2022-10-25 · City Council · Transcript · Work Session Meeting

--- title: Work Session Meeting date: 2022-10-25 source: 2022-10-25_Work_Session_Meeting.wav --- [0:04:15, 0:04:15]: Yeah. [0:04:17, 0:04:37]: So I don't have to out of it. Besides that, I got a presscast alwarnus problemation here as well. Oh, that's okay. All right, they're confused for a second. Okay. So what I have here is a problemation for L D T Q plus history one. So anybody that that that wants to receive [0:04:36, 0:04:42]: proclamation or stand with the council you can do so at this time as I read this particular proclamation. [0:04:55, 0:05:15]: Thank you for joining us. Appreciate it. I want to give you back to the rest of the same way. Once again, the population city stock is good, recognition of LGBTQ plus history month. Whereas LGBTQ plus history month is in October of each year. [0:05:15, 0:05:35]: We marketed this spectacular event celebrating the history and achievements of the LGBTQ Plus community. When the observance was started, it mainly served as a call to action for the movement and its prosperity. But over the years, the LGBTQ Plus History Month has evolved into a national blind random effort to bring an extraordinary [0:05:35, 0:05:40]: I think we see one of L G V T U plus community to the spotlight. [0:05:40, 0:06:00]: And whereas everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, compassion, and justice regardless of gender, age, race, religion, economic status, and sexual orientation. And whereas the city of Stockholm supports the rights of every individual to experience equality of treatment and values, our diverse population are less. [0:06:00, 0:06:20]: Bitnesses, visitors recognizing that this diversity is one of this community's greatest strengths. Whereas in recognition of the important contributions that LGGTQ plus individuals and groups have made to our city, to the arts, economics, and business, education, government, sports, medicine, law, journalism, science, and technical. [0:06:19, 0:06:39]: Technology and so many other fields, all of which have made us a better, richer, stronger community. Now, therefore, I am this war members of the Lord investing as a merit city scarcely Georgia. And on behalf of City Council members, Alexander, Bob McCoff, you can and follow the top food here by proclaim October has [0:06:42, 0:07:01]: I'm encouraged all residents to celebrate and reflect on the diverse heritage of our once marginalized community and continue to strengthen and enrich our city as describes and create a society that is more just, peaceful, and prosperous, prosperous to be before all. Witness thereof I have here unto step my hand. [0:07:01, 0:07:06]: Based on the city stock we're doing, conflict day of top here about lower. [0:07:08, 0:07:09]: That's a holiday. [0:07:14, 0:07:19]: Yeah, I have several here. Uh uh [0:07:21, 0:07:37]: We can have your own as well. And actually, Ben, if you want to add two uh three more. Okay, all right, all right. So on that note, uh when we do this, uh we have comments. So what comments you want to make? The floor is yours. [0:07:38, 0:07:45]: Well I just wanna say like told Councilman Parton that uh the city of Startbridge has always been problematic. [0:07:48, 0:07:52]: Any of them I've ever attended a welcome and [0:07:57, 0:07:58]: Yeah. [0:08:05, 0:08:05]: Okay. [0:08:10, 0:08:13]: It's cute. Uh [0:08:39, 0:08:59]: We'll go to it. I have this story because this is the very first time we've done a since these operations I imagine it will continue to be every October we will announce this uh this particular month. So all right. Uh we've probably taken pictures. Sure, we could if we if you want uh we got it coming on. [0:08:59, 0:09:04]: But we've got to come on one side because Council, you wanna come on down this way? [0:09:05, 0:09:09]: You put it together here? [0:09:11, 0:09:15]: Yeah, well come on, the spot is one of the [0:09:19, 0:09:22]: So I'm not paying any green. [0:09:25, 0:09:26]: Is that forward you might want to set that? [0:09:40, 0:09:57]: Yeah. [0:09:57, 0:09:59]: Okay. [0:10:18, 0:10:38]: Okay, what is next on the agenda is a presentation of the new online tool, Citizens Connect, which allows citizens of the city of Stockbridge to search crimes and incidents in the community, presented by uh Chief Tramor. And and uh Chief Trammer, right. I guess Mr. Goffrey's not gonna be with you tonight, sir. Uh no, sir. Okay. Okay. [0:10:37, 0:10:43]: me this evening. I see. Um but I think I can manage his solo. I'm pretty sure you can, Chief. No problem. [0:10:43, 0:11:03]: Can somebody administer the air conditioning? Okay, well, um hopefully, uh Mayor and Council, you all can see this on your screen. I appreciate the opportunity to present this valuable tool to you this evening, but most importantly, this presentation is really for the citizens of the city of Stockbridge. Uh we made a commitment uh to really be a model for 21st century policing, and one of the pillars of 21st century policy [0:11:03, 0:11:23]: century policing is building trust and legitimacy with the community. And one of the ways that we do that is being transparent in how we operate and transparent in how we act. And the two this presentation and also the initiative that we have before council this evening for the Citizens Police Advisory Council are two such initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to transparency with the community that we serve. [0:11:24, 0:11:26]: А the Citizen Connect amp [0:11:26, 0:11:36]: is a forward facing application is connected directly to our law enforcement database which will allow members of our community to visualize uh crime that's occurring in the community. [0:11:36, 0:11:46]: And will also allow members of the community to also visualize uh what our officers are doing, where they're spending their time, where they're responding to instances incidents. [0:11:47, 0:12:06]: Um for those who are interested in downloading the uh application or downloading, it's not really an application, it's a web-based platform. Uh you can find the link on our Facebook page, the Stockbridge Police Department Facebook page, but at the end of this presentation, I'm also going to share that link so that members of the community are able to copy that information down and uh to [0:12:07, 0:12:14]: hopefully uh by virtue of this presentation this evening give members of the community a better understanding in terms of how this system operates. [0:12:15, 0:12:35]: And so I wanted to demonstrate this for you. It's called Citizens Connect because Stockbridge is a place where community connects. And so we wanted to connect our citizens with the data inside our police department. As you can see here on the screen, there's an overlay of the map with the city limits of the city of Stockbridge. You can zoom in and out of this map to view, and as you see on here, there's no [0:12:35, 0:12:37]: data that's currently represented on this map, it's blank. [0:12:37, 0:12:40]: And that's because we haven't selected the filters that we want to see. [0:12:41, 0:12:45]: If you notice at the top portion here, Stockbridge is divided into four geographic sectors. [0:12:46, 0:13:05]: We have officers assigned consistently to those four geographic sectors. If you look here, we have sector 1901, and when we click on 1901 here, you can see this is the area represented by Sector 1901. So if citizens want to know what sector am I in in, what officers work in that area, then they're able to visualize that data here. [0:13:05, 0:13:20]: Uh sector nineteen oh two is this area here, so you can visualize that where you're located. Sector nineteen oh three is situated here and then sector nineteen oh four is if we click off that is situated in the very southern part of the city. [0:13:21, 0:13:25]: Now I'll click off of these map layers for just a second to be able to illustrate uh [0:13:26, 0:13:33]: The information here. So members of the community, if they're interested in seeing, let's say, crime data, they want to see what are the crimes that are occurring in our community. [0:13:34, 0:13:35]: Uh what they would have to do there's [0:13:36, 0:13:42]: In the lower left hand portion here a section that says date range and you'll notice it's selected right now the past week. [0:13:42, 0:14:02]: So we can select whatever range we want. We can do a custom date range in here. You can enter your own series of dates, or you can select the pre-populated. So let's just look at crime data for the last month. So we've selected here the date range for the past month. And there are three categories in the lower left-hand corner. The first one is incidents. Now, incidents are calls that often [0:14:02, 0:14:15]: So if an officer pulls out on a traffic stop, if they respond to a burglar alarm or something along those lines where there's not a report that's taken, that would be represented by incidents. [0:14:15, 0:14:32]: If an officer actually takes a report, if there's a crime that's committed, um or a report is generated by virtue of their response to an incident, it's going to be reflected as a case. And so you would collect the the case portion. And of course accidents are pretty self explanatory. If we click on that we can see where the accidents are occurring in the city. [0:14:32, 0:14:40]: So let's focus here for just a second on cases which are gonna represent crimes that are occurring in the city. So we're looking at this data and we're visualizing it for the past month. [0:14:41, 0:14:55]: If you click, it's difficult to see here, but there's a grayed out check mark next to cases. If you were to click that, what it's going to do is it's going to pull up for you all of the cases that have occurred in the city within the last month, and you're going to be able to see on here. [0:14:55, 0:15:15]: Where those incidents are occurring. So every one of these scale icons right here represent an incident in which a report was taken. So if you're interested in seeing what additional details, so what was this incident that happened here? You hover over it, it's going to tell you that this is a report regarding a runaway. If we go down here, this was an aggravated assault case that occurred here. [0:15:15, 0:15:22]: If you click over here, it's gonna tell you this was a missing person's case. So this represents all the reports that officers are taking on a regular basis. [0:15:23, 0:15:43]: If you see something like this, it's represented by two. It lets you know that there are two incidents that occurred at that particular location. If you click on the pin, it's going to expand it, and then you can see uh what those two incidents were. So you can see that there was a runaway and a missing person. Um and for privacy of members of the community, we don't include the actual address, so it's represented in the actual [0:15:43, 0:15:48]: block number when we're talking about residential areas. So you can see here where these crimes are occurring. [0:15:49, 0:16:09]: Now, if you're interested to know, for example, what's occurring in your community, so let's look for an e i is an example here. We have Monarch Village in this area represented right here. You can see in the last uh month that there were four or actually there were six incidents. Uh we had a hit and run accident, we had a forgery for [0:16:08, 0:16:09]: Broad [0:16:10, 0:16:29]: There was a theft, a terroristic threat, and then uh there was an identity theft and another theft that occurred in the last month in this area here. One of the interesting things, and I think a valuable tool for members of our community is once you sign up for an account, what you can do is you can actually go up here and you can create an alert. [0:16:30, 0:16:43]: Uh you can name it whatever you want to. You can decide what the frequency is that you want to receive these alerts. If you want to receive them daily, you want to receive them weekly, you can receive them monthly, you can select to do that. So uh we'll just title this uh my crime. [0:16:44, 0:16:47]: Data and I want to see it daily. So it selected that. [0:16:48, 0:16:53]: So when we click this alert here, what it's gonna do is it's going to [0:16:53, 0:16:54]: I've got a [0:16:55, 0:17:02]: draw the alert and so when you click draw you can basically put a pin and draw around this whole community here. [0:17:07, 0:17:13]: And then you have to take it back up to the beginning point to close the loop. And so when it's in red, it's going to show you now you have an alert drawn around this area here. [0:17:14, 0:17:21]: So anything that happens within this area right here, you're gonna get a daily alert every time there's a new incident that occurs. [0:17:21, 0:17:30]: Now these are just incidents. So these are reports that officers have taken. But if you want to see the activity, if you want to see what officers are doing, where they're spending their time, what you can also do is you can click incidents. [0:17:31, 0:17:51]: And you can see when we click incidence, you're gonna see that these are all calls that officers have responded to in this community. So when citizens say, Well, I never see an officer in the community, well, in the past three months, every one of these phone calls, every one of these numbers here represent a time that an officer was in that particular community. When you click on it, you're also going to be able to notate on there the time. So they were on a disturbance call. [0:17:51, 0:17:58]: There, September twenty-eighth at six forty-seven in the evening. You'll be able to see that detail off to the right hand side. Um [0:17:59, 0:18:09]: You you'll see on here also that here we're probably gonna see, you know, a traffic stop. That they made a traffic stop out in front of here. And this is just this community, but if you zoom out here [0:18:10, 0:18:12]: And we reset this alert. [0:18:13, 0:18:16]: To include the entire city, you can see in the last month. [0:18:16, 0:18:18]: That in the top here [0:18:19, 0:18:25]: Офіцер responded to one thousand seven hundred and twenty nine incidents in the city. [0:18:25, 0:18:37]: and sixty three uh incidents in which a report was taken. So that's what that data represents. And you can see um the types of calls here. You can click on those. It's gonna tell you um [0:18:39, 0:18:52]: Well, I don't know why it did that exactly. Uh that there were twenty two domestic instances and it's gonna give you information on, you know, where these dem well no, those are traffic stops. I apologize. It's traffic stops. It's gonna tell you where these traffic stops occurred. [0:18:53, 0:18:57]: Now if you just wanna see specifics, let's say for instance you are [0:18:59, 0:19:00]: Let's [0:19:01, 0:19:05]: Yeah, I think we had a I think we had a uh I think we had a glitch here. [0:19:05, 0:19:11]: But let's say we want to look at the cases in the last um [0:19:11, 0:19:13]: Month that we had here. [0:19:14, 0:19:34]: And we go down to the area of the Walmart at Hudson Bridge. You're gonna see this is the Walmart. You can see there were five shoplifting cases that we responded to. And as you can see, our numbers in shoplifting have gone down considerably based on the um uh the processes that we've developed with Walmart. So we've been able to reduce some of those instances, but you can see. [0:19:34, 0:19:38]: See here there are eight incidents, um five of those shoplifting and the first time. [0:19:38, 0:19:41]: Some other miscellaneous incidents entering auto general information. [0:19:42, 0:19:48]: And then if you want to scroll out, you can see and visualize where these incidents are happening incidents are happening across the city. [0:19:48, 0:20:08]: Another thing we do as it relates to traffic enforcement. We want to make sure that we're responding smartly, that we're enforcing the traffic law appropriately in the areas that need to be enforced. And so when we click on accidents, this is going to show you the locations where we've had accident reports taken in the last month. So you can see here that in this corridor right here on Hudson Bridge. [0:20:08, 0:20:28]: Bridge Road. Uh we have a lot of activity, so that's where we're going to direct our officers to enforce uh traffic in this area to try to cut down on those instances. And you can see also as we come up to uh North Henry Boulevard area, we have a lot of accidents around that area also. So this helps us to programmatically uh and strategically uh place our resources in the right way. [0:20:28, 0:20:48]: And focus on the right things. Our officers also have a separate dashboard that provides them with more detailed information. So every officer in the department has their own login where they can look in, they can see what's happening in their community, when it's happened, they can read the details, they can visualize the data so that they can develop strategies to respond appropriately to these issues. So [0:20:48, 0:21:08]: This is something again that we just wanted to highlight for members of the community. This is a free tool. It's not app-based, so you do have to access it via the web. But we share all of our data. As soon as that data is verified through our system, we push that information out to the database. It updates every 24 hours. [0:21:08, 0:21:28]: So you see that it's gonna be a day behind. It's not real time, but we have to allow those reports to work its way through the system to get approved before we push that information out. But again, we just want to make sure that we are sharing information with the community so that the community is aware of what's going on. We believe that that's the first step of really addressing issues is by [0:21:28, 0:21:48]: Showing what's happening and then bringing that awareness to the community so that we can work together to prevent these issues from happening in the future. So just a quick overview, and I wanted to share the link for members of the community that are watching. This is the web link to access this database. You can create your own account. [0:21:48, 0:22:08]: You can set up your own alerts as we had mentioned before. And of course, if you have any questions as it relates to how to operate this, feel free to contact us, email us, and we'd be happy to help address any questions that any members of our community have. That's all I have as it relates to the presentation and would certainly be happy to entertain any questions. [0:22:08, 0:22:28]: questions uh that the council may have regarding this tool. I would tell you Chief this is a great tool. I appreciate the presentation. I'm pretty sure the rest of the council does as well. This this shows to me it shows true transparency and being truthful, have a good honest relationship with the community and let them know, hey, you know we're doing our job, you can see what we're doing and check check it out. And [0:22:28, 0:22:33]: If you got any questions we talk talk with us and we'll we'll resolve it and uh this is this is good. I mean [0:22:34, 0:22:41]: Uh you're not hiding anything. Y you your hands are above board and say, This is what's happening, folks. This is this is good stuff. [0:22:41, 0:22:47]: I appreciate it. Uh council, uh I would imagine you Mayor Ford. Yes, sir. Go ahead, please. Yeah. [0:22:47, 0:23:07]: Chief, I I think this is great as well. Um, are you are you the person or who is the person that if I wanted to call and I wanted to get this app, do I reach out to you or is just go to the website as you just this website here and is and just follow the link. [0:23:07, 0:23:27]: Right. Just go to the website and follow the link. I would encourage members that are watching just to since this is recorded to go back and we've kind of walked everybody through the steps in terms of how to access it. Uh it's pretty straightforward once you get in there and you start playing with it. But um again, if there are any questions that members of the community have, uh they can contact us uh at the police department or they can email [0:23:27, 0:23:32]: [1413.9, 1415.3]: Thank you, sir. [0:23:36, 0:23:43]: You good? You good? Oh, go ahead, Miss Barber. I wanted to ask. So Chief Tramer, I'm looking at this date range and it says past month. [0:23:45, 0:23:49]: So current month, are we able to see? [0:23:50, 0:24:07]: What is being reported or the incidents. Right. So when you when you when you click into the date range, you can select whatever custom days. We can look for the past week. So we can look for what happened yesterday, uh um back through a a week prior, or you can go in here, it's a little slow here, the connection's not great. [0:24:08, 0:24:11]: One more question. So what happens when cases are closed? [0:24:12, 0:24:32]: Do they no longer appear on here? No, this