1:49:18, 1:49:38]: you know, whoever, um, Google, etcetera, um, you know, they own it, you're gonna be making payments on it forever. You know, it's essentially a rental type arrangement. And you're gonna be we've got some pros and cons here laid out that may answer that a little bit better, but you know, rent versus ownership is a question here and whether or not [1:49:38, 1:49:40]: The city would have an asset [1:49:40, 1:49:42]: that they could then um [1:49:42, 1:49:45]: help to achieve some of the the goals I've seen up on the screen. [1:49:46, 1:49:48]: Through the pr previous presentations [1:49:48, 1:49:52]: Um, you know, whether or not the city has that to provide to citizens. [1:49:53, 1:49:54]: businesses, etcetera. [1:49:54, 1:49:57]: Or whether you guys are just um [1:49:58, 1:50:00]: uh renting that as a service [1:50:01, 1:50:05]: Um and and just have permission to use someone else's fiber. [1:50:05, 1:50:06]: So there's fiber [1:50:07, 1:50:09]: on all these polls everywhere. It's already [1:50:09, 1:50:12]: connecting, you know, just about every [1:50:13, 1:50:15]: you know, neighborhood, um [1:50:15, 1:50:30]: you know, your f your phone calls right over it, your cell phone calls right over it, but they don't just give that away or give permission to ride on that same path um away or even rent it for [1:50:30, 1:50:33]: what I would say an economical cost. [1:50:33, 1:50:35]: Um [1:50:35, 1:50:37]: We've um [1:50:38, 1:50:58]: I guess I'll I'll just let you figure it up from there in terms of um the outreach and uh Henry County, um other other folks that we've Right. At this point in time we haven't officially reached out to let's say ATT uh for example, because a lot of it is dependent on which way you want to go, whether it it is the renting versus you know having your own dark fiber because again there are [1:50:58, 1:51:18]: are pros and cons of going each way. We do have contacts with ATT. We have sat down with them and they've made us aware of that they will have fiber in the area, but they've not necessarily given us a set of plans saying, hey, this is all the areas we're covering. Obviously we're working with the city right now even on getting some fiber put into [1:51:18, 1:51:21]: the ground to the some of the facilities for phone lines, for example. [1:51:21, 1:51:31]: It's going through a vendor, Airspring, who's also basically getting a lot of the lines you know, through AT and T. So we know AT and T does have fiber within certain locations already in the city connecting some of the buildings. [1:51:31, 1:51:51]: As a follow up, I think we had this conversation about the changing technology and how fast this stuff changes. And so if we buy some technology today and we invest in it and then that technology then that you know we partner with uh a free provider, then they're on the hook. [1:51:51, 1:52:11]: for upgrades and new technology versus us being on the hook for that. So I would like to have that information uh available for us when we do make the decision because this is a huge investment and then it's outdated in a few years. Yeah. [1:52:11, 1:52:11]: [6732.2, 6734.1]: scalability and [1:52:14, 1:52:15]: Um [1:52:15, 1:52:17]: speed increases. I mean light is [1:52:18, 1:52:19]: [6740.4, 6742.9]: fastest things in the universe or is, right? [1:52:23, 1:52:26]: um Einstein visits, etcetera. Um [1:52:27, 1:52:31]: So based on that, um single mode fiber can go [1:52:31, 1:52:48]: faster today than any endpoints that you can put in between it. Um so from a you know, there's no technology that's future proof, but from a strategic investment standpoint, really the only [1:52:49, 1:52:50]: Um true. [1:52:51, 1:52:53]: um competitor or threat. [1:52:54, 1:52:56]: to a municipal fibre network. [1:52:57, 1:53:00]: would really be through one of the wireless vendors, say a Verizon or [1:53:01, 1:53:03]: Won't need Verizon or Sprint or [1:53:03, 1:53:18]: whoever with some of the more advanced LTE technologies. Um Google, a as everybody knows, I'm surprised I haven't heard that men mentioned yet, has been in the area and and and they've been building out a massive fiber network nationwide. [1:53:19, 1:53:29]: Um you know a few months ago they actually pulled back on all those efforts due to due to the the last mile issues. Cost. Due to cost. And and primarily the cost [1:53:30, 1:53:33]: of getting it from this backbone network. [1:53:33, 1:53:36]: Into buildings, into people's homes. [1:53:37, 1:53:38]: And that's where the [1:53:39, 1:53:42]: That's not to say this isn't expensive, but that's where [1:53:42, 1:53:45]: things can kind of get real I mean oh, sixty thousand dollars to get [1:53:46, 1:53:51]: you know, uh ki uh fiber optic cable from here to, you know, the parking lot. [1:53:51, 1:53:55]: You know, and and it's all due to it being horizontal board or [1:53:55, 1:53:57]: all you know, all kinds of stuff like that. [1:53:57, 1:54:00]: So they've pulled back on a lot of these efforts. [1:54:01, 1:54:03]: But they haven't stopped them at all and [1:54:04, 1:54:07]: Um, you know, we look at um the city of Griffin has been at nearly [1:54:08, 1:54:10]: Probably going on eight or nine years now. Um [1:54:11, 1:54:14]: relatively quietly building out their own fiber optic network. [1:54:15, 1:54:19]: And um you know, they're running um municipal cameras on it. [1:54:20, 1:54:23]: Um they had um uh police um [1:54:24, 1:54:27]: priorities and air cars, going and and doing reporting on it. [1:54:28, 1:54:32]: Um they use it to connect all of their building all their municipal buildings together. [1:54:32, 1:54:38]: to not pay as much for internet fees for every single site that they have. [1:54:38, 1:54:42]: Um and they've recently entered into a agreement with the school system [1:54:43, 1:54:52]: and another um provider to um hit all the schools as kind of a a joint coordinated effort. So to me [1:54:53, 1:54:54]: the issue over [1:54:55, 1:54:55]: Um [1:54:56, 1:54:59]: i i it's not a it's not a either or type decision. [1:55:00, 1:55:03]: Um you're likely gonna have some fiber [1:55:03, 1:55:05]: Here either connecting building to building [1:55:05, 1:55:06]: Or [1:55:07, 1:55:09]: In this case, connecting all of your [1:55:10, 1:55:11]: major municipal locations. [1:55:12, 1:55:16]: Um and all that does is give you an asset from which you can either [1:55:16, 1:55:20]: foreign partnerships, you can either rent or resell. [1:55:20, 1:55:30]: Internet services or other uh other services. To do that you would have to become a C LEC, um, which is a competitive local exchange carrier. [1:55:30, 1:55:45]: Um the city of Griffin actually I think became one in like nineteen ninety eight. But um they uh and they're actually selling internet to um uh several