Category: City Council

--- title: February 13 2017 City Council Meeting date: 2017-02-13 source: 2017-02-13_February_13_2017_City_Council_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:13, 0:00:18]: Yeah. [0:00:30, 0:00:38]: And then [0:00:39, 0:00:40]: Oh wait no. [0:00:56, 0:01:02]: [ 81.0, 100.6]: Yeah. No. So it's not. [0:02:21, 0:02:28]: Okay. At this time we'll call the meeting of the Stockbridge City Council to order this evening. Um [0:02:30, 0:02:45]: I don't see Pastor Murel in the audience. Oh here he is back here in the back. He's hiding from me. Um if you would Pastor Murel come up, he is from the Stockbridge First Baptist Church and we appreciate him coming tonight to give us our invitation. Thank you. [0:02:48, 0:02:49]: Thank you so much. Let's pray. [0:02:50, 0:02:59]: Our Heavenly Father, we call on the name of the Lord our God tonight with thanksgiving for another day. For the wonderful gift of life, we thank the Lord. We bless you tonight. [0:03:00, 0:03:03]: For these who serve Lord, we thank you for the mayor, the council. [0:03:04, 0:03:21]: And for those who are citizens in this s uh very place, Lord, that we love called Stockbridge, we're thankful for each home and family. Thank you for those who work, Lord, as employees of the city. We pray your blessing upon them. Lord, we ask for wisdom and discernment in every deliberation tonight. [0:03:21, 0:03:41]: That you would be pleased to unite us as a people, Lord, and yet we could also celebrate our diversity, even in the meeting and in the business, but seek the mind and and the will of the Lord that would please you, Lord, in this place. We thank you for those who've come. We pray, Lord, that you will bless those who protect us and first responders and [0:03:41, 0:03:43]: Police and fire. [0:03:43, 0:03:45]: We're grateful for each one of them. [0:03:45, 0:03:51]: And Lord, we pray that we would be united as one nation truly under God. Even in this meeting tonight. [0:03:51, 0:03:58]: And then have a sense of the presence of the Lord leading and giving discernment and wisdom in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. [0:03:58, 0:03:59]: Thank you so much. [0:04:00, 0:04:19]: At this time, if you all would stand, we'll pledge the flag to the United States of America. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States and nation under God with liberty and justice. [0:04:24, 0:04:27]: At this time we'll ask our clerk for the roll call. [0:04:28, 0:04:29]: Councilman Alexander. [0:04:30, 0:04:32]: Present. Councilman Blind. [0:04:32, 0:04:41]: Present. Mayor Neal. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Ford. Present. Councilwoman Gantt. Councilwoman Robinson. Present. Mayor Neal, you have a quorum. [0:04:41, 0:04:42]: Thank you. [0:04:43, 0:04:47]: At this time uh I would like for a motion to adopt our evening agenda. [0:04:49, 0:04:50]: Man. [0:04:52, 0:04:54]: I move that we adopt the agenda. [0:04:55, 0:04:55]: Second. [0:04:56, 0:05:03]: We have a motion by Councilman Gantt with a second by Councilman Alexander. [0:05:03, 0:05:04]: All in favour? [0:05:06, 0:05:07]: All in favour? [0:05:08, 0:05:24]: the motion for the agenda. All right. Thank you so much. We'll move on. The next order of business real quick, um we're gonna uh adopt our minutes from pre several previous meetings. That would be from um december twelfth, twenty sixteen. [0:05:25, 0:05:37]: December fourteenth, twenty sixteen, december sixteenth, twenty sixteen, and twelve twenty seven, six twenty sixteen. Do I hear a motion to accept those minutes? So moved. [0:05:37, 0:05:38]: A second? [0:05:38, 0:05:39]: Second. [0:05:40, 0:05:48]: We have a motion by uh Pro Tem Ford and a second by Councilman Alexander. Uh all in favor? [0:05:50, 0:05:52]: Okay, thank you very much. [0:05:52, 0:05:59]: Uh at this point I'm gonna pause just for a minute and uh off our regular agenda to do two things. [0:05:59, 0:06:03]: One is that I want to ask uh Karina Patel [0:06:04, 0:06:06]: If she would stand in our audience [0:06:06, 0:06:25]: Uh co Karina, uh we made a lot of photographs before the um meeting started tonight. Co Karina has uh been awarded a scholarship to the US Naval Academy by her congressman and I want all of us to stand up and give her [0:06:36, 0:06:51]: Not only is Karina here herself, but her um adoring parents are here tonight also, and we want to thank the uh Patels for um what a beautiful family you have been living in America and our community. Thank you so much. [0:06:51, 0:07:11]: At this time I would also like to recognize the fact that this is Black History Month and uh before you all arrived we had um a Black History Um Month presentation and also a recognition of our county commissioner from the Fifth District, Bruce Holmes. We'd like to ask him to stand and all of you if [0:07:11, 0:07:13]: You would stand and give them a little bit. [0:07:22, 0:07:32]: If you've ever been to Fairview, you can see that big footprint of uh Commissioner Holmes up in Fairview. He's done a lot of wonderful things for our county and we thank you for that. [0:07:32, 0:07:48]: All right, at this time we're going to move along with our meeting. And the next thing on our uh agenda tonight is an organizational appointment. And that simply means that uh our pro tem who served last year, Anthony Ford, [0:07:48, 0:08:02]: uh is being reappointed by his peers to serve um that the pro tem uh fills in from the m for the mayor when the ma whenever the mayor is not here. So I would like a motion for that um [0:08:03, 0:08:05]: Uh appointment. [0:08:07, 0:08:13]: Okay. We have a motion by Councilman F um Alexander. Do I hear a second? Second. [0:08:13, 0:08:15]: Is there any discussion on that? [0:08:15, 0:08:17]: We all set? All right. All in favor. [0:08:19, 0:08:23]: Well it looks like unanimous you are. [0:08:28, 0:08:35]: All right, yes. All right, thank you. [0:08:36, 0:08:56]: At this time we will be uh listening to some public comments if we have those. If if every I wanna make a point to let everybody in the audience know if you ever come to City Council and you want to speak, you certainly have that opportunity to do so. We ask that you pick up a yellow sheet. [0:08:56, 0:09:12]: out in the um uh entryway and fill it out and turn it in to the clerk just before the meeting begins and that way you will assure that you get to come up to the podium and present remarks. Do we have any of those uh tonight? [0:09:14, 0:09:20]: We do. Mayor Neal, I need to uh do m I do need to make one note to Ms. Janet Buckler. [0:09:21, 0:09:31]: You have filled out a public comment form regarding an item on the agenda that's a public hearing item, you'll be able to speak at that point. Okay. [0:09:32, 0:09:32]: Okay. [0:09:32, 0:09:35]: The next one is Ms. Mildred Reid. [0:09:36, 0:09:36]: Okay. [0:09:37, 0:09:38]: We ask it myself. [0:09:39, 0:09:40]: Mildred Reed is a [0:09:40, 0:09:43]: Good volunteer in our community come forward. [0:09:45, 0:09:53]: Again, my name is Mildred Reed, five thirty Creek View Overlook. Before I get started, I wanna pass out to the council members. [0:09:59, 0:10:16]: This presentation is specifically addressed today to the mayor and city council members, but also I would ask the individuals in the audience to please take note because you will be involved. We're asking for you to. We're asking the council for financial support. [0:10:17, 0:10:25]: As you're probably aware, Henry County includes the city of Stockbridge and has a very large population of senior adults. [0:10:25, 0:10:44]: is a valued population and it is vital that we as a community work together to see that there our daily needs continue to be met. Many of our senior adults are homebound with little or no contact with others and many may suffer from poor nutritional health. [0:10:45, 0:11:02]: Henry County Senior Services, in conjunction with the Henry County Council on Aging, our director is here, Mildred Smeltz, the chair of the Council on Aging, is able to reach out and provide hot meals through the Meals on Wheels, as well as nutritional supplements and home health care. [0:11:03, 0:11:10]: Unfortunately, due to budgetary restraints, we sometimes have to place our seniors on a waiting list. [0:11:10, 0:11:19]: Uh we are asking for the city council if if you could become a sponsor of this annual miles for meal walk. [0:11:19, 0:11:36]: By I have a recommended amount that I would like to see you all look at on your chart, which is the silver sponsor. Hopefully you'll be able to do that. And this walk will be held on Saturday. It's an annual event every first Saturday in May. [0:11:36, 0:11:39]: This set this year it will be May sixth. [0:11:39, 0:11:59]: Uh and the sponsorship form is attached so that you all can decide and vote if we want to if the city of Stockwritch wants to do this. As far as the other members of the council, I mean citizens are concerned, we will ask the citizen support by walking for miles for meals, and also you will see information. [0:11:59, 0:12:05]: information coming out in the near future with applications and sponsorship. [0:12:05, 0:12:07]: That we would like for every citizen [0:12:07, 0:12:23]: and stock with with every citizen in Henry County to be involved. Thank you very much. Thank you. Uh I would assume that we will take this up in our work session meeting which comes up in a couple of weeks for discussion. So thank you so much, Mildred. [0:12:24, 0:12:28]: Are there others? There are no further comments. Okay. [0:12:28, 0:12:33]: All right, at this time um we have some presentations. One is [0:12:34, 0:12:54]: Uh twenty seventeen Paint Henry Blue and this is raising awareness for the prevention of child abuse. It's the kickoff month in Stockbridge on March thirtieth and they are requesting the use of the Merrill Manders Conference Center for that event and this will be presented by [0:12:54, 0:13:06]: Susan Crutchville to take the side. Mayor Neal. Due to illness I would ask the council to actually table this item to be heard on February twenty eighth at the work session. [0:13:06, 0:13:09]: Do I hear a motion to table until the work session? [0:13:09, 0:13:10]: So moved. [0:13:10, 0:13:12]: Um do I hear a second. [0:13:13, 0:13:16]: Okay, we have a motion by Councilwoman Gantt. [0:13:17, 0:13:19]: Well the second with by Pro Tem Ford. [0:13:20, 0:13:23]: And all in fav or do we have discussion on that? [0:13:24, 0:13:27]: No discussion? All in favor? [0:13:28, 0:13:30]: Okay, thank you so much. [0:13:32, 0:13:52]: Okay, now we have some old business and this is going to be a number of appointments to various um councils, committees, that kind of thing. Um and I would like to ask my colleagues here if you all would like for me to read all of these and make a motion to take them all in at one time. [0:13:52, 0:13:57]: time is or do you want to just do'em one by one? All at one time, after we read'em. [0:13:58, 0:14:05]: Okay? And if we accept'em all. Okay? All right, let me start. The first one is going to be um [0:14:06, 0:14:26]: one of our own uh on the dais. This is the council appointment of a council representative on our Main Street advisory board. And that is going to be Anthony Ford, our pro tem. He served last year. He's willing to do that again. That's going to be uh the first one. The second [0:14:26, 0:14:39]: Second one, this will be appointments to the Main Street Advisory Board and it will be for two citizen appointments and that would be for Willie E. Hopkins and for Greg Horton. [0:14:40, 0:14:58]: Okay, next appointments of Counsel on Aging Representative, and that is tonight Tyrone C. Anderson, and he's in our audience. I know I saw him. Um appointed to the zoning advisory board, Shirley Wallace. [0:14:58, 0:15:09]: And then appointments on our youth council. I want to hold those just one second. If your name has been called so far, would you please stand and let us recognize you? [0:15:12, 0:15:18]: All right, thank you so much. Now then the appointment of Youth Council Advisory Committee [0:15:18, 0:15:22]: And that's going to be um a number of names. Emma Lewis. [0:15:23, 0:15:24]: Kenneth McFarlane. [0:15:24, 0:15:26]: Diane Miller. [0:15:27, 0:15:42]: Jacqueline Carter, Xavier Ross, Pamela Warner, and Callie Robinson. Are any of those people in the audience tonight? Okay. Uh oh, we do could you identify your name? [0:15:42, 0:15:43]: Thank you. [0:15:45, 0:15:58]: Xavier, okay. I I couldn't quite hear. All right, thank you, Xavier. All right, let me okay. At this time do I hear a motion that we accept all of these names? [0:15:59, 0:16:19]: Do I hear a motion that we accept these names? Mayor Protem. I mean Mayor Neal, apologies. I accept the names of appointments for the Youth Council Advisory Committee. Second. All right. All right. We have a motion to accept all of these names by um our councilwoman. [0:16:19, 0:16:22]: Mannet Robinson with a second by um [0:16:23, 0:16:24]: Council [0:16:25, 0:16:27]: Alexander. [0:16:27, 0:16:28]: Alexander. [0:16:29, 0:16:37]: And I was distracted just for a moment in the back. Uh do I have any emotion and I have the motion. Do I have a second? [0:16:37, 0:16:39]: Got it? Any discussion? [0:16:41, 0:16:43]: No discussion. All in favor? [0:16:43, 0:16:44]: It's me. [0:16:45, 0:16:48]: We want to especially thank all of these people [0:16:48, 0:16:56]: It it's wonderful when citizens step step forward and agree to serve, so we thank you so much for that, all of you. [0:17:03, 0:17:22]: At this time we are going to pause and we're going to go into our public hearing and that will be to discuss a variance request and it will regard a well known company, Waffle House, and that will be presented by our city manager, Mike Michael Harris. [0:17:25, 0:17:29]: Good evening, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and Council. Um this was heard [0:17:29, 0:17:31]: at the last work session meeting [0:17:31, 0:17:35]: And again as a reiteration, this is a variance request from Waffle House. [0:17:35, 0:17:40]: located in North Cross Georgia. The variance is for is from development regulations [0:17:40, 0:17:47]: and request is uh two f two requests. One is to increase the allowable size of one ground size one ground sign. [0:17:47, 0:18:07]: and to increase the allowable number of wall signs from two to three. At the um work session there was some conversation in regards to um the location and whether or not um that was top of conversation. In this case this isn't has nothing to do with the location. They are by right and by the current zoning they are [0:18:07, 0:18:17]: are allowed to be um to locate there and they have they're going through the the permitting process now with location itself. So what's being considered this evening is [0:18:17, 0:18:19]: And I'll bring up the pictures real quick. [0:18:21, 0:18:21]: Um [0:18:23, 0:18:25]: A couple of variances. One for [0:18:27, 0:18:28]: The ground sign. [0:18:29, 0:18:30]: As it stands. [0:18:32, 0:18:34]: Because of their [0:18:35, 0:18:37]: Because of the configuration of the building [0:18:41, 0:18:43]: Yeah, because of the configuration you have the [0:18:45, 0:19:05]: Yeah, please. Because of the configuration of the building, one side of the Waffle House is very narrow. It's a very long, narrow building. And per our ordinance, the they're allowed to have um their sign can it should match the up to up to sixty four square feet of the yeah, there it is. Um [0:19:04, 0:19:16]: Uh based on the um width the the frontage of the of the width of the building. So go back to the other one please. Um in this case the frontage is only like twenty four, twenty five square feet. [0:19:16, 0:19:18]: So that would take them to a twenty square foot [0:19:19, 0:19:21]: ground sign what you see here on your right. [0:19:22, 0:19:24]: What they're asking for is a [0:19:25, 0:19:27]: Um more conventional fifty square foot sign. [0:19:27, 0:19:30]: It should be eight foot, which meets our requirements. [0:19:30, 0:19:31]: By thirteen feet. [0:19:32, 0:19:50]: Um there are a few this is right near the corner near Parkside. There are a few other signs in this area. McDonald's is across the street, slightly bigger, CVS and the bottle shot, all those would be slightly bigger than what's being proposed here with the variants. But I think at the last meeting it was asked what would the other sign look like. [0:19:50, 0:19:51]: And this is it. So [0:19:52, 0:19:55]: This gives you an idea of what that's one of the [0:19:56, 0:19:56]: Request [0:19:57, 0:20:04]: Um there was request in regards to how would it compare based to the one that's McDonald's, it gives you comparison. [0:20:05, 0:20:06]: But those two signs. [0:20:07, 0:20:09]: And [0:20:10, 0:20:11]: If we can find the [0:20:12, 0:20:22]: The other one is for a comparison of the is to add a a uh a wall sign on the on the side of the building. [0:20:24, 0:20:25]: You can't pull that one up. [0:20:27, 0:20:33]: 'Cause right now they have uh they're currently showing two wall signs and this would be for a third wall sign. Third um [0:20:36, 0:20:38]: We pull that up. [0:20:52, 0:20:59]: So um yeah give me a minute I'll pull that one up. Any questions while I'm working on that? Working through that. [0:21:00, 0:21:04]: From council. Is it okay if I say one comment about this? [0:21:05, 0:21:11]: I want to make sure that everybody in the audience could hear uh the explanation about [0:21:11, 0:21:12]: This item [0:21:13, 0:21:19]: And also I want to ask if this is the item that you signed up to speak on. Okay. [0:21:19, 0:21:20]: All right. [0:21:20, 0:21:22]: We we will allow that once we get to [0:21:22, 0:21:23]: to this point. [0:21:24, 0:21:30]: I wanna make sure that everyone in the room understands what we're voting on tonight. [0:21:31, 0:21:34]: There have been a lot of rumors going around. [0:21:34, 0:21:36]: And um [0:21:36, 0:21:39]: And and I wanna make sure that everybody understands. [0:21:39, 0:21:41]: The Waffle House [0:21:44, 0:21:49]: meets the zoning requirements, just like the McDonalds did across the street. [0:21:51, 0:21:54]: So that's one thing I wanted to share. [0:21:55, 0:21:58]: What they're asking for on that third sign [0:21:59, 0:22:03]: is exactly what McDonalds has across the street. [0:22:03, 0:22:07]: They have a sign, a big sign on one side of their building. [0:22:07, 0:22:14]: and a big logo type sign on the other side of their building, which makes two. And then they have a sign on the front. [0:22:15, 0:22:19]: So I want you to understand that we're not doing [0:22:19, 0:22:21]: This presentation is about [0:22:22, 0:22:24]: what fits within the zoning code. [0:22:25, 0:22:27]: And I'm not pushing for. [0:22:27, 0:22:29]: Or against. [0:22:29, 0:22:37]: I'm just telling you, I want you to be sure that you understand before you leave here tonight what is being asked. [0:22:38, 0:22:45]: Um Michael? Yeah, and and here is to pull up the this is the view for the variants for the wall signs. [0:22:46, 0:22:49]: Again, as noted, typically it'd be two wall signs. [0:22:49, 0:22:51]: In this case because of the configuration in it. [0:22:51, 0:22:54]: fronts on also on park side and [0:22:54, 0:22:55]: Ego's landing. [0:22:56, 0:22:58]: They're asking for a third wall sign. [0:22:59, 0:22:59]: Um [0:23:00, 0:23:04]: showing up in the in the brick recess, this would be the channel letters. [0:23:04, 0:23:23]: That are being offered. So this is a request. That's the the nature of it. The applicant is here and I'm sure you'd like to give this presentation speaking a little bit on as well. But if you have any questions from staff, we'd love to be happy to address them. We'll let the applicant speak and then we will let anyone that signed up to address this issue come to the microphone after the applicant comes. [0:23:35, 0:23:41]: Good evening. My name is Sanford McAllister. I am an employee of the Waffle House Corporation located in Norcross, Georgia. [0:23:41, 0:23:42]: And [0:23:43, 0:23:46]: I can further expand on the two variances that [0:23:46, 0:23:49]: Mr. Harris has outlined that we are seeking tonight. [0:23:50, 0:23:50]: And [0:23:51, 0:23:53]: They're both related to the unique [0:23:54, 0:23:58]: Hardships are created by the lot the the configuration as he referred to. [0:23:58, 0:24:00]: is very um [0:24:00, 0:24:10]: at the end of the day it's as simple as we're sandwiched between the road on one side and a drainage swell on the other side. So the building has to be oriented that way. [0:24:10, 0:24:12]: And due to the code. [0:24:12, 0:24:12]: Which [0:24:13, 0:24:15]: obligates the applicants to [0:24:17, 0:24:20]: apply for a sign that is related to the building [0:24:21, 0:24:23]: facade that actually faces the uh [0:24:24, 0:24:32]: the right of way in this case, Eagles Lane Parkway, that's our narrow end of the building and there's no way to rotate it ninety degrees. If we did rotate it ninety degrees as I've shared [0:24:32, 0:24:34]: uh previously the work session. [0:24:35, 0:24:41]: we wouldn't have this conversation because we would actually be able to have more signage than we're asking for, which is only fifty square feet. [0:24:41, 0:24:50]: If I knew how to operate this I would take it back to but hopefully I know one of you on this side, I don't recall which wanted to see the perspectives and have you seen those in [0:24:51, 0:24:51]: Okay. [0:24:52, 0:24:54]: And so not only are [0:24:54, 0:24:56]: is our sign, our ground sign. [0:24:56, 0:25:02]: uh within the code as far as the height, the only variance we are requesting is for the area itself. [0:25:03, 0:25:04]: And [0:25:04, 0:25:16]: again that's a function of the orientation of the building and we wouldn't wouldn't need to do that. And an another thing that I think is worth worth mentioning on the wall signage that was uh illustrated just a moment ago [0:25:17, 0:25:28]: that that those facades by code you can have up to a hundred square feet of wall signage. We want to keep things as tasteful as you've seen presented there and those signs are only thirty square feet. [0:25:29, 0:25:32]: much, much smaller than what is allowable on on the wall sign. [0:25:32, 0:25:33]: And so [0:25:34, 0:25:35]: That's the um [0:25:36, 0:25:37]: the background on what brings me [0:25:38, 0:25:39]: to you tonight. [0:25:39, 0:25:43]: I did have the opportunity to speak with two of the board members of the neighbouring [0:25:43, 0:25:46]: uh home development and parkside and and they [0:25:46, 0:25:53]: uh we met today and and talked through and they seem to completely understand s and support what we're we're heading toward. [0:25:54, 0:25:55]: So [0:25:57, 0:26:05]: I think that is the extent of of of what I wanted to share with you and you want to ask me any questions now or wait until [0:26:05, 0:26:05]: Um [0:26:10, 0:26:12]: Let let's hear um [0:26:13, 0:26:19]: Could could you pause and let me bring up could you give me the name again of the person who would like to speak? [0:26:19, 0:26:23]: Okay, you can go ahead. And [0:26:26, 0:26:27]: With a motion. [0:26:27, 0:26:30]: Well you don't need a motion, just open the Okay. [0:26:31, 0:26:36]: Okay, we're gonna open this into a hearing format to allow this speaker to come forward. [0:26:37, 0:26:38]: Both in favour or opposed. [0:26:39, 0:26:40]: Thank you, Pardon. [0:26:40, 0:26:44]: Yeah. [0:26:46, 0:26:51]: Oh do to vote on the Waffle House first? If you want people to speak in favor? [0:26:51, 0:26:51]: First [0:26:52, 0:27:00]: We only have one person speaking. We don't know that. Okay. All right. Okay. At this point I stand corrected. [0:27:00, 0:27:05]: Um if we have people in the audience who want to speak in favor of [0:27:07, 0:27:11]: Okay, anybody who's speaking in favour, off the Waffle House. [0:27:12, 0:27:16]: And Madame Clerk, there's a someone in the back that's still holding her [0:27:17, 0:27:26]: um piece but I think she's an opposition voter, so let's bring that up first. All right. Anyone in uh wanting to be in favor of this, please come forward. [0:27:28, 0:27:28]: If not [0:27:29, 0:27:34]: The clerk will call the names and have the two or others if there are others in the audience. [0:27:34, 0:27:37]: Okay. Janet Buchler? [0:27:38, 0:27:39]: Point of order. [0:27:40, 0:27:43]: She's against. She's coming up to speak against. Point of order. [0:27:44, 0:27:50]: Yes. There's anybody can come up and speak at this point to see you. [0:27:50, 0:27:52]: Right. You don't have to sign in. [0:27:55, 0:28:02]: All right, the people who have signed in are coming up first, okay? And then anyone else will be able to come up after that. So [0:28:02, 0:28:05]: Please come up to the podium, just come right around and [0:28:09, 0:28:15]: My name is Janet Beekler. I live at Parkside at Eagles Landing. I just have a couple of questions mainly. [0:28:16, 0:28:19]: And I think they were basically answered. [0:28:19, 0:28:21]: The there is no high sign. [0:28:21, 0:28:22]: It's lit. [0:28:23, 0:28:24]: Michael. [0:28:24, 0:28:35]: Could you help her is there a high sign that's lit or is it just the ground sign and the light the lights around the building? It's just the ground sign. [0:28:35, 0:28:36]: I have no problem. [0:28:37, 0:28:38]: Thank you so much. [0:28:39, 0:28:40]: Next person please. [0:28:44, 0:28:48]: And when you come to speak always give your street address and your name. Thank you. [0:28:49, 0:28:52]: And in this is an opposition, perhaps. [0:28:52, 0:28:57]: Yes, I've missed being able to oppose the fact that other [0:28:57, 0:29:00]: I've missed it uh of being [0:29:01, 0:29:03]: i in favor of opposing. [0:29:03, 0:29:05]: Waffle House being there. But [0:29:06, 0:29:09]: It's not so much that I oppose. [0:29:09, 0:29:11]: A business going there. [0:29:11, 0:29:13]: It's a twenty four seven. [0:29:13, 0:29:15]: business going in there. [0:29:15, 0:29:18]: You talk about McDonald's across the street. [0:29:18, 0:29:22]: It's cross street. It's not quite beside [0:29:22, 0:29:25]: where my granddaughter plays on the playground. [0:29:25, 0:29:32]: where I take her to the swimming pool, t right beside it. Y'all have not even taken that into consideration. [0:29:33, 0:29:34]: Uh [0:29:34, 0:29:41]: And you're talking about giving more signage. Do they really need signage on the right side facing our menatees area? [0:29:42, 0:29:45]: It's bad enough that the board has approved [0:29:46, 0:29:49]: in a residential area of this type business. [0:29:49, 0:29:52]: Surely you could have approved some other business. [0:29:52, 0:29:55]: Than a Waffle House. I mean, I love Waffle House. I go there. [0:29:56, 0:30:01]: There are already three waffle houses on that one stretch. [0:30:01, 0:30:04]: Th you know, this is gonna be the fourth [0:30:05, 0:30:05]: You allowed [0:30:06, 0:30:09]: McDonald's to go in across the street. [0:30:09, 0:30:12]: We already have a fed problem. [0:30:13, 0:30:19]: We were promised the moon and given nothing for when the Eagles Landing was expanded. [0:30:19, 0:30:23]: There's gonna be deaths trying to get out of Parkside. [0:30:23, 0:30:25]: Tonight when I was coming here [0:30:26, 0:30:32]: I had to wait ten minutes to get all the way across to be able to turn left. [0:30:32, 0:30:34]: I could've went on town a mile. [0:30:35, 0:30:42]: But it's ridiculous. I can't go out of the backside of Parkside and turn left. I can't go anywhere out of Parkside and turn left. [0:30:43, 0:30:46]: Please give some consideration to us. [0:30:46, 0:30:50]: And don't make it look so business since it's already been approved. [0:30:51, 0:30:56]: And I wasn't able to oppose either this or McDonald's. [0:30:57, 0:31:03]: You know, I expected it to be a business. It was zoned. I just didn't want a twenty four seven [0:31:03, 0:31:07]: Where lights are gonna be shining in my neighbor's backyard. [0:31:07, 0:31:09]: I'm the fourth house on the right. [0:31:10, 0:31:17]: It's not gonna affect me that terribly much, but it is the person that's gonna be backed up to that. They're gonna have all kind of lights. [0:31:18, 0:31:19]: Uh you know. [0:31:19, 0:31:25]: Please take into consideration the residents. There's about two hundred people that live in Parkside. [0:31:25, 0:31:26]: And [0:31:26, 0:31:34]: Y'all haven't taken any of this into consideration by approving this. Again, I love to eat at Waffle House. I just don't want one as my neighbor. [0:31:35, 0:31:40]: Thank you. And we have your name and address on the form. Thank you so much. [0:31:40, 0:31:44]: All right. Is there anyone else in the audience that would like to speak? [0:31:46, 0:31:47]: Against [0:31:48, 0:31:48]: The project. [0:31:49, 0:31:49]: Please come up. [0:31:50, 0:31:51]: No, you're okay. [0:31:51, 0:31:56]: Anyone any anyone in the audience that wants to speak for the project? [0:31:56, 0:31:57]: All right, Ms. Uh. [0:31:58, 0:32:00]: Bishop Breyer, please come up. [0:32:00, 0:32:02]: Give your name and address. [0:32:08, 0:32:09]: Mm. [0:32:10, 0:32:15]: My name is uh Bishop Irving Breyer, I'm at 111 Barrington Parkway, Stockbridge, Georgia. [0:32:15, 0:32:16]: Okay. [0:32:19, 0:32:26]: I wanted to bring the I wasn't clear on Adidas or on ground for the ground side. [0:32:27, 0:32:29]: These are not coming out, so it's on facial. [0:32:30, 0:32:35]: These are mounted on the they're channel letters mounted on the building. So they're not on the ground? [0:32:35, 0:32:38]: No, no, no, these are not. There is another ground size. [0:32:41, 0:32:52]: Bishop Breyer, could you raise the question verbally so the audience can hear your questions? Where the signs are. There are two on the building and they wanted those enlarged. [0:32:54, 0:32:55]: No sir. The [0:32:56, 0:33:01]: One request is to for the size of the ground mount the ground ground sign. [0:33:02, 0:33:03]: And the other one is for the [0:33:04, 0:33:10]: on the building. I'm concerned about the ground side. That's the ground side. That's what he's asking. [0:33:10, 0:33:15]: Block any traffic ongoing for either park site or fire. [0:33:15, 0:33:24]: Ask a lot of questions, you just get to be for or against, okay? He's shown you what you asked to see. But the reason I have to ask that I can't tell from the drawings. [0:33:24, 0:33:26]: If it's in the way of traffic. [0:33:27, 0:33:30]: For instance, if I'm going over that old if I'm coming up the bridge now [0:33:31, 0:33:35]: I'm distracted by that big sign coming over that that bridge. [0:33:35, 0:33:37]: So if that ground side [0:33:37, 0:33:41]: interferes with traffic on Eagles Landing or Park side. [0:33:42, 0:33:43]: Then it's [0:33:44, 0:33:46]: I couldn't appro I couldn't be in favour of it. [0:33:46, 0:33:49]: As long as that sign does not impair vision. [0:33:50, 0:33:51]: Then it's fine with me. [0:33:52, 0:33:53]: Because the height is okay. [0:33:54, 0:34:02]: Okay. Let let's bring the Waffle House people back up and let him uh respond to this if you would. Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much. [0:34:03, 0:34:06]: Mayor, if I may, while he's coming, I I did want to clarify [0:34:06, 0:34:09]: Um something one of the residents did say. It it is [0:34:10, 0:34:18]: It wasn't for this council to approve or disapprove. It never came before this council for approval or disapproval because the property has been zoned. [0:34:18, 0:34:23]: Um so the property was zoned and in this case the use has been proposed. [0:34:23, 0:34:24]: [2064.3, 2080.0]: amenable to that to that zoning. So there wasn't anything to come before this or any other body to ask for permission because the zoning was currently in place. And I did also want to note that um it was heard by the zoning advisory board two weeks ago and it was approved by the zoning advisory board. So [0:34:41, 0:34:45]: And I apologize for not identifying my the Waffle House people, the other [0:34:45, 0:34:49]: thing that makes a plural is Richard Voigt. He's our in house counsel and he has made the journey down and [0:34:50, 0:34:52]: That is the rest of our people. I forgot to mention that. [0:34:52, 0:34:56]: Uh, could you pause for me? Bishop Ryer you can take your seat while he [0:34:56, 0:34:59]: It's his turn now. Thank you. And so the answer to [0:35:00, 0:35:01]: His question. [0:35:01, 0:35:10]: the actual edge of a pavement is the sign is forty two feet beyond there and traffic and engineering have um [0:35:10, 0:35:14]: rules and requirements that uh they call a site triangle to ensure that there's not a [0:35:14, 0:35:22]: a traffic hazard created in terms of visibility from the signage. So it is a full forty two feet back from the edge of pavement and [0:35:22, 0:35:24]: And even further from the right away. So [0:35:24, 0:35:26]: That is how it's situated on the site plan. [0:35:26, 0:35:27]: Okay. [0:35:27, 0:35:30]: Any other comments for or against? [0:35:32, 0:35:39]: At this time we will I will ask for a motion for this variance request. [0:35:40, 0:35:41]: Is there a motion? [0:35:41, 0:35:43]: Yeah, I asked you to close the public hearing. [0:35:43, 0:35:45]: Oh, thank you for reminding me. [0:35:46, 0:35:46]: All right. [0:35:47, 0:35:51]: We will close the public hearing at this point and move on to the vote. [0:35:56, 0:35:59]: At this time do I hear a request for [0:36:02, 0:36:02]: We make a comment? [0:36:03, 0:36:05]: Can we make a comment? [0:36:05, 0:36:05]: Alors. [0:36:07, 0:36:10]: Um, do you want to hold that until we get to the point of discussion? [0:36:11, 0:36:11]: Or [0:36:13, 0:36:15]: Mr Attorney, I need your [0:36:16, 0:36:20]: A as a presiding officer you have the discretion to allow. [0:36:20, 0:36:27]: All right. If anyone on the uh Dais has an uh uh comment, please make them now and we'll start with the Councilman Robinson. [0:36:27, 0:36:43]: Um I just wanna address everyone um because there has been a lot of concerns and um I just wanted to be clear that this council it did not come before this council. Um so there was some concerns as well. Um but at this point [0:36:43, 0:36:52]: Um there's nothing this council can do. So I just wanted to make that clear um to everyone, real clear. Thank you. Mayor. [0:36:54, 0:37:00]: I have a request uh from my seat net here from Councilman Blount. We'll go to him next. [0:37:01, 0:37:09]: Um yes, I've talked to many residents of the city of Stockbridge and one of my main concerns when it was first brought up is that [0:37:09, 0:37:29]: Um I would like to see any new development that's gonna be proposed for the city of Stockbridge in the future so that the public can be aware of what's going on, even if it's been permitted and if it's gonna come through the city of Stockbridge, because all the feedback that I'm getting is negative feedback. Uh that is a concern of mine because I remember on even on my campaign. [0:37:29, 0:37:49]: Trail, although I was one of my signs were in a distance from the street. It was still impairing vision coming uh all depending on which way you was coming from tracker, so I had to move that um move my sign back because of that. We we we're talking about something that's already been approved for as a building for his Waffle House, but [0:37:49, 0:38:09]: But um when it comes to my position as a city council member, my concerns are those that are not only in my community but all the citizens of Stockbridge and and the feedback I'm getting from them and which I brought also to um I'm assuming the the developer is that in the city in that area is so unique and so interesting that after ten o'clock [0:38:09, 0:38:11]: Mostly everything is closed there. [0:38:12, 0:38:20]: uh uh in in that area. So what we're attracting and then we can't w we as a council, since we had no idea [0:38:20, 0:38:27]: uh what was gonna be coming there and we had no choice of what was coming there. We couldn't get feedback from any citizens [0:38:27, 0:38:32]: like we're getting tonight, which I think we should in the future, so maybe we'll make those adjustments. [0:38:32, 0:38:36]: Um because those are some concerns when it comes to twenty four hour lights. [0:38:36, 0:38:42]: uh and traffic uh uh impedement for uh the citizens to get in and out of uh their driveways. [0:38:43, 0:38:45]: Any other comments? Councilman Alexander. [0:38:45, 0:39:05]: Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I want to echo uh what Councilman Blount said. Pretty much uh all the feedback that I've gotten has been negative as well. And um, you know, when it really comes to this, we do have three waffle houses already down uh this line or down this road. Um where it really comes [0:39:05, 0:39:06]: [2347.4, 2353.1]: this council and the city is challenged to do better. [0:39:13, 0:39:14]: As a group. [0:39:14, 0:39:20]: because we need to look at every parcel in the city [0:39:20, 0:39:27]: and identify situations like this so in the future you can have your input. [0:39:27, 0:39:38]: The only way that you're gonna have your input in the future is in that we undertake this task of identifying each individual parcel because this Waffle House [0:39:38, 0:39:58]: parcel was zoned previously so the Waffle House or anyone else would pretty much that fit that zoning requirement would not have to come to us. Uh I personally have spoken with the city manager about reviewing each parcel in Stockbridge. Uh we had a similar situation happening [0:39:58, 0:40:05]: happen in front of uh Monarch Village subdivision where a family dollar was going to go there. [0:40:05, 0:40:25]: And and we we still have not uh identified that as a group. So I I say today that uh we have to do better and we're going to do better. And as far as this is concerned, no personally uh the Waffle House is already there, but at the same time, can I vote for any any of this? No or can [0:40:25, 0:40:37]: not because personally uh the situation is it is what it is and uh is it i is it our purview to approve or deny, I can't support it. [0:40:38, 0:40:44]: Are there any other comments by council members? Yes, Madam Mayor. Um Councilman Yant. [0:40:44, 0:40:49]: Um, just so that everyone understands and I and I have a question as well. [0:40:50, 0:41:06]: Um in regards to the Waffle House or any store or any type of business that's coming here, we're not necessarily the first people to know what business is coming. Most of the time the business is already gonna be here, it's already been planned, they've done all their paperwork. [0:41:07, 0:41:27]: They come to us for zoning ordinance changes or signs such as these or something some type of variance that they need. So the McDonalds, they were already there. They came to us to get some type of variance. If it's a hotel and if it's zoned already in that property, they they're already there. They come to us [0:41:27, 0:41:47]: After the fact. A lot of times people keep real estate deals very hush hush, especially commercial. Um the community as a whole, we can ask for certain restaurants. [0:41:47, 0:42:05]: FYI so you're aware and you get a a clear picture of what's going on here, you know, we can't control what stores come here and ask us if we don't know in advance. Um it's just not something that we we have um the ability to do. [0:42:05, 0:42:23]: Um and my last my one of my questions, um one of the citizens did come up and make a comment and state that we could at least consider not putting a sign on one of the sides of the Waffle House that is facing their amenities. And so [0:42:24, 0:42:33]: I want to know what side that would be, if it's facing their side of their amenities, um and if it is, what side is that on? [0:42:36, 0:42:44]: On the west side. On the west side. So is that the right the extra the third sign would be? Okay. [0:42:45, 0:42:53]: And is there is there anything blocking that view so that this the neighborhood wouldn't see the sign if they didn't want to see it or [0:42:54, 0:42:56]: Is it's gonna I'm sorry. [0:43:01, 0:43:20]: And Mr. Harris, is there something that we can do about that? Is it on their property or the property in the neighborhood subdivision? Yeah, I'm not sure if there's a buffer currently located on I think there's some part of a buffer on the Waffle House property it stands right now. Wanna come back to the microphone? [0:43:22, 0:43:23]: See if the site plans up here. [0:43:27, 0:43:35]: Yes, there is a significant buffer along the entire stretch on the side, the west side. [0:43:35, 0:43:39]: Uh as a matter of fact, it's very significant. It it's wooded and it's also in a swale. [0:43:39, 0:43:41]: The diagram that you're seeing now, I don't [0:43:41, 0:43:43]: Guess I have do I have a way to point on this? [0:43:44, 0:43:46]: the mouse, all of those [0:43:50, 0:43:55]: lines right here are the slope and there's nothing but trees there. [0:43:55, 0:43:56]: Um [0:43:57, 0:44:06]: all the way through. As a matter of fact, you know, they actually asked me today, hey, I hope you'll clean up some of the brush underneath there when we was meeting with two board members,'cause it's a lot. [0:44:06, 0:44:11]: there and it's a all each of those lines represents a one footfall in topography. [0:44:11, 0:44:13]: in that swell that I described. [0:44:13, 0:44:14]: There it is. [0:44:14, 0:44:15]: Fully would it. [0:44:16, 0:44:20]: Okay. So will those that buffer remain to allow so the sand wouldn't [0:44:21, 0:44:25]: It would blot the view basically. Yeah, definitely. [0:44:25, 0:44:28]: From their amenities, yeah, um it it definitely is [0:44:28, 0:44:30]: Very well screened and [0:44:31, 0:44:32]: And the other thing. [0:44:32, 0:44:33]: the entire [0:44:34, 0:44:44]: part as plans that we've submitted indicate, nothing's being removed there. All of that intentionally is is intended to maintain a a very solid buffer. [0:44:46, 0:45:06]: All right. Do we have any other questions or comments by counsel? Yeah. Thank you, Mayor. I appreciate it. It's my understanding that the with the McDonald's, which is a c obviously across the street, that uh they asked for a variance as well, and that variance came that occurred back in October of twenty fourteen and that aspect so the president's uh has already been [0:45:05, 0:45:25]: And set per se in that aspect. But it's good to know that there's a good amount of buffer uh between on that west side and between that and the community, it seems like. So uh that should uh that should hopefully suffice. Uh but on that note, uh since it deals with various, I'd like to make a motion uh that the council considers the variances uh that [0:45:25, 0:45:31]: that the uh Waffle House is uh uh uh presenting and that uh be approved. [0:45:32, 0:45:38]: I hear a motion by Pro Tem Ford. Do I hear a second to that motion? [0:45:41, 0:45:43]: Do I hear a second to the motion? [0:45:47, 0:45:52]: There is no second, so I would assume that the motion fails. [0:45:52, 0:45:53]: Madam Mayor. [0:45:54, 0:46:05]: I m would like to make a motion to approve the variance for the the ground sign but not the sign the third sign on the building. Okay, but that motion he just made failed. [0:46:05, 0:46:06]: Without a second. [0:46:07, 0:46:08]: Okay. Has everybody got that? [0:46:09, 0:46:13]: Okay. Uh any discussion on that first motion? [0:46:15, 0:46:17]: Okay. Is there another motion? [0:46:19, 0:46:19]: Madam Mayor. [0:46:20, 0:46:33]: I I would like to move that we approve the variance for the ground signs but not the third wall sign on the west side towards the um subdivision of Parkside. [0:46:34, 0:46:36]: Do I hear a second to that motion? [0:46:41, 0:46:44]: No second to the motion. [0:46:48, 0:46:52]: Mr Attorney, any comments anybody over there want to make? No ma'am. Okay. [0:46:53, 0:46:55]: All right, no. [0:46:56, 0:47:00]: Okay. That appears that that motion has failed. [0:47:02, 0:47:04]: Any discussion? [0:47:06, 0:47:07]: Yes, ma'am. [0:47:08, 0:47:09]: Yeah. [0:47:09, 0:47:10]: Hold on just a minute. [0:47:13, 0:47:23]: All in favor? Okay. All right, everybody. We have a motion. Do we have a second? [0:47:24, 0:47:27]: I asked for a second but it I didn't get one. [0:47:28, 0:47:35]: No, it failed. There a second to that motion made by Councilwoman Gantt. Okay, I feel I'll second that. [0:47:36, 0:47:38]: Okay. Is there any discussion? [0:47:42, 0:47:44]: No discussion? Yeah, one second. [0:47:45, 0:47:55]: Yeah, I just got if if we um obviously if this doesn't pass and obviously this variance goes away and Waffle House is just back to what position here? [0:47:56, 0:48:16]: Well, there's nothing restricting them to building the site. It would restrict them to two wall signs and a ground sign not to exceed the twenty the other variation that you saw on there twenty square foot. So the wall sign and the sign the wall signs on the building and the sign that goes in front of the uh front of the building would be within the normal order. [0:48:16, 0:48:25]: ordinance or requirement, not the exceptional reverence that they the larger site that they want. That's correct, it'd be the smaller sign that we showed earlier, the twenty square foot sign. Okay, thank you. [0:48:27, 0:48:30]: Okay, we have a motion and a second. [0:48:32, 0:48:33]: Or the [0:48:33, 0:48:36]: You want to restate that motion again, Councilwoman? [0:48:37, 0:48:48]: Um yes, I move that we approve the ground sign, however we would not approve the wall sign on the west side of the um [0:48:48, 0:48:49]: Um building. [0:48:50, 0:48:50]: Okay. [0:48:51, 0:49:00]: Yeah, every basin the park side subdivision. So that motion would be they'd be limited to two ground signs or two two wall signs. [0:49:00, 0:49:05]: But this motion would be their ground sign that they're asking for, the fifty square foot [0:49:05, 0:49:07]: would be allowed in this case. [0:49:07, 0:49:08]: Those two separate scenarios. [0:49:10, 0:49:19]: For the ground sign and the two w two signs instead of three. That's correct. That sounds like what your motion is. Yes, that's correct. Okay. Does everybody understand the motion? [0:49:23, 0:49:26]: We've had discussion. All in favor of the motion. [0:49:31, 0:49:32]: All opposed? [0:49:38, 0:49:46]: Okay. We are in um still in our that unfortunately that motion has failed. [0:49:48, 0:49:50]: Nothing we can do at this point. [0:49:51, 0:49:51]: Um [0:49:52, 0:49:54]: We're still in public hearing. [0:49:57, 0:50:01]: And we have an annexation request being presented by Michael Harris. [0:50:04, 0:50:06]: Okay, thank you again. This is [0:50:07, 0:50:09]: Again, item that was discussed during [0:50:11, 0:50:12]: Get back to those. [0:50:12, 0:50:15]: uh during the work session recently [0:50:16, 0:50:17]: In which [0:50:17, 0:50:19]: And pull it up here. [0:50:19, 0:50:22]: This is property that is currently [0:50:22, 0:50:24]: Um owned by the city. [0:50:24, 0:50:31]: And the area designated in red outline is the Reeves Creek Trailhead off of Flippin' Road. [0:50:32, 0:50:35]: Um the city acquired this property some three years ago. [0:50:35, 0:50:44]: um four years ago actually for the purpose of building a trailhead which w which is part of the construction of the trail leading from Flippin Road to Memorial Park. [0:50:45, 0:51:05]: Um while the property is in fact owned by the city, as you can tell by the area shown in the light the lighter color, it is not currently physically within the city Stockbridge boundaries. Um for that an annexation needs to take place. So what the city did was we notified the county [0:51:05, 0:51:06]: County. [0:51:07, 0:51:15]: Um back in early part of January for the thirty day um notification requirement. Um that requirement has now been met. [0:51:16, 0:51:20]: and there was no opposition um voiced by the county. [0:51:21, 0:51:24]: Pro pro the item was also heard by the zone advisory board. [0:51:25, 0:51:38]: last month as well and they unanimously approved. Again, this is principally just a clean up item, just to bring our part within our boundaries. So that's the item that's being considered for you for the council's consideration this evening. [0:51:38, 0:51:40]: Yeah, do you have any questions? [0:51:41, 0:51:44]: Okay, does anyone have questions of the city manager at this point? [0:51:47, 0:51:53]: Yeah. [0:51:53, 0:52:07]: Yes. Uh public hearing. Um if nobody up here has comment, then we'll go into the public hearing portion. Anyone in the room want to come up and speak in favor? [0:52:07, 0:52:12]: of this annexation. Anyone in the room want to speak in favour? [0:52:15, 0:52:18]: Is there anyone in the room that would like to s oppose this [0:52:19, 0:52:20]: Motion. [0:52:23, 0:52:24]: Okay. [0:52:25, 0:52:27]: If that's the um no one is [0:52:28, 0:52:29]: Wants to come for either [0:52:30, 0:52:33]: Um for or against is there a motion? [0:52:34, 0:52:41]: Yes. Don't need a motion. Beg your pardon? Just need to close the hearing. Okay, at this point we'll close the hearing on that matter. [0:52:41, 0:52:46]: The next item is to update the city's official zoning map. [0:52:46, 0:52:51]: Mayor. No, we still we closed the public hearing but we still gotta have a motion to approve that says it. Okay. [0:52:53, 0:52:55]: Yes, I would like to make a motion to approve [0:52:55, 0:53:04]: Annexation request AX seventeen fifty one bringing this partial our trailhead into the city of Stockbridge. [0:53:05, 0:53:07]: Okay, any discussion? [0:53:10, 0:53:12]: Okay, if no discussion, all in favor? [0:53:14, 0:53:24]: Okay, thank you so much. Next item on the um public hearing is to update the city's officials zoning map that will be presented by [0:53:24, 0:53:27]: our city manager Michael Harris. [0:53:27, 0:53:37]: Yes, thank you again. Um once again this is something we're gonna be getting into the habit of doing on an annual basis. Um this is updating and adopting our official zoning map. [0:53:37, 0:53:38]: Um [0:53:38, 0:53:58]: We hadn't done this in a couple of years, so we wanted to make sure we're going through the exercise now on an annual basis to go back through to pick up any rezonings that may have occurred throughout the course of the year. Throughout the course of the year we'll always keep a running um an active working map which will show an up to date version of all any rezonings that take place throughout the course of the year and then [0:53:58, 0:54:09]: every year beginning of the year we'll go back through the process of um formally adopting a new map to reflect any and all change that may have occurred throughout that um previous year. The principal [0:54:10, 0:54:26]: Um area of note this year is the addition of a new zoning district which is shown it's difficult to see but my mouse up here is kinda showing it it just follows the railroad line for those areas where the railroad um touches city boundaries. [0:54:27, 0:54:47]: And we added a zoning classification of X1, and this is solely for the purpose of um establishing a zoning classification for that railroad right away area, which would give us the opportunity to put provisions in place. Um this is really a a issue that uh uh came up a couple years ago in which um some development [0:54:47, 0:54:59]: took place within the raw railroad right away because the area was not zoned, so we're assigning the zoning um designation to it so we can put some prohibitions on what can and cannot be allowed within those right away areas per our code. So [0:54:59, 0:55:05]: Um something our attorney um worked on a great deal. Uh Justin Kilgore did a great job putting the map together. [0:55:05, 0:55:11]: Um so again, this will be an annual practice that we'll be engaging in and bring it back to the council. [0:55:11, 0:55:13]: Every year at the beginning at the beginning of the year. [0:55:14, 0:55:22]: Right. Is there any discussion on the dais about this item number nine of uh to update the city zoning map? [0:55:23, 0:55:25]: [3325.7, 3326.4]: Okay. [0:55:26, 0:55:35]: Mr City Manager, uh in terms of what we just went through and just w what we just voted on in terms of the property on Eagles Landing Parkway. [0:55:35, 0:55:44]: i i will there be some effort in this uh or in the future to um identify these parcels as we do this process here? [0:55:45, 0:56:02]: uh by identify what what do you mean? Like in this case in that case, that property had been previously zoned um commercial. It's been zoned commercial for a number the majority of the property along that corridor is zone commercial and they just identified a a a piece where they felt that [0:56:02, 0:56:05]: Um again it met the zoning requirements for them to be able to build in that area. [0:56:06, 0:56:26]: Right. What I'm saying is as we look at the map and we see things like this that could potentially be issues and I know that's a hard process, but um it it can some effort be put forward so we can kinda inform the neighbors this is what's the possibility, you know, what their recourse is? Yeah, I I think so and and certainly, you know, just [0:56:26, 0:56:31]: letting everyone know. This will be posted on our website and letting people know'cause it's tough to [0:56:31, 0:56:51]: We're a city of thirteen point three square miles. So to identify i every every little caveat that may that may have an impact uh in the individual would be difficult. But certainly to encourage ri residents to go through, look at the zoning maps if they have questions, bring them back to our attention or as council certainly drives throughout the throughout the city boundaries, uh areas that be uh that are identified. [0:56:51, 0:57:11]: identified as we do on a regular basis, as areas come up there have been areas in the past where we have done city initiated rezonings where areas we th felt were appropriate, but you know, typically as those issues come up, difficult to recognize what someone may deem as a potential um uh source spot or an area that they may have some concern with. So [0:57:11, 0:57:15]: Um continue to I think you know part of the big push is continue to [0:57:15, 0:57:30]: um encourage our citizens to go on website, ask questions, review, look at the zoning map and look at their area in and question and find out, hey, what does red mean? It's right adjacent to my property. What can what can possibly be built there? We can be able to provide them with that information. [0:57:31, 0:57:31]: Yeah. [0:57:32, 0:57:52]: At this time are there other questions or comments? Yes, ma'am, um, is it possible since we're having community meetings, um, that this can be brought forth as an item if something is coming up that that way we can put it out there because we do have the flyers inviting everyone to come to the newly stated community. [0:57:52, 0:57:56]: community meetings is that something we can you can be presented at that time? [0:57:57, 0:58:13]: 'Cause I know we're saying the um web page again, a lot of our seniors are not on that, but by having these meetings in the different areas I think that would be able to help us out. But we just gotta be prepared to present that to them. [0:58:13, 0:58:33]: For community meetings, if council members are meeting outside of outside of City Hall here, we can put something put the map on a board if they want to you know take it with them and be able to have it on display. So it allow people to have a take a look at it and see, hey, I live here, it's blue or it's red. What does that mean? There's a legend that kind of dictates and from there if they have a c question or concern they can [0:58:33, 0:58:36]: We can answer any questions they may have. But [0:58:36, 0:58:38]: Certainly, we can certainly make that available for any council member. [0:58:39, 0:58:41]: Excellent. Okay. Any other comments? [0:58:42, 0:58:46]: Are there those in the audience that would like to speak to this matter? [0:58:47, 0:58:48]: If so. [0:58:49, 0:58:51]: Identify yourself. You can come to the [0:58:53, 0:58:54]: Microphone? [0:58:55, 0:59:00]: We have no one that appears to want to speak on this matter, so at this time, um [0:59:03, 0:59:07]: I would need a motion for [0:59:07, 0:59:18]: Need to close the public hearing and then take a motion. Take it up. Okay. At this point we'll close the public hearing on this one item and then we'll um have a entertain a motion. [0:59:19, 0:59:20]: Mayor, Madam Mayor. [0:59:21, 0:59:21]: Um [0:59:22, 0:59:25]: I would like to make a motion to update [0:59:25, 0:59:28]: To approve the updating of the city official zoning map. [0:59:30, 0:59:35]: All right, we have a motion by Councilwoman Gantt and a second by [0:59:35, 0:59:36]: Oh Councilman Blount. [0:59:38, 0:59:40]: I hear any discussion at this point. [0:59:41, 0:59:42]: No discussion. All in favor? [0:59:44, 0:59:46]: Okay, thank you very much. [0:59:48, 0:59:55]: We have one other public hearing matter to address and that will be a request for amendment of the city's zoning code. [0:59:55, 0:59:59]: And that will be presented by our attorney Michael Williams. [0:59:59, 1:00:10]: Good evening, Madam Mayor and the City Council. Uh as you will recall from our last uh work session, uh this matter involves uh an update to the uh commercial [1:00:10, 1:00:15]: uh zoning code which would require enhanced brick facade for [1:00:16, 1:00:22]: commercial buildings. Um as I indicated at the work session, the zoning advisory board would like to have additional time [1:00:23, 1:00:25]: to review this matter and bring forward uh [1:00:26, 1:00:27]: a recommendation. [1:00:28, 1:00:36]: Um so at this time I would recommend that you open the public hearing to receive comment and then recess the public hearing. [1:00:36, 1:00:52]: uh until the next uh regular meeting of council to allow the zoning advisory board to meet again and bring back a recommendation. We anticipate that that recommendation would come prior to your work session so you would have a chance to review it um t at least two more times. [1:00:52, 1:00:58]: Okay, you've heard the request of our city attorney that we um [1:00:59, 1:01:14]: push this forward for discussion. So we'll close the public hearing at this point. We need we need to open the public hearing and then recess it till the next Okay. We're opening and recessing. Do I hear a motion to do that? Yes. Don't have to do that. [1:01:15, 1:01:25]: That now if there are people here who would like to speak, it would be appropriate to hear them, but then we'd have another opportunity. [1:01:26, 1:01:28]: move this to our next meeting. [1:01:31, 1:01:33]: L one? Okay. [1:01:33, 1:01:34]: So then [1:01:35, 1:01:38]: No, come forward please and identify yourself. [1:01:45, 1:01:53]: I just want to ask a question. Um Greg Horton, I live at one two one Duval Drive. Um, what will the update do in regard to the brick facade? [1:01:56, 1:02:02]: Currently our ordinance uh for commercial and industrial buildings require [1:02:02, 1:02:03]: that sets forward limited [1:02:04, 1:02:08]: types of materials that you're allowed to use for the facade and for the sides. [1:02:09, 1:02:13]: And they're, you know, brick, party plank, things of that sort. [1:02:13, 1:02:18]: What the proposed ordinance would do would be that for the facade it would have an at least [1:02:19, 1:02:22]: uh have fifty percent brick on the facade. [1:02:23, 1:02:30]: Um the proposal that was before the council last week also had a requirement for brick on on at least three sides. [1:02:30, 1:02:37]: But those um have been requested by the zoning advisory board for additional time to review those. So [1:02:37, 1:02:38]: Um [1:02:39, 1:02:45]: my recommendation to you is if you want to follow this would be to go to the next zoning advisory board meeting. [1:02:45, 1:02:47]: And they'll discuss it in further detail and [1:02:47, 1:02:49]: We'll find out what their recommendation is. [1:02:51, 1:02:54]: Okay. Any other comments? Yes. [1:02:56, 1:03:16]: Elseman Alexander. I believe Mr. Horton owns uh the business downtown, is that correct? Uh uh potential business. Um is that your business downtown, Barn Beautiful? There is all that's already a requirement uh in downtown as far as I understand. So there's already uh pre-existing brick puss uh requirement there. [1:03:15, 1:03:16]: Yeah. [1:03:16, 1:03:20]: Yes, yes, sir. In fact what was presented to the council [1:03:20, 1:03:25]: was the adoption of what's currently on the downtown overlay [1:03:25, 1:03:26]: to the entire city. [1:03:27, 1:03:28]: Um so [1:03:29, 1:03:34]: i if you already have a a building under that overlay you're already subject to that but [1:03:34, 1:03:39]: whether or not those are appropriate for the entire city. And I think the zoning advisory board wanted to review that. [1:03:39, 1:03:40]: Further. [1:03:42, 1:04:01]: Yeah, thank you, Mayor. I appreciate it. I was just wondering since this uh is it possible or is it appropriate to have this on the website so people can see this and they can be they can view it and then it might help them with any questions whether they have one way or the other. But uh I mean is that appropriate