information will appear on here, um it's it's gonna stay on here for the entire time frame um that you're that you're viewing. So if you wanted to see as an example, what we don't have, you can look for the past six months, but we only have three months of data. Uh if you wanted to, you can go back and look for the past two years. [0:24:32, 0:24:37]: Um this is something that is archived, is chronicled, and you can always go back and refer to at any point in time. [0:24:41, 0:24:44]: Any other questions? Yeah, go ahead, uh Mr. Blount. [0:24:44, 0:24:57]: Chief, thank you for your presentation. Uh I do think this is uh helpful tool for the community. Uh one question I have, uh when you click on let's say incidents uh in a community. [0:24:58, 0:25:00]: Does it give that address or just give the error? [0:25:01, 0:25:09]: No, it just gives the area. If you'll notice here, uh maybe we can pull up an example. It says the five hundred block of Sheffield Court. It's not gonna give a particular uh address. [0:25:10, 0:25:10]: Yeah. [0:25:17, 0:25:25]: You know, I I like to ever show that with you view them. Yeah, I like to show them some actual picture. Absolutely. Absolutely. That's why we configured it that way. [0:25:26, 0:25:34]: Yeah, I just want to say thank you for bringing this forward and I'll see you at the town hall on Thursday. All right, yes, sir, and thank you. Good deal. All right, thank you, Chief. Appreciate that. [0:25:36, 0:25:45]: Next item is a public hearing. Council consideration to adopt a twenty twenty-three to twenty twenty-seven short-term work program capital improvements element. [0:25:45, 0:25:47]: Presented by Miss Carter, please. [0:25:53, 0:25:54]: Messed up up here. [0:25:58, 0:25:59]: You don't have to take it. [0:26:01, 0:26:21]: Uh good evening, Mayor and Council. Yes, the short-term work program and capital improvements element is a plan that we draft every year, which is state mandated in order for the City of Stockbridge to maintain its um stay in compliance with state minimum standards. What we have done is the initial [0:26:20, 0:26:40]: Document that was initially drafted was in July of this year. It was approved by this board to transmit to the city, I'm sorry, to the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Department of Community Affairs. They provided some comments to us. We made updates, and we're bringing the document back to the [0:26:40, 0:26:48]: City Council for adoption so that we can be in line with our compliance to approve by October 31st, 2022. [0:27:00, 0:27:01]: I'll be happy to answer any questions. [0:27:03, 0:27:08]: I don't know you n anybody got any questions thus far? Oh I always I'll do. [0:27:09, 0:27:29]: Go ahead, sir. Uh thank you for bringing this forward, Ms. Carter. And I just uh for the benefit of the folks watching, so they understand the significance of what we're doing here. Can we talk about some of the projects that we have listed there so they know uh where their tax dollars are going and how progressive we are? [0:27:28, 0:27:32]: with uh moving these projects forward. Maybe just a few of them. [0:27:37, 0:27:57]: So um a lot of these projects um are either funded through general fund, through grant dollars, state and or federal dollars. Um majority of them um have been able to have been approved um previously and we're working with our grants administrator to bring in additional [0:27:57, 0:28:05]: Funding for these projects that we're looking to fund, like our amphitheater and um not our amphitheater, but our um splash pad. [0:28:06, 0:28:26]: Like our Cultural Arts Center. We have our electric vehicle station at the amphitheater being built now. And Georgia Power provided us a grant to be able to do all the infrastructure for us. And we pay for the actual electric vehicle stations themselves, as well as the monument signs and wayfinding signs. [0:28:26, 0:28:40]: That you all have gotten a tutorial over and we'll hear about a little bit more tonight and other multiple projects. So we're looking for funding from every source possible for these particular projects. [0:28:41, 0:29:01]: So I guess the follow-up on that is to understand this entire process is that we have a very organized plan and we have a vision that we have to submit to the state on what we plan to do for them to sign off on it. So these projects that we are managing or that we're that are coming forward. [0:29:01, 0:29:14]: forward, they're just not popping up. We have a we have a very aggressive plan in order to d to accomplish these. And these are are the part of the city plan for us to move forward. So they understand we're operating strategically. [0:29:14, 0:29:29]: And to add on to this, this piece of um legislation is also what we utilize as part of our update for our five-year comprehensive plan update. So every five years, the state is also looking to see is [0:29:29, 0:29:42]: for these projects that we've listed, have we accomplished them? Have they been completed? And they offer grant fund funding opportunities as well to complete and provide supplemental funds for these activities as well. [0:29:43, 0:30:03]: Yeah, one of the final question, one of them we just we did receive a grant for the downtown for the for the bicycle path. We did. Uh as well. So that was one of the that was part of that program, right? Correct, correct. That is a um a partial sharing uh grant that we received from the Atlanta Regional Commission that gave um a hundred and twenty [0:30:03, 0:30:21]: five thousand dollars as a grant. They gave us uh they're paying a hundred. The city is paying twenty-five thousand and um this is for the purpose of a you know just under a mile of pedestrian connectivity throughout our downtown area which helps us to to bring in those developers who want to build uh in our downtown community. [0:30:22, 0:30:22]: Thank you. [0:30:23, 0:30:26]: Council, any other questions at all from Ms. Carter? [0:30:26, 0:30:46]: Okay, so this is a public hearing, so I need to open this up for uh comments from the citizenry that is here. So I'm gonna start on my on my very on my left side. So is any comments for the agreement uh on the very left side? Any comments at all in the middle? The far right. [0:30:46, 0:30:54]: Seeing none. Any comments uh f that is against this? Uh any thoughts uh of negative comments per se? Far left side. [0:30:55, 0:30:56]: Seeing none in the middle. [0:30:58, 0:30:59]: And my far right. [0:31:00, 0:31:06]: Okay, no comments one way or the other, positive or negative, I'll close a public hearing. Council, I need a motion to accept this uh proposal here. [0:31:07, 0:31:11]: So move. Mr. Gallzenter. Uh Mayor Potem second. All in favor, please indicate. [0:31:12, 0:31:14]: Thank you very much. Thank you, Ms. Carter. Thank you. Appreciate it. [0:31:18, 0:31:33]: On old business. Council consideration to amend the amphitheater uh policy to create a non competitive clause for private events and contra uh concerts and to provide uh revenue sharing uh for profit events. Mr. Gardner, please. [0:31:55, 0:32:15]: Good evening, ma'am, counsel. Good evening. Um, we're back before you with the changes that we were able to get um via going back through the video of the meeting because I think there was a bunch of changes and then no changes and changes and then no changes. [0:32:15, 0:32:24]: But we're able to get um the gist of I think what was the concerns of some of the members of council uh during the last meeting. [0:32:26, 0:32:39]: And so what I did was kinda give you out of printing the whole thing out or give you kind of cliff notes of the couple of pages that I think were in this point of discussion um during our last meeting, which would have been page three, four. [0:32:41, 0:33:01]: five and six and specifically on page three there was the discussion around um having um the having a partnership with the city council as it relates to to um any events [0:33:01, 0:33:20]: um that that wanted to um utilize um the facility. So I think I might have caught B the amendment there were we're recommending would be um applicants outside of an approved [0:33:20, 0:33:24]: Um partnership agreement with the city council shall pay for talent. [0:33:25, 0:33:28]: Sound, light, stage hands. [0:33:28, 0:33:30]: publicity, advertisements [0:33:31, 0:33:43]: stage catering backstage catering, um, et cetera, under that section. Um, I think there was some concern that that, you know, there might be some ambiguity there as it relates to [0:33:43, 0:33:50]: folks um not being able to provide those services on their own. And then on page four [0:33:53, 0:34:13]: Under section nine, rate categories and fees. Um, there was concern around civic organizations um and it uh and educational uh events, as well as on page five, um, under nonprofit. And so what we did was [0:34:13, 0:34:13]: Two [0:34:15, 0:34:26]: to rest any concerns we put in there that if if there was a civic or educational concert that that concert would could only be sanctioned as part of an agreement. [0:34:26, 0:34:28]: Um that's approved by me and council. [0:34:29, 0:34:49]: So that we couldn't have a concert outside of an agreement with Mayor and Council. The same thing on page five for nonprofit events. Um there's a section there under the bullet point in red. You will see where it says concerts under this section shall only be allowed under a partnership agreement approved by the city council. [0:34:50, 0:34:52]: I mean that was a concern as to whether or not [0:34:53, 0:35:01]: A non profit can have a co can have a concert and how that concert would be and so it could only happen as part of an agreement. [0:35:02, 0:35:22]: The other section I think we had some really good agreement on as it relates to commercial or for-profit was that however no commercial for-profit uh concerts shall be allowed in the amphitheater um period because we understand we didn't want to compete with ourselves. Um [0:35:22, 0:35:37]: And then under there, if we do have an event that's for commercial, um, that that event shall share in the profits at about twenty uh twenty percent of the box fees plus the ten thousand dollar fee to utilize the facility. [0:35:40, 0:35:47]: And then I think that was the last one. No, I think I'm last one. Page number six. [0:35:49, 0:35:59]: There was discussion under page number six, n uh section ten, coordination of services. I think this was where we had a lot of grappling about um whether or not we would [0:35:59, 0:36:19]: um allow for the city to reimburse and I think this captures I hope it captures what the council's concerns were and specifically we added the language um under section ten that to best serve its guests and to maintain the integrity of the amphitheater. It is the policy of the city [0:36:19, 0:36:25]: city of Stockbridge that certain services shall be provided by the city [0:36:25, 0:36:45]: or its authorized agent under a partnership agreement approved by the city council with the applicant reimbursing the city for c for all costs associated with the provisions of such services. And these services may include and are not limited to the concessions, janitorial grounds, [0:36:45, 0:36:52]: parking management, emergency medical, law enforcement, fire protection, and event monitoring. [0:36:52, 0:37:08]: And I think that that was a concern that you all had that to make sure that any those exceptions would only be guaranteed under a part partnership and obviously you guys would be able to see that partnership and see if if they are asking for those exceptions what they would be and then you could approve or deny. [0:37:10, 0:37:30]: Okay. Questions, Council. Well, sir. Go right here, please. Uh Councilman Mayor Pro Tem was not here. And Mr. Blount was not here for that particular meeting. So before we start rehashing what we've already talked about, they probably need to weigh in to see exactly what they think uh in the original cover. [0:37:30, 0:37:50]: Conversation that we had, uh, I think the three of us at the meeting, we talked about the partnership. And my only concern was that we we did not leave a lane for small businesses to to come in and to participate by not allowing for reimbursement out of ticket sales. Uh [0:37:50, 0:38:10]: So pretty much you'd have to be a deep-pocketed player to come in to be able to have an event uh at the amphitheater because uh, you know, you some of those expenses up front, such as the event that we were supposed to have that uh unfortunately was weather delayed, that event called for uh some reimbursement. [0:38:10, 0:38:30]: To be included. I'm not sure whether events like that would ever come to the city if we did not have uh some type of uh agreement in place. And uh, you know, and the last thing that I'll say about that is that, you know, I was watching the special on the Showtime Lakers and uh, you know, uh Dr. [0:38:30, 0:38:50]: Dr. Bus, who rest his soul. I'm a Celtic fan, by the way. But in the end, he said every night that his avenue was closed was a day they lost. So he he looked to operate his avenue 365 days a year. Now, my contention is if the city's only gonna use it 50 days or or 20 days, 12 days a year. [0:38:50, 0:39:10]: This past year, we've lost on 353 days throughout the year. So under this agreement right now, not allowing anybody else to use the amphitheater for concerts. Let's say somebody could land uh Maxwell and we couldn't. Well, we certainly wouldn't be [0:39:10, 0:39:26]: able to deal with them by because uh they wanted to bring in the show. I think the the the medium agreement is if they if they pay us the fee and they give us twenty percent, that's a win. Because there's no guarantee that we're gonna make money on a concert. [0:39:26, 0:39:27]: There's no guarantee. [0:39:28, 0:39:32]: But if somebody else brought the concert in, they paid the fee to use the facility. [0:39:32, 0:39:34]: And they guaranteed us twenty percent. [0:39:34, 0:39:42]: There's no way to lose money on that. But that's an expanded discussion and you know it's gonna come down to what the council has to chime in on. [0:39:43, 0:39:47]: I'm sorry. Go ahead. [0:39:49, 0:40:09]: Thank you, Mr. Gardner, for your presentation. One of the things that um I've always contested is that, you know, when we set policies and procedures, what is the template that we're using to set those policies and procedures? Are we setting it through what the council desires, or is that common practice for uh events, or is that common practice for amphitheaters? [0:40:08, 0:40:09]: Yeah. [0:40:10, 0:40:13]: Um if there's a common practice among amphitheaters,'cause [0:40:14, 0:40:17]: As I've always said, none of us have run an amphitheater before. [0:40:17, 0:40:22]: So what's the template that we're using and what where where are these policies and procedures are coming from? [0:40:22, 0:40:29]: If it's not deposited procedures of other amphitheaters to do something that we're trying to make an anomaly to do, then I'm not for it. [0:40:30, 0:40:36]: Because the success of our amphitheater is to take the likeness of those things that have been successful with other amphitheaters. [0:40:37, 0:40:39]: And so whatever happens and whatever we're doing [0:40:40, 0:40:46]: for this amphitheater, I needed to if we change those policies or procedures. [0:40:46, 0:41:06]: Show me where that's coming from. That's a common practice, not just a common desire among us as council members, but those that have run on amphitheater and those that know what they're doing. So uh and I've always said also uh I would agree that we do have to make sure that there's a lower tier sponsorship level for small businesses because when before the amphitheater, they were [0:41:06, 0:41:23]: were involved, uh many of'em was involved with the city uh when it came to events came to c uh came to events and and different uh functions that we had in the city. But to change a policy to allow certain things that on a higher scale of a percentage, I have to see where that's [0:41:24, 0:41:27]: come and practice at at any amphitheater and I haven't yet to see that. [0:41:28, 0:41:30]: Okay, Mayor Pochem, go ahead, sir. [0:41:31, 0:41:45]: Yes. Um I also agree that and I don't have a problem in partnering with non profits. Um but I do have a problem with us putting ourselves in a position [0:41:47, 0:41:48]: To lose. [0:41:49, 0:41:51]: And in the word [0:41:52, 0:41:53]: reimbursing. [0:41:54, 0:41:57]: I I I sort of have a problem with that. [0:41:57, 0:42:00]: Cause ha how how do you [0:42:01, 0:42:05]: How do you enforce that? How do you guarantee that? [0:42:06, 0:42:08]: If someone has an event [0:42:08, 0:42:10]: And it is not profitable. [0:42:12, 0:42:14]: So h how how do we get reimbursed, uh [0:42:15, 0:42:22]: How how do we get reimbursed? And and that's a problem that I have. Again, I don't have a problem with with partnering. [0:42:23, 0:42:30]: And I don't have a problem in lowering some of the um costs or standards. [0:42:32, 0:42:36]: But I'm not sure I'm in favor of us going out front. [0:42:37, 0:42:40]: bearing financial expenses. [0:42:41, 0:42:52]: based on the fact that we will be in reimbursed later. And then if if if their event is not successful, then the city loses [0:42:52, 0:43:04]: as well as the uh non profit organization or the organization. So I just have a problem with this this whole wording of reimbursement and I don't know how do we [0:43:05, 0:43:25]: partner with small businesses and allow them to be able to to use this facility. But I'm just not comfortable with us going out front paying a large amount and at the end of the day or at the end of this this event, then it's a loss, loss for everyone [0:43:24, 0:43:25]: Everybody. [0:43:26, 0:43:27]: And they can walk away. [0:43:28, 0:43:29]: But for the city [0:43:30, 0:43:45]: I I just don't think we c we should be able to to walk away like that, not losing city funds. Yes, sir. And and this this coordinated service is only gonna be allowed where you, the council, approve it. [0:43:45, 0:43:49]: So if for instance a uh a uh [0:43:50, 0:43:56]: A applicant comes in and only wants janitorial services to be covered, obviously. [0:43:57, 0:44:08]: on on on an agreement where the the city entered into a partnership with this entity, let's say Hans of Hope wants to do a concert or something like that. [0:44:08, 0:44:14]: And the only thing they ask for is janitorial service. Well in a situation like that [0:44:15, 0:44:35]: You know, you're not putting up a lot in terms of what you what what what you're putting in the in as part of this agreement, but you still have the council has the opportunity to weigh in and say yes or no. It doesn't happen automatically. It it only happens if the the majority of this council or this council approves it. And if someone [0:44:34, 0:44:54]: comes in and asks for um let's say all of these services they want to be reimbursed. Obviously counsel has the right to say nope we're not doing that. We'll cover you on this and this, but we won't cover you on that or we won't cover you on any of your these associated costs. But that that decision is not left to me or the staff that [0:44:54, 0:45:11]: That's left to council as to whether or not you wanna do that. But but the problem that I have with that, I I just don't feel that the council should be put in that position. It should be equal across the board because I may favor Hands of Hope and I may wanna give them [0:45:11, 0:45:12]: Everything. [0:45:12, 0:45:21]: another council member may come or some other organization that another council member may favor and they may want less. So how do you [0:45:22, 0:45:40]: You know, and I just don't wanna put us in that position where we are going against each other, allowing one organization more or less than the other. If we can avoid putting this council in that position, I I just think the policy or the standards should be equally [0:45:41, 0:45:52]: across the board. Therefore we don't get caught up into that. Now how do you do that? I I don't know. And that's the dilemma because that's what some of the council asked us to do and obviously [0:45:53, 0:45:55]: Some of the councils don't, right? Um [0:45:56, 0:46:03]: So that's a decision obviously the the council has to make as a body, whether or not you want that exception in there or not. [0:46:03, 0:46:05]: Um so that's [0:46:05, 0:46:25]: Yes. I was gonna say now what I possibly could agree with as far as a dollar amount of reimbursement and that amount is just standard across the board. It may include janitoria, it may include this, it may include that, but it's a dollar amount that the silly [0:46:25, 0:46:27]: The city is willing [0:46:27, 0:46:28]: To [0:46:29, 0:46:40]: you know, to to to to utilize in this case. And