clients um out in the industrial park in Spaulding County. So [1:55:46, 1:55:50]: You know, in a big way it really just depends on if if [1:55:50, 1:55:53]: You know, you like the rent model versus the buy model and what [1:55:53, 1:55:54]: White arm. [1:55:54, 1:55:57]: Commissioner Alexander came up with in terms of [1:55:57, 1:56:01]: You know, the upgrade costs and all that kind of stuff i is definitely something to keep in mind. [1:56:02, 1:56:06]: Um but from a a threat standpoint or risk standpoint. [1:56:06, 1:56:10]: Um fibre's gonna be here for quite some time and the [1:56:10, 1:56:13]: the current single mode fiber that's that's in use [1:56:14, 1:56:18]: Um I'm not gonna be like Bill Gates and say that two megs is enough for everybody for all time. [1:56:19, 1:56:22]: But um for the next uh five to ten years. [1:56:23, 1:56:25]: Um you're likely not to [1:56:26, 1:56:28]: be able to um [1:56:29, 1:56:32]: you wouldn't be able to have enough subscribers on it. [1:56:32, 1:56:34]: to exceed its capacity. [1:56:35, 1:56:36]: at this point. [1:56:36, 1:56:37]: So [1:56:37, 1:56:40]: That's not to say it won't ever be outdated at all though. [1:56:40, 1:56:55]: Um do you want to go over the pros and cons? Are there any uh questions at this point? Yeah, because we've already jumped. So um no other questions? Okay. Um [1:56:56, 1:57:00]: You wanna go f you wanna go for it? I'll I'll I'll take you want me to do it? Okay. [1:57:02, 1:57:06]: And I want to thank you all too for giving us the time to to come in and and talk about [1:57:07, 1:57:08]: This we've um [1:57:08, 1:57:14]: We've been working with the city of Hateville um on something very, very similar at this point as well. [1:57:14, 1:57:30]: um to help power a public safety initiative they have have with license plate reader cameras and um and other cameras similar to what y'all have been doing with the internet safe zones and the [1:57:30, 1:57:40]: the other projects. So right. It's kind of an expanded version of what's being proposed at Brews Creek Trailhead. [1:57:40, 1:57:46]: And from the standpoint of where they are, there's a a company called um uh virtual [1:57:47, 1:57:50]: Patrol Citadel, I believe it's um they've got a [1:57:51, 1:57:52]: B citital, yeah, virtual citadel. [1:57:53, 1:58:02]: Um they have a data center just slightly west of Hateville, um, I believe in College Park and they've got a lot of fiber throughout Atlanta and [1:58:03, 1:58:09]: down closer to and and they will they are in the the business of providing [1:58:09, 1:58:12]: dark fiber or least line fiber to [1:58:12, 1:58:14]: municipalities and private businesses. [1:58:15, 1:58:19]: You know, it's really all they do. They don't really provide any services over these things. [1:58:19, 1:58:23]: ATT and Comcast, they're in the business of providing all these end user services. [1:58:23, 1:58:27]: They're not really in the business primarily of providing [1:58:27, 1:58:30]: um connectivity or these backbones. [1:58:30, 1:58:31]: So you know [1:58:32, 1:58:34]: Comcast will give you [1:58:34, 1:58:37]: fast internet and phone and T V for your house. [1:58:38, 1:58:40]: at an affordable price. A P and T [1:58:40, 1:58:41]: We'll do the same thing. [1:58:42, 1:58:44]: But when you go to start talking about you need [1:58:45, 1:58:48]: a gig or ten gig or whatever and you want to rent their fiber [1:58:48, 1:58:52]: That's not really the the business model that they're in. They'll do it. [1:58:52, 1:58:56]: But the economies of scale and the way that their business is [1:58:56, 1:59:01]: are um structured or not really tilted toward that from a [1:59:01, 1:59:04]: uh profit and loss and and statement. [1:59:04, 1:59:05]: standpoint. Um [1:59:06, 1:59:21]: So so that being said, um, you know, if you guys were to go with the city owned option, um obviously the the the biggest thing would be this would actually be an asset there for the city to use for all kinds of things. So you could use it for [1:59:22, 1:59:23]: For internal [1:59:24, 1:59:28]: connectivity so that um you know each site [1:59:28, 1:59:34]: would not have to have uh independent internet subscription to an ISP per month. [1:59:34, 1:59:52]: um telecommunications as well as um video conferencing type applications, any kind of communications could all run over it. Um and in addition to, um as I mentioned earlier, say for example the city of Griffin um is actually generating some revenue off of it. [1:59:53, 1:59:56]: And so it really just opens the door for future options. [1:59:57, 2:00:01]: to um leverage an asset versus [2:00:02, 2:00:07]: Uh ranting. Is it time to go? Turn lights up, good buddy. Very good. Okay. Let's go. [2:00:08, 2:00:09]: Okay. [2:00:09, 2:00:15]: Uh I usually get I usually get the what do they call the gap? Yeah, the cane get the caneful gas. [2:00:17, 2:00:17]: Um [2:00:18, 2:00:22]: As far as um maintenance costs and and ongoing costs [2:00:23, 2:00:26]: You do have some equipment that sits um [2:00:26, 2:00:29]: between the various nodes and sits in the building. [2:00:29, 2:00:33]: Those are the pieces that would need to be upgraded as technology. [2:00:33, 2:00:35]: Goes from one goes from [2:00:35, 2:00:38]: one mag to ten mag to hundred mag to [2:00:39, 2:00:41]: thousand meg, one gig to ten gig to [2:00:42, 2:00:44]: twenty gig to you know, higher. [2:00:44, 2:00:52]: um speeds. So the endpoint equipment would need to be upgraded over time. Those are typically about a five year refresh cycle. [2:00:53, 2:00:57]: But the actual fiber, the the stuff that's so expensive to put in the ground or put in the air [2:00:58, 2:00:59]: Um you know the [2:00:59, 2:01:02]: When when in talks with the CD um of Griffin. [2:01:03, 2:01:06]: um in the county actually using some of their fiber [2:01:06, 2:01:11]: Um one of the the examples given for [2:01:11, 2:01:14]: um the city charging the county to [2:01:14, 2:01:17]: Um rent, um beer fiber. [2:01:18, 2:01:38]: because the city was actually charging the county to rent their fiber, and they actually are now, and providing the county with um a network to run um both public safety nine one one as well as um core county functions off of um was that they were afraid or they they have had an incident of [2:01:38, 2:01:58]: of someone actually taking a shotgun and and shooting the cables out of the air. Now I don't think it was an act of someone trying to shoot fiber optic cables, but that's how obtuse they had to get with an example of, you know, y if they're strung up in the air and a tractor, trailer, truck comes by that's got a low too high, it's gonna [2:01:57, 2:02:00]: But from the standpoint of [2:02:00, 2:02:03]: You know, are did these things do you have to [2:02:03, 2:02:05]: You know, go out there