that'd probably be good to at least uh alert people then and so they can view it. [1:04:02, 1:04:04]: Yes, sir. Okay. Okay. Thank you. [1:04:05, 1:04:05]: Okay. [1:04:07, 1:04:11]: What are we adding to the book? Any other comments about this matter? [1:04:14, 1:04:21]: And we will move back to our regular meeting at this point. Okay. Close the public hearing. [1:04:21, 1:04:28]: Mayor Neal, I just wanted to state that that next meeting and we have already advertised it to be the March [1:04:29, 1:04:35]: Thirteenth meeting. Okay. Everyone in the audience you hear that. It will come up again on March thirteenth. [1:04:36, 1:04:40]: At this point we will move on to our new business. [1:04:40, 1:04:41]: At this time. [1:04:42, 1:05:02]: And the first order of business is for uh consideration to approve the twenty seventeen voting schedule for the city and that will be presented by our um city clerk, Vanessa Holliday. And in case those in the audience don't know, there will be a city election and she will our clerk will explain. [1:05:02, 1:05:04]: Explain that to you. That will be in November. [1:05:04, 1:05:12]: That's correct. We will have a municipal election in twenty seventeen for two council seats and the mayoral seat. [1:05:13, 1:05:33]: And we had at our last work session meeting there were seven um proposed schedules for the twenty seventeen uh voting calendar. I took back to um the Henry County elections office uh and made a request for proposal [1:05:33, 1:05:40]: to include Sunday in those um schedules. [1:05:40, 1:05:42]: We went back in option one. [1:05:43, 1:05:45]: has added a Sunday [1:05:45, 1:06:00]: voting from one PM to five PM with two Saturdays and with voting hours from on Saturday from eight AM to two PM and with one week of early voting at the Merrill Manders Conference Center from seven A.M. to seven PM [1:06:01, 1:06:04]: The other two weeks would be at the Henry County elections office. [1:06:04, 1:06:23]: and the runoff being held at the Merrill Manders Conference Center from seven a.m. to seven PM. The adjustment to the Saturday Sunday hours were offset by each other because we changed the Saturday hours and so the cost is uh remains estimated at twenty three thousand five hundred. [1:06:24, 1:06:40]: Option one A has added a Sunday voting from one PM to five PM with two Saturdays and with voting hours on Saturday from eight AM to two PM with one week of early voting at the Merrill Mandis Conference Center from seven AM to seven PM. [1:06:40, 1:06:57]: With the runoff being held at the Henry County elections office from seven AM to seven PM. The adjustment to the Saturday Sunday hours again offset the estimated change cost rema uh is zero and remains at nineteen thousand dollars. [1:06:58, 1:07:00]: Option number two. [1:07:00, 1:07:03]: has added Sunday voting from one PM [1:07:04, 1:07:06]: To five PM. [1:07:06, 1:07:07]: And one Saturday [1:07:08, 1:07:16]: And with voting hours on Saturday from eight A.M. to two PM, with one week of early voting at the Merrill Mandis Conference Center from seven AM to seven PM. [1:07:17, 1:07:31]: and the runoff being held at the Merrill Manders Conference Center from seven A.M. to seven PM. The adjustment to the Saturday Sunday hours increased by two hundred dollars and that new estimated cost is twenty one thousand seven hundred dollars. [1:07:32, 1:07:33]: Option two A. [1:07:34, 1:07:42]: has added a Sunday from one PM to five PM with one Saturday and with voting hours on Saturday from eight A. M. to two PM. [1:07:42, 1:07:47]: With one week of early voting at the Merrill Manders Conference Center from seven AM to seven PM [1:07:48, 1:07:53]: And the runoff being held at the Henry County elections office from seven A. M. to seven PM. [1:07:53, 1:08:01]: The adjusted cost for Saturday Sunday increased by two hundred dollars with a new estimated cost of seventeen thousand two hundred dollars. [1:08:04, 1:08:06]: Weekend voting on numbers. [1:08:07, 1:08:19]: that I received were a combination of voting at the Henry County Elections Office and Merrill Mandis Conference Center. The system was unable to break out what was the Merrill Mandis Conference Center and what was the Henry County Elections Office. [1:08:20, 1:08:36]: In twenty fourteen, countywide in general election for governor, there were one thousand two hundred and eighty nine weekend votes cast. There were no Sunday there was no Sunday voting in twenty fourteen. No Stockbridge el municipal election uh was held in twenty fourteen. [1:08:36, 1:08:43]: In twenty fifteen there was a municipal election, fifty six weekend votes cast, there was no Sunday voting. [1:08:43, 1:08:57]: In twenty sixteen municipal special election, county election and general election, there were three thousand nine hundred and three votes cast on Saturday and one thousand five hundred and twenty nine votes cast on Sunday. [1:09:01, 1:09:05]: There I'd be happy to an any questions that I can answer for you at this time. [1:09:09, 1:09:11]: Are there any um [1:09:12, 1:09:25]: comments about this. Uh I would like to ask the finance person uh in the room, Linda Neighbors, how much money was budgeted in our budget this year for this election? [1:09:27, 1:09:35]: Sixteen thousand. Okay, so if we were to go over that we have to identify some way to pay for that. [1:09:35, 1:09:36]: Is that correct? [1:09:37, 1:09:40]: have to come out of some other part of the budget. [1:09:40, 1:09:41]: All right. [1:09:42, 1:09:54]: All right. Any any comments before we have questions. Okay. Mm Mayor, if I may. Um when do we have to when is the debt absolute deadline to have to give you the of this [1:09:54, 1:10:14]: Well there's there is no app well the conference center events team is the one that needs to know because they would need to block off those dates in the event anyone wanted to rent the facility. Um so that's why we were trying to go ahead and get this knocked out so we know they know and when people call and make reservations they know that the dates are or are not available. [1:10:14, 1:10:15]: Okay. [1:10:15, 1:10:20]: Well, what it looks like to me is that we're gonna have to amend the budget regardless for this particular [1:10:21, 1:10:26]: item and I say that d to determine I understand what [1:10:26, 1:10:33]: They're gonna have to block it off a m mu from what I'm thinking, and this is just m me [1:10:35, 1:10:55]: I would be for us making sure that the runoff is held here at the Merrill Manders Conference Center. To me, it makes sense that it's local since it's a local election and it's in the the citizens are here. And so I do know that the I'm leaning more towards it being held at Merrill Manders Conference Center, period. [1:10:55, 1:11:12]: period. So the other two options for me are out in regards to that. But I think we are a little bit premature until we can I from my understanding we are gonna eventually amend our budget. We're waiting on a couple of things but we should be doing that soon hopefully. [1:11:12, 1:11:13]: So um um [1:11:14, 1:11:16]: Um maybe we could give them a heads up. [1:11:16, 1:11:19]: If everybody agrees to ha at least agree [1:11:19, 1:11:21]: that it will be held at Merrill Manders. [1:11:22, 1:11:25]: That would eliminate um one A. [1:11:28, 1:11:33]: It's option one and option two. And one A and two are eliminated. [1:11:35, 1:11:36]: Two A. [1:11:36, 1:11:37]: In two way. [1:11:39, 1:11:46]: So you're saying it would eliminate one A and two A. Is that correct? Is that what I heard you say? One A, two and two A. [1:11:46, 1:11:46]: Yeah. [1:11:46, 1:11:49]: No, one A and two A. Two has um [1:11:50, 1:11:52]: Is the Henry County Election Office for the um [1:11:54, 1:11:54]: Right now. [1:11:55, 1:11:58]: But I didn't consider that one because you all wanted to add a [1:11:59, 1:12:00]: Sunday. [1:12:00, 1:12:01]: So really. [1:12:02, 1:12:03]: Mayor Protein. I mean Mayor. [1:12:05, 1:12:05]: Yes. [1:12:06, 1:12:26]: I'm looking here, it says option one and two. Basically, um the only difference is is the Saturdays. Option one gives you two Saturdays and option two gives you one Saturday. So we've already um stated that at Merrill Manders, so those are the really the only two options, correct? That it's gonna be [1:12:26, 1:12:29]: [4350.1, 4362.8]: We will be eliminating one A because that's the um runoff elections at the Henry County elections office and you will be eliminating two A, which that's also has runoff at the Henry County Elections Office. Right. [1:12:43, 1:12:43]: Okay. [1:12:43, 1:13:00]: Question for Tim Ford. Actually what it is is that I'm I think option one is the best uh best option. It gives you two Saturdays that one Sunday and if there's a runoff it's locally in rural manners. So at this point, Mayor, if you don't mind, I'd like to make a motion that we adopt option one. I second. [1:13:01, 1:13:06]: Have a motion and a second discussion. Any discussion? Yes. [1:13:06, 1:13:08]: All right. Councilman Blount. [1:13:08, 1:13:13]: My c concern on here is that when we have these voting on the off [1:13:14, 1:13:26]: When they have the general election years versus special elec well, not special uh our city election uh terms, because you went from th over thirty nine hundred votes on the Saturdays. [1:13:27, 1:13:30]: to in twenty fifteen, even when I ran [1:13:31, 1:13:34]: You got fifty six votes that was voted on on the Saturday. [1:13:35, 1:13:39]: So we don't have anything showing that opening up on a Saturday and Sunday. [1:13:40, 1:13:41]: gonna increase the votes. [1:13:42, 1:13:43]: Or do we? [1:13:43, 1:13:44]: We do not. [1:13:45, 1:13:45]: [4426.0, 4438.0]: And there is a seven thousand five hundred dollar difference in the amount of money between what we have budgeted and what it would take for option number one, just so the public will know that. [1:13:58, 1:14:00]: Okay. Uh councilman. [1:14:01, 1:14:02]: This is a [1:14:02, 1:14:16]: central t to what we do uh as Americans. And I wanna do everything that I possibly can not to disenfranchise voters and to give voters every opportunity to vote. So I'm in favor. [1:14:17, 1:14:28]: Madam Mayor, if I may. Councilman Gantt. I'm all for either option one or two. That that doesn't matter to me. Um more so than [1:14:29, 1:14:49]: us voting today so long as they the we're doing it because you're saying that the people over in Merrmanders, our staff, needs to block off certain time period. I think we have a consensus that we all agree that we want the voting to take place at Merrmanders so it should be blocked off. [1:14:49, 1:14:53]: I think it would be premature for us to vote right now. We haven't amended our budget. [1:14:54, 1:14:55]: Um [1:14:55, 1:15:05]: I would ask that we hold off on we know that we're gonna pick one of those and we know it's gonna take place. I think we should hold off until we amend our budget. [1:15:07, 1:15:23]: Uh yes, part temperature. Appreciate it. This will be uh to the point. Uh agree with the fact that uh there's a motion has been seconded. The fact that if we if we approve tonight, the amendment can actually go through the next time we get together and vote on it. It's it's no adjustment. We can make an amendment at any time to do this. It's not gonna happen until [1:15:24, 1:15:38]: Uh what August November, excuse me. It happens in late October, I'm sorry, right? When when we o the elections of early voting starts in October. So I mean do it now and get it done. That's the way it's well there is a motion on the floor that's been seconded. But anyway. Uh [1:15:38, 1:15:46]: Okay, there's a motion on the floor for option one. Um we have one more comment before we vote. [1:15:46, 1:15:49]: Let me let me clarify something if it wasn't clear. [1:15:50, 1:16:10]: I'll just ask for stats. I'm not running for a reelection this year. So I I do yield to uh my two colleagues that will be running, uh will have those responsibilities and I do yield to the citizens to have the opportunity to vote and to get out as much as they can for the citizens that the representation [1:16:10, 1:16:21]: of their city is really uh the representation that they want and that they have the opportunity to do that. And so whatever's open for that, I'm not sitting here as a blocker, I'm sitting here to get understanding. [1:16:22, 1:16:32]: Okay, we have a motion on the floor to accept uh option number one, twenty three thousand five hundred dollars for uh voting at the Merlmander Center. [1:16:33, 1:16:38]: Have a second? We have a second. All right. All in favor? [1:16:40, 1:16:42]: Okay? [1:16:44, 1:16:49]: Okay? Um so be it. Thank you. [1:16:56, 1:17:01]: Okay, the next thing on our agenda will be um [1:17:01, 1:17:09]: to approve the use of the Merrill Manders Conference Centre for a nonprofit mixer and that will be presented by Councilwoman Gantt. [1:17:10, 1:17:30]: Um yes, very briefly. Um I've done this for two years now. It is a nonprofit mixer for all um nonprofits and uh to include church organizations as well as any organizations in our area. Um we target mainly Stockbridge in Henry County. It gives us nice [1:17:30, 1:17:50]: opportunity to mix and mingle. There have been relationships that have developed since then. Last year we had a grant a couple of grant writers to come in to talk to those nonprofits about how to get certain grants and what to look for and what red flags and what to what questions to ask. And this time we [1:17:50, 1:18:05]: We would of course ask the same thing um for the use of the Merrill Manders Conference Center to have that mix and mingle. Um we have refreshments, we'll include a little bit uh a different twist of it this year and also include the public. [1:18:06, 1:18:07]: Yeah, near. [1:18:07, 1:18:16]: Yes. Councilman Boyne. I move that we approve the uh use of the borough managed conference center for the nonprofit mixer to be held on April nineteenth, twenty seventeen. [1:18:17, 1:18:18]: I second. [1:18:19, 1:18:27]: Okay, we have a a motion by Councilman Blount and a second by Councilman Gantt. Do we have a uh any discussion at this point? [1:18:31, 1:18:34]: Could I just ask a question? How many people normally attend this? [1:18:35, 1:18:46]: Um last year I think the attendance was lower than the first year's attendance. And I can't re Vanessa, do you remember how many we had the years before? [1:18:50, 1:18:51]: So maybe half that. [1:18:52, 1:18:54]: Yeah. Okay, thank you. [1:18:55, 1:18:56]: Mayor Neal. [1:18:56, 1:18:59]: All right, we have a motion in a second. Any other comments? [1:19:00, 1:19:10]: I just want to make a comment. Um it's normally held at the lower end of the Merrill Mander Center and it it's normally uh it's r it's a real nice event. Yeah, yeah. [1:19:10, 1:19:23]: Well no, we had it uh upstairs and downstairs. But the l last normally it's upstairs. Last time we have the entire building and this year we're just gonna do upstairs. We're not doing downstairs at all. Okay. We're just gonna convert over. [1:19:24, 1:19:25]: Right, thank you. [1:19:26, 1:19:32]: We have a motion and we have a second and we've identified that this is going to be upstairs only, Mermander Center. [1:19:32, 1:19:37]: And um at this time no further discussion. All in favor? [1:19:39, 1:19:43]: Opposed. Don't think so. Thank you so much. We'll move on to [1:19:43, 1:19:45]: Item number thirteen. [1:19:45, 1:19:55]: Um Councilman Alexander would like to talk to us about the propo uh proposed budget amendment for fiber optic connection. [1:19:55, 1:20:00]: And I'm assuming he has a presentation about fiber optic, if you would, please. [1:20:02, 1:20:05]: Uh yes, ladies and gentlemen. I think that um [1:20:06, 1:20:12]: We're trying to be a progressive city to compete at the very highest level. [1:20:12, 1:20:19]: uh in Metro Atlanta. We adopted a vision statement that says that we wanted to be the best [1:20:19, 1:20:20]: In Metro Atlanta. [1:20:21, 1:20:25]: Uh right now it's g uh is a is a time [1:20:25, 1:20:28]: Where some cities are gonna move ahead. [1:20:29, 1:20:31]: And some cities are gonna be left behind. [1:20:32, 1:20:36]: The cities that invest in infrastructure and technology [1:20:36, 1:20:38]: Those cities are gonna move ahead. [1:20:38, 1:20:40]: Into the new economy. [1:20:40, 1:20:45]: Those cities that do not and drag their feet are going to be left behind. [1:20:46, 1:21:03]: You know, we've been working and talking with different industries. We were at the uh Henry Chamber uh the other night at the banquet and there was a discussion about incubator coming uh to Henry County and developing and pursuing professional and technology jobs here. [1:21:04, 1:21:24]: In order for the city of Startbridge to be prepared at its very best, we need to have fiber optic connectivity to all city buildings. We had it uh in the budget uh last year for twenty sixteen uh enable us to do so to be able to provide uh the very best [1:21:24, 1:21:39]: to business and industry and our city facilities in terms of let's say uh we're using Merrill Manders Conference Center and believe it, we're competing. Meryl Manders is not making money uh at this t at this time. [1:21:40, 1:22:00]: But at the same time we have fiber optic connectivity to it and we could deli do z deliver higher internet speeds, p potentially gigabit speeds to uh the business community. Instead of choosing the moral center, they might choose Merrill Manders. Instead of choosing [1:22:00, 1:22:03]: center in Hateville, they might choose the city of Stockbridge. [1:22:04, 1:22:06]: It is a win win for all of us. [1:22:06, 1:22:13]: Our students, uh, you know, at the library, at city facilities, all around us. They're there. [1:22:14, 1:22:26]: We had a uh what we have a a very good proposal last year, uh in terms of investing those facilities. The school board has actually uh been uh leading the way. [1:22:26, 1:22:37]: uh connecting every school uh in our community to uh high to fiber optics and high speed broadband with AT and T. [1:22:38, 1:22:44]: The city has not moved forward with that effort. We have identified funding. [1:22:44, 1:22:58]: coming with um you know potential sales of uh city assets and properties that could be very well put toward this. The city currently now has uh at our last um [1:22:58, 1:23:12]: uh audit we had uh nearly eight point seven million dollars in reserves. Uh my proposal were to have us advance the three hundred and fifty thousand dollar investment to um [1:23:12, 1:23:24]: Go ahead and move forward with fiber optic connectivity for all city facilities, including City Hall, meeting spaces, all of our facilities. [1:23:24, 1:23:25]: We could do that. [1:23:25, 1:23:36]: Once uh we were in a position where we moved forward with uh liquidating some of these assets that have been on the count that are on the city books through um [1:23:36, 1:23:56]: DDA acquisitions in the past and what have you, those funds will be available for us to use uh to replenish those assets. Again, it is very important to realize where the city of Stockbridge is. The Georgian Municipal Association recommends that we have twenty five percent in reserve funds [1:23:56, 1:23:59]: reserved for a rainy day for the city. [1:23:59, 1:24:16]: The county has a twenty five percent threshold that they maintain and they've been making aggressive investments in terms of improving uh infrastructure in the city and new development. That's how they're funding a lot of their new projects. If [1:24:16, 1:24:20]: we move ahead. Our fund balance right now [1:24:20, 1:24:24]: is nearly one full year at eighty seven percent. [1:24:24, 1:24:30]: The recommendation by the training agency says that we should be at twenty five percent. [1:24:30, 1:24:42]: Should we use the t three hundred and fifty thousand dollars to move ahead when investing in technology uh for our children and to improve um our competitiveness [1:24:42, 1:24:52]: That will simply take us down to probably about an eighty percent reserve or somewhere in a eighty to seventy five percent reserve. Not very much change at all. [1:24:53, 1:25:05]: But look at the upside in terms of competition. We already know that we have uh Google Fiverr uh being uh completed and Hateville and cities like as such. [1:25:05, 1:25:07]: If we want to compete [1:25:07, 1:25:09]: At the highest level. [1:25:09, 1:25:16]: We've got to start preparing ourselves and and for the technological world to come and this helps us get underway. [1:25:17, 1:25:34]: Um I would like to see maybe if the city manager might be able to say a few words maybe about the proposal that we had uh as we talked about it last year. That was one of the uh recommendations that we uh we originally had and but uh we chose not to take it out of reserve. [1:25:36, 1:25:56]: Yeah, the uh our IT consultant, Liberty Technology, did a presentation to the council um detailing what it would entail. Um now this considers uh kind of you know us running the line and and having ownership of the line. Um there are other options that certainly do exist out there, some that we [1:25:56, 1:26:16]: we have uh previously explored. Um there have been some questions that have been posed to me recently about um what the difference in in cost would be from going with the uh Comcash ATT chart any one of the other or Google or any one of the other ones um and what that would mean, what that would look like. This was the option that [1:26:16, 1:26:36]: we discuss I discussed with the um consultant probably a year, year plus ago on that they came back with as far as what they recommended recommended for and what they felt was the best option for the city at that point. But certainly in fact I was looking through I received an email today from GMA and they're actually hosting a webinar later next week [1:26:36, 1:26:56]: on what cities need to know about um on fiber connectivity. And it does give you a comparison of Google Fiber versus Comcast, ATT, Verizon, and the advantages and disadvantage of having your own line in in place as well. So that's some of the information I've been kind of asked to kind of look into and to have [1:26:56, 1:26:57]: [5217.4, 5221.3]: Um I again when we went through the budget this was certainly an item that was identified [1:27:01, 1:27:21]: by council, I certainly staff recommends, you know, at at some point that we do need to move in this direction as well as moving forward with our disaster recovery efforts, which is a separate item altogether. So um the thought being that if if and when the council is ready to make this step, then we do all that at one time. Just a matter of at the council's discretion as far as when we need to [1:27:21, 1:27:22]: move forward with it. [1:27:23, 1:27:24]: Yeah. [1:27:24, 1:27:26]: Yes. Do you have a comment? Yes. Okay. [1:27:27, 1:27:33]: Um, I would like for that to go forward with whatever uh those uh other options that [1:27:33, 1:27:37]: or on the table. But one of the things we also want to make clear is that there was uh [1:27:38, 1:27:39]: They're also identifiable. [1:27:40, 1:27:49]: uh amendments that are that are going to happen with the budget and uh what what you bring us uh as far as the information for as the uh [1:27:50, 1:27:55]: fiber optic information along with some other items that had uh already uh been identified. [1:27:56, 1:28:15]: I would like for this council to go ahead with your information and formulate the other ideas that we had talked about moving ahead with to not continue to come back amend, amend, amend, but we do what we have to do to go ahead and move these uh um what we had already re previously talked about, just go ahead and move it at one point. [1:28:15, 1:28:20]: we talked about to go ahead and move it forward with uh sitting down with our treasurer to uh [1:28:21, 1:28:41]: uh show us where we're gonna be at with the budget, what's gonna come out of the budget, and that whatever we had already previously talked about as a council, knowing that we was gonna have to first of all balance our budget, but we knew we were gonna have to further uh do further uh uh pulling for fund balance to uh to um uh move forward on [1:28:41, 1:28:46]: some things that we hear about already talked about, so I'm willing to wait on you to uh have that discussion. [1:28:47, 1:28:48]: Other comments? [1:28:48, 1:28:54]: Yes, thank you, Mayor. Appreciate it. No, Mike, what I'm really thinking Mike and Council, what I'm really thinking about is that these um [1:28:55, 1:29:15]: You we need like feasibility study. We need to have uh several different options so we need to get the best bang for our dollar here and what and what makes what's the best item or uh product we can have. I understand that Liberty gave us some input but there may be something better with ATT or Comcast and uh we need to look at all that. It may not cost three hundred fifty thousand dollars, it may cost less. [1:29:14, 1:29:25]: uh less than that and may give us more advantages here or there. I think we need to have those type of things before you actually make the decision. Without a doubt I'm for this, just want to make sure we get the best product [1:29:25, 1:29:29]: currently and we have a some c something to compare it to in a sense. [1:29:29, 1:29:49]: That's what I that's what I would appreciate. Yeah, and and I will reach back out with um you know, Liberty did it was kind of uh time was was was somewhat condensed at the retreat um last year, but so they had them come back in and they'd be happy to walk through the process again and why their recommendation is what their recommendation is. Um and and and give you some of the pros and [1:29:49, 1:30:06]: and cons uh as far as that's that's what that's what they're there for to kind of help guide us in the process. And like I said, I think everyone's fully sub supportive of us moving forward with this initiative. Just want to make sure we have again the comments that I've been receiving is want to make sure we have all the information, all the pertinent information [1:30:06, 1:30:10]: um to move forward with it. I'd like to make a comment too about this. Um [1:30:11, 1:30:21]: I don't think there's anyone up on the s dias that is opposed to this idea. It's just a matter of making sure that we go forward at the right time. Um [1:30:21, 1:30:33]: uh one one of the things I recall from a Council for quality growth meeting um m eighteen months ago or something like that, the uh president of um AT and T Georgia [1:30:34, 1:30:54]: who happened to be a graduate of Stockbridge High School. She's moved up the chain further up in AT and T, but at that time she made the statement that the technology is changing so fast that even a company with as deep pockets as ATT it changes so quickly before they can uh make a plan. [1:30:54, 1:31:14]: plan it's something else better has come out. So uh I think what we might do if if everybody um wants to think along this line is to get all of the players in, let's listen to them as a group, find out what's out in the marketplace, what we can do and [1:31:14, 1:31:26]: And keeping in mind that we would have to make a budget amendment and we somewhat have agreed in um previous meetings most recently that we would get in our [1:31:26, 1:31:27]: City. [1:31:27, 1:31:43]: town hall meetings, quarterly financial updates. So if the funds are coming in faster or more than we had anticipated, we know what kind of budget amendments we can make without dipping into city reserve funds. [1:31:43, 1:32:03]: So I would like to encourage the council to, yes, let's look into this and if we're going to get serious with it, let's get everybody in the fiber optic business to bring us up to date and then listen to our quarterly financials and see if we can move it forward as quickly as possible. [1:32:04, 1:32:05]: Mayor. [1:32:05, 1:32:25]: Uh have a question? Thank you. I just want to hopefully we can have a time frame because we talked about this last year and then when we're saying we want to you know to get on it, hopefully th it'll be this year. That you know I just don't wanna to keep delaying, delaying when we've already [1:32:25, 1:32:31]: already did this at our retreat and said that we wanted to move forward. So that's what I wanna say. [1:32:31, 1:32:43]: Any other comments? Mr. City Man yes, Mr City Manager, can we have a date if we do,'cause it seems like there's a will of the council, a date specific. [1:32:43, 1:32:51]: for you to bring this back to the council so it's not punted and we we move forward with it in a in the way. [1:32:52, 1:32:56]: Hickville already has Google Fiber. So does College Park. [1:32:56, 1:32:58]: We're behind already. [1:32:59, 1:33:11]: We're we're a decade behind North Metro. We have no time to lose, zero. So what date and time can we address this? Have those options on the table to vote? [1:33:11, 1:33:12]: Again it [1:33:13, 1:33:30]: Some of that may be dependent upon the availability of the council. If the council wants a overview from different companies, then that would a lot of we can we can begin setting those up as early as this week or next week. Um I I would likely recommend bringing our IT consultant in first [1:33:30, 1:33:48]: um to sit down with council and give an overview from their perspective. I think that would be the the wisest thing to do and then from there look at bringing in the other the other players. Because the process will take I you know even what we're proposing, it's about an eight, nine month process going through engineering the project and design and things that everything that goes into it. [1:33:49, 1:33:49]: Um [1:33:50, 1:33:54]: So certainly getting started this year is is is I think is absolutely feasible. [1:33:54, 1:34:14]: Um but again if that's the council's desire to get more information on this topic and speak with again I would recommend first starting with our consultant and then moving out to other private sector um entities and we can certainly begin scheduling those meetings as soon as possible. We talk about April, we talk about March, when we can come back and [1:34:14, 1:34:21]: actually make a decision because what you just said is when we make the decision we're still looking at eight or nine more months. [1:34:22, 1:34:23]: A process. [1:34:24, 1:34:27]: Louis, tick, tick, tick, tick, time. [1:34:28, 1:34:48]: Right. You know, and again that would take us to the end of the first quarter as well. Um and you know, if decision can be made sooner than that