I think that keeps all of us safe. If if they're just a dollar amount. And then it it's up to that organization. [0:46:40, 0:46:41]: You know, if [0:46:42, 0:47:02]: If they want to do it or not, or if they have some other uh sponsorship where they can sort of incur some of those um those those causes. But I just don't think that the we in the city should get caught up into picking and choosing who gets what as they approach. Cause we don't know. We don't know what they're going to ask for. [0:47:02, 0:47:21]: when they come. And I don't want to this council members, I don't want us going back and forth with each other, trying to say, well, you know, this organization should get this. And then two months later another organization come and you say, well, this organization should not get that. I just don't want to put us in that position. [0:47:24, 0:47:25]: Mr. Blount? [0:47:25, 0:47:40]: Uh Mr. Gardner, I would I would have to concur with that because when you're talking about uh the elected body and you talk about politicians, I don't ever want a policy to be set that can have political provisions set forth [0:47:40, 0:47:50]: for this person or that person. It could go into that. I think that we should set policies that are across the board, that are fair to everybody, and that because you can find yourself in uh [0:47:51, 0:47:55]: Because I've always said on this council, whatever we do. [0:47:55, 0:47:59]: Whatever standard we set becomes a precedence for everybody. [0:48:00, 0:48:12]: And when you start to put political provisions in, because you're making it now as uh uh whenever if we wanna make these provisions for this person or that person, then then then there's not a set standard. [0:48:12, 0:48:18]: It's whatever we say for this person or that person. And I think we can find ourselves in some uh [0:48:18, 0:48:38]: That's the way you find yourselves in different type litigation pertaining to decisions by the council rather than having a a policy by the city that's one standard. And I think that that's that's I I'm for setting this just one standard uh without making those provisions as as needed because they can become political. [0:48:39, 0:48:42]: Uh, and that's not a belittlement of any of my colleagues. [0:48:43, 0:48:44]: That's even beyond now. [0:48:45, 0:48:46]: That it could go into that. [0:48:47, 0:49:00]: True code. You know, I just I I I'm not I'm not for us being able to make provisions like that. We either set a policy, that's the policy, and that's the standard, and we move the city forward like that. [0:49:00, 0:49:01]: Yeah. [0:49:01, 0:49:20]: Mayor Ford, if I sir, go ahead, please. I I can agree with a dollar amount that would just be equal across the board, regardless of who may come. I think that's not the only equal and fair way actually to do it, but I'd be curious to see what the other council members have to say. Sir. You go right up, please. [0:49:20, 0:49:40]: Yeah, yeah. Sorry. If I could, I sa I I kinda agree with you that that that uh that would be agreeable to me as far as setting what a particular dollar amount is. But I think Mr. Blount you did hit on a very key thing, which is what is customary at these other facilities. We don't want to be an outlier. [0:49:40, 0:50:00]: where we're doing something totally different than somebody else. So again, there need to be a genesis for where these we're creating these policies in in a silo, or are we doing what's you know what's accustomed to what we're doing in the industry? Is there's are you able to answer those questions? Because originally I guess you know what you're [0:50:00, 0:50:15]: you were doing over at the East Point or some other cities. So what are you aware of what the other cities are doing or maybe Mr. Berry might be uh uh inclined to be able to enlighten us what they're doing and some of the facilities uh he's worked at. [0:50:15, 0:50:34]: So when we put this policy together um back in the early summer and brought it to you guys for adoption, we looked at um a number of communities and how they address their use of their amphitheater. Um and then we looked at a um [0:50:35, 0:50:55]: A city in particular that that had an amphitheater use and kind of blended theirs um uh because of the s similar size and scope of their facility to towards us. So we looked at what pretty much what was happening in the in the industry per se, and then model obviously uh our policies after those. [0:50:54, 0:51:04]: Um so we we we didn't just you know, pull it out of the air. Um and then we brought it to you guys originally. [0:51:04, 0:51:18]: So so the changes that we made were contrary to what you had already established, is that what you said? And and and realize too, I think, you know, every facility is different. They're not the same. They may be called an amphitheater, but they operate a little different. [0:51:19, 0:51:39]: Um and then you have uh where you have a government entity involved, then obviously this as you gave this the example of uh Mr. Buss, you know, that that is a for-profit organization and business versus we're we're a government. So we'll provide services and and tangential [0:51:39, 0:51:46]: entertainment or as part of some of these events that we have facilities. But um, you know [0:51:46, 0:52:06]: The wish part of this review is obviously what the council feels is in the best interest of the city and what you feel is equitable, uh as you mentioned related to small business and uh and such. In terms of the overall philosophy, my my focus, and I'm speaking for [0:52:06, 0:52:26]: Me is not the actual profit inside the building. And let's say let me make that clear. I I mentioned that Lakers example as what is the best practice out in the industry, which is what we're talking about. But anytime we have an event in downtown, if somebody had in my mind, and I'm talking for me, if somebody [0:52:26, 0:52:36]: had an event in the amphitheater. They brought thirty two hundred people downs downtown and we charge them a minimal fee. It's a win. [0:52:37, 0:52:49]: Because they brought thirty two hundred people downtown. The focus of what we're doing is to bring people downtown. So to me the policy that we set with the with the fee and then the twenty percent is really [0:52:49, 0:52:50]: Really [0:52:50, 0:52:56]: Uh it will really was a good policy to begin with, the the the fee and the and the twenty percent because [0:52:56, 0:52:59]: No matter what person who what they were doing. [0:52:59, 0:53:19]: They were bringing people into downtown and we were guaranteed a profit. Now, Melpro Tim, you said, you know, as you spoke that, you know, we partner with these organizations, and there's no guarantee that we would make a profit. But I mean, there's no guarantee that we're making profit on any of these concerts, but if we allow somebody else to bring the [0:53:19, 0:53:30]: concert to us, then especially a a large provider, they're gonna pay for everything and then they're gonna pay us the fee and then they're gonna give us twenty percent if there is a fee. [0:53:30, 0:53:43]: But as we know, there's no guarantee that we're gonna make money on our concerts. It really is a guarantee the other way around. Yeah. But those those are just my thoughts. Can I ask one second one second please. Ms. Barber, go ahead, please. [0:53:45, 0:53:45]: Um [0:53:47, 0:53:51]: So my concern initially was um [0:53:51, 0:53:56]: The city receiving reimbursement or putting money up front. [0:53:56, 0:53:57]: For [0:53:57, 0:53:58]: Any organization. [0:53:59, 0:54:01]: Whether it is a non profit or [0:54:01, 0:54:02]: Commercial for profit. [0:54:03, 0:54:05]: Just don't think it is a good idea for the city. [0:54:06, 0:54:07]: To put money up front. [0:54:08, 0:54:08]: Um [0:54:08, 0:54:10]: I think it would be helpful. [0:54:10, 0:54:12]: If we break this down. [0:54:12, 0:54:13]: Um [0:54:14, 0:54:16]: Об'ясні, ви стіль на. [0:54:17, 0:54:20]: come up with a solution to address the non profit. [0:54:21, 0:54:24]: Considering their fee is twenty five hundred dollars. [0:54:24, 0:54:28]: Um, for any event that they may want to hold at the amphitheater. [0:54:29, 0:54:32]: We know twenty five hundred dollars is not going to cover [0:54:32, 0:54:33]: Um [0:54:33, 0:54:34]: The [0:54:34, 0:54:37]: Some of the coordination of services. [0:54:37, 0:54:39]: For a six hour event. [0:54:40, 0:54:48]: So the city would be holding the bag for whatever. Okay. So you explain to me, Mr. Gardner, if you can explain to me. [0:54:49, 0:54:50]: How a nonprofit [0:54:50, 0:54:53]: Can host an event at the amphitheater. [0:54:53, 0:54:55]: Um without the city. [0:54:55, 0:54:56]: Havington. [0:54:56, 0:54:58]: Pay any money up front. [0:54:59, 0:55:01]: Right. So obviously [0:55:01, 0:55:03]: If I'm a two person [0:55:03, 0:55:07]: non profit then I probably won't be looking at this as a venue. [0:55:07, 0:55:27]: But if you have a large nonprofit, let's say for instance, um Salvation Army or such a group, then yes, they they can afford to come in and utilize the facility because they have the backbone to be able to do that. Um to pay for it at the 25 and then utilize the [0:55:27, 0:55:28]: Yeah. [0:55:28, 0:55:40]: Um, but your small mom and pop nonprofit probably won't. They'll probably rent a space in the Merylmanders or a smaller space to do whatever event they're gonna have because obviously they don't have the capacity. [0:55:40, 0:55:48]: to probably give up twenty five hundred. And and I might be I might be shortchanging some of those smaller smaller non profits. But I think [0:55:48, 0:55:59]: You know, when we when we talk about the size and scope of this facility, I think everybody have to look at that as when when you make this decision. It's this is not a hundred person C [0:55:59, 0:56:00]: Venu. [0:56:00, 0:56:06]: Right. So obviously as a small business or a small non profit. [0:56:07, 0:56:09]: I'm not gonna come rent this facility. [0:56:10, 0:56:12]: Because I don't have the capacity to pay for it. [0:56:13, 0:56:21]: Right. I mean it's just like everybody in life. Some people want a Rolls Royce, but you don't have the capacity to pay for it, so you don't buy it. You get yourself a Honda Copen. [0:56:22, 0:56:24]: Right. And that's not being [0:56:24, 0:56:27]: It's not saying that they're not equitable, that's just [0:56:28, 0:56:37]: Real life situation. I mean, if like I said, I mean, you know, if if I'm looking to host an event, I'm gonna look at a venue that I know that I I can afford the space to hobby. [0:56:37, 0:56:51]: Um and then I make that decision based on, you know, if I got three or four options. But like I said, for your n larger non profit organizations, twenty five hundred dollars is probably very easy for them to to put up to have an event. [0:56:53, 0:56:57]: Okay. M Mr Blount. Sir. Mr. Blount was next. Go ahead, please. [0:56:59, 0:57:17]: Yeah, I I think uh mayor, I think all the points kind of been hit on uh on this. Um, but I would ask Mr. Glenner in the future when we talk about things of of the amphitheater, and I know that you all kinda go into other cities, because I know sometimes in our in our um binders [0:57:17, 0:57:21]: We would have uh you guys would reference rather it was a policy that was at [0:57:22, 0:57:42]: Peace Tree City or whatever, not Peace Tree City, but uh let's just say uh you know you would reference where the likeness of what we're doing to other cities. Because for me, I just want us to make sure that we're in a position, in a place where we're not the anomaly of [0:57:42, 0:57:47]: of something, I want to see where what we do is the success of something else. [0:57:48, 0:57:49]: You see what I'm saying? Yes, sir. [0:57:51, 0:57:52]: Mayor Pro Tem? [0:57:54, 0:57:56]: Mr. Garden and Council, um [0:57:57, 0:57:58]: In my mind [0:57:59, 0:58:01]: This policy should be about [0:58:01, 0:58:03]: A safeguard. [0:58:04, 0:58:05]: That protect the city. [0:58:06, 0:58:08]: If something is successful [0:58:08, 0:58:09]: Yes. [0:58:10, 0:58:11]: You know, you win. [0:58:11, 0:58:16]: But I think we have to be about a policy about the safeguard. [0:58:16, 0:58:20]: Councilman Alexander mentioned about, you know, win win. [0:58:22, 0:58:25]: When the city initiate an event [0:58:25, 0:58:27]: We control our own destiny. [0:58:28, 0:58:42]: But when we allow someone else to come in to do something, we're not in control. So we don't know how successful this is going to be. But if we're on the hook for, I don't know, just say um janitorial. [0:58:43, 0:58:45]: And we spend whatever. [0:58:45, 0:58:49]: Say we spend five, ten thousand dollars for janitoria. [0:58:50, 0:58:50]: I mean [0:58:51, 0:58:53]: We lose. So so how do you [0:58:54, 0:59:01]: Force. How do you enforce that reimbursement? So rather than going in that direction. [0:59:02, 0:59:04]: You build in [0:59:04, 0:59:08]: A safe guard you build in a safety net. [0:59:09, 0:59:13]: to prevent all of that. When things are good, it's good. [0:59:14, 0:59:17]: But this policy should be about that safety net. [0:59:18, 0:59:24]: And and that's really my contention with this. Where is the safety net? Because again, [0:59:24, 0:59:31]: We're allowing this and we're spending, but we don't know their due diligence in going out making this a success. [0:59:32, 0:59:38]: And then if it's not, then they walk away and say, Well, okay, we we didn't do it this time. But then but the city [0:59:38, 0:59:41]: We're we're you know, we we're holding the bag. [0:59:43, 1:00:03]: What I may I'll make a recommendation, just a thought though, that all v obviously we have different opinions here. Maybe s we have to have some additional discussion um and then come back uh with th those comments and kind of have you know, maybe have more discussion maybe with two one on one, uh three council members or something like this and to kind of filter through this a little better. [1:00:03, 1:00:13]: But I think Mayor Ford if if this council's okay, I would not have a problem in setting uh a dollar amount ceiling. [1:00:13, 1:00:22]: across the board, something that we probably could absorb if this event is not a success. I mean to to [1:00:23, 1:00:33]: to lose based on somebody else's effort to make it a success, that's one thing. But I just think that, you know, the the dollar amount that we can sort of live with [1:00:34, 1:00:39]: I think that may be the way to go because when we come back we still have the same issue. [1:00:40, 1:01:00]: So I'll be in favor of of a dollar amount and just and take a chance on this organization who come before us, they gonna go out there and work. So what's your recommendation for a dollar amount? Well I'm gonna I'm gonna lend to our city manager over here and just you know, and I don't know. Mm-hmm. I interject on that man. If you don't mind. Yeah. Go ahead. [1:01:01, 1:01:01]: Uh uh. [1:01:02, 1:01:06]: Be because I don't want us be I don't want us to sit here and set a dollar amount. [1:01:07, 1:01:10]: And we're just kinda coming out of the wind again. I wanted to get with people [1:01:11, 1:01:14]: that have done this, know this, and that are doing this. [1:01:15, 1:01:19]: And so when we set whatever policy we set, we want it to be solid. [1:01:19, 1:01:34]: Not just saying, hey, let's do this or let's do that. No, no, we're doing it because this is the way you're supposed to do it. So I wouldn't want this council setting any dollar amount tonight because we're just we're just throwing it out there. Let's find out what the let's find out what is [1:01:35, 1:01:38]: What is the standard for us to do whatever we're doing? [1:01:38, 1:01:47]: I do not want the city to become an anomaly because we became an anomaly this year th this year and it and and things was interesting. I'll just put it that way. [1:01:48, 1:01:53]: in a lot of areas. And I just want us to make sure that whatever move we make, whatever we do. [1:01:53, 1:01:58]: That it's a standard in the system that it's it's it's this is this is the way you operate. [1:01:59, 1:02:01]: May I forward my last comment? Yeah, go right, sir. [1:02:02, 1:02:12]: Where I disagree with that is Stockbridge is Stockbridge. Stockbridge is not McDonald's. Stockbridge is not Jonesburg. And what's good for someone else [1:02:13, 1:02:17]: may not be good for stock grid. So I'm always about [1:02:18, 1:02:38]: What is good for me and my household. I'm not looking at my next door neighbor and saying, well, okay, my next-door neighbor, this is good for him. No, it doesn't work that way. You got to look at your own household and what is good for you and be proactive and go forward. So the standard may not be good for the city. [1:02:38, 1:02:58]: Star grid according to that standard as far as someone else. And when you go out there and look at standard, you're gonna probably see different standards depending on the city, the size of the city, the organization. Some organizations are well entrenched in the community and they know how to go out there and do it, whereas some may not. [1:02:58, 1:03:04]: I just think whatever we do in Stockbridge, let's do it for Stockbridge and live with that. [1:03:05, 1:03:13]: Not based on what somebody else is doing. And Mayor, that's my last comment. Maybe let me just read go right ahead. When when I let me get something clear when I say standard. [1:03:14, 1:03:18]: Because when we started this operation, none of us knew standards. [1:03:19, 1:03:25]: You start from the standard and then you take whatever provisions you need to make to modify it to fit your city. [1:03:26, 1:03:28]: When we sit here and didn't take a standard [1:03:29, 1:03:42]: We set we had policies in place, procedures in place, percentages in place that was not beneficial for the city. Why? Because we had no idea what the standard in the market was. We didn't know that. [1:03:43, 1:03:54]: I'm talking about what the city needs to do to modify, set and di that that would identify what we're doing, but you have to have a template in place to start from. [1:03:54, 1:03:58]: Not just a number outside. So I'm not saying do what other people do. [1:03:59, 1:04:17]: I'm saying there has to be a starting point that makes sense for everybody. That makes sense for for for the system that we're going in, that makes sense for the industry. There has to be a starting point. And then you modify what fits your city. That's what I mean. I'm just trying to keep us from going down a road that we don't need to go down. [1:04:19, 1:04:19]: All right. [1:04:21, 1:04:28]: Comments on this thing? Go ahead, please. I'd like to make a motion that we table this item. Okay, so we'll request that step. [1:04:29, 1:04:32]: Second. Ms. Mr. Bell second. All in favor, please indicate. [1:04:33, 1:04:40]: I wanted to finish my motion. Oh, I thought you finished it. I'm sorry. I wanna um request that we table this item. [1:04:40, 1:04:42]: And direct staff to consult with [1:04:43, 1:04:43]: A [1:04:44, 1:04:44]: Consultant. [1:04:45, 1:04:50]: Um in the industry that knows how to set up these types of policies. [1:04:51, 1:04:57]: Okay. I thought okay, you Ms. Blount, you still second that? Yes. Okay, good. Okay. All in favor, please indicate. [1:04:57, 1:05:17]: All right, fantastic. It is now tabled. Unanimous unanimous decision on that. Okay, so council of consideration to approve the award of request for proposal RFP number two zero two two-06. Uh on call general emergen uh engineering services for the city of Stockbridge and Carter and Sloop Consult. [1:05:17, 1:05:37]: Consulting engineers. Uh Mr. Aaron, please. Yes, Mr. Mayor and Council. We come back before you tonight to ask for approval of the agreement with Carter and Sloop as our second engineering firm. They was ranked the second firm. At the previous meeting, we didn't have a copy of the agreement. They only got it the day of the meeting, so they have reviewed the [1:05:37, 1:05:47]: agreement. The attorneys have reviewed it and and approved the agreement. So tonight we're asking you to approve Carter and Sloop as our second on call engineering firm. [1:05:48, 1:05:52]: Okay, is there a motion or ni first of all any questions for Mr. McDermott at all? [1:05:54, 1:05:57]: If no questions there are is there a motion to accept his proposal? [1:05:58, 1:06:02]: So is there a second? Mr from Mr. Uh Alexander, is there a second? [1:06:06, 1:06:09]: Okay, Mayor Potem second that. Any further discussion? [1:06:11, 1:06:13]: If no further discussion, all favor, please indicate. [1:06:16, 1:06:17]: All polls? [1:06:18, 1:06:23]: Abstain. Abstain. So it's three zero one. Motion passed. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Welcome. [1:06:23, 1:06:34]: Council of Consideration approved the City of Stockbridge Wayfinding Sist uh Systematic Uh Designs, schematic design, excuse me, presented by Miss Harris Braggs, Tiffany Chin. [1:06:34, 1:06:36]: Principle sky design. [1:06:37, 1:06:52]: Good evening, Mr. Mayor and Council members. Um, as you all know, I have been tasked with helping to move the wayfinding initiative forward for the city of Stockbridge by the city manager, and we have um been working with [1:06:53, 1:06:55]: The um very talented [1:06:55, 1:07:11]: um design team of Sky Design, which is an Atlanta-based firm here. I would like to bring forward Mr. Miss Tiffany Chin, who is the vice president and principal of that organization. And she is also joined by one of her team mis members, Miss Samantha Namazi. [1:07:18, 1:07:30]: Good evening everyone to see you all in person. Uh we will be presenting a recap of where we are in this project. Oh, that is not it. [1:07:35, 1:07:36]: Mm-hmm. [1:07:39, 1:07:40]: Here it is. [1:07:42, 1:07:45]: There we go. And [1:07:45, 1:07:47]: Apologies, there we go. [1:07:47, 1:07:57]: So we are going to be presenting a recap of the signage and wayfinding uh package. This involves the signage that would represent your city. [1:07:57, 1:08:17]: Around its borders and working inwards, primarily to identify the city as well as to assist with wayfinding to key destinations. As a recap of where we are today, we were tasked with the goal of understanding who the city of Stockbridge. [1:08:17, 1:08:25]: Is what kind of form and materials would represent the city in a signage capacity? [1:08:26, 1:08:31]: And then also create a system that is strategically [1:08:31, 1:08:40]: uh assisting with any type of uh destination uh finding throughout the entire city. So the presentation today [1:08:41, 1:08:45]: Вилкру сам педжіс за. [1:08:46, 1:08:59]: Wanted to start um initially just with this project goals that talks about again a little bit of recap of what I just mentioned. The point of this project is to unify the identity of the city. It will um [1:08:59, 1:09:08]: Act as a vehicle to carry forth the updated city rebranding and then direct guests to major destinations as well as downtown. [1:09:08, 1:09:16]: And then in addition to that, we will be defining what these destinations are as we work through the design process. [1:09:16, 1:09:23]: Where we are today is we are still in the latter stages of the schematics design phase. [1:09:23, 1:09:25]: Following these um [1:09:26, 1:09:37]: The conclusion of the schematics design phase, we then go into design development. And beyond that, we'll put together a documented detailed technical set, and then it will go out to bid. [1:09:37, 1:09:44]: And eventually go into installation. But just where so you know where that we are today, we are still in the schematics phase. [1:09:45, 1:09:49]: So we've taken what we understand of the city of Stockbridge character. [1:09:49, 1:09:54]: as well as the most recently updated brand guidelines. [1:09:55, 1:10:02]: And we've also created a system of sign locations based upon both um [1:10:03, 1:10:08]: The broader areas destinations as well as downtown destinations. [1:10:09, 1:10:29]: And then created programming, which quite literally is the location of signs throughout the city based upon where the city's borders are today and could possibly be in the master plan. We identify primary routes, secondary routes, and tertiary routes, all of these. [1:10:29, 1:10:39]: Again, are to be developed throughout the design process. And you can see on this particular page, we focus on the interstate routes as well as major highways and entrances into the city. [1:10:41, 1:11:01]: Furthermore, we develop we identify where secondary signs may be vehicular wayfinding, any type of additional signs that support park ID signs, and then all of these act as a breadcrumb for any guests to the city to continue to be reminded that they are in fact within the city. [1:11:01, 1:11:05]: [4267.0, 4287.0]: Here we begin the schematic design. What you're about to see is a very rough conceptual idea of our proposed forms for a number of sign types. We will begin with the highway signs, move into secondary signs that are along major routes, but still [1:11:26, 1:11:28]: On the border of the city. [1:11:28, 1:11:39]: Then you will also see some developed ideas that include vehicular directionals as well as tertiary IDs and park IDs. [1:11:40, 1:11:47]: So, from a concept level, we what we really wanted to do was understand who the city of Stockbridge is. [1:11:47, 1:11:56]: How proud you are about your history, and how much of an emphasis you would like to move forward with in terms of the future. [1:11:56, 1:12:01]: And for us, we wanted to capture all of these feelings by creating something that feels very unique. [1:12:02, 1:12:15]: That doesn't feel too traditional, but is also very authentic to the residents as well. And the forms that you see here embrace the airiness of the city, the lightness, as well as the upward progressive movement. [1:12:16, 1:12:18]: And the major sign that you see um [1:12:19, 1:12:39]: Symmetrically supports the city's identity. And then on the right side of the page, you see the secondary monument that takes these same forms but create a different language by quite literally celebrating it by having the letters on the face of these signs again supported through the a masonry base that you see. [1:12:39, 1:12:40]: Yeah. [1:12:41, 1:13:00]: In further pages, you're going to see potential proposed colors as well as materials. But these initial pages will begin to look at what they what the forms could be as well as how they appear in space. So here you see this primary sign, this gateway sign. [1:13:01, 1:13:11]: At the off ramp betw with the highway on the left and the off ra off ramp on the right and the presence that it has um to all of the drivers. [1:13:12, 1:13:25]: And then here you see a potential placement for the secondary monument. Most times when we create these types of sign types, we want to be very conscientious about the footprint that it has. [1:13:26, 1:13:45]: Um, of course, with interstate signs, you typically have a larger footprint to work with. With secondary signs along major routes, we usually have a smaller one. So most of the time, these secondary gateways are vertical. We want them to have the same amount of presence. And so what you see is a a fairly um [1:13:45, 1:13:49]: Прогрессий да сті саму традичну бес. [1:13:49, 1:13:52]: And then here you can see, and I'll zoom in a bit. [1:13:53, 1:14:02]: How these sign types could begin to look as a sign family. So you have the internet interstate sign here on the left. [1:14:02, 1:14:08]: Secondary signs on the right with the city of city name nice and proud in front. [1:14:09, 1:14:19]: Tertiary signs, which would be on secondary and tertiary roads, again with the name um right in front, and then you can see the secondary logo mark placed on this as well. [1:14:20, 1:14:30]: This is the form that we are proposing, keeping the softness of the curves and the double momentum of the arcs for the vehicular signs. [1:14:30, 1:14:40]: And then the a proposed form for the park IDs, which is an extruded and sort of tempered version of the logo mark itself. [1:14:41, 1:14:42]: How these could look. [1:14:42, 1:14:45]: In in a um [1:14:46, 1:14:51]: Colored version. So h this is a second second view from the other direction. [1:14:52, 1:15:01]: We have two options to show you of what the color materials and um potential bases could look like. Here you see [1:15:02, 1:15:10]: A traditional red brick base with cast concrete details and caps, you see a um [1:15:10, 1:15:17]: Metallic silver arcs with your floating stock bridge name and logo mark. [1:15:17, 1:15:23]: And a fairly neutral approach to the rest of the sign types with that green carrying through. [1:15:23, 1:15:32]: Again, because we're in the schematics phase, we still have opportunity to continue to develop exactly what percentage these signs are neutral or colorful. [1:15:33, 1:15:41]: But in today's presentation, we wanted to show you two that are somewhat different. You can see even for the vehicular directional and and the park ID. [1:15:41, 1:15:46]: They're still somewhat neutral with just a strong hit of the stock bridge green. [1:15:47, 1:15:50]: The second option becomes much more colorful. [1:15:51, 1:16:08]: You see the stockbridge green in the upward arcs with white uh potentially illuminated individual floating letters up on top of your colored arcs. And then you can also see here on the secondary monument. [1:16:08, 1:16:21]: how those could be colored where the faces of them are the Stockbridge green with a tonal version, white letters, and then the backs of your arcs are the colors. So you get a little bit more playfulness. [1:16:21, 1:16:32]: You also see as an alternate the potential for quarry stone for the masonry bases. And then you also see um on the tertiary monument how the colors begin to get somewhat more reduced. [1:16:34, 1:16:48]: And then finally for the vehicular directionals, they take the same and the park ID, they take the same expression with a dark hit of green, uh colorful arcs below, and then colored back behind the vehicular directional here. [1:16:51, 1:17:11]: And so, what we hope these options both do is provide some opportunity for your initial feedback. Are we on the right track for the forms of the signs themselves? Taking inspiration from the original primary monument along the interstate, and creating a family that is not duplicative or [1:17:11, 1:17:16]: or repetitive of each sign type, but still feels very cohesive and unified. [1:17:18, 1:17:25]: That is where we are today for the sign process. Well, thank you for the presentation. [1:17:25, 1:17:38]: Start as to say option B sounds good to me, looks good to me, it's more colorful, more brightness and I dislike the brightness myself in that aspect. But the council obviously has their own opinion on how and what they think about this. Anyone? Go right ahead please. [1:17:41, 1:17:43]: Yeah, I like the uh design um [1:17:45, 1:17:49]: Uh if you sc scroll down just a little bit the one at top um [1:17:50, 1:18:04]: I I I like that design because it it does show that we're it it it almost shows like a bridge, you're bridging the community together and commit and we talked about uh logo being where community connects and it and I I think it says a lot in that. [1:18:05, 1:18:06]: Uh I'm not too [1:18:07, 1:18:11]: Not too finally the other ones that look almost like something to m in my opinion. [1:18:11, 1:18:14]: Like you would see for the railroads. [1:18:15, 1:18:15]: To me. [1:18:15, 1:18:35]: But that one itself, I I like that for us exiting off of uh ramps and uh I think this I think it has a class classiness to it also, but I think it speaks to what we're what the city is actually doing. We're connecting and it and we're stopped bridge and and it shows that bridging. I think it's it speaks a lot of it. I'm I'm not too [1:18:35, 1:18:55]: crazy about the other ones on there, sir. Go right ahead, sir. You know, Mr. Blount, I actually agree with you. I I like the one. I think the green is just too strong uh on the on the bottom. It's just cause it to me it reminds me of a regular highway sign. You see green signs throughout Georgia, it wouldn't stand out because all of the signs are green. [1:18:55, 1:19:15]: When you get off the interstate, so it will kind of blend in. But that first one there with the different colors in it and the stockbridge green. The green stands out because it's it's it's it's mint, it's highlighting the city name, so the green kind of stands out. So I do like uh that one, uh, which is the first. [1:19:15, 1:19:31]: one and I would probably duplicate the first three on the last two. Something very similar with less color of that green. But I I like the green. I just think the green needs to be a splash versus dominant. Yeah. Understood. [1:19:32, 1:19:33]: Anybody else? [1:19:34, 1:19:40]: I don't too particularly like the base, um, that color of the base. [1:19:40, 1:19:40]: Um [1:19:41, 1:19:43]: So but other than that, I'm fine. [1:19:43, 1:19:46]: I agree with my councilmates, other than the base colour. [1:19:47, 1:19:49]: Um on these option B. [1:19:50, 1:19:55]: If you'll scroll down, I like that base color. Corey still the gray. Yes. [1:19:59, 1:20:19]: Member Pro Tamlin, everybody spoke but you, sir, didn't want if you had any comments. Yes, I do. Um in the session that we met, I I I think I agree as well with the excuse me for for lack of a better reason, you know, the Eiffel Tower. Um but um but that is the one that I do love. [1:20:19, 1:20:24]: like um in the session that we met, I do like that and um [1:20:25, 1:20:29]: А з міс барбаса індикато. [1:20:29, 1:20:32]: We make it play with that a little bit, but um [1:20:32, 1:20:44]: But I do like that one and I do like the the green star bridge and the different colors. So that seemed to be the consensus that, you know, we do sort of like that one as a as a as a starting point. [1:20:44, 1:20:52]: I I'll chime in May if I could. I I I could go with that uh good base. I think the bass, as you said, does kind of match better what we would have up top. [1:20:54, 1:21:00]: Uh I got a qu question. Go right here, sir. When you did that base, were you looking at something that would [1:21:00, 1:21:02]: Kind of bounce off of City Hall. [1:21:03, 1:21:13]: We were and that's what it looks like to me and I that's why I liked it because it it kind of when you when you c come in into Stockbridge, that that's what you're gonna see when you get to City Hall. [1:21:13, 1:21:19]: That's correct. And that is we we know that there is a certain level of um [1:21:20, 1:21:26]: connection that is required to just simply tie the you know tie this identity together [1:21:26, 1:21:33]: And that is where we were inspired to use that particular those particular colors, but we also feel that um [1:21:34, 1:21:45]: Whether it's the option one base or the option two base, there's still a lot of development and studies that we can do, and either one is very complementary to um either of these color schemes. [1:21:49, 1:22:09]: Okay. So the objective is for us to uh uh we've may gave our opinions. The objective is uh is to tell you exactly which ones we want and go forward with that, or what's the objective to make sure I understand? I I appreciate the the the request for clarity. The um objective today is to essentially s approve the direction in which we're [1:22:08, 1:22:10]: Okay. [1:22:12, 1:22:32]: Provide any if there's any absolute rejections of forms that you see here on this page, if somebody just does not like the park ID sign, which is this last one down here, we know that that's we need to make a departure from where it's looking, uh from how it looks today. Otherwise we will simply continue to develop. [1:22:32, 1:22:35]: You know, everything's very sketchy and um [1:22:35, 1:22:49]: somewhat unrefined right now. The next stages are for us to ensure that it doesn't look too industrial like the railroad, to work through what the lighting looks like. Do some of these um have an extra detail on the sides, things like that. [1:22:50, 1:22:58]: And um everyone has very kindly responded around a color direction, so we have that to move forward with as well. Okay. [1:22:58, 1:23:09]: So otherwise we gave your your our input, you got a kinda general consensus of that thus far. So no vote is necessary at this point and you're gonna come back at a later date with the [1:23:10, 1:23:20]: with the consensus and the drawings and then we'll g uh go through this again. That's correct. Okay. All right. You got any questions? Yeah, you got qu yes sir. One one more quick question. With with the arc. [1:23:21, 1:23:21]: Uh uh. [1:23:22, 1:23:42]: And I'm sorry, forgive me if I missed some type of meeting that you we all had, but what areas were you looking to put this? That's a great question. So these largest signs would go on the interstate. And let me back up to that um page, but essentially at the northernmost and southernmost. [1:23:42, 1:23:47]: Mm. [1:23:47, 1:23:52]: Those that is where we pro where we propose. So exit two twenty two here. [1:23:52, 1:23:55]: And two twenty eight here. [1:23:56, 1:24:12]: And we can also work through that. Um there will be further development into budget analysis, which will inform how many of each signs go where, uh, as well as physical space. Um [1:24:14, 1:24:16]: to get a little bit more detailed. [1:24:16, 1:24:21]: Now that we have a general consensus on the direction, we're go we are going to dive even deeper into [1:24:22, 1:24:30]: G dot restrictions, ensuring that the orientation is correct, the bases are correct, and so that will also inform where some signs. [1:24:30, 1:24:33]: are physically allowed to go, not just where we want them to go. [1:24:34, 1:24:40]: And and will you be providing the uh actual measurements on what you guys are gonna'cause I don't think I could see it on here. [1:24:40, 1:24:46]: We w we will be we have some estimates. Um I apologize, I didn't stop um [1:24:47, 1:24:50]: And spend a lot of time on those measurements, but [1:24:53, 1:24:54]: There we go. [1:24:55, 1:25:15]: So currently this sign is estimated around twenty-seven feet tall. Um we will play with that as well once we start diving a little deeper into how these are engineered. Uh the secondary monument is around eighteen feet. Again, we'll play with those depending on where they're placed. For example, the photograph that we had showed. [1:25:15, 1:25:17]: So [1:25:17, 1:25:25]: Cranes can't lift within a certain distance of power lines, so we have to we are going to dive deeper into the specific locations in the next step. [1:25:25, 1:25:30]: The tertiary monument is uh currently scaled at ten feet. [1:25:30, 1:25:40]: Um you would typically find those um in more suburban areas where you know you simply want a more intimate looking sign that still has some presence. [1:25:41, 1:25:45]: And then the vehicular directional we currently have scaled at twelve feet, which [1:25:45, 1:25:52]: usually allows for your standard six inch tall copy so that it's readable by vehicles going at certain speeds. [1:25:52, 1:25:59]: And then our park guide design we have scaled at a seven foot tall height, which is again, we will do further studies, but [1:25:59, 1:26:04]: It could probably reduce a little bit, but it's not too far off from a more [1:26:05, 1:26:06]: typical size. [1:26:06, 1:26:11]: Okay, c cause the stock bridge sign I see uh I think it's beautiful. [1:26:11, 1:26:18]: But it's gonna have a whole lot of different welding points to it. That's correct. And I just wanna make sure it's gonna be looking like that. [1:26:19, 1:26:30]: Two years from now, you know. Three years from now. Well, it should look like that for twenty years. Well we hope so'cause um that design's gonna have a whole lot of little welding points to it. So Well our [1:26:30, 1:26:50]: And and I apologize. Um we I did not introduce our company, but our our company is over uh thirty years. I've been personally with the company for over seventeen, and um we specialize in architectural signage. So our goal is that unless we intentionally design the sign to show welding connection points and hardware, you're not going to see it. [1:26:50, 1:26:54]: Okay. Thanks. [1:26:55, 1:26:59]: Is I six seventy five not included? [1:27:00, 1:27:06]: Uh I think we did have it on there. For one of those interstate signs. I was just curious. [1:27:07, 1:27:10]: It's one of the best levels to the [1:27:10, 1:27:14]: Oh, the spur. Right. We have one there. I d [1:27:14, 1:27:24]: We need to figure out what our footprint availability is for every location. It's technically best Playton County. So we've gotta kinda figure that out. [1:27:24, 1:27:40]: And honestly that's part of the discussions is um the hierarchy of placement and which again, which signs go in which location. And and our goal for the secondary sign was that where we k may not put [1:27:40, 1:27:47]: the our Eiffel Tower, that the secondary sign is as good of a gateway identifier as the primary. [1:27:51, 1:27:52]: Any other questions from the council? [1:27:53, 1:27:58]: All right, thank you for the presentation. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you so much. Uh-huh. [1:27:58, 1:27:59]: Take this. [1:28:02, 1:28:16]: Okay, Council's consideration to approve benefits renewal for calendar year twenty twenty three, United Healthcare for medical dental visual coverage affected January one, twenty twenty three, and it has here Mr. Gardner and Miss Wheeler. [1:28:21, 1:28:22]: Mayor Ford. [1:28:22, 1:28:36]: Yes, ma'am. The previous item, um, it doesn't require an approval from the council. No, not I didn't I that's what I was asking earlier. I didn't think we needed to vote on that. The item on the agenda says council consideration to approve. [1:28:36, 1:28:39]: The city of Stockbridge Wayfinding Site. [1:28:39, 1:28:43]: Uh designs. [1:28:43, 1:28:45]: They don't need an approval from it. Thank you. [1:28:47, 1:28:48]: Okay. [1:28:49, 1:28:50]: I think we're good. [1:28:51, 1:29:07]: Oh y'all, what do y'all it's is uh Okay. I think we what I mean that's what do y'all wanna do? We can take a vote real quick. I mean it don't matter. Well what it is is that we're gonna continue moving in earnest and then come back and come back and come back with those okay, that's what I thought. That's what I thought. [1:29:07, 1:29:14]: No say these this table to come back. That w that way click would have something. [1:29:14, 1:29:32]: Well uh we know okay. Cl okay. Clerk do you clerk you have clarification? You need clarification, are you good or what what do you uh what I noted was that there would she was asking for a consensus to make sure that they were moving in the d in the right direction. [1:29:32, 1:29:39]: And if there was anything that you all needed to delete or eliminate so that they would not continue down that path. [1:29:40, 1:29:57]: All right. Well see they now stepped out of here now too, but um Well I took it as there was a consensus basis. Well that's why I thought there was a consensus from the council. That's why they were the young lady back here was taking notes. Yeah, the young lady in the back was taking notes on everything. So Mayor Ford, can I just um [1:29:58, 1:30:03]: I move for us to approve the City of Stockbridge wayfinding schematic designs. [1:30:04, 1:30:06]: All right, zero second motion. [1:30:07, 1:30:08]: Yes, ma'am. Yes, sir, I'm sorry. [1:30:10, 1:30:30]: Uh Councilmember Barber, if if you would kinda give us to for staff to keep moving in the direction I think as as outlined in the presentation, that would help us more rather than the the approval, because it makes it seem like we're approving what you guys see and it's still not all done yet. Okay. So I motion to um [1:30:30, 1:30:35]: Allow stab to continue with their schematic design work. [1:30:35, 1:30:38]: All right, is there a second to the motion? Second. Okay. All in favor, please indicate. [1:30:40, 1:30:41]: Thank you. Okay. [1:30:42, 1:30:46]: And um Miss Holliday, you you got that ma'am? Okay, it's a good deal. Thank you. [1:30:46, 1:30:47]: Hi Miss Willer. [1:30:47, 1:30:50]: On you ma'am. Okay, good evening, Mayor and Council. [1:30:51, 1:30:54]: Um come before you um this evening to [1:30:54, 1:30:59]: Renew our benefits as always for the next calendar year. [1:31:00, 1:31:01]: Um in your [1:31:02, 1:31:04]: information that you received [1:31:04, 1:31:14]: Um there is a overview of what is taking place for the renewal um for this year and staff's recommendation. [1:31:14, 1:31:20]: Um Tom Hayes, who is from MSI Benefits, will go into more detail of the [1:31:20, 1:31:27]: um the marketing of our benefits to the various carriers and how we have come to the [1:31:27, 1:31:29]: uh to recommend united health care. [1:31:29, 1:31:32]: Um for next year. Okay. [1:31:33, 1:31:34]: Welcome, sir. [1:31:36, 1:31:56]: Uh a question, I guess the air is on, is that what that's what we that noise? Is that heat or air? It sounds like it's probably cold being cold. Yeah, it's uh that's the air. We we just turned the temperature down just a little bit. Okay. Turn it up just a little bit because it was getting kinda cold. Okay. All right, so making adjustments. [1:31:56, 1:31:58]: All right, thank you, sir. Yes, sir, please. [1:31:59, 1:32:19]: Yes, uh good evening, uh Mr. Mayor and City Council. My name's Tom Hayes with MSI Benefits Group. Um I was here, uh John Lega is is uh typically here for each renewal and he had a a conflict, but I work closely with him and and with this renewal that's been going on for uh a couple months since August or so, um looking at the best options for the city Stockbridge. [1:32:18, 1:32:23]: for the uh twenty twenty three health insurance benefits as well as dental envision. [1:32:24, 1:32:44]: Um so everyone should have a uh benefit presentation for today. Um I'll quickly go through page two is just a uh review of what the city did for this for for lat or for the current year for 2022. So this was from from last year. So as of uh the 2022 renewal, uh the city would have [1:32:44, 1:33:04]: Had a medical loss ratio that ran at 108%. Um so the insurance carriers look at that. 108% basically essentially means that for every dollar premium paid, uh Cygna, who's the insurance carrier, is paying a dollar and eight cents out in claims. So as of last year, Cygna had a uh medical renewal workup that [1:33:04, 1:33:18]: requested a 23% renewal increase. Um we going going back with them there was a non-marketed renewal offer from them to reduce it down to a 10% increase, which was accepted by the city. [1:33:18, 1:33:38]: had a non-marketed renewal for 10% uh with no plan change designs, no changes to the employee deductions. Um there was a small increase for the uh dental about eight point uh three percent and then no other changes so the uh overall budget increase for twenty twenty two was a hundred and ninety thousand dollars [1:33:38, 1:33:48]: that put the uh budget for medical and dental for the city for twenty twenty two at uh just about uh two million six hundred two million uh sixty thousand dollars. [1:33:50, 1:34:10]: As of on page three, this is what we're looking at for 2023. Uh like I mentioned, um, we've been working on this for uh for the last few months since uh August when we were able to get Cygnus Renewal and look at other options. The three options you see there, these are the the best options. MSI, we've marketed [1:34:10, 1:34:30]: The the benefits to all the different carriers. So, you know, we had Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, we had we got a quote from Aetna, a quote from Himana, a quote from Kaiser Permanente. Those other carriers in in a different presentation, they were uh listed on there, but uh you know, simplified it here since those were all higher um and more like increases rather than [1:34:29, 1:34:47]: And then we have a couple really good offers on the table here. So with Cygna, the initial renewal increase was um you'll see on that first uh on the far left there in the middle that you got the current cost and the renewal. They were requesting that it's in the highlighted in yellow 14.7% increase. [1:34:48, 1:35:08]: We took this to market, got a very good renewal back or um proposal back from United Healthcare. We also did look at a self-insured option through uh company called SBR Strategic Benefit Resources, if the city wanted to be self-insured rather than a fully insured option. Uh you'll see in the middle United Healthcare, which uh [1:35:08, 1:35:28]: uh Miss Wheeler had mentioned was looking like the uh would be the the the most uh efficient best option for the city. Um it came back with a ten point five percent decrease from uh from what you are currently paying uh with Cigna. This was presented to Cygna and they came back with uh about five percent decrease. [1:35:28, 1:35:48]: Decrease on what their renewal would be. This is the same plan design. The only change is highlighted in red. For the pharmacy on tiers three and four, it's an increase somewhat for the tier three. Those are usually non-preferred brand name drugs. That'd be a$75 copay rather than$60. And then Tier 4. [1:35:48, 1:35:57]: Which are specialty drugs would be$150 copay, which is a more standard copay for a specialty drug that falls under tier four. [1:35:57, 1:36:13]: Um now then then there's also the SBR self-insured option off to the right there. You'll see that's about 8.5% decrease. Uh so it was looking, you know, that's a also a good option, but the United Healthcare did come in uh lower than that as well. Um [1:36:13, 1:36:33]: Down below in the orange, you will see that that shows what the annual net increase or decrease would be. So in United Healthcare, if you accepted this renewal or this proposal, your uh annual net decrease would be$371,000. Um$371,126 uh for 2023. [1:36:33, 1:36:53]: Now, with the Cygna renewal, you'll see there's some renewal notes off to the right side there. What that's talking about is with Cigna, you're currently on a, they call it like a level-funded uh plan, which means that the city could be eligible to get a surplus at the end of the year if you run well with your claims. And through subconscious, [1:36:53, 1:37:13]: September, your claims the city would would could get a refund of about$83,000. If that kept on running as is, the refund could be$100,000. Thinking down below, when you're looking at this revised renewal with Cigna, your annual net decrease. [1:37:13, 1:37:28]: decrease would be 170,000. If the claims happened, you know did run that same way and you got a$100,000 surplus, you'd be at$270,000 decrease while the United Healthcare quote is$100,000 cheaper than that, still at$371. [1:37:29, 1:37:33]: Um and then the the self insured options at three hundred thousand. [1:37:35, 1:37:36]: Um [1:37:37, 1:37:52]: The following page I can kind of skip over that's when SBR Advantage and the self-insured plan, the third option that we were showing on there. Um, you know, initially that was looking like the best option, but again, that United Healthcare fully insured plan uh was was offered. [1:37:53, 1:37:58]: On page five is your dental renewal and also options. So [1:37:59, 1:38:06]: Uh Cygna, which is who the city currently has for their dental envision, uh had a four point uh eight two. [1:38:06, 1:38:26]: uh percent increase for the dental. So it'd be going for that 35.99 for employee only is up to 3772 is a a monthly premium for for an employee. United healthcare had matched with the the current plan design as well as what the current rates are. So there would be no change in in in the cost or the deductions. Another important thing [1:38:26, 1:38:28]: to note is with United Healthcare. [1:38:28, 1:38:48]: the um medical rates that are shown here are showing a two two and two point five percent bundled discount um if you add the dental envision. So it's be of it it would be advised that if you were gonna go with United Healthcare, you'd want to to take the dental envision to get that two and a half points off your medical uh premiums. [1:38:48, 1:38:58]: Uh Aetna was also proposed on there as a standalone, a little bit lower, same plan design, still covering the employee 100% for dental insurance. [1:39:00, 1:39:04]: Visions on page six and it's uh kind of the same story here. [1:39:04, 1:39:20]: United Healthcare matched the uh plan design. It actually has a little bit better, pays thirty percent after a hundred thirty dollar allowance on frames. So it's uh you know, tad better than the current plan, and also matched um Cygna's current plan and which was a a flat renewal on there. [1:39:22, 1:39:42]: Um the next few pages is with uh AFLAC. So currently the city has individual uh accident insurance, there's a critical ill illness insurance, and then there's a hospital indemnity insurance. These are supplemental insurance um policies that are um you know that are optional for insurance. [1:39:42, 1:40:02]: employees and right now as an individual um apparently there's been some customer service issues with it each plan um you know it's it's it's uh a little bit harder to to handle administratively so we're offering on here there's like a group group insurance rather than an individual plan so we can move it [1:40:02, 1:40:22]: It to a group group uh crit group accident, group critic group critical illness, and a group hospital indemnity. And um it should just make it easier uh administratively. Everything could be uh enrolled online through the benefit um enrollment site instead of uh individual um paper applications. Um also could be in the [1:40:22, 1:40:30]: The employee benefit handbook, and uh usually with the customer service, it's it's we're seeing that it's just been a little bit better than those individual plans. [1:40:30, 1:40:48]: If employee did want to keep their certain critical illness plan, they still could too. It would just be off the payroll deduction and they could just pay that, you know, as a monthly payment to AFLAC if they didn't want to switch over to like a group plan instead. So they still have the option to keep their individual plan if if they uh really wanted to. [1:40:51, 1:41:01]: Um and then on page ten is just a quick summary of everything that I was just talking about. So you can see um you know the annual premium. [1:41:02, 1:41:05]: Yeah, I'm tapping ten. [1:41:06, 1:41:10]: Unless they have a different presentation. Okay. [1:41:11, 1:41:23]: I guess it's on page nine for your presentation. Um and that simply just shows uh your an annual budget and um looking between the medical dental vision and the totals on there. So [1:41:23, 1:41:24]: Um [1:41:24, 1:41:44]: You know, for the the medical on there you'd be with if with United Healthcare, um employees would have no different cost and the city would be seeing a ten point five percent decrease for uh twenty twenty three. Um so the annual net total would be uh three million hundred four uh forty eight thousand and some change. [1:41:47, 1:42:07]: And and that's it. That's everything. I think you have a question, sir? Yeah. Go right in, please. That's uh obviously this sounds like a win. Um with three hundred and seventy one thousand thousand dollars in savings. I mean it's kinda like a no brainer. The only thing the only question that I really had was I always like, you know, when we're passing on costs to [1:42:07, 1:42:27]: the employees to see what we can do to minimize that. Now you went over some things about uh some of the costs going up in terms of what the prescriptions uh benefits. Just for it's for a non-preferred brand name and specialty drugs, right? So to explain that to me, so what is that so that's d if they don't get [1:42:27, 1:42:29]: Get the generic brand or what what [1:42:29, 1:42:47]: Right. This is um vast majority of of employees would be taking a tier one or tier two. Tier one are like your basic generic drugs, pretty cheap, like um blood pressure medicine or something like that. Tier two um are gonna be like uh preferred brand name drugs out there. [1:42:48, 1:43:07]: Yeah, so some a little bit like yeah, so brand name and a little bit more expensive than just uh the generics. So tiers three and four is gonna be a uh probably smaller amount of people who who would actually take that. Um and usually tier three it's like a non-preferred, so usually there's a preferred one there. Like your eloquence, some of the very high [1:43:08, 1:43:10]: specialty drugs that employ um that [1:43:11, 1:43:18]: individuals are taking now that you see advertised a lot. Some of those drugs may fall into the specialty drug. [1:43:18, 1:43:28]: um category. We don't know exactly what the different drugs are out there, but we know that eloquists, um, jardiance [1:43:28, 1:43:48]: Um some of them fall under that. I mean I take one but I'm able to get it under the tier one or tier two. But it's some of your high level specialty drugs that employees all the time. So in essence they would still still be able to get the medication. So somebody's on a heart medication or they on some type of brand they could get it, they just couldn't get it [1:43:48, 1:43:54]: Depending depending on what their doctor prescribes for them. [1:43:54, 1:44:14]: But they'll still be able to get the dr any type of pharmacy. So the premium the markup is just if they want a specialty drug. Right. Some people do not like generics type of things. Yeah, if it's like a non preferred um then that would be what the markup would be. Or a specialty or like the ver you know, uh uh the really high expensive drugs, the ones [1:44:14, 1:44:33]: That could be, you know, five thousand dollars a month, ten thousand. Usually specialty drug is anything that's over like a thousand dollars a month. So um, you know, the the very, very expensive ones. And that and the hundred and fifty is um honestly what you all had right now is the sixty dollars. That's very, very low. Uh 150 is a more [1:44:33, 1:44:42]: more standard about what the copay generally is for a drug like that. The you know, the subscriber and member paying the one hundred fifty dollars, um, and then the rest covered for'em. [1:44:43, 1:45:03]: So I guess my d i if we saving three hundred and seventy one thousand dollars to start with, to begin with, if you change that to what we currently have, how much would that affect the pol how much would that affect where we are? If we went you said we're doing sixty now, if we made that number sixty and this is how does that fluctuate the dollar amount that we [1:45:03, 1:45:05]: [6305.6, 6325.6]: So United Healthcare, this is like a fully insured plan. And they have kind of um set plan designs that they offer. Um they're not as like customizable as like a fully insured plan uh can be. And even for Cigna, they can customize theirs a little bit more. Um usually United Healthcare and Anthem, a few other carriers, kind of just um [1:45:25, 1:45:34]: Um I guess for their own uh admin, uh they just have like a set plans that they they design and offer. So you can't really uh you can't [1:45:35, 1:45:55]: uh customize as much for each co-pay on there. So so what have that smaller I just want to make sure that we're we're not in c we're not putting somebody in a position that they need a drug then you know you to us going from sixty dollars to a hundred and fifty dollars might not be a big deal but to someone else who's making less [1:45:55, 1:46:01]: Yes, it may be. So you're saying this is an anomaly that somebody might find themselves in that category? [1:46:02, 1:46:22]: Um yeah, I mean I I'm not sure how many people are taking like a specialty drug, but it's um usually for more serious cases for like MS or if you have cancer or something like that, which you probably meet your max out of pocket either way, um, for a lot of those. And then this the tier three that fluctuates with the formulary that these carriers make. Um [1:46:22, 1:46:42]: And usually there's other alternatives out there um if they didn't want to pay the$75 copay to look at having you know be a preferred brand instead. But but see that's the thing that kind of get me. See if somebody's on cancer drug, I don't know if I want, you know, raise their rate. So that's why I was asking if there's as a trade-off to whether we could kinda, you know, take [1:46:42, 1:46:54]: You know, not get three seventy one, maybe get three sixty one and keep them at the same place they already are. Right. I I would use I'll use me as an example. Right. So I had to [1:46:54, 1:47:04]: I was prescribed a a drug by um I specialist and that drug was five thousand dollars or six thousand dollars. [1:47:05, 1:47:22]: My um primary care doctor obviously recognized that that was those premium drugs and gave me a substitute that was in the hundred dollar range versus that that premium amount. She she said that there's something else out there for you to utilize rather than that drug. [1:47:23, 1:47:29]: Um, so that's what I actually end up having to use. Uh, you know, if I could afford to pay the five thousand I would've but [1:47:30, 1:47:30]: You know. [1:47:31, 1:47:51]: I I and I don't know, we don't probably have the numbers with us on maybe how many of our employees would or prefer those, but I will tell you that it's it's probably less than the people you fingers you could count on your hands in terms of the number of employees who might actually want that type of drug or or probably would prefer it and their doctor would always [1:47:51, 1:47:53]: to give them the alternative if you can. [1:47:55, 1:47:57]: Mr. Blount, go ahead, please. [1:47:57, 1:48:17]: Yeah, thank you for your presentation. The the thing that concerns me and and in line with Mr. Alexander, the thing that concerns me when you fit uh switching uh providers, help providers, is one of the things you have to look at is that when those people that have pre existing conditions, how does it fold over to the other help provider? [1:48:17, 1:48:18]: What [1:48:18, 1:48:38]: uh because they dictate what drugs they're going to cover and not cover. And if they cover you, they dictate rather they're gonna cover that as a higher cost and that may be outside line with what they're what the people are paying now. So you you you look at uh pre existing conditions and and the coverage they have now and you look at uh the doctors [1:48:38, 1:48:39]: Under [1:48:39, 1:48:45]: the the doctors that they have, if they're specialty doctors, were those doctors still changed over also? [1:48:46, 1:48:53]: You know, w w because I remember that we we had United Healthcare at one time, and then when all that big conflict happened. [1:48:53, 1:48:59]: And I'm gonna say it because it's public information. When all the big conflict happened with Peak Mont Hospital, they just dropped the [1:49:00, 1:49:05]: it i it put everybody in a bind. And that's why we left United Healthcare in the first place. I remember that. [1:49:05, 1:49:12]: Mm-hmm. This is why we left United Healthcare because they operate under a different system than Signa operates under anyway. [1:49:13, 1:49:13]: So [1:49:14, 1:49:26]: I'm for me, I'm not for United Healthcare because of that, because of how they operate. And it's a totally different system schematically on what they do versus how Signa operates. [1:49:27, 1:49:47]: Yeah, um just to respond to that, I mean mo yeah, all these insurance carriers, you know, obviously have a network of providers that they work with and they have to negotiate with those providers and and and in that case sometimes it does, you know, where there's a conflict. It's uh there's a big one with Northside Medical Center and Anthem that finally got resolved. [1:49:47, 1:50:07]: After, you know, I think it was like eight months of them going back and forth at each other. Um so that is usually kind of a battle between these carriers. And sometimes um, you know, that has happened, like you know, healthcare and like Well Star at one point, but those uh contracts have been uh renewed since then. Um but can I can I interrupt you one second? Yes, sir. So you can adjust. [1:50:07, 1:50:11]: And what's common among health providers [1:50:11, 1:50:16]: Із гів'юсь да во бета анон компетер. [1:50:17, 1:50:25]: So they'll give you prices that we can get their business, but then next thing you know, those prices go up because that's not operational costs. [1:50:26, 1:50:35]: When you look at what we're do if you let me just put it, let me put it in layman terms. You got ten people and five of them are are costing more. [1:50:35, 1:50:37]: They'll do a competitive price. [1:50:37, 1:50:52]: But once they get your business next year, they're gonna go what's best operational for them. They're gonna say, hey, these five are costing us money. We can't operate with y'all like this unless we do. That's just how the system works. So these introductory prices that we're getting. [1:50:52, 1:51:12]: This is what I've seen since I've been on this council. That's everybody, Mr. Blount. And that's and that's what concerns me, Mr. Uh Gardner, is that these competitive the competitive rates versus introductory rates, that concerns me when you're talking about employees that have doctors, that have pre-existing additions, that that are that that have medications that [1:51:12, 1:51:32]: They have to have when you start to move around that money sometimes don't add up the dollar figure versus the house that you may be putting on employees. Right. So go ahead. Um I'm shooting my turn. When you change provide when you if you change provider and all of your associated costs are the same or they're lower. [1:51:32, 1:51:33]: You know. [1:51:34, 1:51:51]: One of the things they're gonna look at a year from now is what our claim ratios are. Right. And that's every insurance company in this country. They're going to look at if you had ten cancer events, then they're you that that changes the dynamics of what you're going to pay the next year. [1:51:51, 1:52:11]: Right. They they lock you in as much as you can, but the cost that you're getting today is a cost that you're locked into for the next year. Obviously they're gonna re-evaluate us based on our claim rate. That's that's the same thing if you hit your car. Your insurance rate is gonna go up the more you hit your car. Mr. Garden, I've I fully one hundred percent [1:52:11, 1:52:18]: Understand that system. So you're I understand that. But what we have to look at when we're changing providers. [1:52:19, 1:52:21]: And we had the professional here. [1:52:21, 1:52:29]: Those numbers are deflated for business, not actual numbers for operation. I'm trying to tell you now, I know this for a fact. [1:52:30, 1:52:35]: And if you can speak to that, you've seen it happen. You have to seen it happen. [1:52:36, 1:52:56]: These are, you know, they're underwritten firm rates. So uh whenever we send these for proposals, we send them um, you know, what what Cigna is at and the census and they have underwriters review the risk and and provide what the premiums are gonna be, what they would offer for a twelve month contract on there. So everything on there is set for the you know. [1:52:56, 1:53:16]: know that would be set for the entire year. The plan design would be you know set. So if somebody does have higher claims, they're gonna pay that. They look at a whole bunch of different factors on there. Y'all were running the city was running at 108% loss ratio. United Healthcare uh can be aggressive with their with their proposal [1:53:16, 1:53:36]: proposals because they think um I mean they they have contracts with you know these different providers and some carriers a little bit more aggressive with their contracts than others. So if Cygna's like, well, you know, with uh Well Star, we'll pay you this much and much for the contract. United Healthcare may take a little bit hard more hard-nosed stance at it and they paid them less for the exact same [1:53:36, 1:53:56]: service. Um, you know, CT scan with Cigna, they could be paying, you know,$2,000. United Healthcare is paying twelve hundred dollars. And they see the, you know, a network savings there that they could be a little bit more aggressive with the rates. Um we market the benefits every year, usually starting in around October or so. Um so you know changes can be made if [1:53:56, 1:54:16]: if if uh if it's not something you know that that employees are happy with because that's that's the main um concern and want to make sure that it's a smooth tr transition. Anytime you change insurance carriers, um it's kind of you know it's it's a big deal. Obviously people are on have uh doctors and and you know if they have certain prescriptions they're taking um [1:54:16, 1:54:36]: You know, we do an open enrollment and try to make sure all employees are aware of the change, the sit down with the benefit counselor, go over, you know, the d any changes that are happening, like with the copay there for the tiers three and four, get uh make sure they have a prior authorization for any um prescriptions that they are on, so there's no like hiccup when January first starts. [1:54:35, 1:54:41]: Um usually that's the big thing is like a PA or prior authorization for drugs. Um [1:54:41, 1:55:01]: But you know, any other pre-existing condition or anything like that, United Healthcare with this proposal is accepting the risk of the group and the health of the group as is. So um, you know, there's uh not a concern of if somebody has a ongoing illness that was being covered a certain way with Cigna is all of a sudden going to be declined and not covered. [1:55:01, 1:55:21]: And as far as the networks, um, you know, these are both the OAP is the open access plus networks, Cigna's large, like nationwide um network on there, and United Healthcare has this choice plus insurance, and that's essentially their same large network, you know, very similar to that, pretty much overlaps um very [1:55:21, 1:55:27]: like ninety eight, ninety nine percent. So like most any doc you know, most doctors should be in either network. [1:55:28, 1:55:44]: But there I I understand your concern about changing carriers. It you know, it's um it's you know, there's more work involved and and and have to you know, wanna make sure employees are aware. We just saw with the savings that the city could s uh have that it was worth looking at. [1:55:47, 1:56:07]: Go right ahead, please. Uh you know, Mr. Blount, I certainly can uh agree with what you're saying in terms of you know having the caution and that's why I asked some of the questions that I asked. But generally agreeing, you're telling us that we will be able to save three hundred and seventy one thousand dollars, pretty much everybody what what the people [1:56:07, 1:56:22]: have now they will be covered uh under up to the same degree and that's not gonna change for the next twelve months and should this situ should and I w this will be we'll be back in the same position next year to do it out again if we need be, if we need to change again. [1:56:23, 1:56:43]: Yes, yes, we could change again if you know, if uh United Healthcare doesn't you know, if there's customer service issues or or issues that uh you'll you all have that you'd want to change it, we could certainly change again. Um, you know, we don't know what the renewal will be like next year. Hopefully it's it's a really good one. These are all fantastic options. Um [1:56:43, 1:56:52]: You know, to be honest, I mean it's great to see a decrease uh anytime or even a flat renewal these days. Yeah, so it's all they're all good news. Um [1:56:52, 1:57:12]: Uh but yes we certainly look at that each year and can present a variety you know variety of options every year if you guys want to take a different direction. Uh based on what the recommendation is, I'm gonna go ahead and make a motion to approve and uh with the savings of three hundred and seventy-one thousand dollars and uh base getting um comp comparable coverage. [1:57:12, 1:57:14]: for the next twelve months. [1:57:14, 1:57:15]: Zero second. [1:57:17, 1:57:21]: There are second. Oh Miss Barber seconds that. Okay. All in favor, please indicate. [1:57:23, 1:57:35]: Okay, I'll approve. Uh opposed? You No, I mean if that's what it the the direction of the council wants to go, I approve it. Okay, you approve. So it's four four. Unanimous decision. Unanimous decision four-o. Okay, thank you very much, sir. Appreciate the presentation. [1:57:36, 1:57:38]: Thank you, Ms. Mayor. Thank you, Councilman. [1:57:39, 1:57:51]: Council consideration approved the first uh progress briefing of the city council summarizing the benefits of uh establishing a tax allocation district and scheduled through adoption. Mr Gardner, please. [1:57:53, 1:58:02]: Yes, real quick, Mayor and Council. Um one of the things we've been working on as part of our initiative to provide for economic development. [1:58:03, 1:58:09]: um and economic development incentives was looking at how can we maximize [1:58:09, 1:58:19]: Um some of the existing plans that we have in place that would give us the authority to move forward with a tax allocation district. Um [1:58:19, 1:58:23]: The use of a tax allocation district was approved by the voters in twenty twenty. [1:58:24, 1:58:44]: Um that had to go on on the ballot and the majority of Henry County residents approved for Henry County and the four municipalities to develop tax tax allocation districts as part of their economic development incentive program. Um and so when we talk about a tad, you have two or three [1:58:44, 1:58:48]: three major tides in the state in the metro area that most folks know about. [1:58:48, 1:58:50]: The biggest one being Atlantic Station. [1:58:51, 1:58:54]: That used to be, if you remember, used to be a old steel mill. [1:58:55, 1:59:01]: Um back in the day and the cost associated with developing that property was prohibitive [1:59:02, 1:59:03]: Outside of the use of the tad. [1:59:04, 1:59:24]: And so with that, they were able to clean up the environmental issues associated with the old steel mill. And what you have here today is a vibrant mixed-use development in that on that same property, where before it was undevelopable because of the environmental challenge. The other one is located in the city of East Point. [1:59:24, 1:59:34]: The Cam Creek Marketplace on Cam Creek Parkway, right there off the Interstate 285. That's one of the actually the highest performing TAD right now in the state of Georgia. [1:59:35, 1:59:55]: That development would not have happened because the property on which it was developed had no infrastructure and needed it needed to be developed. And so that bond is actually moving in terms of paying it off in 30 years, is actually being paid off in 23. Um, I think it'll be paid off at the end of this year, if I'm not mistaken. Um it's one of the actually the highest. [1:59:55, 2:00:15]: Performing Tide. What this does is allow for us to make some infrastructure improvements, whether it be the use of a parking deck or water sewer, as we look to develop our downtown area and associate areas within the TIDE district for mixed use development and associated um commercial development. [2:00:15, 2:00:25]: What we did was I brought on our Blakely group to help us coordinate this effort because we had a lot of documents. We've we've we've moved somewhere down the road as it relates to [2:00:25, 2:00:45]: What's necessary to create a TAD. And so they're helping us put all of that together to to bring this TAD to fruition. That will be one of the biggest tools in our toolbox if we are able to get it approved through the main council. Along with some other incentives that we're gonna be working with the state. [2:00:45, 2:00:49]: So with that I'm gonna turn it over to Gary Mangian. [2:00:50, 2:00:59]: um to with the uh K B group to kinda give you guys um what he's found in in his work and the steps moving forward. Gary? [2:01:02, 2:01:22]: Thank you, Mayor and Council. Um I know it's getting late, and you have absorbed a tremendous amount of information tonight. Um and so I'm gonna continue that process, but I'm gonna try to go as fast as I can, I promise, and uh save time for questions and be respectful for your for your time. Um [2:01:22, 2:01:42]: Um Fred's kind of given you a good overview of uh what we've been uh retained to do. What I would like to do tonight, this is just informational uh to give you a sense of what's gonna happen in the next 45 days to get you to the point where if you choose to, you could adopt a redevelopment plan and establish a tax allocation. [2:01:42, 2:01:45]: district uh focusing on downtown. [2:01:47, 2:02:07]: Um to do that I just got to give you some a few uh definitions. Um you know, first, what is the Georgia Redevelopment Powers Law? That's the law that uh enables communities like Stockbridge to use what's called tax increment financing, which I'll explain in more detail later. Every state in the union and the District of Columbia. [2:02:07, 2:02:27]: Columbia uses this tool. About 80 cities and counties in Georgia already have approved redevelopment plans and tax allocation districts. Probably Henry was probably one of the last counties in Georgia, well, the urban counties to authorize redevelopment powers. [2:02:26, 2:02:43]: The closest TADs to you would be, again, East Point was mentioned, Forrest Park, College Park, South Fulton just approved a TAD last year. There are three tax allocation districts and unincorporated Clayton County. [2:02:43, 2:02:53]: So there were a number of these uh fairly near nearby, including Union City. And and so what's a tax allocation district? Well a ta a tax allocation district [2:02:53, 2:03:13]: Is basically an assembly of tax parcels where the local government have those parcels have to be within an approved redevelopment area and meet the definition and requirements of state law, where the local government has determined that tax increment financing could be used. The only requirements is be in a redevelopment area and the parcel. [2:03:13, 2:03:28]: Parcels are contiguous. This is an example of a TAD approved in 2021 in Canton, Georgia, surrounding their downtown, which would be pretty similar to what we're proposing or you could be considering here later in the year. [2:03:29, 2:03:48]: Um if you were to approve a redevelopment plan uh before December thirty-first, the TAD could become in effect uh in twenty twenty three. If you choose not to do that, then next available opportunity would be December of twenty twenty three to go into effect in twenty twenty four. [2:03:50, 2:04:06]: Um TADs usually have a a a finite life, uh typically twenty five to thirty years, but in some cases, as Fred mentioned, the TADs could be dissolved uh sooner. [2:04:07, 2:04:27]: Um so how does tax increment financing work? Uh well in Georgia communities are uh eligible to pledge real estate, personal property, and sales taxes up to 50 years for tax increment financing purposes. Typically in Georgia, only real estate taxes are pledged. [2:04:26, 2:04:36]: Uh typically no more for th than thirty years, but the Ellenwood Tad in Clayton County just up the road uh pledged uh their portion of the local option sales tax. [2:04:37, 2:04:38]: Um [2:04:39, 2:04:59]: The real estate tax that can be pledged includes both the city real estate tax, which you don't have one at the moment, as well as county and school district taxes. And the ability to get the consent of the county and school district is where the bulk of the revenue would come from to make [2:04:59, 2:05:19]: This work in your downtown. Basically, what would happen as of December 31st of this year if you approve the TAD, the base digest for the district would be set. From that point forward, all property taxes or any taxes that are pledged for the TAD associated with that base digest would continue to go to the general fund. [2:05:19, 2:05:39]: Funds of the city, county, and school district. Any incremental property taxes associated with value increases brought about by new private development in the district would go into a special fund managed by the City of Stockbridge to use to pay eligible redevelopment costs, which can be in the form of incentives to private. [2:05:39, 2:05:59]: Developers or public improvements to make help make projects financially feasible. In the case of the East Point TAD Friend mentioned, the revenues were used for public infrastructure. And other TADs that go directly to development incentives. I give you three quick examples of TADs located in downtown. [2:05:59, 2:06:19]: Areas and suburban locations. One is in Duluth. Right around the time you built this city hall, Duluth built a city hall on a very large town green in the center of their community. Their main street commercial district was about the size of yours next door. They assembled a lot of property around their new city hall, created a tax [2:06:19, 2:06:39]: Tax allocation district, and so far in about seven years, they have attracted$350 million in private investment. Most of it's completed. Uh they turned the site of their old city hall into a uh dining uh district with 10 restaurants. Um and again, they've they've incentivized seven. [2:06:39, 2:06:59]: Several hundred uh apartment units, townhomes, single-family homes, a hotel. I've been probably the most successful downtown TAD in Georgia percentage-wise in the Metro. Downtown Gainesville is another example. Gainesville about 2007. [2:06:59, 2:07:19]: Created a TAD for their what they call Midtown Gainesville District. They have never issued any bonds. They've basically done so far 10 what they call reimbursement agreements, where they just negotiate agreements with developers who are doing projects from small office buildings and rehabs all the way up to large [2:07:19, 2:07:39]: Multifamily developments and just negotiated agreements. If you create increment within our TED, we'll give you back a portion of that increment to make your project uh feasible. And so far, they've done again 10 projects and 150 million dollars in investment. And then the final example is downtown Douglasville. [2:07:39, 2:07:59]: Uh, which is creating right now is in the middle of constructing an amphitheater not nearly as large as yours in terms of capacity, but they took the south the site of the Douglas County Jail, which is about eleven acres located on the fringe of their downtown. They acquired that from the county, they demolished the jail site, they're building the amphitheater now. [2:07:59, 2:08:16]: And they've created a development site, about seven-acre development site for mixed use, multifamily development. They're on their second developer, it's probably gonna be an eighty million dollar project, and they wanna use the tax increment from that project to pay a portion of the debt service on the amphitheater bonds. [2:08:16, 2:08:36]: So that's just three examples. Fairly similar strategy uh to what you've been doing in Stockbridge. It's just been an enormous amount of public investment in and around within a quarter mile, half mile radius of this building over the last two decades plus. And now this tool is intended to help