and [2:02:06, 2:02:14]: change their oil or maintain them or anything like that. There's they you know, it's glass and and light, so it just generally works. [2:02:14, 2:02:34]: Um you typically can achieve you know as high speeds as the actual endpoint equipment and the cables can can achieve if you own it versus if you were to rent from ATT or Sprint or Comcast, you're paying for a ten meg connection or a hundred meg connection and that's [2:02:34, 2:02:36]: That's typically it. [2:02:36, 2:02:39]: Um so you're paying kinda on a per [2:02:40, 2:02:42]: per tiered V or per meg or per gig. [2:02:43, 2:02:54]: um type connection fee and you typically have to rent that equip the endpoint equipment as well, the customer premise equipment as well from those carriers, as well as providing your own. [2:02:54, 2:03:14]: Um so the other thing is you know what you actually can do with it. And if you own it you can put anything that you want to on it. Um you know we have some restrictions from say Comcast that um you know you can't resell their internet service so you know if you [2:03:14, 2:03:18]: You had a a Comcast um internet connection and you wanted to provide [2:03:19, 2:03:20]: free public Wi Fi. [2:03:20, 2:03:29]: Well, it's against the terms and conditions for you to be able to do that. So that's a type of traffic. It's actually a use of traffic that they're denying via the terms and conditions. [2:03:29, 2:03:34]: Um there's also some other just various um technical protocols that [2:03:35, 2:03:38]: the carriers just don't support things like multicast. [2:03:38, 2:03:42]: Which would be a way to broadcast a s a single video stream. [2:03:42, 2:03:44]: to a thousand homes. [2:03:45, 2:03:48]: Um if you had the equipment and if you guys were in the business of doing that. [2:03:48, 2:03:52]: Uh in all in most cases the carriers don't don't support things like that. [2:03:53, 2:03:57]: Um there's there's a lot of cons there though. Um it's not uh [2:03:58, 2:04:01]: as as the mayor was talking about a process and evolution [2:04:03, 2:04:08]: Yeah, there there's a lot of cons to it. There's costs. You c I'm s I'm sure Commissioner Al Alexander could [2:04:08, 2:04:20]: understand cost and time and planning. All of those things are are are things that you know, it just doesn't happen overnight. Um you have to employ an engineering study [2:04:20, 2:04:22]: To figure out who owns the polls. [2:04:22, 2:04:25]: How much do they charge for the tax fees? [2:04:25, 2:04:27]: You know, is the preliminary [2:04:28, 2:04:31]: um uh path that was um [2:04:31, 2:04:35]: selected, you know, how close to that can we actually get? [2:04:35, 2:04:37]: And are there some areas that just [2:04:38, 2:04:43]: um you know, you're not gonna be able to get to and or the the cost would be excessive to achieve. [2:04:44, 2:04:44]: Um [2:04:45, 2:04:46]: So [2:04:47, 2:04:48]: That's the same thing. [2:04:48, 2:04:49]: On the [2:04:49, 2:04:52]: The city owned. R so the the rent paying per month. [2:04:52, 2:04:55]: Pros load another on upfront cost. [2:04:55, 2:04:58]: Um typically they'll pay for most of the [2:04:58, 2:05:02]: built out for that last mile, typically, not always. [2:05:02, 2:05:15]: Um additionally, y you brought up a very good example in terms of as the technology changes, you may not be um responsible for, you know, keeping up with those things, but [2:05:15, 2:05:18]: I w I will give an example, say with Google Fiber. [2:05:19, 2:05:23]: with the whole one gig thing, right? And and Comcast came out with two gig as soon as [2:05:23, 2:05:25]: Google came out with one gig. [2:05:25, 2:05:28]: Um in most cases for a business you're [2:05:28, 2:05:31]: router, your firewall, the thing that connects you to the internet. [2:05:32, 2:05:34]: Um it won't even go that fast. [2:05:34, 2:05:38]: So, you know, you you'd have to in a lot of cases to go [2:05:38, 2:05:42]: as fast. As the technology changes, you still have to change with it. [2:05:42, 2:05:43]: And [2:05:44, 2:05:47]: So I I didn't really put that on here as a pro because [2:05:47, 2:05:50]: Um, you know, you're still responsible for cost of [2:05:51, 2:05:55]: Upgrading your own stuff as the technologies change. [2:05:55, 2:05:56]: Um [2:05:56, 2:06:00]: Installation time is still long. It's very complicated. [2:06:00, 2:06:03]: And dealing with, you know, five or six different vendors. [2:06:04, 2:06:10]: Because that's typically what you end up having to deal with. Um, you typically have speed limitations due to cost. [2:06:10, 2:06:15]: So instead of getting one gig connections, you may be be only getting a hundred meg connections? [2:06:16, 2:06:18]: Um and and that would be the difference between your [2:06:18, 2:06:38]: CD applications being able to run over this network and them not being able to run over this network. Just as an example that's been given to us, uh for example, if you're looking at surveillance cameras throughout the city, and if they all suddenly if they're streaming constantly and it's using up a lot of uh bandwidth at that you know that the provider may then throttle you back because you're using up all the bandwidth on on that. That's [2:06:38, 2:06:45]: That that's an you know actual issue that does occur. And and that so so yeah, Verizon Unlimited is actually [2:06:45, 2:06:50]: Yeah, on the sailor side is actually not limited. I think they s stop you after twenty two gigs and [2:06:50, 2:06:51]: And slow you down. So [2:06:52, 2:06:56]: Um you you can't necessarily resell access for public Wi Fi. [2:06:56, 2:07:00]: You may not be able to run certain protocols as I mentioned earlier. [2:07:00, 2:07:04]: Um contracts, managing said contracts. [2:07:04, 2:07:09]: And and and really the big thing to me again is just going back to that idea of rent versus own. [2:07:10, 2:07:11]: And you know [2:07:11, 2:07:14]: which way the CD wants to go in the long run. [2:07:15, 2:07:15]: So [2:07:17, 2:07:19]: there are some other things out there [2:07:20, 2:07:23]: hybrid solutions, working with other providers or municipalities. [2:07:24, 2:07:27]: I'm sure Henry County has has fibrin in the ground or in the air. [2:07:28, 2:07:32]: Um, you know, are there other smaller carriers in the area? [2:07:32, 2:07:35]: that might be willing to provide [2:07:35, 2:07:38]: um dark fiber at a reasonable cost. [2:07:38, 2:07:39]: Um [2:07:39, 2:07:43]: You know, and the the proposals that I've seen so far [2:07:43, 2:07:45]: from some of the carriers that have [2:07:46, 2:07:48]: um put things forward to the city. [2:07:48, 2:08:08]: It's not really much more than just a a standard, you know, internet connection um agreement with a an overlay over it. And they're not really providing any any sort of cost savings or or a