at the council's discretion, that's certainly a possibility, but we can begin we again I believe we could probably set up a meeting, arrange our consultant to meet with the council members beginning this week. Um and then from there um [1:34:48, 1:35:00]: Um the next step would be if you want to meet with some of the other um potential carriers to see what options that they may be able to afford and then as soon as that's done we can bring it back and make a final form formal decision regarding the budget amendment. [1:35:01, 1:35:01]: Oh. [1:35:01, 1:35:21]: Thank you, Mayor. Appreciate it. So otherwise if I understand it right, we can get Liberty Tech maybe in the next week or two or prior to our our next working session, set on sit down with individual council members to talk about procedures and costs and concepts, I guess you'd say. So if we get a concept between now and the work session and then after have that discussion and maybe after the work session look at [1:35:21, 1:35:41]: uh a time frame to get other companies in to potentially uh present some things uh for us to to think about. Um which maybe it could happen in a month, six weeks, something like that, with the time frame to get several companies in. Because if we even even if we approved this three hundred and fifty thousand dollars a night, we couldn't do anything with it because we don't know exactly [1:35:41, 1:35:50]: how we're gonna utilize and structure. Our fiber office yes, but we have to still pick a uh organization, a company to to lay it down which we haven't had any conversation with. Is that correct? [1:35:51, 1:35:52]: That that that's correct. [1:35:52, 1:35:54]: And again I I do want to note [1:35:55, 1:35:56]: The [1:35:56, 1:36:16]: The first time we we never had money, we've been talking about it for a while, you're right, but the first time we had money set aside specifically for this purpose or identified was at the end of last year's budget. Okay. And while it was identified, it wasn't included in the budget. I think the consensus was certainly because we've done such a good job with austerity measures and financial [1:36:16, 1:36:35]: constraints and been able to build our coffers up that you know we've set ourselves in a good position to be able to utilize some of those um fund balance savings for a project just like this, which I think this sets up ideally for. Um but again I i it it's just a matter of yeah talking to them and then flushing out the details with some of the other carriers. [1:36:35, 1:36:38]: And seeing what they would have to offer and making sure we have an apples to apples comparison. [1:36:38, 1:36:40]: [5800.6, 5801.8]: One last question. [1:36:42, 1:37:00]: I guess I wanna ask the question, so if we've already had the discussion on several of these items, does that mean if we change, you know, did the budget restraint, does that mean that it's just put on hold? We're not still trying to get all the key players together to try to bring something back to us? I mean does it just die? [1:37:01, 1:37:05]: Does everything just die b if it if we took it out of the budget last year? [1:37:06, 1:37:12]: So just say like with this. We st we started last year and we stated this is something that we wanted to do. [1:37:13, 1:37:18]: So did it just die or you still were you still working with key players? [1:37:18, 1:37:24]: To say this is what we're you know, a possibility that's still for the city. [1:37:25, 1:37:39]: formally moved forward by the council. I mean the council could have done a budget amendment last year had that been the council's desire to get it started with it last year. It just hadn't moved to that point. You know, last year when we had the retreat, they did the presentation, we were sitting down with them and going through a [1:37:40, 1:38:00]: uh a phased approach of you know a lot of that when they first came in they just they've been on board for one year now our our consultant and when they initially came on they were initially tasked with here are some of the things we want to work on. Um disaster recovery being one of the the first ones. We took a number of steps in that area already to start that process so that is up and going. We had money budgeted [1:37:59, 1:38:19]: we're able to set some money aside for that far less of an expense. Um the phase two, the big portion, is about one hundred and fifty thousand estimated. So that has also that's currently not in the budget. We anticipate use utilizing fund balance for that as well. So they came back in the I believe it was a retreat in August and did the formal presentation of this is how we [1:38:19, 1:38:30]: envisioned this is our recommendation of the best steps, the best method of being able to move forward with it and identifying that was the first time we actually had some hard, fast numbers associated with an estimate. [1:38:31, 1:38:32]: Thank you. [1:38:32, 1:38:35]: Okay. Is there any more discussion? [1:38:36, 1:38:45]: All right, you wanna make a motion? I'd like to make a motion to table this and bring it back in exactly sixty days. [1:38:45, 1:38:57]: to give uh the city manager uh a chance to work this work through this process. But sixty days from today we want it back at the council so we can vote. [1:38:58, 1:38:59]: I'll second that. [1:38:59, 1:39:06]: Okay, we have a motion and a second to table this item until the due diligence work can be done by the city manager. [1:39:06, 1:39:15]: And to bring it back in sixty days or as close to sixty days as our meeting occurs. Is that okay to add to your worship? Okay. [1:39:15, 1:39:17]: All right. And uh do you [1:39:17, 1:39:20]: I've heard a motion and I've heard a second. [1:39:20, 1:39:21]: Is there discussion? [1:39:22, 1:39:25]: Yes, really quick. Okay. Um [1:39:25, 1:39:26]: Councilman Blight. [1:39:27, 1:39:31]: In in uh this in the proposal here for sixty days [1:39:32, 1:39:40]: Will we also be able to come together prior to that to identify other areas that we talked about? I d I don't want to c us uh men [1:39:41, 1:40:01]: uh stagment a man sta when we have already identified some areas. Will we be able to come together as a council d before that sixty days because I want us to go ahead and move forward with the areas we've already identified uh that we need to start to move on and work on. Uh even some of the projects that we've talked about [1:40:01, 1:40:02]: Um [1:40:02, 1:40:12]: that I don't even want to get into that. But I would like in that sixty days those items that we have already identified to also kinda kinda come to the table where we could um [1:40:12, 1:40:13]: kind of take a look at [1:40:14, 1:40:15]: If that's possible. [1:40:16, 1:40:25]: And and and and and and and in in all deference to the to the council, I I do wanna we just came back from a uh retreat and we have a number of priority projects. [1:40:25, 1:40:36]: Um we have two vacant critical vacant staff positions that we're in the process of trying to fill now. Obviously once those are filled they would carry a lot of the load for this. [1:40:37, 1:40:57]: So part of the challenge from my perspective is being able to prioritize how projects are getting done and which ones are of top priority from the council's perspective. Um so that's some of the input I need back from the council because in reality I mean we can do but so much I think that's that was one of the challenges we had quite frankly last year, trying to do so [1:40:57, 1:41:17]: So many things and not being able to get things accomplished because we had just had too many things on the plate. So being able to identify exactly what the key priorities are and again we talked about the scorecarding process, that's what that process is for. Um to be able to make sure we're staying accountable on what these what what what are the top priorities. [1:41:17, 1:41:37]: If everything becomes a priority and then trying to whittle down and and make sure we're advancing those projects in a timely manner, that becomes part of the challenge certainly. [1:41:37, 1:41:38]: May not be [1:41:38, 1:41:40]: Where your expertise may even be in. [1:41:41, 1:41:46]: uh in the positions that we're hiring in. So just be mindful that we do have those two positions in common. [1:41:46, 1:41:48]: uh in this sixty day time frame. [1:41:51, 1:41:57]: Okay, we have a motion to table this item. We have a motion and a second. [1:41:58, 1:42:01]: No further discussion, all in favor to table? [1:42:03, 1:42:04]: [6126.5, 6128.3]: No opposed votes there. [1:42:08, 1:42:18]: Okay, the next thing we're gonna take up is a discussion for a community improvement district. We won't be voting on this, we'll just be discussing it. [1:42:18, 1:42:38]: And that will be brought to us by Councilwoman Robinson. Yes, thank you, Mayor Neal. I wanted to bring this back. Um this was another item that was on our list that we had for discussion. Um we had a town hall and we did a resolution on last year. I just wanted to bring forth to the council some more information that we [1:42:38, 1:42:58]: We have some more um key players that are involved and also um a little more information that our city manager is gonna um obtain for us once he brings it back. And the reason being is with the rebranding that we're doing um through our Main Street program, we've just had the uh [1:42:58, 1:43:18]: um express lanes to come um on I seventy five. So with our rebranding that goes to show that right there at our 138 corridor, um this is for our community improvement district. So when people are actually on 675 um in the 138 corridor, they'll be able to see the direction of [1:43:18, 1:43:38]: of coming to Stockbridge. So if we're rebranding and doing things for our downtown, our Main Street, this is something that is very important that we just need to look um heavily at. But in order to do that, um Clayton County is um they were at our town hall and they are also have a uh big key players in this [1:43:38, 1:43:58]: However, um Stockbridge is just gonna have to step out um and try to get with Nickelworks and do the study formation study um and but Michael is gonna get you know, get a little more details to uh bring back to us to see if there what type of funding it's gonna entail. But I did [1:43:58, 1:44:00]: [6241.5, 6259.1]: She's gonna come up, Miss Vivian is gonna come up and she's on the part of the steering committee with our with our one Henry um program initiative that we have now in Henry County. So she's gonna um advise the council their piece so that way you'll be fully informed on what the one Henry has. [1:44:20, 1:44:24]: Could you give us your full name and address and everything for the record? Yes. [1:44:24, 1:44:28]: My name is Vivian Angela Thomas. My address is one oh seven [1:44:28, 1:44:30]: Bayberry Hills, McDonough, Georgia. [1:44:31, 1:44:32]: three oh two five three. [1:44:33, 1:44:35]: And I hope I don't hit any of these keys here. [1:44:36, 1:44:37]: I'll hold it up here. [1:44:39, 1:44:49]: I want to uh thank the Mayor, Mayor Neal and the Council for allowing me to speak today and I really want to thank Councilwoman Anit Robertson for bringing this back to you all's attention. [1:44:50, 1:45:01]: Uh C that CIDs are very, very important structures that are used by many counties and cities to help with their economic structure, to help with their infrastructure and help with unification. [1:45:01, 1:45:21]: We do have interested parties that are willing to work with this CID that we're proposing. Henry County has one active CID, but it's going toward the south end of the county. Now we want to make sure that the northeast northern end of the county, which is the 138 quarter, and now we have people interested in the Hudson. [1:45:21, 1:45:41]: Some bridge areas will that want to participate in this CID. What we've done so far, and I have been working with the one Henry, and I have been charged with putting together information to determine how far we can go with this this time. And I think this was a very good time for me to come up because after hearing you talk about your uh fiber oxygen. [1:45:41, 1:45:48]: optics, something we desperately need and hopefully you will consider to attract more businesses here. [1:45:49, 1:46:09]: What we've done so far, I met with Neat Robinson, Councilman Neat Robinson and um Michael Harris in reference to work that was done prior to me. And there was a group working prior to me, and they were part of that group in this discussion, looking at the feasibility of it, trying to see what stakeholders are willing to participate, because we're looking for a proper [1:46:09, 1:46:29]: property owners, at least fifty percent plus in the impacted areas, to participate. When they participate, it's like a self imposed tax that they put upon themselves to add to the beautification of the area, to add to the infrastructure again, to add to the green space to attract more people to stop in the area, to [1:46:29, 1:46:42]: to spend more money in the area. So that's what a CID does. In the state of Georgia, we have several people who've already done this. You know about in the Cumberland area. We also know about in the downtown community improvement districts. [1:46:42, 1:47:02]: Uh Gwinnett has an active CID and Fulton County. We also know that College Park now is willing to look has the CID active, but Clay County wants to know who's interested on this part because they want to work with us from the one thirty eight corridor. So now we have two counties who complement each other, who could possibly put money into the [1:47:02, 1:47:22]: whole game to make this happen. Another positive on our behalf, we have now two progressive council persons. One would be Council mean Commissioner Bruce Holmes, and I said counsel, I meant commissioners, Commissioner Bruce Holmes and Commissioner D. Clements, who are part of the Stockbridge area. Now [1:47:22, 1:47:42]: Now they have not made a commitment, but I think we can talk to them at least about it, trying to help them commit some funding to this. As council person Neek Robinson has said, we need a lead partner. We need someone to say, Let's step up and make this happen. We need feasibility studies to take place. We need to talk to the Nichols group and talk about what can they do? [1:47:42, 1:48:02]: Do to help us move it forward. We don't want it to start the conversation, have it die again. We need to go through the whole process of entertaining and talking to the business owners, finding all the stakeholders, finding all the political people interested in it. Stock bridge should not be left in the coal again. [1:48:02, 1:48:05]: We should not be falling behind Hateville. [1:48:05, 1:48:10]: We should not be falling behind College Park. It just shouldn shouldn't happen. We're in Henry County. [1:48:11, 1:48:23]: We shouldn't be trying to determine when we're going to have the Googles come to us. We should have them fighting coming to us. We should not be sitting back trying to decide what communication piece needs to come next. We should know ahead of time. [1:48:24, 1:48:33]: That's planning. We should not be looking at other counties like Cobb County and Gwinnett County and saying, We want to be like that. We can be like that. [1:48:33, 1:48:53]: We have the dollars here in Henry County, we have the educational base here in Henry County, we have the capabilities here in Henry County, we have the land span here in Henry County. There is no excuse for us not to be competing with the Gunettes, with the apparatus, with the cob counties. We're just a little bit slow. [1:48:53, 1:48:55]: And we need to change there. [1:48:55, 1:49:15]: We can change that with uh doing our feasibility studies. We can change that by adjusting our budgets, we can change that by going ahead and making some type of commitment to make it happen. And that's what I wanted to talk to you about tonight, to make that commitment, to talk about what you can do to draw people to be more [1:49:16, 1:49:19]: committed to seeing this CID come to fluration. [1:49:20, 1:49:22]: And I'll be glad to answer any questions. [1:49:24, 1:49:30]: Yes. I just want to say thank you. Can I say Amen? Well thank you. [1:49:31, 1:49:51]: I appreciate what you brought forward and uh so w w we we we get some numbers that we can take a look at uh for nickel works. I'm on board so we can move forward. Well I want to say that uh your city manager's been so helpful. He helped us to identify what type of businesses are here, where they are, how [1:49:51, 1:49:52]: How to locate them? [1:49:52, 1:49:55]: how to address them. So we'll be moving forward with that. [1:49:55, 1:50:15]: We were very uh grateful to get the information from Councilwoman Nee Robertson and getting the maps that are proposed areas and the overlays and the possibilities. We also was able to get the contacts in Clayton County, knowing who to talk to and let in, to see what they're willing to commit to make it happen as well. So the process is taking place. [1:50:15, 1:50:23]: What I need is for you all to say it can happen, we can make it happen and make a commitment from Stockbridge to the CID process. [1:50:24, 1:50:27]: Ms. Thomas, if you when is the next one Henry meeting? [1:50:28, 1:50:38]: It's normally now the group that I am in, you know, they're different committees. Okay. Are you part of the C I D? Are you dealing with when d when do you think the first Thursday of every month? [1:50:39, 1:50:40]: Three o'clock. [1:50:41, 1:50:42]: at the heritage bank. [1:50:45, 1:50:48]: Now there is a steering committee that would be looking at the funding of this whole process. [1:50:49, 1:50:58]: And um Councilwoman Robinson is a part of that steering committee. So you have a voice there that can watch the process of learning how we would get additional funding to make it happen. [1:50:59, 1:51:19]: Yes. Councilman Blount. With that corridor and the in and out of the county city and so we've already started the process of the intergovernment agreements with them pertaining to the uh CID? The paperwork itself has not taken place. The process, the investigation, locating the stakeholders, [1:51:19, 1:51:33]: uh putting together the list of the companies that will be involved. That process has taken place. When we get to the point where different facets of the government can say we're in with this, then we can bring in those stakeholders and have some type of [1:51:33, 1:51:40]: uh one on one business to business breakfast or luncheon. Educate them on the whole process because this is a self imposed tax. [1:51:40, 1:51:42]: We need them to agree to that. [1:51:42, 1:51:59]: So when you said Clayton County, I'm saying what role right now in Clayton County have we talked to you about pertaining to that? Because we share that area uh, you know, off of seventy five, we want to make sure that both ends of seventy five are have the advantage of some type of beautification. [1:51:59, 1:52:19]: You understand what I'm saying? But I understand but I'm saying you when you said Clayton County has their you you almost like they're ready and on board. I'm just trying to figure out in what capacity because we still have to work on an intergovernmental agreement with them because of the absolute area. They've identified a point person, they've identified their just like us, we w they've identified the business owners. [1:52:20, 1:52:36]: they've identified the process of going through and completing everything. Uh I think the whole goal is before going to the next step, we want to give that same commitment over here. So one side of the seventy five corridor won't be pink and one side be purple, you know, that type of thing. [1:52:36, 1:52:39]: So they're they've not moved any farther than where we are right now. [1:52:39, 1:52:59]: Here, I I'm I'm I'm for it. Uh I I never came against it before. I just wanted to move the way we're supposed to move with it. Uh I think uh Councilwoman Robinson, whatever connection she's doing with you and whatever you all are doing, if we can get those identifiable areas with the intergovernment agreement to move the C I D forward. Well you know one advantage is that Clayton County doesn't [1:52:59, 1:53:07]: does have a C I D in College Park which they did with the airport, which is producing quite well. So they know the process [1:53:07, 1:53:12]: And in that perspective they know they're committed'cause they've done one already. [1:53:13, 1:53:14]: We just need to get our part. [1:53:15, 1:53:18]: Correct and then say we're ready and they're ready to talk with us. [1:53:18, 1:53:20]: Okay, thank you. [1:53:21, 1:53:41]: One other comment. They're actually working on one for the South Lake area too, isn't that correct? The one for the South Lake Mall area, so they've gotten one down which is the airport, I think, South C I D and they share one I think uh with Fulton. But at the same time, you know they're they're identifying these C I D's moving [1:53:40, 1:54:00]: Moving ahead with them so they have a headwind. We just like you said, we need to move, correct? We need to move. We have to understand where we're located. We're located right off of seventy five. And we have to understand that Here we County at one time was identified as like the sixth fastest growing county in the nation. We just have to identify who we are. And I think Here we County is not identified [1:54:00, 1:54:12]: about who we are and how much of a player we are when it comes down to economy. We we kinda stand back and let other people build their things and go, look at what they're doing and we can do the same thing. [1:54:13, 1:54:17]: And we need the largest city in Henry County to make that commitment for us and lead the way. [1:54:19, 1:54:33]: Okay, any other uh points of discussion on the city. Thank you, uh Ms. Thomas. Also wanted to give the city manager an opportunity to speak so that way he can um give his piece what he has so far. [1:54:37, 1:54:47]: as noted, uh met with Councilwoman Robinson and and um Miss Vivian um to kinda go through the process of what they're trying to do. Um [1:54:49, 1:55:00]: We'll be reaching out. We're notified that there is there was a draft uh document that was done uh previously um for some of these areas in questions, so we're gonna reach out to them and find out. [1:55:00, 1:55:01]: With the consultant that did that. [1:55:02, 1:55:05]: uh did that work and find out what's on what's stated on there. [1:55:05, 1:55:06]: Um [1:55:07, 1:55:11]: and seeing what opportunities'cause again at some point what Councilman Brom said asked about was [1:55:12, 1:55:14]: Um the city's willingness to fund [1:55:14, 1:55:16]: part of the study to move forward with this. [1:55:17, 1:55:20]: initiatives. That's something we'd have to discuss with the council members to see where they [1:55:20, 1:55:23]: how they'd want to proceed with uh taking that next step. [1:55:24, 1:55:24]: Um [1:55:25, 1:55:42]: at some point someone's gonna need to engage someone to get the process started. Um ultimately it does it falls to the um commercial community and the business community to take on this task, but um I think it it appears that what other jurisdictions have done in the past is [1:55:42, 1:55:46]: We brought a consultant on to kinda help galvanize the business community. [1:55:46, 1:55:48]: Um to get you know, seed money, if you will. [1:55:48, 1:55:51]: to get the process jump started and and and began. So [1:55:52, 1:56:12]: So we have, we put together some maps, we've identified who the businesses are within that corridor. Um we're going to go back through a review and take a look at uh what exists um on the previous draft uh feasibility study that was done and then see what next steps we can take and at some point should it be the council desire to move forward with bringing forward a request. [1:56:12, 1:56:32]: request for um helping to fund some of that um some of that that initial draft or the initial um um start up funds in connection with in this case likely the um Henry County and doing some kind of joint agreement with them since since again at one hundred thirty eight in particular it's in and out of the city's boundary so [1:56:31, 1:56:34]: So there needs to be some cohesiveness whatever is done. [1:56:35, 1:56:37]: Hi, any other comments? [1:56:38, 1:56:42]: You don't mind. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you a lot for your presentation. Appreciate it. And uh [1:56:42, 1:57:02]: And I'm without a doubt a supportive of whatever we can do to assist the process with our interchanges and to help beautify the area and bring help bring businesses to the area by beautifying and get those those actual businesses involved in and taxing themselves and aspects as well. So uh hopefully w things will move forward and we can do some good things. Thank you. [1:57:02, 1:57:09]: Okay. Um we will move on from that topic at this point. We appreciate you bringing that up for discussion. Um [1:57:10, 1:57:19]: Before we go any further, I saw our chamber president come in, Rod Meadows. I don't know if you are here on official business. Wanna come to the podium, say a few words? [1:57:20, 1:57:26]: Thank you, um Mayor and members of the council. Uh I'm uh very pleased uh [1:57:26, 1:57:32]: work with you as chair of the chamber, but I'm actually here tonight as representative of the uh development authority. [1:57:32, 1:57:35]: Uh at the request of the council, my understanding. [1:57:36, 1:57:39]: So I'm standing by for whenever you're ready for that agenda item. [1:57:43, 1:57:52]: All right. Well let's move on. We've gone through discussion. Uh at this point, do we have any um ending comments from our um city [1:57:53, 1:57:54]: Manager. [1:57:54, 1:58:04]: All right, no comments. Are there any um comments that anybody has not been able to make so far during the evening that you'd like to make? Yes. [1:58:04, 1:58:05]: Councilman Alexander. [1:58:05, 1:58:25]: I always like to thank citizens for taking their time to come out and inju and uh take part in the democratic process of bettering our city. Uh I see Miss Lewis is here now who joined our um youth advisory board here earlier and and thank you for volunteering. [1:58:25, 1:58:35]: volunteer and you weren't acknowledged earlier, but I'd like to acknowledge you now and thank you uh for coming out tonight and choosing to give your time to the city. [1:58:35, 1:58:38]: I just want to say uh to the citizens out there [1:58:39, 1:58:56]: Ladies and gentlemen, we have monumental tasks in front of us. And we have to avoid the pitfalls and the distractions. I'm committed to uh working with this team to move the city forward to be the best city in the twenty first century that we can possibly be. [1:58:56, 1:59:12]: But that we're that that we can't get distracted by uh you know, issues that come up along the way. We have to move forward and we have to put water under the bridge and move ourselves uh in a positive direction to be the best we can be. So thank you so much. [1:59:13, 1:59:16]: Okay, any comments, Councilman White? [1:59:16, 1:59:24]: Um I'd just like to say to everyone that um since I became a city council member, one of the things I've always done and tried to do [1:59:25, 1:59:29]: uh is to present to you all first of all my character and who I am. [1:59:29, 1:59:33]: Who I am in the community, with or without this position as city council member. [1:59:33, 1:59:35]: And someone told me right now. [1:59:35, 1:59:47]: Could you work in the community for free or be a city councilman and just get paid and and to do certain things that we demand from the city council member as a city council member? Give me the community every time. [1:59:47, 1:59:50]: But I'm able to work in the way that I am in the community. [1:59:51, 1:59:59]: representing the city council because of there's a respect factor that is there because I'm a part of government that's out there with the citizens. [1:59:59, 2:00:19]: And I've always been this the same person that you're going to see before you now. That's who I am in my church. That's who I am in my community. That's who I am every day you see me. I'm about community. I'm about serving the citizens of Stockbridge. And there's anything that anyone ever need, you need me to be hands on with you, give me a call and [2:00:19, 2:00:39]: any time. I'd also like to thank uh uh another m uh new member from uh actually it's Carris Lakes uh subdivision that was appointed to the uh Main Street uh uh s uh Main Street board, uh Mr Willie Hawkins if you don't mind standing just kinda wave your hand in the air like you just don't care. Uh we appreciate that. And uh [2:00:39, 2:00:42]: Uh just uh I'm looking forward to a great year in twenty seventeen. [2:00:44, 2:01:04]: All right. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Appreciate it. Uh citizens, it's always good to have you engaged and and and here present with us as well as if if anybody may be watching at home. Uh but uh keep the faith, uh we're gonna do good things in two thousand seventeen. I also want you to know that we recently had a council retreat uh which is publicly uh notify notified the public in all [2:01:04, 2:01:24]: this stuff the when we were where we're located. But uh what I want to tell you it was it was worthwhile, engaging, very spirited and we set some goals and objectives and uh for the future so we'll uh looking forward to accomplish those those uh items there. Um also what happened this past week is uh based on the fact of the our successful job fairs that we've had in the city uh [2:01:24, 2:01:37]: Uh we were actually awarded the City of Stockbridge is actually awarded the good uh good year uh goodwill ambassador for the year and then this was effort as period by Councilman Alexander, but it is an award for the entire city. So [2:01:37, 2:01:50]: And uh we'll have that and display that here in the city hall for you all to take a look at. It's a good recognition for us uh across the board, a good advertisement and I know we'll continue on with those job fairs in the future as well. Um [2:01:51, 2:02:11]: I also want you to know that I am not uh I'm a football fan, but I'm not a diehard Falcon fan, but I want you to know that I I hurt too. I I I hurt I still hurt, okay? So I just want you to know that uh that um I'm with you. And I don't know how they blew that lead either, okay? But regardless of that, uh member of the [2:02:10, 2:02:15]: I also want to tell you, happy Valentine's Day. [2:02:16, 2:02:26]: Alright, enjoy your your loved ones or the special significant others uh tomorrow evening and uh have a good time and continue to keep the faith. God bless you all. Thank you. [2:02:27, 2:02:28]: Councilwoman Gaint. [2:02:29, 2:02:32]: Well now that Councilman Ford opened up my wound. [2:02:33, 2:02:35]: Uh with the Falcons. [2:02:35, 2:02:52]: I um wanna just thank everyone for coming out. I ask that you continue to pray um for us. Um it's not easy being up here and making decisions for the city, but we all do it for the purpose of serving. And um I just um [2:02:52, 2:03:11]: You know, we've got a lot accomplished and we're headed in the gr uh right you know, the right direction. We had a wonderful retreat and we look forward to serving you in the future. Um, feel free to reach out to me by email or by uh phone. You can find all of our information on the City of Stockbridge website. Thank you. [2:03:12, 2:03:20]: That was woman Robinson. Yes, wanna thank everyone for coming out. Um thank you for the young lady that we acknowledge tonight. Um [2:03:20, 2:03:40]: who was um in re representing and for Congressman David Scott's office. Also wanna thank Ms. Vivian Thomas for definitely coming doing that presentation. Thank you so very much because that's something that we've been talking about and we just really need to move forward and um put the pen to the paper. Um so thank you again and again for those that were appointed to [2:03:40, 2:04:00]: Tonight, um especially to my youth council advisory. I'm excited for that. So I think coming soon our attorney will be in contact so that way you can have that up first up and coming meeting. Um so look forward for that. So again, thanks everyone for volunteering um for our city because that is something that we do. [2:04:00, 2:04:04]: desperately desperately need here in the city of Stockbridge. Thank you. [2:04:05, 2:04:12]: Uh at this time um I would like to tell you just a little bit about some upcoming meetings that are happening. [2:04:12, 2:04:32]: And I want to explain something. The council has had a lot of discussions about what to call different meetings, and uh this is what's going to happen in the future. The City of Stockbridge will host four town hall meetings a year. Those will be quarterly, they will [2:04:32, 2:04:43]: will be at the city hall and those will be we will be able to give you an update of whatever is going on. At at each town hall meeting you will get an update [2:04:44, 2:04:49]: always on the finances of the city as to how the revenues are coming in. [2:04:49, 2:05:09]: And then individual council members will be able to have what will be called and advertised as community meetings. Those will be held out in the community wherever they choose to do that. And so we want you to understand the difference of a town hall meeting will be at City Hall. [2:05:09, 2:05:28]: Community meetings will be out in neighborhoods. And we have one coming up on February sixteenth, and that will be with Councilman Alexander, and that one will be at the um Red Oak United Methodist Church on February sixteenth. [2:05:28, 2:05:32]: And you can pick up a copy of this information off our website. [2:05:33, 2:05:48]: Um or if you want to talk to Councilman Alexander about that, please do so before you leave. Another one will be um an ongoing um event that happens frequently and it will be a community meeting hosted by [2:05:48, 2:05:49]: Um [2:05:49, 2:05:56]: fr uh our pro tem, uh Anthony Ford and that w is called Coffee with the Cop. It'll still be a community meeting [2:05:57, 2:06:00]: But it the subtitle is Coffee with the Cop. [2:06:00, 2:06:03]: And that will be on February twenty fifth. [2:06:03, 2:06:05]: at the Bridgeville Country Cooking Restaurant. [2:06:06, 2:06:09]: And that's held usually between eight thirty and ten o'clock in the morning. [2:06:10, 2:06:19]: Also there will be three official city meetings coming up. One is the zoning advisory board meeting on February twenty third. [2:06:19, 2:06:23]: You can find all the details about that on our website. [2:06:23, 2:06:26]: downtown development authority known as the D DA. [2:06:27, 2:06:32]: That will be meeting on February twenty seventh at the city hall, six PM. [2:06:32, 2:06:36]: And then there will be a council work session [2:06:36, 2:06:40]: And that will be February twenty eighth at the city hall. [2:06:40, 2:06:43]: um in the council chamber here. [2:06:43, 2:06:56]: So those are our upcoming meetings. Uh I need to ask our uh attorney, do we have any executive session issues tonight? Yes ma'am, we'd like to have an executive session for real estate matters, personnel and litigation. [2:06:57, 2:07:12]: Okay, you've heard that. We cannot estimate exactly how long we'll be in executive session, but uh if you want to wait, you're welcome to do that. If you want to run get a cup of coffee for thirty minutes and come back, you're welcome to do that. [2:07:12, 2:07:15]: Uh we'll be back out as soon as we can. [2:07:15, 2:07:21]: Yeah. And we need a motion from one of the council members now at this point to go into executive session. [2:07:22, 2:07:25]: Mayor Neal, I make a motion that we go into executive session. [2:07:26, 2:07:30]: We have a motion from Councilwoman Robinson. Do I hear a second? [2:07:30, 2:07:33]: For real estate purposes, personnel. [2:07:33, 2:07:34]: And litigates. [2:07:36, 2:07:36]: Thank you. [2:07:36, 2:07:38]: Do I hear a second? A second. [2:07:39, 2:07:42]: Okay, we have a motion and a second. All in favor? [2:07:43, 2:07:46]: Okay, we're into executive session. Thank you. [2:07:48, 2:07:50]: Oh boy. [2:08:05, 2:08:05]: It's a [2:08:11, 2:08:13]: Question. [2:08:16, 2:08:18]: Button camp. [2:08:20, 2:08:31]: [7736.7, 7739.4]: [2:09:02, 2:09:03]: I wanted to know better. [2:09:09, 2:09:20]: [7765.0, 7780.0]: I would say [2:09:45, 2:09:50]: [7790.0, 7810.0]: But eating white D and um [2:10:14, 2:10:17]: All right. I just want to give you a heads up on [2:10:17, 2:10:22]: after we eventually have the meeting I'll give you an update so you'll know where it is. [2:10:24, 2:10:25]: All right, thank you. [2:10:37, 2:10:45]: Oh yeah, [2:10:50, 2:11:10]: And then we can see over everything. [2:11:10, 2:11:30]: Yeah, we'll have to do it. [2:11:29, 2:11:49]: No, look at an apple. [2:11:49, 2:12:09]: Oh these uh uh silicate or something. Oh Google, yeah. Um [2:12:09, 2:12:29]: [7949.7, 7969.7]: [2:12:49, 2:12:54]: [7976.0, 7996.0]: [2:13:16, 2:13:26]: I think how [2:13:27, 2:13:46]: I don't know. [2:13:49, 2:14:05]: Uh-uh. [2:14:06, 2:14:08]: Yeah, so [2:14:08, 2:14:11]: [8059.5, 8064.4]: Library is fine. [2:14:45, 2:14:49]: No no, no. Elton. [2:14:54, 2:15:06]: This considered. This is a c this is a quorum. This is a quorum. Okay, I got it. I got it. Okay, if I could have everyone's attention. [2:15:10, 2:15:14]: I need a motion to end the executive session. [2:15:14, 2:15:17]: [8118.5, 8121.3]: [2:15:29, 2:15:43]: Now that we have our clerk back with us, I need a motion to end the executive session. Mayor Neal, I'm make a motion to extend executive session, please. We have a motion, but I have a second. We have now a second by Pro Tem Ford. [2:15:43, 2:15:46]: And uh is there any discussion about that? [2:15:47, 2:15:48]: If not [2:15:49, 2:15:50]: All in favour? [2:15:51, 2:15:59]: Okay, we're reporting out there were no items to be voted on from executive session. Reacting the emotion open to meeting back up. [2:15:59, 2:16:06]: Okay, at this time um we need a motion to open this meeting back up [2:16:07, 2:16:08]: So moved. [2:16:08, 2:16:10]: Do I have a second? Second. [2:16:11, 2:16:20]: No items to be voted on at this point. Mayor. Yes. We need a um I just need to put in the record that Councilwoman Gantt has left the meeting. Okay. [2:16:21, 2:16:23]: Councilwoman Gann had to leave early. [2:16:23, 2:16:27]: At this time do I hear a motion to end the meeting? [2:16:28, 2:16:30]: So moved. Do I hear a second? Second. [2:16:30, 2:16:35]: All right, I'll and any discussion, let's discuss that. You all wanna discuss? [2:16:36, 2:16:38]: You sure you guys don't want to talk some more? [2:16:39, 2:16:41]: All right. In that case then. [2:16:42, 2:16:43]: All in favour? [2:16:44, 2:16:47]: All right. Thank you. Meeting adjourned. [2:16:53, 2:16:56]: That's what just what we did? [2:16:58, 2:17:00]: That was a motion to adjourn this meeting.

--- title: January 31 2017 Work Session Meeting date: 2017-01-31 source: 2017-01-31_January_31_2017_Work_Session_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:00, 0:00:20]: I got to go. [0:00:20, 0:00:25]: Yeah. [0:00:25, 0:00:45]: It's about six o'clock, so we're ready to start with the offer and six o'clock. [0:00:45, 0:00:45]: Mm. [0:01:31, 0:01:46]: It's now six o'clock. I'm going to call this meeting to order. And at this time I'm going to call on our Councilman John Blount, who's in ministry if you were to uh offer words for invitation. [0:01:49, 0:01:50]: You would stay. [0:01:55, 0:02:00]: Dear Heavenly Gracious Father, we first come to you, thank you, Heavenly Father, for who you are and what you do, Heavenly Father. [0:02:01, 0:02:07]: We come right now, God, thanking you that you would oversee this meeting, Heavenly Father, that you would clear our minds and hearts, Heavenly Father that [0:02:07, 0:02:13]: Nothing within us, but Heavenly Father, but doing your will is our purpose and serving the citizens is our purpose, Heavenly Father. [0:02:13, 0:02:27]: We thank you, Heavenly Father, for the young man, uh Braxton Caulwell that came forward, Heavenly Father, that you would cover him and his family and his time of service to this country. We ask that you will be with us all, and it's in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen. [0:02:33, 0:02:46]: But religions to fire the United States of America and to the same combination of an our individual. [0:03:00, 0:03:20]: The room earlier before you arrived. We were making photographs with Waxton Calwell, a Scott Ridge citizen, who is uh immediately looking in the morning to serve our country. And at this time I would like for Blaxton to stand and let you recognize him. And also ask his family to let [0:03:20, 0:03:21]: So we can work. [0:03:34, 0:03:50]: The the uh Caldwell family is taking him out to eat, so we're gonna take about a minute and we're gonna let them exit the chamber. And right so we send you our absolute best wishes on your uh mission to serve the the US therapy. [0:03:52, 0:03:54]: Thank you. [0:03:59, 0:04:02]: [256.2, 256.8]: [0:04:24, 0:04:25]: This term we [0:04:27, 0:04:40]: Councilman Alexander. Present. Councilman Blount. Present. Mayor Neil. Mayor Pro Tem Ford. Present. Councilwoman Gantt. Present. Councilwoman Robinson. Present. Mayor Ne Mayor Neal, you have a quorum. [0:04:42, 0:04:45]: At this time I need a motion to adopt the agenda. [0:04:47, 0:04:54]: Mayor Neal, I make a motion to adopt the agenda. Thank you. A second. [0:04:56, 0:05:00]: Any discussion? I don't think we need a discussion for that. Uh all in favor? [0:05:02, 0:05:04]: Okay, thank you so much. [0:05:04, 0:05:10]: At this time we are reviewing and uh adopting the minutes from December twelfth. [0:05:11, 0:05:12]: Fourteen. [0:05:13, 0:05:17]: Sixteenth and twenty seventh, do I hear a motion that those minutes be adopted? [0:05:18, 0:05:18]: Mm-L. [0:05:19, 0:05:20]: Mayor Neal. [0:05:20, 0:05:28]: Those minutes are under review scheduled for adoption on the thirteenth of February. Okay. So they're only under review. Okay. Thank you so much. [0:05:29, 0:05:32]: At this time we are going to um [0:05:33, 0:05:44]: make appointments for our municipical court judge and also our CPA auditing firm. Do I hear a motion that we accept [0:05:45, 0:05:50]: the appointment um those two and you have your backup documents for that. [0:05:52, 0:05:53]: Are we discussing that too? [0:05:54, 0:05:55]: For voting. [0:05:56, 0:06:05]: Mayor Neal, as far as the auditing firm, uh you may wish to delay that only because of the decision that the council had made not to vote during [0:06:06, 0:06:09]: the work session. However, it's my recommendation that you do [0:06:10, 0:06:18]: vote to approve the judge uh uh given that uh I think all of you heard that. We are going to vote. [0:06:19, 0:06:21]: Um I'm I'm sorry, Mayor Deer if I may. [0:06:22, 0:06:42]: We're just talking um because of the timeliness issue as relates to completing our audit, I would ask that's moving we did add it on to this calendar. Yeah, we do need to have consideration for both. All right. Uh so now I need a motion to approve both the appointment of Judge Matt McCord to uh continue [0:06:42, 0:06:46]: [408.2, 412.8]: Uh okay. I first need a motion and then we're going into going to discuss. [0:06:53, 0:06:54]: Yeah. [0:06:55, 0:07:04]: Mayor Neal? Yes. I motion to um continue to appoint or reappoint uh Judge Matt McCord for the municipal court position. I second. [0:07:05, 0:07:11]: Uh we we are gonna put'em both in one motion. They're listed together. And our CPA firm do you [0:07:12, 0:07:14]: Want to include that in the motion. [0:07:16, 0:07:16]: But [0:07:16, 0:07:17]: Okay. [0:07:19, 0:07:24]: Uh and to include the CPA firm that has been chosen in our emotion. [0:07:24, 0:07:28]: Okay. Um at this time we've got a motion. Um [0:07:30, 0:07:32]: I need a second and then we'll have discussion. [0:07:33, 0:07:34]: A second. [0:07:34, 0:07:46]: Okay, we have a second. Is there a discussion? Yes, I just wanted to clarify a point. I I did not know we agreed not to vote at work session. I thought we I d I didn't know when when was that? I thought we uh [0:07:48, 0:07:56]: My understand Mayor, if I may, it's my understanding from the last meeting that uh there's a discussion about not voting unless it was an emergency. [0:07:57, 0:07:58]: Um [0:07:58, 0:08:04]: during uh the uh work sessions, but it's it's still the council's prerogative uh you know, as those [0:08:05, 0:08:18]: Yeah, that was a discussion but that wasn't uh we we moved on moving the time up, but I wasn't aware that we like voting at uh work session. I think we had agreed on that, so I think we still got some ambiguity on that. [0:08:19, 0:08:20]: Mayor. [0:08:20, 0:08:21]: Yes. [0:08:21, 0:08:26]: I think that we if we can move on with that now, we've got a motion of uh [0:08:26, 0:08:29]: We got a uh we we have the motion on the floor, we have a second. [0:08:30, 0:08:42]: Uh so if it's the will of the council to vote, uh considering this is important to both the attorney and to our city manager that we go ahead and deal with these tonight. Uh all in favor? [0:08:43, 0:08:44]: Opposed? [0:08:44, 0:08:46]: All right. Votes are passed. Thank you. [0:08:48, 0:09:08]: Time public comments. I just want to tell people that everyone that has filled out a yellow sheet, all public comments must be filed with our city clerk begin at the beginning of the meeting. You must sign your name, address, and phone number, and you will be able to address the mayor and counsel for three minutes. [0:09:08, 0:09:21]: minutes. Speakers must respect all members of the elected body, officials and staff, defamation, unruliness, and their swearing, of course, will not be tolerated while meetings are in session. [0:09:21, 0:09:30]: At this time we're going to move uh to new business. If do we have anyone that wants to do it? We do. Uh Ms. Beverly Raglin. [0:09:31, 0:09:33]: Beverly Raglan. [0:09:35, 0:09:39]: Okay, if you would come to the microphone and you'll have three minutes, Ms Ragland. [0:09:46, 0:09:47]: Good evening. [0:09:48, 0:09:52]: To the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and the Council and citizens that I hear. Out flyout. [0:09:54, 0:09:56]: I am Deborah Ragland. Um [0:09:57, 0:10:00]: My address is four thousand four oh five. [0:10:00, 0:10:01]: Tanner Trace. [0:10:02, 0:10:03]: Stockbridge, Georgia. [0:10:04, 0:10:08]: And I'm here to address some concerns related to the ordinance. [0:10:09, 0:10:10]: For city code number [0:10:11, 0:10:12]: ten twelve. [0:10:13, 0:10:14]: Zero to zero. [0:10:15, 0:10:18]: related to no parking on city streets. [0:10:19, 0:10:22]: And my concern is as a homeowner [0:10:23, 0:10:27]: That leaves me nowhere to park when I have parties for my grandchildren. [0:10:28, 0:10:28]: Um [0:10:28, 0:10:29]: Because [0:10:30, 0:10:31]: They say I can't park on the street. [0:10:32, 0:10:33]: And yet when I have guests [0:10:34, 0:10:37]: When I called the clerk's office they said park on the lawn. [0:10:38, 0:10:40]: When I called my housing association, they said [0:10:42, 0:10:44]: I will get a pine. [0:10:44, 0:10:46]: And promptly sent me the [0:10:46, 0:10:50]: The documentation that says that is against the rules of the Housing Association. [0:10:50, 0:10:53]: So I'm here to appeal to someone who can advocate [0:10:53, 0:10:54]: For um [0:10:55, 0:10:59]: proper resolution to the situation. [0:11:00, 0:11:01]: I live in Langley Oaks. [0:11:03, 0:11:17]: And of course parking on the lawn, if you spent money with manicuring your lawn, that's not a viable solution. And I do understand that there is a need for public safety, but I would think that there's someone who could evaluate the fact that um [0:11:18, 0:11:19]: uh means where [0:11:19, 0:11:23]: parking on the street could be allowed if you're not parking in front of a [0:11:23, 0:11:24]: Fire high, good or [0:11:25, 0:11:28]: parking in front of someone's um driveway [0:11:28, 0:11:30]: I'm just look for someone to [0:11:31, 0:11:34]: to know who to appeal to to review that ordinance. [0:11:36, 0:11:56]: At this time we will accept your presentation. We've noted um our police captain is in the house. We've noted which neighborhood you live in and you do have can you confirm for us that you have an HOA in your neighborhood? I did. Okay. All right. Um we will have someone talk with you later. [0:11:56, 0:12:02]: So be sure you leave your phone number with the clerk if it's on that paper that you filled out. Okay? Thank you. [0:12:05, 0:12:19]: At this time we're going to go to New Business and we're going to have a presentation by our city manager, Michael Harris, Council consideration to approve recommendations for engineering services for the city. [0:12:20, 0:12:22]: Good evening, Mayor, good evening council. [0:12:22, 0:12:24]: Um this is [0:12:24, 0:12:26]: An endeavor we took up um [0:12:27, 0:12:28]: Last year [0:12:28, 0:12:35]: Um am a lot of conversation. One of the concerns of council was the advancement of a number of our projects on the public work side. [0:12:36, 0:12:56]: um and to help facilitate moving projects forward on some of our SPLOSS projects and some some of our other capital projects. We had the um discussion about bringing on on on call services for engineering services. Um we went through we explored a number of other jurisdictions who have set up similar types [0:12:56, 0:13:05]: services, um and working in conjunction with staff members, other professionals within the industry, developed an RFP. [0:13:05, 0:13:08]: went through a process that um where we [0:13:09, 0:13:11]: put out an RFP for engineering services. [0:13:11, 0:13:23]: Um we had nine firms submit proposals. We reviewed all nine of those firms. We had a committee and staff committee as well as um some folks from other jurisdictions come in and and assist us as well. Um [0:13:24, 0:13:37]: We had um the evaluation committee itself met on a couple of occasions. Um after initial evaluations we narrowed the nine down to our top four firms. From there we went through and interviewed those top four firms. [0:13:38, 0:13:47]: And after interviewing the top four firms, everybody independently making their scoring and determinations, um, part of the conversation that we had was [0:13:48, 0:13:53]: while we weren't certainly bound by just having one and talking to some other jurisdictions [0:13:53, 0:14:10]: they spoke about the advantage of having multiple um on call services to allow for greater flexibility whether the scope of the what uh depending on what the scope of the project may be and also flexibility depending upon what their what their workload may be at any one given time. So armed with that information [0:14:11, 0:14:14]: The staff myself are prepared to tonight [0:14:15, 0:14:17]: make a recommendation to award [0:14:17, 0:14:20]: engineering services contract to two firms. [0:14:20, 0:14:23]: One being Falcon design engineering. [0:14:24, 0:14:26]: And the other being Carter and Sloop. [0:14:26, 0:14:30]: What was the second one? [0:14:32, 0:14:40]: Both of these firms are firms we've we've done work with. Um uh they've done you know, stellar workforce in the past. [0:14:41, 0:14:42]: Um we're confident about their [0:14:43, 0:15:02]: their their work capabilities and and and and and abilities, their staff abilities. And again we are this is after a lot of deliberation, a lot of research and evaluation, this is the recommendation of staff. So we're asking tonight and what you'll find in your book is a resolution um asking for approval to move forward with [0:15:03, 0:15:11]: the recommendation to approve Falcon Design Engineering and Carter and Sloop Engineering to provide engineering services [0:15:11, 0:15:12]: for the city. [0:15:13, 0:15:20]: Okay, do I hear a motion that we accept um the two firms for engineering services, Falcon Design? [0:15:21, 0:15:22]: And Carter and Sloop. [0:15:23, 0:15:23]: So moved. [0:15:24, 0:15:26]: Second discussion. [0:15:27, 0:15:29]: No discussion. All in favor? [0:15:31, 0:15:35]: All right. We have two new firms. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you, Council. [0:15:37, 0:15:40]: The next item of business is to approve [0:15:42, 0:16:02]: Oh sorry. Uh to approve the use of the Merle Manders Center for a back to school event july twenty ninth, twenty seventeen. This will be presented by John Blount and I want to take just a moment to explain that there are through the year of of twenty seventeen there will be several events. [0:16:02, 0:16:18]: events and each of our council people are gracious enough to take charge of one or two of those events all along. This one, uh Councilman Blount, is responsible for making it happen. It will be a city event and let's um do you have any [0:16:20, 0:16:21]: [981.9, 985.7]: Is everybody okay with the way I presented that? Okay. All right. [0:16:26, 0:16:29]: Yes. It's not a city event, it's still a city it's still a councilman initiative. [0:16:30, 0:16:44]: Yes, that that's the title of it, a council initiative and they will be in charge of their own council and they are city events, but they are council initiatives brought to us by the various councils. [0:16:45, 0:16:55]: Beg your pardon? I haven't made the presentation. All right. At this time we're going to ask uh for a motion to approve the use. [0:16:55, 0:16:59]: Oh, you're gonna make a presentation. All right. Let's go for it. [0:17:00, 0:17:02]: First of all, this event um [0:17:03, 0:17:23]: I got involved in with this event uh a year before I even started to run for city council and uh this event was uh in conjunction with the uh Bridge Fest. Um my church Global Impact Christian Ministry, we uh partnered with the city and far as supplying uh different items and we uh came and I got involved [0:17:22, 0:17:42]: also uh on my own I brought in the video game and bus along with volunteering for this event. Um when when the council member uh Mr. Thomas uh uh when when the council member that was running the event uh prior to me coming into office wasn't re-elected um I chose to be a part of this event uh [0:17:42, 0:18:02]: And continue it. And the first thing I wanted to do is remove it from being a part of Bridgefest. And when I removed it from being a part of BridgeFest, I went in uh along with our assistants, Davita uh Robinson, uh I went out into the neighborhood to the businesses. We solicited the businesses, I partnered with my church, uh and many, many businesses and people want [0:18:02, 0:18:22]: to get involved. So when we had the event at the Merrill Manders Conference Center. When we had at the Merrill Manders Conference Center, it it actually changed the components of what the uh uh the back the uh back to school kickoff i it changed the whole dynamics of it. Uh first of all we had a health fair downstairs a a health fair for uh the citizens [0:18:22, 0:18:42]: Downstairs, we had a business fair upstairs. We had jumpers, we had video gaming bus, we had face painting, balloons, art, uh Italian ice vendors. We had a uh we we gave away over six hundred and fifty book bags. Those are whipped supplies that we was able to give away to uh to uh uh citizens and uh [0:18:42, 0:18:44]: Uh we had [0:18:44, 0:18:50]: We had all types of components working together and we had fifty eight volunteers. [0:18:51, 0:19:11]: fifty eight volunteers at dysfunction. With the money along with Zach Spees and I don't want to go through everybody that that wanted to be a part of along with fraternities and all, it became something that was that that became awesome. It became an awesome event. Uh those partnerships are are are are valuable for the success uh of this event. [0:19:11, 0:19:31]: it the the value uh the partnership with global impact was a uh a very pinnacle success for this uh event to happen and the reason I say it as a councilman council initi initiative that is a city event. Everything we do is a city event. And the reason I say a council initiative because I personally was out there on on the ground running [0:19:31, 0:19:49]: and I wanted to see this. Uh I want to see the dynamics of this grow and I envision it and uh with the help of David Robertson and getting on the phone and getting the community involved. This is what this is what we can do and the cost of this event did not cost the CD the other day getting the location [0:19:49, 0:19:58]: for the event. Remember we had fifty eight volunteers, we had enough donations to have all these functions and have over thirteen hundred people come through the Murray Manors on that day. [0:20:01, 0:20:05]: Okay. Do I hear a motion that we'll have the conversation, please? Discussion. [0:20:07, 0:20:11]: Do I hear a motion and a second? We're gonna get a second and then we'll have discussion. [0:20:12, 0:20:13]: Do I have a motion? [0:20:13, 0:20:22]: I motion to approve uh the Murray mandates for the event to uh happen for this year twenty seventeen. Am I Do I hear a second? [0:20:23, 0:20:24]: I second. [0:20:24, 0:20:28]: Okay, we have a motion and a second. We have discussion. If anyone has a comment. [0:20:28, 0:20:31]: Yes, I think uh we we've all [0:20:32, 0:20:34]: as a council endeavored to [0:20:34, 0:20:41]: uh support the event and you know do everything that we can to move the community forward. [0:20:42, 0:20:44]: collectively, together as a group. [0:20:45, 0:20:46]: Uh [0:20:47, 0:20:50]: It has been expressed and uh [0:20:50, 0:20:57]: some discussion about having this event be solely be a city event. [0:20:58, 0:21:10]: Myself I sponsored the job fair. Um Councilwoman Robinson sponsored um the event, the Pretty and Pink event, as large events, and in order to share those events with the entire city [0:21:11, 0:21:15]: We the distinction in a city event is is simply this. [0:21:15, 0:21:17]: All of us up here. [0:21:17, 0:21:20]: And everybody is um [0:21:20, 0:21:40]: put forth their efforts equally to support this event. This event has been going on previous to my taking office and all of us taking office. But what we want to do instead of having one person's name on the event, we wanted it to have it to be the city of Stockbridge back to school. [0:21:40, 0:21:40]: Yeah. [0:21:41, 0:21:46]: versus having it be just under the name of one council person being a council initiative. [0:21:47, 0:21:50]: I share in this event, I support it one hundred percent. [0:21:51, 0:21:52]: But in the end [0:21:53, 0:21:57]: It should not be just about one person, it should be about the entire council. [0:21:57, 0:22:01]: And being about the entire council means when you come to an event [0:22:02, 0:22:21]: I you know, I promoted the event myself. S all of us up here equally promote this event. We try to bring positivity to the community to get it out. It was a success. But at the same time, in the end, it really needs to be a city event. And when I say city event, [0:22:22, 0:22:29]: Um it is simply this. When you use a city facility such as Merrill Manders is, [0:22:29, 0:22:40]: That cost is written off. That cost can be as much as two thousand dollars. It can be twelve hundred. It really depends on the event. Those are city funds being spent. [0:22:40, 0:23:00]: When we look at using staff, Davita Robinson is a staff person. Her time is charged to you, the citizens. It's not charged to one council person, it's charged to all of us. So in that event, I truly would like to see all large events, not just this one, all large events. [0:23:00, 0:23:12]: the city events. Any events that uh our us as council members bring forward to the city should be small individual events serving our particular constituency. [0:23:13, 0:23:20]: uh to serve the city and to bring forward good ideas that invent that that bring the s that lift the city up. [0:23:21, 0:23:28]: I am in one hundred percent support of this event. I just want it to be a city event versus an individual initiative. [0:23:29, 0:23:37]: We appreciate your opinion of that. I think you heard me say earlier, every city, every event [0:23:37, 0:23:49]: is a city event. It is sponsored as an initiative of a council member. All events will carry the name of the City of Stockbridge. [0:23:49, 0:23:53]: If there's further discussion, yes. Yes. Okay. [0:23:54, 0:24:01]: First of all, let me let me say this. When when we made the banners for this event, not one banner said John Blount on it. [0:24:01, 0:24:06]: It said the city of Stockbridge. Not one banner said John Blount. [0:24:06, 0:24:12]: And when we have a council member that won't be as transparent to you all telling you he supported this event. [0:24:12, 0:24:22]: When we had the event this council member came to the event after he had left another backpack booking book book bag giveaway event and came to his surprise [0:24:22, 0:24:27]: that the components of this event had grown because there's a vision out here. I would not support [0:24:28, 0:24:31]: taking