incentivize private investment. [2:08:36, 2:08:40]: uh to capitalize on all these public improvements you made. [2:08:41, 2:09:01]: So I mentioned this had this has to be part of a redevelopment plan, uh which the city council must adopt. Um and a redevelopment plan and a redevelopment area basically sets the geography which in Stockbridge that would qualify for this tool. [2:09:01, 2:09:21]: Development area has to meet certain definitional requirements in the state law. They're specified in the statute. It's up to us as your analysts to make sure the area we propose qualifies. It is part of a plan. And the tax allocation district can be the same geography as. [2:09:21, 2:09:38]: as a redevelopment area or the redevelopment area can be substantially larger and can actually have more than one tax allocation district within it. The only requirement is that the TAD must be contiguous and it must lie entirely within the boundary of a qualified redevelopment area. [2:09:40, 2:09:45]: Uh what qualifies a redevelopment area, again, it's it's there's a big long definition in the statute. [2:09:45, 2:10:05]: Uh and it's basically centered around growth. Uh areas of your community that have not grown as fast as other parts of the city, uh, where property values aren't as high as other parts of the city, there may be high vacancy rates, high poverty rates, high unemployment. The one thing that's not in the definition is slums and blight. That's under a different definition. [2:10:05, 2:10:25]: That's under the Urban Redevelopment Act, which you have an urban redevelopment area that includes this building. You always get somebody in a public hearing that says, Well, this area doesn't have slums and blight, it doesn't qualify. Well, that's a different statute. As a city council, you have to approve a resolution that declares. [2:10:25, 2:10:41]: declares that this area has suffered from inadequate investment, meets the definition, et cetera, et cetera. There's also this catch-all provision in the law that talks about the existence of conditions that, quote, substantially impair the sound growth of the community. [2:10:41, 2:10:48]: And what that basically means is that over the last two decades, you've done at least three plans that I know of for your downtown. [2:10:48, 2:11:08]: And to date, downtown doesn't look, it doesn't satisfy the vision that is articulated in those plans. So that's the basis. I mean, you've you've created these plans, you want your downtown to develop in certain ways. It hasn't happened because of financial feasibility reasons, and that's why you're doing [2:11:08, 2:11:24]: this. It's not because the area is blighted or full of slums or any of that kind of stuff. It's just not grown the way the city and your residents have stated that they want it in various planning efforts over over the last two decades. [2:11:25, 2:11:45]: Uh what information is required in a redevelopment plan? Well it's up to us to to make sure we write the plan that in in compliance with state law. We've done about 60 of these. Um so we have that kind of down pat. But basically, it just justifies the designation of the redevelopment area, sets out a strategy for [2:11:45, 2:12:05]: Accomplishing your goals, identifies eligible activities and costs, forecasts revenues, and sets the boundaries of the tax allocation district. That's what the plan does, in addition to some other things. The only other caveat you should be aware of that no jurisdiction can put more than 10% of its tax digest. [2:12:05, 2:12:12]: In tax allocation districts, whether that's one district or ten, like Atlanta has, is a maximum 10% cap. [2:12:15, 2:12:25]: So in Stockbridge, we've looked at a potential redevelopment area, run some demographics, pulled some um uh commercial property information. [2:12:25, 2:12:27]: And that area is kind of in yellow. [2:12:27, 2:12:47]: And it's pretty similar to the boundaries of the LCI plan that you did way back in 2001 that was updated in 2012. And within that TAD, within that redevelopment area, we're kind of looking in the red inside those red areas of areas that potentially could be within a tax L. [2:12:47, 2:12:48]: [7969.8, 7983.1]: Again, that's just what we're thinking right now. It's all preliminary. We hope to get your input, but that's kind of our current thinking of what would make sense and is consistent with what you've done in the past. [2:13:04, 2:13:12]: So, what's the rationale for this area? Again, we've looked at the demographics and commercial property values, et cetera. Um, it basically [2:13:13, 2:13:18]: It's basically identical to the uh LCI study area that's already been looked at. [2:13:18, 2:13:19]: Um [2:13:19, 2:13:39]: It clearly qualifies under the definition based on demographic income characteristics, the age of the housing stock, the relatively low value of the housing stock compared to the rest of the city, relatively slow uh growth in a number of areas, um, commercial rents, vacancy rates, etc. Um, and again. [2:13:39, 2:13:45]: And it also falls under that rubric of impairing the sound growth of the community because we can cite [2:13:45, 2:14:05]: The LCI study, the RSVP plan that you did in 2018, the LCI update, and your comprehensive plan all talk about this area and wanting to make investments in this area, increase density, do mixed-use development, have more people living downtown. All those things haven't happened to this point, and this is what the purpose of the [2:14:05, 2:14:08]: purpose of creating this tax allocation district is all about. [2:14:10, 2:14:30]: Uh that geography also includes when we drew the redevelopment area, it includes most of the city-owned property that you've assembled over the years, some of which you're using for public purposes, otherwise other sites you've disassembled eventually for purposes of making available for redevelopment. [2:14:30, 2:14:37]: and also some of the larger private uh undeveloped sites that are still available in this part of the city. [2:14:39, 2:14:50]: Um in the discussion about the amphitheater, there was talking you uh Councilman Blount were talking about well, what kind of examples do you rely upon? There is sort of a [2:14:50, 2:15:10]: Kind of an informal best practices that has developed over the years in terms of how do you right-size a tax allocation district. And again, we've done our firms worked on 40 to 50 of these things. I've done at least two to three dozen of these over my career. The important thing is to get the [2:15:10, 2:15:30]: Boundaries right because once you establish a tax allocation district is certified to a base year, if you decide three years from now you want to add some parcels, you have to reset the base to the values three years from now. So you lose any increment that's created. So it's important to get these things these things right the first time. And how we think about the [2:15:30, 2:15:43]: Geography, uh well first of all it's gotta reflect the strategy articulated in the redevelopment plan. Um that's pretty obvious. Um we try to include sites within the TAD where [2:15:43, 2:16:03]: Projects are planned or could happen both sh in the short term and things that could happen five years from now, ten years from now, that we haven't even thought about as a city. [2:16:03, 2:16:16]: necessarily the same places. Revenues generated within a TAD can be spent on eligible activities anywhere within the TAD, which makes it even more flexible than tax abatement types of redevelopment tools. [2:16:18, 2:16:38]: And we also like to include some properties where maybe nothing's going to happen on them directly, but as a result of investments that are going to incur, those values are going to increase uh over time as a result of being next to three or four or five significant projects. So we've included some residential subdivisions. You know, we don't [2:16:38, 2:16:58]: Expect you know houses to be demolished or any of that, but we expect values to increase over time because of other investments that are being that are being made. And we also try to exclude you know high-valued parcels that already have a high tax digest value and probably aren't going to change whether or not [2:16:58, 2:17:18]: You do this, that just chews up the amount of digest you can put in these districts. And then finally, there's always a political consideration. You don't want to do any anything that's likely to reduce your chances of getting consent from the county and school district. So those we're not familiar with those kinds of issues. [2:17:18, 2:17:20]: But that's you know where your input would be helpful. [2:17:21, 2:17:31]: Uh this next slide shows a study area that we're looking at. I've actually assembled property information for this area is three hundred and forty four parcels inside that white shaded area. [2:17:32, 2:17:52]: It's about 35.7 million in taxable digest within that area. Um it's about it's less than three and a half percent of the city tax digest. So it's kind of right in the ballpark. These boundaries are certainly going to change before you act on them, but this is kind of a first cut of what we're thinking. The interesting thing. [2:17:52, 2:18:12]: There's 323 existing housing units, including 131 single-family homes in this area. The average age of the housing stock is 55 years. And the thing that I found really interesting is that almost 36% of those single-family homes are owned by investors and rented. [2:18:12, 2:18:32]: And typically we find when you get into single-family neighborhoods when more than 20% of the housing units are invested or owned, that's when you start having problems. So again, that's kind of a kind of a thing we looked at to try to include: okay, which subdivisions do we include in the TED? Which do we leave out? You could obviously expand. [2:18:32, 2:18:52]: Expand this, contract this, but this is kind of our current thinking. There's also 132 acres of city-owned property in this TAD. Again, most of it's actively being used for things, but also includes some parcels that long term you want to make available for redevelopment. [2:18:52, 2:19:03]: And there's also 130 acres, including city-owned property, that's vacant and underdeveloped, which other people, you know, private sector owners could could develop in the future as well. [2:19:05, 2:19:25]: This next slide just kind of shows various areas, parcels within the within the potential TAD that are vacant where projects uh could occur. I've talked to Fred about some of these possibilities, other are just you know pure conjecture at this point. Um and again, the area immediately surrounding City Hall and [2:19:25, 2:19:37]: in and and your core downtown, you have ample plans to um you know to talk about implementing. And we're gonna try to put some numbers on what could happen inside those areas for the next meeting. [2:19:38, 2:19:58]: So what we're going to do next is we're going to continue to work on the boundaries and give you, you know, specific reasons and data on why the redevelopment area qualifies. Uh we're going to continue to work on the TAD boundaries and propose something to you, establish some kind of way that we could get input from the city council as well if you want to give [2:19:58, 2:20:18]: It to us. Start to look at potential projects, put numbers on potential projects, what revenues those projects could generate. TSW Design, who's been working with the city, who working on the Cultural Arts Center, among other things, is assisting us in that process of quantifying what's possible. [2:20:18, 2:20:21]: [8423.3, 8431.4]: And again, we're gonna kind of give you some forecast information and and suggest some potential uses of those proceeds. [2:20:31, 2:20:51]: So, how the schedule would play out is that in your November 14th meeting, we would come back with a presentation with that information, which essentially would say, summarize in a PowerPoint what the redevelopment plan is actually going to say. That gives you kind of a full month to think about that, suggest changes. [2:20:51, 2:21:11]: Et cetera, et cetera. We hope to deliver a draft of the redevelopment plan around the 21st of November, about a week prior to your November 29th City Council meeting. You are required by law to hold at least one public hearing to adopt a redevelopment plan. [2:21:11, 2:21:31]: So we would suggest that a public hearing be scheduled that night. The only thing you would need to do on November 14th is decide whether or not to schedule the public hearing. You could, if you chose, adopt the tax allocation district on November 29th, right after the public hearing. Most communities don't do that. [2:21:31, 2:21:51]: They typically wait until the next meeting. So we've given you the option of December 12th to actually vote on the resolution creating the TAD. That meeting also needs to be advertised, and because it has to be advertised as well, most communities will do a second public hearing that same night. [2:21:51, 2:22:00]: Eventually December twelfth is when you would have this agenda item to adopt the redevelopment plan and create the tax allocation district. [2:22:01, 2:22:21]: Uh after that occurs, assuming you pass it, uh we go to the County Board of Assessors. Uh they take the list of parcels we give them, they certify the values as being true and correct as of December thirty first. That information is submitted to the Georgia Department of Revenue in January, February of next year. You will get [2:22:21, 2:22:41]: The certification letter from the Commissioner of Revenue Commissioner of Revenue that the district's been approved. And that from that point forward, every year the county tax assessor has to do a separate digest for that tab. And that determines how much incremental digest growth has been created and how much revenue goes to the [2:22:41, 2:23:01]: The TAD fund. First quarter 23 is when you would go to the county and school district to request consent. That process can take anywhere from two weeks, which happened in uh Douglas County twice. That'd be great if that was that easy. [2:23:01, 2:23:10]: We've also had negotiations that are a year and a half and still ongoing. So you just never know. [2:23:11, 2:23:31]: So that's what would happen next. And I believe that's it. So if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Uh any input to the maps. I know again this is like feeding you information through a fire hose. Uh again, how to get input into this city council's [2:23:31, 2:23:43]: are always most interested in the boundaries. So what what's the map look like? I don't know whose districts this map falls into. Um there's no you know there's it entirely into [2:23:44, 2:23:56]: We don't have districts right now, but if if some other things happen it'll be two districts. Right. Um it'll be Councilmember Thomas and Councilmember Barber. Yeah. We could make sure. [2:24:01, 2:24:01]: Yep. [2:24:03, 2:24:23]: Yeah, I think the where we are in City Hall is the bound I think East Orland goes up on that right side is uh district all the way to Bottom here. And I think Mr. Thompson and uh uh boundaries cover the portion that's west of City Hall. [2:24:23, 2:24:25]: I'm going towards the Walmart shopping summer. [2:24:27, 2:24:37]: Yeah, you could you could extend these boundaries further, you could shrink them substantially. Um I'm reasonably satisfied with this as a starting point. [2:24:39, 2:24:59]: Again, I don't expect the final map to be identical to this. Um there's probably there's some opportunity to look at property further to the south of North Henry Boulevard. There's a couple areas um which could be added. Going further going closer to the highway, you get into some pretty dense high [2:24:59, 2:25:19]: high valued commercial development, um which would gener you know increase that three and a half percent of your digest to six or seven percent pretty easily. The way we've drawn the redevelopment area, if there's something happening out there three, four years from now, you could create a special a separate tax allocation district. [2:25:19, 2:25:39]: Specifically for that area near the highway. And all you would have to do is amend the plan, add the second TED. You wouldn't have to go through this long process of writing a complete redevelopment plan. City of Dalton's done that. Basically two meetings and it's done. So we want to give you the flexibility. [2:25:39, 2:25:50]: to make this document as easy as possible and anticipate as many opportunities in the future so you can address other parts of the city as well. [2:25:51, 2:25:55]: Any other? Thank you for your presentation. Really appreciate it. Mr. Blount, please. [2:25:56, 2:25:59]: Thank you, Mayor. Uh you know, one of the things about [2:26:00, 2:26:13]: Uh a few years ago when when uh the the um acronym of TAT was introduced to me and we looked at a lot of areas and we went to areas where TAS was actually functioning and working. [2:26:13, 2:26:14]: Um [2:26:14, 2:26:17]: There's a lot have to be put into [2:26:17, 2:26:20]: Да за лота граммворк хатип. [2:26:21, 2:26:25]: In order to this to be the next incentive for any development, redevelopment. [2:26:26, 2:26:31]: And I think they d they only use blighted now. I don't think they use the word slum anymore. I just wanna throw that out there. [2:26:31, 2:26:40]: But you have to look at the also the areas that the C D BG grants butts up to the areas where you talk. It is so much groundwork that needs to be laid out. [2:26:41, 2:26:43]: In order for a tad to work. [2:26:44, 2:26:51]: That we've got to do as a city right now. I mean, so much groundwork to still need to be laid out. So much. Incentive packages. [2:26:52, 2:26:59]: You know, what are we gonna give up? What are we gonna do? What we don't have, what we do have. It just and I don't wanna go into specifics. Sure. [2:26:59, 2:27:04]: But but we're in a area right now for me, and this is me, I've got a [2:27:04, 2:27:11]: Is that I'd like to see more f for me, um for me before this came before us. [2:27:12, 2:27:14]: But what what are we gonna do with the tag? [2:27:15, 2:27:19]: What are we gonna what what complements it to make development work with the child? [2:27:19, 2:27:23]: And I know those areas, but I just wanna make sure that we all understand. [2:27:24, 2:27:28]: that the progression of what is needed is not in place yet for me. [2:27:29, 2:27:45]: You certainly you have more work to do, but you've also been at this for twenty years and I wouldn't sell yourself short, you've accomplished you've accomplished a heck of a lot in terms of public improvements. I mean there's a hundred million dollars worth of public investment in this area already. [2:27:45, 2:28:05]: Yeah, and and now the challenge is to leverage those investments you've already made to create housing units, commercial development, mixed-use development. Your zoning ordinance talks about you have two overlay districts that talks about miss mixed use, the LCI plan. [2:28:05, 2:28:25]: Emphasizes mixed use. The study that the Carl Vinson Institute did in 2018 talks about mixed-use development in your core downtown. So you've laid a lot of groundwork. The objectives, you know, the overall objectives and community desires for this area have been set. [2:28:24, 2:28:36]: Now it's a as you say, it's a it's what do we do from here. And establishing the TAD kinda lays the groundwork for that. It's best as long as you get the geography right [2:28:38, 2:28:58]: You don't necessarily have to get all the details right, but it's best to set the digest of the tad when it's low, as opposed to when after things have already started to happen and values have increased. So that's you know reason the only probably the the the most important reason. [2:28:57, 2:29:17]: To think about doing it this year is what you think is going to happen to values. And then the second thing is if you don't do it by December 31st, you have to wait until December 31st of next year. So again, those are the considerations. Our job is to make sure this plan is flexible. [2:29:17, 2:29:28]: anticipates as many contingencies as we can think of, gives you the flexibility to do whatever you want and doesn't put any roadblocks in the way. Um [2:29:28, 2:29:35]: What w what I was hold on. Are you finished with your statement, sir? Yes. Okay. And you you're good? Well [2:29:37, 2:29:41]: Лайн та громворк нен фордис то. [2:29:41, 2:29:49]: It's probably something that I I'm I'd rather this I'm just gonna discuss it with the city manager. I don't wanna kinda put stuff out here that uh [2:29:49, 2:29:50]: that you know [2:29:51, 2:29:53]: There's some things that we need to do. [2:29:54, 2:29:55]: Uh you know [2:29:57, 2:30:00]: I I'd I'd I'd let Mr. Alexander go. All