ten X, a tenfold increase in speed. And that's really what we're talking about. [2:08:08, 2:08:10]: You actually needing [2:08:10, 2:08:14]: is if you wanted to put a hundred and thirty cameras over the CD [2:08:15, 2:08:25]: you know, you actually need something fast enough to be able to get that video back to um a single area for viewing or recording or [2:08:25, 2:08:32]: Um, you know, or if you're doing an event and you're gonna have a a thousand participants or [2:08:32, 2:08:36]: five thousand participants, you know, having enough internet bandwidth there. [2:08:36, 2:08:39]: to be able to to accommodate things like that. [2:08:40, 2:08:41]: Um [2:08:42, 2:08:50]: Uh a another thing that could be used to supplement I have a question. Yes. Yes. [2:08:52, 2:08:56]: Because with this you're getting really technical with uh [2:08:57, 2:09:04]: And we're trying to f w I I wish this would have done at a presentation with the council for information purposes only rather than the council meeting. [2:09:06, 2:09:11]: But I I'm trying to follow you on because even when you finish [2:09:11, 2:09:25]: You first of all talked about the capabilities of putting it in and you talked about the uh right aways and you talked about all of these things. So from that point to now, these are just probabilities. Is that correct? [2:09:26, 2:09:46]: Uh as far as as far as whether we rent to own or or how you're able to do anything because we we we first have to establish the right of ways how we're gonna run it and all that is technical stuff that I thought we was gonna have already knocked out or so to get yes sir. So to get to to get all those things you would need to employ an engineering firm that special [2:09:46, 2:09:53]: specializes in said activities to actually go out and pull records of who owns the [2:09:54, 2:09:56]: Uh my guess would be [2:09:57, 2:09:57]: Um [2:09:58, 2:10:00]: I learned uh somewhere around [2:10:00, 2:10:02]: Hundred and fifty to two hundred and fifty poles. [2:10:03, 2:10:23]: Um with all due respect, I understand that but so I thought that when we came when you all came here to present to us that someone would have a condensed version of what it would cost the council to approve for what we was gonna be getting. I didn't know it was gonna go through because it's getting to a point where it's it's getting so for me anyway, I don't know [2:10:23, 2:10:38]: It's getting really so technical that it should be given to whoever we assign to take this information and condense it for us in layman's term that we make a decision on which way we want to go with it. Rather than because when you finish [2:10:38, 2:10:45]: We're not gonna be anywhere fr no further than where we started off by right of ways and all this and what direction we're gonna go in. [2:10:45, 2:10:58]: Con the the the issue the reason why I asked them to come because at the last prior meeting there was a conversation in regards to the Fiber Project and so some of the conversation some of the comments that were made were, well which direction should we go in? [2:10:59, 2:11:19]: We've been having these conversations again I as Stephen mentioned this is a reiteration of what was presented during one of the retreats where we had this presentation initially to discuss this is the direction that we're proposing to move in and this is the reason why. When some of the other questions came up about going this route with us owning the fiber versus um soliciting some [2:11:19, 2:11:39]: of the other ISP and Internet service providers, ATT, Comcast and the others, and what the differences would be, we wanted you to first hear this was the rationale for why we felt this was the direction we should move in. Subsequent to this, we there will be other presentations from some of the other internet providers that the council may want to hear from because [2:11:39, 2:11:40]: Yeah. [2:11:40, 2:12:00]: Right now the question now becomes if the council may want to shift as far as is the t the big difference is as you noted, city owned versus using a a a a different internet service provider. So that's what's on the table at this point. So want to give the council an opportunity to hear both sides of this of the coin before you [2:12:00, 2:12:01]: You render a decision. [2:12:01, 2:12:09]: So that's what the purpose of this was. But but I'm s I understand that, but he's getting so technical that I thought we were gonna categorically look at [2:12:09, 2:12:11]: The options [2:12:11, 2:12:14]: and then from whoever we hire in these positions to [2:12:15, 2:12:35]: help facilitate these options and then come up with it. I didn't know it was gonna be this technical. We should have actually had some kind of presentation like this done outside of a council meeting. Well we did. We we did it we we have the presentation previously at the at the retreat. So what had been previously presented. So again this until we make a determination on which direction we're going to go [2:12:35, 2:12:35]: Yeah. [2:12:36, 2:12:53]: you know, again and we and we we kinda we did s I think they asked them to kinda scale it back to just kind of give the pros and cons and and try to you know as much as possible. This would be the pros and city owned versus a um using a a contracted internet service provider. Um so but if there's [2:12:54, 2:13:14]: If we can wanna if we can I'm sure we can get together and get a summary of some of these key points that speaks to this and then as you hear from some of the other internet service providers to be maybe able to make a determination as a council on which direction do we want to pursue. This is the direction that you know we've had these conversations previously and I've had conversations with other some of my other peers that I think is in the best [2:13:14, 2:13:23]: Of the city. But again, the council obviously has to feel comfortable with the decision that gets made because it is such a big investment. But but ultimately it's going to come down to numbers. [2:13:23, 2:13:43]: And and right now tonight we we're we're getting we we're not gonna get to obviously you guys aren't gonna get to numbers because there are too many probabilities. Do we have some estimates that we could share? The original budgetary estimate which was based on work we've done with another municipality was looking anywhere from three hundred fifty to five hundred fifty. [2:13:43, 2:13:45]: Yeah, I suppose we would recommend on that, at least if it [2:13:46, 2:13:48]: This loop that you had seen previously. [2:13:48, 2:14:08]: That's w uh what we were looking at. That was kind of accommodating for fifty K probably for the engineering, then the other three hundred K again an estimate because we don't know if we're gonna be attaching to