the opportunity for citizens and businesses [0:24:31, 0:24:36]: To be a part of this community is just to say let the city pay for it. [0:24:36, 0:24:56]: We had sponsors, we had partnerships, we had donations. This this event paid for itself and why would we say cut that out and tell the citizens and the businesses of this community, well we're gonna pay for it, you can come if you want to come. When they were more than happy, you had to tell the fraternities no more giving, you had to tell the sorority. [0:24:56, 0:25:03]: And when you sit here, let's be transparent, let's be real. [0:25:03, 0:25:15]: When it comes to working for this city, let's say we're gonna work for this city. I volunteer. That's what I do. I connect the citizens, that's what I do. So to tell me you're gonna sit here and say that you support this event. [0:25:15, 0:25:32]: when you wasn't even at the event to the last part of and didn't know what was going on with the event. I call that not being transparent and truthful to the citizens of this of this state of the city. Thank you for your comments. Are there other comments? I I have a comment. Councilman Robinson, yes ma'am. Um [0:25:35, 0:25:35]: Well [0:25:36, 0:25:56]: First of all, m um Mayor Neal, I'm just glad that you came up with the new special events request. Um with that it will kinda condense some of the concerns that are being addressed because now we'll be able to take have a log of what's being done. Um and so this is a good start. [0:25:56, 0:26:06]: I I will say we all are out here um trying to do right by our citizens, initiatives, whatever it may be, but [0:26:06, 0:26:15]: As some of you can see, we all just need to come together, work together for the city. As the mayor is stating, I mean I have events [0:26:16, 0:26:21]: I don't mind if they're city or whatever. We may not have [0:26:21, 0:26:25]: banners that have our name on them, but we do have [0:26:26, 0:26:30]: social media that posts where these events are coming from. [0:26:31, 0:26:32]: But at the end of the day, [0:26:33, 0:26:35]: It's still all of us. [0:26:35, 0:26:55]: And again, the mayor has created a special events request. It does cost money, it does cost for our employees to be out there. We have to have public works, we have to have everyone. With the council initiatives, we only have a certain amount of funds that we can use. So now that we have [0:26:55, 0:27:03]: have this, I think it will be able to assist all of us so that way we can kinda move forward together. [0:27:03, 0:27:06]: Are there other comments? Yes. [0:27:07, 0:27:25]: Archie you have one minute left. I timed you. Thank you. Um this is exactly what I wanted to clarify, and to clarify that this is the city of Stockbridge back to school event, and I think that's what we're agreeing upon and I'm okay with voting for that. Is that correct? [0:27:26, 0:27:46]: Okay, if there are no other comments um I do Tim Ford. Thank you, appreciate it. Um what I'm wondering if you call the city event, can it still be say that spearheaded by a certain individual on the council? Is that acceptable just do that? I mean if that's acceptable that's fine. It's uh uh I believe that they are all gonna be [0:27:46, 0:27:55]: be called Stockbridge City Events and it will be special initiative, your effort to make it happen. Good deal. Thank you. Very appreciated with that. Okay. [0:27:55, 0:27:57]: All right. All in favor? [0:27:59, 0:28:00]: Opposed. [0:28:00, 0:28:15]: All right, thank you so much. The next thing we're going to talk about is new business council consideration to approve the twenty seventeen voting schedule and that will be presented by our clerk, Vanessa Holiday. [0:28:19, 0:28:21]: All right. Thank you, Mayor and Council. [0:28:22, 0:28:24]: You have in your packets [0:28:25, 0:28:27]: Seven options. [0:28:27, 0:28:29]: For the voting [0:28:29, 0:28:33]: schedule for the twenty seventeen municipal election. [0:28:38, 0:28:42]: Option one, just to um summarize, option one [0:28:43, 0:28:48]: is um the voting schedule that includes two Saturdays. [0:28:49, 0:28:52]: And one week of voting at the Merrill Manders Conference Center. [0:28:53, 0:28:55]: The runoff [0:28:56, 0:29:04]: election is also at the Morrill Manders Conference Center and that estimated cost is twenty three thousand five hundred dollars. [0:29:05, 0:29:15]: Option one A also includes two Saturdays, one week at the Merrill Landers Conference Center, and early voting for the [0:29:16, 0:29:24]: uh runoff election would be held at the Henry County elections office. That's with an estimated cost of nineteen thousand dollars. [0:29:25, 0:29:29]: Option number two includes one Saturday [0:29:30, 0:29:31]: With one week. [0:29:32, 0:29:34]: uh at the Merrill Manders Conference Center. [0:29:35, 0:29:43]: The runoff election would be held at the Merrill Manders Conference Center with an estimated cost of twenty one thousand five hundred dollars. [0:29:45, 0:29:49]: Option two A consists of one Saturday. [0:29:49, 0:30:05]: One week at the Merrmanners Conference Center and early voting at the Henry County Elections Office with the runoff also at the Henry County Elections Office with an estimated cost of seventeen thousand dollars. [0:30:06, 0:30:11]: Option number three does not have any weekend voting. [0:30:11, 0:30:12]: One week [0:30:13, 0:30:24]: Early voting at the Merlmander's Conference Center and the runoff would be held at the Merlmanders Conference Center. That estimated cost is eighteen thousand five hundred dollars. [0:30:25, 0:30:34]: Option number three A, again with no weekend voting, one week at the Merrill Manders Conference Center and the runoff [0:30:34, 0:30:43]: would be held at the Henry County Elections Office with an estimated cost of fourteen thousand dollars. And the final option for [0:30:44, 0:30:46]: would be all early voting. [0:30:47, 0:31:07]: and the uh runoff voting at the Henry County elections office with an estimated cost of ten thousand dollars. The current budget um is sixteen thousand dollars. At the time when we put the budget together we were having our first runoff for the city. So we did [0:31:07, 0:31:27]: did not know what the anticipated cost would be. So we went into this budget with our best guest and um clearly if we go with one of these other options with a weekend day or voting at the Merrmann's Conference Center, there will need to be an adjustment to the current fiscal year budget. [0:31:27, 0:31:28]: Mayor Neil. [0:31:29, 0:31:30]: Um [0:31:30, 0:31:33]: At this time do I have a motion? [0:31:33, 0:31:36]: for any of the above [0:31:36, 0:31:39]: mentioned voting options. [0:31:39, 0:31:40]: Yeah. [0:31:41, 0:31:42]: Do I I have a question? [0:31:42, 0:31:43]: Question? Yes. [0:31:43, 0:31:48]: Madam Madam Clerk, for the mural or race that we just had, which option was that? [0:31:50, 0:31:51]: And here. [0:31:52, 0:31:53]: That we just went through. [0:31:54, 0:31:59]: Because we had a Saturday and a Sunday as far as our um wait, did we? [0:32:00, 0:32:14]: Saturdays and a Sunday. We it's not either one of these. Oh we agreed to that one. Is there n way we can put together one that's like that? Henry County adjusted [0:32:14, 0:32:33]: their numbers because again we didn't know what the anticipated budget was was going to be so they were working with what we had in our budget but their budget has been cut this year. They will not be able to make any concessions this year. So it would be solely on us to be able to fund whichever option is chosen. [0:32:35, 0:32:45]: And if these are seven options. If you want a s an option with a Sunday, that's fine. It's don't voting is required tonight. This is a work session. You may want to take some time to study, get some more information back. [0:32:46, 0:32:54]: I'm presenting seven options tonight. If we want to include a Sunday option, then I would need to go back to the county and figure out how much that's going to cost. [0:32:55, 0:32:56]: [1976.5, 1983.0]: All right. Do I hear a motion to either postpone or move forward? [0:33:03, 0:33:10]: All right. Councilman Alexander. I I concur with Councilwoman Robinson that [0:33:10, 0:33:30]: N neither of these options are sufficient at this time. Sunday voting has been a tremendous success. I'm sorry. We need we need to either ask a question or we need to make a motion. This is not the discussion moment. Okay. As as as far as this is concerned, what do we need to do to uh [0:33:30, 0:33:33]: Have a Sunday option come forward, table it. [0:33:33, 0:33:51]: You you asked me, I will go back and um present you between now and your voting meeting on February thirteenth, additional cost and a different proposal to include Sunday. But let me ask you which one of these options, if it's currently there, would you like to add that to? [0:33:52, 0:34:11]: I would personally like as many voting opportunities as possible. I would like option one and I would like as much time to votes for citizens to allow d alleve themselves of their right to vote and whatever possible the maximum amount of days that Georgia allows. That's what I'd like. [0:34:12, 0:34:31]: Okay, the I can just tell you the law is the early voting must start twenty one days prior to the election, which is October sixteenth, which is what we've included here. The one with the max as you stated is option one, which includes currently two Saturdays. Now one thing that I did do because there was not a Sunday included [0:34:31, 0:34:41]: Um and I would need to go you know what, on the Sunday that we did have voting I'll I'll include the numbers of voters that we had on that Sunday. But um what I did do was [0:34:42, 0:34:47]: with the um early voting for the runoff election that we just had [0:34:47, 0:34:57]: it was held at the same time that the county had their office hours, voting hours, which was eight to five. I have changed those and made it from seven to seven. [0:34:58, 0:35:00]: on across the board, seven to seven. [0:35:01, 0:35:05]: Okay. I have a question by Councilman Blount. [0:35:06, 0:35:11]: Um I was looking at option two A. So with option two A, the question is [0:35:11, 0:35:15]: is that it seemed that all of'em are starting on October the sixteenth on every option. [0:35:16, 0:35:33]: Option two A, it includes the weekend. Um one weekend. One weekend. What would it be to have can you find could we find out what the cost would be if we put another weekend in in option two A? Okay. That would be for two Saturdays, that would be option [0:35:36, 0:35:41]: Either one A or one, they both have two Saturdays already in there. [0:35:43, 0:35:51]: The difference is one for the mu mayor's runoff is at the county and the other the mayor's runoff is at the Merrill Manders Conference Center. [0:35:52, 0:36:12]: I would I would like to remind our council members you might want to postpone this for for the next uh meeting and also rem remind each one of you that we have sixteen thousand dollars in our budget. So we're gonna have to give up something in our budget if we expand it [0:36:12, 0:36:32]: out to the maximum amount, anything above sixteen thousand, we're gonna have to be looking for how we're gonna finish paying for that. So do I hear a motion that we put all of this on hold, bring it back in the meantime everybody can speak to the clerk and ask all the questions and try to figure out [0:36:32, 0:36:37]: Do I hear that motion? [0:36:38, 0:36:41]: Manil. Yes. Um I would like to [0:36:42, 0:36:42]: Um [0:36:44, 0:36:48]: make a motion to table this, um to get further information. [0:36:48, 0:37:02]: I'm interested in option one A and two A with Sundays included, but take something out as well. Um so I think right now, based off the discussion, we have a lot of discussions here. Do you hear a motion to table? Do I hear a second? [0:37:05, 0:37:13]: Oh, okay. Thank you, Council Robinson. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Is there discussion? Yes. [0:37:14, 0:37:19]: I I I just I'm uncomfortable with the fact that Council might have questions [0:37:19, 0:37:38]: I'm not in a hurry to move through this meeting. I'm sorry. If there's anybody you know, w w as we talk about this and ask questions, I know we have the clerk in front of us right now. If we could ask her questions uh about our concerns. I don't know, maybe I'm not the only one as as the in again uh option one [0:37:39, 0:37:45]: or option one A with the Sunday or with the weekend, those days um [0:37:45, 0:37:48]: You know, you mentioned the Merrill runoff [0:37:48, 0:38:08]: uh as well being associated with what we're we're trying to do here. I think Councilwoman Robinson kinda hit it on the head with her option of having um you know like the mayoral the mayoral runoff was that we previously went through. So um putting that option together [0:38:08, 0:38:25]: along with I uh uh I favor like I said, twenty p I favor option number one, giving everybody the most uh uh uh opportunity to uh to vote. Obviously that does come with uh some cost and in uh allow in what we're trying to do here. [0:38:25, 0:38:27]: Okay, let me just respond to that because I'm not sure. [0:38:28, 0:38:31]: the male race that we just went through [0:38:32, 0:38:36]: The Merrill Manders Conference Center was only voting from eight to five. [0:38:36, 0:38:40]: So we don't want to mirror that one, from what I'm hearing. [0:38:40, 0:38:55]: These um dates and times are from seven to seven. Whether they are at the Henry County Elections Office or at the Murr Matters Conference Center, their times have been extended. So but if you want to go back to eight to five it'll be less cost [0:38:55, 0:39:02]: But you have reduced your time for people to be able to vote. But you're saying that you want people to be able to vote. [0:39:04, 0:39:11]: Well I'm I'm wanting people to be able to vote. To me, you had more days, there would still be more time. [0:39:11, 0:39:31]: i and that would help us to kinda cut back on some of the cost of we're trying to get the cost down a little bit. The number of days to me would seem to be okay, well maybe you can't vote um, you know, uh to seven each week, but maybe you could vote you'd have more days or more choices to vote. But I'm okay with like I said [0:39:31, 0:39:44]: said with uh option one adding the Sundays as well. And that does come with two weekends, correct? Two two Saturdays already. Right? Mm-hmm. Okay. And adding a man it will have a [0:39:45, 0:39:45]: Sunday. [0:39:46, 0:39:48]: I have that to go back and get calls for that. [0:39:48, 0:39:49]: Okay. Um [0:39:50, 0:39:51]: I believe Councilman Blount has a [0:39:52, 0:39:52]: Come in. [0:39:53, 0:39:58]: We have a motion and we have a second. I'd like for us to move on tabling this and I'd like for us to go ahead and vote, please. [0:40:00, 0:40:08]: Well we already have a motion and we've already got a second. Now we're in discussion. Do you have any discussion points? That's correct. [0:40:08, 0:40:26]: Yeah, the discussion is that um when we talk about times we have to have all the information in front of us on the dynamics of that. As we saw with Mr Alexander, what he was asking for really wasn't what he wanted. So we have to look at this and see what we really want'cause the times were conflicting what he really wanted. [0:40:26, 0:40:46]: Okay. Um Tim Ford. Thank you very much. What I'm interested in is that uh weekend uh uh voting is great, two weekends I I like that's fine. Early voting um at uh Henry County elections office would be fine as well. But what I'm interested in also is if you have a runoff, I would think the runoff would need to be at Merrill Manors and not the Henry County. [0:40:46, 0:40:58]: That's what I that's what I'm kinda looking at here. That way that's more local to the folks that we have a runoff there. They don't have to travel all the way to Henry County. They can come to Merle Manor. So that's what I'm kinda looking at. If you can maybe add that in the mix there as well. [0:40:58, 0:41:01]: Okay, let me clarify because [0:41:01, 0:41:12]: I need to know if we're going forward because there's no sense in me going through all the other six options if the consensus of the council is to go with option one and add a set a Sunday. [0:41:13, 0:41:14]: and come back with that cost. [0:41:16, 0:41:17]: Okay, good point. Um [0:41:18, 0:41:19]: That would be fine with me. [0:41:19, 0:41:21]: Actually. I'm okay with that. [0:41:25, 0:41:26]: That's true. [0:41:28, 0:41:37]: Okay. At this point we have a motion and a second to table and bring it back at the next meeting, which will be our regular council meeting. [0:41:38, 0:41:40]: At this time it there's no further discussion. [0:41:41, 0:41:42]: All in favour? [0:41:44, 0:41:45]: Opposed? [0:41:46, 0:41:48]: Good. Thank you. Okay, thank you. [0:41:49, 0:41:52]: Uh at this point uh we have um [0:41:52, 0:42:03]: um more new business and it will be presented by our human resources manager Renee Wheeler, Council Consideration to approve safety committee guidelines for the city. [0:42:06, 0:42:08]: Good evening, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and Council. [0:42:08, 0:42:16]: Um I had come before you before with reference to our citywide uh safety programme that's gonna be for the employees only. [0:42:16, 0:42:19]: And now we have added um [0:42:19, 0:42:21]: the committee guidelines. [0:42:21, 0:42:23]: on having a safety committee. [0:42:23, 0:42:25]: made up of individuals from public works. [0:42:25, 0:42:29]: and also from administration on a rotating basis. [0:42:29, 0:42:32]: and um coming forward with the safety program. [0:42:32, 0:42:41]: So in your packet you have all the information in there. What we've just added is just the guidelines at this point for you to review and to approve so we can move forward. [0:42:44, 0:42:44]: Okay. [0:42:45, 0:42:46]: Yeah. [0:42:47, 0:42:49]: Is there any um [0:42:50, 0:42:53]: One um this is a [0:42:54, 0:42:56]: A new business item [0:42:56, 0:43:00]: And we can either vote on it tonight or we can move it forward. But are you [0:43:02, 0:43:03]: [2585.0, 2587.8]: From the manager review. [0:43:08, 0:43:20]: Again, it's not a it's not a time sensitive issue, so it it's the as stated it's a it's a council's desire to vote on it tonight, that's certainly doable. Or if you'd like to put it on a consent agenda for [0:43:20, 0:43:22]: The um regular meeting. That's certainly. [0:43:23, 0:43:30]: Um do I have a motion then that we go forward and vote on this tonight? Ms. Yes. [0:43:30, 0:43:36]: I would uh like to make a motion. I think Miss Wheeler is putting a lot of work into the program. [0:43:37, 0:43:47]: Make a motion to approve. I would like to make a motion um to approve the safety program as put forth by Ms. Renee Wheeler. Second. [0:43:48, 0:43:51]: All right, we have a motion and a second. Is there discussion? [0:43:52, 0:43:54]: No discussion. All in favor? [0:43:56, 0:43:59]: No opposed, thank you so much. [0:43:59, 0:44:00]: Thank you, Council. [0:44:01, 0:44:21]: Uh at this point we're going into some discussion items. These will not be anything I think that we'll be voting on. We're just going to discuss and talk about them tonight. Is that correct, Ms. That's correct. We're just looking to bring these to up for discussion, for consideration, likely to be come to come back to the council at a later date for formal action. [0:44:20, 0:44:33]: This is just to educate the council about a few items. At this point uh we'll be first one will be presented by our attorney Michael Williams, Council consideration to amend travel policy. [0:44:33, 0:44:34]: of the city. [0:44:35, 0:44:42]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. This is a proposal to tweak our existing uh travel policy in two respects. [0:44:42, 0:44:50]: Um both really based on um experience that um and discussions between the staff and various members of of council [0:44:51, 0:44:53]: to to make it work a little bit better. [0:44:53, 0:44:57]: Um as you all know there's a fifty mile radius um [0:44:58, 0:45:00]: uh that we use to establish when [0:45:00, 0:45:05]: overnight stay is appropriate and and in in the past it was felt that [0:45:06, 0:45:26]: Overnight stay would only be approved if the location of the event or the training was at least fifty miles away from the city. But certain events due to the nature, if it's a multi-day training for staff or specifically in in this case, Mayor's Day, as it relates to the council, the nature of the training. [0:45:25, 0:45:28]: [2729.0, 2732.1]: Um along with traveling to downtown Atlanta. [0:45:32, 0:45:34]: um merit consideration that [0:45:34, 0:45:39]: that those two types of events be excluded from the fifty mile radius. [0:45:40, 0:45:52]: So the proposal is to um exempt Mayor's Day and then to exempt uh training um uh days when there are consecutive training uh days for staff. [0:45:52, 0:45:57]: from the fifty mile radius and so we're recommending that the council make that change. [0:46:00, 0:46:10]: Okay, this is a discussion item if anyone wants to make a comment about it or wait and talk to the attorney before it goes on the next council agenda. [0:46:11, 0:46:12]: Your option. [0:46:13, 0:46:17]: Honestly, I'd like to p I'd like to we've we've discussed this already. [0:46:18, 0:46:33]: If the council is amenable, I'd like to go ahead and move forward with it. I think we've reviewed it and we need it we actually have taken advantage of it, so we need to move it forward. So I'd like to make a motion in order to approve the new updated travel policy. [0:46:33, 0:46:36]: Uh uh Mayor Neal, if I may, um [0:46:36, 0:46:41]: um to suggest that the motion, if it's made tonight and and voted on tonight, [0:46:42, 0:46:47]: include a ratification from the pr uh prior uh mayor's day to to allow that because [0:46:47, 0:46:51]: Again, the nature of what happened, we needed to approve that formally. [0:46:51, 0:47:05]: Okay, because the council um has expenses to be paid. Is that what you're saying? Yes, ma'am. And and and just for the sake of the public, everyone knows the Falcons were playing and that weekend specifically was a very hectic [0:47:05, 0:47:07]: downtown and the travel and so [0:47:07, 0:47:24]: The the decision was made to recommend that exemption because of that. Okay. Do we have a motion? Yes, I'd like to uh make a motion to approve the updated travel policy uh retroactive to the expenses that were used uh at Mayor's Day Atlanta. [0:47:25, 0:47:26]: And do we have a second? [0:47:29, 0:47:30]: Any discussion? [0:47:31, 0:47:32]: Okay. [0:47:32, 0:47:33]: All in favour? [0:47:35, 0:47:39]: Okay. Any opposed? I don't think so. We all voted okay, thank you. [0:47:40, 0:47:49]: All right, the next discussion item is branding services for the city and it's going to be presented by our city manager, Michael Harris. [0:47:52, 0:48:01]: Thank you again, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and Council. Um and again this is a discussion item. This has been ongoing for for a little bit of time now. One just kinda [0:48:01, 0:48:03]: principally update the [0:48:04, 0:48:06]: uh mayor and council on where we stand in this process. [0:48:07, 0:48:14]: Very similar to the engineering services RFP. We this process began last year, it was budgeted. Um it's [0:48:14, 0:48:29]: funding for this initiative is also in this this year's budget as well. Uh and the the the the the goal being to come up with a a a brand and going through the branding process for the city. [0:48:30, 0:48:31]: And that's [0:48:31, 0:48:41]: often people think of a brand and to include simply a new symbol or a new logo, but it's far more than that. It's a lot of marketing, a lot of research that goes into it. [0:48:41, 0:48:55]: Um um so we went through the process of going through uh of first developing a proposal and RFP process and then from there we again solicited and talked with a number of other jurisdictions who have gone through this process previously. [0:48:55, 0:48:55]: Um [0:48:56, 0:48:58]: RP was prepared. [0:48:58, 0:49:02]: We received fourteen proposals back. [0:49:02, 0:49:07]: Ranging from firms from here in our backyard, Georgia, to Texas and New Mexico. [0:49:07, 0:49:12]: So it was um we had a very robust selection of firms that we we um had to choose from. [0:49:13, 0:49:23]: Um we brought in several individuals from the community along with staff to go through and review all the proposals and do an evaluation. We met on several occasions to go through that evaluation process. [0:49:24, 0:49:44]: Um and we've gotten it down to about the last three that everyone was collectively um ready to move forward with. Um again the reason why this isn't in your books as a recommendation and resolution is because we are still in the process of analyzing those three. Um all three up to three out of fourteen we all feel very comfortable with [0:49:44, 0:49:51]: with the firms. There are some issues in regards to we're looking at um budgetary constraints that we also have to deal with as well. [0:49:51, 0:50:11]: I'm sorry, what was in our budget. So I just wanted to make the council aware, address any questions that you may have in regards to the process. Um and it's our hope that by the next meeting, by the next meeting we'll be able to come back with solid recommendations um that meet within our our budgetary constraints as well. So if you might be happy to Could you tell us um the [0:50:11, 0:50:22]: funding for that does that come from our hotel, motel tax or where does that come from? Well some of it does come from some of it is Linda correct me if I'm wrong, general fund and tourism dollars. [0:50:24, 0:50:27]: Okay. [0:50:27, 0:50:30]: Okay, thank you for that presentation. Um [0:50:31, 0:50:39]: I believe you have another one about social media policy for the city and that's by presented by our city manager also. [0:50:47, 0:51:07]: In in the same manner, I wanted to bring this up as a discussion item. Uh this is something we would like to move forward with at some point, but wanted to begin the discussion now. Um there have been a lot of conversations over the course of the last year plus in regards to how we handle our social media, particularly our Facebook accounts, what we're posting, what should or what should not [0:51:07, 0:51:20]: not be posted on our on the city's Facebook pages. Um did some research, spoke to a number of other jurisdictions to get some ideas, uh research how they handle their their social media Facebook postings and [0:51:20, 0:51:21]: social media postings. [0:51:22, 0:51:22]: Um [0:51:23, 0:51:36]: And I provided some of that information in your booklet. Um one is a playbook that's provided by I believe it's ICCMA and another one is actually the draft from another jurisdiction, this case Swan City of Swanee, um, on how they handle [0:51:37, 0:51:38]: Um items like this. [0:51:40, 0:52:00]: Again, wanted to start the dialogue and start the conversation. I think it'd be prudent for for for us as a city, because the age that we live in, communication is done far more by through by and through social media. So having a solidified policy in place to make sure that as we move forward in this direction that we are doing so in a in a [0:52:00, 0:52:11]: responsible, prudent, and eff an efficient and effective method. Um I think part of the challenge we're having right now, in all honesty, is we have such a flood of of information coming onto our Facebook page [0:52:11, 0:52:15]: things can get lost in it and really pertinent information can get lost on our pages. [0:52:15, 0:52:19]: Um in speaking to a number of my peers in other jurisdictions [0:52:19, 0:52:22]: And this would be my recommendation as we go forward [0:52:23, 0:52:34]: what often happens on city councils and municipalities as individual council members maintain their own individual Facebook pages and that can be linked to the city off the city's website. [0:52:34, 0:52:40]: But they would have it for their individual events or initiatives or or events that they may be doing or information they want to share. [0:52:40, 0:52:41]: With their constituency. [0:52:42, 0:52:43]: But the [0:52:43, 0:52:55]: Facebook postings, those would be directed solely by staff as far as what's getting on. And they would really be re re relegated to just those events that are solely um city specific sponsored events. [0:52:56, 0:53:04]: Um so that's the that's kind of the context that I'm I'm I'm I'm bringing this information to you with. Again, just want you to kind of take the information. [0:53:05, 0:53:25]: Go through it, review it, ask me any questions that you may have. But again, again the effort here is simply to operate in a more efficient and prudent manner for for all business. And again, I think it's certainly at the end, I think it'll be useful for our citizenry and those who want to seek information in regards to the city, they have that distinction between city information that's being published [0:53:24, 0:53:43]: li um be being publicized and individual council members for information that they may want to pro uh move forward and and and and and and post. So again just making that distinction. Again, I've gone through, I've looked at several jurisdictions and that's the methodology that they've incorporated and appear apparently to have much success. [0:53:44, 0:54:04]: All right, thank you for the presentation. Um this is not going to be anything we're voting on, but um if anyone has a comment. I do ma'am. All right. So what I've gathered, Mike, from this is that this is some best practices from other jurisdictions for us to read this, take a look at this, and maybe select or tweak something that we like to see in our [0:54:04, 0:54:19]: document and then present that back to you so or you and your staff can kinda word that into a specific stop bridge policy and uh what time how how much time frame we're looking at and what do you need a comments back? Well again it's n this is not a time of the of the essence but certainly if [0:54:20, 0:54:40]: by the next work session if we can have comments back from the council that would be idea. Because again, you're right, the the the eventual goal here is to receive comments back from the council. Um again, this is a starting point. We're starting the process and eventually take those comments, incorporating them into a draft document, we can come up with our own draft policy for the council [0:54:40, 0:54:41]: Mm-hmm. [0:54:42, 0:55:02]: So uh you know, whatever time you think is appropriate, we want to say the next two weeks before yeah at the next uh council meeting, certainly that's fine, but certainly by the next work session uh we can get those comments. Looks at the next work probably is fine with me. I don't know if I don't know better but yeah. If we can get them prior to the next work session, we can take those and incorporate them in and and and hopefully perhaps even have that next draft available for consideration by the council. Thank you. [0:55:01, 0:55:06]: Okay. Mr. Robinson? Thank you, Mayor. [0:55:06, 0:55:08]: You were saying link? [0:55:08, 0:55:28]: to council's personal account? Well no no it would be a Facebook uh you know what I've seen in other jurisdictions is you can go on the the main cities main page and under their their pictures you could click on their particular picture take them to their individual Facebook and maybe a city Facebook page [0:55:28, 0:55:48]: Page. You know, yeah, people today have multiple Facebook pages or multiple Facebook sites, but this could be their city specific quite Mike make sure I'm not saying anything out of the phone. I mean I do like that idea because uh did you check with Swanee to see if they they're at large, you know, like we are. Okay. Do they have council initiative which is [0:55:49, 0:55:50]: City funding. [0:55:51, 0:56:08]: So as we're doing the comparison because when we're using city funds, the constituents want to know exactly what you're doing with the funds. And a lot of times a visual will show them. So by doing that link, I'm I'm very open for that. So and it varies in some cases. You know some municipalities they do have [0:56:09, 0:56:22]: They have district seats and at large seats, so there's a hybrid and some the majority of them are by ward or by district. Okay. There is a there's a as long as our citizens are we're being transparent when we're spending funds. I'm good with that. [0:56:24, 0:56:44]: Any other comments before we move on? Yes. Gentleman Alexander. I'd just like to say thank you. I love this policy. I read it, I've I've embraced it and I think he did a great job. And this policy uh we could we could move forward with in the future. So [0:56:44, 0:56:45]: Clarify some of the [0:56:46, 0:56:50]: some of the issues and challenges that we've had over the course of the last year plus plus. And I think this will help to do that. [0:56:53, 0:56:59]: Okay. Um no other comments? We will leave that on the um table for [0:57:00, 0:57:10]: the next work session to have any comments you have back to the city manager by that day. Thank you. Uh the next thing that we have the city manager will uh [0:57:11, 0:57:13]: present to you a variance request. [0:57:14, 0:57:17]: For Waffle House Inc. of Norcross. [0:57:18, 0:57:19]: Right. [0:57:23, 0:57:26]: NS stated this is a again this [0:57:27, 0:57:38]: The next few items were actually heard by our zone advisory board just yesterday, yesterday evening. So the um the minutes and the notes from that will be forthcoming to the council. [0:57:38, 0:57:42]: Um but this is actually scheduled to be heard february thirteenth. [0:57:42, 0:57:47]: Okay, one thirteen and actually the council did receive a seven of the action minutes from yesterday. [0:57:47, 0:57:55]: Okay, so you have those for for your consideration. Um what's being proposed here and again this is just a discussion, this isn't [0:57:55, 0:58:02]: opening it up for public public um comment today, those public comment time will be on will occur on the thirteenth. [0:58:02, 0:58:03]: Um [0:58:03, 0:58:05]: But the first item is [0:58:05, 0:58:06]: Uh, Waffle House. [0:58:07, 0:58:07]: Is [0:58:08, 0:58:11]: looking for a is requesting a variance [0:58:12, 0:58:18]: for their property, proposed location. It's right on Eagles Landing Parkway near Parkside Drive. Um [0:58:22, 0:58:26]: I guess it's uh a little what's my [0:58:29, 0:58:31]: Naturally it doesn't work. [0:58:31, 0:58:34]: I can't turn it off. [0:58:35, 0:58:37]: But the square that's located [0:58:39, 0:58:44]: right here, that's the proposed facility itself. That's the proposed building with the associated parking. [0:58:45, 0:58:50]: Um what they're asking for what they're requ what their request is for is [0:58:51, 0:58:54]: A variance on the size of the sign. [0:58:55, 0:58:57]: Um this is what's being proposed. Thank you. [0:58:58, 0:59:03]: This is what's being proposed. It does meet the requirement of the eight foot height minimum. [0:59:03, 0:59:05]: And with being a brick ground sign. [0:59:05, 0:59:06]: However, [0:59:07, 0:59:09]: Because in the way our ordinance states [0:59:09, 0:59:10]: It's [0:59:10, 0:59:16]: um the maximum allowable size of the sign is contingent and based upon the actual frontage. [0:59:16, 0:59:18]: This is a very narrow building, so [0:59:18, 0:59:21]: their allowable fringe would be something like twenty [0:59:21, 0:59:22]: Twenty six square feet. [0:59:23, 0:59:24]: Um and what's [0:59:25, 0:59:25]: being proposed. [0:59:26, 0:59:27]: for their standard sign would be [0:59:28, 0:59:29]: Roughly fifty square feet. [0:59:30, 0:59:31]: So that's variance number one. [0:59:32, 0:59:33]: Variance number two. [0:59:33, 0:59:35]: is in regards to [0:59:35, 0:59:39]: the allowance for the location of the wall signs. [0:59:39, 0:59:40]: Um [0:59:41, 0:59:51]: By ordinance they'd be allowed to have wall signs on two faces, but again because of the configuration they're seeking a variance for having it on a third. [0:59:51, 0:59:56]: on the third phase. So as you can see it is a proposed all brick structure, brick and glass. [0:59:56, 0:59:57]: Um [0:59:57, 0:59:59]: But those are the [0:59:59, 1:00:01]: Those are the the the [1:00:02, 1:00:22]: Variances are will be coming before you on the thirteenth. Um the uh representative of the applicant is here. If you have specific questions you'd like to ask them, certainly not required. I know you're again we just had the meeting yesterday, so you just received the the notes. Um but if you did have any questions to them he is here to address any questions that you may have. [1:00:23, 1:00:24]: Point of order. [1:00:24, 1:00:30]: Uh if we do have questions, you have one, Councilman Alexander. [1:00:30, 1:00:34]: Okay. Uh the first of all the uh the Eagles Landing uh community has [1:00:35, 1:00:55]: uh special they have their own like overlay for the area. Question one would be does this fit inside does this meet those standards of what the Eagles landing um zoning or w states. And also I would like to ask some questions of the gentleman here. We have [1:00:55, 1:00:57]: In this very district we have [1:00:58, 1:01:18]: We have three waffle houses already. We have one at Hudson Bridge. We have one at Dave we have one at Patrick Henry Parkway and then there's another one at E uh East Lake. So this would be number four. So I'm I'm a bit confused by, you know, why we need four along this one uh strip. [1:01:18, 1:01:25]: And honestly I would be tend to not not not want to approve this measure but at the same time I would listen. [1:01:26, 1:01:34]: I I'll for him to come up and address any questions and work session if that's if that's something the council may like to entertain. [1:01:35, 1:01:41]: Would you repeat that? [1:01:42, 1:01:44]: Yes. [1:01:44, 1:01:51]: Here we go. All right. Please come up and identify yourself. Come you want to come up to the podium? [1:01:56, 1:02:01]: My name my name is Sanford McAllister. I am an employee of the Waffle House [1:02:01, 1:02:03]: And based out of Norcross. [1:02:04, 1:02:08]: And to respond to your question, Councilman Alexander [1:02:08, 1:02:12]: I'm hoping in our sixty plus years of [1:02:12, 1:02:17]: of developing Waffle House indicates that there is a demand and a need in your community. [1:02:17, 1:02:25]: And although nobody needs one, we're so excited that folks really want Waffle House and and that's what our business model suggests. [1:02:26, 1:02:29]: will be another very desirable place to have a Waffle House. [1:02:31, 1:02:31]: Yeah. [1:02:32, 1:02:33]: Are there other questions? [1:02:34, 1:02:40]: All right, Councilman Blount. [1:02:41, 1:02:43]: Less than a quarter mile from the [1:02:43, 1:02:45]: Waffle House at Eagles Landing and uh [1:02:46, 1:02:48]: Uh country club drive, is that correct? [1:02:50, 1:02:56]: No, sir. Um the the if country club drives out near the interstate in the Chick-fil-A. Mm-hmm. [1:02:56, 1:02:57]: It's no it's um [1:02:58, 1:02:59]: A mile [1:03:00, 1:03:07]: um at least. And there's a very different traffic pattern that we have observed at all hours of the of the day and night and weekends. [1:03:08, 1:03:17]: Additionally, hopefully each of you have had the pleasure of seeing it's not uncommon for us to have uh success in serving the communities w with one on either side of the highway within [1:03:18, 1:03:19]: Far less than a quarter of a mile. [1:03:20, 1:03:24]: But when you say track pattern because on that side of Eagles Landing [1:03:25, 1:03:36]: Um at ten o'clock even the w uh Walgreens realize they need to be closed. Everything on that side is gonna be pretty much shut down except for the Waffle House. [1:03:37, 1:03:38]: Sounds good. [1:03:38, 1:03:39]: Yeah. [1:03:39, 1:03:42]: [3822.5, 3825.2]: Who you're gonna have is the l the well [1:03:46, 1:04:06]: Everything will pretty much be shut down except for the water. I mean we we have we do sit sit on each of our real estate prospective sites at all all three shifts and and do uh traffic counts and and talk to the neighbors, learn who is open and who is not open and and learn you know w what it what type of potential customers and traffic generation. [1:04:06, 1:04:09]: um opportunities are there and again all of those [1:04:09, 1:04:10]: Um [1:04:10, 1:04:11]: were [1:04:11, 1:04:12]: for our favourable. [1:04:13, 1:04:14]: [3854.8, 3855.7]: So uh yeah. [1:04:15, 1:04:20]: I'm just i i I'm just it's just interesting that you're saying you you go on a bit research [1:04:20, 1:04:23]: When I've lived in that community for going on twelve years and [1:04:24, 1:04:27]: When you come down Eagles Landing right in that area [1:04:28, 1:04:29]: There's no traffic. [1:04:30, 1:04:35]: So what i what type of a clientele are you trying to sustain after ten o'clock? [1:04:35, 1:04:55]: We're hoping to s to attract and sustain good quality clientele like we do at all of our Waffle House restaurants. And so what you're saying, you're trying to produce a clientele rather than sustain one,'cause if you come down Eagles Landing at ten o'clock at night, I've been there for twelve years, there's no traffic on that side. Now so you're saying within our hour with [1:04:55, 1:05:02]: We're less than a mile and a half, we're gonna pass three Whopper houses. So yours gonna be the one I need to stop at. [1:05:03, 1:05:05]: We believe and and I [1:05:06, 1:05:26]: I think we're way off a off the track of of the reason that I'm here, but I'll be happy to continue discussing it. But our business model suggests that this is a good place to develop a Waffle House. The the reason that I come to to the council uh is for a a signage variance and and But we're not off we're not off track because you're coming for business. [1:05:26, 1:05:40]: I'm coming for community. Well I I everywhere we hope that the community has continued to embrace us, especially in Stockbridge, we've been very well received and and that's why we're here and want to develop another Waffle House. That's an additional reason. [1:05:40, 1:05:43]: in places and communities that are not embracing us. [1:05:44, 1:05:44]: Which [1:05:44, 1:05:46]: The numbers are few. [1:05:46, 1:05:47]: We we don't go back there. [1:05:48, 1:05:55]: We have had very good reception here and we we can measure that in terms of our sales and our sales changes in the positive direction. [1:05:57, 1:05:58]: Okay. [1:05:59, 1:06:00]: Any other questions? [1:06:01, 1:06:02]: Um mayor. [1:06:03, 1:06:03]: [3964.3, 3966.6]: If we could possibly have a a [1:06:06, 1:06:08]: uh example of the sign. [1:06:09, 1:06:11]: I I see the big bricks structure. [1:06:12, 1:06:13]: in your state in Tapu. [1:06:14, 1:06:15]: You know, an additional [1:06:15, 1:06:16]: Sana John [1:06:17, 1:06:18]: All three [1:06:18, 1:06:23]: So the front and the two sides, basically I'm assuming based off of the way it will be [1:06:23, 1:06:24]: Structured. [1:06:24, 1:06:25]: Um [1:06:25, 1:06:29]: If we could just uh the sign variants that they're requesting. [1:06:29, 1:06:33]: for a smaller sign because of the size of the building. I I'm just concerned of [1:06:34, 1:06:54]: uh whether or not it will match the other signs. That's pretty much so I would like to see a drawing of what the other sign would look like to scale compared to what we're supposed to have. I'll be happy to bring that to you. And the n nature of the variance is to your first uh point is to add a third sign, the the two on the two sides. [1:06:54, 1:07:04]: are um within the the parameters of the pr uh zoning requirements. So this is to add a third sign. That's the first. And it will be the channel cut um [1:07:04, 1:07:08]: illuminated letters. So it's a very nice sign that is very much in keeping. [1:07:08, 1:07:11]: uh in an upgrade in some circumstances um [1:07:11, 1:07:13]: to the signage in in the [1:07:13, 1:07:14]: in the corridor. [1:07:14, 1:07:25]: And then the uh to scale sign, the whole variance is about a as he presented, the orientation of our building cannot be oriented such that the long dimension [1:07:25, 1:07:37]: is facing the road. If it could, I wouldn't be standing here. We could have a sixty four square foot sign. We're we're not asking that. But it's the parameters of the of the lot which include a very steep topography to the west. [1:07:37, 1:07:38]: Um and [1:07:40, 1:07:40]: Topography. [1:07:42, 1:07:43]: I didn't bring my notes. [1:07:43, 1:07:46]: There were three or four things that we addressed last night. [1:08:00, 1:08:01]: Mm-hmm. [1:08:03, 1:08:11]: Sorry about that. The topography and the unique shape of this lot does not allow the building to be rotated ninety degrees. [1:08:11, 1:08:18]: So the code is written such that the the allowable signage is a function of the the wall that faces the road. [1:08:18, 1:08:21]: If this unique lot who's [1:08:21, 1:08:23]: Topography slopes off at thirty five percent. [1:08:24, 1:08:25]: toward the west. [1:08:25, 1:08:27]: And the awkward shape allowed us to turn it. [1:08:28, 1:08:29]: I'm not here [1:08:29, 1:08:30]: At all. [1:08:30, 1:08:50]: In other words, the code would allow it. It is a fraction of the size of the sign that is um right there beside us, the community that's going into the uh apartments. It is dramatically smaller than the McDonalds sign that's across the street, not only in height, where the McDonalds must have come before you for a variance because it's [1:08:50, 1:08:52]: [4132.7, 4141.4]: We we're not asking for any relief on the height. Simply the area to be a a more attractive and visually safe sign. [1:09:01, 1:09:03]: that that can be seen. [1:09:03, 1:09:04]: Thank you. [1:09:04, 1:09:05]: You're welcome. [1:09:05, 1:09:08]: Any other comments or questions? [1:09:09, 1:09:20]: But the uh the city manager I asked a question about the uh Eagles landing zoning requirements for that dist for that particular area. How does this encompass that? How does that [1:09:21, 1:09:25]: Whatever conditions or covenants that may exist [1:09:25, 1:09:28]: specific to the Eagles Landing Community Association. [1:09:29, 1:09:40]: we would not have we would not necessarily be privy to and that'd be in if if it falls within within that community association, then they may well be bound by an additional set of guidelines. [1:09:41, 1:09:57]: However, if those are you know, we but we could only enforce with city code and our city ordinances allow us to enforce. So they could have uh you know, and quite often this issue comes up quite often in subdivisions where we'll get phone calls on a regular basis asking, hey, they're in violation of our covenant [1:09:57, 1:10:17]: We are not the jurisdiction that can enforce um individual covenants within the subdivision only if it's if it's synonymous with one of our it happens to be synonymous with one of our city codes. Um so we can certainly take a look at that, but we're reviewing it solely on the basis of our city code, um not on the basis of what the requirements or guidelines may be [1:10:17, 1:10:20]: Mm. [1:10:20, 1:10:22]: [4222.3, 4233.8]: Yeah, we sure we can certainly reach out to them and find out what you know what their requirements are. We can ask that question. But again, we can't well again that would if if it's if it's a condition that and on the g in this case of the mayor. [1:10:35, 1:10:39]: Um but I can find out just from an informational standpoint, I can provide you with that information. [1:10:39, 1:10:48]: Okay, if we don't have any other discussion questions, uh we will leave that for the city manager to get back to us. [1:10:48, 1:10:51]: And we will have that ready for a [1:10:52, 1:10:54]: a vote at our next meeting. [1:10:54, 1:10:56]: Is that the way you want to leave it, Mr Manager? [1:10:57, 1:11:17]: If if this is a discussion item, do you want this to go on our next council meeting? It's already scheduled to be on the February thirteenth council meeting. All right. Thank you so much for your presentation. All right, we'll move on to item nine and that would be annexation request, city initiated annexation. [1:11:17, 1:11:20]: request uh regarding flipping road. [1:11:21, 1:11:23]: Yes, and and this is [1:11:23, 1:11:25]: Hopefully a nice, simple, easy one. [1:11:26, 1:11:28]: This is um it'd be nice tonight, right? [1:11:29, 1:11:29]: Um [1:11:30, 1:11:32]: This is actually our [1:11:34, 1:11:35]: There it is. [1:11:35, 1:11:37]: our existing Reed's Creek Trailhead. [1:11:38, 1:11:43]: Um one of the and I I get the call every so often, um [1:11:43, 1:11:51]: If you notice as you're driving north on Flippin, you first reach the trailhead that's located on your right. [1:11:51, 1:11:58]: And then about a couple hundred yards down, you'll see the welcome to city stockbridge sign. And so invariably the question always comes, is the [1:11:59, 1:12:07]: trail not actually in the city and it's not. It's actually physically located within the within the within the unincorporated area of Henry County. [1:12:07, 1:12:10]: Um so it's not necessarily an odd thing to own [1:12:11, 1:12:17]: property in another jurisdiction. Uh the Cochran Park right here next to our Gardner Park [1:12:17, 1:12:37]: is a park that's owned and operated by Henry County. However, the park is wholly in the city of Stockbridge. So again it's not a not a not a not a big earth shadowing issue. However, we felt it was prudent to go ahead and take the step of doing a city initiated annexation to just physically make sure it's now within to annex it into our into [1:12:37, 1:12:45]: our into our boundaries. So this will become a part of our city. And plus it certainly gives some additional options going forward with the adjacent property. [1:12:45, 1:12:56]: So again, this is more of a housekeeping matter. This is this this is one of those things that's kinda rubbed me ever since I've been here, since we opened up the um the trail so we need to go ahead and get this taken care of and get it addressed, so [1:12:56, 1:13:04]: So this is scheduled to come up on the next um council meeting this will february twentieth, I'm sorry. Excuse me. [1:13:06, 1:13:07]: Okay. [1:13:07, 1:13:21]: Is that the end of the presentation? Did we interrupt? Okay. Uh i he's telling us that this is going to be on the next council meeting agenda. Uh any comments at this time? Yes. [1:13:23, 1:13:24]: All right, Councilman. [1:13:24, 1:13:44]: Under the circumstances, this is the city manager, this is something that's long overdue, correct? I I think so. This is something that I think that this council can probably be prudent to move forward with tonight and just you can't do that tonight? No. It's an annexation. We have a else it's an annexation. Okay. Well we have pro. [1:13:44, 1:13:46]: Sorry. Okay. Thanks. I'll withdraw. [1:13:48, 1:13:56]: Okay. All right. We'll move on then. The next item number ten, update of the city's official zoning map, presented by the city manager. [1:13:57, 1:14:00]: Yes, thank you again. Um and this is something that we [1:14:01, 1:14:07]: again another issue we've been working on for a little while. One thing we want to get into the habit of is adopting our [1:14:07, 1:14:08]: Uh [1:14:08, 1:14:14]: of readopting our annual zoning map annually, every ideally every beginning of every year. [1:14:15, 1:14:24]: Now throughout the year there will likely be rezonings that may take place and it may occur. So we'll always have a working a working map layer. However [1:14:24, 1:14:25]: Um [1:14:25, 1:14:36]: we felt it's prudent for our standpoint to go ahead and move forward with um adopting a for formally adopting our our something something that should be done basically every year. I think the last one was eleven [1:14:37, 1:14:40]: twelve was the last time it was adopted. Um so [1:14:40, 1:14:44]: Um we've made some updates. The only real substantive change [1:14:44, 1:14:48]: is something that our city attorney worked on. [1:14:49, 1:14:50]: And [1:14:52, 1:14:53]: It's [1:14:53, 1:14:55]: A little bit difficult to see, but [1:14:56, 1:14:59]: In the area I can kinda put it on the on the cursor. [1:15:00, 1:15:02]: In this area where the railroad is [1:15:02, 1:15:07]: All of them through here you kinda see where my cursor's running. That's our that's actually the railroad location. [1:15:07, 1:15:12]: There's a thin brown line and this represents a new zoning district, X one, I believe it is. [1:15:13, 1:15:13]: Attorney. [1:15:13, 1:15:14]: Um [1:15:15, 1:15:21]: And what this does is it it it it one, it creates a zoning district for the purpose of being able to put [1:15:22, 1:15:24]: prohibitions on what can or cannot [1:15:24, 1:15:26]: occur within that area. [1:15:26, 1:15:32]: And the reason why this is important is because what's happened in the past has kind of become a little bit of a loophole. [1:15:33, 1:15:49]: Um areas where there is railroad right of way has not been in in in jurisdictions where it has not been in has not been zoned, there's no zoning associated with that right of way, they were allowed to come in and do certain things that the community may not have wanted. [1:15:49, 1:15:55]: Um there is a there's a there's a very bright example of this on Eagles Landing Parkway. [1:15:55, 1:15:58]: Um about a year, year and a half ago, a billboard was erected. [1:15:59, 1:16:03]: on Eagles Landing Park property not far going over the bridge, not far from Gold's Gym. [1:16:04, 1:16:08]: That sign was erected on the railroad right away. [1:16:09, 1:16:11]: And the issue was [1:16:11, 1:16:12]: While people [1:16:13, 1:16:17]: A lot of people didn't want that to happen even from at the time I was up with the with the county [1:16:17, 1:16:22]: The issue was it became a legal matter because there was no zoning associated with it [1:16:22, 1:16:28]: there was no presses or nothing that would that would allow us to to prohibit that type of use. [1:16:29, 1:16:47]: So this is a way for us to kind of clean up that loophole to protect our interests going forward. So you know, I I commend uh the city attorney for catching that and making sure we added that to to this map. So um but again we'll also be hearing this for formal discussion on the thirteenth. [1:16:47, 1:16:51]: And for a formal adoption on the thirteenth. Mike, did I leave anything out? [1:16:52, 1:16:55]: Okay. Moving on then, unless there's a comment. [1:16:55, 1:16:58]: to item eleven. [1:16:58, 1:17:07]: I just want to ask them where to cross. Okay. All right. Where to cross the street. I'm trying to figure out where exactly you're talking about that little brown spot used on the map. [1:17:08, 1:17:12]: If I'm gonna put my cursor on it. Everywhere will you see see my cursor here? [1:17:14, 1:17:15]: You see that on the [1:17:16, 1:17:18]: Right down at the very bottom, near the bottom. [1:17:19, 1:17:25]: That's the railroad. So everywhere the railroad touches city property, as you can see, it kinda goes in and out. [1:17:25, 1:17:32]: So in this area down across here where it's adjacent to city property, that line is and again we can give you we'll have you a bigger copy. [1:17:33, 1:17:37]: But in areas where it's white, those areas that are on both sides unincorporated in Henry County. [1:17:38, 1:17:47]: again, we can't zone property outside of our boundaries. So it's where the railroad runs that's adjacent to our our property. So along the Rock Warry obviously and extending up [1:17:47, 1:17:52]: uh up along right through our downtown obviously and up um East Atlanta Road. [1:17:53, 1:18:09]: Question, just one questions. Yes, please deliver. Councilman Alexander. In terms of this zoning update, we've had some issues come forward, like we had uh the family dollar in front of Monarch Village and oh have in ha has any of that been addressed [1:18:10, 1:18:12]: In any of these zones where we want um [1:18:13, 1:18:22]: un or or businesses that are undesirable or or or type businesses. Has any any work been done on that or is this just [1:18:23, 1:18:43]: Yeah, what this represents is our current zoning as of today. You know, that's what this that's what this is a reflection of. Um certainly if there's areas that council wants to consider for perhaps city initiated rezonings, those are areas we can go back through, take uh take an accurate map now and look at those areas to determine it's something we want to take further steps to [1:18:43, 1:18:49]: [4730.5, 4733.6]: Okay. But this is simply a snapshot of what's on what's on the ground right now. [1:18:54, 1:18:55]: Do we have other questions? [1:18:57, 1:18:59]: Not we'll move on to item eleven. [1:19:01, 1:19:06]: Request for amendment of the city zoning code in regards to brick facades. [1:19:07, 1:19:15]: Madam Mayor, this is a uh request um that was actually initiated by a a council member um in [1:19:15, 1:19:17]: Looking at our uh [1:19:17, 1:19:20]: our uh commercial development standards. [1:19:21, 1:19:23]: as they're laid out in the zoning code. [1:19:24, 1:19:25]: Um the the [1:19:25, 1:19:28]: request was to enhance the [1:19:29, 1:19:34]: uh development standards to provide for increased uh minimum brick [1:19:34, 1:19:36]: uh facades. [1:19:36, 1:19:41]: Um so in looking at what we currently have, you have I guess I'll put it up on the screen. [1:19:43, 1:19:44]: Is it up there? [1:19:48, 1:19:49]: Put that in there. [1:19:50, 1:19:57]: So while while he's doing that, what we currently have is a requirement that only references [1:19:58, 1:20:06]: uh the types of materials, but it doesn't have a specific minimum requirement for brick. Um and if you look at some other communities [1:20:07, 1:20:14]: um for new construction, they're requiring a lot more brick than um what we've seen historically here in Stockbridge. [1:20:14, 1:20:22]: Um so what we did was we um paired um our what we have currently and compared that with what we [1:20:22, 1:20:42]: require in our downtown overlay um which is just the downtown area for new construction in the downtown area we actually require a three sides brick um which is really both sides at the rear and then for the front we have a fifty percent brick requirement. Um that's [1:20:42, 1:20:45]: only the downtown area. We don't um [1:20:45, 1:20:47]: uh provide that [1:20:47, 1:20:50]: uh city wide. So what we did was we [1:20:51, 1:20:52]: Presented [1:20:52, 1:20:55]: what we have in the downtown overlay to the [1:20:55, 1:20:59]: zoning advisory board last night and [1:20:59, 1:21:00]: Um [1:21:00, 1:21:05]: you you have your notes uh or the the uh the minutes from last night [1:21:06, 1:21:11]: They seemed gen generally receptive to what was proposed, but they have some more [1:21:12, 1:21:17]: questions and so they did not vote on it. They actually voted really to [1:21:17, 1:21:19]: table it to for us to bring back. [1:21:19, 1:21:22]: some uh more um information to them. [1:21:22, 1:21:26]: It's currently set to be uh before the city council [1:21:27, 1:21:29]: At the same time as these other matters. [1:21:29, 1:21:34]: Um I think your zoning advisory board would request that you all table that. [1:21:34, 1:21:39]: Um you could still have the hearing and then table final um vote until [1:21:39, 1:21:41]: They come back with a recommendation. [1:21:41, 1:21:44]: There were a few areas that they had questions about. [1:21:45, 1:21:47]: Um the first is [1:21:47, 1:21:51]: Uh with respect to the buildings, the downtown [1:21:52, 1:21:58]: overlay covers both commercial and industrial and as you all know there's not really a lot of industrial down there. [1:21:59, 1:22:02]: Um so the question is city wide do you want [1:22:02, 1:22:02]: Both [1:22:03, 1:22:10]: commercial and industrial buildings to be wrapped in brick. Uh it may make sense for commercial but not necessarily for industrial. [1:22:11, 1:22:13]: So that's s one issue out there. [1:22:14, 1:22:15]: Um there is a m uh [1:22:15, 1:22:21]: a minor issue regarding um vinyl w we we don't allow vinyl siding. [1:22:22, 1:22:28]: Um but the downtown standards allow vinyl for Eaves and Soffits, those are kind of where [1:22:28, 1:22:30]: Where the the wall hits the roof. [1:22:30, 1:22:31]: In that little section. [1:22:32, 1:22:35]: Um so that's something for further discussion. [1:22:35, 1:22:36]: Um [1:22:36, 1:22:41]: And then one issue that came up with that we didn't discuss with the zoning advisory board, but [1:22:42, 1:22:48]: um it it may merit some discussion um going forward is whether you want the same [1:22:49, 1:22:49]: Uh break. [1:22:50, 1:22:54]: standard to apply to hotels. You know, a lot of the hotels out there are [1:22:55, 1:22:58]: are doing, you know, more metal and glass and and [1:22:58, 1:23:00]: Things of that sort. [1:23:00, 1:23:05]: Um and this is requiring a brick and so you may wanna carve the that out [1:23:05, 1:23:09]: Um but for all those reasons they just want more time and I [1:23:09, 1:23:11]: probably would recommend to you