2017-02-28 · City Council · Transcript · Work Session Meeting

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