poles, going underground, some mix thereof. And that was derived from averages from what firms have provided for another is probably given some sort of ballpark. [2:14:08, 2:14:19]: work from on a budgetary point. But it it it can range from three fifty to five hundred at this point from what we've seen based on the two forty one miles. And and and to figure out how much is gonna cost would [2:14:20, 2:14:23]: The influential engineering firm to do the study. [2:14:23, 2:14:25]: and actually do the design. So [2:14:26, 2:14:36]: You know, really uh y you started I think to say, you know, what what are we gonna what are we gonna use this for? What are the purposes? Why why should we do this? Um I think there should be a clear [2:14:36, 2:14:39]: understanding and and agreement on on [2:14:39, 2:14:41]: you know, why why would we even want to do this at all? [2:14:42, 2:14:43]: And then um [2:14:43, 2:14:46]: Try to to take it down to the level as [2:14:46, 2:14:48]: Best as I possibly could. [2:14:48, 2:14:50]: But when you're speaking geek [2:14:50, 2:15:09]: It kinda comes out like Greek sometimes, so uh apologies there. And and and I did since like I said at the beginning, he's definitely smarter than I am. So for for my own purposes when I put together the presentation, I did try to put a less technical version together so you can see more simply the pros and cons, at least so that I can understand uh when he's explaining to me, I was trying to take his [2:15:09, 2:15:29]: geek speak and put it into something that you know we all the rest of us can understand. I just don't want you guys to get to the end and we'll prolong it and I'm and I'm my question is does the plane fly or not? So I mean you get you I wasn't at the retreat uh I I guess I wasn't at that retreat when when you had the presentation, but I think this should be the uh uh presented to the council at another [2:15:29, 2:15:30]: [8131.6, 8135.4]: So c because I get real technical with it and and for the sake of [2:15:35, 2:15:39]: uh time and and and the uh citizens here tonight. I think we should [2:15:40, 2:15:40]: We need to [2:15:41, 2:15:42]: Figure out a way to [2:15:42, 2:15:44]: You know, put this with the uh [2:15:44, 2:15:49]: bring this to the the council and you can get as technical as you want to get. [2:15:51, 2:16:05]: But I mean I I think probably the the biggest bottom line is is you know um is is trying to figure out you know do you want to have more upfront cost but still own the the technology or do you want to have the ongoing cost and because even if you're going with someone else uh you know if you're if you're [2:16:06, 2:16:11]: Leasing it or running it's gonna be a perpetual cost for you and that's w probably the biggest con that you know should be a highlight. [2:16:11, 2:16:15]: cities and and other municipalities that I've worked with in the past. [2:16:15, 2:16:18]: Um from just doing a single [2:16:18, 2:16:22]: might build in the building to doing something of this scale as well as bigger. [2:16:22, 2:16:25]: Um in most cases it's been a break even point. [2:16:25, 2:16:27]: of rent versus buy. [2:16:28, 2:16:31]: um somewhere between a five and ten year term. [2:16:31, 2:16:43]: So when you're looking at a a equipment that's endpoint equipment that needs to be refreshed every five to seven years, um if the study comes back and the costs are down around the three fifty standpoint [2:16:44, 2:16:49]: You know, you're sitting in a really good situation where um the payback on it would be [2:16:50, 2:16:53]: Um you would actually be saving money versus the renting model. [2:16:54, 2:16:55]: But until a study's actually done. [2:16:55, 2:16:58]: or decision to even pursue this route. [2:16:58, 2:16:59]: is actually made. [2:17:00, 2:17:15]: You know, we we're kinda limited in terms of what we can do and and and so so is Michael I believe. So um I I think that was where we're we were instructed to try try to break it down as best we could and we'd be happy to take any other questions or [2:17:15, 2:17:18]: And I'll address at a later date. [2:17:18, 2:17:20]: Councilman Ford has a question. [2:17:21, 2:17:21]: B [2:17:21, 2:17:25]: Maybe maybe you said and I'm missing. At the bottom here he said [2:17:25, 2:17:36]: Remember an ISP still is required to feed the fiber. So what's the ISP? So I an ISP is an internet service provider. They're they're your Comcast, your AT and T, your EarthLink, your [2:17:36, 2:17:39]: You know, all of those different carriers, um [2:17:40, 2:17:56]: Um so to get to get on the internet, to get out to the world, right, um, you still have to have some sort of head in, some sort of feed to to go into your own private network. Otherwise you're an island unto yourself. [2:17:57, 2:17:59]: You'd be able to do local functions. [2:17:59, 2:18:01]: So you'd be able to access um [2:18:01, 2:18:06]: you know, your your city municipal management software from this location to another. [2:18:06, 2:18:09]: But maybe you wouldn't be able you wouldn't be able to [2:18:10, 2:18:12]: decrease internet costs by centralizing [2:18:13, 2:18:22]: it into a single location and just getting a very fast, high speed, redundant connection in one spot versus paying for it ten X. [2:18:23, 2:18:42]: Point. Um okay go ahead, Councilman Alexander. I think you know, really uh what we're talking about here is I was doing this because it was going over everybody's head. The the deer in the headlock look is kind of what we everybody was getting at that point. What I'm uh th I think what uh in our debate [2:18:43, 2:18:46]: Some money has to be spent and that is what [2:18:46, 2:19:06]: I was trying to uh uh uh let the council know in the debate that we had had previously. Uh setting the money aside does not make the choice. It only m brings the information necessary so we can make the choice. So in making the budget amendment that I had that I've been pushing for uh [2:19:06, 2:19:26]: uh it allows the engineering to be done. No decision will be made until that engineering is done to how to spend the money. It's just that you have the money set aside in order to move the process forward. Is that what we're saying? That's pretty much what we're saying here in layman's term, right? [2:19:26, 2:19:46]: Councilman Alexander, exactly. There w when we were talking with some firms uh who were looking at uh doing work in another municipality, a couple of them said, I can't even give you a quote, I can't give you an estimate until we do this study. You know, some of the firms, you know, would at least map it out like what what I did and say, Okay, this is what a reasonable guess is based on our experience. And then there are other firms that just said, Hey, you know [2:19:46, 2:19:53]: Until we have a a definitive