right, Mr. Alexander, go ahead, please. [2:30:00, 2:30:20]: Yeah, thank you for the presentation. And I think the the key thing that you hit on was that it the property values are low now. And when you go to the school board or you go and say, Listen, I need you to freeze the rate, you want them to freeze the rate low because they're giving up less money. So if you go to them and a couple [2:30:20, 2:30:40]: Couple of years when they build their STEM school and all these other developments come, you're asking them to give up a whole lot more money than now. And and what's playing in our favor is they've committed to build a$45 million STEM school here already. So they're gonna be encouraged to want to see uh great. [2:30:40, 2:31:00]: development uh enhance the area where they're making a forty-five million dollar investment. So it's essential that we do it now because once the values go up and we all understand you as you said the political element, when the board is presented with, you know, freezing the tax rate now [2:31:00, 2:31:20]: With giving up much less than they would be once the Cultural Arts Center is built and then once the SIM school is built, that's kind of where we are. So at this point, I'm encouraged by the fact that we can do this uh expeditiously and then put ourselves in a position where we can reinvest this money and put those things [2:31:20, 2:31:23]: in place that we need to put in place uh during that time. [2:31:25, 2:31:45]: Yeah, just to clarify, it's the it's the tax digest that's frozen. Millage rates always change and they will change in the future. That's right. And the amount of taxes collected with this within this trick district are gonna change year to year. It's just that percentage each year that goes goes to the city goes to the TAD fund and generates revenue. [2:31:45, 2:31:54]: And for you to do things and make investments in this area as opposed to kind of general fund expenditures is really what what the objective is. [2:31:55, 2:31:59]: Council, any other council members? No comment? Okay. You good? [2:32:00, 2:32:04]: Okay, go ahead, please. I'd like to um see a better map. [2:32:04, 2:32:10]: So I can see s the specific areas um that we're considering. [2:32:10, 2:32:14]: Um and I understand um the need for this tad. [2:32:14, 2:32:17]: It is the incentive that investors [2:32:17, 2:32:18]: Want. [2:32:18, 2:32:25]: To build here and we all want to revitalize our downtown and attract more investors. So thank you for the work, sir. [2:32:26, 2:32:46]: I believe this map that's shown on the screen w might not have been in your printed package. Um but you haven't well we do have a map but I'm not able to determine the street names. Um yeah, the street names. I can provide we'll I'll provide a map to everybody that's a little bigger but the district has a county as the county lays. [2:32:46, 2:32:48]: But like you said, that could shrink or [2:32:50, 2:32:58]: Uh uh expand a little bit, not too much, but this is pretty much the rough is what it's gonna be. But I'll provide that to you to the to council. Yes. Thank you. Okay. [2:32:59, 2:33:02]: No, you go you got questions? [2:33:03, 2:33:08]: You wanna see another map, sir he said? Yeah, with the street. I think it's gonna be usually [2:33:08, 2:33:12]: You're gonna be able you're not gonna be able to do that right now or or just gonna be the next time round? [2:33:13, 2:33:15]: We'll s we'll certainly get you a better map for the next meeting. [2:33:16, 2:33:36]: Okay. Um I think again the next time I'm in front of you uh will be to present the specifics of the plan. Um and that's when you just you'll probably need to decide whether you want to move forward or not. Uh if you choose not to move forward this year, then we stop. Uh if you [2:33:36, 2:33:55]: you choose to move forward and you want a draft plan prepared, you know, we we have to draft the plan in order to be able to give you the option to act on it in December. So really the next meeting is when you decide, okay, we'll move forward now, or we'll just take it in under advisement and do it next year. I mean that's your that's your option. [2:33:55, 2:34:06]: I just wanna reconfirm, can Mr. Gardner get us the map before Oh yes. Yeah, I'll get those mops to you all probably before the end of the week. We can get a a good size mop to you guys. [2:34:07, 2:34:07]: Ms. Barber. [2:34:08, 2:34:12]: Mayor Ford, I'd like to motion to approve the first progress briefing. [2:34:12, 2:34:17]: Of the city council summarizing the benefits of establishing a tax allocation district? [2:34:18, 2:34:19]: and scheduled through adoption. [2:34:20, 2:34:22]: Is there a second to the motion? Second. [2:34:22, 2:34:24]: Okay. All in favor, please indicate. [2:34:25, 2:34:28]: Okay, unanimous decision. Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. Thank you. See you on the fourteenth. [2:34:30, 2:34:37]: Council consideration approved the Stockbridge Police Department Citizen Police Advisory Council policy. Chief Tramor, please. [2:34:43, 2:34:51]: Good evening again. I believe uh everyone on council has had an opportunity to review the policy. We briefed on it the last council meeting. [2:34:51, 2:35:10]: Now we're seeking council's uh approval of the policy so that we can move forward with soliciting applications from members to serve on the Citizens Police Advisory Council. Um I will reserve this time for questions now, if there are any from the council uh prior to asking for your consideration to vote on this policy. [2:35:11, 2:35:19]: Go ahead, Mr. Blount. Go ahead, please. I move to council to approve the uh Stockbridge Police Department Citizens Academy uh Council policy. [2:35:19, 2:35:21]: There's second? Oh, yeah, four. Yes, sir. [2:35:25, 2:35:29]: I just wanted to be sure with the correction that you uh [2:35:30, 2:35:32]: I like it. We are making the motion. [2:35:35, 2:35:54]: On the amended policy, that's correct, sir. I wanted to clarify something for you too, Mayor Pro Tem, that it is true that if you appoint the member and that person for whatever reason no longer serves on the board, that the appointing council member will have the ability to reappoint somebody else to serve in their position. [2:35:55, 2:36:04]: Well but but I I wanna just make sure that Mr. Blount's motion is on the modified version. [2:36:05, 2:36:25]: So I don't do you want to speak to that? I know everyone did receive it. Right. And we sent a we sent a follow-up uh earlier today on the modified policy. I know specifically Councilman Blount and I uh spoke about that modified policy and I believe that he was in agreement with that and that he is voting on that uh amended policy. And I and I appreciate your response and you agreed as well. [2:36:25, 2:36:26]: Yes, sir. Okay. [2:36:27, 2:36:35]: Mr. Blount, do you want to restate your motion, please? The motion is standing. He's it's been is All right, is there a second to the motion? I second. [2:36:35, 2:36:38]: Mira Pro Temp Second Man. Okay, any further discussion? Yes. [2:36:39, 2:36:44]: Go ahead, please. Okay. Chief Tramer. Yes, ma'am looking at this revised um copy it [2:36:45, 2:36:48]: mentions uh it the board will consider [2:36:48, 2:36:50]: Consist of twelve members. [2:36:51, 2:36:54]: But as I'm counting these appointed [2:36:55, 2:36:58]: Um or ex selected fruit. [2:36:59, 2:37:01]: I don't count twelve. [2:37:01, 2:37:07]: Right, so the mayor will appoint one, uh each council member will appoint one at six. Mm-hmm. Um [2:37:07, 2:37:20]: There'll be one member from each of the city's four patrol zones, which is four members, one member from the business community and one member from the faith based community. Okay. That's what I was missing. Thank you. Any further discussion? [2:37:21, 2:37:28]: Mayor Ford, I just need clarification on the open meeting section. It's not changed on the revised revised topic. [2:37:28, 2:37:35]: Uh it it is. It says that uh the police advisory council shall be open to the public on the revised policy. [2:37:41, 2:37:48]: In in in retrospect and thinking through, I don't think you were copied on the uh amended policy. I'll make sure that you get a copy of that, Madam Clerk. [2:37:48, 2:37:49]: Right. [2:37:50, 2:37:51]: Any other questions for discussion? [2:37:52, 2:37:54]: Motion's been made, then seconded. All in favor, please indicate. [2:37:55, 2:38:04]: Well, Mayor Ford, I'm sorry. Can I ask that in the motion for this that it references this revised [2:38:05, 2:38:05]: Copy. [2:38:06, 2:38:08]: Or the amended policy? [2:38:08, 2:38:14]: As I suppose, it's up to Mr. Blount. He made the motion. [2:38:15, 2:38:18]: W whatever corrections, this is the policy. [2:38:19, 2:38:27]: It's not about amended or this and that. We're getting specific. That's the policy. What we got and what we received and what's being presented is the policy. [2:38:27, 2:38:30]: Okay. Motions are made and seconded. Any further discussion? [2:38:31, 2:38:33]: Mayor Ford. Yes, ma'am. [2:38:33, 2:38:40]: I am willing to vote if the motion includes this revised policy. If not, I will abstain. [2:38:41, 2:38:43]: That's your objective. All in favor of motion, please indicate. [2:38:45, 2:38:46]: Three opposed. [2:38:46, 2:38:47]: Okay. [2:38:48, 2:38:51]: You oppose. So three zero I abstain. Three zero one. It passes. [2:38:52, 2:38:53]: Thank you. [2:38:57, 2:39:04]: All right, uh uh facility use policy, Mare Pro Tem. Thomas, please. Yes. Um [2:39:06, 2:39:15]: Mayor Ford, um I won't I I move for a motion for council consideration. [2:39:15, 2:39:20]: to amend the facilities use policy section two. [2:39:21, 2:39:24]: Ту ремов висун. [2:39:25, 2:39:26]: Community center. [2:39:28, 2:39:30]: Uh Madam Clerk, am I reading too fast? No. [2:39:32, 2:39:33]: Okay, I'm I'm gonna start off if I may. [2:39:34, 2:39:36]: The motion for council consideration [2:39:36, 2:39:39]: to amend the facilities use [2:39:39, 2:39:41]: Полісі секціон Ту. [2:39:42, 2:39:43]: Ту ремов [2:39:44, 2:39:46]: The use of the Ted Strickland Community Center. [2:39:47, 2:39:48]: And to add [2:39:49, 2:39:52]: The use of the Merle Manders Conference Center. [2:39:53, 2:39:58]: with a partnership organization once each year. [2:39:59, 2:40:13]: Expenses incurred shall be the responsibility of the elected officials initiative fund and pondering organization. [2:40:15, 2:40:16]: Okay. [2:40:16, 2:40:17]: Sick. [2:40:17, 2:40:20]: Okay, Mayor Pro Tem second this any further discussion. [2:40:22, 2:40:42]: Come, just I'd have something. The current policy mentions um twice. Once during a um a weekend, Friday or Saturday, or during the course of the week, Monday and Thursday. But you on your say Merrill Manor, so you you're you said one time, so we partner. The the the the the key word here is is partnering. Okay. Now [2:40:42, 2:40:48]: the um existing policy this is just an amendment so whatever [2:40:49, 2:40:51]: Um in the original [2:40:51, 2:41:04]: That's their stance. Okay. But this is an amendment and the word partnering is is only is the difference. Okay, sir. Gotcha. Appreciate it. Okay. Good deal. Any further discussion? All in favor of the motion, amendment, please indicate. [2:41:05, 2:41:06]: Um on fabric. [2:41:06, 2:41:12]: Okay, fantastic passes unanimously. Thank you very much. Fantastic. Okay, let's move on to um [2:41:13, 2:41:15]: Announcements and meeting events. Um [2:41:16, 2:41:21]: Council meetings will be held at the council uh city council chamber, meeting dates, location times are subject to change. [2:41:22, 2:41:25]: So citizens please visit the the website. So he's websited [2:41:26, 2:41:30]: at www dot city of starbridge dot com [2:41:30, 2:41:50]: For any type of meeting information on our Facebook page or contact city hall offices at 770-389-7900 for any updates. The Main Street Advisory Board is the second Friday of each month at 9 a.m. City Hall Levi Meeting Room, 11 November. Downtown Development Authority meeting at 6 p.m. via Bay of Zoom, third Tuesday of each month. [2:41:50, 2:42:10]: Month by way of Zoom 15 uh November. U Council Advisory Committee meeting at 6 30 p.m. third Thursday of each month in Levi Meeting Room, City Hall, November 15th. City Council Work Session meeting last Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. City Hall, Council Chambers, November 29th. Planning Commission meeting fourth Thursday at 6:30. [2:42:10, 2:42:13]: uh city hall, council chambers. [2:42:14, 2:42:21]: Uh and as needed, it says here. City Council meeting second Tuesday of each month, City Hall Council Chambers, November 14th. [2:42:22, 2:42:42]: And the U Council meetings, 6 30, second Monday of each month, City Levi, City Hall, Levi Meeting Room, and that's November 14th. And of course, upcoming city events and initiatives, a continued salute to veterans. Please forward pictures of veterans, including name, branch, rank, and years of service as Member Pro Tem Thomas presents a special tribute to [2:42:42, 2:43:02]: local veterans pictures should be submitted to roslyn Rawls at R. Rawls at the city of Startbridge dash G A dot G O V. And of course thank you for your service. Please join Councilwoman Barber for a free Zuma on every Saturday morning at Clark Park at 8 a.m. Come out for fitness in the park. You see Stockbridge will host [2:43:02, 2:43:10]: So in-person annexation meeting and town hall meeting that is Tuesday, November first, six okay, six thirty. [2:43:11, 2:43:31]: P.M. which has a virtual town hall on November first. Six thirty uh six thirty PM Please visit the website or Facebook page uh to log in information. And Saturday, November fifth, is in person at six thirty PM in Bridge City Church, thirty-nine ten North Henry Boulevard. Come out and learn the facts about annexation, referendum. [2:43:31, 2:43:51]: uh neighborhoods or in the proposed area benefits of the Stockbridge annexation and proposed council districts. Please join Councilman Alexander for a Town Hall, Stockbridge Amphitheater Thursday, October 27, 7 p.m. to discuss economic development, business opportunities, and public safety, free event. Join Councilwoman Gantt for her [2:43:51, 2:44:11]: annual fall festival taking place Saturday October 29th from noon to 4 p.m. at Clark Park. And join me and and the Southern Crescent V Women in Business for a partnership event, funding aspect, funding pitch for new entrepreneurs, dealing with women entrepreneurs there. And that's actually Wednesday, tomorrow night. [2:44:11, 2:44:13]: [9854.2, 9859.2]: Upcoming concerts. Uh Key Sweat of course this Saturday, October twenty ninth. I believe it is sold out. [2:44:20, 2:44:20]: Yeah. [2:44:21, 2:44:29]: Rick Springfield and Tommy T Tutone. Not so though. It's not so? Okay. It will be by Friday. We hope by Saturday. [2:44:29, 2:44:32]: Rick Springfield and Tommy Tutone is Sunday, October 30th. [2:44:33, 2:44:43]: And a matter of fact I believe October Rick Springfield's a six o'clock. Key Swiss starts on Saturday at eight o'clock. Once again, congratulations to Henry County Chamber for being named the Chamber of the Year. [2:44:44, 2:44:45]: And for additional [2:44:46, 2:44:48]: My additional comments, of course, we're still in [2:44:48, 2:44:54]: Believe it or not, we're still in a pandemic and and so we st uh the virus is still out here. [2:44:54, 2:44:58]: And as usual, the Henry County Health Department located in in um [2:44:59, 2:45:19]: on Henry County Parkway, uh well you can get your uh shots, any type of vaccination shots and uh and booster shots um for Miderma and um and geez, I forgot the other one. Minderma and uh what is it? Pfizer Pfizer, there you go. Thank you very much. Nine air [2:45:19, 2:45:39]: to uh 130, excuse me, 9 a.m. to 1130 a.m. p.m. 9 a.m. to eleven thirty a.m. or 1 p.m. to 2 30 p.m. and call 470-664-0005. And of course, uh any testing could be done at Red Hawk Field, once again on Henry Carter Henry County Parkway. [2:45:39, 2:45:59]: And Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. And the CDC recommends, of course, getting your second booster if you haven't had it. And I believe there's some for some individuals you could possibly get even a third booster at this time. What's also important since we're in the fall season is a flu shot. So if you get need to get a flu shot, ladies and gentlemen. [2:45:59, 2:46:04]: gentlemen and uh ca the the flu will be out is out here as well. [2:46:04, 2:46:05]: Um [2:46:06, 2:46:14]: Early voting has started and voting is your constitutional right and I would hope that uh that you all would take uh [2:46:15, 2:46:33]: take time to uh utilize your constitutional right and vote for of course the election is November eighth. Um but uh for uh here in the city of Stockbridge you can early vote at Merrill Manor's conference center which is 111 Davis Road October twenty fourth through the twenty eighth seven AM to seven PM [2:46:34, 2:46:39]: October twenty ninth, uh nine A. M. to five PM. [2:46:39, 2:46:49]: October thirtieth, one PM to five PM, October thirty first to four November fourth, it is seven AM to seven PM. Those same hours apply [2:46:50, 2:47:10]: to JP Mosley Park. Well back up a second. JP Mosley Park is 1041 Miller's Mill Road in Stockbridge, right? And that uh that is open actually you can early vote there October 31st to November 4th, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. And you can also uh vote early at Fairview Recreational Center 33. [2:47:10, 2:47:30]: Austin Road in Stockbridge, Georgia, right? October 31st to 4 November, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The previous hours I mentioned that it coincide with Merrill Manors. You can also utilize those same hours at the Hampton Library, 61 McDonough Street in Hampton, and Local Scrooge Library, 111 Martin Luther. [2:47:29, 2:47:49]: King Jr. Boulevard and Locus Grove as well. And of course at the election voter registration main office in 40 Atlanta Street, McDonough. You're gonna really vote there as well if you need to do that. It's very very important to do that. Matter of fact, obviously, as you probably will know, and listen to the news that um we have set records thus far in early voting so far. [2:47:49, 2:48:09]: Folks are serious about this, which they need to be at all times. So it's great that it's happening. Uh Halloween or fall festivals are right around the corner. So be safe out there with your kids and grandkids and uh participate uh the best you can. If you got any problems, call stop readers finance to help you out if you have any problems in your neighborhood in that aspect and uh [2:48:09, 2:48:25]: uh they'll come and they'll be s they'll I'll be serving them they'll those police obviously be out that night anyway. They're always out. Anyway. So on that note, that is all that I have. Um oh it's one other thing. November ninth, just information. November ninth, the day after the election, believe it or not. [2:48:25, 2:48:43]: I'll be hosting the I-75 Central Corridor Coalition meeting here in Stockbridge from ten A.M. to eleven thirty. Uh so uh the they're finally gonna make the rounds here. So that'll be a good meeting and a half or an hour and a half and all those individuals as well. On that note, Council, I need a uh motion to go to executive session. [2:48:44, 2:48:49]: Uh so move for Mr. Blount. Is there a second? A second. [2:48:49, 2:48:55]: Uh oh yeah, thank you very much, sir. You're right. Legal litigation. [2:48:55, 2:49:02]: Legal real estate and uh personnel actions. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. Ms. Barber, you second that. All in favor, please indicate. [2:49:04, 2:49:10]: Okay, okay. Okay, everybody, things again. Great. And ladies and gentlemen, we'll be back after this exercise after executive session. Thank you. [2:49:17, 2:49:18]: [10160.0, 10161.4]: Next. [2:49:25, 2:49:25]: Yeah. [2:50:01, 2:50:02]: [10203.4, 10204.8]: Is she back there or what? No. [2:50:07, 2:50:08]: Does she know that we're back out here? [2:50:09, 2:50:10]: Oh just that's okay. [2:50:12, 2:50:25]: Okay, good deal. All right. On that on that note, uh Council I need a motion to end a exact session, please. So move. Sir a second? A second. I got Mayor Pro Tem. I got Mayor Councilman Nazan and Mayor Pro Tem. All favor, please indicate. [2:50:26, 2:50:30]: Okay, now I need a motion to reconvene our work session, please. So move. Okay. [2:50:31, 2:50:32]: Yeah. [2:50:32, 2:50:37]: Is that you, Maryport Tem? Okay. Councilman Alzheimer's Mary Port Tem on Fair, please indicate. [2:50:37, 2:50:49]: Now I need a motion to end our uh uh special call our call meeting, our work session. So Mr Brunt, I mean Mayor Po Temper. Uh Mr Alexander, all in favor, please indicate. Thank you very much. God bless you all. Let's go. [2:50:50, 2:50:50]: All right.