all [1:23:12, 1:23:14]: um to have the public hearing [1:23:14, 1:23:18]: um but table final uh consideration until we can [1:23:18, 1:23:23]: flesh out a a more comprehensive proposal that would work everywhere in the city. [1:23:24, 1:23:27]: Okay. Any comments before we move on? [1:23:29, 1:23:49]: Councilman Alexander. Yes, uh obviously this is something that I brought forward and in response to some of the things that you just said, obviously industrial uh that is that not the case in these other cities, they don't do industrial writing. No, sir. Okay, so staying consistent with that would be uh commercial only. And [1:23:49, 1:23:58]: And uh I think that um in terms of local cities, I believe Locust Grove has this requirement, McDonough, Fistrich City. [1:23:58, 1:24:00]: uh has those requirements, is that correct? [1:24:01, 1:24:01]: I have the [1:24:02, 1:24:05]: I can't speak for all those, but most of them do. [1:24:05, 1:24:06]: Okay. [1:24:06, 1:24:07]: All right. Thank you. [1:24:08, 1:24:11]: Any other comments? Um Pro Tem Ford. [1:24:11, 1:24:13]: Mike, I think you addressed this. I just want to make sure I understand. [1:24:14, 1:24:24]: The proposal statement that that that you addressed and that's in front of us here that was based on the downtown area, uh but yet uh we want to look at doing this uh entire city wide. [1:24:25, 1:24:29]: commercial businesses primary, not industrial. And then um [1:24:29, 1:24:46]: And then you mentioned we may want to look at when we talk about hotels and may look look at something a little different for hotels. Want them to be looking good, but may not want to tag them just with the the brick facade because they can do other things to dec be decorative and be attractive. Okay. Um [1:24:46, 1:24:58]: Now, if commercials don't commercial businesses we pass this and commercial businesses don't have this, are we gonna I guess up to us whether or not we grandfather them or make them change. I guess it's further discussion that we need to have. [1:24:58, 1:25:08]: All the existing typically are grandfathered in um under the caveat that if if they rebuild then they ha has to apply to the new standard or if they do [1:25:08, 1:25:14]: a major renovation that's more than a certain square footage or dollar value of the building. [1:25:15, 1:25:20]: Then at that point these standards trigger in but typically existing our grandfather. [1:25:20, 1:25:21]: All right. [1:25:21, 1:25:21]: Thank you. [1:25:23, 1:25:35]: Okay. Any other questions on this subject? Yes, Mayor Well. Councilman Gantt. Um I've looked at s the proposed standards or or request [1:25:35, 1:25:40]: And I I'm glad they kinda h held back on actually vetting on it right now. [1:25:40, 1:25:40]: Um [1:25:41, 1:25:45]: Uh some of my concerns are I think that it possibly can be a little bit more detailed. [1:25:46, 1:26:06]: Um I looked and compared it to um say some of the city of Suwanee and Duluth and some of the other areas and they actually have a chart that lists out the different zoning um for each property, whether it's commercial or what type of commercial property it is, and it has [1:26:05, 1:26:13]: a table there in a chart that says brick, s you know, stone or whatever. Not only that [1:26:13, 1:26:15]: But it details that [1:26:15, 1:26:28]: Just because you have brick doesn't mean you can paint the brick. So certain standards that I think th that language particularly probably we could add to it to make sure that we are, you know, it [1:26:29, 1:26:37]: you know, people try to find that great area. So I just want to make sure that we have it, you know, really narrowly tailored there. Okay. [1:26:39, 1:26:50]: Okay, no more questions on item eleven. We'll move on to uh item number twelve, fiber optics connection. This was brought to us by Councilman Alexander, he would like to present. [1:26:51, 1:27:11]: Yes, ladies and gentlemen. This is uh the fiber optics initiative is something that we had uh in the budget last year. Um we've uh understanding that uh our endeavor, or in my own opinion, is to put forward and to attract quality businesses to our [1:27:11, 1:27:31]: community. We've endeavored to build the infrastructure, to work on downtown development, and doing so would be incredibly enhanced by having all city businesses connect to a citywide fiber optic networks. Local cities [1:27:31, 1:27:51]: like McDonough has already expanded CityLink where they have uh citywide or or they're working towards citywide uh Wi-Fi. So you could go to the park, uh Big Springs Park in McDonough, Avalon Park, and you can actually access Wi-Fi, the city's the square, uh as well [1:27:51, 1:28:10]: well. As we become a more pedestrian friendly uh community, that's something that uh would enhance our attractiveness uh to business. I hear citizens talk about infrastructure all the time. There's also i you know most of the time that discussion revolves around [1:28:10, 1:28:30]: uh roads and uh sewer and water and that type of thing. But in this situation to attract uh high paying jobs uh in the technology industry those jobs require sufficient um infrastructure and technology. I think uh this council ha came [1:28:30, 1:28:49]: to a consensus uh in the previous budget that we were going to move forward with uh fiber optics um connecting all city businesses. And the one thing that um you know it's twenty seventeen now. And in twenty seventeen if we move forward with uh allotting for [1:28:50, 1:29:10]: uh the um fiber optic connect connectivity for all city buildings. Imagine that and what that would do for um our all of our businesses down here, even at Merrill Manners Conference Center and all of our city provided uh venues to have that be put in place. Uh [1:29:09, 1:29:26]: uh it would outs it would actually make us uh actually catch up with the crowd because there's many uh local municipalities that have already moved forward with this. Uh the county, Henry County has already moved forward with it uh as well. [1:29:26, 1:29:30]: Uh what I wanted to do in my uh [1:29:30, 1:29:50]: endeavor is to keep us competitive at the very top side of attracting jobs. If you look at uh our unemployment rate, our unemployment rate has tended to be about two uh points higher to one and a half point higher. That gap has started to close uh within the last um [1:29:50, 1:30:10]: um year or so. And we want to continue that up with mu momentum. As we go to uh the Aerotropolis Atlanta meetings of regional of our regional partners, everybody is moving forward with technology. And you know on the north side, the north side is probably [1:30:10, 1:30:25]: about a decade ahead of us and they are the tech capital. When you look at the alparettas of the world, they are tech capitals. They are attracting those tech businesses. We are literally in the shadow of Hartsville Jackson International Airport. [1:30:25, 1:30:31]: we can attract those businesses by moving forward with this. [1:30:31, 1:30:51]: I think we have seen uh over the time that uh uh tax uh sales tax amount, the loss tax and some of the other revenue are up. They are coming in at numbers uh higher than uh in past years as we add more retail. The one thing that I want to do for every single [1:30:51, 1:31:11]: citizen out there, even though Stockbridge does not have a city tax, is to bring more commercial here to the city. By bringing more commercial here, that punts down the road the day when that tax may be required or if it ever if it w when it is, because the more dollars that we can [1:31:11, 1:31:26]: can bring into the city on the commercial side, the less the property tax owners uh will be impacted. But moving forward with this technology infrastructure improves the city's position. [1:31:26, 1:31:46]: remarkably in terms of our ability to attract new business. Um again that amount uh that was already put in last year's budget was three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Uh it was removed from the budget and it was stated that in twenty seventeen we would move forward with it in a budget amendment. We have [1:31:46, 1:32:06]: already agreed at this point to move forward with it in the year twenty seventeen. And I think we know that uh revenues will be up and there is potential. I think the city manager even mentioned it uh in his interview with the Henry Harold that you know there may be uh potential property situations [1:32:06, 1:32:26]: Where we're able to trade some of the former DDA properties for additional income or revenue in the city, and that's uh that will help cover the cost. But right now I think we had our auditor here earlier. Last year we had an eighty-seven percent fund balance. [1:32:26, 1:32:33]: balance and this year we b actually brought in more uh loss tax than we brought in previously. [1:32:34, 1:32:44]: I would just say to you all tonight, today, this council has already previously committed to moving forward with fiber optics, and I think we should do that. [1:32:46, 1:32:50]: Thank you for those comments, Councilman, on the presentation. Do we have any comments? [1:32:53, 1:32:57]: All right, thank you so much. We'll move on to number thirteen, public safety. [1:32:57, 1:33:01]: uh comments that uh Councilman Alexander wants to make. [1:33:03, 1:33:07]: Um ladies and gentlemen, I think we were uh as a municipal group [1:33:08, 1:33:11]: We were at uh we went to Hampton. [1:33:11, 1:33:24]: And all of us, it was great to see everybody in the county come together. It was all the city officials, the county commissioners, um, the mayors, city council, everybody was there. [1:33:25, 1:33:36]: It was great to see the teamwork and the togetherness. Douglas Hooker from the executive director from the Atlanta Regional Commission was there. He was very excited about our community. [1:33:36, 1:33:49]: The Atlanta Regional Commission has done some extensive studies on our community. They did studies on traffic, they did studies um on uh crime, they did studies on infrastructure. [1:33:49, 1:33:51]: It was surprising to me that [1:33:51, 1:33:56]: And to some of us, um, you know, I want to speak to something that came up. [1:33:56, 1:34:02]: The number one thing that came up in our community was crime. It was number one on the list. [1:34:03, 1:34:20]: That really surprised me. And and and tonight I think we're going to hear from the North Precinct Commander. Henry County has one of the lowest uh crime rates in Metro Atlanta. But in the survey the Atlanta Regional Commission did, crime was absolutely number one at the top of the list. [1:34:21, 1:34:41]: But that kind of defies logic when we have one of the lowest crime rates uh in the city of Stockbridge in the city of Stockbridge and in Henry County in general. Uh I would like you know, we want to do everything that we possibly can to speak to, to assure the citizens that we're doing everything that we can and personally I think we want [1:34:41, 1:34:42]: [5682.6, 5702.6]: uh adding or bolstering that security in some ways in addition to using the part time officers uh that we have uh patrolling our parks now uh under our purview to be able to allow those my in my opinion to allow those officers working for us to actually be able to patrol parking lots [1:35:02, 1:35:22]: our trailhead, our shopping centers, in addition to Henry County Police, protecting citizens because there is some uh legitimate concern out there when we have citizens who's had their window smashed and then um you go from that point to the shock of having your laptop being missing when you [1:35:22, 1:35:25]: come back to the community. We can't stand for that. [1:35:25, 1:35:37]: I can say right now that our our Henry County Police Department has done a great job, but citizens you have been heard. You have been heard when you said cri rank crime number one. And we want to bring some [1:35:38, 1:35:44]: facts to the perceptions and have um the North Precinct Commander address you tonight. [1:35:46, 1:35:55]: Thank you. Are there any comments on that issue? If not, um our city manager has a presentation at this point. Oh sorry. [1:35:55, 1:35:58]: We do have a comment from Councilman Blount. [1:35:58, 1:35:59]: Just a real quick um [1:36:00, 1:36:02]: On the survey that was given it was [1:36:02, 1:36:22]: given to less than one percent of Henry County, uh far as the city of Stockbridge is concerned. Uh they said about maybe about four hundred citizens and in in in total. So those numbers uh and we hope some facts people will seek facts because those numbers uh can be fudged. If I went from one to two that's [1:36:22, 1:36:42]: hundred percent difference. So we um we hope that everyone will look at the facts instead of looking at those percentages'cause uh when they do those surveys they only survey just a small amount of people that it turn and but they bring back those uh uh results of the surveys and they're they're not as correct'cause as they could be if you would survey do those surveys yourselves. [1:36:42, 1:36:49]: Thank you. If there are no other comments at this time we'll ask our city manager to come forth. He has some comments and an introduction. [1:36:54, 1:37:04]: Thank you again. I'm gonna try to be relatively brief. I do have before I bring up um the new precinct commander, I did wanna bring up one other issue in regards to [1:37:04, 1:37:05]: Um [1:37:05, 1:37:08]: quarterly meeting and meeting updates. Um and [1:37:09, 1:37:29]: the council at earlier meeting talked about you know kind of straying away from some of the committee meetings. So what I'd like to do moving forward is offer um quarterly town hall updates, if you will, to take place during our work sessions. Um this would give both the council members as well as the city [1:37:29, 1:37:47]: citizens in the public an opportunity to kind of hear from key departments. Um those departments, you know, at this point we're looking at um a finance update, public works update. Um we're in the process of hiring economic development directors to have an economic development update which would include, you know, components from Main Street, our D D A, um [1:37:48, 1:37:56]: and what's going on in those regards, as well as an update from our our Henry County PD on some of the things that have transpired within that uh quarter. So [1:37:56, 1:38:12]: Again, I I think just kind of taking this and structuring it, particularly in lieu of um of not having the the the committee structure, I think it would still give citizens an opportunity um to view it either in person or online and then be able to provide information to the council and to the public. [1:38:12, 1:38:16]: And doing these again doesn't have to be anything long or drawn out, but certainly just [1:38:17, 1:38:19]: be able to come in quarterly to provide information. [1:38:19, 1:38:22]: address any questions, immediate questions that the council may have. [1:38:22, 1:38:26]: I think this would be of um of of tremendous benefit for [1:38:26, 1:38:37]: for the council and for the public. Um and you know, again, terming these as town halls to allow people to have an understanding of, you know, doing this formally as part of the meeting as well. [1:38:37, 1:38:40]: Um so again the thought being that we would do this [1:38:40, 1:38:41]: during the work sessions. [1:38:42, 1:38:42]: Um [1:38:42, 1:38:57]: identified a few dates um april twenty fifth, july twenty fifth, October twenty fourth, and december nineteenth. And we're still finalizing these and these represent the first work session meeting after the at the end after the end of the quarter. [1:38:58, 1:38:58]: So I think [1:38:59, 1:39:05]: Um, I'd like to compliment the city manager for coming up with this idea to update us so that [1:39:06, 1:39:26]: I know I heard uh Councilman Alexander talking about doing uh a budget amendment um possibly later on. Quarterly updates on our finances will give us a good window vision into how the year is going. So I wanna thank you for that because I feel like the public will [1:39:26, 1:39:30]: enjoy learning about our finances on a quarterly basis. [1:39:30, 1:39:41]: Um not just that but other things, but that's very important of course. Thank you so much. And there is a comment from Councilman Alexand I mean um Pro Tem Ford. [1:39:41, 1:39:42]: He's my buddy, Daddy. [1:39:43, 1:40:03]: Uh what I want to know is that uh give a confirmation. I said thumbs up. I think it's a great idea. If you're looking for uh fur uh affirmation, I think it's good. So I I agree with that. So that was kind of bringing up and to get any comments you had back. Obviously, we got a little bit of time before the April meeting, but um again I think this would allow one allow us time, everyone's all in the [1:40:03, 1:40:04]: agreement with it. [1:40:04, 1:40:08]: And you have to kind of prepare and get all those components in place. Um [1:40:09, 1:40:29]: You know, and allow us to adequately prepare for it again. A nice quick brief updates to again keep everybody up to date and and abreast of what's going on and what's happening. So that's the intent. I think you're smiling at the brief part. Yes ma'am. Um so if in if there's no other questions. [1:40:29, 1:40:30]: Um [1:40:31, 1:40:47]: What I'd like to do now at this time is and again it's been mentioned already, if they can come on up, I'd like to introduce formally introduce mo a lot of people already know um Captain Philip Bratton, been with the been in law enforcement for a decade, I think at this point, and he can give you more of his background. Um [1:40:48, 1:41:02]: has joined the Henry County Police Department in December of two thousand five and has literally rolls up the ranks to the position of Captain now. He takes over as the precinct the North Precinct commander um following um Captain Gray who was reassigned. [1:41:02, 1:41:06]: Um so we're thrilled I have been I've had n personally had the opportunity to work with [1:41:06, 1:41:12]: with Captain Brad and at the county for you know some years back and you know the consummate professional and everything that he does so [1:41:13, 1:41:18]: With that I will introduce Captain Philip Bratton, the new precinct commander here in City Stockbridge. [1:41:23, 1:41:32]: Mayor O'Neill, um Mayor Pro Tem Ford and other council members, I want to thank you for the opportunity to stand before you and and speak with you this afternoon. [1:41:32, 1:41:35]: Um when I was told I would have an opportunity to come in [1:41:35, 1:41:38]: be in charge of the Stock Ridge precinct, I was elected. [1:41:38, 1:41:40]: Because I started out here [1:41:40, 1:41:43]: And back in two thousand and five as an officer. [1:41:43, 1:41:47]: And I rose to the rank as Michael Harris said, uh to the position where I'm at right now. [1:41:48, 1:41:49]: This is not my first time here. [1:41:50, 1:41:54]: I I came in two thousand and five as an officer. I was back here again in two thousand uh [1:41:54, 1:41:59]: ten uh excuse me, seven as a sergeant briefly before I went down south and [1:41:59, 1:42:01]: Work down in the uh South Precinct. [1:42:01, 1:42:03]: as a patrol supervisor. [1:42:03, 1:42:05]: And unfortunately I got promoted. [1:42:05, 1:42:08]: to the rank of lieutenant and I got a chance to come back to Stockbridge. [1:42:08, 1:42:11]: And be a day watch precinct, uh [1:42:11, 1:42:13]: Uh no not precinct, I did not precinct. [1:42:14, 1:42:24]: And I got an opportunity to work some of those issues on the daytime and work with some of the other um uh issues that were ongoing with the with the uh city and um got my h my feet wet and I really like doing that. [1:42:25, 1:42:34]: Uh but I couldn't stay up here too long because I got tapped to go and and be the internal affairs commander down in the at uh the South Precinct. So I worked there for about a year, working issues from [1:42:35, 1:42:37]: of s allegations of arts and misconduct. [1:42:37, 1:42:40]: up into just citizen complaints in general. [1:42:40, 1:42:46]: So they have a extensive background in working with the with with complaints and working with with citizens and trying to resolve certain issues. [1:42:47, 1:42:51]: And I welcome an opportunity to do that here as well if if if I have to have that chance to do that. [1:42:52, 1:42:55]: But uh then I've got tapped uh the D the precinct commander. [1:42:55, 1:42:58]: uh of the South Precinct in the southern end of the county. [1:42:58, 1:43:00]: And I did that for about two years. [1:43:01, 1:43:03]: And then all of a sudden I got an opportunity to come up here and work. [1:43:03, 1:43:08]: And I was asked to come up here and I just smiled and I said, I'm glad to come home. [1:43:08, 1:43:12]: So I'm back up here and I'm glad to be here. And I look forward to providing uh [1:43:12, 1:43:13]: Quality police services. [1:43:14, 1:43:16]: to the citizens of um Stock Bridge. [1:43:17, 1:43:17]: Um [1:43:18, 1:43:21]: I look forward to working on all those issues that are out there on the table right now. [1:43:21, 1:43:22]: Crime is everywhere. [1:43:22, 1:43:25]: Okay, and we are the ones out here fighting it. [1:43:25, 1:43:27]: And I can tell you it's out there so [1:43:27, 1:43:29]: I know y'all's concerns regarding crime. [1:43:30, 1:43:33]: And I also know the concerns regarding the the county regarding crime. [1:43:33, 1:43:36]: We have to put those assets and resources in the right place and [1:43:37, 1:43:44]: We're doing the best thing that we can to do that. Our department is looking at some things that to to help strengthen us and also provide that quality of service to the communities. [1:43:45, 1:43:47]: And Stockbridge is on that list. [1:43:47, 1:43:48]: So um [1:43:49, 1:43:51]: Uh that's basically all I have and I'm glad to be here. [1:43:52, 1:44:01]: We appreciate you so much. Uh the city manager and I had a nice meeting with the captain this afternoon and I walked away from that we meeting feeling [1:44:01, 1:44:09]: Extremely proud that we have a gentleman of honor who's gonna lead our police services in Stockbridge and we appreciate that and [1:44:09, 1:44:20]: We hope you'll take back a message to all the officers how much we support them and anything we can do from our end, we want to do that to help. Thank you so much. [1:44:27, 1:44:32]: City Manager, Michael Harris, do you have anything else to add before we move on? [1:44:35, 1:44:55]: Okay. I'd like to say before I uh ask the council to uh if they have any comments, we would like to always thank everyone who attends these meetings. We appreciate you so much. And uh at this time I'll just say thank you. And if anyone else on the council has a closing comment, please speak. [1:44:55, 1:44:56]: Yeah. [1:45:00, 1:45:02]: Fine. [1:45:03, 1:45:08]: Well I asked if anyone has come in, please speak up. It doesn't matter where you start but [1:45:08, 1:45:28]: Yeah, I'd like to thank everybody for coming out as well. And I just want to let everybody know that uh you know it's my desire and I think uh the the rest of the council to do is to build you the quality community uh that you want. And to know that the door is always open. You have any questions, please feel free to come forward to talk to us and ask. [1:45:28, 1:45:32]: ask questions, the door is always open, but I have heard you. [1:45:32, 1:45:37]: and the issues that you want to'cause I've been out in the community and I'm there every single day. [1:45:37, 1:45:47]: And I I I love to hear t and talk to citizens one on one to hear what's going on in your community. So thank you so much. [1:45:48, 1:45:49]: Anyone else? [1:45:50, 1:45:52]: I just want to say that uh [1:45:53, 1:46:06]: What you see is what you get from me. I'm here to serve the community. Um I don't play politics. What you hear from me and what you my passion that you see, that's who I am and that's what I want to present to you all. Thanks. [1:46:07, 1:46:07]: Okay. [1:46:07, 1:46:27]: Yes, citizens, thank you for being engaged. Um and this is the end of the month of January, so we're just getting started in two thousand seventeen, but more more to follow, more good things will happen in the city, and you'll see that. So be engaged with us. I also want you to know that uh you notice that the uh council is in red and black and uh I want you to know that I [1:46:27, 1:46:38]: I am a Saints fan, but but but I know I live here in the Atlanta metro area and I'm gonna rise up with everybody else NFC South [1:46:39, 1:46:41]: Falcons, go forward, win this game. [1:46:42, 1:46:58]: I cannot stand New England and I know you don't either. So I I I'm I'm going to pull for NFC South and the Five C we need a championship in this city and I do live here. I gotta live among y'all, you know what I mean? So anyway, once again, rise up nations. Take care. [1:47:02, 1:47:03]: Uh it's a moment. [1:47:03, 1:47:23]: You don't have anything? Okay. Um I just want to say thank you to everyone um for coming out um tonight. Also welcome our new captain. Um again, welcome. We got some shoes to fill because we're definitely gonna miss Captain Gray, but we're definitely welcoming you with open arms. Um and also just want to say we didn't [1:47:23, 1:47:40]: did our ribbon cutting for I seventy five South that went extremely well. So definitely we'll need for the citizens to try that out and have your peach pass. Um so that is available for the next probably now thirteen, twelve days uh for free. So you definitely want to try that out. But again [1:47:41, 1:47:44]: to our captain, welcome to the city of Stockbridge. [1:47:46, 1:48:06]: Okay. Um I think that concludes our meeting. I would like to encourage you to um go online, sign up so that you can get notifications about all of our upcoming meetings. We do have some coming up, a council retreat, Main Street Advisory Board meeting, council meeting. [1:48:06, 1:48:25]: which will be on february thirteenth. Councilman Alexander is hosting a town hall meeting uh during the month. The Stockbridge Zoning Advisory Board will be meeting, Downtown Development Authority Board meeting and a council work session will be coming up at the end of uh February. [1:48:25, 1:48:26]: Um [1:48:27, 1:48:47]: At this point we are going to go li I believe we're gonna go into executive session for just a few minutes. So anyone who would like to wait, we have a couple of items on the um executive session agenda and we'll come back and report that to you. But I believe before we go um our city manager has one. [1:48:47, 1:49:07]: Last thought. Yes, thank you, Madam Mayor and I apologize. Um I did want to remind everyone in the community that um Stockbridge has um joined with the other cities in Henry County to collect goods for our neighbors down in Albany that were recently devastated by the storms down there. So we're asking anyone who can. There's a list on [1:49:07, 1:49:26]: on our website but non perishable food items, cleaning supplies, um toiletries, things of that nature. If they can bring it here to City Hall, um by the close of business on this Friday, February third, we'll be um partnering with all the other cities to make sure all those supplies are taken down to assist the the families in in Albany. [1:49:26, 1:49:46]: Thank you. Well for those who are listening online I want to put an addendum note onto that. Um not only are we collecting supplies that will help with the um tornado victims in Albany, we also are accepting on their behalf Walmart gift cards. That is [1:49:46, 1:50:06]: a lot um easier sometimes to transport and useful on on the ground in Albany. So anyone in this audience or listening online, if you will donate a Walmart gift card, you can bring that to City Hall. If you live further in the county, you can drop it off at any city hall in the county. [1:50:06, 1:50:14]: County. The goal is to help the people of Albany. Thank you so much. We'll be right back. We're going to executive session. [1:50:15, 1:50:17]: Thank you. [1:50:19, 1:50:22]: [6623.3, 6624.8]: Okay, do I hear that motion? [1:50:26, 1:50:26]: Madam Mayor. [1:50:27, 1:50:30]: I move that we go into executive session for personnel. [1:50:30, 1:50:32]: Real estate and litigation. [1:50:32, 1:50:33]: Second. [1:50:34, 1:50:36]: Any discussion? [1:50:37, 1:50:38]: If not, all in favor? [1:50:39, 1:50:41]: Okay, we're going into executive session. [1:50:49, 1:50:49]: Oh. [1:50:53, 1:51:00]: [6661.4, 6662.5]: I'll try. [1:51:03, 1:51:05]: [6667.5, 6671.7]: Yes, I think. [1:51:44, 1:51:50]: [6719.4, 6721.4]: Yeah, but [1:52:17, 1:52:18]: That's enough. [1:52:27, 1:52:30]: Well she's building all [1:52:36, 1:52:37]: Uh [1:52:50, 1:52:50]: Okay. [1:52:53, 1:53:01]: At this time we need a motion to end the executive session. Mayor Neal. I make a motion to end executive session. [1:53:01, 1:53:05]: Thank you both of you for that. Um, is there any discussion? [1:53:07, 1:53:09]: All in favor to conclude the meeting? [1:53:10, 1:53:10]: Thank you. [1:53:11, 1:53:16]: At this time I need a motion if we are to go back into session. [1:53:16, 1:53:21]: Mayor Neil, I move that we go back into our regular scheduled meeting. Okay, I need a second. [1:53:21, 1:53:23]: Any discussion? [1:53:23, 1:53:25]: All in favor. [1:53:25, 1:53:26]: Okay. [1:53:26, 1:53:28]: At this time uh we have [1:53:29, 1:53:38]: I believe one uh order um matter of business that occurred in executive session that we're gonna vote on tonight. So I will ask Councilman Gantt to present. [1:53:39, 1:53:52]: Mary, I move that we approve the sale of one hundred thirty five North Park Place building through the Henry County Development Authority and transfer the property to Henry County Development Authority for the purpose [1:53:52, 1:53:56]: For that purpose, the sales price is two point seven million. [1:53:56, 1:53:58]: I second. [1:53:59, 1:54:05]: We have a motion, now we have a second. Do we have any discussion? [1:54:06, 1:54:08]: If not, all in favour. [1:54:10, 1:54:18]: None opposed, so that passed. At this time do I ha hear a motion to conclude the evening meeting? So moved. [1:54:18, 1:54:20]: Any discussion on that? [1:54:21, 1:54:21]: A second. [1:54:22, 1:54:25]: I need a second. A second. Okay. Any discussion? [1:54:26, 1:54:26]: No. [1:54:26, 1:54:27]: All right. [1:54:28, 1:54:29]: Uh all in favour? [1:54:30, 1:54:33]: Thank you for your presence, everyone. [1:54:34, 1:54:38]: Give her a second of that gave her a second for that. [1:54:39, 1:54:41]: I want it. I want the symbol. [1:54:41, 1:54:45]: All right, all right, all right.