study, knowing which poles are going to, where it's going to go above ground, where it's going to go underground, we can't even tell you a cost. [2:19:53, 2:20:09]: I have a question. One thing I heard you say that just kinda stood out to me was you have to know what you want, how you're gonna spend the money. Um would that be a wise decision for us to um figure out [2:20:09, 2:20:28]: Why do we want it? What are we going to use it for? And and just make us a list of what we're going to do and then that would help whoever's going to do the study because otherwise they're doing a study and they really don't know what we want it to do with it. [2:20:28, 2:20:48]: Is there is there a checklist anywhere of everything that fiber optic would do for us if we had it that we could go down and say, Yes, we want to use it for items one and seven and ten but not all the other numbers? I think most of us are not familiar enough with [2:20:48, 2:21:02]: the terminologies to really know its capabilities. So that's what I'm hearing you say that we've got uh it's kinda like in Katrina when New Orleans needed a lot of help but they couldn't make a list. [2:21:03, 2:21:16]: We need to make our list but we don't know what to choose from to put on the list. Excuse me if I could speak to that for a second in kind of in layman's terms, like I said, I think I it what what really is is that [2:21:16, 2:21:35]: We could have a list with a thousand things on it. But the engineering is gonna tell you what you can afford. So there's no need in making a list for a hundred items when we don't uh need those items, right? Yeah, let me clarify and kind of separate the mayor's question there because the the study really [2:21:36, 2:21:39]: Fiber will do anything that Fiber will do and it really depends on [2:21:39, 2:21:42]: If you have people willing to pay for those services and [2:21:42, 2:21:45]: you're willing to to provide those services. So it's [2:21:46, 2:21:51]: It's plumbing, if you will. It's like any other infrastructure. It's just like any other inf infrastructure that [2:21:51, 2:21:52]: So [2:21:53, 2:21:55]: You know, the the step [2:21:56, 2:22:15]: The list of um city priorities for things that the fiber could be used for now is something that I'm sure we could come up with very, very quickly. The amount of money that the city is spending on those services with other vendors, um internet service providers, etcetera. [2:22:15, 2:22:23]: Um would be something that would be, you know, again pretty easy to come up with to put a price tag on what you guys are spending per month now. [2:22:24, 2:22:26]: Um what the question mark is is [2:22:26, 2:22:27]: Um [2:22:27, 2:22:32]: you know, once the study is done and you guys come back and and and it comes back with a [2:22:33, 2:22:36]: you know, a number of what this would, you know, cost to do [2:22:36, 2:22:40]: Um that's what you would need to weigh that against to make a make a proper decision. [2:22:41, 2:22:43]: And frankly, nobody here is [2:22:43, 2:22:45]: At that point yet, because [2:22:45, 2:22:46]: We haven't [2:22:47, 2:22:48]: You guys haven't decided on [2:22:49, 2:22:50]: Whether or not you even want to [2:22:50, 2:22:53]: properly pursue this path with the next point in it. [2:22:54, 2:22:58]: would be to fund a study and it would be to put out an RFP [2:22:59, 2:23:13]: um for a study to be done to match the um match or closely match the um fiber loop that was I believe um um constructed at the [2:23:13, 2:23:20]: But th this is I mean the uh th there are some level of priorities that have been set. I mean when at the last uh council retreat you know back in August [2:23:21, 2:23:25]: It was specifically said we want to focus on the downtown and correct me council members please if I'm wrong or misunderstood. [2:23:26, 2:23:46]: But we do want to focus on the downtown so it can be prioritized for economic development purposes. And then focus on getting the municipal buildings, you know, so that you have your municipal services all connected. So that's a s essentially where the fiber loop that's been proposed has come from is from those specific comments that the the council had made at that time. Now what you want to use [2:23:46, 2:24:06]: use it for specifically for economic development. I mean that could be anything from offering free Wi Fi to the businesses or to offering some sort of teleconference services into the businesses. Those options can become much more endless once you know y you really get that nailed down, which you want to be offering on that network. But at least we know it is for economic development for downtown and for [2:24:06, 2:24:07]: municipal services. [2:24:08, 2:24:12]: All right. Any other comments from the city manager? [2:24:12, 2:24:13]: Okay? [2:24:13, 2:24:25]: Thank you so much for your presentation. That's okay. We we were just not quite as smart as you were. We were struggling to stay in the game. [2:24:25, 2:24:27]: Thank you so much. [2:24:27, 2:24:30]: Uh the next thing that we're gonna bring up [2:24:30, 2:24:36]: uh tonight is item number ten and that's gonna be presented by our city attorney. [2:24:36, 2:24:41]: Mike Williams and it's a request for amendment of the city zoning code. [2:24:41, 2:24:46]: in regards to brick facade requirements to be applied throughout the city. [2:24:51, 2:24:55]: Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um you have in your uh [2:24:55, 2:24:59]: agenda book the version of a facade uh [2:25:00, 2:25:03]: requirement that was presented to your zoning advisory board. [2:25:04, 2:25:23]: The board met last Thursday um and reviewed this and if I could just make uh an editorial comment that that the council did a good job in picking its ZAB because we had a really good conversation, um some in depth questions and you know they're truly engaged in this process and I think they're gonna give you a good result. Um [2:25:24, 2:25:44]: But this version um that was uh presented to them, what was discussed in detail, the the differences between this version and what you all saw at the last meeting w are as follows. First, this would only apply to commercial buildings. Um the last version said industrial and commercial. Um additional [2:25:44, 2:25:51]: uh this does not apply to hotels. Hotels would have greater flexibility in in doing their design. [2:25:52, 2:25:55]: Um we put in a uh a [2:25:55, 2:26:00]: vinyl standard that the vinyl has to have a a thickness of at least zero [2:26:00, 2:26:06]: point zero four six inches and this is only for the trim and soffits use of those sorts of things. [2:26:07, 2:26:10]: Um we also put a a metal uh [2:26:10, 2:26:17]: uh standard for if they are to use metal roofs, they're not required to, but if they do they have to use at least twenty nine gauge [2:26:17, 2:26:18]: Standing scene metal. [2:26:19, 2:26:19]: Um [2:26:20, 2:26:25]: And then finally, uh, we put in a brick standard. Um the mayor had [2:26:25, 2:26:30]: mentioned this um at at one point is is there a standard for bricks that we should [2:26:30, 2:26:33]: um consider and we researched the the matter and [2:26:34, 2:26:35]: Is it? [2:26:35, 2:26:43]: I learned that there are three classes of bricks. There's first class brick, second class brick and third class brick. And the first class brick is a standard [2:26:44, 2:27:04]: um that uh is the most durable type of brick. Um for I won't get technical because I probably can't get too technical on that front, but but that's the most durable brick. And so those are the changes to what was presented to this council at the last meeting and that was what was presented to the Z A B on Thursday. [2:27:03, 2:27:06]: The ZAB considered this and [2:27:06, 2:27:12]: um will be recommending two additional changes to what you see here. [2:27:12, 2:27:18]: The first is they did not want to recommend a stucco as one of the allowable [2:27:18, 2:27:23]: uh uses for the the facade of the building. So they remove stucco as an option. [2:27:24, 2:27:28]: Um and then the second um they express concerns [2:27:29, 2:27:34]: about the cost um that uh a complete brick requirement [2:27:34, 2:27:41]: uh would impose on uh uh businesses and whether that would be a detriment for [2:27:41, 2:27:42]: Um [2:27:42, 2:27:45]: uh businesses or make it harder for businesses to come into Stockbridge. [2:27:46, 2:27:50]: So what they did was uh they came up with sort of a a middle ground [2:27:51, 2:27:53]: provision on the brick and what they [2:27:54, 2:27:54]: So [2:27:55, 2:27:59]: the current uh requirement says that you have to have um brick [2:27:59, 2:28:04]: uh on all the uh portions of the buildings uh that face public streets. [2:28:04, 2:28:12]: And then what was proposed is you have to have three sides brick, but then you the facade could be half brick and half something else to make it more decorative. [2:28:12, 2:28:16]: What the ZAB wanted to recommend is [2:28:16, 2:28:20]: a a middle ground that says any portion of the building [2:28:20, 2:28:22]: that's visible from the public should be brick. [2:28:22, 2:28:24]: And then the facade can be a combination. [2:28:25, 2:28:42]: um of brick and some other decorative um piece. So some buildings would all have to if it's visible, for instance, most of the buildings um that front on one thirty eight uh would uh you know all the sides are visible so those would have to be [2:28:43, 2:28:59]: wrapped in brick except for the facade. But then there are other buildings that may front on a public street, but then the rear and one side isn't visible for whatever reason the way the the building is situated. So only the the parts that are visible would have to be wrapped in brick or the facade. [2:28:59, 2:29:00]: So that's [2:29:00, 2:29:06]: change will be coming forward to you at the uh next uh council meeting. As you recall [2:29:06, 2:29:11]: this uh matter the the public hearing was recessed until the march thirteenth meeting. [2:29:12, 2:29:14]: So this was just more of an update and [2:29:14, 2:29:17]: I should turn around because I failed to [2:29:17, 2:29:20]: acknowledge Bill Johnson, who's also here. [2:29:20, 2:29:21]: Um to [2:29:21, 2:29:22]: Uh [2:29:22, 2:29:26]: answer any questions you may have. So I'm sorry, Bill. You can come up if you have any questions. [2:29:27, 2:29:28]: But that's the presentation. [2:29:33, 2:29:35]: And if there are no questions, we'll we're happy to sit down and [2:29:36, 2:29:37]: We'll be back in two weeks. [2:29:38, 2:29:43]: So this is gonna move over to the agenda for the council meeting. Okay, thank you. [2:29:44, 2:29:44]: All right. [2:29:48, 2:29:49]: Bill, do you have any comments? [2:29:50, 2:29:57]: Mr Williams, uh Madam Mayor has covered it very well. I thought I'd have something to add, but he covered all the bases. We did have a good discussion. [2:29:57, 2:29:59]: I think it was particularly important to realise that [2:30:00, 2:30:02]: The saws that can't be viewed from a public [2:30:02, 2:30:15]: uh street or even private. We talked about the uh Golden Corral development and those aren't public streets but they're streets that the public accesses. So those those would have to be the uh [2:30:15, 2:30:16]: Brick facade. [2:30:17, 2:30:20]: Um but I think that was an important distinction because costs being what they are. [2:30:23, 2:30:26]: Anyone have any questions before we move on? [2:30:26, 2:30:28]: Thank you so much. [2:30:30, 2:30:35]: Okay, at this time I'm gonna ask if we have any comments from our city manager. [2:30:35, 2:30:55]: Yes, Madam Mayor, I do. I got a couple of comments. I'll try to be as quick as I can to get through'em. Um first is just a couple of quick updates. I did want to make sure the public is aware that our paving through our local maintenance improvement grant um program that began today. Um did a patch on Rock Roy Road, actually started [2:30:55, 2:31:15]: Some of the um streets in the Tide Street area have already been paved. Um so that's moving forward now, so people will start seeing more and more activity in the paving. Also, Mays Road, the culvert replacement, it's been talked about for a while. I've got a number of phone calls about it. They should be mobilizing that contract's been awarded by the council, um, contracts been finalized and they'll be mobilizing next week to begin that work. [2:31:15, 2:31:27]: work which will replace the culvert there and subsequently open up Maze Road. We've got a number of phone calls about it. Um I did also want to bring to everyone's attention if you notice on the scrolling on the on our [2:31:28, 2:31:48]: screen. We've incorporated the vision, mission, and value statements throughout the and over time we're gonna have a uh an approach of um posters, placards and other things that's gonna be showing up around City Hall, um emphasizing this vision, mission, and value statement. So we're pleased about that as well. One other thing I did want [2:31:48, 2:31:52]: wanna bring up in regards to a there's a grant that our [2:31:53, 2:31:54]: Main Street [2:31:54, 2:32:08]: Director Ms. Kerry Harris Bragg has been working on. It's the Georgia Renaissance Partnership. It's a collaboration between the Georgia Municipal Association and the Georgia Cities Foundation and the Carl Vinson Institute. Um it's a partnership that's been created [2:32:09, 2:32:20]: They created a program in an effort to focus their resources and expertise on selected downtowns across the state, the Renaissance Strategic Visioning Planning Program, R S V P acronym. [2:32:21, 2:32:41]: Every year they put it out and t only two cities typically are chosen every year. Um typically the costs range from anywhere from forty five to sixty five thousand dollars. And again the the intent is to go through and do a um under the program select cities receive technical assistance for creating clear, concise, strategic downtown visions and plans that benefit [2:32:41, 2:32:50]: benefit local government leaders, downtown development authorities, chambers, downtown merchants, property owners, and lending this institutions and citizens. Um [2:32:52, 2:33:12]: The process takes anywhere from six to nine months and you kinda go through the whole thing and what they offer is up to up to nine thousand dollars in funding to help supplement and offset some of the other costs. So our hope was and our intent is to go ahead and move forward with um applying for this grant and to perhaps use some of the funds from [2:33:12, 2:33:32]: property sales, you know, should we be awarded using some of those um sales from property sales um to help offset those costs. Um end product would be a downtown master plan that would be incorporated into our overall comprehensive plan. So that was the intent of staff to move forward with that. Just wanted to make sure the council was aware [2:33:32, 2:33:52]: And once we get to that point, once we're selected um and we're notified that we have one, um speaking optimistically, um then we would come back and come back to the council on identifying the funding source, which we again we'd like to utilize from uh proceeds from property sales. So just one again, that's more so just to make the council aware. And [2:33:52, 2:34:02]: And lastly, um I did want to extend the congratulations to uh Mr. Mike Ireland, who's here at our back. He was recently promoted to the rank of captain with the Henry County Police Department. [2:34:08, 2:34:10]: Madame May, that's all I have. [2:34:10, 2:34:16]: Okay. Um at this time I'll start with Mr. Alexander if anybody has any closing comments. [2:34:17, 2:34:37]: Uh uh yes, I do. I'd just like to thank everybody for coming out and your support of the city of Stockbridge. Um I just want to let you everybody know that um I'm dedicated to keeping our city together and fighting every day to make sure that we do not lose this uh lose this battle. And I take it very personal [2:34:37, 2:34:50]: Because uh my neighborhood was actually included into the new city without uh the appropri approval or even asking us whether we wanted to be involved or not. That's wrong. We'll fight this. [2:34:52, 2:34:53]: Councilman Blount. [2:34:55, 2:35:02]: Yes, I concur with the uh statements just made because uh my neighborhood also is included in the uh mapping for uh [2:35:03, 2:35:06]: uh to start a new city of uh Eagles Lightning. [2:35:07, 2:35:08]: And um [2:35:10, 2:35:23]: We're all on board to fight this together. And I just wanna make this quick statement that I I'm you know, I I kid when I kid and I'm I'm serious when I'm serious. And if I've ever said anything on this [2:35:23, 2:35:43]: in this dias that offended any of my colleagues. I know I made a statement earlier but it was an in offensive. It was only kidding with uh Mr. Alexander so I just want to let you all know that we've agreed on a a lot up here. When we raise our hand we're in agreement. So um we're all working together to move this city forward. And I just thank uh my colleagues and the mayor that we're fighting to [2:35:43, 2:35:47]: keep Stockbridge what Stockbridge is and that's a beautiful city to live in. [2:35:48, 2:36:08]: Mayor Partiam. Yeah, thank you, Mayor. I want to tell the citizens keep the faith. Uh we're going to move the city forward. I'm glad to see that what the council and mayor are unanimous in the sense of to uh the fact that we oppose the city of of Eagles Landing and that uh we're gonna do all we can to make sure that we keep uh Stockbridge intact and that we [2:36:08, 2:36:25]: we're gonna do the proper annexation to take those in unaccorporate areas of Stockbridge and bring it into the city and and that way the city will grow and then we'll have a bigger base in the sense to uh tax base in a sense to uh build and grow. And so keep the faith to'cause we're gonna make it work. Thank you all. [2:36:25, 2:36:27]: Councilwoman Gantt. [2:36:29, 2:36:35]: Thank you for coming out and I look forward to um being with you guys and activities in the future. [2:36:40, 2:36:56]: Yeah, some woman Robins. Thank you, Mayor. Um, thanks to staff for coming you know, being so patient tonight and also for our presenters, thank you so very much. And again, congratulations on your um promotion. [2:36:56, 2:37:02]: We definitely wish you well with that and um again, good evening to everyone and and [2:37:02, 2:37:05]: Just know that we're fighting for stockbridge. [2:37:07, 2:37:27]: Thank you. Um I too am grateful for you coming and I want to remind you if you have an agenda to please note all of the official city meetings that are listed on it and also notice that there are council member community meetings listed on it along with their initiative. [2:37:26, 2:37:46]: initiatives and um to keep in mind the civic event for paint henry blue that will be on march thirtieth. So remember all those. I need to ask our um attorney if we have an executive session. Yes ma'am we'd like to have a motion to go into executive session uh to cover [2:37:46, 2:37:50]: for uh for real estate litigation and personnel matters. [2:37:50, 2:37:55]: Okay. Um I need a motion at this time to go into executive session. [2:37:56, 2:38:03]: Madam Mayor, I move that we go into executive session on the per for the purpose of real estate, litigation and personnel matters. Second. [2:38:04, 2:38:05]: Is there any discussion? [2:38:07, 2:38:08]: If not, all in favor. [2:38:09, 2:38:13]: Thank you. Those in the audience who wish to wait, we'll be back. [2:38:16, 2:38:25]: We we back in our routine. We what [2:39:10, 2:39:10]: Yeah. [2:39:13, 2:39:15]: Thanks for [2:39:16, 2:39:26]: Yeah. Thank you. [2:39:34, 2:39:35]: Yeah. [2:39:37, 2:39:40]: Well, the county just clicked on us. [2:39:41, 2:39:45]: They removed their Eagles landing discussion from the agenda. [2:39:45, 2:39:48]: [9588.7, 9601.9]: They removed it from the But now. But Julie, Bardo, Wilson. [2:40:02, 2:40:03]: Yeah, yeah. [2:40:04, 2:40:05]: Voted to remove it. [2:40:08, 2:40:20]: Yeah, now you know. He was lying, now you know, right? [2:40:21, 2:40:29]: Oh, she just found me. She don't want to take a formation at the meeting, you just don't want to take a position. [2:40:35, 2:40:55]: Uh March seventh, I think. It's on a Tuesday, the first next Tuesday. No, can I keep mine? Yeah. Okay, but [2:40:55, 2:40:56]: Okay.